Amid heightened geopolitical tensions and the constant churn of global headlines, investors are grappling with one key question: is the market signalling a buying opportunity? According to A Balasubramanian, from MD & CEO, ABSL AMC, the answer may lie not in the daily noise but in underlying valuations and improving macro signals.

Speaking to ET Now, Balasubramanian pointed out that while uncertainty—ranging from geopolitical conflicts to unpredictable global leadership cues—continues to cloud sentiment, there are early signs that the worst may be nearing an end, at least in the near term.

“So, the way events are panning out, I think that itself tells that probably the worst should come to an end at least in the near term, short term I am saying. Though earlier the uncertainty was growing beyond our imaginations, at least some semblance is coming and hopefully we should expect in the next two-three weeks some agreement being reached between these two large nations and therefore bring some kind of uncertainty to a normalcy, then we will have to see some kind of stabilisations.”

He added that while a full resolution may take a few months—especially with oil prices and global trade dynamics needing time to normalise—the market may already be factoring in much of the bad news.

From a domestic perspective, Indian equities have undergone a prolonged phase of correction. This, according to Balasubramanian, has brought valuations to more reasonable levels, creating a potential opportunity for long-term investors.

“Today valuation-wise if you look at Nifty, if you take the valuations, it is now trading at below the long-term average PE multiples that is one.”
He also highlighted encouraging trends in the financial sector, particularly the revival in credit and deposit growth, which had been sluggish last year.”So, we are seeing clearly the credit growth now is coming back to normal. Last year the credit growth was missing. Deposit growth was also missing. Now, both are actually now catching up.”

While near-term disruptions—especially from elevated oil prices—remain a concern, Balasubramanian believes markets tend to price in such risks ahead of time.

“Correct. So, generally market discounts some of these expectations pretty in advance.”

He noted that while companies may report strong earnings for the March quarter, the real impact of higher oil prices is likely to show up in the June quarter results.

“But I would assume while the March quarter for most of the companies would report good numbers, there is high probability the assumption that we are saying that oil impact would get definitely felt in the June quarter.”

Even so, he suggested that much of this anticipated pressure is already reflected in stock prices, limiting downside surprises.

On the investor front, retail participation remains resilient despite market volatility. Flows into mutual funds have held steady, and there is a growing debate among investors on whether to stick with systematic investment plans (SIPs) or deploy lump sum investments at current valuations.

“In the month of March I would say more or less flows remain stable… I would say close to about the previous flows that continues.”

Balasubramanian indicated that periods of correction often present favourable entry points for lump sum investments, though discipline remains key.

“My own belief is as you rightly put it most of investors have come in the last say two years or three years or four years have not seen this kind of fall, for them it is a lesson, for them it is a learning because the market is always up and down.”

He emphasised that volatility is an inherent part of investing and serves as an important learning curve, especially for new entrants who may be experiencing their first meaningful market correction.

“Ultimately the people who remain invested in the long-term only they make money.”

As markets transition from uncertainty towards relative stability, it is time to focus on fundamentals, stay invested, and use volatility as an opportunity rather than a deterrent.

Sujay Thakur is a New Mexico-based entrepreneur, investor, and educator whose career bridges global finance, real estate development, and education innovation.

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in Chemical Engineering and Finance, he later completed the Owner/President Management Programme at Harvard Business School.

Thakur began his career on Wall Street, working with Union Bank of Switzerland, Investment Technology Group, Lehman Brothers, and BNP Paribas, where he managed international equity and derivatives trading teams across New York, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. These roles shaped his understanding of global markets, risk, and leadership at scale.

In 2004, he founded Raj Holdings and Thakur Enterprises, two interconnected companies focused on real estate development, acquisition, and management. Together, they have developed over 1.5 million square feet of industrial, retail, and residential property across the United States. Thakur also invests in education, hospitality, and childcare ventures, always emphasising sustainable and community-driven growth.

Now studying artificial intelligence at Harvard’s D³ Institute, Thakur is exploring how technology can enhance early childhood education. He supports institutions such as Manzano Day School and Bosque School, reflecting his long-term commitment to learning and innovation. A lifelong reader and self-described “iterative thinker,” Thakur believes in continuous improvement, curiosity, and leading with integrity.

Q&A with Sujay Thakur

You grew up in Gallup, New Mexico. How did those early years influence your work ethic?

