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Strategic Alliances in a Shifting Global Landscape

In a world marked by geopolitical tensions and shifting alliances, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have positioned themselves as defenders of a new world order. Their recent meeting in Moscow, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, underscored their commitment to countering Western influence and promoting a multipolar global system. During the talks, Putin and Xi emphasized their shared vision of international stability, rejecting what they described as "unilateralism and bullying"—a veiled reference to the United States. Xi reaffirmed China's support for Russia, highlighting their strategic partnership and mutual interests in shaping global governance. The leaders also pledged to safeguard the authority of the United Nations and advocate for the rights of developing nations. This alliance comes at a critical time, as both nations face economic and political challenges. Russia continues to navigate Western sancti...

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U.S. Markets Poised for Downturn Amid Fed Rate-Cut Speculation; FedEx Forecasts Worry Investors

 

U.S. stock index futures inched lower on Wednesday as investors took a breather from a rally that was sparked by the Federal Reserve’s likely pivot to a dovish policy, while FedEx tumbled after issuing a grim outlook.

All the three main indexes have advanced over 2% since the Fed’s Dec. 13 verdict where policymakers projected lower policy rates by the end of 2024, with the blue-chips Dow hitting record highs every other day and the S&P 500 within arm’s reach of its highest closing levels since January 2022.

Since then central bank officials have attempted to keep investor euphoria in check, the latest being Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee who said further progress on beating back inflation will be the decisive factor in any central bank decision next year to reduce interest rates.

Still, traders expect the Fed to ease credit conditions by over 125 basis points by September next year, with a 71.1% chance that the first 25 basis point cut could come in as early as March.

Meanwhile, FedEx slid 9.9% in trading before the bell after the global delivery firm cut its full-year revenue forecast and reported quarterly profit that fell far short of analysts’ targets, as its largest Express business saw demand from the U.S. Postal Service drop.

The U.S. stock index futures are set for a lower open on Wednesday as investors take a breather from a rally that was sparked by the Federal Reserve’s likely pivot to a dovish policy. The blue-chips Dow has hit record highs every other day and the S&P 500 is within arm’s reach of its highest closing levels since January 2022. However, central bank officials have attempted to keep investor euphoria in check, with further progress on beating back inflation being the decisive factor in any central bank decision next year to reduce interest rates. Meanwhile, FedEx slid 9.9% in trading before the bell after the global delivery firm cut its full-year revenue forecast and reported quarterly profit that fell far short of analysts’ targets, as its largest Express business saw demand from the U.S. Postal Service drop.

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