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AI Anxiety and Metal Mayhem Shake U.S. Markets

U.S. stock futures stumbled as renewed doubts about the sustainability of the artificial‑intelligence boom rippled through financial markets. Tech-heavy benchmarks led the decline, with Nasdaq futures sliding and the S&P 500 also moving lower as investors reassessed whether AI-linked valuations have run too far, too fast. The unease wasn’t limited to equities. Precious metals experienced dramatic intraday swings, with gold and silver both whipsawing after a period of rapid gains. Traders pointed to shifting expectations around interest rates and safe‑haven demand as key drivers behind the volatility. The combination of tech-sector skepticism and commodity turbulence has created a tense backdrop for markets. While some investors see the pullback as a healthy reset, others worry it may signal deeper concerns about the durability of the recent rally. Markets now look ahead to upcoming economic data and corporate earnings for clearer direction.

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Judicial Rulings Block Mass Federal Layoffs, Challenge Trump's Downsizing Agenda

In a significant legal development, federal courts have intervened to halt the mass termination of U.S. government employees, dealing a blow to former President Donald Trump's efforts to reduce the size of the federal workforce. Judges in California and Maryland issued rulings mandating the reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees who were dismissed as part of a broader initiative to streamline government operations.

The courts found that the terminations violated established protocols for workforce reductions, with one judge describing the justification for the layoffs as a "sham". These rulings underscore the judiciary's role in ensuring that federal employment practices adhere to legal standards, even amid sweeping administrative reforms.

The decisions have sparked widespread debate about the balance between government efficiency and employee rights, highlighting the complexities of implementing large-scale organizational changes within the public sector. As the legal battles continue, the future of these workforce reduction plans remains uncertain.

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