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Why do shoppers love it?

The cart offers so much convenience that it's hard to know where to begin. That said, it's hard to ignore the 12 color-coded drawers that line the frame. The interior of each drawer measures 13 inches long by 10 inches wide by 2.5 inches high. They're fully removable, which is incredibly useful, considering you can place them on a table or countertop for loading or unloading, and them slide them right back into place on the cart. This isn't just an organizational tool that offers space, but it also offers a way to utilize that space that's efficient and helpful.

For its part, the frame is sturdy and well-made. It's constructed of rigid hollow metal tubes that offer the added benefit of being extremely lightweight. The four 350-degree spinner wheels make it easy to move and store the cart without a lot of effort. Two of the wheels are lockable as well, which means you can even use this organizer on an uneven surface, and you don't need to worry about it rolling away.

There are metal handles on either end of the cart that allow you to push or pull it as needed. The flat metal tray that covers the top of the cart is also a great place to put the trays two-by-two as you organize items and place them neatly in their spots on the cart. The large ergonomic knobs on the front of each drawer add to the ease of use, allowing you to open and close them quickly, no matter how full they may be.

Pros and cons of the Costway 12-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart

Pros

Removable trays: The removable design of the trays makes organizing a breeze.
Color coding: The color coding of the trays allows you to keep them in the same order without confusion.
Frame construction: The metal frame construction is lightweight yet durable.
Wheels: The four 360-degree wheels allow for easy transport, while the locking mechanism allows the cart to stay in place when needed.

Cons

Tray material: The lightweight plastic build of the trays might not be sturdy enough for storing heavier items.
White trays: Depending on what you plan to use the cart for, the white trays might be prone to dirt, grime, and stains.

This is the kind of product that I would use for all sorts of things in my home. Not only is it great for tools and fasteners, but it could also be shared with other household members for crafting, cleaning supplies, or even toys for the little ones.

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The Costway 12-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart is a great deal for anyone looking to get their house in order. At just $70, we can't think of a better way to save a little space while saving a lot of money.

BNP Paribas flags rate outlook after divisive Fed vote

Mary Helen Gillespie — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:37:00 GMT

So much for Fed-speak.

Judging from the language in its official post-meeting statement, the Federal Open Market Committee appears to signal it could cut benchmark interest rates this year -- or even consider raising them.

The FOMC, in a decisive 8-4 vote on April 29, held the benchmark Federal Funds Rate steady at 3.50% to 3.75%.

The primary point of the opposing votes: whether the Fed should be more explicit that the next monetary-policy step may not be a rate cut but rather a rate hike as inflation risks rise due to the Iran War.

But a note from BNP Paribas indicates the FOMC remains committed to holding the funds rate steady pending significant economic changes yet with a focus on the impact the eight-week Iran War has on energy prices.

“We believe the FOMC is firmly on hold, consistent with our expectation for unchanged monetary policy into 2027,’’ according to the note from Chief U.S. Economist James Egelhof and Head of U.S. Rates Strategy Guneet Dhingra.

The note also suggests that the three FOMC officials who opposed the statement’s language were in fact signalling to incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh -- long an advocate for lower rates as is President Donald Trump -- that the central bank’s decisions will remain data-driven and not influenced by political pressure from the executive branch.

Powell clarified FOMC statement language

“The center is moving toward a more neutral place,” outgoing Fed Chair Jerome Powell told the post-meeting press conference.

These comments came alongside a number of approving references to market pricing, which prices in roughly symmetric risks to the funds rate path over the year, the note said.

Symmetric risks are scenarios where potential gains and losses are balanced and the probability distribution of outcomes is evenly distributed around the mean, such as a 50/50 coin flip.

“Powell’s argument for retaining the easing-bias language seems less about the FOMC actually believing in it, in our view, and more about a desire to defer to future nominee Chair Kevin Warsh…in deciding what to do about it, combined with a preference to make changes slowly in an environment of uncertainty,’’ the note said.

Historic FOMC vote reflects 8-4 divide

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 due to a weakening labor market.

The 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.

Why three of the FOMC officials dissented

Cleveland Fed President Beth M. Hammack, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, and Dallas Fed President Lorie K. Logan dissented. This is a high number for FOMC dissenting votes, showing a significant internal shift away from wanting to cut rates.

The statement said the 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.”

Powell said that the center of the committee is “moving toward a more neutral place.”

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.

But Powell added: “People are not saying that we need to hike now.”

Traders look to 2027 for rate clarity

Fed Governor Stephen I. Miran, the other dissenter, voted against the “wait-and-see” approach, preferring to lower the target range for the funds rate by 25 basis points. Miran, the most dovish of the Board of Governors, will be replaced by Warsh later this spring.

Traders at the CME Group FedWatch Tool are pricing in the next cut in benchmark interest rates as late 2027, almost four quarters later than what was expected at the beginning of this year.

“With a symmetric bias now priced in, and recent data having been strong, we think markets will be quicker to price in a rate cut on any negative news on the U.S. economy, but will keep a higher bar for pricing in rate hikes,’’ the BNP Paribas note said.

Something shifted in finance and now everything costs more

Hillary Remy — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:17:00 GMT

The bill for a quieter, safer financial system is arriving, and it is bigger than most institutions expected.

There is a cost building inside the global financial system that rarely makes headlines on its own but shows up everywhere: in compliance budgets, in licensing timelines, in the engineering hours spent integrating with new regulatory requirements. The cost of operating in finance is rising, and market forces are only part of the story.

What has changed is the nature of trust itself. For decades, financial institutions could earn regulatory credibility through policies and procedures. Today, regulators want to see the logs, the screening records, the real-time monitoring output. Trust is no longer assumed. It has to be engineered, and that engineering is expensive.

The numbers behind the shift

A new report from blockchain security firm CertiK puts numbers to what many in finance have been sensing. Its Skynet State of Digital Asset Regulations Report, released in April 2026, found that anti-money laundering fines and settlements exceeded $900 million in the first half of 2025 alone, a figure that reflects not just a bad run of enforcement cases, but a structural shift in how regulators operate.

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The report documents active regulatory enforcement across the United States, European Union, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UAE, Japan, Turkey, and Brazil. What had been a patchwork of proposals and consultation periods is now a live enforcement environment. High-profile penalties, including a $504 million resolution involving OKX and a $297.4 million penalty for KuCoin, signal that authorities are no longer signaling intent. They are acting on it.

CertiK also notes that independent security audits have shifted from optional best practice to a near-statutory requirement across several of those markets. Institutions are now expected to demonstrate capital adequacy, asset segregation, liquidity management, and contingency planning, standards that closely mirror what traditional banks have faced for years.

Why costs are compounding, not just rising

The pressure is not coming from one direction. It is converging from three at once.

Regulatory intensity: Authorities have moved from principles-based guidance to prescriptive, enforcement-heavy regimes. Compliance is no longer a policy document. It is a live operational function with real-time output. AML compliance has replaced securities classification as the dominant regulatory risk for 2026.
Jurisdictional multiplication: Operating across borders once meant entering a few key markets. Today, customers expect cross-border capability from launch, and every new jurisdiction adds its own licensing, reporting, and capital requirements. There is no single passport that travels cleanly across regions.
Banking relationships under strain: Access to banking infrastructure has become less reliable for a wide range of financial operators. When a banking partner exits a relationship, the cost goes beyond the relationship itself. It is the reintegration work, the frozen capital, and the operational disruption that follows. Source: CertiK Skynet State of Digital Asset Regulations Report

Bernardo Bilotta, CEO and Co-founder of payments infrastructure firm Stables, says the shift is unmistakable. "The days of 'show us your policy' are over; now it's 'show us your logs, your screening records, your real-time monitoring output.' That shift alone has doubled the compliance overhead for most financial operators," he said.

The acceleration is not happening because one of these forces got worse. It is happening because all three intensified at the same time, and institutions that had planned for sequential pressure are now facing simultaneous pressure.

Compliance used to be a checkbox. Now it is the cost of doing business.

LumiNola/Getty Images

Infrastructure as the new risk frontier

One of the subtler findings in the CertiK report concerns where risk actually lives. In 2025, 76% of on-chain losses by value came not from flawed financial products but from infrastructure compromises: private key theft, access control failures, system-level exploits. The February 2025 Bybit breach, which resulted in $1.46 billion in losses attributed to North Korean operatives by the FBI, was not a product failure. It was an infrastructure failure.

This pattern extends well beyond digital asset markets. Across global finance, institutions are grappling with the recognition that risk management now means understanding every layer of the stack, not just the assets being managed, but the systems that process, clear, and settle them.

A decade ago, risk management meant understanding exposure to an asset class. Today, it means auditing every layer between an institution and that asset: who processes the transactions, how compliance screening works in real time, whether a settlement partner can deliver funds into a local bank account at the other end.

For institutions, compliance is no longer a back-office function managed by a legal team. It is an engineering problem, one that requires continuous maintenance and real-time performance, not a one-time implementation.

How institutions are responding

Some firms are making structural decisions that reflect the new cost reality. Real Finance recently announced a partnership with Wiener Privatbank, an Austrian bank, to build regulated infrastructure allowing institutional clients to access on-chain financial products within a European regulatory framework. The arrangement places EU-regulated custody, reserve management, and KYC/AML compliance at the center of the model, not as add-ons, but as the foundation the product is built on.

The partnership reflects a broader pattern. Institutions are increasingly unwilling to operate in environments where regulatory status is ambiguous. Building compliance into infrastructure from the start is becoming the standard approach, even when it raises the cost of entry.

The CertiK report also flags the Basel Committee's new cryptoasset framework, effective January 2026, which draws a clear line between tokenized traditional assets with standard risk weights and unbacked assets facing significantly higher capital charges. The practical effect is to raise the cost of holding certain assets on institutional balance sheets, another form of the same compliance premium that is reshaping operating budgets across the industry.

What this means for the future of financial expansion

The economics of building for a single market were already challenging. Building for five markets simultaneously, each with its own licensing regime, reporting cadence, and banking requirements, is a different order of problem entirely.

"The era of going it alone across borders is ending," Bilotta noted. "The economics of building and maintaining multi-jurisdictional compliance, local banking relationships, and real-time monitoring across every market you serve simply don't work if you're doing it solo."

What emerges from that constraint is a market that increasingly favors scale. Firms that have already built out multi-jurisdictional compliance infrastructure, whether through years of direct investment or through partnerships with established regulated entities, will carry lower marginal costs than those starting from scratch. The compliance premium, in other words, acts as a barrier to entry that compounds over time.

That may be exactly what regulators intend. The era of regulatory uncertainty is giving way to structured accountability. For financial institutions, the question is no longer whether compliance costs will rise. It is whether they have the infrastructure to absorb those costs without losing competitive ground.

Kevin O'Leary reveals his unique investing formula

Damilola Esebame — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:07:00 GMT

Kevin O'Leary has spent decades telling entrepreneurs on national television precisely what their businesses are worth. Now he is sharing something he rarely details publicly: the exact way he allocates his own money across asset classes, and why he believes most investors overcomplicate their approach to building wealth.

In a recent appearance on The Iced Coffee Hour podcast, the Shark Tank star laid out a three-bucket portfolio structure: 60% in equities, 20% in fixed income, and 20% in alternatives including gold and cryptocurrency, FinanceBuzz reported.

What stands out about his formula is its accessibility. In a market where social media hypes complex options strategies and meme-driven momentum trades, O'Leary is betting on a diversified structure that any investor with a brokerage account could build from scratch.

O'Leary keeps 60% of his portfolio in stocks spread across the globe

The largest slice of O'Leary's allocation goes to equities, but he is not concentrating those positions in U.S. stocks alone. His equity holdings are diversified across multiple countries and sectors, allowing him to capture growth in economies moving on different cycles than the American market, FinanceBuzz reported.

O'Leary has also been vocal about dividend-paying companies, a focus he traces back to lessons from his late mother, Georgette. In a separate appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast in June 2025, O'Leary told host Steven Bartlett that she followed a rigid system of investing a fixed percentage of her income into two asset classes: large-cap dividend-paying stocks and telco bonds, according to Benzinga.

He shared that she never put more than 5% into any single name and never exceeding 20% in any one sector, according to Benzinga. She maintained those rules for 55 years, and O'Leary said the philosophy still guides his family trust today.

His 20% bond allocation serves as a buffer when stocks stumble

O'Leary's fixed-income position generates a predictable income stream that can offset equity market swings, offering what stocks cannot during the most volatile stretches, FinanceBuzz reported. For investors nearing retirement or already drawing portfolio income, bonds allow cash flow without forcing stock sales during downturns.

That 20% position takes on added significance given where interest rates stand. The yield on 10-year Treasurys has hovered near 4.5%, a level that Fidelity's director of global macro research, Jurrien Timmer, described as historically significant for market stress, according to the firm's April 2026 market outlook.

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Selling equities in a falling market locks in permanent losses, while drawing from a bond allocation preserves the equity portfolio's ability to recover over time. At yields near 4.5%, bonds are no longer just defensive holdings but meaningful contributors to total return, reshaping how portfolios generate income in today's uncertain environment.

This shift increases the appeal of fixed income as a stabilizing force, particularly when equity valuations face pressure, and investors look for consistency in cash flow generation. By maintaining a dedicated bond allocation, portfolios gain flexibility, allowing withdrawals to come from steadier assets while giving equities time to recover from short-term volatility swings.

Kevin O’Leary’s 20% bond allocation cushions volatility, generates steady income, and preserves equities, as higher yields boost fixed income’s role in portfolios.

O'Leary's 20% alternatives bet includes gold and crypto with discipline

The final fifth of his portfolio encompasses gold, cryptocurrency, and collectibles, assets that tend to behave differently from stocks and bonds. That characteristic makes them useful when traditional asset classes are moving in the same direction, FinanceBuzz reported.

O'Leary has warned investors about chasing enthusiasm around artificial intelligence stocks, noting that many AI names have already pulled back sharply from their highs.

Even a small 5% allocation becomes risky when concentrated in a single volatile trend, he cautioned, as reported by FinanceBuzz. Gold, meanwhile, has outperformed both stocks and bonds in the first months of 2026, a pattern Fidelity noted is historically associated with bear market conditions.

The 70% statistic that reshaped O'Leary's approach to picking investments

Beyond asset allocation, O'Leary recently shared a data point from his own track record that challenges common assumptions about what drives investment returns. Roughly 70% of his biggest wins over 17 years came from companies led by women, he wrote on Facebook, as FinanceBuzz reported in a separate story.

Those leaders tend to be more disciplined with spending, more thoughtful about risk management, and more focused on returning capital quickly, O'Leary explained. The pattern was not ideological.

"What is people’s relationship with greed and fear? Are people able to take a true long-term mindset? How gullible are you? Who do you trust? Who do you seek information from?... Those are the most important questions in investing, and they also apply to a lot of fields.” said Morgan Housel, New York Times Bestselling author of The Psychology of Money.

It emerged from a review of which investments consistently produced the strongest outcomes over long stretches, he said. That finding aligns with Fidelity research showing female investors outperform men by 40 basis points annually on average, a gap attributed to more patient, less reactive decision-making.

A simple allocation backed by data and discipline

O’Leary’s portfolio breakdown is not built on theory alone, but on patterns reinforced by both market data and his own track record. His 60/20/20 structure reflects a balance among growth, stability, and diversification at a time when 10-year Treasury yields are near 4.5%, and gold has outperformed traditional assets in early 2026.

The inclusion of alternatives is not speculative excess but a response to periods when stocks and bonds can move in tandem, reducing the effectiveness of traditional diversification.

Equally important is the discipline behind the allocation; O’Leary’s long-term results, including the finding that 70% of his top-performing investments came from companies led by women, highlight how consistency and measured decision-making shape outcomes over time.

Combined with Fidelity research showing female investors outperform men by 40 basis points annually, the emphasis shifts away from short-term trades toward sustained execution. Taken together, the framework illustrates that performance is often driven less by complexity than by structure.

Target's $70 necklace is 76% off as a perfect Mother's Day gift

Annie O'Sullivan — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:03:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

Jewelry might be branded as a "stereotypical" gift for birthdays and holidays, but in the end, it's a good go-to option for a reason. It can be a long-lasting present that the recipient can get use out of for years, and with so many options on the market, you can find great custom pieces that celebrate someone in a truly special way. With Mother's Day coming up quickly, you might be searching for that perfect gift for the important woman or women in your life that you call "mom" or consider motherly figures. If you want something impactful without going over the top (or over budget), the Amy and Annette Mama Bib Necklace might just be the gift you've been searching for.

On sale at Target right now, the necklace, which typically sells for $70, is 76% off. You can save $53 — and perhaps put that extra money toward some earrings to pair with it, like the A New Day Multi Tube Hoop Earrings— and grab one of the trending necklaces for your mom for just $17.

Amy and Annette Mama Bib Necklace, $17 (was $70) at Target

Photo by NurPhoto on Getty Images

Why do shoppers love it?

Simple with a little extra flair than a basic gold chain, this necklace combines quality with a special customization. The 14-inch-long chain is made with heavy-duty brass and plated with 14K gold. The brass provides durability and is what will keep the necklace sturdy, making it long-lasting and perfect for daily wear. The 14K gold plating provides shine and makes the jewelry look more luxurious. It also helps prevent premature tarnishing and damage from moisture, sweat, lotion, and perfumes.

Along the cable chain, letter charms are evenly spaced to spell out "Mama" in capital letters. At 14 inches, the necklace is designed to sit delicately right at the collarbone. The necklace has a lobster clasp to keep it securely on the neck. Lobster clasps are preferred in jewelry because of how durable and sturdy they are, often credited with being ideal for jewelry that is worn on a day-to-day basis.

For those with sensitive skin, no need to worry about irritation. The necklace is lead free and hypoallergenic.

Details to know

Material: Brass with 14K gold plating.
Length: 14 inches.
Features: The necklace has a delicate "Mama" inscription using individual letter charms spread out along the chain.
Clasp: Lobster claw.
Sensitive-skin friendly: The necklace is hypoallergenic and lead-free.

Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned veteran, this necklace is a great way to celebrate the bond between a mother and her child. As always with jewelry, to better maintain long-lasting quality, it's best to avoid wearing jewelry in water or sweaty environments, like at the gym. That said, for those who wear jewelry consistently around the clock, the necklace is durable enough that it won't tarnish quite as easily as other pieces, even with 24/7 wear.

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It might be predictable, but jewelry is a go-to gift for a reason. Thanks to Target's incredible 76% off discount, you can gift your mom the stunning Amy and Annette Mama Bib Necklace without having to pay high-quality jewelry prices.

Gas up 50% YTD? What to expect at the pump this summer

Charley Blaine — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:47:00 GMT

If you're a driver who finds stopping in to your local gas station or even Costco or Walmart painful, you have to be glad April is over.

But there's a problem. The high fuel prices you just suffered through as war raged in the Persian Gulf aren't going away. You might even see U.S. gas prices set new highs between now and, say, July.

That's what happened in the summer of 2022 as global inflation surged as the Covid-19 pandemic ended and the world reacted to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The easing of the pandemic unleashed a huge and sudden spurt of consumer demand for EVERYTHING. The Ukraine invasion led to sanctions imposed against Russia. The result. Oil and gasoline prices took off as spring started, and U.S. gasoline prices nationally topped $5 per gallon in the middle of June before drifting lower in the fall.

Higher gas prices just plain shock

Gas prices finished April at about $4.40 a gallon, according to GasBuddy and AAA , up around 8%, which doesn't sound awful. Except that prices jumped more than 45% between Feb. 27, the day before the start of the war between Israel and the United States and Iran, and April 30.

