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Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Overshadow Strong Bank Earnings

  US stock futures edged lower as investors balanced upbeat bank earnings against rising geopolitical unease tied to escalating tensions involving Iran. Contracts tied to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all traded in the red, signaling a cautious start to the trading day. Major banks delivered solid quarterly results, with strong trading revenue and resilient consumer activity helping lift sentiment in the financial sector. Yet the optimism was tempered by concerns that potential US responses to developments in Iran could inject fresh volatility into global markets. Energy prices climbed as traders braced for possible disruptions. The pullback comes at a moment when investors are already navigating a crowded landscape of economic data, inflation readings, and policy uncertainty. With markets on edge, even strong corporate performance wasn’t enough to counter the broader risk-off mood.

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Ontario is gearing up for a significant change on its highways as the Ford government announces an increase in speed limits. Starting July 12, drivers will experience a new pace of travel with speed limits rising to 110 km/h on select sections. This move is set to affect over 250 km of Highway 401, including stretches around Kingston and Belleville, as well as parts of Highway 403 near Brantford.

The decision follows a successful pilot program and consultations that began in 2019. It also aligns Ontario’s speed limits with those in other Canadian provinces, making for a more uniform driving experience across the country. The government assures that the highways were originally designed to safely accommodate the new speed limits, and data from the 2022 changes support this claim.

While the speed limit increase is welcomed by many for its promise of a more convenient commute, it does not alter the threshold for stunt driving charges. In Ontario, speeds exceeding 50 km/h above the posted limit can lead to such charges, and with the new changes, 150 km/h remains the cutoff.

As Ontario prepares for this shift, drivers are reminded to adjust their habits accordingly and enjoy the benefits of a faster, yet safe, journey on the province’s highways.

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