Good morning. It's Monday, October 19, 2026. The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, marking a significant development in the country's foreign policy. This news comes as the economy is showing signs of stability, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs.
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 the US's foreign policy and military presence 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.
Why it matters: This development may have a significant impact on the economy, as it could lead to lower interest rates and increased borrowing. Jobless claims remained low in the latest week, indicating a stable labor market with minimal layoffs.
Why it matters: This development is a positive sign for the economy, as it suggests that the labor market is strong and that layoffs are minimal.
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 law.
The Federal Reserve's inflation gauge for August was lower than expected, which may delay the next interest-rate hike until December. The US economy is showing signs of stability, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth.
Around the World
European stocks started the day with losses after a weak finish on Wall Street. Computer outages also affected trading. The global economy is closely tied to the US economy, and developments in the US can have a significant impact on markets around the world.
The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, which may have implications for the region and the global economy.
Your Money
The economy is showing signs of stability, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth. The Federal Reserve's inflation gauge for August was lower than expected, which may delay the next interest-rate hike until December.
This could lead to lower interest rates and increased borrowing. The stock market is experiencing a downturn, with the Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 all down. Gold is also down, while oil is up.
The 10-year Treasury is near 5.09%. The market direction is currently downward, with most major indexes experiencing losses.
Health & You
According to the National Institutes of Health, adults 50+ can take steps to maintain their physical and mental health. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and staying up to date on recommended vaccinations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults 50+ get vaccinated against flu, pneumonia, and shingles. Taking these steps can help adults 50+ stay healthy and independent as they age.
One Good Thing
Plus500 has announced an 11% increase in quarterly revenue, which is a positive sign for the company and the economy. This growth is a result of the company's efforts to meet expectations and expand its business.
The news is a welcome development in an otherwise uncertain economic environment.
On This Day
In 1781, British general Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, effectively ending the American Revolution. In 1987, The stock market crashed on Black Monday, with the Dow falling more than twenty-two percent.
In 1745, Jonathan Swift, Anglo-Irish satirist and author. In 1931, John le Carré, English novelist of espionage fiction. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
In conclusion, the US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, and the economy is showing signs of stability. The Federal Reserve's inflation gauge for August was lower than expected, which may delay the next interest-rate hike until December.
As always, it's essential to stay informed about current events and their potential impact on our lives. Thank you for joining us for today's Daily Briefing. And that's the way it is.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, 'Jobless Claims,' 2026
- Federal Reserve, 'Inflation Gauge,' 2026
- National Institutes of Health, 'Healthy Aging,' 2026
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 'Vaccinations,' 2026
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom