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Market Jitters as Cooling GDP Meets Hotter Inflation

  US stock futures slipped on Friday as investors weighed a mixed batch of economic signals. Fresh data showed that US GDP growth cooled in the fourth quarter, while the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge—the core PCE index—picked up momentum, raising questions about the path of interest rates.  Futures tied to the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 dipped about 0.3%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell 0.2%, breaking a three‑day winning streak. Traders also kept a close eye on geopolitical tensions involving the US and Iran, as well as a potential Supreme Court decision on tariffs that could sway market sentiment.  The combination of slowing growth and rising inflation has left markets cautious. Investors are now looking ahead to upcoming economic releases for clearer direction on how the Fed may respond in the months ahead.

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Russia's Diplomatic Dance: Lavrov Lauds Trump, Criticizes Europe

In a recent statement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for his "pragmatic" approach to ending the Ukraine conflict. Lavrov highlighted Trump's "common sense" and his willingness to shift U.S. foreign policy dynamics, contrasting it with Europe's stance, which he described as perpetuating global conflicts over centuries.

Lavrov accused European nations of being the "crucible of all the tragedies of the world," citing historical events like colonization, the Napoleonic Wars, and World Wars I and II. He criticized European leaders for their continued support of Ukraine, suggesting that their actions prolong the conflict rather than seek resolution.

The remarks come amidst ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, with the Ukraine war remaining a focal point of international diplomacy. Lavrov's comments underscore Russia's strategic narrative, positioning itself as a counterbalance to what it perceives as Western decadence and aggression.

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