Global markets navigate mixed economic signals as geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz drive energy prices higher, while tech sector faces pricing pressures and AI-driven infrastructure demands reshape valuations.

The US dollar eased from a 13-month high after mixed economic data, including inflation readings that slightly dampened expectations for continued aggressive monetary tightening.

Wall Street mostly rose as Micron delivered blowout earnings that sent chip shares soaring, though the S&P 500 and Dow gained while Nasdaq slipped as Big Tech faltered amid elevated PCE inflation data.

Apple raised prices on MacBooks and iPads, attributing increases to soaring memory and storage chip costs driven by the AI industry's datacenter demand, signaling broader cost pressures across the tech sector.

Iran's tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz is sending oil prices higher, with traffic remaining at roughly half peacetime levels despite a recent US-Iran agreement to halt hostilities and reopen the critical waterway.

The IMF noted that energy and commodity prices have fallen since the US-Iran deal but cautioned it will take time for prices to fully normalize, indicating lingering geopolitical risk in commodity markets.

Pakistan and Türkiye signed three memoranda of understanding to strengthen cooperation in the power sector, enhancing institutional collaboration and technical knowledge sharing in energy infrastructure.

India increased LPG supplies to non-household users and removed caps on commercial sector supplies following improved availability, addressing energy demands for industrial and commercial operations.

Retail investor participation is making stock markets less efficient while creating new opportunities for sophisticated traders, with AI further compounding market inefficiencies according to Goldman Sachs analysis.

SpaceX shares sank following its IPO surge as the company prepares for major index inclusion, highlighting how overhyped tech IPOs often underperform in the short term despite broader bull market sentiment.

IBM stock seesawed after unveiling a fingernail-sized chip advancing its AI capabilities, while Iron Mountain neared a buy point driven by 55% rally from surging data center demand tied to AI infrastructure buildout.