Multi Commodity Exchange of India saw retail holding value rise by Rs 602 crore during the quarter. Retail investors held Rs 8,835 crore worth of shares at the end of March 2026 versus Rs 8,233 crore in December 2025, while the stock gained 7.31%.

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

NEW YORK — The New York Times Connections Sports Edition puzzle for May 23, 2026, numbered 613, featured four sports-themed categories with the following groupings according to official solutions published by review sites.

The yellow category, rated easiest, was “defeat soundly.” The words were CRUSH, PASTE, ROUT and SHELLAC.

The green category was “a Missouri athlete.” The words were BLUE, CHIEF, ROYAL and CARDINAL.

The blue category was “college coaches.” The words were CIGNETTI, DAY, FICKELL and RHULE.

The purple category was “baseball terms or names.” The words were BASE, CUT, FINISH and MENDOZA.

The 16 words in the grid were PASTE, CUT, FINISH, DAY, CHIEF, CIGNETTI, MENDOZA, ROUT, FICKELL, BASE, ROYAL, BLUE, RHULE, SHELLAC, CARDINAL and CRUSH.

Game Mechanics

Connections Sports Edition follows the standard Connections format but focuses exclusively on sports-related themes. Players sort 16 words into four groups of four based on common threads. The game provides color-coded feedback: yellow for the easiest category, green for the next, blue for the third and purple for the hardest.

The May 23, 2026, edition emphasized college football coaches, MLB team nicknames associated with Missouri, ways to describe a decisive victory in sports and baseball-specific terminology. Solvers noted the Missouri athlete category linked to Kansas City sports teams and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Previous Day Comparison

The May 22, 2026, Connections Sports Edition puzzle No. 612 included these categories: attributes for a baseball pitcher with CONTROL, COMMAND, VELOCITY and STAMINA; NHL teams familiarly with HABS, AVS, CANES and ISLES; can follow the word “Texas” with RANGERS, LONGHORNS, TECH and LEAGUER; and members of the Cincinnati Reds with SINGER, STEER, DE LA CRUZ and BURNS.

Solving Strategies

Many players started with obvious sports victory terms such as CRUSH and ROUT, which quickly unlocked the yellow category. The Missouri athlete group connected through professional sports franchises in the state. College coaches required knowledge of current NCAA football head coaches.

The purple category proved most challenging for some, linking baseball concepts including base, cut, finish and Mendoza, the latter referring to the Mendoza Line in baseball statistics.

Popularity of Sports Edition

Connections Sports Edition, launched as a beta version by The New York Times and The Athletic, has gained a dedicated following among sports fans. The daily puzzle complements the standard Connections game and attracts players interested in athletics, coaching names, team nicknames and sports terminology.

On May 23, 2026, the puzzle coincided with ongoing NBA Western Conference Finals coverage between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, adding relevance for basketball fans following playoff action.

Companion Resources

The New York Times and partner sites provide hints and companion articles for each puzzle. For No. 613, progressive hints included sports victory synonyms and Missouri sports references. Third-party solvers offered practice boards and reveal assistants.

Broader NYT Games Context

The Sports Edition runs alongside regular Connections, which on May 23, 2026, had categories for hairdos, more readily, Marvel characters and Star Wars movie title words. Other games that day included Wordle with answer CHUCK and Strands with survival theme.

Players access the puzzle through The Athletic or New York Times platforms. Basic play is available daily, with subscriptions offering additional features and archives. The sports version maintains the same four-mistake limit before the puzzle ends.

Community Response

Solvers discussed the puzzle on forums, noting the college coaches category required familiarity with current NCAA leadership. The Missouri athlete group stood out for fans of Kansas City Chiefs, Royals and St. Louis Cardinals. Discussions highlighted how the puzzle tested knowledge across multiple sports.

Performance metrics shared by users included perfect solve rates and time to completion. Saturday puzzles often feature a mix of timely and evergreen sports topics.

Historical Development

Connections Sports Edition expanded The New York Times’ games portfolio in recent years. By mid-2026, puzzle numbering reached the 600s, indicating regular daily releases. Each edition draws from diverse sports including football, baseball, hockey and basketball.

