WS #11754

From 500 msgs · 15 key-dev

The US-Iran conflict continues to escalate with new airstrikes and counterstrikes, but oil prices eased ~2% as investors assess peace prospects and Trump's claim that Iran wants to 'make a deal.' The narrative arc is STABLE for the conflict, with oil pulling back despite fresh attacks. On the tech side, a massive $24M bullish QQQ call spread was executed, signaling high-conviction tech optimism. Micron announced plans to invest $250B+ in US memory chip production through 2035, fueling a semiconductor rally. Meta is reportedly planning to manufacture AI chips starting in September, and startup PrismML compressed a 27B-parameter AI model to run on an iPhone 17 Pro, with Apple reportedly reaching out—bullish for AAPL and edge AI. S&P downgraded Oracle to 'BBB-/A-3', the last rating before junk. WD-40 reported a massive earnings beat, raising guidance. Aritzia also beat estimates and raised guidance. Coinbase's CLO Paul Grewal is stepping down. The Fed announced task force teams including Marc Andreessen and Doug McMillon. Russia imposed a ban on diesel exports after Ukrainian drone strikes knocked out up to 40% of refining capacity. Carlyle is selling a $2.6B data center power unit to EQT for a fivefold return, highlighting AI infrastructure demand.

Topics

Key developments

  • US-Iran conflict escalates with new airstrikes; oil prices slip ~2% as peace prospects assessed
  • Micron plans $250B+ US investment through 2035, fueling semiconductor rally
  • Meta plans to manufacture AI chips starting in September
  • Startup PrismML compresses 27B-parameter AI model to run on iPhone 17 Pro; Apple reaches out
  • S&P downgrades Oracle to 'BBB-/A-3', last rating before junk
  • WD-40 Q3 earnings beat: EPS $2.33 vs $1.56 est, revenue $195.1M vs $172.8M est; raises FY guidance
  • Aritzia Q1 EPS C$0.96 beats C$0.88 est, revenue C$951M beats C$918M est; raises FY sales guidance
  • Ukrainian drones knock out up to 40% of Russia's oil refining capacity; Russia bans diesel exports