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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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Beauty Giant Braces for Global Trade Turbulence with Sweeping Job Cuts

 

Estée Lauder is set to slash up to 7,000 jobs worldwide as part of a sweeping restructuring initiative aimed at curbing costs and offsetting the impact of potential global tariff hikes. The American multinational, known for its prestigious brands such as Clinique, MAC, and Bobbi Brown, reported a 6% decline in quarterly sales amid weakening demand—especially in key Asian travel retail markets—and rising economic uncertainties linked to escalating trade tensions .

Under the leadership of its newly appointed CEO, Stéphane de La Faverie, the company is overhauling its operating model to become leaner, faster, and more agile. The restructuring is expected to generate annual savings of up to $1 billion, though it will incur restructuring charges estimated between $1.2 billion and $1.6 billion before taxes . De La Faverie acknowledged that the move is critical not only to reinvigorate sales growth but also to shield the company from external volatility—including the threat of increased tariffs imposed amid an intensifying global trade war .

Analysts note that this aggressive cost-cutting measure reflects broader industry pressures, where legacy beauty giants are increasingly challenged by nimble competitors and shifting consumer preferences. As Estée Lauder braces for further market headwinds, the job cuts are a stark reminder of the sweeping changes impacting even the most storied brands in a turbulent global economy.

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