Business
Rare 4.9 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Louisiana, Second-Strongest in History
A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck northwestern Louisiana early Thursday, March 5, 2026, awakening residents across the region and marking the second-strongest recorded tremor in the state’s history, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake hit at approximately 5:30 a.m. CST (6:30 a.m. EST), with its epicenter located about 6 miles west of Edgefield in Red River Parish, roughly 36-40 miles south-southeast of Shreveport. The USGS initially reported the magnitude as 4.4 before upgrading it to 4.9 based on refined data. The shallow depth of about 3-5 miles (5-10 km) contributed to widespread felt shaking despite the moderate size.
Residents from Shreveport and Bossier City to Coushatta and beyond described noticeable jolts that rattled windows, shook furniture, rattled pipes and briefly disrupted sleep. Social media flooded with reports of “the house shaking like a truck hit it” and questions about whether it was a train, explosion or genuine seismic event. The tremor was felt across much of northern Louisiana and into parts of eastern Texas, with some accounts extending to areas near Texarkana.
No immediate reports of serious injuries, structural collapses or major infrastructure damage emerged by midday Thursday. Emergency management officials in Red River, Bossier and Caddo parishes activated protocols to assess buildings, bridges and utilities, but preliminary surveys indicated only minor issues such as cracked drywall or dislodged items in homes. The USGS issued a green alert for the event, signaling a low probability of casualties or significant economic losses from shaking.
Seismologists noted the rarity of such an event in Louisiana, a state not typically associated with frequent or powerful earthquakes. The Pelican State’s seismic history is dominated by smaller events, often linked to the regional fault systems or induced activity from oil and gas operations in some cases. The previous strongest quake was a magnitude 5.3 event off Grand Isle in southern Louisiana on Feb. 9, 2006 — an offshore tremor tied to different tectonic dynamics.
Thursday’s quake ranks as the strongest inland earthquake in Louisiana records and the most powerful to affect the Shreveport area in decades. It surpasses recent minor activity in the region, including a 2.9 magnitude event near Coushatta in late February 2026 and several 2.6-3.1 tremors since late 2025. The area’s geology includes parts of the stable interior of the North American plate, but proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone to the north and Gulf Coast subsidence features can allow occasional felt events.
Experts from the USGS and local universities emphasized that while the quake was significant for the area, it remains below thresholds typically associated with widespread destruction. “Magnitude 4.9 events produce strong shaking near the epicenter but rarely cause major damage unless structures are particularly vulnerable,” one seismologist commented in initial briefings. The event’s shallow focus amplified intensity, leading to “moderately strong” perceived shaking (Modified Mercalli Intensity V-VI) close to the epicenter.
Local officials urged residents to check for gas leaks, inspect chimneys and report any structural concerns to authorities. The Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police coordinated response efforts, while the National Weather Service and emergency broadcasters disseminated safety information. No tsunami risk existed, given the inland location.
The quake prompted a surge in “Did You Feel It?” submissions to the USGS website, helping refine intensity maps. Community reactions ranged from surprise to curiosity, with some longtime residents recalling faint tremors in past years but nothing of this caliber. Social media posts included videos of swaying light fixtures and personal accounts from as far as 100 miles away.
Geologists continue monitoring for aftershocks, which are possible but expected to be minor. As of early March 6, 2026 (KST — corresponding to late March 5 evening local time), no significant follow-up events had been recorded, though small aftershocks below magnitude 2.0 may go undetected without sensitive instruments.
This event underscores Louisiana’s occasional seismic vulnerability, even in areas considered low-risk. State emergency preparedness officials used the occasion to remind residents of basic earthquake safety: drop, cover and hold on during shaking, and secure heavy objects to prevent hazards in future incidents.
As investigations into the quake’s precise cause continue — potentially natural tectonic stress or linked to regional subsurface activity — northwest Louisiana returned to normalcy Thursday afternoon. Schools, businesses and transportation operated without major disruptions, though the morning’s rare rumble left an impression on a region more accustomed to hurricanes and floods than earthquakes.
The 4.9 magnitude tremor serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability, even in stable continental interiors. Authorities and scientists will analyze data in coming days to better understand this unusual addition to Louisiana’s seismic catalog.
