SYDNEY — WiseTech Global Ltd shares climbed 4.66% to close at $38.89 on Tuesday, adding $1.73 amid renewed investor enthusiasm for the Australian logistics software provider’s aggressive push into artificial intelligence and steady progress integrating its major e2open acquisition.

The move came on solid trading volume as the company, known for its flagship CargoWise platform, continues to navigate a transformative period marked by workforce restructuring, strong half-year results and reaffirmed full-year guidance. With a market capitalization hovering near A$12.5 billion to A$13 billion, WiseTech remains one of Australia’s most prominent technology success stories in the supply chain sector.

WiseTech Global, headquartered in Sydney, develops cloud-based software that powers international freight forwarding, customs compliance, logistics execution and trade management. Its CargoWise suite serves thousands of customers worldwide, handling complex global supply chains with integrated tools for visibility, automation and compliance. The August 2025 acquisition of U.S.-based e2open significantly expanded its footprint, adding scale in transportation management systems and broadening its addressable market across shippers, carriers and manufacturers.

In its first-half FY2026 results released February 25, the company reported total revenue of US$672 million, a 76% increase from the prior corresponding period. The jump was largely driven by the inclusion of e2open, though organic growth stood at 7%. Core CargoWise revenue rose 12% to US$372.4 million, with 9% organic expansion. Recurring revenue within CargoWise remained exceptionally high at 99%, underscoring the platform’s sticky, subscription-like model.

EBITDA climbed 31% to US$252.1 million, delivering a reported margin of 38%. On an organic basis excluding e2open, the EBITDA margin held steady near 51%, reflecting operational efficiency in the legacy business. Underlying net profit after tax increased 2% to US$114.5 million, while free cash flow rose 24% to US$153.6 million. The board declared an interim dividend of US$0.068 per share, up 1% on the previous period and representing a 20% payout ratio of underlying NPAT.

Management reaffirmed full-year FY2026 guidance, targeting total revenue between US$1.39 billion and US$1.44 billion — implying 79% to 85% growth — and EBITDA of US$550 million to US$585 million. CargoWise revenue growth is expected in the 14% to 21% range. Guidance incorporates one-off integration and restructuring costs but excludes any material net impact from the AI-driven job reductions announced alongside the results.

The most attention-grabbing element of the February update was WiseTech’s accelerated AI transformation. The company plans to cut up to 2,000 positions — roughly one-third of its global workforce — over FY2026 and FY2027, with initial reductions of up to 50% in product development and customer service teams. CEO Zubin Appoo and executives framed the move as a strategic pivot to embed AI deeply into the platform, creating agentic workflows, enhancing automation and strengthening the company’s data and integration moat.

An Australian union sought urgent talks following the announcement, highlighting broader concerns about AI-driven job displacement in the technology sector. WiseTech has emphasized that the restructuring aims to reposition resources toward higher-value innovation while delivering long-term efficiency gains. Analysts noted that the cost savings, combined with new commercial models such as CargoWise Value Packs, could support margin expansion and price uplifts in the second half.

The e2open integration has progressed ahead of plan in several areas, contributing meaningfully to first-half revenue. e2open, recognized as a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Transportation Management Systems for the fourth consecutive year, adds complementary capabilities in cloud-based trade and supply chain execution. WiseTech expects the deal to be earnings-accretive in its first full year, funded through debt rather than equity issuance.

Additional strategic moves have bolstered the company’s position. In January 2026, WiseTech acquired the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies to enhance global customs education and compliance training. It also completed smaller tuck-in acquisitions and signed memoranda of understanding, including one with Saudi Arabia’s Elm Company to explore technology applications for logistics efficiency.

Recent share price action reflects a volatile but resilient trajectory. After a challenging start to 2026 that saw the stock trade as low as $35.54, Tuesday’s 4.66% gain builds on intermittent rallies tied to AI optimism and results reaffirmation. The 52-week range has been wide, stretching from that recent low to highs above $120 in prior periods, illustrating the stock’s sensitivity to guidance, acquisition news and broader technology sector sentiment.

