Nifty 50 jumped nearly 200 points in just two minutes on Monday, as traders adjusted to India’s new closing auction system for large stocks. At 3.28 pm, Nifty was trading at 24,573, which then surged to 24,774 to close nearly 1.6% higher at 3:30 pm. The sharp move came after exchanges introduced the Closing Auction Session (CAS) from August 3. The new system changes how the closing price is calculated for stocks that are part of the futures and options list.

The move appeared to surprise some intraday traders, especially those used to the old 3:30 pm closing pattern. Under the new structure, different parts of the market now close at different times. For F&O-linked stocks, continuous trading stops at 3:15 pm. These stocks then move into a closing auction process. Other stocks continue trading until 3:30 pm. Index and stock F&O contracts remain open until 3:40 pm.

What changed from August 3

The biggest change is that F&O stocks no longer use the old final 30-minute VWAP method to decide their official closing price. Earlier, the closing price was calculated using the volume-weighted average price of trades done in the last 30 minutes of trading. VWAP means the average price weighted by traded quantity.

This was used because the last traded price can be misleading. A stock may trade around Rs 1,000 for most of the day, but one small trade at Rs 980 near the close can make the last traded price look weak. VWAP reduces that distortion.

From August 3, the regulator has introduced a closing auction for stocks that have derivatives contracts. In this system, buy and sell orders are pooled and matched at a single price. That price becomes the official closing price.
The idea is to make the closing price more fairer, especially for large orders and passive funds that need to trade near the close.Also Read: Explained: What is CAS and what do new stock market timings mean for BSE, NSE traders?

How the auction works

For stocks under CAS, exchanges first calculate a reference price between 3 pm and 3:15 pm. This is based on the VWAP of trades during that period. At 3:15 pm, continuous trading stops. There is then a five-minute transition period until 3:20 pm. No fresh orders can be entered during this window.

From 3:20 pm to 3:25 pm, investors can place market and limit orders. Exchanges show details such as indicative price, buy quantity, sell quantity and order imbalance. From 3:25 pm to 3:30 pm, only limit orders can be placed. Market orders already placed cannot be changed or cancelled during this period.

The order entry window closes randomly between 3:28 pm and 3:30 pm This is meant to stop a last-minute rush of orders. From 3:30 pm to 3:35 pm, exchanges match the orders. The price at which the maximum quantity can be traded becomes the equilibrium price. That becomes the stock’s official closing price.

If two prices can execute the same quantity, the price with the lowest unmatched quantity is selected. If there is still a tie, the price closest to the reference price is chosen. If no price is discovered, the reference price is used.

Why Nifty moved so fast

The Nifty may have moved sharply because the closing prices of index stocks directly affect index calculation. The Nifty and Sensex are based on the market value of their constituent stocks. When the auction discovers closing prices for large index stocks, the index can move quickly even though regular continuous trading has already stopped for those stocks.

The 200-point jump in two minutes suggests that orders placed during the auction changed the final prices of some large stocks enough to move the index. Traders may also have been caught off guard by the new timings.

Intraday positions using MIS product type now have earlier auto square-off timings. For equity stocks under CAS, auto square-off is at 3:10 pm For equity stocks not under CAS, it is 3:25 pm For index and stock F&O contracts, it is 3:26 pm

That means some traders who were used to managing positions closer to 3:30 pm now have to adjust earlier.

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

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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.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Three investors in One 97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, are looking to sell shares worth up to Rs 2,002 crore through a screen-based transaction on Indian stock exchanges. The transaction is a 100% secondary share sale, which means the company will not receive any money from the deal. The shares will be sold by Saif Partners India IV, Saif III Mauritius Company and Elevation Capital V, according to the term sheet.

The base offer size is up to 1.49 crore shares, representing about 2.3% of Paytm’s existing share capital. The base deal size is up to Rs 2002 crore, or about $210 million. Morgan Stanley India Company Pvt Ltd is the placement agent for the transaction.

