Stock markets mostly fell during cautious trading sessions on Thursday, one day before a key speech expected to offer signals about future interest rate cuts in the United States.

Israel hammered Gaza City and its outskirts overnight, residents said Thursday, as the military announced it had taken initial steps in its push to capture Hamas's last major stronghold.

A stalled front will produce showers and storms beginning this afternoon through Sunday evening before drier conditions and slightly cooler temps enter the forecast area next week.