WS #5808

The data window shows escalating military activity in Iran, with multiple reports of explosions in Tehran and air defenses activated against hostile targets. This corroborates the previous window's Strait of Hormuz tensions and represents a significant escalation. The US has extended its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely, as reported by The Guardian, further tightening the chokepoint. Oil prices are reacting, with WTI at $94.35 (+1.50%) and the WTI roza los 100 dólares tras un salto del 6%. This is a high-significance escalation from the previous window's Iran tensions. Separately, Meta has confirmed plans to lay off 8,000 employees (10% of workforce) as part of a restructuring to focus on AI, with investments of $115-135 billion planned for 2026. This is corroborated by multiple sources (Reuters, BBC, DR, GDELT) and represents a significant cost-cutting move that could weigh on META stock. The layoffs are part of a broader trend, with Microsoft also offering buyouts to 8,750 US employees. Additionally, Apple is planning to launch smart glasses (project N50) in 2027 to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban, which could impact both AAPL and META. The US soldier charged with insider trading on Polymarket regarding Maduro's capture is a carry-forward from the previous window. The EU has approved a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine, which could provide a positive backdrop for European markets. The Indian stock market is down 2% in two days due to Iran tensions, while US markets saw a mixed session with the Dow falling 0.36% on Iran fears despite a chip sector boom. The peso mexicano weakened to 17.42 per dollar. Tesla reported Q1 net profit of $477M (weakest in 5 years) and has over 50,000 EVs in inventory, signaling demand concerns. NVIDIA is partnering with OKLO, which could boost OKLO stock. The dollar is heading for a weekly gain due to the Iran impasse.