A tentative rebound in the markets over the past two sessions has offered some relief to investors, but the bigger question remains—can the recovery sustain?

“Keep your fingers crossed. If there was to be a retracement, a turnaround, a correction, it generally starts like this and then it should gather momentum and it should be trying to build on these gains,” said Dipan Mehta, Director, Elixir Equities in an interview to ET Now, while cautioning that multiple external factors still need to align. He added, “But one should keep a lookout for what the news flow is and of course, the oil prices, and if those kind of settle down, the markets can gradually make a recovery.”

Despite the early signs of stability, Mehta underscored the difficulty in calling a definitive market bottom. “I have been in this situation many times and it is very difficult to call when the bottom is formed and when is the right time to buy and when the recovery will take place, it is just that only a few weeks after it is over and done with you will come to know.” He emphasized that a structural shift in market patterns—from lower tops and bottoms to higher ones—would be the real confirmation of a sustained uptrend.

Pharma: Resilience Beyond Regulatory Noise

On Aurobindo Pharma, recent observations flagged under Form 483 are not seen as a major red flag. Mehta noted that large pharmaceutical companies today operate with diversified manufacturing bases, reducing dependence on a single facility.

“So, I do not think it is much of a cause for concern. More Aurobindo is driven more by good quarterly numbers, overall improvement in sentiment for pharma considering that it is a safe bet in such tumultuous times,” he said. He also highlighted tailwinds such as rupee depreciation and emerging opportunities in weight-loss drugs, alongside improved capital allocation discipline.
Auto Sector: Strong Long-Term Story, Near-Term Moderation
While early indicators point to a slowdown in passenger vehicle retail demand, Mehta believes this is largely a base-effect phenomenon rather than a structural issue.
“These kind of volumes are not really sustainable but nonetheless they are great long-term buys,” he said, expressing preference for companies with strong competitive moats and strategic clarity. Among his top picks are Mahindra & Mahindra and Eicher Motors, both of which feature in his model portfolio.
“Eicher Motors… one of the top auto companies, great prospects to generate growth through exports,” he said, adding that the segment faces limited disruption from electric vehicles. He also sees potential in commercial vehicle makers like Ashok Leyland and Tata Motors, anticipating a cyclical upswing.

However, he advised tempering expectations. “Investors should remain overweight auto but they should reduce their return expectations because these kind of growth rates are not sustainable.”

Real Estate: From Speculation to Cash Flow Discipline
A notable shift is underway in the real estate sector, with companies increasingly focusing on cash flows, realizations, and operational transparency.

“They are like truly consumer companies now and less and less like hedge funds,” Mehta observed, highlighting improved disclosures and business quality. He remains structurally positive, pointing to a potential multi-year upcycle, even if the near term sees some cooling.

Among preferred names are DLF and Prestige, particularly for their annuity income streams. He also flagged interest in commercial real estate plays such as WeWork and Awfis, alongside Phoenix Mills, given tight supply dynamics in office spaces.

Varun Beverages: Summer Tailwind in Focus
On Varun Beverages, Mehta remains optimistic, driven largely by weather expectations.

“What is going to drive Varun Beverages is a very-very hot summer,” he said, citing forecasts of a strong El Niño effect. “Last year was a washout because of untimely rains and not so hot summer, so I am very positive from that point of view.”

Beyond seasonal demand, he pointed to growth opportunities in Africa and diversification into new segments, including potential foray into alcohol beverages. Still, he stressed that volume growth remains the key driver.

Banking: Structural Pressures and Shifting Preferences
Mehta struck a cautious note on the banking sector, citing intensifying competition and structural headwinds.

“The banking industry is quickly becoming a red ocean and I am not sure that the industry will be able to sustain these kind of net interest margins in the medium to long term,” he said. He also pointed to rising competition from fintechs and capital markets drawing away savings.

While acknowledging that PSU banks offer value, he prefers NBFCs as a cleaner play on the lending theme. “The way to play the lending business is in my opinion through the NBFCs,” he said, naming Bajaj Finance, L&T Finance, and Cholamandalam as preferred bets.

He added that high banking sector weightage in benchmark indices itself poses a risk. “37% of Nifty’s weightage is in the bank which in itself is a risk factor… it cannot be sustained over a long period of time.”

Metals: Rally Mature, Caution Warranted
Metal stocks have delivered strong gains, aided by rising commodity prices and a weaker rupee. However, Mehta believes the easy money may have already been made.

