ET Intelligence Group: The outflow from debt mutual fund schemes surged nearly 50% year-on-year to a record ₹2.95 lakh crore in March. While debt schemes typically show heavy redemptions in March as corporates withdraw funds to meet year-end obligations, the latest reading was the highest on record amid the need to build extra liquidity triggered by the West Asian crisis.

In addition, industry observers also cited a shift of funds to equity to take advantage of current weakness in the stock market. Liquid funds accounted for the largest share of outflows among debt schemes, with redemptions of ₹1.35 lakh crore in March, according to the data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI).

“March has seasonal withdrawals from liquid funds. This time, banks, NBFCs and corporates are holding on to additional liquidity as a precaution amid geopolitical uncertainty due to the West Asia conflict,” Ravi Kumar Jha, MD & CEO, LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management told ET . He added that these institutions are waiting for greater clarity before redeploying this liquidity.

Among debt fund schemes, overnight funds recorded redemptions of ₹40,227 crore followed by money market funds with an outflow of ₹29,207 crore, and low-duration funds, which recorded an outflow of ₹25,227 crore.

Every year, institutional treasuries pull money out of liquid and overnight mutual funds in March to manage liquidity requirements during the fiscal year ending to meet financial obligations such as advance tax and Goods and Services Tax (GST) payments.
To be sure, the outflow from debt funds in March have historically be-en of temporary nature as a sharp inflow is noticed in April since institutions tend to restore the proportion of their exposure to fixed assets. For instance, debt fund inflows surged to ₹2.19 lakh crore in April 2025 after an outflow of ₹2.03 lakh crore in the pre-vious month. Similarly, in April 2024, the inflow was ₹1.9 lakh crore following an outflow of ₹1.98 lakh crore in the prior month.For the full year FY26, debt mutual fund schemes recorded an inflow of ₹22,161 crore. Equity schemes attracted an inflow of ₹3.46 lakh crore during the year, while hybrid schemes reported an inflow of ₹1.55 lakh crore. Index funds garnered a net inflow of ₹25,932 crore over the fiscal year.

“Some investors may have shifted funds toward equities to take advantage of the sharp market correction in March, which made valuations more attractive,” said Himanshu Srivastava, principal-research at Morningstar Investment Research India. The BSE Sensex declined 11.5%, shedding 9,340 points in March amid the impact of the West Asia war.

NEW YORK — Oklo Inc. shares jumped more than 8% Tuesday, climbing to around $58 as investors piled into the advanced nuclear company amid surging electricity demand from artificial intelligence data centers and fresh regulatory progress on its small modular reactor technology.

The stock, which trades under the ticker OKLO on the New York Stock Exchange, rose as much as 8.23% intraday to $58.38 before settling near those levels. That gain came on solid volume and reflected renewed enthusiasm for nuclear energy plays positioned to power the AI revolution.

Oklo, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman among others, develops fast-fission reactors designed to generate clean, reliable baseload power. The company remains pre-revenue but has secured high-profile partnerships and billions in cash to fund its ambitious pipeline.

A landmark agreement with Meta Platforms announced earlier this year calls for Oklo to develop a 1.2-gigawatt nuclear energy campus in southern Ohio. Meta agreed to prepay for power to support its AI data centers, accelerating construction timelines with the first phase eyed for 2030. The deal validated Oklo’s technology and provided critical funding while highlighting how tech giants are turning to nuclear to meet exploding energy needs.

Analysts estimate global data center power demand could drive trillions in infrastructure spending. Traditional sources like natural gas and renewables may fall short on reliability and scale, positioning advanced nuclear as a key solution. Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse design aims to deliver compact, factory-built reactors that can run on recycled nuclear fuel, reducing waste and proliferation risks.

Regulatory momentum has added fuel to the rally. In March, Oklo announced key approvals from the Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission across its power, fuel and isotopes businesses. The DOE granted a Nuclear Safety Design Agreement for the Aurora project at Idaho National Laboratory, clearing a pathway for the first-of-a-kind facility.