The May 23 solution blended current coaching names with classic sports terminology, typical of the game’s educational and entertaining balance. Official answers are confirmed post-reset by The New York Times.

Tips for Players

Effective strategies include grouping obvious sports terms first and eliminating confirmed categories. Knowledge of major league team nicknames, prominent coaches and statistical terms aids solving. New players can use practice modes on helper sites.

The game encourages engagement with sports culture while building pattern recognition skills. Difficulty varies, with purple categories often requiring deeper sports knowledge.

TUCSON, Ariz. — A YouTuber searching for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie discovered a human bone in a dry riverbed near Tucson on May 7, 2026, but authorities later determined the remains date back approximately 750 years and are unrelated to her February abduction.

AJ Wysopal, a 38-year-old Tucson resident, was live streaming his search a few miles from Guthrie’s home in the Catalina Foothills area when he spotted the bone protruding from the dirt in a wash near North Craycroft Road and East River Road.

“I’m pretty sure that’s a bone,” Wysopal said on his livestream. “What the heck?”

Wysopal poked at the object with a hiking stick, attempted to dig around it and then contacted 911. Viewers on the stream reacted with comments including “BODY” and expressions of shock.

Investigation and Determination

Pima County authorities responded to the scene. The Pima County medical examiner’s office determined the bone was too old to relate to a recent death. James Watson, curator of bioarchaeology at the Arizona State Museum, inspected the remains and confirmed they belonged to a member of the Hohokam people, an ancient group considered ancestors to modern Native Americans in Arizona.

Tucson police stated the discovery was not part of a crime scene. The find shifted from a potential lead in the high-profile Guthrie case to an archaeological matter.

The location was about seven miles from Guthrie’s residence. Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was abducted from her home on Feb. 1, 2026. Investigators believe she was taken in the early morning hours.

Context of the Guthrie Case

As of May 2026, the search for Nancy Guthrie had entered its fourth month with no arrests and no confirmed suspect. The family offered a substantial reward for information leading to her recovery. The case drew national attention and prompted civilian searches, including those by Wysopal and other YouTubers.

Wysopal began his YouTube channel after Guthrie’s disappearance and conducted multiple searches in the area. The May 7 incident marked one of several civilian efforts that generated public interest and sometimes false hopes.

Archaeological Significance

The bone is believed to be from the Hohokam culture, which inhabited the region from approximately 300 to 1500 A.D. Experts noted such discoveries are not uncommon in southern Arizona due to the area’s rich prehistoric history. The remains will likely be handled according to protocols for ancient Native American artifacts.

Watson has fielded questions about the case and emphasized the importance of proper reporting of archaeological finds to avoid disturbing cultural sites.

Public and Media Reaction

The livestream drew significant viewership, with thousands watching in real time as police arrived. Initial speculation linked the bone to Guthrie, but officials quickly clarified its age. Media outlets covered the discovery and subsequent determination extensively.

The incident highlighted challenges in high-profile missing persons cases where public involvement can yield both useful tips and unrelated findings. Law enforcement has received tens of thousands of tips since February.

Ongoing Search Efforts

Civilian searchers continue to assist in areas around Tucson. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI remain involved in the Guthrie investigation. As of mid-May 2026, authorities had not identified new major breakthroughs.

Savannah Guthrie and the family have cooperated with investigators while appealing for public information. The case has involved doorbell camera footage, vehicle tracking and multiple search warrants.

Broader Implications

Discoveries like the ancient bone underscore the need for caution when evaluating potential evidence in missing persons investigations. Officials have urged the public to report findings to authorities rather than disturb scenes.

The Hohokam connection adds a layer of historical context to the area’s landscape. Southern Arizona contains numerous archaeological sites, and modern development sometimes uncovers such remains.

Wysopal cooperated fully with detectives on scene, providing details of his search route and livestream footage. His channel focused on boots-on-the-ground efforts in the Guthrie case.

Timeline of Events

• Feb. 1, 2026: Nancy Guthrie abducted from her Tucson-area home.
• May 7, 2026: Wysopal discovers bone during livestreamed search.
• May 8 onward: Medical examiner and archaeologists determine age and origin.
• May 22, 2026: Public confirmation that the bone is prehistoric and unrelated.