The floor price at 5% discount. The offer floor price has been fixed at Rs 1,339.65 per share. This is a 4.99% discount to Paytm’s closing price of Rs 1,410 on August 3.

The books opened on August 3 and are expected to close around 7 am IST on August 4, with an option to close earlier. The expected trade date is August 4, while settlement is expected on August 5.

The term sheet said no guidance will be given on pricing until the shares are crossed on Indian stock exchanges on August 4. It also said investors should indicate demand across the price range.

Saif entities hold key stake in Paytm
Before the transaction, Saif Partners India IV held about 23.2 million Paytm shares, or around 3.63% of the company’s existing share capital. Saif III Mauritius Company held about 54.7 million shares, or around 8.55% of the company’s existing share capital.Elevation Capital V holding was not disclosed in the term sheet. The shareholding pattern was disclosed on BSE on August 3. The vendors, their agents and nominees will be under a 60-day lock-up after the transaction.

Large investor exits through block deals are common after a stock has seen a strong rally. They allow early investors to reduce holdings while giving institutional buyers a chance to buy a large quantity of shares in one transaction.

Oracle Corp. shares advanced nearly 6% in midday trading Monday, climbing to around $138 amid a broader rally in technology stocks and renewed investor focus on the company’s cloud and artificial intelligence growth trajectory.

The stock rose $8.26, or 6.36%, as markets responded to signs of de-escalation in Middle East tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to pause planned military action against Iran. Broader equity indexes also gained, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite posting solid advances as oil prices eased and risk appetite improved.

Oracle has been a prominent beneficiary of the AI infrastructure buildout, even as its shares have experienced significant volatility over the past year. The company reported record results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2026 in June, highlighting rapid expansion in cloud infrastructure and a substantial backlog of contracted business.

Remaining performance obligations, a measure of contracted future revenue, reached a record $638 billion at the end of the fourth quarter, up sharply from earlier periods. Cloud infrastructure revenue in the quarter rose 93% year over year to $5.8 billion, while total cloud revenue climbed 47% to $9.9 billion. Full-year cloud infrastructure revenue advanced 77% to $18.1 billion.

The company has guided for continued strong growth, with fiscal 2027 total revenue expected around $90 billion. Management has acknowledged near-term pressure on gross margins linked to the ramp-up of new data centers. Oracle CFO Hilary Maxson noted on the earnings call that fiscal 2027 gross margins “will step down due to timing for the ramp up of our data center projects,” while adding that the company expects margin performance in infrastructure to improve rapidly as facilities reach full contractual revenue levels.

Adding to recent momentum, Oracle expanded its partnership with Alphabet’s Google Cloud late last week. The collaboration will make Google’s Gemini models, including Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite and Gemini 3.5 Flash, available within Oracle AI Agent Studio and across Fusion Cloud Applications and NetSuite. The move allows enterprise customers greater flexibility in selecting AI models for agentic workflows and automation.

Chris Leone, executive vice president of applications development at Oracle, said, “To achieve the best business outcomes, organizations need the flexibility to choose the AI model best suited to each problem. Bringing Gemini to AI Agent Studio gives our customers greater choice as they build next-generation agentic workflows.”

The partnership builds on existing multicloud offerings that enable customers to run Oracle databases and applications across major cloud providers while leveraging specialized AI capabilities. Oracle has positioned itself as a key supplier of high-performance computing capacity for large language models and enterprise AI deployments, securing multiyear contracts with major technology and government customers.

Investors have closely monitored the company’s capital expenditure plans, which include significant outlays to expand data center capacity. Oracle has pursued a combination of debt and equity financing to support the buildout, with remaining performance obligations providing visibility into future revenue conversion as capacity comes online. In fiscal 2027, a substantial portion of the backlog is expected to convert into recognized revenue.

Despite the strong growth metrics, the shares have traded well below prior peaks amid concerns over elevated spending, free cash flow dynamics during the investment phase, and overall market valuation of AI-related stocks. The stock’s 52-week range has reflected that volatility, with shares recovering from recent lows as positive catalysts have emerged.

