After three consecutive sessions of strong gains, the Nifty witnessed a sharp pullback, but the underlying tone of the market remained relatively stable, with no signs of aggressive selling at lower levels. According to Rahul Sharma, JM Financial Services, the way the market handled the gap-down opening was encouraging, as it did not trigger fresh selling pressure. “Looking at the way the gap down has been handled today, we have not seen big fresh sell orders coming at lower prices in the Nifty. What we saw over the last three days was a typical bear market rally.” The recent 800-point rebound in the Nifty over three sessions, he explained, was more of a technical bounce rather than a structural shift in trend.

Despite the volatility, a couple of indicators offered some comfort to investors. Sharma pointed out that the India VIX has not surged to new highs even after the sharp gap-down, which indicates that fear levels are not escalating significantly. “One silver lining over here is India VIX, which has not gone on to hit a new high in spite of the big gap down that we saw today.” He also noted that banking stocks, particularly Bank Nifty, showed resilience despite concerns surrounding HDFC Bank after overnight developments. “Even banks, especially because of the overnight news in HDFC Bank, Bank Nifty was supposed to be the bigger casualty, but that has not happened.” In fact, he added that Bank Nifty has been relatively stronger post opening, hinting at a possible recovery toward the close. “Bank Nifty is relatively doing well after the gap-down opening, which means that towards the end of the session we could see a recovery happening in Nifty as well.”

From a broader perspective, Sharma believes the current phase presents a tactical buying opportunity, especially for investors with a slightly longer horizon. “If we zoom out a bit, we feel that this is a good opportunity to buy on the dip.” He emphasized that his team has been recommending clients to accumulate Nifty ETFs during volatile phases. “We have recommended our clients to get into Nifty ETFs. We feel that this is a good time to buy ETFs, accumulate them on volatile days like such.” While geopolitical uncertainties continue to loom, he suggested that much of the negative news flow is already priced into the markets unless there is a fresh escalation. “As far as markets are concerned, with the given set of variables, we feel that most of the negatives are factored in and unless there is no fresh escalation after yesterday night’s tweet by Trump, markets would come back to where they were a few hours back.”

On the technical front, Sharma highlighted key levels to watch, indicating that 23,800 could act as an immediate retest zone, while a close above 24,000 would signal stronger recovery. “23,800 is where we know it could be a retest and once we close above 24,000, we could very well be out of the woods.” He also advised caution for traders looking to initiate fresh short positions at current levels. “Around 23,200 the risk-reward is not favourable for fresh shorts and the best thing to do at this point in time is get into ETFs.”

On stock-specific ideas, Sharma expressed a strong bullish view on ONGC, citing rising oil prices and a favorable technical setup. “Our high conviction recommendation today is ONGC. Oil prices are boiling. ONGC should benefit from this and ONGC technical setup is also very good.” He suggested buying the stock around current levels for a positional target. “Around 269, one can look to buy this stock for a positional target of Rs 300 on the upside in the next 15-20 trading sessions. Stop loss can be placed at 258.” He also highlighted strength in the power sector, particularly Tata Power, which has held up well despite broader market weakness. “On the power sector, Tata Power is something that we like. In spite of the broader market fall, we are not seeing any correction in power stocks.” He expects short-term upside in the stock. “Tata Power is another stock which can be looked upon for upside of around 5% to 6% in the very short term.”

PwC’s US chief executive has delivered a stark warning to senior staff, declaring that partners who resist artificial intelligence “have no place” at the firm as it rapidly reshapes its business model to adapt to technological disruption.

Paul Griggs, who took over as US CEO in May 2024, said the professional services giant is moving decisively towards an AI-first operating model, with automation set to fundamentally alter how tax, audit and consulting services are delivered, and priced.

In comments reported by the Financial Times, Griggs made clear that no one within the organisation would be exempt from the transformation, warning that those unwilling to embrace AI would ultimately be left behind. He said any partner who believed they could opt out of the shift “is not going to be here that long”, underlining the urgency with which the firm is pursuing change.

