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SEOUL — As 2026 unfolds, the K-pop world remains gripped by the ultimate showdown: BTS, the undisputed kings of global domination, versus Stray Kids, the self-producing 4th-generation juggernaut rewriting records during BTS’ military hiatus. While BTS boasts unmatched legacy metrics and a powerful March comeback, Stray Kids flexes superior current momentum in touring, album sales and active fan engagement.

BTS, formed in 2013 under Big Hit Music (now HYBE), redefined K-pop’s global reach. Their catalog continues to dominate long-term streaming, with Spotify monthly listeners hovering around 24.6 million in early 2026 — roughly double Stray Kids’ 12.1 million. The septet — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — completed mandatory military service by mid-2025, paving the way for their full-group return.

In March 2026, BTS unleashed their comeback album “Arirang,” blending Korean roots with global pop sounds. The release sparked massive YouTube and streaming surges, with the group dominating U.S. and global charts. Their “Arirang” world tour quickly became one of the most anticipated in K-pop history, with analysts projecting over 5 million tickets and nearly $2 billion in revenue across 82 shows. Early stops, including massive Mexico City dates drawing 150,000 fans, reaffirmed their unparalleled draw.

Social media metrics underscore BTS’ enduring empire. The group holds over 82 million YouTube subscribers and 44.5 million X followers. Their fandom, ARMY, remains the largest and most organized in K-pop, driving consistent catalog streams even without new material. In March 2026 alone, BTS racked up 1.38 billion Spotify streams as a group, far outpacing others.

Yet Stray Kids, debuting in 2018 under JYP Entertainment, has capitalized on BTS’ absence to claim the throne of active dominance. The eight-member group — Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N. — self-produces much of its music, fostering deep authenticity that resonates with younger fans. In 2025, they sold approximately 7 million albums, a staggering figure compared to BTS’ lower output during the hiatus period.

Their “dominATE” world tour in 2025 shattered K-pop records, selling over 2 million tickets across 56 shows and grossing hundreds of millions. The tour set benchmarks in North America (over 600,000 tickets), Latin America and Europe, often outdrawing previous BTS legs in specific markets. Stray Kids became the first K-pop act to headline major venues like London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and sold out stadiums globally.

Streaming data reveals a nuanced picture. While BTS leads in total monthly listeners and historical catalog, Stray Kids frequently ranks as the second-most streamed K-pop act. In March 2026, they achieved 304 million streams, and they crossed 12.8 billion lifetime Spotify streams — only the third Korean act to do so after BTS. Their hit “God’s Menu” surpassed 500 million streams, cementing longevity.

Social platforms tell another story. Stray Kids boast around 22.7 million YouTube subscribers and 11.2 million X followers — impressive for a younger group but trailing BTS significantly. Their fandom, STAY, is among the fastest-growing, known for intense loyalty and rapid mobilization.

Billboard and IFPI charts highlight Stray Kids’ commercial peak. They secured multiple No. 1 debuts on the Billboard 200, including eight consecutive albums, and landed second on the 2025 IFPI Global Artist Chart. Their ability to sell out arenas without the same decade-long buildup demonstrates remarkable current popularity.

BTS’ brand power remains unmatched in broader recognition. The group has amassed over 500 global awards and dozens of daesangs. Their influence extends beyond music into fashion, diplomacy and social causes, with the United Nations and global brands seeking partnerships. Even in 2026, casual audiences worldwide recognize BTS more readily than Stray Kids.

Analysts debate metrics of “popularity.” Legacy favors BTS: cumulative streams, social following, cultural impact and name recognition. Current activity favors Stray Kids: recent sales, touring revenue, active chart performance and younger demographic penetration. In South Korea, polls sometimes show Stray Kids leading in popularity points among active idols, with one metric giving them 20.5 million versus BTS’ 19.5 million.

The 2026 landscape shifts with BTS’ full return. Their March comeback already boosted streams dramatically, with some reports noting monthly listeners climbing toward 46 million post-release. The “Arirang” tour promises to eclipse previous records, potentially reclaiming the crown in live attendance.

Stray Kids show no signs of slowing. Their consistent comebacks, global tours and self-sufficient creative model sustain momentum. As members approach military service age in coming years, questions linger about their ability to maintain dominance like BTS did.

