CARLSBAD, California — MaxLinear Inc. (NASDAQ: MXL), a provider of radio frequency, analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, trades with mixed signals in April 2026 as investors weigh its push into high-speed AI data center connectivity against ongoing losses, analyst caution and a consensus price target implying downside from recent levels.

As of April 17, 2026, MXL shares closed at approximately $23.35 to $26.27 depending on daily volatility, reflecting a sharp intraday move of over 12% on some sessions but remaining well below historical peaks above $77 in 2021. The stock has shown resilience in 2026 with year-to-date gains, yet Wall Street’s average 12-month price target hovers around $19.57 to $24.00, suggesting potential downside of up to 21% or modest upside depending on the source.

Analyst consensus leans toward Hold. Out of eight to 11 covering firms in recent months, ratings typically break down as two Buy/Strong Buy, five to six Hold and one Sell. Deutsche Bank, Stifel Nicolaus, Benchmark and Northland Securities have maintained Buy or positive stances, citing infrastructure ramps and data center momentum. Others, including Susquehanna and Roth MKM, stick with Hold amid execution risks and arbitration overhangs from disputes like the one with Silicon Motion.

The average price target of roughly $21.55 to $24.00 implies limited near-term catalysts for significant gains. Some optimistic forecasts see MXL reaching $28, while conservative estimates dip as low as $11 to $17. Longer-term 2026 projections vary widely: one model anticipates an average around $21.35 with a trading range of $17.60 to $29.95, while others warn of possible declines to the mid-teens if growth disappoints.

MaxLinear’s business has shifted toward higher-growth areas. The company reported full-year 2025 revenue of $467.6 million, up nearly 30% year-over-year from $360.5 million in 2024, driven by infrastructure strength. Fourth-quarter 2025 earnings beat expectations with EPS of $0.19 versus a $0.09 consensus. Guidance for first-quarter 2026 called for revenue between $130 million and $140 million.

Investors await the Q1 2026 earnings release on April 23, which could clarify momentum in key segments. MaxLinear has highlighted AI-related products as a major opportunity. In March 2026, the company unveiled the Annapurna 224G scale-up retimer, enabling up to 1.6 Tbps electrical connectivity for copper backplanes and active electrical cables in AI data centers. It also launched the Rushmore 1.6T PHY chipset and demonstrated interoperability at industry events like OFC.

These innovations target the exploding demand for high-speed interconnects in AI training clusters. MaxLinear aims to capture about 20% of the 800G/1.6T market over the next few years, potentially generating $200 million to $300 million in annual revenue from this segment. Early traction in 800G PAM4 DSPs could contribute $100 million to $130 million in 2026, with infrastructure expected to become the largest revenue contributor.

Additional product launches, including an intelligent modular power management solution for next-generation broadband SoCs debuted at APEC 2026, expand its footprint in Wi-Fi 7, DOCSIS 4.0, fiber and fixed wireless access. The company also added Western Digital CFO Kris Sennesael to its board in February, signaling a focus on operational discipline.

Despite these positives, challenges persist. MaxLinear posted an operating loss of $102.4 million and a net loss for fiscal 2025, reflecting heavy R&D investment and integration costs from past acquisitions. Gross margins have improved but remain pressured in a competitive semiconductor environment. Insider selling has occurred, and some valuation models, including GuruFocus GF Value, flag the stock as significantly overvalued at current levels compared to intrinsic estimates around $14.80.

Broader industry dynamics add uncertainty. The semiconductor sector faces cyclical risks, supply chain issues and intense competition from larger players in data center optics and electrical interconnects. MaxLinear’s exposure to broadband and infrastructure provides diversification, but near-term growth depends on winning and ramping designs with hyperscalers and OEMs.

Technical indicators offer mixed signals. Short- and long-term moving averages have generated buy signals at times, but the stock trades near recent highs with neutral RSI readings around 45. Volatility remains elevated, typical for small- to mid-cap chip stocks.

For investors considering a position in 2026, the case for buying rests on successful execution in AI connectivity. If MaxLinear captures meaningful share in 800G/1.6T solutions and infrastructure revenue accelerates, the stock could rerate higher toward the $28 to $30 range or beyond. Optimistic scenarios see potential for 50%+ upside if data center momentum exceeds expectations and profitability improves.

The bear case centers on delayed ramps, pricing pressure, continued losses or failure to differentiate in a crowded market. With consensus targets pointing to limited upside or outright downside, many analysts recommend waiting for clearer evidence of sustainable growth post-earnings. A Hold rating reflects this balance: attractive long-term AI exposure but near-term risks that warrant caution.

Portfolio managers often view MXL as a speculative play on data center infrastructure rather than a core holding. Those with high risk tolerance may accumulate on dips below $20, while conservative investors might sell into strength or avoid altogether pending the April 23 earnings call and updated guidance.

MaxLinear’s story in 2026 illustrates the semiconductor sector’s dual nature — explosive potential in AI tailwinds tempered by execution hurdles and valuation discipline. The company’s recent product launches position it for participation in multi-year data center buildouts, but delivering consistent revenue growth and margin expansion will determine whether shares reward patient holders.

As the earnings date approaches, market attention will focus on commentary around AI design wins, broadband trends and any updates on the Silicon Motion arbitration. Positive surprises could spark a rally; shortfalls might pressure the stock toward analyst targets.

Ultimately, MaxLinear represents a high-beta bet on connectivity innovation. Investors bullish on AI infrastructure spending may see value in the current setup, while those prioritizing near-term profitability or lower volatility might look elsewhere. With Q1 results imminent, the coming weeks could clarify whether MXL merits a Buy, Hold or Sell decision for 2026 portfolios.

PLANO, Texas — Cinemark Holdings Inc. is experiencing technical difficulties Saturday evening, April 18, 2026, with many users reporting that the company’s website and mobile app are down or unresponsive during peak weekend moviegoing hours.

Downdetector and other outage tracking sites show a noticeable spike in user reports for Cinemark services, with the majority of complaints centered on the mobile app (around 67%) followed by website access (21%) and checkout problems (7%). While not a complete global outage, the volume of reports is significantly higher than baseline for this time of day, frustrating customers trying to purchase tickets for evening showtimes.

Users across the U.S. and some international locations described being unable to load showtimes, complete purchases, or even log into their Cinemark Movie Rewards accounts. Social media platforms quickly filled with posts from moviegoers encountering error messages such as “Something Went Wrong” when attempting to browse films like Lee Cronin’s “The Mummy” or upcoming releases including the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael.”

Cinemark, one of the nation’s largest theater chains with hundreds of locations, has not yet issued an official statement acknowledging the issue as of late Saturday. Its main website, cinemark.com, intermittently displays normal pages for some users but returns errors or fails to load for others. The mobile app, recently updated on April 14, appears particularly affected, with reports of frozen loading screens or failed ticket transactions.

The timing could not be worse for the exhibition industry. Saturday nights typically see heavy online traffic as families and groups finalize plans for new releases. With spring blockbusters and horror titles drawing crowds, any disruption to digital ticketing forces customers toward box office lines or alternative platforms, potentially costing the chain revenue and goodwill.

This is not Cinemark’s first digital hiccup in 2026. Earlier incidents, including a notable app outage on February 10 and scattered problems in early April, highlighted ongoing challenges with the company’s online infrastructure. Industry analysts note that theater chains have poured resources into digital upgrades since the pandemic, but high concurrent usage during peak periods continues to expose vulnerabilities in cloud services, payment gateways or backend systems.

Cinemark has invested in modernizing its ticketing experience, including enhanced mobile features and integration with its loyalty program. However, like competitors AMC and Regal, it must balance these improvements against rising operational costs and competition from streaming services. The chain reported solid box office momentum during the recent Easter period, but sustained technical reliability remains critical for retaining customers who expect seamless online booking.

