As geopolitical tensions intensify and crude oil markets react sharply, investors are facing a complex mix of inflation risks, monetary policy uncertainty, and shifting global supply dynamics. In a conversation with ET Now, economist Jahangir Aziz from JPMorgan suggested that the current situation is far more layered than what headline indicators like Brent crude prices may imply.

Speaking on the scale of the escalation, Aziz said, “Look, it is very difficult to say how bad or how big it is going to be or how long it is going to last.” He noted that while the recent spike in oil prices reflects rising market anxiety, “the spike in the oil market clearly shows you that the market is nervous… but that is not the story.” According to him, the global oil market has become increasingly fragmented, making widely tracked benchmarks less relevant for key economies. “The oil market has been fragmented completely… Brent reflects the Atlantic Basin, but countries like China and India depend on the Middle East,” he said, adding that regional benchmarks tell a more accurate story. “Oman and Dubai prices were already above 150… and the India basket was at $145,” Aziz pointed out, concluding that “we need to stop looking at Brent… Oman and Dubai prices are what really matter for Asian economies.”

On the US Federal Reserve’s policy outlook, Aziz pushed back against expectations of easing, maintaining that his view has consistently ruled out rate cuts this year. “We did not have a rate cut in 2026 in the beginning of the year and in fact, the next move would be a rate hike in 2027,” he said. He emphasized that this assessment is rooted in labour market dynamics rather than recent geopolitical developments. “This has nothing to do with the war… it was based on US labour market dynamics,” Aziz explained. Even modest job growth, he argued, could sustain inflationary pressures. “Even a modest improvement in jobs… will push wages up and keep inflation above 2%,” he said. He also highlighted a more cautious stance from the Fed on energy-driven inflation, noting that policymakers indicated they would not look through such price increases “too likely.”

Turning to bond markets, Aziz said the more important development is not just the rise in yields but the shift in expectations reflected in the yield curve. “The market took the Fed call in a hawkish tone… and flattened the curve,” he observed, adding that “it is the flattening… rather than the move up in the 10-year rate that is the bigger story.” As inflation concerns persist and hopes for rate cuts fade, he expects this trend to continue. “As hopes of rate cuts in 2026 fade… you are going to see much more flattening,” he said. Aziz also warned that if inflation becomes entrenched, it could start affecting demand. “If inflation becomes sticky… you are going to start seeing demand destruction,” he said, adding that even the anticipation of such a slowdown could influence market pricing. “In a demand destruction environment… it is hard to see the 10-year actually blow up,” he noted.

Overall, Aziz’s assessment points to a more complex global backdrop where traditional indicators may not fully capture underlying risks. With oil markets fragmenting, inflation staying persistent, and central banks remaining cautious, investors may need to look beyond surface-level signals to navigate the evolving landscape.

Q2: 2026-03-18 Earnings Summary

EPS of $12.20 beats by $3.47

 | Revenue of $23.86B (196.29% Y/Y) beats by $4.35B

This article was written by

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Nike Basketball and Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant have partnered with the iconic “Jurassic Park” franchise to launch a themed sneaker pack for the Nike Ja 3, blending cinematic nostalgia with high-performance basketball design.

The collaboration, unveiled in mid-March 2026, features two distinct colorways — the “Raptor” and “Explorer” — inspired by the 1993 Steven Spielberg film and its enduring legacy. The pack draws from Morant’s personal affinity for the movie series, channeling elements like Velociraptor motifs, amber fossils and classic park branding into the signature silhouette.

The Nike Ja 3 “Raptor” (style code IU7240-001) adopts a menacing anthracite base with yellow ochre and bright crimson accents, mimicking the scaly texture and predatory vibe of the film’s raptors. Jagged overlays fade from golden yellow to dark grey, evoking dinosaur skin, while red “blood” accents on the branding add intensity. The tongue features the classic Jurassic Park logo in red, and the insoles display a duo of Velociraptors — one per shoe — that combine for a full scene when paired.

The “Explorer” (IU7240-300) pays homage to the iconic Jurassic Park tour vehicles, with a tropical-inspired palette including green and earthy tones. Details replicate the truck’s rugged aesthetic, complete with park emblems and subtle nods to the film’s adventure elements.

Both pairs include collectible extras: custom graphic insoles forming a dinosaur panorama, amber egg-shaped hangtags preserving Morant’s logo like the movie’s DNA-trapped mosquito, and special packaging that extends the theme. The design continues the narrative-driven approach that has defined the Ja 3 line since its 2025 debut, with Morant emphasizing personal storytelling in his signatures.