Fan communities fuel the rivalry. ARMY emphasizes BTS’ pioneering role in bringing K-pop mainstream, while STAY highlights Stray Kids’ innovation and resilience. Social media debates rage daily, with hashtags comparing streams, sales and concert footage. Both fandoms demonstrate impressive organization, though ARMY’s scale often tips viral moments.

Industry experts view the competition as healthy for K-pop. BTS elevated the genre globally; Stray Kids and peers like ENHYPEN prove the ecosystem thrives without sole reliance on one act. Hybrid metrics — combining streams, sales, touring and social data — show BTS leading overall but Stray Kids closing gaps in key 2025-2026 windows.

Looking forward, BTS’ 2026-2027 activities could widen their lead again. A full world tour alongside new music promises historic numbers. Stray Kids will counter with fresh releases and continued touring innovation. The “who is more popular” question depends on timeframe: all-time favors BTS overwhelmingly; right-now momentum tilts toward Stray Kids.

Global K-pop consumption has evolved. Streaming favors catalog depth (BTS advantage), while physical sales and live events reward active groups (Stray Kids edge). TikTok virality, brand deals and regional strength further complicate comparisons. BTS dominates Japan, parts of Latin America and brand power; Stray Kids excel in North America and Europe touring.

Ultimately, 2026 underscores K-pop’s maturation. BTS remains the benchmark, but Stray Kids prove a new generation can achieve massive success. As BTS fully re-enters the fray, the friendly rivalry elevates both acts, benefiting fans and the industry. Whether measured by streams, tickets or cultural footprint, both groups stand as titans — one built on unmatched legacy, the other on relentless current excellence.

Shares of State Bank of India (SBI) are down by over 20% from their peak, and the slide accelerated following the announcement of its Q4 earnings where the PSU bank reported margin contraction and a sequential drop in net interest income (NII). While the stock appears weak on charts, brokerages remain confident about its fundamental credentials, recommending a buy.

SBI shares have lost momentum since hitting their 52-week high of Rs 1,235 on the NSE. The stock rallied 60% between May and February, outperforming the sector and most of its PSU bank peers. But its underperformance is not an isolated event as domestic markets have had a rough ride in 2026, so far. While Nifty and Bank Nifty are down 10% year-to-date, the sectoral benchmark Nifty PSU bank has declined over 5% in this period.

After the state-lender reported its quarterly earnings, the Street responded negatively, worried about the margins. The country’s largest PSU bank saw its net interest margins (NIMs) contract both year-on-year and sequentially, while net interest income (NII) declined 1.4% quarter-on-quarter. SBI also reported a fall in operating profit for Q4FY26.

The operating profit stood at Rs 27,704 crore, falling 16% YoY and 11.5% QoQ versus Rs 31,286 crore in Q4FY25 and Rs 32,862 crore in Q3FY26.

The PSU lender’s net interest income (NII) stood at Rs 44,380 crore, sliding 1.35% QoQ. The NII, which is the difference between interest earned and interest expended, rose 4% YoY.

Commenting on the current trends, Dr. Ravi Singh, Chief Research Officer from Master Capital Services said selling pressure in SBI followed its latest quarterly results, with the stock slipping sharply from the Rs 1,100 zone. “Although the bank continues to report strong overall profitability and stable asset quality, investors appeared concerned about pressure on margins and slower earnings momentum going ahead. The sharp decline in the stock reflects profit booking after a strong rally seen over the past year,” he said.
The public sector lender reported a standalone net profit rose 6% YoY to Rs 19,684 crore in the fourth quarter. The same stood at Rs 18,643 crore in the last year’s quarter. The profit beat the analysts’ estimates of Rs 18,898 crore.SBI’s Q4FY26 earnings missed estimates on the back of a collapse in margins despite healthy growth on both sides of the balance sheet and a strong fee income profile, said HDFC Securities in a note, echoing a similar sentiment.

The loan book grew 17% YoY continuing to outpace the system, led by the corporate and overseas segment but deposit growth of 11% YoY raises liquidity risks.

Brokerage view

HDFC Securities expects SBI to continue benefiting from productivity and efficiency gains along with stable asset quality, helping sustain RoA at around 1.1%. It reiterated its ‘Buy’ rating on the stock with a revised target price of Rs 1,195 and maintained SBI as its top pick among PSU banks.

