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Windows 11 to Fix Microsoft Account Sign-In Issues

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Microsoft Windows 11

Microsoft released an emergency out-of-band update for Windows 11 on March 21, 2026, to resolve widespread sign-in problems affecting Microsoft accounts in apps and services following the March 10 Patch Tuesday security release.

Microsoft Windows 11
Microsoft Windows 11

The update, KB5085516 (OS Builds 26200.8039 for version 25H2 and 26100.8039 for version 24H2), is cumulative and includes all fixes from the original March security update along with the specific resolution for the authentication bug. It applies to all editions of Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 that receive standard Windows updates.

Microsoft announced the issue March 20 via its Windows Release Health dashboard, stating that after installing the March 2026 security update (KB5079473), some users could not sign in to Microsoft apps and services using their Microsoft accounts. Affected applications include Teams, OneDrive, Microsoft Edge, Excel, Word, Microsoft 365 Copilot and others requiring account authentication.

Impacted devices displayed error messages indicating no internet connection, even when connected, disrupting features dependent on Microsoft account sign-in. The problem stemmed from the March cumulative update, which addressed 84 vulnerabilities across Windows and related products but introduced this unintended side effect.

The out-of-band fix, released just 11 days after Patch Tuesday, ensures rapid deployment without waiting for the next monthly cycle. Microsoft emphasized that no action is required for devices not experiencing the issue or those already updated via automatic processes. The company recommends immediate installation for affected users to restore full functionality.

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This marks the latest in a series of emergency patches for Windows 11 in 2026. Earlier in the year, out-of-band updates addressed shutdown failures, Remote Desktop sign-in problems and Outlook hangs triggered by prior patches. The March incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing comprehensive security fixes with stability in cumulative updates.

The March Patch Tuesday (March 10) fixed 84 vulnerabilities, including critical flaws in Windows components, Office, SQL Server, Azure and .NET. Two were publicly disclosed zero-days, underscoring the urgency of the release. Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 received KB5079473, advancing builds to 26200.8037 and 26100.8037, while version 23H2 got KB5078883 (Build 22631.6783).

An earlier out-of-band hotpatch (KB5084597, March 13) targeted enterprise devices in the hotpatch program using Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS). It fixed three critical remote code execution vulnerabilities (CVE-2026-25172, CVE-2026-25173, CVE-2026-26111) that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. The hotpatch, requiring no restart, applied only to hotpatch-enabled Windows 11 24H2, 25H2 and Enterprise LTSC 2024 devices managed via Windows Autopatch.

Microsoft clarified the RRAS hotpatch addressed a scenario where standard Patch Tuesday fixes did not fully cover hotpatched enterprise environments. Standard users were protected by the March cumulative update.

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The latest sign-in fix arrives amid broader Windows 11 enhancements in 2026, including new emojis, taskbar improvements, camera controls and productivity features in March updates. Version 26H1, scoped for new devices with advanced silicon, received its March security update (KB5079466, Build 28000.1719) focusing on performance and battery life.

Users can check for the emergency update via Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Microsoft advises restarting after installation if prompted. Enterprise admins should monitor Windows Autopatch or WSUS for rollout.

The incident drew attention on forums like Reddit’s r/sysadmin, where IT professionals discussed impacts on Microsoft 365 ecosystems. Some reported temporary workarounds like using local accounts, but Microsoft urged against them due to lost features.

As Windows 11 evolves toward version 26H1 and beyond, Microsoft continues refining update processes to minimize disruptions. The company maintains no known exploitation of the sign-in bug in the wild, but prompt patching remains critical to prevent potential chained attacks.

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For the latest status, users should visit the Windows Message Center or support.microsoft.com. Microsoft has not announced further out-of-band updates as of March 23, 2026, but monitoring continues for any emerging issues.

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7 Features That Make AI Detectors Useful

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7 Features That Make AI Detectors Useful

Have you ever read something online and thought about how people check if the content is written by a human or generated by AI? 

These days, content is being created at a very fast pace, and it becomes important to understand its source and structure. This is where AI detectors come into use in a simple and practical way.

AI detectors are becoming a part of daily digital work. From students to writers, many people use them to review content and get a clearer idea of how it looks. These tools are not complicated. They are built to support users in an easy and comfortable way.

Why AI Detectors Are Becoming Common

AI detectors are becoming more common because they match modern needs. People today prefer tools that are quick, clear, and easy to understand. AI detectors provide all of this without making the process difficult.

