WS #2482

The dominant signal from this data dump is the escalating Strait of Hormuz crisis, with new developments that could significantly impact oil prices, global trade, and specific sectors. IEA Chief Fatih Birol warned of the worst energy crisis in decades, noting that 11 million barrels per day of oil have been lost—more than two major 1970s oil shocks combined—due to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz blockade. This is corroborated by reports of jet fuel prices surging 76% to $171 per barrel, causing airline ticket spikes in Africa and operational losses for carriers like Kenya Airways. The crisis is also affecting South Korea, with the won falling to 1,510 per dollar (lowest since 2009) and the Kospi down over 4%, reflecting broader Asian market volatility. Additionally, Tesla announced the Optimus 3 robot production start in summer 2026, with high-volume production by summer 2027, potentially boosting TSLA as analysts see robotics as a value driver. In corporate news, Apple's Tim Cook met with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, reaffirming China as Apple's key production base amid U.S.-China trade talks, which could stabilize AAPL sentiment. Meanwhile, foreign investors are selling Indian stocks at a record pace, with outflows nearing ₹93,698 crore in March, pressuring indices like the Sensex.