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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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Nine-Month Odyssey: NASA Astronauts Return to Earth

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, along with two other crew members, have safely returned to Earth after an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally planned as an eight-day test mission, their stay was prolonged due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

The astronauts made their journey back aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, which undocked from the ISS early Tuesday morning. After a 17-hour trip, the capsule re-entered Earth's atmosphere and splashed down off the coast of Florida under clear skies. The descent was slowed by two sets of parachutes, ensuring a smooth landing.

This mission highlighted NASA's contingency planning and the resilience of its astronauts. Wilmore and Williams, both veteran astronauts and retired U.S. Navy test pilots, faced months of uncertainty before their return. Their homecoming marks the end of a challenging yet historic chapter in space exploration.

The crew will now undergo health checks at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston before reuniting with their families. Their extended mission underscores the unpredictable nature of space travel and the importance of adaptability in overcoming challenges.

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