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The sharp decline in crude oil prices has eased one of the biggest concerns weighing on Indian equities, improving sentiment among both domestic and foreign investors. According to market expert Neeraj Dewan, the recent fall in oil prices has strengthened the case for accumulating quality stocks, with financials, defence, infrastructure and metals continuing to offer attractive long-term opportunities.

Speaking to ET Now, Dewan said investors should avoid trying to perfectly time the market and instead use periods of uncertainty to gradually build positions in fundamentally strong companies.

“Oil was the biggest worry for us, and I think that was also one of the reasons why FIIs were not looking at India. Now that oil has come down considerably and we are at very good levels already, it may come down further if things remain alright in the Middle East.”

He said his investment approach over the past several days has remained consistent despite geopolitical uncertainties.

“Like I recommended earlier on the show, we have been accumulating stocks because no one really knows when things will turn around or when a deal will happen. We have to keep those things in perspective and keep accumulating good stocks while we are getting good opportunities.”

Dewan noted that many mid- and small-cap stocks had corrected after the sharp sell-off earlier this year and are now witnessing renewed buying interest.
“Financials is one sector where we have accumulated, and we are getting some returns as well. Defence has also started moving up after a period of consolidation. For long-term investors, there is still good scope. Railway and infrastructure-related stocks are also available at decent valuations.”While he acknowledged that concerns around inflation, the monsoon and global economic developments will continue to create volatility, he believes such phases should be viewed as buying opportunities.

“There will still be worries because of inflation data, both here and in the US, and monsoon-related developments will be tracked closely. These kinds of events will keep giving opportunities. If someone is investing for the next one to two years, they will get these opportunities over the next couple of months.”

BSE Correction Could Be a Buying Opportunity
With the anticipated NSE IPO drawing investor attention, Dewan expects some short-term pressure on BSE shares but does not see it as a structural concern.

“In the short term, there may be some correction because people may feel BSE is already expensive, and there will be speculation about the valuation at which NSE will come. But demand for NSE will be really strong, and the listing can also be strong.”

He believes any meaningful correction in BSE could present an attractive entry point.

“If you see a 10%, 12% or even 15% correction in BSE, I think that would be an opportunity. Once the NSE pricing is known and we see the kind of demand and listing performance, money will again start coming into BSE.”

Addressing concerns that investors could shift capital from BSE to the upcoming NSE issue, Dewan said any such movement is likely to be temporary.

“From now till the issue comes, there can be some correction in BSE and some money may flow to NSE. But that correction would be an opportunity because there is enough demand for capital market-related themes.”

He pointed to the strong performance of listed brokerages and asset management companies as evidence that investor appetite for the capital markets theme remains intact.

“The demand is there and the appetite is there. There may be an initial hiccup because of valuation speculation, but after that, the pickup in BSE volumes, especially in futures and options, will again create opportunities if the stock corrects.”

Metals Continue to Look Attractive
Dewan also remains constructive on the metals sector, expecting demand to stay healthy across multiple geographies.

“Metals should do well because demand is going to continue from the domestic market, the US, and now some demand will also come from the Middle East due to construction and rebuilding activities.”

While he expects aluminium stocks could witness near-term corrections, his broader outlook remains positive.

“There can be some correction in aluminium in the near term, but over the medium term, I am quite positive on the metal space.”

Realty Recovery Still Depends on Rates and Demand
On real estate, Dewan believes the recent gains are largely driven by value buying rather than a broad-based improvement in demand.

He observed that Mumbai’s property market has shown stronger momentum than the National Capital Region (NCR), where demand remains relatively subdued.

“Till now, the buying in the realty space is more because of value buying. The stocks did not do that well over the last one to one-and-a-half years. Mumbai and nearby areas started moving earlier, but in NCR, demand is still a little sluggish.”

He added that developers in NCR are proceeding cautiously, with fewer launches than expected.

“The kind of launches we were expecting are not coming because people are still waiting to see whether demand is going to be good or not.”

Looking ahead, Dewan said inflation, interest rates and the monsoon will determine the sector’s next move.

“A close watch has to be kept on inflation and how interest rates are going to pan out. If we get a better monsoon than expected and interest rate hikes do not happen in the near future, then realty stocks would have bottomed and could start doing well again.”

LOS ANGELES — With NBA free agency approaching in two weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers face critical decisions regarding the future of LeBron James, who has signaled his intention to continue playing and is focused on finalizing a new contract with the team.

