Business
Viral Baby Macaque Captivates the World
ICHikawa, Japan — A tiny Japanese macaque named Punch has become one of the internet’s most beloved animal stars in early 2026, melting hearts worldwide with his story of rejection, resilience and an inseparable bond with a stuffed orangutan plush toy.

Born on July 26, 2025, at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, Punch — whose full Japanese name is Panchi-kun — was rejected by his mother shortly after birth. Zookeepers stepped in, providing him with an IKEA Djungelskog orangutan plushie as a surrogate for comfort and emotional support. Videos of the seven-month-old snow monkey dragging, cuddling and parading his “Oran-Mama” around the enclosure exploded on social media in February 2026, sparking global fascination.
Here are five fun facts about Punch the Monkey that explain why this pint-sized primate has captured millions of fans:
- His Name Honors a Legendary Manga Artist Punch’s name derives from “Monkey Punch,” the pen name of the late Japanese manga artist Kazuhiko Katō, creator of the iconic “Lupin the Third” series. Zoo officials chose the name for the baby macaque, adding the affectionate “-kun” honorific common in Japanese for young boys or cute characters. This pop-culture nod gave the little snow monkey instant recognizability in Japan and among anime fans worldwide.
- His Plush Toy Triggered Global Shortages The well-worn orange IKEA Djungelskog plushie that Punch treats as a surrogate mother became so famous that it sold out in multiple countries. Resale prices skyrocketed on secondary markets, with some units fetching several times their original $20 price. IKEA even acknowledged the phenomenon, and the company reportedly donated additional plushies to the zoo. Fans now affectionately call the toy “Oran-Mama” or “Oran-Mother.”
- He Sparked a Tourism Boom at His Zoo Since Punch’s videos went viral, monthly visitor numbers at Ichikawa City Zoo have more than doubled. Long lines of fans, many traveling from across Japan and abroad, now form to catch a glimpse of the celebrity monkey. The zoo has embraced the attention, posting regular updates on Punch’s progress as he gradually integrates with the troop while still occasionally relying on his plush companion.
- His Story Echoes Classic Attachment Theory Scientists and psychologists have drawn parallels between Punch’s behavior and Harry Harlow’s famous 1950s experiments on rhesus monkeys and surrogate mothers. Punch’s attachment to the soft orangutan plush mirrors how infant primates seek comfort from “contact comfort” sources. Experts say his story provides a touching real-world example of emotional bonding and resilience in primates.
- He Inspired His Own Video Game Punch’s popularity inspired “Zoo Fighter,” a free web-based game created by former Fortnite developer Richie Branson. Players control Punch as he fights off bullying monkeys in a Vampire Survivors-style brawler, eventually earning his way to a sanctuary. The game even includes his signature plush toy as part of the character design and carries a light message about zoo animal welfare.
From Heartbreak to Hope
Punch’s early life was challenging. After his mother rejected him, he struggled to bond with the rest of the macaque troop and faced instances of aggression captured on video. These clips initially caused widespread concern and sadness among viewers, but zoo officials emphasized that such behavior is part of normal primate socialization. Recent updates show Punch making positive progress — grooming peers, playing with other young monkeys and relying less heavily on his plushie while still keeping it close.
At around 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) in early 2026, Punch continues to grow and develop under close zoo supervision. Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, are famous for their adaptability and hot-spring bathing habits in wild populations, though Punch’s life remains centered in the controlled environment of the zoo.
Why Punch Resonates So Deeply
The global reaction to Punch goes beyond simple cuteness. Many viewers project their own experiences of rejection, loneliness or the search for comfort onto the little monkey. His story has sparked conversations about animal emotions, zoo ethics, attachment and human empathy. Supporters have used hashtags such as #HangInTherePunch, and positive updates about his integration with the troop have brought collective relief.
Animal behaviorists note that while anthropomorphizing animals can sometimes distort understanding, Punch’s case offers genuine insights into primate social dynamics and the importance of early bonding. The zoo has balanced public interest with the animals’ welfare, limiting direct interaction while sharing carefully curated videos.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Punch’s fame has extended into merchandise trends, meme culture and even scientific discussion. His story highlights the power of social media to turn a single zoo animal into an international sensation almost overnight. It also demonstrates how digital platforms can drive real-world outcomes, such as increased zoo attendance and awareness of primate care.
As Punch approaches his first birthday in July 2026, fans continue to follow his journey eagerly. Zoo officials promise ongoing updates, and many hope he will fully integrate into the troop while retaining his playful, plushie-loving personality that first won hearts.
For now, Punch the Monkey remains a symbol of resilience — a small primate who turned early hardship into an outsized global embrace. Whether cuddling his orangutan friend or exploring new social bonds, he continues to remind audiences of the universal need for comfort, connection and a little kindness.
Business
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Kaynes shares plunge 43% from October peak. Is a tactical rebound on the cards or more pain ahead?
Edited excerpts from a chat with Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited:
After a flat week, how would you trade the market now? Would Friday’s RBI optimism carry forward on Monday as well? Friday’s optimism stemmed from the completion of a morning star pattern, signaling a potential reversal from the downtrend that began on December 1. However, while the downswing was brief, the reversal is also likely to be short-lived, as evidenced by Friday’s stall at 26,200, a key congestion resistance.
Although oscillators support a possible uptrend extension, we do not see sufficient momentum for a strong move higher. We favor a swing lower toward 26,085–26,065 initially. Alternatively, a breakout above 26,200 could trigger further gains toward 26,460–26,550, but a sharp vertical rise is less likely.
IT was among the major gainers in the week. Do you see chances of more upside?
Yes, the IT sector shows strong potential for further upside. Nifty IT has been signaling a reversal since September and recently broke above the weekly supertrend, indicating strength. The weekly RSI near 60, along with the index closing above its 20-week high, reinforces the positive outlook. Based on these technical cues, the index could target 39,500 in the coming weeks.
Derivative data also supports this bullish view. Over 50% of constituent stocks saw short additions in near OTM put strikes and long additions in call strikes. Additionally, 70% of stocks experienced long build-up on Friday, while 80% recorded weekly short covering, suggesting traders are positioning for further gains. Heavyweights like TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra show strong weekly charts and are expected to lead the rally toward 39,500.PSU banks were under selling pressure but recovered on Friday. Does the chart indicate a fresh 52-week high again going forward?
Even though the index saw a pullback on Friday, the charts suggest a mixed outlook. The wedge pattern breakout in September and the resulting upside has been losing momentum since November. The recent breakdown below the rising trendline near 8,500 indicates a possible short-term trend shift, while the weekly MACD shows exhaustion candles, signaling early signs of consolidation. Despite this, longer-term charts still reflect underlying strength, keeping the possibility of a fresh 52-week high alive.
Derivatives data shows some recovery attempts on Friday, with long additions and short covering in stock futures, but weekly data indicates that more than half of the positions still involved short additions. Among individual stocks, SBI, Bank of Baroda, PNB, Union Bank, Canara Bank, and Indian Bank may see a quick pullback early next week, though sustainability remains uncertain. The preferred strategy is to capitalize on any early upside next week while remaining cautious in the latter half.
Kaynes ended the week down 21% amid negative reports. Do you see chances of an upside bounce or is it too risky to chase the falling knife?
Kaynes has now fallen 43.5% from its October peak, with Friday’s 12.5% decline marking the steepest single-day drop during this period. Momentum indicators and oscillators point to a strong downward trend with no signs of bearish exhaustion, raising the risk that the slide could extend to at least the year’s low of Rs 3,825 seen in February. That said, the severity of Friday’s fall suggests that fear may have peaked.
Adding to this view, the only previous occasion the stock had stretched so far from its 200-day moving average was in April, when the gap was around 25%. Currently, the stock is nearly 26% away from the 200-day SMA, prompting close monitoring for potential mean-reversion moves in the coming week. Given the contrarian nature of this view, the downside marker is advised slightly below Rs 4,300, with Rs 4,541 as the initial recovery target.
Give us your top ideas for the week ahead.
COFORGE (CMP: 1977)
View: Buy
Target: 2080-2180
SL: 1882
The stock has been in a steady uptrend since 2020 and is currently forming a Cup and Handle pattern on the charts. It is attempting a breakout from this formation, supported by a weekly RSI near 60 and a MACD above the signal line. The price action remains strong, trading well above the 20-, 50-, and 100-day moving averages, reinforcing the bullish outlook. The stock is expected to move toward Rs 2,080 and Rs 2,180 in the near term. Long positions should be protected with a stop-loss placed below Rs 1,882.
ABCAPITAL (CMP: 358)
View: Buy
Target: 368-377
SL: 348
The stock has maintained a strong uptrend since February 2025 and continues to show strength on both daily and weekly charts. The weekly MACD remains above the signal line, and the price is trading comfortably above the 20-, 50-, and 100-day moving averages, reinforcing the bullish outlook. The stock is expected to move toward Rs 368 and Rs 377 in the near term. All long positions should be protected with a stop-loss placed below Rs 348.
Business
Could S&P 500 ETFs alone fund your entire retirement plan?
Morningstar CEO Kunal Kapoor shares ETFs worthy of long-term investment on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Most investors have heard that investing in the S&P 500 is one of the best ways to create long-term wealth. It’s probably the default option in their workplace retirement plan. Even a lot of self-directed investors will put their money in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF or the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and call it a day. There’s a reason, after all, that these are the two largest ETFs in the world, with more than $1.6 trillion in assets combined.
The S&P 500 is many people’s only investment. That can create some problems because it leaves a whole slew of asset classes unrepresented. Including them can enhance growth opportunities, mitigate downside risk, or create a regular income stream. Without any of that to complement it, the high-tech concentration or the growth tilt of the index could mean too much volatility.

The S&P 500 is many people’s only investment. (iStock)
Key takeaways
- The S&P 500 has delivered a roughly 10% average annual return over the long term, making it a more than adequate core retirement holding.
- The top 10 holdings account for around 38% of the index. That makes it concentrated and heavily exposed to a handful of tech stocks.
- Holding just the S&P 500 means you’re excluding small caps, international stocks, fixed income, gold, and crypto. These asset classes offer important diversification benefits.
- An S&P 500 ETF is sufficient as a core portfolio holding, but retirement portfolios should have more balance.
US ETF ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT TO MORE THAN DOUBLE TO $25T BY 2030, CITIGROUP SAYS
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSPC | NO DATA AVAILABLE | – | – | – |
| VOO | VANGUARD S&P 500 ETF – USD DIS | 652.78 | +7.92 | +1.23% |
| IVVV | NO DATA AVAILABLE | – | – | – |
The case for owning only the S&P 500
It would be easy to look at the returns of the S&P 500 over the past 10 to 15 years and come to the conclusion that it’s the only investment you need. Thanks to its heavy concentration in the “Magnificent Seven” stocks, it has outperformed most sectors, styles, and themes over that time.

The S&P 500 includes many of the best companies the U.S. economy has to offer. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
But setting aside the performance numbers, the S&P 500 includes many of the best companies the U.S. economy has to offer. It owns companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Walmart, JPMorgan Chase, ExxonMobil, Johnson & Johnson, and Visa. These companies produce billions of dollars in cash flow, generate huge revenues, and have been around for decades. They’re the cornerstones of the economy and will likely be around for many more decades.
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These are exactly the kinds of high-quality companies that can make a great portfolio.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | APPLE INC. | 270.23 | +6.83 | +2.59% |
| MSFT | MICROSOFT CORP. | 422.79 | +2.53 | +0.60% |
| AMZN | AMAZON.COM INC. | 250.56 | +0.86 | +0.34% |
| WMT | WALMART INC. | 127.50 | +2.68 | +2.15% |
| JPM | JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. | 310.29 | +0.34 | +0.11% |
| XOM | EXXON MOBIL CORP. | 146.44 | -5.54 | -3.65% |
| JNJ | JOHNSON & JOHNSON | 234.18 | -0.36 | -0.15% |
| V | VISA INC. | 317.02 | +1.92 | +0.61% |
The case for owning more than the S&P 500
While the S&P 500 is unquestionably a great index to invest in, it’s also incomplete.
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Here’s what investors are missing out on by investing only in the S&P 500:
- Small- and mid-caps: The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSEMKT: VTI), which invests in the entire U.S. equity market, holds about 3,500 stocks. The 3,000 stocks not held by the S&P 500 represent about 25% of the entire U.S. equity market capitalization. Small and mid caps have an entirely different sector allocation and cyclical exposure. Omitting them means missing out on a big chunk of the U.S. economy.
- International stocks: As we’ve seen over the past year, foreign stocks can perform very well when U.S. stocks stall. They, too, have a different economic composition and are sensitive to different factors than U.S. companies.
- Fixed income: Bonds may be boring, but they can balance out portfolio risk and provide an important income component. As workers get closer to retirement, relying more on fixed income for safety and income becomes more important.
- Gold: Precious metals typically perform well during inflationary periods and geopolitical disturbances. They traditionally have a very low correlation to stocks, which makes them a great risk reducer.
- Crypto: Bitcoin and other stablecoins have become a legitimate asset class. Adding crypto as even a small piece of a broader asset allocation makes some sense.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTI | VANGUARD TOTAL STOCK MARKET ETF – USD DIS | 349.86 | -0.66 | -0.19% |
Holding more than just U.S. large-cap stocks lets you participate in different market cycles, helps smooth out overall portfolio volatility, and can help build a portfolio more suited to your goals and risk tolerance.
