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Wall Street Futures Climb on Fed Cut Hopes as Bitcoin Extends Steep Decline

US markets staged a rebound Friday morning, with futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all moving higher after a turbulent week. The rally was fueled by growing bets that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates at its upcoming December meeting, following dovish comments from New York Fed President John Williams. His remarks shifted sentiment sharply, with nearly 70% of traders now expecting a rate cut. Dow futures gained 0.7% , leading the advance. S&P 500 futures rose 0.5% , while Nasdaq futures added 0.4% . The optimism comes after Thursday’s sharp sell-off, underscoring the volatility gripping markets as investors weigh AI-driven risks and Fed policy divisions. Meanwhile, cryptocurrencies continued to struggle. Bitcoin plunged to around $82,000 , marking its worst month since the 2022 crypto collapse. The decline reflects heavy institutional outflows, miner sell-offs, and broader risk-off sentiment across digital assets.

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Thailand’s Senate Passes Landmark Bill to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

 

Thailand has taken a significant step towards marriage equality by passing a groundbreaking bill in the Senate. The legislation, which recognizes same-sex marriage, makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. Here are the key points:

  1. Approval in the Senate:

    • The upper house approved the measure with 130 votes in favor out of 152 members present, with only four against and 18 abstentions.
    • This final reading paves the way for Thailand to officially recognize same-sex marriages.
  2. Next Steps:

    • The bill now awaits the pro forma endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which is widely expected.
    • Once published in the royal gazette, the law will take effect within 120 days.
  3. Implications:

    • Thailand will become the third Asian jurisdiction, after Nepal and Taiwan, to legalize gay marriage.
    • The legislation replaces gender-specific terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” with gender-neutral language.
    • LGBTQ couples will gain inheritance and adoption rights equal to those of heterosexual marriages.
  4. Celebration and Progress:

    • Politicians and activists celebrated in the National Assembly, waving rainbow flags and expressing solidarity with the LGBTQ community.
    • Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights, will host celebrations at his official residence.
  5. Historic Moment:

    • Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage, called it a historic day: “Today, love triumphed over prejudice.”
    • Despite Thailand’s vibrant LGBTQ culture, activists have long fought against conservative attitudes.

In summary, Thailand’s Senate has taken a monumental step forward, recognizing love and equality for all. Soon, same-sex couples in Thailand will have the legal recognition they deserve. 

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