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Icons Who Made the Dolphins a Global Powerhouse

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Manny Pacquiao

SYDNEY — From the pioneering sprints of Dawn Fraser to the record-breaking dominance of Emma McKeon, Australian swimmers have long defined excellence in the pool, turning the nation into one of the world’s premier swimming powers behind only the United States in Olympic history.

With 78 gold medals and more than 220 total Olympic medals in swimming — accounting for the vast majority of Australia’s Summer Games success — the sport has produced legends whose feats continue to inspire new generations as the country prepares for future international competitions.

While subjective “greatest of all time” lists spark endless debate among fans, a consensus top 10 emerges when weighing Olympic and world championship medals, world records, longevity, impact on the sport and cultural significance. Emma McKeon stands as the most decorated Australian Olympian ever with 14 medals, while icons like Ian Thorpe and Dawn Fraser remain household names decades after their peaks.

Here is one widely accepted ranking of the 10 best Australian swimmers of all time, compiled from Olympic medal tallies, historical rankings and expert consensus as of early 2026:

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Emma McKeon
Emma McKeon
  1. Emma McKeon — The undisputed queen of Australian swimming. The Queenslander amassed 14 Olympic medals (6 gold, 3 silver, 5 bronze) across Rio, Tokyo and Paris, including a record seven medals at a single Games in Tokyo 2020. Versatile across freestyle and butterfly, McKeon also boasts an extraordinary haul at Commonwealth Games and World Championships. Her relay contributions and individual brilliance have cemented her as Australia’s most successful Olympian in any sport.
  2. Ian Thorpe — “The Thorpedo” revolutionized middle-distance freestyle with his size-17 feet and powerful stroke. The Sydney native won five Olympic golds, including a historic treble at the 2000 home Games, and nine total Olympic medals. Thorpe set multiple world records in the 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle and dominated World Championships with 11 long-course golds. His rivalry with Pieter van den Hoogenband and Grant Hackett defined an era, and his post-swimming advocacy for mental health and LGBTQ+ issues added to his legacy.
  3. Dawn Fraser — A trailblazing sprint legend and the first woman to win the same Olympic event three times. Fraser captured four Olympic golds and eight total medals between 1956 and 1964, including three straight 100m freestyle titles. Known for her rebellious spirit and battles with officials, the “Little Aussie Battler” also set world records that stood for years. She later entered politics and remains a beloved national figure.
  4. Murray Rose — The “Seaweed Streak” dominated distance and middle-distance events in the 1950s and 1960s. Rose won four Olympic golds, including back-to-back 400m freestyle titles in 1956 and 1960, plus six total Olympic medals. A vegetarian who trained with innovative methods, he embodied grace and endurance. His success helped elevate Australian swimming on the global stage during the post-war boom.
  5. Grant Hackett — The king of distance swimming. Hackett claimed three Olympic golds and seven total medals, defending his 1500m freestyle title in 2004 after winning in 2000. He set world records in the 1500m and 800m and won multiple World Championship titles. His endurance battles with Kieren Perkins and Thorpe produced some of the sport’s most memorable races. Hackett later transitioned successfully into broadcasting and business.
  6. Kieren Perkins — Another distance freestyle giant. Perkins won two Olympic golds in the 1500m (1992 and 1996) and four total Olympic medals. His 1994 world record in the 1500m stood as a benchmark for years. Perkins’ comeback stories and rivalry with Hackett captured the public imagination. He has since served as an administrator and commentator, remaining influential in the sport.
  7. Susie O’Neill — “Madame Butterfly” excelled in the 200m butterfly and freestyle events. O’Neill earned two Olympic golds, eight total Olympic medals and a staggering 54 Australian national titles — the most by any swimmer. She set world records and dominated Commonwealth Games competition. Her graceful technique and consistency made her a role model for technical excellence.
  8. Cate Campbell — A sprint freestyle powerhouse and relay anchor. Campbell secured four Olympic golds (primarily in relays) and eight total medals. She has been part of record-breaking Australian women’s relay teams and won individual honors at World Championships. Her leadership and longevity, spanning multiple Olympic cycles, have been vital to the Dolphins’ recent success.
  9. Libby Trickett (née Lenton) — A prolific sprint and relay specialist. Trickett won four Olympic golds and seven total medals, starring in Australia’s dominant relay teams in the 2000s. She set world records in the 50m and 100m freestyle and claimed multiple individual titles at major meets. Her speed and competitive fire complemented the era’s stars.
  10. Shane Gould — A prodigy who achieved the rare feat of winning five individual medals at a single Olympics — three golds, one silver, one bronze — at the 1972 Munich Games at age 15. Gould set world records in multiple strokes and retired young but left an indelible mark. Her versatility across freestyle, backstroke and individual medley remains unmatched for a single-Games performance by an Australian.

