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Markets Rebound as U.S. Ceasefire Proposal to Iran Sparks Investor Optimism

  U.S. stock futures surged early Wednesday as reports of a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal to Iran boosted market sentiment and pushed oil prices sharply lower. Investors reacted positively to signs of potential de‑escalation in the Middle East, lifting Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures after a volatile week. U.S. stock futures climbed on Wednesday following reports that Washington sent Iran a 15‑point ceasefire plan aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The development injected cautious optimism into global markets, which have been rattled by geopolitical tensions in recent weeks.  Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 rose around 1% , while Nasdaq 100 futures jumped more than 1% , reversing some of the previous session’s losses. The shift in sentiment was amplified by a sharp retreat in oil prices— WTI crude fell over 5% , easing inflation concerns and improving the outlook for corporate margins.  The reported ceasef...

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China Strikes Back: Retaliatory Tariffs Signal Renewed Trade Tensions

 

New U.S. tariffs have come into force, triggering an immediate response from Beijing. As the 10% duty on Chinese exports takes effect, Chinese officials have announced a series of countermeasures aimed at protecting national interests and sending a strong message to Washington.

In a swift reply, China will impose a 15% tariff on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas imports, and a 10% levy on U.S. crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large vehicles. The retaliatory measures also extend to the imposition of export controls on key rare earth metals that are critical for high-tech manufacturing and the transition to clean energy. In addition, Chinese regulators have launched an antitrust investigation into Google, further intensifying the dispute.

Although these new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on Monday, their announcement underscores Beijing’s readiness to challenge U.S. protectionist policies. China has vowed to defend its interests through legal channels at the World Trade Organization, while also leaving open the possibility for negotiations aimed at de-escalating the growing trade conflict.

These developments highlight that, despite ongoing calls for dialogue, the trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies remains far from resolved.


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