Bitcoin slipped towards the $79,000 mark as rising US Treasury yields, renewed inflation worries and elevated oil prices weighed on sentiment across global risk assets. The cryptocurrency was trading at $78,799 mark.

In the past 24 hours, Bitcoin slipped 2% and Ethereum fell 1% to trade at $2,217 mark. Among the major altcoins, BNB, XRP, Solana, Tron, Dogecoin, Hyperliquid, and Cardano slipped up to 8%. The global crypto market capitalisation edged down 2% to $2.63 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap.

Also Read | Quant Mid Cap Fund exits Lenskart Solutions and 2 other stocks, adds SAIL in April

Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst, Delta Exchange said that Bitcoin’s latest pullback appears to be part of a broader macro-led risk-off move. Technically, Bitcoin has again failed to build acceptance above the $82,000–$82,500 resistance band, which remains the key ceiling for momentum traders.

Sehgal also said that as long as Bitcoin holds this region, the market can still treat the move as consolidation after a recovery; however, a clean break below $78,500 may expose the 200-EMA region near $77,800 and overall, crypto markets need confirmation from ETF flows, macro liquidity, yields and on-chain holder behaviour before the next directional trend becomes clearer.

According to the data by CoinMarketCap, in the past week, Bitcoin fell 2% whereas Ethereum fell 4%. Among the major altcoins, XRP, Solana, Tron, Hyperliquid and Cardano went down up to 7% whereas BNB was up 2%.
WazirX Market Desk said that Bitcoin traded mostly around the $79,000-$81,000 range this week, with sentiment staying constructive despite short-term volatility and RSI readings remained largely in the mid-50s to low-60s, indicating steady demand, while Ethereum held firm near $2,250-$2,345 with longer-term signals staying supportive.
Also Read | Explained: What is US Senate’s CLARITY Act and why does it matter for crypto investors?

Institutional activity continued to support confidence, with Bitcoin ETFs seeing strong inflows, regulatory optimism also improved after the U.S. Senate Banking Committee advanced the Clarity Act, WazirX Market Desk further said.

(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 along with your age, risk profile, and Twitter handle.

SYDNEY — Australian investors hunting for opportunities in the ASX 200 this year are being urged to focus on a mix of resource giants, resilient banks, healthcare leaders and technology plays as the index eyes fresh records amid recovering commodity prices, expected interest rate relief and steady economic growth.

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 has shown resilience in 2026 despite global headwinds, supported by strong iron ore and copper demand from China and domestic policy measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. Analysts forecast the index could test 9,000 points by year-end, driven by improving corporate earnings and attractive dividend yields that remain competitive globally.

Here are 10 standout ASX 200 stocks recommended by strategists for 2026, chosen for their growth potential, income reliability and defensive qualities in an uncertain environment.

1. BHP Group (BHP)

The mining behemoth remains a cornerstone pick. Strong iron ore and copper prices, coupled with its diversified portfolio, position BHP for robust cash flows. Analysts highlight its exposure to the green energy transition through copper and nickel, with attractive dividend yields expected to continue.

2. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

Australia’s largest bank benefits from a stabilising housing market and potential rate cuts later in the year. Solid net interest margins and wealth management growth make it a reliable income generator with defensive qualities.

3. Wesfarmers (WES)

The diversified conglomerate, home to Bunnings and Kmart, offers resilience through everyday consumer staples. Its industrial and chemical divisions provide additional earnings diversity in a shifting economy.

4. CSL Limited (CSL)

The biotechnology leader continues expanding globally with strong demand for plasma products and vaccines. Its pipeline of innovative treatments supports long-term growth, making it a favourite among growth-oriented investors.

5. Macquarie Group (MQG)

The investment bank’s global infrastructure and commodities focus aligns well with 2026 themes. Strong performance in green energy and resources banking should drive earnings, while its annuity-style businesses provide stability.

