Mumbai: Investors tempted to follow the Wall Street adage ‘Sell in May and Go Away‘ after Indian equities’ best monthly gains in recent years in April, must resist the urge, with momentum still favouring the bulls. Seasonality trends also back this view: key indices in the past decade have posted gains in May more often than not. Analysts, however, caution that a runaway rally like the previous month is unlikely as oil prices remain elevated with the West Asia conflict simmering in the background.

In the past 10 years, Nifty has posted gains in six instances, while the Nifty 500 index has gained on seven instances, according to data from Motilal Oswal Financial Services for the past decade.

“After April’s strong rally, May is likely to see more moderate, stock and sector-specific moves rather than broad-based buying,” said Chandan Taparia, head of technical and derivatives research at Motilal Oswal Financial Servicesq. “While a classic ‘sell in May and go away’ trade may not materialise, upside could remain capped amid an elevated dollar and crude prices.”

The average Nifty returns in May for the past 30 years have been 1.84%, and at 2.14% after adding dividends, said Sham Chandak, head of institutional equities at Elios Financial Services. “That said, Indian equities are no longer trading below their historical average valuations. They are at par now. Given we are still in a geographically uncertain environment and the Q4 earnings season could be difficult overall, I expect the market to be largely range-bound (in a 500-point range on Nifty),” he said.
He expects small- and mid-caps to continue outperforming large caps in May. Nifty and Sensex gained 7.5% and 7%, respectively, in April – the highest monthly gains since December 2023 – after both gauges had retreated to multi-year lows in March. The Midcap 150 jumped 13.2%—the biggest monthly upmove since November 2020—and the Nifty Smallcap 250 soared 17.1%, posting its best monthly performance since its inception in April 2016. Indian markets were shut on Friday for Maharashtra Day.

“Although May seasonality, returns-wise, is slightly better, one needs to be mindful of rising crude prices and cues on monsoon. As the pace of foreign selling is slowing, equities have seen a strong rebound since April this year,” said Sriram Velayudhan, senior vice president, IIFL Capital Services. He said Nifty is likely to trade in a range of 23,800 to 25,000 for the month.

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Indian equities started the week on a strong footing, extending recent gains, though market watchers are increasingly flagging signs of slowing momentum even as the broader uptrend remains intact.

Speaking to ET Now, Rohit Srivastava, Founder, Strike Money Analytics & Indiacharts said the market’s underlying structure is still positive, but momentum indicators suggest the pace of the rally is cooling.

“This is the fifth week of gains for the smallcap index, which is a long stretch. Our RMI indicator has crossed to the sell side for mid and smallcaps despite strong breadth. It shows that the speed of price rise is slowing. We may be nearing the end of this move. However, we made a longer-term bottom in early April, so any pullback should be seen as an opportunity.”

He added that the Nifty faces a key technical hurdle in the near term.

“The level to watch is 24,300, which is immediate resistance. If we fail to move past it, we could retest 23,500. If we break above it, we may move beyond 25,000. As we enter May, a month that often slows after April’s momentum, we should stay alert to near-term volatility.”

While indices may be entering a consolidation phase, sectoral trends are beginning to diverge, with real estate emerging as a standout performer.
The Nifty Realty index has surged sharply, raising hopes of a possible base formation after a prolonged downtrend.“The realty index has been falling for over two years, from June 2024 to March 2026. It is possible that the correction has ended, with early value buying now emerging. It is too early to say the sector has fully turned, given oversupply concerns, especially in metros.”

“Prices have started to turn, which is an early positive sign. The real trigger would be a rate cycle change. We have not yet seen bond yields fall or RBI rate cuts. Those will be key future catalysts. But this is likely the first phase of value buying after a long bear market.”

Overall, markets remain at a delicate juncture—supported by strong liquidity and sentiment, but increasingly sensitive to technical resistance levels and macro triggers that will decide the next leg of the trend.

Westminster governments of whatever hue have underfunded Wales and the Senedd is the only route we have to achieve the funding levels needed to improve life in Wales.

In Thursday’s Senedd Election a judgement is to be made on which political party (or coalition) will take forward Wales’ transport network.

