Americans who are retired or are approaching retirement and are evaluating their investment portfolios can turn to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that may offer built-in diversification for core holdings or exposure to specific sectors.

ETFs are securities that typically track indexes and allow investors to get exposure to a number of companies included in the index. For example, an ETF that tracks the S&P 500 allows an investor to purchase a single share of the ETF that holds shares in all 500 companies in the index, making it easy to get exposure to a broad swath of companies. 

Other types of ETFs may focus on providing investors with yield from dividends or bonds, classifications of companies like growth or value-oriented firms, specific sectors of the economy. Some may be actively managed to maximize returns, which typically entails higher expense ratios, while many ETFs are passively managed, which can involve lower expenses.

Retirees considering investing in ETFs will want to consider their risk tolerance, along with the diversification of a given ETF, its expense ratios, trading volumes and liquidity, as well as other factors like tax efficiency as they weigh an investment.

WHAT ARE ACTIVE ETFS AND HOW ARE THEY RESHAPING HOW AMERICANS INVEST?

“In retirement, simplicity and discipline often matter more than complexity and ETFs can help deliver both when used thoughtfully,” Carole Okigbo, global head of ETF capital markets and broker and index relations at Vanguard, told FOX Business. 

“Retirees should start with their goals, including how much income they need, their time horizon, and their comfort level with market swings. ETFs can be very effective building blocks, but it’s important to focus on total return, not just yield, and ensure each investment plays a clear role in supporting long-term retirement income needs,” Okigbo added.

US ETF ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT TO MORE THAN DOUBLE TO $25T BY 2030, CITIGROUP SAYS

Inga Rachwald, senior investment strategist at Schwab Asset Management, told FOX Business that “the selection of highly liquid ETFs would be of high importance to a retiree so that they have the ease of accessing their money when needed.” 

“Many ETFs track broad asset classes or indices so you get the benefit of diversification. Potential tax efficiency is another likely important component for retirees,” Rachwald added.

IS BUYING A SINGLE INDEX ETF SMARTER THAN PICKING INDIVIDUAL STOCKS?

Examples of ETFs

Schwab’s Rachwald cited several examples of ETFs offered by her firm, such as SCHD provides dividend income and focuses on companies that grow their dividends.

“SCHZ could serve as the core of a fixed income portfolio, providing high quality income with intermediate duration exposure. SCCR is an alternative to SCHZ if investors would like to source an active strategy in the high-quality, intermediate duration core bond space,” Rachwald said. 

“SCHI would similarly provide some incremental yield coming from investment grade corporates who have bolstered balance sheets through the economic cycle,” she added.

Vanguard’s Okigbo noted similarly that her firm’s ETF offerings include broad market ETFs as well as bond ETFs that can serve as core components of a retirement portfolio.

“Many retirees benefit from starting with low-cost, broadly-diversified ETFs like Vanguard Total Stock Market (VTI) and Vanguard Core Bond (VCRB) and building from there,” Okigbo said.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
VTI	VANGUARD TOTAL STOCK MARKET ETF – USD DIS	371.66	+2.30	+0.62%
VCRB	VANGUARD MALVERN FUNDS CORE BD ETF USD	77.24	+0.16	+0.20%
SCHD	SCHWAB STRATEGIC TR US DIVIDEND EQUITY ETF	32.63	+0.08	+0.25%
SCHZ	SCHWAB STRATEGIC TR US AGGREGATE BD ETF	23.15	+0.04	+0.17%
SCCR	SCHWAB STRATEGIC TR CORE BOND ETF	25.57	+0.06	+0.24%
SCHI	SCHWAB STRATEGIC TR 5-10 YEAR CORPORATE BOND ET	22.68	+0.05	+0.22%

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The shares of Vedanta jumped nearly 2% to a fresh record high on Friday morning, after the metals major said that it has secured its highest domestic credit rating in more than a decade.

Vedanta shares hit a fresh 52-week high of Rs 360.70 apiece on BSE on Friday. This comes after ratings agency ICRA on Wednesday removed the company from watch with developing implications after greater clarity on the allocation of assets and liabilities under the ongoing demerger scheme.

ICRA upgrades Vedanta’s rating

ICRA upgraded Vedanta’s long-term rating to AA+ (Stable), assigned a stable outlook and reaffirmed the short-term rating. “The rating action factors in ICRA’s expectation of a further strengthening in the credit profile of the Vedanta Group in FY2027, building on the considerable improvement witnessed in FY2026. This has been supported by a sharp increase in base metal prices, which has contributed to a strong financial risk profile for the Group, which reported an OPBDITA of $6.7 billion in FY2026,” the ratings agency said.

