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Washington Presses Israel to Halt Strikes on Iran’s Energy Network

  Smoke rises in Sharjah, following reports of Iranian attacks after United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, March 1, 2026. The United States has urged Israel to stop its ongoing attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, according to multiple reports citing senior U.S. and Israeli officials. Key Developments U.S. officials delivered the request at high political levels and directly to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.  The Trump administration outlined several strategic concerns: A desire to maintain the possibility of future cooperation with Iran’s oil sector after the conflict. Fears that continued strikes could harm Iranian civilians.  Warnings that Iran might retaliate with large-scale attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, a scenario described as a potential “doomsday option.”  Context The request marks a rare moment in which Washington is attempting to restrain Israeli military actions, despite the two nations having ...

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Wall Street Eyes Labor Market Data and Powell’s Testimony

 

Wall Street drifted modestly lower before the opening bell on Monday, with investors focusing their attention on a trove of labor market data and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming appearances before Congress.

Here are the key points driving today’s market sentiment:

  1. Labor Market Data: This week, investors eagerly await several labor market reports. On Wednesday, the job openings and labor turnover report will provide insights into employment trends. Additionally, the more comprehensive February jobs report, due on Friday, will shed light on the health of the U.S. job market.

  2. Powell’s Testimony: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to make his semi-annual appearance before the House on Wednesday, followed by testimony to the Senate on Thursday. Investors will closely monitor his remarks for any signals regarding the timing of a highly-anticipated round of interest rate cuts. The Fed has already raised its main interest rate to the highest level since 2001 in an effort to combat surging inflation following the COVID-19 recession of 2020. Powell’s statements may provide clarity on whether further rate cuts are imminent.

  3. Inflation and Economic Strength: Despite the Fed’s hawkish stance, unexpectedly strong economic data has pushed back market expectations for rate cuts from March to June. The central bank’s decision will likely hinge on inflation trends. If inflation continues to retreat toward the Fed’s 2% target, rate cuts may be on the horizon.

  4. Market Reaction: Futures for the S&P 500 slipped 0.1% before the bell, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.3%. Investors remain cautious as they await Powell’s insights and assess the impact of labor market developments.

In summary, Wall Street’s attention is squarely on labor market indicators and Powell’s testimony this week. As the economy continues to recover, investors are keenly watching for signals that could shape monetary policy decisions in the coming months.


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