WS #6236
No material new developments in the last 30 minutes. The previous synthesis remains current with no counter-signals or de-escalation to report.
Key developments
- Fed holds rates at 3.50%-3.75% with 8-4 vote, most dissents since 1992; inflation upgraded to 'elevated'
- Oil prices surge to multi-year highs as Strait of Hormuz blockade continues; Pentagon withdraws carrier, CENTCOM prepares strike plans
- Putin offers Victory Day ceasefire in Ukraine on May 9; Trump supports initiative
- Pershing Square USA IPO opens at $41.75, 16% below $50 IPO price, raising $5B
- Teradyne beats Q1 but issues conservative Q2 guidance, stock falls ~18%
- UAE quits OPEC effective May 1, reducing cartel influence