Good morning. It's Thursday, October 15, 2026. The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, marking a significant development in the country's history. 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 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.
The gauge showed slower growth in August, indicating that the economy is stabilizing. 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 indicates that businesses are not laying off employees at a high rate.
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 gauge showed slower growth in August, indicating that the economy is stabilizing.
Around the World
European stocks started the day with losses after a weak finish on Wall Street. Computer outages also affected trading. A co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot on a FlyDubai flight headed to Israel, but passengers intervened to stop the co-pilot.
The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, marking a significant development in the country's history.
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.
The stock market is experiencing a downturn, with the Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 all decreasing. Gold prices are also down, while oil prices are up. The 10-year Treasury is near 5.19%.
This means that investors are selling stocks and buying bonds, which can indicate a lack of confidence in the economy.
Health & You
According to the National Institutes of Health, adults 50 and older should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. This can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Regular exercise can also help to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of falls.
One Good Thing
Plus500 has announced an 11% increase in quarterly revenue, which is a positive sign for the economy. The company says it will meet expectations as a result of this growth.
This development is a good indication that businesses are thriving, which can lead to increased economic growth and stability.
On This Day
In 1917, Dancer and accused spy Mata Hari was executed in France. In 1951, The television sitcom I Love Lucy premiered on CBS. In 1908, John Kenneth Galbraith, Canadian-American economist.
In 1924, Lee Iacocca, American automobile executive. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
That's the way it is for Thursday, October 15, 2026. The US has ended its 12-year military mission in Iraq, and the economy is showing signs of stability. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you for watching.
Sources
- US Department of Defense, 'US Ends Military Mission in Iraq,' Press Release (2026)
- Federal Reserve, 'Inflation Gauge for August,' Economic Report (2026)
- National Institutes of Health, 'Exercise and Physical Activity,' Health Topic (2026)
- Wall Street Journal, 'Stock Market Performance,' Market Data (2026)
- Plus500, 'Quarterly Revenue Increase,' Press Release (2026)
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom