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War impact coming home to roost for big Aussie bank

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War impact coming home to roost for big Aussie bank

Australia’s second-largest bank has warned that the Middle East conflict has dented the earnings contributions from one of its internal businesses.

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Market Trading Guide: Buy MCX, Adani Energy Solutions and 2 more stocks on Wednesday for short-term gains of up to 11% – Nifty outlook

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Market Trading Guide: Buy MCX, Adani Energy Solutions and 2 more stocks on Wednesday for short-term gains of up to 11% - Nifty outlook

Nifty ended with cuts on Monday, dragged by auto, IT and consumer stocks after negotiations between Iran and the US ended without any outcome. A long green candle was formed on the daily chart at the lows, which indicates the formation of a bullish counterattack pattern.

Decoding the charts, Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities, said after a series of bearish lower tops and lower bottoms formation in the recent past, Nifty registered a new higher low at 23,555 on Monday, which could be a sign of relief for bulls to sustain the recent bounce-back. “The weakness of Monday has not damaged the underlying near-term uptrend status of the market. Nifty is now placed at the crucial support of 23,500, and one may expect further upside in the near term. Immediate resistance is at 24,100,” he added.

Domestic stock markets are closed today because of Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti holiday.

Here are the 4 stocks to buy:

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WA govt softens call on Horizontal Falls tours

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WA govt softens call on Horizontal Falls tours

Tourism operators offering experiences passing through Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley will be allowed to continue their rides until 2028, after the state government reversed its decision to phase out the tours earlier. 

Tours through the falls were set to finish at the end of this year, with the exception Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures – which would continue until its licence expired in March 2028. 

It was announced on Monday that all licensed tours could continue until 2028, alongside a state government commitment of $5 million in the 2026-27 budget to expand traditional owner-led tourism at WA landmark.  

Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation will develop new cultural experiences with $4.5 million of the package dedicated to infrastructure delivery. 

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In addition, $470,000 will be directed to the creation of a business case and feasibility study, led by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall welcomed the move, saying it provided fifteen tourism operators with certainty, while generating $15 million and 58 full time equivalent jobs in the region. 

“Horizontal Falls, together with swimming with whale sharks, are bucket list experiences for WA and this provides the opportunity for Tourism WA to show off WA’s very best experiences around the world to attract people into Perth, the Coral Coast, the Kimberley and beyond,” he said.

“This is a world-class experience and it’s fantastic to see it remain open to the public as the Marine Park’s natural and cultural tourism experiences evolve.”

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The state government commitments were made based on advice from the Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls Working Group, made up of DAC and tourism operators.

Whether the tours will continue after 2028, will depend on a review by DAC and the state government. 

Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the funding formed a new model of tourism at the falls. 

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“Through this budget investment, we are laying the foundations for a new model of tourism at Garaan-ngaddim – one that is led by traditional owners, supports the tourism industry, and ensures this iconic destination remains a drawcard for visitors for generations to come,” he said. 

DAC vice chair Leah Umbagai highlighted the importance of caring for Horizontal Falls, or Garaan-ngaddim.

“Our ancestors have given us this Country to look after,” she said. 

“As Wandjina Woongudd people, it’s our obligation to care for and respect Country. 

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“We want to share Country with visitors, and share our story the right way.”

The West Kimberley Aboriginal group hopes to build on a pilot program with Journey Beyond, where they worked on creating Dambimangari-led tours.

Journey Beyond chief executive Chris Tallent said the program was a success. 

“The pilot program has delivered real economic benefits and created education and employment opportunities for Dambeemangaddee people, while giving our guests a more genuine cultural experience and a deeper understanding of Country,” he said. 

