US Stock Market: Equities Close Slightly Higher Amid Tech Recovery
Indian Markets Extend Recovery
The Indian equity market maintained its upward momentum for a second consecutive session. The **Nifty 50** rose **42.65 points** to close at **25,725.40**, while the **Sensex** settled **173 points** higher at **83,450.96**.
Public sector banks spearheaded the rally, with the **Nifty PSU Bank** index jumping **2.1%** on robust credit growth expectations. Technology shares also staged a notable recovery, gaining **1.0%** following a major collaboration between **Infosys** and an AI firm.
Market volatility, measured by the **India VIX**, dropped significantly by **4.93%**, suggesting a shift toward stability. However, gold and silver futures saw a sharp decline of up to **3%** as investors reacted to a firmer dollar and higher bond yields.
Strategic Shift for Norwegian Cruise Line
Shares of **Norwegian Cruise Line** surged over **12%** following revelations that **Elliott Investment Management** has built a stake exceeding **10%**. The activist firm is now one of the company's largest shareholders and is pushing for a comprehensive board overhaul.
The cruise operator has faced criticism for underperforming its peers, with its stock remaining near pandemic-era levels. Elliott’s intervention, which includes plans to nominate new directors, has fueled investor optimism for a strategic turnaround.
The company recently appointed a new CEO and announced orders for three high-tech ships scheduled for delivery in **2036**. Despite record revenues of **$2.94 billion** in late **2025**, the firm continues to battle inconsistent cost discipline.
Danaher to Acquire Masimo for $10 Billion
Medical technology firm **Masimo Corporation** saw its stock skyrocket **34.3%** to **$174.78** after a definitive agreement for its acquisition by **Danaher Corporation**. The all-cash deal is valued at **$180 per share**, totaling approximately **$9.9 billion**.
The transaction will integrate Masimo into Danaher’s diagnostics segment as a standalone unit. Masimo is a global leader in pulse oximetry, with its technology used on more than **200 million** patients annually.
Danaher expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings, projecting **$125 million** in annual cost synergies within five years. The deal is slated to close in the second half of **2026**, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.
General Mills Revises Outlook Downward
**General Mills** faced a sharp decline after cutting its fiscal **2026** financial outlook during the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference. The company now expects organic net sales to drop between **1.5%** and **2.0%**.
Adjusted operating profit and diluted earnings per share are projected to fall by **16%** to **20%** in constant currency. This revision is more severe than the previous forecast of a **10%** to **15%** decline.
Management cited a "volatile operating environment" and weak consumer sentiment as the primary drivers of the slower-than-expected volume recovery. Despite the downturn, the firm maintains a healthy dividend yield of **5.05%** and aims for a **95%** free cash flow conversion.