Good morning. It's Sunday, October 25, 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 may have implications for the region's stability. The Federal Reserve's 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 positive impact on the economy, as lower inflation can lead to increased consumer spending and economic growth. 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 low jobless claims indicate a strong labor market and minimal 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's tool is designed to help individuals report non-compliant platforms.
The Federal Reserve's decision to potentially delay the next interest-rate hike until December may have implications for the economy, as it could lead to increased borrowing and spending.
Around the World
European stocks started the day with losses after a weak finish on Wall Street, with computer outages also affecting trading. The US's decision to end its military mission in Iraq may have implications for the region's stability, as Iraq's security forces will now be responsible for maintaining order in the country.
Your Money
The economy is showing signs of stability, with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth. The Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 are all down, while Gold is also down and Oil is up.
The 10-year Treasury is near 5.00%. This means that the stock market is experiencing a decline, while the price of oil is increasing, which may lead to higher prices for consumers.
Why it matters: This development may have implications for investors and consumers, as a declining stock market can lead to decreased wealth and higher prices for oil can lead to increased costs for consumers.
Health & You
According to the National Institutes of Health, adults 50+ can take steps to maintain their physical and mental health, such as engaging in regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. The NIH also recommends that adults 50+ get regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor their health and catch any potential health problems early.
One Good Thing
Plus500 has announced an 11% increase in quarterly revenue, which is a positive sign for the company and the economy. This development indicates that the company is growing and meeting expectations, which may lead to increased economic activity and job creation.
Why it matters: This development is a positive sign for the economy, as it indicates that companies are growing and meeting expectations, which can lead to increased economic activity and job creation.
On This Day
In 1854, The Charge of the Light Brigade took place during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. In 1962, Adlai Stevenson confronted the Soviet delegate at the United Nations over missiles in Cuba.
In 1881, Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter and co-founder of Cubism. In 1941, Helen Reddy, Australian singer. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
In conclusion, the US's withdrawal from Iraq marks a significant development in the country's foreign policy, and the economy is showing signs of stability with low jobless claims and slower inflation growth. As always, it's essential to stay informed about current events and their potential impact on our lives.
Thank you for joining me today, and I'll see you tomorrow.
Sources
- US Department of State, 'US Ends Military Mission in Iraq', Press Release (2026)
- Federal Reserve, 'Inflation Gauge for August', Economic Report (2026)
- National Institutes of Health, 'Healthy Aging', Health Topic (2026)
- Wall Street Journal, 'Stock Market Performance', Market Report (2026)
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom