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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. Envoy Excludes Europe from Ukraine Peace Talks

In a surprising move, the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, announced that Europe will not be part of the upcoming peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This decision has sparked concerns among European leaders, who fear being sidelined in discussions that directly impact their security.

The announcement was made during the Munich Security Conference, where Kellogg emphasized that the U.S. would act as an intermediary, with Ukraine and Russia as the primary negotiators. He stated that while European interests would be considered, they would not have a seat at the negotiation table.

European leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction with this decision, urging for more involvement in the peace process. Finland's President Alexander Stubb highlighted the importance of European participation in discussions about Ukraine's future and the broader European security structure. Despite these concerns, the U.S. administration remains firm in its stance, prioritizing other global challenges such as border security and countering China.

The exclusion of Europe from the peace talks has raised questions about the future of transatlantic relations and the role of European nations in addressing regional conflicts. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape.



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