SAN MATEO, Calif. — Upstart Holdings Inc. shares have tumbled roughly 44 percent year-to-date in 2026, trading near $28 to $33 in mid-April after a volatile start to the year, raising a sharp debate among investors: Is the AI-powered lending platform a bargain ahead of its May 5 first-quarter earnings, or should holders sell into recent strength before persistent funding and regulatory risks weigh on results?

The stock closed at $33.36 on Wednesday, up nearly 13 percent in a single session as traders positioned ahead of the earnings report scheduled for May 5. That rebound followed a brutal stretch that saw shares hit lows near $25, reflecting concerns over loan origination volatility, a shareholder lawsuit and a tougher credit environment. Yet Wall Street maintains a consensus “buy” or “hold” rating with an average 12-month price target around $48, implying more than 40 percent upside from current levels, according to aggregators tracking 14 to 16 analysts.

Upstart’s core business uses machine learning to assess creditworthiness beyond traditional FICO scores, enabling banks and credit unions to approve more personal loans with lower default rates. The company facilitated nearly $11 billion in loan originations in 2025, an 86 percent jump, while posting full-year revenue of about $1 billion — its first time crossing that threshold — and returning to profitability with net income near $54 million. Adjusted EBITDA reached $230 million, delivering a healthy 22 percent margin.

Management has guided for 40 percent revenue growth in 2026, targeting approximately $1.4 billion, with fees expected to hit $1.3 billion. The forecast assumes continued expansion in personal lending, auto loans and home equity lines of credit, supported by new bank partnerships. On April 8, DuPage Credit Union in Illinois announced it would use Upstart’s platform for personal loans, adding to a growing roster of financial institutions.

Recent initiatives signal ambition. In February, Upstart unveiled Cash Line, a revolving credit product, and announced plans to apply for a national bank charter that could let it accept deposits and fund more loans internally. A $1 billion forward-flow agreement with Eltura Ventures and Aperture Investors provides additional liquidity for originations. The company also authorized a $100 million share buyback, roughly 3 percent of outstanding shares, as a sign of confidence.

Yet challenges persist. Loan conversion rates slipped in late 2025, prompting a shareholder lawsuit alleging the company missed revenue guidance by about $3 million in one quarter. Funding partners remain sensitive to interest-rate swings and economic uncertainty, even as the Federal Reserve has signaled potential easing later in the year. Upstart’s model performs best in stable or improving credit markets; prolonged high rates or recession fears could slow origination growth.

Analysts are divided on near-term risks but largely optimistic longer term. Some have trimmed targets — Bank of America lowered its price objective from $40 to $36 while maintaining a buy rating — citing cyclical exposure. Others see significant upside. A valuation model from TIKR.com suggests a fair value near $44 based on 45 percent annual revenue growth and normalized margins, implying a 75 percent total return from $25 levels earlier this year. Motley Fool contributors have argued the stock could double by year-end if revenue guidance holds and margins expand.

For potential buyers, the bull case rests on several pillars. Upstart’s AI technology has demonstrated superior risk prediction, allowing partners to originate more loans profitably. The shift toward diversified products like auto and HELOC reduces reliance on unsecured personal loans. If the national bank charter progresses and funding costs stabilize, Upstart could capture a larger slice of the $1 trillion-plus consumer lending market. Revenue growth of 40 percent in 2026 would still leave the stock trading at a forward price-to-sales multiple below its historical average, offering room for re-rating.

Bears highlight execution risks and valuation. Even after the year-to-date decline, shares trade at a premium to many traditional financials given the company’s history of losses in higher-rate environments. Competition from SoFi, Affirm and traditional banks intensifies, while regulatory scrutiny around AI-driven lending could increase compliance costs. The upcoming Q1 report will test whether origination momentum has sustained into 2026 and whether profitability trends continue.

Short interest and options activity suggest traders remain split. Recent surges have been fueled by short covering and momentum buying, but sustained gains will likely require positive earnings surprises or clearer commentary on 2026 guidance. The May 5 conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET will be closely watched for updates on bank charter progress, new partner wins and any impact from the lawsuit.

Broader market context adds nuance. Fintech stocks have faced pressure in 2026 amid fluctuating interest rates and cautious consumer spending. Upstart’s performance has lagged some peers at times but shown resilience in sessions tied to AI enthusiasm. With Q1 results approaching, investors must weigh the company’s long-term potential against near-term cyclical headwinds.

Retail investors drawn to the story should consider position sizing carefully. The stock’s beta remains elevated, producing sharp daily swings. Those bullish on AI disruption in finance may view current levels — after a steep drawdown — as an attractive entry, especially with a $100 million buyback providing a floor. More conservative participants might wait for earnings clarity or a pullback to lower support before committing capital.

