“We hereby inform that the Enforcement Directorate team visited some offices of our company and Hindustan Zinc, a subsidiary of the company,” Vedanta said after stock exchanges sought clarification regarding news reports around ED conducting searches against Vedanta Group in FEMA probe. The Anil Agarwal-led company added that it is fully cooperating with the authorities and providing all requested information.

In another exchange filing released on Tuesday, Vedanta said that the proceedings are underway. “We wish to reiterate that the Company is and will continue to comply with SEBI Listing Regulations and keep the stock exchange(s) duly informed of all material information / events, including price sensitive information(s), in accordance with the applicable provisions,” it added.

Also Read | Vedanta says ED officials visited some of its offices, Hindustan Zinc unitsThe Economic Times reported on Tuesday, citing officials, that ED conducted searches at premises linked to the Vedanta Group in Delhi and Mumbai as part of a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) investigation.

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In a quote to ET Bureau, Vedanta spokesperson said, “We are extending full cooperation to the authorities and are providing all information sought. The company remains committed to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. As the matter is currently under regulatory process, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

Also Read | ED searches against Vedanta Group in FEMA case

ICRA’s ratings upgrade

Last week, ratings agency ICRA removed the company from watch with developing implications after greater clarity on the allocation of assets and liabilities under the ongoing demerger scheme.
ICRA upgraded Vedanta’s long-term rating to AA+ (Stable), assigned a stable outlook and reaffirmed the short-term rating. “The rating action factors in ICRA’s expectation of a further strengthening in the credit profile of the Vedanta Group in FY2027, building on the considerable improvement witnessed in FY2026. This has been supported by a sharp increase in base metal prices, which has contributed to a strong financial risk profile for the Group, which reported an OPBDITA of $6.7 billion in FY26,” the ratings agency said.Also Read | Vedanta shares jump 2% to hit fresh 52-week high. What’s behind the surge?

Vedanta shares have tumbled 6% in one week but gained around 23% in one month. The stock recently adjusted to its mega demerger. Vedanta in April had announced that every eligible shareholder would receive one share each of Vedanta Aluminium Metal (VAML), Talwandi Sabo Power (to be renamed Vedanta Power), Malco Energy (to be renamed Vedanta Oil and Gas) and Vedanta Iron and Steel for every share held in the parent company, marking one of the biggest corporate restructurings in India’s metals and mining sector. Investors are now awaiting the listing of the four new companies that spun out of the mining conglomerate.

Also Read | Vedanta demerger: At what price will each of the four new companies list? Check cost of acquisition

Hindustan Zinc share price

Hindustan Zinc shares have fallen around 4% in one week but gained 5% in one month and more than 2% so far in 2026. The stock is up over 33% in one year. In the longer term, the shares of the company delivered 104% returns over three years and 93% returns over five years.

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

Pride events have evolved from parades to multi-day festivals, boosting tourism and economic growth worldwide. Cities like NYC, Barcelona, Sydney, Toronto, and Bangkok leverage festivals’ higher spending and global appeal.

Economic Impact of Pride Celebrations

Pride celebrations have evolved from simple parades to major economic drivers through tourism. For example, the NYC Pride March attracts millions, boosting local tourism, though as an open-access event, spending per attendee is limited. In contrast, ticketed Pride-specific festivals—such as circuit parties and music festivals—generate higher per-capita spending. These festivals have transformed many Pride events into multi-day experiences that attract global tourists and create significant economic impact.

Festival-driven Tourism Growth

Pride festivals encourage longer stays and premium spending through multi-day passes, VIP packages, and varied events like beach parties and concerts. Barcelona’s Circuit Festival illustrates this trend, drawing over 60,000 international visitors generating more than €100 million annually. Regular scheduling fosters loyalty and repeat visits, making Pride festivals vital for local economies and global destination branding.

Opportunities for Expanding Pride Tourism

Cities like Sydney and Toronto have shifted Pride into multi-week festivals, combining parades with ticketed events to boost visitor spending and extend stays. Thailand is also poised to benefit by expanding events like Bangkok Pride and White Party Bangkok. By embracing multi-day festivals, Thailand can attract more international tourists and strengthen its position in the global Pride tourism market.

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In between the thrill of the bouts on fight night, you may notice a new partner listed on the canvas of a UFC octagon: FRE Nicotine Pouches. 

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, FRE became the “official nicotine pouch partner” of UFC and the rest of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (TKO) affiliated properties, including Zuffa Boxing, PBR (Professional Bull Riding), and UFC BJJ, as well as IMG-owned World’s Strongest Man and Formula Drift. 

FRE has been quietly building a sports portfolio that reaches those performance-obsessed audiences across the country, but the announcement of the partnership with TKO last month was a landmark title sponsorship. 

