U.S. stocks edged lower as investors navigated a mix of rising oil prices, corporate earnings signals, and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all turned down after early gains, reflecting a market grappling with geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Indexes Pull Back All three major indexes slipped roughly between 0.3% and 0.6%, giving back some of the previous session’s momentum. The downturn followed renewed volatility in energy markets and cautious sentiment around consumer spending. Oil Prices Add Fresh Pressure Crude prices extended their sharp rally, driven by heightened worries over a potential U.S.–Iran conflict. Brent crude climbed above $71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $66 — its biggest daily jump since October. Rising energy costs revived inflation concerns and weighed on equities. Walmart Earnings in Focus Walmart posted stronger‑than‑expected results, but its cautious pro...
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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