U.S. stocks edged lower as investors navigated a mix of rising oil prices, corporate earnings signals, and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all turned down after early gains, reflecting a market grappling with geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Indexes Pull Back All three major indexes slipped roughly between 0.3% and 0.6%, giving back some of the previous session’s momentum. The downturn followed renewed volatility in energy markets and cautious sentiment around consumer spending. Oil Prices Add Fresh Pressure Crude prices extended their sharp rally, driven by heightened worries over a potential U.S.–Iran conflict. Brent crude climbed above $71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $66 — its biggest daily jump since October. Rising energy costs revived inflation concerns and weighed on equities. Walmart Earnings in Focus Walmart posted stronger‑than‑expected results, but its cautious pro...
Elon Musk's Ultimatum to Federal Workers: A New Era of Accountability
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the federal workforce, Elon Musk has issued an ultimatum to all federal employees, demanding that they provide a detailed account of their accomplishments over the past week within 48 hours. This directive, announced via Musk's social media platform, X, has sparked confusion and concern across various government agencies.
Musk, who serves as President Donald Trump's cost-cutting chief, emphasized that failure to comply with this request would be interpreted as a resignation. The email sent to federal employees instructed them to list approximately five bullet points of their weekly achievements and to cc their managers.
The directive has been met with mixed reactions. Some agencies have advised their employees not to respond, while labor union leaders have condemned the move as an example of the administration's disregard for federal workers and the essential services they provide. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has threatened legal action, arguing that the order is both cruel and disrespectful.
As the deadline approaches, the federal workforce remains in a state of uncertainty, with many employees questioning the authenticity and implications of Musk's directive.
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