The telecom equipment and optical fibre cable manufacturer had hit a 52-week low of Rs 59.82 in January this year. In less than four months, the stock has rallied around 172% to touch a fresh record high of Rs 162.50 on Monday.

HFCL shares have jumped over 144% from the March 24 low of Rs 66.55 on the NSE. The stock has gained more than 15% in just one week and currently trades at a P/E ratio of over 69.

Should you buy, sell or hold HFCL shares?

HFCL has moved from a base breakout into a momentum extension, according to Harshal Dasani, Business Head at INVasset PMS. He noted that the stock has crossed its earlier 52-week high zone in a sharp one-week move, confirming strength, but added that the easy part of the breakout is likely behind it.When prices expand this quickly above prior resistance, the first pullback typically indicates whether the move is driven by institutional accumulation or just a short-term squeeze, he added.

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“The structure remains constructive as long as HFCL holds the breakout band around Rs 150 to Rs 155 on closing basis. A controlled retest with lower volumes would keep the trend healthy. A close back below that zone would weaken the breakout and open the risk of a deeper mean reversion. The quarterly trigger has been strong and the order book narrative has improved, but the chart has already priced in a lot of that optimism. HFCL is a strong chart, not a low-risk chart. Fresh momentum needs consolidation now; otherwise, the risk-reward gets stretched even if the broader trend stays intact,” according to Dasani.

HFCL earnings snapshot

Earlier in April, HFCL reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 178.50 crore for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2026, against a net loss of Rs 81.44 crore reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The firm’s net sales meanwhile surged 128% YoY to Rs 1,824 crore in the year-ago period.
On a sequential basis, profit rose 82% from Rs 98 crore in the previous quarter, while revenue climbed 51% QoQ from Rs 1,211 crore reported in the third quarter of FY26.Also read: Vodafone Idea shares jump 2% to a fresh record high, rally over 100% in 1 year

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

The statutory body for North Wales is now seeking applications for its advisory board

Ambition North Wales is seeking private sector leaders to help shape the region’s future as part of its new business advisory board.

The new board members will represent businesses and employers across North Wales, by bringing , independent advice and constructive challenge to the statutory body that covers the six local authorities of North Wales. The body is overseeing the North Wales Growth which is seeking £1bn of investment into the region’s economy, with £240m committed by the Welsh and UK governments and the remainder leverage funding from other sources, including the private sector.

READ MORE: Cardiff Capital Region £50m evergreen fund close to first cycle full investmentREAD MORE: Economy Minister Adam Price on a new development agency the Development Bank of Wales and economic targets

Ambition North Wales’ statutory responsibilities, including delivering a regional strategic transport plan, a strategic development plan, and promoting and enhancing regional economic well-being.

it is also responsible for the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone is underway -together representing £400m of government investment. These programmes aim to unlock up to £2bn in total investment and create more than 10,000 jobs over the next decade.

The business advisory board will be placed at the heart of this progress -providing strategic advice and acting as a powerful advocate for Ambition North Wales and the region.

The board will be chaired by Dave Penrith, with Nick Bennett as vice-chair. Both serve as non-executive advisors to Ambition North Wales and together bring extensive expertise in capital projects, governance, engineering, digital transformation and economic development.

Mr Penrith, said: “The business advisory board will play a vital role in driving change and ensuring North Wales reaches its full economic potential – for its businesses and people. The chance to become a member of the board is a rare opportunity to play a defining role in helping to shape the region’s future and make a lasting impact.”

Mr Bennett, said: “It’s exciting to be bringing this new Board together at such a pivotal time – where it can act as a real catalyst for long-term economic success. We are looking for private sector leaders with strong networks, sound judgement and a passion for supporting transformative investment across North Wales.”

The new board member roles are unpaid volunteer positions, with a commitment required to bi-monthly meetings, alongside active engagement with stakeholders and partners.

How to apply

LAS VEGAS — BTS has sold out all four scheduled performances at Allegiant Stadium as part of the ARIRANG World Tour, with shows set for May 23, 24, 27 and 28, 2026.

The 65,000-capacity venue will host the South Korean group for performances beginning at 8:00 p.m. local time each night, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and parking lots accessible from 8:30 a.m. All tickets for the Las Vegas stop have been sold, according to organizers.

The ARIRANG World Tour represents BTS’s first major overseas performances since completing mandatory military service in South Korea. The group announced their comeback on July 1, 2025, with all seven members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — participating in what has become their largest-scale tour to date.

