WS #5876

From 147 msgs · 9 key-dev

Markets closed with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq at record highs, driven by a continued tech rally led by semiconductors. Intel surged over 20% after reporting a surprise profit of $0.29 EPS versus expectations of $0.016, with revenue of $13.6B beating estimates of $12.41B. The SOX index extended its winning streak to 18 sessions. Meanwhile, Google announced a $40B investment in Anthropic ($10B immediate, $30B contingent), following Amazon's $5B investment, intensifying the AI infrastructure race. On the geopolitical front, Iran rejected claims it requested US talks in Islamabad, stating its foreign minister is in Pakistan for ceasefire diplomacy with Pakistani officials, not US envoys. The US is sending envoys Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan, raising hopes for talks. However, the US Defense Secretary stated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is more Europe's fight than America's, escalating tensions with allies. Oil prices fell 2% on renewed diplomatic hopes. Bitcoin is on track for its best month in a year, holding above $77,000, supported by $5B USDT supply growth. The eurozone economy contracted in April (PMI 48.6) due to the Iran war, while S&P confirmed Germany's AAA rating and downgraded Slovakia from A+ to A. The DOJ closed its investigation into Fed Chair Powell, removing a political overhang. ADT disclosed a cloud breach exposing limited customer data.

Key developments

  • Intel reports Q1 EPS of $0.29 vs estimate $0.016, revenue $13.6B vs $12.41B; stock surges over 20%
  • Google to invest $40B in Anthropic ($10B immediate, $30B contingent) at $350B valuation
  • Iran denies requesting US talks; US envoys Witkoff and Kushner heading to Pakistan for potential talks
  • US Defense Secretary says reopening Hormuz is 'more Europe's fight'; pressures allies
  • Eurozone PMI contracts to 48.6 in April, first contraction in months due to Iran war
  • DOJ closes criminal investigation into Fed Chair Powell; case referred to internal watchdog
  • Bitcoin on track for best month in a year, up 13.6% in April; US Admiral calls BTC strategic for national security
  • S&P downgrades Slovakia from A+ to A, stable outlook; confirms Germany AAA