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They are useful in many areas like writing, editing, and education. As more content is created online, people want tools that help them stay confident about what they are reading or writing. AI detectors support this need in a very simple way.

Feature One: Clear AI Content Detection

One of the main features of AI detectors is their ability to check patterns in writing. They look at how sentences are formed, how words are used, and how the overall content flows.

This helps users get a clear idea about the nature of the content. The result is usually shown in a simple format, which makes it easy to understand. Users do not need any technical background to read or use the results.

Feature Two: Easy-to-Use Interface

Another important feature is the simple interface. AI detectors are built in a way that anyone can use them without confusion.

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You just copy your text, paste it into the tool, and check the result. The process feels natural and does not take much time.

This makes it suitable for students, content writers, and even beginners who are trying such tools for the first time. A clean interface always makes the experience more comfortable.

How These Features Help In Daily Use

AI detectors are not just one-time tools. Many people use them regularly as part of their daily routine. They help in reviewing content quickly and keeping things clear.

Feature Three: Quick Results And Instant Feedback

In today’s fast-paced work environment, time matters a lot. AI detectors provide results within seconds, which helps users move forward without delay.

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This instant feedback allows users to make changes quickly. For example, if someone is writing an article, they can check it and adjust their writing immediately.

Feature Four: Highlighted Content Sections

Another useful feature is highlighting. AI detectors often mark certain parts of the text to show patterns.

This makes it easier for users to focus on specific sections instead of reading everything again. It feels like having a guide that points out important areas.

This feature is especially helpful for editors and writers who work with long content. It reduces effort and makes the review process smoother.

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How AI Detectors Support Content Quality

Content quality is important in every field. AI detectors help users understand their writing better, which leads to improved quality over time.

Feature Five: Helps Improve Writing Style

When users check their content regularly, they start noticing how they write. They understand sentence flow, word choice, and structure.

This awareness helps them improve gradually. It becomes a natural learning process. Over time, users develop a clearer and more structured writing style.

Feature Six: Supports Content Review Process

Reviewing content is an important step before publishing or submitting. AI detectors make this process easier by providing quick insights.

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Editors can use these tools to review multiple pieces of content without confusion. It helps maintain consistency and clarity.

The review process becomes more organized, and users can handle large amounts of content more comfortably.

Accessibility And Flexibility Of AI Detectors

Another strong point of AI detectors is their accessibility. They are easy to use from different devices and locations.

Feature Seven: Easy Online Access

Many AI detectors are available online, which means users do not need to install anything. They can open a browser and start using the tool directly.

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For example, platforms like AI detector free allow users to check their content quickly and easily. This makes the process simple and convenient.

Users can access these tools from their phone, laptop, or any device with internet access.

How AI Detectors Fit Into Modern Work

Modern work includes writing, editing, and reviewing content regularly. AI detectors fit naturally into this routine.

Works For Different Types Of Users

AI detectors are useful for many types of users. Students use them to check assignments. Writers use them for blogs and articles. Editors use them for reviewing content.

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Supports Consistent Workflow

When tools are simple and reliable, they become part of daily work. AI detectors help users maintain a steady workflow.

They reduce the time spent on checking and make the process more efficient. This consistency helps users stay organized and focused.

The Human Side Of Using AI Detectors

Even though AI detectors are based on technology, they support human work in a simple and friendly way.

Builds Confidence In Writing

When users check their content and understand it better, they feel more confident. This confidence helps them perform better in their work.

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They know what they are writing and how it looks, which makes a big difference.

Encourages Better Content Habits

Regular use of AI detectors helps users become more aware of their writing habits. They start paying attention to structure, clarity, and flow.

This leads to better habits over time. It is like learning step by step without any pressure.

Why Simplicity Makes A Big Difference

Simplicity is one of the strongest points of AI detectors. People prefer tools that are easy to understand and use.

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Easy For Beginners

New users can start using AI detectors without any difficulty. The process is clear and simple.

They do not need any training or technical knowledge. This makes the tool more accessible.

Comfortable For Regular Users

Regular users can include AI detectors in their daily routine without extra effort.

They become a natural part of the workflow, which makes content checking faster and easier.

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Final Thoughts

AI detectors have become useful because they offer simple and practical features that support everyday content work. From identifying writing patterns to giving quick feedback, they help users understand and improve their content in a clear way. With easy access, smooth interface, and helpful insights, these tools fit naturally into modern workflows.

