Why we love this deal

A good night's sleep is one of the most important things you need in order to start your day out right. That's why proper bedding is so essential. Thanks to Walmart, you can get an incredibly cozy down alternative comforter for very little. This Flash deal is one of Walmart's bestsellers, and it's no wonder. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, then keep reading. We're sure you won't be disappointed with this dream of a comforter set. 

The Civetet 3-Piece Comforter Set is on sale for only $24 at the moment, which is a discount of 11% off the regular price of $27. Even at the original price, this gorgeous bedding set is a great deal. That said, the sale price is even better.

Civetet 3-Piece Comforter Set, $24 (was $27) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

If you've never owned a down alternative comforter, then you probably have no idea what you're missing. As with all down alternative bedding, this comforter is thick and billowy without feeling suffocating. It has a lightweight, breathable polyester outer shell that's soft to the touch. The down alternative filling offers the perfect amount of warmth in cold conditions, but the breathable material allows for ample airflow at the same time. There is also durable box stitching throughout to ensure that the filling remains evenly spaced throughout the blanket.

Included with this set are a comforter and two matching pillow shams. All three pieces are machine washable, which is a welcome convenience. They can be washed on the cold cycle and tumble dried on low. Doing so will cause them to come out of the dryer looking and feeling almost new. What's more, all the materials used to manufacture the set are hypoallergenic. That means you don't have to worry about having an allergic reaction to this comforter, even right out of the bag.

The puffy look of the set fits great in almost any environment. It looks modern enough without feeling futuristic. This set will look great with any decor scheme, from traditional boho to mid-century modern. It's available in three size variants and three colorways, so there's something for everyone. 

Related: Walmart is selling a $160 7-piece comforter set for only $46 ahead of Memorial Day

Details to know

• Material: 100% polyester.
• Seams: Box stitching to keep filling in place.
• Colorways: Three variants.
• Sizes: Twin/twin XL, queen, and king sizes are available.

Walmart shoppers were very happy with this set. One called it "very soft," before adding that it was "fluffy" and lightweight. Another buyer said they "love the way it feels." If you want to find out how good you can sleep with the right bedding, then this is the deal for you.

Shop more deals 

• Mainstays 4-Piece Sheet Set, $30 (was $38) at Walmart
• Elegant Comfort 10-Piece Comforter Set, $49 at Walmart
• Regency Heights 9-Piece Comforter Set, $52 (was $130) at Walmart

The Civetet 3-Piece Comforter Set can help finally solve your sleep issues once and for all. For just $24, you can have the night's rest you've always dreamed of. Just don't wait too long to get yours, or you might miss out. 

The closure marks the latest sign of mounting pressure on traditional department stores, many of which are shrinking physical footprints, downsizing oversized locations, and investing in smaller, more flexible retail formats to adapt to a rapidly changing market.

Several major retailers have already begun restructuring operations. Saks Global filed for  Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2026 and closed multiple stores, while Nordstrom has shifted toward off-price retail after reducing its full-line footprint. Macy's has also confirmed plans to shutter 150 locations as part of a broader turnaround strategy.

The latest retailer making those changes is the Galeries Lafayette Group, the historic Paris-based luxury department store operator founded in 1894.

The family-owned company operates 310 stores globally and welcomes more than 70 million visitors annually across brands including Galeries Lafayette, La Redoute, Louis Pion, Galeries Lafayette-Royal Quartz Paris, and Mauboussin, according to its corporate profile.

Despite its long-standing position in luxury retail, Galeries Lafayette has also begun streamlining operations as the industry adapts to softer demand and evolving consumer preferences.

Galeries Lafayette confirms closure of Beijing store

Galeries Lafayette will officially close its Beijing, China, location on May 27, 2026, marking the end of the retailer's 13-year physical presence in the city.

Company executives emphasized that the move does not represent a complete exit from the Chinese market. CEO Arthur Lemoine and Deputy CEO Alexandre Liot said the retailer will continue operating its stores in Shanghai and Shenzhen.

"We often assume that familiar landmarks will always be there, yet we forget that encounters tend to be temporary, and the moment to say goodbye can quietly arrive," Galeries Lafayette wrote in a recent WeChat post earlier this month.

"Don't be sad — this is not a farewell forever. Trees grow, the seasons turn, and life flourishes. We look forward to a better reunion with you."

According to the company's store locator, its remaining mainland China stores are significantly smaller than its Beijing flagship, reflecting a broader shift toward leaner and more operationally efficient retail formats.

Galeries Lafayette store closures continue globally

The Beijing closure is part of a larger wave of store reductions across several markets over the past year.

Recent shutdowns include:

• Macau: Closed in February 2026, according to Macau Daily Times.
• Marseille, France: Two stores closed in November 2025, Ground News reported.
• Rosny-sous-Bois, France: Closed in December 2025, per Sortir à Paris.
• Chongqing, China: Closed in March 2025, according to iChongqing.

The closures underscore growing pressure across the luxury retail sector as weakening consumer confidence, inflation concerns, and changing shopping habits continue reshaping the market.

Why Galeries Lafayette is closing stores

Like many luxury retailers, Galeries Lafayette is navigating a more unpredictable global economic environment marked by softer consumer spending and evolving customer preferences.

The slowdown has been especially noticeable in China, once considered the world's most important luxury growth market.

Chinese customers previously accounted for about 33% of the company's sales but now represent closer to 22%, Fashion Network reported. Meanwhile, French customers have increased to 40% of sales, while shoppers from other markets now account for the remaining 38%.

The broader fashion industry is facing similar headwinds. The McKinsey & Company State of Fashion 2026 Report projects that global fashion industry growth will remain in the low single digits in 2026, as macroeconomic volatility, tariff pressures, and weaker consumer sentiment continue to weigh on demand.

See my previous coverage of related luxury retail closures:

• 170-year-old luxury fashion retailer quietly closes 21 stores
• Fashion retailer closes entire business, exits all markets
• 115-year-old fashion brand exits entire market in 2026
• Fashion brand shuts down website, all stores may close

The report also found that about 46% of industry executives expect market conditions to worsen in 2026, up 8% from the previous year, citing tariffs and cautious consumer spending among the primary concerns.

"Modern shoppers are increasingly prioritizing greater convenience, elevated service, more meaningful experiences, and a greater sense of well-being," said Galeries Lafayette in a press release reported by Jing Daily. "The brand intends to introduce more streamlined, operationally agile store formats with a sharper focus on brand and product selection."

Industry analysts say retailers across the fashion sector are responding by adjusting pricing strategies, reevaluating sourcing operations, and investing more heavily in automation and efficiency improvements to protect margins.

"Brands are making price changes, shifting sourcing and improving efficiency in a bid to counteract the impact," said McKinsey & Company industry analysts. "Larger suppliers are pursuing footprint optimization, digitization, and automation, while smaller players face mounting pressure. Agility will be the defining factor enabling brands and suppliers to maintain their competitive edge."

Store size appears to be a major factor behind Galeries Lafayette's strategy shift. The Beijing location spans approximately 30,000 square meters, while the company's Shanghai and Shenzhen stores measure about 10,000 and 3,500 square meters respectively, formats viewed as better aligned with current consumer demand and lower operating costs.

The move reflects a broader luxury retail trend away from oversized flagship locations and toward smaller, experience-focused stores that operate more efficiently and adapt faster to local shopping behavior.

Galeries Lafayette is far from alone in making these adjustments. Luxury and fashion retailers worldwide have increasingly exited underperforming markets and downsized store networks to preserve profitability and remain competitive in a rapidly changing retail environment.

Galeries Lafayette plans major investment strategy

Even as it closes select locations, Galeries Lafayette continues investing heavily in its long-term growth strategy.

The company plans to invest €260 million through 2030 to modernize its flagship stores, improve customer services, and strengthen its global position in luxury retail, according to the International Association of Department Stores.

Galeries Lafayette has said it already considers itself among the world's top luxury department store operators alongside Harrods and Isetan, with ambitions to become the global industry leader by 2030.

"Of course, revenue is the ultimate arbiter when it comes to claiming we are the world’s leading department store, but that will be the outcome of the strategy we are implementing," said Galeries Lafayette COO Alexandre Liot, Fashion Network reported.

The company recorded €3.1 billion in sales in 2025. Its flagship Haussmann store in Paris generated €2 billion alone, representing a 4% year-over-year increase, Business of Fashion reported.

Related: 170-year-old luxury fashion retailer quietly closes 21 stores

The stock is up about 22.85% year to date, at the time of writing, Friday morning, May 22, according to Yahoo Finance. Meanwhile, the SPDR S&P 500 index (SPY) is up about 8.92% in the same period.

Key recent news for GOOGL stock:

• Google has signed a deal to provide the Pentagon with its AI models for classified work, The New York Times reported.
• On April 22 at Google Cloud Next, the company unveiled its eighth generation of custom Tensor Processor Units (TPU).
• Alphabet said it will invest up to $40 billion in Anthropic, reported Reuters.
• Google reported very strong Q1 earnings on April 29.

In anticipation of Google I/O, Bank of America said the conference “could strengthen confidence in AI positioning.” But expectations are high, BoA also noted, and there's a near-term risk that a lack of a “wow” announcement could pressure the stock.

The conference is over, so let’s see whether Google delivered and what Bank of America thinks.

Key announcements from Google I/O

• Google unveiled the Gemini 3.5 line of models, starting with the 3.5 Flash. 
• It launched Gemini Omni, a new model that it says can create “anything” from any input, starting with video.
• Search’s AI mode has been upgraded to Gemini 3.5 Flash.
• Google unveiled its “24/7 personal AI agent,” Gemini Spark.
• The company upgraded its AI coding platform with the release of Antigravity 2.0.
• The company said a new standalone desktop application delivers on an agent-optimized experience. It allows orchestrating multiple agents to execute tasks in parallel.
• Google launched Universal Cart, an “intelligent shopping cart.” It works across merchants and services, enabling users to add items to their cart while browsing Search, chatting with Gemini, watching YouTube, or reading Gmail.
• The company shared more details about its intelligent eyewear. There will be two types of intelligent eyewear: audio glasses that provide spoken guidance in your ear and display glasses that show information. Audio glasses are launching first and are expected this fall.

Bank of America says Google is taking the lead in consumer AI experiences

In a research note shared with me, Bank of America analyst Justin Post and his team shared their opinion on Alphabet stock and Google I/O announcements.

“Gemini Flash’s cost and speed advantages could further drive both consumer adoption of Google products, and Cloud customer wins from potential cost savings offered by the model,” Post wrote.

The team noted the successful ramp of AI Overviews, which is at 2.5 billion users. Combined with AI Mode at 1 billion users and Gemini adoption, the ramp shows that Google is successfully pushing Search users toward AI-native experiences.

More Tech Stocks:

• Analysts reset Broadcom stock price target
• Bank of America resets Microsoft stock forecast after earnings
• Bank of America resets Google stock forecast before key event

The analysts view this as the company reducing the risk of competitive disruption.

While the new intelligent Search interface and Gemini 3.5 integration could increase search utility and engagement and boost query growth, analysts are unsure of whether monetizing AI queries can materially exceed search revenue.

The team believes the smart glasses could potentially emerge as a next-generation computing platform.

They noted that the new line of smart glasses puts Google in direct competition with Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. Analysts said that since the specifications for the camera type and battery life of the glasses were not announced, this suggests Google still has work to do before release.

Post reiterated a buy rating for Alphabet, with a price target of $430, based on a 28 multiple of his estimate for core Google GAAP EPS for 2027 plus cash per share.

He notes that Alphabet has traded at an average multiple of 22x GAAP price-to-earnings ratio over the last 10 years. However, he believes the multiple is reasonable, given expectations for double-digit revenue growth, Cloud margin expansion, and the opportunity to capitalize on strong AI assets.

Analysts noted downside risks for Alphabet stock:

• Loss of search traffic to AI tools from competitors
• LLM integration in search takes longer than expected
• Revenue pressure from compliance with the EU Digital Markets Act
• Potential for increasing capex and lower FCF, given AI investments

What do other analysts think, and how does Bank of America’s opinion compare? According to TipRanks, 27 of the 32 analysts covering Google stock rate it a buy. Five give a hold rating. The average price target is $428.06.

Key takeaways

• Google I/O 2026 introduced the Gemini 3.5 Flash model and the 24/7 background agent, Gemini Spark.
• BofA maintains a buy rating and a $430 price target based on a 28x multiple of 2027 core GAAP EPS estimates.
• Analysts remain cautious about whether AI query monetization can outpace legacy search ad revenue margins.

Related: Bank of America revamps Nvidia stock price target after earnings

Memorial Day sales have officially begun, kicking off a long weekend of deep discounts on everything from home appliances to patio furniture. Even though many are focusing on their outdoor spaces, let's not forget about the indoors. Luckily, there are plenty of Memorial Day furniture sales to go around.

If you've been wanting to upgrade your space, Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to find the pieces to do it. Whether your living room is in need of a makeover with a new sofa or your dining room could use a new table, we're spotting deals left and right that can make that dream a reality. And if you really want to get the most bang for your buck, there are a lot of deals on multi-piece dining sets and bedroom sets. These bundles are a genius way to save and furnish your home with matching pieces. Not only do they look cohesive, but they take a big load off your shoulders if you're stressed about trying to find the right pieces to refresh an entire room. 

We're seeing retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, Walmart, and Target slash prices by up to 75% off. (No, that's not a typo.) Since brands want to make room for new summer lines and collections, they're clearing out older inventory with big price drops. This makes the long weekend ideal for shopping for home upgrades, saving you money while you invest in your home with brand new pieces.

Jocisland Cloud Modular Sectional Sofa

Seventable Lift-Top Coffee Table with Storage

Mercury Row Perdue Velvet Convertible Sofa

Casacomoda 6-Tier Tree Bookshelf

Costway Floor Storage Cabinet Organizer

Amolife Platform Bed Frame

Latitude Run Modern 5-Piece Kitchen Dining Table Set

George Oliver 3-Piece Bedroom Set

Yocwo 6-Drawer Dresser

Vasagle Boho Buffet Storage Cabinet

Latitude Run Wide Power Lift Recliner Chair with Heat and Massage

Costway 3-in-1 Coat Rack and Shoe Bench

Winston Porter 2-Piece Farmhouse Nightstand with Charging Station Set

Why Memorial Day furniture sales are the perfect way to refresh your home

Upgrading your home can take a lot of time, work, and money to find the right pieces. However, finding said pieces on sale certainly makes the task easier. Memorial Day furniture sales give you the opportunity to shop deep discounts, all while furnishing your home with stylish and budget-friendly pieces. It's a great time to invest in furniture that can improve your storage, upgrade your living room seating, or switch up your bedroom, and ultimately save you money in the long run.

TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use.

But for wholesale stores? They’ve been a boon.

It’s true: New data shows that stores like BJ’s Wholesale, Sam’s Club, and Costco are seeing double-digit growth at their store pumps.

At one point last month, Sam’s even saw a 26% year-over-year jump in gas station traffic compared to a year earlier.

Higher gas prices send consumers to BJ’s, Sam’s Club pumps

Gas prices have soared thanks to the war in Iran.

The average price per gallon of regular gas is now up nearly $1.50 from one year ago, according to AAA. Gas prices are now at their highest point in four years, averaging $4.56 a gallon for regular, $5.43 a gallon for premium, and $5.66 a gallon for diesel. 

Those prices are forcing consumers to shift driving habits, with many driving less or even canceling travel plans.

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that 44% have cut back on driving, 34% have nixed vacations, and 15% have even considered buying an electric vehicle due to rising gas prices.

More Oil and Gas:

• Early Chevron stock investors now earn 12.1% dividend yield
• Chevron, Shell ink more surprising Venezuela deals
• AAA gas prices reveal a new trend for Americans

The soaring prices are also pushing drivers to be choosier about where they buy gas. Many, it seems, are heading to wholesale stores, where gas is often heavily discounted, according to new data from Placer.ai, a location analytics platform.

Costco’s discount, for example, averages about 20 cents per gallon, while BJ’s is a baseline discount of 5 cents per gallon — plus additional per-gallon discounts of 15 cents to 50 cents, depending on the card you use and how much you spend in-store. 

Sam’s Club stations, which include stations at Walmart locations nationwide, offer varying per-gallon discounts, discounts for Walmart+ members, and 5% cash back if you use the right card.  

And while those discounts sound steep, they seem to be paying off for the three companies. In the last week of April, BJ’s and Sam’s Club saw traffic to store gas stations up 18% over the year. Costco’s was up slightly less at 11%. 

It’s a big turnaround for the retailers, as many had seen declining gas station visits at the start of the year. At the end of January, for instance, Sam’s Club gas pump traffic was down 11% from a year prior. BJ’s was down almost 6%. 

Drivers are filling up more often, too

Consumers aren’t just dropping in once, though. Placer.ai’s data shows they’re making it a repeat habit. 

More than half of members who filled up at BJ’s and Costco’s pumps in March and April did so at least twice. At Sam’s, it was 43%.

“Rising visit frequency suggests that increased traffic is not being driven by one-time responses to pricing pressure,” Placer.ai reports. “Instead, higher fuel prices appear to be prompting members to consistently shift a greater share of their fuel spend into the wholesale ecosystem.”

Those numbers are up at all three retailers, with BJ’s seeing the biggest jump in repeat April visitors.

Related: GasBuddy signals gas-price reset amid shift in Iran War

Shares closed at $247.55 on May 18, near a fresh all-time high reached days earlier.

For a stock that fell roughly 20% over the prior year, that swing matters to anyone holding it.

The new call gives investors something concrete to weigh before the company opens its books.

Morgan Stanley raises its PANW price target to $253 on firewall and AI security demand

Morgan Stanley analysts Meta Marshall and Keith Weiss raised their price target on Palo Alto Networks to $253 from $223 on May 20, keeping an Overweight rating, TipRanks reports.

That implies about 2% upside from the May 18 close, modest on its own but notable given how far the stock has already run.

The bank pointed to strong demand across firewall refreshes, Prisma SASE, Cortex XSIAM and AI security as the drivers.

A firewall refresh is the cycle where companies replace aging network security hardware, and that replacement wave is now feeding revenue.

More Tech Stocks:

• Bank of America sends clear message on Palantir stock after earnings
• Veteran analyst resets Apple stock price target for 2026
• Bank of America tweaks CoreWeave stock price target for 2026

The firm based the new target on a higher 37x multiple of estimated 2027 free cash flow per share, up from 32x, a sign it now thinks investors will pay more for each dollar Palo Alto generates.

Why the timing of the Palo Alto Networks call points straight at June 2 earnings

The upgrade is not random. Palo Alto Networks reports fiscal third-quarter results on June 2 after the market closes, and analysts are positioning ahead of it.

Morgan Stanley expects the company to beat consensus on remaining performance obligations, a measure of contracted future revenue that hints at demand the income statement has not yet recorded.

The bank sees RPO growing closer to 33% year over year, above the midpoint of management's own guidance.

Related: Morgan Stanley resets Spotify stock price target

It also expects product revenue to land well above the roughly 25% growth management guided to.

Two recent prints set the table: Fortinet grew product revenue 41% in its first quarter and lifted full-year guidance, per sec.gov, while Cisco beat on networking.

Such strong numbers from rivals often signal that the whole firewall market is healthy, which works in Palo Alto's favor.

How the Idira identity launch reshapes the Palo Alto Networks growth story

The bigger structural change sits in identity security, the work of controlling who and what can access a company's systems.

That job is getting harder fast.

As AI agents start acting on their own inside companies, the number of things that need permission to log in and move data is exploding, and each one is a target.

Palo Alto is moving to own that problem. As announced in a Palo Alto press release, the company introduced Idira on May 12 as its next-generation identity platform, built to manage access for humans, machines, and AI agents.

The launch makes the company's $25 billion CyberArk acquisition a built-in part of the platform instead of a separate, standalone product.

Morgan Stanley sees three reasons Idira matters:

• It gives a clear answer for why identity belongs inside a security platform, since agentic AI makes privileged access far more common.
• It opens a cross-sell path into Palo Alto's base of more than 70,000 customers.
• It lets existing CyberArk customers add zero-trust and machine identity tools over time.

The thesis is that identity becomes a fourth pillar alongside network, cloud, and security operations, widening how much each customer can spend.

What still has to go right for the $253 PANW target to hold

A higher target is not a guarantee, and the setup carries real risk.

The stock trades at a premium valuation, with a forward earnings multiple far above the market, so any growth wobble can hit the shares hard.

Palo Alto fell more than 5% after its last two earnings reports despite beating estimates, a reminder that a strong quarter does not always lift the stock.

Morgan Stanley also flagged possible pressure on hardware gross margins from rising memory costs, though it noted hardware makes up a smaller share of Palo Alto's revenue than it does for competitors.

For the bull case to work, a few things need to land.

Here are four signals to watch on June 2:

• RPO growth at or above the 32% to 33% range that management guided to
• Product revenue clearing the 25% growth bar, helped by early firewall ordering
• Next-Gen Security ARR holding its roughly 56% growth pace
• Early signs that customers are adopting Idira and CyberArk tools

If management reiterates its full-year guides, as Morgan Stanley expects, the durable-demand argument gets stronger.

How PANW stacks up against the broader market and its peers

Context helps here. Palo Alto carries a market value near $176 billion, making it the largest pure-play cybersecurity name.

The stock's roughly 78% climb off its 52-week low of $139.57 has far outpaced the S&P 500 over the same window, after touching a record high in mid-May.

However, Wall Street is not unanimous on price, even while broadly bullish.

Recent targets range widely.

Here's where analysts stand ahead of earnings:

• Oppenheimer set a Street-high $275 after the CyberArk Impact event, Barchart reports
• Truist moved to $275 from $200, and RBC Capital lifted its target to $255
• The consensus average sits near $223, with a low of $114 and a high of $285, per Stock Analysis data

That spread reflects a debate over valuation, not the company's growth.

The takeaway for Palo Alto Networks investors

Morgan Stanley's move to $253 fits a wider pattern of analysts raising targets ahead of the June 2 report, driven by firewall demand, AI security traction, and a cleaner identity story following CyberArk.

The case rests on Palo Alto beating its RPO and product revenue guides while showing early Idira adoption.

The risk is a stretched valuation that has punished the stock even on good news.

Investors who already own PANW have a clear checklist for earnings day, and those waiting on the sidelines may want to see the quarter before paying near record prices.

Either way, the demand trends Morgan Stanley is betting on get tested in a matter of days.

Related: Ford stock hits the jackpot with latest move, Morgan Stanley says

Bank fees may look small on paper, but they can quickly add up, especially at ATMs. The average total cost of using an out-of-network ATM hit a record $4.86 in 2025, up from $4.77 a year earlier, according to Bankrate data. 

The total includes an average $3.22 surcharge from the ATM operator and an average $1.65 fee from the customer’s own bank. Basically, you are paying fees to use another bank’s ATM and also paying your own bank for not using its ATM, yes, this can be frustratingly expensive.

Now, some Bank of America customers may be eligible for money from a new class action settlement tied to ATM balance inquiry fees.

No, it doesn't mean you no longer have to pay those ATM fees anymore, but under the settlement, you might be eligible for a payment.

Bank of America settles in ATM fee lawsuit

A $2.25 million settlement has been reached in Schertzer, et al. v. Bank of America, N.A., a class action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

The lawsuit alleged that Bank of America charged customers two out-of-network fees for balance inquiries, even though only one was made at FCTI-owned ATMs located in 7-Eleven stores.

Bank of America denies that the fee assessment of two OON (out-of-network) balance inquiry fees is improper or that it has done anything wrong. The court has also not decided which side is right, but accepted BofA’s proposal to settle to avoid further litigation.

More Personal Finance:

• Fidelity has a warning for anyone who left a 401(k) at an old job
• Living trusts: what they do and who needs one
• Fidelity sounds alarm on 401(k)s, IRAs 

Out-of-network ATMs are machines owned or operated outside a customer’s bank network. When customers use them to withdraw cash or check a balance, they may be charged a fee by the ATM operator and another fee by their own bank.

The settlement, filed in 2019, covers Bank of America accountholders in the US who were charged more than one out-of-network balance inquiry fee during the same visit to an FCTO-owned ATM at a 7-Eleven store between May 1, 2018, and November 16, 2021.

Customers who made a valid claim and received payment in a related case, Weiss v FCTI, Inc., are not included in this settlement.

Eligible class members will receive an equal share of the net settlement fund. That means the final payment amount will depend on how many current accoutnholders quality and how many former account holders submit valid claims.

Some customers must file a claim

The most important detail is that not every customer has to file a claim or follow similar steps.

Current Bank of America accountholders who received an email or postcard notice do not need to file a claim.

If the court approves the settlement during the final case hearing onAugust 21, 2026, they will automatically receive an equal share of the net settlement fund.

Former BofA account holders must file a claim to receive money. Claims can be filed online through the official settlement website or by mail, and the deadline is June 29, 2026.

Customers who want to exclude themselves or object to the settlement must do so by July 7, 2026.

Payments will be made only if the court gives final approval and after any appeals are resolved.

Related: Discount retail giant closes 350 U.S. stores, sparing only six states

The surge, driven largely by the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and disruptions to global oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, has hit family budgets already stretched thin. For workers who depend on their cars to get to work, higher fuel costs are eating into grocery money, pushing credit card balances higher, and draining emergency reserves.

New data from employer-sponsored emergency savings accounts now shows that transportation has become one of the fastest-growing reasons Americans are tapping those funds, revealing how one category of rising costs can cascade through an entire household budget.

Emergency savings withdrawals for transportation jumped 35% in one year

Data from SecureSave, a provider of employer-sponsored emergency savings accounts, shows that nearly 12% of all employee withdrawals at the end of March 2026 were designated for transportation expenses. That represents a roughly 35% increase from the same period in 2025, USA TODAY reported.

SecureSave co-founder and CEO Devin Miller told USA TODAY that American households are in a "precarious" position because everyday cost disruptions can unravel a tight budget. The national personal savings rate stood at just 3.6% in March 2026, well below the long-run average of 8.4% dating to 1959, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Prices at the pump have increased dramatically, and consumers were just not ready for this

The average U.S. household will pay roughly $857 more for gasoline over the rest of the year because of the war-driven oil price shock, economists at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research estimated. “This is definitely directly because of the Iran war. But the war is just one of several causes. The consumer ends up eating the cost," Marshall told USA TODAY

The Iran war and years-long affordability pressures compound the fuel crisis

The Iran conflict disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of the world's daily oil and gas supply, and national gasoline prices surged nearly 50% in about 2.5 months, the Center for American Progress noted.

Marshall emphasized that the war is only the latest chapter in a cost-of-living crisis that has been building across American households for years. Vehicle parts sourced from global suppliers are also climbing in price alongside shipping costs, Marshall told USA TODAY.

