WS #10737

The dominant signal in this window is the ESCALATION of the Asian tech selloff, with South Korea's KOSPI triggering a circuit breaker after plunging over 8%, corroborated by multiple sources (Investing.com, Bluesky posts). This is the most significant market-moving event, driven by fading AI sentiment and Apple's price hikes. Apple (AAPL) suffered its worst day in over a year, tumbling more than 6% after hiking MacBook and iPad prices, citing AI memory crunch. This directly impacts the broader tech trade and suppliers across Asia. Oil is sliding nearly 2% (WTI to $70.54) despite fresh Iran tensions, as markets look past supply concerns. The UN paused the Strait of Hormuz evacuation plan after a cargo ship was attacked, but oil is declining, suggesting a counter-signal that supply fears are easing. Binance to stop services to EU clients after failing to obtain a license, a regulatory blow to crypto. Europe is sweltering under a record-breaking heat wave, which could impact energy demand and utilities. The narrative arc is ESCALATING for the Asian tech selloff, with Apple's price hikes adding a new negative catalyst. The oil decline despite geopolitical tensions is a notable counter-signal.