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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 Forces Open Fire on Protestors in Southern Lebanon

In a tragic turn of events, Israeli forces opened fire on protestors in southern Lebanon on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and injuring more than 80 others. The protestors, some carrying Hezbollah flags, were demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops in accordance with a ceasefire agreement that had been in place since late November.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that the casualties included two women and a Lebanese army soldier. The protestors had breached roadblocks set up by the Israeli army, leading to the violent confrontation. The Lebanese army has stated that it cannot fully deploy to the area until Israeli forces withdraw, while Israel maintains that it needs to stay longer to ensure that Hezbollah does not reestablish a military presence.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed the people of southern Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of Lebanon's sovereignty and urging residents to exercise self-restraint and trust in the Lebanese Armed Forces. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the complexities of the ceasefire agreement and the ongoing conflict.

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