Institutional ownership has held relatively steady, though some rotation out of high-growth names has occurred. Insider activity has included selling, adding to caution for some observers. Yet the board’s buyback authorization and management’s confident 2026 outlook have reassured others.

As April 2026 unfolds, Upstart stands at a crossroads. The company has proven its AI platform can deliver strong growth and margins when credit conditions align. The question now is whether 2026 becomes the year of sustained recovery or another test of resilience. Q1 results and any updates on the national bank charter or funding agreements could serve as major catalysts.

Ultimately, buying or selling Upstart stock in 2026 depends on time horizon and conviction in AI’s role in lending. Short-term traders may ride momentum into earnings, while long-term believers could see the current valuation as reasonable given growth projections. Skeptics will point to historical volatility and cyclical risks, preferring to wait for clearer proof of margin sustainability.

With earnings less than three weeks away and analysts projecting significant upside, Upstart offers both opportunity and risk typical of high-growth fintech names. Investors should review the May 5 release closely, monitor origination trends and assess personal tolerance for volatility before deciding. In a year already marked by sharp swings, Upstart’s ability to deliver on its ambitious targets will determine whether the stock rebounds strongly or faces further pressure.

Shares of Tejas Networks plunged as much as 6% to their day’s low of Rs 423.50 on the BSE on Thursday after it reported a weak set of numbers for the fourth quarter on Wednesday, April 15, as losses widened sharply due to a steep fall in revenue.

The company posted a net loss of Rs 211.3 crore, compared with a loss of Rs 71.8 crore in the same period last year. Revenue for the quarter dropped 82.6% year-on-year to Rs 333 crore from Rs 1,907 crore. EBITDA also slipped into the red, with a loss of Rs 118.2 crore against a profit of Rs 121.5 crore a year ago, according to an exchange filing.

The filing noted that revenue during the quarter was mainly supported by sales of wireline products to both domestic and international customers. Despite the weak operational performance, the company’s order book showed strong growth, rising 49% year-on-year to Rs 1,514 crore at the end of Q4. This compares with Rs 1,329 crore in Q3 FY26 and Rs 1,019 crore in Q4 FY25, indicating better demand visibility.

The company highlighted several key achievements for the full year, including the successful commercial launch of BSNL’s pan-India 4G network, powered by its indigenously designed 4G and 5G RAN products.

It was also selected as the IP/MPLS router OEM for the largest number of BharatNet Phase III packages announced in FY26. During the year, it completed the shipment of over 17,000 routers, which are being deployed across 9 states and 5 union territories.

On the product front, the company introduced a range of advanced wireless and wireline solutions. These included 64TR massive MIMO radios, a converged 4G and 5G core, and a hyper-scalable data centre interconnectivity platform.
The company also strengthened its strategic capabilities by partnering with Rakuten Symphony to develop integrated Open RAN solutions and jointly pursue go-to-market opportunities.In innovation, it filed 63 patents in Q4 FY26, taking its cumulative global patent count to 676, of which 371 have been granted.

Tejas Networks shares are down 24% in the last 6 months.

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MELBOURNE, Australia — The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined an Aboriginal walking tour along Melbourne’s Yarra River on Thursday, immersing themselves in the rich history and living culture of the Kulin Peoples as part of their four-day private visit to Australia.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle participated in the Scar Tree Walk, a guided cultural experience organized by the Koorie Heritage Trust that connects traditional and contemporary Aboriginal stories. The tour began at Federation Square and wound along the Birrarung, or Yarra River, highlighting scar trees — ancient living heritage sites where Wurundjeri people carefully removed bark centuries ago to craft canoes, shields and other tools.

The couple, dressed casually for the morning activity, learned about the deep connection between the land, the Kulin Nations and modern Indigenous communities in Victoria. They viewed Indigenous art installations, crossed the William Barak Bridge — named after a prominent 19th-century Wurundjeri leader — and reached protected scar trees in Yarra Park, which sits over a traditional meeting place now occupied by the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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Guides from the Koorie Heritage Trust shared stories of resilience, connection to Country and the ongoing cultural practices of First Nations Australians. The Sussexes handled a Marngrook, a traditional football made from possum skin, and engaged in discussions about reconciliation, community resilience and the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge.

The engagement marked the third day of the couple’s self-funded trip to Australia, which has focused on mental health, veterans’ support and community causes. Earlier in the visit, Harry and Meghan toured the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, where they met young patients and families. Meghan also made a solo visit to a women’s shelter, rolling up her sleeves to help serve meals in the kitchen.

