WS #13149

From 500 msgs · 6 key-dev

The dominant theme is a sharp divergence within Big Tech: Amazon (AMZN) surged ~15% after reporting AWS revenue growth of 37% (fifth consecutive quarter of acceleration), operating margin of 39.4%, and raising 2026 capex guidance to $220B, while Apple (AAPL) plunged ~10% on a weak forecast driven by memory/component shortages ('RAMageddon'), erasing ~$500B in market cap and ceding the world's most valuable company crown back to Nvidia (NVDA). This is corroborated across multiple sources (GDELT, Benzinga, Seeking Alpha, dpa-AFX, Reuters). The Fed narrative is hawkish: three officials (Hammack, Kashkari, Logan) dissented in favor of a 25bp hike, and bond yields spiked with TLT falling below $82 for the first time since 2004. Geopolitically, the Iran war is ESCALATING: Iran struck Kuwait's Ahmad Al Jaber Air Base and claimed Hormuz is closed (CENTCOM disputes), while oil prices remain elevated (Brent ~$90, WTI ~$84.5). However, a counter-signal emerged: US Treasury notified banks via NY Fed to prepare for potential yen intervention, which could dampen USD strength. Additionally, the Hamas disarmament agreement is a de-escalation signal for Middle East risk, though Trump cautioned it will be 'complex to deliver.'

Topics

Key developments

  • Amazon surges ~15% on AWS acceleration and $220B capex raise
  • Apple plunges ~10%, erasing ~$500B, on memory shortage and weak guidance
  • Fed officials dissent for rate hike; bond rout deepens with TLT below $82
  • Iran strikes Kuwait and claims Hormuz closed; oil stays elevated
  • Hamas agrees to conditional disarmament; Trump says implementation complex
  • US Treasury prepares for potential yen intervention via NY Fed