WS #5810

The data window shows escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Iran resuming mine-laying in the Strait of Hormuz and oil prices rising to $106/barrel. Trump has ordered the military to 'shoot and kill' Iranian boats laying mines. This is a significant escalation from the previous window's blockade. Separately, a US special forces soldier was charged with using classified information to bet $400,000 on Maduro's capture via Polymarket, highlighting insider trading risks. In corporate news, Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved the merger with Paramount Skydance, creating a $111 billion entertainment giant. TSMC shares surged on Taiwan lifting single-stock limits for funds. Gold prices continue to fall, with Indian gold dropping 900 rupees per 10 grams. The IMF warns of EU recession risk with 5% inflation due to geopolitical uncertainty. Meta's planned layoffs of 8,000 employees on May 20 are confirmed. The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire has been extended by three weeks, a de-escalation signal. India's oil import bill dropped 4.9% in March due to reduced volumes from the Strait crisis, but crude prices remain elevated.