Wall Street Shock: Strong US jobs data flipped risk sentiment, triggering the market’s worst day of 2026 and wiping about $1T+ in value, with semiconductors hit hardest after Broadcom’s weaker AI guidance. Oil & Geopolitics: OPEC+ meets as the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption keep oil prices elevated, with analysts warning output pledges may not cool markets. AI Infrastructure Backlash: Canada’s rapid buildout of AI data centres is meeting growing protests over land, water and power use. Semiconductor Volatility: SK Hynix slid nearly 10% after a brief $1T market-cap milestone, underscoring how cyclical memory stocks remain. India Growth View: Neelkanth Mishra says India can sustain 8%+ growth despite crude shocks, framing the slowdown fears as “narrative.” Nigeria Capital Markets: Highcap links a N4.92T NGX loss to repositioning ahead of the Dangote Refinery IPO, while listed insurers saw revenue fall 9.9% in Q1. Policy & Finance: LIC is engaging regulators to expand long-term annuity investment options as liabilities rise. Prediction Markets Scrutiny: DOJ insider-trading cases are reshaping how prediction markets are treated legally, while investors debate whether the odds are reliable. Local Growth & Food Links: Zamboanga del Sur secured P345M for farm-to-market roads to cut transport costs and boost rural output.