TL;DR

CIA: Iran’s nuclear sites crippled by U.S. strikes; Trump eyes early Powell replacement; Micron surges on AI.

Highlights

• CIA says U.S. airstrikes caused severe, multi-year damage to Iran’s Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear sites 1.
• Trump schedules Pentagon briefing Thursday on Iran strikes, promising detailed evidence of mission outcome 2.
• Trump administration considering early replacement for Fed Chair Powell; decision possible by October, with calls for significant rate cuts 5.
• Micron posts record Q3 revenue and earnings, projects strong AI-driven growth; shares rise 5% after hours 4.
• FHFA directs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to propose including crypto holdings in mortgage underwriting 3.
• Invesco and Galaxy file for spot Solana ETF; Cboe seeks approval for ETF bundling Solana-based PENGU memecoin and NFTs 810.
• U.S. Treasury bars transactions with Mexico’s CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector over cartel money-laundering allegations 7.
• FDA expands myocarditis warning on Pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccines, citing broader age range and new data 6.
• U.S. House passes FY26 VA and military construction spending bill; Senate debate expected 11.
• U.S. envoy signals imminent expansion of Abraham Accords in the Middle East 9.
• Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Ted Cruz, investigates alleged Chinese funding of U.S. green groups and climate litigation 13.

Commentary

Geopolitical risk is in focus after the CIA confirmed that U.S. airstrikes inflicted extensive, long-term damage on Iran’s key nuclear sites, setting back enrichment capabilities for years 1. With a Pentagon briefing scheduled for Thursday, traders should watch for further clarity on the situation and any potential regional response, especially in energy and defense equities 2.

The Trump administration’s consideration of an early replacement for Fed Chair Powell introduces new uncertainty for rates and the dollar. Markets may start to price in a more dovish Fed if a successor is named with a mandate for aggressive rate cuts, but the process also raises questions about central bank independence and policy continuity 5.

Micron ’s strong Q3 results and upbeat AI-driven outlook highlight ongoing strength in the semiconductor and AI infrastructure space, driving after-hours gains and likely supporting tech sentiment into the next session 4.

On the regulatory front, the FHFA’s move to consider crypto as mortgage collateral 3, along with new ETF filings for Solana and NFT/memecoin products 810, signals continued institutionalization of digital assets. This could support flows into crypto and related equities, with Solana and associated tokens in particular focus.

Sector-specific headlines include U.S. Treasury sanctions on Mexican banks tied to cartel activity 7, expanded FDA warnings on Covid vaccines 6, and the House’s passage of the VA/military construction bill 11. Each carries implications for financials, healthcare, and defense/infrastructure sectors, respectively.