Mumbai: Indian equities extended gains on Monday, with benchmark indices rising 1% after climbing as much as 1.7% during the session, as hopes of a peace deal between the US and Iran prompted traders to pare bearish bets, while easing crude oil prices lifted sentiment.

While the durability of the rally will depend on the finalisation of a deal, analysts said downside risks appear limited for now.

The NSE Nifty 50 gained 231 points, or 1%, to close at 23,853.90, after briefly crossing the 24,000 mark for the first time since May 29. The S&P BSE Sensex advanced 736.38 points, or 1%, to end at 76,264.33. Over the past two sessions, both indices have rallied as much as 3.3%.

“The rally on Monday and Friday was driven by short covering on hopes of a peace deal between the US and Iran, and while the sustainability of gains is not certain, the deal seems to be around the corner,” said Nilesh Jain, VP-Head of Technical and Derivative Research, Centrum Finverse.
The US and Iran said they have reached a new ceasefire agreement that will end a US blockade of Iranian ports and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ending the months-long conflict that has kept investors on tenterhooks and kept oil prices elevated.

With both sides showing willingness to bring the war to an end, Brent crude futures fell more than 5% to $85.8 a barrel on Monday. Across Asia, South Korea, Japan surged 5.2% and 5%, respectively, while Taiwan gained 2.8%. China and Hong Kong rose 1.6% and 0.5%.
“The reaction in oil prices after the peace deal was announced reassured investors that crude prices are not expected to sustain at elevated levels for longer and triggered a rally,” said Vaiibhavv Chugh, chief executive officer, Abakkus Mutual Fund. “The fear has toned down considerably, and optimism could build further,” he added.Realty stocks led the gains, with the Nifty Realty index surging 4%. The Nifty Consumer Durables and Auto indices climbed 2.9% and 2.6%, respectively.

Foreign portfolio investors bought shares worth a net ₹200 crore on Monday – after 11 consecutive sessions of selling, while domestic institutional investors bought shares worth ₹3,189.3 crore. So far in June, foreign investors have sold shares worth ₹41,967 crore.

“Foreign investors have pared some of their short positions, which contributed to the rally. However, towards the latter part of the session, participants booked some profits in the derivatives market,” said Abhilash Pagaria, Head of Alternative & Quantitative Research at Nuvama Wealth. If the deal is finalised, a significant source of uncertainty could be removed, potentially encouraging foreign investors to increase allocations to Indian equities, he said.

The India VIX volatility index fell 2.5% to 14.4. After spiking to around 29 at the height of the conflict, the gauge has retreated to more comfortable levels, suggesting investor anxiety has eased. “For the gains to be sustainable, Nifty must decisively close above 24,000,” said Jain.

He said intermittent declines could not be ruled out, but the Nifty could gradually move towards 24,500 during the June series if it breaks above the 24,000 mark.

Broader markets outperformed the benchmarks, with the Nifty Midcap 150 and Nifty Smallcap 250 rising 1.5% and 1.3%, respectively. Over the past week, the two indices have gained 1% and 3%.

More than 500,000 packages of macaroni and cheese sold at Aldi stores nationwide have been recalled because they may contain undeclared soy lecithin, a soy-derived ingredient that can pose a risk to people with soy allergies or sensitivities.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, 58,405 cases of Park St. Deli Macaroni & Cheese are affected. Each case contains nine 20-ounce packages, bringing the total number of impacted packages to 525,645.

The plastic tubs of macaroni and cheese were sold inside paperboard sleeves.

FDA ISSUES HIGHEST-RISK RECALL OF ALFREDO SAUCE SOLD IN 41 STATES

BEF Foods Inc., the product maker, initiated the voluntary recall on March 23, and the FDA classified it as a Class II recall on June 10.

A Class II recall means use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or that the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote, according to the FDA.

Customers are urged not to consume the affected products and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

MORE THAN 17K COFFEE MAKERS RECALLED AFTER DOZENS OF REPORTED BURN INJURIES

Lecithin is a group of chemicals the body uses to move fats, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.

They are found in various foods, including egg yolks, soybeans, wheat germ, peanuts and liver. Many people know lecithin as the oily film on their frying pan when they use a nonstick cooking spray.

Some people also take them as supplements. They can come in capsules, liquid or granules.

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Lecithin is used in the food industry as an additive to combine foods, with salad dressing being one example.

Soy lecithin emulsifies ingredients like oil and water to blend the salad dressing into a smooth consistency, Judy Simon, a clinical dietitian nutritionist at the University of Washington, previously told USA TODAY.

Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday as traders weighed the lack of clarity surrounding a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, while concerns persisted that oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz may not resume as quickly as initially expected.

