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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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Trump Reaffirms 25% Tariffs, Initiates Comprehensive Trade Policy Review

 

In a bold move, President Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over drug trafficking and border security. This announcement comes as part of a broader executive order aimed at reviewing and potentially overhauling U.S. trade policies.

The executive order, signed on Monday, directs federal agencies to assess the impact of current trade agreements on American workers and agricultural producers. It also calls for public consultations in preparation for the scheduled 2026 review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The order sets an April 1 deadline for these assessments and other trade policy reviews.

Trump's renewed focus on tariffs and trade policy has sparked a range of reactions. While some experts argue that these measures could protect American jobs and industries, others warn of potential negative impacts on consumer prices and international relations. The Canadian government has already expressed its concerns, emphasizing that such tariffs could harm both economies.

As the April 1 deadline approaches, the U.S. trade representative will be tasked with making recommendations regarding the country's participation in CUSMA and addressing any identified trade imbalances. This comprehensive review marks a significant step in Trump's "America First" trade strategy, which aims to prioritize national security and economic interests.



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