The Guthrie investigation continues with active leads. The ancient bone discovery, while notable, closed one chapter of speculation without advancing the case. Law enforcement continues to process tips and evidence as the search enters its fourth month.

The markets traded in a largely range-bound manner through the week and ended with modest gains amid continued consolidation. The Nifty oscillated in a 542-point range as the index tested a high of 23,859.90 while slipping to a low of 23,317.10 during the week.

Volatility cooled off further; the India VIX declined 4.68% to 17.91 on a weekly basis, indicating a temporary moderation in market anxiety. The headline index closed the week with a net gain of 75.80 points (+0.32%).

The broader technical structure of the Nifty remains neutral-to-cautious as the index continues to hover below a crucial resistance zone near 23,800-23,850. This level has emerged as a significant hurdle and meaningful stability would return only if the Nifty manages to move above this zone and sustain there on a closing basis.

Until that happens, the index is likely to remain trapped in a broad consolidation band with intermittent bouts of volatility. The recent rebound from lower levels has helped the markets stabilize, but the absence of strong follow-through buying suggests that the recovery is still tentative.

Any sustained move beyond 23,800 can trigger short covering and improve the near-term trend structure, while failure to do so may keep the markets vulnerable to renewed selling pressure.
The coming week is truncated because of the May 28 trading holiday on account of Eid, and this may keep volumes relatively light with stock-specific moves dominating the sessions. The markets are likely to see a stable-to-positive start; however, traders should closely monitor the behavior of the index near the 23,800 zone. Immediate resistance levels are placed at 23,800 and 24,050, while supports come in at 23,500 and 23,350.
The weekly RSI stands at 42.35 and remains neutral, showing no meaningful bullish or bearish divergence against price. The indicator has improved marginally but is yet to reclaim stronger momentum levels. The weekly MACD remains below its signal line and continues to stay in bearish territory, although the histogram has started to contract, hinting at weakening downside momentum. The latest candle formation reflects indecisiveness and lack of directional conviction, reinforcing the ongoing consolidation phase.
Pattern analysis of the weekly chart shows the Nifty attempting to stabilize near the lower edge of a broader trading structure after witnessing sharp corrective moves in previous weeks. The index remains below its 20-week moving average, placed near 24,24387, and 100-week MA at 24540, which continues to act as a strong overhead resistance. However, the Nifty is still holding above the rising 200-week moving average near 22,025, preserving the long-term structural uptrend.

For the coming week, traders should continue maintaining a highly selective and stock-specific approach. Fresh aggressive buying should be avoided until the Nifty crosses and closes above 23,800 decisively. At the same time, there is no major technical damage as long as the index remains above the 23,300-23,350 zone.

Traders should focus on protecting gains at higher levels and avoid excessive leverage in the current environment. A balanced approach with emphasis on risk management and selective participation is likely to serve market participants best in the truncated trading week ahead.

In our look at Relative Rotation Graphs®, we compared various sectors against the CNX500 (NIFTY 500 Index), representing over 95% of the free-float market cap of all the listed stocks.

The Relative Rotation Graph (RRG) shows that the Nifty Metal Index has rolled back inside the leading quadrant. Besides this, Midcap 100, Energy, Pharma and the Media Indices are also inside the leading quadrant. These groups are likely to relatively outperform the broader Nifty 500 Index.

The Nifty PSE Index has slipped into the weakening quadrant. The Infrastructure and PSU Bank Index are also inside this quadrant. These groups may see a collective slowdown in their relative performance.

The Nifty Services Sector, Banknifty, and Nifty Financial Services indices are languishing inside the lagging quadrant. These groups may relatively underperform the broader markets. The Nifty Auto and IT indices are also inside the lagging quadrant, but are seen improving their relative momentum.

The FMCG and the Realty Indices are inside the improving quadrant.

Important Note: RRG™ charts show the relative strength and momentum of a group of stocks. In the above Chart, they show relative performance against the NIFTY500 Index (Broader Markets) and should not be used directly as buy or sell signals.

(The author Milan Vaishnav is CMT, MSTA Consulting Technical Analyst)

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

ESPOO, Finland — Nokia Oyj shares rose 9.55% to 13.26 euros on the Helsinki Stock Exchange on May 22, 2026, as the company benefited from positive analyst actions and continued momentum in its artificial intelligence and optical networking business.