Analysts remain generally constructive. Some brokers highlight WiseTech’s data moat, ecosystem integrations and potential for AI to drive deeper customer stickiness and new revenue streams. UBS, for instance, maintained a Buy rating post-results, citing positive indicators around large freight forwarder rollouts and the shift to value-based pricing. Consensus price targets have varied, with some projecting significant upside if execution on AI and integration remains smooth.

Challenges persist. Integration of e2open involves managing a larger, more diverse cost base, including higher proportions of professional services revenue. Non-CargoWise revenue streams from earlier acquisitions continue to decline as expected. Broader macroeconomic pressures on global trade volumes, currency fluctuations and potential delays in large customer implementations could affect growth.

Yet the underlying business fundamentals appear solid. CargoWise continues to win new customers and expand with existing ones, with 1,060 product enhancements delivered in the first half alone. High gross margins near 79% to 84% in the core platform support investment in research and development.

For investors, the AI narrative has become central. While job cuts raise short-term human and reputational considerations, many view them as necessary for WiseTech to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving logistics technology landscape where automation and predictive capabilities are increasingly table stakes.

Tuesday’s trading likely reflects a combination of bargain hunting after recent softness, positive rotation back into technology names and confidence that reaffirmed guidance provides visibility through the remainder of FY2026. Full-year results are scheduled for late August, with the annual general meeting in November.

WiseTech’s journey illustrates the opportunities and disruptions facing software companies in the age of AI. From its roots as a founder-led Australian business to a global player with thousands of employees and billions in revenue potential, the company is betting that bold transformation today will secure leadership in supply chain technology tomorrow.

As global trade grows more complex amid geopolitical shifts, sustainability demands and e-commerce expansion, platforms like CargoWise and the expanded e2open suite position WiseTech at the center of digital logistics. Whether the current share price momentum sustains will hinge on tangible proof of AI-driven efficiencies, margin improvement and accelerated organic growth in coming quarters.

For now, the 4.66% daily lift signals market willingness to reward a company embracing change at scale in one of the world’s most critical industries.

Beware of noise, hurry and crowds

In his book Celebration of Discipline, American theologian Richard Foster warned that noise, hurry and crowds were the most significant obstacles to a vibrant spiritual life. The same could be said of successful value investing. When it comes to investing, ignoring the noise, exhibiting patience and being indifferent to the prevailing sentiment of the crowds sounds like the right thing to do. Most people would not argue with these principles, yet behavior suggests otherwise.

If there ever were a quarter of noise, this may have been it. The first 90 days of 2026 experienced near-record stock dispersion—that is, an unusually wide spread between the best- and worst-performing stocks—based on whatever company or industry the market happened to view that day as an AI winner or loser. For instance, the difference between the highest- and lowest-return stocks in the MSCI World ex-USA Index has been well above average, with a gap in performance of over 80 percentage points in the quarter, as investors debated the impact of AI. Then, in the last month of the quarter, bombs started falling in Iran and oil ran up well past $100 per barrel. As I write today, trying to make a deadline for publication with something timely and relevant, the White House announced progress toward a de-escalation. Noise galore.

We aren’t technology neophytes; we believe AI is for real and is changing the way many of us work, and there will be winners and losers. However, we do believe the market has been too eager to declare victory and defeat. Where there is a real threat of change, we lower our estimate of value by reflecting a higher risk of disruption. In the case of large, deeply embedded enterprise software companies such as SAP, we think the market has skewed too negative on the risks introduced by AI, when in fact, there is a real possibility that AI is additive. We do not pretend to know how the Iran conflict is going to end, but there have been scores of these conflicts over my nearly 27 years at Harris | Oakmark and the world keeps turning. Remember, WTI (West Texas Intermediate) oil futures have both been in the triple digits and negative over the past six years. Meanwhile, population and incomes grow and the global economic pie along with them. We see the same bewildering headlines you do, but remain focused on the clarity of business values, which are far more stable than daily headlines.

