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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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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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