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Russia Deploys Submarine as U.S.–Venezuela Tanker Standoff Escalates

  The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. Russia has sent a submarine and additional naval vessels to escort an oil tanker that the United States attempted to seize near Venezuela, escalating an already tense maritime confrontation. The tanker, recently renamed Marinera , was approached by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter as part of Washington’s efforts to disrupt sanctioned oil shipments linked to Venezuela. Russian officials framed their naval deployment as a protective measure for a vessel they now consider under their jurisdiction. Footage released by Russian media showed the U.S. cutter shadowing the tanker as it continued its voyage after failing to load crude in Venezuelan waters. The move highlights the growing geopolitical friction surrounding Venezuela’s oil trade, where U.S. sanctions and Russia’s support for Caracas frequently collide....

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Wall Street’s Momentum Cools After Its Latest Record-Setting Week

 

Wall Street, fresh from its recent record highs, has taken a step back as the new trading week begins. The S&P 500 dipped by 15.99 points, representing a 0.3% decline, settling at 5,218.19 in a subdued day of trading. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a 162.26-point drop (equivalent to 0.4%) to reach 39,313.64. The Nasdaq composite also retreated, losing 44.35 points (or 0.3%) to close at 16,384.47.

This cooling momentum comes after a remarkable run for Wall Street, which had been scaling new heights. Investors are closely monitoring the Federal Reserve for any signals regarding potential interest rate cuts. The recent surge in the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen has also raised concerns, prompting speculation about market intervention. The dollar’s ascent to nearly 152 yen—a significant jump from slightly above 130 yen a year ago—has drawn attention. Meanwhile, the euro stands at $1.0818, up from $1.0810.

In Asia, shares exhibited mixed performance. Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined by 1.2%, reaching 40,414.12, as investors booked profits following the index’s recent record-breaking highs. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged up by 0.2% to 16,535.89, while China’s Shanghai Composite gained 0.3%, closing at 3,056.52. The Chinese yuan (renminbi) weakened to a four-month low of 7.2282 against the U.S. dollar. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 bucked the trend, rising by 0.5% to 7,811.90. South Korea’s Kospi experienced a slight decline, losing 0.2% to settle at 2,743.04.

As the week unfolds, investors remain watchful for further cues from the Federal Reserve and potential market developments. Wall Street’s recent retreat serves as a reminder that even record-setting rallies can encounter moments of moderation.

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