WS #5891

The key market-moving signals in this window center on US-Iran ceasefire negotiations, with multiple sources reporting that Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi is traveling to Pakistan and US envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also heading there, raising hopes for direct talks. This has contributed to a 1.5% drop in WTI oil to $94.40 and a rally in US equities (S&P 500 +0.80%, Nasdaq +1.63% to new records). Intel surged ~24% after strong Q1 results and guidance, driving the semiconductor sector. The DOJ dropped its probe into Fed Chair Powell, removing a key uncertainty. Meta announced a 10% workforce cut (~8,000 employees) to focus on AI investments. Google/Alphabet plans to invest up to $40 billion in Anthropic. US authorities froze $344M in crypto linked to Iran. EU consumer sentiment plunged to -20.6% (vs -17.2% expected), the lowest since Dec 2022, signaling economic weakness. The US is pressuring Europe to take more responsibility for Strait of Hormuz security. Brazil banned Polymarket and 26 other prediction market sites. Netanyahu disclosed he was treated for prostate cancer but is in good health. The eurozone consumer sentiment drop and oil price dynamics are key macro signals.