More Oil and Gas:

• Early Chevron stock investors now earn 12.1% dividend yield
• Chevron, Shell ink more surprising Venezuela deals
• AAA gas prices reveal a new trend for Americans

Nick Maynard, a senior vice president at Commonwealth, a national nonprofit focused on financial security, told USA TODAY that the affordability challenge for low- to moderate-income Americans had been "pervasive" well before the war began. 

47% of Americans say they have sufficient liquidity to cover a $1,000 emergency, meaning 53% do not, according to Bankrate's 2026 Emergency Savings Report.

Employer savings accounts reveal how transportation costs cascade through budgets

Emergency savings accounts like the ones SecureSave provides work through automatic paycheck deductions, removing the burden of actively transferring money into a separate fund. Maynard described them as a "dynamic" tool that lets workers deposit, withdraw for genuine needs, and rebuild over time.

Major employers, including Delta Air Lines, AutoNation, and The Fresh Market, have adopted these programs, and some companies contribute alongside their workers, Maynard confirmed.

Car repair costs appear just as frequently as fuel expenses in withdrawal requests, reflecting how broader vehicle ownership costs are rising alongside pump prices, Miller said.

Miller described the financial damage as a compounding cycle, citing workers who lost income after vehicle breakdowns forced them to miss shifts. "When you miss shifts, you make less money, and when you make less money, your budget's even more blown up," Miller explained to USA TODAY.

"For consumers, the thing that we really worry about at this point is that most people don't have a lot of excess money in their accounts, so they can't absorb additional shock," Marshall warned.

Key data points on gas prices and household savings in 2026

• The national average gas price rose from $3.30 per gallon in April 2025 to $4.24 per gallon in April 2026, a roughly 28% year-over-year increase and roughly 50% since February 27, just before the war began.
• Nearly 12% of all employee withdrawals from SecureSave accounts were designated for transportation at the end of March 2026, a 35% year-over-year jump.
• The U.S. personal savings rate fell to 3.6% in March 2026, compared with a historical average of 8.4%.
• 59% of Americans could not cover a $1,000 emergency without going into debt, and 53% lack sufficient liquidity to cover a $1,000 emergency expense.

The figures cited above were sourced from USA TODAY, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Center for American Progress, and Bankrate.

Summer driving season could deepen the strain on American wallets

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of peak summer driving season, and fuel prices heading into the holiday look starkly different from a year ago, when gasoline sat at multiyear lows.

An April CNBC All-America Economic Survey of 1,000 Americans found that nearly 80% had changed their spending habits due to elevated fuel costs, with about 60% cutting back on entertainment, including eating out, movies, and concerts.

With the personal savings rate sitting at less than half its historical average and 53% of Americans lacking the liquidity to cover a $1,000 emergency, households are in a "precarious" position heading into the summer, Miller told USA TODAY.

He warned that rising fuel costs during peak driving season could deepen the strain, as routine price spikes layer onto already tight budgets and push more workers to tap their savings.

"What we have found is that it's these little things that trip people up," Miller said, not necessarily job loss or major health events, but cost shocks like surging gas prices that break an otherwise carefully managed budget.

Related: Bank of America raises red flag on summer gas prices

As an unrepentant watch nerd, I'll let you in on a little secret. Watch collecting isn't about watches. It's about stories and storytelling. It's also about heated discussions over whether Omega or Rolex is the true James Bond watch, but that may be too nerdy for even me (it's definitely Omega.) Sometimes, though, you can find a watch that combines an amazing tale with equally incredible quality. That's the high we're constantly shopping for, but it rarely comes to fruition. If you're lucky enough to find such a timepiece, I recommend you grab a hold of it the moment you can, and never let it go.

Luckily, Bulova watches have a wealth of stories behind them. Started in New York City in 1911, the famed American watchmaker has been innovating for over a century. It created the Accutron movement, which was the world's first fully electronic tuning fork watch, allowing it to boost accuracy while maintaining a constant power reserve. The Accutron was so accurate, it was the clock used in NASA's spacecraft throughout 46 missions, including those of the Apollo program. However, the more interesting story is how a fortuitous equipment malfunction led to Bulova's very own moonwatch.

What is a moonwatch?

In 1964, NASA decided it needed an official watch for its astronauts during space exploration. A number of brands were considered, including Rolex, Omega, and Bulova. It wanted a highly-accurate chronograph that would be rugged and durable while allowing the astronauts to time their rocket burns. Ultimately, Omega won out, but that's not the end of the story. While the Omega Speedmaster, to this day, is the original moonwatch, it's not the only piece to enjoy this moniker.

That's thanks to Apollo 15 astronaut David Scott. On August 2, 1971, Scott's NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster was deemed inoperable because the hessalite crystal that covered the dial popped off. Luckily, he had brought with him on the mission his personal Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph that had been given to him by Bulova during the bidding and testing process. He wore the Bulova on the surface of the moon and throughout the remainder of the mission. Scott's original Bulova Lunar Pilot watch was sold at auction in 2015 for nearly $1.6 million. Shortly thereafter, Bulova released a commemorative version of the watch, and that's why it's available to all of us now.

Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

Why the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph offers great value

While a brand new Omega Speedmaster will cost you at least $7,000 or more, you can get Bulova's moonwatch for less than 10% of that price. It has all of the history and mystique of Omega's moonwatch, without the high price tag. What's more, I find that I end up using my more reasonably-priced luxury watches more often than the expensive ones. That's because I'm far more concerned about damaging any watch that I pay more than $1,000 for than the ones that cost me less. It's a simple cost-benefit analysis that runs through my head whenever I open my watch box.

I have owned a Bulova Lunar Pilot myself, and it was one of my most worn watches. The only reason I'm not wearing it this second is because I gifted mine to a friend who admired it every time he saw it on my wrist. He asked to try it on constantly, so when he moved away I gave it to him as a token of our friendship. To this day, it's his daily wear and his constant companion. The Lunar Pilot can fill this need for almost anyone, as its sandblasted stainless steel case is robust and durable, and the deep black dial matches with everything.

The beauty of a chronograph like this one is that it's a practical tool that you take with you wherever you go. The three subdials measure running seconds, minutes, and hours respectively. This complication allows you to time anything on the go, which is convenient for cooking, keeping track of your kids' screen time, or anything else that needs precise timing.

Options to consider

Although the original Bulova Lunar Pilot relaunch a decade ago maintained the original specs and dimensions of Commander Scott's watch, multiple sizes and strap options have been made available since. My personal favorite is the version with the stainless steel bracelet, but that's because I almost always opt for metal options over leather or NATO-style straps. No matter your wrist size, color preference, or strap choice, there's a Lunar pilot for you. All that matters is that you appreciate high-end watchmaking and a great story on your wrist.

More Bulova Lunar Pilot variants

Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Ion-Plated Chronograph

Stainless Steel Bracelet Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

Blue and White Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

If having a piece of history by your side 24/7 sounds fun, then this may be your best opportunity to start or expand your luxury watch collection. I loved my Lunar Pilot to the moon and back, and I'm sure you will too. Don't be afraid to buy a second one as a special gift either. One of the greatest joys of being a collector is sharing your collection with others, no matter what that looks like.

TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use.

Why we love this deal

Sticky and sweaty are two things no one wants to be when they're inside their homes. During the summer, we're more than happy to put up with the hot weather outdoors, but inside, we want the sweet feeling of air conditioning. However, when you don't have a central unit, a portable option, like the Taskbay Window Air Conditioner, is the next best thing. 

Window units aren't new by any means, but their cooling capabilities have come a long way since their debut, and pricewise, there's no better time to score the Taskbay Window Air Conditioner model than during Walmart's Flash deal offering it on sale for 50% off. Originally $468, the 8,000 British thermal unit (BTU) machine is now just $234. With the start of summer just within reach, there's no better time to click "add to cart." 

Taskbay Window Air Conditioner, $234 (was $468) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

Gone are the days where window air conditioners were loud, clunky units that were always perched a bit too precariously to let you fully relax. These days, window units are significantly quieter, easier to install, and they operate more efficiently — and this unit is no exception.

With 8,000 BTU power this air conditioner can cool medium-sized rooms up to 350 square feet. Often referred to as the perfect size for small-to-medium rooms, an 8,000 BTU unit balances strong cooling power between 61 degrees Fahrenheit and 88 degrees Fahrenheit with low energy use. Whereas central air can deliver air to all rooms of the house at once, a window unit focuses all its power on a singular room, which can be a benefit or negative depending on what you're looking for. 

This compact air conditioner measures 18.6 inches long, 15.6 inches wide, and 13.3 inches high, and fits standard windows measuring 23 inches to 36 inches wide and 14.5 inches to 16 inches high. It has multiple cooling modes so you can customize its operations exactly to what you want. There are auto, cooling, fan, and dehumidifying modes. Additionally, there’s a sleep mode that adapts to your needs during the night, and an eco-mode, which reduces power consumption while still giving off significant cooling. 

Related: Walmart's popular $310 portable air conditioner is on sale for only $197

You can adjust your preferences via the built-in LED control panel, the included remote, or the smart app that connects to it. Set intensity levels, fan speeds, select cooling type, and set timers in three easy ways. There's even a filter light that will light up every 500 hours as a reminder to clean. Regardless of day or night use, the machine operates at a quiet noise level as low as 50 to 54 decibels (dB), equivalent to a soft, calm conversation or a light, trickling stream. This makes it suitable for use whether you're sleeping, working, or relaxing. 

What to expect from a $234 air conditioner: Pros and cons

Pros

• Multiple cooling methods: The window unit has auto, cooling, fan, dehumidifying, sleep, and eco-mode. You can adjust cooling intensities, types, and speeds.
• Includes all-installation tools: With your purchase, you receive the window unit, sponge rail, filter panels, foam top, window sash, lock frames, sash lock, screws, insulation, and an instruction panel, along with the remote control. 
• Different power models: This unit is available in 8,000 BTU, 10,000 BTU, and 12,000 BTU.
• Super quiet: Operating at a noise level ranging between 50 to 54 dB, this unit is quiet and suitable for use day or night. 

Cons

• Installation can be tricky: Window units require a lot of pieces to properly install and it can require a lot of time and additional help. 
• Could be colder: Some shoppers feel that the cooling capabilities aren't as strong as they could be. 

For such a small unit, shoppers are super impressed with how fast this unit cools a room. It's very quiet, which makes it great for use whether you're sleeping or working, and it's easy to adjust settings. "We have had temperatures in the 80s and this unit never missed a beat," one shopper said. The smart app capabilities are a big win with shoppers as well. "Knowing I can set it with my phone is awesome." 

Shop more deals 

• Pro Choice 40-Inch Evaporative Air Cooler and Portable Tower Cooling Fan, $130 (was $220) at Walmart
• PhiloDeco Window Air Conditioner, $117 (was $280) at Walmart
• Tropow Window-Mounted Air Conditioner, $122 (was $136) at Walmart

No one should spend their summer suffering from the overbearing heat, and with the Taskbay Window Air Conditioner you don't have to. At such an incredible 50% deal, you better believe it's at the top of our to-buy list!

The stock is up about 16.31% year to date, at the time of writing, Friday morning, May 22, according to Yahoo Finance. Meanwhile, the SPDR S&P 500 index (SPY) is up about 8.92% in the same period.

AI is also driving a change in e-commerce.

Google unveiled Universal Cart at its I/O conference.

OpenAI launched Instant Checkout in September 2025.

Walmart launched Sparky in June 2025. Some investors have seen these announcements as a threat to Amazon's retail.

Amazon has launched its response to these new trends, and Bank of America reacted with an updated, increasingly bullish forecast.

Recent key news for the stock

• The company reported strong Q1 earnings.
• Amazon invested in OpenAI.
• Amazon invested in Anthropic.

Let’s first take a look at what Amazon unveiled.

Amazon launches Alexa for Shopping

Amazon unveiled Alexa for Shopping (AfS) on May 13. It is best described as a merger of Rufus and Alexa+.

Rufus was launched in February 2024 and is an AI shopping assistant trained on Amazon’s product catalog, customer reviews, community Q&As, and information from across the web. 

The company said that over 300 million customers have used Rufus in 2025. Amazon reported in November 2025 that customers who use Rufus during shopping are 60% more likely to complete a purchase.

AfS combines Rufus’ product expertise and Amazon shopping history with the personalized knowledge and context of Alexa+.

It works across a wide range of surfaces and devices, including the Amazon Shopping app, website, and Echo Show, enabling customers to browse and shop the full Amazon store using voice, touch, or both.

“Alexa for Shopping is like having an expert personal shopper who already knows you and remembers your preferences, your past purchases, and your conversations, and carries that knowledge and understanding of you across your phone, laptop, and Echo devices,” stated Rajiv Mehta, vice president of Conversational Shopping at Amazon in the press release.

Investors will see AfS’s scheduled purchases as a key feature, as they have significant potential to drive Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) higher.

Bank of America says Alexa for Shopping will lead to Amazon’s push into the Agentic Era

In a research note shared with me, Bank of America analyst Justin Post and his team updated their opinion on Amazon stock, following the launch of AfS.

Post wrote, “As usage increases, AfS should benefit from a flywheel effect in which better personalization drives higher conversion and incremental engagement.”

The team believes this will drive higher conversion rates than Rufus alone, making AfS a retail sales driver as usage scales. Analysts said that their research on Similarweb data shows that the threat from third-party shopping agents has not materialized yet.

More Tech Stocks:

• Analysts reset Broadcom stock price target
• Bank of America resets Microsoft stock forecast after earnings
• Bank of America resets Google stock forecast before key event

Post said that Rufus generated nearly $12 billion of annualized incremental GMV in Q4 2025, and he believes AfS’s contribution to GMV can grow with usage. He estimates that over the next ten years, AfS can generate nearly $215 billion of incremental GMV by 2035, which could translate into $20 billion of incremental retail profit.

Post reiterated a buy rating for Amazon stock and the target price of $310, based on his sum-of-the-parts analysis that values AWS at 9x 2027 sales estimates, first-party retail at 1.0x, third-party retail at 2.5x, and advertising at 5.0x.

Analysts noted downside risks for Amazon:

• Increasing competition from offline and local retailers.
• Market share loss to cloud competitors with advanced AI technology.
• Elevated AWS investment needs that could pressure margins.

Analysts also said that the stock has been subject to significant volatility in the past, and that volatility could increase amid economic uncertainty.

What do other analysts think, and how does Bank of America’s opinion compare?

According to TipRanks, 45 of the 46 analysts covering Amazon stock rate it a buy. Only one gives a hold rating. The average price target is $319.

Related: Bank of America revamps Nvidia stock price target after earnings

IonQ shares surged over 12% on May 21 after the Trump administration unveiled plans to pour more than $2 billion into quantum computing companies.

The move sent the broader quantum sector sharply higher as investors bet big on the technology's future.

IonQ (IONQ) was not among the nine companies named to receive direct funding.

Yet the stock rallied alongside its peers, which suggests investors are not buying individual winners here. They are buying the idea that quantum computing is now a national priority.

Washington bets big on quantum computing

The Department of Commerce announced letters of intent to distribute $2.013 billion under the CHIPS and Science Act, targeting both quantum foundries and computing companies across multiple technology approaches. 

• The funding covers trapped-ion, superconducting, neutral-atom, photonic, and silicon-spin quantum systems.
• IBM is set to receive $1 billion to build out a dedicated quantum foundry for superconducting wafers. 
• GlobalFoundries would get $375 million to establish domestic manufacturing capacity spanning multiple quantum modalities. 
• Seven additional companies, including D-Wave, Rigetti, Quantinuum, PsiQuantum, Atom Computing, Infleqtion, and Diraq, are each in line for up to $100 million in planned funding. 
• The government will take a minority, non-controlling equity stake in each company as a condition of receiving the funds.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick framed the investment as a push to keep America ahead in what is quickly becoming a defining technology race.

Why IonQ investors celebrated anyway

Even without a direct grant, IonQ's stock move makes sense when you consider the bigger picture.

The company reported revenue of $130 million in 2025 and has forecast the top line to expand to $270 million this year. 

Moreover, analysts tracking the quantum computing stock forecast revenue to surpass $1.4 billion by 2030. 

Related: Morgan Stanley resets IonQ stock price target after earnings

IonQ Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Inder Singh described the trajectory at JPMorgan's Global Technology Conference on May 18, pointing to $470 million in remaining performance obligations as a sign of strong forward visibility.

Singh emphasized:

“We provided the guidance to indicate that we were going to again double year-on-year at the midpoint of the guidance this year with strong organic growth, meaning our computing business, which was really the primary driver for the first few years, continues to power the top line.”

Singh also laid out IonQ's longer-term platform ambitions, which go well beyond computing. 

The company is building out quantum networking, atomic clocks, and tools designed to secure communications against future quantum-enabled threats. 

That portfolio approach means IonQ can grow into government and enterprise spending across multiple fronts, not just one contract category.

The technology arms race is heating up

The Washington funding announcement lands at a moment when the quantum sector is accelerating fast.

IonQ uses trapped ion technology, a method that starts with fewer errors and higher fidelity than most competing approaches. 

The company is currently rolling out its fifth-generation Tempo system and is already developing a 256-qubit sixth-generation platform that uses electronic controls rather than lasers. 

More AI:

• Micron sits at the center of a red-hot chip rally
• IBM CEO sends blunt message on AI and quantum computing
• Anthropic CEO makes shocking admission about AI

That shift, accelerated by IonQ's acquisition of Oxford Ionics, is expected to bring down cost and complexity while dramatically increasing scale.

Singh noted at the JPMorgan conference that IonQ has a clear roadmap toward 10,000 qubits and, eventually, two million physical qubits by 2030. 

The company is working with U.S.-based foundry SkyWater Technologies to keep its supply chain secure and domestic, which matters greatly to defense and government customers.

The government's $2 billion commitment signals that quantum is no longer a science experiment.

And for a company like IonQ, which has been building toward this moment for years, that kind of political and financial backing for the entire industry is about as good as news gets, even when your name is not on the check.

Related: Wedbush Securities has strong message for IonQ

BofA reiterated its Underperform rating on Target and kept its $110 price objective, according to the Bank of America note given to TheStreet. That target implies roughly 10% downside from the $122.33 price listed in the note, even after BofA raised its earnings estimates following Target’s first-quarter beat.

The firm said Target raised fiscal 2026 guidance near the high end of its $7.50 to $8.50 range, which reflected the strength of the first quarter. BofA raised its fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027 EPS forecasts by 4% and 5%, respectively, to $8.20 and $8.53, while lifting its fiscal 2029 estimate to $9.05 from $8.50.

That was not enough to change the bank’s overall view. BofA said “turnarounds take time” and warned that decelerating sales trends could compress Target’s multiple and limit the incremental upside investors might expect from the guidance raise.

Target faces a tougher second-half sales setup

The main concern from BofA is that Target’s sales comparisons get harder from here. The firm said Target is starting to lap the Nintendo Switch 2 launch in early June, while the tax refund tailwind that helped consumers earlier in the year is fading.

That creates a more challenging setup for the second quarter and the back half of the year. BofA models Target’s comparable sales up 1.5% in the second quarter and up 0.5% in the second half, suggesting that the company still needs to prove the improvement can continue as easier benefits roll off.

The bank also pointed to broader consumer uncertainty, including higher gas prices and the post-tax refund season, as part of the reason it lowered the multiple used for its Target valuation. BofA’s $110 price objective is based on 13 times its fiscal 2027 EPS estimate, below Target’s 15-year average of 15 times.

Target's margins may help, but pressure remains

Target’s margin setup looks more constructive than its sales setup, according to BofA, although the bank is still watching several moving pieces that could affect the company’s earnings power.

BofA said second-quarter gross margin drivers should be directionally similar to the first quarter. The firm pointed to better full-price sell-through, ongoing advertising benefits, supply-chain efficiencies, and another quarter of shrink-related headwinds tied to the timing of accruals.

More Target

• Target sees unexpected shift in customer behavior
• Target announces major changes across 130 U.S. stores
• Target makes a big family-friendly product move

The note also said SG&A growth should moderate from the 7% increase Target saw in the first quarter.

BofA said that moderation should be supported by the timing of store openings and remodels, lower store and distribution center labor as sales flex down, and less pressure from incentive compensation normalization after the first quarter.

Even with those positives, the bank’s broader investment rationale remains cautious. BofA said Target’s comp sales and margin headwinds could continue to pressure the stock, while its lack of scale compared with larger competitors in digital advertising and third-party online marketplace operations may limit its ability to offset margin pressures and fund strategic investments in automation, technology, and AI.

Target’s merchandising reset shows early signs

BofA also acknowledged that Target has made progress in merchandising, which remains one of the most important parts of the company’s turnaround story.

The firm said it is encouraged by early traction in trading cards and toys, including the phased launch of the Pokémon collection. BofA also pointed to the planned rollout of Target Beauty Studio in more than 600 stores this fall, along with the start of a multiyear reset in Home during the second quarter.

That Home reset includes a significant refresh of decorative accessories, covering about 75% of the assortment, according to the note. Those changes could help Target sharpen its appeal in categories where the company has historically had stronger brand perception with shoppers.

BofA still said it is too early to tell how much of the first-quarter improvement was specific to Target rather than driven by the broader retail industry. The firm also expects discretionary categories, particularly apparel and home, to remain highly competitive, with pricing uncertainty still creating possible downward pressure.

BofA sees limited upside for Target stock

Target remains one of BofA’s few Underperform-rated names in its U.S. hardlines and broadlines retail coverage cluster. The bank has Buy ratings on companies including Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, and Boot Barn, while Target sits in the Underperform category alongside Floor & Decor.

The gap helps explain why BofA is hesitant to give Target the benefit of the doubt after one stronger quarter. The bank sees early progress, raised earnings estimates, and a better guidance range, yet it still believes the company faces a harder sales environment and lingering pressure from competitive discretionary categories.

Related: Bank of America revamps Target stock price target ahead of earnings

The company reported fiscal third-quarter revenue of $8.56 billion, up 10% from a year earlier, while GAAP diluted earnings per share rose 11% to $11.09. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share climbed 10% to $12.80, as Consumer revenue increased 8% and Global Business Solutions revenue rose 15%.

More Intuit

• JPMorgan lowers price target on this fintech dividend stock
• Intuit higher, UnitedHealth slips on unusually heavy volume
• Tariffs, surprise downgrade will weigh on market

Those results landed after Morgan Stanley framed the quarter as a key test for Intuit. In a note given to TheStreet by Morgan Stanley, analyst Keith Weiss kept an Overweight rating on Intuit, named it a Top Pick in large-cap software, and set a $580 price target on the stock. The note said shares had fallen about 40% year to date before the report and traded at 19 times calendar 2027 GAAP EPS, creating what Morgan Stanley viewed as a favorable risk-reward setup.

Intuit raised its full-year fiscal 2026 revenue outlook to a range of $21.34 billion to $21.37 billion, representing growth of about 13% to 14%. It also raised its outlook for non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP EPS, with the company now expecting non-GAAP EPS of $23.80 to $23.85.

TurboTax still carries the debate

In the quarter, Intuit said Consumer revenue rose to $5.3 billion, while TurboTax revenue grew 7% to $4.4 billion. Credit Karma revenue increased 15% to $631 million, driven by strength in personal loans, auto insurance, and home loans, while ProTax revenue was flat from the prior year.

The company’s full-year tax guidance showed both the strength and the pressure in the business. Intuit expects TurboTax Live revenue to grow 36% to $2.8 billion and represent about 53% of total TurboTax revenue, with TurboTax Live customers expected to grow 38%. At the same time, the company expects total TurboTax Online units to decline about 2%, TurboTax share of e-files to decline about 1 point, and pay-nothing customers to fall to roughly 7 million from 8 million last year.

The note said investors were worried that lower-cost tax options and AI-native entrants could pressure TurboTax units and average revenue per customer, especially among simple DIY filers. Morgan Stanley argued TurboTax still has advantages in consumer trust, prior-year continuity, tax-form imports, integrated filing workflows, refund visibility, and access to expert help when returns become more complex.

Assisted tax becomes a bigger part of the story

The earnings update makes assisted tax look even more important to Intuit’s long-term growth story. The company’s guidance for 36% TurboTax Live growth shows that customers are moving toward higher-touch products, even as total online units are expected to fall.

Morgan Stanley had already identified that mix shift as the key to changing how investors value the tax business. In the note given to TheStreet by Morgan Stanley, the firm estimated TurboTax Full Service reached about 900,000 returns in fiscal 2025 and projected 1.62 million Full Service returns in fiscal 2026. The note also said that every 1% of paying DIY filers moving into Full Service could add about $44 million of revenue.

The new company guidance gives the article a sharper angle than the pre-earnings version. Intuit is showing revenue growth in tax, with TurboTax Live becoming a larger piece of the mix, while also acknowledging unit pressure in the broader TurboTax Online base.

QuickBooks remains the growth anchor

QuickBooks gave Intuit another important proof point. Global Business Solutions revenue rose to $3.3 billion, up 15%, while Online Ecosystem revenue increased to $2.5 billion, up 19%. QuickBooks Online Accounting revenue grew 22%, helped by higher effective prices, customer growth, and mix shift.

Morgan Stanley had argued that QuickBooks is better positioned than a basic bookkeeping product because it reaches across accounting, payroll, payments, invoicing, bill pay, tax connectivity, cash flow, and accountant workflows. The note also said investor expectations for Global Business Solutions growth appeared closer to 16% to 17%, above consensus near 14.8%, as QuickBooks momentum and Intuit Enterprise Suite traction continued.

Intuit’s updated full-year outlook now calls for Global Business Solutions growth of about 16%, which is directly in line with that higher investor bar. The company also expects Consumer revenue to grow about 10%, including TurboTax growth of about 7% and Credit Karma growth of about 19%.

Related: TurboTax parent cuts thousands of jobs ahead of earnings

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, the Mediterranean restaurant chainreported year-over-year revenue growth of 32.2% and same-store sales growth of 9.7%.

“Amid today's broader macroeconomic environment and geopolitical uncertainty, our first quarter results reflect our position as a clear industry leader and our ability to meet the moment for the modern consumer," Cava’s CEO Brett Schulman told investors.

Cava’s outsized growth can be traced to several factors — including the category-busting protein strategy I covered last month — but one lesser-known initiative may be just as important: its investment in middle management.

Inside Cava’s bet on middle management

In October 2025, Cava launched its Flavor Your Future initiative, a program focused on attracting, developing, and retaining employees. 

Earlier this year, the chain expanded the program to include a new assistant general manager position. Described as a “key action” of the initiative, the move was intended to create a bench of role-ready leaders who could provide support to the chain as it grows.

Despite having only existed for a few months, Schulman says the chain is already reaping the benefits of the new role.

“Early indicators from the AGM rollout are promising,” he told investors during a recent earnings call. “Restaurants with AGM coverage are outperforming those without, as AGMs provide additional leadership support during peak dinner and weekend shifts, strengthening operations, deepening the development of future team members, and building more sustainable restaurant teams over time.”