The list could easily include Leisel Jones (breaststroke queen with multiple Olympic medals), Stephanie Rice (three golds in Beijing 2008 individual medley), Ariarne Titmus (defending Olympic 400m freestyle champion with growing medal tally), Kaylee McKeown (dominant backstroker with multiple golds and world records) and Mollie O’Callaghan (rising freestyle star with Olympic relay and individual success).

As of 2026, active swimmers like McKeown, Titmus and O’Callaghan continue adding to Australia’s legacy. McKeown was named Australia’s Olympic Swimmer of the Year in 2025 after strong World Championships performances, while Cameron McEvoy set a new Australian record in the 50m freestyle.

Australia’s Swimming Legacy

Swimming has been Australia’s most successful Olympic sport, delivering consistent podium performances since the early 20th century. Pioneers like Frederick Lane (first Australian Olympic swimming gold in 1900) and Fanny Durack (first female gold in 1912) laid the foundation. The 1956 Melbourne Olympics, with stars like Fraser and Rose, marked a golden era, while Sydney 2000 showcased Thorpe and the relay machines.

The Dolphins’ strength lies in depth — powerful relay teams, technical specialists and versatile stars who excel in both individual and team events. Australia has topped or contended for medal tables at many Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships, reinforcing its status as a swimming superpower.

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Factors contributing to success include a strong club system, innovative coaching, surf lifesaving culture that builds water confidence, and public passion that turns champions into national heroes. Government funding and facilities like the Australian Institute of Sport have also played key roles.

Challenges persist, including intense competition from the United States, China and European nations, plus pressures on athlete mental health — an issue Thorpe and others have openly addressed.

Impact Beyond the Pool

Many of these legends have extended their influence post-retirement. Fraser and Thorpe entered public life, while Perkins and Hackett have contributed to sports administration. McKeon and contemporaries serve as ambassadors, inspiring young Australians, especially girls, to pursue the sport.

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Australian swimming’s cultural footprint is immense — from “Thorpedo” merchandise in the early 2000s to packed stands at Olympic trials. The sport fosters national pride, particularly during major Games when the green and gold dominates coverage.

As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach, the next generation will draw on this rich history. With stars like McKeown, Titmus and McEvoy still competing or recently retired, Australia’s pool legacy shows no signs of slowing.

Debates over the “greatest” will continue — some prioritize Olympic golds, others world records or cultural impact. Yet one truth remains: Australia’s top swimmers have not only collected medals but elevated the sport, entertained millions and embodied the relentless Aussie spirit in the water.

From Fraser’s trailblazing sprints to McKeon’s modern versatility, these athletes have made the Dolphins synonymous with speed, power and excellence on the global stage

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Omkara, Oaktree pay Rs 1,200 crore to buy GTL debt from Edelweiss

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Omkara, Oaktree pay Rs 1,200 crore to buy GTL debt from Edelweiss
Mumbai: Omkara Asset Reconstruction Company, along with global investor Oaktree Capital Management, has acquired the debt of GTL Infrastructure from Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company in a secondary market transaction, people familiar with the matter said.

The all-cash deal, valued at about ₹1,200 crore, involves a transfer of stressed debt between asset reconstruction platforms and investors. It was closed in March. The exposure dates back to 2018, when Edelweiss ARC, in partnership with Oaktree and other investors, had acquired nearly 90% of GTL Infra’s loans, then valued at around ₹4,000 crore.

The telecom tower company had defaulted on debt exceeding ₹11,000 crore, triggering multiple restructuring efforts over the years.

People familiar with the latest transaction said Edelweiss had put the exposure on the block as its fund lifecycle neared maturity, prompting a takeout by Omkara.

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“This is a 100% cash deal between ARCs. Edelweiss exited and we acquired the exposure,” an executive at one of the firms said on condition of anonymity.


Investors are betting on improved recovery prospects this time. “The underlying business is more or less stable now. The towers are operational, and that improves the chances of recovery,” the person said.
Omkara is understood to be targeting an exit over the next two years, either through asset sales or a negotiated settlement. “The idea is to close the account in about two years-through sale of assets or other recovery mechanisms,” the person added. Omkara and Edelweiss ARC spokespersons did not respond to requests for comment until press time Sunday.

