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No Jackpot Winner and $194 Million Prize Rolls Over
No ticket matched all six numbers in Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing, leaving the estimated $194 million jackpot unclaimed and rolling over for a bigger prize on Saturday, lottery officials confirmed Thursday.

The winning numbers for the April 1 drawing were 4, 10, 11, 52 and 64, with the red Powerball 24. The Power Play multiplier was 3X. The annuity jackpot was advertised at $194 million with a cash value option of about $87.1 million before the draw, though some reports listed it near $194.9 million.
The absence of a grand prize winner means the jackpot for the next drawing on Saturday, April 4, is now estimated at $217 million, with a cash value around $97.4 million. Drawings occur three times weekly — Monday, Wednesday and Saturday — at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Multi-State Lottery Association headquarters in Des Moines.
Powerball is played 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, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes. Players select five white balls from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball from 1 to 26.
Wednesday’s results produced several lower-tier winners. Official data showed no Match 5 + Powerball winners, meaning no $1 million prizes (or $2 million with Power Play). There were also no Match 5 winners without the Powerball. However, thousands of tickets won smaller amounts, from $4 for matching just the Powerball up to $150,000 for matching four white balls with Power Play.
The drawing came on April Fool’s Day, prompting some lighthearted social media commentary about whether the “joke” was on hopeful players who came close but missed the jackpot. One viral post joked that the numbers felt like an elaborate prank, but lottery officials stressed the results were legitimate and verified through multiple audits.
Powerball jackpots have grown steadily in recent weeks after a series of rollover drawings. The last jackpot win occurred earlier in 2026, with the prize occasionally climbing into nine figures before being claimed. When won, players can choose the annuity option — paid over 30 years with gradual increases — or the lump-sum cash value, which is significantly lower but provided immediately.
For Wednesday’s draw, the odds of hitting the jackpot remained astronomically low at about 1 in 292.2 million. Despite those odds, millions of tickets are sold for each drawing, especially when the jackpot exceeds $100 million and captures national attention.
Lottery experts note that rollovers fuel excitement and boost ticket sales, creating a virtuous cycle for prize growth. Each rollover adds to the pool after prize reserves and retailer commissions are accounted for. The Multi-State Lottery Association, which administers Powerball, ensures transparency with live draws broadcast on television and streamed online.
Players are encouraged to check tickets carefully, as unclaimed prizes can be substantial. In many jurisdictions, winners have 180 days to a year to claim prizes, depending on state rules. For the jackpot, claimants must come forward with the winning ticket and complete verification, including tax withholding — federal taxes alone can claim up to 37% or more, with state taxes varying.
Wednesday’s no-winner outcome continues a pattern seen in recent months where jackpots frequently roll over multiple times before being claimed. The biggest Powerball jackpot in history reached $2.04 billion in 2022, won in California. Other massive wins have occurred in states like Florida, New York and Pennsylvania, which consistently rank among top sellers.
Powerball’s popularity stems from its massive potential payouts and widespread availability. Convenience stores, gas stations and supermarkets across the country sell tickets, often displaying signs highlighting the current jackpot. Online sales are permitted in some states, expanding access further.
Beyond the jackpot, Wednesday’s drawing awarded prizes in nine other categories. Matching four white balls plus the Powerball typically pays $50,000, jumping to $150,000 with Power Play. Matching four white balls alone paid $100, with the multiplier boosting it to $300. Lower tiers included $7 for three white balls plus Powerball (or $21 with Power Play) down to the $4 Powerball-only prize.
The Power Play 3X multiplier was drawn separately and applies to all non-jackpot prizes except the Match 5. It is selected from a field that can reach up to 10X in some drawings, though 2X, 3X and 5X are more common when the jackpot is lower.
As the jackpot builds toward Saturday, anticipation is expected to grow. Ticket sales typically surge in the final days before a big drawing, with lines forming at retailers and players discussing strategies — though officials remind everyone that every combination has equal odds.
Responsible gambling advocates urge players to set limits and treat the lottery as entertainment rather than an investment. The odds remain heavily against winning the top prize, and stories of sudden wealth often come with challenges, including family disputes, financial mismanagement and loss of privacy.
For those who did win smaller amounts Wednesday, prizes under $600 can usually be claimed at the retailer where the ticket was purchased. Larger wins require visiting a state lottery office or mailing the ticket for validation.