You're well aware how prices have jumped in 2026: 51% year-to-date, AAA suggests. GasBuddy thinks the change is more than 55%.

Prices continue to be highest in the Far West, Alaska and Hawaii and least expensive in the central to upper Midwest. The Los Angeles area saw gas above $6 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. It was $3.63 a gallon in Oklahoma City, according to AAA.

The Energy Information Agency has an optimistic forecast. Its summer 2026 gasoline forecast suggests prices will fall to $3.75 a gallon in July and $3.75. The forecast, however, was released in early April.

We're seeing shortages around the world, from Kenya to the Philippines.

Drivers linking up for gas in Kenya in early April. Lucas Mukasa / Getty Images

Lucas Mukasa / Anadolu / Getty Images

Time for the proverbial 'Now what?' on gas prices

You, the driver, now face a market affected by two — maybe three — forces. The first two will pressure oil and gasoline prices:

The war is still going on. President Trump is still threatening more attacks on Iran unless the Strait of Hormuz is opened. (Oil stocks, up at first, fell back in April.)
The traditional summer driving season is starting in the United States as Americans go on vacation. The formula used to make gasoline changes to account for hot weather and environmental rules, and prices, as a result, usually rise.

More Oil and Gas:

The driving season may actually have two chapters. Heavy traveling occurs in mid-to-late July, then eases for a week. (One sees this every year in Yellowstone National Park, according to Roadgenius.com and the National Park Service.) Then, a second wave heads out on the road and but starts to head home by mid-August.

A third force may be worth waiting for

The third force may result in downward pressure on prices.

The United Arab Emirates quit the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, and Reuters suggested more oil and gasoline may hit markets globally and lead to prices cuts. The UAE is one of OPEC 's biggest producers and has spare capacity.

But it is early yet to say definitively prices will come down, although historical data from the Oil Price Information Service show prices usually come down in the fall. One can only hope.

McDonald’s reveals protein hacks as beef prices rise

Daniel Kline — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:45:00 GMT

Protein is having a moment, and restaurants have been scrambling to meet increased demand.

"The percentage of Americans trying to consume protein is on the rise: In 2022, 59% said they try to consume protein, 67% in 2023, 71% in 2024, and 70% in 2025, according to the annual IFIC Food & Health Survey.

The 2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey also revealed that a “high protein” diet was the most common diet that Americans followed in the past year, and that consumers use “good source of protein” as the top criteria to define a healthy food.

"Because protein delivers so many important health benefits, people are trying to incorporate more of this key macronutrient throughout the day,” Cargill Senior Consumer Insights Director Cory Lomell said in a press release. “Beef, poultry, and other animal protein continue to be a go-to source for main meals."

The trend has been further accelerated by the growing use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs.

GLP-1 medications suppress appetite, which can lead to significant weight loss, but also raise the risk of losing muscle along with fat.

"What’s less often discussed is that the number on the scale doesn’t tell the full story. Along with fat loss, some people also lose lean body mass, which includes muscle, water and other tissues. In some studies, lean mass has accounted for a meaningful portion of total weight lost," according to the Mayo Clinic.

McDonald's has responded to customer demands for more protein in multiple ways. First, it introduced The Big Arch, a two-patty larger burger created to lean into the trend. Now, the chain has quietly let customers know how to add more protein to their meals without spending a lot of extra money.

McDonald's "secret menu" protein hacks

McDonald's Vice President of Menu Strategy Gina Hardy shared with The Takeout some menu hacks for customers seeking more protein.

Many of the McDonald's burgers on the menu allow bacon to be added, which results in an increase of 6 grams of protein.
If you'd prefer to stick to beef for your burger, the McDouble and the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese can have another two beef patties added for a total of four patties.
Each standard McDonald's beef patty offers 7 grams of protein, and each Quarter Pounder beef patty has 18 grams.

Hardy also shared a mistake many customers make when it comes to protein — eating their burger without the bun.

"It has 5 grams of protein," Gina Hardy revealed. "Many people trying to hit goals remove it, believing there is only carbs and sugar."

McDonald's does not have an official secret menu

McDonald's, it's important to know, does not set prices for its franchise operators, so prices for add-ons like bacon and added burger patties can vary by location.

In a broad sense, however, here is what these additions cost, based on a visit to a local McDonald's in South Florida.

Regular burger patty: $1.20
Quarter-pound burger patty: $2
Adding bacon: $1.50

Prices will vary, and not every McDonald's will allow customers to add extra patties via their app.

“Franchisees, as independent owner/operators, have the right to set menu prices for their restaurants based on their own business judgment and market conditions,” according to the National Owners Association’s Franchisee Bill of Rights, Restaurant Business reported.

McDonald's has been rolling out improved burgers globally.

Shutterstock

Beef prices are rising, and McDonald's has an answer

Rising beef prices have forced chains like McDonald's to look for alternatives such as chicken because they can't raise burger prices to offset their increased cost.

Fixing beef prices will take time because the American cattle herd is at its smallest size in 75 years, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

"The national herd size isn’t the only factor that determines what beef costs at the grocery store. Still, the dwindling number of cattle is a key reason the average price of all uncooked ground beef in the U.S. was $6.86 per pound in March, 3 cents off the record high set in February, according to federal statistics. That price in March is up nearly 48% from March 2021," added the AP.

While McDonald's has worked to improve its burger lineup with its Best Burger rollout and adding The Big Arch, it has also stepped up its chicken offering.

"Just as a reminder, this global category is 2x the size of beef and faster growing. We grew our chicken category share across our top 10 markets in 2025 and believe we're well on our way to increasing our share by at least 1 percentage point by the end of 2026 versus where we were in December 2023," Chief Restaurant Experience Officer Jill McDonald said during the chain's fourth-quarter earnings call.

A 3-piece McCrispy Chicken Strips has 30 grams of protein, according to the chain's menu. That's 18 grams more than a traditional Classic McDonald's Hamburger.

Taco Bell keeps winning while Pizza Hut drags Yum Brands down

Tobi Opeyemi Amure — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:33:00 GMT

The fast-food business has never been kind to underperformers. Unlike retail, where a struggling label can be quietly sidelined, a restaurant chain either generates foot traffic or it bleeds cash in plain sight. You cannot bury the numbers behind a remodel.

For years, Yum! Brands (YUM), the Louisville, Kentucky-based parent of Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, has run one of the more lopsided portfolios in American fast food. Two of its three major brands consistently deliver the kind of results that keep shareholders content. The third has become something closer to a chronic drag on the balance sheet.

On April 29, Yum! Brands reported first-quarter 2026 earnings that beat Wall Street estimates, posting adjusted earnings per share of $1.50 against an expected $1.38, according to CNBC. Net sales climbed 15% to $2.06 billion.

From the outside, it reads like a clean, convincing quarter. Dig inside the numbers, though, and the same story Yum investors have watched for the past year reasserts itself: Taco Bell is doing the heavy lifting, Pizza Hut is holding the company back, and Yum's own CEO is openly discussing a sale.

Taco Bell is doing the heavy lifting for Yum! Brands stock

Taco Bell posted a quarter that should unsettle rivals

Yum CEO Chris Turner did not bury the headline. "Taco Bell achieved remarkable same-store sales growth of 8%, significantly outpacing the [quick-service restaurant] sector and building on a strong Q1 growth rate in 2025," Turner stated in the earnings release, according to Yahoo Finance.

That 8% same-store sales gain matters more than it appears. Wall Street had expected growth closer to 5.6%, per StreetAccount data cited by CNBC. Taco Bell beat that by nearly two and a half percentage points, with U.S. system sales growing 10% and company-owned restaurant margins sitting at 23.9%, per the Business Wire earnings release.

I ran the numbers against the trailing five quarters, and what strikes me is the momentum. A year ago in Q1 2025, Taco Bell posted 9% same-store sales growth, itself a standout result. The chain is now stringing together back-to-back exceptional periods while the broader quick-service restaurant sector has been reporting negative traffic trends. That is not luck. That is execution.

Digital is a significant part of the story. Yum's digital system sales approached $11 billion in the quarter, with a record digital mix of 63% of total orders, per Business Wire. Taco Bell's app-based ordering and loyalty infrastructure has made it harder for competitors to match the chain on value perception, even as menu prices have risen across the category.

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Pizza Hut's performance shows why Yum is weighing a sale

Here is where the quarter gets complicated.

While Taco Bell was lapping expectations, Pizza Hut's global same-store sales came in flat for the quarter. International operations saw a 2% gain, but the overall contribution was muted enough that a telling detail appeared in Yum's own earnings summary: excluding Pizza Hut, system sales grew 7% and core operating profit grew 10%, compared to the 6% and 6% the company reported with Pizza Hut included.

When a company's own earnings release highlights what the numbers look like without one of its brands, that is a signal worth taking seriously.

The strategic review of Pizza Hut has been underway since November 2025 and is expected to conclude by year-end.

Turner, speaking on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid podcast just days before the earnings report, was candid: "We do believe some bold news needs to be made. It will likely require investment in the brand. There may also be a necessity for some ownership of locations."

Yum! Brands Q1 2026 at a glance

Adjusted EPS: $1.50, beating estimates of $1.38
Net income: $432 million ($1.55 GAAP per share), up 71% year over year
Net sales: $2.06 billion, up 15%
Taco Bell U.S. same-store sales: +8%, beating 5.6% consensus
Pizza Hut global same-store sales: flat at 0% (international +2%)
Gross new units: 1,030 in the quarter, unit count up 5%
Digital sales mix: record 63% of total orders
Sources: CNBC and Business Wire.

A $3.5 billion decision that could reshape the stock

Stifel analyst Chris O'Cull has been one of the clearest voices in favor of a sale. "We support a sale, as it would eliminate a major source of underperformance risk and should enhance confidence in more consistent growth," O'Cull stated, as reported by Yahoo Finance. He estimates Pizza Hut could fetch approximately $3.5 billion.

For context, that would value Pizza Hut above Papa John's entire market capitalization of roughly $1.24 billion, and well below Domino's Pizza at approximately $12.3 billion, per the same Yahoo Finance report.

The gap between those two reference points tells you a great deal about where delivery-focused pizza chains have separated from dine-in-heavy competitors over the past decade.

My analysis of the trailing quarters shows Taco Bell and KFC now account for roughly 86% of Yum's divisional operating profit, per Restaurant Dive reporting on Yum's earnings calls. Pizza Hut, despite nearly 20,000 global locations, is generating a fraction of the earnings contribution you would expect from an asset that size. That math is unsustainable for a company whose investors are paying a premium for growth.

Yum has also already announced plans to close approximately 250 underperforming Pizza Hut locations in the first half of 2026, per TheStreet reporting. The closures signal that any potential buyer would be acquiring a leaner, more defensible portfolio rather than the full sprawling network.

What YUM shareholders should watch in 2026

If you own Yum! Brands, this quarter confirms the investment case. Taco Bell is exceptional, unit growth is accelerating, and digital engagement hit a record. The headline numbers give you plenty to feel comfortable about.

The single variable that could materially move the stock is Pizza Hut. If Turner and his team close a transaction and redeploy capital into Taco Bell international expansion and KFC growth, Yum becomes a cleaner, faster-growing business. Analysts at TD Cowen carry a Buy rating, and Morgan Stanley has a $176 price target on the stock, per Quiver Quant.

The risk is a review that drags into 2027 while Domino's and Little Caesars continue pressing on delivery value. Every quarter Pizza Hut sits unresolved inside this portfolio is a quarter where investors subsidize an asset that dilutes what is otherwise one of the better franchise businesses in fast food.

Turner has made his direction clear. Bold moves are coming. Whether they arrive before year-end 2026 will determine whether this stock finally closes the gap with the broader market.

JPMorgan has stark message for investors on Meta stock

Hillary Remy — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:29:52 GMT

Meta just reported one of its strongest quarters in years. Revenue up 33%. Earnings beat. Daily active users at 3.56 billion, according to Meta IR. By almost every measure, the business is performing.

The stock still fell 10%. And the analyst who had been one of Meta's biggest bulls on Wall Street just changed his mind. That combination tells you everything you need to know about where Meta stands right now.

JPMorgan downgrades Meta stock

JPMorgan analyst Doug Anmuth downgraded Meta to neutral from overweight and cut his price target to $725 from $825 on April 30, according to CNBC.

The downgrade came the morning after Meta's Q1 2026 earnings report. Despite beating on revenue and earnings, the company raised its full-year capital expenditure guidance to $125 billion to $145 billion, up from $115 billion to $135 billion.

That $10 billion increase was enough to send the stock down more than 10%, wiping roughly $175 billion from Meta's market cap, CNBC noted.

Anmuth's $725 price target is based on 21x his 2027 GAAP EPS estimate of $34.01, according to Investing.com. At current levels, that implies roughly 8% upside. For a stock JPMorgan was previously overweighting, it is a dramatically more cautious stance.

Why Meta's capex hike triggered a downgrade

The core of Anmuth's concern is not what Meta is spending on AI. It is whether Meta can generate competitive returns on that spending beyond advertising.

"We believe full-stack AI competition is intensifying and Meta has a more challenging path to returns on heavy AI capex beyond advertising," he wrote in the note.

The contrast he drew is pointed. Google Cloud backlog nearly doubled quarter over quarter. AWS backlog grew 50% quarter over quarter. Both companies have deep enterprise tech stack integrations, silicon supply advantages, and model diversity that give them clearer multi-year ROIC paths on AI capital spending, according to 24/7 Wall St.

Meta, by contrast, is primarily an advertising business. Its AI investment is enormous, but the path from that investment to non-advertising revenue remains unclear.

Anmuth projects Meta's capex will grow 42% to $202 billion in 2027, resulting in negative free cash flow of $4 billion in 2026 and $24 billion in 2027, according to Investing.com. That trajectory is what moved JPMorgan off its bullish stance.

What Meta's Q1 2026 actually showed

The underlying Q1 results were strong. Meta reported revenue of $56.31 billion, up 33% year over year, the strongest quarterly growth since 2021, according to Meta IR. Ad impressions rose 19% year over year. Family daily active people reached 3.56 billion, Meta IR confirmed.

Net income reached $26.8 billion, or $10.44 per diluted share. That figure was inflated by an $8.03 billion one-time tax benefit tied to U.S. Treasury R&D guidance, according to 24/7 Wall St.

More Wall Street

Stripping that out, the core earnings picture is still solid but less spectacular than the headline number suggests.

One miss stood out. Daily active people came in at 3.56 billion, below the Wall Street estimate of 3.62 billion. Meta attributed the shortfall to the Iran war and WhatsApp restrictions in Russia, according to Investing.com.

The AI spending problem in numbers

The capex raise is striking because it is the second consecutive upward revision. Meta had set its original 2026 capex range at $115 billion to $135 billion in January. It is now $125 billion to $145 billion. CFO Susan Li attributed the increase to higher memory-chip pricing and additional data center costs, according to Investing.com.

Q1 capex alone reached $19.8 billion, up 47% year over year, Meta IR confirmed.

Reality Labs posted an operating loss of $4.03 billion in Q1, 24/7 Wall St reported. On the more optimistic side, Meta AI glasses continue to perform well. Daily users of the glasses tripled year over year in Q1. More than 4 million advertisers are now using at least one generative AI creative tool, according to Meta IR.

Key figures from Meta's Q1 2026 earnings and JPMorgan's response:

JPMorgan new rating: Neutral, downgraded from overweight, analyst Doug Anmuth, according to CNBC
JPMorgan price target: $725, cut from $825, based on 21x 2027E GAAP EPS of $34.01, Investing.com confirmed
Meta Q1 2026 revenue: $56.31 billion, up 33% year-over-year, according to Meta IR
Meta Q1 2026 EPS: $10.44, includes $8.03 billion one-time tax benefit, Meta IR indicated
Meta family daily active people: 3.56 billion, below estimate of 3.62 billion, Investing.com reported
Meta 2026 capex guidance: $125 billion to $145 billion, raised from $115 billion to $135 billion, according to Meta IR
JPMorgan projected 2026 free cash flow: Negative $4 billion, Investing.com shared
JPMorgan projected 2027 free cash flow: Negative $24 billion, Investing.com noted
Meta stock decline on April 30: More than 10%, erasing roughly $175 billion in market cap, according to CNBC
Reality Labs Q1 2026 operating loss: $4.03 billion, Meta IR reported

Meta beat on almost every metric and still lost $175 billion in market value in a single day.

Zamek/Getty Images

Where the rest of Wall Street stands on Meta

JPMorgan's downgrade stands out because it diverges from most other analysts. Barclays, Cantor Fitzgerald, and TD Cowen all adjusted their price targets while keeping bullish ratings, treating the sell-off as a valuation reset rather than a broken thesis, according to 24/7 Wall St.

The division reflects a genuine disagreement about what Meta's AI spending ultimately produces. The bulls argue Meta's advertising engine remains so powerful that even aggressive capex cannot dent margins enough to matter.

The bears, now including JPMorgan, argue that without a visible path to AI-driven revenue outside of advertising, the return profile on $125 billion to $145 billion in annual spending is very difficult to underwrite.

What Meta investors should watch from here

Anmuth flagged two near-term headwinds that investors should monitor heading into Q2: tougher year-over-year revenue comparisons, and the European Limited Privacy Advertisements rollout, which is expected to pressure revenue beginning in Q2, according to Investing.com.

The longer-term watch is Meta Superintelligence Labs and the Muse model family. Anmuth acknowledged that the release of Muse Spark is "the first step towards META's goal of pushing the frontier and delivering personal superintelligence to billions of users."

But the key question is whether Muse models can drive incremental revenue beyond advertising. Until that question is answered, JPMorgan believes shares could remain under pressure.

For investors, the practical message is that Meta's business is not broken. The advertising engine is growing at 33% year over year. User engagement is at record levels. But the stock is now in a phase where the market needs to see the AI spending translate into returns that extend beyond the ad business.

JPMorgan is saying that visibility does not yet exist. And until it does, the easy part of the Meta trade may be behind us.

Key retirement money moves to make in your 30s

Maurie J. Backman — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:17:00 GMT

Though there's no official retirement age in the U.S., it's pretty common for people to retire in their 60s. IRAs and 401(k)s are off-limits until age 59 and 1/2, Social Security's earliest claiming age is 62, and Medicare doesn't begin until 65. So for the typical person, all of that sets the stage for a workforce exit sometime in their 60s.

To break it down further, a 2024 MassMutual study found 63 to be the most optimal retirement age according to both retirees and pre-retirees. The actual retirees it surveyed, though, retired at 62 on average. What this means is that if you're in your early 30s, you're probably about 30 years from ending your career. And while that's clearly a long time, it's also important to start planning for that stage of life. Here are some key moves to make for retirement when you're about 30 years out.

Read: More personal finance articles from Nifty 50+

Max out tax-advantaged accounts (or get as close as you can)

Unless you're one of the lucky few who's in line for a generous pension, a secure retirement hinges on bringing a decent chunk of savings into the mix. Social Security is not at risk of disappearing completely, but the program is facing benefit cuts that could leave you with less guaranteed income later in life. Plus, even without Social Security cuts, you can only expect those benefits to replace about 40% of your pre-retirement wages. And that assumes you earn an average salary. As a common rule of thumb, retirees are told to aim for 70% to 80% of their former income to live comfortably. There's wiggle room with that range, but the point is to not plan to retire on Social Security alone.