Business
National Australia Bank flags $503 million impairment hit on Mideast volatility

National Australia Bank flags $503 million impairment hit on Mideast volatility
Business
Omkara, Oaktree pay Rs 1,200 crore to buy GTL debt from Edelweiss
The all-cash deal, valued at about ₹1,200 crore, involves a transfer of stressed debt between asset reconstruction platforms and investors. It was closed in March. The exposure dates back to 2018, when Edelweiss ARC, in partnership with Oaktree and other investors, had acquired nearly 90% of GTL Infra’s loans, then valued at around ₹4,000 crore.
The telecom tower company had defaulted on debt exceeding ₹11,000 crore, triggering multiple restructuring efforts over the years.
People familiar with the latest transaction said Edelweiss had put the exposure on the block as its fund lifecycle neared maturity, prompting a takeout by Omkara.
“This is a 100% cash deal between ARCs. Edelweiss exited and we acquired the exposure,” an executive at one of the firms said on condition of anonymity.
Investors are betting on improved recovery prospects this time. “The underlying business is more or less stable now. The towers are operational, and that improves the chances of recovery,” the person said.
Omkara is understood to be targeting an exit over the next two years, either through asset sales or a negotiated settlement. “The idea is to close the account in about two years-through sale of assets or other recovery mechanisms,” the person added. Omkara and Edelweiss ARC spokespersons did not respond to requests for comment until press time Sunday.
In 2018, after a steep revenue and Ebitda decline following the exit of key clients including Aircel, RCom and Tata Teleservices, GTL Infrastructure sought to deleverage, with lenders assigning 79.34% of its ₹3,226-crore debt to Edelweiss ARC. The firm submitted multiple restructuring proposals from April 2018 onward, expecting a swift resolution, but lenders did not act on these plans and some retained their exposure.
In November 2022, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) rejected a plea by Canara Bank to initiate insolvency proceedings, ruling that the company remained a viable going concern and did not meet the threshold for admission under the bankruptcy code.
Business
Market, rupee fortunes may prove fickle amid Iran flareup
Stocks and the rupee are seen facing fresh challenges after having recouped losses and strengthened amid easing geopolitical tensions. Last week, the Sensex and Nifty gained up to 1.3%, while broader indices advanced further – the Nifty Midcap 150 rose 3.5% and Smallcap 250 was up 4.4%, extending gains for the second straight week. The rebound faces hurdles if tensions erupt again.
The rupee may open 30-35 paise weaker against the dollar. It closed at 92.93 per dollar on Friday, up 0.30% from the previous close. But traders expect it to slip below 93 due to higher oil prices, after some ships were fired upon as Iran closed the Strait. Satellite imagery late on Sunday showed ships at a standstill, after they had started moving two days before.
“On Friday, things had cooled down a bit after Iran opened the Strait but since then, there have been some volatilities, as a result of which, oil prices have increased,” said Alok Singh, head of treasury at CSB Bank. “It is now turning out to be a market driven by statements from the US and Iran. We should expect volatility to continue till there is clarity.”
Belligerent statements by both sides are balanced by plans for renewed dialogue in Pakistan this week. Mediators and affected Gulf states are also keenly aware that the end of the two-week ceasefire is days away.
Agencies RBI may Help Rupee
“Based on the current news flow, markets on Monday are likely to react primarily to crude prices,” said Shrikant Chouhan, head of equity research, Kotak Securities. “If oil moves back toward $100 per barrel, the market may open near previous closing levels, and then shift focus toward domestic developments.”
When Iran announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz would be open as part of peace efforts, Brent crude plunged 9% to $90.38 a barrel, helping Wall Street benchmarks close at record highs later in the day. Before the US-Iran truce, prices were at around $110.
All eyes are on the diplomatic peace talks between the US and Iran, with the ceasefire deadline of April 22 fast approaching, said Siddhartha Khemka, head of research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services. “Now that there has been a sharp rally over the past 10 trading sessions, there should be some consolidation,” he said.
Higher oil prices will push the rupee to open lower on Monday before the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) possibly steps in to prevent a sharp fall, traders said. RBI’s move to take dollar demand by oil companies out of the market by providing them a direct supply of the currency through State Bank of India may also prevent a sharp fall in the rupee.
If the war continues for a longer period and crude again goes back to $100-120 per barrel, it will be negative for the economy, and markets could see a worse reaction, said Mahesh Ojha, vice president, research, Kantilal Chhaganlal Securities. “Fourth quarter results from ICICI are marginally better than expected, while HDFC Bank posted a steady quarter, and this could act as a positive trigger on Monday,” he said. “If conditions turn worse, the banking heavyweights could offer support, while if sentiment improves, they could add further upside.”
