Somerset councillor Heather Shearer said: “One thing the Crisis Resilience Fund wants us to do is not just support people in crisis, it also wants us to work in our community, give more strength and support for the organisations who already support our families.”

By Christopher Gannatti, CFA & Samuel Rines

Currency is often treated as a background variable that can be hedged away, neutralized, or simply ignored. But in the current environment, that framing could overlook potentially compelling investment opportunities. When we

HOUSTON — As NASA’s Artemis II astronauts hurtle back toward Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft, the agency on Friday released a video compilation celebrating the “Moon joy” — an intense happiness and excitement unique to lunar missions — that the four-person crew has experienced during humanity’s first crewed voyage around the Moon in more than half a century.

The 87-second video, posted by NASA’s official X account, blends stunning external views of the white Orion capsule silhouetted against the cratered lunar surface with intimate zero-gravity scenes inside the spacecraft. Crew members float weightlessly, laughing with heads thrown back, hair fanning out in microgravity and faces lit with wide grins. Overlaid text reads “MOMENTS OF MOON JOY.” The clip ends with a brief appearance by NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya and the agency’s iconic logo.

The post defines “Moon joy” simply: “the feeling of intense happiness and excitement that only comes from a mission to the Moon.” It adds, “The Artemis II crew bring us endless Moon joy.”

The timing is deliberate. With splashdown scheduled for approximately 8:07 p.m. EDT Friday off the coast of San Diego, the video serves as both a victory lap and a farewell to the deep-space portion of the 10-day test flight. Live NASA coverage of the dramatic re-entry and Pacific Ocean landing begins at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

Launched April 1 aboard the massive Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Artemis II carried NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover (pilot) and Christina Koch (mission specialist), along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (mission specialist). The crew performed the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972, swinging behind the far side of the Moon on April 6 and traveling a record 252,756 miles from Earth — eclipsing the Apollo 13 distance mark.

During a news conference Wednesday while still en route home, the astronauts described the journey in deeply personal terms. Wiseman called the experience “a true gift” and said the team’s brains were still processing the surreal views. Glover noted there were “so many more pictures, so many more stories.” Koch and Hansen, the first Canadian on a lunar mission, echoed the sense of profound wonder.

“Moon joy” quickly became the mission’s unofficial catchphrase. Mission control used it repeatedly, and the crew embraced the term in radio calls. NASA officials said the phrase captured the emotional high that technical milestones alone could not convey. The video released Friday amplifies that sentiment, showing raw human reactions — floating hugs, playful zero-g maneuvers and quiet moments of reflection — that contrast with the precise engineering required for the flight.

The mission tested critical Orion systems with humans aboard for the first time, including life support, navigation, thermal protection and manual piloting. The crew practiced emergency procedures, conducted scientific observations and captured thousands of photographs of Earth, the Moon and the solar eclipse they witnessed emerging from lunar orbit. One standout image shared earlier showed Earth setting behind the Moon’s horizon — a view no human had seen live since the Apollo era.

International cooperation was on full display. Hansen’s participation fulfilled Canada’s commitment to the Artemis Accords. The diverse crew — including the first woman and first person of color to fly to the Moon — symbolized NASA’s push for broader representation in space exploration.

As the spacecraft coasts home, the crew has spent the final days stowing gear, conducting final systems checks and preparing for the fiery re-entry that will see Orion slam into Earth’s atmosphere at nearly 25,000 mph. Recovery teams aboard the USS John P. Murtha have rehearsed the complex operation: helicopters, divers and a specialized raft will secure the capsule in the Pacific before flying the astronauts to shore for medical evaluations and a return to Houston.

NASA’s Artemis program aims to land the first woman and first person of color on the lunar surface with Artemis III, targeted for no earlier than 2027, and eventually establish a sustainable presence at the Moon’s south pole. Artemis II is the critical dress rehearsal, proving that Orion can safely carry humans into deep space and back.

The emotional tone of the latest video stands in contrast to the often dry language of spaceflight operations. “Moon joy” humanizes the mission at a moment when public interest in space exploration is surging. Social media reactions poured in within minutes of the post, with users sharing the clip alongside messages of awe and inspiration. Some called it a welcome reminder that science is also about wonder.

Kshatriya, speaking in the video, has emphasized throughout the mission that Artemis is about more than hardware. “This is about expanding humanity’s presence beyond Earth,” he has said in earlier briefings. The crew’s visible delight reinforces that message.

Friday’s splashdown will mark the end of the flight phase but the beginning of months of data analysis. Engineers will pore over telemetry to refine systems for future crewed landings. The astronauts will undergo extensive debriefings and medical monitoring to understand the effects of prolonged deep-space travel.