In 2018, after a steep revenue and Ebitda decline following the exit of key clients including Aircel, RCom and Tata Teleservices, GTL Infrastructure sought to deleverage, with lenders assigning 79.34% of its ₹3,226-crore debt to Edelweiss ARC. The firm submitted multiple restructuring proposals from April 2018 onward, expecting a swift resolution, but lenders did not act on these plans and some retained their exposure.

In November 2022, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) rejected a plea by Canara Bank to initiate insolvency proceedings, ruling that the company remained a viable going concern and did not meet the threshold for admission under the bankruptcy code.

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Market, rupee fortunes may prove fickle amid Iran flareup

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Market, rupee fortunes may prove fickle amid Iran flareup
Mumbai: Markets are set to face fresh turmoil on Monday, with Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz because its ports were being blockaded by the US, forcing oil prices back up, in sharp contrast to the optimism on Friday, when the key maritime channel had been opened up.

Stocks and the rupee are seen facing fresh challenges after having recouped losses and strengthened amid easing geopolitical tensions. Last week, the Sensex and Nifty gained up to 1.3%, while broader indices advanced further – the Nifty Midcap 150 rose 3.5% and Smallcap 250 was up 4.4%, extending gains for the second straight week. The rebound faces hurdles if tensions erupt again.

The rupee may open 30-35 paise weaker against the dollar. It closed at 92.93 per dollar on Friday, up 0.30% from the previous close. But traders expect it to slip below 93 due to higher oil prices, after some ships were fired upon as Iran closed the Strait. Satellite imagery late on Sunday showed ships at a standstill, after they had started moving two days before.

“On Friday, things had cooled down a bit after Iran opened the Strait but since then, there have been some volatilities, as a result of which, oil prices have increased,” said Alok Singh, head of treasury at CSB Bank. “It is now turning out to be a market driven by statements from the US and Iran. We should expect volatility to continue till there is clarity.”

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Belligerent statements by both sides are balanced by plans for renewed dialogue in Pakistan this week. Mediators and affected Gulf states are also keenly aware that the end of the two-week ceasefire is days away.

Screenshot 2026-04-20 060704Agencies

RBI may Help Rupee
“Based on the current news flow, markets on Monday are likely to react primarily to crude prices,” said Shrikant Chouhan, head of equity research, Kotak Securities. “If oil moves back toward $100 per barrel, the market may open near previous closing levels, and then shift focus toward domestic developments.”
When Iran announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz would be open as part of peace efforts, Brent crude plunged 9% to $90.38 a barrel, helping Wall Street benchmarks close at record highs later in the day. Before the US-Iran truce, prices were at around $110.
All eyes are on the diplomatic peace talks between the US and Iran, with the ceasefire deadline of April 22 fast approaching, said Siddhartha Khemka, head of research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services. “Now that there has been a sharp rally over the past 10 trading sessions, there should be some consolidation,” he said.

Higher oil prices will push the rupee to open lower on Monday before the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) possibly steps in to prevent a sharp fall, traders said. RBI’s move to take dollar demand by oil companies out of the market by providing them a direct supply of the currency through State Bank of India may also prevent a sharp fall in the rupee.

If the war continues for a longer period and crude again goes back to $100-120 per barrel, it will be negative for the economy, and markets could see a worse reaction, said Mahesh Ojha, vice president, research, Kantilal Chhaganlal Securities. “Fourth quarter results from ICICI are marginally better than expected, while HDFC Bank posted a steady quarter, and this could act as a positive trigger on Monday,” he said. “If conditions turn worse, the banking heavyweights could offer support, while if sentiment improves, they could add further upside.”

Since the ceasefire announcement on April 8, the Sensex and Nifty have gained over 5%, while the Nifty Midcap 150 and Nifty Smallcap 250 advanced roughly 10%.

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The market seems well-positioned to extend its uptrend, rather than remain range-bound, said Dhupesh Dhameja, derivatives analyst at Samco Securities.

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WrestleMania 42 Night 2: Has Brock Lesnar Retired?

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WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 - Brock Lesnar

It seems Brock Lesnar has retired.

Following his loss to Oba Femi during the second night of WrestleMania 42, Lesnar left his gloves and wrestling boots in the ring, a typical sign of retirement that fans last saw when AJ Styles retired in January.

Brock Lesnar Leaves Gloves, Boots in the Ring

Lesnar stayed seated in the ring after the match, soon shocking fans in attendance and watching at home when he began to remove his gloves. Fans soon began to voice their disapproval, continuously chanting “No!” as he went.

A visibly emotional and crying Lesnar then began to remove his boots before leaving them, along with the gloves, at the center of the ring.