That's where your personal savings come in. And your best bet is to try to max out tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s, or at least get as close as you can. If you're in your 30s, IRAs currently max out at $7,500, while 401(k)s max out at $24,500. If you have a 401(k), any employer matching dollars you get don't count toward your annual contribution limit.

Within the realm of IRAs and 401(k)s, you can choose between traditional accounts and Roth accounts.

Roth IRAs have income limits, while traditional IRAs and 401(k)s don't. Neither do Roth 401(k)s, though not every workplace offers a Roth option (it's becoming more popular, though).

If you're single for tax-filing purposes, Roth IRA contributions are off the table if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is $168,000 or more this year. If you file taxes jointly as a married couple, you can't fund a Roth IRA if your MAGI is $252,000 or more. And if your tax-filing status is married filing separately, believe it or not, Roth IRA contributions are a no-go once your MAGI is $10,000 or more.

The main differences between traditional and Roth accounts are:

Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s give you a tax break on contributions, but gains and withdrawals are taxed.
Roth accounts are funded with after-tax dollars, but gains and withdrawals are tax-free.
Traditional retirement plans eventually force you to take required minimum distributions, while Roths don't.

If you're a higher earner, the general convention is that it pays to get the tax break that comes from funding a traditional IRA or 401(k) now and consider a Roth conversion down the line. But your best bet is to talk to a financial advisor or tax professional to see what they recommend.

No matter how much you contribute to your IRA or 401(k) or which type you choose, the key is to start funding that account as soon as possible. The more time you give your money to grow, the larger a nest egg you're apt to wind up with.

Increase your exposure to stocks

With 30 years until retirement, you have a long investing window ahead of you. That allows you to take on a decent amount of risk in your portfolio.

If you've never put money into the stock market before, you may be nervous to do so. But one thing to keep in mind is that stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over the long term. The market also has a long history of recovering from downturns. So while your portfolio might lose money some years, over a 30-year period, it's more likely to gain value.

Now you may find the idea of choosing individual stocks for your portfolio daunting. If so, an easy way to invest in the stock market is through low-cost index funds and ETFs (exchange-traded funds). As a starting point, look at different S&P 500 or total stock market funds. These give you exposure to a range of companies across different segments of the market. Once retirement gets closer, you can shift away from stocks to reduce your portfolio's risk profile. But if you're in your 30s, now's the time to take on risk, since you're probably not touching your portfolio for a good number of decades.

Get rid of high-interest debt

The more debt you have, the more money you spend on interest. That's money you won't have available to save and invest with. And so now's the time to work on minimizing your debt -- especially high-interest debt like credit card balances. Of course, certain loans are meant to be paid off over a long period of time. So if you're in your 30s, don't stress about paying off your mortgage. It's those pesky credit card balances you should try whittling down so interest payments don't monopolize too much of your income.

If you're juggling a bunch of different debt payments, a consolidation loan could make your life easier. Once you've eliminated at least some of your debt, you can redirect that money to your retirement savings.

Protect your income

Your ability to save for retirement hinges on being able to earn enough money to cover your near-term expenses and save a portion of your earnings for the future. So a big part of retirement planning is taking steps to protect your income. First, make sure you have disability insurance, which can replace a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to an accident or illness.

Some companies offer this as part of their benefits package, but check to make sure. If you're self-employed, you'll need to buy it yourself. Next, put yourself in the best position to be able to keep doing what you do.

We've all heard that AI is coming for some jobs, and that may or may not be true. But the reality is that the workforce is changing. The more current your skills are, the more employable you're apt to be. You may also want to look at broadening your skill set to make yourself more marketable. And don't overlook the importance of maintaining a diverse professional network. Personal connections are often the ticket to career mobility.

Plus, anyone can get laid off at any time. The more people you know, the more help you might get in a forced job search.

The bottom line

You may not be super inclined to focus on retirement planning when that stage of life is decades away. But the decisions you make in the coming years could have a huge impact on your future years.

So to sum it up:

Start saving for retirement immediately if you haven't gotten started yet, and maximize IRAs and 401(k)s for the tax benefits.
Go heavy on stocks while you can afford to take on risk in your portfolio.
Shed high-interest debt to free up more money to save and invest.
Protect your income with the right insurance, skills, and connections.

With any luck, taking these steps in your 30s will set the stage for your dream retirement -- even if you're going to have to sit tight for a while until you get there.

Target is selling a $210 entryway table with a 4-port charging station for 64% off

Annie O'Sullivan — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:15:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

Every piece of furniture or decor that you add to your space helps turn your house into a home. The bigger spaces, like your bedroom, living room, or dining room, might seem more important than other areas, but the smaller spaces, such as a mudroom or entryway, also require the right pieces. A piece like the Costway Entryway Table makes them as cozy and welcoming as the rest of your residence. In fact, some would argue they're even more important, since those are the areas that visiting guests first see when they come over.

And for those folks specifically looking to spruce up their own front door area, Target is selling the Costway table for 64% off. Now on sale, you can save $135 and get the two-tiered table, which has a built-in charging station, for just $75.

Costway Entryway Table, $75 (was $210) at Target

Cheng Xin via Getty Images

Why do shoppers love it?

Measuring 32 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 32 inches high, this table is big enough to provide storage space but still compact enough not to stick out or take up too much space in a small entryway or hallway. The tiered table has two shelves as well as a sturdier tabletop with drawers. The two shelves, which have metal mesh bottoms, measure 29 inches long and 11 inches wide, with an 11-inch gap between them so you're able to store taller items like boxes, candles, and other decor easily. The mesh design also makes it perfect for storing shoes. The top portion of the table is constructed from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with two drawers measuring 12.5 inches long, 8.5 inches wide, and 3 inches high. The MDF wood and metal combination creates a very sturdy piece of furniture that can hold a great deal and looks good at the same time.

What's really unique about this table is that it has a built-in power strip, which allows you to charge devices through it. It has two alternating current (AC) outlets and two USB ports, so you can charge four devices at once. It also makes the table more versatile. All you have to do is plug the 6.5-foot power cord connected to the table into an outlet, and you're good to go. Although advertised as an entryway table, this piece can work in a variety of rooms. You can use it as a coffee bar or extra kitchen space for a microwave or air fryer to declutter your countertops.

Assembly is required, but the upside is that you get two anti-tipping kits to enhance its stability and prevent any tipping or accidents from occurring, particularly around young children.

What to expect from a $75 entryway table: Pros and cons

Pros

Ample space: The two shelves and two drawers, as well as the tabletop itself, provide a lot of space for storage and decorative items.
Charging capabilities: The table has a built-in power strip with two AC outlets and two USB ports for easy charging.
Sturdy and stable: The table comes with two anti-tipping kits to improve stability and prevent any unfortunate mishaps.

Cons

Lacks reviews: The table is limited in its reviews from previous shoppers.
No weight capacity listed: Although the table is very sturdy, there is no actual weight limit listed, so store heavy items with caution.

Shoppers love that this table is the "perfect size" for a small area or corner. It's very easy to assemble and has a sturdy feel and build that makes it seem like a much more expensive piece. It's beautiful in color and design, and the three tiers provide a lot of space for storage. "It's sturdy, drawers fit plenty of stuff, and it looks great," one shopper said.

Shop more deals

Even your entryway needs a bit of style, and lucky for shoppers who want to get the most out of their money, the Costway Entryway Table is a gorgeous piece to warm your home and provide a lot of storage space for only $75.

Morgan Stanley resets Chipotle stock forecast after earnings

Tyler Bundy — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:03:00 GMT

Chipotle Mexican Grill has spent years convincing investors that it can raise prices, open restaurants, and keep customers coming back, but Wall Street is now asking a harder question about how much growth the fast-casual chain can still deliver in a tougher consumer backdrop.

Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill to $49 from $50 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the stock, according to MarketScreener. The small target cut does not read like a major reset on its own, although it adds to a broader debate around whether Chipotle can keep its premium valuation supported while restaurant margins remain under pressure.

The call came as analysts were also adjusting expectations across the restaurant group, with Chipotle shares closing April 30 at $33.99, according to MarketScreener. That leaves Morgan Stanley’s new target still well above the stock’s recent trading price, showing that the firm remains constructive even after taking a slightly more cautious view.

Chipotle’s sales rebound gives bulls support

Chipotle Mexican Grill gave the bullish side of the argument fresh support when it reported first-quarter revenue of $3.1 billion, up 7.4% from a year earlier.

Comparable restaurant sales increased 0.5%, while transactions rose 0.6%, giving investors a sign that customer traffic improved after a more difficult period for the broader restaurant industry.

That traffic improvement is an important part of the Chipotle story because the company has been dealing with consumers who have become more selective about dining out.

Reuters reported that Chipotle posted a surprise rise in first-quarter comparable sales, compared with analysts’ expectations for a 0.8% decline, as menu updates and protein-focused items helped support demand.

Chief Executive Scott Boatwright said the quarter exceeded expectations as Chipotle advanced its “Recipe for Growth” strategy across operations, digital, menu innovation, people, and development. The company also said digital sales represented 38.6% of total food and beverage revenue, keeping a major part of Chipotle’s customer base tied to app, web, and delivery channels.

Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill to $49 from $50 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the stock

Higher costs remain the pressure point

Chipotle Mexican Grill’s first-quarter profit picture was less supportive than its sales trend. Operating margin fell to 12.9% from 16.7% a year earlier, adjusted restaurant-level operating margin declined to 23.7% from 26.2%, and adjusted diluted earnings per share dropped 17.2% to 24 cents.

The company pointed to higher food and labor costs as the main headwinds. Food, beverage, and packaging costs increased to 29.6% of revenue from 29.2% a year earlier, driven by inflation in beef and freight, along with higher produce usage, while labor costs rose to 26.1% of revenue from 25.0% because of wage inflation, lower average restaurant sales volumes, and higher benefits expense.

More Chipotle

Those cost pressures help explain why Morgan Stanley’s target cut is still worth watching even with the Overweight rating unchanged. Chipotle has historically earned a premium valuation by pairing unit growth with strong restaurant-level economics, and the stock becomes harder to defend when traffic is improving, but margins are moving in the wrong direction.

Reuters reported that Chipotle plans modest menu price increases of 1% to 2% as it works to offset cost pressure, which is a delicate balance for a chain already facing more value-conscious consumers. The company’s ability to lift prices without slowing transactions will likely remain one of the biggest tests for the stock through the rest of the year.

Expansion remains central to Chipotle’s case

Chipotle Mexican Grill is still leaning on restaurant growth as a key part of its long-term story. The company opened 49 company-owned restaurants in the first quarter, including 42 locations with a Chipotlane, its drive-thru pickup format designed to improve access, convenience, sales, margins, and returns.

Management expects 350 to 370 new restaurant openings in 2026, including 10 to 15 international partner-operated restaurants. Around 80% of company-owned openings are expected to include a Chipotlane, which keeps the format at the center of the company’s development strategy.

The company also maintained its full-year outlook for comparable restaurant sales to be about flat. That forecast keeps some caution in the story, since Chipotle’s unit growth remains strong while its same-store sales outlook suggests management is not ready to call for a sharper consumer rebound.

For investors, Morgan Stanley’s latest call leaves Chipotle Mexican Grill in a familiar place. The company is still growing revenue, opening restaurants, and bringing transactions back into positive territory, while higher beef, freight, labor, and benefits costs continue to pressure profitability.

SpaceX filing reveals something shocking about Elon Musk

Hillary Remy — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:35:05 GMT

Most companies going public tell investors what they are getting. SpaceX just told investors something else entirely: what they are not getting. And the item at the top of that list is any meaningful say over who runs the company.

What the IPO filing reveals about Elon Musk's position at SpaceX is unlike almost anything seen in a major public offering before.

What the SpaceX filing actually says about removing Musk

SpaceX's confidential IPO filing states that Musk "can only be removed from our board or these positions by the vote of Class B holders," according to a Reuters exclusive by Echo Wang and Isla Binnie.

Class B shares will carry 10 votes each. Musk will control those shares after the IPO. In plain terms, the only person who can vote Elon Musk out of his roles as CEO and chairman is Elon Musk himself. The filing explicitly warns prospective investors that the structure "will limit or preclude your ability to influence corporate matters and the election of our directors," Reuters reported.

SpaceX and Musk did not respond to requests for comment, Reuters noted.

Why Musk's job protection goes further than a typical dual-class structure

Dual-class share structures are common among founder-led technology companies. Facebook used one in its 2012 IPO. Figma is planning a similar setup. The structure allows founders to retain voting control even as public shareholders own a significant economic stake.

But even in those frameworks, boards typically retain formal authority to remove a CEO. A founder may be able to block the board from acting against them, but the board itself still holds the theoretical power to try. SpaceX's filing appears to eliminate even that formality by tying Musk's removal directly to the votes he already controls.

More Elon Musk:

"This provision is not common," said Lucian Bebchuk, a Harvard Law School professor whose research focuses on corporate governance, law, and finance. "Usually removal of the CEO is a decision left to the board, and controllers rely on their power to replace the board," he told Reuters.

In other words, other founder-controlled companies depend on board alignment to protect their CEOs. SpaceX is building protection directly into the share structure itself.

SpaceX's Texas incorporation and what it means

SpaceX is incorporated in Texas, following Tesla's own move away from Delaware after a Delaware court voided Musk's $56 billion Tesla pay package, according to Reuters. That compensation package was later reinstated by the Delaware Supreme Court, but the experience left Musk openly critical of Delaware corporate law.

Texas corporate law generally gives companies more flexibility on governance arrangements than Delaware. Incorporating there gives SpaceX a friendlier legal environment for the kind of control provisions the filing describes. The full impact of the provision would also depend on details in SpaceX's founding legal documents, corporate governance experts told Reuters.

What SpaceX public investors are actually buying

SpaceX will be split into Class A common stock for public investors and Class B super-voting shares for insiders. Public investors will receive an economic stake in one of the most valuable private companies ever to seek a listing. What they will not receive is meaningful influence over how that company is run or who leads it.

SpaceX's track record under Musk is extraordinary.

The company developed reusable rocket technology that has reshaped the commercial launch industry. It operates Starlink, the world's largest satellite internet constellation. It holds major contracts with NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Many investors may be willing to back the company, regardless of what the filing says about their voting rights. That is the trade SpaceX is offering.

Key details from SpaceX IPO filing:

Musk can only be removed as CEO or chairman by a vote of Class B shareholders, which he will control after the IPO.
Class B shares will carry 10 votes each, giving Musk effective veto power over any removal attempt.
The filing warns investors that the structure "will limit or preclude [investors '] ability to influence corporate matters."
Harvard Law professor Lucian Bebchuk called the provision "not common," noting that boards usually retain formal CEO removal authority.
SpaceX is incorporated in Texas, not Delaware, following Tesla's move away from Delaware corporate law.
Tesla, in contrast, has a single share class and does not use a super-voting structure.
SpaceX and Musk did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
Source: Reuters

SpaceX just told investors something they have never heard from a major IPO before.

Tama/Getty Images

SpaceX filing likely to trigger corporate governance debate

The SpaceX filing will intensify an already active debate about how much control founders should retain when they take companies public.

On one side, critics argue that public markets depend on accountability. When shareholders own a meaningful economic stake, they should have at least some ability to course-correct if leadership fails. Removing that ability entirely, and writing it into the legal structure of the company, sets a precedent that makes corporate governance harder to enforce across the market.

On the other side, supporters argue that the most ambitious long-term projects require insulation from short-term market pressure. SpaceX's goals — reaching Mars, dominating satellite internet, building a next-generation national security launch capability — are measured in decades, not quarters. A board that could theoretically remove Musk in response to a bad year might undermine exactly the kind of long-term commitment those goals require.

Both arguments have real weight. What is not in dispute is that SpaceX's structure, if it stands, will be one of the most aggressive concentrations of founder control ever embedded in a major public company's founding documents.

What Musk's significant founder control means for SpaceX IPO

SpaceX is expected to be one of the largest and most closely watched public offerings in years. Its valuation has been estimated at over $350 billion in recent secondary market transactions, Reuters notes. Demand from institutional and retail investors for exposure to the company's growth story is expected to be enormous.

The governance structure will be one of the primary risk factors investors must weigh against that demand. The filing is essentially telling the market that SpaceX is Elon Musk's company, that it intends to remain that way after the IPO, and that investors who want a piece of it will need to accept those terms.

That is not necessarily a deal-breaker. But it is an unusually candid statement about what public ownership of SpaceX actually means.

And for investors accustomed to expecting at least nominal governance rights when they buy shares in a company, it is a signal worth taking seriously before the prospectus lands.

Target's $120 4-pack of solar lights is on sale for just $36

Rebecca Rovenstine — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

Once the sun goes down, a home's exterior can become a risky fall hazard or feel downright spooky without the proper lighting. Preventing accidental trips or stumbles, outdoor lights can provide this much-needed illumination, while also making the house's exterior look more inviting. You don't even need to break the bank to invest in this functional home upgrade, because currently, the four-pack of Bell + Howell Bionic Color Burst Solar-Powered Lights is 70% off at Target.

Offering a two-in-one design, these outdoor solar lights can be installed as landscape lighting along pathways and sidewalks or as wall-mounted lighting to add brightness to the front porch or backyard deck. Typically, you'd have to pay $120 for this four-pack of solar-powered lighting, but this limited-time deal brings the total to just $36. To put these exceptional savings into perspective, you'll pay $9 for each light, instead of the $30 originally. Depending on your needs, you can also opt for the eight-pack, which further discounts the price per light by 25 cents apiece.

Bell + Howell Bionic Color Burst Solar-Powered Lights, $36 (was $120) at Target

Why do shoppers love these solar lights?

More than 70% of reviewers have given these outdoor solar lights a perfect five-star rating, with one shopper even calling them the "best solar lights ever." Equipped with 15 LED bulbs, each outdoor solar light is powerful and bright to spotlight various areas in the yard. For increased versatility, the lights can switch between three colors, including traditional white, bright blue, or regal purple. You can choose a fixed color or use the color-changing mode for a fun and unique lighting display. The same buyer raved, "I love that they can change colors and have the option for regular light."

Solar-powered lighting isn't just better for reducing your electric bill. They're also simpler to install because there's no need for wiring or outlets. As one shopper explained, "Just push it in the ground and let the battery soak up the sun." These lights have a built-in fast-charging solar panel that works up to 20% faster than others, and it's adjustable by 180 degrees to get the optimal amount of UV rays. After a day in the sunlight, these lights will have enough juice for 4 to 10 hours of power at nighttime, depending on the mode you select.

The convenient features of these outdoor solar lights don't end there. The high-quality materials and waterproof design mean they'll still work after a day of stormy weather. They can automatically turn on and off at night, but the lighting also offers motion sensor technology for movement up to 25 feet away if you want something for security.

Pros and cons of the $30 Bell + Howell solar-powered lights

Pros:

They offer two forms of lighting: You can use this four-pack for landscaping or wall-mounted lighting (or both) thanks to the two-in-one design.
They have three color modes: Many similar outdoor solar lights only come in one color, but this one offers three fixed color options and a color-changing cycle.
The light is adjustable: The light itself can be pivoted by 90 degrees to spotlight a specific area.

Cons:

They're not decorative: These lights can elevate the appearance of your outdoor space, but they're made for functionality rather than aesthetics compared to string lights or decorative options.
Limited reviews: The reviews are limited, and of those available, many have the "part of a promotion" disclaimer.