James, entering what could be his 24th NBA season, exercised his player option for the current year but now navigates free agency as one of the league’s most prominent available players. Recent reports indicate active discussions between James and the Lakers, with both sides working toward an agreement.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst provided the latest insight into the situation, noting James’ clear preference to remain in Los Angeles while acknowledging the complexities involved. “I think LeBron’s intention is to play. I think the focus now is on finalizing a deal with the Lakers,” Windhorst said. “Right now, he’s allowed to negotiate with them, and I believe they are negotiating. They are going back and forth.”

The timing adds pressure, as free agency opens soon and other teams could enter the picture if talks stall. Windhorst suggested the Cleveland Cavaliers might show interest as a fallback, but the prevailing view around the league points toward a Lakers resolution.

Financial considerations will play a central role. James’ previous deal carried a substantial cap hit, and any new agreement could influence the Lakers’ ability to pursue additional free agents. The team must balance retaining its veteran superstar with building a competitive roster around him.

James has spent the bulk of his recent career with the Lakers, leading them to a championship in 2020. At 41, he continues to perform at a high level, averaging strong numbers while adapting his game to support younger teammates. His presence remains a major draw for fans and a foundational element for the franchise.

The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, faces a delicate balancing act. Retaining James provides continuity and star power, but salary constraints could limit flexibility in addressing roster needs. Recent seasons have highlighted the importance of complementary pieces around the aging superstar.

Speculation has included potential contract structures, such as shorter deals with player options that offer mutual flexibility. James has historically prioritized winning opportunities alongside financial security, factors likely influencing his decision-making.

Other teams monitoring the situation include those with cap space and contention aspirations. However, James’ deep ties to Los Angeles and the Lakers’ Bird rights advantage make a return the most straightforward path.

The broader NBA landscape adds context. Several star players are expected to hit free agency, creating a competitive market for talent. Teams like the Lakers must move decisively to secure their priorities.

James has evolved into more than just a player, serving as a mentor and leader while maintaining elite performance standards. His potential return would anchor the Lakers’ efforts to build around Anthony Davis and a mix of veterans and young talent.

Fan sentiment remains strongly in favor of keeping James in purple and gold. Social media and sports talk shows have buzzed with discussions about his legacy and the impact of his decision on the franchise’s future trajectory.

As negotiations progress, both sides will weigh short-term roster construction against long-term flexibility. The outcome could shape the Lakers’ competitiveness for years to come.

The coming days will prove pivotal. With free agency looming, resolution on James’ status would allow the Lakers to pivot toward other moves aimed at bolstering their roster. For James, the focus remains on continuing his storied career on his terms.

The California-headquartered business has invested $10m in the Somerset company

A Bath spectacles company has secured a $10m investment from a US technology giant as it looks to develop ‘smart eyewear’.

Inspecs announced a subscription for 7,503,001 new ordinary shares of 1 pence each in the company by Qualcomm Technologies, with the funds used to support its growth.

Inspecs, which recently agreed to be acquired by entrepreneurs Luke Johnson and Ian Livingstone for £85.4m, said the commercial collaboration would create “a connected, technology-enabled platform that intends to redefine eyewear.”

Robin Totterman, founder of Inspecs Group, said: “For many years we have believed that smart eyewear is the next frontier for wearable technology and we are delighted to be partnering with Qualcomm Technologies to deliver on our ambitions.

“We believe this investment and strategic collaboration will accelerate adoption in a category that is about to scale rapidly, and position Inspecs and Qualcomm Technologies among leaders in the industry.”

Qualcomm Technologies is a subsidiary of California-headquartered Qualcomm Group which specialises in the research, development and commercialisation of wireless and computing technologies.

The company has already developed smart eyewear that employs AI under its Snapdragon brand.

Ziad Asghar, senior vice president and general manager of XR, wearables and personal AI at Qualcomm Technologies, said: “Qualcomm Technologies’ collaboration with Inspecs reflects our focus on enabling a new generation of personal AI devices across industries such as enterprise, healthcare, and industrial applications.

“We’re also pleased that Inspecs will be the first partner to adopt our Snapdragon START program, helping bring smart glasses to market that fit naturally into everyday life—blending timeless design with powerful, intuitive technology.”

Inspecs was founded in 1988 by Robin Totterman, a former City bond trader, and now has operations around the world including in the US Portugal, Scandinavia and China, and manufacturing facilities in Vietnam, China and Italy.

