“The findings primarily concern the use of Wise accounts for criminal purposes, with indications of non-compliance with anti-money laundering legislation, particularly due to a failure to identify customers and their activities,” the spokesperson added.

After having been in the investing world for more than 25 years from private banking and investment management to private and venture capital; I have pretty much “been there and done that” at one point or another. I am currently a partner at RIA Advisors in Houston, Texas. The majority of my time is spent analyzing, researching and writing commentary about investing, investor psychology and macro-views of the markets and the economy. My thoughts are not generally mainstream and are often contrarian in nature but I try an use a common sense approach, clear explanations and my “real world” experience in the process. I am a managing partner of RIA Pro, a weekly subscriber based-newsletter that is distributed to individual and professional investors nationwide. The newsletter covers economic, political and market topics as they relate to your money and life. I also write a daily blog which is read by thousands nationwide from individuals to professionals at www.realinvestmentadvice.com.

Business documents rarely stay inside the business for long. Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report found that third-party involvement in breaches doubled to 30%, underlining how much risk now sits in the relationships between companies, suppliers, clients and advisers.

PDFs sit at the centre of that exchange. Proposals, invoices, contracts, staff policies, pitch decks, investor updates and client reports are all shared this way because the format is easy to open, difficult to accidentally edit and reliable across devices.

That convenience also creates a risk. Once a PDF leaves a company inbox or document portal, it can be forwarded, copied, printed or uploaded elsewhere. Passwords and access controls help, but they do not always follow the file once it has been downloaded.

This is where watermarking becomes useful. A watermark will not turn a PDF into an unbreakable security vault, and it should not replace passwords, NDAs or proper document management. What it can do is make ownership, status and intended use visible on every page. For many businesses, that simple layer of deterrence is enough to reduce casual sharing and make sensitive files feel more controlled.

Why watermarking PDFs still matters

The purpose of a PDF watermark is partly practical and partly psychological.

A clear “Confidential”, “Draft”, “Internal Use Only” or company-branded watermark reminds the reader that the document is not just another file. It signals that the content belongs to a business and should be handled accordingly.

That can be useful in several everyday situations:

• sending early proposals to potential clients,
• sharing sales decks with partners,
• distributing paid training materials,
• marking sample contracts,
• protecting creative work,
• making sure outdated drafts are not mistaken for approved documents.

Watermarks are especially helpful when documents are likely to be printed, screenshotted or passed on outside a controlled platform. Even if a PDF is separated from the email thread or portal where it originally appeared, the watermark travels with it.

What to look for in a PDF watermarking tool

The right tool depends on how often a business watermarks PDFs and what type of files it handles. A small company that only marks the occasional proposal may need a fast browser-based option. A legal, finance or design team may need batch processing, page-range controls or desktop software.

Useful features include:

• text and logo watermarks
• opacity, rotation, colour and position controls
• the ability to place a watermark above or below PDF content
• page range settings
• batch watermarking for multiple files
• preview before export
• privacy controls, especially for sensitive documents
• simple pricing with no unnecessary PDF editing bundle

It is also worth remembering that watermarking should be part of a wider document policy. For highly confidential files, combine watermarks on PDF with access permissions, encryption, secure sharing links and good internal rules about who can download or forward documents.

Watermarkly: best for fast, practical business watermarking

Watermarkly

is one of the most straightforward options for businesses that need to watermark PDFs quickly without installing heavy software.

The tool works in the browser and allows users to add text, logos or image-based watermarks to one or several PDF files at once. It supports common business needs such as adjusting opacity, rotation, size, colour and placement. Users can also apply a watermark to selected page ranges, place it behind document text, preview the result and reuse saved watermark templates.

That makes it particularly useful for small businesses, agencies, consultants and marketing teams that regularly send branded PDFs but do not want a complex PDF editing suite.

A major advantage is privacy. Watermarkly says PDF files are processed on the user’s device, which is reassuring for businesses handling proposals, pricing documents or internal reports. It also works across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android, so teams can use it without worrying about operating systems.

Pros:

• simple interface,
• batch watermarking,
• text and logo support,
• page range controls,
• behind-text placement,
• reusable templates
• browser-based use.

Cons:

• The free version adds a small Watermarkly logo, so regular business use will usually require the paid plan.

Best for:

• businesses that want a quick, focused watermarking tool without the cost or complexity of a full PDF editor.