Shop more solar light deals

The four-pack of Bell + Howell Bionic Color Burst Solar Powered Lights is a great bargain while it's on sale for just $36 at Target. To take advantage of these significant savings, add them to your cart now.

50-year-old record store closing its final location

Fernanda Tronco — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:03:00 GMT

Growing up, music wasn't just something playing in the background; it was something we could hold. My dad spent his free time DJing at home, surrounded by vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs. Those formats weren't just tools; they were part of how we experienced music.

Today, that experience has fundamentally changed. DJs who once spun records have largely been replaced by laptops, controllers, and streaming libraries. Digitalization has made physical music optional, if not obsolete, for many listeners.

Entire catalogs now fit onto a USB drive or exist in the cloud, offering a level of convenience that physical formats simply can't match.

But that convenience has come with a trade-off: the gradual disappearance of a once-thriving retail culture built around tangible music.

A shrinking space for physical music formats

Even with a loyal base of collectors and enthusiasts, the market for physical music has steadily declined. Independent record stores and legacy retailers alike have struggled to adapt to shifting consumer behavior.

At the same time, the broader music industry is growing. According to The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the U.S. music revenue reached $11.5 billion in 2025, continuing a steady upward trend.

However, only 12% of that revenue came from physical formats, while 82% came from streaming. Paid subscriptions alone accounted for $5.9 billion.

In other words, people are consuming more music than ever, but they're no longer buying it in physical form.

Soundwaves closes its final location

A long-standing Houston retailer has now joined the list of closures.

Soundwaves, located at 3509 Montrose Blvd., is in the process of closing after five decades in business. Liquidation sales began on April 25, with all items discounted by 50% until closing, according to a post on its Instagram.

By April 30, the store was listed as "permanently closed" on Google Maps, and its official website was no longer accessible, though liquidation sales are still ongoing, and its Instagram account remains active.

Originally founded in 1976 near the Astrodome, the business expanded to multiple locations across Houston over the years, including Westbury and near Hobby Airport, both of which have since closed.

Soundwaves became more than just a retail space; it was a cultural fixture.

Known for its deep selection of hip-hop records and rare finds, it also catered to surf and skate culture with boards, gear, and apparel. Its locally produced commercials became instantly recognizable, cementing its place in the city's identity.

Its closure will mark the end of an era for Houston's music scene.

The rise of streaming and its trade-offs

The dominance of streaming platforms has fundamentally reshaped music consumption. Since launching in 2008, Spotify (SPOT) has grown into the world's most popular audio streaming service, with over 761 million monthly active users and 293 million Premium Subscribers, according to the company's first-quarter 2026 earnings report.

Streaming offers instant access to vast libraries, but that access is not permanent. Licensing agreements change, catalogs shift, and content can disappear without notice.

More music business coverage:

As longtime entertainment writer Jim Beckerman noted in NorthJersey.com, digital media can be surprisingly fragile. Songs and albums available today may not be there tomorrow.

"Licensing disputes, copyright issues, mega-mergers that were barely on your radar, can mean that the album you were counting on to cheer you up, or the series you were looking forward to rewatching, is suddenly not there," Beckerman added.

By contrast, physical formats offer permanence, something streaming cannot. Once owned, they can't be removed or altered.

Patterns seen beyond music

The music industry's transformation mirrors shifts seen in other sectors. The book industry, for example, faced similar disruption with the rise of digital reading devices in the late 2000s.

Yet physical books have proven resilient. Barnes & Noble, after years of closures, is now expanding, opening dozens of new locations and investing in in-person retail.

The company opened 67 stores in 2025, more than it did from 2009 to 2019 combined, and plans to add over 60 new locations in 2026. As of February 2026, Barnes & Noble operates around 700 bookstores nationwide, according to a company announcement.

Print books continue to out-sell eBooks 4 to 1, according to Tonerbuzz, showing that physical formats can coexist with digital alternatives when positioned effectively.

This trend suggests that decline doesn't necessarily mean extinction; it signals a need to evolve.

Physical retail under pressure but not disappearing

The closure of long-standing stores reflects broader trends across retail. In 2025, store shutdowns increased 67% compared to the previous year, according to CoreSight Research, driven by economic pressures and shifting consumer habits.

Meanwhile, e-commerce continues to grow rapidly. U.S. online spending reached $1.34 trillion in 2024 and is projected to surpass $2.5 trillion in 2030, according to Capital One Shopping data.

Still, physical retail remains dominant. Brick-and-mortar stores accounted for approximately $14.4 trillion of the $18.9 trillion in total retail sales in 2025, significantly outpacing e-commerce, according to Euromonitor research gathered by EY.

"It's clear that the physical store still plays an important role," said EY Retail Analysts Malin Andrée and Jon Copestake. "Not only do stores have plenty of runway left in delivering revenue, but they also have opportunities to drive new growth and alternative revenue streams."

Brick-and-mortar isn't disappearing; it's evolving. Success increasingly depends on offering more than just products. Experience, community, and specialization now define what draws customers in.

What it means for physical music

For music retailers, the path forward remains uncertain. Competing with instant, unlimited access is a significant challenge.

But demand for physical formats hasn't disappeared entirely; it has simply become more niche. Collectors, audiophiles, and longtime fans still value ownership, sound quality, and the tactile connection that digital platforms can't replicate.

The question isn't whether the industry can return to what it once was. It's whether it can redefine itself for the future and find new ways to remain relevant in a world where access is instant, but ownership is no longer guaranteed.

Amazon has a $130 military-grade smartwatch for just $35 that runs for up to 20 days

Rebecca Rovenstine — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:45:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

A smartwatch is one of those devices that makes you wonder: How did I ever live without one? With the ability to take phone calls, view important notifications, and check the weather all from your wrist, the wearable tech adds convenience and efficiency to your daily life. Upgraded versions also put your health at the forefront with a pedometer for counting steps, heart rate monitoring, fitness tracking, and sleep cycle monitoring.

Usually, you'd have to pay a pretty penny to invest in one of these helpful electronics, but Amazon is making it more affordable with a limited-time deal on the Soudorv Fitness Smartwatch. Regularly $130, the price of the top-rated device has been slashed by 73%. As a result, you can score the military-grade technology for just $35. We love this deal because it comes with all the features you'd expect from a premium smartwatch, but at a much more budget-friendly price tag.

Soudorv Fitness Smartwatch, $35 (was $130) at Amazon

SOPA Images via Getty Images

Why do shoppers love this smartwatch?

As of writing, this smartwatch has a perfect five-star rating from 100% of shoppers. One reviewer called it "a sleek, feature-rich smartwatch with a vibrant display, smooth performance, and solid health tracking." The sporty and stylish device has a bright 1.43-inch touchscreen display that is large enough for easy navigation without being bulky on the wrist. It uses Bluetooth technology, so the smartwatch pairs with most Android and Apple devices for a seamless and stable connection. Once connected, you can answer phone calls from the device, receive message alerts, or get notifications from your favorite apps, like Facebook or WhatsApp.

A great companion for backpacking treks, camping trips, or outdoor adventures, this smartwatch has a built-in LED light that reaches up to 5 meters at night (over 16 feet). It's incredibly durable too, successfully passing 12 standard military tests. Plus, rainy days or splashes are no problem when wearing the device, as it has an IP68 waterproof rating. Potentially most impressive of all, it has a long-lasting battery that can run up to 20 days with regular use or 60 days in standby mode, which is one of the longest runtimes we've ever seen for a smartwatch.

This smartwatch is also a superb pick for health and fitness tracking. Using photoelectric sensors, the device has real-time health monitoring for heart rate, sleep cycles, and menstrual cycles. Additionally, it can give helpful insights for more than 130 workouts, detailing information like distance covered and calories burned with exercise modes for running, cycling, yoga, and more.

Details to know

Screen size: The smartwatch has a 1.43-inch touchscreen display.
Compatibility: Most Android and Apple devices.
Is it waterproof?: Yes.
How long does the battery last?: From 20 to 60 days, depending on use.

You don't need to be a tech wiz to operate this smartwatch. The touchscreen navigation is intuitive and good for beginners. One shopper also reported that it's "very user-friendly and easy to set up."

Shop more deals

Amazon's limited-time deal on the Soudorv Fitness Smartwatch won't last long. Take advantage of the savings by adding the top-rated tech to your cart while it's still available for just $35.

Morgan Stanley resets KLA Corp stock forecast

Tyler Bundy — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:37:00 GMT

KLA Corporation (KLAC) has become one of Wall Street’s more closely watched semiconductor-equipment names as investors look for companies tied to the buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure.

The company makes process-control and process-enabling tools used in semiconductor manufacturing, including equipment that helps chipmakers improve yields and detect production issues.

Morgan Stanley analyst Shane Brett raised the firm’s price target on KLA Corp. to $1,900 from $1,809 and kept an Overweight rating on the shares after the company’s latest earnings report.

The note, shared with TheStreet, offered investors a more balanced view than the higher target alone suggested, saying KLA Corp.’s earnings provided “something for both bulls and bears,” with a stronger 2027 growth outlook offset by continued 2026 underperformance.

KLA Corp.’s earnings support the long-term case

KLA Corporation reported fiscal third-quarter revenue of $3.415 billion for the period ended March 31, above the midpoint of its prior guidance range of $3.35 billion, plus or minus $150 million.

The company also reported GAAP diluted earnings of $9.12 per share and non-GAAP diluted earnings of $9.40 per share, both above the midpoints of its guidance ranges.

The company’s outlook also came in slightly ahead of Wall Street estimates. KLA Corp. guided for fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $3.575 billion, plus or minus $200 million, and non-GAAP diluted earnings of $9.87 per share, plus or minus $1.00, while Reuters reported that analysts expected revenue of $3.54 billion and adjusted earnings of $9.80 per share, according to LSEG data.

More Semiconductors

KLA Corporation also used the quarter to expand its capital-return plans. The company said its board approved a quarterly dividend increase to $2.30 per share beginning with the dividend expected to be declared in May 2026, along with an additional $7 billion authorization for stock repurchases.

The stock still fell nearly 9% in extended trading after the report, according to Reuters. That reaction showed how high expectations have become for semiconductor-equipment companies tied to AI demand, especially after KLA Corp. shares had gained about 50% this year as of Wednesday’s close.

AI demand remains the biggest support

KLA Corp.’s role in semiconductor manufacturing gives investors a different way to look at the AI buildout. The company’s tools are used to find and fix microscopic defects during the chipmaking process, while its services business provides maintenance and optimization for equipment already installed at customer sites.

The company said in its latest quarterly filing that long-term demand drivers include the adoption of extreme ultraviolet lithography in high-volume manufacturing for logic and DRAM memory, including high-bandwidth memory. Those manufacturing shifts create new process-control requirements, which can support growth in key markets for KLA Corp.

KLA Corp.’s recent revenue growth showed the same trend. Total revenue increased 11% from the year-earlier quarter, primarily due to higher product revenue tied to increased investments from memory customers, particularly DRAM led by high-bandwidth memory, along with steady growth in foundry and logic.

That is the part of the story Morgan Stanley appears more willing to underwrite. The firm’s higher target suggests the analyst is looking beyond a weaker 2026 setup and putting more weight on the possibility of stronger growth in 2027.

Morgan Stanley analyst Shane Brett raised the firm’s price target on KLA Corp. to $1,900 from $1,809 and kept an Overweight rating on the shares

China remains a key risk for KLA Corp.

KLA Corporation still has one of its biggest near-term risks tied to China, which has been a major revenue source for U.S. semiconductor-equipment companies. The company said customers in China generated $3.09 billion of revenue for the first nine months of fiscal 2026, representing 31.2% of total revenue, down from 34.3% in the same period a year earlier.

The company said revenue from customers in China increased 5% in the March quarter and by less than 1% over the first nine months of fiscal 2026 compared with the prior-year periods. KLA Corp. said continued legacy-node demand was partly offset by the effects of U.S. export controls and regulations.

Those restrictions remain difficult for investors to model. KLA Corp. said Commerce Department rules have affected its ability to sell certain products and provide certain services to certain customers in China, and the company warned that additional restrictions could disrupt shipments, revenue recognition, business operations, and customer support in the region.

KLA Corp. also said failure to obtain export licenses has harmed and could continue to harm backlog, including by requiring the company to return substantial deposits received from customers in China. The company added that future revenue from China as a percentage of overall revenue may decline as a result of current and future Commerce rules and regulations.

Strait of Consequences: Hunger Lines & Pump Prices

Jeffrey H. Snyder — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Broadcast Retirement Network's Jeffrey Snyder discusses the impact of the Iran War and the Naval Blockade on global food prices with the George W. Bush Institute's Elizabeth Trudeau Kennedy.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Joining me now, Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau. She is the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy at the George W. Bush Institute. Elizabeth, great to meet you.

Thanks for joining us on the program this morning.

Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, The George W. Bush Institute

Thanks, Jeffrey. Thanks for having me on.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

And I want to get into the crust of our conversation, which is about energy prices, food prices globally. But let me just ask you, can you, for the audience's benefit, could you just talk a little bit about the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Institute?

Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, The George W. Bush Institute

No, it's great. So we're located in Dallas, Texas. So the Bush Center is located just off FMU's campus.

It's three parts. So we do have the Presidential Library, which I would encourage anyone to visit. It's a really moving memorial that reflects President and Mrs. Bush's time in the White House, not only the big impact of their presidency, including the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS response, their work globally, but also the issues that impacted the United States, like the attacks of 9-11. We have the Institute here, of which I'm the Managing Director for Global Policy. I have a counterpart who works on domestic issues. But on the global policy issues, we really focus on the issues that reflect President and Mrs. Bush's policies on compassion, accountability, opportunity, things that reflect American leadership, compassion, and the way America interacts with the world.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Well, we thank you for coming on. Thank you for that. Let's talk about this blockade.

There's obviously been, I think, everyone, unless you've been under a rock, joke, that's just a joke, of course, people know about the war with Iran. They know about the blockade. But this has an impact, Elizabeth, and we've had, as I told you, we had David Anderson, who is an economist from Texas A&M, give us his perspective.

But this really has a geopolitical effect on energy costs and food costs as well.

Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, The George W. Bush Institute

It does. And I'm glad that people are talking about it now, because I think as Americans, we really concentrate on what's happening in the United States, rightly. I think anyone who's watching television on any day can see the price at the pump, you know, or what's reflected when you check out your groceries.

But I think what we also need to recognize as Americans, as the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has on the world around, so not only on energy prices, but also on the impact on what's going to happen in the next three to six months. So already, what you're seeing first on fuel is that you're seeing countries in East Asia, as well as Africa, they're starting to ration fuel. You're starting to see longer lines at the pump.

You're starting to see people, our countries, tell their citizens to work from home. You're seeing school closures. It's not really well reported in the United States.

But more importantly, and something we're very focused on now, is the impact of the Strait of Hormuz on fertilizer. You know, right now, across much of Africa, as well as South and Southeast Asia, it's planting season. And about one third of the world's fertilizer and fertilizer components goes through the Strait of Hormuz.

So what you're seeing now is farmers having to make choices. You know, the United Nations says right now, I think I have to check my numbers, I want to say it's one in eight people suffer from food insecurity around the world. So as farmers make that choice now, either they cannot use fertilizer or they delay their planting.

So you're going to see lower yields and you're going to see higher prices. So you already have a food insecure world. As this blockade continues, you're going to see even deeper impacts in some of the most insecure places in the world.

And I think what you and I both know is food insecurity and famine is a trigger for conflict. So what happens overseas matters to us at home. And this is something we have to watch.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah. And again, I kind of come from this as, you know, I'm just a layperson. I don't have your expertise as serving as a diplomat.

But there are these implications. And I guess, let me ask you about, you know, farmers overseas have to make choices. And it is planting season.

And, you know, if, for example, the Strait of Hormuz were to be opened up tomorrow, how would that impact? Would that change the outcomes? Would that be enough time for planters, for farmers to grow their crops and to feed their fellow countrymen?

Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, The George W. Bush Institute

I think, you know, anyone who's a business person who has, you know, run, you know, a small business or a large corporation knows that there's a chain that would require production. Same thing for fertilizer. You know, if the Strait opens tomorrow, it'll certainly help.

We're still going to see the impact. You know, one thing that I think people think is, well, how do we fix this? You know, certainly opening up the Strait, coming to a resolution with Iran on this would certainly help.

But I also think the idea of some sort of coordinated, you know, through the United Nations, through the African Union, way of taking a look at this and making sure that farmers have what they need and providing also the support, either through food assistance, emergency aid, is also something that the United States could look at.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah, I was going to ask you about that. How do we, what can we do? Obviously, we're fighting this battle, negotiating whatever the diplomacy that's taking place.

There are other parts of the world where America, you know, it's not a, we're an interconnected world. So what can we do? Because we don't want to see conflict.

You know, I remember, look, I remember USA for Africa, as an example, feed the world. I'm that old, Quincy Jones. And I remember the famine there.

We don't want to go back to that. We want to try to fix that because, as you said, we want to minimize conflict. So what steps can we take?

I'm sure you're leading the charge there, but what steps can we take as a country to minimize that risk?

Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, The George W. Bush Institute

I think, frankly, you're taking the first step now is making sure that people understand there is a direct correlation between hunger and conflict. And the correlation between a lack of fuel and fertilizer to hunger is right there as well. So the idea of opening up this trade, of course, is very important.

It's important, you know, as we know, for a national security priority. But it's also important to take a look at those downstream effects, how it's how it's impacting not just the United States, but how it's impacting, you know, countries across Africa, how it's impacting countries in Southeast Asia, because hungry people have desperate choices.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

And that's a situation that we don't want anyone to And, you know, America is a leader in the world for a lot of reasons, militarily, economically, and you served, previously served in, we were talking about some of your diplomatic roles. I have to imagine that your counterparts in today's State Department are openly talking with their counterparts in some of these countries and trying to, you know, I'm just assuming, you know, that they're not living in a vacuum. They're talking about ways, they're finding out the pulse of these countries and figuring and bringing that information back.

And then the U.S. has to figure out a way to help.

Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, The George W. Bush Institute

I think not only the U.S., but also with our allies and partners. You know, the great thing about living in an interconnected world is the United States doesn't need to act alone. You know, we have good friends and we built up decades of goodwill.

American leadership matters. And this is when America can act as a convener. This is when we can go to multilateral institutions and identify a problem and table some solutions.

I think you're already seeing a lot of discourse on this issue. There's been great reporting, including yours, on this issue. But again, this is something we've got to get ahead of, because I don't want to have this conversation with you in four or five months and say, you know, there's famine now.

And we knew it was coming. We see the train coming down the tracks.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

So, Elizabeth, just to kind of follow up on that, is four or five months, is that the drop dead? I mean, you know, it's hard to figure out because these are, you know, things are moving asymmetrically but over here in Iran, but also in these countries. I mean, they're individual people and individual countries are all doing their own thing.

So are there, is there a point of no return where we're really going to see that we have to make a decision, I guess?

Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, The George W. Bush Institute

I mean, honestly, the decision should be made now. I know, I know people across the U.S. government, across our partner and allied governments are really thinking about the next steps on the conflict in Iran. What I would just posit is that we've got to think about the long-term effects, too.

You know, the fuel crisis and the food crisis that impact the United States, but also the national security implications of famine, of fuel crises overseas.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah, certainly a lot to manage. I mean, you know, from a layperson speaking for myself and no one else, I just go to the pump, I see the pump going up. I'm like, shoot, the pump's going up.

And then I go to the food store and say, oh, eggs are X, Y and Z or beef is X, Y and Z. You don't really contemplate the other things that have such a major impact. And they actually do impact us longer term.