The disappearance of middle managers

Since the pandemic, assistant manager roles in restaurants have slowly started to disappear.

The roles typically involve long hours with relatively low pay, a combination that makes them unattractive to potential employees and hard for companies to fill.

“[The] job is seen particularly as thankless, overworked and underpaid—full stop,” Danny Stoller, co-founder of Square Pie Guys, told the Wall Street Journal.

But without these roles, industry experts say there’s no clear path for rookie employees into leadership. 

More restaurants:

• Taco Bell makes first-ever move in fast-growing category
• McDonald's has a new plan for more cautious customer
• Chili's pushes back on restaurant trend customers hate

“[With assistant manager positions] you’re on the train,” Matt Sigelman, president of labor-market analytics firm The Burning Glass Institute, told the outlet. “So if people are opting out, they miss out on this ticket to upward mobility.”

Unlike many restaurant management roles, Cava’s assistant general manager positions are explicitly tied to career development and internal promotion. Schumann illustrated this through his singling out of a current Cava employee, Adriana Cervantes.

Cervantes started her employment at the fast food chain as general staff before moving through the company’s internal development program. She went on to become an assistant general manager and is now a general manager at Cava, working towards higher leadership roles at the restaurant.

“Her journey is a powerful reminder that when we invest in our team members and create opportunities for growth, we are able to build not just stronger restaurants, but meaningful and lasting careers for our people,” Schumann said.

Younger workers want clear paths to leadership

Cava’s Flavor Your Future initiative and assistant general manager roles will resonate particularly with younger generations.

In 2026, only 6% of Gen Z and millennial employees say that achieving a leadership position is their primary career goal, according to Deloitte’s annual Gen Z and Millennial survey. 

The percentage doesn’t seem to reflect a lack of ambition — 76% of Gen Zers and 67% of millennials say they are interested in pursuing senior or executive leadership positions at some point in their careers — but from a lack of clarity.

Concerns about stress and burnout, excessive responsibility, and work/life balance are the most commonly cited factors deterring young employees from actively pursuing title advancement. While flexible work arrangements and greater clarity about the paths to leadership within an organization are highlighted as factors that would make leadership roles more appealing.

In a post-pandemic restaurant environment, where management structures have been flattened and location leaders are expected to absorb an ever-expanding list of responsibilities, Cava’s setup stands apart as more supportive and direct.

That strategy may help explain why the company is willing to absorb higher administrative costs as it expands. In its recent earnings report, Cava disclosed roughly $10 million in additional general and administrative expenses, year over year. It’s an investment that appears tied, at least in part, to building the leadership infrastructure needed to sustain its growth.

Related: Chipotle CEO shares a secret menu tip with customers

The downgrade came because the people watching the whole sector think the easy money may already be made, not because the bank underperformed.

That distinction matters for anyone holding bank stocks right now; it is worth understanding this downgrade before you act on it.

CFRA cuts Bank of America stock to Hold, and Citigroup right alongside it

The giant in question is Bank of America (BAC).

Research firm CFRA cut its rating on the stock to Hold on Tuesday, May 19, according to Yahoo Finance. On the same day, CFRA also downgraded Citigroup (C) to Hold.

More banking and markets coverage:

• Bank of America issues blunt warning to Wall Street on stock market
• Bank of America sends blunt message on GTA 6 price
• Goldman Sachs sends blunt message on Fed interest rate cuts

Two downgrades on one day, hitting two of the country's largest lenders, tells you the call is about the group, not a single company.

CFRA framed it as trimming exposure to big banks after a strong run. A Hold rating means the analyst expects the stock to perform in line with the market, not beat it. It's a step back from a buy recommendation, not a call to sell.

Why CFRA pumped the brakes on the big-bank trade

CFRA's reasoning follows the standard caution list for bank stocks late in a rally.

The firm pointed to stretched valuations after a re-rating, a softer outlook for net interest income, commercial real estate office exposure, and uncertainty around capital rules.

Net interest income, or NII, is the gap between what a bank earns on loans and what it pays on deposits. It is the core profit engine for a lender like Bank of America.

That engine is sensitive to rates. The bank itself has flagged that a 100-basis-point drop in rates could cut NII by roughly $2 billion over 12 months. So if the Federal Reserve keeps easing, that pressure is real.

CFRA's caution wasn't limited to these two names. It also cut Synchrony Financial to Hold on May 15. And the firm isn't the only one wary of the group: Evercore ISI had already placed a Hold on Citigroup on May 8, The Globe and Mail reported.

Where the rate worry spills into commercial real estate

The commercial real estate piece deserves its own line, because it reaches beyond banking.

Office buildings have struggled since remote work reshaped demand, and the owners of those buildings borrowed money from banks to finance them. If a landlord can't repay, the bank takes the loss.

Related: Bank of America tweaks CoreWeave stock price target for 2026

That is the thread connecting big banks to the property market. CFRA's concern is that office exposure is a tail risk, meaning an unlikely but painful outcome, rather than a base case.

For readers, the takeaway is simple: a bank downgrade can be a quiet read on the health of the commercial buildings in your city, not just the stock ticker.

How Bank of America stock actually looks under the hood

Here is the part that complicates the bearish story: the company is performing well.

Bank of America is the second-largest U.S. bank, holding more than 10% of all American deposits. Its first-quarter 2026 results were strong, with earnings of $1.11 per share, revenue of $30.27 billion, and net income up 17% from a year earlier.

Capital return is climbing too. The bank sent $9.3 billion back to shareholders through buybacks and dividends in the quarter.

The stock is also cheap by historical standards. BAC trades around 13 times trailing earnings and 12 times forward earnings, with a 2% dividend yield, and the stock sat near $50.71 on May 19, per Benzinga data.

What the bull case still rests on

A few things keep the long-term argument intact:

• Consistent earnings power, with net income rising 17% year over year in Q1 2026
• 11 straight quarters of sequential deposit growth
• Accelerating capital return, at $9.3 billion in a single quarter
• A consensus that is still bullish, with about 25 analysts rating BAC a "Strong Buy" and a roughly $62.98 average target

Bank of America stock versus the sector it trails

The performance gap is what makes CFRA's "crowded trade" case land.

Bank of America stock is down about 8% year-to-date in 2026, even though it has returned roughly 13% over the past year. Citigroup, the other downgrade, has surged 58% in a year.

When a sector runs that hard, the cushion in the valuation thins out. That is the heart of the argument: less room for error, not a broken business.

For comparison, the broader market has kept grinding higher, with the S&P 500 trading above 7,400 in late May, which raises the bar for any single stock to stand out.

What this downgrade means for your portfolio

A Hold from one firm does not force a decision, but it is a useful prompt to check your reasoning.

If you own BAC for income and long-term compounding, this looks more like a yellow light than a stop sign. The dividend and buyback story is intact.

If you bought in late after the rally had already run, you paid a higher price, so there's less upside left and less cushion if the stock slips. Keeping the amount you hold relatively small is the sensible move.

A few practical steps:

• Watch the Q2 2026 NII guidance. If net interest income holds, CFRA's main worry softens.
• Track the Fed. Faster rate cuts pressure bank margins, so the Fed's rate path is the variable to follow.
• Mind concentration. Holding several big banks at once doubles your exposure to the same rate and real estate risks CFRA flagged.

None of this is a prediction that BAC falls. It is a reminder that the gains may simply be harder to come by from here.

The big-bank trade looks like it is maturing, and the smartest move now is to research your position, not react to a single rating.

Related: BofA resets Salesforce stock price target with sobering AI verdict

In many cases, it’s the investors who lose out. While some might get their money back, others don’t. And then there’s the impact on customers.

Some might suddenly find out they don’t have services or merchandise because a company went under. In other words, filing for bankruptcy is never good news.

Unfortunately, bankruptcies in the U.S. have been on the rise in recent years.

Number of bankruptcies filed in last year

• Bankruptcy filings in the U.S. increased 11% in 2025, including both personal and business bankruptcies, according to Debt.org.
• The trend is continuing in 2026, with an 11.9% increase in filings in the first quarter of the year.
• While the number is not at the same level as during the pandemic, it is on an upward trend, an analysis of U.S. Court data shows.

And now one fintech firm’s abrupt bankruptcy has left some small businesses in a tough spot.

Fintech firm files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy

Court documents filed on PacerMonitor show that fintech firm Parker has filed for bankruptcy. The company raised $200 million in total funding since it started in 2019, BankingDive reported.

But Parker’s website makes no mention of the bankruptcy and instead touts how much money it has raised.

Parker’s abrupt closure has left small businesses in a tough spot, “and pose questions about Piermont's and Patriot's oversight of the program,” fintech consultant Jason Mikula wrote on LinkedIn.

The fintech firm became a popular corporate card for business in 2023. Parker founder Sibous told TechCrunch that it’s “secret sauce” was its underwriting. The company assessed the cash flow in a way that e-commerce brands could have credit limits that meet the demands of their business, he told TechCrunch.

Parker was also known for having weekly or even daily statements to help businesses better manage their cash flow.

“We’ve essentially changed the way statements work for credit cards, so instead of operating on a monthly statement, we have the option to work on daily or weekly statements,” Sibous told TechCrunch. “That helps these brands a ton with cash flow.”

At the time, Parker said it was serving e-commerce businesses that are underserved by traditional banks and other fintech firms.

Parker’s sudden bankruptcy

Information about Parker’s bankruptcy began swirling in early May. An X post on May 5by Iris co-founder Drew Fallon confirmed that Patriot Bank, Parker’s banking operators, had sent a letter to clients confirming the fintech firm has closed.

Parker founder Yacine Sibous confirmed the rumors on X on May 10.

Three weeks ago, I thought Parker was going to be acquired in a deal worth nearly $90M. Yesterday, we filed for Chapter 7.

He went on to say that many of the rumors circulating online about the failures of the company were “simply not accurate.”

“Over the last few years, we faced leadership turnover, a much tougher market, slowing growth, and the realities of trying to scale a venture-backed business after momentum fades,” he explained.

Parker decided to pursue a sale of the business that ultimately did not close.

It’s unclear why the business deal did not go through or why the website is still live with no mention of the bankruptcy.

Related: Warren Buffett's Berkshire dumps entire stake in iconic fintech giant

On May 21, Tesla did something about it. And the timing of the move is as significant as the move itself.

What Tesla announced and the timing that makes it significant

Tesla posted on X on May 21, confirming that its Full Self-Driving Supervised system is now available in China, making it one of ten markets where the software is officially active alongside the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Lithuania.

The announcement came one week after Elon Musk accompanied President Trump to Beijing for a state visit with President Xi Jinping.

Gary Ng Cheuk-yan, senior economist at Natixis Corporate and Investment Bank, said directly: "Trump's visit to China has likely pushed up the long-awaited approval".

More Tesla:

• Elon Musk’s Terafab bet: what it means for Tesla investors
• Bank of America revamps Tesla stock price
• UBS has a message for Tesla stock investors

For Tesla, the regulatory approval had been anticipated for years.

Chinese customers previously had access only to Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot while awaiting clearance.

Now FSD Supervised is confirmed as available in China, though full fleet-wide regulatory approval is still pending.

Tesla is targeting Q3 2026 as the window when that broader authorization could arrive.

Why the China launch matters more than a typical software rollout

China is not simply a large car market. It is the world's most competitive EV battleground. Domestic automakers XPeng, Xiaomi, and Huawei have been offering advanced urban driving assistance for years, and Chinese consumers increasingly expect those features as standard rather than premium.

Level 3 automated driving has already been legalized in China, setting a high technical bar that Tesla has been unable to meet commercially until now.

Tesla's domestic sales decline makes the software launch more urgent. In the first four months of 2026, local retail registrations fell 15.05% year-over-year to 138,754 units.

April was particularly sharp, with domestic sales dropping 53.74% compared to March, according to Arena EV. The Shanghai factory's export performance has remained strong, with 53,522 EVs shipped in April alone, the second-highest monthly export volume on record.

But domestic momentum needs attention and FSD Supervised gives Tesla a genuinely differentiated feature to market.

The software also reinforces Tesla's longer-term business model argument. Tesla shifted to a subscription-only model for FSD in the US in February 2026, priced at $99 per month.

In China, the one-time purchase option remains available at 64,000 yuan, approximately $9,400, while a monthly subscription has not yet been introduced for Chinese customers. That pricing structure is likely to evolve once full regulatory approval arrives and Tesla can deploy the system more broadly.

What the software itself does and where it stands technically

FSD Supervised is Tesla's advanced driver-assistance package. Despite its name, it requires the driver to remain attentive and ready to intervene. It is distinct from the fully autonomous unsupervised version still being trialed in Tesla's Robotaxi service in Texas.

The system handles many driving tasks including lane changes, navigation, and parking, but is not a hands-free product, CNBC confirmed.

Technically, the version Chinese customers will access is mature. Tesla has already been rolling out FSD V14.3.3 in overseas markets, featuring more precise spatial judgment and improved traffic sign recognition.

Tesla China updated its owner's manual to version 2026.14 in early May to include a full introduction to FSD V14, signaling preparation for the launch. Chinese owners receiving full Q3 approval will be stepping into a relatively advanced build rather than an early experimental system, according to Car News China.

Key figures on Tesla's FSD China launch and market context:

• Announcement date: May 21, 2026; FSD Supervised confirmed available in China as one of ten active markets, according to CNBC
• Full regulatory approval: still pending for fleet-wide rollout; Tesla targeting Q3 2026 for comprehensive approval from Chinese authorities, according to Car News China
• China pricing: one-time purchase at 64,000 yuan (approximately $9,400); no monthly subscription option yet for Chinese customers, according to Benzinga
• China domestic sales: down 15.05% year-over-year in January to April 2026; April domestic sales fell 53.74% vs March; Tesla dropped out of China's top 10 EV makers in April, according to Arena EV
• Shanghai exports: 53,522 EVs shipped in April 2026, second-highest monthly export volume on record; January to April export total: 154,122 vehicles, Arena EV confirmed
• US pricing comparison: Tesla moved to subscription-only model in the US in February 2026 at $99 per month with a 30-day free trial, according to Basenor
• Diplomatic context: launch came one week after Musk accompanied Trump to Beijing for summit with Xi Jinping, according to SCMP

What investors should watch as FSD rolls out across China

The stock rose 3.25% on May 21 following the announcement, according to Yahoo Finance. That reaction reflects genuine optimism about what the launch could mean for Tesla's China story, but the more important question is what happens after the initial announcement.

The metrics investors should track are the adoption rate among existing Chinese Tesla owners, the pace of Q3 regulatory approval for the full fleet-wide rollout, and whether Tesla introduces a subscription pricing model for Chinese customers that could generate recurring software revenue. Each of those developments would tell investors more about the long-term financial impact than the announcement alone.

The China launch also reinforces the broader Tesla investment thesis that its vehicles are software platforms generating recurring revenue rather than one-time hardware sales.

If FSD Supervised gains meaningful traction among Chinese buyers, it could improve margins, reduce churn, and create a more durable competitive position in a market where Tesla's hardware advantage has been eroding.

That potential is why the announcement moved the stock and why investors will be watching China's FSD adoption numbers closely in the quarters ahead.

Related: Tesla FSD makes dangerous mistake in unfamiliar territory

High-frequency trading firms spent billions reducing latency by microseconds. Investment banks built global distribution networks. Exchanges competed on volume and order flow.

That question is starting to matter less. A quieter competition has been building underneath it, and the firms paying attention to it earliest may hold the next durable advantage in institutional finance.

Why execution is no longer the primary competitive edge

Electronic trading systems have reduced informational gaps that once separated market participants by years of infrastructure investment.

Liquidity is now fragmented across venues and asset classes in ways that make it increasingly difficult for any single firm to sustain an advantage purely through speed or order routing. In many segments of the market, execution quality has effectively become a commodity.

The competitive focus is shifting deeper into the financial stack, toward the systems that determine how assets are held, transferred, reconciled, and settled across institutions after a trade is executed.

Custody architecture, settlement rails, collateral mobility, and post-trade processing, functions that were once treated as operational overhead, are emerging as the next layer of strategic competition in capital markets.

How the infrastructure shift is taking concrete form in regulated markets

One concrete example of this approach emerged on May 21 when REAL Technologies, parent company of REAL Finance, signed a securities infrastructure agreement with Factori AD, an EU-regulated investment broker.

Under the arrangement, Factori AD retains full responsibility for client onboarding, KYC, AML compliance, OTC execution, and segregated custody, while institutional asset flows are coordinated through REAL Finance's infrastructure layer.

The pilot transaction involves equity derivatives of Alpha Bulgaria AD listed on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, with the overall institutional pipeline activated exceeding $100 million. The structure reflects a pattern visible across markets: newer infrastructure models layered alongside existing regulated frameworks rather than replacing them.

More Wall Street:

• JPMorgan resets S&P 500 price target for the rest of 2026

• Vanguard challenges the S&P 500 as a one-stop strategy
• Goldman Sachs resets Broadcom stock forecast

This arrangement follows a broader wave of institutional engagement with financial infrastructure modernization. BlackRock's BUIDL fund crossed $2.4 billion in assets in early 2026.

JPMorgan's Onyx platform has expanded its institutional settlement capabilities. The New York Stock Exchange announced in January that it is developing a platform for trading and settlement of digital securities, for which it is seeking regulatory approvals, according to ICE press release.

What industry executives say is driving the structural shift

Wish Wu, CEO of Pharos, said the shift is already visible to institutions thinking about long-term positioning.

"Capital markets are increasingly shifting from competition at the trading layer to competition at the infrastructure layer. Trading and execution have become highly efficient and, in many cases, heavily commoditized. The bigger strategic advantage now comes from controlling the systems that handle custody, settlement, collateral movement, and asset servicing," Wu said.

Several forces are converging to make post-trade infrastructure more strategically important than it has been in decades. Cross-border capital flows are expanding.

Private markets are growing. Institutional portfolios are more globally distributed than at any previous point. At the same time, regulatory expectations around transparency, reporting, and risk management continue to intensify.

These pressures are exposing the limitations of legacy post-trade systems. Many of the systems that govern custody, clearing, and settlement were built decades ago and rely on fragmented databases, multiple intermediaries, and reconciliation processes that introduce operational cost and delay.

As the volume and complexity of assets flowing through these systems increase, the friction they generate becomes more visible and more expensive.

In April 2026, the International Monetary Fund published a note arguing that the modernization of financial infrastructure is not a marginal efficiency improvement but a structural reconfiguration of how capital markets function.

The Federal Reserve, OCC, and FDIC issued a joint clarification in March confirming that the capital treatment of securities is technology neutral, meaning eligible securities receive the same regulatory treatment regardless of the infrastructure through which they are held or transferred, FinTech Weekly confirmed.

The barriers that still stand between ambition and execution

Despite growing momentum, financial institutions face significant constraints in modernizing their infrastructure. Much of the global market structure is still built on systems that were never designed for real-time global coordination and have been incrementally patched over decades.

These systems are deeply embedded across custody, clearing, and reporting functions. Replacing them entirely would introduce unacceptable operational risk, making gradual integration the only realistic path for most institutions.

He said the compliance dimension is as important as the technical one. "The bigger concern is operational and reputational risk. Institutions cannot move critical financial activity into systems that lack strong compliance controls, privacy protections, reliable governance, or institutional-grade security," Wu added.

Jerald David, CEO of Lynq and former executive at CME Group, framed the broader integration question in terms of inevitability rather than uncertainty. "I don't think it's a question of if, but how fast," David said.

He said the risk management dimension is what determines the pace. "If digital-asset infrastructure is implemented poorly, overall risk can actually increase, so the next phase will be rolling out these models in ways that genuinely reduce risk for institutions and their clients," David added

Key signals of the infrastructure competition emerging in capital markets:

• REAL Finance and Factori AD: EU-regulated brokerage arrangement activating institutional pipeline exceeding $100 million; Factori AD retains compliance, KYC, AML, and custody; REAL Finance provides infrastructure coordination layer; pilot involves Alpha Bulgaria AD equity derivatives on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange
• NYSE infrastructure move: New York Stock Exchange announced development of a platform for trading and settlement of digital securities, seeking regulatory approvals as of January 2026, according to ICE press release
• Regulatory clarity: US Federal Reserve, OCC, and FDIC confirmed in March 2026 that capital treatment of securities is technology neutral, removing a key institutional barrier to infrastructure modernization, according to FinTech Weekly
• IMF framework: April 2026 IMF note described infrastructure modernization as a structural reconfiguration of capital markets, not an incremental efficiency gain, FinTech Weekly confirmed
• PwC assessment: banks, asset managers, and corporate treasurers are actively building infrastructure positions across settlement, collateral management, and trade finance as tokenization moves from pilot to production
• Deloitte projection: early movers in securities services infrastructure could see 15 to 20% margin improvements

What this means for investors watching institutional capital markets

The infrastructure layer of capital markets has historically been invisible to most investors. Custody, settlement, and post-trade processing are not the parts of the financial system that generate headlines. But they are the parts that determine operational cost, counterparty risk, and ultimately the efficiency with which capital can be deployed and recovered across institutions.

As the competitive frontier in capital markets moves from execution to infrastructure, the firms building, owning, and integrating these systems are positioning themselves for a form of advantage that is significantly harder to replicate than trading speed. Infrastructure creates switching costs, generates recurring revenue from transaction flow, and compounds in value as more institutions connect to the same rails.

He pointed to what is already happening at the market structure level as evidence that this transition is not speculative. Hyperliquid's success with around-the-clock trading and clearing pushed incumbents including CME and ICE to develop similar capabilities.

The pattern, where infrastructure innovation by newer entrants forces established players to modernize, is likely to repeat across custody, settlement, and asset servicing in the years ahead. For investors, the question is which firms are building the pipes that the next generation of capital markets will run through.

Related: Bessent and Powell send Wall Street's biggest banks a warning

You are not alone. Many shoppers are now looking for affordable ways to furnish their homes, including buying used furniture through resale marketplaces.

Over 48% of Americans have purchased used furniture, and 78% of those are likely to buy it again, according to 2024 Censuswide data. 

And while furniture prices are not rising as fast as they were during peak inflation years, shoppers are still paying more than they did a year ago.

The Consumer Price Index for furniture and bedding rose 1.3% over the year ending April 2026, and the broader household furnishing and supplies category rose 2.8%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For an affordable furniture retailer like IKEA, whose identity is built around affordable home furnishings, even modest price pressure matters.

Now, IKEA’s global franchisor says it needs to restructure to keep that affordability promise.

IKEA franchisor cuts 850 jobs

Inter IKEA Group owns the IKEA concept and is the worldwide IKEA franchisor, meaning it is responsible for developing IKEA products and managing the global supply chain.

The franchisor has said that in an attempt to simplify operations, it will reduce its global workforce by around 850 positions.

Inter IKEA, which has decided to lay off 850 employees, of whom 300 are expected to be in Sweden, said the move is part of a long-term effort to achieve its goal of providing customers with a relevant product range, lower prices, and a strong customer experience.

More Retail:

• Another mall retailer quietly closed over 150 locations
• Ultra wealthy shoppers flock to this 63-year-old rugged retailer
• 72-year-old mall retailers to close more stores in 2026

In a statement to TheStreet, the company said these changes are not linked to IKEA retail in the US and are instead within the Inter IKEA Group.

The company said Inter IKEA Group has offices, operations, and co-workers worldwide, including in the U.S., as IKEA is the global franchisor. And that all parts of the group were part of the review. 

The company said all parts will be affected, either directly or indirectly, and that Inter IKEA is currently in dialogue with co-workers across the group. The new organization is intended to be finalized around the turn of the year, according to the statement.

IKEA says its business became too complex

The company said that IKEA exists to create “a better everyday life for the many people by offering well-designed, functional home furnishings at prices low enough for as many people as possible to afford.”

But Inter IKEA acknowledged that the retail environment has changed.

Despite many positive achievements, Inter IKEA Group has grown a bit too complex and too fragmented in a retail environment that requires simplicity and speed.

IKEA has continued to invest in affordability while operating in a changing retail environment marked by increasing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

And now moving forward, Inter IKEA and IKEA’s 13 franchisees will focus on three common goals:

1. Increased sales growth
2. Significantly reduced prices
3. Boosting visits across customer meeting points

To achieve these goals, the company’s operational structure needs to be simplified, and operations need to run faster.

IKEA cuts jobs after profits fall

IKEA’s global presence has grown considerably over the years. In 2025, it opened 66 new sales locations worldwide, from full-size stores to smaller retail formats. Global visitation to IKEA stores also grew to 915 million, whereas online sales rose to 28% of total IKEA turnover, signaling stronger e-commerce.

But, according to its Fiscal Year 2025 report, the Group recorded total revenue of €26.3 billion, down slightly from €26.5 billion in FY 2024.

Total operating income fell to €1.7 billion from €2.3 billion, while net profit declined to €1.5 billion from €2.2 billion in FY24. The company attributed lower sales to “substantially lower wholesale prices to IKEA retailers to support affordability,” and its impact could be seen well into 2025, doubly impacted by the downward trend in raw materials and commodity prices.

Related: Costco pays new members to join in rare offer

But while the lower price strategy helped it attract more customers, profits during the period fell.

Nonetheless, Inter IKEA continues to put affordability and customers first. While these 850 cuts will impact the workers, IKEA is ensuring that lower prices remain a priority.

“Today, affordability is more relevant than ever,” said Elm. He added that “clear goals, fewer priorities and a simplified organization will enable faster decision-making, lower costs, improving our ability to offer lower prices for customers.”

For customers, it means lower prices going forward, and for workers, hundreds of job cuts.

This restructuring is also what IKEA hopes to keep it competitive in the long run.

Furniture retailers face price and tariff pressure

The broader home sector has been under pressure as shoppers pull back from big purchases. The rise of second-hand furniture marketplaces and the economic uncertainty have caused many shoppers to pull back on extra spending.

According to Retail Dive, the home category saw a surge in pandemic-era demand as consumers spent more on their living spaces. But over time, the sector has experienced consistent year-over-year sales declines, as reported by the US Department of Commerce’s monthly retail sales reports.

Amidst this pressure, IKEA’s tradeoff is clear: if it wants to keep prices low for shoppers, it must cut costs behind the scenes.

That makes price one of the most important battlegrounds for furniture retailers.

Furniture and home furnishing store sales in the US reached more than $135 billion in 2025, while the broader US furniture market surpassed $250 billion that same year, according to Statista. 

The market is also heavily exposed to global trade, with furniture imports topping $72 billion in 2024, and China, Vietnam, and Mexico are the country's top furniture import partners. 

Simply put, American furniture retailers depend a lot on products made overseas.

This means that any supply chain disruption and tariff shifts can quickly make furniture more expensive to source and sell.

And for IKEA, which competes aggressively on low prices, this creates a difficult challenge. The company has to keep furniture affordable for shoppers, while also finding ways to cut costs behind the scenes. For the 850 workers, this effort now means their roles may disappear.

