Business
PSU banks under pressure, more consolidation likely before fresh rally: Ajit Nayak
Speaking to ET Now, market expert Ajit Nayak from HDFC Securities offered a nuanced reading of the charts, suggesting that while the near-term mood may appear uncertain, underlying patterns hint at a potential continuation rather than a breakdown.
A “Liquidity Sweep” That Could Signal Upside
“First let us speak about the Nifty. So, if we look at the Nifty from a technical perspective, on 24th March it had made a similar kind of a low of 24,790 odd level and today there was an interesting pattern. We did break that low, but we did not sustain below that low. So, we call such behaviour as a sweep of liquidity.”
This “liquidity sweep,” as Nayak explains, is often interpreted as a trap for bearish traders. Markets briefly dip below key support levels, trigger stop losses, and then reverse—often leading to a move higher.
“So, whenever there is a sweep of liquidity, there is a high chance that the market tends to move in a northward territory and can test 24,300 level.”
Open Interest and VIX: The Real Story Beneath the Surface
Nayak emphasizes that price action alone does not tell the full story. He closely tracks open interest (OI) data to understand how large traders are positioned.
“At 24,000 level there is lot of put addition. So, if we see couple of sessions, there was lack of fear in the market but suddenly in a day or two we can see that fear coming back in the market, so that is not really a good sign.”Volatility, too, is at a critical juncture. The India VIX has revisited an important support zone. “If we look at the India VIX, it was taking a support of 17.25 level from where exactly the breakout happened and we saw a rally till 29 level after giving that breakout and we are revisiting that neckline of 17.25. So, it is very important to watch this level.”
According to him, the interplay between VIX and Nifty will determine the next move.
“If we break that 17.29 level on a VIX and we see a rally in Nifty, so that will be a good sign for the trader and for a Nifty player as well that we are consolidating, we are taking a time-wise correction, not a price-wise correction.”
However, a spike in volatility could change the narrative.
“If it did not and this VIX is moving above 20 level and similar kind of OI data keeps on building up at the call side, then there is little risk for the market.”
Key Levels to Watch
For traders, clarity lies in levels rather than opinions. “So, for me as of now 23,800 is a very important level because there is a good intraday pattern which has happened today breaking the low and bouncing back above that low that is a bad trap sign and if it sustain about that level, we can see Nifty heading towards 24,400 to 24,500 mark.”
Stock Picks: A Balanced Approach in an Uncertain Market
Given the lack of a strong bullish setup, Nayak suggests a hedged approach—one long and one short trade.
“Because market is not very bullish friendly, so I am coming up with two picks. One I am looking for a short side and one I am looking for a long side.”
Hindalco (Short Call)
“So, I will come up with first pick as a Hindalco. Hindalco, if you look at the chart, there is some bearishness developing on a Hindalco chart. Also, if you look at a weekly, there is a clear-cut negative divergence which has happened on the Hindalco chart.”
He also points to broader weakness in the metals space.
“If we also look at the metal index, today metal index was showing some pain and similarly even the Hindalco is showing the same kind of pain, a relative performer in a downside.”
Trading strategy remains disciplined.
“So, I am considering Hindalco to sell with a stop loss of 1080, I am looking for the target of 980. The only request for the trader would be as soon as you are in a favour, it is very important to trail the stop loss because the overall trend of the market seems to be quite positive.”
Adani Ports (Long Call)
On the flip side, Nayak finds strength in Adani Ports.
“The second pick from my side is Adani Ports. So, Adani Port’s chart is very fantastic. If we look at the chart from a weekly perspective or also from a daily perspective, we can see a deep cup pattern and it is sustaining above that 1600 odd mark.”
Even during market weakness, the stock has shown resilience.
“Today even in a falling market, it just tested the neckline of 1600 and closing above that level gives us a confidence that there is more steam left on the higher side.”
His recommendation:
“So, I would recommend to go long on Adani Ports with a stop loss of 1586, for the upside target of 1770.”
PSU Banks: More Consolidation Before Opportunity
The PSU banking space, one of the worst-performing sectors this week, is not yet ready for a rebound—at least from a technical standpoint.
“If you look at PSU index, if we look at on a monthly or a weekly time frame, yes, they are still positive. But the rally was so much and the angle of the rally is so steep that we should look for some more consolidation.”
Nayak advises patience rather than aggressive buying.
“If it consolidates for, say, next four to five weeks, then I would be looking for the PSU stocks to go for a long side because if we look at the chart on a monthly time frame, there is a negative pattern on the candlestick which has developed.”
Key levels remain crucial.
“So, I would wait for the PSU to come around 7500 mark, then consolidate and give some bullish indication with a good candlestick pattern and then we would think of entering on a long side, otherwise till it does not cross 9070 mark it is a sell on a rally kind of a sector.”
The Takeaway
For now, the market appears to be in a phase of digestion rather than distribution. While volatility and global cues continue to inject uncertainty, technical indicators suggest that the broader trend may still be intact—provided key levels hold. In such an environment, discipline, selective positioning, and respect for risk management may matter more than chasing momentum.
Business
Adamas Trust, Inc. 2026 Q1 – Results – Earnings Call Presentation (NASDAQ:ADAM) 2026-05-01
Q1: 2026-04-29 Earnings Summary
EPS of $0.29 beats by $0.06
| Revenue of $48.41M (46.27% Y/Y) misses by $1.17M
Seeking Alpha’s transcripts team is responsible for the development of all of our transcript-related projects. We currently publish thousands of quarterly earnings calls per quarter on our site and are continuing to grow and expand our coverage. The purpose of this profile is to allow us to share with our readers new transcript-related developments. Thanks, SA Transcripts Team
Business
Bayer recalls nearly 800,000 Afrin bottles over child safety risk
Wall Street Journal chief economics correspondent Nick Timiraos discusses Jerome Powell’s future following his term as chairman, the Federal Reserve under Kevin Warsh and his take on the economy on ‘Mornings with Maria.’
Bayer issued a recall for nearly 800,000 units of Afrin nasal spray bottles after the packaging was found to be not child resistant on Thursday.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall Thursday, saying any customers who purchased the product are entitled to a refund. The recall impacts 786,100 units of the 6ml travel-size Afrin nasal spray.
“This recall involves unexpired Travel Size Afrin® Original Nasal Spray 6 mL bottles, with Lot numbers 230361, 240822, 241198, 250066, 250152, 250646, and 250831. These travel size bottles have ‘Afrin® Original Nasal Spray’ and ‘1/5 FL OZ (6 mL)’ printed on a label located on the front of the bottle,” the CPSC recall reads.
“The 6 mL nasal spray’s packaging is not child-resistant nor bears the required labeling statement, posing a risk of serious injury or illness from poisoning if the contents are swallowed by young children,” the statement added.
BEEF STICKS FOOD PRODUCT RECALLED FOR ‘PIECES OF METAL’ FOUND INSIDE

