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Light in the Darkness: Why Hanukkah Matters More Than Ever

                    The first night of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, on Bondi Beach in 2008. In a world that often feels uncertain, Hanukkah’s message of resilience and hope shines with renewed relevance. The holiday commemorates the triumph of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight nights, but its meaning extends far beyond ancient history. Resilience in adversity : Hanukkah reminds us that even in times of struggle, perseverance can lead to victory. The power of light : Lighting the menorah is more than tradition—it’s a symbol of bringing warmth and clarity into dark times. Community and connection : Gathering with family and friends reinforces the importance of unity, especially when the world feels divided. Faith and miracles : Hanukkah encourages us to believe in possibilities beyond what seems rational, inspiring hope in everyday life. As challenges continue to shape our global lands...

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US Stocks Inch Higher in Countdown to Inflation Data


US stocks edged higher on Wednesday, with tech equities reaching for gains as investors waited for fresh inflation data and absorbed a dramatic turn in events in spot bitcoin ETFs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ( ^DJI) and benchmark S&P 500 ( ^GSPC) were up about 0.2%. The Nasdaq Composite ( ^IXIC) rose about 0.3%, after tech stocks eked out the sole win among the major indexes the previous day.

Investors are likely treading carefully ahead of Thursday’s US consumer inflation reading for December, watching for signs of further cooling that could prompt the Federal Reserve to pivot on policy. Recent days have seen worries rise that the market is pricing in too many interest-rate cuts in 2024, as once-rampant confidence for an early cut fades.

The coming start of fourth-quarter earnings cycle, led Friday by Wall Street banking heavyweights such as JPMorgan Chase ( JPM ), will be critical for stocks, after their rough start to 2024.


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