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Khamenei Accuses Trump of Stoking Deadly Unrest in Iran

A demonstrator holds the burning head of an effigy depicting US President Donald Trump during a protest against the US. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has intensified his criticism of the United States, directly accusing President Donald Trump of encouraging the wave of protests that has shaken the country. The demonstrations, which began as economic grievances, quickly expanded into broader political unrest and were met with a forceful response from Iranian security forces. Khamenei framed the turmoil as part of a foreign-backed effort to destabilize the Islamic Republic, arguing that Washington — and Trump personally — sought to inflame tensions and undermine Iran’s stability. Trump had publicly expressed support for the protesters and warned Iran against harsh reprisals, comments that Tehran dismissed as interference. While Iranian leaders attribute the unrest to outside influence, many demonstrators point to long-standing domestic frustrations, including economic h...

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US Futures Tread Water After S&P 500’s Record Close

                                        

US stock futures held steady on Wednesday following a record close for the S&P 500. Investors are closely watching fresh economic data and Federal Reserve minutes for hints on potential rate cuts in this holiday-shortened session.

  • S&P 500 Futures (ES=F) traded flat after the benchmark index ended Tuesday above 5,500 for the first time.
  • Nasdaq 100 Futures (NQ=F) remained little changed.
  • Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures (YM=F) edged up 0.1%.

The stock market is preparing for an early close (1 p.m. ET) on Wednesday ahead of the Independence Day holiday. Jerome Powell’s remarks on cooling inflation have fueled hopes for an interest-rate cut, even as he signaled no immediate urgency to act. Traders are currently pricing in 65% odds of a rate decrease in September, according to CME’s FedWatch tool.

Eyes are now on updates regarding private payrolls and jobless claims, providing insight into the labor market before the key June jobs report release on Friday. Additionally, data on services activity and factory orders will be closely watched for signs of further economic slowing that could prompt policy adjustments.

In corporate news:

  • Paramount Global (PARA) shares climbed over 12% due to reports that Skydance Media has acquired a controlling stake in the entertainment giant.
  • Tesla (TSLA) shares rose almost 3% in pre-market trading following a 10% surge on Tuesday after the EV maker exceeded Wall Street delivery estimates.

Investors are bracing for the July 4th closure, keeping a keen eye on economic data as they assess the path forward. 


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