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US markets fall as Middle East concerns offset earnings optimism

U.S. stocks closed lower on Tuesday, with early gains evaporating as renewed concerns about the Middle East war outweighed initial optimism over a round of solid corporate earnings. Iran could attend talks with the United States in Pakistan if Washington abandons its policy of pressure and threats, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, adding that Tehran rejects negotiations aimed at surrender. Equities extended declines late in the session after reports that U.S. Vice President JD Vance ‌had called off his ⁠trip to Pakistan ⁠for peace talks. Stocks have rallied in recent weeks on the belief that a peace deal could be on the horizon. "There's two things going on - what is the resolution going to be or the path going to be for Iran, but in the meantime if that wasn't there, you've got really good expectations for earnings coming in and the companies are pretty much reporting that way, and the economy is doing fine," said Thomas Martin, senior portfolio manager at...

Bain Capital sole contender for Vitabiotics buy

Mumbai: Bain Capital has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire Vitabiotics, UK’s largest nutraceutical company, as the private equity firm looks to bet on growing demand for nutrition, vitamins, minerals, and wellness supplements since the pandemic.Two other contenders TPG Capital and EQT have opted out of the competitive bidding process, said people aware of the developments.Founded in 1971 by Kartar Lalvani, Vitabiotics claims to be UK’s largest multivitamin company. The business is currently led by his son, Tej Lalvani — also known for his role as an investor on BBC’s Dragon’s Den — who serves as chief executive officer.The NRI founders have been seeking a valuation of around £900 million ($1–1.2 billion) for the business spread across the UK, India, and China. However, the waning competitive interest is likely to impact the final price, the people said. The company also exports to 100 countries worldwide.Mails to Bain Capital and Vitabiotics did not generate a response.Vitabiotics’...

ED arrests businessman, raids Kolkata top cop

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Nepal protests tax on Indian imports over ₹100

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SGB turns Rs 1L investment into Rs 3.05L

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Jet fuel spike shrinks global connections

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Oil prices crash nearly 10% after Iran says Strait of Hormuz completely open during ceasefire

Oil prices tumbled sharply on Friday after Iran signalled that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to global shipping, easing fears of supply disruption during the ongoing US-Iran ceasefire. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the key maritime route was completely open for commercial tankers and cargo vessels.Brent crude dropped nearly 10% to $89.11 a barrel, extending earlier losses of about 5% driven by optimism around a potential US-Iran agreement. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell even more sharply, sliding 11% to $84.11 a barrel.Sentiment was also influenced by remarks from former US President Donald Trump, who said Iran had indicated it would refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons for over two decades. "We’re very close to making a deal with Iran," he had earlier said.Geopolitical developments in the Middle East have further shaped market expectations. A temporary easing of tensions between Israel and Lebanon, including a 10-day ceasefire that cam...