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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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Beijing Promises Countermeasures as U.S. Tariffs Escalate Global Economic Tensions

 

Beijing has vowed to respond with decisive countermeasures following U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs on Chinese imports, further deepening an already strained trade relationship. In a statement released by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the government condemned the tariffs as “unilateral” measures that violate established World Trade Organization rules and exacerbate economic stress. Beijing announced that it would file a formal complaint with the WTO and take “corresponding countermeasures” to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests .

Trump’s administration justified the new tariffs as a necessary response to alleged unfair trade practices, including claims that China was insufficiently curbing the flow of fentanyl precursors and other issues tied to intellectual property theft. While U.S. officials argue that these measures are essential to protect American industries and rebalance the trade deficit, critics warn that the tariffs risk further destabilizing global supply chains and could lead to higher prices for consumers .

Although China’s statement did not detail the specific retaliatory actions it might take, analysts predict that Beijing’s response could target a wide range of U.S. exports—from electronics to agricultural products—potentially igniting a broader trade dispute. The escalating tit-for-tat actions have already raised concerns among market observers that ongoing tensions may not only impact bilateral trade but could also have far-reaching implications for the global economy.

As both superpowers brace for potential further escalation, experts emphasize the urgent need for renewed dialogue to de-escalate tensions and work toward a mutually beneficial resolution .


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