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Will carry forward Periyar, MGR's legacy: CM Vijay in Trichy

Will carry forward Periyar, MGR's legacy: CM Vijay in Trichy

Maple Leafs forward faces concerns after complicated offseason surgery

New concerns have arisen for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi as reports emerged detailing complications after a recent back surgery. The organization hasn’t released much information publicly, but new details have put a question mark on Domi’s recovery timeline as he heads into the 2026-27 NHL season. In a rush, it has become one of the most-talked-about NHL injury updates of the offseason.

Bearish move or buying opportunity? Geojit's Anand James on Nifty levels and top stocks to watch

Market volatility took center stage following a sharp late-Friday sell-off triggered by MSCI rebalancing and global cues. While cautious sentiment prevails, Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, highlights critical Nifty support levels that could prevent further damage. In this exclusive interview, he breaks down the June series rollover data, IT sector resilience, and top stock picks.Edited excerpts from a chat:The sell-off seen in the last 30 minutes on Friday has scared traders as to what could be in the offing on Monday morning. What do you think?IMD’s below-normal monsoon forecast and uncertainty over US-Iran talks in the backdrop gave an ominous feel to the drop that unfolded towards Friday’s close. However, the steepness of the fall is apparently due to MSCI rebalancing, with futures and options segment appearing reluctant to match such move. Nevertheless the large red candle registered on Nifty’s chart needs to be acknowledged, and we will start the new week on a cautious note. That 23500 was defended, gives us reason to be optimistic, but slippage past the same, or inability to reclaim the 10 day SMA near 23750 will confirm bearishness calling for 22800.Nifty has been seeing profit booking at higher levels in last few weeks. What does the rollover data indicate for the June series?The rollover data for June series suggests a cautious to mildly negative undertone despite selective strength. Nifty’s rollover dropped to 69.98% in May, below the 3-month average of 73.05%, indicating reduced willingness to carry forward positions, likely reflecting profit booking at higher levels. Similarly, Bank Nifty rollover moderation points to some cooling in conviction within the heavyweight banking segment.Market breadth has weakened as well, with only 52% of stocks closing positive vs 91% in April, highlighting broader profit-taking pressure. While strong rollovers in select sectors like Oil & Gas, Metals, Power and Infra signal pockets of resilience, weakness in Pharma, Healthcare, and Transportation suggests lack of uniform participation.Although long buildup was visible in Telecom, Capital Goods, and Pharma, the early trend in June appears cautious. Importantly, banks-despite prior long build-up-have started the June series on a weak footing, with heavyweights like SBI and HDFC Bank under pressure, which could weigh on Nifty due to their high index weight.Nifty IT is showing signs of resilience even during sell-off. What are the charts indicating at?The Nifty IT index is showing early signs of a trend reversal after a prolonged corrective phase. On the daily chart, the formation of an inverted head and shoulders pattern suggests a base-building process, with prices currently hovering near the neckline zone around the 29,500-29,600 region. A sustained move above this level could confirm a breakout and trigger momentum towards higher resistances.On the higher timeframe, the weekly MACD is on the verge of a bullish crossover, indicating a potential shift from bearish to positive momentum. This aligns with improving price structure and supports the medium-term recovery thesis.From a longer-term perspective, the monthly candlestick is forming a pin bar Doji, typically seen near inflection points, highlighting rejection of lower levels around the 27,000-28,000 zone and signaling demand absorption.However, confirmation is key. Immediate support lies near 28,000, while a decisive breakout above the neckline could open upside towards 31,000-32,000. Failure to sustain above key resistance may keep the index range bound.HFCL was among the top gainers of the week. Do you see signs of the momentum continuing in the week ahead?Long wicked candle on Friday, with a close above upper bollinger band point to a mix of strong trending nature and emerging cautiousness. Oscillators appear reluctant, but are yet to confirm an impending collapse. With these in the backdrop, longs may be held on to, but ideally with a stop loss placed near 168.Natco Pharma fell 14% on Friday after weak Q4 results. Do you see signs of bottom-fishing emerging in the coming week?Yes. The single day red candle which has resulted in a break of structure, is likely to be followed by bottom fishing and a pull back rally that could extend 3-4%. However, we do not see enough signs to indicate that such pull back attempt could sustain.Give us your top ideas of the week. INDIANB (LTP: 833)View: BuyTarget: 930SL: 790 Indian Bank continues to maintain a structurally strong uptrend on the weekly chart, characterised by a series of higher highs and higher lows since early 2024. The recent profit booking since April seems to have found a support near 800 healthy consolidation after a sharp rally, with the stock holding firmly above the 780-750 support zone, which now acts as a strong demand base.Despite the recent pullback from near 1000 levels, the correction appears time-wise rather than price-destructive, suggesting profit booking rather than trend reversal. The presence of a rising support trendline reinforces the bullish structure.Momentum indicators are cooling off from overbought levels, which is constructive in a trending market. The RSI is stabilising near the mid-zone, providing room for a fresh upside leg, while MACD is approaching levels where a potential bullish crossover on lower drawdown could emerge.SHYAMMETL (LTP: 973)View: BuyTarget: 1080SL: 930 Shyam Metalics is exhibiting a strong bullish breakout from a descending trendline on the weekly chart, indicating a potential resumption of the broader uptrend after a period of consolidation. Price has decisively moved above the 950-960 resistance zone, which also coincided with prior swing highs, adding conviction to the breakout.The structure reflects higher lows formation, suggesting steady accumulation. Momentum indicators are turning supportive with RSI trending upward above the mid-zone, while MACD has delivered a bullish crossover with rising histogram, reinforcing improving momentum. Weekly Supertrend breakout adds to positivity. Volume expansion near the breakout area further validates buyer participation and strengthens the breakout reliability. Additionally, price holding above short-term supports near 930 indicates a favorable risk-reward setup.As long as the stock sustains above the breakout zone, it is well-positioned to extend its upward move towards the 1080 target.