The April 1 drawing followed Monday’s results, where the numbers were 7-11-31-41-57 with Powerball 20 and Power Play 2X, also without a jackpot winner. That rollover set the stage for Wednesday’s $194 million prize.
Powerball has evolved since its launch in 1992. The current matrix — five from 69 and one from 26 — was introduced in 2015 to create larger jackpots by lengthening the odds. The game has generated billions for state education programs, infrastructure, environmental projects and other public services through proceeds shared among participating lotteries.
States use their share of revenue differently. Some dedicate funds strictly to education, while others support general funds or specific initiatives like college scholarships and wildlife conservation.
As Thursday dawned with no new multimillionaire from the April 1 draw, eyes turned to Saturday’s drawing. Players across the country will check apps, websites and local news for updates on the climbing jackpot.
To play responsibly, officials recommend buying only what one can afford and remembering that the lottery is a game of chance. For Wednesday’s participants, the dream lives on — just deferred to the next opportunity.
Those holding tickets from the April 1 drawing should verify them promptly through official channels: the Powerball website, state lottery apps or authorized retailers. Second-chance drawings and promotions sometimes offer additional opportunities for non-winning tickets in certain states.
With the rollover confirmed, the Powerball machine resets for another chance at making history. Whether the next drawing produces a winner or continues the streak of rollovers, it will likely draw even more attention as the prize approaches life-changing territory for the fortunate ticket holder.
For now, the answer to “Did anyone win the Powerball jackpot on April 1?” is a clear no. The numbers were drawn, hopes were high, but the big prize rolls on, building excitement for Saturday night.
Business
Oddity Tech: Cheap, But The Ad Fix Still Has To Show Up
Oddity Tech: Cheap, But The Ad Fix Still Has To Show Up
Business
Dalal Street Week Ahead: Nifty stuck in consolidation zone; 23,800 remains key breakout hurdle
The sharp decline witnessed on Friday was largely driven by MSCI rebalancing-related flows, resulting in accelerated profit-taking and a weak close for the week. India VIX rose by 9.60% to 16.19, reflecting a pickup in volatility expectations and some increase in market nervousness following the late-week selloff. Nifty ended the week with a loss of 171.55 points (-0.72%).
AgenciesThe broader technical structure remains in a consolidation phase. However, the sharp selloff towards the end of the week has once again dragged the immediate resistance levels lower, with the 23,800 zone emerging as the first significant hurdle that the index must overcome. As long as Nifty remains below this level, the ongoing consolidation is likely to continue.
On the downside, the index continues to hold above the lower boundary with the support zone placed in the 23,300-23,400 area. A decisive move beyond either end of this range could set the tone for the next directional move.
The markets are likely to begin the coming week on a cautious note after Friday’s sharp decline. Immediate resistance levels are placed at 23,800 and 24,000, while supports come in at 23,350 and 23,100.
A sustained move above 23,800 would improve the near-term technical outlook and may trigger fresh buying interest. Conversely, any violation of the 23,300 area could invite renewed weakness and increase downside pressure.
The weekly RSI stands at 40.84 and remains below the neutral 50 mark, indicating subdued momentum and showing no divergence against price. The weekly MACD remains below its signal line and continues to stay in negative territory, reflecting a lack of strong upward momentum.A study of the overall pattern shows that Nifty continues to trade within a consolidation beneath a key supply area. The index remains below its 50-week and 100-week moving averages, placed near 24,936 and 24,535, respectively, indicating that the intermediate trend has yet to regain full strength. At the same time, the index remains comfortably above its rising 200-week moving average near 22,057, keeping the long-term structure intact. The ongoing compression between channel support and overhead resistance suggests that the market may be approaching a decisive phase where a directional breakout could emerge over the coming weeks.
Given the current technical setup, traders should continue to maintain a balanced and selective approach. The rise in India VIX alongside the failure to sustain higher levels warrants caution, especially near overhead resistance. Fresh buying should remain stock-specific and focused on pockets displaying relative strength. Traders would be better served by protecting gains, maintaining disciplined risk management, and avoiding aggressive directional bets until the index confirms strength by moving above 23,800. The coming week is likely to reward selectivity and prudent positioning rather than broad-based aggressive exposure.
In our look at Relative Rotation Graphs®, we compared various sectors against the CNX500 (NIFTY 500 Index), representing over 95% of the free-float market cap of allthe listed stocks.
The Relative Rotation Graph (RRG) shows that the Nifty Midcap 100, Energy, Media, Pharma, and Metal Indices are inside the leading quadrant. While the Pharma and Energy groups are showing a slowdown in their relative momentum, overall, these groups are likely to relatively outperform the broader markets.
Agencies
AgenciesThe Nifty Infrastructure and the PSE Indices are inside the weakening quadrant. Collectively speaking, these groups may see a slowdown in their relative performance against the broader markets.
The PSU Bank Index has rolled inside the lagging quadrant. The Nifty Bank, Services Sector, Financial Services, and Auto Indices also continue to languish inside the lagging quadrant. These groups are set to relatively underperform the broader markets. The Nifty IT Index is also in the lagging quadrant; however, it is showing a sharp improvement in relative momentum against the broader Nifty 500 Index.
The FMCG and the Realty Index are inside the improving quadrant; they may continue to improve their relative performance against the benchmark.
Important Note: RRGTM chartsshow the relative strength and momentum of a group ofstocks. In the above Chart, they show relative performance against the NIFTY500 Index (Broader Markets) and should not be used directly as buy or sell signals.
Business
CNH Industrial: Weak Earnings, Mounting End-Market Pressures, And An Unjustified Valuation
CNH Industrial: Weak Earnings, Mounting End-Market Pressures, And An Unjustified Valuation
Business
Mariah Carey Teases ‘The Rarities 2’ and Holiday Return as Catalog Interest Surges in 2026
NEW YORK — Mariah Carey has sparked renewed excitement among fans by hinting at additional archival releases and expanded holiday plans, building on the success of her 2020 compilation “The Rarities” and her enduring dominance as the self-proclaimed Queen of Christmas.
As of late May 2026, the pop and R&B icon has not formally announced a new studio album or a follow-up rarities project. However, recent interviews and subtle social media cues have fueled credible speculation that Carey is preparing to mine her extensive vault once again while reinforcing her seasonal stronghold.
The buzz centers on the possibility of “The Rarities 2,” a logical successor to the 2020 collection that featured previously unreleased tracks, international exclusives and live recordings from her early Columbia Records era. Carey has repeatedly referenced the depth of her unreleased material in past conversations, noting that the first volume only scratched the surface of what exists in her archives.
Her catalog continues to demonstrate remarkable staying power. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become a modern holiday standard, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in four separate years — 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023. This achievement makes her the first artist to send the same holiday song to the top of the chart across multiple distinct years. Industry observers anticipate another strong performance from the track during the 2026 holiday season, supported by consistent streaming surges and playlist placements.
Carey’s broader catalog has also experienced renewed life through streaming platforms and social media. Tracks such as “Fantasy,” “Always Be My Baby” and “We Belong Together” continue to find new audiences via TikTok trends, memes and synchronization deals. Her 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 remain the most by any solo artist, second only to The Beatles overall.
Anniversaries provide additional momentum for potential archival activity. Key milestones for her 1990 self-titled debut, the 1995 blockbuster “Daydream” and the 1997 album “Butterfly” have already prompted deluxe editions, remixes and vinyl reissues in recent years. The 25th-anniversary campaign for “Butterfly” in 2022 included new remixes and expanded digital content, demonstrating strong fan appetite for deeper explorations of her work.
A prospective “The Rarities 2” could focus on specific eras, such as sessions from transitional albums like “Glitter,” “Charmbracelet” and “The Emancipation of Mimi,” or spotlight collaborations and remixes that never received full commercial support. Such a project would align with broader industry trends of legacy artists revisiting their vaults to generate fresh engagement across streaming, vinyl and immersive audio formats.
Carey’s holiday influence extends beyond a single song. She has built a seasonal empire that includes short-run tours, branded experiences and television specials. Her 2020 Apple TV+ special “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special” helped cement her position in the streaming era. While no official 2026 holiday tour dates have been announced, patterns from previous years suggest announcements typically emerge by late summer.
The timing of any new archival or holiday activity appears strategic. With the industry preparing for another fourth-quarter push dominated by seasonal releases, a “Rarities 2” project could capitalize on heightened consumer interest in nostalgia and fresh content from established stars. It would also provide new material for algorithms, playlists and social media moments.