Since the ceasefire announcement on April 8, the Sensex and Nifty have gained over 5%, while the Nifty Midcap 150 and Nifty Smallcap 250 advanced roughly 10%.
The market seems well-positioned to extend its uptrend, rather than remain range-bound, said Dhupesh Dhameja, derivatives analyst at Samco Securities.
Business
WrestleMania 42 Night 2: Has Brock Lesnar Retired?
It seems Brock Lesnar has retired.
Following his loss to Oba Femi during the second night of WrestleMania 42, Lesnar left his gloves and wrestling boots in the ring, a typical sign of retirement that fans last saw when AJ Styles retired in January.
Brock Lesnar Leaves Gloves, Boots in the Ring
Lesnar stayed seated in the ring after the match, soon shocking fans in attendance and watching at home when he began to remove his gloves. Fans soon began to voice their disapproval, continuously chanting “No!” as he went.
A visibly emotional and crying Lesnar then began to remove his boots before leaving them, along with the gloves, at the center of the ring.
Paul Heyman eventually entered the ring, and Lesnar made an “x” sign with his arms before the two shared a hug.
Lesnar waved to the crowd and bowed in gratitude before leaving the ring as chants of “Thank you, Lesnar” echoed throughout the arena.
Is This It for Lesnar?
If his actions in the ring truly meant that his match against Femi is his final match, Lesnar joins the list of recently-retired WWE legends.
It can be recalled that John Cena retired in December after tapping out to Gunther. AJ Styles likewise retired in January after a match with “The Career Killer.”
Fan reaction online has been swift as many grappled with the idea that Lesnar his retired, with many expressing their gratitude to one of the greatest combat athletes WWE has ever seen.
One fan on X expressed shock by saying, “4 minutes 45 seconds for what could be Brock’s last match??”
“Brock hasn’t retired yet,” another fan said. “We will see on Raw when Gunther confronts him.”
One pointed out a sad truth for a generation of WWE fans by saying, “Lesnar, Styles, & Cena all announced their retirement in the span of four months.”
Originally published on sportsworldnews.com
Business
National Australia Bank hikes credit provisions on Iran war; flags $961 mln charge

National Australia Bank hikes credit provisions on Iran war; flags $961 mln charge
Business
CStone presents preclinical data on three ADC candidates at AACR

CStone presents preclinical data on three ADC candidates at AACR
Business
Traders ready to put war behind, dial up the risk
In the first half of April, investors bought a net $500 million of bonds in the lowest tier of investment grade, and sold $7.3 billion of the higher tiers, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. That helped BBB bonds perform comparatively better than higher-rated notes, pushing the gap between spreads for BBB and A corporates to the tightest since before the war.
There may be good reason for these slightly riskier bonds to be performing better: BBB rated companies have outperformed analysts’ average forecasts more than A companies have, according to a Bloomberg News analysis.
Buyers are hoping a more lasting peace in West Asia can be forged by negotiators, and that companies in the lower edges of investment grade can keep performing well.
“There is some value in the BBB space and issuers there have been good stewards of the balance sheet and generally improving credit quality,” said Gene Tannuzzo, global head of fixed income at Columbia Threadneedle Investments.
Investors have also been snatching up junk bonds, although with a preference for the higher-rated end of the spectrum, implying that money managers still see risk ahead even as they grow moderately more hopeful. Overall spreads for junk bonds are at their tightest since the war began, averaging 2.72% as of Thursday’s close.
Business
Nifty has a bit of momentum, but faces resistance at 24,300-24,700
ROHAN SHAH
TECHNICAL ANALYST, ASIT C MEHTA INVESTMENT
Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty staged a strong comeback this month after a prolonged four-month decline, supported by easing geopolitical tensions and lower crude prices. The index has approached a resistance band of 24,300–24,700, which aligns with multiple technical studies. However, sustained strength above this zone is essential for the continuation of the upward momentum, potentially paving the way toward 25,500. Inability to hold above this zone may trigger profit booking, dragging the index lower towards 23,500–23,200. Trading Strategy: Buy Nifty futures above 24,700 for an upside target of 25,500, maintaining a stop-loss below 24,250.
TOP STOCK BETS
Jubilant FoodWorks
Buy at CMP Rs 459 | Stop-loss Rs 420 | Target Rs 525
The stock shows early reversal signs, backed by one-year high volumes and a high-wave candle near a demand zone, indicating selling exhaustion. The Rs 420–440 zone is key support; RSI shows bullish divergence.
