Wall Street Horizon provides institutional traders and investors with the most accurate and comprehensive forward-looking event data including earnings calendars, dividend dates, option expiration dates, splits, investor conferences and more. Covering 9,500 companies worldwide, we offer more than 40 corporate event types via a range of delivery options. By keeping clients apprised of critical market-moving events and event revisions, our data empowers financial professionals to take advantage of or avoid the ensuing volatility.

Among the NDA constituents in the state, the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) have members in the assembly. Rabha Hasong Joutha Sangram Samiti (RHJSS) and Janashakti Party (JP) are also part of the NDA, but they do not have any MLAs.

“Our NDA alliance is complete. We know who will contest where; it is a done deal. There is no issue in stitching the alliance,” Sarma told reporters at the state BJP headquarters.

“After every process is complete, the state leadership will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah with the list of probable candidates,” he added.

On January 7, Sarma had said the BJP was likely to formalise its seat-sharing agreement with its allies by February 15.

Live Events

On December 5 last year, he had said the finalisation was expected to be over by January 15.
The elections for the 126-member assembly are expected to take place in March-April. This will be the first election after the delimitation exercise, done in 2023.Post delimitation, many seats and their geographical boundaries have been changed, while some non-reserved seats were reserved and vice versa. This has led to complications within the ruling and opposition coalitions.

At present, the BJP has 64 members in the assembly, while AGP has nine, UPPL has seven, and the BPF has three.

In the opposition camp, the Congress has 26 MLAs, AIUDF has 15, and CPI(M) has one. There is one Independent legislator as well.

California’s housing market is seeing an increase in inventory while the state’s population growth slows, but strong demand stemming from longstanding scarcity has kept the market tight.

An analysis by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) found that the state added 677,000 housing units over a six-year period in which California’s population grew by only 39,000 residents.

Despite the relative growth in the number of housing units available, vacancy rates showed the market remained tight, with PPIC finding that owner vacancy declined from 1.2% to 0.8% while the rental vacancy rate was 4.3% in 2024, well below the national rate of 5.9%.

“Even though the state is adding more housing units than people, it was in such a deep hole that the recent successes in homebuilding are not enough to truly move the needle,” said Joel Berner, senior economist at Realtor.com.

AVERAGE MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENT HITS NEW HIGH, TOPPING $2K FOR FIRST TIME EVER

California’s population growth slowed, but a longstanding housing shortage has kept the market tight. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

The state’s longstanding shortage of housing units will require more construction to get inventory levels closer to the market’s equilibrium, as the state will need 2.5 million additional homes, according to a 2022 estimate by the state’s housing agency.

PPIC’s analysis also noted a demographic trend that’s affecting California’s housing market, with average household sizes declining in recent years.

It found that California lost 82,000 households with children and gained 722,000 households without them from 2019 to 2024. 

“Fewer people living under the same roof means more roofs are required for the same number of people,” Berner said.

THESE 8 US HOUSING MARKETS FAVOR BUYERS

California has eased rules to boost construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as this one in Concord, California. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

The aging of California’s population is a key factor in the trend, as PPIC found that about 16.5% of the state’s population is 65 or older today and projects that number will rise to 24.9% by 2050.

Homebuilding has picked up in the state of California in the last five years, including through promoting the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary living units that are on the same lot as a primary home but are typically detached or otherwise self-contained.

“The state has made significant progress from a policy perspective on encouraging ADU construction in recent years, for which it should be commended,” Berner added. “The state has made efforts to lift local restrictions on ADUs, which is helping it to deliver more and more of them where they are needed the most.”

WHITE HOUSE LAYS OUT FIXES FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY PROBLEM

California’s shortage of housing has persisted despite an uptick in construction. ( Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

Both PPIC and Berner suggested that while California is making progress, it hasn’t achieved a breakthrough in resolving its housing shortage as new homes are being snapped up quickly and vacancy rates remain low.

Berner noted that while 11.5% of the U.S. population lives in California, the state accounted for only 7.3% of newly permitted housing units last year, adding that the “pace just isn’t fast enough.”

PPIC noted that household formation rates among young adults in California have trended up, suggesting that younger residents are forming households – though the state will need sufficient lower-cost housing at entry-level prices for them to afford to take those next steps in California.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

That pipeline could prove problematic, as Realtor.com noted that of the more than 1.2 million housing units that are planned statewide, just 712,000 are designated for moderate-income households or lower – about half of what California believes it needs.