“I think that we have seen a nice rally in metal companies… but look these companies have rallied significantly,” he said, suggesting that investors already holding positions may stay invested, but fresh entries should be timed carefully.

He warned that elevated prices across aluminium, copper, and steel could limit further upside in the near term. “From a fresh investment perspective I would wait for a down cycle.”

This article was written by

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.

Tessa Thompson is everywhere in early 2026. The 42-year-old actress just wrapped a Golden Globe-nominated turn as the title character in Nia DaCosta’s “Hedda,” scored a breakout Netflix hit with the limited series “His & Hers” and is days away from her Broadway debut opposite Adrien Brody in “The Fear of 13.” Fresh off executive-producing deals at Netflix and A24, and with new film projects greenlit, Thompson has re-emerged after a deliberate two-year pause as one of Hollywood’s busiest multihyphenates.

Born Tessa Lynne Thompson on Oct. 3, 1983, in Los Angeles, the actress has built a career bridging blockbuster franchises and intimate indie dramas. Here are 10 essential things to know about her journey, updated with the latest developments as of March 2026.

1. Her multicultural roots shaped a boundary-breaking perspective. Thompson’s father, singer-songwriter Marc Anthony Thompson of the band Chocolate Genius, is Afro-Panamanian. Her mother is of Mexican and European descent. Raised between Los Angeles and Brooklyn, she has spoken openly about navigating multiple identities. That fluidity informs her choices: from portraying civil-rights icon Diane Nash in “Selma” (2014) to a queer-coded warrior in the Marvel universe. In 2026 interviews, she has tied her heritage to her production work, emphasizing stories that reflect “the streets” and underrepresented voices.

2. Stage training came before the screen. A Santa Monica High School graduate, Thompson studied cultural anthropology at Santa Monica College but found her calling with the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company. She made her professional debut as Ariel in “The Tempest” in 2002 and earned an NAACP Theatre Award nomination as Juliet in a 2003 antebellum adaptation. Those early classical roots prepared her for complex roles. In March 2026 she returns to theater for “The Fear of 13,” her first Broadway production, playing a journalist interviewing a wrongfully convicted man. Previews begin this month at a major New York venue.

3. “Dear White People” launched her as an indie darling. Thompson’s breakout came in Justin Simien’s 2014 satire as activist Samantha White. Critics praised her “ceaseless energy.” The performance won her the Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Performer and led directly to Ava DuVernay casting her as Diane Nash in “Selma” that same year. The dual 2014 releases established her range: sharp social commentary paired with historical gravitas. She has since executive-produced similar boundary-pushing projects, including 2025’s “Hedda.”

4. Bianca in the “Creed” franchise became her signature role. Ryan Coogler cast Thompson as singer-songwriter Bianca Taylor opposite Michael B. Jordan in 2015’s “Creed.” She reprised the character in “Creed II” (2018) and “Creed III” (2023), writing and performing original songs for the soundtracks. The role showcased her musical talent — she once fronted the indie band Caught a Ghost — and her chemistry with Jordan. As of 2026, fans still speculate about a fourth installment, though Thompson has focused elsewhere. The franchise remains her highest-grossing non-Marvel work.

5. Valkyrie made her a Marvel mainstay. Thompson joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2017’s “Thor: Ragnarok” as the hard-drinking, bisexual warrior Valkyrie. She reprised the role in “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), “Thor: Love and Thunder” (2022) as King Valkyrie, and “The Marvels” (2023). Voice work followed in “What If…?” and the upcoming “Marvel Zombies.” Taika Waititi called her “a Han Solo-like renegade.” In 2026 she has teased more MCU involvement but declined specifics, focusing instead on her production company.

6. “Westworld” proved her television command. From 2016 to 2022 Thompson played Charlotte Hale — and later a host version — in HBO’s sci-fi epic. The role earned her critical acclaim and demonstrated her ability to handle intricate, layered characters. It also opened doors to prestige limited series. Her latest, “His & Hers” (January 2026), a thriller opposite Jon Bernthal that she stars in and executive-produces, racked up 19.9 million views in its first days on Netflix. Industry watchers call it her biggest streaming success to date.

7. She runs her own production company, Viva Maude. Launched in 2021, Viva Maude has produced “Sylvie’s Love” (2020), “The Listener” (2022), “Hedda” (2025) and “His & Hers.” Thompson serves as executive producer on nearly every project. In March 2026 she attached herself to star and produce two new titles: Netflix/A24’s dark-comedy thriller series “Next Door” from “Love Life” creator Sam Boyd, and the feature adaptation of Katie Kitamura’s novel “A Separation,” directed by Jonas Carpignano. She also has “Is God Is” slated for May 15 release. The company lets her control narratives about women of color and queer stories.

8. Her personal life remains private yet proudly fluid. Thompson publicly discussed her attraction to men and women in a 2018 Net-a-Porter interview, saying her family supported whomever she brought home. She and singer Janelle Monáe shared a close, much-speculated relationship for years before amicably moving on. In January 2026 she attended the Golden Globes supported by boyfriend Brandon Green, 31. Paparazzi captured the couple in St. Tropez and at multiple awards events. Thompson has consistently declined to label her sexuality, preferring to focus on work.

9. Activism and industry commentary define her off-screen voice. Thompson has narrated documentaries for International Women’s Day and spoken against ICE policies at awards shows. In February 2026 she called a potential Paramount-Warner Bros. merger “worrisome” for independent creators during “The Fear of 13” press. She uses her platform to champion smaller films and diverse hiring. Her Gotham Awards Spirit Tribute and recent Critic’s Choice recognition reflect peers’ respect for both her performances and advocacy.

10. 2026 marks a deliberate comeback after stepping back. After “Creed III” and “The Marvels” in 2023, Thompson took nearly two years largely out of the spotlight to recharge and build Viva Maude. The strategy paid off. “Hedda” earned her a Golden Globe nomination and Critics’ Choice win. “His & Hers” became an immediate Netflix sensation. Broadway beckons, two new series are in fast-track development, and she teases “a long time coming” secret project. At 42, Thompson is not chasing volume but impact — producing, starring and directing (she helmed a 2024 music video) on her own terms.

Thompson’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing. With Broadway previews starting this month, new Netflix and feature deals rolling out, and her production banner thriving, the actress once known mainly for supporting roles has become a central force in Hollywood. As she told Cultured magazine in February 2026, “I’m really in these streets and for the streets.” Fans and industry alike are watching to see what she builds next.

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Lumentum Holdings Inc. (LITE) Discusses Illuminating the Networks of Tomorrow and Industry Trends March 17, 2026 1:15 PM EDT

Company Participants

Kathryn Ta – Vice President of Investor Relations
Michael E. Hurlston – President, CEO & Director
Wupen Yuen – President of Global Business Units
Wajid Ali – Executive VP & CFO

Conference Call Participants

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Samik Chatterjee – JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Karl Ackerman – BNP Paribas, Research Division
Simon Leopold – Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Research Division
Christopher Rolland – Susquehanna Financial Group, LLLP, Research Division
Papa Sylla – Citigroup Inc., Research Division
George Notter – Wolfe Research, LLC
Vijay Rakesh – Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Research Division
Meta Marshall – Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Ryan Koontz – Needham & Company, LLC, Research Division

Presentation

Kathryn Ta
Vice President of Investor Relations

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We’re going to get started in about 2 minutes. Just a brief advertisement. If you want to have WiFi, we didn’t pay for extra WiFi here. So you can use the OFC one and the password is on the back of your badge for OFC. So we’re being economical here at Lumentum as always. Everyone quieted down really quickly there. So I guess we can go ahead and get started.

So my name is Kathy Ta. I’m the Vice President of Investor Relations here at Lumentum. Really, really glad to see you all here, see a lot of familiar and friendly faces. And as expected, a packed room with everyone sitting around the periphery. I don’t see anyone standing just yet, but I think that will happen as people leave to some of the other events. So today, we’re going to be talking with you about illuminating the networks of tomorrow.

I’m super excited to be doing this event right after yesterday’s event at NVIDIA. I’m sure you all have questions about what you heard

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Indian stock markets have no holidays scheduled for this week, hence the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will remain open on festivals like Ugadi, Gudi Padwa and Eid-Ul-Fitr.

According to the official holiday calendar, markets will remain shut for two more days in March. NSE and BSE will remain closed for trading on March 26 (Thursday) for Shri Ram Navami, and then on March 31 (Tuesday) for Shri Mahavir Jayanti.

Ugadi will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19. The festival marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, and is widely celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, while it is known as Yugadi in Karnataka.