The tour opened in Seoul on March 21, 2026, and was streamed globally on Netflix, drawing 18.4 million viewers within the first week. The tour is projected to span eight months from May through December 2026, with over 65 performances across multiple continents.

North American dates include the sold-out Las Vegas shows, with additional stops in Los Angeles and other cities. The tour will then move to European and Latin American markets.

The name ARIRANG references a traditional Korean folk song and symbolizes the band’s cultural roots during their return. The setlist features tracks from the new ARIRANG album along with career-spanning hits.

Commercial Impact

Billboard Boxscore data projects that the ARIRANG stadium run will exceed $500 million in total revenue by its conclusion. The tour has reinforced the album’s commercial impact through live performances across multiple continents.

“ARIRANG” has surpassed 10.18 million equivalent album sales globally, making it the most successful release of 2026. The album has generated more than 2.53 billion total global streams.

On its first day, “ARIRANG” logged over 100 million streams on Spotify, marking the biggest album debut on the platform for the year. The album also became the first in history to place all of its tracks on the Billboard Global 200 for seven consecutive weeks.

Physical sales contributed significantly, with nearly 4 million copies sold on the first day. The album debuted in the Top 10 in multiple international markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.

Fan and Industry Reaction

The sold-out status in Las Vegas reflects strong demand from the group’s international fan base, known as ARMY. Tickets for the shows sold out rapidly after going on sale.

The Las Vegas residency highlights the continued global popularity of BTS. The group’s ability to fill large stadiums demonstrates sustained commercial power even after a period of individual activities and military service.

Broader Tour Significance

The ARIRANG World Tour marks a significant milestone for BTS as they resume full group activities. The tour’s scale and international reach underscore the group’s status as one of the world’s most successful musical acts.

Performances in Las Vegas will feature state-of-the-art production at the climate-controlled Allegiant Stadium. The shows are expected to include elaborate staging, choreography and fan engagement elements characteristic of BTS concerts.

BTS has consistently ranked among the world’s top-selling artists, with strong performance in both physical and digital formats. The album’s commercial achievements build on the group’s previous records.

The global music industry has seen continued growth in streaming consumption. “ARIRANG” benefits from BTS’ dedicated international fan base, which drives consistent engagement across platforms.

The album’s success highlights the increasing influence of K-pop on worldwide charts. Industry trackers like Chartmasters measure equivalent album sales by combining physical units, track-equivalent albums and streaming-equivalent albums using standardized formulas.

The “ARIRANG” world tour has sold out multiple stadium dates. Billboard Boxscore tracks revenue from ticket sales, merchandise and related income. Projections indicate the tour will rank among the highest-grossing of 2026.

BTS has previously achieved major tour success, with several outings crossing the $100 million mark. The current tour extends this pattern on a larger scale.

Cultural Significance

The album title draws from “Arirang,” a Korean folk song with deep cultural roots. BTS has incorporated traditional elements into modern releases throughout their career. “ARIRANG” continues this approach while appealing to global audiences.

The group’s members have engaged in various solo projects during the hiatus period, contributing to their overall brand strength upon collective return.

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“I think things are looking pretty bright. The only overhang for India was obviously the runaway crude prices, thanks to what was happening in the GCC. By the way, one more thing I want to point out is I never wear this shirt very lightly with a bull on my chest as such. We are in for a good run in the markets,” he added.

He added that a resolution in global tensions could ease crude prices, which would significantly support India’s macro stability, especially the current account deficit.

Crude oil remains key macro trigger for India

Irani highlighted that India’s sensitivity to oil prices is high due to large import dependence.

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“India has been obviously getting hit not only because of the crude prices being 5 million barrels a day of crude. So, any upsurge in that price really impacts our current account deficit, but we also getting hit on the FPI and FDI becoming almost zero now for us.”
However, he noted that corporate earnings have remained resilient despite macro pressures, surprising positively across segments.
Earnings surprise on the upside across midcaps and smallcaps
Contrary to earlier cautious expectations, earnings growth has come in stronger than anticipated, especially in broader markets.

“The quarterly numbers thus far has been very exciting. In fact, the midcaps have been outlier out here… the numbers are in the mid-20s, the earnings growth is in the mid-20s, same holds out for the smallcap universe. It is in the early 20s as such.”

He further noted that even after adjusting for companies moving from losses to profits, earnings trends remain healthy across the market.

