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Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Weakness Marks Final Week of 2025

U.S. stock futures edged lower Monday as markets entered the final trading week of 2025, with declines in major tech names weighing on sentiment. Nasdaq futures led the pullback, pressured by early drops in Nvidia and Tesla, both of which slipped more than 1% in pre‑market trading. S&P 500 futures dipped modestly, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures also traded slightly in the red. The soft start comes after a strong December rally that pushed major indexes near record highs, fueled by optimism around artificial intelligence, easing inflation pressures, and expectations for rate cuts in the year ahead. The tech sector’s stumble coincided with volatility in commodities. Silver, which briefly surged above $80, pulled back sharply, and gold futures also retreated after touching fresh highs last week. Despite Monday’s early weakness, all three major indexes remain on track to close the year with solid gains, capping a dynamic 2025 defined by rapid shifts in investor sentimen...

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Israel Agrees to Gaza Ceasefire Framework: Now Awaiting Hamas’ Decision

 


In a significant development, Israel has essentially endorsed a framework for a proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. The ball is now in Hamas’ court as they must decide whether to agree to it. A senior U.S. administration official revealed this information on Saturday, just a day before talks are scheduled to resume in Egypt.

The proposed framework includes a six-week ceasefire, which could provide much-needed relief to the conflict-weary region. Additionally, Hamas would be required to release hostages considered vulnerable, including the sick, wounded, elderly, and women. The Israelis have “more or less accepted” this proposal, according to the official. However, the final decision rests with Hamas, and efforts are ongoing to encourage their cooperation.

International mediators have been working tirelessly to broker this deal before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan (around March 10). If successful, the agreement would allow aid to reach hundreds of thousands of desperate Palestinians in northern Gaza. These individuals are currently under the threat of famine due to the ongoing conflict.

In response to the dire situation, U.S. military planes have initiated airdrops of thousands of meals into Gaza. Jordan and Egypt have also conducted similar airdrops. However, aid groups emphasize that airdrops should be a last resort. Instead, they advocate for the opening of other crossings into Gaza and the removal of obstacles at the few existing ones.

The European Union’s diplomatic service has expressed concern over the chaos surrounding an aid convoy in Gaza. Many of the hundreds of Palestinians killed or wounded during the incident were hit by Israeli army fire. The EU calls for an international investigation, attributing the crisis to "restrictions imposed by the Israeli army and obstructions by violent extremists to the supply of humanitarian aid".

As the talks continue, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a breakthrough that will alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire.


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