6. Rio Tinto (RIO)

Another mining major with significant iron ore exposure. Rio’s operational efficiency and commitment to low-carbon initiatives position it favourably as global decarbonisation accelerates.

7. Telstra (TLS)

The telecom giant offers defensive income through its reliable dividends and 5G rollout. Expanding into data and digital services provides growth avenues beyond traditional mobile revenue.

8. NEXTDC (NXT)

The data centre operator is well-placed for the AI boom. Surging demand for computing power from hyperscalers and local enterprises supports strong revenue growth projections for the coming years.

9. Aristocrat Leisure (ALL)

The gaming and entertainment company benefits from resilient consumer spending on experiences. Its global portfolio and digital transformation efforts make it a consistent performer.

10. Woodside Energy (WDS)

The energy producer offers exposure to LNG demand in Asia. While transitioning toward renewables, its conventional assets provide strong near-term cash flows and attractive yields.

Why These Stocks Stand Out in 2026

These selections balance cyclical strength with defensive qualities. Mining names like BHP and Rio Tinto capitalise on commodity tailwinds, while banks and Telstra provide income stability. Healthcare and technology plays such as CSL and NEXTDC tap into structural growth themes including an ageing population and digital transformation.

Valuations across the ASX 200 remain reasonable compared to global peers, with many stocks trading on forward price-to-earnings multiples below long-term averages. Dividend yields averaging around 4 percent add appeal for income-focused investors in a still uncertain global environment.

Risks Investors Should Consider

Commodity price volatility remains a key risk for resource stocks, while banks face margin pressure if rate cuts are delayed. Geopolitical tensions, including developments in the Middle East, could influence energy prices and inflation. Domestic factors such as housing affordability and consumer spending will also shape performance.

Analysts recommend diversification and a long-term horizon. While individual stocks may face short-term headwinds, the selected names have strong fundamentals and management teams capable of navigating challenges.

Market Outlook for the Year Ahead

Economists forecast moderate Australian GDP growth supported by lower interest rates and government spending. The RBA is expected to ease policy gradually, providing relief for rate-sensitive sectors. Corporate earnings are projected to grow mid-single digits, with resources and financials leading the way.

The ASX 200’s performance will hinge on global risk appetite, particularly U.S.-China relations and commodity demand from Asia. Positive developments in those areas could drive the index toward new highs.

For retail investors, exchange-traded funds tracking the ASX 200 offer broad exposure, while individual names suit those willing to conduct deeper research. Professional advice is recommended, as past performance does not guarantee future results.

The 2026 investment landscape offers compelling opportunities for those positioned across quality ASX 200 companies. Whether seeking growth, income or stability, the selected stocks represent a cross-section of Australia’s economic strengths and structural tailwinds. As always, thorough due diligence and a disciplined approach remain essential for success in equity markets.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that U.S. and Nigerian special forces conducted a successful joint operation that killed a senior ISIS commander in West Africa, describing the raid as a significant blow to the terrorist organization’s operations in the region.

The operation, which took place in the dense forests of northeastern Nigeria, targeted Abu Musab al-Barnawi, a high-ranking leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an ISIS affiliate responsible for numerous attacks across the Sahel region. Trump, speaking from the White House, called the mission “a tremendous success” and praised the coordination between American and Nigerian troops.

“We just took out a very big leader of ISIS. This is a major win for the United States, for Nigeria, and for the world,” Trump said. “Our military is the strongest and most powerful anywhere, and we will continue to hunt down these terrorists wherever they hide.”

U.S. defense officials confirmed that the raid was carried out by a joint task force involving elite U.S. special operations units and Nigerian military forces. The operation was supported by intelligence from multiple agencies, including the CIA and Nigerian security services. No U.S. personnel were injured, according to preliminary reports.

Details of the Operation

The strike occurred in Borno State, a longtime stronghold for Islamist militants. Intelligence indicated al-Barnawi was meeting with other commanders to plan attacks on civilian targets and Nigerian military outposts. U.S. drones provided real-time surveillance as ground forces moved in under cover of darkness.

According to a senior U.S. defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the operation lasted less than 45 minutes. Al-Barnawi was killed in the initial exchange of fire, along with several of his bodyguards. A small number of documents and electronic devices were recovered from the site for further analysis.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu welcomed the success of the mission in a statement released by his office. “This joint operation demonstrates the strength of our partnership with the United States in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu said. “We will continue to work together to secure our borders and protect our citizens.”

ISIS West Africa Province Context

ISWAP has become one of the most dangerous ISIS affiliates in Africa, carrying out frequent attacks on military bases, villages and infrastructure in Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon. The group has exploited regional instability, poverty and weak governance to recruit fighters and expand its influence.

Al-Barnawi, sometimes referred to as Abu Abdullah, was considered a key operational planner and a successor figure to earlier ISWAP leaders. His death is expected to disrupt the group’s command structure, at least in the short term, though experts caution that ISIS affiliates have shown resilience in replacing fallen commanders.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has increased its support for regional partners in recent years, providing training, intelligence and occasional direct action against terrorist targets. Thursday’s operation fits into a broader strategy of working “by, with and through” local forces while limiting the U.S. footprint on the ground.

Trump’s National Security Approach

The announcement aligns with Trump’s long-standing emphasis on aggressive counterterrorism operations and partnerships with allies willing to combat extremism. During his first term, Trump authorized several high-profile raids against ISIS leaders, including the operation that killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria.

White House officials framed the Nigeria strike as evidence that the current administration is delivering on promises to keep Americans safe and pressure terrorist networks globally. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz called the mission “a textbook example of effective international cooperation.”

Democrats offered measured praise for the operation’s success while questioning the broader strategy. Some lawmakers called for greater transparency regarding U.S. military involvement in Africa and potential risks to American personnel.

Reactions and Global Implications

The news was welcomed by regional governments battling Islamist insurgencies. Chad, Niger and Cameroon, which have all suffered ISWAP attacks, expressed support for continued U.S. engagement in the fight.

Counterterrorism experts noted that while removing a senior figure like al-Barnawi is a tactical victory, the underlying conditions that fuel extremism — poverty, corruption and ethnic tensions — remain largely unaddressed. Sustainable progress will require not only military pressure but also governance reforms and economic development.

Social media reaction was swift and largely positive in the United States, with many users praising the operation and Trump’s quick announcement. The story quickly went viral, with hashtags like #ISISLeaderDown and #USNigeriaStrike trending throughout the day.

Ongoing Threats in the Sahel

Despite the success, security analysts warn that ISIS affiliates in Africa continue to pose serious threats. The group has expanded its operations in the Sahel, exploiting coups and political instability in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Recent attacks have targeted civilians, mining operations and international peacekeepers.

U.S. officials say operations like Thursday’s are part of a sustained campaign to degrade terrorist capabilities rather than a one-off event. AFRICOM conducts hundreds of training exercises and intelligence-sharing missions annually with African partners.

The death of al-Barnawi may lead to internal power struggles within ISWAP, potentially creating opportunities for further strikes. However, it could also trigger retaliatory attacks as the group seeks to demonstrate continued strength.

Looking Ahead

President Trump is expected to provide more details about the operation in the coming days. Pentagon officials said they are continuing to assess the intelligence recovered from the site and monitoring ISWAP for signs of reorganization.

For the families of victims of ISWAP violence across West Africa, the news brings a measure of justice, though the fight against the group is far from over. Nigerian authorities have increased security around vulnerable communities in the northeast following the raid.

The successful operation highlights the value of international partnerships in counterterrorism. As threats evolve and spread across borders, coordinated action between the United States and African nations will remain essential in the ongoing battle against ISIS and its affiliates.

Thursday’s strike serves as a reminder of both the progress being made and the persistent dangers that remain. While one senior commander has been removed, the ideology and networks that sustain such groups continue to challenge regional and global security. The United States and its partners have signaled they will maintain pressure until the threat is decisively diminished.

