Infosys’ American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) slumped more than 7% on Thursday, touching an intraday low of $14.59 in early trade, while Wipro’s ADRs fell 5.4% to $2.26. The sharp decline follows a steep sell-off in IT stocks on Indian exchanges, with weakness spilling over to Wall Street.

The broader US tech rout added to the pressure, as the Nasdaq Composite dropped over 300 points, or more than 1%. Around 11:11 AM ET (9:43 PM IST), the Nasdaq was trading at 22,764.90. The S&P 500 was down 0.6% at 6,902.80, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 249.27 points, or 0.50%, to 49,872.10.

Cisco tanked 11% while heavyweights including Apple, Nvidia and IBM were down up to 6% around this time.

Earlier today, Indian benchmark indices ended with sharp cuts dragged by tech stocks. The Nifty IT index settled 5.5% lower with all 10 stocks slipping into the red.

Panic selling swept through India’s technology sector today with the combined market capitalisation IT stocks eroding by Rs 1.3 lakh crore. Persistent fears of AI-led disruption in the sector and compounded by stronger-than-expected US jobs data that dimmed hopes of near-term interest rate cuts triggered the fall.

Nifty IT is the worst performing index, plunging 21% over the past 12 months.
Vinod Nair, Head of Research Geojit Investments said today’s decline in Indian IT stocks was driven by stronger-than-expected US employment data, with a marginal decline in the unemployment rate, which has reduced expectations of an early rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. This pressure was further compounded by ongoing concerns around AI-led disruption in the sector, he said.On the AI-related fears, Nair said that AI is creating a structural shift in Indian IT services by reducing timelines and automating tasks, putting pressure on the traditional headcount-based outsourcing model.

“Layoffs are likely in routine-heavy areas as fewer people will be needed to deliver the same outcomes. Even ERP implementation, as highlighted by Palantir’s recent focus, is now vulnerable to AI disruption. Clients are shifting toward outcome-based pricing. In the coming quarters, AI adoption could create headwinds for deal wins, potentially impacting topline, making close monitoring of deal flow essential to assess its real impact,” he warned.

Marriage is a romance, but legally, it is also a financial partnership. While no one anticipates separation, a prenuptial agreement acts as a crucial roadmap to protect your assets and save you stress down the line.

But if you have already exchanged vows, is it too late? Absolutely not.

Whether you are engaged or celebrating an anniversary, you can still secure your future. In this guide, we break down the critical differences between a prenup and a postnuptial agreement, analyze the costs, and help you decide which legal document is right for your relationship.

What is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement (commonly called a prenup) is a written contract created by two people before they are married. It lists all of the property each person owns (as well as any debts) and specifies what each person’s property rights will be after the marriage.

Think of it as financial insurance. You hope you never need to use it, but it offers peace of mind knowing it is there.

Who Needs a Prenup?

Contrary to popular belief, prenups aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy. You might benefit from one if:

• You own a business or real estate.
• You have children from a previous relationship.
• One partner has significantly more debt than the other.
• You anticipate a large inheritance.

Key Benefits:

1. Asset Protection: Keeps separate property (like family heirlooms) distinct from marital assets.
2. Debt Protection: Protects one spouse from the other’s pre-existing debt.
3. Clarity: Reduces conflict during a divorce by pre-determining spousal support and division of assets.

Note:Note: A prenuptial agreement UK context differs slightly from the US. In the US, prenups are generally legally binding. In the UK, they are not strictly legally binding but are given “decisive weight” by courts if they are fair and procedural guidelines were followed. For more insights on evolving legal standards and business protections, staying informed on current case law is essential.

What is a Postnuptial Agreement?

A postnuptial agreement is functionally similar to a prenup, but it is signed after the couple is already married.

Why would a happily married couple want a contract? Often, a “postnup” is triggered by a change in financial circumstances or relationship dynamics. It allows couples to update their financial understanding without dissolving the marriage.

Common Triggers for a Postnup

• Inheritance: One spouse receives a large inheritance and wants to keep it separate.
• Business Growth: A spouse starts a business during the marriage and wants to ensure it remains their asset.
• Reconciliation: Following a period of separation or infidelity, a postnup can be used to rebuild trust by securing financial terms.

Prenup vs Postnup: Key Differences at a Glance

While both documents serve to clarify financial rights, their validity and reception in court can differ.

Feature	Prenuptial Agreement	Postnuptial Agreement
Timing	Signed before marriage.	Signed during marriage.
Legal Scrutiny	Generally easier to enforce.	Often faces higher scrutiny by courts.
Fiduciary Duty	Partners are not yet spouses (less fiduciary duty).	Spouses have a fiduciary duty to each other (higher standard of fairness).
Primary Goal	Asset protection entering the marriage.	Updating financial terms or asset protection during marriage.

The “Fiduciary” Factor

The biggest legal distinction often lies in the relationship status. When you sign a prenuptial agreement, you are not yet married. When you sign a postnup, you are spouses. In family law, spouses have a “fiduciary duty” to one another meaning they must act in each other’s best interest.

