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Markets Slip as Investors Bet on Extended U.S.–Iran Ceasefire

  Stocks Edge Lower as Investors Hope U.S.–Iran Ceasefire Will Hold Stocks drifted lower today as markets balanced cautious optimism over a potential extension of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire with persistent geopolitical and inflation concerns. Recent trading sessions have shown that even modest signs of diplomatic progress can meaningfully shift investor sentiment. Asian and U.S. markets rallied earlier this week on hopes that Washington and Tehran would continue negotiations, helping unwind some of the war-driven risk premiums that had pushed oil and volatility higher. Despite the pullback, investors remain hopeful that the ceasefire—currently set to expire soon—will be extended, giving negotiators more time to work toward a longer-term agreement. Reports indicate both sides are considering adding another two weeks to the pause, a move that has already helped push Brent crude below the recent peak of nearly US$120 per barrel. Lower oil prices have eased pressure on inflation expecta...

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Wall Street Plunges as Trump Escalates Rare Earth Trade Clash with China

U.S. stocks endured their steepest decline since April after President Donald Trump threatened sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports in response to Beijing’s tightening of rare earth export controls. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump warned of a “massive increase” in tariffs and suggested canceling his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, intensifying fears of a renewed trade war.

The announcement rattled financial markets, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq sharply lower. Investors, who had recently driven indexes to record highs, rushed to sell amid concerns that escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies could weigh on global growth.

Rare earth minerals are critical to industries ranging from electric vehicles to defense technology, making the dispute particularly sensitive. Analysts cautioned that prolonged friction could disrupt supply chains and further unsettle already fragile investor sentiment.

The selloff underscores Wall Street’s vulnerability to geopolitical shocks, with trade uncertainty once again emerging as a dominant risk factor for markets.


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