Imagine you receive a letter from me on Monday morning.

It says the market will go up this week.

It does.

The following Monday, another letter arrives. This time, I say the market will fall.

It does.

Then it happens again. And again. Eight weeks in a row. Eight market calls. Each one perfect.
By now, you would be tempted to conclude that I possess either rare market insight or divine intervention. You may even consider investing in my fund.You should not. At least, not merely on this basis.

I could have done this with no forecasting skill at all.

Here is how. I begin with one million people. To half of them, I send a letter saying the market will rise. To the other half, I say it will fall. At the end of the week, whichever group received the wrong prediction never hears from me again. The group that received the right prediction becomes my new universe. I split them again. Half get a bullish prediction, half get a bearish one.

After eight weeks, I am left with 7,812 people who have received eight perfect market calls in a row. You happen to be one of them.

While it looks like genius, it was only arithmetic.

That is survivorship bias. The outcome looks extraordinary because we only see the survivors. We do not see the much larger graveyard of failed predictions that made the miracle possible.

The same bias often creeps into how we think about equities.

All of us know someone who made serious money in a stock that went up 10x, 50x, perhaps even 100x. We see investors on television who built reputations by finding stocks that did not merely compound, but exploded. Over time, the lesson appears obvious: to generate decent portfolio returns, one must find the next multi-bagger.

It is a seductive belief. It is also an incomplete one.

To test it, we looked at stock price data since 2000. We divided the market into two broad buckets: the top 250 companies by market capitalization, which we classify as large and midcap, and the next 500 companies, which we classify as smallcaps. Going below the top 750 was not feasible in the early 2000s and remains difficult even today, given liquidity constraints.

For every monthly five-year window since 2000, we calculated the proportion of smallcap stocks that went up more than 5x over the following five years, or in other words, “5x in 5Y”.

We then looked backward. For each starting month, we calculated the proportion of stocks that had fallen more than 50% in the preceding five years. The question was simple: if a large part of the market has already been badly bruised, what is the subsequent probability of finding stocks that go up 5x?

The answer is intuitive, but important.

In the early 2000s, Indian equity markets were still relatively nascent. Nearly half the listed small-cap universe went up 5x over five years. Put differently, finding a five-bagger then was almost as common as calling heads or tails correctly on a coin toss.

That period left a deep imprint on many investors. A number of today’s market veterans generated their first meaningful wealth during that phase. For them, the multi-bagger hunt was not mythology. It was lived experience.

The post-COVID period created a similar, though less extreme, imprint for a newer generation. Given that 81% of active demat accounts today have been opened only since COVID, many investors entered markets during a period when finding a 5x stock was as frequent as roughly one in three. For them too, the experience was real. But the extrapolation may not be.

Because outside these exceptional windows, the odds were far less generous.

The probability of finding multi-baggers rises dramatically when the starting point is depressed — when a high proportion of stocks have already corrected sharply in the previous cycle. In other words, multi-baggers are not merely born from brilliance. They are often born from a low base.

This is where survivorship bias becomes dangerous.

We remember the stock that went up 50x. We forget the conditions that made it possible. We remember the investor who found it. We forget the many who bought similar-looking names and did not survive the drawdown. We celebrate the winner, but ignore the starting universe.

The same applies at the portfolio level.

A stock going up 5x is exciting. But a portfolio is not one stock. To examine this, we ran a bootstrap simulation of random 30-stock portfolios across 100,000 runs. The results were revealing. The probability of building an entire portfolio that went up 5x between February 2020 and September 2024 was c.40%. That is strikingly high. But the probability of losing half the portfolio value by March 2026 was also 32%.

In other words, the same market structure that made spectacular gains possible also made brutal drawdowns probable.

That is the part often left out of the multi-bagger story.

