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Wall Street Pauses as Fed Meeting Looms: Futures Hold Steady

U.S. stock futures were little changed on Tuesday as investors awaited the start of the Federal Reserve’s final policy meeting of the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures all hovered near flat, reflecting a cautious mood across Wall Street. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but traders are focused on Chair Jerome Powell’s comments and the central bank’s updated economic projections. Markets are looking for clues on when rate cuts might begin in 2024, with inflation cooling but still above the Fed’s long-term target. Recent gains in equities have been fueled by optimism that the Fed’s tightening cycle is over, yet uncertainty remains about how quickly monetary policy will shift toward easing. Until then, investors appear content to hold their positions, waiting for clearer signals from the Fed before making bold moves.

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Why Plant-Based Meat Failed to Satisfy Consumers and Investors

Plant-based meat was once hailed as a game-changer for the food industry, promising to deliver meat alternatives that are better for the environment, animal welfare, and human health. However, after a decade of hype and billions of dollars in funding, the sector is facing a harsh reality check.

According to Pitchbook, a venture-capital research firm, funding for food-technology startups has fallen to the lowest level in nearly a decade, and many plant-based meat companies have struggled to turn a profit or scale up production. The main reasons for this decline are the high price, mediocre taste, and questionable health benefits of plant-based meat products.

Despite the growing awareness of the environmental and ethical issues of animal agriculture, most consumers are not willing to pay a premium for plant-based meat that does not taste as good as the real thing. A recent survey by the International Food Information Council found that only 28% of Americans have tried plant-based meat, and only 10% eat it regularly. Moreover, many consumers are skeptical about the health claims of plant-based meat, which often contains high amounts of sodium, fat, and additives.

As a result, plant-based meat has failed to capture a significant market share or disrupt the meat industry, which has also responded by offering more sustainable and humane options. While plant-based meat may still have a niche appeal for some consumers, it is unlikely to become a mainstream choice anytime soon.

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