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Paul Heyman eventually entered the ring, and Lesnar made an “x” sign with his arms before the two shared a hug.

Lesnar waved to the crowd and bowed in gratitude before leaving the ring as chants of “Thank you, Lesnar” echoed throughout the arena.

Is This It for Lesnar?

If his actions in the ring truly meant that his match against Femi is his final match, Lesnar joins the list of recently-retired WWE legends.

It can be recalled that John Cena retired in December after tapping out to Gunther. AJ Styles likewise retired in January after a match with “The Career Killer.”

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Fan reaction online has been swift as many grappled with the idea that Lesnar his retired, with many expressing their gratitude to one of the greatest combat athletes WWE has ever seen.

One fan on X expressed shock by saying, “4 minutes 45 seconds for what could be Brock’s last match??”

“Brock hasn’t retired yet,” another fan said. “We will see on Raw when Gunther confronts him.”

One pointed out a sad truth for a generation of WWE fans by saying, “Lesnar, Styles, & Cena all announced their retirement in the span of four months.”

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Originally published on sportsworldnews.com

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National Australia Bank hikes credit provisions on Iran war; flags $961 mln charge

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National Australia Bank hikes credit provisions on Iran war; flags $961 mln charge

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CStone presents preclinical data on three ADC candidates at AACR

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CStone presents preclinical data on three ADC candidates at AACR

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Traders ready to put war behind, dial up the risk

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Traders ready to put war behind, dial up the risk
Credit investors are loading up on riskier debt, betting that Iran and the US can extend their truce, and leaving behind havens they’ve favoured since the war broke out in late February.

In the first half of April, investors bought a net $500 million of bonds in the lowest tier of investment grade, and sold $7.3 billion of the higher tiers, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. That helped BBB bonds perform comparatively better than higher-rated notes, pushing the gap between spreads for BBB and A corporates to the tightest since before the war.

There may be good reason for these slightly riskier bonds to be performing better: BBB rated companies have outperformed analysts’ average forecasts more than A companies have, according to a Bloomberg News analysis.

Buyers are hoping a more lasting peace in West Asia can be forged by negotiators, and that companies in the lower edges of investment grade can keep performing well.

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“There is some value in the BBB space and issuers there have been good stewards of the balance sheet and generally improving credit quality,” said Gene Tannuzzo, global head of fixed income at Columbia Threadneedle Investments.


Investors have also been snatching up junk bonds, although with a preference for the higher-rated end of the spectrum, implying that money managers still see risk ahead even as they grow moderately more hopeful. Overall spreads for junk bonds are at their tightest since the war began, averaging 2.72% as of Thursday’s close.

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Nifty has a bit of momentum, but faces resistance at 24,300-24,700

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Nifty has a bit of momentum, but faces resistance at 24,300-24,700
Technical signals suggest the recent rebound on Dalal Street is gathering traction, but conviction remains key. Analysts broadly see the market attempting to transition from a corrective phase to a more durable uptrend, supported by improving momentum and selective buying interest. However, they caution that the move is still at a critical juncture, with resistance zones likely to test the strength of the recovery.

ROHAN SHAH
TECHNICAL ANALYST, ASIT C MEHTA INVESTMENT

Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty staged a strong comeback this month after a prolonged four-month decline, supported by easing geopolitical tensions and lower crude prices. The index has approached a resistance band of 24,300–24,700, which aligns with multiple technical studies. However, sustained strength above this zone is essential for the continuation of the upward momentum, potentially paving the way toward 25,500. Inability to hold above this zone may trigger profit booking, dragging the index lower towards 23,500–23,200. Trading Strategy: Buy Nifty futures above 24,700 for an upside target of 25,500, maintaining a stop-loss below 24,250.

TOP STOCK BETS
Jubilant FoodWorks
Buy at CMP Rs 459 | Stop-loss Rs 420 | Target Rs 525
The stock shows early reversal signs, backed by one-year high volumes and a high-wave candle near a demand zone, indicating selling exhaustion. The Rs 420–440 zone is key support; RSI shows bullish divergence.
Maruti Suzuki India
Buy at CMP Rs 13,453 | Stop-loss Rs 12,500 | Target Rs 15,500

The stock has witnessed a strong rebound after confirming a bullish ABCD harmonic pattern. The formation of a cup-and-handle pattern alongside improving volumes signals accumulation. RSI holding above its breakout level suggests a positive bias.