Carey’s ability to maintain relevance across decades stems from her vocal prowess, genre-blending style and cultural impact. From early ballads like “Vision of Love” to hip-hop collaborations and gospel-infused work, her music has aged effectively in the playlist-driven era. Her 2020 memoir “The Meaning of Mariah Carey” further positioned her as the authoritative voice of her own narrative, addressing creative challenges and label dynamics that shaped her career.
Fan communities have responded enthusiastically to recent hints. Social media discussions frequently reference the potential for more vault releases, with many expressing desire for deeper cuts from specific periods. This engagement underscores the value of Carey’s catalog as both a commercial asset and a cultural touchstone.
Industry analysts note that vault projects from major artists often deliver strong results across multiple formats. For Carey, such releases could attract both longtime supporters and newer listeners who discovered her through holiday playlists or viral clips. The combination of archival material and holiday programming creates a powerful annual cycle that sustains visibility year-round.
As 2026 progresses, attention will likely intensify around Carey’s next moves. Whether through a formal “The Rarities 2” announcement, expanded holiday touring or strategic catalog reissues, the singer continues to demonstrate her enduring influence on popular music. Her ability to blend nostalgia with modern consumption habits keeps her relevant in an increasingly fragmented entertainment landscape.
For now, fans remain in a state of anticipation. The hints dropped by Carey suggest she is thoughtfully curating her legacy while keeping the door open for future original material. In an era where catalog performance often rivals new releases in commercial importance, her strategic approach positions her to maintain a prominent role in both holiday traditions and broader music conversations.
The prospect of new archival content arriving alongside her seasonal dominance adds another layer of excitement to what has become an annual cultural event. As summer approaches, the music industry and fans alike will watch closely for official confirmation of Carey’s plans, which could shape the final months of 2026 in meaningful ways.
Business
Caleres Stock Is Taking A Step In The Right Direction (NYSE:CAL)
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He runs Crude Value Insights, a value-oriented newsletter aimed at analyzing the cash flows and assessing the value of companies in the oil and gas space. His primary focus is on finding businesses that are trading at a significant discount to their intrinsic value by employing a combination of Benjamin Graham’s investment philosophy and a contrarian approach to the market and the securities therein. 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.
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NSE Social Stock Exchange gets CSR boost as MCA clears corporate funding route. Check details
The MCA has amended Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, to recognise investments in certain Social Stock Exchange instruments as an eligible CSR activity. As per a Gazette Notification issued on May 27, 2026, “subscription to zero coupon zero principal instruments on Social Stock Exchange” has now been added to the list of approved CSR activities.
The amendment allows companies to allocate up to 10% of their total annual CSR budget towards not-for-profit organisations (NPOs) registered on the Social Stock Exchange through Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments.
The Social Stock Exchange serves as a dedicated platform that connects social enterprises and NPOs with donors, investors and other funding sources. Unlike conventional stock exchanges, where investments are made with the expectation of financial returns, the SSE is designed to facilitate measurable social impact.
According to the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the latest policy change could help scale up social financing in India by providing corporates with a regulated and disclosure-based channel to support impact-focused organisations. The exchange said the framework is expected to enhance transparency, credibility and the overall reach of funding within the social sector.
The idea of a Social Stock Exchange was first outlined by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the 2019 Budget, with the aim of bringing capital markets closer to the masses while advancing inclusive growth and financial inclusion.
With the amendment now in place, companies can incorporate SSE-based contributions into their CSR programmes through a structured and regulated mechanism. NSE said the move is likely to improve funding access for verified NPOs, strengthen governance and disclosure standards, encourage outcome-oriented philanthropy and foster greater trust and accountability across the social impact landscape.Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer at NSE, described the amendment as a significant development for India’s social sector. He said the provision would enable corporates to channel CSR funds through a transparent, regulated and impact-driven platform, helping improve trust, accountability and access to capital for social enterprises.
The MCA notification has come into effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
Business
F&O Talk: Nifty may stay range-bound; Sudeep Shah sees opportunities in banks, IT, picks 7 stocks
Sensex dropped over 1,092 points to 74,776 while Nifty 50 crashed nearly 359 points to 23,547. This came as India VIX, which measures volatility in markets, jumped around 8% to 16.18. The sharp losses wiped off nearly Rs 6 lakh crore from the total market capitalisation of all companies listed on BSE, pulling it down to Rs 465 lakh crore.