Oklo’s subsidiary Atomic Alchemy also received DOE backing for its Groves Isotopes Test Reactor in Texas, targeting first criticality as early as July 4, 2026, under a federal pilot program. The initiative seeks to bolster domestic production of medical and industrial radioisotopes, reducing U.S. reliance on foreign supplies.

The company expanded its partnership with Sweden’s Blykalla in late March to collaborate on fast reactor commercialization, including potential U.S. investment and technology sharing. CEO Jacob DeWitte’s appointment to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in March further signaled high-level government support for next-generation nuclear under the current administration’s pro-energy policies.

Financially, Oklo ended 2025 with about $1.4 billion in cash and marketable securities. It raised an additional $1.182 billion net proceeds in early 2026 by completing a $1.5 billion at-the-market equity program, leaving the company well-capitalized. Management guided 2026 operating cash use at $80 million to $100 million and investing cash use at $350 million to $450 million to advance multiple projects.

The company reported a narrowed net loss for full-year 2025, though it remains deeply unprofitable as it invests heavily in development. Next quarterly results are expected around May 12. Wall Street maintains a generally bullish consensus, with an average price target around $84 to $101, implying significant upside from current levels despite recent volatility and some downward revisions to targets earlier this year.

Shares have been volatile. Oklo soared dramatically in 2025 on nuclear hype tied to AI and policy tailwinds, hitting highs near $194 before pulling back sharply amid profit-taking, insider sales and broader market rotations. Year-to-date performance in 2026 has been mixed, but the stock still shows strong gains over longer periods amid sector enthusiasm.

Cathie Wood’s ARK funds have bought dips in Oklo, signaling long-term conviction from prominent growth investors. However, some analysts have tempered forecasts, citing execution risks, long timelines to first revenue and the capital-intensive nature of nuclear projects. Recent insider selling by executives and directors totaling millions of dollars also drew attention, though such transactions are common in growth companies.

Oklo’s business spans three pillars: power generation via Aurora reactors, fuel recycling and isotope production through Atomic Alchemy. The strategy leverages recycled nuclear fuel to create a more sustainable fuel cycle while addressing medical isotope shortages.

Broader tailwinds include bipartisan interest in expanding nuclear capacity. New England governors have explored advanced nuclear, and federal initiatives aim to streamline licensing and boost domestic uranium enrichment. Surging oil prices and geopolitical energy tensions have further spotlighted nuclear as a secure, carbon-free option.

Challenges remain. Nuclear projects historically face delays and cost overruns. Oklo must navigate complex licensing, secure supply chains and demonstrate its fast reactor technology at scale. First commercial power from the Ohio project is not expected until the end of the decade, meaning investors are betting on long-term potential rather than near-term profits.

Still, sentiment around AI-driven power demand has kept nuclear stocks in focus. Comparisons with peers like NuScale Power highlight a competitive but expanding field. Oklo differentiates itself with its fuel-agnostic fast reactors and integrated approach across power, fuel and isotopes.

As earnings approach, investors will watch for updates on the Meta project, Idaho and Texas initiatives, and any new commercial deals. Positive pipeline news or accelerated timelines could reignite momentum, while delays or funding surprises might pressure shares.

Oklo’s market capitalization hovers near $9 billion, modest compared to the potential addressable market in a $10 trillion nuclear renaissance, according to some analysts. Success in hitting DOE pilot milestones this year could serve as major de-risking events.

The company continues to emphasize its mission: delivering clean, affordable, always-on power to support economic growth and decarbonization. With AI transforming industries and electricity consumption forecast to rise sharply, Oklo positions itself at the intersection of technology and energy innovation.

Whether the latest surge marks the start of a sustained rebound or another volatile chapter remains to be seen. For now, investors appear optimistic that Oklo’s regulatory wins, big-tech partnerships and strong balance sheet will translate into tangible progress in the months ahead.

