WS #10298

The dominant signal in this window is the confirmation of US Vice President JD Vance departing for Switzerland for Iran nuclear talks, with multiple sources (Bluesky priority accounts citing Reuters) corroborating the trip. Vance stated he can only be there for a day or two and aims to make progress on the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire. This diplomatic move acts as a counter-signal to the prevailing Strait of Hormuz closure narrative, suggesting de-escalation is being pursued at the highest level. Separately, a Bloomberg report indicates the Fed's favorite inflation gauge is expected to show faster inflation, which is a bearish signal for rate-sensitive assets. The UK political landscape sees reports that PM Keir Starmer is set to resign, with a timetable expected Monday, adding political uncertainty. Ukraine continues deep strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, with a drone strike crippling the Tyumen oil refinery in Siberia, the deepest such raid yet, which supports elevated oil prices and energy sector bullishness. The Germany vs. Côte d'Ivoire World Cup match is underway with an upset alert as Côte d'Ivoire leads 1-0, but this is sports noise with limited market impact.