DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Nearly two months into the 2026 Iran conflict, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to most commercial traffic as a US naval blockade clashes with Iranian threats, driving oil prices above $120 per barrel and stranding thousands of seafarers while threatening global energy security.

The narrow waterway, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically flows, has seen traffic drop to a fraction of normal levels since late February when US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered Iranian retaliation and a shutdown of the chokepoint. Despite diplomatic efforts and a fragile conditional ceasefire, shipping remains severely restricted, with only limited passages for vessels from “non-hostile” nations.

US President Donald Trump has signaled the blockade on Iranian ports will continue until safe passage through the strait is guaranteed, while floating ideas such as a maritime coalition to reopen the route. Iran has responded defiantly, with officials warning of “long and painful strikes” against US positions if attacks resume and maintaining control over the waterway. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and other Iranian figures have vowed not to cede sovereignty.

Recent incidents have heightened tensions. Iranian forces have seized vessels, including reports of attacks on ships attempting transit, while the US has conducted operations against Iranian-linked shipping. At least a dozen commercial vessels transited the strait in recent 24-hour periods, but overall volume remains minimal compared to pre-crisis levels of thousands per month.

The economic fallout has been swift and severe. Benchmark oil prices surged on fears of prolonged disruption, though some retreat occurred as alternative routes and stockpiles provided limited relief. Global supply chains for energy, fertilizers and other goods face strain, with insurance premiums for the region skyrocketing and shipping companies rerouting at significant cost. The United Nations has warned of humanitarian impacts, with seafarers stranded and aid deliveries complicated.

Analysts describe the strait as a high-stakes leverage point in the broader conflict. Iran’s ability to threaten or disrupt passage has long been a strategic deterrent, but the current blockade and counter-measures have created a dangerous standoff. Pakistan-mediated talks continue, with reopening the strait a central demand, yet mutual distrust and military posturing have stalled progress.

Maritime security experts highlight risks from mines, drones, small boats and miscalculation. The International Maritime Organization and other bodies have urged de-escalation, noting that ships and crews have become unintended pawns in geopolitical disputes. Dozens of vessels remain anchored or diverted in the Persian Gulf, with thousands of seafarers affected.

For energy markets, the crisis underscores the vulnerability of critical chokepoints. While US oil exports have hit records and alternative suppliers have increased output, prolonged closure could trigger broader shortages, particularly in Asia. European and other importers also face higher costs and logistical challenges.

Regional actors navigate complex positions. Gulf states balance relations with the US and concerns over escalation, while China and others with interests in Iranian oil seek diplomatic solutions. A Russian-linked superyacht reportedly transited the area recently, highlighting selective allowances amid the chaos.

Military analysts caution that forcibly reopening the strait would require significant resources and carry high risks of escalation. US officials have discussed coalition-building for “maritime freedom,” but allied enthusiasm varies. Iran’s diminished naval capacity is offset by asymmetric threats that could still inflict damage on commercial and military vessels.

Environmental and humanitarian concerns compound the crisis. Potential oil spills from attacks or accidents threaten fragile marine ecosystems, while disrupted fuel and goods flows impact civilian populations in the region and beyond. NGOs have called for humanitarian corridors to ensure delivery of essential supplies.

As negotiations drag on, markets and governments watch closely for any breakthrough. Trump’s public comments, including controversial map renamings and strong rhetoric, have added volatility to an already tense situation. Iranian responses remain firm, with officials insisting on ending the US blockade before full reopening.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis serves as a stark reminder of how regional conflicts can ripple globally through energy arteries. For now, limited traffic continues under high risk, oil prices stay elevated, and diplomats work against the clock to prevent further escalation. Resolution remains elusive, with the world’s energy security hanging in the balance of this narrow but vital waterway.

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Q1: 2026-04-30 Earnings Summary

EPS of $0.43 beats by $0.06

 | Revenue of – misses by $11.19M

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NREF) Q1 2026 Earnings Call April 30, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

Company Participants

Kristen Thomas – Director of Investor Relations
Paul Richards – Executive VP of Finance, CFO, Assistant Secretary & Treasurer
Matthew McGraner – Executive VP & Chief Investment Officer

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Conference Call Participants

Jade Rahmani – Keefe, Bruyette, & Woods, Inc., Research Division
Gabriel Poggi – Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Research Division

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Presentation

Operator

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by. My name is Kelvin, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the NexPoint Real Estate Finance First Quarter 2026 Earnings Call.

[Operator Instructions]

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I would now like to turn the call over to Kristen Griffith, Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Kristen Thomas
Director of Investor Relations

Thank you. Good day, everyone, and welcome to NexPoint Real Estate Finance conference call to review the company’s results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

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On the call today are Paul Richards, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Matt McGraner, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer. As a reminder, this call is being webcast through the company’s website at nref.nexpoint.com.

