WS #9997

The dominant signal in this window is a coordinated Chinese policy push to open financial markets, with the FX regulator announcing new QDII quotas (via Reuters/Bluesky). This is an escalation of the prior China opening narrative, bullish for Chinese equities and financials. Separately, the Trump administration is intervening to halt an air pollution lawsuit against xAI, citing national security, which is a positive catalyst for xAI and related AI infrastructure plays. OpenAI's leaked financials show $21B in losses on $13B revenue, a negative signal for AI valuation sentiment. The BOJ is keeping markets steady with yen volatility at lows. Nikkei hit a record high. La-Z-Boy surged 17.66% after-hours on earnings beat. The Strait of Hormuz naval escort model is being explored, which could de-escalate oil supply fears. Four Iranian oil tankers are crossing the blockade line, a potential de-escalation signal. The FBI foiled a drone plot targeting Trump's White House UFC event, a security incident with no direct market impact. Most other items are sports, weather, or noise.