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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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Senate Republicans Advance Trump's Tax Cut Agenda Amidst Controversy


In a significant political move, U.S. Senate Republicans have passed a budget blueprint aimed at extending President Donald Trump's 2017 tax cuts. The measure, approved after an intense late-night session, allows Republicans to bypass the Senate's filibuster and proceed with tax, border security, and military priorities without Democratic support.

The blueprint proposes making the 2017 tax cuts permanent, which reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. However, the individual tax cuts, set to expire this year, are also included in the plan. Critics argue that the measure could add $5.7 trillion to the federal debt over the next decade, though Republicans estimate the cost at $1.5 trillion.

Democrats have voiced strong opposition, warning that the plan could jeopardize Medicaid and other essential programs. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the move as favoring the wealthy at the expense of middle-class Americans.

The measure now heads to the Republican-led House of Representatives for further debate. Its passage marks a pivotal step in advancing Trump's economic agenda, though it faces significant scrutiny and potential hurdles in the coming weeks.

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