The rebound followed a sharp selloff on Monday, when oil prices tumbled nearly 5% to their lowest closing level since March 4. The decline came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a memorandum of understanding had been agreed to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Crude oil price on June 16

Brent crude futures rose 26 cents, or 0.3%, to $83.42 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 46 cents, or 0.3%, to $81.12 a barrel as of 0108 GMT.
The conflict had led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that normally handles around one-fifth of global oil supply, and resulted in roughly 14 million barrels per day of production being shut in.

However, market optimism has been tempered by the absence of publicly available details of the agreement and the fact that a permanent truce has yet to be negotiated. Initial indications suggest the memorandum could pave the way for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and extending a ceasefire for 60 days, giving negotiators time to address more complex issues, including the future of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday described the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding as an “important step” toward ending the fighting, but said a final agreement to secure a lasting ceasefire had yet to emerge.

Where are prices headed?

Per experts, global oil inventories have been drawn down during the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz and will require time to recover. The stockpiles are likely to decline further before fresh supplies from the Gulf begin reaching the market.

Market participants are now closely monitoring how quickly producers in the Middle East can restore oil output and exports after wartime disruptions. Investors are also watching whether shipping traffic gradually returns to the region.
Analysts cautioned that even if the ceasefire holds, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz may take months to normalize. They added that any damage to energy infrastructure could further delay the recovery process.Last month, Saudi Aramco Chief Executive Officer Amin Nasser warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could postpone stability in global oil markets until 2027. He said prolonged interruptions could affect nearly 100 million barrels of oil supply every week. Saudi Aramco remains the world’s largest oil producer.

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

SINGAPORE: Asian stocks inched up on Tuesday after rallying on the previous session on news of a peace deal between Iran and the U.S., as investors turned their focus to several central bank decisions including an expected rate hike from the Bank of Japan.

Early trading in the region followed a familiar pattern, with markets ‌settling into a ⁠more measured ⁠tone on Gulf developments as the initial excitement over the preliminary agreement between Washington and Tehran began to fade.

Oil prices, which settled at a three-month low overnight, reflected the cautious stance, with Brent crude futures up 51 cents, or 0.6%, at $83.74 a barrel. Shippers in Asia and Europe said rebuilding confidence in resuming transit through the Strait of Hormuz could take weeks.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.2%, with Korean shares leading gains. Japan’s Nikkei 225 was down 0.2%, retreating from a record high as S&P 500 e-mini futures slipped 0.1%.

While U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of ⁠a deal with ‌Iran drew initial investor relief on Monday, it also puts Washington on a collision course with Israel.

“While it is an important diplomatic breakthrough that should remove a key source of market volatility, ⁠the durability of the deal is likely to be tested in the future,” analysts from Westpac wrote in a research note. “Many sticking points, including the fate of Iran’s nuclear programme, were left to be resolved in subsequent negotiations.”
Overnight on Wall Street, stocks and bonds rallied on optimism over the deal. The S&P 500 jumped 1.7% and the Nasdaq Composite surged 3.1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the STOXX 600 both closed at record highs. Beyond geopolitics, traders are awaiting several major central bank decisions, including the Bank of Japan, which is set to raise interest rates to a 31-year high on Tuesday. Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida will ‌hold a press briefing after the meeting, which Governor Kazuo Ueda will miss because he is undergoing medical treatment.

“We do not anticipate any major changes to the Bank’s assessment of current conditions,” analysts from Mitsubishi UFJ wrote in a research note.

“We expect ⁠Deputy Governor Uchida’s press conference, including the rationale he presents for the rate-hike decision, will be based largely on Governor Ueda’s June 3 speech,” the note added. “Mr. Uchida is also likely to follow the governor’s remarks when discussing future policy decisions.”

The Reserve Bank of Australia will pause its tightening cycle when it meets later, according to a Reuters poll of economists.

The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, held steady at 99.66, firmly within the tight trading channel in which it has sat all week.

The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury bond was up 0.8 basis point at 4.475%. Gold was up 0.2% at $4,313.87.

In cryptocurrency markets, bitcoin was down 0.3% at $66,245.97, while ether slumped 1.2% to $1,793.70.

ASEAN has finalized the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), set for signing in November 2025. It aims to create a unified digital market potentially worth US$2 trillion by 2030, reducing regulatory fragmentation and strengthening ASEAN’s global digital competitiveness.

Key Points

• ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) has been officially drafted following meetings in Manila, with member states set to sign it in November 2025 alongside the 49th ASEAN Summit, aiming to create a unified, rules-based digital market projected to reach US$2 trillion by 2030.

