WS #7932
The dominant theme in this window is the escalation of US-Iran tensions, with multiple corroborating signals. Benzinga reports that Mojtaba Khamenei says enriched uranium 'should not leave the country' and Trump vows not to let Iran keep the stockpile, causing oil futures to rise. This is corroborated by a Polymarket trade on 'US x Iran permanent peace deal by May 22, 2026?' and a separate Polymarket trade on 'Will the Iran ceasefire continue through May 24?', indicating market uncertainty. Additionally, Iran and Oman are in talks to impose permanent transit fees on Strait of Hormuz shipping, potentially generating $5-8 billion annually, which could further disrupt oil flows. A separate report from a Bluesky post indicates Brent crude topped $106/bbl on US-Iran talks uncertainty and lower US stockpiles. The Iran narrative is escalating, with direct implications for oil prices and defense stocks. Meanwhile, AMD CEO Lisa Su is speaking at a Taipei event, making multiple bullish comments: CPU market is tight, demand for CPUs will go up, AMD is ramping up supply every quarter, and the CPU market is growing at over 35% each year. She also noted China is about 20% of AMD's revenue and that AMD is following all US export control laws. These comments are positive for AMD and the broader semiconductor sector. China's state planner also announced plans to speed up AI implementation, which is a positive signal for AI-related stocks. Other notable items: Nvidia posts record revenue and announces $80B buyback amid AI boom (though this may be stale if previously reported). EOG Resources boosts buyback authorization to $20B. Rocket Lab secures $90M US Space Force contract. Take-Two forecasts $8B-$8.2B fiscal 2027 net bookings led by GTA VI launch. Lenovo shares surge 13% after earnings show AI-driven growth. Oil prices surge as Brent crude tops $106/bbl on US-Iran talks uncertainty and lower US stockpiles.
Key developments
- Iran's Khamenei says enriched uranium stays, Trump vows to block, oil futures rise
- AMD CEO: CPU market tight, growing >35% annually, ramping supply
- China's state planner to speed up AI implementation, enhance resource support
- Brent crude tops $106/bbl on US-Iran uncertainty and lower stockpiles
- Iran and Oman negotiate permanent Strait of Hormuz transit fees up to $2M per vessel