Maruti Suzuki India
Buy at CMP Rs 13,453 | Stop-loss Rs 12,500 | Target Rs 15,500
The stock has witnessed a strong rebound after confirming a bullish ABCD harmonic pattern. The formation of a cup-and-handle pattern alongside improving volumes signals accumulation. RSI holding above its breakout level suggests a positive bias.
AgenciesAJIT MISHRA
SVP – RESEARCH, RELIGARE BROKING
Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty is now approaching key moving averages (100 and 200 DEMA) in the 24,600– 24,800 zone. Sustained strength above this band could open room for further upside towards 25,200. In case of profit booking or consolidation, the 23,700–24,000 zone is likely to provide strong support.
Trading Strategies: For the short term, traders may consider a “buy on dip” approach in the 24,150–24,250 range, with a stop-loss at 23,900 and potential targets of 24,800 and 25,200. Among sectoral themes, the Nifty Energy Index has witnessed a fresh breakout after spending more than one-anda-half years in a consolidation phase. Participants can consider playing this theme through an ETF, i.e., Mirae Asset Nifty Energy ETF. It is currently trading at Rs 39.11, and one can accumulate it in the Rs 37–40 zone with a stoploss at Rs 34 for a positional target of Rs 52.
TOP STOCK BETS
Federal Bank Buy. CMP Rs 293 | Stop-loss Rs 278 | Target Rs 325
Federal Bank is in a steady uptrend with higher highs and lows post-base formation. A strong breakout near the 200-DMA signals a sentiment shift; price holds above key averages, with RSI supporting continuation.
JSW Energy
Buy. CMP Rs 538 | Stop-loss Rs 504 | Target Rs 598
JSW Energy is in a stage-2 uptrend, consolidating after a strong rally. The range-bound move near the 200-DMA suggests a healthy pause, with price now attempting an upward breakout supported by improving momentum.
RAJESH PALVIYA
HEAD OF TECHNICAL AND DERIVATIVES, AXIS SECURITIES
Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty is fast approaching 24,415—the upper boundary of the bearish gap etched on March 9. A conviction close above 24,500, however, could open the floodgates. The next logical pit stops are 24,762— the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the Feb March decline—and the psychologically significant 25,000 mark. A slip below the 24,000–23,900 support band would be a warning shot, potentially dragging the index back to retest its weekly low of 23,555. Traders on the long side would do well to respect this floor. The overall outlook remains positive, as the weekly RSI continues to stay above its reference line. This indicates that positive momentum is still intact and not yet exhausted.
Trading Strategies: The recommended strategy for Nifty options for the April 28, 2026, expiry is a call spread, ideal for a moderately bullish market outlook. The trader buys one lot of the 24,400-strike Call option at a premium of Rs 260–240 and simultaneously sells one lot of the 24,700-strike Call option at a premium of Rs 130–150. This strategy limits both risk and reward, creating a defined range for outcomes. The break-even point is at 24,530, with a maximum potential loss of Rs 8,450 and a maximum profit of Rs 11,050.
TOP STOCK BETS
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Buy at Rs 2,618, CMP Rs 2,620| Stop-loss Rs 2,550 | Target Rs 2,800-2,850
A breakout above Rs 2,430 signals a shift to a primary uptrend, with RSI strength confirming bullish momentum. Resistance lies at Rs 2,800–2,850; sustained strength could extend gains to Rs 3,000–3,050.
Polycab India
Buy at Rs 8,184, CMP Rs 8,188.50 | Stop-loss Rs 7,900 | Target Rs 8,600-8,900
An uptrend supported by a rising trendline and a doublebottom near Rs 6,650 underpins strength. Resistance at Rs 8,700; a breakout could target Rs 9,000+. Maintain Rs 7,600 as a stop-loss; below this, risks a breakdown.
Business
AMD: $600 Bullseye (NASDAQ:AMD) | Seeking Alpha
Stone Fox Capital is an RIA from Oklahoma. Mark Holder is a CPA with degrees in Accounting and Finance. He is also Series 65 licensed and has 30 years of investing experience, including 15 years as a portfolio manager. Mark leads the investing group Out Fox The Street where he shares stock picks and deep research to help readers uncover potential multibaggers while managing portfolio risk via diversification. Features include various model portfolios, stock picks with identifiable catalysts, daily updates, real-time alerts, and access to community chat and direct chat with Mark for questions. Learn more.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
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Modular Medical prices $3.4 million stock offering at $4.50/share

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