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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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Ceasefire Deliberations Continue Amidst Tensions in Gaza

 

The latest ceasefire proposal by Israel has been met with skepticism by Hamas, stating that it falls short of the Palestinian demands. Despite this, the offer is currently under review, as confirmed by Hamas on Tuesday. The proposal, which was conveyed through Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediators, has not been publicly detailed, but it is known to address the cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

The ongoing conflict has seen a significant escalation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing plans for a military ground offensive into Rafah, a densely populated area in Gaza. This move has raised concerns about the potential for increased civilian casualties and further devastation.

As the international community watches closely, the outcome of these ceasefire talks could be pivotal in determining the next phase of the conflict. Hamas has expressed its commitment to reaching an agreement that would end the aggression against the Palestinian people, yet it remains to be seen whether Israel’s proposal will be deemed acceptable.

The review of the ceasefire proposal comes at a critical juncture, with the United Nations committee set to review Palestine’s status as a full state member this month. Meanwhile, the region continues to grapple with the humanitarian crisis unfolding as a result of the six-month-long conflict.

Hamas’s response to the ceasefire proposal is highly anticipated, as it will signal the potential for progress or the likelihood of continued hostilities in the region.

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