WS #12526

From 500 msgs · 5 key-dev

The US-Iran conflict continues to escalate with the 10th consecutive night of US strikes on Iran, as confirmed by CENTCOM footage and multiple sources. Goldman Sachs warns Brent could top $120 if Hormuz disruptions persist, while Houthis threaten to block Saudi shipping at the Red Sea. This is a significant escalation in the maritime blockade. Separately, Intel launched fresh layoffs in its Data Center and AI unit ahead of earnings, signaling ongoing restructuring under CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Nasdaq futures climbed 0.9% and S&P 500 futures rose 0.3%, suggesting a positive open ahead of Big Tech earnings (Alphabet, Tesla on Wednesday; Intel, IBM on Thursday). The AMD Helios launch from the previous window remains a high-significance positive for AMD and a potential headwind for NVDA, with no contradictory signals in this window.

Topics

Key developments

  • Goldman Sachs warns Brent could top $120 if Hormuz disruptions persist
  • Houthis threaten to block Saudi shipping at Red Sea gateway
  • Intel launches fresh layoffs in Data Center and AI unit ahead of earnings
  • Nasdaq futures climb 0.9%, S&P 500 futures rise 0.3% ahead of Big Tech earnings
  • AMD Helios AI system secures Microsoft, Meta, OpenAI, Oracle as customers — ongoing positive for AMD, headwind for NVDA