Before we begin, I would like to remind everyone that this conference call contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions and beliefs. Listeners should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements and are encouraged to review the company’s annual report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the SEC for a more complete discussion of risks and other factors that could affect the forward-looking statements. The statements made during this conference call speak only as of today’s date and except as required

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Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (MMSI) Q1 2026 Earnings Call April 30, 2026 4:30 PM EDT

Company Participants

Martha Aronson – President, CEO & Director
Brian Lloyd – Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary
Raul Parra – CFO & Treasurer

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Conference Call Participants

Michael Petusky – Barrington Research Associates, Inc., Research Division
Jason Bednar – Piper Sandler & Co., Research Division
Sam Eiber – BTIG, LLC, Research Division
David Rescott
Unidentified Analyst
James Sidoti – Sidoti & Company, LLC
John Young – Canaccord Genuity Corp., Research Division
Zachary Gold
Michael Matson – Needham & Company, LLC, Research Division

Presentation

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Operator

Please stand by. Welcome to the Merit Medical Systems First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions]. Please note that this conference call is being recorded, and the recording will be available on the company’s website for replay shortly.

I would now like to turn the call over to Martha Aronson, Merit Medical Systems’ President and Chief Executive Officer.

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Martha Aronson
President, CEO & Director

Thank you, operator, and welcome, everyone. I’m joined on the call today by Raul Parra, our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; and Brian Lloyd, our Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. Brian, would you please take us through the safe harbor statements?

Brian Lloyd
Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary

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Thank you, Martha. This presentation contains forward-looking statements that receive safe harbor protection under federal securities laws. Although we believe these forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they are subject to risks and uncertainties. The utilization of any of these risks or uncertainties as well as extraordinary events or transactions impacting our company could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations and projections expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements.

In addition, any forward-looking statements represent our views only as of today, April 30, 2026, and should not be relied upon as representing our views

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Q1: 2026-04-29 Earnings Summary

EPS of $0.76 beats by $0.02

 | Revenue of $297.08M (-2.99% Y/Y) misses by $6.04M

This article was written by

With Sebi allowing mutual fund investors to temporarily block any withdrawals or debits from their mutual fund folios, PPFAS Mutual Fund along with 15 AMCs have rolled out a voluntary lock-in facility, offering an added layer of safety and control to investors with effect from April 30.

The new framework introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) allows investors to freeze their mutual fund folios so that no units can be redeemed, switched, or otherwise debited until the lock is removed.

Also Read | 25 equity MFs deliver over 25% in April; Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund tops list. Will momentum continue in May?

The facility applies to both demat and non-demat mutual fund holdings, meaning it covers folios held in demat accounts as well as those maintained directly with asset management companies (AMCs).

The locking facility will initially be made available through MF Central, an interoperable digital platform used by investors to manage mutual fund transactions and service requests across different fund houses

The fund house to introduce this facility as of now include – 360 One Mutual Fund, Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund, PPFAS Mutual Fund, Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund, Groww Mutual Fund, Helios Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, ITI Mutual Fund, JM Mutual Fund, LIC Mutual Fund, PGIM India Mutual Fund, Samco Mutual Fund, Shriram Mutual Fund, Trust Mutual Fund, WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund.

Applicability and who all can execute

The facility is available for Resident and Non-Resident Individual Investors including Minor Folio held through a Guardian. The facility to lock / unlock will be available only to the first / sole holder in the folio, held in single and anyone or survivor basis and this will also be available to minor account which will be exercised by guardian till age of maturity and after obtaining maturity, lock/unlock will be exercised by the unit holder only.

Basic requirements

The facility shall be enabled only for KYC complied (Registered / Validated) investors having valid Email ID and Indian Mobile number registered in the folio (both mandatory).

Options for locking / freezing

The investors will have the option to lock any or all of these transactions in the folios selected for locking: Lock only debit transactions (investor initiated) or lock debit + non-financial transactions (investor initiated).

Also Read | Best mutual fund SIP portfolios to invest in May 2026

Process for locking/freezing the folio/s for units held in non-demat mode

The process for locking or freezing the folios for units held in non-demat mode includes six steps to follow. Firstly the investor(s) will log-in to MF Central portal after completing all applicable log-in validation processes which includes providing PAN + email ID / mobile number, OTP based authentication to the email ID/ mobile number.

Secondly, on successful validation, investors will be provided with details of all his/her holdings viz., fund name, scheme, outstanding units and value of units (basis last available NAV) held in SoA form. Thirdly, the investors will select the option to lock the transactions.