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Nomura Global Growth Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

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Nomura Global Growth Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

Nomura Global Growth Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

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How Organizations Can Maximize Financial Efficiency

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How Organizations Can Maximize Financial Efficiency

Running a small business is not a breeze, considering that the failure rate is alarmingly high. The US Chamber of Commerce cites data showing that nearly half of startups do not make it beyond five years. Cash flow issues, such as poor budgeting, lack of funding, and incompetent inventory management, are a top cause of failure.

As the business landscape becomes complex and competitive, organizations face mounting pressure to optimize resources while driving growth. Maximizing financial efficiency can make a difference between success and failure. You need to think beyond lowering costs and increasing revenues. It involves strategic planning to ensure every dollar works harder.

In this article, we will discuss a few practical steps to help organizations achieve sustainable financial health.

Budget for Everything

A ResearchGate study highlights the importance of budgeting for small and medium enterprises. Effective budget management drives successful resource allocation, while ineffective budgeting can be a significant contributor to failure. Budgets are, in fact, a reflection of a firm’s strategy. They build the foundation of financial efficiency by aligning resources with organizational goals.

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Organizations should adopt zero-based budgeting, where every expense is justified from scratch rather than carried over from prior periods. This approach addresses budget creep and ensures funds support only high-impact activities.​ A combination of rolling forecasts and traditional budgets can help adapt to market changes dynamically.

Budgeting may differ for different niches. For example, a condominium association will not do it the same way as a commercial business. The question here is, “How to plan a condo association budget”? Besides the regular elements like income and expenditure, the anatomy of a condo association budget includes reserve contributions.

Ledgerly notes that the reserve fund works like the community’s future-proofing tool. Consider it a long-term savings account that grows steadily over time and covers key replacement projects, such as elevator or roofing overhauls. Without budgeting for reserves, the association may run into financial trouble later on. 

Control Operational Expenses

Operational expenses often erode profits if left unchecked, so rigorous monitoring is essential. Start by categorizing expenses into fixed and variable, then negotiate supplier contracts for better terms like early payment discounts or bulk pricing. Renegotiating can free up working capital without sacrificing quality.​

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You can use spend management software to track expenditures in real-time and set approval workflows for non-essential purchases. Regularly audit vendor performance to eliminate unreliable suppliers.​

Outsourcing non-core functions, such as payroll or IT support, is a smart way to shift fixed costs to variable ones. The best part about outsourcing is that it offers scalability rather than saddling a business with a team it may not always need. However, you must evaluate outsourcing quarterly to ensure it delivers ROI, balancing cost savings with control.

Identify and Eliminate Bottlenecks

Bottlenecks drain efficiency and inflate costs. Imagine how delays in processes like manual invoicing or incompatible systems can affect your business finances. According to Fintech Weekly, with automation becoming a norm, the real financial bottleneck for businesses is not payments but settlement. For things to function safely, execution and settlement should be the same event.

Organizations need to stay one step ahead of financial bottlenecks so that they can eliminate them before things get out of hand. Monitor KPIs such as days sales outstanding (DSO) and inventory turnover to pinpoint issues. Assemble cross-functional teams to map workflows and identify friction points.​

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Prioritize fixes based on impact. This means addressing high-cost bottlenecks first, like slow payment collections that tie up cash flow.​ Similarly, continuous improvement via Lean methodologies ensures bottlenecks don’t recur. Regular process audits, supported by analytics tools, turn raw data into actionable insights for streamlined operations.

Train Employees on Financial Literacy

According to a Forbes article, nearly half of Americans fall short when it comes to financial literacy skills. Employees lacking these skills can hold your business back. Conversely, a financially fluent workforce can help a business drive growth and build resilience. They can view all decisions through the lenses of revenue preservation, risk reduction, and value creation.

Well-trained staff reduces errors that lead to rework and waste.​ Offer workshops on budgeting, cash flow basics, and expense tracking, tailored to roles. For example, sales teams can be educated about commission impacts on margins. Gamified training platforms boost engagement, with certifications rewarding participation.

Measure the ROI of these programs through pre- and post-training quizzes and metrics like reduced departmental overspending. Ongoing education keeps pace with regulations and tools, ensuring adaptability.​ Leadership buy-in is crucial to set the tone. Integrate financial literacy into onboarding so new hires adopt efficient habits from day one.

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FAQs

Why do organizations struggle financially?