Growing up in Gallup taught me to value hard work and humility. I had my first job at McDonald’s, and it turned out to be an important lesson in responsibility. I was proud that our drive-thru became the highest-grossing west of the Mississippi. That experience showed me that even small roles matter when you give them your all.

You studied Chemical Engineering and Finance at UC Berkeley — a unique mix. Why that combination?

I wanted to understand how things worked — both structurally and economically. Engineering gave me the ability to think systematically, while finance taught me how to apply that thinking in a real-world context. It’s a balance that’s guided every decision I’ve made in business.

What drew you to Wall Street after university?

The challenge. I started at Union Bank of Switzerland and later moved to Investment Technology Group. By the time I was at Lehman Brothers and BNP Paribas, I was managing international sales trading desks across four continents. It was fast-paced, competitive, and incredibly educational.

You managed large teams in New York, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. What did you learn from that global exposure?

Cultural awareness is critical. I learned that leadership isn’t about control; it’s about clarity and trust. Whether you’re in Tokyo or New York, people follow focus and consistency.

After such a high-profile finance career, what inspired your move into real estate?

It started with a desire to build something tangible. In 2004, I launched Raj Holdings and Thakur Enterprises. Over the years, we’ve developed more than 1.5 million square feet of industrial, retail, and residential property. I like projects that make a visible difference in communities.

You also invest in education and childcare. Why are those areas important to you?

Education is the foundation of everything. I’ve donated to schools like Manzano Day and Bosque because I believe early learning shapes lifelong success. I’m now studying how artificial intelligence can be used to enhance education for children as young as six months.

You mentioned AI — what interests you most about it?

I’m currently at Harvard’s D³ Institute learning about AI applications in education. I see AI as a tool that can personalise learning, close achievement gaps, and empower teachers. It’s not about replacing people; it’s about giving them better tools.

What challenges have you faced in your business journey?

The financial crisis tested me deeply. At one point, I had $25 million in loans during one of the toughest market downturns in history. But resilience and iteration — the willingness to adapt and refine — got me through it.

How would you describe your leadership philosophy today?

Focus and execution. I believe in setting clear goals, refining them, and executing with precision. As I often say, “Like a CEO, I’m constantly thinking about execution.” That mindset helps manage expectations and maintain momentum.

You’re known as a lifelong learner. What keeps you motivated?

Curiosity. I read six to eight books a month, mostly autobiographies. People like Franklin, Mandela, and Jobs inspire me. Every great achiever started by learning relentlessly.

What’s next for you?

Continuing to build — in business and in education. I want to see AI integrated meaningfully into classrooms and to keep expanding our developments responsibly. Success isn’t just profit; it’s impact.

To learn more about Sujay Thakur and his ongoing work in real estate and education, visit his professional profile.

NEW YORK — Travelers at LaGuardia Airport enjoyed unusually swift security screenings Friday, with TSA wait times hovering at one minute or less across most terminals as staffing stabilized and passenger volume remained moderate on April 10, 2026.

Official real-time data from the LaGuardia Airport website showed minimal lines early in the day. Terminal A reported a one-minute general security wait and no wait for TSA PreCheck. Terminal B showed no wait for either general or PreCheck lanes. Terminal C listed a one-minute general wait and one minute for PreCheck. These figures represent some of the shortest waits recorded at the busy New York City airport in recent months.

Airport officials noted that while TSA staffing has begun to stabilize after earlier 2026 challenges, wait times can still fluctuate rapidly based on passenger surges. They urged travelers to arrive with extra time and monitor updates, especially during typical peak periods.

The light lines Friday contrasted sharply with occasional backups seen earlier in the year. In late March, some passengers at Terminal B reported waits exceeding 90 minutes to two hours during morning rushes, prompting complaints and flight changes. Staffing strains, including the temporary use of ICE and DHS agents for screening support, had contributed to longer delays at times.

LaGuardia, which serves more than 30 million passengers annually, operates three main terminals with dedicated security checkpoints. Terminal B, a hub for American Airlines, Delta and other carriers, often sees the heaviest traffic. Friday’s smooth operations allowed many travelers to move quickly from check-in to gates.

Aviation experts attributed the favorable conditions to a combination of factors: lighter mid-morning travel on a typical spring Friday, improved TSA staffing levels, and the benefits of programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. Enrollment in expedited screening has grown significantly, helping divert frequent flyers from standard lines.