Although on Tuesday Reeves, in contrast, stressed that the red lines set out in Labour’s manifesto still stand, the chancellor has now clearly signalled a shift. She indicated in her Mais lecture that, wherever it was in Britain’s interest to do so, the government wants to align the UK’s regulatory regime with that of the EU in more areas.

NEW YORK — Hertz Global Holdings Inc. shares rose 4.44% in midday trading on April 20, 2026, climbing 33 cents to $7.76 as investors weighed early signs of operational improvement against persistent challenges in the car rental giant’s path to sustainable profitability.

The stock has staged a sharp recovery in recent weeks, more than doubling from March lows near $3.78 after a brutal 2025 marked by heavy losses, fleet management issues and a challenging used-car market. Monday’s gain extended momentum from last week’s 6.45% surge to $7.43 on April 17, fueled by reports of rising rental demand and management’s outline of a steadier recovery trajectory for 2026.

Hertz (NASDAQ: HTZ) has been navigating a difficult turnaround since emerging from bankruptcy in 2021. The company continues to grapple with high vehicle depreciation costs, fleet age imbalances and pressure on pricing, but executives have pointed to positive shifts in travel behavior and internal efficiencies that could support cash-flow neutrality later this year.

In late March, Hertz reported a 15% spike in traffic to Hertz.com as airport security delays and longer Transportation Security Administration lines prompted more travelers to consider road trips or alternative plans. The company highlighted growing interest in off-airport rentals and longer-term bookings, trends that could help diversify revenue away from volatile airport demand.

“We’re seeing structural revenue gains from our commercial strategy,” Hertz said in its February update following fourth-quarter results. Management projected mid-single-digit revenue growth for the first quarter and expressed confidence in returning to profitability in the second quarter of 2026. The company also targeted year-end liquidity “well north of $1 billion” through a mix of financing and operational improvements.

Depreciation expense remains a critical variable. Hertz expects per-unit depreciation to fall below $300 in 2026 as used-car values stabilize and the fleet grows younger through strategic purchases and sales. A younger fleet typically translates to lower maintenance costs and stronger resale values, two levers that directly impact profitability per vehicle.

Analysts remain divided on whether the recent rally signals a genuine rebound or another false start for the heavily shorted name. Consensus price targets hover around $4.33 to $5.00, implying significant downside from current levels, with most firms maintaining Hold or Sell ratings. Morgan Stanley trimmed its target to $5.00 in early April, citing weaker-than-expected guidance and execution risks.

Yet some market participants see value in the discounted valuation. Hertz trades at a fraction of its pre-pandemic levels, with a market capitalization near $2.4 billion. Bullish voices point to potential catalysts including summer travel season strength, off-airport expansion and disciplined cost controls under new leadership.

The company plans to report first-quarter 2026 results on May 7, with a conference call scheduled for 9 a.m. ET. Investors will scrutinize revenue trends, fleet utilization rates, per-unit economics and any updates on liquidity and capital structure. Early indications suggest January revenue performed in line with expectations, providing a foundation for the mid-single-digit growth outlook.

Hertz has taken concrete steps to stabilize operations. The company has focused on tightening unit costs, optimizing fleet mix and expanding beyond traditional airport counters. Road-trip demand and longer rental durations have helped offset some weakness in corporate travel, while partnerships and technology investments aim to improve customer experience and pricing power.

Still, risks loom large. The rental car industry faces cyclical pressures from fluctuating vehicle supply, interest rates and consumer spending. Hertz carries substantial debt and must manage a large fleet amid volatile resale markets. Any resurgence in used-car price declines could reignite depreciation headwinds and pressure margins.

Short interest has remained elevated, creating potential for volatility on both upside and downside moves. Recent trading sessions have shown above-average volume and call option activity, reflecting speculative interest in a possible short squeeze or momentum continuation.

Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square disclosed a new position in Hertz earlier in 2026 as part of a broader portfolio shift, adding another layer of intrigue for investors tracking activist involvement. While the exact stake size and intentions remain closely watched, the high-profile investment signaled some confidence in undervalued assets within the travel sector.

Broader market context on Monday included mixed sentiment amid geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices, which could eventually filter into higher fuel costs for renters or affect travel demand. Hertz shares have shown resilience relative to some peers, however, as the company positions itself for a more balanced 2026.