The CSPC issued a recall for Afrin nasal spray. (CSPC)
No injuries have been reported in connection with the recall.
The news comes just a day after nearly 13,000 toddler towers across three brands were recalled after dozens of incidents and 21 injuries were reported due to stools collapsing or tipping, according to the CPSC.
The three affected products — Toetol Tower Stools, Wiifo Children’s Tower Stools and Amzcmj DGD Children’s Tower Stools — total about 12,830 stools, according to notices from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Toetol Tower Stools, Wiifo Children’s Tower Stools and Amzcmj DGD Children’s Tower Stools (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
The recall covers about 3,000 Toetol Tower Stools, 9,700 Wiifo Children’s Tower Stools and 130 Amzcmj DGD Children’s Tower Stools.
“The recalled tower stools can collapse or tip over while in use and a child’s torso can fit through the openings on the tower’s sides, posing a risk of serious injury and death due to tip over, fall and entrapment hazards,” the notices read.
For the Toetol Tower Stools, there have been 18 reports of the stools collapsing, resulting in 11 injuries, including contusions, cuts and scrapes.

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The wooden kitchen tower step stools were sold in white, gray and dark wood colors and measure about 20 inches deep, 15 inches wide and 36 inches tall with model DETD0001 printed on a label on the side. They were sold online on Amazon from October 2024 through March 2026 for about $130.
Business
SP Group A/S 2026 Q1 – Results – Earnings Call Presentation (OTCMKTS:SPGGF) 2026-05-01
Seeking Alpha’s transcripts team is responsible for the development of all of our transcript-related projects. We currently publish thousands of quarterly earnings calls per quarter on our site and are continuing to grow and expand our coverage. The purpose of this profile is to allow us to share with our readers new transcript-related developments. Thanks, SA Transcripts Team
Business
Hertz, Uber partner to build robotaxi fleets in major mobility push
FOX Business’ Taylor Riggs reports Uber and Hertz are expanding their partnership to power robotaxis, with Hertz naming Uber as its first major partner in a push to reshape the future of mobility.
Hertz is expanding beyond its traditional car rental business through a new partnership with Uber aimed at powering both autonomous robotaxi fleets and driver-led rideshare operations, signaling a broader shift in the transportation industry.
Under the agreement, Hertz’s newly launched unit, Oro Mobility, will manage vehicle operations for Uber, including maintenance, charging, cleaning and logistics for autonomous vehicles.
The robotaxi service, which will use Lucid vehicles equipped with Nuro self-driving technology, is expected to launch in the San Francisco Bay Area later this year, with potential “expansion opportunities” in 2027.
Hertz will also supply and operate fleets of vehicles driven by its own employees on Uber’s platform, building on a pilot program that has already expanded into Los Angeles and San Francisco with additional markets planned.
UBER, RIVIAN INK $1.25B DEAL TO PUT THOUSANDS OF ROBOTAXIS ON US STREETS