For now, the focus remains on a safe return. Mission managers have declared the flight “GO” for entry, with weather conditions in the Pacific recovery zone appearing favorable. NASA officials said the crew remains in excellent health and high spirits.

The Artemis II mission has already delivered on one of its core goals: rekindling public excitement about lunar exploration. By defining and sharing “Moon joy,” NASA has given the world a new vocabulary for the emotion that has driven humanity to the Moon before and will carry it there again — and eventually to Mars.

As the Orion capsule prepares for its “fireball” descent through the atmosphere, the four astronauts inside carry not only scientific data but also the collective wonder of a planet watching them come home. Their successful return will close a chapter that began with Apollo and opens the next era of lunar exploration — one defined as much by emotion as by engineering.

For decades, the “summer holiday” was a military operation. You booked your two weeks off in January, fought over the office calendar, and spent months staring at a countdown timer.

But in 2026, the vibe has shifted. Thanks to the permanent rise of hybrid work, the rigid 9-to-5 holiday block is dying. In its place? The “screw it, let’s go” getaway.

We’re seeing a massive surge in professionals hunting for P&O cruise last minute deals not because they’re disorganized, but because they finally have the freedom to be spontaneous.

The Death of the “Out of Office” Dread

Remember when taking a week off meant three weeks of prep and a mountain of emails upon return? Hybrid work has smoothed those edges. When you have the autonomy to manage your own output, you don’t necessarily need six months’ notice to clear your desk.

If a project finishes early or a meeting gets moved to Zoom, the “dead time” between tasks suddenly becomes a window for a four-day sailing to Bruges or the Channel Islands.

Why Cruising is the “Hack” for Busy Pros

Let’s be honest: planning a last-minute overland trip is a nightmare. Coordinating flights, hotels, and dinner reservations when you’re already stressed with work is just more work.

Cruising is the ultimate “low-friction” travel:

• The “One-and-Done” Factor: You book the cabin, and the logistics (food, transport, sleep) are sorted.
• The Southampton Shortcut: For UK pros, being able to drive to the port and be on a balcony with a drink in hand by 4:00 PM, without touching an airport, is a game changer.
• Connectivity (When You Need It): While we all want to disconnect, the reality of 2026 is that sometimes you need to send one quick Slack message. Modern ship Wi-Fi means you can go “off-grid” without being truly unreachable in an emergency.

Spontaneity as a Power Move

There’s a psychological win here, too. Booking a trip at the eleventh hour feels like a rebellion against the grind. It turns a standard holiday into an adventure. Finding a luxury cabin at a fraction of the price because you were flexible enough to grab it three weeks out? That feels like a victory.

The New “Work-Life” Blend

We’re moving away from the idea that work and life are two separate boxes. Instead, they’re blending. Professionals are choosing shorter, more frequent bursts of travel to prevent burnout rather than waiting for one big blowout trip in August.

A quick cruise offers a “hard reset.” You get the sea air, a change of scenery, and a different country, all without the mental load of a complex itinerary.

Is There a Catch?

Of course, if you’re a “Type A” planner who needs a specific mid-ship balcony on a specific deck, the last-minute life might give you hives. You have to be okay with whatever is left. But for the modern professional who just wants a high-end experience and a break from the screen, the trade-off is more than worth it.

The “traditional” holiday is becoming a relic. As long as UK businesses keep embracing flexibility, the cruise industry will keep seeing a rush of professionals who are trading their home offices for the horizon, usually with only a few days’ notice. It’s not just a trend; it’s the new way we recharge.

BALTIMORE — Shares of Under Armour Inc. (NYSE: UAA) rose sharply on Thursday, closing at $6.27, up 28 cents or 4.67%, as investors showed renewed confidence in the sportswear company’s ongoing turnaround efforts amid signs of stabilizing North American sales and international growth.

The Class A shares gained momentum throughout the session on solid trading volume, reflecting optimism that Under Armour is making progress in its multi-year restructuring plan under CEO Kevin Plank. In after-hours trading, the stock dipped slightly to $6.24. The move comes as the company, long struggling with declining North American revenue and inventory issues, shows early green shoots in its recovery.

Under Armour has been in turnaround mode since 2023, focusing on streamlining operations, reducing excess inventory, improving gross margins and strengthening its brand positioning in a highly competitive athletic apparel market dominated by Nike and Adidas. The stock has remained volatile but has shown resilience in recent months, climbing from lows near $5 in early 2026.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2026, ended Dec. 31, 2025, Under Armour reported revenue of $1.33 billion, down 5% year-over-year but slightly ahead of analyst expectations. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.09, beating estimates of a $0.02 loss. The company raised its full-year 2026 guidance, narrowing the expected revenue decline to about 4% and lifting adjusted EPS guidance to 10-11 cents from the previous 3-5 cents range. CEO Plank highlighted “clear momentum” in the transformation plan during the earnings call.

