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Final Ceasefire Draft Presented to Israel and Hamas After Breakthrough in Doha

  Mediators have presented Israel and Hamas with a final draft of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the war in Gaza, following a breakthrough in negotiations held in Doha. The draft, which includes provisions for the release of hostages and a cessation of hostilities, was handed over after midnight talks involving Israel's spy chiefs, President-elect Trump's Middle East envoy, and Qatar’s prime minister. The negotiations, which have been ongoing for over a year with the involvement of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, reached a pivotal moment early Monday. U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the urgent need for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in a recent phone call. While both sides have yet to confirm the final draft, officials have described the progress as promising. The next 24 hours are seen as crucial to sealing the deal before President Biden leaves office. The war in Gaza, which began in October 2023, has resulted i...

Stock Market Update: Retailers’ Holiday Numbers Impact Wall Street

 



Wall Street experienced a modest decline today as retailers unveiled their holiday season results. Investors closely monitored these figures, seeking insights into consumer sentiment and economic health. Here are the key highlights:
  1. Retail Earnings: Several major retailers reported their latest quarterly earnings. Among them:

    • Target: The retail giant exceeded expectations with a 58% increase in fourth-quarter profits. Cost-cutting measures and efficient inventory management contributed to this impressive performance. Target’s stock surged by 8.5% before the opening bell today.
    • Costco Wholesale, Gap, and Nordstrom also disclosed their holiday numbers, providing further context on consumer spending trends.
  2. Market Sentiment: Momentum in U.S. stocks has slowed after reaching record highs. Factors influencing market sentiment include:

    • Inflation: Signs of cooling inflation have prompted speculation about potential interest rate cuts.
    • Economic Resilience: Despite recession predictions, the U.S. economy remains resilient.
  3. Upcoming Events: This week holds critical events that could sway the market:

    • Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Testimony: On Wednesday, Powell will testify before a House committee on monetary policy. His remarks may shed light on the Fed’s next move.
    • Jobs Report: Friday’s report will reveal the state of the U.S. job market.
  4. Global Markets: European indices rebounded midday, with Germany’s DAX, France’s CAC 40, and Britain’s FTSE 100 recovering from earlier losses.

As investors await further developments, Wall Street remains cautiously optimistic. Keep an eye on earnings reports and central bank communications for clues about the market’s direction.


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