Global investors are increasingly looking beyond geopolitical tensions and focusing on the powerful earnings momentum being driven by artificial intelligence investments, according to Candace Browning, Head, BofA Global Research. Despite ongoing conflict-related concerns, markets continue to find support from robust corporate profits, resilient economic growth, and expectations of relatively accommodative monetary policy in the United States.

“What we are seeing really is basically that there is a trade-off between the war and then the AI capex boom on the other side, robust US earnings growth and then there is also a perception that US policymakers are going to keep monetary policy relatively easy. So, all three of those factors are sort of winning out against the war,” Browning said.

She highlighted that earnings growth in the US has remained exceptionally strong. “In the first quarter, S&P earnings were up 24%. If you exclude the hyperscalers, they were up 18%. We just raised our earnings growth forecast for US stocks from 14% to 22%. So, this is very-very strong earnings growth that we are seeing and what is happening is people are looking through what is going on in the war to this very strong earnings growth and they are investing in it for the long term,” she noted.

Browning also pointed to improving investor sentiment around geopolitical risks. “We just completed a fund manager survey and what we saw there is that 54% of the respondents expect the war to end by the end of June. Now, I do not know whether they are going to be right or wrong, but the point is that a majority of investors expect the war to end relatively quickly.”

Sectoral Recovery May Differ After Conflict Ends

Discussing the possible normalization of the global economy after the conflict subsides, Browning said the recovery would not be uniform across sectors.“Well, it is going to vary a lot by sector as to how quickly things normalise. Some sectors it is going to take longer than others,” she said.
According to Browning, energy markets could stabilize relatively quickly if geopolitical tensions ease. “In terms of the oil sector, we think that if it were to end by the end of June that you could see oil prices back at sort of the $85 level by the end of 2026.”
She added that global recession risks still appear limited. “We are not expecting there to be a recession globally. We are still looking for GDP growth of about 2.2% in 2026 and 2.2% also in 2027.”

However, sectors such as agriculture may take longer to fully recover from supply chain disruptions and cost pressures.

AI Spending Boom Still Has Room to Run
While concerns over the sustainability of AI-driven growth continue to surface, Browning believes the investment cycle still has momentum.

“Well, that is a very good question. Everybody is trying to figure that out,” she said while discussing future earnings growth linked to artificial intelligence.

Browning reiterated that the current trajectory remains strong. “We expect for the full year that S&P earnings will be up 22%. So, we see this earnings growth continuing throughout 2026 and into 2027.”

She acknowledged that the long-term monetization potential of AI remains uncertain. “Now the question is how will these new technologies, how much revenue will they actually generate and how much productivity will they actually produce in the end. And so far we do not know the answer to that and I do not think we will know the answer to that for at least another year or so.”

Still, near-term spending trends remain supportive. “What we do know is that we expect the AI capex boom, investment in AI to continue for at least another 12 to 18 months. So, we see a pretty strong earnings outlook over the near term.”

Rising Debt Levels Not Yet a Major Concern
The scale of AI infrastructure investments has sparked debate over how companies will finance the spending surge. Browning acknowledged that several companies have taken on debt to fund expansion but argued that corporate balance sheets remain significantly healthier than during earlier technology cycles.

“These companies that were effectively debt-free have taken on substantial debt,” she said. “However, if you compare the quality of the companies in the S&P 500 today in terms of their debt-to-equity ratios and their cash flow generation, if you compare those companies today to the onset of the internet, in fact, the companies today are much more profitable and have much stronger balance sheets.”

She added that while leverage trends are being monitored closely, there is no immediate concern regarding financial quality.

AI Rally Expands Beyond Big Tech
One of the key shifts underway in markets, according to Browning, is that AI-led growth is no longer confined to large technology firms alone.

“What we are seeing now happening is the earnings growth is spreading out to companies beyond just technology,” she said.

Browning noted that industries tied to the AI supply chain are also benefiting. “This AI capex boom is helping companies in all different kinds of sectors. For example, construction, power generation, lots of other areas are participating in this earnings acceleration.”

She emphasized that the broader participation in earnings growth marks a major difference from earlier phases of the rally when gains were concentrated among a handful of technology giants.

India’s Long-Term Story Remains Intact
On emerging markets, Browning said geopolitical tensions have temporarily weighed on investor sentiment toward countries dependent on energy imports, including India.

“The war in Iran has badly hurt countries that particularly need more energy security such as India,” she said.

However, she believes easing tensions and policy changes could revive investor interest. “Once the war in Iran ends, that will be a real positive for India.”

Browning maintained a constructive long-term outlook on India, citing demographics and domestic demand trends. “India is one of the major emerging market countries that is really driven by domestic demand rather than exports. So, we think that that on the long run is actually a huge opportunity for India.”

She added that India’s expanding middle class and consumption-driven growth model differentiate it from export-led economies like China.

“You have got a very young demographic. It is driven by domestic demand not by export which is very different than China. And so over time you can have this growing Indian middle class and very strong consumption characteristics that would come with that.”

Bond Yields and Inflation Emerging as Key Risks
Despite optimism on earnings, Browning cautioned that rising bond yields remain an important risk factor for equities.

“We are definitely concerned about rising long-term bond yields,” she said, pointing to historical trends that suggest weaker equity returns once US 10-year yields move above 4%.

She also acknowledged that inflationary pressures linked to geopolitical disruptions have altered expectations for monetary policy.

“There is no doubt that the monetary conditions are tighter today than we thought they would be at the beginning of the year and that is a direct result of the war and increased inflation.”

While Browning said her base case still assumes no Federal Reserve rate hikes this year, she admitted the probability of further tightening has increased.

On inflation, she said uncertainty remains over whether current pressures are temporary or structural. “The question is, is this inflation transitory or is it more core and I think the jury is still out on that, we are not really sure about that yet.”

Adani Power has overtaken IT major Infosys in market capitalisation after a sharp rally of around 68% so far in 2026.

The surge in the stock has been driven by expectations of higher power demand amid soaring temperatures and a potentially intense El Niño year, which is seen boosting peak electricity consumption.

Adani Power’s market capitalisation currently stands at around Rs 4.85 lakh crore, while that of Infosys hovers near Rs 4.72 lakh crore. With the latest reshuffle, Adani Power has now overtaken Infosys to become India’s 11th most valued company.

What boosted Adani Power shares?

India is currently reeling under heatwave conditions amid the exceptionally strong El Niño year. The scale of India’s ongoing heatwave has also become visible in global temperature rankings, as data showed an extraordinary concentration of Indian cities among the world’s 100 hottest locations. As of May 22, live data showed 97 of the world’s 100 hottest cities were in India, while only three were from Nepal. Also read: PM Modi urges citizens to stay hydrated, protect vulnerable groups amid rising heatwave

In this background, power demand soared, boosting the power stocks. Adani Power shares were no exception. The stock jumped around 3% on Wednesday to hit a fresh 52-week high of Rs 252 apiece on NSE. The stock surged over 13% in one week and delivered 126% returns over one year. In the longer term, the stock gained 384% in three years and 1,213% in five years.

Why Infosys shares lost their spark?

While super El Nino and resulting extreme heat boosted power stocks so far in 2026, IT stocks continued to face multiple headwinds. The sharp decline in these stocks began earlier this year after AI startup Anthropic launched plug-ins for its Claude Cowork agent which could automate tasks across legal, sales, marketing and data analysis. “We call it the ‘SaaSpocalypse,’ an apocalypse for software-as-a-service stocks,” Bloomberg quoted Jeffrey Favuzza from the equity trading desk at Jefferies as saying.
While the doomsday prophets continue to debate about the future of the IT companies following fresh AI advancements, investors were quick to analyse the cheap valuations, leading to some pockets of buying, although further AI developments later dampened sentiment.Heavyweight Infosys saw its share price tumble around 29% so far in 2026, despite strong rupee depreciation. The shares of the company have fallen around 3% in one week and 26% in one year. In the longer term, the stock has fallen 12% in three years and 17% in five years.