Near-term pressure in Q1, but outlook improves beyond that
While the June quarter may reflect margin pressure due to crude and input costs, Irani expects recovery ahead.

“Obviously, the current quarter will be a trying one given that the crude impact will be felt the most in this quarter… But beyond that, you will see growth coming back to normal, earnings growth coming back to normal.”

He added that markets often discount such phases in advance, which may explain recent volatility.

Rally sustainability: short-term cost pressure vs long-term earnings strength
Addressing concerns on whether the rally is sustainable, he pointed out that Q4 earnings have already surprised positively.

“It has been a pretty healthy number which has come out for the current quarter… already quite a few has started passing the raw material hikes that they are seeing to the end consumer.”

He cited autos and oil & gas as sectors where price transmission has already begun. If this continues, earnings could surprise further on the upside.

Oil marketing companies: risk reduces, earnings may stabilise
On oil marketing companies, Irani noted that the worst may be behind them as price hikes have already been implemented.

“For them to breakeven, so basically now from a huge amount of loss, we are not seeing those kind of losses going forward.”

He added that if crude cools below key thresholds, profitability could improve further, though retail fuel prices typically do not reverse quickly.

Investment stance: selective buying after sharp corrections
On portfolio strategy, Irani said the focus is on opportunities where corrections have been excessive and not fundamentally justified.

“Wherever there have been sharp corrections for no reason, those are the sectors or rather stocks that we are picking up.”

He highlighted interest in new-age companies, discretionary consumption, and engineering/manufacturing-linked (EMS) space, where he believes the correction has been overdone.

Shift towards midcaps and smallcaps; IT remains avoided
He also confirmed a strategic tilt away from largecaps toward mid and smallcap exposure.

“We have moved into mid and smallcaps to an extent… because the growth rates from here on will be very exciting in this category rather than in the largecap space.”

On sector preference:
“It is mainly discretionary space, somewhat a capex space… IT is a total avoid for us even today.”

He warned that artificial intelligence-led disruption could pressure margins and growth in the IT sector going forward.

Outlook: growth cycle ahead if macros stabilise
Summing up the market view, Irani maintained that India is positioned for a strong phase ahead, provided crude stabilises and earnings momentum continues.

“We are in a very good spot today.”

INDIANAPOLIS — No ticket matched all six numbers to win the Powerball jackpot in the drawing held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, leaving the estimated jackpot at $141 million for the next drawing on Monday, May 25.

The winning numbers were 4, 16, 41, 48 and 66, with a Powerball of 26 and a Power Play of 2x.

A single ticket sold in West Virginia matched five numbers plus the Power Play multiplier to win $2 million, the largest non-jackpot prize of the night.

Drawing Results

The Saturday night drawing had an advertised jackpot of $131 million. With no grand prize winner, the jackpot rolls over for Monday’s drawing. Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET.

Players can purchase tickets in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets cost $2, or $3 with the optional Power Play feature.

Prize Structure

While the jackpot went unclaimed, smaller prizes were awarded across the country. The $2 million prize in West Virginia was the top non-jackpot winner for the drawing.

Powerball offers nine ways to win prizes ranging from $1 to the jackpot amount. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 292 million.

Next Drawing Information

The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, with an estimated jackpot of $141 million. The cash value option would be approximately $64 million, depending on final sales and annuity calculations.

Players are encouraged to check their tickets carefully, as unclaimed prizes can be claimed at authorized retailers or state lottery offices depending on the amount won.

Lottery Operations

Powerball is administered by the Multi-State Lottery Association. Proceeds from ticket sales support education, infrastructure, public programs and other initiatives in participating jurisdictions.

The game is one of two major multi-state lotteries in the United States, alongside Mega Millions. Jackpots frequently reach hundreds of millions of dollars and have exceeded $1 billion on multiple occasions in the game’s history.

Recent Trends

Powerball jackpots have grown steadily in 2026 due to strong ticket sales and rollover patterns. Saturday’s drawing continued the pattern of building excitement for larger prizes in subsequent drawings.

Lottery officials remind players that the odds remain the same regardless of jackpot size. Responsible gaming practices are emphasized, with resources available for those who may need assistance with gambling-related issues.

How to Play

Tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers or through official state lottery websites and apps in participating jurisdictions. Players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. The Power Play option multiplies non-jackpot prizes.

Drawings are broadcast live and results are posted on official lottery websites shortly after the drawing. Players have up to one year from the date of the drawing to claim prizes in most jurisdictions.

