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Lebanese PM Urges Caution Amid Rising Regional Tensions

                                                       Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has issued a firm warning against pulling the country into what he described as “adventures” that could endanger national security and unity. His remarks come at a moment of heightened regional volatility following coordinated strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran.  Salam emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging all Lebanese factions to act with “wisdom and patriotism” and to prioritize the interests of the nation above external pressures or political agendas. Though he did not name Hezbollah directly, his message was widely interpreted as a caution to the Iran‑backed group, which has historically been involved in conflicts with Israel and has signaled it may not remain neutra...

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U.S. Consumer Prices Rise More Than Expected in December; Weekly Jobless Claims Fall

 

The U.S. consumer prices rose more than expected in December, according to a recent report by the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% last month after nudging up 0.1% in November

The cost of shelter accounted for more than half of the increase in the CPI. In the 12 months through December, the CPI rose 3.4% after increasing 3.1% in November. This increase was higher than the 0.2% on the month and 3.2% on a year-on-year basis that economists polled by Reuters had forecasted.

In addition, the report also stated that weekly jobless claims fell. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits were unchanged at a seasonally adjusted 205,000 for the week ended Dec. 18, the Labor Department said.

This report could delay a much anticipated interest rate cut in March from the Federal Reserve. With the resilient labor market keeping wage growth elevated, some economists expect a rate cut in May or June.


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