Analyst Sudeep Shah, Vice President and Head of Technical & Derivatives Research at SBI Securities, interacted with ETMarkets regarding the outlook for the Nifty and Bank Nifty, as well as an index strategy for the upcoming week. The following are the edited excerpts from his chat:
Nifty rollover for May expiry came in below both the three-month and six-month averages. Does this suggest traders are turning cautious near higher levels, or is it simply profit-booking after the recent recovery?
In the month of May, the benchmark index Nifty traded within a narrow range of 1219 points, marking its smallest monthly range since December 2025. The rollover in the May series also came below the prior month and 3-month average. Notably, a majority of the trading sessions during the month witnessed either an upside or downside gap at the opening, followed by range-bound price action throughout the day. As a result, opportunities for intraday and short-term traders remained limited despite the frequent gap openings. But what made this phase even more unusual was the message hidden within the broader monthly price structure.
On the monthly chart, Nifty has formed a bearish candle with shadows on either side, reflecting indecisiveness among market participants amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Zooming into the final week of May, the index continued to trade within a narrow range for most of the week before witnessing a sharp decline during the final hour of Friday’s trading session, which tilted the balance in favour of the bears. While the market remained range-bound for most of the week, the late sell-off has raised an important question—was this merely profit booking or the beginning of a larger directional move?
From a technical standpoint, Nifty continues to trade below all its key moving averages. More importantly, these moving averages have flattened out, indicating the absence of a strong trend. The daily RSI remains in a sideways zone as per the RSI Range Shift framework, while the daily Stochastic oscillator is also moving within a narrow band. Adding to this, the trend strength indicator, Daily ADX, is placed at near 15 level and continues to decline, suggesting a lack of directional momentum in the index. While these indicators point towards a lack of trend, Friday’s late sell-off has injected fresh uncertainty into the market setup.
Talking about crucial levels, on the upside, the 20-day EMA zone of 23,750-23,800 is likely to act as an immediate hurdle for the index. On the downside, the zone of 23,300-23,250 remains a crucial support area. A breach below 23,250 could intensify selling pressure and open the doors for a decline towards the psychologically important 23,000 mark. With the index approaching key support levels, the market’s next move could set the tone for the coming weeks.
Bank Nifty rollover saw a sharper decline and futures data indicates short build-up despite price weakness. Are banking stocks likely to remain drags on the market in the June series?
In the month of May, the banking benchmark index Bank Nifty traded within a narrow range of 3,550 points, marking its tightest monthly range since January 2026. On the monthly timeframe, it has formed a High Wave candle, reflecting market indecisiveness.
During the past week, the index witnessed a strong upmove in the first half; however, it failed to sustain above the 55,500 level and subsequently underwent a sharp correction. This led to the formation of a bearish candle with a long upper shadow, indicating selling pressure at higher levels.
At present, the index is trading below its key moving averages, which are trending downward, suggesting a weak bias. The daily RSI remains in a sideways zone as per the RSI range shift rules, indicating lack of clear momentum.
Going ahead, the 53,500–53,400 zone is expected to act as an important support for the index. A breach below 53,400 could trigger further downside, with the next key support placed around 52,700. On the upside, the 50-day EMA zone of 55,300–55,200 is likely to act as a crucial hurdle.
FIIs reduced nearly 9,800 index shorts while also adding fresh longs. Do you see this as the beginning of a more constructive stance from foreign investors, or is positioning still defensive overall?
There were clear signs of short covering in Index futures between 21st May and 27th May, with FII net Index futures shorts reducing sharply from 2,31,190 contracts to 1,63,012 contracts. This also led to the long-short ratio improving from 11.80% to 16.14%, indicating a relatively constructive shift in positioning.
On Friday, massive short positions were built up leading to net index futures short contracts once again rising to 2,01,309 and the long short ratio dipping to 11.98%. Similar phases of short covering in the past were quickly followed by aggressive selling, causing bullish expectations to fade rapidly. This pattern has persisted for quite some time and is likely to continue until there is greater clarity on the US-Iran deal, a meaningful fall in the Dollar Index (DXY), stability in crude oil prices, and depreciation in the dollar against the rupee. Until these external factors stabilize, FII sentiment is likely to remain cautious rather than decisively bullish.
What are key levels to watch out for in June series? What triggers could push Nifty decisively beyond in either direction?
