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Farmers Bring Their Demands to Athens as Costs Surge

Greek farmers with their tractors rally in front of the Greek parliament, over unsolved issues after weeks of blockades. Greek farmers converged on Athens in a powerful display of frustration over rising production costs that they say are pushing them to the brink. Driving tractors, carrying banners, and gathering in Syntagma Square, they demanded stronger government support to keep their farms viable. The protesters argue that soaring fuel prices, higher electricity bills, and increased costs for animal feed and fertilizers have made it nearly impossible to sustain their livelihoods. Many also want long‑term structural reforms, including better access to water resources and more predictable subsidies. Government officials have acknowledged the pressure on the agricultural sector and signaled willingness to negotiate, but farmers insist that previous promises have not been enough. Their message in the capital was clear: without meaningful relief, Greece risks losing a vital part of ...
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Market Turmoil as U.S. Consumer Confidence Plummets

In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. consumer confidence experienced its steepest decline in three and a half years, sending shockwaves through the stock market. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index fell to 98.3 in February, down from 105.3 in January. This seven-point drop marks the largest single-month decline since August 2021.

The decline in consumer confidence has been attributed to a mix of factors, including rising inflation, concerns over tariffs, and uncertainty surrounding the policies of President Donald Trump. Stephanie Guichard, senior economist for Global Indicators at The Conference Board, noted that consumers became increasingly pessimistic about future business conditions and less optimistic about future income.

The impact of this decline was felt across the stock market, with major indices experiencing significant losses. The Nasdaq Composite Index tumbled 1.4%, while the S&P 500 shed 0.5%. Investors are now closely watching upcoming economic data releases, particularly Friday's inflation report, for further insights into the state of the U.S. economy.

As consumer confidence wanes, the outlook for the U.S. economy remains uncertain. The potential for a recession looms large, with the Conference Board's expectations index dropping below the threshold that typically signals a recession ahead. For now, both consumers and investors are left grappling with the implications of this sudden shift in sentiment.


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