Good morning. It's Friday, October 30, 2026. The US has marked a significant milestone with the end of its 12-year military mission in Iraq, as all US forces and equipment have left the country.
This development comes as the US economy shows signs of stability, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth.
The Top Stories
The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, with the departure of its forces from the country. All US forces and equipment have left Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq as part of the withdrawal.
Why it matters: This development marks a significant shift in US military involvement in the region. The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge for August was lower than expected, which may delay the next interest-rate hike until December.
The inflation gauge showed slower growth, indicating a potential slowdown in price increases. Why it matters: This development may have implications for interest rates and the overall economy.
Jobless claims remained low in the latest week, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs. The low number of claims suggests that the labor market is strong. Why it matters: This development is a positive sign for the economy, as it indicates that businesses are not engaging in widespread layoffs.
Washington & the Nation
The Federal Trade Commission has launched a website where individuals can report online platforms that fail to remove intimate images shared without permission. The law requires platforms to remove such images, and the FTC is taking steps to enforce this requirement.
The Federal Reserve's decision to potentially delay the next interest-rate hike may have implications for the economy. The Fed's actions are closely watched, as they can impact interest rates and the overall economy.
Around the World
A co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot on a FlyDubai flight headed to Israel, but passengers intervened to stop the co-pilot. The incident is under investigation, and it is not clear what motivated the co-pilot's actions.
European stocks started the day with losses after a weak finish on Wall Street, and computer outages also affected trading. The global economy is closely interconnected, and events in one region can have implications for others.
Your Money
The market is experiencing a downturn, with major indexes declining. However, the Russell 2000 is up, indicating that smaller companies may be performing well. Gold prices are down, while oil prices are up.
The 10-year Treasury is near 4.98%, indicating a relatively stable interest rate environment. This mixed market performance may have implications for investors and consumers.
Health & You
The National Institutes of Health recommends that adults 50 and older engage in regular physical activity to maintain health and prevent chronic diseases. This can include activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling, and can help to reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
One Good Thing
Plus500 has announced an 11% increase in quarterly revenue, indicating a strong performance by the company. This growth may have positive implications for the economy, as it suggests that businesses are performing well.
Additionally, the US economy's stable labor market and low jobless claims are positive signs, indicating that the economy is strong.
On This Day
In 1938, Orson Welles broadcast The War of the Worlds, causing alarm among radio listeners. In 1974, Muhammad Ali defeated George Foreman in the Rumble in the Jungle in Zaire.
In 1735, John Adams, second president of the United States. In 1910, Henri Dunant, Swiss founder of the Red Cross. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
In conclusion, the US has ended its military mission in Iraq, and the economy is showing signs of stability, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth. However, the market is experiencing a downturn, and investors should be cautious.
It is essential to stay informed about economic developments and their potential implications. That's the way it is.
Sources
- Federal Reserve, 'Inflation Gauge,' 2026
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, 'Jobless Claims,' 2026
- National Institutes of Health, 'Physical Activity and Health,' 2026
- MarketWatch, 'Market Performance,' 2026
- Plus500, 'Quarterly Revenue,' 2026
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom