WS #8541

The dominant signal in this window is the US lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran demanding $300B in damages before nuclear talks. This is a major de-escalation that counters the prevailing oil supply crisis narrative, likely driving oil prices lower and benefiting importers/airlines while hurting energy stocks. Multiple sources (Bluesky posts) corroborate this breaking development. Additionally, SpaceX was awarded $6.45B in Space Force contracts ahead of its IPO, boosting defense and space-related tickers. The CFTC approved first Bitcoin perpetual futures on a regulated US exchange, a bullish signal for crypto. Snowflake Q1 revenue up 34% to $1.33B but faces securities suits and AI copyright claim, mixed. Target operating income declined 22.9% despite revenue growth, indicating cost control issues. Dark pool alerts show large institutional orders in SPY ($230M), suggesting institutional accumulation. Oil prices are declining (WTI -1.23%, Brent -1.20%) as Hormuz blockade lifts. Gold gains on anticipated US-Iran deal easing inflation fears. The narrative arc is DE-ESCALATING on the Iran/oil supply crisis, with the Hormuz blockade lift acting as a counter-signal to the previous bearish oil thesis.