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Market Volatility: Stocks Flatten as Powell's Remarks Weigh on Gains

The stock market experienced a turbulent session on Wednesday, ultimately closing near flat after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comments on monetary policy and inflation concerns. The S&P 500 ended nearly unchanged , giving back earlier gains as investors digested Powell’s remarks on the Fed’s stance regarding interest rates and economic restraint. Powell reiterated that the central bank remains cautious about inflation, particularly in light of tariff-driven price increases expected over the summer. While the Fed signaled that borrowing costs are likely to decline this year, the pace of future rate cuts appears to be slowing.  Following Powell’s speech, U.S. Treasury yields reversed their earlier declines , influencing market sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 43.83 points (0.10%) , while the Nasdaq Composite managed a slight gain of 23.66 points (0.12%).  Investors also kept a close eye on geopolitical developments, particularly tensions in the Midd...
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NATO Chief Urges Major Defense Expansion Amid Rising Threats


NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called for a 400% increase in air and missile defenses to counter growing threats from Russia. Speaking in London ahead of a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Rutte emphasized the need for a "quantum leap in our collective defense" to ensure the alliance's security.

The proposed expansion includes thousands of additional armored vehicles and millions of artillery shells, reinforcing NATO’s ability to deter aggression. Rutte highlighted the lessons learned from Russia’s actions in Ukraine, stating, "We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies".

The upcoming NATO summit is expected to address defense spending targets, with Rutte advocating for 3.5% of GDP to be allocated to military spending and an additional 1.5% for defense-related infrastructure. This proposal aligns with demands from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged NATO members to commit 5% of GDP to defense.

With 22 out of 32 NATO members already meeting the current 2% spending target, the alliance is poised for a significant shift in its defense strategy. The summit in The Hague on June 24-25 will likely determine the future trajectory of NATO’s military preparedness.

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