For affected users, common troubleshooting steps include refreshing the page, clearing browser cache and cookies, updating the app to the latest version, or trying a different device or network. Some reported success by switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa. Others resorted to calling individual theater locations directly to check availability and purchase tickets over the phone, though this option varies by site and can lead to longer wait times.

Cinemark’s stock (NYSE: CNK) showed little immediate reaction in after-hours trading on April 17, closing near $30 before the weekend issues emerged. Analysts maintain generally positive outlooks, with price targets ranging from $30 to $36, citing the company’s premium formats like XD screens and recliner seating as competitive advantages. However, repeated digital disruptions could weigh on consumer perception if not resolved quickly.

The broader movie theater industry faces ongoing pressures in 2026, including uneven box office performance and the need to prove the value of the theatrical experience against at-home viewing options. Major releases still drive strong attendance when they connect with audiences, but technical friction at the point of sale can deter impulse buyers and damage the overall experience.

Cinemark operates theaters across the Americas and has emphasized guest services, including robust support pages for common issues. Its guest services section offers guidance on ticket purchases, rewards and more, but during widespread problems these resources can become overwhelmed or inaccessible.

As Saturday night progresses, moviegoers are advised to monitor Downdetector or Cinemark’s official social channels for updates. In past incidents, such spikes resolved within hours as engineering teams addressed server load or specific bugs. If the issue persists into Sunday, it could impact early showtimes for family-oriented films and further frustrate weekend plans.

Cinemark has not commented publicly on the cause of the current problems. Possible factors include server overload from high weekend traffic, a temporary backend maintenance issue, or a third-party service disruption affecting payment processing or content delivery networks. Similar outages at other entertainment platforms have occasionally stemmed from Cloudflare or related infrastructure problems in recent months.

For those unable to access the site or app, visiting a physical theater remains an option, though popular screenings may sell out faster without online reservations. Some locations offer walk-up ticketing or self-service kiosks that bypass the digital platforms entirely.

The incident serves as a reminder of the theater industry’s increasing reliance on robust digital infrastructure. As Cinemark and its peers compete for entertainment dollars, seamless ticketing has become table stakes for customer satisfaction. Quick resolution of tonight’s issues will be essential to maintaining trust heading into the busy summer movie season.

Users who continue experiencing problems can report them directly through Downdetector or contact Cinemark guest services once systems stabilize. In the meantime, patience and alternative booking methods may be necessary for those determined to catch a film tonight.

Cinemark’s leadership, including CEO Sean Gamble, has previously stressed the importance of investing in technology to enhance the cinematic experience. Tonight’s outage underscores that ongoing work is still needed to ensure reliability during peak demand.

As of the latest checks, the situation remains fluid with reports continuing to come in. Movie fans hoping for a smooth evening at the theater are encouraged to check status pages frequently or plan for possible in-person purchases. Cinemark has a strong track record of resolving such issues promptly, but for now many customers are left refreshing their screens and waiting for services to return to normal.

SHIBUYA, Japan — A towering blue sculpture of Shohei Ohtani captured mid-slide, clutching a bottle of sunscreen, is turning heads and drawing crowds in one of Tokyo’s busiest districts as the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar’s latest endorsement deal rolls through the streets in a custom promotional truck.

One of Shohei Ohtani’s sponsors is Sekkisei Sunscreen.
They’ve got an “Ohtani Sun Truck” driving around Shibuya. It has a giant sculpture of Shohei sliding while holding their product.
A message at the bottom says to check the hashtag #大谷SUNトラックpic.twitter.com/QTkJw3vBpa

— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) April 18, 2026

The “Ohtani Sun Truck,” sponsored by Japanese skincare brand Sekkisei, made its presence felt Friday in Shibuya as part of an ongoing SNS campaign. Video footage circulating rapidly on social media shows the white truck navigating congested intersections near the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, its flatbed featuring a life-sized figure of Ohtani in a dramatic baseball slide pose surrounded by stylized blue waves representing sunscreen protection. The sculpture, complete with Ohtani’s signature cap and uniform details, has become an instant photo magnet for passersby.