You know, if we have insecurity in food and conflict abroad, that's going to impact our prices, but it's going to impact us, too, because we'll be less safe. Elizabeth, we're going to have to leave it there. But look, it was great to meet you.

Great to talk to you. And look, we look forward to having you back on the program again very soon.

Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, The George W. Bush Institute

That's great. And thank you so much for the opportunity.

Bill Ackman’s IPO debut delivers a harsh surprise

Faizan Farooque — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:07:00 GMT

Bill Ackman got his deal done. Wall Street did not react the way that he wanted.

The billionaire investor’s new closed-end fund, Pershing Square USA, began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under PSUS after raising $5 billion in a combined offering tied to Ackman’s management company, Pershing Square Inc.

Despite the fanfare and hype going into the debut, the listing became a reality check.

PSUS opened below its $50 IPO price and completed its first trading day at $40.90, down about 18%, according to Barron’s. Pershing Square, which trades under PS, opened around $24.

That matters because Ackman designed the offering with a sweetener.

Investors who purchased five shares of PSUS received one bonus share of PS. Even with that incentive, early buyers were still underwater based on first-day trading.

The debut raises a critical question.

If Ackman’s reputation, track record and bonus-share structure couldn’t prevent an instant collapse, what does it indicate about investor demand for high-fee closed-end funds?

Pershing Square IPO falls flat in first-day trading

Ackman’s offering needed to be a comeback story.

After withdrawing a similar IPO in 2024 because of weak demand, he returned with a sweetened, more investor-friendly structure. Pershing Square USA sold shares at $50, while buyers also received exposure to Pershing Square Inc., the management company behind the fund.

The logic of the investment structure makes sense.

Closed-end funds frequently trade below their net asset value, or NAV. Ackman was issuing investors bonus shares in the management business to compensate for the possibility PSUS might trade below its IPO price.

That risk shows up immediately.

PSUS opened at $42, while PS traded around $24, putting the combined value for IPO buyers at about $46.80 for every original $50 investment.

The market’s message was not brutal.

The deal was buyable, but not at the valuation implied by the IPO price.

Pershing Square IPO stumbles out of the gate

Photo by Bloomberg on Getty Images

Ackman’s bonus-share offer did not solve the discount problem

The first-day drop is a sign of the issue Ackman was attempting to run away from.

At launch, closed-end funds trade like stocks. Unlike investment companies, investors normally cannot redeem shares at NAV. This implies that a fund is traded at a price determined by the market demand for the fund, whether that price is a premium or discount.

There was already a caution sign, obvious to see.

Pershing Square Holdings, his current fund listed in Europe, trades at a steep discount to the value of its underlying investments, Barron’s said. This made for an apparent contrast for investors: purchase the new, U.S.-listed fund for close to NAV, or buy the older vehicle at a discount.

The cost structure also added to the argument.

Barron’s noted that the 2% annual fee on the new fund, which is planned to be focused on a concentrated portfolio of large-cap equities, was one reason for the lackluster start.

The structure might still be a positive for Ackman.

A closed-end fund offers Pershing Square perpetual funding, meaning investors can’t quickly redeem their investments. That may produce a steady source of fees for the management even if the fund’s public shares don’t perform well.

But the launch instantly showed investors the trade-off.

They got a look at Ackman’s idea, but at a cost the market soon questioned.

More Wall Street

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

Pershing Square USA now faces a bigger test

The IPO was only the first barrier.

Now, Pershing Square USA needs to establish that it can be more than just another closed-end fund trading at a stubborn discount.

That will depend on performance, transparency, and whether investors believe that Ackman’s focused stock-picking approach can justify its fee. The fund is anticipated to buy high-quality large-cap firms that may overlap with Pershing Square Holdings, which has held names such as Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOGL), Meta Platforms (META), and Uber Technologies (UBER).

The first-day trading does not mean that the strategy is broken.

It does suggest the market is asking for evidence.

Ackman raised the money. He created the structure. He delivered the listing.

But investors quickly turned to the same problems that have plagued closed-end funds for years: fees, discounts, and whether paying full price is worth access to a great manager.

That makes the debut less of a finish line and more of a warning shot.

Key takeaways from Pershing Square’s debut

Pershing Square USAraised $5 billion
PSUS priced at $50 but closed its first day at $40.90
The fund fell about 18% in its NYSE debut
Investors received bonus shares of Pershing Square Inc.
The bonus structure did not prevent first-day losses
The debut highlights concern over closed-end fund discounts
Ackman now has to prove the fund can earn back investor trust

Amazon's highly rated 12-piece cookware set is selling like hotcakes at nearly 40% off

Annie O'Sullivan — Fri, 01 May 2026 10:30:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

Good food might boil down to good ingredients, but a solid set of pots and pans certainly plays a role in flavor. When crafted out of the right materials, quality cookware, like the Kitchen Academy 12-Piece Cookware Set, provides excellent heat conduction and retention, ensuring that your searing, baking, frying, and sautéing go off without a hitch and that the finished product tastes phenomenal. It's not an area you want to skimp on, but naturally, when there's a great sale, you certainly should take advantage of it rather than forking out more money than you have to.

The 12-piece set originally sells for $140, but for a limited time, it's 39% off. You can save $55 and get the saucepans, casserole dishes, frying pans, lids, and more for just $85.

Kitchen Academy 12-Piece Cookware Set, $85 (was $140) at Amazon

Coutesy of Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

This Kitchen Academy set is made with hard aluminum and a granite-style nonstick coating with stainless steel bases, combining the best qualities of all three things to deliver you durable, warp-resistant, wear-resistant cookware with high-performing nonstick surfaces. The handles are made with Bakelite heat-resistant plastic, and the lids have shatter-resistant glass. This set actually heats up 16 times faster than regular stainless steel and better distributes heat more evenly across the pain so your food cooks uniformly. Although dishwasher safe, the brand recommends handwashing the pieces in order to make the set last as long as possible.

The 12-piece cookware set includes an 8-inch fry pan, a 9.7-inch fry pan, a 9.7-inch deep fry pan with a lid, a 1.5-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart casserole dish with a lid, a 5-quart casserole dish with a lid, four interchangeable lids, and two nylon utensils. They work just as well on the stove as in the oven — although the maximum oven temperature they can withstand is 350 degrees, and only for a limited time. Extended exposure can damage the Bakelite handles since they only have a cooking capacity up to 350 degrees. As for the stove, the set works on induction cookers, gas stoves, infrared furnaces, and electric stoves.

The stackable design of the pans and pots makes storing them a breeze. Consolidate and save space by stacking them up. Available in six colors, you can use them for frying, searing, sautéing, simmering, boiling, heating, warming, and baking without worrying about food sticking or ruining your cookware, no matter how many kitchen mishaps occur.

Details to know

Material: Hard aluminum with a granite-style coating, Bakelite, glass, and stainless steel.
Colors: Six.
Includes: The set includes an 8-inch fry pan, a 9.7-inch fry pan, a 9.7-inch deep fry pan with a lid, a 1.5-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart casserole dish with a lid, a 5-quart casserole dish with a lid, four interchangeable lids, and two nylon utensils.
Care: They are technically dishwasher safe, but the brand recommends handwashing to make them last longer.

Shoppers are really impressed with the quality of the cookware, particularly its nonstick capabilities. "Food releases easily, and cleanup is quick," one shopper said. "It heats evenly and is very practical for everyday cooking."

The set has a sleek "farmhouse" design to it, and shoppers love how quickly pots and pans heat up. It cuts down on cooking time. The stackable nature of the pots and pans is also a major plus since it makes storing them in cabinets a breeze.

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You don't have to be a chef to own quality cookware, and you certainly don't need to spend a fortune to whip up breakfasts, lunches, and dinners like a pro. With the Kitchen Academy 12-Piece Cookware Set, you can sear, bake, and boil with ease and without dropping a ton of money.

Amazon's rugged but stylish $158 Timex field watch is a top-notch timepiece

Adam Reeder — Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

A good watch is not always as easy to find as you might think. As a longtime watch collector, I'm sometimes confounded at the uniformity and dullness of so many popular timepieces. I don't want to walk down the street and see five people wearing the exact same watch as me. That's why I was excited to find a deal on an interesting titanium Timex watch at Amazon, and the combination of great looks and a low price made me want to dig even deeper.

The Timex Expedition North Field Watch is currently $158. However, Amazon has sold this watch within the past year for as much as $350. That means it's currently 55% lower than the previous high price. If that's not another reason to put one in your cart, then nothing is.

Timex Expedition North Field Watch, $158 at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

This watch is made from highly durable 316L stainless steel. It's more durable than standard lower grade steel and it's also rustproof. What's more, 316L stainless steel is fully corrosion resistant, making it an excellent material for outdoor use. The case and bracelet of the watch have a titanium-hued PVD coating, which adds another layer of scratch protection to the piece. Personally, I like that the watch gives you the industrial look of titanium, with the usual heft of stainless steel. I want to feel like I have something substantial on my wrist, and the lightweight nature of titanium just doesn't allow for that.

The case has a diameter of 43 millimeters. That fits right in the goldilocks zone of not being too large and not being too small. The dial is an attractive matte black with orange hour markers around the perimeter and a matching Timex Expedition logo at the 12 o'clock position. There are also three sub-registers on the dial that measure running seconds, minutes, and hours respectively. The orange-tipped chronograph hand offers another subtle hint of color on the industrial-looking piece.

The watch is powered by a high-accuracy quartz Timex movement. It's the best option for this type of field watch, as you can simply grab it and go at any moment, unlike most mechanical watches that would need to be hand wound. The dark color of the titanium adds to the attractive overall look of the piece, and makes it just as appropriate to wear to the office as it is to wear to a weekend camping trip. The watch also has an impressive 100 meters of water resistance. That means you can comfortably take it swimming in the pool or the ocean, and you can feel confident that it'll be no worse for the wear.

Details to know

Material: PVD-coated stainless steel.
Case diameter: 43 millimeters.
Movement: Quartz-regulated battery-powered Timex movement.
Water resistance: 100 meters.

Amazon shoppers found this watch to be an absolute joy. One described it as a "great watch," adding, "I love this watch! The fit is great and it really fits that outdoors vibe."

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If you want a watch that can be worn just about anywhere and get style points no matter where you land, then the Timex Expedition North Field Watch is for you. At just $158, this is a great deal on a brand that we all know and love.

JPMorgan executive says one thing is keeping AI in check

Moriah Costa — Fri, 01 May 2026 08:47:00 GMT

AI is vastly changing how we work, shop and even think. Companies are taking note: nearly 78% have adopted some form of AI technology, according to Hostinger.

While the average American uses AI for things like chatting and answering questions, the technology is continuing to advance and become far more autonomous.

And while it’s still in the early days, banks and insurers are using these new AI models to make their jobs easier. But the technology is advancing so fast that it could soon become completely autonomous without this one thing.

The Wall Street race towards agentic AI

During a panel at Sas Innovate 2026 on agentic AI use at banks and insurance firms, experts said there is only one thing preventing AI from becoming fully autonomous.

Agentic AI differs from other types of AI in that it can act somewhat autonomously. Rather than respond to prompts, as in the case of ChatGPT and other LLMs, an AI agent needs very little oversight and instructions to complete a goal, according to IBM.

Banks have been very open about embracing AI use. Around 85% are already using AI in some form, according to McKinsey and Company.

Banks using agentic AI

Citibank has rolled out an internal AI platform called Arc that lets employees create AI agents, Axios reported. The bank already uses AI to create a customized experience for its wealth customers, TheStreet reported.
JP Morgan Chase has been embracing AI agentic use and it’s currently being used in the workflow of 80 services across the company, according to IT Brew.
Wells Fargo partnered with Google in 2025 to build up its agentic AI in the workplace, Google stated.

Banks are using AI to make their workload easier by automating menial and time-consuming tasks, said Adolfo Lopez, senior vice president of corporate technology at JPMorgan Chase during a Sas Innovate panel.

“Most of the work that is being done with agentic AI is assistant or delegative…it's not completely autonomous at this point,” he said.

But even as Wall Street races to be at the forefront of agentic AI, it is doing so with caution.

As AI use increases, so too does the demand for energy and water.

AI guardrails

AI use is not without controversy. For one, there are the vast amounts of water and energy used to keep data centers supporting AI use, according to MIT News. Banks have also been warned about a new model from Anthropic which poses a cybersecurity risk, TheStreet reported.

Lopez said that AI could be a lot more advanced were it not for the guardrails that have been put in place. Banks like JP Morgan have to think about their reputation, he added.

“It's the regulations that constrain us, because we have to be very careful with what we do,” he said during a panel discussion.

More bank news

“Technology will allow us to leverage AI and make decisions, but should it? Should we allow that? From a regulatory and controlled perspective, no, there are certain areas that we should avoid,” Lopez said.

Most importantly, he said, humans still need to stay in the loop of any decision-making, at least until we can trust AI agents.

“Its confidence and decision making has to be earned, just like any other individual. It's another employee, for that matter. Can it perform? Can it be trusted? And the human has to be in the loop until that point it earns your trust,” he said.

Target has a 'buttery' soft 7-piece comforter set on sale for just $40

Pauline Lacsamana — Fri, 01 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

Upgrading your bedding is one of the easiest ways to switch up your space. And if you're looking for a one-and-done purchase that comes with everything you need, a multipiece set can help. While three- or four-piece sets are standard in the bedding category, there are options that come with even more to give your bedroom a new look. A bigger set might sound expensive, but we just spotted a great deal on a seven-piece set at Target for under $50.

The Bedsure 7-Piece Diamond Pintuck Comforter Set is a stylish pick, and it's on sale for as low as $40 at Target. The beige colorway in a queen size gives you the biggest discount with a sale price of $40 and up to 58% off. Other shades range in sale price, all the way up to $66.

Bedsure 7-Piece Diamond Pintuck Comforter Set, $40 (was $96) at Target

Why do shoppers love it?

This seven-piece set comes with a comforter, two pillowcases, two pillow shams, a fitted sheet, and a flat sheet, giving you everything you need for a bedroom makeover. Most comforter sets only come with a comforter and two pillow shams, so this set is like getting both a comforter set and a sheet set combined.

The comforter and shams have an elevated detail that you'd expect to see in sets with a much higher price tag. The diamond pintuck design adds an elevated touch to the bedding with a quiet luxury vibe. And the comforter is of great quality, according to shoppers. It's made of polyester, giving it a lightweight yet warm feel. Reviewers say it's "soft and buttery smooth," as well as "fluffy and lightweight," which is everything you could want in a new bedding set, in addition to an affordable price.

Despite its elegant look, the comforter set is durable. It's fade resistant, and it's designed not to pill or shrink in the wash. It's machine washable with cold water on the gentle cycle, and you can tumble dry it on low.

The queen-sized set comes in 30 colors, ranging from beige to light blue. It was also available in a soft pink color, but unfortunately, it sold out.

Details to know

Sizes: Twin, twin extra long, full, queen, king, and California king.
Colors: 30.
Material: Polyester.
Fitted sheet pocket depth: Up to 14 inches.
Includes: A comforter, two pillowcases, two pillow shams, a fitted sheet, and a flat sheet.

Shoppers love this bedding set, highlighting its design and comfort. "This is one of the warmest and softest comforters! It just hugs you while you sleep," a reviewer said. "The fitted sheet has a strong elastic trim that snaps into place, which allows for easy adjusting." Others shared that it's cozy and even after washing, the filling didn't move around and the pintucks stayed intact.

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The Bedsure 7-Piece Diamond Pintuck Comforter Set is an elevated bedding upgrade that comes with everything you need, and it's on sale for as low as $40.

Morgan Stanley adjusts Visa stock price after earnings

Mwangi Enos — Fri, 01 May 2026 06:03:00 GMT

There's a recurring fear in fintech circles that the ground beneath Visa Inc. could eventually shift. The worry is that a mix of cryptocurrencies, digital wallets, and AI-driven payment rails might bypass traditional card networks altogether, potentially turning today’s dominance into something that belongs to a pre-digital era.

But Visa (V) just reported a quarter that made that fear look increasingly misplaced.

The 67-year-old payments Goliath posted fiscal second-quarter 2026 results that beat expectations and raised its full-year outlook, sending the stock up 5% in a single session. But the more interesting story wasn't the beat. It was where the growth was coming from.

Value-Added Services grew 27% year over year. Stablecoin settlement volumes ran at a $7 billion annualized rate. Also, the core banking deal with Wells Fargo surprised even Visa's most attentive analysts.

"The durability of Visa's network remains underappreciated," Morgan Stanley said in its note, raising its price target to $415 from $411 while maintaining its overweight rating.

Visa CEO Ryan McInerney has consistently argued that every new payment technology ultimately runs through Visa's infrastructure rather than displacing it. Quarter after quarter, the company keeps producing evidence that he's right.

Visa's second-quarter 2026 results delivered across every major dimension

Net revenue of $11.2 billion, up 17% year over year, or 16% on a constant-dollar basis
GAAP net income of $6.0 billion, or $3.14 per share
Non-GAAP net income of $6.3 billion, or $3.31 per share
Share repurchases and dividends of $9.2 billion
Board authorization of a new $20 billion multi-year share repurchase program
Source: Visa Second Quarter 2026 Results and Morgan Stanley Report

U.S. spending volume accelerated 130 basis points to 7.4% growth in the quarter, according to Morgan Stanley's note. Also, it was previewed by bank card data, and is likely to have received some temporary benefit from tax refunds.

Cross-border volume growth came in at 9% in April, with a one-point drag from Ramadan timing that management said would have been 10% otherwise. U.S. inbound travel and cross-border e-commerce are both improving, and demand for FIFA World Cup travel is building as a visible near-term catalyst.

Morgan Stanley raised its fiscal year 2026 and 2027 estimates following the print.

FY26 adjusted EPS raised to $13.07 from $12.88
FY27 adjusted EPS raised to $14.86 from $14.71
FY26 net revenue growth forecast raised to 13.3% from 11.3%
Source: Morgan Stanley Report

Visa Inc. raised its full-year 2026 guidance to low-double-digit to low-teens net revenue growth and low-teens EPS growth, up from prior low-double-digit forecasts.

The upgrade was driven by stronger Value-Added Services performance, higher currency volatility assumptions, and World Cup-related client demand, according to Morgan Stanley.

Morgan Stanley set a $415 price target on Visa Inc. by applying a 27x P/E multiple to its CY27 adjusted EPS estimate of $15.37.

Visa's VAS grew 27%, and Morgan Stanley says the market still underestimates them

The most structurally important number in Visa's quarter wasn't a volume figure. It was the Value-Added Services growth rate.

The key number in Visa Inc.’s quarter wasn’t volume. It was Value-Added Services (VAS). VAS grew 27% year-over-year and now makes up about 30% of revenue, spanning fraud tools, advisory, and marketing services.

Morgan Stanley's conviction is that VAS demand is actively increasing, not plateauing. Clients are seeking more fraud tools and World Cup-related marketing programs, and the pipeline of use cases continues to expand. The firm is confident Visa can sustain VAS growth in the 20%-plus range over the medium term, its note confirmed.

A signal of how far VAS ambitions now extend came from an unexpected source. Wells Fargo plans to adopt Pismo (Visa’s acquired core banking platform), signaling a broader push into core infrastructure beyond initial expectations, the firm said.

Visa stablecoin and agentic commerce positioning turn disruption risk to growth opportunity

The fintech disruption narrative around Visa typically focuses on what could displace the network. Visa is increasingly focused on owning the infrastructure that new payment technologies run on instead.

