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UK Plans High‑Profile US Visit as London Seeks to Ease Tensions with Washington

Donald Trump and King Charles III review the Guard of Honour after their arrival at Windsor Castle, September 17, 2025. King Charles III is preparing for a state visit to the United States later this year, a diplomatic move widely interpreted as part of the United Kingdom’s effort to smooth relations with President Donald Trump. The visit, expected to include ceremonial events and high‑level meetings, comes at a moment when London is eager to reinforce its strategic partnership with Washington. British officials have been working to reassure the White House of the UK’s commitment to close cooperation, particularly as Trump has publicly criticized several European allies for what he views as insufficient support on security and trade matters. A royal visit — one of the most symbolic tools in Britain’s diplomatic arsenal — is seen as a way to reset the tone and emphasize long‑standing ties. While Buckingham Palace has not released full details, the trip is expected to highlight shared...
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S&P 500 Inches Closer to Record High Amid Optimism About Fed’s Policy and Year-End Effect

 

The S&P 500 index closed just shy of a new record high on Thursday, with the broad index gaining 0.04%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 0.03%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.1%. Markets are ending 2023 on a hot streak, with all three indexes on pace for a ninth consecutive weekly gain. For the S&P 500, that would mark the longest streak since January 2004. The index is now within 0.3% of its all-time high, set in January 2022. With one trading session remaining in 2023, the S&P 500 is up 25%.

Investors are optimistic that the Federal Reserve can successfully cool inflation without inducing a major economic slowdown, which has powered the market’s recent advance. Now, some investors say the looming end of the calendar year is giving markets an extra boost. “Nobody who has caught this rally wants to incur a taxable event,” said Michael Green, chief strategist at Simplify Asset Management. “If nobody wants to sell, prices will push higher on low volume”.

The jobless claims data released by the Labor Department on Thursday indicated a gradual cooling of the economy. Initial jobless claims, considered a proxy for layoffs, were 218,000 in the week ending Dec. 23, slightly more than the 215,000 that economists expected.

Bond yields rose as prices fell, reflecting expectations of higher inflation and interest rates. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.849%, up from 3.7%.

Some investors are increasing their exposure to energy and industrial stocks, which could benefit from a strong economic recovery. Matt Dmytryszyn, chief investment officer at Telemus Capital, said his fund is boosting its position in shares of energy and industrial firms.


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