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

Turkey has become a top global destination for medical tourism pretty quickly, and this is particularly true for cosmetic surgery. It has an outstanding reputation for excellence in cosmetic surgery, and thousands of international patients visit every single year.

Currently, one of the most sought-after procedures is breast augmentation, with tens of thousands of successful ones taking place year by year. Now, for many women, breast augmentation in Turkey represents a unique opportunity to access elite medical facilities, such as, for example, the highly regarded Cosmedica Aesthetic, at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.

If you are having issues picking the best clinic for you, this guide will serve as a curated resource to help you pick one of the top 10 clinics for breast augmentation Turkey has to offer, ranked by quality, safety, and patient experiences.

Why Women Are Choosing Turkey for Breast Augmentation

There are many reasons, but here are the most notable ones.

High-Quality Care

Turkey is home to modern, internationally accredited medical facilities that follow the highest global safety standards. Many leading plastic surgeons have a ton of experience, with many having completed parts of their training in Europe or the United States. These specialists are experts at using state of the art techniques and premium silicone to give patients the most natural breast results that prioritize the health and aesthetic goals.

Affordable Costs

One of the most notable advantages is that breast augmentation in Turkey typically costs 50% to 70% less than in the UK or the USA. Why? The answer is simple. Turkey has a lower cost of living and government incentives for medical tourism. This makes the buzzword “high quality surgery Turkey” connected to accessibility without compromising medical standards.

Attractive Location for Medical Tourism

Istanbul is the most popular destination for breast enhancements in Turkey. You can actually combine your cosmetic procedure with a rich cultural experience. They have Excellent local hospitality and easy flight connections. This allows for a seamless transition from the initial consultation to some well deserved post operative relaxation in a luxury hotel.

All-Inclusive Packages

Many clinics in Turkey offer bundle packages that cover the surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, hotel accommodation, airport transfers, and aftercare (and all that costs less than just the surgery in the West). Cosmedica Aesthetic is a prime example of a clinic that has this model. The main goal is to remove the stress of logistical planning.

The Top 10 Clinics for Breast Augmentation in Turkey

Here’s our list.

#1 Cosmedica Aesthetic, Istanbul

Cosmedica Aesthetic is Istanbul’s leading clinic for breast augmentation for international patients. They offer great surgical precision and high end patient care.

The clinic is led by Dr. Ufuk Durgun, who is a very well-respected specialist in aesthetic and plastic surgery and is known for his extensive international qualifications and diverse patient base.

The clinic uses state of the art techniques and focuses on achieving natural breast results. They do this through individualized treatment plans, and this process involves a careful selection of breast size and shape, implant placement, and an incision approach that’s tailored to your unique anatomy. Also, Cosmedica uses premium silicone implants exclusively, surgeries including anatomical options, to ensure your safety and guarantee aesthetic longevity.

A key factor is their comprehensive all-inclusive package designed to support patients all the way from the initial consultation to post operative care.

The package includes:

• The full surgical procedure and anesthesia;
• Monitored post-op stay in a top-tier hospital or clinic;
• Luxury hotel accommodation and VIP airport transfers;
• All the necessary medications and medical compression garments;
• Free initial and follow-up consultations;
• 24/7 English-speaking patient support.

They successfully treated patients from over 40 countries. So, Cosmedica’s international credibility is pretty well-established. Unlike many other providers that charge for initial assessments, as mentioned, they offer a free consultation, allowing patients to explore their options without financial pressure.

If you want to learn more or request a free consultation, visit this link: https://cosmedicaaesthetic.com/breast-augmentation-turkey/

#2 Body Expert – Agency

Here is a medical tourism agency from Istanbul. They connect international patients and Turkish clinics, and their partner surgeons (like Dr. Bülent Çığşar) are famous for precision and the fact that they follow international safety protocols. They offer a transparent, fixed-price model with zero hidden fees.

#3 Asthetica – Medical Tourism Clinic

This is a specialized medical tourism clinic that provides bespoke cosmetic surgery services. The medical team here is supported by nurses who are registered in the UK and Australia. Therefore, patients get communication and oversight from native English speakers. You can get comprehensive packages that include 5-star hotel stays and aftercare.

