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Italy Advances Tougher Measures on Migrant Arrivals

ILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured), during his visit to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 6, 2026.  Italy’s government has approved a new migration bill that would grant authorities the power to impose temporary naval blockades during periods of intense pressure on the country’s borders. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is designed to curb irregular sea crossings by restricting access to Italian territorial waters. The draft law would allow officials to bar vessels from entering for up to 30 days, with the option to extend the measure to six months if national security or public order is deemed at risk. The plan also strengthens border surveillance, increases penalties for human smuggling, and expands the list of offenses that can lead to deportation. Supporters argue the move is necessary to manage migration flows more effectively, whi...

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US Futures Edge Higher Ahead of Key Economic Signals

US stock futures are pointing to a slightly higher open today as Wall Street gears up for a week full of crucial economic data signals. Here’s what investors need to know:

  • Futures Performance:

    • Futures tied to the S&P 500 (ES=F) and the tech-heavy Nasdaq (NQ=F) both rose around 0.3%.
    • Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) were up about 0.2%.
  • Market Volatility:

    • Last week was a rollercoaster ride for markets, leaving investors “on edge.”
    • Despite ending practically where they started, major indexes experienced significant volatility throughout the week.
  • Upcoming Data:

    • Wednesday: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) will provide fresh insights into inflation.
    • Thursday:
      • July’s retail sales data will offer a glimpse into the state of the US consumer.
      • Walmart (WMT) earnings will also be closely watched.
  • Fed Rate Cut Expectations:

    • Markets are interpreting good news as a positive sign, but volatility may hinge on the data signals.
    • The slowing economy has shifted the debate from whether the Federal Reserve should cut interest rates in September to how much they should cut.
    • Traders expect a 25-basis-point cut next month, while some anticipate a larger 50-basis-point cut.


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