The only way to really hurry your way to success in the equity markets is to have insight into the next tick and the ability to act before it moves. This requires an advantage in physics, not insight. At Harris | Oakmark, we estimate the intrinsic value of a business. There is an identifiable reason (or reasons) why the market price and our estimate differ. Often it boils down to our time horizon being longer than the marginal market participant. It takes time for value to be realized. Fixed income investors seem to understand this better than equity investors. In the bond world, one typically starts the conversation with duration—in other words, the desired time horizon for the securities you are looking to own. Equities are perpetual in duration, which means their theoretical time horizon is longer than that of even the longest bonds. Yet much of the market coverage focuses on one-minute charts, and the financial press seems to like or dislike a company based on how well it performed over the last quarter relative to broader expectations, with almost no airtime given to the long-term outlook for the business. Today, an estimated 60% of index options tied to the S&P 500 have same-day expirations and there are even new 5- and 10-minute option contracts being marketed for indices and cryptocurrencies. This short-termism reflects investors losing touch with the actual duration of the assets they own. Just because you can trade a stock one minute at a time (or less) doesn’t mean you should. At Harris | Oakmark, we think of equities as proportionate interests in real businesses that have real value based on the total future cash flows of the business. We have more insight into what the business ought to look like over time than where the stock will go over the next day, quarter or year. Don’t get me wrong, we would love the value gap to close the second we buy a stock, but unfortunately that is not how markets function.

Following the crowd is the easier—but more dangerous—path. I’m sure I’m not the only one who pleaded with my parents that, “everyone else was doing it” to which they replied, “if everyone else jumped off a cliff would you?” In markets, it is generally cause for concern when everyone seems to believe the same thing. Market participants make markets and markets price assets. Crowding occurs when there is more than typical agreement between market participants. That “agreement” gets priced into the asset such that there is little room for different outcomes without the stock getting pummeled. Beyond that, crowding introduces endogenous (or self-inflicted) risks that go beyond fundamentals, such as distorting liquidity dynamics on a security such that the distribution of future price outcomes skews negatively. By nature, as value investors we seek mispriced stocks—specifically, stocks selling well below their intrinsic value. Often this means going against the “crowd”. In our view, if everyone seems to believe something, you should assume a good portion of that belief is priced into the security. Meaning, if you and the crowds are right, there is little to no excess return and if wrong, painfully below average returns are likely. When a stock is undervalued, investors can afford to be wrong given the stock is unlikely priced to perfection. This is the essence of the “margin of safety” concept and the reason we require a significant discount before investing in any company.

We cannot promise much as regulated investment advisors but know that we are truly committed to a disciplined process that ignores the noise, exhibits patience, and is indifferent to the crowd.

Thank you for your partnership with us in our international equity portfolios.

We are eager to hear from you, so please do not be shy.

Tony Coniaris, CFA, Portfolio Manager

Original Post

Editor’s Note: The summary bullets for this article were chosen by Seeking Alpha editors.

Block Inc. shares climbed 4.65% to close at $90.76 on Tuesday, gaining $4.03 on elevated trading volume as investors cheered preliminary signs of strength in the company’s Cash App Bitcoin ecosystem and ongoing execution of its aggressive artificial intelligence-driven restructuring.

The rally pushed the market capitalization of the payments and financial technology company, formerly known as Square, toward the $38 billion to $39 billion range. It reflects renewed optimism around Block’s dual-engine growth from merchant services via Square and consumer fintech through Cash App, even as the broader market digests mixed signals on interest rates and economic growth.

Block, founded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey and headquartered in Oakland, California, operates two core segments. Square provides point-of-sale hardware, software and financial services to small and medium-sized businesses, while Cash App functions as a peer-to-peer payments platform with banking-like features, including stock and Bitcoin trading, lending and debit cards. The company has increasingly leaned into Bitcoin as a strategic asset and is embedding AI tools such as conversational “Moneybot” for consumers and “Managerbot” for sellers to automate operations.

Preliminary data released April 8 for the first quarter of 2026 highlighted robust activity in Cash App’s Bitcoin ecosystem. The company expects Bitcoin-related revenue, driven primarily by buy volume on Cash App, to reach approximately $1.7 billion for the quarter. However, a remeasurement loss on its Bitcoin holdings tied to the March 31 closing price is projected to impact GAAP earnings by about $172.8 million, a non-cash item recognized below operating income. Full first-quarter results are scheduled for release after market close on May 7, followed by a conference call.

The Bitcoin exposure has been a double-edged sword for Block. While it adds volatility through mark-to-market accounting, rising crypto interest and Cash App’s seamless integration have helped drive user engagement and transaction volumes. Cash App monthly active users returned to growth in late 2025, ending the fourth quarter at 59 million, with primary banking actives — those using more advanced features — expanding 22% year-over-year and generating significantly higher gross profit per user.

Block’s fourth-quarter 2025 results, reported in late February, provided a strong foundation for the current momentum. Revenue reached $6.25 billion, while gross profit grew solidly. Cash App gross profit surged 33% to $1.83 billion, fueled by 69% growth in consumer lending originations to $18.5 billion and healthy expansion in other services. Square gross payment volume also showed reacceleration.

In a headline-grabbing move accompanying the results, Block announced a major workforce reduction of more than 40%, trimming staff from over 10,000 to under 6,000 employees. CEO Jack Dorsey framed the cuts as a deliberate shift to an “AI-first” operating model, expecting $450 million to $500 million in restructuring charges, mostly in the first quarter. The company anticipates the changes will deliver meaningful cost savings starting in the second quarter, accelerating margin expansion.

Investors responded enthusiastically to the combination of leaner operations and raised guidance. Block lifted its full-year 2026 outlook, targeting gross profit of $12.2 billion — representing 18% year-over-year growth — and adjusted operating income of $3.2 billion, or a 26% margin, reflecting 54% growth and approximately six points of margin expansion. Adjusted diluted earnings per share are now guided to $3.66. For the first quarter alone, gross profit is expected to rise 22% to $2.8 billion, with adjusted operating income of $600 million.

The restructuring and AI pivot have sparked broader industry discussion about technology-driven efficiency gains versus job displacement. Block is developing agentic AI capabilities to handle routine financial and business tasks, potentially allowing remaining teams to focus on innovation and customer experience. Analysts have noted that while short-term charges will weigh on GAAP results, the long-term benefits to profitability could be substantial if execution is smooth.

Beyond core payments, Block continues to expand its ecosystem. Afterpay, its buy-now-pay-later service, contributes to consumer lending growth. The company surpassed $200 billion in cumulative credit provided to customers, underscoring its role in addressing lending gaps for individuals and small businesses. Recent product moves include enhancements to Square for restaurants and integration of inventory tools, as well as Cash App features enabling installment plans for peer-to-peer transfers.

The stock has traded in a wide range over the past year, with a 52-week low near $44 and highs approaching $82.50 earlier in the period. Tuesday’s gain builds on intermittent rallies tied to guidance reaffirmations and positive rotation into growth-oriented fintech names. Consensus analyst price targets sit around $82 to $86, with some firms maintaining Buy ratings citing Block’s data advantages, ecosystem stickiness and potential for AI to deepen customer relationships.

Challenges remain. Bitcoin price fluctuations can create earnings volatility unrelated to underlying operations. Integration of AI tools and management of a significantly smaller workforce carry execution risks. Macroeconomic factors, including consumer spending patterns and small business resilience amid higher interest rates, could influence gross payment volumes. Regulatory scrutiny of fintech, crypto and lending practices also represents an ongoing consideration.

Still, many observers view Block as well-positioned in a shifting financial landscape. Dorsey’s vision emphasizes building an open, accessible financial system, with Bitcoin and decentralized technologies playing central roles alongside traditional payments. The company’s liquidity position remains strong, supported by prior share repurchases and cash reserves.

As Block prepares for its May 7 earnings release, attention will center on actual first-quarter metrics, updates on Bitcoin performance, progress on workforce changes and any color on AI initiatives. Preliminary Bitcoin revenue figures have already signaled resilience in consumer engagement, while the aggressive cost restructuring suggests confidence in delivering on higher profitability targets.

For investors, the recent price action underscores Block’s sensitivity to both operational execution and narrative shifts around efficiency and innovation. With gross profit guidance pointing to sustained double-digit growth and margins expanding into the mid-20s, the company is attempting to prove it can deliver scalable profitability in a competitive fintech arena increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Whether Tuesday’s surge marks the beginning of a broader re-rating will depend on confirmation of guidance in the upcoming report and tangible evidence that AI investments are translating into faster growth or wider margins. For now, Block continues to navigate its transformation, blending legacy payments strength with forward-looking bets on crypto, lending and intelligent automation in pursuit of long-term leadership in digital finance.

SYDNEY — Qantas Airways Ltd. has cut domestic flight capacity by about 5% for May and June and raised fares as surging jet fuel prices linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East threaten to add as much as $800 million to its second-half fuel bill.

The national carrier said Tuesday its expected fuel costs for the second half of the 2026 financial year would now reach between $3.1 billion and $3.3 billion, sharply higher than previous forecasts around $2.2 billion to $2.5 billion. Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since late February amid disruptions from U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran and related supply uncertainties.

Qantas and its budget subsidiary Jetstar have reduced domestic seat capacity by around five percentage points in the June quarter, with most cuts targeting off-peak services on routes between major capital cities. Some regional routes have also been affected, including suspensions or reductions on services such as Darwin-Gold Coast, Sydney-Busselton and Adelaide-Mount Gambier. Affected passengers are being contacted and offered alternative flights or refunds.

The airline has simultaneously redeployed aircraft from domestic and some U.S. routes to capitalize on surging demand for European travel, as passengers avoid carriers transiting through the troubled Middle East. Routes to cities such as Paris and Rome have seen strong interest, prompting Qantas to shift capacity toward higher-yield international services.

CEO Vanessa Hudson and executives described the moves as necessary to mitigate the impact of volatile fuel markets and broader economic uncertainty. “Given the continued volatility in fuel prices and the global economic conditions, we have reduced domestic capacity in the fourth quarter,” the company said in a market update. Fare increases have already been implemented on both domestic and international routes to help offset the cost pressure.

Fuel typically accounts for a significant portion of airline operating expenses, and the rapid spike has caught many carriers off guard despite hedging programs. Qantas had previously hedged a substantial portion of its fuel needs, but the scale of the recent rise — with some reports noting jet fuel prices jumping from around US$20 to US$120 per barrel in extreme scenarios — has overwhelmed protections and forced operational adjustments.

The changes come as Qantas braces for a potential $500 million hit to full-year profit. Analysts estimate the extra fuel costs could erode margins unless fully passed on through higher ticket prices and lower capacity. Domestic routes, which often operate on thinner margins than long-haul international services, have borne the brunt of the cuts.

Travel industry observers note that Qantas is not alone. Several international airlines have announced capacity reductions, fuel surcharges or fare hikes in response to the same pressures. However, the Australian market’s relative isolation and Qantas’ dominant domestic position mean local travelers will feel the impact more directly through fewer flight options and higher prices.

For consumers, the timing is challenging. May and June traditionally see steady demand for domestic leisure and business travel ahead of the winter school holidays. Reduced capacity on key east-west and inter-capital routes could lead to higher load factors on remaining flights and fewer last-minute booking opportunities. Industry sources suggest off-peak and shoulder-period services are most affected, while peak business routes may see minimal disruption.

Qantas has emphasized that it is working closely with the Australian government and fuel suppliers to secure adequate jet fuel supplies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been engaging with regional partners in Asia to help stabilize energy flows into Australia.

The airline’s actions reflect a broader industry response to geopolitical risk. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and related oil infrastructure concerns have tightened global supply chains for refined products like jet fuel, even as crude oil prices fluctuate. Qantas noted that while supply into Australia remains confident for the immediate term, volatility persists.

Shares in Qantas extended losses following the announcement, reflecting investor concerns over margin compression despite the company’s efforts to protect profitability through pricing and capacity discipline. The stock has been sensitive to fuel price movements throughout the year.

Qantas has a history of adjusting fares in response to fuel cost changes, though critics have pointed out that increases often stick even when prices later moderate. The current environment, however, is marked by exceptional uncertainty, with some analysts warning that prolonged conflict could keep jet fuel elevated for months.

For the broader aviation sector, the episode highlights vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Airlines worldwide are monitoring developments closely, with some parking aircraft or suspending routes in more exposed regions. In Australia, the dual-brand strategy of Qantas and Jetstar provides some flexibility, allowing the group to fine-tune capacity across premium and low-cost offerings.

Passengers planning domestic travel in the coming weeks are advised to check bookings directly with Qantas or Jetstar, monitor for notifications, and consider flexible fare options where available. Those affected by cancellations can rebook on alternative services or request refunds under standard consumer protections.

Longer term, Qantas continues investing in fleet modernization, including more fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 737 variants, to improve resilience against cost shocks. The airline has also pointed to its loyalty program and freight operations as diversifiers that help buffer earnings volatility.

Tuesday’s update marks one of the most significant operational shifts for Qantas in recent memory tied directly to external geopolitical events. While the airline has navigated fuel crises before — most notably in the aftermath of earlier Middle East tensions and the Russia-Ukraine conflict — the speed and scale of the current price surge have prompted swift action.

As the situation in the Middle East evolves, further adjustments cannot be ruled out. Qantas said it would continue to monitor fuel markets closely and adjust its network, pricing and capacity as needed to maintain financial stability.

For Australian travelers, the message is clear: expect tighter availability and higher prices on domestic routes in the short term as the national carrier grapples with an $800 million fuel shock. Whether the conflict eases or deepens will determine how long these measures remain in place, but for now, the flying kangaroo is tightening its belt to weather the storm.

HDFC Defence Fund, the only actively managed mutual fund based on the defence sector, increased stake in Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), Eicher Motors, and four other stocks in March, according to the data by ACE MF.

The defence fund added 50,000 shares of HAL to the portfolio, taking the total shares to 25.50 lakh in March compared to 25 lakh in the previous month. Around 45,000 shares of Eicher Motors were added to the portfolio and the fund had 4.95 lakh shares of Eicher Motors in its portfolio.

Also Read | Mutual fund cash levels drop 12% to Rs 1.86 lakh crore, hit 16-month low in March amid aggressive equity buying

The fund added 10.51 lakh shares of Aequs in its portfolio in March and had nearly 17.68 lakh shares of this stock in its portfolio in March. This was followed by addition of 2.70 lakh shares of Bharat Electronics, around 22,672 shares of Solar Industries and 7,151 shares of Bosch.

Sedemac Mechatronics was added in the portfolio as the new entrant in March. The fund added 3.97 lakh shares of this stock in its portfolio worth Rs 60.15 crore market value.

A complete exit was made from Avalon Technologies in March by selling 1.33 lakh shares from the portfolio worth market value of Rs 13.64 crore. The fund did not reduce its stake in any stock in the said period.
The exposure in 15 stocks remained unchanged, which include Astra Microwave Products, Diffusion Engineers, Cyient DLM, Bharat Dynamics, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Data Patterns (India), Rishabh Instruments, Ideaforge Technology, Power Mech Projects, JNK India, BEML, Bharat Forge, Centum Electronics, MTAR Technologies, and Premier Explosives.
In March, the fund had 22 stocks in its portfolio, the same as the total stock count in the previous month. The portfolio of this fund is spread across seven sectors – Capital Goods (52.68%), Automobiles and Ancillaries (21.69%), Chemicals (12.94%), Electricals (4.73%), Ship Building (2.53%), Telecom (0.82%) and Infrastructure (0.72%).
Since its inception, the fund has delivered a CAGR of 37.42%. In the last one year, the fund posted a gain of 31.53% and in the last three months, it delivered 4.37% returns.

Based on allocation to NAV, the fund had the highest allocation in Bharat Electronics where the allocation was 18.70%, followed by Bharat Forge where the allocation was 15.27%. In HAL and Solar Industries, the allocation was 12.18% and 10.54% respectively in March.

The fund holds 50.38% in largecaps, 19.77% in midcaps, 25.14% in smallcaps, and 4.71% in others.

Also Read | Small, mid and largecap mutual funds see sharp inflow surge in March. Is investor confidence rising?

Launched on June 2, 2023, the performance is benchmarked against Nifty India Defence – TRI and is managed by Rahul Baijal and Priya Ranjan.

HDFC Defence Fund is an open-ended equity scheme investing in Defence & allied sector companies. The investment objective of the fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of Defence & allied sector companies.

The fund is suitable for investors who are seeking to generate long-term capital appreciation/income, and want investment predominantly in equity and equity related instruments of defence and allied sector companies.

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

If you have any mutual fund queries, message ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in along with your age, risk profile, and Twitter handle.

