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Fed Poised for First 2025 Rate Cut as Weak Jobs Data Outweigh Inflation Concerns

  The Federal Reserve seal at its Washington, D.C. headquarters, where policymakers are set to decide on the first interest rate cut of 2025. The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to lower its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points today, marking its first rate cut of 2025 and the first since December last year. The move would bring the federal funds target range down to 4.00%–4.25%, as policymakers respond to slowing job growth and rising unemployment, even as inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. Recent labor market data showed just 22,000 jobs added in August, with earlier months revised downward, while the unemployment rate has climbed to around 4.3%. Inflation, measured by the Fed’s preferred PCE index, has edged higher in recent months, partly due to tariffs pushing up consumer prices. Markets have largely priced in the cut, with investors watching the Fed’s updated “dot plot” for clues on whether more reductions will follow in October and December. The decision ...

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How to Boost Your Fitness with 30-Second Movement Snacks

If you want to get fitter and healthier this year, you don’t need to spend hours at the gym or follow a strict diet. You can improve your well-being by adding some simple movement snacks to your daily routine.

Movement snacks are short bursts of activity that you can do throughout the day, such as climbing stairs, doing squats, or stretching. They can help you increase your energy, improve your mood, and enhance your cardiorespiratory fitness.

According to a study by McMasters University, even 20-second intervals of vigorous stair climbing, done three times a day, three days a week, can improve your fitness by 5% in six weeks. That’s a significant benefit for a minimal time investment.

To make movement snacks a habit, you can use a technique called habit stacking, which involves linking a new behavior to an existing one. For example, you can do some push-ups while waiting for your coffee to brew, or some lunges while brushing your teeth. The idea is to make movement a natural part of your day, rather than a chore.

Of course, movement snacks are not a substitute for regular exercise, which is essential for your overall health and wellness. But they can be a great way to supplement your workouts, or to get started on your fitness journey. So why not give them a try and see how they make you feel? You might be surprised by the results.

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