Post-demerger, ICRA expects the relatively stronger cash-generating entities within the Vedanta group to support the dividend requirements, with the flexibility to fund the same from other group entities as well. ICRA also expects that the intra-group support among entities in the conglomerate will continue if required.

“The Stable outlook on the long-term rating reflects ICRA’s expectations of a continued healthy operating performance, backed by a favourable outlook on base metal prices in the near to medium term, leading to strong profits and cash accruals. The Group’s credit profile will be supported by the healthy cash flow generation from diversified businesses, strong financial flexibility and execution capabilities. In addition, the Group’s commitment to undertake any large debt-funded capex in a calibrated manner while maintaining its debt metrics at prudent levels also supports the Stable outlook,” it further said.

Also read: How the mega Vedanta demerger will impact payout for 21 lakh shareholders?
Vedanta took to X to share the ratings upgrade, adding that this is the highest domestic credit rating in over a decade. “The upgrade marks the Group’s highest domestic credit rating since 2014, reflecting stronger profitability driven by robust operational performance, along with sustained progress in deleveraging and refinancing. Together, these milestones further strengthen Vedanta’s position among India’s leading diversified natural resources companies,” it wrote.

ICRA also upgraded its ratings for the unlisted Vedanta Aluminium Metal to AA+ (Stable) and Talwandi Sabo Power to AA- (Stable).

Vedanta demerger

In April, Vedanta announced that each of its eligible shareholders would receive one share each of Vedanta Aluminium Metal (VAML), Talwandi Sabo Power (to be renamed Vedanta Power), Malco Energy (to be renamed Vedanta Oil and Gas) and Vedanta Iron and Steel for every share held in the parent company, marking one of the biggest corporate restructurings in India’s metals and mining sector.

Vedanta shares at the end of the month adjusted to the mega demerger, appearing to have crashed more than 63% in a single day. The stock then recorded sharp gains. While the eligible shareholders can continue trading Vedanta stock, the value attributable to these new entities is currently in price-discovery limbo from the record date until their listings. Since investors cannot trade them yet, even as Vedanta’s share price has already adjusted lower post-demerger.

Also read:What recent large demergers of Tata Motors, ITC and others tell us about possible listing timeline?

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

NEW YORK — Sony Interactive Entertainment has launched its annual Days of Play promotion, offering significant discounts on PlayStation Plus memberships including up to 33% off 12-month subscriptions for new and upgrading members.

The two-week event, which runs from May 27 to June 10, 2026, aims to provide value to PlayStation users amid recent price adjustments to the subscription service. Players in participating regions can save on new or upgraded PlayStation Plus plans, with the deepest discounts available on the Premium tier.

New members joining during the promotion can secure a 12-month subscription at reduced rates — up to 33% off Premium, 25% off Extra and 20% off Essential in select markets. Current subscribers upgrading from Essential or Extra to Premium or Deluxe can also save up to 33% on the remainder of their membership term.

The discounts come as PlayStation Plus continues to evolve its offerings. The service provides access to online multiplayer, monthly games, cloud storage and extensive catalogs of downloadable titles across tiers, with Premium delivering additional benefits such as game trials, classics from older PlayStation generations and streaming options.

Sony has positioned Days of Play as a celebration for the community, combining membership savings with deep discounts on PS5 games, accessories and limited-time content drops. The promotion also includes a sweepstakes offering winners a PlayStation Portal, DualSense Edge controller, 12 months of PS Plus Premium and $100 in PlayStation Store credit.

The timing aligns with growing interest in the service following the announcement of June 2026 monthly games and ahead of an upcoming State of Play event expected to showcase new titles, including updates on Insomniac’s Wolverine project.

PlayStation Plus has faced scrutiny in recent months due to price increases in certain regions. The current promotion serves as a timely opportunity for players to lock in extended access at more favorable rates before potential further adjustments.

Analysts note that such discounts help maintain subscriber engagement in a competitive subscription gaming market. Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass and other services continue to pressure Sony, making value-driven promotions like Days of Play strategically important.

For many gamers, the 12-month commitment at a discount represents substantial savings. A full year of Premium access, which normally commands a premium price, becomes more accessible during the event, encouraging longer-term subscriptions.