An efficient transport system provides the basis for a successful economy to move people and freight within Wales and internationally. Inward investors see transport in their top four criteria.

Most parties address in some way the issues discussed in this column over recent months. There is a split between those concentrating on additional new roads/increasing capacity on existing roads (Welsh Conservatives/Reform) and public transport investment (Plaid Cymru, Green Party, Welsh Labour, Welsh Liberal Democrats).

Welsh Conservatives designate the M4, A55 and A40 as ‘union highways’ benefitting the UK as a whole. Surely, they should firstly benefit Wales.

READ MORE: New South Wales to London train service launch date

OPINION

Dylan Jones-Evans

Experience shows that new road capacity may improve the short-term congestion position but over several years more traffic is attracted and congestion will return and not solve the south-east Wales’ road congestion problem. The capital cost of a new M4 relief road (really a six-lane motorway) is over £2bn. The annual cost of removing potholes is estimated at £250m.

The estimated cost of making a 21st century railway network in Wales is £14bn (Today, Tomorrow, Together, Welsh Government, 2026)

These numbers are a massive fiscal challenge to any incoming government. The party manifestos have to show an understanding of the costs (whether published or not; and not just small marginal items) but also income from capital and revenue accounts within the block grant and Welsh taxation.

The sources and size of government revenue and the timescale over which it is received has to be set against a vision of strategic transport and land use planning. Consequently any new land developments (housing, business, retailing, manufacturing) must have an associated transport plan. Keeping in mind that major infrastructure schemes are not built within the life of one Senedd.

Wales has not been ‘fiscally fought for’ over decades but of the parties transport manifestos only Plaid Cymru refers to the revenue side of Wales’ public funding and making best use of the funds.

That unfairness shown to Wales must be resolved and Plaid Cymru in its first hundred days of government promises to begin negotiations with Whitehall sourcing a new block grant settlement. This would include full devolution of all rail investment funding alongside the existing operational powers and funding. And while adding a modestly estimated £3bn (including the investment backlog) annually to the block grant, it would also make possible an integrated transport investment programme.

A new investment framework would then evaluate the costs and benefits of all road and rail infrastructure investment schemes and would have similarly considered the 20mph scheme. This implies that decisions are made initially on strategic criteria reflecting HM Treasury’s new ‘Green Book’ approach and then considered on economic or financial grounds. This evaluation process would apply to Cardiff Airport funding.

Although not specific on roads, it is fair to say that Plaid Cymru has produced the most detailed analysis of needs in its transport manifesto. It reflects a Netherlands-type approach which has been successful in reducing car-related traffic congestion and improving safety through a national public transport ticket, an integrated bus /tram/ rail /cycle network via interchange points and new vehicle investment. It should find favour with Welsh Liberal Democrats and the Green Party. Welsh Labour is clear on its intentions but so it should after thirty years background knowledge.

Reform unfairly criticises railway passenger capacity but incorrectly believes that using bimodal trains and varying length of trains between peak and off-peak times will solve overcrowding. That may work in London but indicates a very limited knowledge of Wales’ railways.

Wales will undoubtedly face a big financial challenge during the next Senedd. If these policies are to be achieved, increased income is required from the two main sources – Barnett formula consequential payments from Westminster and Wales’ own income and land transfer taxes. Increase in Welsh income tax is bravely suggested by the Liberal Democrats.

One thing is clear. Any party which does not have in its manifesto, nor in previous statements, the continuance of the Senedd and a devolved government is living in a fiscal dream world. Successive Westminster governments of whatever hue have underfunded Wales. The Senedd is the only route we have to achieve the funding levels needed to improve life in Wales.

Parties prepared to follow a hard and continuous fiscal onslaught against the London governmental elite must therefore control the Senedd.

• Professor Stuart Cole is emeritus professor of transport (economics and policy) University of South Wales.

LOS ANGELES — As LeBron James approaches the twilight of his record-shattering 23rd NBA season, the eternal debate over basketball’s Greatest of All Time has taken a reflective turn. In recent wide-ranging interviews, the 41-year-old Lakers superstar has downplayed direct comparisons with Michael Jordan, calling the GOAT conversation “tiring barbershop talk” while acknowledging their vastly different playing styles and expressing hope that he has made his childhood idol proud. The comments, made as James continues piling up historic milestones, have reignited passionate discussions rather than settling them.

