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Fed Poised for First 2025 Rate Cut as Weak Jobs Data Outweigh Inflation Concerns

  The Federal Reserve seal at its Washington, D.C. headquarters, where policymakers are set to decide on the first interest rate cut of 2025. The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to lower its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points today, marking its first rate cut of 2025 and the first since December last year. The move would bring the federal funds target range down to 4.00%–4.25%, as policymakers respond to slowing job growth and rising unemployment, even as inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. Recent labor market data showed just 22,000 jobs added in August, with earlier months revised downward, while the unemployment rate has climbed to around 4.3%. Inflation, measured by the Fed’s preferred PCE index, has edged higher in recent months, partly due to tariffs pushing up consumer prices. Markets have largely priced in the cut, with investors watching the Fed’s updated “dot plot” for clues on whether more reductions will follow in October and December. The decision ...
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Israel Increases Military Pressure in Northern Gaza: Tanks Enter Jabalia

 

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel has sent tanks into the eastern Jabalia area in the northern Gaza Strip. This move comes after a night of heavy aerial and ground bombardments, resulting in the loss of 19 lives and dozens of injuries. Here are the key points:

  1. Jabalia: The targeted area, Jabalia, is the largest of Gaza’s eight historic refugee camps, home to over 100,000 people. Most of its residents are descendants of Palestinians who were displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that led to the creation of the state of Israel.

  2. Hamas Military Capabilities: Israeli forces operating in Jabalia aim to prevent Hamas, which controls Gaza, from re-establishing its military capabilities there. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesperson, stated that they are acting to eliminate any attempts by Hamas to rehabilitate its military infrastructre.

  3. Civilian Impact: The bombardments have not spared civilians. Saed, a resident of Jabalia, reported that the bombings have been relentless, even near schools housing displaced people. Families are forced to evacuate as the situation escalates.

  4. Other Areas: Israeli forces also targeted Gaza City’s Zeitoun district, where they killed around 30 Palestinian militants. Additionally, tanks re-entered Al-Zeitoun and Al-Sabra, suburbs of Gaza City, destroying several houses, including high-rise residential buildings.

  5. Deir Al-Balah: While tanks did not invade eastern Deir Al-Balah city, there was a gunfight with Hamas fighters on the outskirts. In a separate airstrike, two doctors—a father and his son—lost their lives.

  6. Palestinian Response: The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad attacked Israeli forces in various areas inside Gaza using anti-tank rockets and mortar bombsRafah, previously the Palestinians’ last refuge, witnessed intense fighting as more than a million people sought shelter there.

  7. War Origins: The conflict was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October, resulting in significant casualties. Israel’s military operation in Gaza has now claimed the lives of nearly 35,000 Palestinians according to Gaza’s health ministry.

As the situation remains tense, the international community closely monitors developments in the region. The impact on civilians and the humanitarian crisis continue to be major concerns


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