A Lucid Gravity autonomous taxi at the first National AV Safety Forum held by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at the Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C., March 10, 2026. (Alex Kent/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The partnership highlights a shift in the ridesharing model away from individual car ownership toward centrally managed fleets. Hertz is positioning itself as a transportation infrastructure provider, leveraging its expertise in large-scale vehicle logistics and maintenance.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UBER | UBER TECHNOLOGIES INC. | 74.61 | +0.14 | +0.19% |
| HTZ | HERTZ GLOBAL | 6.36 | +0.76 | +13.57% |
Uber, meanwhile, is continuing to emphasize a platform-driven model, relying on partners like Hertz to manage fleet operations as it scales both human-driven and autonomous rides.
For Hertz, the deal represents a high-stakes bet on a new growth strategy after years of turbulence, while, for Uber, it marks another step toward a hybrid network that could eventually integrate human drivers with self-driving vehicles at scale.

Uber is continuing to emphasize a platform-driven model. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
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“Partnering with Hertz’s Oro Mobility will help us continue to bring the best autonomous technology onto the Uber platform and accelerate the transition to a hybrid network in which both driver-led and autonomous rideshare operations can scale and serve communities reliably and efficiently,” Uber’s Andrew Macdonald said in a statement.
“By combining Uber’s global platform and marketplace leadership with Oro’s dedicated fleet management expertise, we are well-equipped to meet increasing rideshare demand and deliver a seamless, high-quality rider experience across the entire mobility ecosystem.”
Business
Heating oil prices rose by 92% in March
Data suggests prices peaked on 8 April when 500 litres cost an average of £627.
Business
Build-A-Bear recalls 36,000 weighted bears over zipper choking hazard
The ‘Barron’s Roundtable’ panel recaps a wave of A.I.-induced market hits.
About 36,000 Build-A-Bear plush bears are being recalled due to a potential choking hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced Thursday.
The recall involves the Heartwarming Hugs weighted plush bear, which features a side pouch containing a heart filled with 2.5 pounds of ceramic beads that can be heated or cooled.
According to the CPSC, the pouch is secured with a zipper, but the zipper slider can detach, posing a choking hazard.
No injuries have been reported, but one incident in the United Kingdom involved the zipper slider detaching, the agency said.
COCAINE AND FENTANYL FOUND HIDDEN INSIDE BARBIE DOLL PACKAGING SOLD TO CUSTOMERS, POLICE SAY

A close-up of a Build-A-Bear plush bear included in a recall after officials warned a zipper component could pose a choking hazard. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission / Unknown)
“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and their families is our highest priority,” Build-A-Bear said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Heartwarming Hugs Bear and return it to a local Build-A-Bear Workshop store to receive a refund in the form of the original payment or a gift card for the purchase price.”
The product is intended for ages 3 and up and includes a cautionary label advising adult supervision due to the heated and cooled element.
The bears were sold at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and online beginning in January for about $48.
NEARLY 13K TODDLER TOWERS RECALLED AFTER DOZENS OF INJURIES FROM STOOLS COLLAPSING, TIPPING

Build-A-Bear external store sign. (Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)
The recall involves model number 034464, which can be found sewn into the back of the bear’s leg.
Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled bears immediately and return them to a Build-A-Bear Workshop store for a refund.
Customers who cannot visit a store can request a free return shipping label through the company’s website.
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A recall has been issued for certain Build-A-Bear plush toys over a potential choking hazard. (Enrico Mattia Del Punta/NurPhoto / Getty Images)
Build-A-Bear can be reached at 844-541-0144 or by email at ProductHotline@buildabear.com. More information is available on the company’s website under its recall section.
Business
Square Yards reports Rs 2,086 crore revenue in FY26, growth of 48% year-over-year
It’s gross profit reached Rs 476 crore (USD 51 million), growing 49% Y-Y, with gross margins sustained at 23% on a significantly larger revenue base.
India revenue grew 57% Y-Y vs 48% overall, with India now contributing 88% of total revenue while International (GCC + ROW) contributes the balance 12%.
“Even with the scale, we are still operating at low single digit market share and that allows us room to think beyond the next 5 years of growth,” said Tanuj Shori, Founder and CEO, Square Yards.
Square Yards facilitated over 2,73,643 customer acquisitions in FY26.
Bangalore leads real estate GTV share at 30%, followed by Mumbai (19%), Delhi NCR (11%), Pune (10%), and Hyderabad (6%). International (Global Real Estate) contributed 21% of GTV.
Square Yards’ fintech arm Urban Money reported a total GTV of Rs 87,831 crore in FY26, with mortgage loans commanding 86% share. Non-mortgage products contribute the remaining 14%, spread across business loans (6%), personal loans (4%), and others (4%), indicating early but meaningful diversification.
Business
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Persists Amid US-Iran Standoff, Sending Oil Prices Soaring
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Nearly two months into the 2026 Iran conflict, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to most commercial traffic as a US naval blockade clashes with Iranian threats, driving oil prices above $120 per barrel and stranding thousands of seafarers while threatening global energy security.