Investors should own more than just the S&P 500
The S&P 500 is a great core investment, but you need more.
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I’m a big advocate of diversification and looking for ways to mitigate risk exposure. Adding different asset classes helps accomplish this. In most cases, it’s not about trying to pick winners. Simply buy the global economy and let the long-term power of compounding do the work for you.
JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. David Dierking has positions in Apple and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF, Visa, and Walmart and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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‘Done deal’: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on NDA seat-sharing for Assam polls
Among the NDA constituents in the state, the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) have members in the assembly. Rabha Hasong Joutha Sangram Samiti (RHJSS) and Janashakti Party (JP) are also part of the NDA, but they do not have any MLAs.
“Our NDA alliance is complete. We know who will contest where; it is a done deal. There is no issue in stitching the alliance,” Sarma told reporters at the state BJP headquarters.
“After every process is complete, the state leadership will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah with the list of probable candidates,” he added.
On January 7, Sarma had said the BJP was likely to formalise its seat-sharing agreement with its allies by February 15.
On December 5 last year, he had said the finalisation was expected to be over by January 15.
The elections for the 126-member assembly are expected to take place in March-April. This will be the first election after the delimitation exercise, done in 2023.Post delimitation, many seats and their geographical boundaries have been changed, while some non-reserved seats were reserved and vice versa. This has led to complications within the ruling and opposition coalitions.
At present, the BJP has 64 members in the assembly, while AGP has nine, UPPL has seven, and the BPF has three.
In the opposition camp, the Congress has 26 MLAs, AIUDF has 15, and CPI(M) has one. There is one Independent legislator as well.
Business
California housing market stays tight despite recent inventory gains
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California’s housing market is seeing an increase in inventory while the state’s population growth slows, but strong demand stemming from longstanding scarcity has kept the market tight.
An analysis by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) found that the state added 677,000 housing units over a six-year period in which California’s population grew by only 39,000 residents.
Despite the relative growth in the number of housing units available, vacancy rates showed the market remained tight, with PPIC finding that owner vacancy declined from 1.2% to 0.8% while the rental vacancy rate was 4.3% in 2024, well below the national rate of 5.9%.
“Even though the state is adding more housing units than people, it was in such a deep hole that the recent successes in homebuilding are not enough to truly move the needle,” said Joel Berner, senior economist at Realtor.com.
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California’s population growth slowed, but a longstanding housing shortage has kept the market tight. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The state’s longstanding shortage of housing units will require more construction to get inventory levels closer to the market’s equilibrium, as the state will need 2.5 million additional homes, according to a 2022 estimate by the state’s housing agency.
PPIC’s analysis also noted a demographic trend that’s affecting California’s housing market, with average household sizes declining in recent years.
It found that California lost 82,000 households with children and gained 722,000 households without them from 2019 to 2024.
“Fewer people living under the same roof means more roofs are required for the same number of people,” Berner said.
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California has eased rules to boost construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as this one in Concord, California. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
The aging of California’s population is a key factor in the trend, as PPIC found that about 16.5% of the state’s population is 65 or older today and projects that number will rise to 24.9% by 2050.
Homebuilding has picked up in the state of California in the last five years, including through promoting the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary living units that are on the same lot as a primary home but are typically detached or otherwise self-contained.
“The state has made significant progress from a policy perspective on encouraging ADU construction in recent years, for which it should be commended,” Berner added. “The state has made efforts to lift local restrictions on ADUs, which is helping it to deliver more and more of them where they are needed the most.”
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California’s shortage of housing has persisted despite an uptick in construction. ( Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Both PPIC and Berner suggested that while California is making progress, it hasn’t achieved a breakthrough in resolving its housing shortage as new homes are being snapped up quickly and vacancy rates remain low.
Berner noted that while 11.5% of the U.S. population lives in California, the state accounted for only 7.3% of newly permitted housing units last year, adding that the “pace just isn’t fast enough.”
PPIC noted that household formation rates among young adults in California have trended up, suggesting that younger residents are forming households – though the state will need sufficient lower-cost housing at entry-level prices for them to afford to take those next steps in California.
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That pipeline could prove problematic, as Realtor.com noted that of the more than 1.2 million housing units that are planned statewide, just 712,000 are designated for moderate-income households or lower – about half of what California believes it needs.
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