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Market Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment

  U.S. stock futures edged lower early Thursday as investors attempted to extend Wednesday’s rebound but remained cautious amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell about 0.4%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures slipped roughly 0.2% each. The pullback followed a strong regular session in which all three major indexes posted gains, with the Dow snapping a three‑day losing streak.  The overnight weakness reflects persistent market sensitivity to geopolitical developments. Escalating tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran continue to drive volatility across asset classes, with traders closely watching oil prices and inflation implications. Recent sessions have seen markets swing sharply as headlines shift, underscoring the fragile balance between economic fundamentals and geopolitical risk.  Despite the cautious tone, Wednesday’s rally showed that investors are still willing to buy into dips—particularl...

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U.S. and Ukraine Finalize Critical Minerals Agreement Amid Ongoing Conflict

 

In a significant development, the United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement on the terms of a critical minerals deal. This agreement comes amid ongoing efforts to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The deal is expected to see the U.S. jointly develop Ukraine's mineral wealth, with revenues going to a newly-created fund that would be "joint for Ukraine and America".

The agreement follows a series of intense negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal aims to compensate for the billions of dollars worth of wartime aid that Ukraine received under former President Joe Biden. Ukrainian officials hope that this agreement will improve ties with the Trump administration and lay the groundwork for a long-term U.S. security commitment.

President Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Washington, D.C., later this week to sign the agreement with President Trump. The deal is seen as a crucial step towards reaching a ceasefire with Russia and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Ukraine.

The critical minerals deal is central to Kyiv's push to win support from the U.S. as President Trump seeks to rapidly end the war with Russia. The agreement includes provisions for the joint development of Ukraine's mineral resources, including oil and gas, after the U.S. withdrew its demand for a $500 billion share in potential revenue from resource exploitation.

This landmark agreement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability to the region while fostering economic cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine.



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