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Wall Street Edges Higher as Fed Rate Cut Decision Looms

U.S. stock futures were mixed but leaning higher on Monday as investors braced for a pivotal Federal Reserve policy meeting later this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose about 0.2%, S&P 500 futures held near flat, and Nasdaq 100 futures dipped slightly after the tech-heavy index notched a fresh record last week. The rally has been fueled by growing expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates on Wednesday, with traders pricing in a 96% chance of a quarter-point reduction and a slim possibility of a larger 50-basis-point move. A cooling labor market — with unemployment at 4.3% and job growth slowing — has strengthened the case for policy easing. Tech stocks remain in focus, with Nvidia sliding over 2% after China’s antitrust regulator said the chipmaker violated competition laws. The news comes amid high-level U.S.-China trade talks in Madrid, adding a layer of geopolitical uncertainty to market sentiment. Despite the cautious tone, optimism around artifici...
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Escalating Tensions: Strikes on Militant Leaders Threaten Middle East Stability

 

In a dramatic escalation, the recent targeted strikes on two senior militant leaders have heightened tensions in the already volatile Middle East. The assassination of Hamas’ top leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the strike against senior Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in Beirut have sent shockwaves through the region.

These strikes, attributed to Israel, come at a critical juncture as international mediators strive to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The killing of Haniyeh, a key figure in the cease-fire negotiations, has cast a shadow over these efforts. A senior Egyptian official involved in the talks described the assassination as a “reckless act” that could derail the fragile peace process.

Iran’s response to the attack on its territory has further complicated the situation, with threats of retaliation that could potentially lead to a broader conflict. The international community, including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, has condemned the strikes and urged for restraint to prevent further escalation.

The impact of these events on the ground is palpable. In Gaza, there is a growing sense of despair as hopes for a cease-fire wane. “By assassinating Haniyeh, they are destroying everything,” said Nour Abu Salam, a displaced Palestinian.

As the region teeters on the brink, the need for diplomatic intervention and a renewed commitment to peace has never been more urgent. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Middle East can avoid descending into further chaos.


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