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U.S. Consumer Prices Rise in October, Slowing Progress Toward Low Inflation

  U.S. consumer prices increased as anticipated in October, reflecting a continued but modest rise in inflation. According to the latest data from the Labor Department, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.2% for the fourth consecutive month. Over the past year, the CPI has advanced by 2.6%, up from 2.4% in September. The core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, also saw a 0.3% increase in October, maintaining the same pace for the third month in a row. Annually, the core CPI has risen by 3.3%. Economists had predicted these figures, indicating that while inflation is not accelerating, the progress toward achieving the Federal Reserve’s target of 2% inflation has slowed. This trend suggests that the Federal Reserve may be less inclined to implement further interest rate cuts in the near future. The slight uptick in inflation is partly attributed to rising shelter costs, which accounted for more than half of the overall increase in prices. Despite the modest gains,

Global Powers Rally for Lebanon: Aid and Ceasefire Amidst Crisis

 

In a bid to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, world powers convened in Paris to push for urgent aid and a ceasefire. The conference, attended by 70 government delegations and 15 international organizations, aimed to raise at least 500 million euros in humanitarian aid and support Lebanon’s security forces.

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized the dire situation, stating, "The storm we are currently witnessing is unlike any other, because it carries the seeds of total destruction, not only for our country, but for all human values as well". The conflict, primarily between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, has resulted in over 2,000 deaths and displaced at least 1.2 million people.

Despite the significant turnout, expectations for concrete progress were low. The U.S., focused on its own diplomatic efforts, sent a low-level delegation, and key regional players like Saudi Arabia were represented by junior ministers. France, leveraging its historical ties with Lebanon, pledged 100 million euros in aid, while Germany committed 96 million euros.

The conference underscored the need to implement the 2006 U.N. Security Council resolution 1701, which calls for southern Lebanon to be free of any troops or weapons other than those of the Lebanese state. However, with ongoing hostilities and a complex geopolitical landscape, achieving a lasting ceasefire remains a formidable challenge.


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