Economic Impact

Lottery sales contribute significantly to state budgets. In addition to direct funding for designated programs, the games generate jobs and economic activity through retail partners and related services.

Memorial Day weekend often sees increased lottery participation as families and travelers purchase tickets during holiday travel. Saturday’s drawing occurred just before the long holiday weekend.

Safety and Verification

Lottery officials advise players to sign the back of tickets immediately after purchase and store them securely. Winning tickets should be claimed in person at appropriate lottery offices for larger prizes.

Players can verify results through official state lottery websites, the Powerball website or authorized apps. Scams involving fake winning notifications are common, and legitimate winnings are never announced via unsolicited calls or emails.

TUCSON, Ariz. — A retired detective has suggested that the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie may involve a combination of sophisticated planning and street-level execution, drawing on a tactic known as a “wrench attack” in which cybercriminals hire thugs to use violence to obtain passwords and financial access.

Lisa J. Miller, a former law enforcement executive at the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, shared her analysis with Fox News Digital as the investigation into Guthrie’s case entered its 16th week with no suspects named.

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on Jan. 31, 2026. She was reported missing the following day after vanishing from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson. Authorities believe she was taken against her will.

The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department are leading the investigation. Hundreds of leads have been received, and rewards totaling more than $1 million have been offered for information leading to her safe return or the arrest of those responsible.

Wrench Attack Explanation

Miller described the “wrench attack” concept as originating from a 2009 web comic about a hacker frustrated with cracking passwords. In the comic, the character suggests using physical force to obtain access.

According to Miller, the tactic has moved from fiction to reality in some cases. Sophisticated criminals identify targets through social media or other means, then hire local operatives to carry out physical violence or threats to extract passwords, account access or other information.

She noted that such attacks have occurred frequently in Europe, sometimes involving the abduction of family members and extreme measures. The “masterminds” typically remain behind computers while directing street-level criminals who perform the hands-on work.

Application to Guthrie Case

Miller said the Guthrie case shows elements of both sophistication and amateur execution. She referred to the masked suspect captured on doorbell camera footage as the “porch guy” or “porch monster,” describing him as appearing amateurish.

She suggested the possibility of multiple people involved, potentially including “street-level thugs” hired for the physical act. However, Miller cautioned that the case does not perfectly match a classic wrench attack because the primary target of financial gain would likely be Savannah Guthrie rather than Nancy herself.

Investigation Status

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said DNA analysis from blood found on Guthrie’s property is progressing. He told People magazine, “I know we have DNA that is unknown, who the contributor or depositor is, but I think they’re getting closer to finding out who that was.”

The FBI released surveillance footage showing a masked man wearing gloves at Guthrie’s door on the night she is believed to have been taken. No arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified.

Robbie Mayer, another retired Pima County detective who solved the “Prime Time Rapist” case in 1986, has also commented on the volume of leads. Mayer recalled handling more than 4,000 leads in that earlier investigation and suggested the Guthrie case could involve sifting through 50,000 tips to identify the right information.

Mayer theorized that more than one person was likely involved. He suggested it could be connected to a theft group active in Phoenix two years ago that targeted elderly people with money. He noted, “This case is so unique. Most of the time we try and find patterns. We can’t in this case. These guys came prepared not to leave hair or DNA. Look at how that guy was clothed. They turned off their cell phones.”

Mayer expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation. “This is a very high-caliber investigation, and I think the FBI is gonna crack the case,” he said.

Family and Public Appeals

Savannah Guthrie, along with siblings Camron and Annie, have made public appeals for information and the safe return of their mother. The family has cooperated fully with investigators while navigating the high-profile nature of the case.

Civilian searches have been conducted in the Tucson area. One such search on May 7 led to the discovery of an ancient human bone unrelated to the case.

The disappearance has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominent role in broadcast journalism. The case has raised awareness about elder safety and home security in the region.

Broader Context

The investigation continues to generate theories among former law enforcement officials. Some experts have suggested the possibility of a planned abduction tied to ransom demands or a burglary that escalated. Others have pointed to the potential involvement of multiple suspects coordinating through encrypted communication.

Authorities have urged the public to report any relevant tips while cautioning against interfering with active investigations. The rugged desert terrain around Tucson has complicated search efforts.

Miller expressed hope that someone with knowledge of the crime would come forward. She said she does not believe the perpetrator or perpetrators are invincible and that a breakthrough could come from inside information.

This article was written by

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