T-Mobile is making the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra available at no upfront cost to customers who add a new line on its top-tier Experience Beyond plan, waiving the usual trade-in requirement in a promotion that launched with the device’s March 11, 2026, release and remains active as of March 14.

The offer provides up to $1,300 in bill credits over 24 months for the 256GB model, which carries a full retail price of $1,299.99. Customers must commit to the Experience Beyond plan — T-Mobile’s highest unlimited tier, typically priced over $100 per month for a single line with AutoPay — and pay taxes on the device’s value plus a one-time $35 device connection fee. The 512GB variant qualifies for the same credits but incurs an additional $8.33 monthly fee to cover the storage upgrade.

T-Mobile announced the promotion February 25, 2026, alongside Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, positioning it as one of the carrier’s strongest Android incentives of the year. Pre-orders began that day, with in-store availability starting March 11. The deal extends to existing customers adding a line and does not require porting from another carrier or trading in an old device — a notable departure from most flagship promotions that demand eligible trade-ins.

Similar “on us” offers apply to the rest of the S26 lineup. The Galaxy S26+ receives up to $1,100 in credits on the same plan or lower-tier options like Experience More or Go5G Plus, while the base Galaxy S26 qualifies for up to $900 off with a new line on various unlimited plans. Bundling with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet can add extra perks, including up to $300 via virtual prepaid card or a $350 Samsung eCertificate.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra features Samsung’s latest advancements, including a 200MP main camera with enhanced Nightography for low-light performance, 100x AI-powered zoom, a built-in S Pen, a 5,000mAh battery, and expanded Galaxy AI tools for productivity and creativity. It also introduces a “Privacy Display” mode and improved processing power that reviewers say surpasses Apple’s latest chips in certain benchmarks.

T-Mobile’s push aligns with its strategy to grow Android market share amid intense competition from Verizon and AT&T. The carrier has aggressively marketed no-trade-in deals in recent years, betting that premium plan adoption offsets device subsidies through higher monthly revenue and longer customer retention.

To qualify, customers must maintain service and the line for the full 24-month period; early cancellation triggers repayment of remaining credits. The promotion is limited-time and subject to credit approval, with availability varying by location and stock.

Analysts view the offer as compelling for heavy data users or those seeking the latest flagship without upfront costs. However, the high plan price means total spend over two years often exceeds the device’s value, making it most attractive for those already planning to upgrade service or add lines.

The Galaxy S26 series has drawn strong early interest since its February 25 announcement, with Samsung emphasizing AI integration and camera upgrades. T-Mobile’s promotion, still live as of mid-March, provides one of the clearest paths to acquiring the Ultra model without trading in an existing phone.

Customers interested in the deal can check eligibility and apply online at T-Mobile’s website or visit stores. Availability of in-store stock and promotional terms may vary.

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VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON) shares surged 14.20% to close at $50.60 on March 13, 2026, up $6.29 from the previous close of $44.31, as investors reacted positively to the company’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings report released the same day.

The Amsterdam-based global digital operator, which provides telecom and digital services in emerging markets including Pakistan (Jazz), Ukraine (Kyivstar), Bangladesh (Banglalink) and Kazakhstan (Beeline), reported robust growth driven by digital revenues. Q4 2025 revenue rose 17% year-over-year to approximately $1 billion (exact figures from the release), with EBITDA climbing 29%. Digital revenues grew 84% to represent 20.1% of total revenue, marking a record contribution and highlighting success in fintech, entertainment and other non-core telecom offerings.

Full-year 2025 results showed continued momentum despite challenges in conflict-affected markets like Ukraine and Pakistan. Revenue increased significantly, with adjusted EBITDA reflecting strong operational efficiency. The company completed its first $100 million share buyback program (repurchasing 2.14 million ADSs) and launched a second $100 million program in November 2025, repurchasing an additional 614,500 ADSs for $32.5 million plus some notes by early March 2026. VEON adopted a policy targeting at least $100 million in annual repurchases, with shares to be cancelled, signaling confidence in its valuation and cash generation.

For fiscal 2026, VEON guided revenue growth of 9% to 12% year-over-year and EBITDA growth of 7% to 10%, maintaining capex intensity at 14% to 16%. Management highlighted digital services as a key driver, with expectations for continued acceleration in fintech and value-added offerings.

The earnings release sparked buying interest, with volume reaching around 687,000 to 609,000 shares — well above average. The stock traded in a wide intraday range from $48.26 to $58.50, reflecting volatility but strong upside momentum. After-hours trading saw a slight pullback to around $49.71, down 1.76%.

