WS #10539

The dominant theme remains the intensifying tech selloff, with semiconductor stocks under renewed pressure. Micron (MU) is down ~13% to ~$1,060 ahead of earnings, with options pricing another major swing. A dark pool alert shows 4M shares of NOW traded at $96.88 ($387.52M total), indicating large institutional activity. Bitcoin slipped to $62,324 (-3.52%) as a stronger U.S. dollar and broader risk-off sentiment pressured crypto markets ahead of key inflation data. The Ethereum Foundation fired 54 employees and plans to reduce its budget by roughly 40%, adding to crypto bearishness. On the geopolitical front, the U.S. eased restrictions on Iran's World Cup team, allowing travel two days before its next match, but Trump said Iran's unfrozen funds will remain under U.S. control, and Pakistan's PM confirmed Iran's missile program will not be discussed with Americans. Ukraine's blockade of Russian-occupied Crimea is taking effect, with fuel sales suspended and power blackouts reported. The tech selloff narrative is ESCALATING, with no counter-signals in this window to offset the bearish pressure. However, a new development: Putin says Russia is prepared to engage in peace talks with Ukraine, which could be a de-escalation signal if confirmed. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court OKs ExxonMobil lawsuit over Castro-era property seizure, which could impact XOM. Meta is developing a prediction markets app, which could be a positive for META. The U.S. Supreme Court backs Trump policy on green card holder rights. A massive dark pool trade in NOW ($387.52M) suggests institutional accumulation in the software sector, potentially a counter-signal to the broad tech selloff.