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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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U.S. Mediation in Russia-Ukraine Conflict Hangs by a Thread

The United States has issued a stern warning to Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the need for concrete proposals to end the ongoing war. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. might withdraw from its role as mediator if both nations fail to demonstrate seriousness in their peace negotiations. This marks a critical juncture in the diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

The warning comes amid heightened tensions, with renewed military activity in eastern Ukraine and disagreements over proposed ceasefires. Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested a limited three-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has criticized as insufficient. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns that parts of the U.S. peace plan align too closely with Russian demands.

The U.S. has called for a durable and comprehensive resolution, built on mutual concessions and respect for international law. However, frustration within the U.S. administration is growing, as measurable progress remains elusive. Analysts warn that the absence of a trusted mediator could further escalate the conflict, jeopardizing regional and global stability.

The clock is ticking for Moscow and Kyiv to present viable solutions, as the U.S. considers redirecting its diplomatic focus elsewhere. The stakes are high, and the world watches closely as this complex diplomatic drama unfolds.

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