Related: Discount retail giant closes 350 U.S. stores, sparing only six states

Finding the right lighting for the interior of your home isn't just about brightening up the room. By illuminating the dark corners and shadowy spaces, your home will have a more inviting atmosphere that's also smoother to navigate. Unless you have a background in electrical work, installing new overhead lighting or hardwiring a light fixture onto the wall requires hiring a professional, but that's far from your only option.

These days, you're not limited to lighting with wires. Rechargeable lighting is a hassle-free solution for brightening up any room, and it comes in many forms to answer a variety of needs, whether you require a table lamp, wall sconce, under-cabinet light, or something with motion-sensing technology at nighttime. Using a battery as a power source, these lights are cordless and rechargeable, so you won't even need a free outlet to plug them in until they require recharging. Let's dive more into these options to understand what types of rechargeable lighting will best suit your home's interior.

Wireless table lamps

The most popular style of rechargeable lighting is cordless table lamps, which are available in just about every size and shape you could imagine. 

One of the first styles to make a splash was the restaurant-style cordless table lamp, like the Mainstays 12-Inch Outdoor and Indoor Rechargeable Water-Resistant Table Lamp at Walmart, which is petite, portable, and gives off just enough light for a romantic ambiance. Since these lights are smaller, they're easy to move around the home and have incredible versatility, looking stylish on the kitchen counter, bedside table, or bathroom shelf. As a bonus, this smaller design typically can run longer, with many options lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge. 

Traditional lamps with cords look great when placed against the wall, but if they're out in the open, like on your home office desk or on an end table in the living room, the plug-in wire can look messy or create a tripping hazard. Instead, look for a wireless table lamp that matches your personal preference. Nearly every type of lamp can be found in a cordless version, including full-size cordless lamps, vintage-inspired accent lights, or ultra-modern designs for those who like to be on the cutting edge.  

Mainstays 12-Inch Outdoor and Indoor Rechargeable Water-Resistant Table Lamp

Better Homes & Gardens 13-Inch White Shade Rechargeable Portable Lamp

O’Bright Dune Battery-Powered Table Lamp

George Oliver 13-Inch Modern Rechargeable LED Desk Lamp

Rechargeable wall sconces

Previously, the only options for wall-mounted lighting were hardwired or plug-in options with an unsightly wire along the wall. Rechargeable wall sconces look just as good as the hardwired ones, and all you have to do is mount them to the wall with a few screws. These cordless designs will have built-in hangers to easily slide them off a wall or a removable battery pack to make recharging as breezy as possible. 

You'll also want to consider how many sconces your wall needs. You can get a single sconce with adjustable brightness levels to perfectly illuminate your cozy reading nook, or go for an elegant pair to create a classy focal point around your artwork or built-in bookcase. Other features to consider when looking at these rechargeable wall lights are a remote control function, color-changing modes, and an automatic on-and-off timer. You'll also have plenty of decor styles to consider when perusing for wireless sconces. 

Sterling & Noble Cordless Brass Rechargeable Wall Sconce

iThird Battery Operated Wall Sconces (Set of 2)

Beachcrest Home Multi-Color Levant Armed Sconce (Set of 2)

Other rechargeable lighting

Outside of cordless table lamps and wall sconces, there are other types of rechargeable lighting available that are focused on specific household needs. For example, upper cabinets without built-in lighting will cast a shadow on your countertops because of how they hang, which makes rechargeable under-cabinet lights so handy for the kitchen or bathroom. If you have an oversized family photo or piece of artwork hanging on the walls, you can even find rechargeable picture lights that hang over your picture to make it look like a showcase at a museum. There's also an ample assortment of rechargeable motion-sensor lights to make your home safer to walk through in the middle of the night.

Ezvalo Rechargeable Wall Picture Light

Daybetter Rechargeable LED Under Cabinet Lights

Willed Rechargeable Stairway Night Lights (Pack of 8)

What rechargeable lighting is the best choice for your home?

The best type of rechargeable lighting for your home depends on your personal requirements. If you want a portable light that can move from room to room, we suggest checking out cordless table lamps. There are also rechargeable wall sconces, which are better suited for those wanting a light that looks like it was a hardwired fixture. Finally, if you have a very specific lighting issue, you can even find rechargeable under-cabinet lights, spotlights, and more to upgrade your home lighting needs without hiring an electrician.

TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use.

Even if you're making a good living and have discretionary income, it's reasonable to think that maybe you should cut back a little, or maybe a lot, because even stable, secure jobs might not be as stable and secure as they seem.

A new edition of EY-Parthenon's U.S. Consumer Sentiment Survey shows a growing share of consumers who report that their personal finances are on the decline, with one in four indicating they feel worse off than one month ago.

• Financial strain is rising despite overall stability: One in four consumers feel they are worse off than one month ago, signaling mounting strain amid a still uncertain economic environment.
• Consumers prioritize essentials as discretionary spending declines: Cost-of-living concern remains elevated, particularly around groceries, which nearly 70% of respondents cite as a moderate or major concern.
• Discretionary categories, such as restaurants, entertainment, travel, and apparel, are seeing broad pullbacks as consumers seek fast ways to reduce spending.
• Consumers across income levels are seeking value: Even high-income shoppers are paying attention to prices — primarily through shopping on sale, comparing prices and switching to private labels.

That creates a challenging economy for brands that cater to discretionary spending.

Keeping and riding horses certainly counts as a discretionary expense, and the leading retailer in that space, Dover Saddlery, faces imminent closure, unless its owner can "agree on a 'heroic' deal to save it," The Boston Globe reported.

Dover Saddlery closing all stores

Gordon Brothers, a restructuring firm that specializes in liquidating assets for struggling companies, purchased Dover in late April and was gearing up to run going-out-of-business sales at all its stores, according to the Globe report.

The 50-year-old brand caters to the horse-riding community.

"Dover Saddlery brand riding apparel, equestrian wear, bridles, saddles, and other tack is developed by riders, for riders. Leveraging nearly a half-century of equestrian expertise and worldwide contacts in the equestrian industry, product development teams at Dover Saddlery are able to offer just the right choices for you and your horse," the company shared on its website.

More Retail:

• Another mall retailer quietly closed over 150 locations
• Ultra wealthy shoppers flock to this 63-year-old rugged retailer
• 72-year-old mall retailers to close more stores in 2026

The company recently went through multiple ownership changes.

“The chain was taken over by its primary lender, an arm of Prudential Financial, and then was sold in late April at a discount to Gordon Brothers, which has handled a number of high-profile retail liquidation sales over the years. A separate investor group aiming to keep the business going had bid, but lost to Gordon, according to the source, who does not work at the company and isn’t authorized to speak about it," the Globe reported.

Dover Saddlery has begun a closeout sale on its website and has posted closing notices at some, but not all, of its stores.

The company has not filed for Chapte 11 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

What's next for Dover Saddlery

The local Dover Saddlery here in Wellington, Fla., the polo capital of the U.S., posted a closure notice on Facebook.

"Our store will soon be closing its doors. Thank you for your support and loyalty over the years. Serving you and your horse has truly been our privilege, and we’re grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us," the company shared.

A quick visit to the Wellington store confirmed the impending closure, although the final date remains unclear. Some locations have already closed.

In 2025, several Dover Saddlery stores closed their doors, leaving 30 locations still open.

"Earlier this month, the company revealed greater financial hardships by filing a Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act notice in Massachusetts, which noted that 112 employees were scheduled to be laid off in the July 7-20 period. Massachusetts is home to Dover's headquarters and warehouse/distribution center," The Chronicle of the Horse reported.

Company officials have not responded to a request for comment from the horse industry trade magazine.

Dover Saddlery could still be sold

Retail restructuring firms sometimes continue seeking buyers even after liquidation preparations begin if a retailer still has valuable brand recognition or a loyal niche customer base.

Dover Saddlery operates in a highly specialized equestrian niche with a dedicated customer base, a factor restructuring experts often view as supportive for potential turnaround or acquisition interest.

The company acknowledged that it was looking for a buyer in the WARN notice it filed on May 7.

“Whether the layoffs or closures occur will depend in part on our success in obtaining funding or selling our business,” the company wrote.

Gordon Brothers would be open to viable offer to buy the brand, according to the Boston Globe article.

Despite its financial distress, Dover Saddlery still operates one of the best-known brands in the niche equestrian retail market, a factor that could support efforts to secure financing or a buyer.

"Dover Saddlery is one of only two large nationally recognized retail brands in the English-style equestrian products industry,” the company shared in an SEC filing.

Related: 42-year-old sporting goods, sneakers chain closed over 175 stores

The holiday is considered by many to be the unofficial start of summer, as people pack their bags, fire up their barbecues, and get ready for some good times. Roughly 90% of all civilian workers receive a paid holiday on Memorial Day. 

As with most federal holidays, public institutions — including banks, schools, post offices, libraries, and federal offices — are typically closed.

What's closed on Memorial Day?

Federal, state, and city government offices and buildings are typically closed on Memorial Day, as are federal courts.

The U.S. Postal Service will be closed and will not deliver mail on the holiday.

The Federal Reserve System will be closed, along with most banks. ATMs and online banking will remain open, and cryptocurrencies will remain tradable.

Financial markets

The stock and bond markets will be closed on Memorial Day, including the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market.

The bond market will close early at 2 p.m. on the Friday before the weekend, and there’ll be no trading on Memorial Day, according to Sifma. However, currency markets are open on Memorial Day, and trading is expected to be light.

Related: Stock market holidays & half days 2026: A complete list

Some retailers and delivery companies

Some retailers will be closed for the holiday. Costco is closed on Memorial Day, one of seven holidays the warehouse club observes this year.

UPS will be closed, and there will be no pickups or deliveries on Memorial Day, but UPS Express Critical service will continue to operate. UPS Stores may be open, depending on the location.

Service and delivery at FedEx will be closed, and FedEx offices may have modified hours.

Some institutions normally open to the public on Saturday will be closed that day to give their workers a three-day holiday. Public libraries in New York City and Houston, for example, will be closed on May 23–25.

Related: When does Costco open & close? Everything you need to know

What’s open on Memorial Day 2026?

Many retailers and small businesses tend to be open on Memorial Day to mark the unofficial start of summer and to take advantage of a potential boost in sales. Across the country, cities from Washington D.C. and New York, to Chicago, Houston, and Sacramento will have parades, and some small businesses might be open along the parade routes.

Major retail chains

Most major retailers, including Target, Home Depot, and Lowe's, are also operating normally. Still, check with your local grocer and retailer for their hours of operation.

7-Eleven and most other convenience stores and gasoline stations are also open. In cities and towns, local bars and restaurants might be open under limited hours.

Major grocery chains

Most large grocery chains are open on Memorial Day. Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s are operating on normal hours. 

Public transportation

Mass transit in most major metropolitan areas will be accessible, although buses and trains may be running less frequently due to operating on a holiday schedule.

Related: What time does Sam’s Club open & close? The warehouse club’s hours explained

Are cemeteries and national parks open on Memorial Day? 

While the holiday offers time off for many Americans, and some stores and establishments will be open, Memorial Day is also a somber day of reflection for many. Family members and friends often visit the graves of loved ones who died in service. 

The National Cemetery Association, a branch of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, will open its 157 national cemeteries, where more than 4 million Americans — including veterans of every American war and conflict beginning with the Revolutionary War — are buried. A nationwide minute of silence will take place at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to honor the fallen.

Flags are placed by graves on the Saturday before Memorial Day. The VA provides a list of events during the three-day holiday weekend at 129 cemeteries, and some take place ahead of Memorial Day. The VA said that the events will feature wreath-laying ceremonies, commemorative speeches, the playing of Taps and other patriotic events to honor America’s interred service members.

The U.S. Department of the Army oversees the Arlington National Cemetery — considered the nation’s most hallowed ground because of major figures who are buried there, including two U.S. presidents and Medal of Honor recipients such as Audie Murphy, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — and 25 other cemeteries.

Some National Park locations will be open for the holiday. The National Park Service oversees some national cemeteries, and it commemorates the day with ceremonies, speakers, and music. Volunteers and staff place American flags on marked graves to honor the individuals who are buried there. 

Memorial Day: Background and history

On a spring day in 1865, in Waterloo, New York, a druggist named Henry C. Welles watched as a lone widow walked to a cemetery and placed flowers on the grave of her deceased husband, who had died as a soldier in the Civil War. 

Determined to ensure that those who had given their lives in service for their country would not be forgotten, Welles worked with Gen. John B. Murray, the county clerk who helped commemorate the event. According to the town's website, Welles planned the first Memorial Day in Waterloo in 1866. 

The tradition, originally known as Decoration Day, continued, and on May 26, 1966, as a centennial celebration of the event, President Lyndon Johnson named Waterloo the official birthplace of Memorial Day. It was later declared a national holiday in 1971.

However, three southern cities also claim the origin of Memorial Day. Charleston, South Carolina, honored Union Army soldiers who were buried at a war prison on May 1, 1865. 

Memorial Day was also believed to have started on April 26, 1866, in Columbus, Georgia, where the Ladies’ Memorial Association in Columbus wrote a letter to newspapers across the country asking people to come together to pay homage to the fallen soldiers from the American Civil War, according to the National Infantry Museum.

Related: Costco vs. Sam’s Club: Memberships, prices & perks compared

Memorial Day & travel: Info from AAA

Many Americans venture from their homes to celebrate the long holiday weekend. Flights are booked, and airports become busy. 

People are also likely to drive out, and the American Automobile Association, a federation of motor clubs across the country that counts more than 60 million members, expects millions of Americans to travel. 

Travelers who head at least 50 miles from their homes over the Memorial Day weekend are projected to reach a record 45 million, according to the American Automobile Association. 

Breaking it down, 39.1 million are expected to travel by auto, 3.66 million by air, and 2.22 million by other modes of transportation. Last year, a total of 44.8 million people traveled.

This weekend of increased automobile traffic comes just as drivers are paying more at the pump. The national average price for gas was around $4.50 a gallon in mid-May 2026. On Memorial Day 2025, the national average for regular gasoline was about $3.17 per gallon.

Related: Costco Anywhere Visa vs. Sam's Club Mastercard: How the warehouse club credit cards compare

• No matter what happens, have fun, if that's why you're on the road. It's a holiday weekend. Or maybe a college graduation. You're allowed.
• Yes, take a deep breath if you drive into a gas station. It will be painful.

Gas prices are up all across the United States and the world. AAA's national average price of gas this week was $4.564 a gallon. That is the highest price in nearly four years and up 61% this year.

We are most sorry about noting these numbers. But we drive cars, too, and are just as shocked as you at the damage higher gas prices are having.

In fact, gas prices are just as high as they were in the summer of 2022, when the global economic was recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and absorbing the shock of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Gas prices jumped 53% between the end of 2021 and AAA's peak of $5.017 on June 14, 2022.

Drivers may even get a little price relief over the weekend, says Denton Cinquegran, chief oil analyst at the Oil Price Information Service, the company that compiles AAA's data.

Crude oil prices have come down $8-to-$10 a barrel since May 18, Cinquegrana noted in an interview with theStreet.

That's mostly due to hopes that a peace deal will be worked out between Iran and the United States, he said. But the Trump Administration has claimed regularly since the Iran began on Feb. 28 that the Iranian government is about to give up.

However, there's no guarantee a deal will emerge. So, motorists will just have to gnash their teeth when they pay for a fill-up.

Americans are hitting the road

A lot of Americans will be traveling this weekend: 45 million is AAA's estimate. About 39 million will be driving, and 3.9 million will fly.

As happens with gasoline prices in the United States, however, what you'll pay if driving will vary depending on location.

While the national average, as of May 21, was $4.564 a gallon. It was "just" $4.017 in the state of Mississippi, lowest in the nation, and $3.89 in Sunflower County in the northwest portion of that state.

It was $6.143 on average in California. And $7.04 a gallon in Mono County, located behind the Sierra Nevada mountains and adjacent to the state of Nevada. And $6.575 in Eureka, on the far northern coast.

We checked around about where gas prices might be if you're traveling.

• Headed to Indianapolis, Ind., for the Indianapolis 500 auto race? The average around in Indy is about $4.07 a gallon.
• On the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, near New Orleans, it will be about $3.934.
• Going to Chicago for a Cubs game will mean fuel prices at about $5.25.
• Stopping in Boulder, Colo. on your way to the Rocky Mountains will run you $4.834 a gallon for a fill-up.

What happens after the weekend's fun ends

Any one who says they really know is guessing.

Iran has been able to control the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow water leading from the Persian Gulf into the Indian Ocean. Before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran for the second time in less than a year, about 20% of the world's crude oil went through the Strait every day.

Now, it's next to nothing, and ships are at anchor on either side of the strait.

But that leads to big problems elsewhere, especially in Asia, which gets most of its oil from the Persian Gulf region. Complicating matters are several factors:

• Countries are draining their oil reserves.
• Persian Gulf countries, including Iran, unable to ship much oil at all, are running out of storage, and production is getting shut in.
• Iran doesn't seem interested in offering terms the United States and Israel can accept. Iran wants its nuclear materials and reparations.
• And neither side appears ready to fight for control of the strait.

The standoff may extend all summer. There's talk about gas tax holidays and loosening shipping rules. But the savings may be minimal at best, CNN's Matt Egan suggested in a report this week.

So, expect high oil and gasoline prices to last indefinitely.

Until the global economy can't take it anymore. And then watch out for the guns, suggested Bob McNally, an energy advisor to former President George W. Bush and now president of the Rapidan Energy Group, an energy consulting firm.

Related: Crude oil price spike signals harsh reality check

Young adults, aged 30-44, are the biggest fans of hard seltzers, as 25% of the age group prefer the beverage over other alcoholic drinks, while 23% of those adults, aged 21-29, are fans of these drinks, according to a survey by YouGov in November 2024.

As these groups age, the hard seltzer market is expected to grow from about $1.93 billion in 2024 to $3.48 billion in 2030 with a compound annual growth rate of 10.37%, according to data from Tech-Sci Research.

Market conditions caused by the proliferation of hard seltzer companies, however, have led to financial distress, forcing companies into out-of-court restructurings, bankruptcies, and receiverships.

Press hard seltzer placed in receivership

Premium hard seltzer brand Press Premium Alcohol Seltzer was placed in receivership in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, due to financial distress, according to the Milwaukee Business Journal.

The court appointed Milwaukee attorney Devon Eggart as receiver to manage the debtor, XYZ Beverage LLC, in the Chapter 128 receivership filing under Milwaukee County Case No. 26CV2701, according to Hoodline.

The Milwaukee-based hard seltzer company's liabilities outweighed its assets, and the company downsized its workforce in recent months, according to court papers.

Under Wisconsin receivership rules, the receiver is authorized to take inventory of the debtor's assets, collect and evaluate claims, and either sell assets or continue operating the business until it finds a buyer with court approval.

A Chapter 128 receivership can resemble a state version of a federal bankruptcy case, according to Hoodline, but the debtor has not filed for Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 protection in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Deadlines set by the receiver and any motions to sell will determine whether Press will continue operating or wind down operations.

Press created in founder's kitchen

Press founder Amy Walberg created the hard seltzer company in 2015 from her kitchen and developed the brand's first flavor, Pomegranate Ginger.

The hard seltzer brand's line of beverages grew to 12 flavors, including peach rosemary, dragon fruit lotus, guava rhubarb, watermelon sea salt, blackberry hibiscus, lime lemongrass, grapefruit cardamon, pear chamomile, lingonberry elderflower, pineapple basil, and apple cinnamon.

Press Premium Alcohol Seltzer is made using real fruits and spices and is brewed at 4% alcohol by volume, according to its website.

White Claw most preferred hard seltzer

The top hard seltzer brands among consumers are White Claw, preferred by 40% surveyed; Mike's Hard Lemonade, attracting 34% hard seltzer drinkers; and Truly Hard Seltzer, preferred by 32% of hard seltzer fans, according to YouGov.

The popularity of these beverages has resulted in market saturation, fierce competition, and crowded retail shelves, Tech-Sci said.

Palm Folly files for Chapter 7 liquidation

A smaller hard seltzer brand, Palm Folly, which produced its beverages, such as Neon Palm coconut hard seltzer, with a much higher 10% ABV than Press, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation on March 1, according to PacerMonitor.

The debtor only had $65,423 in assets and $1.21 million in liabilities, and no funds would likely be available to be distributed to unsecured creditors, according to court papers.

Palm Folly was not a liquor-based hard seltzer, as it is brewed using pounds of real fruit purees, with no chemicals and no artificial ingredients, according to its website.

Related: Dining chain closes 86 locations, files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

When tariffs were raised, those costs were either passed onto consumers or companies.

And now that some of the tariffs from the past year have been deemed unconstituitional, companies want their money back.

Except, allegedly, Amazon.

Tariff lawsuits abound

President Donald Trump declared several rounds of emergency tariffs when he came into office as a way to put pressure on foreign countries to make trade deals.

Many of the president’s sweeping emergency tariffs were declared unlawful by the Supreme Court in March, the AP reported. The court ruled that the Constitution states that taxation belongs to Congress, not the President's office.

“The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote.

Thousands of companies sued the U.S. government for its sweeping tariffs after the ruling, as many were left to collect tariffs.

U.S. government faces tariff woes

• According to the Financial Times, over 900 legal challenges were filed after the Supreme Court ruling against tariffs.
• FedEx has sued the Trump administration for a full refund of the tariffs the company had to pay, ABC7 reported.
• Meanwhile, Sony is being sued by two gamers who claim the company received a significant amount of money due to the tariffs, Wnhub reported.
• States and small businesses have also joined to challenge the 10% tax that Trump rolled out after the Supreme Court ruling, The New York Times reported.

While many of the lawsuits have so far involved businesses, consumers are also starting to seek recuperation from the money collected on overseas packages.

Amazon faces a tariff lawsuit of its own

Amazon is one of the first retail companies to face a class action lawsuit over its collection of tariffs.

A class action lawsuit filed in Seattle on May 5  claims Amazon has made hundreds of millions of dollars that should be returned to customers.

The lawsuit filed by law firm Hagens Berman alleges that Amazon raised prices on imported goods and, since the Supreme Court ruling, can recover those costs but has refused to do so.

“Not because [Amazon] lacks a legal basis to do so, but because it seeks to curry favor with Trump by allowing the federal government to retain the funds,” the court document says.

More retail news

• Albertsons’ customers are changing how they shop
• Tyson Foods’ earnings reveal worrying food inflation trend
• Amazon and Walmart’s fight for revenue beyond retail

This decision by Amazon is at the expense of consumers, the lawsuit contends.

“The problem is that the funds Amazon is using to stay in the President’s good graces do not belong to Amazon,” the lawsuit states. “These funds were wrongfully taken from consumers to cover IEEPA Tariffs that have since been invalidated.”

Similar lawsuits have also been filed against companies like Nike and Costco. Those lawsuits contend that companies have not passed on tariff refunds to customers, Fox Business reported.

Related: Amazon doubles down on fast delivery to beat rivals

Why we love this deal

Weekend getaways to the local beach, birthday barbecues at the neighborhood park, and annual camping trips with the family are classic summer outings. The one downside to these outdoor activities is lugging your own supplies to the location, whether that's an oversized umbrella, a cooler full of hot dogs, or your sleeping bags. To make life easier, skip the hassle of multiple trips to unload the car and opt for a collapsible wagon that's large enough for all your gear in one go.

Walmart's making it more affordable to invest in this useful equipment with a clearance deal on the Qunler Large Collapsible Folding Wagon, taking 55% off its original price tag of $170. As a result, you can score this heavy-duty wagon for just $76, and it comes in your choice of black or gray. We especially like this option for its massive size, weight capacity, and lockable tank wheels, making it a reliable selection for hauling items across all types of terrain, including hard-packed sand, dirt, and gravel.

Qunler Large Collapsible Folding Wagon, $76 (was $170) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

Built for durability, this wagon is constructed with a tough, scratch-resistant fabric and steel pipes that are up to 40% thicker than normal. With these strong materials, the wagon can be loaded with 560 pounds of heavy cargo, and it won't bend or become deformed. However, if you want to pull it comfortably, you'll want to stick to around 460 pounds, which is still quite impressive. The wagon bed measures 32.7 inches long and 19.5 inches wide, which gives it a 155-liter load capacity, but if you don't mind stacking objects, this volume reaches 310 liters.

The thoughtful design of this wagon doesn't stop there. Pockets on the side and cup holders near the handle make organizing your items a breeze. The wagon also comes equipped with super-wide terrain wheels that roll 360 degrees, so you won't get stuck on a rock and can steer easily around corners. Once you arrive at your destination, you can keep the wagon firmly in place with the footbreaks. Perhaps most convenient of all is the wagon's collapsible design, which reduces its size to 28.5 inches long and just 5.1 inches wide, so it is small enough to fit into the trunk of your average car.

Related: Walmart's bestselling 10-person pop-up gazebo is on sale for $140

Over 700 shoppers have given their stamp of approval on this wagon with a perfect five-star rating. Reviewers highlighted using this cart in numerous ways, including pulling their child in the back after a trip to the playground or for carrying groceries from the car to an apartment. "With my wagon, I just throw all my groceries in the wagon and go," raved one shopper.  They continued to praise the wagon, writing, "I love that it folds up and fits in my trunk."

Details to know 

• Dimensions: The wagon measures 39 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 41.3 inches tall. 
• Max weight capacity: 560 pounds.
• Frame material: Steel.
• Weight: 20.9 pounds.

The high ratings aren't the only reason you can feel confident purchasing this garden wagon. Qunler, the manufacturer, also offers a 12-month warranty on this wagon for added peace of mind.

Shop more deals

• Camkey Collapsible Folding Wagon, $56 (was $111) at Walmart
• Firstness Heavy-Duty Garden Cart, $106 (was $160) at Walmart
• Ktaxon Heavy-Duty Utility Wagon, $90 (was $117) at Walmart

Add convenience to your days and summer activities with the Qunler Large Collapsible Folding Wagon for just $76 at Walmart. Since this utility cart is on clearance, once the colors sell out, they will likely be gone for good.

Analog Devices' CEO, Vincent Roche, had a strong message about the demand for AI infrastructure that the company is seeing. What he's seeing can have rippling effects across the entire AI industry.

AI infrastructure is changing ADI’s narrative

ADI reported Q2 revenue of $3.62 billion, a record, finishing above the high end of guidance while growing 37% year over year. The breakdown told the real story. Data center now accounts for more than 75% of Communications revenue after growing more than 90% year over year, driven by both optical and power portfolios.

This isn't soft AI exposure. ADI is selling the specific components that go inside AI clusters and networking systems, the foundational layers where hyperscaler budgets are being committed first and at scale. CEO Vincent Roche was direct about the durability of that demand: "As we move through 2026, our confidence in their continued growth into '27 is increasing."