The stablecoin strategy is the clearest example. Visa has built its approach around three pillars. The stablecoin-linked card on-ramps and off-ramps, settlement and money movement, and blockchain infrastructure. In fact, the numbers are beginning to reflect the investment, according to Morgan Stanley's note.

160 stablecoin-linked card programs globally as of Q2
Stablecoin card volumes up 200% year over year, driven by spending in emerging markets
Stablecoin settlement annualized run-rate reaching $7 billion, up more than 50% from Q1
Source: Morgan Stanley Report

Critically, stablecoin economics closely mirror traditional card economics for Visa, meaning the revenue model is familiar, and the growth is largely incremental.

On agentic commerce, Visa Inc. launched Intelligent Commerce Connect, an AI-focused payments on-ramp set for June 2026, and introduced a CLI tool enabling payments without traditional checkout.

Morgan Stanley said Visa’s vast network, 175M+ merchants, 5B credentials, and 900M daily transactions give it a hard-to-replicate edge in agentic payments.

What Morgan Stanley's $415 Visa target means for you

Morgan Stanley set a $415 price target on Visa Inc. by applying a 27x P/E multiple to its CY27 adjusted EPS estimate of $15.37, implying earnings-led compounding with modest multiple expansion as stablecoin and agentic opportunities are seen as incremental.

The firm argues Visa remains underappreciated, citing its near-undisruptible network moat, steady spending across income groups, no weakness in lower-income cohorts, and a FIFA World Cup demand wave through 2026.

Despite geopolitical and macro volatility, Visa’s fiscal Q2 reinforces its safe-haven growth status, continuing to monetize global spending across evolving payment formats.

Amazon is selling a 'versatile' everyday tote bag for under $14 in 30 colors

Pauline Lacsamana — Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

The perfect everyday bag is all about convenience, spaciousness, and versatility. While leather or even faux leather designs have a high-end feel, they might not be the best for all occasions. A canvas tote bag, on the other hand, checks off all the boxes, and we just found a stylish deal on one for under $14 at Amazon.

The Covelin Canvas Tote Bag is on sale for as low as $12, and shoppers say it's "super versatile." It's currently up to 40% off, with sale prices ranging from $12 to $14. The slouchy design gives it a cool and casual vibe, and its durability makes it a great pick for everyday wear.

Covelin Canvas Tote Bag, From $12 (was $20) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

Whether you're running to the grocery store, doing some shopping, or going to the gym, a tote bag is a go-to accessory that's useful for all occasions. The Covelin Canvas Tote Bag is a surprisingly spacious bag made of soft and lightweight yet durable canvas that can hold up against any day-to-day task. Its durability is especially important, as the last thing you want is a flimsy tote that will fall apart after a few weeks or months of regular use. You can also fold it up and pack it in a larger bag, whether you're traveling or want a backup bag.

While standard tote bags have two straps you can wear over your shoulder, this Amazon find has a 15.7-inch strap that you can adjust to your liking. It can be worn as a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag, making it versatile not just when or where you use it, but also how you wear it.

Its zip-top closure also sets it apart from other tote bags in the same price range. Rather than an open top, you can make sure your belongings are secured inside. And best of all, it has two internal pockets that can help keep you organized.

You can get the tote bag in 30 colors, from a neutral beige to a vibrant red. The Tomato Red color gives you the best discount at 40% off and $12. The other hues are on sale for $13 and $14.

Details to know

Dimensions: 15.5 inches long by 3.5 inches wide by 14.1 inches high.
Handle drop: 15.7 inches.
Material: Canvas.
Color: 30.

One shopper said they use it as their everyday bag, adding that it's the best bag they've had. "It's sturdy but soft, the strap is easily adjustable to a bunch of different lengths, and it's roomy enough [on] the inside for average everyday needs," they said. "The material is thick enough to be good quality, but not overly inflexibly thick." Another reviewer shared that it's small but holds a lot, and it's easy to clean.

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The Covelin Canvas Tote Bag is on sale for as low as $12. As an everyday bag you can take anywhere, it's a steal that you'll want to add to your accessories collection.

Walmart is selling a 'strong' 4-tier wire shelving unit for $41 as a Flash deal

Amanda Reed — Fri, 01 May 2026 01:30:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

Getting some clothing racks, furniture with built-in storage, and installing shelves are renter-friendly ways to maximize your home's space without losing your security deposit or drilling more holes into your wall. Plus, they prevent clutter, since your items have a designated place that isn't a lone chair in your bedroom.

This $68 BestOffice 4-Shelf Wire Shelving is currently $41 at Walmart and can help add more storage to cabinet-deficient kitchens and stuffed garages. For this price, you could afford to grab an extra one for your shed or garage, too, and do all that extra organization you always keep meaning to get around to.

BestOffice 4 Shelf Wire Shelving, $41 (was $68) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Why do shoppers love it?

No tools are required to build these metal shelves, which can hold up to 1,000 pounds. The shelf is 54 inches tall and 36 inches wide and made of sturdy metal. You can adjust the shelf height to accommodate plastic storage bins, kitchen pans, and holiday decorations. Even better, your shelves won't slide once set up, thanks to a friction plate design certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

A chrome powder coating prevents rust, and you don't have to worry about shaky shelves thanks to built-in feet levelers for uneven ground. If chrome doesn't match your decor, there's also a stylish black $66 set that's on sale for $39. And no worries if this one isn't large enough for your needs - there are five sizes available, and they're all on sale, ranging between $29 and $100.

More than 16,500 shoppers have given this shelving unit a glowing five-star rating, with reviews that mention that they are great in kitchens and garages. One complimented them for being "very strong and sturdy."

"I bought it for my son to put in his garage to store all his tackle boxes, boots, etc.," wrote another. "Doesn't take up much room, but holds lots of stuff. His garage is much more organized now. I'm thinking of buying another one, since they don't take up much space, but can hold lots of items."

Details to know

Measurements: This shelving unit measures 36 inches wide by 14 inches deep by 54 inches tall.
Material: Metal.
Assembly required?: Yes. The manufacturer says the shelving unit takes 15 minutes to assemble.

So whether you need to organize a garage, a basement, a storage area, or build out more room in a kitchen or a craft room, these shelves are a fantastic option. You'll feel accomplished and satisfied once you wrangle that mess that's been bothering you, and you can breathe a bit easier knowing everything's in its place.

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Don't shelve this deal for another day. Snag your own BestOffice Four Shelf Wire Shelving, now $41 at Walmart during a Flash deal.

Buffett's unsettling final message before going silent

Damilola Esebame — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:33:00 GMT

For six decades, Warren Buffett wrote a letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders before the company's annual gathering in Omaha. On May 2, tens of thousands of investors will file into that same arena, but for the first time in the company's history, the 95-year-old will not be sitting in the CEO's chair.

Buffett stepped down as chief executive at the end of last year and is not scheduled to speak at this year's meeting, according to Berkshire's published agenda. He remains the company's chairman and its largest shareholder, holding roughly 30% of the voting interest and 13.7% of the economic interest, as disclosed in the company's 2026 proxy statement.

That silence makes his final letters to shareholders more than a historical reading. The warnings inside them land with striking relevance in a market shaped by speculation, geopolitical disruption, and the kind of frenzy Buffett spent his career cautioning against.

Buffett's casino warning looks prophetic heading into 2026

In his 2023 shareholder letter, Buffett devoted an entire passage to what he described as the market's growing resemblance to a gambling floor. Markets exhibit far more speculative behavior than they did when he started investing, and the mechanisms feeding that speculation have moved directly into people's homes, he wrote, according to Fortune.

Wall Street profits most not when clients build wealth but when trading volume spikes to frenzied levels, Buffett cautioned in that letter. Anything marketable during those periods of excess will be marketed aggressively, not by everyone, but always by someone, he warned.

"For whatever reasons, markets now exhibit far more casino-like behavior than they did when I was young," said Warren Buffett, Former CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.

That observation, written well before prediction markets began shaping Wall Street sentiment, reads like a direct assessment of the current landscape. His successor, Greg Abel, acknowledged the gravity of what he inherited in his own first letter to shareholders in February 2026.

Buffett is arguably the greatest investor of all time, with generations benefiting from his investment acumen, Abel wrote, as reported by Fortune. Abel disclosed that Buffett objected to the praise but acknowledged that everyone knows it to be true.

Buffett’s duck analogy warns that bull-market gains can mislead investors.

J. Kempin/Getty Images

The "duck lesson" every investor needs to hear in a bull market

One of Buffett's most memorable analogies came from his 1997 letter, and it speaks directly to a trap many investors fall into after years of rising stock prices. In a bull market, one must avoid the error of a duck that boasts after a rainstorm, mistaking rising water for its own paddling skill, Buffett wrote, as Fortune recounted.

That analogy captures a persistent danger for retail investors who entered the market during the post-pandemic surge and may attribute their gains to personal strategy rather than broader market forces. When the S&P 500 delivered double-digit returns for three consecutive years through 2025, it was easy to feel like a skilled paddler.

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Buffett's approach to Coca-Cola illustrates the patience behind that philosophy. Berkshire spent roughly $1.3 billion acquiring 400 million shares starting in the late 1980s, Fortune reported. That position is now worth more than $31 billion, a return earned not through market timing but through decades of holding a strong business through recessions, crashes, and every kind of volatility.

The duck analogy also carries an implicit warning about what happens when conditions reverse. Investors who mistake a rising tide for personal genius rarely build the discipline needed to hold steady during a downturn, and even more rarely have the conviction to buy when prices fall.

Buffett himself has always treated market declines not as threats but as opportunities, deploying capital when others panic and sitting on cash when others chase momentum. That willingness to act against the crowd is the real skill the duck never learns, because the duck never had to question whether the water would keep rising.

Buffett's long bet on America still carries a quiet caution

In one of his final letters, Buffett credited what he called the American Tailwind for much of Berkshire's success and said the company hopes and expects to pay much more in taxes over the next decade because it owes the country nothing less, Fortune noted.

The tailwind has been becalmed from time to time, Buffett acknowledged, signaling that the nation's economic momentum is not guaranteed to remain constant. He said he had been investing for 80 years and had never found a moment when a long-term bet against America made sense.

Greg Abel's Berkshire begins its first chapter without the Oracle

Buffett's departure does not leave a gap, but it redirects attention to the principles he repeated for decades. His final letters, set against today's speculative surges, rising leverage, and fast-moving narratives, read less like reflections and more like a framework for what is already happening.

The casino analogy, the duck parable, and his emphasis on patience all make the same point. Markets reward behavior that looks skillful in the moment but breaks down over time. With Greg Abel now leading Berkshire's operations, the transition tests whether those ideas hold without the person behind them.

Berkshire's scale and structure point to continuity, but the market environment does not, which creates the gap. Buffett's letters do not forecast specific outcomes, but they describe patterns that repeat when optimism runs high and caution fades.

California's billionaire tax ignites $100B fight

Damilola Esebame — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:07:00 GMT

A tax proposal targeting roughly 200 Californians with the potential to raise an estimated $100 billion just cleared its biggest hurdle, according to CBS News.

Backers of the California Billionaire Tax Act submitted more than 1.5 million petition signatures to state election officials on April 28, roughly double the number needed to qualify for the November ballot.

A competing initiative called the Transparency Act is also collecting signatures, and its structure could neutralize the billionaire tax, even if voters approve it. If both measures land on the ballot and the Transparency Act gets more votes, it could block the wealth levy entirely, the Los Angeles Times reported.

A successful wealth tax in California would set a precedent that could reshape how state legislatures across the country approach taxing the ultra-wealthy. This comes as a parallel federal proposal from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) targets the same population on a much larger scale.

California's billionaire tax targets assets, not income

The proposed levy would impose a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of billionaire residents as of Jan. 1, 2026, with the bill due in 2027. Taxpayers could spread payments across five annual installments, though a 7.5% additional fee would apply to the unpaid balance, Yahoo Finance reported.

Ultra-wealthy individuals can sustain lavish lifestyles without selling major holdings, thereby largely sidestepping income taxes, the left-leaning think tank Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy explained in its analysis, according to Yahoo Finance.

"We will get less housing, we will get less investment in machinery and equipment, we'll get less investment in new companies…. That ultimately makes everyone worse off," said Adam Michel, director of tax policy studies at the Cato Institute, in a Fox Business story.

The wealth tax would address that gap by taxing all accumulated assets, whether converted to realized income or not, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy noted, as Yahoo Finance explained.

Taxable assets would include businesses, securities, collectibles, and intellectual property, while real property and certain retirement accounts would be excluded. About 875,000 signatures must be validated by June 25 to secure a spot on the November ballot, Yahoo Finance reported.

Google co-founders have already left California over the proposal

The measure has already triggered the exact exodus opponents predicted. At least half a dozen high-profile billionaires relocated from California as the initiative gained traction last year, including Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, according to Yahoo Finance.

The Hoover Institution, a conservative-leaning think tank based at Stanford University, estimated that California could actually lose up to $25 billion once forgone income tax revenue from departing billionaires is accounted for.

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The institution also projected that actual collections would fall far short of $100 billion, more likely generating closer to $40 billion, Yahoo Finance reported. The Tax Foundation, a right-leaning tax policy organization, projected that DoorDash co-founder Tony Xu would face a $4.17 billion liability that could render him bankrupt.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang would owe approximately $8 billion in taxes, according to the Tax Foundation. Huang has said he is "perfectly fine" with the proposed tax, telling Bloomberg in January that it had never crossed his mind.

"Move to California, don't leave. It's the highest taxes in the world, but it's okay," Huang later said at a Stanford Graduate School of Business event, according to Fortune.

A rival ballot measure could kill the billionaire tax, even if voters say yes

The Transparency Act represents a strategic countermove. Under California's ballot rules, when two competing initiatives both pass, the one receiving more total votes takes effect.

If the Transparency Act outpolls the billionaire tax by even a single vote, it could override the entire wealth levy, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Supporters of the wealth tax, led by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, launched the initiative as an emergency response to potential losses in health care funding.

The union estimates California will lose nearly $100 billion in federal health care funding over five years following passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Yahoo Finance reported.

A competing ballot measure could override California's wealth tax, as health care unions warn of $100 billion funding losses over five years.

Bloomberg/Getty Images

A federal wealth tax proposal makes California's fight a national story

Sen. Sanders and California Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna introduced the Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act in March, proposing a 5% annual tax on roughly 938 billionaires nationwide. The federal version would raise an estimated $4.4 trillion over 10 years and distribute $3,000 to every person in households earning $150,000 or less in its first year, Yahoo Finance reported.

The key distinction is that California's tax is a one-time levy, while the federal version would recur annually, compounding against billionaires' holdings year after year.

For your long-term investment outlook, forced asset sales by billionaire founders under either proposal could depress stock prices in companies where concentrated ownership supports valuations, with the effects flowing through to index funds, 401(k)s, and IRAs held by millions of Americans.

A wealth tax battle that tests more than California

The California Billionaire Tax Act is no longer just a policy experiment; it has become a high-stakes test of how far states can go in taxing accumulated wealth rather than income.

With more than 1.5 million signatures submitted, the measure has already cleared a major procedural hurdle, but its outcome remains uncertain because of a competing Transparency Act.

The structure of the proposal, targeting assets rather than annual earnings, directly challenges how ultra-wealthy individuals preserve and grow capital, which is why it has triggered both political resistance and early relocation among high-profile billionaires.

Supporters point to an estimated $100 billion in potential revenue, while outside analyses suggest outcomes could land significantly lower once behavioral responses, such as relocation or asset restructuring, are factored in.

At the same time, legal and design concerns raised by policy groups highlight how implementation details could materially alter the tax's effective burden.

Amazon's $300 waterproof Bluetooth speaker is 90% off during a rare deal

Rebecca Rovenstine — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

You can't beat the convenience of wireless earbuds or noise-canceling headphones for listening to tunes without disturbing those around you. When it comes to blasting music that everyone can enjoy, you'll want a different audio accessory that delivers a louder sound and thunderous bass for the ultimate party vibes. There are numerous wireless speakers to consider, but one Amazon deal is particularly impressive, offering 90% off the typical retail price of the top-rated Vanzon Portable Bluetooth Speaker.

Now discounted from $300 to just $30, this portable speaker offers quality sound in a compact and lightweight package, so you can easily slip it into your backpack, beach bag, or reusable tote.

Vanzon Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $30 (was $300) at Amazon

jetcityimage/Getty Images

Why do shoppers love it?

Its powerful 24-watt speaker is suitable for background music at your next barbecue or for creating a premium audio experience when hosting an outdoor movie. The device is optimized for outdoor use with a durable and waterproof design that can withstand rainy weather or even an accidental drop into the shallow end of the pool. On top of all that, you can feel confident in the quality of this wireless speaker, as it's backed by thousands of perfect ratings from satisfied shoppers.

It's easy to see why this portable speaker has perfect five-star ratings from over 10,000 shoppers, and it's not just the affordable price tag. The lightweight audio device comes with features you'd expect from a high-end brand, starting with balanced and immersive stereo sound that offers deep, booming bass and crisp, clear highs. You'll never have to miss a beat because the large-capacity 3600-milliamper-hour battery provides up to 24 hours of playback time on a single charge.

"It sounds awesome, and the bass is definitely noticeable," wrote one shopper who uses the rugged speaker for paddleboarding and skiing. They took time to highlight the portable size and fun, colorful lights, explaining that overall the device has "fantastic sound and functionality."

Whether you use an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy, this wireless speaker is a solid choice. Running on advanced Bluetooth technology, this outdoor speaker has a speedy and stable connection that's compatible with most Android and Apple devices. If you want to take it up a notch with surround sound, the device supports true wireless stereo (TWS) technology, which means you can use your smartphone to pair two of the devices together.

One shopper raved, "The battery has plenty of juice to last the day, and audio quality is great." They put the IPX7 waterproof rating to the test when kayaking, and reported, "It has gotten extremely wet and has shown no issues."

Pros and cons of the $30 Vanson wireless speaker

Pros:

It has an ultra-long battery life: It's unusual to find a portable speaker with a battery capacity that can run all day, priced at just $30.
It's built for the outdoors: The durable frame and waterproof seal make this wireless speaker a trusted companion for any outdoor adventures.
It's compact and portable: Measuring 7.7 inches tall with a 3-inch diameter, this Bluetooth speaker can fit into larger bags.

Cons:

It doesn't have a strap: If you want to hook this to a backpack or sling it over your arm, this portable speaker doesn't appear to have a spot to add a handle, so you'd have to get creative.
You may want a second speaker. A 24-watt speaker can easily fill a smaller outdoor area or medium-sized room with sound, but you may want to pair two together if you have more space to cover.

Shop more Bluetooth speaker deals

Don't miss your chance to score the Vanzon Portable Bluetooth Speaker for 90% off at Amazon. This $30 deal is only available for a limited time, so secure the savings by adding it to your cart now.

Freddie Mac reveals shifting mortgage rate trends

Laura Grace Tarpley — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:03:00 GMT

Mortgage rates have increased this week, according to Freddie Mac. The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose by seven basis points to 6.30%, and the 15-year fixed rate is up six basis points to 5.64%.

Rates have been unpredictable in 2026. Looking at the Freddie Mac rate archives, interest rates decreased for four straight weeks until the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran at the end of February. Then, rates increased for five weeks.

Finally, mortgage rates fell for three consecutive weeks in April. But now ... they're back up.