Common financial pitfalls that organizations struggle with include poor cash flow visibility, unchecked expenses, and reactive budgeting. Inefficient processes and a lack of real-time data exacerbate issues, leading to liquidity crunches. Eventually, businesses that fail to pay attention to these issues may suffer from major setbacks.

Why is it hard to achieve financial success?

Achieving financial success can be challenging for businesses due to diverse reasons, which are sometimes unavoidable. Market volatility, siloed departments, and resistance to change hinder progress. Without metrics-driven decisions, organizations may miss optimization opportunities and sustain losses.

How can organizations drive sustainable financial growth?

Financial growth goes beyond making high sales and profits. For growth to be sustainable, businesses need to have a strategic plan. They must focus on automation, employee training, and continuous monitoring. Balancing cost cuts with smart investments in efficiency ensures long-term resilience for an organization.

Maximizing financial efficiency empowers organizations to thrive amid uncertainty. These strategies, proven through real-world applications, can slash waste, boost cash flow, and sharpen competitiveness. Commit to ongoing monitoring and adaptability to make the rewards compound over time. Financial discipline isn’t mere survival. It is the catalyst for innovation and prosperity, ensuring that every resource drives long-term success. 

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Centaurus lines up debt funding

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Centaurus lines up debt funding

The West Perth junior has tee’d up a debt funding package soon after inking an offtake deal with Glencore.

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Petrol Theft Surge Grips Australia as Police Push for More CCTV, Prepaid Pumps Amid Soaring Fuel Prices

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Petrol Theft Surge Grips Australia as Police Push for More

CANBERRA, Australia — Petrol thefts, commonly known as “drive-offs,” are surging across Australia as fuel prices climb toward A$3 per litre, fueled by global oil supply disruptions from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Police in multiple states are bracing for further increases and urging service stations to adopt preventive measures like prepaid payment systems and enhanced CCTV to curb the opportunistic crime.

Petrol Theft Surge Grips Australia as Police Push for More
Petrol Theft Surge Grips Australia as Police Push for More CCTV, Prepaid Pumps Amid Soaring Fuel Prices

In South Australia, where the spike has been most pronounced, authorities recorded 221 fuel theft offences in the week ending March 15, 2026 — a 37% jump from 162 the previous week. Police Commissioner Grant Stevens highlighted that nearly half of the offenders — 97 individuals — were first-time culprits, suggesting economic pressures rather than organized crime were driving the trend.

“The cost-of-living pressures that people are dealing with, the significant increases in fuel costs — we will see more petrol drive-offs in the weeks to come,” Stevens told ABC Adelaide on March 18. He warned that police resources are stretched thin and could no longer prioritize investigations into preventable drive-offs unless retailers take decisive action.

Stevens specifically called for widespread adoption of prepaid pumps, noting that one South Australian service station already using the system reported zero incidents. “This takes police away from other responsibilities that we could be attending to,” he said, adding that while CCTV, number plate recognition and other identification tools help catch offenders after the fact, they do little to prevent the crime.

The Australian Federal Police and state forces in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland reported vigilance but did not provide specific recent statistics. In regional Victoria, police launched investigations into multiple thefts from parked vehicles in Kyneton between mid-March and March 22. Queensland trucking operators warned of overnight siphoning from heavy vehicles at rest stops, with thieves targeting hundreds of litres from diesel tanks while drivers slept.

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Tasmanian police noted no clear pattern of increase, reporting 44 cases in the past six weeks, though the highest weekly tally — 11 — occurred before the latest fuel price surge. ACT Policing recorded only six incidents this year, with no siphoning reported, though officials acknowledged such offences are often under-reported.

The theft wave coincides with petrol prices nearing record highs, driven by supply fears from the escalating US-Iran conflict disrupting global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Unleaded fuel has approached A$3 per litre in some areas, prompting panic buying, calls for conservation and even discussions of potential rationing. The Prime Minister urged Australians to be “sensible” with fuel use, suggesting remote work or public transport to ease demand.

Service station operators face mounting pressure. The Australian Association of Convenience Stores acknowledged the issue but noted that implementing prepaid systems nationwide would require significant investment and could inconvenience legitimate customers. Many stations already use CCTV and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to deter theft and aid prosecutions, but critics argue these reactive measures fall short.

In South Australia, Stevens emphasized that drive-offs represent a preventable crime that diverts police from higher-priority matters. “While I acknowledge they’ve put in measures such as CCTV, number plate recognition and other measures that help us identify the offenders, it doesn’t actually assist us in mitigating this from a crime point of view,” he said.