At the heart of PwC’s strategy is a move away from the traditional billable-hours model that has long underpinned the economics of the Big Four. Instead, the firm is developing AI-powered tools capable of delivering services directly to clients without the need for constant human involvement.

Some tax and consulting services are being converted into automated platforms that clients can access independently, with pricing expected to shift towards subscription-based models rather than time-based billing. This marks a significant departure from the labour-intensive structure that has historically relied on large teams of junior staff carrying out routine analytical and administrative tasks.

The firm is set to formalise this direction with the launch of “PwC One”, a new AI platform offering clients access to a suite of automated services. Initially covering areas such as mergers and acquisitions due diligence and complex tax advisory, the platform is expected to expand rapidly as PwC builds out its AI capabilities.

The move reflects a broader existential challenge facing the professional services sector. Advances in generative AI and automation are increasingly capable of handling tasks that were once the preserve of consultants and analysts, raising questions about the long-term viability of traditional advisory models.

For firms like PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG, the risk is twofold. Not only could AI reduce the need for large workforces, but it could also enable clients to bring more capabilities in-house, bypassing external advisers altogether. In response, PwC is attempting to reposition itself as both a provider of expertise and a developer of scalable technology solutions.

Griggs’ comments also point to a cultural shift within the firm, where adaptability to AI is becoming a core expectation rather than a specialist skill. Senior staff are being told that embracing automation is no longer optional, but essential to maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

Industry experts say the shift is inevitable. Raj Abrol, chief executive of Galytix, described AI as a transformative force in risk management and decision-making, particularly in an era defined by economic and geopolitical uncertainty. He noted that the ability to process and interpret vast datasets in real time is becoming a critical competitive advantage for organisations navigating increasingly complex environments.

Kenny MacAulay, chief executive of accounting platform Acting Office, was more blunt, arguing that AI scepticism is incompatible with modern business leadership. He said firms that fail to integrate AI quickly risk falling behind competitors who are already leveraging automation to improve efficiency and client outcomes.

PwC’s aggressive stance highlights how quickly AI is moving from experimental technology to operational necessity. As the firm accelerates its transition, the message to its workforce is unambiguous: adapt to the AI-driven future, or risk being replaced by those who will.

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Valve Corp.’s Steam platform launched its annual Spring Sale on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. EDT / 5 p.m. KST), offering discounts across thousands of titles ranging from blockbuster AAA games to beloved indies and multiplayer experiences. The weeklong event runs through Thursday, March 26, at the same time, marking the first major seasonal promotion of the year for PC gamers.

The sale arrives amid a robust PC gaming market, with Steam’s user base continuing to grow and developers increasingly relying on seasonal events to boost visibility and sales. Valve’s teaser trailer, released days earlier, spotlighted a mix of co-op “friendslop” titles—informal multiplayer games designed for casual group play—alongside deep discounts on classics and recent releases.

Standout featured discounts include *No Man’s Sky*, the expansive space exploration game from Hello Games that has evolved dramatically since its 2016 launch through years of free updates; *Manor Lords*, the medieval city-builder and strategy hybrid that became a breakout hit in 2024-2025; *Dave the Diver*, the relaxing underwater adventure blending fishing, restaurant management and mystery; and *Phasmophobia*, the cooperative horror ghost-hunting title that remains a multiplayer staple.

The “Deep Discounts” section highlights even steeper cuts on perennial favorites. *Resident Evil 3 Remake* (Capcom) sees heavy reductions for its fast-paced survival horror action. *Fallout: New Vegas* (Obsidian/ Bethesda), the open-world RPG classic celebrated for its branching narrative and modding community, returns at bargain prices. *Star Wars Jedi: Survivor* (EA/Respawn), the 2023 sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order, offers significant savings on its lightsaber combat and exploration. Other notables in deep cuts include *Vampyr*, the narrative-driven RPG from Dontnod; *Metro: Last Light Redux*, the atmospheric post-apocalyptic shooter; and *Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair*, the visual novel murder mystery.