Monday’s advance also coincided with broader sector strength. Technology companies with exposure to cloud computing and AI infrastructure participated in the relief rally tied to geopolitical developments. Lower energy prices and reduced immediate risk of further escalation supported risk assets across the board.

Oracle continues to emphasize its dual strengths in cloud applications and infrastructure. Cloud applications revenue has grown more moderately but steadily, providing a recurring base alongside the faster-expanding infrastructure segment. The company has highlighted profitability at the AI data center level even as overall margins face temporary pressure from the capacity ramp.

Looking ahead, investors will watch for updates on the pace of data center deployments, customer adoption of multicloud and AI agent capabilities, and any further details on financing plans. The conversion of the large remaining performance obligations into revenue remains a central focus, as does the trajectory of free cash flow once major construction phases mature.

The combination of contracted backlog, accelerating cloud infrastructure growth, strategic partnerships such as the expanded Google collaboration, and a more constructive market backdrop contributed to Monday’s gains. While the shares remain sensitive to shifts in AI spending sentiment and macroeconomic conditions, the latest session reflected renewed confidence in Oracle’s positioning within the ongoing expansion of enterprise AI and cloud capacity.

Trading volume was elevated as the stock moved higher, consistent with broader market participation. Analysts have maintained a generally constructive view on the long-term opportunity, citing the scale of committed customer contracts and Oracle’s established enterprise relationships as supporting factors through the current investment cycle.

Selena Gomez has long balanced a high-profile career in music, acting and business with the ongoing demands of living with lupus, an autoimmune disease diagnosed more than a decade ago. The 34-year-old has spoken openly about how the condition and its treatments influence her energy, weight and daily mobility, while emphasizing habits that help her maintain strength and well-being.

Gomez was diagnosed with lupus in 2013 and publicly shared the news in 2015. The disease led to chemotherapy and a kidney transplant in 2017, with the organ donated by her friend Francia Raisa. She has described periods when the illness felt life-threatening and has continued to manage flare-ups, including arthritis in her fingers that affects everyday tasks.

“I have arthritis in my fingers, and that’s due to my lupus,” Gomez said on the “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” podcast. “So, I remember before the brand, I was trying to open a water bottle and it hurt really bad before I was on the right medication.” That experience influenced the accessible packaging of her Rare Beauty products, designed with easier-open features.

Medication side effects have also contributed to noticeable changes in her appearance. In a 2025 Allure interview, she addressed sensitivity around weight comments and fluid retention. “I’ve dealt with a lot of weight issues in my life, and that’s something I’m very sensitive to,” she said. “When I’m under the medication, my body retains a lot of fluids.” She added that when she stops the medication, “I tend to lose weight.”

Amid these challenges, Gomez has maintained a varied fitness approach centered on consistency, enjoyment and listening to her body rather than rigid intensity. Longtime trainer Amy Rosoff Davis has guided much of her routine, mixing modalities to prevent boredom and support recovery. Workouts typically include Pilates for core strength, flexibility and muscle control; yoga and stretching for mobility and joint relief; dance cardio that draws on her performance background; circuit training with bodyweight or light resistance moves; and outdoor activities such as hiking or walking.

Davis has described the philosophy as making movement part of a sustainable lifestyle. Sessions often last 20 to 60 minutes and can be adapted based on energy levels, with an emphasis on stretching to keep muscles long and support joint health. Gomez has previously highlighted the appeal of Pilates, noting it helps her feel opened up and supports breathing, which is valuable for a performer.

Hydration remains a priority, especially given the demands of medication and recovery. Gomez has spoken about keeping water readily available and incorporating juices with ingredients such as carrots, ginger, celery and beet when focusing on nutrient intake. Meals, guided in the past by her trainer, have featured protein sources like eggs, chicken or fish, vegetables, fruits, brown rice or other whole grains, nuts and healthy fats. The approach aims to provide steady energy without extreme restriction, though Gomez has also acknowledged occasional preferences for simpler or less structured eating.

