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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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Trump and Zelensky to Sign Landmark Minerals Deal at White House

In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to meet at the White House today to finalize a minerals deal. The agreement aims to grant the United States access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals in exchange for American investment and potential security guarantees for Kyiv.

The deal is seen as a strategic win for both leaders. For Trump, it represents an opportunity to secure valuable resources and potentially reimburse American taxpayers for the substantial military aid provided to Ukraine. For Zelensky, the agreement could bolster Ukraine's economy and strengthen its security amid ongoing tensions with Russia.

However, the deal is not without controversy. Critics argue that the actual mineral wealth in Ukraine is uncertain and that much of it lies in war-torn regions, making extraction challenging. Additionally, there are concerns about the lack of clear security guarantees in the current framework of the agreement.

As the two leaders prepare to sign the deal, the world watches closely, anticipating the potential geopolitical and economic impacts of this landmark agreement.

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