Ebola outbreak: Kenya moves ahead with US quarantine facility for Americans exposed to the virus, despite restrictions

Kenya's government is moving forward with plans to create a quarantine facility in partnership with the US amid the Ebola outbreak. The development comes days after Donald Trump's administration announced the facility for Americans exposed to the virus.

Quote of the day by Idris Elba

From the gritty neighborhoods of East London to the dazzling film sets of Hollywood, Idris Elba's story is a powerful testament to conquering the fear of failure. By investing his own resources into moving to the United States, he faced struggles that tested his resolve, yet his unwavering belief in his skill propelled him forward.

Trump plans to appeal order on tariff refund

NEW YORK: Businesses big and small have started receiving tariff refunds after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump lacked the constitutional authority to impose higher import taxes on goods from nearly every other country.The process could grind to a halt, however, after the Trump administration said Friday that it intended to appeal a federal judge's order to allow all companies that paid the invalidated duties to seek refunds, not just the ones that filed lawsuits.Until the Department of Justice informed the judge of its planned appeal, the refund system overseen by U.S. Customs and Border Protection had been working fairly smoothly. Refunds reached the bank accounts of the first successful applicants on May 12, about three weeks after importers and their customs brokers could start submitting claims through an online system, according to CBP.Applications for refunds totaling $85 billion - more than half of the $166 billion the agency estimated the government owes to companies that paid the tariffs on imported goods - were accepted for processing as of May 22, CBP reported in a legal filing earlier in the week. It said it had so far directed the Treasury Department to issue $20.6 billion in refunds.Also read | US probes Reid Hoffman group over funding lawsuits against Trump, source saysThe administration revealed its appeal preparations while objecting to a demand by Judge Richard K. Eaton for CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott to appear in the U.S. Court of International Trade to answer questions about how long it would take to repay all 330,000 importers that might be eligible for refunds. The judge scheduled a June 9 hearing on why he shouldn't require the government do whatever it takes to speed up the process.Justice Department lawyers asked Eaton to allow one or two of Scott's deputies to appear in his place, arguing that as a high-ranking presidential appointee, the CBP chief could not be compelled to testify. They also argued that Eaton exceeded his authority when he determined in March that the Supreme Court's ruling entitled "all importers of record'' to refunds."For that reason, defendants intend to appeal the court's universal injunction," the lawyers wrote, adding that CBP would continue to move "as quicky as it can to process refunds in a phased approach" for businesses that filed legal complaints asserting their rights to refunds.In a written reply, Eaton said he needed to hear directly from Scott whether the government would return all of the money it collected between when Trump put what he called "reciprocal" tariffs on most countries in April 2025 and when the Supreme Court struck them down in late February."It is undisputed that the remedy for this unlawful collection is for the United States government to refund the unlawfully collected duties," the judge wrote.Refunds coming in phasesMore than 1,000 companies, including large ones like Costco, Goodyear Tire, banana and pineapple distributor Dole Fresh Fruit, and department store chain Kohl's, filed lawsuits to recoup their tariff costs. The judge said Wednesday he intended to allow cases he put on hold while CBP figured out how to handle refund claims - they numbered 485 in mid-March - to proceed.Also read | Minority union at Samsung Electronics to challenge pay deal in courtCustoms and Border Protection is handling refund claims in phases, focusing first on payments that weren't finalized before the Supreme Court handed down its 6-3 decision. CBP officials have said those later payments were more straightforward to process.Importers are required to make estimated tariff payments when goods enter the U.S. The declared items then enter a process called "liquidation," in which CBP determines how much in import taxes was owed. The decision becomes final after 180 days unless the payer contests the bill.In Friday's filing, the Justice Department said the agency did not have the technological ability or the legal authority to recalculate liquidated accounts without "importer-specific orders" in each lawsuit.Price cuts promisedSome national retail chains said they planned to use their tariff refunds refunds to lower customer prices on some items. Walmart Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey told analysts last week that the company would implement price cuts even though the maximum refund it might be eligible for represented less than half of 1% of Walmart's $483 billion in annual U.S. sales.Costco intends to return the tariff costs that it passed on to members, CEO Ron Vachris said. How much of its refund the big-box retail chain redistributes, when and in what form, depends on factors such as the size of the refund, when it arrives, and developments in a lawsuit seeking tariff compensation for Costco customers, Vachris told investors Thursday.Consumers could first see refunds from shipping companies such as FedEx, UPS and DHL, which acted as customs brokers when they delivered products ordered from overseas. The companies charged either the sellers that shipped the packages or the buyers who received them and turned the tariffs they collected over to CBP.All three promised to return any refunds they get to the customers that paid the import taxes. Last week, FedEx said it was "working to swiftly process refunds and return them to the shippers and consumers who originally bore those charges."Putting refunds back into the businessThe Supreme Court invalidated only the country-by-country tariff rates Trump set by citing the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Others he imposed under different rationales remain in effect. Trump also has moved to introduce new tariffs since the court's Feb. 20 ruling.Some smaller companies told The Associated Press that the tariff refunds they've received so far would go toward paying remaining or future tariffs or getting back on solid financial footing after more than a year of uncertainty and additional costs.Jay Foreman, CEO of toy company Basic Fun, said he received about $450,000, or 7% of his total claim, over two consecutive days. He took the repayment as a positive sign but said that after having less than $10,000 refunded since then, the process seemed like a "total slow roll.""It's time to release the funds back into the economy, especially given how much we and others need these funds to support our businesses and fund our operations," Foreman said.Men's grooming brand Manscaped has received about 30% of the $12 million in refunds it applied for, President Kevin Datoo said. He said the San Diego company deferred investments and took on debt to pay tariffs on imports from Indonesia, China and elsewhere in Asia last year."We need to shore up the balance sheet because there's still a whole second chapter here," Datoo said.Melkon Khosrovian, who owns Greenbar Distillery in Los Angeles, said he applied for a tariff refund of about $90,000 for 17 different shipments and has received $18,000 covering four of them. Certain types of herbs, spices and packaging are hard to find domestically, so Khosrovian said he imports them.The tariffs were "painful," he said. He invested money to automate his bottling process last year so he wouldn't have to pay as many workers. The move allowed him to reduce his 13-person staff by three, but Khosrovian noted that the White House had argued the tariffs would create more U.S. manufacturing jobs."Our choices were bad and worse: raise prices and lose customers, or keep prices the same and not make any money," he said.