#4 Longevita – UK-Based Facilitator

This company organizes cosmetic procedures in JCI-accredited hospitals in Istanbul. They have a network of independent and board-certified surgeons (like Dr. Nurettin, who has experience in breast and facial reconstruction). Also, they have a strong UK presence, and this basically means that patients can get consultations and follow-up reviews in Britain.

#5 Enhance Medical Group – UK Provider

Enhance MG is a prominent provider. They offer high quality cosmetic results and use premium materials (e.g. Mentor silicone implants). Surgeons here focus on education, helping women choose the most appropriate implant profile for their body type. They also offer a unique 12-month aftercare guarantee, which gives you some peace of mind.

#6 Estetik International

Estetik International is one of Turkey’s established aesthetic centers, founded by Bülent Cihantimur, an internationally acclaimed doctor. They have their “Spiderweb” technique and other proprietary surgical methods developed over 25 years. They use advanced 3D simulation technology, so you can visualize your surgical outcomes during the consultation.

#7 Esteworld

Esteworld is the first health group in Turkey dedicated exclusively to plastic and aesthetic surgery. Their network of specialists follows the “Healthy Beauty” philosophy (which basically means that they combine holistic wellness with surgical precision). They also have access to facilities designed to handle complex reconstructive and cosmetic cases with a full-time medical staff.

#8 ClinicExpert

ClinicExpert will give you balanced body proportions through custom surgical approaches. Their surgeons are particularly skilled in hybrid breast augmentation. This involves using a method that combines silicone implants with fat grafting to achieve softer and more natural results. They utilize current diagnostic tools to evaluate breast tissue and skin elasticity prior to surgery.

#9 Acıbadem Beauty Center

And here, we have a clinic that is part of the (globally recognized) Acıbadem Healthcare Group. This beauty center offers a multi-disciplinary hospital environment, where patients benefit from a massive healthcare network that includes 24 hospitals and nearly 100 clinics. Their surgical teams have access to the latest medical technologies.

#10 Clinic Center

This is another UK-registered medical tourism company that specializes in all-inclusive plastic surgery packages in Turkey. They focus on boob job procedures with organized VIP transfers and dedicated patient hosts. Their team works with highly rated surgeons to deliver natural results that enhance the patient’s existing silhouette, with a focus on affordability.

What Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Turkey?

One of the more compelling reasons for the global rise of augmentation in Turkey is the value offered to international patients. On average, the Turkey offer for an all-inclusive package ranges from £2,000 to £4,000 (approximately €2,500 to €5,000). In contrast, a similar procedure in the UK typically costs between £5,000 and £8,000. Therefore, the final surgery Turkey cost is about 50% to 70% more affordable with the same clinical standards.

Several factors influence the final cost:

• The implant type and brand play a role. Premium silicone implants, particularly anatomical options, generally carry a higher price than standard round options;
• Clinic and hospital tiers are also important. Pricing varies based on the facility’s accreditation level, its state of the art medical equipment, and location in Istanbul;
• The surgeon’s experience is also factored in. Highly reputable plastic surgeons with extensive portfolios charge more but offer superior outcomes;
• Package inclusions are another thing. You should distinguish between surgery-only quotes and all-inclusive packages with luxury accommodation and VIP transfers.

Country	Average Price Range
Turkey	£2,000 – £4,000
UK	£5,000 – £8,000
USA	£6,000 – £9,000
Average Saving	50% – 70%

IMPORTANT NOTE: Even when you add international flights, the all-inclusive model typically makes your boob job Turkey journey the most cost-effective choice.

What to Expect: Your Step-by-Step Journey

Here’s how it works.

Stage 1: Initial Consultation

Before you hop on a plane, you will have a remote consultation via video call. This is where you will talk about your aesthetic goals and personal preferences, medical history, breast implant options, expected results, and so on. Leading providers like Cosmedica Aesthetic offer this initial assessment free of charge, providing a personalized treatment plan.

Stage 2: Pre-Operative Preparations

One to two weeks before your breast surgery Istanbul, you will get blood tests and potentially a mammogram. Your surgeon will provide specific advice based on your health condition. You should avoid smoking, alcohol, or certain medications to ensure a safe procedure. You will also sign consent forms and confirm travel arrangements.