Over the long term, the picture becomes even more sobering. The 10-year average rolling return of the BSE Large Cap Index is 12.1%. The corresponding number for the BSE Small Cap Index is 13.2%. Given that multi-baggers are largely found within small caps, this difference is not large enough to support the belief that merely hunting in the multi-bagger pond guarantees superior long-term outcomes.

The lesson is not that multi-baggers do not matter. They do. A few exceptional winners can transform outcomes. The lesson is that the probability of finding them is not constant. It changes with the cycle, the starting valuation, the prior drawdown, liquidity, flows and sentiment.

There are therefore two ways to approach the market.

The first is to keep hunting for the next big thing. It is exciting. It provides the thrill of discovery. It offers the possibility of finding that rare gem that makes the entire exercise worthwhile. But it also comes with sharp drawdowns, false starts, crowded trades, and many instances where the cup comes very close to the lip before slipping away.

For some investors, that is the cost of doing business.

Of course, every rule has exceptions. There will be investors who can tilt the odds meaningfully in their favor, through skill, process, temperament, or sometimes luck. They may produce outcomes far superior to any randomized simulation. But judging by auditable performance data across the industry, such investors are either in very slim company or are not managing public money.

The second approach is less glamorous, but perhaps more useful: know when the odds are in your favor.

There are times when looking for multi-baggers is a high-probability exercise. These are usually periods of deep pessimism, widespread drawdowns, poor liquidity, exhausted sellers and low expectations. There are other times when the multi-bagger hunt becomes less an investment process and more a narrative chase.

The difference matters.

Because in markets, stories sell better than statistics. But over time, statistics decide which stories survive.

( The author is Co-Founder & Director, Buoyant Capital)

NEW YORK — The New York Times Strands puzzle No. 804 for Saturday, May 16, 2026, delivered a sunny and thematic challenge centered on a classic “Beach Day” theme, delighting solvers with a mix of familiar summer vocabulary and clever wordplay that quickly went viral as players shared their results online.

Strands, the popular word-search-style game from The New York Times, tasks players with finding themed words hidden in a grid of letters while also identifying a central “spangram” that connects multiple categories. Today’s puzzle featured a bright, summery theme that resonated with weekend players looking for a relaxing mental break. Many described it as moderately challenging but highly enjoyable, with an average solve time hovering around 8-12 minutes according to early community data.

Today’s NYT Strands Answers – May 16, 2026 (#804)

Theme: Beach Day Essentials

Spangram: SEASHORE (connecting multiple words across the grid)

Themed Words:

• SUNSCREEN
• TOWEL
• UMBRELLA
• SANDCASTLE
• ICECREAM
• SURFBOARD
• FLIPFLOPS
• SEASHELLS

The spangram “SEASHORE” cleverly tied the entire theme together, running diagonally through the center of the grid. Solvers who spotted the summer connection early were able to clear the board quickly, while others needed hints to unlock the final few words.

Players who achieved a perfect solve celebrated with the game’s signature “strand” completion animation, often sharing screenshots on social media with captions like “Perfect Beach Day Strands!” or “Nailed it before my morning coffee.”

Hints That Helped Solvers

For those still working the puzzle or wanting to preserve future streaks, here are the subtle hints that circulated widely:

• The theme revolves around a classic summer outing by the water.
• One word protects your skin from the sun.
• Another keeps you dry after swimming.
• Look for something you build in the sand.
• A frozen treat that melts quickly in the heat.
• Footwear that’s easy to slip on and off at the beach.

The spangram hint was particularly useful: it contains letters that spell a word meaning the area where land meets the sea.

Why Today’s Puzzle Resonated

Strands continues to grow in popularity as a more relaxed alternative to Wordle’s strict guess limits. The beach-themed puzzle perfectly captured the weekend mood for many players, especially as temperatures rise across much of the Northern Hemisphere. The combination of nostalgic summer words and satisfying word-search mechanics created an addictive yet low-pressure experience that many described as “the perfect Saturday morning activity.”

