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Europe Scorched by Record Heatwave: France and Italy Take Emergency Measures

As a blistering heatwave tightens its grip on Europe, countries are scrambling to protect citizens from soaring temperatures and mounting health risks. France has shuttered over 1,350 schools  and closed the top floor of the Eiffel Tower as temperatures surged past 40°C (104°F)  in several regions. Sixteen French departments are now under the highest heat alert, with authorities urging people to stay hydrated and indoors during peak hours. Meanwhile, Italy has imposed restrictions on outdoor work , particularly in agriculture and construction, during the hottest parts of the day. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice are under red alerts, with hospitals reporting a spike in heat-related illnesses. The Mediterranean Sea has also hit record highs, with waters in Spain’s Balearic Sea reaching 30°C , up to 6 degrees above average. Scientists warn that Europe—already warming at twice the global average —is facing increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. New ...

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Market Rally: US-China Tariff Cuts Spark Surge in Stocks

The stock market is experiencing a significant surge as investors react positively to the latest US-China trade agreement. The deal, which temporarily reduces reciprocal tariffs, has fueled optimism among traders, leading to a sharp rise in major indices.

On Monday, S&P 500 futures soared by 3%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures surged 2.4%, adding approximately 1,000 points. The Nasdaq 100 futures led the charge, rocketing up 4%, as investors rushed to capitalize on the newfound trade stability.

The agreement marks a 90-day pause on tariffs, with the US reducing duties on most Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China has lowered its 125% tariff on US goods to 10%. This unexpected tariff reduction has particularly benefited Big Tech stocks, with Nvidia, Amazon, Apple, and Tesla all seeing substantial gains.

However, not all sectors are celebrating. Pharmaceutical stocks took a hit, following President Trump's announcement of plans to cut US drug prices by up to 80%. Meanwhile, commodities such as oil and copper have rallied, while gold prices have tumbled.

As traders assess the broader implications of the tariff cuts, attention is now shifting to upcoming economic reports, including April’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI), which will provide insights into inflation trends.

With markets responding enthusiastically to the trade deal, investors are hopeful that this temporary reprieve will pave the way for a more stable global trade environment. However, uncertainty remains regarding the long-term impact of these tariff adjustments.



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