Sun protection is another consistent element because ultraviolet exposure can trigger lupus flares. Gomez has stressed the importance of sunscreen as part of both skincare and overall health management. “I like to put sunscreen on, not only because it’s important to keeping your skin looking fresh, but I have Lupus, so being in the sun is kind of difficult for me,” she has said.

Mental health support runs parallel to physical habits. Gomez has used dialectical behavior therapy to process emotions, including reactions to public comments about her body. She has described the process as peeling away layers to understand triggers rooted in past medical experiences. Humor and connection with friends also help her navigate isolation that can accompany both chronic illness and public life.

In recent years Gomez has indicated periods of remission while remaining attentive to residual symptoms such as joint discomfort and the need for ongoing medical oversight. She has continued advocacy through organizations focused on lupus research and mental health, underscoring that the condition’s effects are not always visible yet remain significant.

Her fitness habits reflect adaptation rather than a fixed formula. By rotating activities, prioritizing recovery days, focusing on functional strength and pairing movement with nutrition and rest, she aims to stay capable for professional demands while managing a chronic condition. Trainers and Gomez herself have stressed that the goal is feeling strong and supported rather than achieving a particular aesthetic.

As she balances acting projects, music, her beauty brand and personal life, the combination of medical management, varied low-to-moderate intensity exercise, attentive nutrition and emotional tools forms the foundation she has described for staying resilient. Gomez’s openness about the realities of lupus continues to highlight the importance of individualized, sustainable approaches to health for those navigating similar challenges.

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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.

This article is intended to provide informational content and should not be viewed as an exhaustive analysis of the featured company. It should not be interpreted as personalized investment advice with regard to “Buy/Sell/Hold/Short/Long” recommendations. Financial models presented here, including DCF, rNPV, and scenario analyses, are illustrative tools based on the author’s assumptions and are highly sensitive to inputs; small changes can materially alter outputs. The predictions and opinions presented reflect a probabilistic approach, not absolute certainty. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, but inadvertent errors may occur. Readers are advised to independently verify information and conduct their own research. Investing in stocks involves inherent volatility and risk. Before making any investment decisions, it is crucial for readers to conduct thorough research and assess their financial circumstances. The author is not liable for any financial losses incurred as a result of using or relying on the content of this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Walmart shoppers in 19 states are being urged to check their pantries after a Walmart-exclusive pistachio nut butter was recalled over potential Salmonella contamination.

New York-based Botticelli Foods voluntarily recalled one lot of Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter after routine testing “identified the presence of Salmonella,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Monday. 

The product, manufactured in Italy by Gustibus Alimentari S.r.l., was sold exclusively at Walmart and distributed to stores in 19 states, officials said. 

MILLIONS OF PRESCRIPTION EYE DROPS RECALLED NATIONWIDE OVER CONTAMINATION CONCERNS

The affected lot was distributed to Walmart stores in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington and Wyoming. 

The safety alert applies only to lot LB028ACP04, according to the FDA. 

The affected item comes in 6.7-ounce glass jars with an expiration date of Jan. 28, 2027, and a Universal Product Code (UPC) of 194346207961.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
WMT	WALMART INC.	110.70	-0.50	-0.45%

Federal regulators said Walmart was notified of the potential contamination on July 17, 2026, after Salmonella was detected in three jars during a routine inventory inspection conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) at a Walmart store. 

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled product. 

MORE THAN 120K REFRIGERATORS RECALLED AFTER 34 FIRES AND ONE REPORTED DEATH

Customers who purchased the affected nut butter should stop consuming it immediately and return it to a Walmart store for a full refund, officials said.

According to the recall notice, consuming food contaminated with Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, older adults, frail individuals, people with weakened immune systems, and other vulnerable populations. 

Symptoms of infection may include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause more severe illnesses, including arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis. 

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Consumers seeking more information about the recall can contact Botticelli Foods at quality@botticellifoods.com or 631-543-7000, ext. 203, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. 

Botticelli Foods did not immediately respond to a request for comment from FOX Business.