Because of this, courts often look at postnups with a more skeptical eye to ensure one spouse didn’t pressure or “unduly influence” the other into signing away their rights.

The Cost Factor: Prenuptial Agreement Cost vs Postnup

Money is often a taboo topic, but understanding the prenuptial agreement cost is essential for budgeting.

How Much Does a Prenup Cost?

The cost varies significantly based on location and complexity. And you can also have Free Prenup Consultation by Wenup.co.uk

• Average Range: £1,000 to £10,000 per couple.
• Why the variance? If you have complex assets (businesses, offshore accounts), lawyers need more hours to draft the terms.
• Two Lawyers Rule: For a prenup to be valid, both parties usually need their own independent legal representation. This means you are paying two attorney fees.

Is a Postnup More Expensive?

Often, yes. Because postnups require higher scrutiny and involve unravelling assets that may have already commingled (mixed together) during the marriage, the legal fees can be higher than a standard prenup.

Alternatives: Cohabitation and Relationship Agreements

Not everyone chooses to get married, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect your interests.

Cohabitation Agreement

If you live with a partner but aren’t married, the law generally treats you as strangers financially (unless you are in a common-law jurisdiction). A cohabitation agreement outlines who owns what, how bills are shared, and what happens to the house if you break up. This is vital for unmarried couples buying property together.

Relationship Agreement

Sometimes called a “lifestyle clause,” a relationship agreement focuses less on assets and more on expectations. These can cover anything from how often in-laws visit to division of household chores. While these are rarely legally binding in court, they can be excellent tools for communication.

Templates vs Lawyers: Can You DIY?

In the age of the internet, it is tempting to search for a prenuptial agreement template or a prenuptial agreement sample and write it yourself.

Is this a good idea? Generally, no.

While a template can give you an idea of what the document looks like, relying on a generic form for a binding legal contract is risky.

• State/Country Laws: A template found online may follow California law while you live in London or New York.
• Omitted Assets: A DIY form might miss critical clauses regarding future income or retirement benefits.
• Duress Claims: If a lawyer didn’t review it, a judge is more likely to throw it out during a divorce, rendering the document useless.

The Hybrid Approach: You can save money by using a prenuptial agreement sample to discuss terms with your partner before visiting a lawyer. This reduces the billable hours spent negotiating in the attorney’s office.

5 Steps to Creating a Fair Agreement:

Whether you choose a prenup or a postnup, the process for creating a valid agreement is similar.

1. Full Financial Disclosure: You must list everything. Hiding assets is the fastest way to get an agreement voided in court.
2. Start Early: Do not present a prenup the week before the wedding. This looks like coercion (duress). Ideally, sign it 30–60 days before the big day.
3. Independent Counsel: Each partner must have their own lawyer.
4. Fairness: The agreement cannot be “unconscionable” (grossly unfair) to one party.
5. Sign and Notarize: Ensure all formalities are met according to local laws.

Conclusion:

Deciding between these agreements comes down to timing. If you are engaged, a prenuptial agreement is the gold standard for asset protection and establishing clear financial expectations. It is generally cheaper and stronger in court than the alternatives.

If you are already married, the door isn’t closed. A postnuptial agreement is a powerful tool to reset your financial boundaries and protect new assets or inheritances.

Marriage is a partnership, and like any successful partnership, it requires a clear operating agreement. Don’t view these documents as an anticipation of divorce, but as a foundation for a transparent, secure, and honest relationship.

Are you ready to secure your financial future? Start by gathering your financial documents and having an open, honest conversation with your partner today.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you write your own prenuptial agreement?

Technically, yes, you can draft your own agreement using a template. However, for it to be legally binding and hold up in court, it is highly recommended that both parties have it reviewed by separate attorneys. Self-written agreements are frequently overturned due to errors or lack of legal formalities.

Does a prenup override state law?

Yes, in most cases, a valid prenuptial agreement overrides the default state or country divorce laws regarding property division and spousal support. However, it cannot override laws regarding child custody or child support, which are determined based on the “best interests of the child” at the time of divorce.

Is a postnuptial agreement legally binding in the UK?

A postnuptial agreement (like a prenup) is not automatically legally binding in the UK in the same strict sense as a commercial contract. However, UK family courts increasingly uphold them if they are freely entered into, both parties had legal advice, and the terms are fair.

What voids a prenuptial agreement?

Common reasons a prenup is declared void include:

• Fraud: One party hid assets.
• Duress: One party was pressured to sign (e.g., presented with the paper hours before the wedding).
• No Legal Representation: One party did not have a lawyer.
• Unconscionability: The agreement leaves one spouse destitute while the other remains wealthy.

What is the difference between a cohabitation agreement and a prenup?

A prenuptial agreement is for couples planning to get married and becomes effective upon marriage. A cohabitation agreement is for unmarried couples living together and handles the division of shared assets if they separate, but it does not carry the same marital legal weight.

Billionaire investor and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman is making a big gamble on the future of Mark Zuckerberg and his Meta platforms.

Ackman has allegedly committed an estimated $2 billion to Meta, representing a sizable 10% of Pershing Square’s total portfolio, The Wall Street Journal reported. The move is a public backing of Zuckerberg’s pivot from the “Metaverse” to superintelligence, with Meta as the beneficiary of AI integration.