A rate increase can feel frustrating for potential homebuyers, especially when it looks unlikely that the 30-year rate will drop (and stay) below 6%.

However, my years of reporting on the housing market and mortgage rates have taught me that current rates aren't as bad as they might seem. The sub-3% rates during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic make rates in the 6% range feel abysmal.

But by evaluating longer-term trends, we can put today's mortgage rates in perspective.

Mortgage rates have decreased over the last year

According to Freddie Mac data, the national average 30-year mortgage rate is down 46 basis points since this week in 2025. A year ago, the rate was 6.76%, and now, the rate is 6.30%.

The average 15-year rate is down 28 basis points since this week last year. Going into May 2025, it was 5.92%.

So, the 30-year rate is almost a half-percentage-point lower than this time last year, and the 15-year rate is over a quarter-percentage-point lower. This means homebuyers are in a better position now than a year ago, at least when it comes to interest rates.

The 30-year rate is also a little lower than the 52-week average of 6.39%. Over the last year, the average 30-year rate has climbed as high as 6.89%.

The average 15-year fixed rate has risen above 6% in the last year, hitting 6.03% twice in spring 2025. Unfortunately, the current 15-year mortgage rate is just over the 52-week average — the 52-week average is 5.63%, and the rate is 5.64% right now.

However, a 15-year rate that has basically been flat for the past year isn't the worst news in the world.

"Stable rates can encourage buyers who have been on the fence to move forward, helping to support a steady, gradual housing market," head of consumer lending at Bank of America, Matt Vernon, previously told TheStreet.

Historical mortgage rates put current ones in perspective

Freddie Mac started tracking interest rates in April 1971, so we have data from over 55 years. When we calculate the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate since 1971, the average is 7.69% — 1.39% higher than today's rate.

Many people got used to rates that were in the 3% range in 2020 and 2021. But when we look at historical mortgage rates, today's rates are better than they might seem.

More on mortgages and mortgage rates:

Apart from the COVID-19 pandemic, the 30-year fixed rate has only fallen below 3.5% a handful of times since Freddie Mac started tracking rates, and it's never stayed that low for weeks or months on end.

The highest weekly 30-year rate to date is 18.39%. This occurred in October 1921, during a recession. That year, the average annual rate was 16.64%.

Not only are today's mortgage rates low compared to last year, but they're low when we look at rates from over 50 years.

What do today's mortgage rates mean for homebuyers?

So, mortgage rates are higher than many of us would like, but they look much better when we see the bigger picture. If you're considering buying a home in 2026, what does this mean for you realistically?

Consider whether you can afford to buy a house, regardless of today's rates. Consider everything from the down payment to monthly mortgage payments. "Elevated home prices and limited housing supply continue to be the primary drivers of affordability challenges," Vernon told TheStreet.
Since the April Federal Reserve meeting, the CME FedWatch tool has predicted that the central bank will not cut the federal funds rate in 2026. This is one signal that mortgage rates won't plummet this year.
Rates will likely stay above 6% this year, so don't waste your time trying to time the real estate market. Make your decision based on what you can afford and whether your lifestyle is conducive to homeownership, not on whether home loan rates are a few basis points lower one week.

Blue Cross Blue Shield customers may soon see settlement payments

Aparajita Chatterjee — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:37:00 GMT

For millions of Americans, health insurance has become one of the most unavoidable household expenses.

Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs can strain families even when they have coverage, making any update tied to health-insurance costs especially important for consumers.

Now, some Blue Cross Blue Shield customers are getting a long-awaited update tied to a major legal settlement.

The official Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement website states that the court has resolved all appeals and that the settlement is final.

The site says the initial distribution of payments to damages class members with valid claims will begin in May 2026.

The payments are tied to a $2.67 billion class-action antitrust settlement involving Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and their subscribers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement payments set to begin

The settlement stems from the class-action lawsuit In re: Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation, MDL 2406, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

The case began in 2013, and now, more than a decade later, eligible customers with valid claims are expected to begin receiving payments.

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The settlement came from a lawsuit accusing Blue Cross Blue Shield companies of limiting competition in the health insurance market.

Plaintiffs claimed the companies agreed not to compete with each other in certain areas, which allegedly kept insurance prices higher for customers and employers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield denied wrongdoing and said its system helped lower costs and improve access to care. The court did not decide who was right, but both sides agreed to settle to avoid further litigation.

The settlement created a $2.67 billion fund.

After attorneys’ fees, administrative expenses, and other costs, the net settlement fund is estimated to be about $1.9 billion, according to the settlement administrator.

This money will go to class members who submitted valid claims before the deadline.

The net settlement fund for Blue Cross Blue Shield's class-action antitrust lawsuit is estimated at about $1.9 billion.

Who may receive a Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement payment?

The Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement may cover certain individuals, insured groups, and self-funded accounts that purchased or were enrolled in Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plans during specific time periods.

These groups may be eligible for payouts:

Individual and Insured Group customers enrolled between Feb. 7, 2008, and Oct. 16, 2020.
Self-funded accounts enrolled between Sept. 1, 2015, and Oct. 16, 2020.

Government accounts are excluded from this settlement. Also, dependents, beneficiaries, (including minors), and non-employees are not eligible to receive payments, according to the settlement administrator.

While eligible claimants with valid claims are expected to receive payments this May, there is also an important catch.

The deadline to file a claim has already passed.

The official settlement website says people had to file a claim by Nov. 5, 2021, to receive a payment. The administrator is now reviewing claims and sending claim-determination notices by email.

If you filed a valid claim before the deadline, you may soon receive a payment.

But those who are eligible but did not file a claim by the deadline should not expect a payment from this settlement. There was no automatic enrollment.

Blue Cross Blue Shield serves millions of Americans

The settlement is drawing widespread attention because of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s large footprint in the U.S. health care system and the size of the settlement fund.

Blue Cross Blue Shield companies provide coverage for 118 million members across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. More than 2 million doctors and hospitals contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield companies nationwide, more than any other insurer, according to the health insurance provider.

Roughly 6 million claims were filed before the deadline. Some reports estimate an average payment of about $333, though actual payments may vary based on factors such as the type of plan and other details of the approved claim.

The official settlement site does not guarantee a specific payout amount for each claimant.

People who filed claims can check their claim status through the official settlement website.

Jonas Bros. restaurant shuts down, joins celebrity failures

Daniel Kline — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:07:28 GMT

Just because fans like a celebrity's music, movies, or television show does not mean they will support their restaurants.

In fact, a long list of eateries opened by famous people have failed fairly quickly. It's a lesson learned by everyone from Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake (multiple times, in the former NSync member's case) to Kevin Costner, Steven Spielberg, and many more.

"Celebrity status offers a massive marketing head start, but in the brutal landscape, fame is often a recipe for financial disaster. Many stars find that 'star power' cannot fix a broken business model," according to Parade.

It's a simple matter of restaurant economics.

"While a famous name packs the house during opening month, it cannot offset the reality of soaring labor costs and supply chain volatility. Investors often over-leverage these projects, betting on expansion before the flagship is stable. When novelty wears off, and the math doesn’t add up, even the biggest icons are served a reality check," Parade added.

Now, you can add the Jonas Brothers to the long list of celebrities who failed in the restaurant business.

Jonas Brothers closing Las Vegas Strip restaurant

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen restaurant is closing at MGM Grand resort on the Las Vegas Strip, according to Casino.org's Vital Vegas.

"The restaurant will close on or before June 1, 2026," according to the website.

Nellie’s opened June 4, 2022.

The restaurant is owned by Denise and Kevin Jonas, Sr., the parents of the Jonas Brothers (Kevin II, Joe and Nick), in partnership with TLI Bedrock LLC.

"Founded by Kevin Jonas Sr., wife Denise, along with their four sons Kevin, Joe, Nick & Franklin, Nellie’s serves as a place to pay respect and honor to a family legend in her own right. Nellie Jonas, the great-grandmother of the Jonas Brothers, was a pivotal figure in the family's culinary heritage," the company shared on its website.

Franklin Jonas is not a member of the well-known band, which consists of Kevin, Joe, and Nick.

The entire family showed up for the restaurant's 2022 opening at The District in MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip.

"Nellie's Southern Kitchen is a perfect reflection of our family's passion for food and music. And the fact that we introduced Nellie's the same weekend our Las Vegas residency kicked off couldn't be better," Kevin Jonas said in a press release.

Nellie's Southern Kitchen explains the closure

"We’ve had the privilege of operating Nellie’s in Las Vegas successfully for several years. As our lease approached its expiration, we made a strategic decision about where to focus our long-term efforts," Manolis D. Alpogianis, a spokesperson for the brand, shared in an email to TheStreet.

"Ultimately, we chose to prioritize markets that align more closely with our core concept, like our Belmont, North Carolina location, where we can build deeper relationships with our guests and be part of the community in a more meaningful, day-to-day way," he shared.

Jonas Brothers join a long list of failed celebrity restaurateurs

Celebrities are not immune to the challenges of the restaurant business. The Spectator shared some recent examples of big-name stars struggling after opening eateries.

David Beckham and Guy Ritchie opened a pub in 2018 — the Walmer Castle — but it didn’t last. They handed it on in 2022, and the pub has changed hands three times since its opening.
Ed Sheeran opened his gastropub "Bertie Blossoms" just two months before the pandemic, and while it is still open, Sheeran has admitted it hasn't gone smoothly. "He’s learned that unless you have a large chain, making money off a restaurant is very difficult," he told The Spectator.
Lewis Hamilton and Leonardo DiCaprio have tried the chain business model, opening eight locations of their plant-based Neat Burger, with most of them having since closed, according to TheStreet.

"Other failures have been down to basic incompetence. Idris Elba’s opened a wine bar and restaurant at King’s Cross, ‘Porte Noire’, which received a one-star rating for food hygiene last summer. The report said the place is dirty, in a poor state of repair, and unfit to serve the raw sea bass on the menu," The Spectator added.

Restaurants have struggled broadly

Technomic senior principal David Henkes believes the overall restaurant industry still faces significant challenges.

“A big part of what’s happening is consumer confidence and how they feel about their current economic situation,” Henkes said during US Foods’ Foods Fanatics event, pointing to the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which shows that consumer confidence levels are at a historic low.

“Consumers were more confident in their situations during the pandemic than they are today,” he said, as reported by Nation's Restaurant News.

Data from Revenue Management Solutions shows gas prices have a measurable impact on restaurant spending behavior, NRN reported.

“Right now, confidence is king,” RMS chief executive officer John Oakes said in a statement. “While traditional economic factors such as inflation, wages, and fuel costs still matter, consumer confidence tells us how guests will behave in the weeks and months ahead.”

The Jonas Brothers’ restaurant closure falls within the broader statistical range of small-business failure rates in the U.S.

"Roughly 20% of new businesses fail within the first year, while nearly half shut down within five years, highlighting the structural difficulty of sustaining new ventures in competitive consumer industries like restaurants," according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Business Dynamics statistics.

The Jonas Brothers have played multiple Las Vegas Strip residencies.

Shutterstock

Other celebrity failures include:

Dive! (Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg) closed after its novelty “submarine dining” concept failed to generate repeat customers, despite early hype, according to Parade.
NYLA (Britney Spears) closed shortly after opening in Manhattan amid criticism of execution, concept confusion, and operational issues, added Parade.
The Clubhouse (Kevin Costner) eventually closed after years of financial strain and inconsistent performance in the casual dining segment, reported the LA Business Journal.
Chi / Destino / Southern Hospitality (Justin Timberlake-linked ventures) saw closures or exits as part of shifting ownership and underperformance in competitive nightlife/dining markets, according to Eater.
Café Dupri (Jermaine Dupri) closed after struggling financially, despite early branding as a celebrity-driven upscale dining concept, AOL reported.

Celebrity chefs fail, too

While Guy Fieri, Gordon Ramsay, Bobby Flay, and many other celebrity chefs operate dozens of restaurants between them, celebrity chefs also have their share of failed eateries.

"Although it seems that Food Network stars and their major network colleagues have no problem scoring lucrative restaurant deals, many of these projects fizzle out fast due to some combination of poor management, bad reviews, overspending on the build-out, and lack of involvement from the star chefs after the doors swing open," according to Eater.

Ramsay's Fat Cow, for example, was hurt by bad reviews from local outlets, including these comments in LA Weekly.

"Ramsay lost me, finally, as my friend and I sat and looked miserably over the ruins of our lunch, a lunch with Ramsay's name on it but no trace of the skill he's famous for," the newspaper's food critic Besha Rodell wrote after its opening.

Fat Cow also had operational problems.

"Aside from this memorably bad review, Ramsay had bigger problems on his hands: the Fat Cow’s employees filed a class action lawsuit over unpaid wages, and the chef’s contractors sued him over an outstanding tab from the build-out," Eater reported.

Nation's Restaurant News' former Editor in Chief Sara Locker explained why celebrities and their backers keep opening restaurants.

"If you’re going to fail, at least fail big. Isn’t that how the saying goes," she wrote in an NRN column.

Bank of America resets Microsoft stock forecast after earnings

Vuk Zdinjak — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:03:00 GMT

Microsoft (MSFT) is a software giant, known for its Windows operating system and Office software suite. It is also a hyperscaler. The biggest driver for the stock is artificial intelligence.

The company's revenue comes from three different business segments. These include Productivity and Business Processes, Intelligent Cloud, and More Personal Computing. Microsoft’s cloud computing platform is called Azure, and the main AI product is Microsoft 365 Copilot.

The stock is down approximately 16% year to date, at the time of writing, Thursday afternoon, April 30, according to Yahoo Finance. Meanwhile, the SPDR S&P 500 index (SPY) is up slightly above 5% in the same period.

The stock is tumbling following the company's Q3 earnings report on April 29, trading 4.6% lower near $405, with the most likely culprit being high capital expenditures (capex), which negatively impact free cash flow.

Other key news for the stock:

Microsoft revised its partnership with OpenAI; it no longer has an exclusive license for its models. This isn’t surprising after the company’s absence from the latest OpenAI founding round.
Microsoft made major leadership changes to improve its AI strategy, with the most important being the naming of Jacob Andreou as EVP for Copilot.
The company launched Copilot Cowork in March for Frontier (early access program).

Key facts from Microsoft’s earnings report

Microsoft’s Q3 revenue increased 18% (up 15% in constant currency) to $82.9 billion.

Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella touted the company’s AI growth during the earnings call.

“In knowledge work, it was another record quarter for Microsoft 365 Copilot seat adds, which increased 250% year-over-year, representing our fastest growth since launch. Quarter over quarter, we continue to see acceleration and now have over 20 million Microsoft 365 Copilot paid seats.”

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The company’s remaining performance obligations are growing and, according to its 10-Q Form, totaled $633 billion as of March 31, 2026, with the commercial portion at $627 billion.

The form included one caveat, however. “We expect to recognize approximately 30% of our total company remaining performance obligation revenue and 25% of our commercial remaining performance obligation revenue over the next 12 months and the remainder thereafter.”

Bank of America raised its Microsoft EPS estimates.

jewhyte/Getty Images

Microsoft CFO Amy Hood provided guidance for Q4:

Revenue should be between $86.7 billion and $87.8 billion.
Expected capex will increase to more than $40 billion.
Source: Microsoft Q3 earnings call

She added that the sequential increase in capex includes approximately $5 billion from higher component pricing and the impact of finance leases. Hood said that for calendar year 2026, she expects approximately $190 billion in capex, including approximately $25 billion from higher component pricing.

Bank of America raises Microsoft EPS estimates

Following the report’s release in a research note shared with me, Bank of America analyst Tal Liani and his team updated their opinion on Microsoft stock.

The team noted that Azure revenue growth of 39% in constant currency beat the Wall Street consensus estimate at 38.2%. Analysts said revenue growth of 15% and EPS of $4.27 were also above Wall Street consensus estimates of 13.3% and $4.04, respectively.

Liani said CoPilot added 5 million paid users, increasing the total to 20 million and representing growth of 33% quarter over quarter or 250% YoY. He also noted that the 2026 capex guidance of $190 billion is $37 billion above Wall Street expectations.

A similar trend can be seen with other hyperscalers, who collectively increased capex by $50 billion, Liani added. He said he estimates 2026 hyperscaler capex at over $800 billion, and a path toward more than $1 trillion by 2027.

The team said approximately $25 billion of Microsoft’s capex increase represents higher component pricing rather than pure volume expansion.

Analysts raised their Microsoft EPS estimates for 2026, 2027, and 2028 to $17.38, $19.19, and $22.36, respectively; from $17.19, $19.10, and $22.30, respectively.

Liani reiterated a buy rating for Microsoft stock and a price target of $500, based on a 24 multiple of his estimate for the price-to-earnings ratio for 2027. This is higher than the peer group, which is in the range of 18 to 22. He believes that sustained revenue growth and margin profile warrant this high multiple.

Analysts noted downside risks for Microsoft:

Near-term gross margin pressure
AI applications and model providers that may innovate at a faster rate than Microsoft
The highly cyclical nature of enterprise application spending

Robinhood's golden government deal turns sour fast

Damilola Esebame — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:37:00 GMT

Three weeks ago, Robinhood Markets secured what looked like the deal of a generation. The U.S. Treasury Department selected the company as the broker and sole initial trustee for Trump Accounts, the federal program that deposits $1,000 into investment accounts for every child born between 2025 and 2028.

Then the first-quarter earnings report dropped on April 28, and the celebration turned into a sell-off. Robinhood told investors it would need to spend an additional $100 million to build and operate the Trump Accounts infrastructure, sending shares down nearly 7% in extended trading to $76.44, Bloomberg reported.

The decline wiped roughly $5 billion from the company's market valuation in a single session. The question investors are now wrestling with is direct and uncomfortable. Can a program designed to bring 4 million eligible children into the financial system justify its cost before it starts generating meaningful revenue for Robinhood?

Robinhood's Q1 earnings reveal the real cost of the Trump Accounts deal

The headline numbers showed the actual cost of the deal. Revenue climbed 15% year over year to $1.07 billion, funded customers rose to 27.4 million, and total platform assets reached $307 billion, a 39% increase from the prior year, Robinhood's earnings release showed.

But operating expenses jumped 18% during the quarter, and the updated full-year expense outlook of $2.7 billion to $2.825 billion now includes the extra $100 million earmarked for building the Trump Accounts app.

Robinhood noted in its earnings statement, however, that the Trump Accounts work is structured on a cost-plus basis with a small margin, meaning the company expects revenues from the program to exceed its costs.

More Tech Stocks:

These apps run dedicated customer support, producing educational content, and managing custody of account assets, the earnings release showed. Adjusted operating expenses in Q1 already included $14 million tied to the Rothera prediction exchange and Trump Accounts.

CEO Vlad Tenev framed the initiative as a long-term play during the company's earnings call. The Trump Accounts program is an opportunity to engage with the next generation of investors and demonstrate Robinhood's capability as a government partner, Tenev said, according to the Q1 earnings call transcript.

How Trump accounts became Wall Street's most unusual government contract

The program originated from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by Congress last year. Every U.S. child with a Social Security number born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, qualifies for a $1,000 government deposit into a tax-deferred investment account.

Parents or guardians can enroll by filing IRS Form 4547 with their 2025 tax returns or through TrumpAccounts.gov.

The Treasury Department shared on April 6 that Robinhood and Bank of New York Mellon would jointly operate the program. BNY serves as the designated financial agent handling initial account setup, while Robinhood builds and runs the standalone app and serves as the initial trustee, CNBC reported. Contributions open July 4.

