Shares of IT companies may surge when markets reopen on Wednesday, as their American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) rallied overnight amid overall optimism on Wall Street, driven by easing concerns about AI disruption and hopes surrounding fresh Iran-US peace talks.

Infosys ADR jumped more than 5%, while Wipro ADR gained more than 3%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite index gained more than 1% on Monday. Adobe shares jumped more than 6%, while Salesforce rallied 5%. Accenture rallied nearly 7%, while Microsoft gained 4%.

The S&P 500 erased all the losses it racked up since the war started in the Middle East. The blue chip index gained over 1% to end at 6,886, higher than its February 27 closing level. Dow Jones Industrial Average, meanwhile, rose 0.63%.

Goldman Sachs CEO on AI

Goldman Sachs released its Q1 earnings on Monday. The company reported a net revenue of $17.23 billion in the January-March quarter, recording a 14% year-on-year growth compared to $15.06 billion in the year-ago period. The net revenue shot up 28% sequentially versus $13.45 billion in Q4CY25.

Commenting on the company’s results, David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, said, “Goldman Sachs delivered very strong performance for our shareholders this quarter, even as market conditions became more volatile. Our clients continue to depend on us for high-quality execution and insights amid the broader uncertainty, and we remain confident in how we’ve positioned our businesses. The geopolitical landscape remains very complex – so disciplined risk management must remain core to how we operate.”
During an analyst’s call, Solomon said he is hugely forward-leaning on the power of artificial intelligence to accelerate growth at the bank. “Whenever you have accelerations in new technology, there are going to be bumps, there will be risk issues and recalibrations. But the power of this technology to use it in enterprise to increase efficiency is incredibly constructive,” he added. Entrepreneur and financial expert Gurmeet Chaddha highlighted that Solomon claimed that AI taking over enterprise software is not easy.
Notably, this comes after tech stocks saw a massive decline earlier this year with the launch of new and innovative artificial intelligence tools by AI startup Anthropic, which triggered worries around disruption in the software services. Back on Dalal Street, India’s much-touted IT services stocks, including Infosys, Wipro, TCS and HCLTech, saw a sharp selloff.
However, while some doomsday prophets painted a grim picture for IT shareholders, some analysts were quick to point out that an overall replacement of software engineers by AI is unlikely. The new technology would instead increase efficiency across the companies, boosting margins, according to them.

Fresh hopes for Iran-US war peace talks

Reports claimed that the US continued to engage with Iran to make a peace deal even as it blocked the latter’s ports after the collapse of ceasefire talks over the weekend. Iran and the US have left the door open to dialogue, and a US official said there was forward momentum toward an agreement, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said that his administration received a call from Iran who is now eager to negotiate after the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said that “they’d like to make a deal very badly.” He reiterated that the primary sticking point in the negotiations remains Iran’s nuclear ambitions, asserting that “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon”.

As a result, Brent crude futures declined nearly 2% to trade at $97.5 per barrel, while WTI Crude futures dropped more than 2% to $97 per barrel on Tuesday morning. The cooling oil prices and rising hopes for peace talks boosted global markets.

Also read: India the new ‘no-go’ zone for FIIs? 7 brutal truths behind $18 billion exodus

The raging war has stoked inflationary worries in the US. Peace talks hopes eased some of those concerns, which in turn may boost the IT stocks as these companies derive a major portion of their revenue from the US economy.

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

The kitchenware brand says it has outperformed the market

Kitchenware brand Procook has reported a strong fourth quarter as it continues to invest in new branch openings around the UK. The Gloucestershire-headquartered retailer saw a 19.2 per cent rise in revenue to £18.5m for the 12 weeks to the end of March, driven by sales online and in store.

The results mean the company posted full-year revenue of £85.5m, ahead of market expectations, and up 23 per cent year on year and 11.8 per cent on a like-for-like basis. EBITDA – a measure of performance – is estimated to be slightly ahead of expectations for the full year.

Procook told investors on Tuesday (April 14) it had “outperformed” the UK kitchenware market by more than 13 percentage points during quarter four, and by more than 20 per cent across the full year. It also said operating profit was set to be in line with expectations.

The brand opened three new stores in the fourth quarter, increasing its total UK retail estate to 78 branches, of which eight are now in a new bigger format. Last year, the company, which sells cookware, tableware, electricals and kitchen gadgets, spent £5.3m on store openings as it looks to target 100 outlets in the UK.

Lee Tappenden, chief executive of Procook, said: “We have delivered a strong fourth quarter and full year performance, significantly outperforming the market and improving profitability, whilst accelerating investment in our new store opening programme.