On Wednesday, Harry attended a Movember event with players from the Western Bulldogs AFL team before flying to Canberra for a visit to the Australian War Memorial. There, he met Indigenous veterans, attended a reception for Invictus Australia — the veterans’ charity he founded — and participated in the Last Post Ceremony.

The Scar Tree Walk provided one of the most public moments of the tour so far. Crowds gathered along the route, and the couple paused for selfies and brief conversations with well-wishers, drawing cheers from onlookers. Meghan wore a casual outfit featuring a “Mama” shirt, interpreted by some as a subtle nod to her role as a mother and her friendship with designer Misha Nonoo.

The visit comes more than seven years after the couple’s 2018 royal tour of Australia and New Zealand as newlyweds, which drew massive crowds. This 2026 trip is unofficial, privately funded and without formal royal duties, though Australian taxpayers are covering police and public safety costs. No large-scale public walkabouts were scheduled, yet the Scar Tree Walk allowed organic interactions with locals.

Indigenous leaders and cultural representatives welcomed the couple’s participation. The Koorie Heritage Trust described the Scar Tree Walk as an opportunity to share authentic stories and foster understanding between cultures. Representatives emphasized the significance of scar trees as living witnesses to thousands of years of continuous connection to Country.

Harry and Meghan have long shown interest in Indigenous issues. During their 2018 tour, they met with Aboriginal communities and highlighted mental health challenges facing First Nations youth. Harry’s work with Invictus Games has included support for Indigenous veterans, while the couple’s Archewell Foundation has backed initiatives promoting community resilience and cultural preservation.

The tour has sparked a mix of enthusiasm and debate in Australia. Supporters praised the couple for engaging meaningfully with local causes, while critics questioned the cost to taxpayers and the private nature of the visit. Some online commentary focused on the couple’s high-profile lifestyle since stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, yet on the ground in Melbourne, reactions from those who encountered them were overwhelmingly positive.

Thursday’s cultural walk aligned with the Sussexes’ stated focus on mental health and community support. The Yarra River precinct holds deep significance for the Kulin Peoples, serving as a place of gathering, trade and ceremony for millennia. Guides explained how scar trees represent sustainable practices and the sophisticated knowledge systems of Aboriginal Australians long before European settlement.

The couple appeared relaxed and engaged throughout the approximately 90-minute experience. They asked questions about the creation of scar trees, the seasonal calendar of the Kulin Nations and contemporary efforts to protect cultural sites amid urban development. At one point, they joined a small group for a discussion on reconciliation and the importance of truth-telling in Australian history.

After the walk, the Sussexes were expected to depart Melbourne for Sydney, where they will promote Invictus Australia and attend the InterEdge Summit. The four-day itinerary blends philanthropic engagements with select business and private activities.

This Australia visit represents a return to a country where the couple once enjoyed enormous popularity. Their 2018 tour included stops in Sydney, Melbourne, Dubbo, Fraser Island and other locations, culminating in announcements about Meghan’s pregnancy with their first child, Archie.

Since then, the Sussexes have built independent lives in California, launching Archewell, producing content for Netflix and Spotify, and pursuing various advocacy efforts. Harry has remained deeply involved with the Invictus Games, while Meghan has focused on women’s empowerment, maternal health and creative projects.

Observers noted the symbolic value of the Scar Tree Walk during a time when Australia continues national conversations around reconciliation, the Uluru Statement from the Heart and Closing the Gap targets. Indigenous leaders have called for greater visibility and respect for First Nations cultures in public life, and the Sussexes’ participation was seen by some as a positive gesture.

The Koorie Heritage Trust, based at Federation Square, plays a key role in preserving and sharing Victorian Aboriginal culture through exhibitions, tours and educational programs. Its Scar Tree Walk is one of several cultural experiences designed to give visitors direct insight into living heritage rather than static museum displays.

As the couple wrapped their time in Melbourne, local media captured images of them interacting warmly with guides and fans. The morning activity stood in contrast to the more formal elements of the tour, such as the War Memorial visit, offering a grounded, educational moment amid a packed schedule.

The Sussexes’ office described the Australia trip as an opportunity to reconnect with causes close to their hearts while supporting local organizations working on mental health, veterans’ issues and community building. No further details were released about private business engagements.

With the tour moving to Sydney, attention will shift to Invictus-related events and any additional public appearances. The couple is expected to depart Australia after the final engagements, returning to California and their young family — Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 4.

