WS #6240
No material new developments in the last 30 minutes. The previous synthesis remains current with no counter-signals or de-escalation to report.
Key developments
- Fed holds rates at 3.50%-3.75% with most dissents since 1992; Powell to stay as governor after chair term ends May 15
- UAE announces exit from OPEC, effective May 1, 2026
- Oil prices surge toward $120/barrel as Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed; Pentagon says Iran war cost $25B so far
- EU announces emergency energy subsidies up to €50,000 per company for farmers, fishing, and transport
- Bitcoin drops to $75,000 as risk-off sentiment intensifies
- PayPal to make Venmo a standalone business unit; stock jumps
- Pershing Square USA opens 18% below IPO price in NYSE debut