That visibility is the key detail. Customers are placing orders to plan around a multi-year deployment cycle, and ADI is embedded in it.

To further cement that position, ADI announced plans to acquire Empower Semiconductor, whose integrated voltage regulator technology, Roche said, can shrink the power footprint by up to 4x and slash data center compute power consumption by an estimated 10% to 15%.

Roche called it "the final piece of our comprehensive grid-to-core power platform" and said it would expand ADI's addressable market within what he described as the "hypergrowth AI accelerator space."

Management guided for Q3 revenue of $3.9 billion, plus or minus $100 million. The bull case holds if Communications stays large and margins stay firm.

Industrial recovery remains ADI’s profit backbone

Meanwhile, ADI's other major engine is roaring back. The Industrial segment, 50% of total revenue, grew 56% year over year last quarter, with every single industrial business increasing both sequentially and year over year. Roche highlighted aerospace and defense, ATE, electronic test and measurement, and the broad market as leading contributors.

Industrial is ADI's most profitable segment, with product cycles that often run 15 to 20 years. Every dollar of recovery brings back the part of the portfolio that drives margin stability, low churn, and repeat cash generation.

Trending Stock News:

• Morgan Stanley resets Take-Two stock price target before GTA VI release
• Why this 129-year-old dividend stock could win big from the Hormuz crisis
• Cisco CEO predicts AI will force multi-billion dollar infrastructure reset

The combination of a recovering Industrial business and an accelerating Communications segment is what makes ADI's current setup unusual.

Crucially, Roche noted that these industrial businesses "are still well below their prior cycle highs with lean channel inventories," meaning there's still meaningful room to run even as growth rates moderate from here.

Margin expansion shows earnings power inflecting

The quarter's most striking numbers were the margins. Gross margin hit 73%, up 360 basis points year over year. Operating margin reached 49%, up 780 basis points year over year. This is excellent profitability, even in a booming semiconductor market.

CFO Richard Puccio tied the expansion directly to a favorable mix, higher utilization, and pricing, not just fixed-cost absorption. In a semiconductor rebound, that distinction matters. Mix-driven margin expansion points to a structurally stronger earnings base, not just a recovery bounce.

Investors will want to see revenue hold near $3.9 billion, and the mix remain favorable enough to preserve earnings quality. Roche's closing remarks suggest he's confident: "Our confidence in our future has never been greater."

What could drive Analog Devices' stock higher

• AI cluster buildouts increase demand for ADI’s optical and power components used in data centers.
• Data center networking demand improves revenue visibility and reduces short-cycle volatility.
• A broader Industrial recovery restores one of ADI’s strongest earnings segments.
• Favorable mix toward infrastructure products supports stronger margin expansion.
• Better factory utilization could allow earnings to grow faster than revenue.

What could break ADI's thesis at current prices

• ADI stock has already climbed 73% in the past year, which could leave limited room for upside.
• AI demand may become too concentrated among a small group of hyperscale customers.
• Optical and power content growth could lag overall AI infrastructure spending.
• Industrial recovery may stall, increasing reliance on AI-related demand.
• Lower-margin businesses could recover faster and dilute profit mix.
• Supply chain constraints may create execution issues as Communications demand accelerates.

Key takeaways for Analog Devices

Analog Devices is seeing accelerating demand from AI infrastructure customers through its optical, networking, and power products used in hyperscale data centers. Communications revenue is increasingly tied to long-term AI deployment cycles, supporting stronger visibility and growth.

Industrial recovery provides another important tailwind, as it supports one of ADI’s highest-margin and highest-quality businesses. AI infrastructure demand combined with improving Industrial trends could drive stronger earnings growth, margin expansion, and cash flow generation over the next several years.

Related: Exxon CEO delivers message on Strait of Hormuz, oil prices

My daughter, however, heads straight for the makeup aisle. She loves the thrill of finding inexpensive beauty products. And as someone who cares very little about cosmetics myself, I’ve never had much reason to object.

If she wants to try a new lip gloss or eye shadow, I’d much rather shell out $1.25 than pay department-store prices for something that may end up forgotten in a bathroom drawer a week later.

But that mindset may no longer be limited to bargain shoppers and parents trying to save money.

Dollar Tree’s beauty aisle has become unexpectedly popular on social media as influencers and beauty-conscious shoppers share surprisingly high-end finds available at ultra-low prices. 

According to a recent New York Post report, some shoppers claim they're finding products at Dollar Tree that are comparable to premium beauty brands for a fraction of the cost.

That kind of viral attention could matter for Dollar Tree at a time when the retailer needs fresh reasons to drive traffic into stores.

Dollar Tree beauty finds are taking over social media

Dollar Tree isn't exactly known as a buzzworthy type of store. New products at Dollar Tree don't tend to generate the same buzz as exciting Costco finds. 

But influencers have taken to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to showcase Dollar Tree beauty products they believe rival more expensive alternatives.

According to the New York Post, shoppers have highlighted everything from lipsticks and mascaras to skincare products and makeup brushes. Some videos have generated millions of views as creators test the products on camera and compare them to prestige brands sold at Sephora.

Related: Walmart makes key in-store change to serve growing market

Part of the appeal is obvious. Beauty products can be expensive, especially for younger consumers who like experimenting with trends. Dollar Tree gives shoppers a low-risk way to try new colors and products without spending $20 or $30 per item.

At a time when inflation is up 3.8% annually, according to the most recent Consumer Price Index, that's important. 

Makeup was the softest-performing beauty product category in the first quarter of the year, according to Circana. The fact that an inexpensive lipstick or skincare product can feel like an easy treat during financially stressful times works to Dollar Tree's advantage.

Viral beauty products could help Dollar Tree traffic

Beauty products are shaping up to be a helpful category for Dollar Tree at a time when visits have weakened. In April, foot traffic at Dollar Tree declined 3.5% compared to a year prior, according to Placer.ai.

Meanwhile, rival Dollar General posted traffic growth during the same period. That creates pressure for Dollar Tree to find categories that bring shoppers back into stores more frequently.

Beauty products could help accomplish that because they create repeat visits and impulse purchases. A shopper who comes in looking for a viral lip gloss may leave with snacks, seasonal merchandise, cleaning products, or party supplies.

I’ve seen that happen firsthand. My daughter may start in the makeup aisle, but we rarely leave Dollar Tree with only beauty products in hand. 

The viral attention also helps Dollar Tree appeal to younger shoppers who may not traditionally view the chain as a destination retailer.

More Retail:

• Costco sees major shift in member behavior
• Retail chain shuts all locations as legal changes hit industry
• Costco makes major investment in online shopping for members

Of course, Dollar Tree may never compete directly with names like Sephora or Ulta. But it may not need to. 

If shoppers increasingly see the chain as a place to discover affordable beauty bargains alongside everyday essentials, the company could turn a viral social-media moment into something far more valuable -- consistent store traffic.

Related: Iconic clothing retailer has (old) new plan to win customers back

First, the chain only accepts one single credit card brand at any given time. For 16 years, that was American Express, but in 2016, a change was made.

"Costco Wholesale Corp. has started to issue new Visa cards to its customers, who after June 20 will no longer be able to use their former Costco cards from American Express," MarketWatch reported.

That wasn't just Costco moving its co-branded credit card from AmEx to Visa; it was the chain no longer taking any American Express and partnering with Citi to accept Visa and create a new signature card.

The Costco Anywhere card by Citi has been popular and recently improved its gas cash-back benefits.

Costco has increased its cash back on gas from its own gas stations from 4% to 5% for people who pay with the Costco Anywhere credit card from Citi. The warehouse chain’s gas stations only take credit and debit cards.

That's part of a broad strategy to deliver value to members, but Costco has been less forthcoming about another change made to the Costco Anywhere card.

Costco made a major change

In September of 2024, Costco and Citibank filed an amendment to their agreement with the SEC.

The top-line change was an extension to the agreement.

"Costco hereby exercises its right pursuant to Section 12.01(a) to extend the Initial Term by three years. Therefore, the parties acknowledge that the Initial Term will continue through June 19, 2029," the document reads.

But, there was also a second change made in the SEC filing, switching from a flat APR to tiered pricing.

"The single purchase APR listed in the Co-Branded Cardholder Account Terms will be replaced by the following four APRs based on the Bank’s FICO tiers (for both consumer and small business Co-Branded Card Accounts)," according to the SEC filing.

The SEC filing also shared the timing for the change:

• Bank and Costco anticipate that tiered pricing will become effective by October 31, 2024 for new Co-Branded Card Accounts.
• And, for eligible existing Co-Branded Cardholders, upon the effectiveness of a change in terms notice issued to such Co-Branded Cardholders (which notices will be issued starting in November 2024).

The change was communicated through a routine change-in-terms notice sent to cardholders.

Tiered pricing is also known as "risk-based pricing."

"Risk-based pricing generally refers to the practice of setting or adjusting the price and other terms of credit offered or extended to a particular consumer to reflect the risk of nonpayment by that consumer," according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The financial stakes are spelled out in the SEC filing itself.

Under the new tiered structure, cardholders with weaker credit profiles can be charged a purchase APR up to eight percentage points higher than those in the top tier.

Citi's current disclosure shows the Costco Anywhere Visa APR ranges from 18.74% to 26.74% based on creditworthiness, with rates tied to the Prime Rate of 6.75% as of December 2025.

For a cardholder carrying a $5,000 balance, the difference between the lowest and highest tier works out to roughly $400 in additional interest per year, money that, under the previous single-APR structure, would not have varied by credit score.

Related: History of Costco: Company timeline and facts

What is APR?

"An annual percentage rate (APR) is the yearly rate charged for a loan or earned by an investment. In other words, it is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate," according to a definition posted by Cornell Law School.  

APR includes interest as well as other fees associated with the transaction.

"It is calculated by multiplying the interest rate per payment period by the number of such payment periods in a year," Cornell Law added.

Costco and Citi's change made their joint card more like most credit cards on the market.

"Most credit cards have a variable annual percentage rate (APR) that can change from one month to the next. Fixed-rate credit cards aren’t as common, but you might find some options from smaller financial institutions," Experian reported.

More Costco:

• Costco reveals shift in shopper spending behavior
• Costco’s latest food court treat has fans divided
• Sam’s Club, BJs gain traction in area Costco dominates

LegalClarity backed that up and explained how rates are set.

"Nearly every credit card issued today carries a variable APR, meaning the rate adjusts automatically based on a benchmark index. The benchmark is almost always the U.S. Prime Rate, which tracks about three percentage points above the federal funds rate set by the Federal Reserve. As of early 2026, the federal funds rate target range is 3.50% to 3.75%, putting the Prime Rate at 6.75%," the website shared.

Costco, it should be noted, always had a variable interest rate on its credit, but used a single rate, not a tiered system with multiple rates based on credit.

Costco has not commented on the change

An examination of Costco's earnings calls during the period immediately before and after the change took effect found no mention of the company publicly addressing the switch.

Citi has also not commented on the APR change.

Costco CFO Gary Millerchip has commented on the gas benefit change to the Costco Anywhere card.

"We're committed to continuing to improve the value of the membership," Millerchip said. "We've made obviously some major changes recently with the extended opening hours and the Instacart benefits and 5% gas on the credit card, but we'll continue to look for ways to add greater membership value."

While it has not commented on the change from a single APR to a tiered pricing model, WalletHub did share an opinion on Costco's credit card.

"The Citi Anywhere Visa does not offer much interest-rate appeal. Its regular APR is higher than the average for a card that requires excellent credit for approval. There aren’t any low introductory rates, either. So you’d better be ready to pay your bill in full every month if you’re thinking about applying," the website shared.

Key Costco Anywhere credit-card perks

• 5% cash back on gas at Costco stations (up to $7K/year then 1%)
• 4% cash back on eligible gas & EV charging elsewhere (up to the same cap)
• 3% cash back on dining and eligible travel
• 2% cash back on Costco and Costco.com purchases
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee (requires paid Costco membership)
• No foreign transaction fees and other travel/purchase protections
  Source: Citi

Related: Costco pays new members to join in rare offer

The investment firm released a May 2026 paper that examines how American households manage short-term cash, and the findings challenge common assumptions about where your savings belong.

The typical U.S. checking account yielded just 0.07%, and the average savings account 0.40% in early 2026, according to FDIC National Rates and Rate Caps data.

The gap between what cash earns and what a diversified portfolio generates is substantial, and the paper provides specific figures.

Vanguard data reveals the cost of excess cash over 30 years

The core finding centers on a projection comparing $10,000 held in cash against the same amount in a diversified 60/40 portfolio of stocks and bonds.

After 30 years, the invested portfolio reaches an average projected value of $53,636 in today's dollars, the midpoint of 10,000 simulated outcomes, while cash grows to just $14,461, according to Vanguard's research paper. Actual returns could vary widely above or below these projections. 

That gap of roughly $39,000 represents the opportunity cost of keeping money on the sidelines. Those projections used Vanguard’s Capital Markets Model, running 10,000 simulated scenarios based on December 2025 conditions. 

More Vanguard:

• Vanguard challenges the S&P 500 as a one-stop strategy
• Vanguard exposes the account costing parents $25K
• Vanguard says 30% of millionaires feel broke, but it can be fixed

The gap starts small, with the portfolio averaging $10,567 versus $10,118 for cash after one year, the report noted. By year 10, the invested amount averages $17,636, compared with $11,325 for cash; from there, compounding widens the divide sharply. The broader economic impact extends beyond individual households, according to the firm’s calculations. 

If 50% of cash in checking and savings accounts moved to accounts earning two extra percentage points, U.S. households would collectively gain an estimated $55 billion more per year, the report indicated. At a three-point improvement across 75% of balances, that number climbs to $124 billion annually.

The opportunity cost of cash is a long-standing concern among economists. Writing in The Globe and Mail in May 2020, TD senior economist James Orlando described cash in terms that anticipate Vanguard's framing: "Over the long term, cash is not a zero-cost option. It's a money-losing asset."

Vanguard's framework for setting a cash reserve

The paper does not argue that you should eliminate cash entirely, and that nuance matters for applying the research to your own finances. Vanguard’s researchers recommend starting with roughly three months of typical expenses as a baseline reserve, then adjusting based on your income stability, expense patterns, and personal comfort level, the report explained.

A salaried worker who has stable income and predictable expenses and regularly finishes the month with money left over may need only one month of reserves, according to Vanguard's framework.

The recommendation rises to two or three months for workers in the same income bracket whose expenses vary more from month to month.

Retirees face a different calculation, because their expenses frequently exceed regular income from pensions or Social Security. The paper suggested retirees may want to hold up to 12 months of expenses in cash to avoid selling long-term investments during unfavorable market conditions. 

Cash reserves allow you to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities as they happen

About 75% of U.S. households experience at least one unexpected expense shock per year, with the typical cost equaling roughly half a month of expenses, according to Pew Charitable Trusts research cited in Vanguard's paper.

Paulo Costa, a senior behavioral economist at Vanguard and one of the paper’s co-authors, has written extensively about how financial behaviors shape long-term outcomes.

Vanguard's research cites studies showing that larger cash balances are often associated with greater financial well-being, regardless of total wealth, a finding the paper notes matters as much as the dollar value of the cushion itself.

Where Vanguard says your cash should sit to earn a competitive return

Choosing the right account is where many households leave the most money on the table, and Vanguard’s data makes that cost clear. A household maintaining an average $10,000 balance that moves it to an account paying three additional percentage points could earn an extra $8,780 over 30 years, the report calculated. 

High-yield savings accounts, money market funds, and brokerage cash management accounts all typically pay meaningfully more than traditional checking or savings accounts. The report organizes financial needs into a “today, someday, later” framework that clarifies which accounts fit which purpose. 

“Today” money covers expenses within the next 12 months and belongs in accessible, low-risk accounts. "Someday,” money covers possible income shocks like a job loss, along with future spending opportunities that aren't immediate. 

Vanguard suggests holding three to six months of essential expenses in a diversified mix of stocks and bonds, for example, in a taxable brokerage account, or in part using Roth IRA contributions (which can generally be withdrawn without penalty, though the paper cautions that this should be treated as a last resort)

T. Rowe Price published separate research in February 2026 that reinforces the same conclusion. The firm found that an investor who systematically contributed $12,000 per year, or $1,000 per month, to a 60/40 portfolio over five-year and 30-year periods ending December 2025, accumulated a substantially larger balance than one who made identical contributions to cash.

Related: Vanguard on five habits that predict your financial future

And when it comes to mortgage advice, few figures are armed with more insight than pop finance pundit Suze Orman, who has purchased properties in New York, Florida, the Bahamas, South Africa, among a host of other real estate holdings. 

Suze Orman has been one of the most prominent figures in personal finance since the mid-90s. Now in her 70s, Orman hosts the “Women & Money” podcast, a nod to her bestselling 2007 book of the same name. The popular podcast, which features calls from listeners and covers every aspect of personal finance, from budgeting and saving to paying down debt to exploring first-time homeownership, comes out twice per week. 

After more than three decades in personal finance media, including 13 books, multiple television shows, and now a successful podcast, Orman has learned a trick or two about how to manage a mortgage. These are her three most important insights for homebuyers considering taking on hundreds of thousands in debt to fund the purchase of a home. 

Don’t take out a mortgage just because you think you should 

Becoming a homeowner has long been considered one of the cornerstones of achieving financial success, but that doesn’t mean taking out a mortgage is the right move for everyone, something Orman stresses to her readers and listeners. 

When discussing the rent vs. buy conundrum in a 2024 interview on CNN, Orman stated, “If you can afford to buy, you always buy.” The keyword here is “afford.” And in the context of taking out a mortgage to buy a home, being able to afford a home means these three things: 

• You have saved enough money for a 10–20% down payment and are free of credit card debt. 
• You can afford to pay the annual property tax on the home you’re considering.
• You have enough additional savings in an emergency fund to cover unexpected repairs and maintenance, as well as 6–12 months of mortgage payments should you lose your job. 

Related: Suze Orman’s 5 best pieces of financial advice

On the other end of the spectrum, Orman advises opting to rent over taking out a mortgage if any of the following are true:

• You still have credit card debt: According to Orman, if you still owe high-interest credit card debt, you’re not ready to take on new debt in the form of a mortgage
• You haven’t saved enough for a 10–20% down payment: The larger your down payment, the less you’ll pay in interest over the term of your mortgage. This is incredibly important because over the life of a mortgage, many homeowners pay nearly as much in interest as the actual principal cost of the home. 
• You plan on moving in 5–7 years: When you sell a home, you pay your real estate agent a fee as well as closing costs, which, together, can amount to around 10% of the sale price. If this amount exceeds the amount your home has gone up in value over the time you’ve owned it, it may not have been worth owning at all. 
• It would cost you more to own than to rent: Sometimes, the costs of homeownership exceed the costs of renting, even though a mortgage allows you to build equity. You can use the New York Times’ free calculator to determine how long you’d need to remain in your purchased home for it to pay off relative to renting. 

Ok, so you’ve determined you can afford a home, and you don’t plan to move in the near future. Here’s how to make the most of your mortgage: 

Make one extra mortgage payment per year 

When it comes to your mortgage, time is not on your side — it’s on the bank’s. As mentioned above, interest costs can rival your home’s sale price over the 30-year life of your mortgage. That’s why paying more than is required is one of the best ways to shorten the life of your mortgage, in turn reducing the total amount of interest you pay. 

One of the best ways to do this, according to Suze Orman, is to make the equivalent of one extra mortgage payment each year. There are two ways to do this: 

• The first way is to pay half of your monthly mortgage payment every two weeks. Since there are 52 weeks in a year, this results in a total of 26 half-payments, which add up to 13 whole payments each year. 
• The second way is to divide your monthly payment by 12, then add this amount to each of your mortgage payments, so that over the course of each year, you’ve effectively made the equivalent of 13 mortgage payments. 

According to Orman, “If you are currently paying 6% on your mortgage, one extra mortgage payment a year can change a 30-year mortgage into a 24.7-year mortgage.”

Recast your mortgage if you get a windfall

There are times in life when a sudden windfall of cash — like an inheritance from a newly deceased family member — can give a homeowner a unique financial opportunity. In a 2021 episode of her podcast, Orman discusses recasting a mortgage, a little-known financial move that can pay off in a big way:

“Recasting is where you simply take a minimum of $5,000 — some banks require $20,000 — where you take the money, and you put it into the account, and you re-cast the mortgage with your mortgage company, which means they reduce the principal that you owe, and they give you a new amortization schedule based on the lower principal amount.”

In other words, recasting allows a homeowner to make a one-time, lump-sum payment directly on their home’s principal balance (not the interest). The lender then recalculates your monthly mortgage payment over the same remaining term, resulting in a lower required monthly payment. 

If you’re already used to paying your typical mortgage payment (or maybe even making the equivalent of an extra payment per year, as discussed above), you can continue doing so and end up paying off your mortgage even faster, which is the best way to reduce the total amount you spend on interest over the life of the loan. 

Pay your mortgage off early if you plan to keep the house

One piece of advice Orman has consistently repeated throughout her tenure in personal finance media is to do whatever you can to have your mortgage paid off and own your home outright by the time you retire — if you plan to continue living there in retirement.

Most retirees live on a fixed income, usually a mix of social security and withdrawals from a retirement account like a 401(K) or IRA, meaning the lower their monthly expenses, the more they have left over to enjoy their golden years. 

The way Orman puts it, “for most households, a mortgage payment is the single largest monthly cost. Removing that cost is a gift in retirement, as it means you need less monthly income to cover your bills.”

According to Orman, paying off your mortgage before you stop working is a gift to your future self, and one that allows you to truly enjoy retirement by eliminating what, for many, is the largest source of recurring financial stress — a mortgage.

Related: Suze Orman’s net worth in 2026: The personal finance icon’s wealth

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate spiked by 15 basis points to 6.51%. This is the first time it's surpassed 6.5% in 2026, and the largest weekly change since March, just a few weeks after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. It's also the highest 30-year rate since August 2025.

Based on my years of reporting on mortgage rates and the housing market, I've learned that even a tiny bump in mortgage rates can sideline potential homebuyers. But this is more than just a small uptick.

So, how worried should homebuyers be?

I interviewed two mortgage rate experts to gain insider perspectives about how mortgage rates are realistically affecting buyers and the housing market. I spoke with Senior Vice President at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Corey Burr and Regional Vice President of William Raveis Mortgage Melissa Cohn.

They gave me some good news and bad news. Let's start with the good news.

Freddie Mac rates are weekly, but mortgage rates change daily

Freddie Mac mortgage rates help us understand rate trends in the U.S., but like any data, they have their limits. The government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) only publishes its national average rates once per week.

Mortgage rates are constantly fluctuating, though. They change daily.

For example, Mortgage News Daily's rate index shows daily shifts in interest rates. With Freddie Mac data, all we see is that rates have soared since last week.

But by looking at the MND data, we can see that the national average 30-year rates actually decreased on May 20 and May 21 from the previous couple of days, according to the organization's methodology.

Related: Fannie Mae forecasts change in mortgage rates, housing market

"Rates will fluctuate every day, but finding a property that suits one's lifestyle is hard," Burr told TheStreet. "For that reason, I'm advising my buyer clients to keep shopping with full intensity because I know that rates might fall again before they find their ideal property."

Of course, this also means mortgage loan rates could increase by the time you find your dream home. None of us have a crystal ball to help us time the real estate market. But the overall message is that rates are constantly changing, so don't become too discouraged by weekly rate reports.

High mortgage rates are impacting the housing market

Now for the bad news. High mortgage rates are hurting the housing market overall.

"Mortgage rates have moved significantly higher over the past 3 months as the war in Iran remains unresolved, and oil prices continue to climb, driving inflation up with it," Cohn told TheStreet.

"The average rate of a 30-year fixed was below 6% when the war started at the end of February and is now over 6.50%," she continued. "These higher rates are creating a drag on the real estate market as it gets harder and harder to qualify for financing, and prices haven’t dropped enough to compensate for the higher rates."

More on mortgage rates and the housing market:

• Fannie Mae predicts shift in home sales, real estate market
• Non-QM loans solve major problem facing self-employed borrowers
• Mortgage rate gridlock sparks housing market shift

The Zillow April Market report revealed that fewer people bought a home in April than in years past. It was also the first month in 2026 that annual new home listings outpaced home sales.

Zillow analysts believed rising mortgage rates held back many would-be homebuyers in April. And now mortgage rates are only increasing more drastically. We'll have to wait for the May data to see how rates continued to impact home sales this spring.

Is 2026 still a good time to buy a house?

With high mortgage rates that are hurting the housing market, it's clear that 2026 isn't going to be the "Great Housing Reset" that real estate experts once predicted.

But I wouldn't go so far to say it's a "bad time" to buy a house. Whether or not it's a good time to buy depends on your specific situation. There are several factors to consider.

• If you can still afford a home loan at the current rates, don't let today's higher rates stop you from house hunting. "It's always a good time to buy when you find the right house at the right price," Cohn said. "Mortgages can always be refinanced."
• Housing inventory has increased in 2026. With more home options and fewer homebuyers, you may not face much competition when you find a place you love. High supply and low demand also mean you could get a good deal on the house.
• Mortgage rates could decrease later in the year. If homes that are currently listed stay on the market, this gives you an advantage. "Buyers will have increasing opportunities to strike better deals on the properties that stay on the market longer and those sellers' motivation level to sell increase, particularly for properties that are not the most desirable in any market," Burr said.
• If you want to wait until later in 2026 to buy, consider spending the next few months improving your credit score, paying down debts, and saving for a larger down payment. Mortgage lenders usually reward stronger financial profiles with lower interest rates.

Related: Redfin unveils huge shift in home sales, housing market

When it comes to cutting costs, there are always areas that are easier to cut down on or eliminate entirely in your day-to-day life. Unfortunately, groceries aren't one of them. As an essential item, your food and drink costs might be one of the harder areas to save money on, mostly because it's something you sort of have to buy to survive. You can always save by cutting coupons and keeping an eye out for deals on pantry products, produce, and more, but sometimes the best way to save a bit of money is making the most out of what's already in your fridge or freezer.

Food waste is a huge problem in the world right now. In fact, up to two-thirds of the food purchased by households gets thrown away or goes uneaten due to improper storage, poor planning, and only partial use of food. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, at home, about 30% to 40% of the entire U.S. food supply goes to waste, with improper storage as the leading catalyst. That can mean anything, including forgetting to seal perishables, not having the correct containers that effectively seal food, improper temperature settings, stacking foods incorrectly, and confusing date labels. It seems to us that as great as it is to be budget-conscious in the store, the most effective way to save some money and get your groceries to last longer is by investing in the right food saver products to keep what you have going longer.

Food preserving products, like containers, dehydrators, and vacuum-seal machines, can extend the shelf life of food, helping you cut down on grocery costs, eliminating extra waste, and making the most out of what you have. That said, they all have their different advantages and disadvantages, so when you're adding some to your pantry, fridge, or freezer, here's what you need to know. 