SYDNEY — The S&P/ASX 200 index posted modest gains Thursday, supported by strong performances in biotechnology and resources sectors as investors responded to company-specific developments and broader commodity trends.

Biotechnology firm Mesoblast Ltd. led the day’s advances, climbing more than 6 percent amid ongoing interest in its regenerative medicine pipeline. Medical technology company 4DMedical followed with gains exceeding 4 percent, reflecting positive sentiment around innovative healthcare solutions.

Deep Yellow Ltd., a uranium explorer, also featured among the top performers, rising nearly 5 percent as global energy markets showed renewed focus on nuclear power alternatives. These movers highlighted sector rotation toward areas with perceived growth potential amid shifting economic signals.

The benchmark index closed at 8,911.10, down slightly on the day but maintaining resilience near recent highs. Market breadth favored gainers in select industries, though broader caution persisted due to international developments and domestic economic data.

Trading volumes remained healthy as participants assessed corporate earnings and commodity price movements. Resources stocks benefited from stable iron ore and gold prices, while technology and healthcare names drew attention for innovation-driven catalysts.

Analysts noted the market’s selective nature, with investors favoring companies demonstrating clear near-term catalysts over those facing macroeconomic headwinds. The performance of smaller and mid-cap stocks within the ASX 200 underscored this dynamic.

Mesoblast’s advance came as the company continues progress in its stem cell therapies, attracting interest from investors seeking exposure to regenerative treatments. The firm has multiple programs targeting inflammatory and cardiovascular conditions.

4DMedical gained on developments related to its respiratory imaging technology, which offers non-invasive diagnostics for lung diseases. The company’s focus on advanced medical devices aligns with growing demand for precision healthcare tools.

In the resources sector, Deep Yellow’s rise reflected optimism around uranium demand as countries pursue cleaner energy sources. The explorer has projects in Australia and Africa, positioning it to benefit from long-term nuclear power trends.

Other notable performers included companies in gold mining and technology services, though specific details varied by individual announcements and market sentiment. The day’s trading reflected a mix of company news and sector rotation.

Market watchers highlighted the ASX 200’s ability to find support despite mixed global cues. U.S. markets showed varied performance overnight, while commodity prices provided a stabilizing influence for Australian equities.

Economists continue monitoring inflation data and potential Reserve Bank of Australia policy moves. Interest rate expectations have shifted in recent weeks, influencing investor appetite for growth-oriented stocks.

The biotechnology sector has been a standout performer in 2026, driven by innovation in areas like cell and gene therapies. Companies with strong clinical pipelines have attracted capital as investors seek higher-growth opportunities.

Resources stocks remain sensitive to Chinese economic indicators and global supply dynamics. Iron ore and battery minerals have seen fluctuating demand, affecting valuations across the mining sector.

Broader market sentiment stays cautious amid geopolitical uncertainties and corporate earnings variability. Analysts recommend focusing on companies with robust balance sheets and clear strategic plans.

For individual investors, the day’s gainers illustrate the importance of diversification and staying attuned to sector-specific news. While top performers delivered strong returns, the overall index movement was more measured.

Looking ahead, market participants will watch for further corporate updates and macroeconomic releases. The balance between growth sectors and traditional resources will likely continue shaping ASX 200 performance in coming sessions.

This article was written by

The watchdog says it looked at thousands of documents as part of the probe which had been running since last summer

The Financial Conduct Authority has closed its probe into alleged misreporting of biomass sourcing at Drax.

The watchdog had opened an investigation into the energy firm in August last year, focusing on its accounts between 2021 and 2023. It followed whistleblower allegations stemming from an employment tribunal.

The FCA’s involvement covered Drax’s required disclosures as a listed company. Now the FCA has confirmed the investigation has ended with no further action.

It said: “We undertook an extensive investigation following concerns raised regarding disclosures to the market about the sustainability of Drax’s Canadian biomass. We did not find evidence that justified any further action.

“Thousands of pages of complex material were reviewed as part of the investigation, and individuals from the company interviewed. Our focus was on areas within our remit, specifically whether Drax’s annual reports and accounts between 2021 and 2023 contained misleading statements or left out important information investors needed to know. Accurate reporting is crucial to the integrity of our markets, and vital so investors can make informed decisions.”

Will Gardiner, CEO of Drax said: “We recognise the importance of compliance with our regulatory obligations and have worked constructively with the FCA throughout this investigation. We are pleased to see the investigation closed with no action being taken.”