Stage 3: Surgery Day

When you arrive at the clinic, you will be prepared for the breast implants Turkey surgery under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours, after which you are moved to a recovery room for monitoring.

Stage 4: Post-Operative Care in Clinic

Most patients spend 1 to 2 nights monitored in the clinic or hospital. During this time, the medical team manages pain and provides detailed post operative care instructions, including drain removal and wound checks before you are discharged.

Stage 5: Recovery at Hotel and Return Home

You will rest at your hotel for 2 to 4 nights, with the clinic team available 24/7 by phone. Most patients are fit to fly home after 4 to 5 days (approx). While you can resume light activities, full recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks (during which you should avoid lifting and strenuous activities), with the final results settling at 3 to 4 months.

NOTE: Cosmedica further differentiates itself by offering a remote follow-up service to monitor your progress after you return home.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Breast Augmentation

Here’s some practical advice to ensure the best results from your breast enlargement Turkey.

• Rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise to allow the breast tissue to heal correctly;
• For pain management, use the prescribed medication schedule and contact your clinic immediately if you experience anything unexpected;
• Wear a supportive surgical bra. It reduces swelling, supports the healing process, and shapes the final results;
• Follow the surgeon’s instructions precisely: Every health condition is unique, and personalized guidance is the most important factor in your recovery. Initial swelling and firmness are normal and will resolve as results settle at 3 to 4 months.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Turkey (and Istanbul specifically) is, as we have learned, the premier destination for breast enhancement. You get the best surgical expertise, great affordability, and VIP luxury care. You can get complex reconstructions and aesthetic enhancements as Istanbul’s plastic surgery sector provides excellent outcomes backed by all-inclusive packages.

Cosmedica Aesthetic embodies these high standards. You get a safe, professional, and patient-focused environment for your transformation.

If you feel that you are ready to explore your options, we invite you to take the first step toward your new look, book a free consultation, and schedule your breast augmentation in Turkey when you can.

Shares of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) dropped as much as 4% to an intraday low of Rs 810 on the BSE on Wednesday after a report said the government could begin formal marketing next month for a proposed stake sale that may raise up to Rs 10,000 crore ($1 billion).

The government plans to sell a stake of about 2% in the state-run insurer in late June or early July to institutional investors, according to a Bloomberg report.

The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), under the finance ministry, is working with Goldman Sachs Group, Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors, BNP Paribas SA, and IIFL Capital Services to manage the transaction, the report added.

India had earlier sold a 3.5% stake in LIC in May 2022 through what was then the country’s largest initial public offering, raising nearly Rs 21,000 crore. The shares were priced at Rs 949 apiece during the IPO.

As of March 31, the Indian government held a 96.5% stake in LIC, according to exchange data. The insurer has been given 10 years from its 2022 listing to comply with the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s requirement of maintaining a minimum public shareholding of 25%, giving the company until May 2032 to meet the norm.

LIC bonus issue

LIC has fixed May 29 as the record date to determine the eligibility of shareholders for the state-run insurer’s first-ever bonus issue in the ratio of 1:1.
The board had approved the plan in April to issue one fully paid-up equity share of Rs 10 each for every fully paid-up equity share of Rs 10 each held by eligible shareholders as of the record date. The company added that it will issue the bonus shares by capitalising up to Rs 6,325 crore from its reserves and surplus available as of December 31, 2025, which stood at nearly Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
LIC reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 23,467 crore for Q4 of FY26, marking a 23% year-on-year (YoY) rise from the Rs 19,039 crore profit reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The firm’s net premium income, meanwhile, rose 12% YoY to Rs 1.65 lakh crore for the quarter under review, compared with Rs 1.48 lakh crore a year earlier.
For the financial year ended March 31, 2026, LIC reported a more than 5% rise in assets under management (AUM) to Rs 57.29 lakh crore, while net profit increased more than 19% year-on-year to Rs 57,419 crore.

With Wednesday’s decline, the stock has snapped a three-day gaining streak on the bourses.

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