Michael Plaut has been appointed a commissioner

The Crown Estate has appointed Welsh entrepreneur Michael Plaut as a new commissioner to its board.

The Crown Estate, whose assets include the seabed, agricultural holdings and commercial property, has increased its number of commissioners from eight to 12 following the Crown Estate Act 2025 to reflect modern corporate governance.

The legislation also gives the body, which is owned by the monarch, the ability to borrow against its asset base.

Mr Plaut started his career as an investment banker in London before returning to Wales to head up family business Northmace. He is also currently a non-executive director and member for Wales on the BBC board, as well as chairing the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.

As a board member the former CBI Wales chair, will also be responsible for providing advice about the conditions, priorities and opportunities in Wales, including on existing and emerging policies relevant to the Crown Estate’s activities.

Ric Lewis, chair of the Crown Estate, said: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming Michael to the Crown Estate board. Michael’s depth of experience across business, public service and cultural institutions, combined with his deep connection to and understanding of Wales, will be a valuable addition to the board as we take forward our strategy in the years ahead.

“Following the Crown Estate Act 2025, this appointment strengthens the board’s collective insight and ensures we continue to take full account of Welsh interests and conditions as we invest for long‑term value for the nation.”

Mr Plaut, who lives in Cardiff, said: “It’s a real privilege to join the Crown Estate board, and I’m excited by the opportunity ahead. I am particularly looking forward to bringing a strong understanding and insight of Wales into Board discussions, helping to make sure that Welsh interests, conditions and opportunities continue to be fully reflected as we take decisions for the long term.”

The recruitment of Mr Plaut, for a four-year term, was made in accordance with the code of practice published by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Commissioners are appointed by the King following the recommendation of the Chancellor and the Prime Minister. Commissioners have an annual remuneration of £30,000 a year with a separate £5,000 fee for additional responsibilities.

Devolving the Crown Estate to Wales

The new Plaid Cymru Welsh Government is calling for the Crown Estate to be devolved to Wales, as is the case in Scotland.

Since it was devolved to Scotland in 2017, aggregate profits generated by Crown Estate Scotland has provided a boost to the Scottish Government’s budget. In its last financial 2024/25 financial year Crown Estate Scotland posted its highest ever net profit of £130m which was distributed to the Scottish Government’s consolidation fund.

However, the UK Treasury is ramping up what it nets off the Scottish Government’s block grant to account for increasing profits it receives from Crown Estate Scotland. This amounts to £15m in the current financial year, but will reach £40m by 2028-29, after which it will remain flat and unindexed.

Any devolving of Crown Estate assets in Wales, which would require UK Government approval, would likely come with the same netting off mechanism.

There are currently no figures for revenue and profits generated from the Crown Estate in Wales. They are consolidated into the overall accounts for the Crown Estate. However, some financial data is expected to be released later this year.

Crown Estate assets in Wales include renewable energy licences and development rights for offshore wind and tidal projects. It also leases seabed space for oil and gas pipelines, marine aggregates (used in construction) and the subsea cables and interconnectors that help manage electricity supply and carry intercontinental data traffic. It manages around 65% of the foreshore and tidal riverbed. On land it has around 50,000 acres of common land that is primarily rough pasture, used for grazing.

The Crown Estate (covering Wales, England and Northern Ireland) manages a diverse £16bn portfolio.

Last year’s legislation gave the Crown Estate the ability, subject to Treasury approval, to borrow against its asset base. The Scottish Government currently has no plans to seek powers for Crown Estate Scotland to borrow against assets. In its last financial year it had net assets of £809m. Crown Estate has net assets of £15bn at the end of its 2024/25 financial year.

How much the Crown Estate will be able to borrow against assets, which would be used to support investment like helping to de-risk and fast track clean energy infrastructure, has yet to be determined. The legislation doesn’t specify an amount or fixed statutory percentage of the asset base. It is currently working with the Treasury to finalise a detailed framework that will govern how it would borrow in practice, including the relevant controls, approval process and financial parameters.

If the Crown Estate was devolved to Wales it would be prudent for the Welsh Government to also try and negotiate the ability to borrow against assets.

However, on a per capita basis, would the proceeds from borrowing against the Welsh Crown Estate assets be more beneficial for Wales? The Crown Estate’s lucrative property assets in the centre of London, which include Regent Street & St James’, have been valued at £7.1bn alone.

