The historic Somerset-based footwear giant has launched ‘Brands now at Clarks’ on its website

Somerset shoemaker Clarks has started selling rival brands for the first time in its history through an online marketplace. The historic company, which has been a presence on the UK high street since 1825, has launched ‘Brands now at Clarks’ on its website.

More than 100 brands, such as major global labels including Adidas and Nike, are now available to buy through the site, as well as other lifestyle products such as clothing and accessories.

The venture marks a major shift for 200-year-old Clarks as it looks to diversify its offering beyond shoes in an increasingly tough retail environment.

Joe Ulloa, vice-president UK & EMEA at Clarks, said: “From the outset, it was essential that every brand partner reflected the values that have defined Clarks for over 200 years – premium quality, comfort and value.

“Brands now at Clarks represent an exciting new chapter for us. It allows us to offer a broader, shopping experience, while staying true to the heritage and trust we’ve built.”

‘Brands now at Clarks’ brings together a portfolio of big names including high-end brands such as Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and Marc Jacobs. A number of other labels are lined up to join the website in the coming weeks, too, including Armani Exchange, Emporio Armani, Gant, Lacoste, Moose Knuckles, Napapijri, Rains, Timberland and Woolrich.

Clarks was founded by brothers Cyrus and James Clark who opened a tannery making leather goods in 1825. Today the company is a global brand, selling more than 40 million pairs of shoes a year and has more than 1,100 stores.

But the business has faced challenges in recent years amid changing shopping habits and a decline in footfall in physical stores as consumers look to buy more products online. Last year, Clarks was forced to axe more than 1,200 jobs as sales plummeted by nearly £100m.

In September, the company opened a museum in Street, in Somerset, showcasing 200 years of shoemaking. It features hundreds of never-before-seen objects from sheepskin slippers to desert boots, school shoes to Britpop stagewear.

Shares of Adani Power have been on a strong run this month, surging as much as 37% over 13 sessions. The rally in Adani Power shares has made it the most valuable company within the Adani Group, with a market capitalisation of Rs 3.93 lakh crore, surpassing Adani Ports at Rs 3.70 lakh crore.

Part of the diversified Adani Group, Adani Power is India’s largest private thermal power producer. The company has a total generation capacity of 18,110 MW across thermal plants in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu, along with a 40 MW solar project in Gujarat.

Time to book profits or double down on Adani Power shares?

Adani Power share price is exhibiting a strong continuation of its primary uptrend, supported by a clear alignment of moving averages (short-term above medium and long-term), indicating sustained bullish momentum. After a healthy consolidation phase, the stock has witnessed a decisive breakout with expanding volumes, signalling fresh participation. The recent sharp upmove toward the Rs 190–200 zone in the Adani Power share price reflects strength, though the steep rally also suggests near-term overextension, Ajit Mishra, senior vice president at Religare Broking said. Also read: PNB Housing Finance soars 10% post Q4 results: Why Morgan Stanley, other brokerages remain bullish

Momentum indicators are trending higher but approaching overbought territory, which may lead to brief consolidation or minor pullbacks. Immediate support is placed around Rs 170–175, followed by a stronger base near Rs 150. As long as the price holds above these levels, the bias remains positive, and dips are likely to be bought into, with potential for further upside continuation.
Ruchit Jain, vice president of technical research at Motilal Oswal, said Adani Power share price had recently given a breakout from its long consolidation phase with good volumes. This, along with the positive momentum across the Adani Group stocks, has led to strong buying interest in the counter. Traders with existing long positions should hold and continue to ride the trend, while any declines in the near term can be seen as buying opportunities.
From a fundamental perspective, the surge comes amid rising power demand. JM Financial noted in a recent report that power demand had peaked in early March, but an unusual western disturbance from March 20 disrupted the trend. A massive cloud cover stretching nearly 1,000 km from Afghanistan through Pakistan into India brought widespread rainfall and unseasonably cool weather. With this cloud system now receding from North India, experts expect a return of hotter conditions, which could drive a fresh surge in power demand.
“All in all, we anticipate a shortfall in hydro generation (negative for NHPC, SJVN), spike in coal-fired generation (positive for NTPC, Adani Power), extension of Section-11 (Tata Mundra) and high merchant prices (Adani Green, Adani Power),” the domestic brokerage concluded.

