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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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Parliament's Last-Minute Decision on $21B Spending Bill


                                                                        

 In a dramatic turn of events, Members of Parliament are gearing up for an eleventh-hour vote on a $21.6 billion spending bill. The vote, which is set to take place late tonight, comes just hours before the crucial deadline of December 10th.

The bill, proposed by the Liberals, seeks to allocate funds for various programs, including the First Nations child and family services program and compensation for Quebec's services for asylum seekers. However, the path to this vote has been anything but smooth. Parliament has been in a deadlock for months as Conservatives have been pressing the Liberals to release documents related to alleged misspending on a green-tech fund.

In a surprising move last week, Speaker Greg Fergus ruled to pause the ongoing privilege debate, allowing the spending bill vote to proceed. This decision underscores the urgency and importance of the bill, which includes $561 million for the Department of National Defence's Canadian multi-mission aircraft project.

Government House leader Karina Gould expressed cautious optimism, stating, "I'm looking forward to having the vote. There's a lot of really good things in there for Canadians, and it's important we get this done."

The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for various government programs and services, making it a pivotal moment for Canadian politics.



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