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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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Russia's Christmas Day Assault on Ukraine: A Grim Reality


On Christmas Day, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, targeting key facilities and causing widespread power outages. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as "inhumane," emphasizing the deliberate timing of the attack to coincide with the holiday. 

The assault involved over 70 missiles and more than 100 drones, with significant damage reported in cities like Kharkiv and Dnipro. Despite Ukraine's efforts to intercept many of the missiles and drones, the attack led to severe disruptions in electricity and heating, leaving many Ukrainians without power in freezing temperatures.

This attack marks the 13th major strike on Ukraine's energy sector this year, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country. Ukrainian officials have described the strikes as "Christmas terror," highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Russian aggression.

The international community continues to watch closely as Ukraine works to restore power and provide relief to its citizens amid the ongoing conflict.

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