WS #8698
The dominant theme remains the escalating Middle East conflict, with no de-escalation signals. Multiple sources (BBC, CBS, Axios) report that Trump is seeking edits to the US-Iran deal, specifically on Strait of Hormuz and enriched uranium removal, and stated he is in 'no hurry' — this prolongs uncertainty for energy markets. Iran's chief negotiator said Tehran will not agree unless rights are fully secured. An Iranian kamikaze drone destroyed an oil refinery in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, adding to supply disruption risks. Rocket barrages targeted northern Israel, with sirens in Tiberias and the Lower Galilee. The Colombian presidential election first round results are confirmed: far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella leads left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda 43%-40%, heading to a June 21 runoff. This is a slight deviation from pre-election polls that had Cepeda ahead, and de la Espriella's stronger-than-expected showing could boost Colombian equity and energy sentiment. Japan's 10-year bond yield hit a 40-year high of 2.809% amid fiscal concerns over a $19B supplementary budget, pressuring Japanese financials and global bond markets. China's luxury spending is rebounding as the stock market recovers, a positive signal for LVMH and related tickers. Coinbase launches direct INR rails for India's crypto market, a positive for COIN. Nvidia CEO to kick off Computex in Taipei, a potential catalyst for NVDA. The ECB inflation print and May US jobs data are key macro events this week. The narrative arc is ESCALATING for the Middle East conflict, with new drone strikes on Iraqi oil infrastructure and continued rocket fire on Israel. The Iran deal negotiations remain stalled, with Trump reportedly in no hurry.
Key developments
- Trump seeks edits to US-Iran deal, says not in hurry; Iran insists on full rights
- Iranian kamikaze drone destroys oil refinery in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan
- Rocket barrage targets northern Israel, sirens in Tiberias and Lower Galilee
- Colombia first round: de la Espriella leads Cepeda 43%-40%, runoff June 21
- Japan 10-year bond yield hits 40-year high of 2.809% on fiscal concerns
- China luxury spending rebounding as stock market recovers
- Coinbase launches direct INR rails for India crypto market starting June 1
- Nvidia CEO to kick off Computex in Taipei