Fourthly, the investor will select the fund name and folios that he/ she chooses to lock, followed by once selected, OTP would be sent to the registered mobile number / email ID and upon successful validation of OTP, MF Central will send the requests to the respective RTA who would lock the folio and send confirmation to investor.

Lastly, the lock would be marked in the select folio(s) in the RTA database instantly for holdings held in SoA form.

Process for unlocking the folio/s for units held in non-demat mode

The process for unlocking the folio/s for units held in non-demat mode also includes six steps to follow. Firstly, the investor(s) will log-in to MF Central portal after completing all applicable log-in validation processes which includes providing PAN + email ID/ mobile number, OTP based authentication to the email ID/ mobile number.

Secondly, on successful validation, investors will be provided with details of all his holdings viz., fund name, scheme, outstanding units and value of units (basis last available NAV) held in SoA form. Thirdly, the investors will select the option to unlock the transactions and then the investor will select the fund name and folios that he/ she chooses to unlock.

The fifth step requires two levels of authorization to be mandated by sending different OTPs to the registered mobile number and email ID and both should get validated. And lastly, after successful validation, MF Central will send the request to the respective RTA who would unlock the folio(s) and send confirmation to investors.

Process for locking the folio/s held in demat mode

MF Central will provide an option for the investor to lock holdings held in demat account by redirecting investors to online services offered by respective depositories.

Transactions allowed when folio is locked

Once the folios are locked, these non investor‑initiated transactions such as Address updation via KRA feeds, IDCW Payout/ Re-investment, and any action as required to be taken to adhere to the request/ orders received from Regulatory Authorities are permitted.

Also Read | Low-cost index funds & ETFs should form backbone of your portfolio: Vishal Jain, CEO, Zerodha Mutual Fund

Transactions allowed only after unlocking the folios

Around 14 types of transactions will be allowed only after unlocking the folios. These transactions include financial and non-financial transactions. The financial transactions include redemption, registration of STP, registration of SWP/STP, and switches.

The non-financial transactions include change/ addition of bank mandate, change of broker code, change of E-mail ID and/ or mobile number, nominee registration/ cancellation, change in IDCW option, lien marking, change in signature, consolidation of folios, transfer of units and change of tax status.

Note: Existing registered SWP/STP/DTP (before lock) will continue. All other transactions remain unaffected. All other transactions remain unaffected unless specified above.

(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 along with your age, risk profile, and twitter handle.

Kotak Mutual Fund has announced temporary suspension of subscriptions in its four international funds: Kotak Global Emerging Market Overseas Equity Omni FOF, Kotak Global Innovation Overseas Equity Omni FOF, Kotak International REIT Overseas Equity Omni FOF, and Kotak Quality Overseas Equity Omni FOF, with effect from April 30.

The fund house said that acceptance of fresh or additional lump sum or switch-in transactions, and fresh SIP or STP registrations in these schemes, will be discontinued with effect from April 30, 2026, while permitting fresh or additional lump sum or switch-ins or registration of SIP or STP up to Rs 1 lakh per PAN per month in the respective schemes.

Also Read | International funds deliver up to 50% returns in a year, subscriptions halted. Should investors book profits or stay invested?
The unitholders were informed about these changes through a notice-cum-addendum. The notice-cum-addendum also said that all purchase or switch transactions of the schemes timestamped on or before 3.00 pm on April 29, 2026, shall be accepted and processed at applicable NAV. However, instalments falling due under existing SIP or STP registered prior to the effective date will be processed under respective Plans or Options of the schemes at applicable NAV.

As of March 2026, Kotak Global Emerging Market Overseas Equity Omni FOF, Kotak Global Innovation Overseas Equity Omni FOF, Kotak International REIT Overseas Equity Omni FOF, and Kotak Quality Overseas Equity Omni FOF had an AUM of Rs 935 crore, Rs 604 crore, Rs 98 crore, and Rs 58.02 crore, respectively.

These four international funds are managed by Arjun Khanna. In the last one year, Kotak Global Emerging Market Overseas Equity Omni FOF, Kotak Global Innovation Overseas Equity Omni FOF, and Kotak International REIT Overseas Equity Omni FOF gave returns of 65.96%, 43.51%, and 20.74%, respectively.
Kotak Quality Overseas Equity Omni FOF was launched on March 25, 2026, and has delivered a 5.12% return since inception.
Also Read | Best mutual fund SIP portfolios to invest in May 2026
Apart from these four international funds, Kotak Mutual Fund manages one more international fund, Kotak US Specific Equity Passive FoF, which is also managed by Arjun Khanna and has delivered a 56.20% return since its inception on February 2, 2021.

(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