The campaign, promoted under the hashtag #大谷SUNトラック, highlights Sekkisei’s “Sekkisei Sunscreen” line, one of several high-profile endorsements Ohtani maintains in his native Japan even while starring for the Dodgers in Major League Baseball. The truck’s side panels prominently display the brand’s logo alongside Japanese text announcing the SNS campaign’s rollout, with English phrases like “Ohtani SUN Truck” visible to international visitors.

Footage shared widely on X shows the truck inching through traffic amid buses, taxis and throngs of pedestrians who stopped to snap photos and videos. Crowds gathered on sidewalks, many holding up phones to capture the spectacle as the vehicle made its way through the bustling area. The promotion underscores Ohtani’s unparalleled star power in Japan, where he remains a national icon years after leaving the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters for MLB.

Ohtani, 31, has dominated Japanese advertising since his 2018 MLB debut. His endorsements span major brands including Asics, Mizuno, Hugo Boss and now Sekkisei, reflecting his status as one of the country’s most marketable athletes. Industry analysts estimate his annual endorsement income exceeds $50 million, with domestic deals forming a significant portion despite his U.S. residence. The sunscreen campaign taps into Japan’s robust beauty and skincare market, where functional products emphasizing UV protection align perfectly with Ohtani’s active, outdoors-oriented image.

The truck’s design cleverly merges Ohtani’s athletic prowess with product messaging. The sliding pose evokes his base-stealing and fielding highlights, while the blue splash elements symbolize the sunscreen’s protective barrier. Organizers positioned the vehicle in high-traffic areas like Shibuya to maximize visibility during peak shopping and commuting hours. Similar promotional vehicles have appeared in other Tokyo neighborhoods, according to local reports, as part of a broader spring rollout tied to warmer weather and increased outdoor activity.

Social media reactions poured in almost immediately. Users praised the creativity, with one X post describing the truck as “impossible to miss” in central Shibuya. Others noted the absence of Dodgers branding, speculating that Sekkisei opted for a Japan-centric focus to resonate more strongly with domestic consumers. The post quickly amassed hundreds of likes, reposts and views, amplifying the campaign’s reach beyond those physically present.

Ohtani’s cultural footprint in Japan extends far beyond advertising. Born in Oshu, Iwate Prefecture, he rose to fame as a two-way player for the Fighters before signing a record $700 million contract with the Dodgers in 2023. His 50-50 season in 2024 — 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases — cemented his global superstar status, but back home he remains a symbol of national pride. Japanese media cover his every MLB game extensively, and his endorsements often feature him in familiar settings or with subtle nods to his heritage.

The Sekkisei partnership fits a pattern of brands leveraging Ohtani’s wholesome, high-achieving persona. The company, known for its traditional Japanese herbal skincare formulas, positions the sunscreen as premium protection suitable for athletes and everyday users alike. Marketing materials emphasize UV defense, lightweight feel and suitability for active lifestyles — attributes tied directly to Ohtani’s rigorous training and game-day demands.

Experts in Japanese advertising say such experiential campaigns remain highly effective in a market saturated with digital ads. “Physical activations like branded trucks create memorable, shareable moments that social media then multiplies exponentially,” said one Tokyo-based marketing consultant who requested anonymity to discuss industry trends. “With Ohtani, the emotional connection is already there. People don’t just see a product; they see a hero.”

The campaign arrives as Ohtani continues his 2026 MLB season with the Dodgers. Early reports from spring training and the opening weeks highlighted his continued excellence at the plate and on the mound, fueling speculation about another MVP-caliber year. Japanese fans follow his progress closely, and promotional tie-ins like the Sun Truck help maintain that bond across the Pacific.

Public response in Shibuya reflected genuine enthusiasm. Pedestrians of all ages paused to admire the sculpture, with families and groups of friends posing for selfies. Some waved at the driver, while others shared live updates on social platforms. The truck’s slow pace through intersections allowed ample viewing time, turning a routine commute into a pop-culture event.