Looking ahead, key metrics for the remainder of the year include achieving cash-flow neutrality after March, sustaining revenue growth and demonstrating consistent execution on fleet management. Success on these fronts could rebuild investor trust and support further stock appreciation, while setbacks might trigger renewed selling.

For retail investors, Hertz represents a classic high-risk, high-reward story common in post-bankruptcy recoveries. The stock’s volatility — swinging from under $4 to near $8 in recent months — underscores the binary nature of the bet: either operational improvements take hold and drive a multi-year rebound, or structural challenges persist and weigh on the share price.

Company officials have emphasized a transformation focused on structural revenue gains rather than short-term fixes. Initiatives include modernizing the customer-facing platform, expanding off-airport locations and leveraging data analytics for better pricing and inventory management. These efforts aim to create more predictable earnings power in an inherently cyclical business.

As Hertz prepares for its May earnings release, the market will look for concrete evidence that 2026 guidance remains on track. Positive surprises on utilization, pricing stability or liquidity could accelerate the current rebound, while any downward revisions might cool enthusiasm quickly.

The car rental sector as a whole has faced headwinds since the pandemic-driven fleet shortages and subsequent oversupply cycles. Hertz, once the largest player by fleet size, has worked to right-size operations while competitors like Avis Budget Group navigate similar dynamics.

Analysts at firms such as Barclays and Goldman Sachs have maintained cautious stances, citing execution risks and industry-wide pressures. Yet the stock’s recent strength suggests some investors are willing to look past near-term noise toward longer-term recovery potential.

Monday’s 4.44% advance to $7.76 came on solid volume, continuing a pattern of bullish option flow and call volume noted by market observers in recent sessions. Whether this momentum sustains into earnings season will depend heavily on management’s ability to articulate credible progress on the 2026 recovery plan.

Hertz Global Holdings occupies a unique place in American travel history, but its financial future hinges on navigating a complex mix of macroeconomic factors, fleet economics and competitive pressures. For now, the stock sits at the intersection of risk and rebound potential — offering substantial upside for believers in the turnaround while carrying clear downside dangers for those skeptical of near-term execution.

As trading continued Monday morning, the modest gain reflected cautious optimism rather than unchecked euphoria. With earnings less than three weeks away, Hertz investors are betting on data points that could finally validate — or undermine — the narrative of brighter days ahead in 2026.

Rising tensions in the Middle East are spilling into domestic energy policy debates as lawmakers weigh how global conflict is hitting Americans at the pump. With oil markets reacting to instability around the Strait of Hormuz, concerns over supply disruptions are now colliding with questions about whether U.S. energy policy serves domestic consumers first.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., joined FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” to argue that the current crisis underscores what he sees as a fundamental policy flaw: continuing to export U.S. oil while prices rise at home.

When Bartiromo pointed to his legislation aimed at stopping U.S. oil exports during the Iran conflict and pressed him on why he supported that move, Khanna framed the issue as prioritizing domestic supply.

“Maria, it’s common sense. Why would we be sending our oil overseas when Americans are getting fleeced at the pump… We should have our oil supply for Americans… That would bring down the price,” Khanna said.

TRUMP: ENERGY SECRETARY WRIGHT ‘TOTALLY WRONG’ ON DELAYED RETURN TO $3 GAS

The debate comes as oil flows through one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes face disruptions, amplifying price volatility and renewing scrutiny over U.S. export policy first loosened nearly a decade ago. Critics argue exports strengthen global energy influence, while others say they disconnect domestic production from consumer relief.

U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) delivering remarks in Washington, D.C.  (Alex Wong / Getty Images)

Bartiromo pushed back, noting that the U.S. has been producing oil at high levels and questioning whether restricting exports would address the broader energy picture.

“This was a giveaway in 2015 to the big oil companies… It was good for them… Not good for the average consumer,” Khanna added.

OIL PRICES PLUNGE AFTER IRAN SAYS STRAIT OF HORMUZ OPEN FOR COMMERCIAL SHIPPING TRAFFIC

The exchange reflects a broader divide over energy policy as global supply disruptions put pressure on prices while policymakers debate whether exports strengthen U.S. influence abroad or limit relief at home.

Bartiromo also pressed Khanna on the broader strategy toward Iran, questioning how diplomacy would prevent the country from developing a nuclear weapon and whether Tehran could be trusted. 

“The American people are tired of it. They want people who are going to be team America. They want to bring gas prices down here and care about our nation and get us out of these wars,” he said.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE