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U.S. markets showed little movement early Tuesday as investors awaited a wave of corporate earnings reports. Futures for the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq were largely unchanged before the opening bell. General Motors surged over 9% after lowering its full-year tariff impact estimate and raising its adjusted earnings forecast. Coca-Cola shares rose 3.1% following stronger-than-expected sales and profit, aided by a 6% price increase during the quarter. Netflix and Mattel are scheduled to report after the market closes Tuesday, while Tesla reports Wednesday. Analysts note that corporate profits are under scrutiny following a 35% rally in the S&P 500 since April, with investors watching for signs of sustainable earnings growth amid concerns over elevated stock valuations. Earnings reports are also gaining attention as key U.S. economic data has been delayed by the government shutdown, complicating the Federal Reserve’s assessment of inflation and the job market. The Commerce Department will release consumer price data Friday, marking the first government report since the shutdown began Oct. 1. Global markets were mostly higher. Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged up 0.3% as Sanae Takaichi became the country’s first female prime minister. Germany’s DAX gained 0.2%, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.5%, and Britain’s FTSE 100 advanced 0.3%. Asian markets also saw gains, including Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (+0.7%) and Shanghai Composite (+1.4%). U.S. crude rose 32 cents to $57.54 per barrel, while Brent crude increased 30 cents to $61.31. The euro slipped to $1.1619 from $1.1641.

President Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States might purchase beef from Argentina to help reduce domestic prices for American consumers. “We would buy some beef from Argentina,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while flying from Florida to Washington. “If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down.” Earlier this week, Trump pledged to tackle rising beef costs as part of broader efforts to control inflation. U.S. beef prices have remained high due to drought conditions and limited imports from Mexico, where a flesh-eating pest has affected cattle herds. In addition, Trump has supported Argentina with a $20 billion credit swap and other financing measures from sovereign and private funds, aiming to stabilize the country’s faltering currency ahead of midterm elections for his ally, President Javier Milei.

Thousands of protesters took to streets across the United States on Saturday in the “No Kings” demonstrations, denouncing what they see as President Donald Trump’s drift toward authoritarianism. Crowds carrying signs with slogans like “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” and “Resist Fascism” packed New York City’s Times Square and gathered in parks in Boston, Atlanta, and Chicago. Demonstrators marched through Washington and downtown Los Angeles and picketed outside state capitols in several Republican-led states, a courthouse in Billings, Montana, and hundreds of smaller public venues nationwide. While Trump’s Republican Party dismissed the rallies as “Hate America” events, many protests resembled street parties. Marching bands performed, giant banners of the U.S. Constitution’s “We The People” preamble were displayed for signatures, and participants wore inflatable costumes, particularly frogs, which have become a symbol of resistance in Portland, Oregon. This was the third major mobilization since Trump returned to the White House, occurring amid a government shutdown that has closed federal programs and services and is testing the balance of power as the executive branch challenges Congress and the courts. In Washington, Iraq War Marine veteran Shawn Howard said he had never protested before but joined the rally due to what he described as the Trump administration’s “disregard for the law.” He cited immigration detentions without due process and the deployment of troops in U.S. cities as “un-American” and signs of eroding democracy. “I fought for freedom and against extremism abroad,” said Howard, who also spent 20 years at the CIA on counter-extremism operations. “Now, I see extremists here at home pushing us toward civil conflict.” Meanwhile, Trump spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. In a Fox News interview before attending a $1 million-per-plate MAGA fundraiser, he said, “They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.” A Trump campaign social media account mocked the protests with a computer-generated video showing him in royal attire. Nationwide demonstrations In San Francisco, hundreds of people spelled out “No King!” on Ocean Beach, while first-time protester Hayley Wingard, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, expressed concern over military deployments in U.S. cities, particularly Portland. Portland saw tens of thousands gather downtown for a peaceful demonstration. Later, a few hundred protesters and counterprotesters confronted federal agents outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, with tear gas deployed at times. The location has been the focus of nightly protests since June, prompting the Trump administration to attempt National Guard deployment, temporarily blocked by a federal judge. Salt Lake City hosted about 3,500 participants outside the Utah State Capitol, advocating hope and healing after a fatal shooting during the city’s first “No Kings” march in June. Birmingham, Alabama, drew over 1,500 participants, evoking the city’s history in the Civil Rights Movement. Jessica Yother, a mother of four, said, “It just feels like we’re living in an America I don’t recognize. Walking into this crowd, I thought, ‘Here are my people.’” Organizers aim to build opposition Democratic U.S. Senator Chris Murphy described the rallies as confidence boosters for citizens previously hesitant to speak out. Top Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, participated, highlighting opposition to Trump’s actions from free speech restrictions to military-style immigration raids. Organizers reported more than 2,600 rallies nationwide on Saturday. Sanders addressed the crowd in Washington, saying, “We’re here because we love America. The American experiment is in danger under Trump, but we the people will rule.” Republican response Republicans labeled protesters as far-left extremists responsible for the ongoing government shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana called the events a “Hate America rally,” claiming participants included “antifa types” and Marxists. Protesters responded with humor and theatrics, reflecting Trump’s own performative style. In New York, police reported no arrests. Democrats seek to regain footing Democrats have refused to vote to reopen the government without health care funding, while Republicans say they will discuss the issue only after the government reopens. Observers note this marks a shift from six months ago, when Democratic divisions allowed earlier funding bills to pass without challenging Trump. Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, a key organizing group, said, “What we see now is Democrats showing some spine. The worst thing they could do is surrender.”   Source: AP