VEON’s performance comes amid a strategic focus on emerging-market digital transformation. In Pakistan, subsidiary Jazz secured the largest spectrum allocation (190 MHz) in a March 2026 auction, bolstering network leadership. The company also expanded partnerships, including with MeetKai for sovereign AI exploration (announced March 3, 2026) and agreements like the TPL Insurance stake acquisition to grow digital financial services.

Analysts maintain a bullish stance. Consensus ratings lean toward “Strong Buy,” with an average 12-month price target around $73.25, implying more than 44% upside from the March 13 close. Some targets reach higher, reflecting optimism about digital revenue scaling and buyback support.

The stock’s 52-week range spans $34.55 to $64.00, with the March surge pushing it toward the upper end after a pullback earlier in the year. Market capitalization stands around $3.49 billion, with a trailing P/E of about 5.58 and forward P/E near 12.89, suggesting attractive valuation relative to growth prospects.

Challenges persist in operating environments, including geopolitical risks in Ukraine and regulatory pressures in Pakistan, but VEON’s diversified footprint and digital pivot have mitigated impacts. The company emphasized disciplined capital allocation and shareholder returns as priorities.

As VEON advances its digital operator strategy, the March 13 rally underscores investor confidence in its execution and outlook. The next earnings update is expected in May 2026, with ongoing buybacks and digital initiatives likely to remain focal points.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended lower on March 13, 2026, closing at 46,558.47 after shedding 119.38 points or 0.26%, as persistent geopolitical tensions from the U.S.-Iran war continued to push oil prices higher and weigh on investor sentiment.

The blue-chip index opened at 46,689.24, reached a high of 47,123.99 and dipped to a low of 46,494.63 during the session, according to data from Investing.com and Yahoo Finance. Volume totaled around 453 million shares, reflecting elevated trading activity amid volatility. The decline marked the Dow’s third consecutive weekly loss, with the index down nearly 2% for the week ending March 13 — its worst weekly performance in recent months.

The broader market mirrored the Dow’s retreat. The S&P 500 fell 40.43 points or 0.61% to 6,632.19, hitting a new low for 2026. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 206.62 points or 0.93% to 22,105.36. All three major indexes posted their third straight weekly decline, with the S&P 500 down 1.6% for the week and the Nasdaq off 1.3%.

Oil prices remained a dominant force, with crude climbing above $100 per barrel at points during the week as the conflict intensified. Reports of U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and Iran’s responses in the Strait of Hormuz fueled fears of supply disruptions, adding inflationary pressure and prompting a flight to safety. Energy-sensitive sectors felt the pinch, while defensive names offered limited offset.

The sell-off extended a broader reversal from earlier 2026 highs. The Dow peaked near 50,188 in February but has fallen more than 7% from that level, pressured by the war’s economic fallout, including higher energy costs and uncertainty over global growth. Technical analysts noted the index hovered near its 200-day moving average around 46,330, with a break below potentially signaling deeper declines.

Market breadth weakened, with only about 31% of S&P 500 components above their 50-day moving averages — near recent lows. The Dow’s relative underperformance in recent weeks contrasted with its earlier leadership in value and defensive rotation.

Geopolitical headlines dominated. Defense Secretary announcements of escalated U.S. actions against Iran reinforced concerns of prolonged disruption in energy markets. Investors reassessed rate expectations, with yields climbing despite soft economic data like Q4 GDP revisions.

Individual movers included pressure on tech and software names, though specific Dow components like Boeing and UnitedHealth showed relative resilience. Broader sector rotation into energy provided some cushion, but overall risk-off sentiment prevailed.

Looking ahead, markets eye Nvidia’s GTC event starting March 16, where CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote could offer AI and chip updates influencing sentiment. Micron earnings and ongoing oil developments also loom. Futures pointed to a cautious open Sunday evening, with Dow futures reflecting continued caution.

The week’s performance underscores fragility amid external shocks. While the Dow remains up about 12% from a year ago, the recent pullback highlights vulnerability to energy shocks and geopolitical risks. Analysts warn of potential for further selling if oil sustains above $100 or conflict escalates.

As trading resumes, focus remains on energy prices and any diplomatic developments that could ease supply fears. The Dow’s path will likely hinge on how markets digest these ongoing pressures.

Neptune Insurance Holdings Inc. (NYSE: NP) shares closed sharply higher at $21.87 on March 13, 2026, up $3.68 or 20.23% from the previous day’s close of $18.19, as trading volume spiked to around 925,000 shares — more than double the average daily volume.