Sekkisei has not released official viewership or engagement figures for the activation, but the rapid spread of user-generated content suggests strong initial impact. Similar past campaigns by Ohtani’s sponsors — from baseball-themed vending machines to limited-edition merchandise — have generated millions of impressions and boosted brand awareness significantly.

The promotion also highlights broader trends in athlete marketing. As global stars like Ohtani command massive audiences, brands increasingly blend digital and real-world experiences to cut through noise. In Japan, where respect for athletes runs deep and consumer loyalty to domestic brands remains strong, such activations reinforce cultural ties even as Ohtani thrives abroad.

For Ohtani himself, the deal represents another layer of his carefully managed public image. He rarely appears in person for these activations, allowing the creative elements — like the sliding sculpture — to carry the message. This approach preserves his focus on baseball while still capitalizing on his marketability.

As the Sun Truck continues its route through Tokyo, it serves as a vivid reminder of Ohtani’s enduring appeal. Whether navigating Shibuya’s chaotic streets or dominating MLB diamonds, the two-way phenom continues to captivate audiences on both sides of the Pacific. The campaign’s viral spread on platforms like X ensures that even those far from Japan can experience the spectacle.

Industry watchers expect more activations tied to Ohtani’s endorsements throughout the 2026 season, especially around key milestones like All-Star voting or playoff pushes. For now, Shibuya residents and visitors have a larger-than-life tribute rolling through their streets — proof that Ohtani’s star continues to shine brightly, even when he’s thousands of miles away.

The Sekkisei Sun Truck campaign exemplifies how one of baseball’s biggest names remains deeply embedded in Japanese popular culture. As crowds continue gathering and videos keep circulating, the giant sliding sculpture stands as both product placement and cultural touchstone, blending commerce, sports and national pride in a single memorable drive through Tokyo’s beating heart.

Bitcoin climbed to a two-month high near $78,000, supported by easing geopolitical tensions and renewed confidence among investors. The cryptocurrency was trading at $77,162 witnessing a jump of 3.09% in the past 24 hours.

Ethereum went up 3.55% in the past 24 hours to trade at $2,411. Among the major altcoins, XRP, BNB, Solana, Tron, Dogecoin, Hyperliquid, and Cardano gained upto 2.53%.

Also Read | Gold funds vs ETFs: Where should mutual fund investors place their bets this Akshaya Tritiya?

The global crypto market capitalisation went up 2.73% to $2.61 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap.

Piyush Walke, Derivatives Research Analyst, Delta Exchange said from a technical perspective, Bitcoin faces its next key resistance near $79,000, a decisive breakout above this level could open the path toward $84,000.

Walke further said that Ethereum is trading close to its 100-day EMA, with momentum stabilizing and supported by continued inflows into spot ETFs; XRP remains firm above the $1.44 support level, aided by a bullish MACD signal and improving market sentiment.
In the past week, Ethereum and Bitcoin rallied upto 7.79% and 5.98% respectively. Among the major altcoins, XRP, BNB, Solana, Tron, Dogecoin, Hyperliquid, and Cardano gained upto 9.29%.
WazirX Market’s Desk said the crypto market saw a steady upward trend this week, supported by a pullback in oil prices below $100, which helped ease inflation concerns and improve overall risk sentiment.
“Policy developments, including progress on the U.S. Crypto Clarity Bill and South Korea’s openness to stablecoins, further highlight a maturing regulatory landscape”

Also Read | Akshaya Tritiya remains proven entry point for gold investors: Motilal Oswal

Institutional demand remained a key driver. BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF recorded inflows of over $817 million. Overall, the market reflects a healthy expansion phase, with strong inflows and broad participation supporting a positive outlook,” WazirX Markets Desk further said.

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

If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and twitter handle.