Vinesh loses the bout but wins the fight

New Delhi: Defeat on the mat did not make Vinesh Phogat feel like a loser.After her comeback bid ended in the Asian Games selection trials on Saturday, the former world championships medallist declared that she had already won by returning to competition after motherhood and by standing up to a system she claimed had done everything possible to keep her away from wrestling."I have not failed at all. I am fighting the whole system and I am still standing with pride on the mat again," Vinesh toldafter her 4-6 semifinal loss to Meenakshi Goyat, while reiterating her ambition of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Minutes after suffering defeat, Vinesh launched a scathing attack on the wrestling administration, alleging discrimination, mental harassment and attempts to block her return to competitive wrestling despite court orders in her favour.Also read | IPL 2026 Purple Cap winner list: Most wickets, updated standings and bowling rankings"They wanted to stop me from returning to the mat, but I am standing here again. I am proud of what I have achieved in these 10 months."I know the system will continue to create challenges for me, but I have hope that through hard work I can leave the system behind and move forward," she added, refusing to view the semifinal defeat as a setbackVinesh, who was competing for the first time since her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics final in 2024, said her biggest achievement was returning to elite competition after childbirth. She said returning to competition after motherhood and after months of legal and administrative battles felt like a victory."It has been only 10 months since my son was born. I am standing on the mat again and competing against the younger generation. I am proud of myself. I hope I can inspire my son and many women wrestlers," she said.Vinesh described the Delhi High Court order that enabled her participation in the trials as a landmark moment for women wrestlers seeking to return after motherhood."A girl is coming back to the mat after becoming a mother. The path has opened. Sooner or later there has to be a policy. Women wrestlers who want to return after becoming mothers should get a fair opportunity and some relaxation," she said.The 31-year-old alleged that even after the court's intervention, officials continued to create obstacles for her.Also read | Liverpool sack Slot after title defence turns into European scrambleShe said that she spent nearly an hour arguing with officials on Saturday morning after being informed she would be allowed to compete only in the 50kg category despite wanting to participate in 53kg."When I should have been focusing on my recovery and preparation, I was arguing with officials. They gave me a letter saying I could compete only in 50kg. It was mental harassment," she said.Vinesh claimed that the entire process was designed to put her at a disadvantage, alleging that stronger wrestlers were deliberately placed in her draw and that scheduling decisions drained her energy before the semifinal."I was not given a fair deal. All the strong girls in my category were put in my path. The bouts were scheduled in a manner that affected my energy levels," she alleged.Despite the grievances, Vinesh accepted responsibility for her defeat and admitted that a lack of competitive exposure and endurance hurt her performance."I accept my defeat. I will work harder and return stronger. Fitness and endurance were issues, but more than that, I needed competitions. I had not competed for nearly two years. This was my first tournament after becoming a mother," she said.She insisted that Saturday's performance convinced her that she still has enough ability to compete with the country's best wrestlers."I was motivated today. I know I can beat the younger girls. I still have that courage and belief. If I work hard, I know I can come back stronger."Asked whether the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remained a target, Vinesh replied in the affirmative."Definitely. I have come back to the mat for Los Angeles," she said.The wrestler reserved some of her strongest criticism for the sports administration, questioning why no institution had intervened despite repeated disputes surrounding her participation."The government, the Sports Ministry, the IOA -- nobody is taking a stand. This is very sad. If athletes have to survive despite the system, then something is seriously wrong," she said.She also alleged that many young wrestlers privately supported her but were afraid to speak openly against administrators."A lot of girls were happy to see me back on the mat. They come and talk to me but they are scared. They know what can happen if they speak against powerful people," she said.Vinesh, however, clarified that she has no complaints against fellow wrestlers and said athletes should not be blamed for the larger issues within the sport."The kids are not at fault. I don't have anger towards any athlete. The problem is with the people who manipulate and control the system," she said.

Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund announces launch of its SIF platform MPOWER

Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund announced the launch of ‘MPOWER SIF’ marking its entry into SEBI’s newly notified investment product called Specialized Investment Fund and reinforcing its commitment to bringing differentiated investment solutions to investors.With MPOWER SIF, Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund aims to address the evolving needs of investors, who are looking to complement their existing mutual funds with products that use derivatives and other tools to create different risk return outcomes.Also Read | Smallcap valuations turn favourable as correction creates fresh opportunities: Bajaj Finserv AMC The fund house aims to provide a client experience that seeks to meet the investors aspiration, whilst remaining true to the core premise of creating investment outcomes that are consistent and meaningful.“The launch of MPOWER SIF is a significant step forward in expanding our product suite. As investors and their goals and aspirations evolve over time, there is a clear requirement for investment solutions that offer greater flexibility and use the entire range of tools available to deliver consistent outcomes. This approach is complemented by an investment team with extensive experience anchored by a sound risk management framework,” said Anthony Heredia, MD & CEO, Mahindra Manulife Investment Management.Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund intends to roll out a range of differentiated strategies under MPOWER SIF across equity, hybrid, and fixed income categories, aligned with regulatory guidelines and investor suitability.“MPOWER SIF gives us the flexibility to design more agile and outcome-oriented portfolios by leveraging a wider investment toolkit. This platform will enable us to combine fundamental research with tactical allocation strategies, with the objective of delivering superior risk-adjusted returns across market cycles. We believe it is well suited for investors seeking a more nuanced approach to portfolio construction,” said Krishna Sanghavi, Chief Investment Officer - Equity, Mahindra Manulife Investment Management.Also Read | Should senior citizens continue investing in equity mutual funds after retirement? Expert explainsThe SIF category offers strategies that go beyond conventional Mutual Funds, including long-short approaches, derivatives-based strategies, and more focused portfolio construction, catering to investors seeking a different approach to meeting their investment goals.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and Twitter handle.

Trump fights bid to repay ‘illegal’ tariffs

The Trump administration said it will appeal a judge’s authority to order across-the-board refunds of all tariffs ruled illegal by the US Supreme Court, potentially injecting legal chaos into a claims process that’s already underway.The Justice Department filed notice on Friday that it will appeal a court order compelling customs authorities to recalculate all import taxes that the administration collected under President Donald Trump’s use of a 1970s-era emergency powers law.Also read: US says $20.6 billion of tariff refunds on the way to importersUS Customs and Border Protection launched a new online portal to process refund claims on April 20, signaling that it intended to repay at least some of the approximately $166 billion in levies struck down by the Supreme Court earlier this year. But even as the administration has moved forward with that plan, the Justice Department declined to concede that a judge could exercise nationwide power to oversee the process, leaving open the possibility of another legal fight. “For that reason, defendants intend to appeal the court’s universal injunction and to seek a stay of the injunction except as to the particular importer plaintiffs in each case in which the Court has entered the injunction,” the Justice Department said in the court filing Friday.In a 6-3 decision in February, the Supreme Court held that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, to impose sweeping global tariffs was unlawful. They were silent on the question of refunds, however, sending the litigation back to the US Court of International Trade in Manhattan to determine next steps. Trade Judge Richard Eaton, appointed under former President Bill Clinton, was assigned to preside over thousands of lawsuits importers filed seeking to recoup the taxes they had paid before the Supreme Court ruled. Eaton ordered the customs agency to recalculate tariff amounts for all importers who paid the contested levies, not just the companies that had sued. The government also committed to paying interest on any refunds.Uncertainty has loomed about whether officials would oppose repaying the full amount. Eaton has mostly held non-public court hearings to discuss the government’s progress, but he indicated in a public order there was disagreement about how to handle tariffs that became final, a process that happens automatically on a rolling basis.Also read: US companies, shamed by Trump, tiptoe into $166 billion tariff refund race A customs official had also disclosed in court filings that the first phase of the refund portal roll-out wouldn’t be able to handle a significant proportion of the import entries at issue, and didn’t provide a concrete schedule for expanding the system’s capabilities to deal with more complicated claims.Trump, meanwhile, lambasted the Supreme Court’s decision and suggested that companies that didn’t seek refunds could reap political benefits in the future, saying that he would “remember them.”Separate from the IEEPA legal wrangling, the Trump administration is before the trade court defending a new round of global tariffs that the president imposed under a different law shortly after he lost in the Supreme Court.A three-judge panel declared the policy unlawful. But a federal appeals court temporarily paused that ruling while it weighs the government’s request for a longer-term order allowing customs authorities to continue collecting the levies as the court fight proceeds.