President Donald Trump announced Friday that domestic automakers will receive extended relief from tariffs on auto parts, prolonging a previously short-term rebate through 2030. The proclamation also formalized a 25% import tax on medium and heavy-duty trucks, effective Nov. 1. The measures aim to boost U.S. manufacturing while easing the higher costs on parts and raw materials caused by Trump’s import tariffs. Originally introduced in April, the rebate was scheduled to phase out by 2027. Trump had described it as short-term assistance “during this little transition,” anticipating that automakers would bring production lines back to the U.S. Senior administration officials, speaking anonymously, said the extension follows discussions with the auto industry, with the goal of expanding domestic production and improving competitiveness. The updated rebate offers 3.75% of the sales price on domestically assembled vehicles, calculated from the 25% tariff on parts that represent roughly 15% of a vehicle’s cost. Truck and engine manufacturers are now included in the rebate. Trump had previously announced new tariffs on imported trucks via social media on Oct. 6, while buses will face a 10% tariff. Imports covered under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are exempt. The pact, effective since 2020, is scheduled for renegotiation next year. The moves come as U.S. consumers face record-high vehicle prices. Kelley Blue Book reported that the average new car buyer spent $50,080 in September, up 3.6% from last year.

President Donald Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, signaling hesitation over approving Kyiv’s request for long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles. The meeting follows Trump’s extended phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, during which the two discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Although Trump had recently shown openness to the missile sale, he appeared to retreat from the idea after Putin’s warning against such a move. Meanwhile, former National Security Adviser John Bolton is expected to surrender to authorities and appear in a Maryland federal court Friday over allegations of mishandling classified materials. Bolton’s attorney insists he committed no wrongdoing. The case is the third in a month involving figures critical of Trump, fueling debate over political bias in the Justice Department. In Europe, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hailed his country’s selection as the venue for an upcoming Trump-Putin meeting aimed at discussing a potential peace deal in Ukraine. Orbán said Hungary’s opposition to arming Kyiv influenced the choice. Separately, an AP-NORC poll found Trump’s approval on foreign policy has risen following his role in brokering a Gaza ceasefire, though his overall domestic approval remains stagnant at around 40 percent.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday warned Hamas that “we will have no choice but to go in and kill them” if internal bloodshed persists in Gaza, amid rising tensions following last week’s ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. Trump’s stark warning contrasts with his earlier comments downplaying the violence in Gaza. On Tuesday, he had noted that Hamas had eliminated “a couple of gangs that were very bad” and killed some gang members, adding, “That didn’t bother me much, to be honest with you.” The president did not provide details on how the U.S. might act on his threat, and the White House did not immediately clarify. Nonetheless, Trump stressed his limited patience with killings carried out by Hamas against rival factions within the territory. “They will disarm, and if they don’t do so, we will disarm them, and it’ll happen quickly and perhaps violently,” Trump said. Following Israel’s military advances in Gaza, Hamas-run police, which have maintained security since the militants seized power 18 years ago, largely withdrew. Armed gangs and influential local families, including some anti-Hamas factions reportedly backed by Israel, have filled the security vacuum. Many have been accused of hijacking humanitarian aid and selling it, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the territory. Trump’s ceasefire plan had called for all hostages — living and dead — to be returned by a deadline that expired Monday. Hamas was required to provide information about deceased hostages and return them as soon as possible. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday demanded that Hamas fully comply with the ceasefire requirements regarding hostages’ bodies. Hamas’ armed wing said in a statement that it had handed over all the remains it could access and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire terms.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he will soon meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary, to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine, following a “productive” phone call between the two leaders. Trump, who is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, wrote on social media that “great progress” had been made during his latest conversation with Putin. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed the announcement, saying, “We are ready!” Before the Trump-Putin meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead U.S. officials in talks with Russian representatives next week. Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump — their fourth this year — is expected to focus on Kyiv’s request to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles, which would allow Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russian territory. The Ukrainian president argues such weapons could pressure Moscow to take peace talks seriously. Trump has said he’s weighing the sale but acknowledged the move would be “as much political as military.” Russian officials have warned that supplying Tomahawks would cross a “red line” and worsen relations. Analysts say Ukraine may benefit more immediately from Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles and ATACMS systems already approved for sale by Washington. The Tomahawk, with a range of about 1,600 kilometers, would dramatically expand Ukraine’s strike capacity. Trump’s renewed diplomatic push comes as he seeks to end both the Ukraine and Gaza wars — key promises from his 2024 campaign. Fresh off the Gaza ceasefire, Trump has expressed new optimism that Moscow could now be pressured to negotiate. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy is also expected to urge Trump to impose tougher sanctions on Russia. While Congress is considering legislation to target countries that buy Russian oil and gas, the White House has yet to fully endorse the proposal. Officials say Trump’s team has reviewed the draft sanctions bill, signaling growing interest in economic measures aligned with the president’s foreign policy goals. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington is waiting for stronger European participation before moving ahead. “We will respond,” Bessent said, “if our European partners join us.”

Fresh from brokering a fragile Gaza ceasefire, President Donald Trump said Thursday his next priority is to end Russia’s war on Ukraine, signaling readiness to pressure Moscow, and even provide long-range Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv, if Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate. Ending both the Gaza and Ukraine wars was central to Trump’s 2024 campaign promise. But despite repeated efforts, he has struggled to convince Putin to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the war nears its fourth year. Now, buoyed by progress in the Middle East, Trump says he’s determined to “get Russia done first.” Trump will host Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, their fourth meeting this year. Ahead of the talks, Trump said he’s weighing the sale of Tomahawk cruise missiles — a system capable of striking nearly 1,000 miles inside Russia — if Putin doesn’t agree to peace talks soon. The move would mark a sharp escalation and test Moscow’s “red line.” Analysts say supplying Tomahawks would be more symbolic than immediate, given the time needed for training. Instead, experts recommend bolstering Ukraine’s arsenal with ERAM and ATACMS missiles already approved for sale. Zelenskyy is also expected to push Trump for tougher sanctions on Russia. While Congress debates a bipartisan bill to impose steep tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, Trump has focused on pressuring NATO allies and India to curb Russian crude imports. Behind the scenes, the White House is quietly engaging with senators to refine the sanctions bill, signaling growing openness to stronger economic measures. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. seeks “greater buy-in from Europe,” stressing that “Putin threatens Warsaw, not Boston.”