“Strong revenue growth across both our expanding store footprint and online reflects substantial increases in new customers attracted to our brand and repeat purchases, demonstrating that our unique product proposition and service focus is really resonating with consumers.”

Mr Tappenden said while the business was “mindful” of the potential macroeconomic effects of any protracted geopolitical instability, it would “look forward” to building its market share.

“Our ongoing store openings, initiatives to increase brand awareness, and disciplined investments to support growth, position us well to deliver on our medium term ambition of 100 stores, £100m revenue and 10 per cent operating profit margin,” he added.

The Bristol-headquartered maker of Golden Virgina is continuing to focus on tobacco-free products

Tobacco giant Imperial Brands has reiterated its guidance for the full year amid a “more uncertain” geopolitical and macro environment. The announcement on Tuesday comes as the business looks to focus on tobacco-free products as smoking rates continue to decline.

The Golden Virginia maker said its “robust” pricing and continued investment in next-generation products (NGP) means it expects low-single-digit growth in tobacco and NGP net revenue for the first half. Imperial said its tobacco performance was underpinned by pricing and only a modest volume drop in combustibles.

Group adjusted operating profit is expected to be slightly ahead year-on-year for the first half, and is likely to be stronger in H2, the business added.

Imperial also said that while the conflict in the Middle East had caused “no material business impact to date”, the situation remained “uncertain”.

“We are pleased to report a good start to our 2030 strategy, with strong momentum behind our execution and our transformation towards becoming a more consumer-centric, data led, agile and efficient challenger,” a statement to the stock market said.

“During the first half, we began the implementation of our new long-term partnership with Capgemini and took further action to focus on our supply chain footprint, while continuing the rollout of our enterprise IT applications.”

Imperial Brands’ interim results for the six months ended March 2026 will be announced on May 12.

Derren Nathan, head of equity research at investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Imperial Brands’ tobacco volumes declined again in the first half, but that’s to be expected as more smokers kick the habit and non-combustible alternatives continue their expansion.

“Low single-digit reductions are on the manageable side. In the meantime, revenue has grown modestly, supported by robust pricing and a mid-to-high digit percentage rise in sales of next generation products. With full-year guidance intact, Imperial is setting out its stall as a strong defensive investment, and despite a note of caution, it has seen no material business impact from this year’s tumultuous geopolitical events.”

The latest trading update comes just a day after the company confirmed it would launch the second tranche of its ongoing share buyback scheme. The business told investors on Monday that it intends to repurchase stocks worth £725m as part of a wider £1.45bn programme announced last year.

A sharp jolt rattled homes across the Central West of New South Wales on Tuesday evening as a magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck near Orange, sending tremors through the region and prompting hundreds of resident reports.

The quake hit at about 8:19 p.m. local time Tuesday, with its epicenter located in the Cabonne area, roughly 43 kilometers (27 miles) southwest of Orange near Mount Canobolas. Geoscience Australia and the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the magnitude at 4.5, with a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

Residents across the Central West described the sudden shaking, with many reporting houses rattling, windows vibrating and a brief but noticeable jolt. “It felt like a heavy truck passing by but much stronger,” one Orange resident said in social media posts shortly after the event. Others likened it to “a freight train rumbling through” or “someone banging on the walls.”

The tremor was widely felt in surrounding towns including Blayney, Canowindra, Cargo and Millthorpe, with shaking intensity reaching moderate levels (Modified Mercalli Intensity IV to V) closer to the epicenter. Reports also came in from farther afield, including parts of Sydney about 230 kilometers east, where some experienced weak shaking. More than 270 felt reports had been logged with monitoring agencies within the first hour, according to data from VolcanoDiscovery and Geoscience Australia.

No immediate reports of damage or injuries emerged Tuesday night. Emergency services in the region confirmed they had received calls from concerned residents but no structural issues or requests for assistance related to the quake. NSW State Emergency Service crews stood by as a precaution, but authorities emphasized the event appeared minor in impact.

Geoscience Australia Senior Duty Seismologist Hugh Glanville noted that while the region experiences seismic activity, individual events are generally not directly linked. Senior Seismologist Professor Phil Cummins previously described the area southwest of Orange as a “cluster” zone of activity near Mount Canobolas. He explained that even smaller quakes in the 2.5 magnitude range release energy equivalent to about 600 kilograms of TNT, stemming from gradual stress buildup within the Australian tectonic plate.

This 4.5 magnitude event marks the largest earthquake to hit the immediate Orange area in recent years, surpassing a 4.3 magnitude tremor recorded about 25 kilometers southwest of the city in April 2017. Over the past century, Geoscience Australia has logged 589 earthquakes within 100 kilometers of Orange, with 65 exceeding magnitude 3. The region’s strongest on record in that period was around magnitude 4.6 near Cowra in 1947.