Gold demand drops 70% after sharp duty hike in India

Kolkata: Gold demand in India slipped about 70% since the government more than doubled import duty from earlier this month, adding to already tepid consumer sentiment amid higher fuel and food prices due to the Iran war.Demand fell to about 7.5 tonnes in the fortnight ended May 27 from around 25 tonnes a year earlier, according to industry estimates. The government increased the import duty on gold to 15% from 6% with effect from May 13."Reports trickling in from jewellers across India shows that there has been a 70% drop in demand after the import duty was hiked," said Surendra Mehta, national secretary of India Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA). "The unorganised trade, which comprises 65% of the gold trade, has been worst hit due to the duty hike."Also Read: India's gold import problem may already have a solution at homeJoy Alukkas, chairman of gold jewellery retail chain Joyalukkas, attributed the demand weakness to several factors. "It is not only the high import duty that has dented the demand," he said. "The Prime Minister's appeal to stay away from gold for a year has also impacted consumer sentiment in a big way. At Joyalukkas, we are seeing demand dropping by more than 35%. We are not sure whether it will slip further." 131398034Mehta at IBJA said apart from the gold import duty hike, higher petrol and diesel prices and food items are also weighing on consumer sentiment "as they are not willing to spend on gold now".The effective tax burden on gold, including goods and services tax (GST), has risen to 18.45% from 9.18% after the duty increase. The government raised duties against the backdrop of a weak rupee, elevated crude prices, and geopolitical tensions, while also tightening import rules and capping duty-free imports under the Advance Authorisation Scheme."At present, gold is not in the priority list of consumers," said Mehta. "Moreover, it is now the period of Adhik Maas, when Hindus generally avoid buying anything precious. What is more surprising is that the investment demand for gold has slowed down."Also Read: Kriti Sanon joins GIVA as investor and brand ambassadorThe slump may weigh on investment demand in the second quarter of 2026 after a strong start to the year, said jewellers.Gold Exchange Schemes Take OffIndia's bar and coin demand rose 34% from a year ago to 62.3 tonnes in the March quarter.India consumes about 800-850 tonnes of gold annually. On Friday, gold of 999 purity traded at about ₹1.57 lakh per 10 grams, excluding GST, in Mumbai's spot market.Volumes are weak in south India, traditionally one of the country's biggest gold-consuming markets. Some consumers are also shifting towards lighter and lower-carat jewellery while sales of old gold have risen sharply, according to jewellers. "Consumers are not stretching their budgets," said B Govindan, chairman of Bhima Jewellery. "They are buying whatever fits their budget and therefore choosing lightweight and lower-carat jewellery. On the contrary, there is a huge rush among consumers to sell old gold and take cash back home."Industry executives noted the varied impact of the import duty increase across segments, with many retailers indicating a pause in procurement. "Large chain stores saw a brief period of panic buying after the announcement, driven by expectations of further measures, and while they expect a slowdown in sales, they remain relatively resilient given inventory buffers and continued support from bridal demand," said Kavita Chacko, research head at the World Gold Council (WGC).Mid-sized and regional jewellers are continuing to see demand from affluent customers but are expected to rely more on gold exchange programmes and tighter inventory cycles going forward, she said. "Smaller retailers appear the most vulnerable: already stretched by persistently high prices, they now face added pressure from sales volumes and profit margins," said Chacko.

