Good morning. It's Friday, October 9, 2026. The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, with all forces and equipment leaving the country. This development comes as the economy shows signs of stability, with low jobless claims and a slower inflation growth rate.

Today's briefing will cover the top stories, including the US military mission in Iraq, the economy, and other key developments.

The Top Stories

The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, with all forces and equipment leaving the country. This development marks a significant shift in the country's foreign policy.

Why it matters: The end of the US military mission in Iraq has implications for the country's stability and security. The Federal Reserve's inflation gauge showed slower growth in August, which may delay the next interest-rate hike until December.

Why it matters: The slower inflation growth rate has implications for the economy, including the potential for lower interest rates. Jobless claims remained low in the latest week, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs.

Why it matters: Low jobless claims are a sign of a strong labor market, which can have a positive impact on the economy.

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's new tool aims to help enforce this requirement.

The Federal Reserve's decision to potentially delay the next interest-rate hike until December may have implications for the economy, including the potential for lower interest rates. The US has also seen a significant development in the Cornell case, with the district attorney stating that he never saw a transcript of a conversation between an alleged rape victim and investigators.

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Around the World

European stocks started the day with losses after a weak finish on Wall Street, with computer outages also affecting trading. A co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot on a FlyDubai flight headed to Israel, with passengers intervening to stop the co-pilot.

A protest sculpture has been created to protest against OpenAI, depicting its leaders escaping a sinking ship. The sculpture is the latest in a series of creative protests against the company.

Your Money

The economy showed signs of stability, with jobless claims remaining low and the Federal Reserve's inflation gauge indicating slower growth in August. The Dow was up, while the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 were down.

Gold and oil prices were up, with the 10-year Treasury near 5.22%. This means that investors are seeing some positive signs in the economy, but also some uncertainty. The increase in gold and oil prices may indicate that investors are looking for safe-haven assets, while the decrease in the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 may indicate that investors are cautious about the economy's prospects.

Health & You

According to the National Institutes of Health, adults 50+ can take steps to maintain their physical and mental health. This includes engaging in regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.

The NIH also recommends that adults 50+ stay up to date on their vaccinations, including the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. By taking these steps, adults 50+ can help maintain their health and reduce their risk of chronic diseases.

One Good Thing

Plus500 has announced an 11% increase in quarterly revenue, which is a positive sign for the company and the economy. This increase in revenue may indicate that the company is doing well and that the economy is showing signs of stability.

Additionally, Charter Communications has announced a buyout deal for Liberty Broadband, which may lead to new opportunities for the company and its customers.

On This Day

In 1888, The Washington Monument opened to the public in the nation's capital. In 1967, Revolutionary Che Guevara was executed in Bolivia. In 1940, John Lennon, English musician and member of the Beatles.

In 1948, Jackson Browne, American singer-songwriter. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)

$511.65 (+0.12%)
Dow
$773.93 (-0.42%)
S&P 500
$747.58 (-1.34%)
Nasdaq
$277.57 (-0.05%)
Russell 2000
$378.62 (+0.73%)
Gold
$147.58 (+2.55%)
Oil
5.22%
10-Year Treasury
$83,256.55
Bitcoin

Today’s Markets (% change, ETF proxies)

Dow
+0.12%
S&P 500
-0.42%
Nasdaq
-1.34%
Russell 2000
-0.05%
Gold
+0.73%
Oil
+2.55%
Source: Yahoo Finance, delayed

In conclusion, today's briefing covered the top stories, including the US military mission in Iraq, the economy, and other key developments. We hope this information has been helpful in keeping you informed about the latest news and trends.

As always, we will continue to provide you with accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions.

Sources

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics, 'Jobless Claims,' 2026
  • Federal Reserve, 'Inflation Gauge,' 2026
  • National Institutes of Health, 'Healthy Aging,' 2026
  • Plus500, 'Quarterly Revenue Increase,' 2026
  • Charter Communications, 'Buyout Deal,' 2026
  • U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
  • Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
  • 50PlusHub Newsroom