Also read: Nifty bears regret not buying the dip. Will Trump hand them a second chance?

Over the weekend, the company announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Adani Atomic Energy has incorporated its subsidiary Coastal-Maha Atomic Energy, furthering its nuclear ambitions.

At about 11:10 am, Adani Power shares were trading at Rs 204, higher by 1.5% from the last close on the BSE.

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

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama has transformed the San Antonio Spurs from lottery hopefuls into legitimate 2026 NBA title contenders, with betting markets assigning the franchise roughly a 15-20% implied probability of winning the championship — a remarkable leap fueled by the 22-year-old phenom’s dominance and the team’s late-season surge.

As the Spurs open the playoffs as the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed with home-court advantage in early rounds, oddsmakers list San Antonio between +450 and +550 to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy. That range translates to an approximate 15-18% chance, placing them clearly behind defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder but ahead of most of the field.

Wembanyama, in his third season, delivered a monster regular campaign, averaging 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 51.2% from the field. He earned unanimous Defensive Player of the Year honors and sits among the frontrunners for MVP, showcasing an otherworldly blend of size, skill and rim protection that has redefined the Spurs’ identity.

The Spurs finished the regular season with one of the NBA’s best records, highlighted by a scorching 27-2 stretch from early February through early April that included multiple double-digit win streaks. They posted the highest winning percentage in the league since Jan. 1 and went 4-1 against the Thunder, including impressive road victories. Analysts credit not only Wembanyama but a supporting cast featuring All-Star De’Aaron Fox, rising guard Stephon Castle and complementary pieces that have meshed effectively under coach Mitch Johnson.

San Antonio opened the 2026 playoffs with a statement 111-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 on Sunday, where Wembanyama dropped a franchise playoff-record 35 points on efficient shooting. The performance electrified the home crowd and underscored his readiness for high-stakes basketball, though he has emphasized staying grounded and focusing on the present.

Betting markets reflect this momentum. At various sportsbooks, the Spurs sit as the second choice behind Oklahoma City at around +100 to +135 for the Thunder. Implied probabilities place OKC near 45-50% to repeat, with San Antonio in the 16-18% range on platforms like Polymarket, aligning closely with traditional oddsmakers. Wembanyama himself is the heavy favorite for Finals MVP if the Spurs prevail, listed around +500 to +550.

Still, experts caution that a championship run would require overcoming historical trends. Teams this young and relatively inexperienced in recent playoffs have rarely cut through the gauntlet to win it all. The Spurs’ core features several players in their first deep postseason pushes, raising questions about handling fatigue, adjustments and pressure across four grueling rounds.

Wembanyama has addressed the challenge directly, acknowledging the dream of a title while stressing preparation and moment-by-moment focus. “I dream about it every day,” he said recently, but added that the immediate priority is showing up ready for Game 1 and executing scouts. He missed the regular-season finale with a minor rib contusion but entered the postseason fully healthy and ramped up.

The path forward is formidable. A likely second-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets could test San Antonio’s interior defense and experience against Nikola Jokic. Should they advance, a Western Conference Finals clash with Oklahoma City looms as a potential showdown between two elite young cores. The Thunder’s depth, regular-season dominance and playoff experience give them the edge in most projections, but the Spurs’ head-to-head success this season keeps the series intriguing.

Beyond the West, the Boston Celtics represent the top Eastern threat at around +525 to +600 odds. A potential Finals matchup would pit Wembanyama’s generational talent against a veteran, well-coached Celtics squad seeking another ring.

Analysts point to several factors boosting the Spurs’ realistic shot. Wembanyama’s two-way impact — anchoring the league’s top defenses while creating offense with pull-up threes, post moves and playmaking — gives San Antonio a unique advantage. The team’s net rating ranks among the league’s best, and their late surge demonstrated resilience and growth.

Yet vulnerabilities exist. Depth beyond the starters could be tested in a long series, and offensive consistency against elite defenses remains a work in progress. Wembanyama has shouldered a heavy load, and any injury risk to the franchise cornerstone would derail hopes instantly.

Gregg Popovich, the legendary former coach now in a front-office or advisory role, has been spotted at practices, symbolizing continuity with the Spurs’ championship pedigree. The franchise last won titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014, building a culture of sustained excellence that current players reference as motivation.

Fan excitement in San Antonio has reached fever pitch, with playoff tickets scarce and the city buzzing after years of rebuilding. Wembanyama’s arrival in 2023 marked the turning point, and the addition of Fox and development of young talent have accelerated the timeline dramatically from initial projections.

Quantitative models and betting markets converge on a 15-20% probability for a Spurs championship in 2026. That figure represents enormous progress from preseason odds that hovered around 65-1 or longer. It also reflects the market’s respect for Wembanyama’s superstar trajectory while discounting the inexperience tax and the Thunder’s status as clear favorites.

For Wembanyama personally, the stakes extend beyond one season. A deep playoff run — or better — would cement his place among the NBA’s elite and validate the hype that surrounded him as the No. 1 pick. He has already shattered expectations with his defensive prowess and expanding offensive game, drawing comparisons to all-time greats while carving his own path.

Coach Johnson and the front office have managed the roster thoughtfully, balancing development with competitiveness. The team’s ability to win without relying solely on Wembanyama has been a key narrative thread, with role players stepping up during stretches of the season.

As the playoffs unfold, every game will recalibrate perceptions and odds. A convincing first-round series victory could push the Spurs’ implied title probability higher, while early struggles might temper enthusiasm. History shows that surprise contenders can ride momentum, but sustaining excellence over multiple series remains the ultimate test.

Wembanyama’s presence alone elevates the Spurs’ ceiling. At 7-foot-4 with guard-like skills and elite shot-blocking, he alters games on both ends in ways few players can match. His growth from rookie season to now has been remarkable, and continued improvement in areas like playmaking and consistency could make San Antonio even more dangerous in future years.

For now, the 2026 title odds crystallize the narrative: the Spurs are no longer a feel-good story but a genuine threat. Whether they can translate regular-season success into championship hardware depends on health, execution and the ability to navigate the brutal playoff gauntlet.

With Wembanyama leading the charge and a supportive cast gaining confidence, San Antonio enters the postseason with belief. The percentage may sit in the mid-teens, but in a league where parity and upsets thrive, that chance feels tangible — and for Spurs fans, electrifying.

The basketball world watches closely as Wemby’s championship quest begins in earnest. At just 22, he already carries franchise hopes on his broad shoulders, turning what once seemed like a distant dream into a credible 2026 possibility.

Kevin Warsh is set to testify on Tuesday about his nomination to be chairman of the Federal Reserve, with senators likely to press him on his views of the Fed’s 2% inflation target given the persistent price pressures affecting the U.S. economy since the pandemic.

The 56-year-old Warsh, who served as a Fed governor from 2006 to 2011, will testify before the Senate Banking Committee as senators weigh his nomination to succeed current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, whose term leading the central bank is due to expire in May.

Warsh offered an overview of how he views the price stability component of the Fed’s dual mandate in a written copy of his opening statement, which FOX Business viewed in advance of his testimony.

In his prepared remarks, Warsh says that he supports the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate of promoting price stability as well as full employment, though he didn’t specifically discuss the Fed’s policy target of keeping inflation at 2% over the long-run.

THE ONE LINE IN WARSH’S TESTIMONY SIGNALING A BREAK FROM THE FED’S STATUS QUO

“First, Congress tasked the Fed with the mission to ensure price stability, without excuse or equivocation, argument or anguish. Inflation is a choice, and the Fed must take responsibility for it,” Warsh wrote.

“Low inflation is the Fed’s plot armor, its vital protection against slings and arrows,” he said. 

“So, when inflation surges – as it has done in recent years – grievous harm is done to our citizens, especially to the least well-off. They lose purchasing power. Their standard of living falls. They may also lose faith in our system of economic governance, raising doubts whether monetary policy independence is all it’s cracked up to be,” Warsh wrote.

TRUMP’S FED PICK DISCLOSES $131M FORTUNE AS NOMINATION FACES HEADWINDS

Warsh discussed his view of monetary policy goals in a 2023 hearing before the British House of Lords’ Economic Affairs Committee and said that he views price stability as an imperative, but is skeptical of the ability to measure inflation precisely, and so he prefers a range-based inflation target.

“Price stability is the North Star. Without stable prices, it is almost impossible to have full employment. It is also almost impossible to have economies that are growing at their full potential. When prices are volatile… it is difficult for households and businesses to make the prudent decisions that they might like,” he explained.

“Frankly, we would not know the difference whether inflation was running at 1.7%, 2.0% or 2.3% in the United States or in the United Kingdom because we do not measure it that precisely,” Warsh said. “Economics is not physics – at least not yet.”

FED OFFICIAL SAYS INTEREST RATE HIKE POSSIBLE AS GAS PRICES, INFLATION REMAIN ELEVATED

Warsh said that he tends to “prefer ranges versus point estimates, in part because of measurement error and in part because I think broad price stability can never be that precise.”

He added that, in general, he thinks viewing inflation that precisely “led many of the central banks to overly stimulate economies a few years ago,” and led to decisions that contributed to inflation running well above target.

“I broadly favor ranges. Price stability, in the numerical definition, will change in the times. The structures in the global economy are changing even as we speak. It strikes me that agreeing on some permanent basis to 2.0% is asking for trouble,” Warsh said.

Inflation peaked in the U.S. at 9.1% in June 2022 and is currently around 3%, having risen over the last year due to tariffs and the recent impact of the recent energy shock caused by the Iran war.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, was 2.8% in February on an annual basis. Data from March is due at the end of next week. 

Another popular inflation gauge, the consumer price index (CPI), showed inflation jumped to 3.3% in March after a 2.4% reading in February due to the impact of the war on energy markets.

Shares of Tata Steel have gained around 12% so far in April, nearing their record high, with international brokerage Nomura remaining bullish on India’s steel sector, which it says is resilient to multiple headwinds.

In a note released on Monday, Nomura said it maintains a positive outlook on the sector, adding that global factors, including the impact of Chinese competition, are likely to have a limited effect on the earnings potential of major steel players. “Our bullish stance on the Indian steel sector is underpinned by improving domestic price momentum despite global headwinds,” it said.

The war between the US and Iran, and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, triggered an energy crisis that rattled global markets in March. Nomura believes large, blast furnace-based steel players are relatively better positioned than smaller, gas-based DRI producers, as they can partially substitute LPG usage with alternatives in downstream operations.

In the absence of any significant disruption or sustained cost escalation so far, the brokerage has maintained its earnings estimates for stocks under its coverage. It has reiterated its ‘Buy’ ratings on Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Jindal Steel, and Lloyds Metals.

Should you buy Tata Steel shares?

Nomura has set a target price of Rs 220 apiece for Tata Steel shares, implying an upside potential of nearly 4% from the stock’s last closing price of Rs 211.72 apiece.
The global brokerage noted that Indian steel prices slightly corrected last week, but remain near elevated levels. “China’s steel sector witnessed a notable slowdown with steel production in March 2026 declining by 6.3% y-y to 87.04MT, marking the lowest level for the month since mid-2020. The weakness extended to trade flows as steel exports fell by 12.6% y-y to 9.13MT, partly impacted by disruptions from the Middle East conflict,” it said.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)