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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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Ceasefire Gains Momentum as Israel Releases Dozens of Palestinian Prisoners

 

In a significant move toward de‐escalation in the long‐running conflict, Israeli authorities have begun releasing dozens of Palestinian prisoners as part of an ongoing ceasefire deal with Hamas. The latest prisoner swap comes amid a series of reciprocal releases that have been central to the fragile truce established earlier this January.

According to reports, the release includes individuals held on a range of charges—from those convicted of participating in deadly attacks to others detained under administrative measures. This round of exchanges follows previous deals in which Hamas handed over several Israeli hostages, whose deteriorated condition sparked widespread public concern and condemnation from Israeli officials.

The prisoner release is seen as a tactical step intended to build confidence on both sides and create space for further negotiations aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire. International mediators have stressed that while the prisoner swap does not resolve all the underlying issues, it is a critical component of a broader effort to ease tensions and allow humanitarian aid to flow into the Gaza Strip.

At the same time, top figures in Israel and abroad have underlined the precarious nature of the ceasefire. Recent high‐level meetings—such as the joint press conference held by the U.S. president and the Israeli prime minister—have highlighted the international community’s role in trying to steer the situation toward a lasting solution. While both sides acknowledge that the deal is only a first step, the gradual process of exchanges is viewed by many as essential for paving the way toward ending hostilities and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

As the ceasefire enters its next phase, negotiators are set to discuss further measures, including the eventual release of all remaining hostages and a phased withdrawal of forces. For now, the latest exchange stands as a rare moment of conciliation amid an otherwise volatile regional landscape.

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