Gudi Padwa marks the Marathi New Year, and is celebrated widely in Maharashtra. This festival too will be celebrated on March 19.

Eid-Ul-Fitr is likely to be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, and the sighting of the moon is likely to happen on the Friday evening of March 20, marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan.

Notably, as per the original holiday list published by the stock exchanges before the beginning of the year, Eid-Ul-Fitr was one of the four market holidays that fell on a Saturday or Sunday. The other three include Mahashivratri (Sunday, February 15), Independence Day (Sunday, August 15) and Diwali Laxmi Pujan (November 8).
Earlier on March 3, Indian stock markets were closed on account of Holi. This led to some confusion among investors because the festival of colours was celebrated in most parts of the country on March 4 instead.Indian stock markets are set to see 11 more market holidays this year, with two coming up in April. NSE and BSE will remain shut on April 3 on account of Good Friday, and on April 14 on Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti.

The exchanges may alter any of the above holidays, for which a separate circular shall be issued in advance.

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

In an increasingly uncertain global environment marked by prolonged geopolitical tensions and volatile commodity markets, investors are being forced to rethink traditional allocation strategies. What once worked in a relatively stable world order—balanced exposure across equities, commodities, and currencies—is now being tested by deeper structural shifts. Market participants are closely watching how global money flows evolve amid rising oil prices, persistent inflation, and signals from major central banks, with the focus shifting from pure returns to resilience.

Speaking to ET Now, Andrew Freris, CEO, Ecognosis Advisory highlighted the long-term nature of the ongoing conflict and its implications, stating, “I believe this war will last for several months, if not years.” He attributed this to a lack of clear strategic direction, adding, “They have tactics but zero strategy… you never win a war if you don’t know what you are fighting for.” His assessment suggests that prolonged geopolitical tensions are likely to keep markets on edge and drive structural changes across asset classes.

He further pointed out that such conflicts tend to accelerate shifts in global energy markets. Drawing parallels with past developments, he noted, “Europe moved away quickly from dependence on Russian gas, and the same kind of shift is likely again.” At the same time, he dismissed extreme fears around supply disruptions, saying,

“There are many ways to transport oil… the US does not depend on the Strait of Hormuz.” The broader takeaway, according to him, is that diversification of energy sources and supply chains will become increasingly critical.

On sectoral opportunities, Freris made a blunt but realistic observation, stating, “Put more money into defence stocks… they are likely to continue doing very well.”

While acknowledging the ethical concerns around such investments, he added, “It might be immoral, but that is the reality of the world.” His comments reflect a growing trend among investors to consider defence and security-linked companies as part of their portfolios amid rising geopolitical risks.
Turning to central banks, Freris expects policymakers to remain cautious despite mounting global uncertainties. “They will not cut interest rates while inflation pressures remain,” he said, emphasizing that inflation continues to be sticky. He added, “It is not going down… it moves around but stays elevated,” indicating that the path to monetary easing may be slower than markets anticipate.On crude oil, which has surged close to the $100 mark, Freris suggested that prices are unlikely to correct sharply in the near term. “It is unlikely we go back to $60 anytime soon,” he said, while also noting that structural adjustments will eventually take place. “It will take time, but alternative routes and systems will develop,” he added, pointing to a gradual normalization rather than an immediate decline.

Taken together, these trends indicate that the global investment landscape is undergoing a meaningful shift. Commodities, particularly oil, are gaining prominence, while defence-linked equities are drawing increased attention. At the same time, central banks remain constrained by inflation, limiting the scope for policy easing. In such an environment, adaptability and diversification are emerging as the defining principles for investors navigating an increasingly complex world.

Council chiefs unable to accept terms for proposed deal from Horizon Aero Group

There are serious questions over what impact the sale of Gloucestershire Airport falling through will have on the City Council’s financial recovery plan.

Negotiations had been underway for more than eight months to sell the 375-acre site in Staverton which is jointly owned by Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucester City Council.

There has been growing concern in recent months and suggestions that the deal, worth more than £25m, was in trouble and would fail.

Suggestions that the deal was in trouble after missed deadlines and delays in completing the sale were repeatedly dismissed.

Council chiefs could not say earlier this month if they were optimistic or not that the sale would be completed.

But just over a week later, they finally announced in a joint statement that the deal had fallen through.

Council chiefs said they were disappointed they were unable to accept the terms from Horizon Aero Group, their preferred bidder.

They said it had moved significantly away from the original bid prospectus, and recognise that this news will be disappointing for many people who had hoped for immediate certainty about the future of the site

Reacting to the announcement, Conservative group leader Stephanie Chambers (C, Quedgeley Fieldcourt) said the collapse of the sale at such a late stage is “devastating”.

“Especially when the council was relying on the cash injection to help protect local services,” she said.

“[Council leader Jeremy] Hilton has previously argued that delays reflected a very detailed process that would deliver the best outcome. The result speaks for itself.

“This has dragged on, missed deadlines, and ended in failure, creating uncertainty for businesses, staff, and the wider local economy.

“Now we need answers, not excuses. What changed, when did it change, and why were opposition councillors not properly kept informed as the deal unravelled.

“Residents deserve facts, not spin, and a clear plan for what happens next.”

She said her group will be calling for a wide ranging public consultation to shape the future of the airport.

“This is the moment to be bold, bring forward fresh investment and jobs, and make the airport a true catalyst for growth, innovation, and pride across our whole region,” she said.

Councillor Terry Pullen (Moreland), who leads the Labour group in Gloucester, said he does not know why the airport sale fell through but is concerned about the “awful lost of time and money” wasted on the process.

“I understand that consultants fees alone were in excess of £200,000 and I expect the final figure allowing for legal fees to be considerably more than that,” he said.

“This money could have been far better spent on essential council services.”

He also says the implications for the council are “serious and long reaching” with no “single plan B but a series of plans”

“No one is saying what they are,” he said.

He said what is most worrying is the expected income from the sale was a significant factor in paying off the £15.5m emergency bailout loan the City Council has secured to avoid becoming effectively bankruptcy.

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“This will now put the council in an even more precarious financial situation and may have an effect on public services,” he said.

“Gloucester City Council now needs to have a serious rethink about its plans for the future of the airport.

“A full economic impact assessment needs to be carried out to determine the best use of the airport site in future. It’s time for some more radical thinking.

“The airport is running at a loss and it is unfair to expect council tax payers to keep bailing it out.”

Meanwhile, Community Independent leader Alastair Chambers (Matson, Robinswood and White City) said he believes council chiefs have been aware the airport deal would not go through for at least a month.

He also believes information was withheld until after the City Council secured its bailout from the Government.

“If ministers had known the airport deal had collapsed, there is a real possibility that the financial support request could have been rejected,” he said.

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He also asks how the council intends to balance its finances going forward if it was relying on its share from the airport sale.

“Residents deserve honesty and transparency. Instead, they appear to have been kept in the dark while critical financial decisions were being made,” he said.

“Once again, public trust in the council’s leadership has been damaged.”

In Cheltenham, People Against Bureaucracy Councillor Stan Smith (Prestbury) said the collapse of the airport sale came as no surprise to him as the process was taking so long.

However, while he sits on the overview and scrutiny committee which looks into airport issues, he said he was kept in the dark.

He said he was not directly informed about the sale falling through but found out about it reading Gloucestershire Live.

“I’ve been waiting for it to collapse, to be honest,” he said.

“But I didn’t get notified. I didn’t know anything about it until I read about it on your newspaper’s website.

“They didn’t let me know. I have a problem with them letting me know anything.

“I get rather frustrated about it. I’ve had my say to the council and said I may as well talk to a wall.

“They’re restricting me from doing my job but it isn’t going to get me down.”

However, he believes the sale falling through will affect the City Council more than the Borough Council.

“I anticipate that it was money they were looking for to bail them out,” he said.

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“The council will do what the council does. The Lib Dems will do what the Lib Dems want to do and everybody else can be told what they want to be told in snippets. It’s a bad way really.”

Borough Council leader Rowena Hay (LD, Oakley) said they are disappointed they couldn’t reach an agreement on a sale of the airport after a long period of time.

But it is their duty to deliver best value on the sale of the airport.

”We fully appreciate the concern this will cause, particularly for those employed at the airport who will have worked hard to support the sale process,” she said.

“As we move forward, we are committed to continued engagement with staff, operators, tenants and key stakeholders to discuss the future and reach a positive outcome for Gloucestershire Airport.”

City Council leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said the news is clearly disappointing as it would have provided a strong future for the site.

“I fully recognise that people hold different views about the potential uses of the site, but our responsibility is to take a measured, evidence‐based approach that leads to the right outcome for the long term,” he said.