WS #5369

The dominant signal in this window is a significant escalation in the Strait of Hormuz crisis, directly threatening global oil supply and shipping lanes. Multiple high-confidence sources (Al Jazeera, GDELT, Iranian Revolutionary Guard statements via jetstream) report Iran has declared the Strait closed again, warning any approaching ship will be considered a target. This directly contradicts earlier announcements of a reopening and represents a rapid deterioration from the previous 'stable' narrative. This is a high-impact, immediate market-moving event. Concurrently, a major AI/tech supply chain signal emerges: The Verge reports a severe, multi-year RAM shortage, with memory makers expected to meet only 60% of demand by end-2027, driven by AI data center demand for HBM. This is a specific, high-significance supply constraint for the tech sector. A counter-signal to the energy crisis is developing: European leaders are reportedly planning a joint naval mission to Hormuz, defying Trump's call for NATO to 'stay away'. This could dampen the most extreme supply disruption fears. Additionally, a significant MAG7-specific development: GDELT reports Meta (META) has expanded its AI chip deal with Broadcom (AVGO), a multi-year, multi-generation partnership through at least 2029, involving an initial commitment of over 1 gigawatt. This is a bullish signal for both companies, reinforcing the AI infrastructure thesis.