INDIO, Calif. — Colombian superstar Karol G turned heads and sparked social media frenzy Sunday night when she took the main stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in a daring gold stringy bikini that perfectly captured the high-energy, sensual vibe of her groundbreaking performance.

The 35-year-old singer made history as the first Latina artist to headline the iconic desert festival, closing out Weekend 1 on April 12 with a visually stunning, emotionally charged 90-minute set that blended reggaeton anthems, surprise guests and powerful messages of Latin pride. Her barely-there gold bikini, part of multiple costume changes, quickly became one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the 2026 edition.

The sparkling gold string bikini top and coordinating bottoms featured delicate chains and fringe details, radiating confidence under the desert lights. Karol G paired the look with her signature sultry choreography, performed alongside a troupe of dancers in a segment evoking a primal, high-energy aesthetic. As she moved across the stage, the outfit shimmered, drawing instant comparisons to her bold Playboy cover shoot earlier in the year and cementing her reputation for unapologetic sensuality.

Festivalgoers and viewers watching the live stream on YouTube erupted in cheers as Karol G emerged in the gold ensemble during an early high-octane portion of the show. The look soon transitioned into flowing skirts, open shirts and vibrant Colombian-inspired pieces, including a feather headdress and a top and skirt in the colors of the Colombian flag for her “Tropicoqueta” segment. One moment saw her and dancers transformed into “water goddesses” in itsy-bitsy silver bikinis inside a shallow illuminated pool carved from stone.

“Gold bikinis and textures soon gave way to flowing skirts, open shirts, fans and vibrant color,” observers noted, highlighting how Karol G quite literally carried Colombia with her throughout the night. The outfit changes — at least six in total — complemented an ambitious production featuring an ancient-looking adobe house stage design, a gigantic macaw prop and dramatic water effects.

Karol G, born Carolina Giraldo Navarro, opened by introducing herself warmly to the crowd as “Carolina from Colombia” and celebrated her milestone. She delivered hits including “Latina Foreva,” “Un Gatita Me Llamo,” “Oki Doki,” “Tá OK,” “El Makinón” (with special guest Mariah Angeliq), “S91” and a powerful cover of Gloria Estefan’s “Mi Tierra.” Surprise appearances from Becky G for a mariachi version of “Mamiii,” reggaeton pioneer Wisin, and Cigarettes After Sex’s Greg Gonzalez for the premiere of “Después de Ti” added star power.

In one of the night’s most emotional moments, Karol G addressed the audience during “Raise Your Flags,” waving Colombian colors and delivering a speech on Latin identity and resilience. She also paid homage to Latin music icons in a medley reminiscent of her 2022 Coachella set, while dancing on elaborate sets and interacting closely with fans at the barrier.

The performance capped a strong Weekend 1 headlined earlier by Sabrina Carpenter on Friday and Justin Bieber on Saturday. Coachella 2026, running April 10-12 and 17-19 at the Empire Polo Club, sold out quickly after the lineup announcement featuring Karol G alongside Major Lazer, Young Thug and others. She is scheduled to repeat the headline slot on April 19 for Weekend 2.

Fashion commentators described the gold stringy bikini as “too bold” for some traditional tastes but perfectly aligned with Karol G’s “Bichota” persona and the festival’s anything-goes desert spirit. The look echoed her recent Playboy Spring issue cover, where she embraced sensual, undone aesthetics in various bikini and lingerie styles, generating buzz ahead of her Coachella appearance.

Social media exploded with reactions, with fans posting side-by-side comparisons of the gold bikini moments and praising the confidence and choreography executed by Parris Goebel. Clips of Karol G in the shimmering ensemble, hair blowing in the wind while surrounded by dancers, circulated rapidly on Instagram, TikTok and X.

The outfit choice also tied into broader themes of empowerment. Karol G has long used fashion to celebrate body positivity and Latin culture, often opting for revealing, glamorous looks that challenge norms while owning her sexuality. At Coachella, the gold bikini segment matched a “primal” portion of the show, amplifying the raw energy of her reggaeton and urban pop catalog.

Behind the scenes, Karol G revealed she rehearsed nonstop for four months to prepare for the ambitious production. The set featured over a dozen background dancers, intricate lighting, fireworks and multiple stage transformations, making it one of the most elaborate headline performances in recent Coachella history.

