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The Palestinian economy is “in free fall,” the United Nations reported Thursday, with production in Gaza plunging to one-sixth of its level before Israeli forces began a blistering military response to the Oct. 7 attacks in the territory. The report from UN Trade and Development, or UNCTAD, also warned of “rapid and alarming economic decline" in the West Bank, citing expanded Israeli settlements, land confiscations, demolition of Palestinian buildings and violence by settlers. The report made no mention of corruption in Palestinian institutions.

The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday it was appropriate for the U.S. Federal Reserve to begin a long-awaited monetary easing cycle at its meeting next week as upside risks to inflation have subsided. IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack told a regular news briefing that the IMF expected the U.S. economy to slow over the rest of the year, and that this would be reflected in its updated World Economic Outlook forecasts in October.

(Bloomberg) -- Pakistan cut its benchmark interest rate for a third consecutive meeting as slowing inflation gave policymakers space to revive economic growth.Most Read from BloombergHow Americans Voted Their Way Into a Housing CrisisFor Tenants, AI-Powered Screening Can Be a New Barrier to HousingHousing’s Worst Crisis in Decades Reverberates Through 2024 RaceAfter a Record Hot Summer, Pressure Grows for A/C MandatesChicago Halts Hiring as Deficit Tops $1 Billion Through 2025The State Bank of P

(Bloomberg) -- Gold climbed to a record after another faster-than-forecast US inflation print and an uptick in applications for unemployment benefits did little to alter bets that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next week. Most Read from BloombergHow Americans Voted Their Way Into a Housing CrisisFor Tenants, AI-Powered Screening Can Be a New Barrier to HousingHousing’s Worst Crisis in Decades Reverberates Through 2024 RaceAfter a Record Hot Summer, Pressure Grows for A/C MandatesChi

(Reuters) -Oil prices rose more than 1% on Thursday, extending a rebound spurred by concern over Hurricane Francine's impact on U.S. output, though a gloomy demand outlook capped gains. Brent crude futures for November were up 95 cents, or 1.4%, to $71.56 a barrel by 1322 GMT. U.S. crude futures for October rose $1.02, or 1.5%, at $68.33.

(Bloomberg) -- The government’s latest predictions for Russia’s economy through the rest of President Vladimir Putin’s current term suggest it will be in good shape by the next election. The optimism may be too good to be plausible amid intensifying sanctions and Russia’s continuing war on Ukraine. Most Read from BloombergHow Americans Voted Their Way Into a Housing CrisisFor Tenants, AI-Powered Screening Can Be a New Barrier to HousingHousing’s Worst Crisis in Decades Reverberates Through 2024

(Bloomberg) -- All signs point to a tough few months ahead for investors charting the dollar’s path, after the US presidential debate and a key inflation reading left markets anticipating heightened volatility through year-end.Most Read from BloombergHow Americans Voted Their Way Into a Housing CrisisFor Tenants, AI-Powered Screening Can Be a New Barrier to HousingHousing’s Worst Crisis in Decades Reverberates Through 2024 RaceAfter a Record Hot Summer, Pressure Grows for A/C MandatesChicago Hal