Co-op and multiplayer emphasis continues with titles like *Raft*, the ocean survival game focused on building and scavenging; *Sons of the Forest*, the tense horror sequel emphasizing base-building and teamwork; *RV There Yet*, a quirky road-trip adventure; and *Yapyap*, a chaotic party game. These selections reflect ongoing demand for shared experiences in an era where remote play and cross-platform features keep friends connected.

Beyond the trailer highlights, the sale encompasses thousands of additional games, DLCs and bundles from hundreds of publishers. Early reports from deal trackers and community forums indicate strong participation across genres: action-adventure, RPGs, horror, simulation and strategy all feature prominent promotions. Indie developers often use the event to introduce players to hidden gems, while larger studios refresh older catalogs or promote recent expansions.

For budget-conscious shoppers, pre-sale and early deals under $10 (and even under $5) have surfaced on titles like *Dragon Age: Inquisition*, *Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order*, *My Friend Pedro* and others, with some reaching 90-95% off historic lows. Free-to-keep promotions, such as *Deponia*, have also appeared in the lead-up, though the main sale focuses on paid discounts.

Steam’s seasonal sales remain a cornerstone of PC gaming economics. Unlike console platforms with fixed pricing windows, Steam’s algorithm-driven storefront allows dynamic deals, publisher-initiated bundles and wishlist price-drop notifications. The Spring Sale typically ranks among the year’s biggest non-holiday events, trailing only Summer, Autumn and Winter sales in scale.

This year’s timing follows a strong 2025-2026 release slate, including late-2025 titles now hitting first major discounts. Players eyeing upcoming releases like potential 2026 blockbusters can add games to wishlists for instant alerts when prices drop during the event.

Valve encourages exploration via curated sections on the Steam homepage, including genre collections, publisher pages and “Deep Discounts” tabs. The platform’s regional pricing ensures accessibility worldwide, though discounts vary by market.

As the sale begins, community hubs like Reddit’s r/Steam, SteamDB and deal aggregators are buzzing with recommendations and wishlists. Popular picks from users include evergreen titles like *Grand Theft Auto V*, *Baldur’s Gate 3*, *Cyberpunk 2077*, *Elden Ring* and *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*, many of which often see 50-90% reductions in seasonal events.

The event also coincides with broader PC trends: rising interest in co-op experiences post-pandemic, continued growth in indie scenes and renewed focus on single-player narratives amid live-service fatigue. Valve’s hands-off approach—allowing publishers to set discount depths—creates variety, from modest 10-20% cuts on new releases to 90%+ slashes on older games.

For international players in regions like Seoul, the start time translates to evening hours, giving ample opportunity to browse after work or school. With one week to shop, gamers have time to compare deals, read reviews and avoid impulse buys.

As Steam’s Spring Sale unfolds, it reaffirms the platform’s role as a go-to destination for affordable gaming. Whether hunting AAA epics at fraction-of-launch prices, discovering indie surprises or rounding out multiplayer libraries with friends, the event delivers something for every player.

Check the Steam storefront directly for live deals, as discounts update in real time and stock varies. The sale ends March 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. PDT—mark your calendars to avoid missing out.

Palantir Technologies Inc. shares fell modestly Wednesday, closing at $152.77, down $2.31 or 1.49%, as investors locked in gains following a strong rally earlier in the month. The pullback came on elevated volume of about 32.3 million shares, reflecting typical profit-taking in a high-momentum AI stock amid broader market caution over valuations and macroeconomic uncertainties.

The Denver-based data analytics and AI platform provider opened at $154.95, ranged from a low of $152.61 to a high of $156.69, and finished with a market capitalization near $371 billion. Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR) remains well above its 52-week low of $66.12 hit in April 2025 but sits below its November 2025 peak of $207.52. Year-to-date through March 18, 2026, PLTR is down roughly 13%, underperforming the Nasdaq Composite’s modest gains amid sector rotation and renewed tariff concerns.

The latest dip follows a series of bullish developments that have kept Wall Street optimistic. UBS raised its price target to $200 from $180 earlier this week, maintaining a Buy rating and citing Palantir’s accelerating AI adoption and defense sector tailwinds. Wedbush’s Dan Ives highlighted recent AI partnerships as key growth catalysts, while other firms including Rosenblatt and Daiwa issued or reiterated positive calls.