Glass storage containers

As a more eco-friendly alternative to plastic, glass containers preserve food incredibly well and provide an excellent barrier that locks out air and moisture, keeping food fresher longer. When paired with silicone or rubber seals, glass containers prevent oxidation and freezer burn. They can withstand a wide range of temperatures, although only glass containers specifically labeled as freezer-safe should go in the freezer. Although much more fragile than their plastic counterparts, glass storage containers don't stain or absorb food odors and tastes because they are made from a nonporous material.

 More often than not, they are easy for meal prep because they can go straight from the fridge or pantry right into the microwave or oven (but only if they are made from oven-safe tempered or borosilicate glass). Since glass is transparent, it's far easier to find exactly what you're looking for as it allows you to identify what is inside without opening up each container. One disadvantage is that glass is heavier than plastic, and more prone to chipping, cracking or shattering. If you have young kids, it might be best to opt for something plastic or less breakable. Glass food storage containers are great for acidic foods, like tomato sauce, oily meals, and meal-prepped grains and proteins. 

Vtopmart 8-Pack Glass Food Storage Containers

Ivy Bronx 24-Piece Glass Food Storage Containers

Taimasi 8-Piece Glass Food Storage Containers

Plastic containers with water drainage

Some plastic containers have built-in drainage to keep moist items like produce, meat, and seafood fresh by separating the stored food from excess liquids. These can come in a few designs. Sometimes there is an elevated interior drain tray that separates the food from the liquid, whereas other times there are removable basket inserts. For some, the drainage system is even built into the lid and you keep the lid on as you dump out the excess liquid before removing the lid itself to access the food. 

Best for fruits, washed leafy greens, chopped veggies, these built-in drainage mechanisms remove moisture, prevent early rotting, eliminate sogginess, and extend the shelf. They are also great for defrosting meat, poultry, and fish because they prevent the food from soaking in its own raw juices, minimizing bacterial growth. You can also use them for meal prep in draining excess water off pasta, beans, or blanched vegetables. 

Winproper 5-Pack Fruit Storage Containers with Removable Colanders

OXO Prep and Go Food Storage Container with Colander

Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver Storage Containers

Vacuum sealers

Food vacuum sealers can extend the shelf life of your food five times longer compared to traditional storage. Great for long-term storage, especially in a freezer, vacuum sealers help maximize your storage space by extracting oxygen from bags or containers to create an airtight seal in a neat, consolidated package. Although vacuum-sealed products aren't just for the freezer, it’s where they shine because they prevent freezer burn and are perfect for meal prep. While a standard zip-lock freezer bag is usually too thin and will let in air over time, vacuum-sealed bags use textured, heavy-duty bags to better protect and store food. That said, they can be used in a freezer or even a pantry if you're sealing a dry pantry product like rice or grains. 

Most vacuum sealers work by using a built-in vacuum pump to suck the air out of the specialized bag and then, once the air is removed, a built-in heating element melts the open end of the bag, fusing the plastic and creating a permanent, airtight barrier. By eliminating the risk of air exposure, which is one of the biggest causes of food degradation, your food won't suffer spoilage or nutrient loss. Raw meats, fish, hard cheese, blanched or dense vegetables, and dry goods—such as rice, beans, and pasta—are all great options for vacuum sealing. The one downside is that vacuum sealers typically require special single-use bags that can add up in costs with repurchasing, and they're not quite as environmentally-friendly as reusable containers, but they preserve food for far longer so it depends what you care about more. 

Bonsenkitchen Vacuum Sealer Machine

Ditto Precision 10-in-1 Vacuum Sealer

FoodSaver Everyday Vacuum Sealer with Precut Bags

Dehydrators

While vacuum sealers eliminate air, dehydrators remove moisture from food, and they're used in a much different circumstance. Whereas vacuum sealing is ideal for long-term food storage—storing things you aren't planning on eating anytime soon— dehydrators are great for preserving foods that you plan to eat within the next few weeks, sharp or brittle foods that would easily puncture vacuum-seal bags, or in situations where portability is important, like camping or vacations. Using a controlled heat source and a fan, food dehydrators remove moisture to prevent bacteria and mold from growing, which drastically extends the shelf life of the food while still preserving its flavor.

Dehydrators are great for making jerky with thinly sliced meats like beef or turkey as well as fruit leathers from purees or thinly sliced chunks of fruit. You can transform apples, bananas, sweet potatoes, and kale into chips, dry herbs, make chili, garlic, and onion powders, and even create pet treats out of simple ingredients. The best foods to use in a dehydrator are ones that are dense, evenly sliced, and naturally low in fat since fat does not dry out. Think of it as a quality but a more short-term solution for certain foods compared to vacuum sealing, since the two processes can create confusion when comparing. 

Cosori Food Dehydrator

Ostba Food Dehydrator

Tntants 9-Tray Food Dehydrator

Does the right food storage really make a difference?

The answer is absolutely! Even from a non-economic standpoint, proper food storage can keep you safe from foodborne illness. Airtight containers, adequate temperatures, and quality materials that your foods are stored in can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and parasites. Although the risk of foodborne illness isn't completely eliminated, by opting for proper food storage, you can actively make the choice to lessen the risk of getting sick or picking up something from food gone bad. And on top of that, it extends the shelf life of your food, saving you tons in the long run and lessening your contribution to the food waste problem that plagues our world. 

TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use.

AARP says that both spouses and ex-spouses can be eligible for benefits under a current or former spouse’s earnings record.

Note that you cannot claim both your own Social Security benefit and a spousal benefit (including divorced spousal benefits) at the same time. Social Security will pay the higher of the two amounts only.

Claiming Social Security spousal benefits when married

According to AARP, a spousal benefit could be worth up to half of your spouse’s own benefit, even if your spouse took their own benefit prior to reaching their full retirement age.

Note that claiming a spousal Social Security benefit does not impact the benefit amount received by your spouse. They will receive the benefit they are entitled to based on their career earnings, their filing date, and other normal factors.

In order to maximize your spousal benefits:

• You must have been married for at least one year.
• Your spouse must be collecting their Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
• In most cases, you should be at or above your own full retirement age.

Filing prior to your own full retirement age will reduce the amount of your spousal benefit. If you file for a spousal benefit at age 62, for example, your benefit will only be 32.5% of your spouse’s full benefit. This percentage increases each month that you wait past age 62, maxing out at your own full retirement age.

Filing for spousal benefits under an ex-spouse’s earnings record

According to the Social Security Administration, if you are divorced and were married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings record and vice versa.

Note that your ex-spouse’s benefits will not be impacted by your applying for spousal benefits under their earnings record. In fact, they won’t be made aware that you have filed for these benefits.

Your claiming them does not change your ex-spouse’s benefits or any benefits that your ex-spouse’s current spouse or dependents might be eligible for. Even if your ex-spouse remarries, this is irrelevant in terms of any benefits you may be eligible for under their earnings record.

Your ex-spouse must qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. They must be at least 62 years of age with at least 40 work credits, the equivalent of 10 years of full-time work. Your ex-spouse does not need to file for their own benefits first for you to qualify.

• Your ex-spouse’s retirement benefits must be higher than your benefits under your own earnings record.
• You must not be married.
• You must be at least age 62.
• You must have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 consecutive years and have been divorced for at least two years. If your ex-spouse has already begun receiving their retirement benefits, you can file for spousal benefits within the two-year period.

Note that to receive the maximum spousal benefit from the earnings record of an ex-spouse, you must wait until you reach your own full retirement age to file for these benefits. If you file at age 62, your spousal benefit will be reduced to 32.5% of your ex-spouse’s benefit at their full retirement age.

Note that if you are collecting spousal benefits from a divorced spouse and you remarry, you generally lose the right to collect this benefit. This marriage should be reported to the Social Security Administration to ensure that you don’t receive excess payments that would have to be repaid.

In this case, you will then need to file for benefits on your own earnings record. You may be able to file for spousal benefits based on your new spouse’s earnings record after a year of marriage.

Related: Social Security Cuts: How likely are they to happen?

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Well, Toni, it's great to meet you.

Thanks for joining us on the program this morning.

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

Thank you for having me.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

I love that we're talking about diabetes. Let me start with a basic question. I'm not asking for exact statistics, but how prevalent in our society are type one and type two diabetes?

You're educating the public where you're located, but what percentage, by and large, would you expect have this disease?

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

Type two diabetes is much more common than type one diabetes, but the numbers are just, as the years go on, they just skyrocket from one to 10. One in every 10 Americans has diabetes, either type one or type two.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

I mean, that's like 10%, but I think that's still a big number. Has that number increased over time?

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

Yep, over the years, starting from like the 1950s, it's just, it's an epidemic now where the amount of people with diabetes just each year continues to climb. And it's just, there's many reasons. Lifestyle, we're just less active.

We're eating more. We're eating bigger, bigger portions. So there's a lot of reasons why those numbers just keep going.

And we're living longer.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah, I would argue living longer is probably pretty good, especially if you're a mature person. I'd like to live as long, but obviously we're gonna deal with chronic health conditions like diabetes. How do you differentiate between type one and type two diabetes?

I think that might be helpful for myself and the audience.

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

So type one diabetes, they call it, it's an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks the part of your pancreas that makes insulin. All right, so insulin is a hormone which regulates blood sugar. And when you have any kind of autoimmune, your immune system just kind of goes haywire and is attacking you instead of protecting you.

So with type one diabetes, the body no longer makes any insulin and there are certain blood tests that they can draw antibodies to definitively diagnose you with type one diabetes. Type two diabetes, there's no definitive antibody test, but there's blood work. There would be your glucose level, whether it be a fasting glucose level or a random.

And then another test called the hemoglobin A1c. So those are some of the blood tests that they can tell if you have diabetes, type two diabetes.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah, I see the PSA ads all the time for A1c, get your A1c tested. It seems like that's something that pretty much everyone probably could do or should do. Let me ask you, how would I know without the blood work?

Are there certain indications that I might have diabetes if I haven't gone to the doctor recently, if I haven't had my blood work or urinalysis?

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

Mm-hmm, so classic symptoms are extreme thirst, very tired, very hungry, blurred vision. But those are when the blood sugars get really high, right? So you can be walking around with a mildly high number, but not have the symptoms, right?

Or you can say, wow, I've been thirsty. You know, maybe it's what I ate. Maybe I just had a hot out, certainly very hot in New Jersey.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

And Charlotte, I might add, it's close to 90 today.

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

Yeah. Okay, I love it. You know, so those are not always things that are good, like, you know, run to the doctor when I'm thirsty.

You know, so, you know, let's just say like on average, a normal blood sugar, say like 100 to 120. You're not gonna really feel those symptoms until your blood sugar is 250 and above. You can be walking around with a 190, a 200 and not even really know.

But if you're urinating all night long, you know, you cannot quench that thirst. Blurred vision, you know, very tired. Those are the classic symptoms of high blood sugars or hyperglycemia.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

You were talking about the blood, the glucose, I guess. It's the glucose or the sugar measurement. There are a lot of available detectors now.

It used to be that there was blood work that you would do like a finger prick that people who had diabetes they could test their blood. It seems like the technology though has evolved so that if you are curious and wanna track your blood sugar you can do that even over the counter or get a prescription.

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

Correct, correct. So there are, they're called continuous glucose monitors. It's something that you wear typically on your arm and it measures the glucose level, not in the blood.

It measures it a little bit differently. It's the interstitial fluid, but it's still pretty accurate. So certain insurance companies will cover it if you have diabetes and are on certain medicines.

But there is one brand that you don't even need a prescription that you can buy over the counter.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

So let's talk about, so let's just say that you've gone to the doctor or at least you've had some of these indications. You've gone to the doctor, you've been diagnosed. Let's stick with type two, because I think type one, as you said, that's more of an autoimmune reaction that requires a lot of medical advice and direction.

But let's talk about type two. What can we do? Can you reverse?

So say you have type two diabetes, can you eliminate or reverse that completely?

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

So once you're diagnosed with type two diabetes you can't reverse it, okay? So you can control it. You can keep those blood sugars normal with a healthy diet and exercise or medicine, but you can't go back to not having diabetes.

If you have pre-diabetes, you can prevent the progression to type two, but you can go into what they call remission where your numbers are normal for your hemoglobin A1Cs, not at the normal, normal range, but at target.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

So let's talk about the pre-diabetes for a second. What can I do? If someone's watching this, I'm in my fifties, but let's just say a younger person is watching the show.

What can they do to avoid even getting into the pre-diabetic or the diabetic stage, the type two diabetic stage?

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

So exercise, we really need to just exercise. More often the recommendations are 60 minutes a day. And eat healthy, but you know what, everybody, oh, eat healthy.

What does that mean really? Really sitting down, like, you know, I'm from the Molly Diabetes Education Center. So what we do is we educate.

So we have nurses and we have dietitians. I learned something new from the dietitians all the time. I'm a nurse, but you know, that, you know, I didn't realize how many calories are in a chunk of cheese.

So actually sitting down with someone and having them help you with your diet, because your diet is different than my diet. What I like may be different than what you like. And we, you know, we work around that.

We don't eliminate what you like. We, you know, we modify your diet for you and make it work for you for the rest of your life.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

And I would imagine that there are certain, like certain foods you probably want to stay away from or minimize. I mean, look, you know, moderation is probably the key, but you probably want to stay away from like refined, ultra processed foods is one that comes to mind, but you're the expert. So are there things that we should maybe minimize or eliminate completely?

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

Take away all the regular sodas and juices.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

All right, that's off, gone.

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

There's no need for regular sodas. No, no need for regular, for juices. They're just, they're not healthy.

There actually are emergency treatment for a low blood sugar because it shoots itself up. Yes, the refined foods, you know, those things that have a shelf life forever. And, you know, you could sit them on your counter and they're never gonna get moldy.

You know, those are ultra processed, ultra processed foods. You know, you want more of your whole foods, your whole grains, your vegetables, your fruits, you know, and a lot of people are, well, they're expensive. You know, you catch them in season, catch them when they're on sale.

Frozen vegetables and frozen fruits are just as healthy as the fresh. You know, so there's really a way to eat healthy and not, you know, go broke on a healthy diet. Yeah, I mean- We even have a shopping tour and a lot of your supermarkets have dieticians there too that you can tap into to find out what to eat.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Are there certain, you know, I've heard of the glycemic index. So like when you think of fruits, fruits have sugars, maybe, you know, apple, grapes, peaches. I mean, they all have watermelon comes to mind because it's almost summer.

Should you kind of really reevaluate the types of fruits you're eating?

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

Well, it's, you know, the amount. So the great thing about fruit is it has so much fiber in it also. So the fiber, we all need more fiber in our diet and the fiber also slows down the absorption of glucose.

Right, so when you eat that apple, eat the skin. You know, when you have the grapes, you know, the skin on the grapes too are great. And if you have a fruit, have a little protein or a handful of nuts or a little string cheese or something with it because it's the combination of foods too that impact your blood sugar, right?

But it's easy to just keep eating that watermelon, right? Especially- Oh, it's so good.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

I mean, watermelon and cantaloupe. My grandmother could pick a cantaloupe and a watermelon like no one's business. And I grew up on that stuff.

Anyway, I'm sorry to interrupt. Go ahead.

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

Okay, no, those are great. But yeah, you just have to, you know, everything in moderation. We, you know, we don't need to eat the whole watermelon.

We don't need to eat the whole cantaloupe even though it's easy to do. Again, it is healthy, but it's, yeah, it has natural sugar in it. That's what we all need to be careful.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

I know you work at the Molly Diabetes Education Center. If we need additional information, obviously people should go to their primary care physician on a regular basis to be, to get all their blood worked on. But let's just say they're in between and they want to get resources working, they go to find just basic information, all the things we're talking about today.

And again, it kind of gets steered, steered in the right direction. I don't even know if that's a word, but where do they go?

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

They can go onto the American Diabetes Association website. They have a lot of good material on there. You know, Hackensack has a lot of good material on there.

Or it used to be called JDRF. Now it's called Type 1 Nation. Those are for those with Type 1 diabetes.

So there's a lot of good resources on that too.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yep, got it. Got to read up on it. And for you youngsters out there, now's the time.

Don't get into your fifties and start having problems. Tony, we're going to have to leave it there. Great, great piece on the Hackensack site, which is how we found you.

Thanks so much for joining us. You're a wealth of diabetes knowledge. I'm sure other types of knowledge as well.

And we look forward to having you back on the program again very soon.

Toni Isabella, BSN, RN, CDCES, Hackensack Meridian Health

Thank you so much for having me. This was great.

It is the trade that pays off when central banks lose credibility, when currencies wobble, when geopolitics get loud, and when the rest of the stock market finally cracks.

For most of the past three years, that playbook worked beautifully. Sovereign buyers from Beijing to Warsaw to Ankara stacked bullion at a pace not seen in half a century. Retail piled in behind them. The metal blew through one all-time high after another, and the bears went quiet.

Then 2026 happened.

A US-Israeli war on Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz, sent energy prices vertical, and forced some of the same central banks that drove the rally to start unloading their gold to defend collapsing currencies.

The yellow metal has now given back almost all of its year-to-date gains, hovering near $4,534 an ounce on May 19, according to Fortune.

Now one of Wall Street's most respected commodity voices is telling clients the pain is far from over. And the eventual payoff, if his call lands, will dwarf anything the gold market has ever produced.

Why this gold selloff is just getting started

The bear in question is Jeffrey Currie, the former global head of commodities research at Goldman Sachs (GS), who spent 27 years at the firm before leaving in 2023 and is now chief strategy officer of energy pathways at Carlyle Group (CG), according to Carlyle.

He is best known for calling the 2000s commodity supercycle and predicting oil's run past $100 a barrel.

In a recent thread on X, the former Twitter, Currie wrote that he has been "short gold" since March despite describing himself as a "gold perma bull". His thesis is mechanical, not philosophical.

More Gold & Silver

• Bank of America has stark message for Silver investors
• State Street declares gold must-hold asset
• How much gold you should hold in your retirement portfolio

The Iran conflict and the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz have driven energy import costs higher and pressured emerging-market currencies. To defend those currencies and pay for fuel, some of the world's most prolific gold buyers have flipped into sellers.

Turkey is the cleanest example. Its central bank sold or swapped roughly 79 tons of gold in the first quarter alone, with "the largest sales from Turkey (60 tonnes) and Russia (16 tonnes) [offsetting] purchases elsewhere," according to the World Gold Council.

"When the marginal central bank flips from structural buyer to forced seller to pay for energy, gold's biggest bid disappears," Currie wrote on X.

That dynamic, in his view, points to a deeper retracement. He sees gold sliding all the way toward $4,000, with a possible overshoot into the $3,750 range, before sovereign buyers, particularly China, step back in and restart the rally.

Related: Goldman Sachs has crucial message for gold investors in 2026

The bigger thesis behind the $10,000 gold target

Currie's gold call sits inside a much bigger argument about how a decade of capital flows have left commodity markets dangerously under-invested. After running the numbers against his framework myself, the imbalance is more extreme than most equity investors realize.

The argument starts with where the money has gone. The Magnificent Seven plus Oracle (ORCL) are projected to spend roughly $820 billion on artificial intelligence capital expenditure in 2026 alone, which Currie called "the largest physical commodity bid ever assembled inside eight income statements," according to Benzinga.

Meanwhile, the suppliers cannot keep up. The numbers Currie laid out paint a clear picture:

• Information Technology and Communication Services make up roughly 43% of the S&P 500, while Energy and Materials together account for about 6%.
• Upstream oil and gas investment is down 35% from its 2015 peak.
• The world's top 20 mining companies are spending 40% less than during the 2012 peak cycle, per Currie's analysis.
• Central banks bought a net 244 tonnes of gold in Q1 2026, up 3% year-on-year.

Source: Currie's analysis via Benzinga

Currie calls this transition the move from "HAGO" (Hard Assets, Global Operations) into "HALO" (Hard Assets, Local Operations), where physical commodities are repriced upward as supply struggles to meet AI-driven demand.

"The price will overshoot first. The capex will follow. Then the new supply," Currie wrote in his X thread.

That sequence, in his framework, is what eventually pushes gold to $10,000. Once central banks stop fighting inflation, pivot back to easier policy, and resume buying physical metal, the same forced sellers of today flip back into structural bidders.

What this gold call means for your portfolio

None of this guarantees Currie is right. Plenty of veteran strategists have made bold price calls that aged poorly, and the path from $4,000 to $10,000 will almost certainly take years rather than quarters.

Iris Cibre, founder of Phoenix Consultancy in Istanbul, has noted that Turkey's recent gold operations were primarily designed to support the lira during a specific war-driven liquidity crunch, not a verdict on gold's long-term value, according to the Canadian Mining Report.

That distinction matters. Forced selling is not fundamental selling, and a 2025 survey found that 95% of central banks expected global gold holdings to rise over the next 12 months, according to the World Gold Council.

In my analysis, what makes Currie's framework interesting is the structural argument underneath the headline number. Markets have systematically underfunded the physical world for a decade while flooding the digital one with capital.

If he is even directionally right, the next gold cycle is less about jewelry, inflation hedges, or fear trades. It is about repricing every ton of metal that an AI data center, an EV plant, or a defense supply chain ultimately needs, an argument that echoes Goldman's own longer-term outlook for the rest of this decade.

For investors holding the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) ETF, which was up 3.32% year-to-date as of last week, the short-term setup looks ugly. Currie himself is positioned for a deeper drawdown first. But the same trade he is shorting today is the one he expects to flip aggressively long once the energy shock starts hurting growth.

If you own gold, the next chapter of this story will probably be written by central banks, not by day traders. And central banks have very long memories.

Related: Jim Cramer has a blunt message on gold for investors

Why we love this deal

Backyards and garages have a way of accumulating things. It starts with a few gardening tools, some children's toys, your DIY home project tools, or a few folded lawn chairs. Before you know it, you can't find your drill, the hose is tangled up on the lawn, and you all but fall over avoiding the surprise toy truck hidden away in the grass. 

If you're looking for a solid and weather-resistant storage option for your garage, patio, or lawn, the Aiho Outdoor Storage Shed offers a solid foundation without taking up too much space. This shed is just $96 and has a $26 shipping fee, offering a great price on the gray shed when compared to the original price of the brown color shed. This is also one of the lowest prices and best deals we've seen on an outdoor shed in a while. 

Aiho Outdoor Storage Shed, $96 (was $158) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

The compact 5-foot-by-3-foot footprint makes it a workable option for smaller patios, gardens, and side yards where space is limited but storage is still needed. Rather than taking up the area, it fits alongside existing outdoor setups, offering an easy spot for tools, equipment, and seasonal items. The interior measures 76.1 inches tall with 44.8-inch-wide double doors, allowing a storage solution for larger items like bicycles, lawn mowers, a shelving unit, and more. 

Related: Walmart is selling a $300 all-weather storage shed for only $172 in time for summer

Designed and constructed with galvanized metal, this shed is made to be outdoors. It's UV-resistant, water-resistant, and resists fading and warping in the elements. The slanted roof prevents rainwater from pooling up or falling into the seams of the door, and the dual vents allow airflow, reducing moisture buildup on humid days. The corners of the shed feature a plastic protection shell to prevent damage, and screw protection shells for safety. The doors have a lockable design, working well with a normal padlock to keep your items secure.

The pros and cons of this deal

Pros

• Material: The galvanized metal is water-resistant and UV-resistant.
• Option to lock it: The door features an option to fit a padlock to keep your items secure.

Cons 

• This shed does not have flooring: It's best to place this shed on the deck or patio, as it does not have flooring of its own. 
• Gaps in the installation: Some shoppers state they found gaps in the installation, fixing them with a small amount of caulking. 

One reviewer said, "For the price, you can’t beat it. I’ve bought two, and I am very happy with the product. It took only a few hours to build."

Another shopper said, "I am a 59-year-old woman and put my shed together by myself. It took me between six and seven hours.”

Shop more deals

• Yodolla Outdoor Metal Storage Shed, $103 (was $190) at Walmart
• Lofka Outdoor Wooden Storage Cabinet, $121 (was $290) at Walmart
• Seizeen Shed and Outdoor Storage, $160 (was $367) at Amazon

The Aiho Outdoor Storage Shed provides ample storage space for garden tools, shelving, or larger items, while taking up minimal space in the yard or garage. The weather-resistant features protect it from daily elements, and the locking door can keep your items safe. This shed can be found at Walmart for just $96. 

Earlier this week, Mexican low-cost carrier Magnicharters filed for bankruptcy protection in the First District Court for Bankruptcy Proceedings in Mexico City approximately a month after suspending all flights for what it initially hoped would be a period of two weeks.

While the carrier initially blamed the shutdown solely "operational problems," regulators stripped its AOC over a lack of financial resources severe enough to "represent a risk."

Joy Air enters early restructuring process in China

In an entirely different part of the world, Chinese regional airline Joy Air canceled all flights before the peak travel period at the start of May. The latest reporting shows that it has filed for bankruptcy protection and entered the early stage of the restructuring process.

Flights have been grounded since April 27 and Joy Air has missed several deadlines to restart operations. The carrier was launched in 2008 out of the northwestern city of Xi'an. Its current registered fleet includes three Boeing 737-800s and 22 Xi'An MA60 turboprop airliners.

Related: Another low-cost airline files for bankruptcy protection

Few details on the restructuring process and whether Joy Air will eventually go to liquidation have been made publicly available. Joy Air has not commented publicly on its current situation.

Multiple low-cost airlines have faced a tough financial outlook over the price of jet fuel. Many Chinese regional carriers also face competition from mainstream carriers such as Air China and China Southern Airlines as well as a high-speed railway system between many regional cities.

What brought down Joy Air, a regional Chinese airline

Joy Air flew exclusively domestically to cities such as Tianjin, Harbin and Changsha from Xi'an but, amid a dropoff in traveler numbers over the years, switched to run more routes to large Chinese hubs instead of between smaller cities.

Amid growing debt of over 5 billion yuan ($734.9 million USD), Joy Air also faced several labor and unpaid wages disputes with its pilots and flight crew.

These airlines filed for bankruptcy in 2026:

• Spirit Airlines: The largest airline shutdown of the year occurred when Spirit Airlines canceled all remaining flights on May 2. Although the airline had filed for Chapter 11 protection twice before, the skyrocketing price of jet fuel dealt the final blow.
• Magnicharters: The Mexican low-cost airline canceled all of its flights until May 2026 in a shutdown that left thousands stranded.
• Starflite Aviation: Houston-based Starflite Aviation had its AOC license revoked in March 2026, amid FAA claims that owners falsified pilot training records to bypass safety audits.
• AlpAvia: Slovenian charter airline AlpAvia also shut down in March 2026 over financial problems.
• H-Bird: Charter airline H-Bird was declared bankrupt by a Swedish judge after losing its operating license at the end of 2025.