While not a reason to seek a devolving of the Crown Estate to Wales, on a per capita basis it could receive less for investment purposes from the proceeds of any borrowing against Welsh assets, than under the current England and Wales arrangement.

That of course assumes that the distribution of any borrowing against assets by the Crown Estate is at least equitable to Wales – unlike the current under funding, going back decades, on non devolved rail enhancement investment.

As it stands the Welsh Government would be powerless to prevent an unfair allocation to Wales from Crown Estate borrowings against assets.

SYDNEY — Macquarie Group Ltd. shares closed slightly lower on Friday, finishing at A$236.42 after a modest decline of 0.04 or 0.02%, as investors adopted a cautious stance amid broader market consolidation and mixed economic signals.

The limited movement reflected a quiet session for the diversified financial services group, with trading volume remaining subdued compared to more active days earlier in the week. Macquarie, known for its global reach in investment banking, asset management, commodities and infrastructure, has delivered steady results in 2026 but continues to navigate fluctuating market conditions and interest rate expectations.

The bank’s performance this year has been supported by resilient annuity-style earnings from asset management and infrastructure investments, alongside contributions from its capital markets and commodities businesses. Macquarie has maintained a strong capital position and continued returning value to shareholders through dividends, appealing to income-oriented investors.

Analysts generally view Macquarie favorably for its diversified earnings streams and ability to capitalize on structural growth areas such as renewable energy transition and infrastructure development. The group’s international operations provide geographic diversification while exposing it to global economic and regulatory dynamics.

Current valuation levels are considered reasonable by many observers when accounting for Macquarie’s unique business mix and long-term growth potential. However, the stock remains sensitive to shifts in global risk sentiment, commodity prices and monetary policy expectations in key markets.

Broader Australian financial sector context shows similar modest movements across major institutions. The sector has benefited from a higher interest rate environment supporting net interest income, though competitive pressures and regulatory requirements continue to shape the operating landscape. The S&P/ASX 200 index also closed with minor losses, reflecting cautious investor positioning.

Looking ahead, Macquarie’s upcoming trading updates and strategic announcements will be closely monitored. The company continues investing in technology, digital capabilities and sustainable finance initiatives to strengthen its competitive position. Its focus on infrastructure and energy transition assets aligns with long-term global trends expected to drive demand for specialized financial services.

Global factors, including developments in major economies and central bank policies, remain influential. Macquarie’s exposure to North America, Europe and Asia adds both opportunities and complexity in navigating varying economic cycles and regulatory environments.

For investors, Macquarie offers a distinctive profile combining traditional financial services with higher-growth specialized businesses. This diversification has historically provided resilience through market cycles, though it also introduces sensitivity to volatility in capital markets and commodities.

The current share price movement fits within normal daily fluctuations for a company of Macquarie’s size and does not indicate a fundamental shift in its outlook. It reflects typical late-week positioning and consolidation after recent activity.

As one of Australia’s leading financial institutions with a significant global presence, Macquarie plays an important role in capital allocation, infrastructure financing and economic development. Its performance influences investor confidence in the broader financial services sector and reflects conditions in key client industries.

Friday’s quiet trading served as a pause ahead of the weekend, with market participants assessing next week’s economic calendar and potential corporate updates. The interplay between domestic growth signals, inflation trends and international developments will likely shape sentiment for financial stocks in the near term.

Macquarie continues emphasizing innovation, client service and sustainability across its operations. Its ability to adapt to evolving market conditions while upholding strong risk management practices has been a key factor in its long-term success.

Investors evaluating Macquarie should consider their individual risk tolerance, portfolio allocation and investment horizon. The group provides a blend of growth potential and income characteristics that can complement other holdings in diversified portfolios. Prudent monitoring of key metrics such as assets under management, deal flow and capital returns remains advisable.

Overall, Macquarie Group maintains a solid position in the Australian and international financial landscape. Its diversified business model, strong capital base and strategic focus on growth areas position it well to navigate near-term challenges while pursuing longer-term opportunities in infrastructure, renewables and specialized financial services.

KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait International Airport is open today, with flights operating again through a phased resumption plan after months of disruption, but it is not yet described as fully back to standard capacity across all services. Recent reporting says Terminal 1 reopened on June 1, allowing Arab and international airlines to resume passenger operations as repair and upgrade work was completed.

