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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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Escalation in Gaza: Israeli Forces Advance in Khan Younis, 20 Killed

 

Israeli tanks advanced into the northern parts of Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Wednesday, leading to a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Palestinian medics reported that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people across the enclave.

The advance came a day after the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders, citing rocket launches from the area. The airstrikes targeted central Gaza, killing 11 people, including six children and one medic. Five of the victims were reportedly queuing outside a bakery. Additionally, nine Palestinians were killed by tank fire in Rafah, near the Egyptian border.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with residents fleeing their homes amid the shelling. The humanitarian-designated area of Al-Mawasi has seen an influx of displaced families seeking safety. The conflict, which began after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 44,400 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction.

The international community continues to call for a ceasefire, but the violence shows no signs of abating. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with hospitals and aid workers struggling to cope with the influx of casualties and displaced persons.

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