With the airline now officially in bankruptcy, creditors including passengers who have not received refunds can now file claims.

Related: Costco quietly made a credit card change cardholders won't like

That disconnect is the most interesting thing about what happened to Boeing last week, and understanding it tells investors more about the stock's current setup than the deal itself does.

The Beijing agreement and what President Trump said about the numbers

During President Donald Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14 in Beijing, China agreed to order 200 Boeing aircraft, the company's first major sale to China in nearly a decade. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg accompanied the president on the trip alongside Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser, OPB confirmed.

Trump described the outcome in direct terms. "Boeing wanted 150, he got 200," Trump said, referring to Xi Jinping. "One thing he agreed to today: he's going to order 200 jets. That's a big thing. That's a lot of jobs," he added, according to Fox Business.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, the president said China also reserved the right to buy as many as 750 Boeing aircraft as part of the deal. The agreement also covers GE Aerospace, which would supply 400 to 450 engines to China for the aircraft.

Boeing confirmed the 200-plane order and issued a statement. "We had a very successful trip to China and accomplished our major goal of reopening the China market to orders for Boeing aircraft," the company said, as the Financial Times reported. Boeing added that it looked forward to "continually addressing China's aircraft demand."

Why Boeing stock fell despite a historic deal

The market's response to the announcement was not what the headline suggested it should be. Boeing stock fell 4.73% the day President Trump confirmed the deal and dropped a further 1.38% in overnight trading.

The reason is straightforward. Wall Street had priced in a much larger order. Jefferies analysts had estimated the deal could reach 500 aircraft. White House sources ahead of the summit had suggested 500 planes.

On Trump's first China visit in 2017, 300 aircraft were sold. Against those benchmarks, 200 planes read as a disappointment, even though it is the largest Chinese commercial aircraft commitment Boeing has secured in nearly 10 years.

More Airlines:

• Spirit Airlines desperately seeks help from an unexpected source
• JetBlue makes a boarding change some may like
• Another airline shuts down for summer, cancels all flights

The stock's reaction illustrates a common dynamic in markets: the price of an asset reflects expectations, not just outcomes.

Boeing shares had been building in optimism about a large China deal for months. When the number came in below those expectations, the gap between hope and reality closed sharply. By May 21, shares were trading at approximately $215.71, down 2.22% in premarket.

What the China plane deal means for Boeing's order book and recovery

Setting aside the market's near-term reaction, the strategic significance of the deal is real. China has historically been one of Boeing's most important markets. Before relations deteriorated, the country accounted for a substantial share of the company's order book. A confirmed commitment of 200 aircraft reopens that relationship in a concrete way, according to OPB.

The deal also builds on a pattern. Since the president began his second term, his administration has made Boeing a specific focus of its international sales diplomacy. A visit to the Middle East produced a Qatar Airways order for up to 210 Boeing jets, which Boeing described at the time as its largest-ever widebody aircraft order. Saudi Arabia also placed commercial jetliner orders during that trip. The China deal adds another major market to that list, according to OPB.

Boeing also said it expects "further commitments" beyond the initial 200 planes, citing the option China retained to purchase up to 750 aircraft. The deal also includes matching tariff reductions of $30 billion on each side and broader cooperation on export controls, giving it dimensions beyond aircraft alone.

The geopolitical layer and why the Boeing deal is bigger than aviation

Boeing orders have long served as a proxy for U.S.-China relations. When the two countries were aligned commercially, China bought Boeing jets. When relations deteriorated, Beijing ordered Chinese airlines to stop taking deliveries. The 200-plane commitment signals that both governments see value in keeping economic channels open, despite ongoing strategic competition over technology, Taiwan, and trade.

Ortberg had framed the trip in exactly these terms before departing. "President Trump has been very focused on supporting us in international campaigns, and he's been very successful in doing that," he told investors. His presence alongside Musk, Huang, and Fraser in Beijing underscored that this was not simply an aviation deal but part of a broader U.S. commercial engagement with China.

Key figures on the Boeing-China deal and stock impact:

• Order size: The order for 200 Boeing aircraft was confirmed, according to Financial Times, with an option for China to purchase up to 750 total, representing Boeing's first major Chinese sale in nearly a decade.
• GE Aerospace component: 400 to 450 engines will be supplied to China as part of the broader agreement, Financial Times noted.
• Stock reaction: Boeing fell 4.73% on May 15 and a further 1.38% overnight, trading at approximately $215.71 on May 21, according to Fortune.
• Market expectations: Jefferies had estimated 500 aircraft; White House sources suggested 500 planes ahead of the summit; 300 were sold on Trump's 2017 China visit, Fortune confirmed.
• Tariff component: Both governments will pursue matching reductions on goods valued at $30 billion on each side, according to Benzinga.
• Trump's exact quote: "Boeing wanted 150, he got 200. That's a lot of jobs," he said, as Fox Business reported.

What investors should watch as the Boeing-China deal moves toward delivery

For investors holding Boeing stock, the 200-plane commitment is a genuine positive for the long-term order book. But the more important variable now is execution.

Boeing has not yet disclosed the aircraft types, delivery schedule, or financing terms. In aviation, a headline order becomes commercially meaningful only when it converts into firm purchase agreements with binding delivery slots.

The 750-aircraft option is significant but contingent. President Trump described it as China reserving the right to expand the order, not a firm commitment.

If Boeing delivers the initial 200 planes on schedule and without the quality and production issues that have plagued the company in recent years, the option could convert into one of the largest single-country orders in commercial aviation history. If execution falters, the expanded relationship may not materialize.

The broader read for investors is that Boeing is still in the early stages of a recovery that depends on multiple conditions aligning simultaneously: production stability, international market access, safety credibility, and geopolitical cooperation between the U.S. and its trading partners.

The China deal improves the picture on market access meaningfully. Whether Boeing can capitalize on it depends on the factors it controls entirely on its own.

Related: Boeing is still in hot water over Max crash

Spotify is already up 16% on May 21 as of 1:30 p.m. EST, following its Investor Day, where management shared plans for how the company will reach 1 billion subscribers.

Spotify just asked investors to believe in another big investment cycle. This time, it's AI. Morgan Stanley is bullish that Spotify will deliver.

Spotify is delivering on increasing profitability

Morgan Stanley's core argument is simple: Spotify said it would hit ambitious margin and profitability targets back in 2022, according to QuiverQuant. And it did, ahead of schedule.

At the time, the company outlined medium-term gross margin and EBIT margin targets of 30% and 10%, respectively, and the market was skeptical. Spotify hit both within two to three years.

Spotify's recent Q1 earnings made profitability the center of the story. Revenue rose 14% year over year to €4.5 billion, gross margin reached 33.0%, operating income climbed to €750 million, and free cash flow hit €824 million.

Those numbers matter because Spotify now has enough scale for incremental efficiency to drive outsized earnings growth. With 293 million premium subscribers, margin improvements can move operating income and cash generation more than subscriber growth alone.

The next test will be to see whether Spotify can hold gross margins above 33% while continuing to fund AI and product development. If it does, margin expansion could become a structural earnings driver with room to push the model toward the mid- to high-30% range over time.

Spotify's premium pricing is holding without churn

After Spotify's January U.S. price increase, premium ARPU rose 5.7% year over year in Q1, with guidance pointing to 7% to 7.5% growth in Q2. Management flagged no surprises in churn.

The combination of rising ARPU with stable retention across a base of 293 million subscribers is another reason Morgan Stanley is bullish about Spotify's unit economics.

Trending Stock News:

• Morgan Stanley resets Take-Two stock price target before GTA VI release
• Why this 129-year-old dividend stock could win big from the Hormuz crisis
• Cisco CEO predicts AI will force multi-billion dollar infrastructure reset

The significance is straightforward. If ARPU rises faster than subscriber growth and retention stays steady, Spotify expands revenue and gross profit per user across a very large installed base.

With 293 million premium subscribers, even modest pricing gains can deliver meaningful incremental revenue with attractive economics.

Ad automation offers a second profit lever

Advertising remained Spotify’s weakest segment in the first quarter, but the business is starting to show a clearer path to improvement. Ad-supported revenue grew about 3% year over year, while management said automated and biddable ad buying now makes up more than 30% of ad revenue.

Spotify’s free tier reaches hundreds of millions of users but has historically generated relatively low profit per user. Automated ad systems help advertisers buy ads more efficiently, improve how often ad space gets filled, and allow Spotify to extract more value from that audience.

Morgan Stanley has argued that stronger automation should improve yield and scalability over time. If that happens, Spotify gains a second profit lever and a more diversified earnings model. If ad growth stays near 3%, subscriptions remain the main engine for both growth and margin.

What could drive upside for Spotify

• Price increases raise revenue per user and support profit growth, even if subscriber additions slow.
• Higher gross margins allow more revenue to flow into operating income and free cash flow.
• Stable retention after price hikes strengthens confidence in future pricing power.
• Automated ad buying improves inventory pricing and monetization of Spotify’s free-user base.
• Operating leverage alongside continued AI investment suggests margins are improving structurally.

Potential risks for Spotify stock

• Higher royalty or content costs could absorb pricing gains and pressure margins.
• New premium features may fail to deepen engagement enough to support future price hikes.
• Advertising monetization could remain weaker than expected within the free tier.
• Product and AI investments may outpace efficiency gains and weigh on profitability.
• Competitive bundling from larger platforms could weaken Spotify’s pricing power.

Key takeaways for Spotify

Spotify is generating stronger profitability through pricing power, operating leverage, and margin expansion. First-quarter results showed rising operating income, expanding gross margins, and strong free cash flow generation as the company scales more efficiently.

Spotify is also improving ad monetization through automation and better ad-tech infrastructure. Continued margin expansion alongside product investment could strengthen confidence in Spotify’s long-term earnings and cash flow potential.

Related: Exxon CEO delivers message on Strait of Hormuz, oil prices

Why we love this deal

Whether completing online assignments for school, sending work emails, or streaming Netflix in your downtime, a tablet is a reliable choice for numerous activities, especially if it's equipped with a time-saving Bluetooth keyboard. The addition of this wireless accessory transforms a basic tablet into a budget-friendly laptop that's ultra-portable and lightweight. You don't even need to break the bank to invest in this top-notch tech, because Walmart's limited-time sale on the Aeezo 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet brings the total cost to under $75. 

This bestselling Android 14 tablet is on sale for 33% off with a weekly Flash deal, and comes in your choice of black or white. The tablet, which offers "great performance and value," according to one buyer, comes upgraded with a Bluetooth keyboard, wireless mouse, stylus pen, and protective case. This bestselling tablet and accessory bundle was already a steal at its usual price of $110, but it's an unbeatable deal now at just $74. 

Aeezo 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $74 (was $110) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

Outfitted with everything you need for everyday computing tasks, this two-in-one laptop and tablet is user-friendly and reliable. It runs on the Android 14 operating system and has an octa-core processor for a fast and secure performance. The Google Play Store comes preinstalled on the device, so you can quickly download your favorite apps, like YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp. There's plenty of space to add these go-to apps, as well as for your favorite movies and e-books, as the tablet comes with 20 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and 64 GB of ROM, which is expandable up to 1 terabyte (TB).

Related: Amazon's Android 16 tablet transforms into a mini laptop, and it's on sale for just $90

Designed for on-the-go functionality, the tablet has a 5000-milliampere-hour battery that offers up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge. If you're stuck at the airport or working at the coffee shop, this means you won't need to stay near an outlet to stay powered up. Since the tablet comes with a spacious 10.1-inch high-definition touchscreen display, the viewing experience has stunning visuals that are easier on the eyes compared to a small smartphone screen. Additionally, the device has a 5-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera, so you can take photos and answer video calls.

Pros and cons of the Aeezo 2-in-1 laptop and tablet

Pros:

• It's a two-in-one device. Instead of buying a tablet and a laptop separately, you can switch between both with the Bluetooth accessory bundle.
• It's an excellent value. It's uncommon to find a tablet without any accessories for under $75, let alone one that is decked out this much.
• The keyboard adds efficiency.  One shopper raved, "It's lightweight, easy to carry, and the keyboard makes typing much faster."

Cons:

• It's meant for basic tasks. If you need an electronic for advanced gaming or processing large data files, you'll want something else.
• It's a smaller tablet. When it comes to tablet screens, this one is in the smaller range.

Shop more deals

• Fitifun 10-Inch Android 14 Tablet, $53 (was $100) at Walmart
• Putecch 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $95 (was $169) at Walmart
• Fitifun 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $82 at Walmart

The Aeezo 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet is a stellar bargain for just $74 at Walmart, especially since it's loaded with handy accessories, like the wireless keyboard and mouse. Before the deal sells out, be sure to add this convenient device to your cart. 

Why we love this deal

Storage products don't need to look good, particularly if you're planning on using them in a closet or hidden area anyway, but they do need to provide the necessary space to actually organize your items. So many organizational products lack the drawer space to actually make a difference in your home, or they're designed in a way that makes it more of a hassle to store items there than in pre-existing furniture. Other times, they're useful but super expensive which, when you're on a budget, doesn't help anyone. Thankfully, you can find both affordability and space if you know where to look. Right now, Target has a great deal on the Brightroom 3-Drawer Storage Cart that's perfect for tidying up your home. 

The plastic storage cart isn't overly stylish by any means, but it is currently 20% off and it has three separate drawers perfect for storing bathroom products, dry kitchen ingredients, or tools in your garage. You can now get the four-wheel organizer for just $16. 

Brightroom 3-Drawer Storage Cart, $16 (was $20) at Target

Why do shoppers love it?

Plastic storage organizers might not be super glamorous, but they are effective. Because they're made with plastic, they offer incredible durability because they're hard to crack, break, or splinter, while also being lightweight and moisture-resistant. It's the best of everything.

In this case, the clear plastic drawers offer you easy visibility to see exactly what's stored in each one without needing to open and rummage through, messing up the neat and tidy organization you've got going on. The unit itself measures 21.88 inches long, 15.38 inches wide, and 24.5 inches high, so it isn't overly large and could easily fit into a closet. In special cases, it can even fit underneath furniture, like an elevated bed in a dorm room. The organizer has three drawers, each measuring about 19.13 inches long, 13.13 inches wide, and 7.13 inches high. There are pull out handles that make it easy to access your items with drawer stops in place to prevent accidental removal.

Related: Target’s $300 storage cabinet with a high-end design and adjustable shelving is now 67% off

Weighing only 8.26 pounds, the unit is easy to move, especially with the four rolling wheels attached to the bottom. Because it's made for universal storage, you can truly use it for anything like shoes, extra toiletries, clothing storage, towels and linens, and holiday decor. And the best part? No assembly required. 

What to expect from a $16 drawer: Pros and cons

Pros

• Heavy-duty with ample storage space: The thick but lightweight plastic drawers offer a lot of storage space. 
• Pre-assembled: No assembly is required. 
• Lightweight and portable: The wheels on the bottom of the cart make it easy to move around and transport. 

Cons

• Sticky drawers: The drawers don't always slide out smoothly and can require some push and pull. 
• Visually unappealing: It's not the most stylish organizer and although super functional, it's not super visually appealing to look at. 

Shoppers like that although simple it's useful and functional, and works exactly as described. The drawers are deep, and the wheels are a nice addition because you can move it around when you need it in different places. Many people use them for storing extra school supplies, arts, and crafts, office accessories, bathroom towels, and toiletries. "I bought several of these to get things up off the floor," one shopper said. "They really helped solve my issues of storage." Others love how well-made the drawers are and that they function as one unit instead of three individual ones. 

Shop more deals 

• Costway 7-Drawer Plastic Storage Cart, $85 (was $147) at Target
• Best Choice Products 3-Tier Rolling Caddy With Wheels, $71 (was $120) at Target
• Brightroom 4-Drawer Plastic Storage Organizer, $18 (was $22) at Target

Finding storage is stressful, and when you're trying to manage the clutter of a busy home, you can't go wrong investing in something simple like the Brightroom 3-Drawer Storage Cart which will help you keep the chaos managed and under control. 

But incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh can thank the nearly three-month Iran War for fueling the hot mess rising from the surprisingly deep hawkish shift among U.S. central bankers.

The result: Their newly released signals that rising inflation rates could cause an interest-rate hike this year,

This jarring tilt is much more intense than expected according to the minutes of the April 28-29 Federal Open Market Committee meeting released May 20:

• “A majority of participants” highlighted…that some policy firming would likely become appropriate if inflation were to continue to run persistently above 2%.
• As a result, “many participants indicated” that they would have preferred removing the language from the postmeeting statement that suggested an easing bias regarding the likely direction of the committee's future interest-rate decisions. 

The discussion, which resulted in the most divisive FOMC vote in over three decades, reflected a tremendous swing from the beginning of the year.

As recently as January the central bank was indicating there would be at least one and perhaps two cuts to the benchmark Federal Funds Rate in 2026.

"Rate hikes are back on the table," David Russell, global head of market strategy at TradeStation, told Reuters. "The committee is getting more hawkish as Kevin Warsh joins."

Fed holds rates steady in historic April vote

The FOMC, in a decisive 8-4 vote on April 29, held the benchmark Federal Funds Rate at 3.50% to 3.75%.

It was the first time in more than 30 years the FOMC vote reflected four dissents.

It was the FOMC’s third pause after cutting rates by 75 basis points during its last three meetings of 2025 to boost a weakening labor market.

Outgoing Chair Jerome Powell, who will break with tradition and remain on the Board of Governors, said in a press conference after the April meeting that the U.S. economy was "resilient" and showing signs of moving toward neutral. 

A neutral state is when an economy operates at sustainable growth with stable inflation and full employment without overheating or recessionary pressure. 

It can also mean interest rates move in either direction.

“People are not saying that we need to hike now,” Powell said.

Inflation clearly top of mind for many Fed officials

The April minutes, which don’t identify participants by name, reflect the deepening concerns of nearly all 19 Fed officials of the higher energy costs not only at American gas pumps but those dripping into prices across multiple goods and services.

Oil prices are up over 50% since the war began and showing little sign of retreating as long as the Strait of Hormutz remains blocked.

“The vast majority of participants noted an increased risk that inflation would take longer to return to the committee’s 2% objective than they had previously expected,” the minutes said.

In the weeks since the April meeting, several Fed officials have dropped strong warnings about the worsening inflation outlook, sending bond yields soaring.

Meanwhile, the labor market, while still fragile, is stabilizing.

FOMC April statement sparked cracks in rate-cut outlook

Outgoing Fed Governor Stephen I. Miran voted against the “wait-and-see” approach, preferring to lower the target range for the funds rate by 25 basis points.

Cleveland Fed President Beth M. Hammack, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, and Dallas Fed President Lorie K. Logan also dissented.

But the April statement said the three regional bank heads “supported maintaining the target range for the Federal Funds Rate but did not support inclusion of an easing bias in the statement at this time.”   

The newly-released minutes showed a more intense concern from Fed officials that inflation risk will be guiding future policy on a meeting-by-meeting basis.

Fed watchers expect the additional support could be driven from voting FOMC members who didn’t want to actually dissent and/or the regional bank presidents who aren’t voting this year.

The April FOMC statement said that “developments in the Middle East are contributing to a high level of uncertainty about the economic outlook.” 

“The Committee's assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments,’’ the statement said.

Economists, traders adjust Fed rate-cut outlooks

The cumulative effects of the energy shock is testing the Fed’s confidence that inflation, which economists are forecasting to hit as high as 5% this summer, will fall back to its 2% goal.

Note: the annual inflation rate hasn’t hit that goal in five years mainly due to the pandemic.  

A May 19 Reuters poll showed a hefty shift among economists away from previously solid expectations for rate cuts this year, with fewer than 50% now projecting a reduction by December, down from two-thirds just ​a month earlier. 

Roughly half see no change in rates this year, and a handful of respondents penciled in at least one rate hike, the poll found.

The widely watched CME Group FedWatch Tool, which is based on futures prices, is showing 39% odds of no additional rate cuts this year and a 60% probability of at least one 25-basis-point cut. 

Fed’s Paulson signals interest-rate outlook 

Philadelphia Fed President and CEO Anna Paulson, who voted to hold rates steady at the April meeting, saidmonetary policy is currently in “a good place now” in a speech at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s 2026 Financial Markets Conference in Amelia Island, Florida on May 19. 

“Assuming the labor market remains in balance, rate cuts would only become appropriate once we have seen sustained progress on inflation,’’ Paulson said.

But she also signaled that future economic data may signal the need to tighten this stance.

“However, I think it is healthy that market participants have taken on board scenarios where the funds rate remains unchanged for an extended period, as well as scenarios where further tightening becomes necessary,’’ she said.

Related: Morgan Stanley resets Fed interest rate cut path for 2027

Paulson noted that if the Iran War is resolved soon and “shipping and oil production return to normal quickly, inflation and inflation risks are likely to subside relatively quickly.”

“If it takes more time to resolve, inflation and inflation risks, along with risks to the labor market, are likely to be elevated for longer,’’ she added.

Morgan Stanley sees two Fed rate cuts in 2027

Morgan Stanley is one of the few major Wall Street banks still forecasting interest-rate cuts.

In a May 18 note emailed to TheStreet, Morgan Stanley calls for two 25-basis-point rate cuts in 2027, one in March and the other in June.

“The bar for monetary easing has risen, and we expect the Fed to remain on hold through 2026 before beginning a gradual normalization cycle in 2027,’’ the note said.

The note said that despite back-to-back hot inflation reports last week and multiple forecasts that the Iran War energy shock will continue to spike prices this summer, those increases will be temporary much like the fading impact of tariffs on prices.

“Key assumptions underpinning our core inflation outlook are that tariff passthrough will fade over the coming months and that oil spillovers into core (inflation) will remain limited,’’ the note said.

Warsh, White House expected rate cuts this summer

The next FOMC meeting is June 16-17, Warsh’s first as chair.

President Donald Trump, who will host Warsh’s swearing-in ceremony at the White House May 22, has been extremely critical of Powell for not slashing interest rates to 1% or less over the last 16 months.

Warsh is a former Fed governor whose tight Wall Street connections aided with the central bank’s efforts to mitigate the 2008 financial crisis and the resulting Great Recession. 

He has said he favors lower interest rates under a “regime change” instituting multiple reforms at the Fed, including fewer communications and a tightening of the Fed’s $6.7 trillion balance sheet.

Trump has backed away from expectations that Warsh would immediately lead his Fed colleagues into dramatically lowering rates while saying repeatedly that energy prices will quickly drop once the Iran War finally ends. 

Top analyst drops bombshell interest-rate outlook

Ed Yardeni, President & Chief Investment Strategist at Yardeni Research, said in a May 18 note that the Fed will issue a 25 basis-point hike in July.

“We expect the Fed to hold rates unchanged at the June meeting and shift to a tightening policy stance,’’ the note said, adding that the macroeconomic backdrop no longer supports an easing bias, let alone a rate cut.”

But the note also said a more hawkish Fed under Warsh than investors expect “would actually work in Trump’s favor via its downward effect on long-term Treasury yields.”

Related: Major bank drops bombshell on Fed interest-rate bets

It rarely ends in handshakes. It usually ends in lawsuits, broken friendships, and competing companies built specifically to make the other look bad.

The Elon Musk and Sam Altman split has all three.

They launched OpenAI together in 2015 with a pledge to develop artificial intelligence as a nonprofit "for the benefit of humanity." Musk put up some of the early funding, then left the board in 2018 after a power struggle. He launched the competing AI lab xAI in 2023.

In 2024, he sued Altman, accusing him of abandoning that founding nonprofit mission for personal gain. He asked the court to rescind OpenAI's for-profit restructuring and remove Altman and president Greg Brockman from their roles.

On May 18, a federal jury in Oakland threw the case out. Almost immediately, the fight moved to a new arena, one where everyday investors are about to be asked to pick a side.

What the Musk-Altman courtroom verdict actually decided

The advisory jury sided with Altman after less than two hours of deliberations, with District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers adopting the decision immediately. Jurors never weighed whether Musk's "breach of charitable trust" claim had merit. They concluded he waited too long to file, missing a three-year window, according to CNBC.

Musk, true to form, was unrepentant. The Tesla (TSLA) and SpaceX chief executive called the ruling a "calendar technicality" on his X platform and accused Altman and Brockman of "stealing a charity." He has vowed to appeal to the Ninth Circuit.

More AI:

• Micron sits at the center of a red-hot chip rally
• IBM CEO sends blunt message on AI and quantum computing
• Anthropic CEO makes shocking admission about AI

OpenAI's legal team argued through the trial that Musk's donations to the nonprofit were never restricted, and that restructuring into a for-profit subsidiary was the only realistic way to compete in a field where training one frontier model costs tens of billions of dollars. They also produced evidence that Musk pushed in 2017 to fold OpenAI into Tesla under his own control before walking away.

That framing, whatever you make of it, sets up everything that happens next. Because the courtroom was always a sideshow. The main event is on Wall Street.

Why the SpaceX and OpenAI IPO race is the real fight

SpaceX, which absorbed Musk's xAI in February's $1.25 trillion mega-merger, is preparing to disclose its initial public offering prospectus as soon as this week. The company targets a $1.75 trillion valuation and a $75 billion raise, Fortune reports. That would make it the largest IPO ever, more than two-and-a-half times the size of Saudi Aramco's 2019 record.

OpenAI's path is messier. The company was last valued at more than $850 billion, and Altman wants to go public as early as the fourth quarter, CNBC noted. His chief financial officer, Sarah Friar, has reportedly told colleagues she would rather wait until 2027.

Related: Sam Altman’s bold new deal puts Malta ahead of U.S. citizens

The reason is math. OpenAI has accumulated roughly $600 billion in compute commitments against about $2 billion a month in revenue, according to Notebook Check. I ran those numbers myself. Even if OpenAI hits its current monthly run rate every month for five straight years, the revenue side comes out to about $120 billion. The compute bill alone is roughly five times that.

Aswath Damodaran, the New York University finance professor known on Wall Street as the "Dean of Valuation," has his own warning. SpaceX pricing "is always going to be messy here," he told Reuters. "Nobody else has that capacity to launch satellites in numbers and at the price that they can do, that's their big advantage."

His own model values SpaceX at $1.22 trillion, about 30% below the $1.75 trillion the company is reportedly chasing.

What two competing AI IPOs mean for your portfolio

Here's where my analysis lands after a month of watching this play out. The Musk Altman fight is not really about who was right in 2015 or who told the truth on the stand. It's about who controls the next decade of AI infrastructure, and the public market is now the referee.

If you're a retail investor, the calendar matters more than the courtroom drama. SpaceX has reserved up to 30% of its float for retail buyers, "approximately three times the standard allocation for an offering of this size," reported TechTimes. OpenAI's IPO mechanics are still unknown, but expect a similar retail pitch when it lands.

Here's the short version of where this stands today.