The Finnish telecommunications equipment maker closed the session with significant gains, aligning with strength in its U.S.-listed American Depositary Receipts, which climbed over 9% to around $15.47.

Morgan Stanley raised its price target on Nokia to 14 euros from 11 euros while maintaining a Buy rating, according to reports on May 22.

AI Networking Innovation Lab

Nokia launched its AI Networking Innovation Lab in California on May 21, 2026. The facility focuses on advancing AI-driven networking solutions for data centers and telecommunications operators.

The lab supports development of technologies that integrate artificial intelligence into network infrastructure, building on the company’s recent growth in optical networks and AI-related orders.

Q1 2026 Financial Results

Nokia reported first-quarter 2026 net sales of 4.5 billion euros, up 2% reported and 4% on a constant currency and portfolio basis compared to the prior year.

Comparable gross margin expanded 320 basis points year-over-year to 45.5%. Comparable operating margin rose 200 basis points to 6.2%. The company posted comparable diluted earnings per share of 0.05 euros.

Free cash flow reached 0.6 billion euros in the quarter. Network Infrastructure net sales grew 6%, driven by a 20% increase in Optical Networks.

AI and cloud net sales grew 49% year-over-year, with the company securing around 1 billion euros in new AI-related orders during the period.

Nokia raised its full-year guidance for Network Infrastructure sales growth to 12-14% on a constant currency basis following the strong Optical Networks performance.

Analyst and Market Response

Multiple analysts adjusted targets upward in recent weeks. Deutsche Bank raised its price target to 8.50 euros from 7.50 euros in mid-May. Other firms including Argus Research have set higher targets around 15 dollars for the ADR.

Consensus ratings stood at Moderate Buy with an average 12-month price target near 9.71 dollars to 14.54 dollars across various analyst groups, though some forecasts reached as high as 17.43 dollars.

The stock has shown strong performance in 2026, reaching levels not seen in over 15 years amid AI infrastructure demand. Year-to-date gains exceeded 100% at points in May.

Strategic Developments

Nokia has pursued partnerships in AI and defense sectors. The company collaborated with Lockheed Martin on 5G solutions for military applications. It also announced new agentic AI capabilities for fixed networks in May.

The Infinera acquisition has contributed to synergy benefits in optical networking, supporting growth in data center connectivity for AI workloads.

Business Segments

Network Infrastructure remains the primary growth driver. Mobile Networks and other segments showed mixed results amid softer 5G deployment cycles in some markets. The company continues to focus on cost management and portfolio optimization.

Nokia maintains a solid balance sheet with net cash of 3.8 billion euros at the end of Q1 2026.

Industry Context

Demand for high-speed optical transport and AI-optimized networking equipment has accelerated as hyperscalers and telecom operators invest in data center expansion. Nokia competes in this space with firms addressing similar AI infrastructure needs.

The company has highlighted its position in providing end-to-end solutions from fixed and mobile networks to cloud and AI applications.

Outlook

Nokia has guided for continued growth in its key infrastructure segments for the remainder of 2026. Management cited strong order intake and margin expansion as supportive factors.

Upcoming quarterly results are scheduled for July 2026. Analysts will monitor execution on AI orders and margin trends.

Trading volume on May 22 was elevated as investors reacted to the analyst upgrade and lab announcement. The stock has exhibited volatility but maintained an upward trajectory through mid-2026.

Nokia operates globally with significant presence in Europe, North America and Asia. Its research and development efforts focus on 5G, 6G, AI and optical technologies.

SAN ANTONIO — The Oklahoma City Thunder used a record-setting bench performance to overcome an early 15-point deficit and defeat the San Antonio Spurs 123-108 on May 22, 2026, at Frost Bank Center to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals.

Oklahoma City’s reserves scored 76 points, the most by a team in a conference finals game since the NBA adopted the 16-team playoff format in 1984. The previous high was 69 points by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985.

The bench contributed 62% of the Thunder’s total scoring in the victory. Only two Oklahoma City starters reached double figures, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 26 points and Chet Holmgren adding 14.