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China Evergrande founder pleads guilty to fraud in Shenzhen court

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China Evergrande founder pleads guilty to fraud in Shenzhen court


China Evergrande founder pleads guilty to fraud in Shenzhen court

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Rolex Discontinues Iconic Pepsi GMT-Master II and Cookie Monster Submariner Date in 2026 Shake-Up

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Pepsi GMT-Master II

GENEVA — Rolex has officially discontinued two of its most coveted modern models — the stainless steel and white gold “Pepsi” GMT-Master II references and the white gold “Cookie Monster” Submariner Date — confirming long-standing rumors as the Swiss watchmaker refreshed its lineup for Watches and Wonders 2026.

Pepsi GMT-Master II
Pepsi GMT-Master II

The news broke Tuesday as Rolex updated its website and informed authorized dealers that production of the legendary blue-and-red bezel GMT-Master II (ref. 126710BLRO in Oystersteel and ref. 126719BLRO in white gold) and the blue-ceramic-bezel Submariner Date (ref. 126619LB) has ended. The models vanished from the official Rolex configurator and dealer inventories during the annual product refresh coinciding with the Geneva watch fair.

Rolex has not issued a formal statement explaining the decision, a common practice for the secretive brand. Industry observers interpret the move as part of Rolex’s regular rotation of references to maintain exclusivity, manage production capacity and introduce fresh designs. The “Pepsi” GMT-Master II, in particular, had enjoyed a 12-year run in its current form since its 2018 revival, making it one of the longest-serving recent iterations of the travel watch.

The steel Pepsi GMT-Master II, with its iconic red-and-blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel, black dial and either Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, retailed for around $10,700–$11,800 depending on the bracelet. On the secondary market, it commanded significant premiums, often trading between $20,000 and $25,000 or more in recent months as discontinuation rumors intensified. The white gold version, featuring a meteorite or blue lacquer dial, carried a much higher retail price of approximately $52,000 and traded lower on the grey market due to limited demand for precious-metal sports watches.

The “Cookie Monster” Submariner Date, introduced around 2020 in 18K white gold with a matching blue ceramic bezel and black dial, retailed for $52,100. It earned its playful nickname from the vibrant blue bezel reminiscent of the Sesame Street character. Like many white gold Rolex sports models, it traded at a discount on the secondary market, sometimes as low as $35,000, reflecting softer collector appetite compared to steel equivalents.

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The discontinuations come as Rolex unveiled its 2026 collection at Watches and Wonders. While the brand did not introduce a direct “Coke” bezel replacement (red-and-black) for the GMT-Master II as some had speculated, the lineup now features other GMT variants, including the popular “Batman” (black-and-blue) on Oyster bracelet. Rumors of a larger 41mm GMT case or ceramic dial updates for the collection remain unconfirmed, with some insiders suggesting Rolex may be preparing a broader refresh of the GMT platform in coming years.

Watch enthusiasts reacted swiftly on social media and forums. Prices for remaining Pepsi GMT-Master II examples on the secondary market spiked further Tuesday, with some dealers reporting immediate interest and offers climbing several thousand dollars within hours of the news. “The Pepsi is dead — again,” quipped one Hodinkee headline, referencing the model’s previous discontinuation and revival cycles over decades.

Rolex’s approach to discontinuations is strategic. The brand typically produces watches in limited annual volumes to preserve desirability and control waiting lists that can stretch years for steel sports models. By rotating references, Rolex creates scarcity that fuels both brand prestige and a robust pre-owned market. Collectors often view discontinuation as a signal to buy while supplies last or to seek out discontinued pieces as future classics.

The Pepsi GMT-Master II traces its roots to the 1950s, when the original GMT-Master helped Pan Am pilots track multiple time zones. The red-and-blue “Pepsi” bezel became an instant classic, evoking the airline’s livery. Modern ceramic versions eliminated the fading issues of earlier Bakelite and aluminum bezels, making the watch more durable and collectible. Its dual-time functionality, robust 100-meter water resistance and versatile 40mm case cemented its status as a favorite among travelers, pilots and everyday enthusiasts.

