Piper Sandler Warns Prolonged Strait of Hormuz Closure Could Drive Oil to New Highs Texas Manufacturing Index Edges Up Pointing to Stabilizing Conditions Survey Reveals Majority of Retirees Leave Workforce Earlier Than Anticipated Inflation Rate Expected to Reach 6 in Q2 Top Forecasters Warn Fed Officials May Consider Rate Hikes if Inflation Remains Elevated Minutes Reveal US Productivity Growth Slows in Q4 as Labor Costs Accelerate Raising Inflation Watch Gold and Silver Prices Decline as Precious Metals Face Continued Selling Pressure