The pack releases Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET via Nike SNKRS, Nike.com and select retailers. Pricing starts at $135 for men’s sizes, $112 for big kids (GS) and $97 for little kids (PS). Full-family sizing ensures accessibility for collectors and young fans alike.

The collaboration arrives amid a strong rollout for the Ja 3, Morant’s third signature model. Since launching in August 2025, the shoe has gained traction for its low-to-the-ground feel, responsive cushioning and bold aesthetics tailored to Morant’s explosive style. Earlier 2026 drops included playful themes and homages, but the Jurassic Park pack stands out for its scale and cultural tie-in.

Morant, sidelined at times this season due to injuries, has remained a creative force off the court. He has teased unreleased Ja 3 looks on social media, building hype for upcoming releases. The “Jurassic Park” project marks one of his most ambitious co-design efforts, blending his love for the franchise with Nike’s storytelling expertise.

Sneaker enthusiasts and film fans have reacted positively to the reveal, with early images generating buzz on platforms like Instagram and X. Commentators praise the attention to detail — from the amber hangtag to the combined insole art — as elevating the pack beyond typical athlete collabs.

The drop aligns with broader trends in basketball footwear, where narrative-driven partnerships increasingly dominate. Nike’s success with licensed IP collaborations, including past film and pop culture tie-ins, positions this pack for strong demand.

As April 10 approaches, anticipation builds for what could be one of the standout releases of 2026. For Morant, the project reinforces his influence in sneaker culture, extending his impact beyond the hardwood.

Shares of HDFC Bank have come under pressure following the sudden resignation of chairman Atanu Chakraborty. Still, analysts are increasingly viewing the correction as a buying opportunity rather than a structural red flag. The stock’s decline on Thursday has pushed valuations into what some analysts describe as a “deep value” zone. The stock has lost about Rs 1 lakh crore in today’s trade.

Market analyst Deven Choksey said that the correction has brought the bank into a deep value zone, though he acknowledged that a governance discount may now be factored into valuations. However, most analysts tracking the situation do not see the development as a fundamental concern.

Ishan Tanna of Ashika Capital said that the exit appears more like a tactical opportunity. “The recent resignation of the Chairman looks more like a buy-on-dips opportunity rather than a structural concern,” he said, adding that the bank’s long-standing reputation for strong governance and processes offers comfort.

Read More: Rs 1 lakh crore wiped off! HDFC Bank shares slump 9%, set to record worst day since Covid crash

Tanna also pointed to management commentary suggesting that the issue was not linked to regulatory or compliance lapses. “It seems to be more about differences in value systems, and not related to any regulatory or compliance problems,” he said.

This iew is broadly echoed across the street. According to sources cited by ET Now, Chakraborty’s resignation was not triggered by any concerns from the Reserve Bank of India, but followed prolonged differences over certain practices that did not align with his personal values.
Paresh Bhagat, CIO at Veer Growth Fund, noted that the development should be viewed in context. “We view the resignation… as non-material to HDFC’s fundamentals. The absence of any stated business or financial concerns reinforces that this is a governance-level change rather than an operational signal,” he said.He added that continuity at the top management level remains intact, which is critical for execution. “Leadership continuity under MD and CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan remains intact, and the presence of Keki Mistry provides further governance stability,” Bhagat noted.

The bank has also sought to reassure investors. In an analyst call, management emphasised operational continuity and indicated that the exit does not impact the bank’s day-to-day functioning or long-term strategy.

That said, some governance experts have called for greater transparency. Shriram Subramanian of InGovern said the bank should provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the resignation, even suggesting that both the company and the regulator should issue detailed statements to address investor concerns.

The uncertainty stems from Chakraborty’s resignation letter, in which he cited practices that were “not in congruence” with his personal values and ethics, without elaborating further. The lack of specifics has led to questions, even as the absence of regulatory triggers has prevented panic.

From a broader perspective, analysts note that HDFC Bank’s core fundamentals remain intact. The bank continues to benefit from strong retail franchise, stable asset quality and long-term growth potential following its merger with HDFC.

While the benefits of the merger are still playing out, the institution remains one of the most closely tracked financial stocks in India, with valuation sensitivity often driving short-term price movements.

For now, the market appears to be pricing in a limited governance overhang without significantly altering the long-term thesis.