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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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Wall Street Eyes Labor Market Data and Powell’s Testimony

 

Wall Street drifted modestly lower before the opening bell on Monday, with investors focusing their attention on a trove of labor market data and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming appearances before Congress.

Here are the key points driving today’s market sentiment:

  1. Labor Market Data: This week, investors eagerly await several labor market reports. On Wednesday, the job openings and labor turnover report will provide insights into employment trends. Additionally, the more comprehensive February jobs report, due on Friday, will shed light on the health of the U.S. job market.

  2. Powell’s Testimony: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to make his semi-annual appearance before the House on Wednesday, followed by testimony to the Senate on Thursday. Investors will closely monitor his remarks for any signals regarding the timing of a highly-anticipated round of interest rate cuts. The Fed has already raised its main interest rate to the highest level since 2001 in an effort to combat surging inflation following the COVID-19 recession of 2020. Powell’s statements may provide clarity on whether further rate cuts are imminent.

  3. Inflation and Economic Strength: Despite the Fed’s hawkish stance, unexpectedly strong economic data has pushed back market expectations for rate cuts from March to June. The central bank’s decision will likely hinge on inflation trends. If inflation continues to retreat toward the Fed’s 2% target, rate cuts may be on the horizon.

  4. Market Reaction: Futures for the S&P 500 slipped 0.1% before the bell, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.3%. Investors remain cautious as they await Powell’s insights and assess the impact of labor market developments.

In summary, Wall Street’s attention is squarely on labor market indicators and Powell’s testimony this week. As the economy continues to recover, investors are keenly watching for signals that could shape monetary policy decisions in the coming months.


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