RBI warns West Asia war may hit India growth

Mumbai: A prolonged West Asia conflict represents a key downside risk to India's economic outlook according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), even as it projected a lower real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.9% for 2026-27 in its annual report compared with 7.6% estimated for the previous financial year.The central bank said the impact of the conflict is likely to remain contained in the near term but warned that an escalation could derail India's otherwise positive growth trajectory."Going forward, India's growth outlook remains positive, though the West Asia conflict and the attendant risks of elevated energy prices, supply chain disruptions, financial market volatility, uncertainty surrounding global trade policies and weather-related disruptions could pose headwinds to growth and inflation in the short run," the Reserve Bank said.Also Read: Iran war - PSBs asked to stay preparedPositive Macro OutlookIt listed healthy corporate and bank balance sheets, government's continued thrust on capital expenditure and the implementation of trade agreements with key partners as positives to help sustain investment and growth momentum."Nevertheless, in a highly uncertain global environment, continuous assessment of the evolving developments is warranted to frame the appropriate policy response on an ongoing basis," the report said.131398139The central bank said that although portfolio flows exhibited a net outflow in 2025-26, strong buffers in the form of ample foreign exchange reserves and modest external debt liabilities continue to impart strength to the external sector, contributing to overall macroeconomic and financial stability.Adequate food grain stocks, sufficient reservoir levels and stable agricultural prospects despite possible El Nino conditions and above-normal summer temperature will keep inflation aligned to the target in 2026-27, according to the RBI. However, upside risks may emanate from a surge in global fuel and commodity prices amid geopolitical tensions, potential spillovers to input and wage costs and volatility in exchange rates.Also Read: India-US trade pact may be weeks away - US Ambassador to India Sergio GorThe central bank projected consumer price inflation for 2026-27 at 4.6%, with risks tilted to the upside, significantly higher than its revised estimate of 3.7% for the previous fiscal.Pressure on BondsDomestic bond yields could face upward pressure if the global monetary easing cycle stalls or reverses in response to persistent oil price shocks amid fragile conditions in West Asia, it said.Geopolitical risk has re-emerged as the dominant drag on global growth in 2026, according to the RBI. "In IMF's baseline scenario, the global economy is projected to grow by 3.1% in 2026 (as against the earlier projection of 3.3% in January), while global merchandise and services trade volume is expected to decelerate to 2.8% in 2026. Further intensification of the conflict, its prolongation or widening geographical spread, if any, remain the key downside risks to the global economic outlook," the report said."However, the government's commitment to fiscal consolidation, along with the liquidity injection measures by the Reserve Bank, is expected to contain the upward pressure on yields. Equity market dynamics would be conditioned by evolving geopolitical developments, global financial market volatility and foreign portfolio investment flows; a deterioration in risk sentiment alongside strengthening of the US dollar could trigger capital outflows," said the RBI's annual report. "At the same time, ongoing efforts to expand local currency settlement framework are expected to further advance rupee based cross-border transactions."

Sebi eases nomination rules for demat accounts, mutual funds. Check full details

Capital markets regulator Sebi has relaxed nomination norms for demat accounts and mutual fund folios, making the process simpler for investors while continuing its push to reduce the buildup of unclaimed financial assets.In a circular issued on Friday, the regulator said investors opening single-holder demat accounts or mutual fund folios after September 1, 2026, will be required to either nominate a beneficiary or formally opt out through a declaration.The move modifies rules introduced last year after market participants flagged operational challenges in implementing the earlier framework.Sebi said the revised norms are aimed at improving ease of investing and simplifying the nomination process.Under the new framework, nomination will remain mandatory for single-holder accounts unless the investor explicitly chooses to opt out. For jointly held accounts and folios, however, nomination will be optional.Investors will be allowed to appoint up to three nominees.In a significant simplification, Sebi has removed the requirement for a witness signature when investors submit nomination forms with a regular signature. A witness will now be required only when an investor uses a thumb impression instead of a signature.The regulator has also reduced the amount of information investors must provide while filing nominations.Only the nominee's name and relationship with the investor will be mandatory. In the case of minor nominees, the date of birth will also be required.Details such as mobile number, email address, percentage share, Aadhaar, PAN, passport or other identification documents will remain optional.Where multiple nominees are appointed but percentage allocation is not specified, the assets will be distributed equally among the nominees.Sebi has also expanded digital options for filing nominations. Investors will be able to submit nominations online using a digital signature certificate, Aadhaar-based e-sign, any recognised e-sign facility, or through two-factor authentication using a one-time password sent to their registered mobile number and email address.The regulator has directed depositories, depository participants, mutual fund registrars and asset management companies to provide both online and offline nomination facilities. The revised framework also allows investors to modify or cancel nominations any number of times.For jointly held accounts, all account holders must consent to any nomination or nomination change regardless of the mode of operation.Sebi has also introduced measures to encourage investors who have not provided nominations. Depository participants and mutual fund registrars will be required to send biannual SMS and email reminders to investors who have neither nominated a beneficiary nor formally opted out.In addition, online platforms will have to display pop-up messages highlighting the benefits of nomination whenever such investors log in to their accounts. The regulator said these nudges are intended to reduce the risk of securities and mutual fund units remaining unclaimed after the death of an investor.Sebi also wants greater transparency in account statements. Going forward, account and holding statements will either display the names of nominees or indicate whether a nomination exists, depending on the investor's preference.The market regulator has repeatedly expressed concerns over growing unclaimed financial assets and has been encouraging investors to update nominations across investment products.Under existing rules, securities that remain unclaimed for prolonged periods can eventually be transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPF) under applicable regulations.Sebi said the revised norms supersede all previous circulars relating to nominations for demat accounts and mutual fund folios. The new framework will come into effect from September 1, 2026, giving market intermediaries time to upgrade their systems and implement the revised procedures.The changes are expected to make account opening and nomination management easier while ensuring smoother transmission of securities and mutual fund holdings to legal heirs and nominees.