Historical patterns at LGA show clear peaks and valleys. Early mornings (4-7 a.m.) and late afternoons (4-7 p.m.) traditionally carry the longest waits, sometimes reaching 15-30 minutes or more during busy periods. Midday hours and evenings often provide shorter lines, as seen Friday.

Travelers praised the efficiency on social media and forums. Many noted breezing through security in under 10 minutes total, including document checks and bag screening. “LGA security was a breeze today — under 5 minutes door to door,” one passenger posted, reflecting widespread relief after past frustrations.

The airport continues investing in modernization. Completed renovations have improved layout and flow, reducing bottlenecks that plagued the facility for years. Digital signage provides real-time wait estimates, and the official LaGuardia website and apps like MyTSA offer travelers up-to-the-minute data before arrival.

TSA PreCheck remains a game-changer for eligible passengers. Members typically experience waits of one to three minutes, while standard lanes can vary widely. Friday’s data showed virtually no advantage gap, as both categories moved swiftly. CLEAR biometric lanes, available at select checkpoints, further accelerate the process for subscribers.

For international travelers and those with connecting flights, LaGuardia’s compact size helps minimize post-security walking times. The airport publishes gate walk estimates alongside security data, aiding tight connections. On a light day like Friday, passengers reached gates with ample buffer time.

Broader context includes national TSA trends. The agency has faced recruitment and retention challenges post-pandemic, occasionally leading to longer national averages. However, New York-area airports, including LaGuardia, have seen incremental improvements through seasonal hiring and operational adjustments.

Spring travel season brings its own dynamics. With school vacations winding down and business travel steady, April often delivers mixed conditions. Weather plays a role too — clear skies Friday supported on-time operations, reducing cascading delays that can swell security lines.

Passengers offered practical advice based on experience. Arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international, even on good days. Pack liquids properly in quart-size bags to avoid secondary screening. Enroll in TSA PreCheck if flying frequently. Use the airport’s website or apps for live updates rather than relying on outdated estimates.

LaGuardia’s reputation has improved dramatically since its major redevelopment. Once mocked for outdated facilities, it now ranks among more passenger-friendly U.S. airports. Efficient security contributes heavily to that perception, especially when lines move as quickly as they did Friday.

Looking ahead, travelers should remain vigilant. Weekends, holidays and summer peaks can quickly reverse current trends. Major events in New York City often drive surges, as do weather disruptions. Monitoring official sources remains the best strategy.

For those departing Friday, the light security footprint translated to relaxed mornings and fewer missed flights. Families, business travelers and tourists alike benefited from the smooth experience at one of the nation’s busiest gateways.

As operations continue throughout the day, officials will adjust staffing to match demand. The message from LaGuardia remains consistent: check wait times in real time, build in a buffer, and prepare for variability even on seemingly ideal days.

Friday’s near-empty lines served as a welcome reminder that when conditions align — moderate crowds, stable staffing and clear weather — LaGuardia can deliver one of the more efficient big-city airport experiences in the country. Travelers passing through today likely appreciated the rare gift of time saved at security.

Mumbai: Financial services were the hardest hit by the foreign investor selling in the second half of March, taking their outflow tally for the month from the sector to over ₹60,000 crore – the highest withdrawal since 2012. These investors dumped shares worth ₹28,824 crore in March 16-31 after withdrawing ₹31,831 crore in the first half of the month.

The selling in financials during the later part of March accounted for 43% of ₹67,081 crore pulled out across 21 sectors – their highest fortnightly selling since the second half of October 2024, when they dumped shares worth ₹71,502 crore. “Foreign holding is typically higher in banking stocks, and global investors could have pulled out money due to some valuation concerns after the rally in 2025,” said Sonam Srivastava, founder and CEO, Wright Research.

In March, Bank Nifty plunged nearly 17%, and benchmark Nifty dropped over 11% amid the global market sell-off sparked by the West Asia conflict.

HDFC Bank may have accounted for a portion of the outflow from financials.

“The governance concerns at HDFC Bank, following the unexpected resignation of chairman Atanu Chakraborty citing ethical differences, created a company-specific overhang on the entire banking pack,” said Bhavik Joshi, business head at INVasset PMS.