Critics hailed the show as fun, groundbreaking and powerful, noting Karol G’s ability to balance high production values with intimate crowd connection. Her vocals remained strong throughout, even during high-energy dance breaks and while being doused with water in the pool segment.

The historic nature of the performance added extra weight. As the first Latina headliner, Karol G represented a milestone for Latin music at the festival, which has increasingly embraced global sounds. Her set drew diverse crowds, many waving flags from across Latin America at the “Latina Foreva” art installation earlier in the day.

For fashion enthusiasts, the gold stringy bikini has already inspired festivalgoers planning outfits for Weekend 2 or future events. Similar metallic, chain-detailed and fringe-adorned pieces are trending in searches, with some fans recreating the look using accessible swimwear and accessories.

Karol G’s Coachella moment comes amid personal headlines, including reports of a split with partner Feid, yet she channeled any emotions into a triumphant, celebratory performance focused on community and heritage.

As videos and photos continue to dominate timelines, the gold bikini stands out as the visual defining Karol G’s 2026 Coachella triumph — a bold statement of confidence, culture and star power. Whether shimmering under stage lights or paired with flowing transitional pieces, the outfit underscored why she commands attention as one of Latin music’s biggest global forces.

With Weekend 2 still ahead, anticipation builds for any variations Karol G might bring. For now, her gold stringy bikini performance has secured its place among Coachella’s most memorable fashion and musical highlights, proving once again that the “Bichota” knows how to own the stage and the spotlight.

The Nifty’s sharp slide on Monday may have unsettled investors, but one technical analyst says the damage is far less serious than it looks. Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Analyst at HDFC Securities, believes the index is setting up for a fresh leg higher and has identified two stocks primed for breakouts.

What the charts are saying

After rallying nearly 1,800 points in recent sessions, the Nifty pulled back sharply after news broke of a ceasefire being called off. Shetti is not reading this as the start of a new downtrend.
“The way the market has declined on Monday has not damaged the underlying uptrend,” he told ET Now. After a prolonged series of lower tops and lower bottoms, the index now appears to have formed a higher bottom, which is typically an early sign that sellers are losing control.

Shetti sees the 23,500 to 23,400 zone as strong support on the downside. On the upside, a decisive move above 24,000 to 24,100 would open the door to 24,500 in the near term. For now, he describes today’s fall as a technical dip within a broader recovery.

Stock pick one: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals

Shetti’s first trade idea is Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, currently consolidating after recovering well from lower levels. The stock is sitting at the edge of a breakout above the consolidation range, with the broader chart pattern looking constructive.

Buy level: Rs 2,205
Target: Rs 2,310
Stop loss: Rs 2,150
The risk-reward on this trade is straightforward. A breakout above the consolidation zone at around Rs 2,210 would confirm the move, with roughly 105 points of upside against a 55-point downside risk.

Stock pick two: Oberoi Realty

The second idea comes from the real estate sector. Oberoi Realty has staged a sharp recovery, gapping up from lower levels with strong momentum. Crucially, the gap has remained open over three to four subsequent sessions, a sign that buyers are defending the move rather than fading it. The stock has also reclaimed its 200-day exponential moving average, a widely watched indicator of longer-term trend direction.
Buy level: Rs 1,684 (current price)
Target: Rs 1,800
Stop loss: Rs 1,630

The stock’s technical setup is among the cleaner ones in the broader market right now, with a confirmed breakout and a clear invalidation level.

The bigger picture

Shetti’s read on the market is one that many technical analysts will find reassuring. Short-term volatility driven by geopolitical headlines is difficult to time, but it rarely changes the structure of a chart that was already in recovery mode. The formation of a higher bottom on the Nifty after months of lower lows is a meaningful shift.

The key levels to watch are now well defined. A hold above 23,400 keeps the bullish case alive. A close above 24,100 would likely bring fresh momentum buyers into the market and put 24,500 firmly in sight.

For investors sitting on the sidelines, the message from the charts is that the risk of missing the move is starting to outweigh the risk of entering too early. Quality setups like Glenmark and Oberoi Realty, with defined entry points and stop losses, offer a disciplined way to participate without taking on undue directional risk.