• Feb. 3, 2026: SpaceX absorbed xAI in a $1.25 trillion merger, the largest ever, CNBC confirmed
• April 1, 2026: SpaceX confidentially filed its S-1 paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Reuters reported
• April 28, 2026: Musk v. OpenAI trial opened in Oakland, according to MIT Technology Review
• May 18, 2026: A jury rejected Musk's lawsuit on statute of limitations grounds, CNBC noted.
• June 12, 2026 (target): SpaceX expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq as "SPCX"
• Q4 2026 (Altman's target): OpenAI's earliest possible IPO window

Damodaran offered the other framing Tesla shareholders learned the hard way. "You get the package. You get the Musk package, the good stuff, the bad stuff," he told Benzinga.

SpaceX is listing under a dual-class structure that hands Musk 10 votes per share against one vote for outside investors, letting him control roughly 80% of the voting power on about 42% of the equity.

The bigger threat to OpenAI was never the lawsuit anyway. It's Anthropic, which has quietly taken share in enterprise AI and the coding market, even while the trial dominated the headlines. Polymarket's contract for an OpenAI IPO by Dec. 31 is still pricing "No" at 74%, Benzinga indicated, which tells you traders had already priced in a Musk loss and concluded the courtroom verdict was beside the point.

If both deals price this year, retail investors will be choosing between two visions of AI's future run by two men who cannot stand to be in the same room. That choice now happens on a brokerage screen, not in front of a jury. And that is a very different kind of fight to win.

Related: Jim Cramer has a surprising take on Elon Musk's OpenAI loss

Mortgage rates stay elevated. Existing homeowners won't sell. Buyers can't afford to buy. And yet Home Depot (HD), the retailer most directly wired to housing activity, keeps the lights on and the cash flowing.

That paradox is exactly what Morgan Stanley's latest note on Home Depot is trying to explain.

The firm maintained its overweight rating and $420 price target on Home Depot (HD) in a note shared with me at TheStreet following the company's first-quarter fiscal 2026 results.

These results were, by everyone's admission, including Morgan Stanley's, unremarkable. HD is down 9.14% year to date, compared with the S&P 500's 8.58% gain, according to Yahoo Finance. The stock is being priced for a housing market that never recovers.

Morgan Stanley's thesis is that this discount is an opportunity. "A turnkey stock without the turn," the firm called it.

Home Depot's Q1 2026 results: solid execution in a frozen housing market

Home Depot reported the following first-quarter fiscal 2026 results on May 19, according to the company's earnings release:

• Net sales of $41.8 billion, up 4.8% year over year
• Comparable sales up 0.6%; U.S. comparable sales up 0.4%
• Adjusted diluted EPS of $3.43, versus $3.56 in the prior-year period
• Full-year fiscal 2026 guidance reaffirmed across all metrics
• Total sales growth guidance of 2.5% to 4.5%
• Comparable sales growth of approximately flat to 2.0%
  Source: Home Depot Q1 Fiscal 2026 Results

CEO Ted Decker kept the tone measured. "The underlying demand in our business was relatively similar to what we saw throughout fiscal 2025, despite greater consumer uncertainty and housing affordability pressure," Decker said.

The EPS beat, such as it was, came from SG&A performance — approximately 40 basis points better than expected — which helped offset a gross margin decline of 77 basis points year over year, according to Morgan Stanley's note.

Related: Home Depot, Lowe’s hidden anti-theft tactic angers shoppers

The firm noted that the Street mis-modeled the gross margin contraction relative to SG&A deleverage, meaning the underlying print was actually in line with Home Depot's own expectations.

Q2 2026 gross margin is expected to decline by approximately 25 basis points year over year, given the Q1 decline of 77 basis points and management's guidance that the first-half gross margin will decline roughly 50 basis points in total.

The Home Depot traffic and ticket debate: what the numbers actually say

The detail in Morgan Stanley's note that deserves the most attention is the traffic and ticket analysis.

Traffic declined 1.3% in Q1. That was a deceleration of approximately 80 basis points on the two-year stack and 20 basis points on the three-year stack. Ticket growth of 2.2% also decelerated on both stack measures. Morgan Stanley flagged this as a "slight setback" but attributed the April weakness in part to weather, according to the note.

More Retail:

• Another mall retailer quietly closed over 150 locations
• Ultra wealthy shoppers flock to this 63-year-old rugged retailer
• 72-year-old mall retailers to close more stores in 2026

My review of the indexed data in Morgan Stanley's framework reveals the longer context. Ticket — the average transaction value — has reached an all-time indexed peak of approximately 40% above 2019 levels. Traffic remains in negative low-to-mid single-digit territory versus the same 2019 baseline.

This is the story of a home improvement market where people are spending more per project but making fewer trips, consistent with a housing market where existing homeowners are investing in their current homes rather than moving.

That maintenance and repair demand comes on top of the roughly four million existing home transactions still occurring annually, even in this frozen market. It's what gives Morgan Stanley confidence that Home Depot's business can grind forward, despite the lack of a housing recovery catalyst.

Why Morgan Stanley sees $420 target as achievable from stock priced for no recovery

The valuation argument in the note is the core of why Morgan Stanley remains constructive. Home Depot is currently trading at approximately 19.5 times next 12 months price-to-earnings, roughly a 7% discount to the S&P 500. Historically, the stock has commanded a 10% to 15% premium to the index, according to the note.

That gap between current valuation and historical premium is the opportunity Morgan Stanley is pointing to. The market is not pricing in the 3.7% comparable sales growth that the consensus is modeling for 2027.

Morgan Stanley's own estimates are slightly more conservative: comps of 1.4% in fiscal 2026 and 3.5% in fiscal 2027. The conclusion is the same, however. At this multiple, investors are paying for a business that never improves from here.

The $420 price target is based on approximately 25.5 times Morgan Stanley's fiscal 2027 EPS estimate of $16.42, according to the note. Any glimmer of housing market inflection, whether from rate cuts, pent-up demand release, or accelerating home turnover, would create meaningful upside from a starting multiple that already embeds significant pessimism.

Home Depot is a patient trade. Morgan Stanley is still holding.

Related: BofA sees more room for Home Depot shares

That's not a stock gain or a venture capital return. It's the annual dividend yield that Warren Buffett effectively earns on his original Coca-Cola investment, and it's the result of one of the most powerful forces in finance: time, compounding, and a dividend stock that never stops raising its payout.

According to Hartford Funds, since 1960, roughly 85% of the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index has been attributable to reinvested dividends and the power of compounding.

"Dividends have historically played a significant role in total return, particularly when average annual equity returns were lower than 10% during a decade," Hartford explains.

Buffett's Coca-Cola (KO) position is perhaps the most vivid real-world demonstration of that principle.

Most investors focus on price appreciation. Buffett's KO stake is a reminder that the slow, steady drip of rising dividends can quietly build something extraordinary.

Why Coca-Cola is the ultimate dividend stock

Coca-Cola is the world's largest nonalcoholic beverage company, with 32 billion-dollar brands and 2.2 billion servings consumed every day worldwide.

But for income investors, the real story isn't the fizzy drinks; it's the financials.

• Coca-Cola has increased its dividend for 63 straight years and paid out $8.8 billion in dividends in 2025. 
• It puts KO firmly in the elite category of "Dividend Kings," companies that have raised their payouts for more than 50 consecutive years.
• The business behind that streak is built on pricing power, global distribution, and a brand moat that competitors have spent decades trying to crack.

Coca-Cola reported 2025 revenue of $47.9 billion, with organic revenue growing 5%. Management guided for 4% to 5% organic revenue growth and 7% to 8% comparable earnings-per-share growth for 2026.

Steady, predictable earnings are what keep dividends rising, which creates stories like Buffett's.

A 20% yield-on-cost for KO stock investors

Buffett completed his purchase of 400 million Coca-Cola shares in 1994.

At the start of that year, KO traded around $10.22 per share, and the annual dividend was just $0.17 per share.

So the 400 million shares cost roughly $4.1 billion and generated about $68 million in annual dividends, yielding approximately 1.65%.

To put that in context, it was a pretty unremarkable yield. You could have found higher-paying dividend stocks at the time.

More Dividend stocks:

• Costco quietly bumps its quarterly dividend by 13%
• Early SCHD ETF investors now earn a 12.5% dividend yield on cost
• S&P 500 index dividend yield hits nearly 50-year low

But here's what 30 years of consecutive dividend raises does.

Today, Coca-Cola pays an annual dividend of $2.12 per share. Buffett's 400 million shares now generate approximately $868 million in annual dividend income.

Calculated against his original cost basis of roughly $4.1 billion, his yield on cost has climbed to nearly 20%.

He's collecting close to $1 billion per year in dividends alone from a position that cost him $4.1 billion three decades ago. That's the compounding effect of owning a great dividend stock and holding it long enough for the raises to stack up.

It's also why Buffett has famously never sold a share.

KO dividend stock: key ratios at a glance

Here's a snapshot of where Coca-Cola's dividend metrics stand today:

• Annual dividend per share: $2.12
• Quarterly dividend: $0.53 per share (payable July 1, 2026)
• Current dividend yield: approximately 2.6%
• Payout ratio: approximately 67%
• Dividend growth streak: 63 consecutive years of increases
• KO dividend yield versus S&P 500 average: Roughly 2.6% versus the S&P 500's approximately 1.1%

The 67% payout ratio is worth noting. It means Coca-Cola is paying out a healthy portion of its earnings as dividends, but retaining enough to invest in the business. 

Wall Street still sees upside in KO stock

Despite the stock trading near 52-week highs, analysts remain largely bullish.

Citi analyst Filippo Falorni raised his price target on KO to $91 from $90, 24/7 Wall St noted, and he kept a "buy" rating after what he described as "strong" first-quarter results. 

TD Cowen lifted its target to $90 from $85, and UBS raised its target to $88 from $87 following the same earnings report, Investing.com confirmed.

Related: Morgan Stanley resets Coca-Cola stock price target after earnings

16 Wall Street analysts have assigned KO a buy rating, with an average price target of $88, indicating an upside potential of 8%. 

The Q1 results that sparked those upgrades were strong. 

• Organic revenue surged 10% year over year, with 3% growth in global unit case volume, and the company gained value share across all major geographic regions.
• New CEO Henrique Braun, who took over from James Quincey on March 31, also raised full-year earnings guidance. 
• Updated 2026 guidance now calls for 4% to 5% organic revenue growth and 8% to 9% earnings-per-share growth, despite ongoing macroeconomic and commodity headwinds.

For income investors, the takeaway is simple. KO is not a get-rich-quick stock. But for investors who buy a great dividend stock and let time do the work, Buffett's Coca-Cola stake is the most compelling case study.

Related: Coca-Cola CEO has a stark message on the economy

For many, sitting at a desk all day is inevitable. While it may seem harmless, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, which can heavily impact not just your health but also how productive you are. That's why creating an ergonomic workspace is crucial, whether you work in an office or at home. 

Simple upgrades can make all the difference, as it's tough to be productive when you're in constant pain. Unfortunately, I know this struggle all too well. As someone who is glued to their desk, I've dealt with chronic back pain and have even been to physical therapy for it twice. And making my desk more ergonomic and implementing lifestyle changes has massively improved my pain.

To create an ergonomic work setup, you want to make adjustments to have a natural and neutral posture while you're sitting at a desk. There are various ways to achieve this through ergonomic office products, from laptop stands to adjustable office chairs. Here are some office upgrades you can make to work more comfortably while boosting productivity and focus.

Laptop stand

Whether you work from home or in a hybrid remote/office environment, chances are you use a laptop. They're portable and easy to carry around, but when it comes to an ergonomic workstation, they can wreak havoc on your posture. But that's where a laptop stand can help. 

When you're working on a laptop for a long period of time, constantly looking down to work can cause you to slouch over, resulting in poor posture and pain and tension in your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Proper laptop ergonomics involves a screen around eye level, with your line of vision landing comfortably at the top portion of the screen. A laptop stand can elevate your laptop to the proper height, thus reducing the need to hunch over. 

A laptop stand is one of the first additions to my work-from-home setup, and it's made a massive difference in comfort while I work. In fact, it's something I find hard to work comfortably without. Side note: If you work from a desktop computer, a monitor stand or riser can have a similar effect, but is typically more stationary and not height adjustable.

Urmust Aluminum Laptop Stand

Benfei Laptop Stand with 6-in-1 Docking Station

Wireless keyboard

With your laptop elevated, it's time to talk about the keyboard. It's not comfortable or ideal to use the laptop keyboard with a laptop stand, as it elevates your arms at an awkward angle and can cause upper body strain. Naturally, a wireless keyboard is the best solution. I personally use a mini keyboard without the numberpad on the side, but you can also get a full-size wireless keyboard or an ergonomic keyboard with a wave that promotes natural typing in a compact size to reduce strain, depending on your preference and needs for work.

Paired with a laptop stand, a wireless keyboard gives you the freedom to move it around to best suit your comfort level. Ideally, a wireless keyboard should be in front of you, but not too close or too far away. Your elbows should rest naturally at around a 90-degree angle, and your wrists should be straight and neutral while typing. 

Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard

Logitech Wave Keys Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard

Logitech Pop Icon Keys Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard

Wireless mouse

Similar to a wireless keyboard, you likely don't want to stick to using your laptop's trackpad. Instead, a wireless mouse works best in an ergonomic setup. By placing it near your keyboard and in line with your shoulder, it prevents you from excessively reaching and straining your shoulder. But not just any mouse, an ergonomic mouse. 

An ergonomic mouse (also called a vertical mouse) is designed to have your hand in a neutral position, reducing strain in your hand, wrist, and even forearm. The primary buttons are placed at an angle, along with a trackball, and there's a curve that acts as a thumb rest. A traditional mouse, on the other hand, forces your palm to lie flat, which can cause tension and wrist pain. 

It's a small accessory, but it's surprising how much of a difference it can make. In all my time using a computer, I never thought much about how a mouse can impact my comfort level while working. But as time went on and I dove deeper into creating a comfortable and ergonomic workstation, I couldn't believe I went so long without an ergonomic mouse. 

Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse

ProtoArc Ergonomic Mouse

Standing desks

Being sedentary can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, but standing all day at a desk isn't the most realistic (or very comfortable) either. An adjustable standing desk gives you the option to switch between both, encouraging periods of movement throughout the day.

But when you're standing at your desk, you want to keep the ergonomic desk basics in mind, like keeping your screen at eye level and resting your arms and elbows in a neutral position. You also want to pay attention to your feet. If you're working from home, you might think to just go barefoot; however, a pair of sneakers can provide arch support, and a soft mat can help reduce strain in your feet, knees, and lower back.

Fezibo Standing Desk

Klsmyhoki Standing Desk

Desktop riser

If you like your traditional desk, but want the option to comfortably stand during the workday, consider a desktop riser. Also known as a standing desk converter, it does just that by turning a standard desk into a standing desk. 

Desktop risers are highly versatile, portable, and convenient. They can transform your desk in minutes, if not seconds. When you're done with work, you can easily break it down and store it away. They're ideal if you don't want to purchase new furniture, but prices can vary. There are budget-friendly desk converters that are simple and straightforward, but there are others with extra features and levels that can make them just as expensive, if not more, than some affordable standing desks. 

Vivo Small Single-Top Standing Desk Converter

Vivo Height-Adjustable Dual Monitor Stand Up Desk Converter

Adjustable office chair

Of all the ergonomic work setup swaps I made, an ergonomic office chair might've made the biggest difference. I truly believe it's the foundation of an ergonomic workspace, as the right office chair can provide support, reduce pain, and allow you to be productive for longer periods of time (even though movement is highly encouraged, but we'll get to that later). The perfect ergonomic office chair is adjustable to fit your body, most importantly, the seat height that allows your feet to rest flat on the floor, and the armrest height that supports a comfortable bend at the elbows. Adjustable lumbar support and seat depth are also bonuses, as well as breathable and comfortable material. 

With office chairs, there's such a range in pricing. A lot of the time, it's due to materials, adjustability, and big brand names well-known for their ergonomic office chairs, like Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Humanscale. Since a comfortable and adjustable chair is crucial for an ergonomic desk setup, it's one of those items that you should consider splurging on for maximum comfort and durability.

Pre-ergonomic desk journey, I had an aesthetically pleasing vintage chair that had been in my family for decades. It looked great (and it was free), but it felt impossible to be productive when it caused so much pain in my shoulders, lower back, elbows, wrists, everywhere. I've had a Humanscale chair for a few years now, and it's my pride and joy in my workstation. It checks off all the boxes I need, and it's made my desk significantly more comfortable to sit at.

Elabest X100 Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair with Footrest

Tralt Ergonomic Office Chair

Steelcase Gesture Office Chair

Humanscale Diffrient World Task Chair

Movement

You can make all the office upgrades in the world and maintain the perfect posture at a desk for hours, but prioritizing movement throughout the workday is a game changer. When you sit all day, your muscles get tense and fatigued, and your spine compresses, which can lead to poor circulation, strain, and pain. But even a little movement can be beneficial. Not only can it help reduce pain from being sedentary, but it can also reduce stress, help you feel more energized, and make you feel more productive.

Moving throughout the day is one of the simplest ways to improve workspace ergonomics, but it can also be one of the easiest to forget or actually implement. I'm very guilty of this, and have noticed a massive change in chronic back pain and tension when I make an effort to move more throughout the workday. 

Starting off, you can do something as easy as changing your seating position, standing, taking a quick walk around the office or house, doing some bodyweight squats every house, or doing some shoulder rolls. But if you really want to amp up the movement, there are items like walking pads, under-desk ellipticals, and more to keep you moving without even leaving your desk.

Flexispot Multi-Task Office Desk Chair with Integrated Bike

Cubii JR1 Under-Desk Elliptical

Walkingpad Foldable Walking Pad

Ulfario Walking Pad

Why is an ergonomic office setup so important for productivity?

Creating an ergonomic work setup — whether you're in an office or work from home — is crucial to not just your health but also your productivity. Making changes to improve posture and prioritizing movement can reduce pain and tension in the body and also break up a sedentary workday. When you're comfortable and not focusing so much on pain, you feel more focused and energized, ready to take on daily work tasks with the utmost efficiency. 

TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use.

On May 20, RKLB closed at a fresh record of $134.28, up 5.47% on the day, capping a run that has more than doubled the shares since December.

By May 21 pre-market, the stock was down roughly 6.6% to around $124, with overnight trading on the Blue Ocean ATS showing prices near $123 to $126.

The trigger was not an earnings miss or a failed launch. It was a piece of paper filed late Wednesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

What Rocket Lab's $3 billion equity filing actually says

Rocket Lab quietly registered a $3 billion "at-the-market" equity distribution program, the company disclosed in an 8-K filing on May 20, 2026.

An at-the-market program, often shortened to ATM, lets a company sell new shares gradually into the open market at its own discretion, rather than dumping one large block all at once.

That distinction matters. There is no single overnight offering hitting the tape. Sales happen over time, at prices set by the market, only when management chooses to pull the trigger.

More Wall Street:

• Michael Burry has a blunt message on the stock market for 2026
• RBC revamps S&P 500 target for the rest of 2026
• Elon Musk is one IPO away from a stunning Wall Street first

The program does not force Rocket Lab to sell anything. As Investing.com reported, the agreement lets the company offer shares "from time to time" up to a $3 billion ceiling, with full control over timing and volume.

So why did the stock fall? Because investors read any large new-share authorization as dilution risk. More shares outstanding can mean a smaller slice of the company for existing holders, and traders priced that in fast on a stock sitting at all-time highs.

The bank lineup that makes the RKLB filing intriguing

Here is where the story gets interesting.

Several of the banks hired to sell the shares, including Deutsche Bank (DB), had recently turned bullish on the stock, while at least one, KeyBanc, had recently stepped to the sidelines, per a TipRanks report.

According to the prospectus supplement filed with the SEC, the sales agents include:

• Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and BofA Securities, three of Wall Street's largest underwriters
• Deutsche Bank Securities, whose analyst raised his RKLB target to $120 from $73 just days earlier
• Wells Fargo, TD Securities, Stifel, KeyBanc, Cantor Fitzgerald, and others filling out the 16-firm roster
  Source: RKLB prospectus supplement, SEC

The KeyBanc name stands out. On Tuesday, KeyBanc analyst Michael Leshock stayed on the sidelines, telling clients RKLB's risk/reward looked "balanced" in the near term, even while calling it one of the highest-quality names in space.

That same cautious firm now sits on the roster, helping place new shares. For some readers, that overlap is the real headline.

This is a strong company raising cash at a high price

The filing landed two weeks after Rocket Lab posted a quarter that was anything but troubled.

First-quarter revenue hit a record $200.3 million, a 63.5% jump year over year, the company reported on May 7. That beat the $189.68 million Wall Street expected.

The other numbers were just as strong:

• GAAP gross margin reached a record 38.2%
• Backlog climbed to $2.2 billion, up 108% year over year
• Adjusted EPS came in at -$0.02, ahead of the -$0.04 consensus
  Source: Rocket Lab First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

Management even guided Q2 revenue to a range of $225 million to $240 million, per the earnings call reported by Investing.com.

So the raise is not a rescue. It looks like a company choosing to fill its war chest while its stock is richly valued, near an 80%-plus year-to-date gain.

Where the $3 billion is likely headed

Rocket Lab has been spending aggressively to become a full-service space company, not just a launch provider.

In April, according to Yahoo Finance, it completed its acquisition of Mynaric, a laser optical communications maker, and signed a deal for robotics firm Motiv, building out its satellite-components business.

Related: Veteran analyst doubles down on Rocket Lab stock after earnings

Then there is Neutron, the larger reusable rocket meant to compete for heavier payloads. Developing and scaling a new rocket burns cash for years before it pays off.

A flexible $3 billion facility funds both the buying spree and Neutron without forcing the company back to investors at a worse moment.

How this could ripple beyond Rocket Lab

• Satellite operators may gain cheaper laser-comms supply as Rocket Lab scales Mynaric production
• Defense programs like missile-tracking constellations lean on the components Rocket Lab is insourcing
• Rival launchers face a better-capitalized competitor heading into the Neutron era

RKLB vs. the S&P 500: how the run looks

Even after the May 21 drop, the gap between Rocket Lab and the broad market is stark.

Source: TradingView

A stock up that much carries little room for error, which is exactly why a dilution signal stings more here than it would on a sleepy blue chip.

What investors should watch from here

The bull case and bear case both fit the same facts, which is what makes this a genuine judgment call.

Bulls argue the ATM is opportunistic: raise high, dilute slowly, fund growth, avoid debt. The gradual structure means no immediate flood of shares.

Bears counter that management authorizing a $3 billion raise near record highs may signal that even insiders see the stock as fully priced.

A few practical things to track before drawing conclusions:

• Actual share issuance. An ATM ceiling is permission, not action. Watch future filings for how many shares Rocket Lab really sells.
• Neutron timeline. Delays would raise the odds that the company taps that capital sooner and harder.
• Margin trend. Continued gross-margin gains would support the premium valuation that justifies raising at these levels.

None of this is investment advice, and Rocket Lab remains a high-volatility name where sharp swings in either direction are normal. Position sizing matters more than usual with a stock that can move double digits on a single filing.

Related: Cathie Wood dumps more semiconductor stocks in blindsiding move

Several SECURE 2.0 Act provisions are now reshaping 401(k) rules, potentially affecting how workers save and withdraw from their accounts.

Meanwhile, Social Security is moving toward its projected 2034 trust‑fund depletion date, prompting lawmakers to explore legislation aimed at reinforcing the program’s long‑term health.

After years of reporting on retirement issues, I’ve seen how focused people are on learning about these developments and making the most of every opportunity to strengthen their post‑career outlook.

And AARP, the nonprofit advocacy group for older Americans, has been sounding the alarm about these changes, urging future retirees to understand how shifting policies may influence their plans.

"The key provisions of SECURE 2.0 aim to bolster Americans’ opportunities to save for retirement and to draw income from those funds later in life," wrote AARP. "Most are already in effect; a few more will be phased in over the next several years."

AARP sounds alarm on 401(k) changes

Some changes are already in place, others are still to come.

"SECURE 2.0 mandated that as of Jan. 1, 2025, employers who start new 401(k) and 403(b) plans must automatically enroll employees and have between 3 percent and 10 percent of their pay directed into their retirement accounts," AARP warned.

"This provision also has an auto-escalation component, adding 1 percent per year of a worker’s pay to their retirement contributions, up to an employer-set cap that can be from 10 percent to 15 percent of earnings," AARP added. "Employees can opt out or change the contribution level at any time.

Studies consistently find that people are far more likely to join a retirement plan when enrollment happens automatically rather than requiring them to sign up on their own, according to AARP.

Previously, catch‑up contributions for 401(k)s and similar workplace plans were uniform for everyone age 50 and above. With SECURE 2.0, a special enhanced catch‑up tier for people between 60 and 63 (up to $11,250) took place in 2025.

"In 2026, the standard 401(k) contribution limit is $24,500. The catch-up cap is $8,000, meaning people ages 50-59 and 64-plus can put up to $32,500 into a workplace plan this year," wrote AARP. "If you are 60, 61, 62 or 63, the catch-up limit is $11,250, and you can contribute up to $35,750 overall."

AARP explains retirement savings change coming in 2027

Starting in 2027, low‑ and moderate‑income earners will receive a federal match worth 50 percent of their retirement contributions, capped at $2,000. The resulting match — up to $1,000 — will be placed directly into their retirement account.

"This Saver’s Match will phase out at higher income levels," AARP wrote. "Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $20,500 ($41,000 for a married couple filing jointly) will be eligible to get the full 50 percent."

"Those making up to $35,500 (individual) or $71,000 (couple) can get a reduced match," AARP added. "After 2027 the limits will be subject to cost-of-living increases."

AARP discusses Social Security solvency, when to begin collecting

Instead of drawing on their savings to increase future benefits, many people are choosing to file for Social Security earlier — largely because they’re worried about the program’s long‑term finances, according to the Urban Institute.

But Emerson Sprick, director of retirement and labor policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, believes lawmakers will act to prevent a Social Security insolvency crisis, according to AARP.

More on personal finance:

• Zillow forecasts big mortgage change for U.S. housing market
• AARP sounds alarm on major Social Security problem
• Dave Ramsey bluntly warns Americans on 401(k)s

"But whether or not you agree, it still likely makes sense to delay filing for Social Security until 70," Sprick says, as reported by AARP. "Even if overall benefits are reduced, that’s still when you’ll get your biggest possible monthly benefit."

"With those higher payments ... you ultimately may need less in savings for your given lifestyle or expenditure level."

Another benefit of waiting to claim Social Security is that the program adjusts payments for inflation.

Unlike retirement or investment accounts, which rise and fall with markets, Social Security increases annually through cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLAs) tied to consumer prices.

"Past COLAs are rolled into the benefit you get when you claim, and the bigger that benefit, the more it will grow with future COLAs," AARP clarified.

Related: Fidelity sends strong message on major Medicare worry