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Broader impacts include risks to small businesses. Service stations absorb losses from unpaid fuel, which can strain margins amid already tight retail conditions. Truck drivers, particularly in rural and regional areas, report heightened vulnerability to siphoning, prompting advice to lock fuel caps and park in well-lit, secure locations.

Authorities across states urged retailers to consider prepaid options, especially at high-risk sites or during peak price periods. Some stations have already trialed prepaid for certain pumps or after dark, with positive results in reducing incidents.

The surge has sparked public debate over responsibility. Motorists facing financial strain argue that extreme prices push desperate people to desperate acts, while police and retailers stress personal accountability and the need for deterrence.

As fuel volatility persists, experts predict thefts could continue rising if prices remain elevated or shortages materialize. Police in multiple jurisdictions reiterated calls for industry cooperation on preventive tech, warning that without change, drive-offs could overwhelm limited investigative capacity.

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For now, the message from law enforcement is clear: proactive steps at the pump — from prepaid systems to better lighting and surveillance — offer the most effective defense against a crime tied directly to economic hardship and global events.

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Snap probe into grocery supply amid fuel price pain

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Snap probe into grocery supply amid fuel price pain

A snap assessment of Australia’s grocery supply chains will investigate how the Middle East war is impacting the way food is grown and transported around the nation.

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BTS agency shares drop after comeback show turnout falls short

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BTS agency shares drop after comeback show turnout falls short

The concert was attended by an estimated 104,000 fans, much lower than the expected 260,000.

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Dividend-paying companies offer a safer bet with capital gains uncertainty

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Dividend-paying companies offer a safer bet with capital gains uncertainty
ET Intelligence Group: Amid rising uncertainty of capital gains on equities in a volatile market, dividend-paying stocks are back in the limelight. Select companies, especially those with a mature business model and, therefore, having steady cash flows tend to pay dividends regularly in a bid to return the excess cash generated from the operations to shareholders. However, merely considering the absolute dividend payout per share will not reveal whether a stock looks attractive at its current price. For that, dividend yield comes in handy. It is calculated as the annual dividend per share divided by the stock price. The ratio makes it easier to compare stocks across sectors to arrive at an investment decision.

ETIG has identified 10 stocks offering dividend yields of 4% or more based on FY25 payouts: Vedanta (6.3% yield), Coal India (5.7%), REC (5.4%), Hindustan Zinc (5.3%), GAIL (5.1%), ITC (4.8%), ONGC (4.6%), RITES (4.5%), NMDC (4.2%), and Oracle Financial Services Software (4.1%).

Dividend-paying Cos Offer a Safer Bet with Cap Gains UncertainAgencies

The select list of cos includes Vedanta, Coal India, Hindustan Zinc, ITC and GAIL

A caveat for investors looking at dividend yields – the current yields are based on the past year’s dividend payouts. While companies do strive to maintain a stable dividend payout relative to net profit on a longer horizon, fluctuations due to government policies, economic and geopolitical uncertainties cannot be ruled out especially when such aberrations tend to affect profitability. For instance, ITC’s stock currently trades near the 52-week low amid a sharp rise in tobacco excise duties since February 1, which has affected investor sentiment. While the company continued to declare an interim dividend of ₹6.5 on January 29, same as in the previous year, future payout will depend upon how well it can protect profitability amid a higher excise duty regime.

In addition, effective yields will vary depending on investors’ marginal tax rates, as dividends are taxed in shareholders’ hands. For instance, a taxpayer facing a marginal tax rate of 30% and 4% educational cess will receive an effective dividend yield which will be over two-third of the calculated yield. For such a taxpayer, Vedanta’s effective dividend yield will be around 4.3%.

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Also, the list does not include companies such as TCS, HCL Technologies, and UTI AMC, where yields are high due to special dividends. To be sure, companies operating in the sectors with high cash generation such as the IT sector tend to distribute special dividends more often than others.


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Northern Tax-Advantaged Ultra-Short Fixed Income Fund Q4 2025 Commentary (NTAUX)

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Weitz Nebraska Tax Free Income Fund (WNTFX)

Northern Trust Asset Management is a global investment manager that helps investors navigate changing market environments in efforts to realize their long-term objectives.