The nuclear sector’s resurgence reflects a pragmatic shift in energy policy and investment priorities. As data centers proliferate and nations seek energy security, companies like Oklo could play a pivotal role — if they can execute amid technical, regulatory and financial hurdles.

Apple is closing a trio of Apple Store locations around the country, including the first location of the tech giant’s retail system to unionize.

The company told The Baltimore Sun on Thursday that it will close Apple Stores in Towson, Maryland, Trumbull, Connecticut, and Escondido, California, with the final closures slated for June 11.

The Towson location was Apple’s first unionized Apple Store branch, with workers at that location having done so in 2022.

“As we continue investing to expand and enhance our retail stores and offerings worldwide, we remain deliberate about evaluating our existing locations to ensure that we can meet our customers’ needs in the best way,” Apple told the Sun. 

APPLE RETIRES WELL-KNOWN PRODUCT AFTER 20 YEARS AS IT SHIFTS STRATEGY

Apple added that the “difficult” decision was made after the “departure of several retailers and declining conditions” at the malls where the impacted stores are located.

Benzinga reported that Apple employees at the Trumbull and Escondido locations are being transferred to other nearby locations, whereas the Towson workers were offered the opportunity to apply for open roles with Apple. 

APPLE UNVEILS LOWER COST IPHONE 17E, RAISES PRICES ON MACBOOKS

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
AAPL	APPLE INC.	258.83	-0.37	-0.14%

The company said the collective bargaining agreement prevents it from transferring the roughly 90 Towson workers to other locations.

The closure of the Towson location prompted allegations of union-busting by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, also known as the IAM Union.

NEW EMOJIS COMING TO APPLE IPHONES IN LATEST UPDATE

The IAM said in a statement that it’s “outraged by Apple’s decision to close its Towson, Md., store – the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States – and abandon both its workers and a community that relies on it for critical services and its unique access to public transit.”

“Apple’s claim that the collective bargaining agreement prevents relocation is simply false and raises serious concerns that this closure is a cynical attempt to bust the union,” the IAM Union said, adding that it’s exploring legal options to “hold Apple accountable.”

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is considering implementing cross-border health insurance requirements for foreigners entering the country to alleviate the financial burden on hospitals located near border areas.

---

Key Points

• Medical Inflation Trends: Medical costs in the Asia-Pacific are rising faster than global averages, influencing insurers’ pricing and benefit designs. The gross medical trend in Asia Pacific is projected at 11.8% for 2024, 13.2% for 2025, and 14% for 2026, compared to global trends of 9.5%, 10%, and 10.3%.
• Regional Projections: For 2026, specific markets project high medical trends: Singapore (16.9%), Taiwan (16.7%), Philippines (16.1%), Malaysia (15.7%), Indonesia (15.1%), and New Zealand (14.9%). Thailand predicts a lower rate of 10.8%, still higher than Hong Kong (9.9%) and Australia (8.3%).
• Insurer Outlook: Approximately 57% of insurers in the region anticipate elevated medical trends will persist over the next three years, indicating a challenging environment for health funding and insurance strategies.

Rising Medical Costs in Asia-Pacific

Problem driving the proposal: Border hospitals face mounting unpaid bills from treating foreign patients, including refugees and those affected by conflict or disease outbreaks. Some hospitals, like Umphang Hospital near the Thai-Myanmar border, have struggled to pay staff.

Financial data: Uncollectible healthcare costs have been significant — billions of baht annually. In 2024, about 76% of unpaid costs came from the Thai-Myanmar border, with 570,000 service visits generating THB1.8 billion in unpaid bills.

Funding debate: Policymakers are considering a dedicated fund for foreign patient care, initially seeded with THB100–200 million, but questions remain about long-term financing and responsibility.

