Midterm election spending in the U.S. has hit a record $11 billion, with candidates in key Senate races pouring over $15 million into fundraising ads. President Trump has been actively campaigning in tight races across states like Texas, Mississippi, and Kansas, though his approach has been unconventional. Instead of focusing on key issues like the economy and gas prices, Trump has been making jokes, such as comments about Ohio Sen. Jon Husted's physique, which has drawn attention but may not resonate with median voters. Despite low midterm turnout typically, the GOP base remains supportive, indicating strong MAGA votes are available.
The Israeli election remains too close to call, with record voter turnout deciding whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu retains his position or is replaced by his top rival, Gadi Eisenkot, a center-right former military chief of staff. Initial results suggested Eisenkot had the advantage, but by morning, Netanyahu pulled ahead. Final vote tallies are expected by tomorrow afternoon, and the leading candidate will have six weeks to form a governing coalition. However, both candidates face challenges in securing a majority, with Eisenkot's potential coalition complicated by mistrust and demonization of Arab political leaders following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.
The Federal Reserve is not expected to raise interest rates at today's meeting, despite consumer prices rising 3.7% in September compared to last year. Investors anticipate the central bank will remain low-key ahead of Election Day but may increase rates again in December. Meanwhile, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 10,000 infections since its declaration in May, marking the fastest-spreading outbreak in history and the second-highest in death toll, with nearly 5,000 deaths, including one-third being children.