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U.S. stock futures were mixed but leaning higher on Monday as investors braced for a pivotal Federal Reserve policy meeting later this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose about 0.2%, S&P 500 futures held near flat, and Nasdaq 100 futures dipped slightly after the tech-heavy index notched a fresh record last week. The rally has been fueled by growing expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates on Wednesday, with traders pricing in a 96% chance of a quarter-point reduction and a slim possibility of a larger 50-basis-point move. A cooling labor market — with unemployment at 4.3% and job growth slowing — has strengthened the case for policy easing. Tech stocks remain in focus, with Nvidia sliding over 2% after China’s antitrust regulator said the chipmaker violated competition laws. The news comes amid high-level U.S.-China trade talks in Madrid, adding a layer of geopolitical uncertainty to market sentiment. Despite the cautious tone, optimism around artifici...

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Farmers Rally in Madrid: Tractors Roar Against EU Policies

 


In a powerful display of discontent, hundreds of farmers have converged on central Madrid, steering their tractors through the city streets. Their mission: to voice frustration over European Union (EU) policies and demand relief from mounting production costs. This protest marks the culmination of more than two weeks of daily demonstrations across Spain.

Key Points:

  • Tractor Convoy: The sight of tractors rumbling through Madrid’s thoroughfares is unprecedented. These hardworking farmers are making their voices heard, emphasizing the challenges they face due to EU regulations.

  • Financial Strain: Farmers argue that the EU’s policies, particularly those related to the environment and other matters, impose a heavy financial burden. Their products become costlier compared to non-EU imports, affecting their livelihoods.

  • Spanish Perspective: Beyond EU policies, Spanish farmers also contend that a crucial law aimed at ensuring fair prices from major supermarket buyers remains unenforced. Meanwhile, consumer prices soar, exacerbating their plight.

  • European Echoes: Similar protests have reverberated across the EU bloc. In neighboring France, the continent’s largest agricultural producer, President Emmanuel Macron’s government grapples with angry farmers. Last month, major demonstrations swept through French cities, demanding better pay and assistance.

  • Call for Action: French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal acknowledges the farmers’ cries for change. He promises draft legislation to empower French farmers in commercial negotiations with distributors. Efforts to simplify hiring seasonal workers and protect local agriculture from imports are also underway.

As the tractors roll through Madrid, solidarity echoes across Europe. The struggle for fair treatment and sustainable farming practices continues, uniting farmers in their call for action.

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