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The Cookie Monster Submariner represented a bolder, more luxurious take on the iconic dive watch. The white gold case paired with the bright blue Cerachrom bezel offered a striking contrast to traditional steel Subs or the all-gold “Smurf” predecessor. While less universally popular than steel Submariners, it appealed to collectors seeking something distinctive in the Submariner lineup.

Industry analysts note that Rolex’s 2026 moves align with broader trends. The brand has increasingly emphasized precious metals and complicated pieces in recent years while carefully curating its core sports watch offerings. Production challenges with complex ceramic bezels, particularly the two-color Pepsi design, have been cited in rumors as one factor behind the timing, though Rolex has never confirmed manufacturing difficulties.

For authorized dealers, the news means redirecting client expectations. Many had long waiting lists for the steel Pepsi; those lists are now closed or shifted toward available models like the Batman GMT or classic Submariner Date. Grey market dealers anticipate stronger demand and potentially higher markups for remaining inventory in the short term.

Longer-term implications remain uncertain. Rolex has revived discontinued references in the past, sometimes with updated movements or minor tweaks. Some observers speculate a future “Coke” GMT-Master II or an entirely new bezel colorway could eventually return to fill the gap left by the Pepsi. Others predict the GMT collection may see a case size update or new dial options in the next cycle.

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The secondary market reaction underscores Rolex’s cultural power. Even without production, the discontinued Pepsi and Cookie Monster will continue trading among collectors, with well-preserved examples likely holding or appreciating in value as “last of the line” pieces. Vintage Pepsi GMTs from earlier eras already command six-figure sums at auction; modern discontinued references often follow a similar, if less dramatic, trajectory.

Rolex enthusiasts have mixed emotions. Some lament the loss of a modern icon and worry about shrinking options in the steel GMT segment. Others see opportunity, viewing the news as a chance to acquire examples before prices stabilize higher. Forum discussions Tuesday ranged from conspiracy theories about production issues to optimistic predictions of exciting replacements at future Watches and Wonders events.

As the dust settles on the 2026 announcements, the discontinuations serve as a reminder of Rolex’s deliberate scarcity strategy. The brand famously produces far fewer watches than demand would support, ensuring its timepieces retain aura and resale strength. For many collectors, the end of a reference marks not just loss but the beginning of its legend in the pre-owned world.

Whether the Pepsi GMT-Master II returns in a new form or remains a chapter in Rolex history, its blue-and-red bezel has left an indelible mark on modern horology. The Cookie Monster Submariner, though shorter-lived in the lineup, added a splash of personality to the dive watch canon.

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Watch collectors worldwide will now scour dealer inventories and auction sites for remaining examples while keeping a close eye on what Rolex unveils next. In the rarefied world of luxury timepieces, few events generate as much excitement — or market movement — as the quiet removal of an icon from the catalog.

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Stocks rebound, oil and dollar slip on hopes of US-Iran resolution

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Stocks rebound, oil and dollar slip on hopes of US-Iran resolution

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Why PureVPN is the Most Reliable VPN for Windows Devices in 2026

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Why PureVPN is the Most Reliable VPN for Windows Devices

Windows is the world’s most widely used desktop operating system, which also makes it the most targeted. Hackers, ISPs, data brokers, and surveillance systems all treat Windows machines as prime territory.

Most VPNs do one thing in response: encrypt your traffic and call it a day. PureVPN takes a different approach. It’s built an entire privacy ecosystem specifically tuned for Windows users, with a native app that keeps improving, a robust set of Windows-specific features, and a collection of add-ons that go far beyond what standard VPN services offer. Here’s a complete breakdown.

A Native Windows App Built for Your PC, Not Borrowed From Another Platform

PureVPN offers a dedicated Windows VPN app compatible with Windows 10 and above, with manual configuration support for older versions as well. The app has seen consistent updates through 2025 and into 2026, including a fully redesigned settings screen with smarter grouping, quicker access to key controls, and a smoother post-purchase experience.