Social media platforms lit up with reactions. Users posted their solve times, shared funny near-misses (such as mistaking “SUNSCREEN” for “SUNBLOCK”), and compared results with friends. The hashtag #NYTStrands804 trended briefly, with players from coastal cities relating strongly to the theme.

Strategies for Mastering Strands

Top Strands players recommend starting by scanning for longer, obvious words or those with unique letter combinations. Looking for the spangram early often unlocks multiple themed words at once. In today’s puzzle, identifying “SEASHORE” early made the rest of the grid much easier to clear.

Advanced solvers suggest working from the edges inward and paying close attention to letter clusters that commonly appear in themed words (such as “SUN-“, “SAND-“, or “ICE-“). The game rewards both vocabulary knowledge and spatial awareness, making it accessible yet satisfying for players of all levels.

Community tips shared today included focusing on the theme first rather than hunting random words, which helps avoid wasting time on distractors. Many players also recommended playing on a larger screen or using landscape mode for better visibility of the full grid.

Strands’ Growing Popularity in 2026

Since its launch, Strands has become a cornerstone of The New York Times Games portfolio, sitting comfortably alongside Wordle, Connections and the Mini Crossword. With millions of daily players, it offers a more leisurely pace that appeals to those who enjoy word searches but want a modern, digital twist with themed challenges.

The May 16 puzzle exemplified why the game resonates: it was timely, visually appealing and emotionally engaging. Summer-themed puzzles often perform particularly well, as players relate the words to their own experiences and upcoming vacation plans.

Global Appeal and Community

Players from beach destinations like California, Florida, Australia and coastal Europe particularly enjoyed today’s theme. International solvers noted how the words translated easily across cultures, with many non-native English speakers using the puzzle as a fun vocabulary builder.

Online communities on Reddit, Discord and Facebook dedicated to NYT Games shared strategies, celebrated perfect solves and offered gentle hints to struggling players. The supportive atmosphere has become one of Strands’ most appealing features.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow’s Strands puzzle (#805) will reset the grid with a fresh theme, likely continuing the weekend’s lighthearted mood. Whether it features food, travel, nature or another summery concept, players can expect another engaging challenge that balances accessibility with clever word placement.

For those still building their streak or just discovering the game, Strands offers a refreshing alternative to more stressful daily puzzles. Its combination of nostalgia, mental stimulation and community sharing continues to attract new players while retaining longtime fans.

As summer approaches, expect more seasonally appropriate themes that tap into vacation vibes, outdoor activities and sunny-day memories. Today’s “Beach Day” puzzle perfectly captured that spirit, giving millions a joyful mental escape before the weekend fully begins.

Whether you solved it quickly or needed every hint, today’s Strands delivered exactly what fans love: a satisfying mental workout wrapped in a fun, relatable theme. The game continues proving that sometimes the best way to start the day is with a grid of letters and the promise of discovery.

Play responsibly, share your results proudly, and remember — tomorrow brings a brand new puzzle and another chance to test your word-finding skills. For more NYT Games content, check out Wordle, Connections and the Mini Crossword, all available on the same platform.

The May 16, 2026 Strands puzzle will be remembered as one of the more enjoyable summer-themed editions, bringing a little beach magic to players everywhere — even those nowhere near the ocean.

LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic has already begun the same rigorous diet and training regimen that dramatically improved his conditioning and performance last offseason, multiple sources confirmed Thursday, signaling the Dallas Mavericks star-turned-Lakers leader is leaving nothing to chance as he prepares for a pivotal 2026-27 campaign following the team’s second-round playoff exit.

The Slovenian superstar, who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade before the 2025-26 season, is once again following a high-protein, low-carb plan combined with intermittent fasting and dual daily workouts under the guidance of his personal “Team Luka” of nutritionists, physiotherapists and trainers. The approach helped him shed significant weight and silence critics last summer, leading to one of the most productive seasons of his career before a Grade 2 hamstring strain sidelined him for the playoffs.

