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Futures Steady as Tech Selloff Eases; Amazon Drops on AI Spending Surge

U.S. stock futures held steady in early premarket trading after a sharp tech-led decline earlier in the week, giving investors a moment to reassess the sector’s rapid pullback. Major index futures hovered near flat, suggesting a more measured tone after days of volatility. While sentiment remains cautious, some traders appear to be stepping back in following the recent selloff in high‑growth names. Amazon shares slipped in premarket action after the company signaled a significant increase in capital expenditures tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure. The planned investment highlights Amazon’s push to expand its AI capabilities, but the scale of spending raised concerns about near‑term pressure on margins. Market attention now turns to upcoming economic data and corporate earnings, which could help determine whether tech stocks regain momentum or continue to face headwinds. For the moment, futures point to a steadier start as investors look for the next catalyst.

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High‑Stakes Diplomacy: Iran and U.S. Seek Off‑Ramp in Oman Talks

 

                                          People walk past an anti-US mural on a street in Tehran

Iranian and U.S. negotiators convened in Oman this week for what officials on both sides quietly described as a pivotal round of indirect talks, aimed at easing a rapidly escalating confrontation across the Middle East. The discussions come amid heightened tensions following regional attacks, tightening sanctions, and growing fears that miscalculation could trigger a broader conflict.

Omani mediators, long trusted by both Tehran and Washington, are working to bridge gaps on issues ranging from nuclear activity to regional militia operations. While neither side has publicly confirmed major breakthroughs, diplomats familiar with the talks say the urgency is unmistakable: both countries appear eager to avoid a slide into open confrontation, even as they maintain firm public postures.

Analysts note that Oman has historically served as a discreet venue for sensitive U.S.–Iran diplomacy, including early contacts that paved the way for the 2015 nuclear agreement. Whether this latest effort can produce similar momentum remains uncertain, but the stakes are undeniably high. For now, the world watches closely as quiet conversations in Muscat attempt to steer two long‑time adversaries away from the brink.


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