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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.

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Tensions Escalate as Israeli Ground Invasion of Lebanon Looms

 

In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israel is preparing for an imminent ground invasion of southern Lebanon. This move comes after weeks of intense cross-border skirmishes and the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has been vocal about the necessity of this operation, emphasizing the need to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure near the border. “The elimination of Nasrallah is an important step, but it is not the final one,” Gallant stated during a meeting with troops. He highlighted that the objective is to ensure the safety of northern Israeli communities, which have been under threat from Hezbollah’s rocket attacks.

The Biden administration has expressed concerns over the potential invasion, urging Israel to consider the broader implications. U.S. officials have warned that such an operation could bolster support for Hezbollah among the Lebanese population. Despite these warnings, Israel appears determined to proceed, with troop movements and preparations indicating that the invasion could commence at any moment.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides bracing for what could be a significant and prolonged conflict. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that avoids further bloodshed and instability in the region.


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