WS #135

The data window is dominated by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which are driving immediate market reactions. The Iran conflict has intensified, with reports of Iranian drone strikes targeting Oman's largest oil storage facility, corroborated by earlier Strait of Hormuz blockade news. This has spiked oil prices, with WTI Crude up 5.70% and Brent Crude up 5.60% in real-time, directly threatening global supply chains and likely to pressure energy stocks and broader indices like SPY in the next 1-8 hours. Concurrently, the U.S. is redeploying THAAD missile defense systems from South Korea to the Middle East, signaling heightened military readiness and potential for further volatility. In corporate news, several earnings reports show mixed signals. MariMed (OTC:MRMD) beat Q4 EPS estimates with $0.01 vs. $(0.01) expected, a 200% surprise, which could boost cannabis sector sentiment. Descartes Systems Group reported a Q4 EPS beat of $0.52 vs. $0.48 estimate, supporting tech stocks. However, Stratus Properties (NASDAQ:STRS) announced a plan of liquidation and dissolution, a significant development that may impact its stock and real estate sector. Lightwave Logic (NASDAQ:LWLG) signed a development agreement with Tower Semiconductor for high-speed modulators, potentially benefiting semiconductor stocks. Geopolitical developments overshadow routine SEC filings, with most 8-Ks being noise. The Iran-related energy shocks and military movements are the highest-signal items, likely to drive oil prices higher and increase market uncertainty, affecting energy, defense, and broader equity markets.