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Markets Rebound as Hopes for Iran–U.S. Dialogue Ease Geopolitical Tensions

U.S. stock futures edged higher on Wednesday as signs of potential diplomatic movement in the Iran–U.S. standoff helped calm volatile markets. Futures tied to the S&P 500 rose about 0.3%, the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.5%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures added 0.2% after a turbulent prior session.  The shift in sentiment followed reports that Iran has quietly approached the United States to discuss terms for ending the escalating conflict , a development that helped cool fears of further disruption in global energy markets. This diplomatic signal contributed to a rebound after Tuesday’s sharp sell-off, when concerns over widening conflict and rising oil prices rattled investors.  The conflict, now in its fifth day, has seen continued strikes and mounting casualties, adding to market unease. Iran is preparing for the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed in recent attacks, while regional tensions remain high.  Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Wednesda...
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Retail Sales Rise 0.3% in November as Americans Keep Spending

 

According to the Commerce Department, retail sales rose 0.3% in November from October, when sales were down a revised 0.2%. The figures aren’t adjusted for inflation. 

Excluding car and gas sales, sales rose 0.6%. Business at restaurants rose 1.6%, while sales at furniture stores rose 0.9%. Online sales rose 1%. Electronic and appliance sales, however, fell 1.1%. Sales at department stores fell 2.5%. 

The urge to spend for Americans appears to have some running room, even after a blowout summer. Consumer spending jumped in the July-September quarter. Economists have been expecting spending to slow in the final three months of the year as credit card debt and delinquencies rise, and savings fall.

This reflects a resilient consumer market as the holiday season progresses.

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