North America, still the company’s largest market, saw revenue decline 10% in the quarter to $757 million, but international sales grew 3% to $577 million, led by strong performance in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), up 6%. Latin America posted double-digit growth, while Asia-Pacific faced headwinds.

Analysts have responded cautiously but positively. The consensus rating remains a Hold with an average 12-month price target around $6.65, suggesting modest upside from current levels. Some firms have noted improving inventory levels and better promotional discipline as positive signals.

Under Armour continues to face industry-wide challenges, including softening consumer demand for premium athletic wear, rising tariff costs on imports and intense competition. The company has been aggressively closing underperforming stores, optimizing its wholesale channel and investing in direct-to-consumer sales through its website and apps. It has also focused on innovation, launching new footwear and apparel lines while leveraging athlete endorsements, including its long-standing partnership with Stephen Curry.

The brand’s recent marketing campaigns have emphasized performance, authenticity and lifestyle positioning, aiming to reconnect with core consumers. Under Armour has also expanded its women’s and youth categories, areas where it sees significant growth potential.

Financially, the company has worked to strengthen its balance sheet. It recorded a large non-cash valuation allowance on deferred tax assets in the third quarter, contributing to a reported net loss, but adjusted metrics showed improvement. Free cash flow generation and inventory management have been key focus areas, with management targeting sustainable profitability improvements in fiscal 2027 and beyond.

The stock’s 4.67% gain on April 9 came amid broader market strength in consumer discretionary names and possible short covering. Under Armour has carried a relatively high short interest in recent months, making it susceptible to rapid moves on positive sentiment. Year-to-date through early April 2026, the shares are roughly flat but have shown periodic rallies on operational updates.

Looking ahead, investors will watch closely for the fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 results, expected in May or early June. Analysts will look for continued progress on margin expansion, North American stabilization and updates on the company’s cost-cutting initiatives, including potential further store closures and supply chain optimizations.

Under Armour operates more than 400 stores globally and sells through major retailers. Its product lineup spans performance apparel, footwear and accessories for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The company has faced criticism in the past for over-reliance on discounting but has worked to protect brand equity with more selective promotions.

Longer-term, Under Armour aims to reach $7-8 billion in annual revenue with improved profitability. Plank, who founded the company in 1996 with a single product — a moisture-wicking T-shirt — remains heavily involved and owns a significant stake, aligning his interests with shareholders.

The athletic apparel sector remains challenging, with macroeconomic pressures such as inflation, high interest rates and cautious consumer spending affecting discretionary purchases. However, Under Armour’s strong international momentum and digital sales growth provide some buffer.

The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings multiple that reflects expectations of recovery rather than current depressed earnings. Market capitalization stands around $2.7 billion, classifying it as a small-cap consumer stock with significant turnaround potential — or risk, depending on execution.

For investors, Under Armour represents a high-risk, high-reward play on brand revival. While challenges persist, recent quarterly beats, raised guidance and operational improvements have encouraged some value-oriented buyers. Fairfax Financial’s increased stake late last year signaled confidence from at least one prominent investor.

As Under Armour heads into the critical spring and summer selling seasons, its ability to execute on product innovation, inventory discipline and brand storytelling will determine whether the current stock momentum can be sustained. The company’s next earnings report will be a key test of whether the turnaround is truly gaining traction or if headwinds will continue to pressure performance.

Thursday’s 4.67% gain adds to a series of positive sessions, bringing the stock near recent resistance levels. Technical analysts note the shares have moved above key moving averages, potentially signaling further upside if volume remains supportive.

Under Armour has also faced corporate governance questions in the past but has strengthened its board with new independent directors possessing strong financial and retail expertise. These changes are viewed positively by some investors as supporting a potential strategic review, including possible sale or privatization scenarios, though no formal process has been announced.

The company continues to invest in sustainability initiatives, digital transformation and athlete partnerships to drive long-term growth. Its connected fitness platform and apps remain part of the ecosystem, though less emphasized than in previous years.

As of April 2026, Under Armour’s path forward involves balancing near-term profitability pressures with strategic investments for future growth. The stock’s recent performance suggests the market is giving the company some benefit of the doubt on its turnaround narrative.

With summer product launches on the horizon and potential improvements in consumer sentiment later in 2026, Under Armour could be poised for a stronger second half — provided it delivers consistent results and maintains disciplined execution.