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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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Israel’s Determination Amidst US Arms Embargo Threat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted Israel’s readiness to “stand alone” in the face of a potential US arms embargo. The stern declaration comes as tensions escalate in Rafah, Gaza, where Israeli forces are poised for a possible full-scale invasion to combat Hamas militants.

  • Defiant Stance: Netanyahu evoked the spirit of the 1948 War of Independence, emphasizing Israel’s historical resilience and capability to triumph despite arms embargoes and overwhelming odds.
  • US Warning: President Joe Biden has threatened to withhold critical military supplies, including artillery shells, if Israel proceeds with an invasion of Rafah, citing concerns over civilian casualties.
  • Humanitarian Crisis: The UN reports over 80,000 people have fled Rafah amidst continuous bombardment, with essential supplies like food and fuel dwindling for those remaining.
  • Continued Conflict: Despite peace talks faltering and the US’s stance, Israel maintains that victory over Hamas is unattainable without taking Rafah, underlining the ongoing seven-month war’s complexity.

Netanyahu’s remarks underscore a pivotal moment in Israeli-US relations, as Israel weighs its strategic options against the backdrop of international scrutiny and humanitarian considerations.

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