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Fed Turmoil Sends U.S. Futures Lower as DOJ Targets Powell

U.S. stock futures retreated as investors reacted to an unprecedented clash between the Federal Reserve and the Department of Justice. The downturn followed news that the DOJ has launched a criminal investigation involving Fed Chair Jerome Powell, injecting fresh uncertainty into financial markets already sensitive to policy signals. Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures all slipped in early trading, reflecting a broad pullback from recent highs. Tech‑heavy Nasdaq futures led the decline as traders reassessed risk appetite. The investigation centers on Powell’s testimony regarding renovations to Federal Reserve facilities. Powell has characterized the probe as politically motivated, suggesting it stems from tensions over the Fed’s resistance to political pressure on interest‑rate decisions. The episode has raised renewed concerns about the independence of the central bank — a foundational element of market stability. Investors are now weighing whether the conflict could influence up...
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Red Sea Shipping Crisis Worsens After US and UK Strike Yemen

 

The Red Sea, a vital waterway for global trade, has become a hotspot of conflict and insecurity after the US and UK launched airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been attacking commercial vessels with missiles and drones.

The airstrikes, which began on Thursday, were a response to the 27th Houthi attack on shipping since November, according to the US military. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have been targeting ships in the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a narrow passage that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

The escalation of violence has disrupted the flow of oil, gas, grains, and manufactured goods through the region, which accounts for about 12% of global seaborne trade. Many shipping companies have suspended or diverted their operations, opting for the longer and more costly route around Africa. Some insurers have also raised their premiums or restricted their coverage for vessels passing through the area.

The shipping crisis has added to the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, where a civil war has been raging since 2015. The UN estimates that more than 20 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and that millions are on the brink of famine. The airstrikes have also raised fears of a wider regional conflict, as Iran and its allies clash with the US and its allies over various issues, including the nuclear deal and Israel’s war in Gaza.

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