WS #2896

The data dump reveals significant developments in Middle East geopolitics that could materially impact energy markets and broader risk sentiment. The United States has sent Iran a 15-point peace plan demanding a 'free maritime zone' in the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iranian funding of regional proxies, as reported by multiple sources including Reuters, the New York Times, and Channel 12. This diplomatic initiative is corroborated by reports that Britain could send civilian ships to clear Iranian mines and that the UK's Royal Navy may lead a coalition to reopen the strait, with the UK offering to host an international security summit. However, opposition to a UN resolution calling for 'all necessary means' to open the strait indicates ongoing geopolitical friction. Two Indian-flagged gas tankers have passed through without incident, suggesting some normalization of transit, and Iran has told the IMO that 'non-hostile vessels' may transit if coordinated with Iranian authorities, per the Financial Times. These developments point to potential de-escalation, which could reduce the geopolitical risk premium in oil prices, with Brent crude already falling under $100 amid ceasefire reports. Corporate and economic signals include Arm Holdings targeting $15 billion in annual sales from new in-house chips, driving its stock higher with potential ripple effects on META and TSM. M-Tron Industries reported Q4 EPS of $0.99 beating estimates of $0.59, though sales slightly missed. Harrow priced a $50 million note offering, and a New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million in damages, which could pressure META stock. The API Crude Oil Stock Change showed a build of 2.300M barrels versus a consensus draw of -1.3M, which could pressure oil prices further if not offset by geopolitical developments. Chile's central bank left its benchmark interest rate at 4.5%, as expected, but warned that inflation could reach around 4% year-over-year in the second quarter due to increased international fuel prices and peso depreciation, highlighting ongoing inflationary pressures from the conflict.