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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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Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Futures Surge as Investors Await Powell's Remarks

                                     

U.S. stock futures rose on Wednesday, with tech stocks leading the charge towards fresh record highs as investors eagerly await Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's remarks for clues on future interest rates.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures climbed 0.5%, or over 200 points, while S&P 500 futures added 0.3% following an all-time closing high. Contracts on the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 led the way with a 0.7% gain.

Salesforce stock surged around 13% in pre-market trading after the software maker's quarterly revenue beat boosted hopes for its AI products. Shares of Okta and Marvell also jumped amid well-received earnings reports, setting a positive tone for tech stocks.

Investors are keen to hear Powell's speech in New York later today, with growing confidence in a potential December rate cut. Fed officials have signaled support for more easing as they prepare for their final meeting of the year.

A reading on private payrolls in November is also in focus after job openings data suggested the labor market is softening but not too much. The ADP report highlights a busy Wednesday of PMIs and other economic releases, leading into the all-important monthly jobs report on Friday.

Political turmoil in France and South Korea is also on investors' radar, with French lawmakers set to vote on a no-confidence motion and South Korea's president facing impeachment after briefly declaring martial law.


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