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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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Trump’s Last-Minute Demands Throw Government Funding Plan into Disarray


In a dramatic turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump has rejected a bipartisan plan aimed at preventing a government shutdown just days before the deadline. This unexpected move has left House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republicans scrambling to renegotiate the terms to keep the government operational.

Trump's sudden demands have sent Congress into chaos as lawmakers rush to conclude their work and head home for the holidays. The president-elect's proposal includes a controversial provision to raise the nation’s debt limit, a measure often opposed by his own party.

Democrats have criticized the Republican opposition to the stopgap measure, which was intended to keep federal offices running and provide significant disaster aid. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of being instructed to shut down the government, thereby harming working-class Americans.

The bill, already on shaky ground, faced further rejection from hard-right conservatives and Trump’s ally, Elon Musk. Many lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the increased spending and other provisions in the 1,500-page bill.

As the deadline looms, the situation underscores the challenges Republicans will face next year as they take control of the House, Senate, and White House. It also highlights the significant influence Trump holds over the party’s legislative agenda.

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