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Tech Giants Lift Markets as Investors Brace for Fed Decision

Both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq hit their highest levels in more than a week on Monday. Wall Street finished the day on a strong note, with major U.S. indexes advancing as investors positioned themselves for a pivotal week of corporate earnings and a closely watched Federal Reserve meeting. Market Momentum The S&P 500 and Nasdaq extended their recent winning streak, marking their longest run of gains in weeks. Confidence was fueled largely by heavyweight technology stocks, which continued to attract buyers ahead of their upcoming earnings reports. What’s Driving the Optimism Companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Broadcom, and Meta helped propel the market higher. Their performance has been central to the broader rally, especially as enthusiasm around artificial intelligence remains a dominant theme in tech valuations. Eyes on Earnings and the Fed Investors are now turning their attention to earnings guidance from these major firms, which could determine whether t...

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Mideast Enters Dangerous New Phase With Iran’s Attack on Israel

 

In a significant escalation of tensions, Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, firing over 300 drones and missiles. The attack, which took place on a Saturday evening, was largely thwarted by Israel and its allies, including the US, UK, and France, with most of the projectiles intercepted before reaching Israeli airspace¹. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported, although a 10-year-old girl in Israel was badly injured by falling shrapnel, and an army base sustained light damage.

US President Joe Biden condemned the assault in the strongest terms, emphasizing that it was the first attack from Iranian soil against Israel. Israeli officials warned that this incident marked "a severe and dangerous escalation" from Tehran. However, neither the US nor Israel indicated immediate plans for retaliation against Iran. The attack came after Iran's embassy compound in Syria was hit by missiles on April 1, resulting in the deaths of seven Iranian officers. Iran stated that it would refrain from further assaults unless Israel responded strongly.

Despite the tension, stock markets in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern countries experienced only slight declines. Iran deliberately limited the scale of its retaliation, aiming for maximum symbolism but minimum damage. The situation remains precarious, and global leaders are coordinating a united diplomatic response. Oil prices surged following the Syria strike, with Brent climbing above $90 a barrel, and analysts speculating it could reach $100 if direct conflict between Iran and Israel escalates. The Israeli shekel weakened, and Israeli stocks initially rose but later reversed gains. Saudi Arabia expressed deep concern over the military escalation developments in the region.

As the Middle East enters this perilous new phase, the world watches closely, aware that the situation could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and international relations.



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