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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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Trump's 10% Tariff: A Global Trade Shake-Up

The United States has begun enforcing President Donald Trump's controversial 10% tariff on imports, marking a significant departure from post-World War II trade norms. This "baseline" tariff, effective at U.S. ports and customs warehouses, is the first step in a broader strategy that includes higher levies on goods from major trading partners.

The move has already sent shockwaves through global markets, wiping out $5 trillion in stock value for S&P 500 companies and causing oil and commodity prices to plummet. Countries like Australia, the UK, and Saudi Arabia are among the first to face the new tariff, with even steeper rates set to impact the European Union and China in the coming weeks.

While the White House defends the tariffs as a response to trade imbalances, critics warn of escalating tensions and potential economic fallout. This seismic shift in U.S. trade policy is reshaping global dynamics, leaving nations scrambling to adapt.

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