The Civil Aviation Authority said the airport’s restart would come gradually, with the first phase allowing one flight per airline so officials could monitor flow, safety and readiness before expanding service. That approach marked a careful return to operations after the airport was closed in late February amid regional conflict, then reopened in April under a phased plan.

The airport’s official website remains active and includes flight-status and timetable information, reinforcing that the facility is functioning today. A live conditions page also shows Kuwait International Airport in service, with current airport status information available for travelers. While that does not by itself prove every route is operating normally, it supports the broader picture that the airport is open and handling traffic.

Reporting from early June said the first phase of the Terminal 1 relaunch included Arab and foreign airlines, with the airport using operational measures intended to streamline passenger movement and maintain safety. Earlier coverage also noted that Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways had already been serving from other terminals as part of the recovery process, while new international services returned in stages. That makes today’s status clear: open, active and rebuilding, but not yet fully restored in the sense of unrestricted, all-airline normal operations.

The reopening matters for one of the Gulf’s most important aviation hubs, where even a partial shutdown can affect regional connections, business travel and expatriate traffic. Kuwait’s phased strategy appears aimed at restoring capacity without overwhelming airport systems that were only recently repaired and inspected. Authorities have said the staged approach is intended to protect passenger safety and preserve orderly service as more airlines return.

For travelers, the practical guidance is simple: Kuwait International Airport is open today, but flight schedules may still reflect the phased rollout. Passengers should verify their airline’s status before leaving for the airport and allow extra time for any updated procedures. The airport timetable page and airline updates remain the most relevant operational references for same-day travel.

The broader recovery also reflects how quickly aviation can shift from closure to gradual return once authorities complete repairs and safety checks. Recent reporting said Terminal 1’s reopening followed the completion of repair and upgrade work, and the first flights back were meant to test the system before the network expands further. That means the airport is open today, but the final step of returning to full, routine operations is still unfolding.

In simple terms, the answer is yes — Kuwait International Airport is open today. But the airport is still operating in phases, so “open” does not yet mean every service has fully normalized.

Flight operations

The latest coverage says the reopening began with Terminal 1 and a limited number of flights per airline, then expanded as conditions allowed. That phased model is consistent with earlier official comments that full operations would resume only after a careful evaluation of air traffic, facility readiness and safety standards. Kuwait’s flagship carriers and several international airlines have already returned in some form, but the schedule remains in transition.

The airport’s timetable page shows active listings for June dates, including airline entries for the current operating window. That is a strong indicator of normalizing activity, though not a guarantee that every destination or terminal function has returned to pre-closure levels. Travelers planning same-day departures or arrivals should therefore treat the airport as open but still in recovery mode.

What officials said

Officials framed the reopening as a measured step forward, not an instant return to full capacity. The Civil Aviation Authority said the first phase was designed to ensure smooth operations and assess performance before further expansion. Arab News also quoted the authority as saying the phased plan was meant to prepare the airport for “full operation in the coming period”.

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AVGO either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

With the benchmark index – BSE Sensex down by over 10,000 basis points to a level of 74,243 as of June 6, 2026, has left many investors wondering whether to continue SIPs and lump-sum investments during the current market decline, hold current positions or wait for greater clarity on market direction?

Market experts believe that investors should see this 10,000 point correction as a buying opportunity rather than a reason to panic.

Vishal Dhawan, Founder & CEO, Plan Ahead Wealth Advisors told ETMutualFunds that investors should view this 10,000-point Sensex correction as a long-term buying opportunity as market drawdowns are natural processes that shake out speculative premiums, resetting valuations to fundamentally healthier levels.

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“Long-term investors can continue their Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and hold current positions firmly. Pausing allocations to “wait for clarity” is a psychological trap that historically locks investors out of the sharpest days of a market rebound.”

Dhawan further said that while regular SIPs are key to an investment journey, panic selling must be completely avoided; use this market decline to methodically build an equity baseline designed to reward your patience when economic sentiment inevitably swings back to optimism at some point in the future and it is critical to have a minimum 5-7 year investment horizon whilst investing.
Echoing a similar opinion of considering this as a buying opportunity rather than a reason to panic, Amitabh Lara, Executive Director, Anand Rathi Wealth Limited shared with ETMutualFunds that for long-term investors, this is not the time to stop investing.Amitabh further said that continuing SIPs during a fall can actually work in your favour because the same investment amount buys more units at lower prices and one of the biggest mistakes investors make is stopping SIPs during a correction and returning only after the recovery has already happened.