For many Australians, the Scar Tree Walk represented a meaningful highlight of the visit, showcasing a willingness to learn from and honor the world’s oldest continuous living cultures. Whether the engagement sparks deeper conversations about reconciliation remains to be seen, but the images of Harry and Meghan listening attentively along the Yarra River offered a visual reminder of the power of cultural exchange.

As Thursday’s activities concluded, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex carried forward lessons from the Kulin Peoples into the next phase of their Australian journey, blending personal connection with public advocacy in a country that continues to hold a special place in their shared story.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Stephen Curry returned to the Golden State Warriors lineup earlier this month after missing more than two months with a nagging right knee injury, but questions linger about whether the 38-year-old superstar is fully recovered and physically prepared to lead a long-shot playoff push in the 2026 NBA postseason.

Curry, sidelined since late January with patellofemoral pain syndrome and associated bone bruising — often described as “runner’s knee” — made his comeback on April 6 against the Houston Rockets, entering off the bench to a thunderous ovation at Chase Center. Limited to around 24 minutes in that contest, he has since ramped up his workload, starting games and logging increased minutes while delivering vintage performances, including a 35-point explosion with seven three-pointers in Wednesday’s dramatic play-in victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Warriors defeated the Clippers 126-121 in Inglewood on April 15, erasing a 13-point deficit with a scorching fourth quarter that featured Curry’s deep-range shooting and clutch playmaking. The win advanced Golden State to Friday’s elimination game against the Phoenix Suns, where a victory would secure the No. 8 seed and a first-round matchup against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.

Coach Steve Kerr has managed Curry’s minutes carefully since his return, emphasizing a gradual build-up to avoid setbacks. Curry himself described feeling “great” in recent media sessions but acknowledged a “new normal” with his knee, noting that while there is nothing structurally wrong, the joint remains unpredictable after the prolonged rehab.

The injury first flared up in late January, forcing Curry to miss the NBA All-Star Game and 27 consecutive regular-season contests. During that stretch, the Warriors struggled to a 9-18 record, slipping into the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. Medical staff initially hoped for a quick return after the All-Star break, but reactions during on-court work repeatedly delayed progress, leading to cautious optimism through March.

By late March, Curry began intensifying individual on-court workouts and transitioned to 5-on-5 scrimmages. He set an internal target to return against the Rockets and received medical clearance, though the team stressed the need for game reps to regain timing, conditioning and chemistry with teammates including Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis and veteran addition Al Horford.

In his first two games back, Curry came off the bench before rejoining the starting lineup. He has spoken openly about the mental and physical toll of the rehab, calling it longer and more unpredictable than anticipated. “I thought I was going to be out a week, 10 days max,” Curry said ahead of his return. “Every time I pushed it, there was a reaction.”

Despite the challenges, Curry’s impact has been immediate. His return has energized the Warriors, who now rely heavily on his scoring, spacing and leadership to navigate the high-stakes play-in format. Warriors players and coaches have expressed confidence in his health, with Kerr noting that Curry’s presence alone elevates the team’s ceiling even as he continues ramping up.

Medical experts note that patellofemoral pain syndrome can be stubborn, particularly for a player like Curry who relies on explosive movements, quick directional changes and repetitive jumping. At 38, with a lengthy career of high-mileage play behind him, full restoration to pre-injury explosiveness may take additional time. Curry has emphasized listening to his body and understanding the “new normal” rather than forcing an unrealistic return to peak form overnight.

The Warriors’ playoff hopes rest largely on Curry’s ability to stay healthy and perform at an elite level over what could be multiple elimination games. A win Friday in Phoenix would earn a first-round series against Oklahoma City, a daunting challenge even with a healthy Curry given the Thunder’s youth, depth and defensive versatility. Golden State would need Curry to shoulder a heavy offensive load while managing defensive assignments and minutes.

Historically, players returning from extended knee absences have shown mixed results in the postseason. Some regain rhythm quickly, while others require several games to rebuild confidence and conditioning. Curry’s shooting touch has remained sharp in limited action, but questions about lateral quickness, burst and fatigue remain until he logs consistent high-minute outings.

The broader roster context adds complexity. The Warriors have dealt with multiple injuries throughout the season, including to key supporting pieces. Porzingis and Horford have provided size and spacing when available, but their own availability has been inconsistent. Green’s defensive intensity and leadership remain vital, yet the team’s overall depth has been tested.

For fans and analysts, Curry’s return has reignited hope for a Cinderella run reminiscent of past Warriors playoff magic. Yet realism tempers optimism. The Warriors finished the regular season with a sub-.500 record and entered the play-in as underdogs. Even with Curry back, advancing past Phoenix and then competing in a first-round series would require near-perfect execution and continued health.

