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Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Climbs to 3,145 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has claimed at least 3,145 lives, with search and rescue teams continuing to recover bodies from the rubble. The 7.7 magnitude quake, which had its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and destroyed bridges.  Humanitarian aid groups are working tirelessly to provide survivors with medical care and shelter, as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The United Nations estimates that over 17 million people have been affected by the disaster, with more than 9 million severely impacted.  In response to the crisis, Myanmar's military government has declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. However, ongoing challenges, including communication blackouts and difficult-to-reach areas, have hindered the full assessment of the disaster's impact.  The coming days will be critical in d...
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Nasdaq 100 Surges as Investors Bet on Fed Rate Cuts in 2024


The Nasdaq 100 index, which tracks the performance of the largest technology companies in the US, is on track to post its best annual return since the dot-com bubble of 2000, as investors anticipate the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates next year amid slowing economic growth.

The index has gained more than 30% this year, outperforming the broader S&P 500 index, which is up about 25%. The Nasdaq 100 is also close to its all-time high reached in February 2022, before the coronavirus pandemic triggered a global market sell-off.

The rally in tech stocks has been fueled by expectations that the Fed will cut rates as early as March 2024, following a series of weak economic data and rising inflation pressures. The Fed has signaled that it is ready to act if the economy falters, and traders have stepped up bets on rate cuts, according to Fed swaps pricing.

Some analysts believe that lower interest rates will benefit tech companies, which tend to have higher growth prospects and lower debt levels than other sectors. Lower rates also make future earnings more valuable, boosting the valuation of tech stocks.

However, not everyone is convinced that the tech rally will last. Some investors are wary of the high valuations of some tech companies, especially those that have not yet turned a profit. Others are concerned about the potential impact of regulatory scrutiny, trade tensions, and competition on the tech sector.

The Nasdaq 100 index is composed of 103 companies, with the top five being Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Facebook. These five companies account for more than 40% of the index’s weight, making it vulnerable to any shifts in their performance or sentiment.

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