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Nifty has a Bit of Momentum, but Faces Resistance at 24,300-24,700Agencies

AJIT MISHRA
SVP – RESEARCH, RELIGARE BROKING

Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty is now approaching key moving averages (100 and 200 DEMA) in the 24,600– 24,800 zone. Sustained strength above this band could open room for further upside towards 25,200. In case of profit booking or consolidation, the 23,700–24,000 zone is likely to provide strong support.

Trading Strategies: For the short term, traders may consider a “buy on dip” approach in the 24,150–24,250 range, with a stop-loss at 23,900 and potential targets of 24,800 and 25,200. Among sectoral themes, the Nifty Energy Index has witnessed a fresh breakout after spending more than one-anda-half years in a consolidation phase. Participants can consider playing this theme through an ETF, i.e., Mirae Asset Nifty Energy ETF. It is currently trading at Rs 39.11, and one can accumulate it in the Rs 37–40 zone with a stoploss at Rs 34 for a positional target of Rs 52.

TOP STOCK BETS
Federal Bank Buy. CMP Rs 293 | Stop-loss Rs 278 | Target Rs 325

Federal Bank is in a steady uptrend with higher highs and lows post-base formation. A strong breakout near the 200-DMA signals a sentiment shift; price holds above key averages, with RSI supporting continuation.

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JSW Energy
Buy. CMP Rs 538 | Stop-loss Rs 504 | Target Rs 598

JSW Energy is in a stage-2 uptrend, consolidating after a strong rally. The range-bound move near the 200-DMA suggests a healthy pause, with price now attempting an upward breakout supported by improving momentum.

RAJESH PALVIYA
HEAD OF TECHNICAL AND DERIVATIVES, AXIS SECURITIES

Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty is fast approaching 24,415—the upper boundary of the bearish gap etched on March 9. A conviction close above 24,500, however, could open the floodgates. The next logical pit stops are 24,762— the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the Feb March decline—and the psychologically significant 25,000 mark. A slip below the 24,000–23,900 support band would be a warning shot, potentially dragging the index back to retest its weekly low of 23,555. Traders on the long side would do well to respect this floor. The overall outlook remains positive, as the weekly RSI continues to stay above its reference line. This indicates that positive momentum is still intact and not yet exhausted.

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Trading Strategies: The recommended strategy for Nifty options for the April 28, 2026, expiry is a call spread, ideal for a moderately bullish market outlook. The trader buys one lot of the 24,400-strike Call option at a premium of Rs 260–240 and simultaneously sells one lot of the 24,700-strike Call option at a premium of Rs 130–150. This strategy limits both risk and reward, creating a defined range for outcomes. The break-even point is at 24,530, with a maximum potential loss of Rs 8,450 and a maximum profit of Rs 11,050.

TOP STOCK BETS
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Buy at Rs 2,618, CMP Rs 2,620| Stop-loss Rs 2,550 | Target Rs 2,800-2,850

A breakout above Rs 2,430 signals a shift to a primary uptrend, with RSI strength confirming bullish momentum. Resistance lies at Rs 2,800–2,850; sustained strength could extend gains to Rs 3,000–3,050.

Polycab India
Buy at Rs 8,184, CMP Rs 8,188.50 | Stop-loss Rs 7,900 | Target Rs 8,600-8,900

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An uptrend supported by a rising trendline and a doublebottom near Rs 6,650 underpins strength. Resistance at Rs 8,700; a breakout could target Rs 9,000+. Maintain Rs 7,600 as a stop-loss; below this, risks a breakdown.

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AMD: $600 Bullseye (NASDAQ:AMD) | Seeking Alpha

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AMD: $600 Bullseye (NASDAQ:AMD) | Seeking Alpha

This article was written by

Stone Fox Capital is an RIA from Oklahoma. Mark Holder is a CPA with degrees in Accounting and Finance. He is also Series 65 licensed and has 30 years of investing experience, including 15 years as a portfolio manager. Mark leads the investing group Out Fox The Street where he shares stock picks and deep research to help readers uncover potential multibaggers while managing portfolio risk via diversification. Features include various model portfolios, stock picks with identifiable catalysts, daily updates, real-time alerts, and access to community chat and direct chat with Mark for questions. Learn more.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article should be taken as a solicitation to purchase or sell securities. Before buying or selling any stock, you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion or consult a financial advisor. Investing includes risks, including loss of principal.

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Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Modular Medical prices $3.4 million stock offering at $4.50/share

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Modular Medical prices $3.4 million stock offering at $4.50/share

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Oil prices jump as Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate

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Oil prices jump as Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate

Energy markets have seen wild swings since the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February.

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