Micron Surges on AI Boom as Brent Oil Erases Iran War Gains | The Pulse 6/25/2026

Summary

Micron's blockbuster earnings ignite a rally in AI and memory chip stocks, reinforcing the structural demand thesis. Brent crude gives back all its Iran-war gains as a US-Iran peace deal reopens the Strait of Hormuz. Barclays' Christian Keller warns of sticky inflation and limited rate cuts, while John Kerry sees the energy transition accelerating. The episode also covers UK Treasury breakup proposals, NATO rearmament challenges, and Silicon Valley's influence on higher education.

• Micron Q sales forecast smashes estimates, fueling AI/memory chip rally.
• Brent crude erases Iran-war premium as peace deal restarts Hormuz flows.
• Barclays sees core PCE above 3%, Fed on hold, ECB terminal at 2.50%.
• John Kerry says high oil prices accelerate the green energy transition.
• Germany's deputy defense minister says rearmament is harder than expected.
• NATO allies hit 2% defense spending, Germany targets 3.5%.
• UK may break up Treasury to focus on growth, per Burnham aides.
• Stanford's ties to Silicon Valley fuel innovation but also fraud, says author.