Entrusted with $1.2 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2024, we understand that investing ultimately serves a greater purpose and believe investors should be compensated for the risks they take — in all market environments and any investment strategy. That’s why we combine robust capital markets research, expert portfolio construction and comprehensive risk management in an effort to craft innovative and efficient solutions that seek to deliver targeted investment outcomes.

As engaged contributors to our communities, we consider it a great privilege to serve our investors and our communities with integrity, respect and transparency.

Northern Trust Asset Management is composed of Northern Trust Investments, Inc., Northern Trust Global Investments Limited, Northern Trust Fund Managers (Ireland) Limited, Northern Trust Global Investments Japan, K.K., NT Global Advisors, Inc., 50 South Capital Advisors, LLC, Northern Trust Asset Management Australia Pty Ltd, and investment personnel of The Northern Trust Company of Hong Kong Limited and The Northern Trust Company. Note: This account is not managed or monitored by Northern Trust Asset Management, and any messages sent via Seeking Alpha will not receive a response. For inquiries or communication, please use Northern Trust Asset Management’s official channels.

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Kotak Bank set to acquire Deutsche’s retail business in Rs 4,500-crore deal

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Kotak Bank set to acquire Deutsche's retail business in Rs 4,500-crore deal
Mumbai: Kotak Mahindra Bank is one step closer to acquiring the India retail business of Deutsche Bank in a deal valued at about Rs 4,500 crore after being selected as the preferred buyer, multiple people familiar with the matter told ET.

A deal is expected to be signed and announced as early as next week, they said, requesting anonymity as the discussions are private.

The proposed acquisition comprises a retail loan and deposit book of about Rs 27,000 crore. This includes personal and home loans, MSME lending, retail deposits and wealth management assets.

The wealth management business is estimated at around Rs 7,000 crore, while the bulk of the portfolio is driven by retail and MSME loans. Emails sent to both Kotak Bank and Deutsche Bank remained unanswered until press time Sunday. The net value of assets over liabilities in the portfolio of Deutsche Bank’s India unit is around Rs 4,300 crore.

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1

A Niche Presence


Kotak is expected to pay a slight premium to this, translating into a consideration of about Rs 4,500 crore, after outbidding Federal Bank, which had also been in contention, people cited above said. Final numbers for the deal may be subject to adjustments at closing, they added. Deutsche Bank’s India unit, with a network of about 17 branches, has built a niche presence among affluent clients.
Its retail segment generated a revenue of Rs 2,455 crore in the year ended March 2025, up 4% from Rs 2,362 crore in FY24. Its retail banking business held total assets of Rs 25,038 crore as of March 2025, according to latest disclosures.For Kotak, the acquisition would deepen its retail franchise, adding scale in loans and deposits while strengthening its presence in the MSME segment and wealth management. The deal would help Kotak accelerate growth in the high-net-worth segment while increasing its share in prime urban retail lending.

Global Overhaul

For Deutsche Bank, the divestment aligns with its strategy to wind down retail operations in India as part of a global overhaul under CEO Christian Sewing focused on boosting profitability and prioritising core businesses. Kotak recently clarified that it did not submit a financial bid for IDBI Bank, despite market speculation. The lender’s approach to acquisitions has been focused on strategic fit, valuation and integration feasibility.

“We evaluate every transaction in the market through three clear lenses,” Ashok Vaswani, managing director and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank, had said in an investor call in January. “First is strategic fit — does the opportunity add to our franchise? If it doesn’t, we don’t pursue it further. Second is valuation — whether the deal is value-accretive for the firm? For us, scale is about relevance, not just size. The question is whether it strengthens us strategically and financially. If it meets both criteria, we get interested.”

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Integration

The third lens is integration and what it will take to successfully absorb and execute on the acquisition, he had said. India’s banking sector has witnessed a wave of strategic deals and consolidation since Axis Bank’s acquisition of Citibank’s consumer business in 2022 for around Rs 11,600 crore, which included credit cards, retail banking, wealth management and consumer loans, along with the transfer of about 3,200 employees. Kotak Mahindra had earlier acquired Rs 3,330-crore personal loan portfolio from Standard Chartered. Deutsche Bank sold its credit card book to IndusInd in 2011.

More recently, global investors have increased their exposure to India with Japan’s MUFG acquiring a 20% stake in Shriram Finance for $4.4 billion in the largest cross-border financial sector investment, while Emirates NBD agreed to buy a 60% stake in RBL Bank for $3 billion and SMBC picked up a 20% stake in Yes Bank for $1.6 billion and later increased it by another 4.99% stake.

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