James told ESPN that he has never compared himself to Jordan because “our games are totally different.” He described himself as a point-forward who has always prioritized playmaking, while noting Jordan’s scoring-first mentality. “I never have compared myself to MJ,” James said. “I have been a point-forward/forward-point my whole life. I have always looked for the pass. MJ kind of looked for the shot. Not kind of — he did.”

The remarks come amid another postseason run for the Lakers, where James has added to his already unparalleled résumé. In the playoffs, he became the first player in NBA history to reach 500 career postseason steals, widening his lead over Jordan in that category. He also continues to chase longevity records, having already passed numerous milestones Jordan set during his shorter but dominant career.

Jordan himself has long downplayed the GOAT label. In past interviews, he predicted the debate would become “debatable” once new generations emerged and emphasized that comparing eras is inherently unfair. Recent reports suggest Jordan has privately defended James against harsh criticism, once calling ESPN’s Michael Wilbon to urge softer coverage of the young LeBron.

The 2026 version of the debate reflects how far James has come. With four NBA titles across three franchises, all-time scoring leadership, and unmatched versatility, many analysts argue his case has never been stronger. Yet Jordan’s six championships, perfect Finals record, and cultural dominance remain the gold standard for many fans and former players. Stephen A. Smith and other commentators reacted strongly to James’ latest comments, with some interpreting them as a subtle concession and others as mature perspective.

James has emphasized respect for Jordan throughout his career. He wore No. 23 early in his career as a tribute and has repeatedly called Jordan the player who inspired him most. In the ESPN interviews, he expressed hope that Jordan is proud of how he represented the number. That humility stands in contrast to the often heated social media battles between fans of both icons.

Statistically, the gap continues to widen in James’ favor on volume metrics. He leads in career playoff steals, total games played, and assists, while holding the all-time scoring crown. Jordan maintains advantages in scoring average, defensive accolades in certain seasons, and Finals dominance. Advanced metrics like Win Shares and Value Over Replacement Player show a tight race when adjusted for era, but longevity gives James a massive edge in cumulative production.

The debate remains deeply personal for fans. Jordan represents the pinnacle of 1990s basketball excellence — six titles in eight years with the Chicago Bulls. James symbolizes endurance, adaptability and team success across two decades and multiple franchises. As James nears potential retirement after the 2026-27 season, many believe the conversation has evolved from “who is better” to “who had the greater career.”

Jordan has stayed largely silent on the latest round of comments, consistent with his approach of letting achievements speak. Those close to him say he views the debate as ultimately unwinnable and unnecessary. James, for his part, has grown weary of it dominating discussions about his legacy. “You can love both of us without trying to tear the other person down,” he has said in various forms over the years.

Analysts note that the GOAT debate may never have a definitive winner. Different eras, rule changes, competition levels and playing styles make apples-to-apples comparisons difficult. Jordan faced hand-checking and physical defenses; James has thrived in a spacing-friendly, analytics-driven league while carrying heavier playoff minutes over more seasons.

As the Lakers push deeper into the 2026 playoffs without Luka Doncic, James’ leadership and production continue fueling arguments on both sides. His ability to elevate teammates and adapt at age 41 adds another chapter to his résumé. Whether that ultimately sways more voters in the endless GOAT poll remains uncertain.

For now, James seems content focusing on the present — chasing another title while mentoring younger players. Jordan, at 63, watches from afar as the game he revolutionized evolves. Their mutual respect, even amid the public debate, stands as one of the sport’s most compelling ongoing storylines.

The conversation James once engaged with more directly has become, in his words, tiring. Yet it shows no signs of fading. As long as basketball is played, fans will argue about the greatest. LeBron James’ latest reflections may not have surprised Michael Jordan — but they have given the debate fresh nuance in 2026.

