WS #5258

The dominant signal in this window is a significant de-escalation of the Strait of Hormuz geopolitical risk, directly contradicting the previous 'escalation' narrative. Multiple sources (jetstream.bsky, investing.com, Bloomberg via jetstream, GDELT) report Iran declaring the Strait 'completely open' for commercial ships amid an Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, causing Brent crude to plunge 10% (reported as 'tumbled over 10%' in previous awareness). This is corroborated by a Bloomberg headline indicating 'Canada stocks recover losses from Iran conflict as Strait opens'. This development counters the prior bearish energy/index signal and dampens inflation fears, leading to a risk-on rally in equities (TSX up 1.1%, European bourses accelerating). Concurrently, Bitcoin surges to $78,000 (Benzinga, alpaca.news) amid short-squeeze conditions, acting as a geopolitical hedge. In corporate news, Tesla's AI5 chip reaches 'tape-out' milestone (GDELT), a bullish signal for NVDA and semiconductor sector, while GOOGL is reported working on a Gemini AI agreement (jetstream). The Bank of England's Chief Economist reiterates hawkish stance on rates despite energy price drops, a bearish signal for growth stocks.