Bench Standouts

Jared McCain led the reserves with a playoff career-high 24 points. Jaylin Williams scored a playoff career-high 18 points, making five three-pointers. Alex Caruso added 15 points, giving him 63 points through the first three games of the series.

McCain, acquired midseason in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, said, “I like proving my support system right. The people who really believe in me, I like proving them right.”

He also stated, “We talk about it a lot, in practice and throughout the whole playoffs: Be ready and stay ready. Coaches have done a great job of that. … We all are hoopers and we all know what to do out there, especially this team. It’s a very mature team. Coming in, I just want to be as ready as I can, no matter what it is.”

Early Game Struggles and Response

The Spurs opened the game with a 15-0 lead, the longest run to start a conference finals game since the play-by-play era began in 1997. De’Aaron Fox started the run with a driving layup, Victor Wembanyama hit a three-pointer, and Devin Vassell added another three.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault called timeout early and turned to his bench. Oklahoma City responded with a 13-2 run while Wembanyama was on the bench and closed the first quarter trailing 31-26.

The Thunder outscored the Spurs 97-77 after the first period. Daigneault said, “We assume the opponent’s always at their best and we need to be at ours and depth is a part of that. … It just needs to be one of our strengths that we rely on, regardless of circumstance.”

Injury and Availability Notes

Jalen Williams missed the game for Oklahoma City due to a right hamstring strain. For the Spurs, De’Aaron Fox made his series debut after missing Game 2 and scored 15 points. Dylan Harper remained sidelined with a right adductor injury.

Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 24 points. Devin Vassell added 20 points. The Spurs’ bench scored only 23 points.

Series Context

The Spurs won Game 1 in double overtime 122-115 in Oklahoma City. The Thunder responded with a 122-113 victory in Game 2 at home. Oklahoma City has now won two straight games to take the series lead.

Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the slow start, saying, “We just went out there and competed. They obviously jumped on us early. First game in their building, their crowd behind them, they were excited to play. We just wanted to make sure we competed from that point on. We obviously didn’t give our best effort to start that game but can’t do nothing about it. It’s behind us. All we can do is focus on the next possession, and we did that.”

Game Incidents

The contest remained physical. In the second half, Stephon Castle was fouled hard on back-to-back dunk attempts. Ajay Mitchell received a flagrant foul 1 on the second play, and technical fouls were issued to Mitchell and Vassell after they exchanged words.

Back-to-back three-pointers by Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams helped Oklahoma City establish its first lead at 35-31. The Thunder maintained control through strong bench rotations and defensive pressure.

Historical Bench Performance

The 76 bench points marked an outlier performance. No team had achieved 62% of its scoring from reserves in a winning conference finals effort in the past four decades. The Thunder’s depth has been a consistent factor, with 50 bench points in Game 1 and 57 in Game 2.

Coaching and Strategy

Daigneault utilized deep rotations throughout the game. The strategy allowed the Thunder to maintain intensity despite the early deficit and the absence of Jalen Williams. Oklahoma City improved to 2-1 in the series with the road victory.

The Spurs leaned heavily on Wembanyama and their starting lineup due to guard injuries. Harrison Barnes and Jordan McLaughlin saw expanded minutes in the backcourt.

Broader Playoff Picture

Oklahoma City, the defending NBA champions, demonstrated resilience through injuries and early-game adversity. The Spurs showed fight with a strong opening but could not sustain momentum against the Thunder’s depth.

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Frost Bank Center. The series could return to Oklahoma City for Game 5 if the Thunder win again in San Antonio.

Attendance at Frost Bank Center included former Spurs legends David Robinson and Tim Duncan. The crowd provided strong support early but witnessed the Thunder’s comeback.

Statistical Highlights

The Thunder shot efficiently in the second half and dominated in transition opportunities created by their bench. Rebounding and assist numbers favored Oklahoma City as the game progressed. The 123-108 final margin reflected control after the initial Spurs surge.

This performance added to the narrative of the Thunder’s bench as a championship-level strength. McCain and Williams delivered career playoff highs at a critical juncture in the Western Conference Finals.

The game marked another chapter in a competitive series between two young Western Conference teams. Further updates on player availability and adjustments will come ahead of Game 4.