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Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Ceasefire Talks as Netanyahu Heads to Washington

In a significant diplomatic move, Israel dispatched a delegation to Qatar on Sunday to engage in indirect negotiations with Hamas over a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. The talks come just hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. The Israeli government confirmed the delegation’s departure despite labeling Hamas’s proposed amendments to a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan as “unacceptable.” The plan, which includes a 60-day truce and the staggered release of hostages, has been met with cautious optimism by Hamas, which responded “in a positive spirit” but requested key changes regarding humanitarian aid, Israeli troop withdrawal, and long-term conflict resolution. Public pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to secure a deal, with large demonstrations erupting in Tel Aviv demanding the return of approximately 50 hostages still held in Gaza. Meanwhile, internal divisions persist within Netanyahu’s coalition,...

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Stock Market Update: Mixed Close Amid Bitcoin Surge and Inflation Anticipation

                                 Stock market

The stock market exhibited a mixed performance today as investors recalibrated following last week’s tumultuous rally. Wall Street’s attention is now keenly focused on the health of the US economy and the impending inflation data. Here are the key highlights:

  • After a robust run-up last week, stocks have lost some of their momentum. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed just below 0.3%, while the S&P 500 picked up late trading momentum to finish around 0.2%. The Nasdaq Composite led the major indices, closing up roughly 0.4%.
  • Bitcoin (BTC-USD) stole the spotlight, surging past $57,000 for the first time in over two years. The recent rally was partly fueled by MicroStrategy’s massive $155 million Bitcoin purchase. The cryptocurrency market continues to attract institutional money, and financial advisors are diligently guiding investors into the crypto space. Expect further catalysts from strong demand for spot Bitcoin ETFs in the coming months.
  • This week, earnings reports from major retailers take center stage. Notable names include:
    • Domino’s: The pizza delivery giant beat Wall Street’s sales and profit targets, propelling its stock up by 6.5%.
    • Zoom: The video conferencing company is set to report after the bell.
    • Amazon.com: Officially joins the 30-company Dow Jones industrials, replacing Walgreens Boots Alliance.
    • Uber Technologies Inc.: Replaces JetBlue Airways Corp. on the Dow Jones Transportation Average, enhancing the index’s tracking of the ride-sharing sector.
    • Other retailers reporting include Lowe’s, Dollar Tree, Macy’s, and Best Buy.
  • Keep an eye out for economic data releases:
    • Consumer Confidence
    • Inflation Reports
    • US Economic Growth Update: The pace of growth in the United States during Q4 2023 will be revealed on Wednesday.
    • The Federal Reserve’s ongoing efforts to tame inflation remain a critical factor.

In summary, Wall Street’s cautious optimism persists, with Bitcoin’s meteoric rise adding intrigue to the market landscape. As we await further economic indicators, investors remain vigilant in navigating this dynamic environment.


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