According to people familiar with the situation, Doncic restarted the program immediately after the Lakers’ elimination by the Oklahoma City Thunder, determined to enter next season in peak physical condition alongside LeBron James and a reconfigured supporting cast. At 27 years old and entering his prime, the move underscores his commitment to longevity and sustained excellence in a physically demanding league.

Last Year’s Transformation Sparked Career Year

Doncic’s 2025 offseason overhaul became one of the biggest storylines in the NBA. After years of questions about his conditioning and weight, he embraced a strict nutritional protocol that emphasized lean proteins, vegetables, healthy fats and timed eating windows. The results were visible from the first day of training camp: a noticeably leaner physique, improved quickness and greater stamina late in games.

That dedication translated into elite production. Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game across 64 contests, earning All-NBA First Team honors and finishing as a finalist for league MVP. His improved mobility allowed him to attack the rim more effectively and defend with greater intensity, silencing many longtime skeptics who had labeled him a liability on that end.

The hamstring injury in early April prevented him from joining James in the postseason, a frustrating end to what had been a promising first year in Los Angeles. Now fully healed, Doncic is wasting no time addressing the areas he believes cost the Lakers in the playoffs.

Current Focus and Lakers Expectations

Sources say the current program mirrors last year’s blueprint but with added emphasis on injury prevention and core stability. Daily sessions include mobility work, yoga, swimming and strength training tailored to protect his lower body while building functional power. Nutrition remains tightly controlled, with a heavy focus on anti-inflammatory foods and precise macronutrient timing around workouts.

Lakers coach JJ Redick and the front office have been briefed on the plan and fully support it. “Luka understands his body better than anyone,” Redick said recently. “When he commits to something like this, the results speak for themselves. We’re excited to see what he brings to camp.”

General manager Rob Pelinka has made it clear that building around Doncic and James remains the priority this offseason. With both stars healthy and motivated, the Lakers believe they can contend for a championship as early as next season. Doncic’s willingness to transform his body again is seen as a major positive signal by the organization and its fans.

Expert Analysis and Long-Term Outlook

Sports nutritionists and performance coaches say Doncic’s approach is smart but demanding. “Maintaining this level of discipline year after year is incredibly difficult at his age and with his schedule,” said Dr. Emily Chen, a sports dietitian who has worked with several NBA players. “The fact that he’s restarting it so quickly after the season shows real maturity and commitment to his craft.”

Analysts project that if Doncic can sustain the improved conditioning, his game could reach even greater heights. Already one of the league’s most skilled passers and scorers, better physical condition would allow him to play at a higher pace and defend more effectively over 82 games plus the postseason.

However, some caution that extreme dieting can carry risks if not managed properly, particularly for athletes with heavy workloads. Doncic’s team has reportedly consulted extensively with medical professionals to ensure the plan supports both performance and long-term health.

Fan and Media Reaction

The news has energized Lakers fans already dreaming of a healthier, more dominant Doncic next season. Social media platforms lit up with excitement, with many posting side-by-side photos of his transformation last year and speculating about even greater gains this time around. Hashtags like #LukaDiet and #BuiltDifferent trended briefly after reports emerged.

Media coverage has been largely positive, with analysts praising Doncic’s professionalism and work ethic. “This is what separates the good from the great,” said ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “Luka doesn’t have to do this. He’s already a superstar. But he wants to be the best version of himself, and that’s why the Lakers traded for him.”

Skeptics remain, pointing to the difficulty of sustaining such strict regimens long-term and questioning whether the Lakers can build a true contender around two aging superstars. Yet even critics acknowledge that Doncic’s commitment sets a strong tone for the organization heading into a critical offseason.

Broader Implications for the Lakers

Doncic’s renewed focus comes at a pivotal time for the franchise. With James entering his 24th season at age 41, the window for contention is narrowing. A leaner, fitter Doncic could extend that window significantly while providing a bridge to the post-James era alongside Austin Reaves and younger pieces.

