WS #14423

The Middle East conflict continues to escalate, with Iran launching anti-ship missiles toward the Strait of Hormuz, targeting a U.S. aircraft carrier and escort vessels. This marks a significant escalation in hostilities, raising concerns about global oil supply stability and contributing to a surge in oil prices. The Saudi Energy Ministry confirmed that the East-West pipeline was temporarily shut down after attacks in the Riyadh and Medina regions, adding to the volatility in energy markets. Meanwhile, the Fed's hawkish stance remains a key factor in market caution, with investors wary of potential rate hikes. The tech sector shows mixed sentiment, with some companies performing well while others face headwinds due to market uncertainty. Notably, Tesla's stock surged following Elon Musk's post about expanding solar production capacity, indicating a positive sentiment in the tech sector despite broader market concerns.