US stock markets surged to fresh record highs as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a sharp decline in oil prices, boosting investor confidence across global markets. Sentiment improved after reports of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supply. The rally was led by the

​Barry Callebaut, the world’s largest chocolate producer, announced on Thursday, April 16, 2026, that it has lowered its operating profit forecast for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, citing falling cocoa prices, industry overcapacity, and potential supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran. The Zurich-based company now expects earnings before interest and tax (EBIT)

From the early 2020s through 2026, U.S. corporations have demonstrated a remarkable ability to sustain and expand profits despite a series of economic shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, tariffs, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Recent data indicate that corporate profits have reached a record share of gross domestic product, while profit margins—measuring the gap between input costs and final selling prices—remain near historic highs. Executives across m

Shares of major U.S. software companies moved sharply higher as investors returned to a sector that has faced sustained pressure amid concerns about artificial intelligence disrupting traditional business models. Oracle led the gains, with its stock rising 11%, helping drive a broader recovery across technology equities that had experienced steep declines earlier in the year. Other prominent

Gold prices fell by Rs 602 to Rs 1,52,050 per 10 grams in futures trading on Monday, primarily due to a decline in spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold contracts for June delivery dropped by Rs 602, or 0.39%, to Rs 1,52,050 per 10 grams, with a business turnover of 1,491 lots. Analysts pointed to weak global cues as the reason for the drop in gold prices. On the international front, gold futures also saw a decline of 0.40%, trading at USD 4,730.59 per ounce in New York

Tensions involving Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, have placed significant strain on the global economy. The obstruction of oil tanker traffic has led to a sharp rise in oil prices worldwide, increasing transportation costs and placing added financial pressure on both businesses and private vehicle owners reliant on fuel. While the broader economic impact has been negative, the situation has creat

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has always been a polarizing figure when it comes to the capital issue. Prior to the 2019 elections, Jagan strongly supported Amaravati as the permanent capital of the state. He even claimed to be the only leader with a permanent residence in Amaravati, making him the most committed to its development. However, after assuming power, his stance shifted dramatically, and between 2019 and 2024, he introduced the controversial ide

Amaravati has been officially designated as the capital of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh following presidential assent to the relevant legislation, marking a significant milestone in a long-running political and legal process. On Tuesday, April 6, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu approved the bill that formally recognizes Amaravati as the state’s capital. This decision concludes years of uncertainty surrounding the administrative future of Andhra Pradesh, a southern Indian stat

On April 8, 2026, India’s stock markets experienced a remarkable surge, with the BSE Sensex climbing over 2,700 points, marking a 3.66% increase, and the Nifty rising by more than 3.4%. Investor wealth swelled by over Rs 14 lakh crore during the early trade, signaling a sharp recovery after a period of volatility. This rally was fueled by multiple factors, including easing global geopolitical tensions, softer crude prices, and an increase in investor confidence. The biggest trigge

In a significant move from the Union Government, Amaravati has now been officially notified as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The much-anticipated gazette notification was released by Union Law Secretary Rajeev, confirming the decision after it received the signature of the President of India. This notification marks the culmination of the legal process that started years ago, officially recognizing Amaravati as the constitutional capital of the state. The decision has been hailed as a histor

The Amaravati Bill, which proposes the city of Amaravati as the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, has now reached the final step of its approval process after being passed in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. This crucial bill has been the subject of intense discussion for nearly five hours in Parliament, but now, with the approval of both houses, it is in the hands of the President of India, Draupadi Murmu. The legislation was sent to the President’s office earlier today

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has taken a major step toward becoming a publicly traded company, filing confidentially for an initial public offering on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The move could position the aerospace and technology firm among the most valuable companies globally, with an expected valuation exceeding $1 trillion. The IPO filing allows SpaceX to begin discussions with regulators while keeping detailed financial disclosures private during the early stages. Reports indicate the c

Tesla reported its first-quarter 2026 vehicle production and delivery figures, revealing a mixed performance as deliveries fell short of expectations while showing modest year-over-year growth. The company delivered 358,023 vehicles during the quarter and produced 408,386 units, according to its latest report. Analysts had projected approximately 370,000 deliveries, while a company-compiled consensus published on Wednesday, March 26, 2026, estimated 365,645 deliveries. Following the r

U.S. stock markets closed weaker as investors reacted to escalating geopolitical uncertainty. Major indices, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq, fell following comments from U.S. leadership that the conflict with Iran will continue in the coming weeks, which kept risk sentiment subdued. The S&P 500, which tracks 500 of the largest U.S. companies, declined nearly 0.9% on the day. Broader equity benchmarks weakened as stock buyers remained cautious

In a historic move today, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly officially notified Amaravati as the permanent capital of the state. This crucial step comes after extensive lobbying from the Andhra Pradesh government and a request from the Union Government for a written statement. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, marking a significant development in the state’s ongoing political journey. The

OpenAI has identified its close relationship with Microsoft as a potential business risk, according to a financial document shared with prospective investors as part of its latest funding round. The disclosure highlights the company’s reliance on Microsoft for a significant portion of its financing and computing infrastructure, raising concerns about concentration risk as it prepares for a possible initial public offering. The document, which includes detailed risk factors related to both