The accelerating medical cost inflation in the Asia-Pacific region is significantly affecting the health insurance landscape. With a dramatic rise in gross medical trend, projections indicate an increase of 11.8% in 2024, escalating to 13.2% in 2025, and potentially reaching 14% in 2026. These figures starkly contrast with global trends, which are forecasted at lower rates of 9.5%, 10%, and 10.3% over the same period. Countries like Singapore and Taiwan are facing even steeper climbs, with projected rates of 16.9% and 16.7% respectively. Such figures highlight the urgent need for insurers to adapt their strategies to mitigate risks associated with rising healthcare expenses.

Impact on Insurers’ Strategies

With over half (57%) of insurers anticipating sustained elevated medical trends for the next three years, the implications for pricing, underwriting, and benefit design are profound. In Thailand, despite a projected medical trend of 10.8%, which is below the regional average, it remains critical for insurers to recalibrate their approaches, especially as the costs can still outpace economic growth. Comparatively, countries like Hong Kong and Australia report even lower trends, at 9.9% and 8.3% respectively, indicating a disparate landscape in medical inflation. Insurers must closely monitor these trends and adopt strategic measures to ensure they not only remain competitive but also sustainable in an evolving market.

The Future of Health Funding

Given the ongoing changes in healthcare costs, cross-border health funding reviews in Thailand are notably timely, as they could significantly alter how health services are financed and delivered. Insurers may need to consider innovative funding solutions that can cushion the financial impact on both the insurers and their customers. As medical trends continue to rise, and with forecasts projecting especially high increases in several key markets, the focus will increasingly shift towards sustainable practices in health insurance. Moving forward, addressing these cost challenges will be crucial for maintaining both accessibility and quality of healthcare across the region.

Other People are Reading

Mercedes-Benz is recalling more than 24,000 vehicles due to an issue with the drive shaft universal joint, which may unexpectedly break, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

The recall affects various Mercedes models as documents shared by the NHTSA say that a broken joint can lead to a loss of power, which can increase the risk of a car crash. 

A total of 24,092 cars were affected, ranging from models released between 2018 and 2020, according to the documents, while the share of vehicles with the defect is estimated to be 100% of the recalled vehicles.

Representatives for Mercedes-Benz did not immediately respond to FOX Business’s request for comment.  

BISSELL STEAMERS RECALLED IN RESPONSE TO DOZENS OF ‘SERIOUS’ BURN INJURIES

Dealers will be notified about the recall, and will inspect the drive shaft universal joint. The brand is also sending notification letters to vehicle owners who may be affected by the recall by June 2, 2026, according to the NHTSA. 

The agency also reported last week that more than 422,000 Ford vehicles in the U.S. are being recalled over windshield wiper failure.

Windshield wiper arms may operate erratically or may break, causing the wipers to fail, according to NHTSA.

The model year 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 Ford Expedition, and the 2022-2023 Ford Super Duty, are some of the specific vehicles that may be directly affected by the recall.

350K SUPPLEMENTS RECALLED FOR PACKAGING FLAW THAT POSES ‘SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH’ RISK TO CHILDREN

“An improperly functioning or detached wiper arm may impair driver’s vision, increasing the risk of a crash,” NHTSA’s description of the defect said.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
MBGAF	MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG	64.93	+0.90	+1.41%
MBGYY	MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG	16.23	+0.20	+1.25%

“The windshield wiper arm’s latch retention plate may have been incorrectly staked at the supplier. The latch retention plate keeps the arm head properly seated to the wiper arm. Additionally, the engagement between the knurl and wiper arm may be reduced due to dimensional variability. Proper knurl-to-arm head teeth engagement ensures robust wiper arm operation,” the agency said.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

Customers with further questions can contact Mercedes-Benz using the customer service phone number, 1-800-367-6372. 

They can also check if their car has been impacted by searching for their model number on NHTSA.gov.

FOX Business’ Eric Revell contributed to this report.