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Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Climbs to 3,145 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has claimed at least 3,145 lives, with search and rescue teams continuing to recover bodies from the rubble. The 7.7 magnitude quake, which had its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and destroyed bridges.  Humanitarian aid groups are working tirelessly to provide survivors with medical care and shelter, as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The United Nations estimates that over 17 million people have been affected by the disaster, with more than 9 million severely impacted.  In response to the crisis, Myanmar's military government has declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. However, ongoing challenges, including communication blackouts and difficult-to-reach areas, have hindered the full assessment of the disaster's impact.  The coming days will be critical in d...

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Wall Street Mixed as Earnings Season Kicks Off

 

According to the latest news, Wall Street is mixed as the earnings season kicks off. Futures for the S&P 500 rose less than 0.1%, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped close to 0. The earnings season is a period when companies release their financial reports for the previous quarter. This week, about 70 S&P 500 companies are expected to report their financial results for the last three months of 2023, including American Airlines, Intel, Procter & Gamble, and Tesla.

It is important to note that the earnings season has been mixed so far. General Electric, for example, reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results but gave a tepid forecast for the current quarter, causing its stock to slip 3.5%. On the other hand, Verizon’s stock jumped nearly 5% in premarket trading after the telecom giant beat revenue and adjusted profit forecasts.

In addition to the earnings season, investors are also awaiting key economic data this week that could test the benchmark S&P 500’s recent bull-market run. On Thursday, the government will give its first estimate for how strongly the economy grew during the last three months of 2023. Economists believe the economy is still growing but at a slower pace than during the summer. That’s what the Federal Reserve wants to see as it continues to battle inflation. On Friday, the government will release the latest reading for the inflation gauge that the Fed prefers to use. Economists expect personal consumption expenditures held steady at 2.6% in December from a month earlier.


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