NEW YORK — Wordle players across the globe tackled puzzle No. 1780 on Monday, May 4, 2026, with many turning to online hints and community discussions as the daily brain teaser from The New York Times delivered another challenging five-letter word. The solution for today’s Wordle is RISER, a noun that can describe a person who gets up early in the morning or the vertical part of a step in a staircase. For those still solving or looking back on the puzzle, here are the progressive hints, strategies and context that defined this moderately difficult entry in the popular word game’s ongoing streak of daily challenges.

The puzzle opened with a subtle hint pointing to something that rises, whether a person after sleep or a structural element. A stronger clue noted it starts with the letter R and features one repeated letter. Players who guessed common starters like SLATE or STAIR quickly narrowed options, with many reporting the word took an average of five guesses according to New York Times data. The repeated R and mix of common consonants made it trickier than average, though the two vowels helped once the pattern emerged.

Wordle enthusiasts on social media and forums like Reddit shared their journeys, with many celebrating streaks maintained or lamenting near-misses. One common path involved starting with STAIR, leaving just four possibilities and leading directly to RISER on the third or fourth try for sharp solvers. Others who opened with words containing more vowels took longer but still cracked it before the six-guess limit. The answer’s dual meaning — an early riser or a stair riser — added a satisfying “aha” moment for those who landed on it.

Created by Josh Wardle and now owned by The New York Times, Wordle has maintained massive popularity since its 2021 explosion, with millions of daily players worldwide. Puzzle #1780 continued the game’s tradition of accessible yet thoughtful vocabulary tests, drawing on everyday English words that reward both luck and strategy. Today’s solution fits the pattern of nouns that appear in common contexts like home design or daily routines, keeping the game approachable for casual fans while offering depth for word nerds.

For players seeking help without spoilers, the best approach remains starting with a balanced opener containing multiple vowels and common consonants. Words like ADIEU or SLATE remain popular for information gathering. Once yellow or green letters appear, focus on elimination and patterns — today’s puzzle rewarded those who tested R-heavy options early. Community sites and apps provide additional tools, but the official game’s simplicity is what keeps it addictive for players of all ages.

The rise of Wordle variants and spin-offs, including the more complex NYT Connections and Strands, has only heightened interest in the original. On May 4, discussions around #1780 trended as solvers compared notes and shared scoredle breakdowns. Many noted the puzzle’s difficulty rating hovered around “moderately challenging,” with some calling it a fair test that rewarded logical deduction over pure luck.

Wordle’s enduring appeal lies in its daily ritual and shareable results. Green, yellow and gray square grids flooded social media as friends and family compared streaks. For newcomers, the game’s rules are straightforward: guess a five-letter word in six attempts, with feedback on correct letters and positions. Today’s answer, RISER, highlights how the game draws from both common and slightly specialized vocabulary, keeping even veteran players on their toes.

Looking back, puzzle #1780 joins a long line of memorable entries. Previous days featured words like PUFFY, while future puzzles promise more surprises. The New York Times continues refining the word list to balance difficulty and fairness, removing obscure terms while retaining engaging challenges. For May 4 specifically, the solution’s double R and straightforward definition made it satisfying once solved, with many players posting victory emojis and celebrating unbroken streaks.

Beyond entertainment, Wordle serves as a gentle workout for vocabulary and pattern recognition. Educators have incorporated it into classrooms to build word skills, while seniors appreciate its low-pressure format for daily mental stimulation. The game’s accessibility — free, browser-based and quick — has helped it survive trends that felled other viral apps. On a day when global news cycles were busy, millions still found time for their Wordle fix.

If you missed today’s puzzle or want to improve for tomorrow, remember the community’s collective wisdom: track letter frequency, avoid repeating confirmed gray letters, and use process of elimination. RISER may have stumped some, but its reveal sparked conversations about language and everyday terms. Whether you solved it in three guesses or needed all six, the daily Wordle ritual remains a bright spot for millions seeking a moment of mental clarity.

As Wordle enters its fifth year of widespread popularity, puzzles like #1780 remind fans why the game endures. Simple rules meet clever word selection, creating moments of triumph or gentle frustration that keep players coming back. For those who nailed RISER today, congratulations — your streak lives on. For everyone else, tomorrow’s puzzle awaits with fresh hints and a new chance to test your skills.

This article was written by

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