WS #2542

The data dump reveals escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz crisis, with significant market-moving developments. President Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the strait or face U.S. strikes on its energy infrastructure, as reported by multiple sources including CNN and Serbian media, heightening fears of a severe oil supply shock. This is corroborated by Goldman Sachs sharply raising its 2026 Brent oil price forecast from $77 to $85 per barrel and WTI from $72 to $79, citing reduced supply through Hormuz, with expectations of prices reaching $110 in March-April and a peak of $135. Concurrently, Qatar's LNG capacity has been severely damaged by attacks, reducing export capacity by 17% over five years, which benefits U.S. LNG exporters like Venture Global (VG), whose stock has surged over 60% in March. In contrast, gold prices have plummeted, erasing all gains for the year with an 8% drop to around $4,120 per ounce, driven by a stronger dollar and shifting rate expectations amid the conflict, indicating a breakdown in its safe-haven status. Asian markets are sharply down, with Tokyo falling 3.48% and Seoul 6.5%, and European markets are expected to open lower, reflecting broad risk aversion. Additionally, Tesla is negotiating a $2.9 billion purchase of solar equipment from China and preparing to enter India's energy storage market, signaling strategic expansions that could impact renewable energy and storage sectors.