Shortcuts: One-Tap Server Access for Streaming

Inside the locations section, you can save your favorite streaming platforms alongside your preferred server location for each one. Instead of hunting through thousands of servers every session, a single tap puts you on the right server instantly. It’s a small feature that eliminates a daily friction point most VPN apps simply ignore.

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20 Gbps Infrastructure: Speed That Won’t Hold Your Windows PC Back

One of the most common complaints about VPNs on Windows is the slowdown. PureVPN runs on a 20 Gbps backbone, faster than the internet connection available in most homes and businesses.

In practical terms, the VPN infrastructure itself is never the bottleneck when you’re downloading, video calling, or streaming. Whatever limitation you experience comes from your ISP, not PureVPN.

DNS Leak Protection, IPv6 Protection, and WebRTC Blocking

Windows has a well-known vulnerability where DNS requests can bypass the VPN tunnel entirely, revealing your browsing activity to your ISP even when you think you’re protected. PureVPN’s DNS Leak Protection reroutes all DNS queries through its own secure servers, closing that gap.

On top of that, it blocks IPv6 leaks and browser-based WebRTC leaks, both of which are common on Windows browsers like Edge and Chrome and can expose your real IP address even while the VPN is active. You can verify your exposure anytime using PureVPN’s DNS Leak Test, IPv6 Leak Test, and WebRTC Leak Test tools.

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Obfuscated Servers: Stay Connected in Restricted Environments

If you’re on a corporate network, a university connection, or in a country that restricts VPN usage, PureVPN’s obfuscated servers disguise your VPN traffic so it looks like regular HTTPS browsing.

This makes PureVPN functional in environments where other VPNs get detected and blocked. A VPN that gets blocked isn’t reliable regardless of its other specs, and obfuscation directly solves that problem for Windows users.

Internet Kill Switch: Protection When the Connection Drops

If the VPN connection drops unexpectedly while you’re on your Windows PC, the Internet Kill Switch automatically cuts your internet access entirely until the VPN reconnects. Without it, even a brief dropout exposes your real IP address to your ISP and any site you’re on.

On Windows, where background updates and network changes can cause momentary disruptions, a consistently working kill switch is a genuine reliability feature, not just a checkbox.

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Split Tunneling: Route Only What You Want Through the VPN

Split tunneling gives you per-app control over which programs route through the VPN and which connect directly through your ISP. On a Windows machine running multiple applications at once, this is genuinely useful.

You can route your browser and work apps through the VPN while keeping cloud backups or local network apps on a direct connection for better speed. The choice stays with you and is adjustable from within the Windows interface.

Secure Home Network Access and File Transfers

PureVPN’s Windows VPN app lets you securely connect back to your home network from anywhere, giving you access to home NAS drives, printers, IP cameras, and smart home systems without exposing them to the open internet.

It also encrypts file transfers over unsecured networks end to end. Whether you’re syncing OneDrive or Dropbox on a hotel or cafe Wi-Fi, your data goes through an encrypted tunnel rather than the open connection, preventing interception or malware injection during transmission.

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Residential Proxy: Browse Like a Local, Not Like a VPN User

This is one of PureVPN’s most distinctive add-ons. The Residential Proxy routes your traffic through IP addresses sourced directly from real Internet Service Providers, linked to actual physical households. This means your online activity appears to come from a genuine home user rather than a VPN datacenter.

For Windows users, this matters in several practical situations. Standard VPN IPs are increasingly flagged and blocked by platforms that detect datacenter traffic, including streaming services, AI tools like ChatGPT, region-specific shopping sites, and social media platforms.

A residential IP bypasses these blocks entirely because it looks indistinguishable from a regular home connection. PureVPN’s residential IPs also rotate automatically, reducing detection risk further. Plans start at 12 GB per month with US and UK locations currently available, and all proxies are 100% ethically sourced with free geo-targeting included.