The benchmark index which touched a peak of 84,391 on December 10, 2025, is now down by nearly 10,148 points to a level of 74,243 as of June 6, 2026.

As the market becomes volatile, investors as well as the fund managers keep cash in hand and wait for the opportunity to deploy it in the market but with a dilemma whether to deploy cash immediately or stagger investments over time.

Amitabh said that if investors have idle cash available then they can go ahead and invest as a lumpsum and funds can be deployed in a staggered manner through tranches, over 6 to 8 weeks. “It also removes the stress of trying to time the exact bottom. If they have SIPs, they can continue it without worrying about the market level and take advantage of rupee cost averaging.”

Dhawan said that for investors sitting on cash, a staggered deployment strategy via a 6-month to 12 month Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) is highly recommended as this approach could hedge your principal against intermediate downside volatility.

He further said that investors should avoid deploying an absolute lumpsum at current levels, as picking the exact market bottom is a statistical myth and tranche-based buying ensures you average out your entry costs across multiple lower price bands smoothly.

“Park your liquid capital in low-duration instruments and systematically route it into equity. This automated execution effectively replaces portfolio anxiety with disciplined benefits. In case you wish to deploy a lumpsum, and not do a STP, an investment in the Balanced Advantage category is suggested.” Dhawan said.

How equity categories performed

ETMutualFunds checked the performance of equity mutual funds since December 10, 2025. Small cap funds have delivered an average return of 6.06% since the date BSE Sensex touched the new peak, followed by mid cap funds which gave an average return of 2.58%.

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In contrast, the counterparts, large cap funds gave a negative average return of 6.26% since December 10, 2025. Multi cap funds gave an average return of 0.06% whereas flexi cap funds fell 2.95% on an average in the said time period.

Out of 10 equity categories, only three gave positive average returns which were small caps, mid caps and multi caps whereas the other categories such as large caps, contra funds, ELSS, flexi, focused, value and large & mid caps gave negative average returns.

Which market-cap segment could lead the recovery?

Dhawan said that large-cap stocks are typically best positioned to lead the initial recovery wave when domestic and foreign institutional flows return and their robust cash flows, operational scale, and institutional backing provide an essential fundamental moat.

He further said that mid-caps may require stock-specific elements to perform, as many names went up significantly during the previous bull cycle; small caps should be approached with high caution and patience, as they remain prone to sharp liquidity outflows during market corrections. “Limit small-cap exposure if you can handle the volatility and have a longer time horizon of 7-10 years for mid and small caps.”

Lara said that small caps appear to have the most room for upside when markets recover. Currently, Nifty Smallcap 250 is trading about 17.4% below its fair value, compared with 9.6% for the Nifty Midcap 150 and around 5-9% for large-cap indices. Hence, small caps have corrected more than large caps and mid caps relative to their earnings potential.

He further said that investors can have a balanced exposure across market caps, with 55% in large caps and the rest in mid and small caps to be a part of the eventual recovery that will follow in the markets.

BSE Sensex: In the last six months, the index was down 13.38% and in the nine months, it was down 8.01%. In the last one year, Sensex was down 8.83% whereas in the last three years and five years it was up 5.74% and 7.33% respectively.

Sector allocation becomes particularly important during market corrections as valuation gaps emerge across industries. The question is whether investors should actively target beaten-down sectors or focus on broader diversification.

In response to this, Lara said investors should avoid investing in single sectors or making sectoral bets as performance in sectors/themes is highly cyclical. For example, in 2024, the pharma & IT sectors were part of the best-performing sectors, however, they both turned into worst-performing sectors in 2025, which suggest that entry and exit at the right time play a crucial role in making investments in the sectorial/thematic funds.

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During such corrections, it would be more beneficial for investors to invest in diversified categories of equity mutual funds to get exposure to all sectors and benefit from their performance, rather than focusing solely on any single sector, Lara further said.

Dhawan said to prioritize accumulating high-quality banking and financial services funds as these segments offer good earnings visibility, corrected price multiples, and fundamentally strong underlying balance sheets.

He further said systematic accumulation of Information Technology (IT) funds could be attributed to these deep valuation resets as they are cash-rich franchises with low debt. However, they do face business model risk. Conversely, stay away from Utilities and capital goods as valuations look well above their long term averages.

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

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