Australia sits well away from major plate boundaries, making significant quakes relatively rare compared to countries like New Zealand or Japan. However, intraplate earthquakes such as this one occur periodically due to ancient faults and stress within the stable continental crust. Seismologists say aftershocks are possible but typically smaller and less frequent in such settings. No aftershocks had been recorded in the immediate hours following the main event.

The timing — early evening on a Tuesday — meant many families were at home, heightening the surprise factor. Social media platforms lit up with posts from across the Central West and beyond. “Did anyone else feel that in Orange? Thought my house was about to fall down!” one user wrote. Another from Blayney added, “Windows rattled for a good 10-15 seconds. Pretty scary for a second there.”

Local officials urged residents to check for any minor damage such as cracked plaster or dislodged items, though none was widely reported. In a region known for its agricultural and mining economy, including operations near Cadia, authorities confirmed no immediate impact on infrastructure or mines.

The Central West has seen increased seismic monitoring in recent years, partly due to the cluster of activity near Mount Canobolas. While most events remain small, experts continue to study the area’s geology to better understand potential risks. A larger 5.2 magnitude quake struck north of Nyngan in May 2025, one of the stronger events in NSW in recent memory.

For those who felt the shake, the experience served as a reminder of the Earth’s constant, if subtle, movements even in stable parts of the world. Geoscience Australia encourages residents to submit felt reports via their website to help refine seismic models and improve future preparedness.

As the night progressed, calm returned to the region with no further tremors reported. Emergency hotlines advised people to “drop, cover and hold” in the event of any future strong shaking, a standard safety message for Australian communities.

This latest quake highlights the ongoing, low-level seismic activity that shapes the Australian landscape over geological time. While causing no major disruption Tuesday, it provided a brief jolt — literally — to thousands going about their evening routines in the Central West.

LONDON — A nostalgic video compilation of Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature knuckleball free kicks has exploded across social media, reminding fans why the Portuguese superstar once made set pieces look as routine as penalties during his prime at Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Posted April 7 by the fan account @UtdRom, the 56-second clip stitches together highlight after highlight of Ronaldo bending, dipping and swerving dead balls past helpless goalkeepers and defensive walls. Overlaid text drives the point home: “Ronaldo used to hit knuckleballs so often they were like penalties 😭.” Within days the post racked up thousands of views and sparked a wave of reminiscence among football supporters worldwide.

The footage captures Ronaldo in his red Manchester United jersey and white Real Madrid kit, striding forward with that familiar four-step run-up before unleashing low-driven strikes that defy physics. In one sequence a wall of defenders jumps in vain as the ball snakes through the air and rifles into the net. Another shows a goalkeeper diving full stretch only to watch the ball dip late and nestle in the corner. The clip ends with stadium crowds erupting as Ronaldo wheels away in celebration, arms outstretched in that iconic CR7 pose.

At 41, Ronaldo remains an elite goal scorer for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, but direct free-kick success has become rarer. His most recent free-kick goal came on Aug. 27, 2024, against Al Feiha. Through the early months of the 2025-26 campaign he has yet to add to his career tally of 64 direct free kicks, while rival Lionel Messi has already notched two in 2026 alone.

The viral resurgence of these vintage moments arrives as Ronaldo prepares for what he has confirmed will be his final major tournament — the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Fresh off a hamstring injury that sidelined him for more than a month, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to action April 3 with a brace in a 5-2 Al-Nassr victory over Al-Najma, pushing his season total to 23 goals in 23 matches and his career haul to 968 official strikes.

Football historians credit Ronaldo with popularizing the modern knuckleball technique in the late 2000s. Unlike traditional curling free kicks that rely on sidespin, the knuckleball is struck with the laces near the valve to impart minimal rotation. The result is an unpredictable flutter that goalkeepers struggle to read, especially from 25 yards or farther. Ronaldo perfected the method during his second stint at United and carried it into his record-breaking years at Madrid, where he netted 12 direct free kicks in the Champions League alone — still a competition record.

Fans posting under the viral clip flooded replies with memories of specific goals. One standout: the 2008 Premier League strike against Portsmouth that dipped viciously under the bar. Another: the 2009 Champions League semi-final rocket against Arsenal from nearly 40 yards that left goalkeeper Manuel Almunia rooted to the spot. “He didn’t just score free kicks — he embarrassed keepers,” one commenter wrote. Another added: “Knuckleballs every week like clockwork. Penalties from 30 yards out.”