Consensus among roughly 28 analysts stands at Moderate Buy, with an average 12-month target around $188, implying about 23% upside from Wednesday’s close. High-end forecasts reach $260, reflecting confidence in Palantir’s unique position in enterprise AI and government contracts.

The momentum traces back to Palantir’s blockbuster fourth-quarter 2025 earnings released Feb. 2, 2026. Revenue surged 70% year-over-year to $1.41 billion, beating estimates, driven by explosive U.S. commercial growth of 137%. Adjusted operating income and free cash flow also exceeded expectations. Management issued aggressive full-year 2026 guidance: revenue of $7.182 billion to $7.198 billion (61% growth), U.S. commercial revenue exceeding $3.144 billion (at least 115% growth), adjusted operating income of $4.126 billion to $4.142 billion, and adjusted free cash flow of $3.925 billion to $4.125 billion.

The outlook crushed consensus estimates, which had hovered around $6.27 billion for revenue, and underscored Palantir’s “Rule of 40” score hitting a record 127%—a metric combining growth and profitability that few software peers approach.

CEO Alex Karp emphasized the company’s focus on scaling AI models through its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), describing it as “commodity cognition” that differentiates Palantir in a crowded field. The platform’s ontological framework enables rapid deployment of AI across complex datasets, appealing to both commercial enterprises and government agencies.

Recent partnerships have reinforced that narrative. Palantir expanded collaborations with GE Aerospace for military aircraft readiness, Ondas and World View for multi-domain intelligence, Nvidia for sovereign AI operating system architecture, Centrus Energy for uranium enrichment, and LG CNS in a strategic tie-up. AIG partnered with Palantir to build an ontology for its McGill and Partners portfolio, while Polymarket tapped the company to combat betting cheats.

Defense exposure remains a cornerstone. Palantir benefits from a $10 billion U.S. Army framework agreement and a $448 million Navy ShipOS deal, positioning it to capitalize on rising military spending amid geopolitical tensions. The U.S. Army’s recent $20 billion Anduril deal highlighted upside for defense tech players like Palantir and Lockheed Martin.

Commercial momentum is equally compelling. U.S. commercial revenue growth has consistently outpaced overall figures, fueled by AIP adoption in industries from energy to finance. Backlog stood at approximately $4.4 billion post-earnings, providing visibility into future quarters.

Yet challenges persist. Palantir trades at a lofty valuation—around 242 times trailing earnings and high multiples on forward metrics—prompting some analysts to question sustainability. A March 16 note flagged bearish views on the 460% five-year surge, citing potential overvaluation risks. Broader tech sector pressures, including tariff uncertainty under the current administration and AI disruption fears, have contributed to the stock’s sideways-to-down action in early 2026.

Technical indicators show mixed signals. The stock hovers below its 50-day and 100-day moving averages but above shorter-term ones, with RSI in neutral territory suggesting room for recovery without immediate overbought conditions.

Investors continue monitoring upcoming catalysts. First-quarter 2026 results, expected in early May, will test guidance execution, with management projecting revenue of $1.532 billion to $1.536 billion and adjusted operating income of $870 million to $874 million. Any commentary on AIP deal flow or additional government wins could reignite momentum.

Palantir’s evolution from a secretive government contractor—founded in 2003 with CIA backing—to a leading enterprise AI player has been dramatic. Once criticized for opaque accounting and high insider sales, the company achieved consistent profitability and commercial scale in recent years, attracting institutional interest and retail enthusiasm.

As AI hype cycles evolve, Palantir stands out for its practical, ontology-driven approach rather than pure generative models. While competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic dominate headlines, Palantir’s focus on secure, large-scale data integration positions it uniquely for regulated sectors.

Whether the current dip proves a buying opportunity or signals broader caution depends on macro trends and execution. For now, Wall Street’s upgrades and partnership news sustain a constructive outlook, even as near-term volatility lingers.

Palantir shares traded slightly lower in after-hours, around $152.30, ahead of Thursday’s open. Broader markets remain focused on economic data and tech earnings season.