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Wall Street Futures Rise as Inflation Cools, Boosting Rate-Cut Hopes

US stock futures climbed Friday morning after the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed inflation rising at a slightly slower pace than expected. The data offered investors reassurance that price pressures are easing, strengthening expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut next week. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gained about 0.5% S&P 500 futures rose 0.7% Nasdaq 100 futures jumped 1% The September CPI report revealed annual inflation at 3% , just below forecasts of 3.1%. On a monthly basis, prices increased 0.3% , a modest slowdown from August. This cooler-than-expected reading comes after a delay caused by the government shutdown, making it the first major economic release in weeks. With nearly all market bets pointing to a Fed rate cut, investors are increasingly optimistic about a softer monetary policy path ahead.

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Tragedy Strikes During Hajj Pilgrimage: Over 300 Egyptians Succumb to Heat

 

At least 323 Egyptian pilgrims tragically lost their lives during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in western Saudi Arabia. The majority of these deaths were attributed to heat-related illnesses, according to two Arab diplomats coordinating their countries’ responses.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of pilgrims from around the world to Mecca. However, this year’s pilgrimage faced extreme temperatures, with the area where rituals are performed experiencing a rise of 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.72 degrees Fahrenheit) per decade due to climate change.

Among the deceased, 60 Jordanian pilgrims also succumbed to the heat. Tragically, many of the Egyptian casualties were unregistered pilgrims attempting to save money by avoiding official visas. These off-the-books pilgrims lacked access to air-conditioned facilities provided by Saudi authorities along the Hajj route.

The total death toll reported by various countries has reached 577, highlighting the severity of this heartbreaking event. Other nations, including Indonesia, Iran, and Senegal, have also reported fatalities during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

As we mourn the loss of these lives, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and the need for better safety measures during religious pilgrimages.


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