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Trade Tensions Rattle Wall Street’s Momentum

After an impressive streak of gains that pushed major U.S. indices to record highs, the stock market faced a sharp reversal as renewed trade tensions triggered investor anxiety. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all pulled back in Friday’s session, with financials and industrials leading the retreat. Concerns were reignited after new tariffs targeting tech and manufacturing imports between the U.S. and China surfaced, prompting fears of escalating economic friction. These measures, aimed at protecting domestic industries, were met with criticism from global partners and stoked uncertainty about the broader trade landscape. Analysts note that while earnings remain strong and economic indicators are still resilient, the shadow of protectionism looms large. Investor sentiment, which had been buoyed by dovish monetary policy and solid corporate results, now finds itself caught in geopolitical crosswinds. Many traders are now recalibrating their expectations heading ...

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CNN Announces Major Layoffs Amid Ratings Decline

CNN is set to lay off hundreds of employees this week as it shifts focus to digital content and attempts to address falling ratings. The layoffs, expected to be announced on Thursday, are primarily aimed at reducing production costs and bolstering CNN's digital audience. 

The network has faced significant financial struggles throughout 2024, with a notable decline in viewership, especially after the November election. Despite launching a digital paywall and receiving a $70 million investment from parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's revenue has dropped from $2.2 billion in 2021 to $1.8 billion in 2023.

CEO Mark Thompson, who joined CNN in late 2023, has emphasized the importance of digital transformation, stating that traditional ratings matter less in the era of online news consumption. However, the network's performance in the crucial 25-54 age demographic has been its worst in recent years.

The layoffs will not affect CNN's marquee talent, including Jake Tapper, Kaitlan Collins, and Anderson Cooper. Instead, the cuts are expected to impact off-camera staff and production jobs in New York and Washington, D.C., with some programs potentially moving to Atlanta to save costs.

Thompson has dismissed the ratings collapse, arguing that CNN remains a top digital news outlet. However, the network's recent defamation trial and the resulting $5 million settlement have added to its financial woes.

As CNN navigates these challenges, it aims to reshape its programming and retain its audience while cutting costs. The network's future success will depend on its ability to adapt to changing media habits and the evolving news landscape.




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