Pershing Square started buying Meta last November at an average price of $625 per share. Today, Meta stock trades near $670, netting Ackman an early gain.

MARK ZUCKERBERG BECOMES LATEST CALIFORNIA BILLIONAIRE TO RELOCATE TO FLORIDA AMID TAX CONCERNS

While Ackman’s investment shows a bullish stance, Meta’s balance sheet has some market experts nervous. Meta’s “Reality Labs” has lost $83 billion since 2020, and the company cut 1,500, or 10%, of Reality Labs’ workforce last month.

Meta is shifting focus away from its virtual reality endeavors to AI-powered smart glasses, which Zuckerberg believes will be the “main way we integrate superintelligence into daily life.”

Neither Pershing Square nor Meta immediately returned Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The Facebook and Instagram parent company is also entering a period of unprecedented capital expenditure to build data centers and talent pools needed for artificial intelligence. Meta’s fourth quarter and full-year 2025 report, released last month, shows the company expects to spend $115 billion to $135 billion in 2026, primarily on front-loading artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Meta stock has declined over the past several months and remains lower year over year, according to market data, amid investor concerns that its artificial intelligence spending may be too aggressive. But in Pershing Square’s investor presentation, Ackman called the stock “deeply discounted.”

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Ackman isn’t just betting on Meta, but rather positioning himself as a major stakeholder in America’s future tech economy. Pershing Square has an additional $2 billion stake in Uber and a $1.3 billion stake in Amazon.

Pershing Square also announced Wednesday that it was entirely exiting its position in Hilton, signaling another move away from traditional hospitality toward high-growth technology.

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Chamber of commerce chief John Brown said scrapping the route from Newquay would ‘damage the local economy’

One of Cornwall’s most influential business figures has voiced opposition to a proposal by Cornwall Council to discontinue the publicly subsidised air route from Newquay airport to London. The council’s cabinet is set to abandon the Public Service Obligation (PSO) service at a meeting tomorrow (Friday, February 13), in an effort to save millions of pounds.

The PSO is jointly funded by Cornwall Council, which owns Cornwall Airport Newquay, and the Department for Transport (DfT). Previously, the DfT provided 66.7 per cent of the funding. Its decision to reduce its contribution to 50 per cent is placing additional financial strain on an already financially stretched Cornwall Council.

The council has disclosed that if the service continues, it will likely necessitate a taxpayer subsidy of between £14m and £16m over the next four years – with Cornish taxpayers directly footing half of that bill.

This move follows the council’s failure to attract tenders during two PSO procurement bids over the past nine months. There is now a push for it to be replaced by a commercial operation, which would be unlikely to operate as frequently as the daily PSO flight.

John Brown, chief executive of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, has called for caution, stating that diminishing London connectivity when Cornwall is vying for national and international investment would be an “act of self-harm”.

He is calling on Cornish firms opposed to the loss of the PSO route to contact their councillors, Cornwall’s Liberal Democrat/Independent cabinet and their MPs, requesting they lobby the DfT to rethink its reduced financial backing for the PSO.

Mr Brown said: “We understand the financial pressures – two procurement exercises failed to attract compliant tenders, the Department for Transport has cut its contribution from 66.7 per cent to 50 per cent and aviation costs have risen sharply.

“But the Chamber believes this decision carries risks that far outweigh the savings.”

He noted that the council’s own cabinet report acknowledges Newquay airport generates an estimated £100m in annual Gross Value Added to the regional economy.

“The PSO costs the council approximately £1.5m per year. That is a serious return on public investment and one that very few other council spending commitments can match.

“Businesses have consistently made clear that daily flights to and from London are of serious importance to help with talent acquisition, investment opportunities and business growth.”

‘Cornwall’s transport network cannot absorb this loss’

He continued: “What’s more, it’s important to recognise that Cornwall Council retains 100 per cent of business rates collected in the Duchy, forecast at around £270m.

“The council’s share of the funding gap between its affordability cap and the market price is around £250k-£500k per year, less than 0.2 per cent of annual business rates income. When businesses are facing rate increases of around 10 per cent in April, it is reasonable to ask whether a fraction of what is already collected could sustain a service that delivers on a key business priority – connectivity.”

Mr Brown addressed the business community: “Cornwall’s transport network cannot absorb this loss. Rail to London is chronically under-invested, expensive and frequently exceeds five hours. Recent severe weather has shown how quickly Cornwall can be cut off entirely.

“The council’s own report admits commercial operators ‘may not provide the same level of winter frequency or day-return capability’ and that ‘there is of course the risk that commercial routes and other commercialisation cannot replace the airport losses and the airport becomes unsustainable’.

“Removing another element of our transport network without a proven replacement is dangerous.”

Mr Brown described it as “disappointing” that the DfT is scaling back its support when regional connectivity ought to be a national priority.

“Cornwall is spearheading the UK’s future economy. Reducing London connectivity at precisely the moment Cornwall is competing for national and international investment would be a further act of self-harm.”