WS #9266
The dominant signal in this window is the confirmation of Israeli airstrikes on military targets in western and central Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Karaj. The IDF confirmed the strikes, and oil prices surged over 4% (Brent crude rising above $96/barrel). This marks a significant escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict, with reports of strikes on Mehrabad Airport and a drone warehouse in Najafabad. The situation is ESCALATING. Separately, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Mindanao, Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings across the region, which could disrupt semiconductor supply chains. Asian markets are opening sharply lower: China's CSI 300 down 2.4%, STAR 50 down 4.8%, semiconductor index down 5.5%, and South Korea's KOSPI plunging over 7%. The NVIDIA-SK Hynix deal confirmation provides a bullish counter-narrative for tech, but the broader sell-off in Asian AI and semiconductor stocks dominates. The SpaceX IPO news ($150 billion in demand) is a positive signal for space and tech, but secondary to the geopolitical crisis.
Key developments
- Israel confirms airstrikes on military targets in western and central Iran; oil surges over 4%
- Magnitude 7.8 earthquake strikes Philippines; tsunami warnings issued
- Asian markets plunge: China STAR 50 -4.8%, KOSPI -7%, semiconductor index -5.5%
- NVIDIA CEO confirms multi-year, multi-billion dollar deal with SK Hynix for AI memory chips
- SpaceX IPO draws $150 billion in investor demand, valuation near $1.8 trillion