Domestic markets ended with gains on Friday led by strong buying action in consumer and metal stocks. Nifty surged 156.80 points or 0.65% to finish at 24,353.55. Meanwhile, Sensex rose 292.80 points or 0.38% to settle at 78,111.24.

Meanwhile, the volatility gauge India VIX ended at 17.21, down 4.86% from the last close.

Analyst Sudeep Shah, Vice President and Head of Technical & Derivatives Research at SBI Securities, interacted with ETMarkets regarding the outlook for the Nifty and Bank Nifty, as well as an index strategy for the upcoming week. The following are the edited excerpts from his chat:

Q: Nifty ended with 1% gains this week managing to finish above 24,200. What does the Nifty chart suggest for next week’s action and what levels will be important to watch out for?

The benchmark index Nifty is climbing higher but this time, it’s not the headline act stealing the spotlight. While the index has extended its pullback rally for the second consecutive week and closed in the green, the real momentum is unfolding beneath the surface. Broader markets have taken charge, with the Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 staging a powerful rally and clearly outperforming the frontline index. Both indices have surged past their key moving averages, signalling strength, while the Nifty still lags below its 100 and 200-day EMA levels. Most strikingly, the Nifty Midcap 100 now stands just a stone’s throw away from its all-time high, hinting that the next big opportunity might not be where everyone is currently looking.
Coming back to Nifty, the index has been trading above its 50-day EMA level for the last three trading sessions. The 20-day and 50-day EMA have started edging higher. While the falling slope of the 100-day and 200-day EMA has slowed down significantly. The momentum indicators are also suggesting bullish momentum. The daily RSI is quoting above the 57 level and is in a rising trajectory. The daily MACD histogram suggests strong bullish momentum.

These technical factors are suggesting, the index is likely to continue its pullback rally in the short-term. Talking about crucial levels, the zone of 24650-24700 will act as crucial hurdle for the index. Any sustainable move above 24700 will lead to extension of pullback rally upto the 25000, followed by 25200 level in the short term. On the downside, the zone of 24050-24000 will act as immediate support for the index. As long as the index is trading above the 24000 level, it is likely to continue its pullback rally.

Q: Bank Nifty settled with 1% gains. What trade do you see in this index following earnings by HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and YES Bank?

The banking benchmark Bank Nifty also ended the week on a positive note, indicating a continued pullback rally. However, over the last three trading sessions, the index has struggled to decisively cross its 200-day EMA, highlighting a phase of consolidation near a critical long-term resistance zone.
This price behaviour suggests a degree of caution among market participants, as investors appear to be awaiting clarity on the Q4 earnings outcome of key banking heavyweights, namely ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank. With both results scheduled over the weekend, a directional move may emerge post the earnings announcements.

Technically, the index continues to maintain a constructive setup as it is trading above its 20-day and 50-day EMA, indicating strength in the short-term trend. Momentum indicators also remain supportive, with the daily RSI placed above the 55 mark and trending higher, reflecting improving buying momentum.

Going ahead, the 57000–57100 zone is expected to act as a crucial resistance, as it coincides with the prior swing high as well as the 100-day EMA, making it an important supply area. A sustainable move above 57100 could lead to a further extension of the pullback rally towards 57800, followed by the 58500 level in the short term. On the downside, the 55800–55700 zone is placed as an important support area.

Q: TCS and Wipro have announced their Q4 results and HCL, Infosys will be next in line. What is your view on the IT sector and how should investors trade HCL and Infosys?

The IT Index appears to be in a consolidation phase after a sharp pullback of nearly 12% over the past month. What initially looked like a strong recovery has now transitioned into a range-bound movement over the last six sessions, with the Nifty IT Index oscillating between 32134 and 30402.

Despite this pause, the index continues to hold above its 20-day EMA, indicating underlying strength, though the 50-day EMA remains a key resistance. A decisive breakout above the 32130-32150 zone could trigger further upside momentum.

Stock-specific, both HCL Technologies (1475–1418) and Infosys (1377–1266) are mirroring this consolidation. Traders should wait for a clear breakout beyond these ranges for directional cues, as the current phase suggests a healthy pause before the next move.