The Florida-based insurtech firm, which went public in October 2025, saw its stock rally on March 13 after a period of consolidation, with intraday trading ranging from a low of $18.52 to a high of $21.93. After-hours activity added another $0.25, pushing the price to $22.12, up 1.14% further.

The surge came amid broader interest in property and casualty insurers focused on flood and catastrophe coverage, as climate-related risks drive demand for specialized products. Neptune, through its subsidiary Neptune Flood Incorporated, operates as a managing general agent offering primary flood insurance, excess flood, parametric earthquake and indemnity earthquake policies distributed via agency networks.

The company reported strong growth in its latest earnings on February 18, 2026, for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025. Revenue rose 39% to $43.8 million in Q4, though net income fell 63% to $4.3 million due to $4.6 million in IPO-related expenses. Full-year revenue grew 34% to $159.6 million, with net income up 8% to $37.4 million despite $13.1 million in one-time costs. Written premiums increased 34% to $367.3 million, adjusted EBITDA climbed 32% to $95.0 million, and new business sales hit records.

Analysts have responded positively. BMO Capital upgraded NP to Outperform from Market Perform in mid-February 2026, citing growth potential in the flood insurance market. Consensus ratings lean toward Buy, with an average 12-month price target around $26.79 to $27.04, implying 22-30% upside from recent levels. Some targets reach $36.75, while others sit at $22.72, reflecting varied views on execution and market conditions.

Neptune’s focus on data-driven underwriting and digital distribution positions it well in a sector facing rising catastrophe losses from hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. Recent initiatives include a March 12, 2026, launch of a ChatGPT-integrated app for preliminary flood quotes, expanding accessibility, and a March 4 analysis from its research group on FEMA’s proposed 2026 Harris County, Texas, flood map updates, highlighting potential impacts on policyholders.

The stock debuted in October 2025 with a strong first day, jumping 12.5% and valuing the company near $3.1 billion. It traded in a 52-week range of $14.78 (hit February 12, 2026) to $33.23 (October 3, 2025), reflecting post-IPO volatility typical for insurtech names.

Market capitalization stood around $3.02 billion at the March 13 close, with about 138 million shares outstanding. The forward P/E remains attractive relative to growth prospects, though trailing metrics show losses in some periods due to expansion costs.

No major news triggered the March 13 move directly, but traders pointed to technical breakout above recent resistance near $19-20, renewed analyst coverage and sector rotation into financials. Options activity showed elevated call volume, indicating speculative interest.

Neptune continues to build partnerships, including a January 2026 capacity deal with Somers Syndicate at Lloyd’s for additional reinsurance support. The company guides for 2026 revenue of $186-189 million and adjusted EBITDA margins of 60-61%, signaling confidence in scaling operations.

As climate change intensifies flood and seismic risks, Neptune’s specialized offerings could capture more market share from traditional carriers. Investors watch for the next earnings update, expected around May 2026, for updates on premium growth, loss ratios and tech investments.

The sharp gain on March 13 underscores momentum for NP as an emerging player in a high-demand niche, though volatility persists in the young listing.

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In long-term investing, time is often more powerful than the amount invested. Starting early and staying invested consistently can make a meaningful difference in building financial security and long-term wealth

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

Even as the Iran–Israel/US war has made global markets highly volatile, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, said on Saturday that past disruptions show periods of extreme volatility do not last forever, and markets eventually stabilise. The Sebi chief said the market’s real test is not the presence of volatility but whether the existing system is able to function smoothly, fairly and efficiently.

He noted that past disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war showed that periods of extreme volatility are temporary and markets eventually stabilise. Pandey advised investors, especially retail participants, to remain patient during such phases. He added that the real test of financial markets is not the absence of volatility but their ability to function smoothly, fairly and efficiently despite uncertainty.

“… geopolitical tensions continue to influence economic relationships. Conflict in middle-east has disrupted energy supplies and created volatility in oil and gas markets across the world. Yet, when we look back at similar episodes in the past, one lesson becomes clear: periods of extreme volatility never last forever. In the recent past, we have witnessed the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the Russia–Ukraine conflict, which has triggered market volatility across the world. Markets experienced turbulence — but they eventually stabilised,” Pandey said, while speaking at an event organised by Moneycontrol.

“The real test of a market is not whether volatility appears. The real test is whether the system continues to function smoothly, fairly and efficiently when it does. In uncertain times, the strength of a capital market does not lie in the absence of volatility. Volatility is a natural feature of markets. The real strength lies in the confidence that the system will function fairly, transparently and efficiently even during periods of stress,” Pandey added as he spoke on the subject titled ‘Making Capital Markets More Efficient in Uncertain Times’.