When the country’s largest private-sector lender is under a governance cloud, it gives foreign investors one more reason to head for the exit, he said.
Automobiles and construction witnessed foreign outflows worth ₹7,691 crore and ₹6,179 crore, respectively, in the second half of March. In February, both sectors had seen inflows worth ₹3,586 crore and ₹4,487 crore, respectively, but had seen outflows in the first half of the month. “Although sentiment is weak, the valuations are attractive; however, foreign investors have delayed allocation due to geopolitical uncertainty that sparked off a risk-off sentiment across emerging markets,” said Srivastava. “This wasn’t a sectoral rotation; it was a macro exit from India as a trade,” said Joshi. “Apart from the quantum of outflows, what stands out in H2 data is how broad-based the selling was – barely any sector was spared.”

This story about the February 2026 PCE inflation is developing and will be updated with more details.

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remained stubbornly high in February as consumers continued to face elevated price growth.

The Commerce Department on Thursday reported that the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index rose 0.4% on a monthly basis in February and is up 2.8% from a year ago. Both figures were in-line with the expectations of economists polled by LSEG.

Core PCE, which excludes volatile measurements of food and energy prices, was up 0.4% from a month ago and increased 3% year over year. Both figures were in line with economists’ expectations from the LSEG poll.

FED OFFICIAL SAYS INTEREST RATE HIKE POSSIBLE AS GAS PRICES, INFLATION REMAIN ELEVATED

Federal Reserve policymakers are focusing on the PCE headline figure as they try to bring inflation back to their long-run target of 2%, though they view core data as a better indicator of inflation. Compared with January’s readings, headline PCE inflation held steady at 2.8%, while core PCE decreased slightly from 3.1%.

Prices for goods were up 1.2% in February on an annual basis, down from 1.3% in January. Goods price growth had slowed over the course of 2025, declining from an annual reading of 4.2% in January 2025 to 0.1% in December.

Services prices were up 3% from a year ago in February, an increase from the 2.6% reading in January. The index was last this high in January 2025, when prices for services were up 2.9% on an annual basis.

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The personal savings rate as a percentage of disposable income was 4% in February, a decline from the 4.5% reading in January that returned the figure closer to the 3.9% level reported in December.

Over the last year, the personal savings rate as a share of disposable income has declined from 5.2% last February and a peak of 5.5% in April 2025.

The February PCE report was delayed by the government shutdown and was originally scheduled for release late last month. The March edition of the PCE inflation report is scheduled for release on April 30.

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What experts are saying

Bret Kenwell, U.S. investment analyst at eToro, noted that the PCE report “doesn’t reflect the recent surge in energy prices, but tomorrow’s CPI update will begin to capture some of that impact. For that reason, both the Fed and investors will be paying close attention to the remaining inflation reports this month.”

“February’s PCE inflation report was in-line with expectations, and while core PCE cooled to its lowest level since November, it’s still hovering near a one-year high of about 3%. Headline PCE remains sticky as well, holding in the 2.8%, while goods inflation continues to act as a headwind – something the Fed has linked to tariffs,” Kenwell explained.

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Raymond James chief economist Eugenio Aleman noted that the “strong 0.4% print for both the headline and core PCE price indices is not good news for the Federal Reserve and will definitely keep the Fed on the sidelines for almost the rest of the year.”

The Grand National is a premier British horse racing event, arguably the premier British horse racing event. It’s worldwide famous for its intense 4-mile distance, and 34-horse field.

These numbers are huge and make it more of a cultural phenomenon than just a horse race, since there are no other meetings that feature a challenge that long or that crowded around. Since 1839, the Grand National held mainstream appeal, unpredictable outcomes – it often produced 100/1 winners – and a role as the prominent people’s race.

The Grand National in numbers

The history of the Grand National is etched in its numbers. This is an event that transcends sports and is watched by 600 million people across 140 countries. Some of these are obviously interested in the race but the majority of the others like to enjoy the atmosphere and blend in with an exquisite British event where it is quite easy to spot royals or celebrities. The horses involved used to be 40, but now the number fell to 34, due to security reasons.

