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Washington Scales Back Regional Footprint Amid Iranian Warnings

Empty airspace over Iran, during a temporary closure of the country's airspace amid concerns about possible military action between the United States and Iran The United States has begun precautionary drawdowns at several military bases across the Middle East after Iranian officials warned neighbouring countries that American facilities could be targeted in the event of a wider conflict. The adjustments focus on relocating non‑essential personnel and reducing exposure as regional tensions continue to rise. Iran’s message to nearby states underscored its concern that any U.S. military action could spill over into the broader region. By cautioning its neighbours, Tehran signaled both its desire to deter potential strikes and its readiness to respond if provoked. U.S. officials described the moves as prudent rather than predictive, emphasizing that the drawdowns do not indicate an imminent operation. Instead, they reflect a shifting security environment in which Washington is recal...
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Wall Street Holds Steady as Fed Rate-Cut Bets Gain Momentum

 



Wall Street futures showed little movement on Thursday morning, reflecting investor confidence that the Federal Reserve is nearing a long-awaited interest rate cut. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures edged up about 0.1%, S&P 500 futures hovered near the flatline, and Nasdaq 100 futures dipped slightly by 0.1%.

The cautious trading comes after a strong rally in the previous session, where the Dow surged more than 400 points (0.9%), supported by weaker-than-expected labor data. The ADP private payrolls report revealed a slowdown in November hiring, fueling optimism that the Fed may ease monetary policy at its upcoming meeting. Futures markets now assign an 89% probability of a December rate cut, underscoring how firmly expectations have shifted toward easing.

Corporate earnings also played a role in shaping sentiment. Salesforce shares jumped more than 5% in after-hours trading after the company issued a revenue outlook that exceeded analyst expectations. Discount retailer Five Below also posted stronger-than-expected earnings, adding to the upbeat tone in extended trading.

Despite the steady futures, investors remain focused on upcoming economic data, particularly the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, which serves as the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge. A softer reading could further cement the case for a rate cut, while any signs of persistent inflation may temper expectations.

Overall, the market’s calm tone reflects a balancing act: optimism about monetary easing paired with caution ahead of key data releases. For now, Wall Street appears to be holding its ground, awaiting confirmation that the Fed is ready to pivot toward lower rates.

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