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Wall Street Pauses as Fed Meeting Looms: Futures Hold Steady

U.S. stock futures were little changed on Tuesday as investors awaited the start of the Federal Reserve’s final policy meeting of the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures all hovered near flat, reflecting a cautious mood across Wall Street. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but traders are focused on Chair Jerome Powell’s comments and the central bank’s updated economic projections. Markets are looking for clues on when rate cuts might begin in 2024, with inflation cooling but still above the Fed’s long-term target. Recent gains in equities have been fueled by optimism that the Fed’s tightening cycle is over, yet uncertainty remains about how quickly monetary policy will shift toward easing. Until then, investors appear content to hold their positions, waiting for clearer signals from the Fed before making bold moves.

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Four Money Tips You Might Be Missing Out On


Saving money for retirement and other goals can be challenging, especially in times of economic uncertainty. You might be familiar with some common money advice, such as creating a budget, paying off high-interest debt, and investing in a diversified portfolio. But there are some other money tips that are often overlooked, but can make a big difference in your financial future. Here are four of them:

1. Automate your savings. One of the easiest ways to save more money is to make it automatic. You can set up a direct deposit from your paycheck to your savings account, or use an app that rounds up your purchases and transfers the change to your savings. This way, you don't have to think about saving every month, and you can avoid the temptation to spend the money instead.

2. Increase your savings rate gradually. Saving a large percentage of your income might seem daunting, but you don't have to do it all at once. You can start with a small amount, such as 5% or 10%, and then increase it by 1% or 2% every year or whenever you get a raise. This way, you can adjust to living on less income without feeling too much of a pinch.

3. Negotiate your bills. Many people don't realize that they can save money by negotiating their bills, such as cable, internet, phone, insurance, and even medical bills. You can call your service providers and ask for a lower rate, a discount, a waiver of fees, or a better plan that suits your needs. You can also use online tools or apps that can help you negotiate your bills for a small fee or a share of the savings.

4. Track your net worth. Your net worth is the difference between your assets (what you own) and your liabilities (what you owe). Tracking your net worth can help you see your progress toward your financial goals, and motivate you to save more and spend less. You can use a spreadsheet, an app, or a website to calculate and track your net worth on a regular basis.

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