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People's March: Thousands Rally in Washington Against Trump Ahead of Inauguration

  Thousands of demonstrators, predominantly women, took to the streets of Washington, D.C., on Saturday to protest President-elect Donald Trump just days before his inauguration. The event, known as the People's March, has been held annually since 2017 and was previously called the Women's March. The march, organized by a coalition of groups with varied interests such as climate change, immigration, and women's rights, aimed to confront "Trumpism" and draw on past successes against autocrats. Despite expectations of 50,000 participants, around 5,000 people gathered at three parks before marching to the Lincoln Memorial for the rally. Protesters carried signs with messages like "Feminists v. Fascists" and "People over politics," and many wore the iconic pink "pussy hats" from the 2017 Women's March. The event highlighted a range of issues, including gender justice, bodily autonomy, and democracy. The People's March has evolved ...

Wall Street Inches Lower as S&P 500 Nears 5,000 Milestone

 

On Thursday, Wall Street exhibited a cautious stance, with the S&P 500 teetering on the edge of a significant milestone: the 5,000 level. While futures for the S&P 500 dipped slightly by 0.2% before the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average remained virtually unchanged.

This week’s spotlight is on corporate earnings, as economic indicators from Washington take a back seat. Investors continue to grapple with turbulence in the regional banking sector. Notably, New York Community Bancorp faced another slide, dropping 4.9% early Thursday. The bank’s value has eroded significantly since last week’s surprise loss, attributed to its holdings in commercial real estate. Additionally, the acquisition of Signature Bank, which collapsed during last year’s mini banking crisis, has added to New York Community Bancorp’s challenges.

In brighter news, The Walt Disney Co. surged nearly 8% in premarket trading after reporting robust first-quarter earnings. Cost-cutting measures and increased revenue from theme parks contributed to Disney’s success. The company posted earnings of $1.91 billion, or $1.04 per share, marking a 49% increase from the same period last year.

However, not all companies fared well. PayPal, despite beating sales and profit forecasts, saw its shares plummet by nearly 9.7% before the bell. The culprit? A flat profit forecast for 2024 dampened investor enthusiasm.

In Asian markets, Hong Kong’s benchmark declined, while Shanghai advanced. China’s recent replacement of its top stock market regulator aims to bolster performance in what have been some of the world’s weakest markets this year. The new appointee, Wu Qing, known as the “broker butcher,” has a reputation for cracking down on market abuses like insider trading. The move signals China’s commitment to safeguarding smaller investors who have faced losses in recent sell-offs.

As the S&P 500 hovers near the 5,000 mark, investors remain watchful, balancing optimism with caution. The next steps in this financial dance will determine whether Wall Street can breach this historic threshold.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.


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