• DEFA seeks to harmonize digital trade regulations, reduce compliance costs for MSMEs, attract foreign investment, and eliminate fragmented national regulations, positioning ASEAN as a global digital hub serving 700 million people across its fifth-largest global economy.

• Beyond regional integration, DEFA serves as a geostrategic tool advancing ASEAN 2045 goals, giving the bloc a stronger collective voice in global digital trade governance while shifting the region from crisis-driven responses toward long-term structural planning amid ongoing economic and geopolitical disruptions.

ASEAN’s DEFA: A Landmark Digital Agreement Takes Shape

The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) has been officially drafted following senior economic officials’ meetings in Manila from May 27 to 29. The final agreement resolved all outstanding issues after a ministerial push at the 27th AEC Council Meeting in Cebu. Member states are scheduled to formally sign DEFA in November 2025, alongside the 49th ASEAN Summit. Framed as ASEAN’s strategic response to a rapidly evolving digital landscape, DEFA represents a commitment to building an open, seamlessly connected, and rules-based digital future, transitioning the region from fragmented, ad hoc initiatives to a unified, rules-based digital market.

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Unlocking a US$2 Trillion Digital Economy

DEFA’s implementation is projected to accelerate the region’s digital economy to US$2 trillion by 2030, strengthening ASEAN’s position as a global digital hub. Deputy Secretary-General Satvinder Singh highlighted that harmonised standards for digital trade, e-commerce, and data would significantly cut costs and reduce regulatory fragmentation. By streamlining digital regulations, DEFA would make the region more attractive for both foreign and domestic investment. Critically, eliminating conflicting national regulations would reduce heavy compliance burdens on MSMEs, enabling smaller businesses to participate more freely and competitively in the regional digital marketplace.

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DEFA as a Geostrategic Tool for ASEAN 2045

Beyond trade, DEFA is positioned as both a regional integration mechanism and a geostrategic instrument, giving ASEAN a stronger collective voice in global digital governance debates, including customs duties on electronic transmissions. Singh emphasised that ASEAN’s scale — 700 million people and the world’s fifth-largest economy — makes it a stabilising force amid global disruption. Despite trade tensions and challenging investment conditions, major ASEAN economies recorded GDP growth of approximately 4.9% and trade expansion exceeding 8%. DEFA ultimately supports ASEAN’s long-term structural planning strategy, moving the region away from crisis-driven management toward sustainable, future-ready digital integration aligned with ASEAN 2045 goals.

Source : ASEAN member states come to agreement on DEFA

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Bengaluru-based real estate developer Brigade Enterprises has fixed June 17 (Wednesday) as the record date for its bonus issue in the ratio of 1:3, which effectively makes today the last date for interested investors to buy the stock for the bonus share reward.

Only shareholders who hold Brigade Enterprises shares in their demat accounts as of Wednesday will be eligible to receive the bonus shares. Due to SEBI’s T+1 settlement norm, investors must purchase the company’s shares at least one trading day before the record date so they are credited to their demat accounts by that date and qualify for the corporate action. This effectively makes today the final day for investors to buy the shares to be eligible for the bonus issue.

All about Brigade Enterprises’ bonus issue

Brigade Enterprises in May announced its first bonus issue in around seven years, along with the release of its Q4 results. It said its board approved the plan to issue one bonus share with a face value of Rs 10 each for every three shares held in the company as on the record date.

The company approved the plan to increase its share capital from Rs 250 crore, divided into 25 crore shares, to Rs 400 crore, divided into 40 crore shares.

Also read: 31 stocks turning ex-record date for dividends and bonus issues this week. Do you own any?A bonus issue consists of free shares distributed by a company from its reserves and is often seen as a sign of strong financial health and growth prospects. While the issue of bonus shares increases the total number of outstanding shares, it does not change the company’s market capitalisation. However, it can improve liquidity and affordability, allowing more investors to add shares of the company to their portfolio.

Brigade Enterprises share price

Brigade Enterprises shares have gained more than 6% in one week but declined over 0.5% in one month and 24% in 2026 so far. In the longer term, the shares of the company have fallen over 42% in one year, but gained more than 15% in three years and 141% in five years.

The company currently has a market capitalisation of Rs 16,755 crore. The stock’s P/E ratio stands at nearly 23x.

Brigade Enterprises Q4 Results

Brigade Enterprises in May reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 190 crore for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2025-26, compared to Rs 249 crore a year ago. Its revenue meanwhile declined to Rs 1,523 crore from Rs 1,532 crore a year earlier.
Along with the Q4 results and bonus issue, Brigade Enterprises also announced a final dividend of Rs 2 per equity share for the financial year 2026.
Also read: 54% of top Indian stocks are cheaper now than in 2023. Is it time to buy?