Fear Index India VIX has shot up 124% in the past three months and is now hovering around the 22.65 mark. On Friday, it shot up over 5% as the markets witnessed a bloodbath. The Indian benchmark indices fell sharply yesterday, recording their third successive decline as the Iran-Israel/US war continued to dent market sentiments. The biggest drags were metals, auto, and financial stocks.

Also read: FIIs sell Indian equities worth Rs 52,704 crore in March, so far; Friday records its highest single-day outflow in 2026

In a volatile session, the broader Nifty plunged 488.05 points, or 2.06%, to close at 23,151.10, while the 30-share BSE Sensex declined 1470.50 points, or 1.93%, to settle at 74,563.92.
Pandey highlighted the role of efficient capital markets, which he said play a stabilising role in an uncertain world as they enable transparent price discovery while absorbing shocks without destabilising the broader financial system.
“And perhaps most importantly, they sustain investor confidence. Efficiency is the foundation of trust in the financial system. Without that trust,
capital hesitates. Investment slows. And growth becomes more difficult to sustain,” the Sebi Chief said.

The Sebi Chairman also said the global economy is currently marked by uncertainty due to rapid technological changes such as AI.

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

The Dominican Republic delivered a dominant performance in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, mercy-ruling South Korea 10-0 in just seven innings on March 13 at LoanDepot Park to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Cristopher Sánchez pitched five shutout innings, allowing only two hits while striking out six, setting the tone for a one-sided victory. The Dominican lineup exploded for three runs in the second inning and four more in the third, building an insurmountable lead early. Aggressive baserunning, timely hitting and power from stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero and Fernando Tatis Jr. overwhelmed Korean starter Hyun-Jin Ryu, who lasted just 1.2 innings and surrendered three runs.

The game ended dramatically in the bottom of the seventh when pinch-hitter Austin Wells crushed a three-run walk-off home run off reliever So Hyeong-jun, triggering the WBC’s mercy rule with the score reaching 10 runs. Wells, who started on the bench, delivered the decisive blow to send the Dominicans to the semifinals with a perfect 5-0 tournament record so far.

The Dominican Republic advances to face the United States on Sunday, March 15, in the first semifinal at loanDepot Park. The U.S. earned its berth Friday night with a 5-3 win over Canada in Houston.

South Korea, which finished second in Pool C with a 2-2 record, managed only two hits against Sánchez and the Dominican bullpen. Ryu, the veteran left-hander making his WBC return, struggled with command and was pulled after allowing three runs on three hits and two walks. Korean relievers kept the game scoreless for a stretch, but the offense could not generate any threat against the powerful Dominican pitching.

The Dominicans showcased their depth and firepower throughout. In the second inning, Junior Caminero doubled home Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the first run, followed by Julio Rodríguez’s RBI groundout and a Tatis Jr. single to make it 3-0. The third inning saw more damage: a bases-loaded walk, an RBI single by Manny Machado and additional runs on aggressive plays to push the lead to 7-0.

Sánchez, the Philadelphia Phillies lefty, was masterful in his start, mixing fastballs and off-speed pitches to keep Korean hitters off balance. The bullpen closed it out efficiently, allowing no runs over the final two frames.

Attendance reached 30,805 at loanDepot Park, with a lively crowd cheering the high-energy Dominican squad. The victory underscored the team’s status as a tournament favorite, having topped Pool D with strong performances and now carrying momentum into the knockout rounds.

For South Korea, the loss marked a disappointing end to a campaign that saw them reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2017. The team relied on strong pitching in pool play but could not match the Dominican offensive barrage or contain their stars.

The mercy rule shortened the game, allowing the Dominicans to conserve arms ahead of the semifinal against the U.S., a rematch of the 2017 final won by the Americans. The Dominican Republic has not won the WBC since 2013 but has consistently been a powerhouse, boasting MLB talent across the roster.

Postgame, Dominican manager offered praise for Sánchez’s outing and the team’s execution. “We came ready to play every pitch,” he said. “This team has heart and talent — we’re not done yet.”

The win advances the Dominicans to Sunday’s semifinal at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, where they will face a U.S. team that survived a late rally from Canada. The winner will play in the March 17 championship at the same venue.

As the tournament progresses, the Dominican Republic’s blend of power hitting, solid pitching and clutch play positions them as strong contenders for the title. For South Korea, the focus shifts to future preparations, with the loss highlighting areas for improvement against elite international competition.

The 2026 WBC continues with Saturday’s quarterfinals: Puerto Rico vs. Italy at 3 p.m. ET on FS1 in Houston, and Venezuela vs. Japan at 9 p.m. ET on FOX in Miami.