Daily Brief Thematic (Sector/Industry): Ohayo Japan | We’re in Final Stages of Iran and more

In today’s briefing:

Ohayo Japan | We’re in Final Stages of Iran
Monday Delight: 18/05/2026
Energy Roundup : Brent Oil Price Back Near $110/Barrel as US-Iran Peace Negotiations Drag On

Ohayo Japan | We’re in Final Stages of Iran

US stocks closed higher on Wednesday amid growing optimism that the Middle East conflict may be entering its final stages following reports of advancing peace talks with Iran
Semiconductor and memory stocks rallied ahead of Nvidia earnings, supported by strong sector outlooks from Micron and a postponed strike at Samsung.
Nvidia fell 1% after hours despite beating Q1 revenue at $81.6 billion and projecting Q2 revenue up to $92.8 billion, driven by data center sales

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Brent oil gained ~$10/barrel over the past two weeks (Figure 1) in reaction to lack of progress toward ending the Iran war along with fears that the military action could resume.
President Trump said Monday that he agreed to delay his plan to strike Iran in hopes of further diplomatic negotiations and at the request of Middle East leaders (the major attack was reportedly planned to take place yesterday).
Adding to the regional tension, a nuclear plant in the United Arab Emirates was struck by a drone attack Sunday, resulting in a facility fire.

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