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TKO Group Holdings, Inc. and FRE Pouches, a consumer product from Turning Point Brands, partnered to become UFC’s “official nicotine pouch.” (FRE Nicotine Pouches / Fox News)

UFC became the first major U.S. sports property to have an “official nicotine pouch” partner, making this a deal that changes the landscape of a category that will have an estimated $50 billion market by 2033. 

Summer Frein, chief revenue officer at Turning Point Brands, the branded consumer products company that markets and distributes products, including alternative smoking accessories, spoke with Fox Business about how FRE wanted to get into sports. And TKO’s properties, especially UFC, made too much sense.  

“Obviously, first and foremost, we wanted to pick something that aligns with our brand, and our tagline is ‘Own Your Edge.’ When you think about people who own their edge, sports immediately come to mind. And when you think about TKO — I said this to someone last week — where the hell do you own your edge more than knocking someone out in an octagon,” Frein said in a recent interview. 

UFC, BUD LIGHT TEAM UP TO MAKE ALREADY HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SUMMER OF FIGHTS THAT MUCH BETTER: ‘A FAN DELIGHT’

“The consumers who are at the events overlap with our consumer base very directly, both from an adult nicotine consumer perspective, but just the characteristics of them. What they believe in, what they embody (has) a lot of overlap with us as well in terms of being competitive, performance-driven and that sort of thing.”

The UFC has an audience that is over 90% adults, 21 years or older, making it an ideal platform for responsible marketing of adult consumer products like nicotine pouches. But, from an athlete’s perspective, research into how nicotine could enhance sports performance has been abundant. 

Smokeless tobacco has been widely used by athletes to enhance performance, with nicotine serving as a central nervous system stimulant among other anatomic effects. And while nicotine had a bad reputation due to its correlation with tobacco-based products like cigarettes, the stimulant wasn’t the cause of toxic health consequences. Of course, it remains an addictive chemical.

The growth of the global nicotine pouch market reached roughly $4.3 billion in 2025, and it’s only going to surge from there. FRE has moved fast to establish itself before it fully matures, and a deal like this with TKO proves that. 

FRE Nicotine Pouches became the “official nicotine pouch” of different TKO Group Holdings, Inc. properties, including UFC and Zuffa Boxing. (FRE Nicotine Pouches / Fox News)

“We started off with PBR last year. We rolled into some NASCAR and ARCA Series racing, and all of those foundational elements gave us the confidence that we were heading in the right direction. Sports made a lot of sense for us,” Frein added. 

“I think [TKO was] also looking for partners and consumers that had overlap, so we were building upon each other there. The consumers expect that. You have seen UFC consumers and fans at events. They ride for that brand. So, if they partner with brands that don’t make sense, I don’t think those fans will be quiet about that. I think our brand made a lot of sense for that reason, too.”

Frein pointed out how FRE sets itself apart for its consumers with its variety of flavors, and, more importantly, nicotine strengths. FRE pouches go from three milligrams up to 15, a strength not many competitors have in their product. No matter where a consumer may be on a nicotine pouch journey, FRE prides itself on that variety to help provide consumers with how they wish to have the product. 

“Consumers told us they use nicotine and use these pouches, in particular, in their life for a variety of reasons. One is to transition off of products they don’t want to use anymore, different nicotine products they don’t want to use anymore. They feel like this is a better option for them – more discreet, less judgment, that sort of thing. Then, we hear them say what you’re saying. They use it for moments of their day that they find to be helpful to them,” Frein explained. 

FRE has also listened to its customers when it comes to the pouch itself. The pouches feature a pre-primed moisture technology pouch that Frein says consumers “prefer.” Their variety also goes into the pouch count, offering 20-count tins or 100-count “Mega Packs.”

And as Frein mentioned, FRE’s push into sports goes beyond its work with TKO. It recently partnered with 23XI Racing, Michael Jordan’s auto racing company, and driver Riley Herbst for select NASCAR Cup Series races. It also signed as the “official nicotine sponsor” for Taylor Reimer Racing across four ARCA Menards Series events in 2026. 

FRE Nicotine Pouches branding on a 23XI Racing NASCAR vehicle for the NASCAR Cup Series. (FRE Nicotine Pouches / Fox News)

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As tobacco-less nicotine products have been reframed from a legacy habit to a deliberate, performance-based choice, FRE has made a calculated bet on sports, and partnering with TKO makes the future exciting from a business perspective.  

“I think what the partnership with TKO and NASCAR and Taylor Reimer in the ARCA Series has done for us is open people’s minds,” Frein said. 

“Open doors, given us credibility as a brand and as an industry that we can make it work. We’re going to have a seat at the table. We’re going to market effectively and responsibly, frankly. So, I imagine that, just given the prior piece of the conversations around athletes and them thinking differently and having this a part of their lives, it will open doors to other avenues.”