Talking about crucial levels, on the upside, the 20-day EMA zone of 23,750-23,800 is likely to act as an immediate hurdle for the index. On the downside, the zone of 23,300-23,250 remains a crucial support area. A breach below 23,250 could intensify selling pressure and open the doors for a decline towards the psychologically important 23,000 mark. With the index approaching key support levels, the market’s next move could set the tone for the coming weeks.
IT continues to trade near 52-week lows with elevated open interest and negative carry. Is the sector still witnessing aggressive short positions, and what would it take for sentiment to improve meaningfully?
The Nifty IT Index has rebounded nearly 8% from its 14th May low of 27,078. However, over the last seven sessions, the Index has remained range-bound between 29,747 and 28,678, indicating a lack of strong directional momentum. The RSI remains flat, while a subdued ADX reflects low volatility and absence of trend strength. Additionally, the MACD continues to trade below both the zero line and signal line, highlighting weak underlying momentum.
On the Relative Rotation Graph (RRG), the Index has shifted from the lagging to the improving quadrant, suggesting early signs of momentum recovery, though relative strength remains limited. The Index continues to trade below its 50, 100, and 200-day EMAs, keeping the near-term trend weak. The 29,900–30,000 zone remains a crucial resistance area, and a decisive breakout above this level could trigger a stronger pullback rally in the IT pack.
Given that the broader market structure remains range-bound with elevated volatility, should traders focus more on stock-specific opportunities rather than aggressive index directional bets in the June series?
With the broader market remaining range-bound amid elevated volatility, traders are likely to find better opportunities in stock-specific setups rather than aggressive directional bets on the Index in the June series. The rising ratio line in the Midcap and Smallcap indices relative to Nifty highlights continued outperformance in the broader market space.
Despite the strong bearish candle on 29th May, the overall market structure remains bullish, with no concrete signs of a major reversal yet. Currently, strength is visible in sectors such as private banks, PSU banks, financial services, and select midcap IT names. Meanwhile, the Index continues to react sharply to geopolitical developments, leading to frequent gap-ups and gap-downs that reduce trading clarity. In such an environment, strong price-action structures backed by robust technicals in trending sectors are likely to outperform across market conditions.
What stocks are you looking out for?
For the short term, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, Nuvama Wealth Management, RR Kabel, Syrma SGS Technology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), and Minda Corporation are looking attractive based on their current market setup.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
Business
Algoma Steel gains 63% as Fair Value models spot opportunity

Algoma Steel gains 63% as Fair Value models spot opportunity
Business
Is the Spurs Phenom Already Better Than Prime Diesel?
SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama’s meteoric rise has ignited one of the most provocative debates in modern NBA history: Is the 22-year-old Spurs superstar already surpassing the legendary dominance of Shaquille O’Neal at a comparable stage of their careers? While Shaq’s physical force defined an era, Wembanyama’s unprecedented blend of size, skill and defensive impact in the 2026 playoffs has many observers drawing direct comparisons — and leaning toward the Frenchman as a generational outlier.
Wembanyama, in just his third NBA season, has delivered playoff performances that echo — and in some statistical categories exceed — the early brilliance of O’Neal. During the 2026 Western Conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 7-foot-4 center posted historic numbers, including a 41-point, 24-rebound masterpiece in Game 1 that marked one of the greatest individual playoff performances in recent memory.
Through the early stages of the 2026 postseason, Wembanyama averaged approximately 22.1 points, 12.3 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game, becoming the youngest player ever to average 20 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks across at least 10 playoff games. He also set the NBA’s postseason blocks record and joined elite company as the first center since O’Neal in 2002 with multiple 30-point games in a Conference Finals series.
Statistical Head-to-Head Career regular-season averages favor the more established O’Neal, who posted 23.7 points per game over 19 seasons compared to Wembanyama’s 23.4 through three years. However, the advanced metrics tell a more nuanced story. Wembanyama has already surpassed O’Neal for the most career games with five or more blocks by a player aged 22 or younger.
In the 2025-26 regular season, Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-leading 3.1 blocks while shooting efficiently. He became the youngest Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history and the first-ever unanimous winner, claiming all 100 first-place votes.
O’Neal, in his prime with the Orlando Magic and early Lakers years, delivered raw physical dominance with peak seasons approaching 30 points and 13 rebounds. Yet even Shaq has publicly praised Wembanyama as “the first perfect big man that’s ever been created,” citing his shooting, defense, offense and teamwork.