The narrow waterway, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically flows, has seen traffic drop to a fraction of normal levels since late February when US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered Iranian retaliation and a shutdown of the chokepoint. Despite diplomatic efforts and a fragile conditional ceasefire, shipping remains severely restricted, with only limited passages for vessels from “non-hostile” nations.
US President Donald Trump has signaled the blockade on Iranian ports will continue until safe passage through the strait is guaranteed, while floating ideas such as a maritime coalition to reopen the route. Iran has responded defiantly, with officials warning of “long and painful strikes” against US positions if attacks resume and maintaining control over the waterway. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and other Iranian figures have vowed not to cede sovereignty.
Recent incidents have heightened tensions. Iranian forces have seized vessels, including reports of attacks on ships attempting transit, while the US has conducted operations against Iranian-linked shipping. At least a dozen commercial vessels transited the strait in recent 24-hour periods, but overall volume remains minimal compared to pre-crisis levels of thousands per month.
The economic fallout has been swift and severe. Benchmark oil prices surged on fears of prolonged disruption, though some retreat occurred as alternative routes and stockpiles provided limited relief. Global supply chains for energy, fertilizers and other goods face strain, with insurance premiums for the region skyrocketing and shipping companies rerouting at significant cost. The United Nations has warned of humanitarian impacts, with seafarers stranded and aid deliveries complicated.
Analysts describe the strait as a high-stakes leverage point in the broader conflict. Iran’s ability to threaten or disrupt passage has long been a strategic deterrent, but the current blockade and counter-measures have created a dangerous standoff. Pakistan-mediated talks continue, with reopening the strait a central demand, yet mutual distrust and military posturing have stalled progress.
Maritime security experts highlight risks from mines, drones, small boats and miscalculation. The International Maritime Organization and other bodies have urged de-escalation, noting that ships and crews have become unintended pawns in geopolitical disputes. Dozens of vessels remain anchored or diverted in the Persian Gulf, with thousands of seafarers affected.
For energy markets, the crisis underscores the vulnerability of critical chokepoints. While US oil exports have hit records and alternative suppliers have increased output, prolonged closure could trigger broader shortages, particularly in Asia. European and other importers also face higher costs and logistical challenges.
Regional actors navigate complex positions. Gulf states balance relations with the US and concerns over escalation, while China and others with interests in Iranian oil seek diplomatic solutions. A Russian-linked superyacht reportedly transited the area recently, highlighting selective allowances amid the chaos.
Military analysts caution that forcibly reopening the strait would require significant resources and carry high risks of escalation. US officials have discussed coalition-building for “maritime freedom,” but allied enthusiasm varies. Iran’s diminished naval capacity is offset by asymmetric threats that could still inflict damage on commercial and military vessels.
Environmental and humanitarian concerns compound the crisis. Potential oil spills from attacks or accidents threaten fragile marine ecosystems, while disrupted fuel and goods flows impact civilian populations in the region and beyond. NGOs have called for humanitarian corridors to ensure delivery of essential supplies.
As negotiations drag on, markets and governments watch closely for any breakthrough. Trump’s public comments, including controversial map renamings and strong rhetoric, have added volatility to an already tense situation. Iranian responses remain firm, with officials insisting on ending the US blockade before full reopening.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis serves as a stark reminder of how regional conflicts can ripple globally through energy arteries. For now, limited traffic continues under high risk, oil prices stay elevated, and diplomats work against the clock to prevent further escalation. Resolution remains elusive, with the world’s energy security hanging in the balance of this narrow but vital waterway.
Business
Tronox wins secrecy battle against Alexander Cokic
Rare earth miner and processor Tronox has won a permanent Supreme Court injunction against self-styled whistleblower Alexander Cokic.
Business
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