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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 and Netanyahu Plan White House Meeting Amid Gaza Talks

                                            sraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the White House “in the near future,” according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office. The announcement followed a phone call between the two leaders on Monday, during which they discussed regional security and ongoing efforts to stabilize Gaza.

During the conversation, Trump and Netanyahu emphasized the importance of dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, while also highlighting the need to expand existing peace agreements across the region. The invitation marks Netanyahu’s fifth trip to Washington since Trump returned to office in January 2025, underscoring the close—though sometimes strained—relationship between the two leaders.

The timing of the invitation comes shortly after Trump publicly urged Israel to maintain a “strong and true dialogue” with Syria, cautioning against actions that could destabilize the country’s fragile new leadership. Trump has also been pushing a broader peace plan in Gaza, which has seen a ceasefire in place since October, though tensions remain with reports of truce violations.

Netanyahu’s upcoming visit is expected to focus on regional peace initiatives, Gaza’s future, and Israel’s relations with neighboring states. While both leaders have projected unity, reports suggest Trump has occasionally expressed frustration with Netanyahu, adding a layer of complexity to their alliance.

This meeting could serve as a pivotal moment in shaping US-Israel cooperation on Middle East security, particularly as both sides navigate the challenges of Gaza and Syria.


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