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Tragedy Strikes German Christmas Market: Car Plows into Crowd, Leaving Two Dead and Dozens Injured

In a devastating incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, a car drove into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of at least two people and injuring over 60 others. The tragic event unfolded on December 20, 2024, as the festive market was bustling with visitors. The driver, identified as a doctor from Saudi Arabia residing in Germany, has been taken into custody. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect acted alone and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The victims include one adult and one child, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional fatalities due to the severity of some injuries. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, providing medical assistance to the injured and securing the area. The market has been closed, and an extensive police operation is underway. This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the holiday season, and the thoughts and prayers of many are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

Stock Market Today: Rising Treasury Yields Unsettle Investors


In today’s stock market, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (Dow) took the lead in a slide prompted by rising Treasury yields. Investors are grappling with the impact of recent data on interest rates, and the benchmark S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also dipped into the red.

Here are the key points:

  1. Treasury Yields Surge: The yield on 5-year Treasurys rose to near four-week highs, while the 10-year yield topped the critical 4.5% level. On Wednesday, the benchmark yield inched up further to trade around 4.57%. These rising yields have raised concerns that the Federal Reserve may keep rates higher for longer.

  2. AI Growth vs. Yield Worries: Despite hopes for AI growth, concerns about bond yields appear to be overshadowing the market. The Nasdaq recently hit a record high following Nvidia’s post-earnings rally, but the surge in yields is causing uncertainty.

  3. Consumer Confidence and Fed Policymaking: Investors are trying to decipher the impact of stronger-than-expected consumer confidence data on Fed policymaking. However, they are bracing for a prolonged wait for any pivot to rate cuts, given the litany of warnings from Fed officials.

  4. Wall Street Strategists’ Views: Wall Street strategists have been closely monitoring rising yields. Michael Kantrowitz, chief investment strategist at Piper Sandler, highlighted that higher rates are now a systemic problem for equities. If the 10-year Treasury yield surpasses 5%, it could spell trouble for most stocks.

  5. Beige Book and Inflation Gauge: The release of the Fed’s Beige Book later today could shed more light on economic conditions. Investors are also awaiting Friday’s reading on PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures), the central bank’s preferred inflation gauge.

In summary, rising Treasury yields are causing jitters in the stock market, and investors are closely watching Fed signals and economic data. The delicate balance between growth prospects and interest rate concerns remains a focal point for traders.


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