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed that he has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela and said his administration is also weighing possible land operations there. The rare public acknowledgement of a CIA operation follows a series of recent US military strikes targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. Since early September, US forces have destroyed at least five vessels — four of them reportedly originating from Venezuela — killing 27 people. Asked at the Oval Office why he had authorized the CIA to take action, Trump said he did so for two main reasons. “I authorized for two reasons, really,” he said. “No. 1, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America. And the other thing, the drugs — we have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela, and a lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea.” Trump added that his administration is “looking at land” as it considers further strikes in the region. However, he declined to say whether the CIA has been given authority to act against President Nicolás Maduro directly. His comments came shortly after The New York Times reported that the CIA had been authorized to carry out covert operations in Venezuela. Maduro hits back In response, President Nicolás Maduro criticized the record of the US spy agency in various global conflicts, though he did not directly address Trump’s remarks. “No to regime change that reminds us so much of the overthrows in the failed eternal wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and so on,” Maduro said during a televised meeting of the National Council for Sovereignty and Peace, which includes representatives from political, economic, academic, and cultural sectors. He accused the CIA of being behind numerous coups and human rights abuses in Latin America, referencing Argentina’s “30,000 disappeared” during its military dictatorship (1976–1983) and the 1973 coup in Chile. “How long will the CIA continue to carry on with its coups? Latin America doesn’t want them, doesn’t need them, and repudiates them,” Maduro declared. Calling for peace, he said: “The objective is to say no to war in the Caribbean, no to war in South America, yes to peace.” Switching to English, he added, “Not war, yes peace. The people of the United States, please, please, please.” Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry also issued a statement rejecting Trump’s “bellicose and extravagant statements,” calling them a “serious violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.” “This unprecedented statement obliges the international community to denounce these clearly immoderate and inconceivable remarks,” the ministry said in a statement posted by Foreign Minister Yván Gil on Telegram. Pushback in Congress Earlier this month, the Trump administration declared drug cartels to be “unlawful combatants” and said the United States is now in an “armed conflict” with them — a move that has drawn bipartisan criticism in Congress. Lawmakers from both parties accused the administration of effectively committing acts of war without congressional approval. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said while she supports efforts to curb trafficking, the administration’s actions have gone too far. “The Trump administration’s authorization of covert CIA action, conducting lethal strikes on boats and hinting at land operations in Venezuela, slides the United States closer to outright conflict with no transparency, oversight or apparent guardrails,” Shaheen said. “The American people deserve to know if the administration is leading the U.S. into another conflict, putting servicemembers at risk or pursuing a regime-change operation.” Two US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the administration has yet to present lawmakers with concrete evidence proving that the targeted boats were carrying narcotics. Instead, officials have pointed to unclassified video clips of the strikes shared on social media by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Lawmakers have expressed frustration at the lack of clarity about how the administration determined that the United States is engaged in armed conflict with cartels, or which groups it considers “unlawful combatants.” While the US military continues to launch missile strikes, the Coast Guard has maintained its regular interdiction operations to seize drugs from suspect vessels. Defending the shift in strategy, Trump said the traditional approach has failed. “Because we’ve been doing that for 30 years, and it has been totally ineffective,” he said. “They have faster boats — world-class speedboats — but they’re not faster than missiles.” Human rights organizations have expressed alarm, warning that the strikes could violate international law and amount to extrajudicial killings.   Source: AP

Former President Joe Biden is receiving radiation and hormone therapy as part of a new phase of treating the aggressive form of prostate cancer he was diagnosed with after leaving office, a spokesperson said Saturday. “As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” said Biden aide Kelly Scully. The 82-year-old Democrat left office in January after he had dropped his bid for reelection six months earlier following a disastrous debate against Republican Donald Trump amid concerns about Biden's age, health and mental fitness. Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris, who was Biden's vice president. In May, Biden's postpresidential office announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and that it had spread to his bone. The discovery came after he reported urinary symptoms. Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using what is known as a Gleason score. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive. Last month, Biden had surgery to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead.