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Tragedy on Libya’s Coast as Migrant Bodies Wash Ashore

  FILE PHOTO: Migrants aboard an overcrowded boat are approached by the crew of the migrant search and rescue ship Sea-Watch 5, operated by the German NGO Sea-Watch, during a rescue operation in the Search and Rescue (SAR) zone in the central Mediterranean, off Libya. At least five migrants, including two women, were found washed ashore in the coastal town of Qasr al-Akhyar, east of Libya’s capital, Tripoli. Local police reported that the bodies were discovered along the Emhamid Al-Sharif shore, a location where residents first spotted them and alerted authorities.  According to police investigator Hassan Al-Ghawil, a child’s body had also briefly washed ashore but was pulled back into the sea by strong waves, prompting the coast guard to continue searching the area. All of the recovered individuals were described as dark‑skinned, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting perilous Mediterranean crossings.  The incident highlights the persistent huma...

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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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