Dell shares soar more than 30% on strong earnings

Dell's shares surged 33% on Friday as the PC maker's blockbuster results showed that ​its growing focus on AI servers was ​helping it capitalize on the data center boom, making the company one of ​the biggest beneficiaries of the new technology.The company, whose AI servers are crucial components in the global AI infrastructure build-out, is set to add $68 billion to its market value of about $206 billion, if gains hold.A household name in the ‌PC market, Dell ⁠has in ⁠recent years scaled up its AI hardware business. Dell's AI server revenue of $16.1 billion surpassed its PC unit's $14.6 billion in ​sales in the quarter.The company's infrastructure solutions segment, home to both traditional and AI-optimized servers as well as other storage, software ​and networking solutions, has consistently eclipsed PC business revenue in the past four quarters."We've been following Dell a long time and never seen anything like this. Not only do they get an "A" for ​execution, but you can make an argument that Dell is even ⁠the best ‌way to play AI out there," Melius Research analysts said.Dell's outlook for "AI and ​traditional servers are ​still very conservative," as the firm has stronger prospects for selling CPU racks to ⁠AI cloud providers like CoreWeave and Nscale, the brokerage said.The blowout ​quarter lifted shares of server makers Super Micro Computer and Hewlett Packard ​Enterprise 16% and 12%, respectively, while Dell's PC rival HP also rose 8%.Hewlett Packard Enterprise, which reports results on Monday, has also been prioritizing higher-margin product orders. But it has a smaller server business compared with Dell.Dell Chief Operating Officer Jeff Clarke acknowledged the ongoing "supply constrained" environment, particularly concerning memory chips, but said that its customers were actively securing supply for extended periods.The company has banked on balanced price ‌hikes as well as its scale and strong supplier relationships to wade through the memory crisis. Strong returns from its AI server business are also helping cushion the blow ​to margins ​from the soaring memory prices.HP, which ⁠focuses mostly on PCs and printers, reported 13.2% growth in its personal systemsdivision, while sales in Dell's PC business unit grew 17%, driven by a Windows 11 refresh cycle and growing focus on AI ​PCs.At least 13 brokerages raised their price targets on Dell stock following the results, giving it a median price target of $255, according to data compiled by LSEG. That is up from $170 before the report.Dell is on track to record its biggest one-day percentage gain if gains hold. It has a 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio of 20.21, compared with HP's 8.39 and HPE's 14.70.

India-US trade deal 99% done, signing expected in weeks, predicts Sergio Gor

A US team led by America’s chief negotiator is set to visit India during June 1-4 to take forward discussions aimed at concluding an interim bilateral trade deal

Huawei takes on rivals with new chips push

Shanghai: China's electronics giant Huawei is using a new principle for its chip designing framework that focuses more on cutting transmission time than shrinking transistors. The company plans to use innovative technologies like LogicFolding based on this principle to continuously compress signal propagation delay and improve transistor density.The current chip design framework rests on Moore's law which dates back decades when Intel co-founder Gordon Moore posited in 1965 that the number of transistors on a microchip will double every two years.The Tau Scaling principle could be a revolutionary step in the future of chip designing as it shifts focus from geometric scaling to time scaling. The principle that governs modern advanced chips is to shrink the size of transistors to fit onto a microchip. But this mechanism may have a handicap. It may not be easy to shrink them beyond a point. This is where time scaling becomes useful as it makes cutting signal transmission time the underlying principle of future chip designs.Also Read: PLI 2.0: India bets big on making more of the smartphone at homeThe innovative core technologies like LogicFolding, which Huawei will use for its Kirin chips scheduled to launch in Fall 2026, will work on the Tau Scaling principle in order to drive up performance, energy efficiency, and transistor density."With the t Scaling Law, we look forward to working closely with scientists, engineers, and industry partners around the world to drive the sustainable development of the semiconductor and electronics industries," Huawei's semiconductor chief He Tingbo noted.Huawei's new chip design breakthrough will help the chip maker to sidestep the US sanctions that restrict access to advanced lithography machines from ASML.Also Read: Indian semicon firm Netrasemi plans mass production of its first chip this yearBy 2031, Huawei is aiming for high-end chips based on the t Scaling Law that are expected to feature a transistor density that is equivalent to 14 A (1.4 nm) processes."This is a breakthrough for Huawei, but it's not a threat for TSMC," Reuters quoted Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who was in Taipei on Thursday."TSMC has been using die stacking and 3D packaging for how long now? Almost 10 years. And so TSMC's technology is very advanced," he added.A Reuters report mentioned Bernstein analysts cautioning in a note that while stacking multiple chip layers boosts transistor density, there's risk of increasing power density and overheating chips.