The technique’s effectiveness peaked between 2008 and 2014. During that span Ronaldo attempted free kicks at a volume rarely seen before or since, converting at rates that made opposition managers double-team the Portuguese on set pieces. Data from his United and early Madrid eras show dozens of attempts per season, many from impossible angles. By contrast, his conversion rate has dipped in recent years as age and tactical adjustments have shifted his focus toward penalties, headers and clinical finishing inside the box.

Yet the 2026 season has shown glimpses of the old magic. A March social media post from football analysts noted Ronaldo had scored three free kicks in the previous six months, prompting one account to declare: “The ‘Knuckle’ is back.” While league statistics for the current campaign list zero league free-kick goals through April, training videos and warm-up highlights continue to circulate, fueling hope that the 41-year-old could still deliver one more moment of set-piece brilliance before hanging up his international boots.

Ronaldo’s longevity remains astonishing. Signed by Al-Nassr in late 2022, he has embraced life in the Saudi Pro League, recently extending his contract through 2027 after a brief contractual dispute over payments was resolved. In February he publicly stated, “I belong to Saudi Arabia,” underscoring his commitment to the club and the league’s rising profile. Off the pitch he has become a global ambassador for the competition, drawing record crowds and television audiences wherever Al-Nassr plays.

The viral video also highlights a broader conversation about legacy. Ronaldo sits seventh on the all-time free-kick goal scorers list with 64, behind legends such as Juninho Pernambucano, Ronaldinho and Messi. Yet few players have combined volume, distance and consistency the way he did in his prime. His willingness to practice free kicks relentlessly — often staying behind after training sessions for hours — became part of football folklore. Teammates past and present describe a perfectionist who treated every dead-ball opportunity as a personal challenge.

Social media reaction to the @UtdRom post reflects that enduring admiration. Manchester United supporters, in particular, flooded the comments with affection for the player who helped deliver three Premier League titles and a Champions League during his first spell at Old Trafford. “This is why we called him the King of Free Kicks,” one fan wrote. Others tagged younger players, urging them to study the technique: “Kids today need to watch this and learn what real set-piece mastery looks like.”

As the 2026 World Cup draws nearer, Ronaldo’s fitness and form will be under intense scrutiny. Portugal qualified comfortably, and manager Roberto Martinez has repeatedly said the captain remains central to his plans. Whether Ronaldo adds to his free-kick tally in the tournament remains uncertain, but the viral clip serves as a timely reminder of what he once achieved on a weekly basis.

Industry observers note the timing of the video’s spread coincides with a quiet period in the Saudi Pro League calendar and heightened anticipation for the summer’s global showcase. Streaming platforms and football highlight channels have reposted versions of the compilation, driving millions of additional views. Merchandise featuring Ronaldo’s famous free-kick celebrations has seen a noticeable uptick in sales on fan sites.

For a new generation of supporters who discovered Ronaldo through his Al-Nassr highlights or social media reels, the footage offers a window into a different era — one where the Portuguese forward was not just a goal machine but a set-piece specialist feared by every goalkeeper in Europe. Older fans, meanwhile, use it as fuel for the perennial Messi-Ronaldo debate, pointing to Ronaldo’s higher volume of attempts and clutch moments in major finals.

Al-Nassr sits near the top of the Saudi Pro League standings, with Ronaldo’s recent brace helping extend a lengthy winning streak. Coach Rui Vitória has praised the forward’s leadership and work ethic, noting that even at 41 he trains with the intensity of a rookie. “Cristiano inspires everyone around him,” Vitória said in a recent interview. “His dedication never wavers.”

As April 2026 unfolds, the football world waits to see whether Ronaldo can conjure one final flourish from a free-kick situation before the World Cup. Until then, fans will continue sharing and resharing the viral clip, pausing at each knuckleball strike to marvel at the technique that once made the impossible look inevitable.

The post itself, though lighthearted with its crying emoji, struck a chord because it captured a universal truth in football: greatness is fleeting, but the memories — and the footage — endure forever. For Cristiano Ronaldo, those unforgettable knuckleball moments remain the gold standard, even as he chases new milestones at an age when most players have long since retired.

SYDNEY — Australian Idol has roared back in 2026 with its strongest viewership in years, delivering consistent national audiences that have boosted Seven Network’s entertainment slate and crowned “Aussie Music Week” as the season’s standout performer.

The 11th season of the long-running talent show premiered Feb. 2 on Seven and 7plus, drawing a national reach of 1.819 million viewers and an average audience of 904,000 for its audition episode. That strong launch set the tone for a campaign marked by steady growth, emotional performances and a clear audience preference for homegrown talent.

