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Markets Slip as Investors Bet on Extended U.S.–Iran Ceasefire

  Stocks Edge Lower as Investors Hope U.S.–Iran Ceasefire Will Hold Stocks drifted lower today as markets balanced cautious optimism over a potential extension of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire with persistent geopolitical and inflation concerns. Recent trading sessions have shown that even modest signs of diplomatic progress can meaningfully shift investor sentiment. Asian and U.S. markets rallied earlier this week on hopes that Washington and Tehran would continue negotiations, helping unwind some of the war-driven risk premiums that had pushed oil and volatility higher. Despite the pullback, investors remain hopeful that the ceasefire—currently set to expire soon—will be extended, giving negotiators more time to work toward a longer-term agreement. Reports indicate both sides are considering adding another two weeks to the pause, a move that has already helped push Brent crude below the recent peak of nearly US$120 per barrel. Lower oil prices have eased pressure on inflation expecta...

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TikTok Goes Dark for US Users Amid National Security Concerns

 

TikTok, the viral social media platform, has officially gone dark for its 170 million American users. This unprecedented shutdown follows a law enacted by Congress, which mandates the app's ban unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests its shares. The app's sudden inaccessibility has left millions of users in the lurch, with a message stating, "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now".

The shutdown comes just before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Trump has indicated that he will work on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office, potentially granting a 90-day extension to finalize an agreement. This intervention could provide a temporary reprieve for the app, which has been at the center of national security debates due to its Chinese ownership.

TikTok's fate now hangs in the balance, with users and creators eagerly awaiting further developments. The platform's shutdown marks a significant moment in the ongoing tension between the U.S. and China over data privacy and national security concerns.

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