The promotion extends beyond memberships. Hundreds of PS5 and PS4 games are on sale, including major titles across various genres. Accessories such as controllers and headsets also feature reduced pricing, broadening the appeal to both new and existing PlayStation owners.

Sony’s blog highlighted the breadth of the event, encouraging players to explore the full range of deals available through the PlayStation Store. Regional variations apply, with eligibility and discount percentages differing by country and tier.

PlayStation Plus membership numbers have grown steadily since the service’s revamp, driven by expanded game libraries and regular additions of high-quality titles. The Days of Play initiative typically boosts new sign-ups and upgrades significantly.

Gamers looking to maximize value are advised to review current pricing in their region before June 10. Existing members can check upgrade paths directly through their account settings on console or via the web store.

The event also spotlights community activities for subscribers, including tournaments, exclusive content packs and challenges tied to featured games. These elements enhance the overall experience beyond pure discounts.

As the gaming industry shifts toward subscription models, promotions like this help Sony retain its position as a leader in console-based services. The combination of cost savings and content variety appeals to both casual players and dedicated enthusiasts.

Parents and gift-givers may find the discounted 12-month options particularly attractive for family accounts or as presents. The tiered structure allows flexibility based on individual gaming habits and preferences.

Industry observers expect strong participation in the promotion. Previous Days of Play events have generated significant engagement, with spikes in both sales and new memberships.

Sony has not commented on whether similar discounts will be offered later in the year. Players considering a subscription are encouraged to take advantage of current offers while they last.

The Days of Play 2026 promotion reflects Sony’s ongoing commitment to delivering value to its user base. With attractive pricing on memberships and a wide array of game deals, the event provides an accessible entry point for those looking to deepen their PlayStation experience.

As the promotion progresses, additional content drops and surprises may be revealed. Fans are encouraged to monitor official PlayStation channels for the latest updates.

For those on the fence about subscribing, the current discounts lower the barrier considerably. A full year of access to online play, free monthly games and extensive back catalogs represents strong value, particularly at promotional rates.

The initiative comes at a busy time for PlayStation, with major releases on the horizon and continued investment in first-party development. Days of Play helps maintain momentum and excitement within the community.

Overall, the 2026 edition of Days of Play delivers meaningful savings for PlayStation users. Whether upgrading an existing membership or starting fresh, the event offers a compelling opportunity to enjoy extended access to one of gaming’s premier subscription services.

Japanese brokerage Nomura has downgraded Cummins India to “Neutral” from “Buy” and raised the target price to Rs 6,000 from Rs 4,780 earlier (25% increase), implying a limited downside from current market levels. Following the brokerage action, shares of the power generation company fell 2.7% to an intraday low of Rs 5,858 on Friday.

The brokerage said the stock is currently trading at 52x FY28 estimated earnings, which it believes leaves little room for further re-rating. The revised target price is based on a sum-of-the-parts valuation rolled forward to June 2028 earnings and implies a target P/E multiple of 49x, compared with 42x earlier, supported by strong prospects in the data centre segment.

Nomura highlighted near-term gross margin headwinds as commodity inflation is likely to outpace pricing actions. According to the brokerage, prices of pig iron and copper, which together account for nearly 75% of material costs, have risen 20% and 40% year-on-year, respectively, so far in Q1 FY27. Channel checks suggest the company has taken price hikes of around 8-10%, but Nomura believes these may not be sufficient to fully offset rising input costs.

As a result, the brokerage expects margin pressure to continue through the first half of FY27, with the possibility of further gross margin compression if commodity prices remain elevated. While cost controls and operating leverage could partly cushion the impact, Nomura said a meaningful recovery in margins would likely depend on moderation in commodity prices, additional selective price hikes and a favourable product mix, which may take a few quarters to materialise.

However, Nomura expects Cummins India’s Powergen segment to deliver a CAGR of 20% over FY25-29, supported by multiple structural growth drivers. The brokerage said the rapid expansion of data centres in India, led by rising investments from hyperscalers, is expected to create sustained demand for high-horsepower gensets, a segment where the company holds a dominant position.

The brokerage also expects the Distribution segment to clock a CAGR of 19% during FY25-29. According to Nomura, growth in this business is likely to be driven by the transition to CPCB IV+ emission norms, which is expected to increase aftermarket revenue per unit through higher demand for spare parts and services.
In addition, the brokerage believes expansion into underpenetrated geographies could support volume growth, while fit-to-market product offerings targeted at price-sensitive applications may help widen the company’s customer base further.

Cummins India Q4

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, the company reported total sales of Rs 2,963 crore, marking a 23% increase compared to the same quarter last year, while remaining marginally lower by 1% on a sequential basis.
Domestic sales stood at Rs 2,513 crore during the quarter, rising 30% year-on-year, although they moderated by 1% compared to the previous quarter. Export sales came in at Rs 450 crore, down 6% from the year-ago period and 5% lower sequentially.

Profit after tax for the quarter stood at Rs 650 crore, while net profit margin came in at 21.9%.

Cummins India shares have risen 33% since the start of the year. Over the past year, the stock has risen 88%.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Burberry has quietly knocked a decade off the urgency of its climate plan, becoming the latest FTSE 100 heavyweight to soften the green pledges that defined corporate Britain at the start of the decade.

In its 2025-26 annual report, the trench coat maker confirmed it now expects to hit net zero emissions “no later than” the 2049-50 financial year, a full ten years later than the 2039-40 deadline it set with great fanfare in 2021. Back then, the Riccardo Tisci-era management team promised to go further still, declaring Burberry would be “climate positive” by 2040 and insisting it was “helping protect our planet for generations to come”.

Four years on, the language is markedly more sober. The Macclesfield-based group described the rewritten target as a “pragmatic response to external factors”, while arguing the new timetable still reflected its view of climate change as “a principal risk” to the business. Translation: the City wants margin recovery, the supply chain is not decarbonising as quickly as anyone hoped, and Washington has stopped pretending to care.

From outlier to the herd

Burberry is hardly alone. Unilever, owner of Dove and Marmite, used its 2024 strategic reset to dilute a string of ethical commitments, including the pace at which it weans itself off virgin plastic. Nestlé walked away from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance last year, taking the air out of one of the food sector’s more ambitious decarbonisation coalitions. And the two London-listed oil majors, BP and Shell, have spent the past eighteen months unpicking renewable energy targets in favour of a frank return to barrels and cubic feet.

The political weather, of course, has shifted with them. President Trump’s return to the White House has emboldened US-listed peers to pare back ESG disclosures, and stock market investors – tired of paying a “virtue premium” on shares that have lagged the index – are pushing UK boards in the same direction. As I argued recently in my column on why UK businesses must not retreat from net zero in 2026, the danger is that short-term capitulation in the boardroom papers over a hard cost when capital markets, customers and regulators inevitably swing back.

What burberry actually said

In the small print, Burberry insists the revised goal takes account of the “observed and projected speed and scale of decarbonisation” across the luxury industry and in the economies in which it operates. The group also reiterated a near-term commitment to deliver “significant emissions reductions” by 2030, a deadline that still falls within the current chief executive’s likely tenure and remains broadly consistent with the Science Based Targets initiative’s 1.5°C pathway.

For sustainability professionals, that 2030 milestone is the one to watch. A 2050 long-stop date is now table stakes; the credibility test is what happens in the next 1,825 days.

The schulman turnaround – and the £12.2m question

The climate rewrite lands in the middle of a delicate turnaround under Joshua Schulman, who became chief executive in 2024 and has used aggressive marketing, sharper price architecture and an unapologetic return to the brand’s British heritage to steady the ship. Shares are up roughly 17 per cent over the past twelve months, although they remain a long way below the peaks of 2023.

Schulman’s reward for the recovery, also disclosed in the annual report, is a new long-term incentive plan that could lift his total package to as much as £12.2 million in future years, subject to share price and performance hurdles. Coming in the same document as a softer climate pledge, the optics are uncomfortable – particularly for investors who recall that Burberry recently warned it would cut 1,700 jobs in a global savings drive amid the wider luxury slowdown.

The SME angle

There is a longer-tail story here for the small and mid-sized firms that make up Burberry’s supplier base, and the wider FTSE 100 ecosystem. When a flagship brand stretches its decarbonisation runway, the Scope 3 pressure on tier-two and tier-three suppliers eases – at least on paper. In practice, the regulatory ratchet is moving in the opposite direction, with the new UK Sustainability Reporting Standards bedding in from this financial year. As we have flagged previously, SMEs face a widening net zero divide as 2026 reporting rules loom, and the businesses that mistake a softer corporate mood music for permission to pause investment may find themselves locked out of supply chains within two reporting cycles.

For now, Burberry’s message to the City is straightforward: ambition, yes, but on terms the market – and the share price – can live with. Whether that proves to be pragmatism or short-sightedness will be judged not in 2050, but well before the next general election.

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