Skip to main content

Featured

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.

article

Desperation in Gaza: Hunger Crisis Deepens Amid Looting

The Gaza Strip is witnessing a growing hunger crisis, marked by increased looting of food stores and community kitchens. Aid officials report that desperation has surged two months after Israel imposed a blockade on medical, fuel, and food supplies. At least five incidents of looting were recorded recently, including thefts at community kitchens, merchants' stores, and the UN Palestinian refugee agency's main complex.

The looting reflects the dire situation in Gaza, where hunger and hopelessness are spreading rapidly. Community kitchens, which have been lifelines for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, are now at risk of closure due to dwindling supplies and looting. Acute malnutrition among children is worsening, with thousands of cases identified, including severe instances.

The blockade, enforced since March 2, has led to skyrocketing food prices and shortages of essential items. Aid organizations warn that the situation is reaching unprecedented levels, with humanitarian efforts hindered by operational and security constraints.

The crisis underscores the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.

Comments