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Wall Street Rises as Trade Negotiations Offer Market Calm

Wall Street edged higher in premarket trading on Wednesday, buoyed by investor optimism surrounding ongoing trade negotiations. The Trump administration’s recent extension of tariff deadlines to August 1 has eased immediate market anxieties, allowing traders to refocus on earnings and economic data. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow futures all posted modest gains, with the Dow E-minis up 127 points and Nasdaq E-minis rising 47.25 points. This uptick follows a volatile stretch triggered by sweeping tariff threats aimed at key U.S. trading partners, including Japan and South Korea.  “Markets have gotten used to how Trump negotiates,” said Ross Bramwell, strategist at Homrich Berg, noting that investors are now betting on a softer outcome from the aggressive opening stance. Meanwhile, European and Asian markets showed mixed reactions. Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi posted gains, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dipped amid uncertainty over China’s response. Investors are also eyein...

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Ex-Russian Transport Minister Found Dead Amid Corruption Probe Fallout

Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit was found dead on Monday near his Tesla vehicle in the Moscow region, just hours after being dismissed from his post by President Vladimir Putin. Authorities confirmed that the 53-year-old had suffered a gunshot wound, and a pistol registered in his name was recovered at the scene.

Starovoit’s sudden death has sparked intense speculation, particularly as it follows his abrupt removal from office without explanation. Investigators are treating the case as a possible suicide, though they have not ruled out other scenarios.

Before his appointment as transport minister in May 2024, Starovoit served as governor of the Kursk region, where he oversaw a controversial defense infrastructure project. Allegations have since emerged that billions of rubles allocated for border fortifications may have been embezzled. His successor, Alexei Smirnov, was arrested earlier this year in connection with the scandal and reportedly implicated Starovoit during questioning.

The Kremlin has appointed Andrei Nikitin, former governor of the Novgorod region, as acting transport minister. No official statement has been made by the Transport Ministry regarding Starovoit’s death.

The incident adds to growing concerns over internal instability and accountability within Russia’s political elite, especially as the war in Ukraine continues to strain the country’s infrastructure and economy.

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