The Grand National is the biggest betting event of the year in the UK and even people who never bet on horses like to place a small and casual bet (often referred to as an office sweepstake) on this race. Grand National odds serve as the most immediate barometer of bettors’ confidence in the various contenders: younger and lesser-known horses often start with higher odds, while established favorites command lower odds, but attract a much higher volume of bets. For those looking to compare the best offers and take advantage of event-specific bonuses, the Grand National offers at oddschecker can serve as a starting point for choosing not only the bookmaker that best aligns with each bettor’s criteria, but also for maximizing the value of the bets placed based on odds always updated in real time.

The parameters used by bookmakers are the ones usually taken into consideration while evaluating a given horse race. The bookies consider health, climate, age and past history on similar racecourses. It’s an esteem, of course, but precise enough to establish who the top contenders are, with a low margin for error.

Tendencies and data on betting habits in the UK

The Grand National serves as a major revenue driver for the betting industry. In 2022, one major bookmaker took 1.2 million bets on the race. This meeting is often seen as a rite of passage that brings people together, making it a crucial event for bringing new and casual customers into recreational sports betting.

According to Statista, the betting numbers in the UK are slowly but surely going back to where they were before the pandemic. Approximately 35% of the UK population has participated in sports betting in the last year, with a substantial 78% of these fans betting via online apps, the quicker way to do that today. Football is the most popular sport among bettors, closely followed by horse racing. This last discipline contributed to an industry that generated over £2.48 billion in gross gambling in 2023.

Reflecting on online betting’s future

Here on Business Matters we will follow the Grand National to bring you news, facts and curiosity about the meeting. However, we are always quite interested in how much meaning will the event have on the shaping of the UK betting landscape in the near future.

It is possible that it will remain the most important betting event on the islands, since it has the innate ability of breaking through the barriers that football, rugby and other sports have: you don’t need to be a connoisseur to bet on horses; it is not mandatory to be a racing expert. What really matters is the desire to have a good time and indulge in one of humanity’s most ancient pastimes: horse racing.

India’s largest IT services exporter, TCS has delivered a set of numbers that, while not euphoric, offer something the market has been craving—stability. In a sector grappling with the long-term implications of artificial intelligence, the latest commentary around Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) suggests that fears of an abrupt disruption may be overstated, at least for now.

At the heart of the discussion is the Total Contract Value (TCV), often seen as a forward-looking barometer of demand in the IT services industry. Contrary to concerns that AI-led efficiencies might shrink deal sizes, the latest figure has come in strong.

Speaking with ET Now on TCS earnings, Sandip Agarwal from Sowilo Investment Managers said, “People were expecting a sharp decline in TCV because of AI, but at $12 billion it is robust and steady compared to the last two years. Exiting the fourth quarter at this level is a strong finish.” This indicates that while technology shifts are underway, client spending and deal momentum remain intact, providing near-term visibility for large IT firms.

The broader growth outlook, too, appears intact despite the evolving landscape. “You will still see 5–6% growth in largecaps in dollar terms, and in rupee terms, earnings CAGR of 16–17% over the next two years. If that happens, stocks could rerate at least 25%,” he said.

This suggests that even with modest growth in dollar revenues, currency movements and operational leverage could support healthy earnings expansion, keeping investor interest alive.

A key debate in the market is whether IT services companies can retain relevance as AI platforms become more advanced. However, the core positioning of these firms as system integrators remains a strong moat.
“IT services companies are basically integrators. AI is like any other technology—someone has to integrate it, make it usable, and deliver outcomes. That role is not going anywhere,” he added. That said, the economics of the business may evolve, with some benefits being shared with clients. “Some of the savings companies earlier retained will now have to be passed on to clients because of AI.”

On margins, expectations of immediate gains from currency depreciation may be misplaced. “People expect immediate margin gains from currency moves, but that is not how it works. Benefits take time to flow to the bottom line.” Over the longer term, however, currency remains a structural tailwind. “Every 1% rupee depreciation gives roughly 1% EPS accretion for large companies like TCS or Infosys.” Yet, historical trends serve as a reminder that such gains are often offset. “Despite rupee depreciation in the past, margins did not improve much due to wage hikes and ongoing investments,” he said.

Taken together, the outlook for the IT services sector appears balanced. AI may reshape cost structures and pricing dynamics, but it is unlikely to dismantle the core business model overnight. Instead, the transition is expected to be gradual, giving companies time to adapt. For investors, this means moderating expectations while recognising the sector’s resilience. If earnings compound as anticipated and valuations remain supportive, the case for a gradual rerating of IT stocks remains firmly on the table.