The brokerage further noted that asset quality improved across segments and credit costs moderated despite a slight uptick in gross slippages.

Axis Securities believes SBI remains well-placed to deliver healthy medium-term earnings growth supported by steady credit expansion, improving fee income and stable asset quality. While margins saw some pressure in Q4, the brokerage highlighted management’s confidence in sustaining domestic NIMs near 3% through a better asset mix, stronger CASA mobilisation and lower reliance on expensive bulk deposits.

Axis Securities also pointed to multi-decade low asset quality stress levels across domestic and overseas portfolios and expects the transition to the Expected Credit Loss framework to remain smooth. It further expects improving operational efficiency and rising cross-sell intensity to support profitability, enabling SBI to sustainably deliver around 1% RoA through the cycle.

What charts suggest?

Decoding the charts, Dr. Singh said the SBI chart has turned weak from the near term perspective as the stock has broken below key short-term support levels, while RSI has moved close to the oversold zone, indicating bearish momentum is still dominant. Rising volumes during the fall suggest institutional selling as well.

In his view, SBI’s strong fundamentals, healthy loan growth, improving balance sheet quality, and strong leadership within the banking sector augur well for the stock’s prospects. The Rs 960 area now becomes an important support zone, while recovery above Rs 1,000 could help sentiment stabilise again, he added.

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

Ensilitech has been working with scientists in Texas on the project – and is now looking for more funding

A group of Bristol scientists who are developing a vaccine to treat a type of hantavirus say they are “hugely excited” after a breakthrough in their work. Ensilitech, a University of Bath spin-out now based at Science Creates in St Philips, says its new antigen against hantaan has been tested in labs and already works well on animals.

Hanantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents, such as rats or mice, and transmitted through droppings and saliva. The viruses can be found in some areas of Europe, Africa, Asia and South America, and there is currently no specific treatment or cure.

The hantaan strain, which Ensilitech is developing a vaccine for, can cause haemorrhagic fever, with symptoms including headache, gastrointestinal problems and renal dysfunction.

The company has been working with a team of researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch on the project, alongside Cape Town-based biotech business Afrigen.

“We wanted to work on a disease that is neglected,” said Dr Asel Sartbaeva, co-founder of Ensilitech. “It is a completely new vaccine. It has been tested in labs and it works well on animals.”

The project has so far been funded by the government’s Small Business Research Initiative and Ensilitech is now hoping to secure a continuation grant as it moves towards pre-clinical development and then human trials.

“Hantaviruses have been around for a long time. Around 200,000 people a year get infected with hantaan and it has horrendous outcomes.

“We are living in a more and more globalised world where people travel to a lot to places where these diseases are endemic, so there is a case for a travel vaccine,” said Dr Sartbaeva.

“It is super important to continue this work. We are excited that we have created an antigen already which really can be scaled up and put forward as a potential vaccine, but without the funding we won’t be able to continue this work.”

According to Dr Sartbaeva, if funding is secured and development continues, the vaccine could be ready for use in about three to four years.

The news comes as 10 people from the UK Overseas Territories of Saint Helena and Ascension Island who were aboard the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius – or had contact with passengers – are being brought to Britain for self-isolation as a “precautionary measure”.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently monitoring and providing public health advice about the outbreak, following the death of three people who died on board.

The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has also warned health officials to expect to see hantavirus infection rates climb, but said this week there was “no sign” of the start of a larger outbreak.

“Of course, the situation could change,” he said. “And given the long incubation period of the virus, it’s possible we might see more cases in the coming weeks.”

He added: “All suspected and confirmed cases have been isolated and managed under strict medical supervision, minimizing any risk of further transmission.”

WHO’s assessment continues to be that the risk to health globally is low.

“The message is clear: preventing diseases is a lot cheaper than treating them,” added Dr Sartbaeva. “If we get more funding for development, the return on investment will be amazing. It’s a no brainer economically speaking.”

Ensilitech, which was co-founded by Dr Sartbaeva and Dr Aswin Doekhie in 2022, has already developed novel tech to allow vaccines and other biological materials to be transported and stored without the use of fridges.

According to its founders, the special platform protects biopharmaceuticals from heat damage by encasing them in a tailored silica shell. Last year, the technology was recognised at a national awards for helping to sustainably improve access to life-saving treatments worldwide, particularly in regions where refrigeration is unreliable.