Trump threats, U.S. troop build-up raise specter of battle for Hormuz - The Washington Post

The U.S. troop buildup and public threats elevated the prospect that securing the Strait of Hormuz could become a central objective, raising regional tensions and operational concerns. Those security developments are feeding through to markets via higher oil prices and increased volatility, even as tech-led buying—including Amazon-driven AI interest—has provided pockets of support. Policymakers’ preference for limited deployments and diplomatic measures still shapes expectations, but investors are eyeing CPI and Taiwan Semiconductor as near-term market catalysts.