Dark Web Monitoring: Know When Your Data Has Been Exposed

Available on the Max plan, Dark Web Monitoring continuously scans underground forums, breach databases, and illicit marketplaces for your personal information. If anything surfaces, you receive a real-time alert.

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For Windows users who store financial credentials, work logins, or sensitive personal documents on their machines, this is a meaningful layer of protection that operates independently of the VPN connection itself. You don’t need to actively do anything. It runs in the background and alerts you the moment a threat is detected.

Dedicated IP: Your Own Fixed Address on the Internet

A Dedicated IP assigns you a unique, exclusive IP address that no other PureVPN user shares. This matters more than it might seem. With a shared IP, you’re effectively sharing an online reputation with thousands of other users. If any of them trigger a block or a CAPTCHA on a platform, you inherit that problem. With a Dedicated IP, your address is your own.

On Windows, the practical benefits are significant: consistent access to platforms that use IP-based access controls, reduced risk of being blacklisted, smoother experience with email marketing tools and business platforms, and faster access on services that prioritize known, trusted IPs. It’s particularly valuable for remote workers and small business owners who access the same platforms daily and can’t afford random access disruptions.

Port Forwarding: Full Control Over Your Windows Machine’s Connections

Port Forwarding is the add-on for Windows users who need their machine to be reachable from the internet on specific ports, without opening up their entire system. It lets you access your PC, laptop, or home server from anywhere in the world, share access to a website or FTP service, allow friends to join a game server you’re hosting, and manage router-level port configurations when running PureVPN on a router.

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The combined Dedicated IP and Port Forwarding bundle pairs both capabilities together at a lower cost than purchasing them separately. It’s built for users who need remote desktop access, run game servers, manage web infrastructure, or work with P2P applications requiring stable port configurations. These are tasks that would normally require a separate, more complex technical service.

DDoS Protection: Always-On Defense for Gamers and Businesses

PureVPN’s DDoS Protected IP add-on is particularly relevant for Windows gamers and small business owners. Rather than reacting to attacks after they cause disruption, it monitors traffic continuously and neutralizes threats the moment they’re detected, without requiring you to manually activate anything.

Gamers get fewer lag spikes and more stable connections during matches. Businesses get an always-on defense layer against illegitimate traffic targeting their operations. You can add this alongside other extras when you choose your plan.

PureVPN Password Manager That Lives Inside the Windows App

Rather than pointing users toward a third-party password manager, PureVPN ships its own. The PureVPN Password Manager stores unlimited passwords, generates strong ones automatically, syncs across up to 10 devices, and includes a breach scanner that flags exposed credentials.

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On the Windows app specifically, It opens directly inside the PureVPN interface with Auto-Fill support added in early 2026, so credentials populate automatically across apps and websites without switching between separate tools.

Remove My Data: Getting Your Information Off the Internet

The Remove My Data feature, available on the Max plan, tracks down data brokers that hold your personal information and submits removal requests on your behalf. It then monitors whether those requests have been honored. For Windows users who shop, bank, or work online, this is a direct and practical solution that goes far beyond what any standard VPN offers.

Browser Extensions for Edge, Chrome, and Firefox

For Windows users who want browser-level protection without routing all system traffic through the VPN, PureVPN offers dedicated extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. These work within the browsers most Windows users already have installed, adding a lightweight privacy layer for web sessions without affecting how other applications connect to the internet.

Anonymous Purchase Options, Including Bitcoin

For Windows users who want privacy from the moment of purchase, PureVPN accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies alongside PayPal and standard credit cards. Paying with crypto means no financial trail connecting your identity to your VPN subscription, a meaningful detail for users with serious privacy requirements. You can review all available payment methods on the order page.

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Final Thoughts

What makes PureVPN reliable for Windows users in 2026 isn’t any single feature. It’s the combination: a native, actively maintained Windows VPN app running on 20 Gbps infrastructure, leak protection built for Windows-specific vulnerabilities, and a layered set of add-ons that address real problems most VPNs don’t touch.