The Lakers are expected to be active in free agency and trades, targeting shooters and defenders who complement Doncic’s playmaking. His improved conditioning would make those additions even more effective, particularly in transition and late-game situations.

As training camp approaches in late September, all eyes will be on Doncic’s physical condition and how seamlessly he meshes with James in a full healthy season. If the diet delivers similar results to last year, the Lakers could emerge as serious title contenders in a wide-open Western Conference.

For now, Doncic’s decision to recommit to the strict regimen sends a clear message: he is not satisfied with individual accolades and wants to lead the Lakers back to championship contention. In a league where longevity and sustained excellence define legacies, his willingness to embrace discomfort again could prove decisive.

The basketball world will be watching closely over the coming months to see whether this latest chapter in Luka Doncic’s evolution produces another leap forward — both for the player and the franchise that bet big on his potential.

One of India’s leading construction companies saw FII selling of 1.74 crore shares during the March 2026 quarter. The net sell value came in at Rs 6,631 crore, while the stock declined 14.19%.

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

In an environment where global uncertainty, rising crude oil prices, and fluctuating interest rate expectations are driving sharp market swings, the importance of trading psychology has never been greater. While investors often focus on data, valuations, and news flows, real success in markets increasingly depends on mastering one’s own mindset.

At its core, trading psychology refers to the emotional and mental state that influences decision-making—often determining success or failure more than strategy itself.

Why psychology matters more in current market

The present market backdrop is far from stable. Rising geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, and currency volatility are creating sharp, unpredictable moves. Experts are advising caution and selective buying rather than aggressive risk-taking, highlighting the fragile sentiment in equities.

In such phases, emotions like fear and greed become amplified:

Fear triggers panic selling during corrections

Greed pushes investors to chase rallies at peak valuationsThis emotional cycle often leads to poor timing—buying high and selling low.

The Hidden Edge: Discipline Over Prediction

A critical insight from market behaviour is that even correct predictions don’t guarantee success. Poor risk management and emotional decisions can still lead to losses, as seen in real-world trading experiments.
This reinforces a key principle:
Markets reward discipline, not just intelligence.

Successful investors:

• Stick to predefined strategies
• Avoid impulsive trades
• Focus on consistency rather than quick wins
• Focus on Strengths, Not Mistakes

According to trading psychology research highlighted by noted clinical psychologist and investor Dr Brett Steenbarger, one of the most effective ways to improve performance is to identify and build on your strengths rather than obsess over flaws.

Every investor has unique strengths—whether it’s patience, research ability, or timing. The goal is to refine and align strategies around these strengths to create a sustainable edge.

The Trap of Overactivity in Volatile Markets

In uncertain times, many investors feel compelled to act constantly—buying, selling, and reacting to every headline. However, excessive trading often creates an illusion of control while eroding returns over time.

In fact, some of the best outcomes come from:

• Sitting through volatility
• Avoiding unnecessary trades
• Letting long-term trends play out
• Managing Market Psychology: Practical Framework

To navigate today’s markets effectively, investors should adopt a structured psychological approach:

1. Define a Clear Plan

Set entry, exit, and risk limits in advance to avoid emotional decisions.

2. Accept Losses as Part of the Game

Losses are inevitable—reacting emotionally only magnifies them.

3. Avoid Herd Behaviour

Markets often swing due to collective sentiment rather than fundamentals.

4. Control Position Sizing

Risk management is more important than predicting the next move.

5. Think Long-Term

Consistent, disciplined investing often outperforms short-term speculation.

The Bottom Line

In today’s uncertain and volatile market landscape, the biggest risk is not external—it lies within the investor. Emotional reactions, overconfidence, and impatience can derail even the best strategies.

Ultimately, successful investing is less about finding the perfect stock and more about cultivating the right mindset. Those who can remain calm, disciplined, and self-aware amid market noise are the ones most likely to build lasting wealth.

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