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NEW YORK — As investors weigh opportunities in the technology sector midway through 2026, Intel Corp. and International Business Machines Corp. present contrasting profiles that highlight different paths to potential returns in an AI-driven market.

Intel shares have delivered strong gains year-to-date, trading near $114.68 after a significant recovery fueled by AI optimism and foundry progress. IBM, meanwhile, hovers around $297-$325, offering stability through its hybrid cloud and software businesses alongside emerging quantum computing initiatives.

Analysts and comparison tools generally favor IBM for long-term reliability, while Intel appeals to those seeking higher-risk, higher-reward exposure to semiconductor manufacturing and AI infrastructure.

Intel’s Turnaround Story

Intel has shown remarkable resilience in 2026 after years of challenges. The company reported improved first-quarter results and made strides with its 18A manufacturing process node, attracting partnerships and external foundry interest. Shares have surged on optimism around Panther Lake and Nova Lake processors, as well as Gaudi AI accelerators gaining traction.

However, the foundry business continues to report operating losses, and Intel faces intense competition from TSMC, Samsung and AMD. Analyst consensus for Intel remains a Hold, with an average price target around $83-$100, suggesting limited near-term upside from current levels despite recent momentum.

The company’s success hinges on executing its roadmap, improving yields and securing major external customers for its foundry services. A $5 billion investment from NVIDIA and collaborations with Google provide validation, but execution risks remain high.

IBM’s Steady Transformation

IBM presents a more mature investment case centered on hybrid cloud, enterprise AI and quantum computing. The company has demonstrated consistent revenue growth, with software and consulting segments benefiting from AI demand. Free cash flow remains robust, supporting dividends and strategic investments.

Analysts assign IBM a Buy rating with price targets clustering near $292-$299, though recent rallies have pushed shares higher. Barclays initiated coverage with an overweight rating and $350 target, citing stable growth and quantum optionality.

IBM’s $10 billion-plus commitment to quantum computing over five years, combined with government support, positions it for long-term leadership in that emerging field. Its Red Hat acquisition continues delivering synergies in hybrid cloud solutions.

Key Comparison Factors

Valuation and Financials: IBM trades at a premium on forward earnings but offers greater stability and a reliable dividend. Intel appears cheaper on some metrics but carries higher volatility due to manufacturing challenges and cyclical semiconductor exposure.

Growth Drivers: Intel bets heavily on AI chip demand and foundry leadership, with potential for significant market share recovery. IBM focuses on enterprise software modernization, hybrid cloud adoption and quantum advantages, providing more predictable revenue streams.

Risk Profile: Intel faces execution risks around process technology and competition. IBM contends with slower growth in legacy segments but benefits from diversified operations and strong cash generation.

Analyst Sentiment: Most tools and comparisons rate IBM as the stronger long-term buy. Intel earns more mixed views, with some analysts highlighting valuation concerns despite recent operational wins.

Broader Market Context

Both companies operate in an environment shaped by massive AI infrastructure spending. Hyperscalers continue expanding data centers, creating opportunities for chips, software and services. However, macroeconomic factors including interest rates, geopolitical tensions and potential slowdowns in tech capital expenditure could impact both stocks.

Intel’s recovery aligns with a broader semiconductor rebound, while IBM benefits from enterprise digital transformation trends. Quantum computing remains a speculative but potentially transformative area for IBM.

Investment Considerations for 2026

For conservative investors seeking stability and dividends, IBM offers a compelling profile with proven cash flow and strategic positioning in hybrid cloud and quantum. Those comfortable with higher volatility and semiconductor cyclicality may prefer Intel for its potential upside if foundry and AI chip ambitions materialize.

Diversification remains key. Many portfolios include exposure to both companies or broader tech ETFs to balance risks. Long-term horizons favor companies with strong balance sheets and clear technology roadmaps.

Neither stock represents a guaranteed winner. Intel’s path requires flawless execution on manufacturing goals, while IBM must continue demonstrating growth in software and AI services amid rapid industry evolution.

Outlook and Risks

The remainder of 2026 will test both companies. Intel must deliver on processor launches and foundry customer wins. IBM needs to sustain momentum in cloud and quantum while managing any legacy business headwinds.

Potential risks include intensified competition, supply chain disruptions, regulatory scrutiny on AI and broader market corrections. Positive catalysts could emerge from major contract wins, technological breakthroughs or favorable macroeconomic shifts.

Ultimately, the choice depends on individual risk tolerance, investment horizon and portfolio allocation. IBM appears favored for steady, lower-volatility returns, while Intel offers asymmetric upside potential for those bullish on its recovery narrative.

As always, investors should conduct thorough due diligence and consider consulting financial advisors before making decisions. Market conditions can change rapidly, and past performance does not guarantee future results.