Subsequent episodes maintained momentum through the audition and heats phase. Sunday episodes frequently topped 1.9 million in national reach, with one mid-February broadcast hitting 1.945 million reach and 886,000 average viewers. Early Monday and Tuesday shows hovered between 1.5 million and 1.7 million reach, often ranking inside the night’s top 10 programs.

The competition shifted into high gear with the Top 12 live shows in March. But it was the late-March “Aussie Music Week” that delivered the season’s biggest numbers and confirmed the format’s enduring appeal when it leans into local stories and songs.

Last Sunday night’s episode during the themed week pulled a national reach of 1.79 million and an average audience of 938,000 — up 8 percent week-on-week and delivering a massive 65 percent surge on the 7plus streaming platform. Monday’s performance show attracted 922,000 viewers, rising 6 percent year-on-year with a staggering 96 percent jump on 7plus. Tuesday’s live results episode posted an 87 percent year-on-year lift.

Judge Marcia Hines credited the resonance to the power of shared cultural memory. “Music is the tapestry of our lives,” she told The Music Network. “Everyone has lived one of those songs at some point — whether they’ve broken up to it, celebrated with it, or turned to it during a tough moment. That’s why it resonated so strongly this week.”

The themed week not only produced the highest viewership of 2026 for the network but also underscored a strategic shift. Producers at Eureka Productions have positioned the revived Idol as more than a singing contest — an artist-development platform that nurtures contestants beyond the spotlight.

By early April the field had narrowed dramatically. Eliminations claimed notable talents including Charlie Moon, who used his platform to raise cancer awareness, high school teacher and mother Simela Petrides, and others who fell just short of the Top 6. The Top 3 locked in for the grand finale are 18-year-old Harlan Goode from Brisbane, 23-year-old Kalani Artis from the NSW Central Coast, and 21-year-old Kesha Oayda from Jindabyne.

As the two-night grand finale unfolded this week, Monday’s Part 1 episode reached 1.719 million nationally with an average audience of 951,000. The broadcast featured high-stakes performances in front of a live audience and special guest stars, building anticipation for Tuesday’s results show where the winner will be crowned.

The 2026 season has consistently outperformed comparable 2025 figures in key episodes, with streaming numbers on 7plus providing an extra lift. Industry observers note the return to free-to-air television on Seven has helped broaden the show’s reach compared with previous iterations, while the combination of polished production, relatable contestants and culturally resonant themes has kept families tuning in.

Contestants this year brought diverse backstories — from regional hopefuls to young vocal powerhouses — that fueled emotional viewer investment. Harlan Goode has drawn praise for his polished stage presence and vocal fireworks, appealing strongly to younger demographics. Kalani Artis has connected through heartfelt delivery and relatability, while Kesha Oayda’s resilient journey has resonated with regional audiences.

Voting has been intense throughout the live phase, with public support deciding eliminations and now the ultimate champion. The winner will receive $100,000 in prize money along with career-launching opportunities, including recording and management support aligned with the show’s new emphasis on long-term artist development.

Ratings analysts have highlighted the program’s ability to hold audience share against heavy competition from reality heavyweights like Married at First Sight. While MAFS often dominates overall weekly charts, Australian Idol has carved out a reliable entertainment niche, particularly on Sundays and during themed weeks.

The surge in 7plus viewing points to changing habits, with younger and time-shifted audiences supplementing linear broadcast numbers. Several episodes posted double-digit or even near-100 percent gains on the streaming service, suggesting the show’s future lies in a hybrid model that serves both traditional and digital viewers.

Industry chatter suggests the 2026 revival has reinvigorated the Idol brand after earlier seasons on other networks. The decision to focus on authentic artist growth rather than pure spectacle appears to be paying dividends both creatively and commercially.

As Tuesday night’s results show approaches, tension is building across social media. Fans have flooded platforms with support for their favorites, debating everything from vocal technique to stage presence. Some early online sentiment leans toward Kalani for his consistent emotional connection, while Harlan’s technical prowess keeps him in strong contention. Kesha’s underdog narrative continues to inspire a dedicated base.

Seven Network executives will be watching the finale numbers closely. Strong closure to the season could pave the way for renewed confidence in the format and potential expansion in future years.

For now, Australia waits to discover which of the three talented finalists will join the pantheon of Idol alumni who have gone on to successful music careers. Whether it’s Harlan’s star power, Kalani’s soulful storytelling or Kesha’s heartfelt resilience, one thing is clear: the 2026 season has reminded viewers why the show remains a cultural touchstone more than two decades after its debut.

The grand finale results air Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. on Seven and 7plus, promising a star-studded celebration of Australian music and the next chapter for the winner’s journey.