WS #158

The data window reveals escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz and attacking merchant vessels, threatening to push oil prices to $200 per barrel. Multiple sources, including La Repubblica, Il Messaggero, and Il Tempo, corroborate that Iran has mined the strait and declared no oil will pass, directly impacting global supply. This follows earlier reports of oil price surges and strategic reserve releases, indicating severe supply disruption risks. Concurrently, an Italian military base in Erbil, Iraq, was hit by a missile, with Italian Defense Minister Crosetto confirming no casualties but highlighting regional instability. In corporate news, Atlassian announced a 10% global workforce reduction (1,600 jobs) as it embraces AI, which could pressure tech sector sentiment. Additionally, Broadcom reported strong earnings and an optimistic AI revenue forecast, potentially challenging Nvidia's dominance and affecting semiconductor stocks. Other items, such as routine SEC filings, local news, and non-market events, are noise with no immediate impact.