JP Power shares surge 28% in 2 days, Adani Power hits fresh 52-week high amid optimism around stake acquisition

Shares of Jaiprakash Power Ventures (JP Power) jumped another 7% on Friday, extending gains to a whopping 28% over just two sessions, while Adani Power shares hit a fresh 52-week high amid optimism over the latter's stake acquisition in the former.Shares of JP Power rose to Rs 24.50 apiece on Friday morning. The stock has rallied nearly 31% so far this week. Trading volumes continue to remain high, as more than 24 crore shares worth Rs 572 crore were traded on NSE in just 15 minutes from opening.Adani Power shares, meanwhile, gained more than 2% to hit a fresh 52-week high of Rs 254 apiece on Friday. The stock has jumped more than 69% so far in 2026 and 128% in one year as soaring temperatures across India hiked hopes for higher power demand.Last week, Adani Power said it has signed definitive agreements with Jaiprakash Associates (JAL) to acquire a 24% stake in Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited (JPVL) along with the 180 MW Churk thermal power plant in Uttar Pradesh under the NCLT-approved resolution plan for JAL.The Adani Group company said it entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire JAL’s 24% stake in JPVL for around Rs 2,994 crore. Additionally, it has signed a business transfer agreement to acquire the Churk thermal power plant and associated assets, including JAL’s 11.49% stake in Prayagraj Power Generation Company Limited, for Rs 1,200 crore.Adani Power's acquisitions will strengthen its generation portfolio and expand its footprint in the thermal power sector, the company said. It added that they will be completed through cash consideration and are expected to close on the “Effective Date” under the approved resolution plan, which is scheduled to occur within 90 days from the NCLT approval granted on March 17, 2026.The Adani Group last Thursday paid around Rs 6,000 crore to lenders of debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates as the first tranche of its Rs 14,535 crore resolution plan, marking a key milestone in one of the longest-running insolvency cases. "The fund transfer happened on Thursday. This was a big day for lenders because they will receive a large amount after such a long delay," a person aware of the development told The Economic Times.The insolvency proceedings involving Jaiprakash Associates have been underway for a few years, after the company formally entered the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) in June 2024. The Allahabad bench of the National Company Law Tribunal approved Adani Enterprises' resolution plan on March 17 this year.Also read: Legacy of Jaiprakash Associates will be carried forward under Adani, says Jaiprakash Gaur(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

INDIA bloc to meet on June 6 to chart its way forward

US stocks today: S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record closing highs as US and Iran agree to extend ceasefire

​The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq posted record closing highs on Thursday after news reports said the U.S. and Iran had reached a draft agreement to extend their ceasefire for 60 days, while investors also digested key inflation data.The news was first reported by Axios, which said that negotiations ‌on Iran's nuclear program ⁠would ⁠be held during the truce period, but that the plan still needed the approval of President Donald Trump."Traders are on a hair trigger with the back-and-forth ​on deal news, and have been leaning long to avoid getting trampled by a better-than-expected outcome. The harder part is that the inflationary forces ​may not abate as fast as markets want," said Jamie Cox, managing partner at Harris Financial Group. Economic data showed U.S. inflation increased at its fastest pace in three years in April, driven by higher energy prices amid the Iran war. Meanwhile, U.S. ​GDP for the first quarter was revised lower to a 1.6% annualized increase, ⁠with momentum expected ‌to slow this quarter.According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 gained 43.50 points, or 0.58%, to ​end at 7,563.71 ​points, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 239.79 points, or 0.91%, to 26,917.47. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ⁠rose 24.11 points, or 0.04%, to 50,666.29. The S&P 500 healthcare index posted strong ​gains. Eli Lilly advanced after CVS Health said it would restore the drugmaker's weight-loss injection, ​Zepbound, to its coverage and add its newly approved obesity pill Foundayo.Tech shares also moved higher. Microsoft gained after news website the Information reported that the company would release a new coding model next week.Marvell Technology rose after UBS raised its target price to $230 from $195.The company's shares have more than doubled so far this year.Snowflake shares soared after the data analytics firm lifted its annual product revenue forecast and announced a five-year AI infrastructure deal worth $6 billion with Amazon Web Services.Peers Datadog and MongoDB also ‌climbed.Renewed confidence in AI and earnings growth momentum have underscored the recent rally despite the Middle East tensions, which have increased inflationary expectations."Markets continue to look through these risks because the global economy and ​corporate earnings remain ​relatively resilient," said Jitania Kandhari, deputy CIO, ⁠solutions and multi-assets, at Morgan Stanley Investment Management."Geopolitical instability could ultimately accelerate spending in areas tied to AI, including cybersecurity, defense technology, energy infrastructure and supply-chain resiliency, reinforcing the long-term investment case."While the S&P 500 is trading at roughly 21 to ​22 times forward earnings versus a trailing 10-year average of 19.7 times, investors are less concerned because earnings expectations are rising faster than stock prices, Kandhari said. Among other movers, Dollar Tree climbed after the discount retailer lifted its full-year profit forecast, while Best Buy also rose after the electronics vendor forecast second-quarter sales above estimates. Drone companies rose after the Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration was in talks to fund drone firms. Shares of Unusual Machines surged.

Chinese proverb of the day: ‘Do not fear going forward slowly; fear only standing still’

The proverb emphasises self-compassion and the value of slow, consistent progress over speed. It encourages individuals to embrace patience, reminding them that even small efforts lead to meaningful growth, while stagnation is the true setback in personal development.

US-Iran peace deal in limbo? Tehran, Washington accuse each other of violating ceasefire after fresh military action

Washington and Tehran have accused each other of breaching a shaky ceasefire following fresh military action near the Strait of Hormuz. Despite tensions, both sides state that talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar are moving forward.