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Tehran in Turmoil as Residents Flee Following Trump’s Urgent Warning

The streets of Tehran are rapidly emptying as residents heed an urgent warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called for the immediate evacuation  of the Iranian capital amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.  Trump’s statement, posted on his Truth Social platform, emphasized that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon” and urged the city’s nearly 10 million residents to leave before it was “too late”. His remarks came as Israel intensified its airstrikes on Tehran, targeting key infrastructure and military sites.  Reports indicate that major roads leading out of Tehran are clogged with traffic, as families scramble to find safety. The city’s historic Grand Bazaar has shut down, an unusual move that underscores the severity of the situation. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities insist that “everything is under control” , though no official evacuation order has been issued.  The international community is closely monitoring the crisis, with leaders of the Gro...

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Stock Market Today: Dow Ends Lower as Investors Await Key Inflation Data

                                                    


The stock market experienced a cautious retreat today as investors closely monitored ongoing quarterly earnings reports from corporate America. All eyes are now on the release of key inflation data later this week.

Market Recap

  • Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI): The Dow closed 66 points lower, representing a 0.2% decline by 16:00 ET (21:00 GMT).
  • S&P 500: The broader market index fell 0.4% during the same period
  • NASDAQ Composite: The tech-heavy NASDAQ slipped 0.1%.

Earnings Highlights

Several companies made headlines with their earnings announcements

  1. Domino’s Pizza (NYSE: DPZ): Despite inflation pressures impacting margins, Domino’s Pizza stock soared over 5% after reporting quarterly results that exceeded Wall Street expectations. The pizza chain also announced a dividend hike and approved further share repurchases.
  1. Freshpet Inc (NASDAQ: FRPT): The pet-food manufacturer’s stock surged nearly 19% as fourth-quarter revenue and profit beat analyst estimates. Increased sales, coupled with strategic media spending, contributed to Freshpet’s strong performance.
  1. Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRKa): Despite posting its second consecutive record annual profit, Warren Buffett’s conglomerate saw its shares decline by 1.7%, inching closer to a $1 trillion market value.

Retail Earnings Ahead

As the fourth-quarter earnings season winds down, attention shifts to major retailers. Keep an eye on the following companies releasing their quarterly results this week:

  • Lowe’s Companies (NYSE: LOW)
  • Macy’s (NYSE: M)
  • TJX Companies (NYSE: TJX)
  • Best Buy (NYSE: BBY)

These retail earnings reports will provide insights into consumer strength amid concerns about sticky inflation and the prospect of higher interest rates.

Awaiting Inflation and GDP Data

Last week, the Federal Reserve signaled its reluctance to trim interest rates in the near term. However, investors remain cautious as they anticipate more key inflation readings. Specifically, the PCE price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, is in focus. Additionally, a second reading of fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) data is due on Wednesday. While U.S. economic growth has remained resilient compared to other developed countries, recent quarters have seen a cooling trend.

Keep an eye on market developments as we navigate the intersection of earnings, inflation, and economic data.


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