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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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Ontario PCs Unveil $40-Billion Platform, Promise to Eliminate Alcohol Floor Price

Ontario's Progressive Conservatives, led by Doug Ford, have unveiled a campaign platform promising up to $40 billion in new spending. This announcement comes just three days before the provincial election. The platform includes several previously unannounced measures, such as a $5-billion Protect Ontario Account to counter potential U.S. tariffs, $705 million to expand STEM and skilled trades training at post-secondary institutions, and $50 million to support modular housing technology.

One of the most notable promises is the proposal to eliminate the minimum retail price for liquor. Currently, the minimum price for a 750-millilitre bottle of vodka is set to rise to $31.15 this weekend. Ford argues that removing the floor price will save consumers money and put more money back into their pockets, likening it to a tax break.

The platform, however, does not include a full costing breakdown of how these promises will be funded. Ford defended the absence of detailed cost estimates by citing his government's track record of fiscal responsibility over the past seven years.

As the election day approaches, voters will have to weigh these ambitious promises against the potential impact on the province's budget and economic stability.


: [Source 1](https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/ontario-pcs-make-40b-in-platform-promises-pledge-to-axe-floor-price-for-alcohol/ar-AA1zEG0C)

: [Source 2](https://ca.news.yahoo.com/doug-fords-pcs-promise-40b-174158783.html)

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