Q: Oil prices have slid below the $100 mark and there is relative calmness now with the likelihood of a second round of talks beginning in Islamabad soon. Do you think the war factor is priced-in and which sectors should investors remain vary of?

The core assumption of technical analysis is that price discounts everything; news, sentiment, rumours, expectations, and earnings. In that context, the recent cooling-off in crude oil prices after peaking near $119 per barrel suggests that much of the geopolitical risk may already be priced in. Over the past seven sessions, crude has moved sideways in a $90–$104 range, with RSI flattening, indicating a pause and lack of directional bias. A decisive breakout on either side will set the next trend.

Sectorally, lower crude prices benefit downstream oil companies, while higher crude supports upstream players. However, elevated crude remains a headwind for sectors like aviation, chemicals, tyres, and paints. Since crude is invoiced in dollars, rising oil prices can strengthen the dollar against the rupee, indirectly benefiting export-oriented sectors like IT and Pharma through improved realisations. Investors should track crude movements closely as a key driver of sectoral trends.

Q: Metals and realty have shown a smart bounce back WOW with returns of over 3% by respective sectoral benchmarks. What is your view on them?

The Nifty Metal is already outperforming the frontline indices for the last couple of months. While Nifty Realty has seen a strong rebound from lower levels and ended two consecutive weeks on a positive note. Technically, both the indices are likely to continue their upward journey in the short term.

Q: Gallant Ispat, Shipping Corporation and GMDC were among top gainers this week, while Jyoti CNC, Indus Towers and Kalyan Jewellers have been big losers. What should investors do with them?

Among the top gainers, momentum remains firmly positive. Gallant Ispat has delivered a downward sloping trendline breakout, backed by strong follow-through and rising volumes. Momentum indicators like RSI and expanding histogram bars signal strength; sustaining above 810–800 keeps the bullish bias intact.

Shipping Corporation of India has also broken out of a horizontal range with healthy volumes. A positive DI crossover on ADX highlights buyer dominance, and holding above 285–280 can extend the upmove.

Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) mirrors this strength with a trendline breakout and rising RSI. As long as it holds above 705–700, the uptrend is likely to continue.

On the losing side, caution is warranted. Jyoti CNC Automation remains in a clear downtrend with a lower high–lower low structure and bearish MACD. A break below 685–680 could trigger further weakness.

Indus Towers has slipped below its 50-day EMA and is hovering near its 200-day EMA (409). RSI below 40 indicates weakness; a breach of 409 may accelerate downside.

Kalyan Jewellers has faced rejection near 446–452, with ADX signalling rising selling pressure. As long as it trades below 450–455, the bias remains bearish.

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

Gold and silver have both delivered strong returns since last Akshaya Tritiya, one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar, but the performance gap between the two has been striking. While gold has continued to reinforce its position as a reliable store of value, silver has emerged as the clear outperformer, even as global markets grappled with volatility driven by geopolitical tensions, shifting interest rate expectations and uneven demand trends.

From around Rs 97,910 per 10 grams on April 30, 2025, prices have surged to about Rs 1.55 lakh per 10 grams in early April 2026, marking a gain of nearly 58.7% in less than a year. Silver, however, has stolen the spotlight. Rising from roughly Rs 1 lakh per kg at the time of last Akshaya Tritiya to nearly Rs 2.70 lakh per kg now, the metal has delivered returns of about 160%, almost three times that of gold over the same period.

The rally has not been limited to physical metals. Gold jewellery stocks have also seen a strong run, with some names rising as much as 100% since last year’s Akshaya Tritiya. Thangamayil Jewellery has led the pack, while Titan Company and Goldiam International have gained over 30% each during the same period.
Domestic sales for the sector jumped 32–124% year-on-year in the March quarter this financial year, and the momentum is expected to sustain with strong footfalls during the ongoing wedding season and ahead of Akshaya Tritiya on April 19.

