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Nations React to Reported $1 Billion Fee for Trump’s Peace Board

  President Trump said the Peace Board 'will embark on a new approach to resolving global conflict'. Reports surrounding President Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace have ignited global debate after claims surfaced that countries may be asked to contribute $1 billion to secure or maintain permanent membership. The board, envisioned as a body overseeing governance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, would reportedly be chaired by Trump himself, who would hold authority over which nations are admitted. A draft charter circulating among diplomats outlines three‑year membership terms, renewable only with the chairman’s approval. It also suggests that nations contributing $1 billion within the first year could bypass term limits and secure a permanent seat. The White House has pushed back on the reports, calling them misleading and insisting that no mandatory membership fee exists. Officials acknowledged that major financial contributors could receive greater influence but ...

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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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