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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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Market Jitters: U.S. Futures Slide Amid Tariff Worries, Tesla Takes a Hit

              

U.S. stock index futures experienced a decline on Monday as concerns over ongoing tariff disputes continued to weigh on investor sentiment. At 7:16 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis dropped 389 points (0.91%), S&P 500 E-minis fell 61 points (1.06%), and Nasdaq 100 E-minis slid 242 points (1.21%). The uncertainty surrounding trade policies, particularly between the U.S., China, and Canada, has fueled fears of a potential economic slowdown.

Mega-cap growth stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off, with Nvidia, Meta, and Amazon.com all seeing premarket declines of over 1.3%. Tesla shares fell 2.4% after UBS lowered its forecast for the automaker's first-quarter deliveries and reduced its price target for the stock.

The broader market also reflected investor caution. Futures tied to the small-cap Russell 2000 index dropped 0.9%, while Treasury bonds saw increased demand as a safe-haven asset. Banking stocks, including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America, also faced declines, with the broader banks index down over 8% for March.

Adding to the unease, China's retaliatory tariffs on select U.S. imports took effect on Monday, with additional U.S. tariffs on base metals expected later in the week. Investors are closely monitoring these developments, along with upcoming data on inflation, job openings, and consumer confidence, which could provide further insights into the health of the economy.

Tesla's decline highlights the challenges faced by the electric vehicle maker amid bearish forecasts and broader market volatility. The company's stock has been under pressure due to concerns over demand and pricing strategies.



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