So where should investors place their bets this Akshaya Tritiya?

Fundamentally, silver continues to enjoy strong tailwinds. Demand from sectors such as solar energy, electric vehicles and electronics remains robust, while supply-side constraints support its constructive medium- to long-term outlook. That said, its higher volatility cannot be ignored. Experts suggest a staggered accumulation strategy may be more prudent, allowing investors to balance its higher return potential with the need for risk management.

Gold, on the other hand, remains a steady long-term play. Arun Narayan, chief executive of Tanishq, the jewellery division of Titan, told The Economic Times that buyers could advance purchases for the April–July wedding season by booking orders on Akshaya Tritiya if the recent softness in prices persists. He expects advance bookings to pick up, especially if prices remain relatively subdued, prompting fence-sitters to step in. He also highlighted the growing role of old gold exchanges, which now account for more than 50% of Tanishq’s sales, a trend likely to continue during the festive buying period.
Kaveri More, commodity analyst at Choice Broking, noted that while 2025 saw volume declines of 15–30% alongside value growth of 15–25% due to high prices, early 2026 is witnessing steady demand. She pointed to strong traction in lightweight jewellery and digital gold, as consumers look to take advantage of the recent correction ahead of Akshaya Tritiya. Her advice remains consistent: accumulate on dips, given the positive long-term outlook despite uncertainties linked to the Iran conflict.Gold’s longer-term track record also remains compelling. Over the past five years, it has consistently delivered positive year-on-year returns around Akshaya Tritiya. The last two years have been particularly strong, with gains of about 40% and 47% in dollar terms. In 2026, however, volatility has been pronounced, with Comex gold hitting a record high of $5,598 in late January before correcting sharply to $4,098 on March 23, largely due to profit booking and ETF outflows.

Tata Mutual Fund has reiterated its positive stance on gold, citing supportive fundamentals and persistent global uncertainties. It believes any price correction driven by a stronger dollar or easing geopolitical tensions should be viewed as an opportunity to accumulate.

As Akshaya Tritiya arrives, the choice between gold, silver and gold stocks ultimately comes down to risk appetite. Gold offers stability and steady compounding, silver brings higher return potential with added volatility, and jewellery stocks provide a leveraged play on demand recovery.

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

If you missed the April 15 tax deadline, penalties and interest have already begun to accrue – but there are still actions you can take to limit the impact.

Experts say taxpayers should file immediately, even if they can’t pay their full bill, and pay as much as they can to avoid the steepest penalties. Those who still owe can apply for a payment plan to manage the remaining balance.

The IRS says most applicants receive immediate approval or denial when applying for a payment plan online.

TAX EXTENSION FILERS BEWARE: PAYMENTS ARE STILL DUE TO THE IRS BY APRIL 15

“You can still file your return and at least eliminate the failure-to-file penalty, which can reach up to 25% of any tax owed, with interest compounding,” said Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services.

The IRS can impose multiple penalties, including failure-to-file, failure-to-pay and underpayment penalties, which are assessed separately and can accrue interest daily, Steber said.

He added that consulting a tax professional early can help taxpayers navigate their options and potentially reduce the total cost.

NEW TRUMP ACCOUNTS PITCHED AS TAX-SEASON GATEWAY TO BUILDING WEALTH

“In many cases, the total cost – including taxes, penalties, interest and professional fees – ends up being higher than if you had sought help earlier,” Steber said.

“The worst thing you can do is ignore the deadline,” he added. “Many people think they’ll deal with it later, but that can lead to mounting penalties and unnecessary financial risk.”

THE SIMPLE TAX HABIT THAT COULD SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OVER YOUR LIFETIME

Filing as soon as possible and exploring IRS payment options can help taxpayers regain control of their situation and minimize added costs.

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Steber said taxpayers should view filing as part of a long-term financial strategy, not just a once-a-year obligation.

“Your tax return is one of your largest financial transactions each year,” he said. “Giving it proper attention can pay dividends over time.”