WS #12147
The US-Iran conflict continues to escalate, with fresh US strikes causing 35 deaths and over 300 injuries, and Iran threatening to block more trade routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz. The IEA strategic petroleum reserve is nearly depleted, removing a key buffer against supply disruptions. Oil prices remain elevated, though energy stocks are retreating on hopes of a return to negotiations. Separately, New York has imposed a one-year ban on hyperscaler data centers, threatening AI infrastructure growth. SpaceX shares fell below their IPO price, down 41% from peak, reflecting broader tech weakness. On the corporate front, ASML raised guidance sharply but the stock barely reacted as markets await TSMC earnings for AI spending confirmation. Microsoft's new security chief is replacing top executives to force an AI overhaul, while Apple is in talks with PrismML to run AI models on iPhones. The US-Iran narrative is ESCALATING, with the Strait of Hormuz closure becoming a material risk to global energy markets.
Topics
Key developments
- US strikes on Iran kill 35, wound over 300; Iran threatens to block more trade routes
- IEA strategic petroleum reserve nearly depleted, removing key supply buffer
- New York imposes one-year ban on hyperscaler data centers over 50 MW
- SpaceX shares fall below IPO price, down 41% from peak
- Microsoft's new security chief replaces top execs to force AI overhaul
- Apple in talks with PrismML to run AI models on iPhones, reducing cloud dependency
- Fed Chair Warsh pushes back on AI-driven inflation narrative
- ASML raised guidance sharply but stock barely reacted; TSMC reports tomorrow