Defensive Legacy Wembanyama’s rim protection and versatility represent a defensive evolution. At 22, he has already anchored one of the league’s top defenses and earned comparisons suggesting he could have a bigger long-term defensive impact than O’Neal. His ability to contest shots from the perimeter while erasing attempts at the rim creates unique problems for opponents.
An anonymous Western Conference executive captured the sentiment: “At least Shaq was human in the sense that you needed three centers to bang with him… But there’s no archetype like (Wembanyama) — no player ever. It’s a problem, and it’s going to be a problem for 15 years.”
Offensive Versatility Where O’Neal relied on overwhelming power and post dominance, Wembanyama offers a more expansive offensive toolkit. His shooting range, passing vision and ability to create for teammates differentiate him from traditional centers. In the 2026 playoffs, he has demonstrated comfort operating from the high post, stretching defenses and finishing with finesse.
Still, detractors note that O’Neal’s peak included three consecutive NBA championships and Finals MVPs with the Lakers, feats Wembanyama has yet to approach. Shaq’s physicality in his prime forced teams into desperate matchup strategies rarely seen today.
Cultural and Market Impact Both players transformed their franchises upon arrival. O’Neal helped elevate the Magic and later powered the Lakers’ dynasty. Wembanyama has resurrected the Spurs, leading them deep into the 2026 playoffs and restoring excitement to a once-proud franchise. His global appeal, particularly in Europe, mirrors O’Neal’s larger-than-life persona but with a modern, multifaceted twist.
Shaquille O’Neal has reacted positively to Wembanyama’s ascent, calling him a joy to watch and acknowledging the uniqueness of his game. This endorsement from one of the most dominant big men ever carries significant weight in the ongoing conversation.
The Verdict Remains Premature At this stage, most analysts conclude that while Wembanyama has achieved unprecedented early success and possesses a skill set that could ultimately eclipse O’Neal’s legacy, it is too soon for a definitive declaration. Longevity, championships and sustained excellence remain the true measures of greatness.
Wembanyama’s combination of length, coordination and basketball IQ evokes comparisons not just to Shaq but to a hypothetical fusion of elite big men across eras. His ability to impact winning at both ends while maintaining efficiency sets a new standard for the position.
As the 2026 playoffs continue, Wembanyama has the opportunity to further cement his place in the conversation. Should he lead the Spurs to a championship run at such a young age, the debate will intensify. For now, the basketball world watches with fascination as one of the most unique talents in league history chases — and in some ways redefines — the benchmarks set by a legend.
The comparison ultimately highlights the evolution of the center position. Where Shaq dominated through sheer force, Wembanyama represents the modern ideal: a mobile, skilled giant capable of adapting to today’s pace-and-space game while retaining old-school rim protection. Whether he surpasses O’Neal’s overall career remains a question for the next decade, but in 2026, the young phenom has already forced the NBA to reconsider what peak dominance looks like.
Business
How To Invest For Secure Retirement With Big Dividends, 5.7% Yield
Financially Free Investor is a financial writer with 25 years investment experience. He focuses on investing in dividend-growing stocks with a long-term horizon. He applies a unique 3-basket investment approach that aims for 30% lower drawdowns, 6% current income, and market-beating growth on a long-term basis and he focuses on dividend-growing stocks with a long-term horizon.
He runs the investing group High Income DIY Portfolios which provides vital strategies for portfolio management and asset allocation to help create stable, long-term passive income with sustainable yields. The service includes a total of 10 model portfolios with a range of income targets for varying levels of risk, buy and sell alerts, and live chat. Learn more.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ABT, ABBV, CI, JNJ, PFE, NVS, NVO, AZN, UNH, CL, CLX, UL, NSRGY, PG, TSN, ADM, BTI, MO, PM, KO, PEP, EXC, D, DEA, DEO, ENB, MCD, BAC, PRU, UPS, WMT, WBA, CVS, LOW, AAPL, IBM, CSCO, MSFT, INTC, T, VZ, CVX, XOM, VLO, ABB, ITW, MMM, LMT, LYB, RIO, O, NNN, WPC, ARCC, TLT either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. 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.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and in no way should be construed as financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any stock. The author is not a financial advisor. Please always do further research and do your own due diligence before making any investments. Every effort has been made to present the data/information accurately; however, the author does not claim 100% accuracy. The stock portfolios presented here are model portfolios for demonstration purposes. For the complete list of our LONG positions, please see our profile on Seeking Alpha.
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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