Curry has repeatedly expressed his love for playing basketball and his desire to compete at the highest level. “I’m happy to have clarity now,” he said, acknowledging the long process. He has avoided setting rigid expectations for minutes or performance, focusing instead on staying present and contributing however possible.

Team officials continue to monitor Curry closely, with daily assessments guiding his workload. The organization has emphasized long-term health alongside short-term playoff aspirations, a delicate balance for a franchise built around its generational star.

As the Warriors prepare for Friday’s showdown in Phoenix, all eyes remain on Curry’s knee and his ability to deliver under pressure. He has proven time and again his resilience and clutch gene, but this postseason represents a unique test: returning from significant time away at an advanced age while carrying a team with championship pedigree but current vulnerabilities.

Whether Curry is truly 100 percent recovered may not be fully known until deeper into a potential playoff run. For now, he appears healthy enough to play meaningful minutes and impact games, as evidenced by his recent scoring outbursts. The coming days will reveal if that translates into sustained excellence or if the knee requires further management.

The NBA postseason has a way of magnifying both brilliance and limitations. For Stephen Curry and the Warriors, the 2026 campaign has already delivered drama. With the superstar back on the floor, the story shifts from injury recovery to whether one of the game’s greatest can summon enough magic for one more memorable run.

As Golden State chases the improbable, Curry’s knee — and his legendary shooting stroke — will dictate how far this team can go. Fans in the Bay Area and beyond will watch anxiously, hoping the “new normal” proves good enough for one last championship chase.

This article was written by

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GDP rose in February, the Office for National Statistics said

The UK economy was growing ahead of forecasts before conflict in the Middle East broke out, official figures have revealed. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said GDP rose by 0.5 per cent during February.

Over the three months leading up to March, the month that saw trade in essential goods such as oil across the Strait of Hormuz come to a standstill, the UK economy expanded by 0.5 per cent.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg anticipated that monthly growth would reach 0.1 per cent while the quarterly figure would stand at 0.2 per cent.

The ONS said the services sector grew 0.5 per cent over three months and production increased 1.2 per cent while construction fell by two per cent, as reported by City AM.

“Growth increased further in the three months to February led by broad-based increases across services,” said Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS.

“Within services, growth was driven by wholesaling, market research, hospitality, and publishing, which all performed well in the three months to February.”

Chief secretary to the Treasury James Murray said: “Growth only happens when the economy is on solid ground. That’s why in a changing world our plan to restore stability, boost investment and deliver reform is the right one to build a more stronger more resilient Britain.

“At the IMF meetings in Washington the Chancellor has set out how we will go further and faster to boost Britain’s competitiveness and build a stronger, more resilient economy, keeping costs down for families and businesses and taking back control of our energy costs as today we cut bills by up to 25 per cent for 10,000 British businesses.”

Economists have suggested that the unexpected figure would soon become yesterday’s news, with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales’ Suren Thiru indicating the ONS would shortly reveal data for a “miserable March”.

The statistics will offer Treasury officials some encouragement as they frantically assess the consequences of the Iran war on the UK’s economic prospects.

However, this week has proved particularly challenging for the Chancellor as she has faced criticism over a shortfall in defence funding.

Her visit to Washington this week for International Monetary Fund meetings was also overshadowed by bleak forecasts for the UK economy.

The organisation lowered growth projections for this year by 0.5 percentage points, more significantly than any other G7 nation.

The IMF had previously forecast the UK economy to expand by 1.3 per cent in 2026, a more sluggish rate than last year, but it has now projected a GDP increase of merely 0.8 per cent.

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research’s Fergus Jimenez-England stated the war had “likely pulled the rug on this momentum”.

WPI Strategy chief economist Martin Beck said: “Even in the event of a benign outcome, the damage from the past six weeks won’t simply unwind immediately.

“The implication is that the UK faces a more stagflationary outlook than previously anticipated, with weaker growth and more persistent inflationary pressure over the second half of the year.”

UK inflation is also set to be the joint-highest this year alongside the US, projected to be 3.2 per cent.

The US economy was also expected to suffer from inflation of 3.2 per cent while other G7 countries were set to have lower price growth levels this year.

The findings followed similarly damning figures from the Paris-based OECD. Economists suggested the UK economy would have the second lowest rate of growth in the G7 and second highest level of inflation.

Reeves said the “best economic policy” was to get involved countries in the Middle East to de-escalate the war in Iran.

“We are a net importer of gas, which does mean that we are impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, which is why I do come with this message loud and clear, along with the 10 other countries that have signed this statement today, that we want to see a de-escalation of the crisis.”