Adobe Acrobat: best for full PDF control

Adobe Acrobat remains the most established name in PDF software. Its watermarking tools are built into a much wider editing environment, allowing users to add text or image watermarks, control opacity and placement, apply watermarks to specific pages, and process multiple files.

For organisations already using Adobe across design, legal or document workflows, Acrobat is a natural choice. It is also a stronger option when watermarking is only one part of a broader PDF process, such as editing text, adding signatures, redacting content, combining files or applying security settings.

The trade-off is cost and complexity. Acrobat is more powerful than many businesses need for basic watermarking, and users who only want to mark a file as confidential may find the workflow slower than dedicated tools.

Pros:

• powerful PDF editing,
• strong professional reputation,
• batch options
• broad document controls.

Cons:

• subscription cost,
• more complex interface
• potentially excessive for simple watermarking tasks.

Best for:

• larger teams and businesses that already rely on Adobe for document management.

Smallpdf: best for quick text watermarks

Smallpdf offers a clean online tool for adding text watermarks to PDFs. It is easy to use, works in the browser and is suitable for quick tasks such as marking a document “Draft” or “Confidential”.

Its main strength is convenience. Users can upload a file, type the watermark text, adjust basic styling and download the finished PDF without needing specialist knowledge.

However, businesses that need logo-based watermarks, more advanced positioning or repeat batch workflows may find it less flexible than dedicated watermarking tools. It is a good everyday option, but not necessarily the most complete one.

Pros:

• simple and fast,
• browser-based,
• beginner-friendly.

Cons:

• more limited for advanced branding or high-volume PDF workflows.

Best for:

• occasional text watermarking.

iLovePDF: best for a broad PDF toolkit

iLovePDF is popular because it brings many PDF tools into one place. Its watermarking feature supports both text and image watermarks, with controls for transparency, position, rotation, page range and whether the watermark appears above or below the PDF content.

For businesses that also need to merge, compress, split or convert PDFs, or turn documents from pdf to flashcards, this can be convenient. The interface is approachable and the tool is widely used.

The concern for some businesses will be document sensitivity. As with any online PDF service, teams should check privacy settings and internal policies before uploading confidential files.

Pros:

• broad PDF toolkit,
• text and image watermarking,
• page range options
• easy access.

Cons:

• online processing may not suit sensitive documents;
• free usage may be limited depending on workload.

Best for:

•  teams that want many PDF utilities in one online platform.

Sejda: best for precise online editing

Sejda provides both online and desktop PDF tools, which gives businesses more flexibility. Its watermarking tool supports text and image watermarks, custom page ranges, positioning, rotation, opacity and templates.

The desktop option is useful for companies that prefer not to upload documents for processing. Sejda’s free online version has limits, including file size, page count and number of tasks per hour, but it is capable enough for light use.

Pros:

• text and image support,
• useful editing controls,
• online and desktop options.

Cons:

• free limits can be restrictive for heavier business use.

Best for:

• users who want more control but are not ready for a full Adobe subscription.

PDF24: best free utility option

PDF24 is a practical free option with both online tools and a desktop Creator app. Its watermarking tool allows users to add text watermarks with controls for font, size, colour, angle, position and spacing.

It is not the most polished interface, but it is useful for businesses that want a no-cost PDF utility, especially on Windows. The offline Creator app may appeal to users who prefer keeping files on their own machine.

Pros:

• free, broad PDF toolkit,
• online and offline options.

Cons:

•  interface is less refined;
• watermark design options are more functional than brand-focused.

Best for:

• cost-conscious businesses that need occasional PDF utilities.

Watermarking is one part of document protection

A watermark works best as part of a wider document protection process.

Businesses should still use password protection where appropriate, restrict access to sensitive files, remove unnecessary metadata, keep version control clear and avoid sending confidential documents to the wrong recipients. For highly sensitive contracts or financial information, secure portals and access logs may be more appropriate than email attachments.

But for the everyday documents that businesses share constantly, PDF watermarking is a sensible habit. It is quick, inexpensive and easy to understand. It tells the recipient how the document should be treated and makes casual misuse less likely.

For most SMEs, the best tool is the one that staff will actually use. Watermarkly stands out because it focuses on the job at hand: adding clear, professional watermarks to PDFs quickly, including batches of files, without making users navigate a full PDF editing suite.

In a working environment where documents move faster than ever, that kind of simple protection can make a real difference.

NEW YORK — Charles Schwab’s trading platform experienced widespread disruptions on Monday, June 1, 2026, leaving many customers unable to access accounts, execute trades or view real-time market data during a volatile morning session.

Reports of outages began surfacing in the early afternoon Eastern time, with users taking to social media and online forums to complain about login failures, frozen dashboards and error messages preventing basic account functions. The service tracking account @status_is_down highlighted the issue, noting that Charles Schwab’s mobile app and website appeared down for a significant number of customers.

The timing proved particularly frustrating for investors, coinciding with active market hours when many were monitoring positions or attempting to react to early June movements. Some users reported being locked out entirely, while others experienced delayed quotes and inability to place orders.

Charles Schwab has not yet issued a detailed public statement on the cause or expected resolution time. The company typically maintains robust backup systems, but occasional outages can occur due to technical glitches, high traffic volumes or routine maintenance.

Scope of the Disruption

Affected services included the main Charles Schwab mobile app, StreetSmart Edge platform and certain website functions. Customers reported difficulties checking balances, reviewing portfolios and accessing research tools. Phone support lines also experienced longer wait times as frustrated users sought assistance.

The outage affected both retail and active traders, with some reporting inability to manage retirement accounts or execute time-sensitive moves. In a period of heightened market sensitivity, such disruptions can create anxiety and potential financial impact for those unable to react to price movements.

Charles Schwab serves millions of customers and is one of the largest brokerage firms in the United States following its acquisition of TD Ameritrade. Its platforms handle substantial daily trading volume, making any outage highly visible and disruptive.

Customer Reactions and Impact

Social media platforms quickly filled with complaints from affected users. Many expressed immediate concerns about missed opportunities or inability to manage risk during active market conditions. Some reported repeated login attempts triggering security alerts, further complicating access.

The incident highlights the heavy reliance on digital platforms in modern brokerage services. While Charles Schwab has invested heavily in technology to enhance user experience and compete with fintech disruptors, occasional service interruptions underscore the challenges of maintaining complex, high-volume systems.

This is not the first time major brokerages have faced digital disruptions. Similar incidents have affected competitors including Fidelity, E*TRADE and Robinhood in recent years, often attributed to software updates, server issues or unexpected traffic spikes.

Broader Context of Brokerage Outages

Regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority monitor such events to ensure firms maintain adequate system resilience. While no widespread fraud or security breach has been linked to this outage, customers are advised to monitor accounts closely once services resume.

Financial technology analysts suggest that as brokerages invest more in digital infrastructure and attract newer, tech-savvy customers, the visibility and frequency of outages may increase. However, most large firms recover quickly, often within hours rather than days.

Charles Schwab has historically communicated transparently during past incidents, providing estimated resolution times and apologies to affected customers. The firm’s parent company has reported strong financial performance in recent quarters, with digital adoption continuing to grow.

What Customers Should Do

During outages, Charles Schwab typically recommends using alternative access methods where available, such as calling customer service or using backup platforms if available. However, phone lines can become overwhelmed during widespread issues.

Customers experiencing problems are encouraged to:

• Check Charles Schwab’s official status page or social media channels for updates.
• Avoid repeated login attempts that could trigger security locks.
• Use alternative devices or browsers if attempting web access.
• Monitor accounts for any unusual activity once services return.

For urgent matters, contacting local branches may provide limited assistance, though digital systems remain the primary channel for most trading and account management functions.

Charles Schwab’s Digital Strategy

Charles Schwab has heavily promoted its digital offerings in recent years, investing billions in technology to enhance user experience and compete with newer fintech platforms. The company’s app and website consistently rank highly for features and usability when operational.

Despite this focus, occasional service interruptions highlight the inherent challenges of maintaining complex, high-volume trading systems that must operate with near-perfect uptime. Charles Schwab has emphasized resilience and redundancy in its technology infrastructure as key priorities.

The firm’s integration of TD Ameritrade’s technology has expanded its capabilities but also increased system complexity. Leadership has stressed ongoing investment in reliability as client expectations for 24/7 availability continue to rise.

Potential Causes and Prevention

While the exact cause of the June 1 outage remains unconfirmed, common triggers for brokerage disruptions include routine maintenance, software bugs, network congestion or third-party service failures. Cybersecurity threats are routinely investigated in these scenarios, though no evidence of malicious activity has been reported.

Brokerages employ multiple layers of redundancy, including backup data centers and failover systems, to minimize downtime. Industry standards and regulatory requirements mandate robust disaster recovery plans, particularly for systemically important firms like Charles Schwab.

This event may prompt internal reviews to prevent future occurrences, particularly as customer expectations for seamless digital access continue to evolve. Enhanced monitoring and stress testing are common responses to such incidents.

Looking Ahead

As of late Monday morning, partial recovery reports began emerging, though many users continued experiencing issues. Service status accounts continued monitoring developments, with customers expressing hope for a swift resolution.

The outage serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in digital financial systems. For most customers, services are expected to normalize within hours, but the episode may linger in memory for those affected during critical trading moments.

Charles Schwab customers are advised to exercise patience and utilize available alternatives. The firm is likely to address the matter formally once full operations resume, potentially offering goodwill gestures to impacted users as seen in previous cases.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of generally stable brokerage operations nationwide. Broader market conditions remain relatively steady, with no systemic concerns raised by regulators regarding Charles Schwab or the industry at large.

For investors, maintaining multiple brokerage relationships or having contingency plans for access during outages can provide buffers against temporary disruptions. As technology evolves, so too do expectations for reliability and rapid response from financial service providers.

The June 1 Charles Schwab outage, while inconvenient, appears technical in nature and contained. Customers should continue checking official channels for the latest information as the situation develops throughout the day.

Shares of Indian IT companies, including heavyweights Infosys, Tech Mahindra, TCS and Persistent Systems jumped up to 5% on Monday as multiple tailwinds boosted investor sentiment, pushing the Nifty IT index up around 3% to emerge as the top sectoral gainer.

The index rose to 29,905 in the morning trading hours of Monday, extending sharp gains for the second consecutive session. The index has now jumped nearly 4% over two days.

The sharp surge in IT stocks comes after a significant decline earlier this year, following the launch of plug-ins for AI startup Anthropic’s Claude Cowork agent, which could automate tasks across legal, sales, marketing, and data analysis. “We call it the ‘SaaSpocalypse,’ an apocalypse for software-as-a-service stocks,” Bloomberg quoted Jeffrey Favuzza from the equity trading desk at Jefferies as saying.

While doomsday prophets continue to debate the future of IT companies following fresh AI advancements, investors were quick to analyse the cheap valuations, leading to some pockets of buying. Nuvama, in its note, had highlighted that the IT sector is setting up for a powerful comeback, not a collapse after the brutal AI-driven selloff.

“We see no existential threat from Gen-AI,” the brokerage writes, arguing that enterprises will still need a “system integrator” to customise plug-and-play AI and software tools for their highly complex, brownfield technology stacks and to take ownership when “the system fails at 2 am.”

Also read: Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated! Why Nuvama is screaming buy on all top 10 IT stocks
The latest round of buying also comes ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting next month, which would be the first under Chair Kevin Warsh. US President Donald Trump had selected Warsh partly on expectations that he would support lower borrowing costs to stimulate economic growth. However, rising inflation raised questions over the possibility of lowering rates.

Technical view on Nifty IT

The Nifty IT index has witnessed a strong rebound after taking support near its crucial support zone, indicating the possibility of a short-term recovery in the sector, Kunal Kamble, Senior Technical Research Analyst at Bonanza had said. “On the hourly time frame, the index is currently forming an inverse Head and Shoulders pattern. A decisive breakout is seen above the neckline of this pattern and has triggered further upside momentum in the index. Such a move is likely to positively impact heavyweight IT stocks that share a high correlation with the index, including Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, and HCL Technologies,” he added.Technically, the analyst had suggested that if the index manages to sustain above the 29,650 mark, it may open the door for a further recovery towards the 31,280 zone in the near term. However, he added that the current price action appears to be a retracement within the broader trend rather than a complete trend reversal. Therefore, traders should approach the sector with a cautious outlook.

“Aggressive or high-risk traders may consider short-term trading opportunities in select IT counters, provided the index maintains strength above key support levels. On the downside, a breach below 28,800 could once again invite selling pressure across the Nifty IT index and associated IT stocks, potentially weakening the ongoing recovery structure,” he said.

IT stocks

Persistent Systems shares were the top gainers on the Nifty IT index, jumping nearly 5%. Infosys shares followed, surging nearly 4%. Mphasis, Tech Mahindra, LTI Mindtree and Coforge shares gained over 3% each.

Also read: Wockhardt shares rocket 19% after FDA approval for antibiotic targeting drug-resistant infections

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and OFSS shares jumped around 2% each, while HCL Technologies and Wipro shares gained around 1% each.

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

TUCSON, Ariz. — June 1 marks exactly four months since 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her Catalina Foothills home in Tucson, with authorities acknowledging limited public progress in the high-profile abduction investigation despite ongoing efforts by local, state and federal agencies.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her residence on the evening of January 31 or early February 1. A week into the investigation, officials released doorbell camera footage showing a masked man at her front door around the time of her disappearance. Despite extensive searches, forensic analysis and community tips, no arrests have been made and no suspect has been publicly identified.

The case has drawn national attention largely due to the prominence of her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. On Mother’s Day, Savannah Guthrie posted an emotional plea on Instagram alongside a photograph of her mother.

“Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie – we miss you with every breath,” she wrote. “We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you.”

The Guthrie family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. Reports have also emerged that the family has hired private investigators, with some sources claiming an investment of approximately $500,000 to supplement the official probe.

A California man, Derrick Callella, faces federal charges for allegedly sending a fake ransom note to the family. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 23.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has faced public criticism over the pace of the investigation. The sheriff’s office is no longer providing daily updates, with communication to the family now primarily handled through the FBI. Officials continue to review tips and process DNA evidence, including a hair sample recovered from the home.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has asked homeowners in the Catalina Foothills area to check and submit any relevant surveillance footage captured on January 11, January 31 and February 1.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Investigation Challenges and Developments

The disappearance has presented investigators with several complexities. The masked individual seen on doorbell footage has not been identified, and forensic evidence from the scene has not yet yielded a breakthrough. The desert environment around Tucson can complicate evidence preservation, particularly as weeks turn into months.

Friction between law enforcement agencies has been noted publicly. FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly criticized the sheriff’s department’s handling of the case, though both agencies continue to collaborate on the active investigation.

The case has also attracted false leads, including unverified ransom communications sent to media outlets. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed information that could hinder progress or distress the family.

Retired FBI special agent Jason Pack recently addressed popular online theories, including one involving a possible “wrench attack.” Pack emphasized the importance of relying on verified evidence rather than speculation.

“Not one of us outside this investigation has read the case file,” Pack said. “We haven’t seen the forensic reports, the communications records, or the full body of evidence that investigators are working from every single day.”

Family’s Ongoing Efforts

Savannah Guthrie has balanced her high-profile television career with private advocacy for her mother’s case. The family’s decision to hire private investigators reflects a common strategy in long-term missing persons investigations when families feel additional resources could uncover new leads.

The $1 million reward remains one of the largest offered in a missing persons case in recent Arizona history, signaling the family’s desperation for resolution after four months of uncertainty.

Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has affected the Tucson community, where residents express concern for an elderly neighbor taken from her home. Local media coverage has attempted to balance public interest with respect for the active investigation.

Broader Context of Missing Persons Cases

Nancy Guthrie’s case highlights the difficulties in resolving disappearances involving older adults. National statistics show thousands of seniors go missing annually, with resolution rates depending heavily on early evidence and sustained public attention.

High-visibility cases often generate increased resources but also face intense scrutiny. The blend of official investigation, private efforts and public appeals reflects standard approaches when initial leads cool.

The FBI’s involvement indicates the case’s seriousness, as the agency typically assists in complex or potentially interstate matters. DNA processing and video analysis continue, though officials have provided few public updates recently.

Community and Media Response

The four-month milestone has renewed calls for information from the public. True-crime enthusiasts and online communities have followed the case closely, though authorities caution against speculation that could complicate the probe.

Support services for victims’ families remain available in the Tucson area. Local organizations have offered assistance to those affected by the ongoing uncertainty.

As temperatures rise in the Arizona desert, the practical challenges of evidence preservation increase. Officials continue to appeal for tips while emphasizing verified information only.

The investigation remains active with no timeline for resolution provided. Such cases can take months or years, requiring patience from both investigators and the family.

For the Guthrie family, the emotional toll continues amid the public spotlight. Savannah Guthrie’s platform has helped maintain awareness, but the private burden remains significant.

Four months after Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home, the search for answers persists. While public updates have slowed, authorities and the family continue working toward resolution in a case that has captured national attention.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI tip line. The community and a watching public hope for a breakthrough that brings closure to a painful chapter in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills neighborhood.