A Residential Proxy for bypassing IP blocks, Dark Web Monitoring for credential exposure, a Dedicated IP for consistent trusted access, Port Forwarding for remote control of your own machines, and DDoS protection for uninterrupted sessions. If you’re looking for a VPN that treats Windows as a primary platform and privacy as a full-stack problem, PureVPN makes a clear and well-grounded case.

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Panel approves WS Collective’s $11m Augusta apartments

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Panel approves WS Collective’s $11m Augusta apartments

An assessment panel has approved an apartment project in the state’s South West, a development spearheaded by a Norup + Wilson founder.

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Analysis-Italy’s surprise rise in exports to US masks deep fragility to tariffs

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GIFT Nifty jumps 200 pts amid renewed hopes for Iran-US peace talks. What to expect?

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GIFT Nifty jumps 200 pts amid renewed hopes for Iran-US peace talks. What to expect?
While Sensex and Nifty plunged on Monday, Dalal Street may see some relief rally on Wednesday when markets open, with GIFT Nifty surging nearly 200 points after reports claimed that US continues to engage with Iran to make a peace deal even as it blocked the latter’s ports after the collapse of ceasefire talks over the weekend.

Iran and US have left the door open to dialogue, and a US official said there was forward motion on trying to get to an agreement, as per a report by Reuters. US President Donald Trump meanwhile said that his administration received a call from Iran who is now eager to negotiate after the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said that “they’d like to make a deal very badly.” He reiterated that the primary sticking point in the negotiations remains Iran’s nuclear ambitions, asserting that “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon”.

Oil prices slip below $100/barrel

As a result, Brent crude futures declined nearly 2% to trade at $97.5 per barrel, while WTI Crude futures dropped more than 2% to $97 per barrel on Tuesday morning. The cooling oil prices and rising hopes for peace talks boosted global markets.

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Global markets rally

Wall Street rallied on Monday. S&P 500 erased all the losses it racked up since the war started. The blue chip index gained over 1%, to end at 6,886.24, higher than its February 27 finish. Nasdaq Composite also gained more than 1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.63%.
Japan’s Nikkei rallied 2.5% to a six-week high. South Korea’s Kospi meanwhile gained more than 3%, while China’s Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained nearly 0.6% each.

Back on Dalal Street

Stock markets are closed in India on Tuesday on account of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti. NSE and BSE will remain shut for trading. The country’s largest non-agricultural commodity exchange, the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) will be closed in the morning session but will resume trading in the evening session between 5 pm and 11:30 pm.

Meanwhile, the largest agricultural bourse the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) will also be closed in both sessions. Trading will resume on Wednesday, April 15.

After crashing more than 2% in the morning session, Sensex and Nifty recovered some losses and closed less than 1% lower on Monday as a spike in oil prices and fading hopes of a US-Iran ceasefire weighed heavily on investor sentiment.

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GIFT Nifty today meanwhile surged more than 192 points (0.80%) to 24,069.50, as seen at 9.10 am.

What lies ahead?

Markets continue to derive limited support from last week’s ceasefire framework, which remains intact for now and is encouraging selective buying interest along with a buy-on-dips approach, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research of Geojit Investments.

“On the domestic front, the Q4 earnings season is now underway, leading to stock-specific activity, although overall risk appetite remains cautious amid global uncertainty. While the immediate impact on Q4 earnings is expected to be manageable, prolonged Middle East tensions could have more meaningful implications for Q1FY27. Volatility is likely to remain elevated, with markets closely tracking geopolitical developments alongside earnings quality and management commentary,” he said.

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

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Parkd Azzurri deal paves data centre road

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Parkd Azzurri deal paves data centre road

An innovative Perth carpark developer says the recent buy-in of a leading east coast concreter will pave the way for the company to gain a foothold in the booming data centre construction market.

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