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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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Hostages Set for Release Amid Gaza Ceasefire

 

Palestinian militant groups in Gaza have announced the release of three hostages on Saturday, in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire agreement with Israel. The hostages named for release are Iair Horn, U.S.-Israeli Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Russian-Israeli Alexandre Sasha Troufanov.

The announcement follows intense mediation efforts by Egyptian and Qatari officials to maintain the ceasefire, which has been under threat due to accusations of violations from both sides. The ceasefire, which began on January 19, 2025, was intended to facilitate the exchange of hostages and prisoners, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Hamas had previously threatened to halt the release of hostages, accusing Israel of blocking aid deliveries into Gaza. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the ceasefire would be canceled if the hostages were not released.

The release of the three hostages is part of a larger agreement that includes the exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The ceasefire aims to pave the way for further negotiations to secure the release of remaining hostages and to rebuild Gaza after 15 months of devastating conflict.

The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the agreement. However, the release of these hostages is seen as a positive step towards maintaining the fragile ceasefire and moving towards a more stable and peaceful resolution.


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