Apple has entered an exploratory stage of discussions with Intel and Samsung Electronics to produce its flagship device processors within the United States in a major effort to diversify its supply chain away from TSMC. These probable partnerships involve leveraging Samsung’s advanced manufacturing plant in Texas and Intel’s maturing foundry capabilities to secure high-end silicon for future iPhones and Macs, signs of Tim Cook's plan for synergistic supply chains. The news is another big win for Intel, whose stock price effectively doubled throughout April on the back of its Q1 earnings and rapid progress in its 18A fabrication technology. Although Apple maintains concerns regarding the reliability and massive scale required for its global product lines, the company is prioritising domestic secondary sourcing to mitigate ongoing AI-driven supply constraints. A manufacturing contract of this magnitude would serve as a definitive validation of Intel’s foundry ambitions and bring back semiconductor production back to America.

EQUITY

The S&P 500 retreated from record highs today, with reports of a merchant vessel explosion in the Strait of Hormuz triggering a sharp pivot toward risk aversion. Analysts forecast that this instability may keep market volatility elevated and pressure the 10-year Treasury yield, which recently hit its highest level since late March at 4.462%. The meme stock GameStop fell 10% after its ambitious $56 billion bid for eBay while only having $9 billion in cash.

GOLD

Gold prices start the week almost 2% down since the US dollar and bond yields shot up from the war in the Middle East, driving up volatility, where daily price swings can reach $150. Given this macro environment that stayed erratic, the "gold vault" model has emerged as a transparent hybrid option, combining the security of physical storage with the real-time liquidity and convenience of digital access.

OIL

Brent gained as much as 4.45% on Monday after a violent escalation that shattered a month-long ceasefire. Iranian drone and missile strikes on UAE energy infrastructure and commercial vessels prompted the U.S. to launch "Project Freedom" to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, though analysts warn that physical shortages could soon cause global economies to shrink. Market sentiment remains fragile, with experts predicting gas prices will continue to climb.

CURRENCY

The U.S. dollar has risen as a primary safe-haven asset, proved by record offshore deposits of $14.5 trillion while the dollar index remains steady near 98.50. The Australian dollar fell after the Reserve Bank of Australia increased rate to reduce high inflation from the energy shock. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen has stabilised around 157 per dollar following suspected government interventions worth roughly $35 billion, though analysts remain sceptical about a long-term reversal given Japan’s low rates.