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Light in the Darkness: Why Hanukkah Matters More Than Ever

                    The first night of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, on Bondi Beach in 2008. In a world that often feels uncertain, Hanukkah’s message of resilience and hope shines with renewed relevance. The holiday commemorates the triumph of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight nights, but its meaning extends far beyond ancient history. Resilience in adversity : Hanukkah reminds us that even in times of struggle, perseverance can lead to victory. The power of light : Lighting the menorah is more than tradition—it’s a symbol of bringing warmth and clarity into dark times. Community and connection : Gathering with family and friends reinforces the importance of unity, especially when the world feels divided. Faith and miracles : Hanukkah encourages us to believe in possibilities beyond what seems rational, inspiring hope in everyday life. As challenges continue to shape our global lands...
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US Futures Fall as Rate-Cut Bets Get a Reality Check

 


US stock futures fell on Wednesday, signaling no let-up in a rough January. Investors’ optimism for interest rate cuts got a reality check, and worries about China’s economy grew. Dow Jones Industrial Average ( ^DJI) futures fell 0.4%, while S&P 500 ( ^GSPC) futures slid 0.4%, set to build on Tuesday’s losing start to the holiday-shortened week. 

Futures on the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 ( ^NDX) were down roughly 0.5%. Stocks have struggled as policymakers push back against persistent bets that central banks will cut rates early and often in 2024. ECB president Christine Lagarde on Wednesday joined the likes of Federal Reserve Governor Chris Waller in warning that expectations of imminent loosening are too high. Another knockback came from disappointing GDP data suggesting that China’s growth is flagging despite stimulus measures. 

Oil prices fell amid fears of a pullback in demand from the world’s second biggest economy. Hopes now rest on quarterly earnings, with the season set to pick up pace, and the release of the December retail sales report later Wednesday. 

Fed officials have been keen to stress that their policy decision making will be driven by incoming economic data. Regional bank fourth-quarter results are in focus in the morning after earnings from Wall Street’s big lenders got a mixed reception.

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