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

Spectrum Internet customers in several states reported widespread service disruptions on Sunday, with hundreds affected by intermittent connectivity issues, slow speeds and complete outages that impacted work, streaming and daily online activities for residential and business users alike.

Charter Communications, which operates under the Spectrum brand, has not issued a formal statement confirming a large-scale outage, but user reports on platforms like Downdetector and social media surged throughout the day, with many customers expressing frustration over unreliable service. The problems appeared concentrated in certain regions but affected a broad cross-section of subscribers.

Complaints primarily centered on broadband internet access, with secondary reports involving Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile data services tied to Spectrum’s network. While the company encourages customers to use its outage checker tool and My Spectrum app for real-time status, many reported the tools themselves were inconsistent during peak disruption periods.

Scope and Affected Areas

Reports indicated problems in various markets across the provider’s footprint, which spans more than 40 states. Users in urban and suburban areas described sudden drops in service, with some experiencing complete blackouts lasting hours. Others noted intermittent connectivity that made video calls, remote work and online gaming nearly impossible.

Spectrum serves millions of households and businesses, making even localized outages disruptive. In some cases, customers turned to mobile hotspots or alternative providers as temporary solutions while awaiting restoration. The timing on a weekend amplified inconvenience for families relying on internet for entertainment and household management.

Customer Experiences and Responses

Social media filled with posts using hashtags like #SpectrumDown and #GetSpectrum, with users sharing screenshots of error messages and speed test results showing drastically reduced performance. Many expressed long-standing dissatisfaction with service reliability, citing previous incidents throughout 2026.

Spectrum’s support channels advised standard troubleshooting steps, including restarting modems and routers, checking cables and using the company’s app to verify account status. For those still without service, the provider suggested monitoring for updates via its website or local news. Some customers reported partial restoration after several hours, while others continued waiting.

One common theme in user feedback was concern over potential billing credits for prolonged outages. Spectrum has policies for service credits in extended disruptions, though eligibility and amounts vary by circumstance and location. Customers are encouraged to contact support directly to inquire about compensation.

Company Background and Service Context

Spectrum, one of the largest cable and internet providers in the United States, has faced ongoing scrutiny over network reliability and customer service. The company has invested in infrastructure upgrades, including fiber expansions in select markets, to address capacity demands driven by increasing streaming and remote work usage.

Despite these efforts, outages remain a recurring issue for many subscribers, often attributed to maintenance, weather events, hardware failures or unexpected network strain. Spectrum maintains a network operations center for monitoring and rapid response, but large-scale events can still overwhelm localized fixes.

Industry analysts note that cable providers like Spectrum operate complex hybrid fiber-coaxial networks that are generally robust but vulnerable to specific points of failure. Competitors offering fiber-optic services have marketed superior reliability, intensifying competitive pressure in key markets.

Troubleshooting Tips and Prevention

Experts recommend several immediate steps for affected customers: power cycle modems and routers, test connections on multiple devices, and check for regional alerts on Spectrum’s support site. Updating firmware on routers and ensuring proper ventilation for equipment can help prevent some issues. For persistent problems, contacting technical support or using the My Spectrum app’s chat feature is advised.

Longer-term solutions include exploring backup internet options such as mobile hotspots or secondary providers where available. Users in areas with frequent disruptions may consider business-class service tiers that often include enhanced support and SLAs.

Broader Industry Implications

Internet outages, while common across providers, highlight growing dependence on reliable broadband for everyday life. As remote work, online education and smart home devices proliferate, even brief disruptions carry significant economic and personal costs. Regulatory bodies continue monitoring major providers for service quality, with calls for improved transparency and faster restoration times.

Spectrum has committed to network modernization programs aimed at reducing outage frequency. Progress varies by market, with urban areas generally seeing faster upgrades than rural ones. Customers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels rather than relying solely on social media reports.

What Customers Should Do Next

Those still experiencing issues should document the duration and impact of the outage for potential credit requests. Spectrum typically processes credits automatically in some cases, but proactive contact may be necessary. Checking neighborhood apps or local forums can provide context on whether the problem is isolated or widespread.

For non-emergency technical support, Spectrum’s website offers self-help resources, while 24/7 phone lines remain available. In cases involving critical services like medical devices or business operations, alternative connectivity should be prioritized.

As investigations continue into the latest reported disruptions, Spectrum is expected to provide updates if a root cause is identified. Customers are urged to remain patient while crews address any underlying network issues. The company has a track record of restoring service progressively, starting with the most affected areas.

This incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of digital infrastructure and the importance of contingency planning. Spectrum subscribers, like those of other major providers, continue navigating the balance between expanding capabilities and maintaining consistent uptime in an increasingly connected world.