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Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Overshadow Strong Bank Earnings

  US stock futures edged lower as investors balanced upbeat bank earnings against rising geopolitical unease tied to escalating tensions involving Iran. Contracts tied to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all traded in the red, signaling a cautious start to the trading day. Major banks delivered solid quarterly results, with strong trading revenue and resilient consumer activity helping lift sentiment in the financial sector. Yet the optimism was tempered by concerns that potential US responses to developments in Iran could inject fresh volatility into global markets. Energy prices climbed as traders braced for possible disruptions. The pullback comes at a moment when investors are already navigating a crowded landscape of economic data, inflation readings, and policy uncertainty. With markets on edge, even strong corporate performance wasn’t enough to counter the broader risk-off mood.

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Wall Street Gains on Anticipation of Inflation Report and Fed Chair’s Event

 

Ahead of crucial inflation data and a public event by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Wall Street saw a rise in premarket trading on Wednesday. Investors are keenly awaiting Friday’s inflation report, which the Fed will closely monitor for its next rate policy decision. Powell’s subsequent webcast discussion at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco is expected to provide insights into potential rate cuts, with speculation of a reduction as early as May.

The U.S. economy has shown resilience despite higher interest rates aimed at controlling inflation, with the S&P 500 on track for its fifth consecutive winning month after a 9% surge this year. However, recent reports suggest a bumpier path in reducing inflation, with some costs exceeding expectations.

Amidst this economic backdrop, Trump Media & Technology Group’s shares soared after its IPO, despite financial losses and limited user growth. Meanwhile, global shares, particularly in Japan, were influenced by the yen’s decline to a 34-year low, prompting discussions among Japan’s monetary authorities.

Investors remain cautious as they consider whether the market has become overvalued after its recent rally, and analysts emphasize the need for broader profit growth to sustain current stock prices.

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