Skip to main content

Featured

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.

article

Wildfire Reaches Athens’ Outskirts, Prompting Evacuations

 

A fast-moving wildfire, driven by gale-force winds, has spread to the edge of Athens, Greece, torching trees, houses, and cars. The blaze has forced the evacuation of several hospitals and numerous towns and villages.

Key Points:

  • Firefighting Efforts: Over 670 firefighters, supported by volunteers, 183 fire engines, and 32 waterbombing planes and helicopters, are battling the fire.
  • Evacuations: At least 250 people have been evacuated, with some spending the night in shelters.
  • Weather Conditions: Strong winds and high temperatures are exacerbating the situation, with flames reaching heights of 25 meters (82 feet).
  • Government Response: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has returned from a holiday to oversee the response, recalling the devastating 2018 fire in Mati.

The situation remains critical as authorities continue to combat the blaze and protect residents.

Comments