WS #2531

The 10-minute data dump is dominated by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which are driving significant market volatility and economic risks. The primary signal is the intensification of the Iran-US conflict, with Iran threatening to attack power plants supplying US military bases and to completely close the Strait of Hormuz in response to President Trump's ultimatum, corroborated by multiple sources including gdelt.global and European market reports. This has led to a sharp selloff in global equities, with European indices like the CAC 40 and DAX expected to open down over 1.5%, and Asian markets such as Japan's Nikkei falling 3.1% and South Korea's Kospi plummeting 6.5%. Concurrently, Goldman Sachs has raised its 2026 oil price forecasts, warning of a historic supply shock, with Brent crude trading around $113 per barrel. The International Energy Agency chief highlighted the crisis as a 'major, major threat' to the global economy, comparing it to the 1970s oil shocks. These developments are pressuring broad equity indices (SPY, QQQ) and boosting energy sector stocks, while defense stocks may see strength due to increased military procurement, such as Rheinmetall's bid for a UK defense contract. Counter-signals like diplomatic efforts from France's Macron are noted but do not offset the immediate escalation.