“The IRS has been working closely with the Treasury Department to make the election process as simple and easy as possible by permitting taxpayers to fill out a one-page form when they file their tax return,” said IRS CEO Frank Bisignano.

As of March 31, taxpayers had enrolled more than 4 million children, and over 1 million were eligible for the Treasury's $1,000 pilot deposit, the IRS reported.

Madeline Brown, a senior policy associate at the Urban Institute, told CNBC that significant questions remain about what the app interface and financial coaching integration will look like for account holders.

Trump Accounts launch with $1,000 deposits for children, as Treasury partners with Robinhood and BNY Mellon to manage program rollout nationwide.

Bloomberg/Getty Images

Robinhood's broader business shows growth alongside mounting costs

Beyond the activity of the Trump Accounts, Robinhood’s growth was evident in other business ventures. Robinhood Gold subscribers reached 4.3 million, up 36% year over year, and net deposits totaled $17.7 billion reflecting a 22% annualized growth rate, the earnings release showed.

The company also secured approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to offer brokerage services and launched a public testnet for its blockchain platform. However, securities lending revenue declined as lower volatility and fewer IPOs reduced special rebate rates.

Regulatory uncertainty around prediction markets adds another layer of risk as some states push back on jurisdiction, Tenev acknowledged, as GuruFocus indicated. The company repurchased $250 million in stock during Q1 and authorized a refreshed $1.5 billion buyback program.

What Robinhood's government bet means for your portfolio

Robinhood's Trump Accounts deal sits at the intersection of scale and uncertainty, and the company's latest earnings make clear that those two forces are now pulling in opposite directions.

On the one hand, the program puts Robinhood's technology in front of approximately 60 million potential future users, according to Tenev on the Q1 2026 earnings call, a reach that no marketing campaign or referral program could realistically replicate.

Early enrollment figures already show traction, with millions of children registered and over one million qualifying for initial deposits. That level of adoption, combined with Robinhood’s role as the standalone app provider and initial trustee, as Bloomberg notes, positions the company at the center of a generational onboarding effort into financial markets.

On the other hand, the financial burden is immediate and measurable. The additional $100 million in projected costs adds to already rising operating expenses, which climbed 18% year over year, compressing the gap between revenue growth and profitability.

Even with revenue reaching $1.07 billion and platform assets climbing to $307 billion, the market reaction shows how quickly sentiment can shift when long-term bets begin to weigh on near-term margins. Diluted earnings per share came in at $0.38, barely outpacing expense growth at just 3% higher than a year ago.

For investors holding HOOD shares, the question is whether the government partnership represents a foundation for lasting growth or an expensive distraction from the company's core brokerage and fintech ambitions.

Whether that trade proves worthwhile will depend less on the size of the opportunity and more on execution. The company must convert early enrollment into sustained engagement, manage costs without eroding the user experience, and navigate a rapidly shifting regulatory landscape.

The Trump Accounts program has already proven it can move markets in a single earnings cycle. The larger question is whether, over time, it becomes a defining growth engine or a costly experiment that reshapes expectations without delivering proportional returns.

Target's 'stylish' stackable bookcase will keep your small space organized for only $25

Pauline Lacsamana — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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Why we love this deal

Versatile furniture can go far in a home. If you want something that can not only get you organized, but also grow with your needs, "stackable" and "modular" are the keywords you should be looking for. Target is full of furniture deals that fit the bill, and our latest find is surprisingly affordable.

The 24/7 Shop At Home Silkpath Modern 3-Cube Stackable and Modular Bookcase is on sale for only $25 with 30% off its regular price of $35. It's "stylish, functional, and versatile," according to shoppers, and can be used on its own or paired with one of the many pieces in the modular storage collection it's part of to create a custom organization for any room in your home.

24/7 Shop At Home Silkpath Modern 3-Cube Stackable and Modular Bookcase, $25 (was $35) at Target

Photo by hapabapa on Getty Images

Why do shoppers love it?

Measuring 12 inches long by 11.7 inches wide by 35.3 inches high, this compact bookcase has a lot of potential. On its own, it's the perfect size for small spaces, whether it's to organize toiletries in a small bathroom or as extra shelving in a closet. The three-cube bookcase can work well as open shelving, but it can also fit storage bins 11 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high, offering closed storage, too. Not only can it be used either vertically or horizontally, but it can also be stacked with one bookcase on top of the other. The brand recommends stacking no more than two bookcases together and suggests using the included wooden dowels and ant-tipping hardware for extra security.

If you need more storage, the bookcase is part of a modular collection with eight other pieces that can create the perfect storage organizer. There's a two-cube bookcase, a wide two-tier bookcase, a wide three-tier bookcase, a wide four-tier bookcase, a four-cube bookcase, a six-cube bookcase, a two-drawer mini dresser, and a two-door cabinet, giving you endless configuration options.

The bookcase comes in six colors, but two have already sold out. The light blue hue gets you the best deal at $25, but sale prices vary by color up to $48.

Pros and cons

Pros

Modular design: The bookcase is stackable and modular with other pieces in the collection to create a larger organization system.
Easy assembly: It's easy to put together with clear instructions.
Sturdy: Reviewers say it's "strong and sturdy."

Cons

Quality upon delivery: Some reviewers say the bookcase arrived damaged.
Small size: At 12 inches long by 11.7 inches wide by 35.3 inches high, its size makes it great for small spaces, but some shoppers say it's smaller than they expected.

"This bookcase or storage cube is a fantastic addition to my home. Its sleek, minimalist design blends perfectly with any decor. Assembly was easy with clear instructions, and the cubes are spacious and sturdy, accommodating books, decor, or bins effortlessly," a shopper said. "The stackable design offers customization, while the smooth, easy-to-clean finish keeps it looking great."

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The 24/7 Shop At Home Silkpath Modern 3-Cube Stackable and Modular Bookcase is a versatile piece of furniture with a ton of storage potential, and it's on sale now for only $25.

Cathie Wood buys $14.1 million of megacap tech stock

Silin Chen — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:03:00 GMT

Cathie Wood, chief of Ark Investment Management, often trades during earnings season.

This time, the timing worked. She picked up shares of a megacap tech company just before results, and the stock has since surged following the report.

In 2025, the flagship Ark Innovation ETF gained 35.49%, far outpacing the S&P 500’s return of 17.88% in the same period. But so far this year, Wood’s flagship Ark Innovation ETF (ARKK) is down 5.57%, while the S&P 500 surged 4.24%, Yahoo Finance data show.

Wood gained a reputation after the Ark Innovation ETF delivered a 153% return in 2020. However, her style also brings painful losses in bearish markets, as seen in 2022, when the Ark Innovation ETF tumbled more than 60%.

Those swings have weighed on Wood’s long-term gains. As of April 29, the Ark Innovation ETF has delivered a five-year annualized return of -9.44%, while the S&P 500 has an annualized return of 12.75% over the same period, according to data from Morningstar.

Cathie Wood expects “great acceleration” brought by tech developments

Wood focuses on high-tech companies across artificial intelligence, blockchain, biomedical technology, and robotics. She thinks these businesses have strong growth potential, though their volatility often causes fluctuations in the Ark’s funds.

According to Morningstar analyst Bella Albrecht, two of Wood’s Ark funds were among the worst-performing ETFs in the first quarter of 2026. The Ark Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) ranked second on the list, while the ARK Innovation ETF placed fifth.

From 2014 to 2024, the Ark Innovation ETF wiped out $7 billion in investor wealth, according to a March 2025 analysis by Morningstar’s analyst Amy Arnott. That made it the third-biggest wealth destroyer among mutual funds and ETFs in Arnott’s ranking. The analyst hasn’t updated the 2025 ranking.

In a March Bloomberg podcast, Wood says the global economy is not heading into a downturn, but into what she calls a “great acceleration” driven by AI and other breakthrough technologies.

“We’re not going into the Great Depression, we’re going into the great acceleration,” Wood said, pointing to how past technological revolutions reshaped economic growth.

She noted that global real GDP growth averaged just 0.6% between 1500 and 1900, before the Industrial Revolution lifted it to around 3% for more than a century. Now, she argues, a new wave of innovation could push growth much higher.

“We think [technologies] are going to take growth into the 7 to 8% range,” Wood said, adding that the number may actually be conservative.

Wood also noted that AI is driving down costs across industries.

“These technologies are deflationary,” she said. “AI training costs are dropping 75% per year, and inference costs are falling as much as 85% to even 98% annually.”

Some investors appear to agree with Wood’s optimism. From April 23 to April 28, the ARK Innovation ETF saw roughly $211.63 million in net inflows, with one-month net inflows reaching $376.85 million, according to data from ETF research firm VettaFi.

From April 23 to April 28, the ARK Innovation ETF saw roughly $211.63 million in net inflows.

Getty Images

Cathie Wood buys $14.1 million of Alphabet stock

On April 28, Wood’s Ark Innovation ETF bought 40,656 Class C shares of Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), according to Ark’s daily trade information. These shares are valued at approximately $14.1 million based on the latest closing price of $347.31.

The Google parent reported first-quarter earnings on April 29. Earnings per share came at $5.11, well above analyst estimates of $2.62. Revenue rose 20% from last year to $109.9 billion, topping Wall Street expectations of $106.79 billion.

As of writing, shares of Alphabet were up about 7% in after-hours trading following the results.

Alphabet's cloud business continued to gain momentum. Google Cloud brought in $20.02 billion in revenue, ahead of the $18.05 billion analysts had been expecting, according to CNBC.

“Our enterprise AI solutions have become our primary growth driver for cloud for the first time in Q1,” Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in the earnings call.

Alphabet lifted its 2026 capital spending forecast to $180 billion to $190 billion, up from its earlier $175 billion to $185 billion range. CFO Anat Ashkenazi also said 2027 spending is expected to “significantly increase” from 2026.

In a letter published in January, Wood said AI is bringing "the most powerful capital spending cycle in history."

More AI:

"What once was the cap in spending seems to have become a floor now that the AI, robotics, energy storage, blockchain technology, and multiomics sequencing platforms are ready for prime time," she said.

Citi analysts led by Ronald Josey reiterated a buy rating and a $405 price target on Alphabet shares following the earnings, according to a research note sent to TheStreet.

"Given Google Cloud revenue growth is reaccelerating on TPU (Google's custom-designed AI accelerators) and Gemini demand... we believe the shares warrant a premium to the market and to Alphabet’s historical multiple," the analysts wrote.

Alphabet is not a top 10 holding in the Ark Innovation ETF.

Top 10 holdings of the Ark Innovation ETF as of April 29, 2026:

Tesla Inc. (TSLA) 9.54%
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) 5.17%
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) 4.93%
Tempus AI Inc. (TEM) 4.91%
Shopify Inc. (SHOP) 4.39%
Coinbase Global Inc. (COIN) 4.35%
Robinhood Markets Inc. (HOOD) 4.23%
Roku Inc. (ROKU) 4.15%
Circle Internet Group Inc. (CRCL) 3.97%
Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) 3.16%

Other than buying Alphabet shares, Wood’s recent moves include buying CoreWeave (CRWV), Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS), Spotify Technology SA (SPOT), and Robinhood Markets (HOOD), while selling Bullish (BLSH), Roku (ROKU), Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), and Twist Bioscience (TWST).

Jim Cramer delivers a blunt 10-word verdict on Intel stock

Tobi Opeyemi Amure — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:45:11 GMT

There is a specific inflection point in every dramatic stock comeback, and it almost never arrives at the actual bottom. At the bottom, the argument is still about survival.

The real turn comes later, once the earnings beats start stacking up and the bear thesis simply stops holding together logically.

For most of the past three years, betting against chip stocks outside of Nvidia was close to a consensus trade on Wall Street. The artificial intelligence boom created a clear early winner, and every other chipmaker was left sorting through what that meant for their future. Legacy manufacturers with aging fabrication processes, ballooning debt, and shrinking market share got hit hardest.

Watching one particular American chip giant fall from its position as the defining force of the PC era to a company the Dow Jones Industrial Average no longer wanted was one of the more instructive storylines in technology investing.

That company missed mobile. It missed the early AI wave. It watched competitors lap it repeatedly, then laid off more than 20,000 employees and started from something close to scratch.

Then things changed. Quietly at first, then all at once.

This week, after Intel delivered one of the most surprising earnings reports in the semiconductor sector this year, CNBC's "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer posted on X (formerly Twitter) a verdict that cut through all the Wall Street hedging: "Intel is such a horse. I have NO bear case."

What Cramer saw in Intel's blowout quarter

Intel's first-quarter 2026 results reset the narrative completely.

Revenue came in at $13.6 billion, up 7% year over year and roughly $1.3 billion above the Wall Street consensus, according to CNBC. Adjusted earnings per share landed at $0.29. Analysts had been looking for $0.01.

I ran those numbers twice when the report dropped. A 28-cent beat against a one-cent estimate is not a beat in any normal sense of the word. That is a different ballgame entirely.

The Data Center and Artificial Intelligence segment generated $5.1 billion, a 22% jump year over year and well above the $4.41 billion analyst estimate, according to Quartz. Intel Foundry revenue climbed 16% to reach $5.4 billion. Intel shares surged more than 16% in after-hours trading on April 23.

CFO David Zinsner told investors on the earnings call that revenue would have been "meaningfully higher" if Intel could manufacture enough chips, according to CNBC. Asked to quantify the gap between demand and available supply, Zinsner told analysts it "starts with a B," per Motley Fool's transcript of the call. A production bottleneck as your worst problem is a completely different position than a demand problem.

Cramer reinforced his call the following morning. "The biggest risks were taken off the table with Intel when Nvidia stepped in," he said on CNBC on April 24. When your former rival validates your manufacturing capability with real investment dollars, the risk conversation changes.

Jim Cramer is bullish on Intel.

How Intel rebuilt after years of missed steps

The turnaround has a name: Lip-Bu Tan, who took over as CEO in March 2025 after Pat Gelsinger resigned under pressure from Intel's board in December 2024, according to TheStreet.

Tan inherited a company by his own public admission that was no longer competing at the highest level. "Twenty, 30 years ago, we are really the leader," he told staff in a company-wide employee broadcast. "Now I think the world has changed. We are not in the top ten semiconductor companies," Tan added, as reported by TheStreet.

That kind of honesty from a new CEO is rare, and it signaled that the old playbook was gone.

More AI:

What Tan did next was disciplined and fast. Intel cut more than 20,000 jobs, pared back its foundry ambitions, and imposed strict capital spending discipline across four consecutive quarters of improving results, according to Calkalistech.

The U.S. government's $8.9 billion stake in Intel, described by Calkalistech as the "first of its kind for a major technology company," became the financial anchor for the recovery.

Tan put the company's AI positioning in plain language during the Q1 earnings call. "The CPU is reinserting itself as the indispensable foundation of the AI era. This isn't just our wishful thinking, it's what we hear from our customers," he said, according to CNBC.

He also confirmed that Intel 18A yields are now "running ahead of internal projections," Intel's Q1 press release confirmed.

My read on that yield shift is significant. As recently as January 2026, Tan had told investors that 18A yields "still do not meet my expectations." The turn from "below expectations" to "ahead of projections" in a single quarter is exactly the kind of inflection that reprices a turnaround story.

Intel's Q1 2026 numbers in plain language

Here is what the quarter actually showed.

Revenue: $13.6 billion, up 7% year over year, against a Wall Street estimate of $12.32 billion
Non-GAAP EPS: $0.29, versus a consensus estimate of $0.01
Data Center and AI revenue: $5.1 billion, up 22% year over year
Intel Foundry revenue: $5.4 billion, up 16% year over year
Q2 2026 revenue guidance: $13.8 billion to $14.8 billion, versus the $13.03 billion Wall Street had expected
INTC year-to-date gain: More than 123% as of late April 2026, surpassing Intel's dot-com bubble record price

Analyst upgrades followed fast.

UBS raised its Intel price target to $83 from $65 but kept a neutral rating, citing ongoing execution risks, as highlighted in my TheStreet coverage.

Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore raised his target to $56 from $41, projecting 30% year-over-year growth in Intel's data center segment for 2026, TheStreet reported.

Freedom Broker upgraded Intel to buy with a $100 price target, while KeyBanc set the most aggressive call on the street at $110, according to Benzinga.

What the Intel rally means for your portfolio right now

Cramer's "no bear case" call carries weight because he spent years watching Intel struggle and saying so publicly. When he removes the bear case on a legacy chip name entirely, the reasoning behind it matters more than the headline.

Your clearest indicator heading into Q2 is whether Intel hits the midpoint of its $13.8 billion to $14.8 billion revenue guidance while continuing to improve foundry margins. If Tan delivers on both, Cramer's horse metaphor will age extremely well.

If manufacturing execution stumbles against a stock priced for flawless execution, this rally gives back serious ground fast.

Intel CFO David Zinsner made a revealing statement back in January, before most of this run happened. He purchased nearly $250,000 of Intel shares on the open market after the post-earnings drop, according to TheStreet. Open-market insider buys are not guarantees, but they are real skin in the game. From that entry near $42, the CFO who said revenue demand "starts with a B" is sitting on a position that looks significantly better today.

Cramer's verdict may be short on words, but the story it's summarizing is anything but simple. Intel is relevant again in the AI era. Whether it stays relevant long enough to justify where the stock sits today is the bet you're making every day you hold INTC.

Wolfe Research sends bold message on Visa ahead of World Cup

Tobi Opeyemi Amure — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:37:00 GMT

The biggest mistake most retail investors make isn't picking the wrong growth stock. It's ignoring the tollbooth company that quietly profits no matter which company wins the next technology race or captures the next consumer wave.

Visa has been that tollbooth for decades. The company doesn't lend money, doesn't carry credit risk, and doesn't bet on any single product cycle. It collects a small fee every time money moves across its network. In fiscal year 2025, that added up to 258 billion transactions and $14 trillion in payment volume, according to TheStreet.

That's remarkable consistency, which makes Visa's 2026 share-price performance genuinely strange. The stock is down nearly 12% this year, even as earnings have posted their strongest results in years.

That gap between business performance and stock price is exactly the setup Wall Street's sharper analysts hunt for. On April 28, Wolfe Research delivered one of the most direct explanations of that gap and where the stock heads from here, CNBC reported.

Analyst Darrin Peller raised his price target from $385 to $395, kept his outperform rating, and put specific weight behind a catalyst that many investors are still underestimating: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to kick off June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The numbers behind Wolfe's Visa stock price target

The $395 target implies roughly 28% upside from the April 28 close, the firm's 10-page note confirmed, as reported by CNBC. That's a meaningfully bullish stance in a market where analyst upgrades are routinely ignored.

What makes Peller's call credible is what Visa's actual books look like right now. On April 27, the company reported fiscal second-quarter 2026 results that beat Wall Street's expectations on every major line, then raised its full-year guidance.

Net revenue climbed 17% year over year to $11.2 billion, the strongest quarterly growth since 2022, according to Yahoo Finance. Earnings per share came in at $3.31, topping the consensus estimate of $3.10. Payments volume in constant dollars grew 9% to $3.7 trillion. Cross-border volume surged 12%.

Those results landed before a single World Cup match was played.

Visa CEO Ryan McInerney called the quarter a continuation of "broad-based" momentum across consumer payments, commercial transactions, and value-added services, according to a Yahoo Finance transcript of the April 28 earnings call.

CFO Chris Suh, on the same call, specifically named "expected benefits from FIFA-related inbound travel and marketing service demands" as a forward tailwind.

That's not a corporate boilerplate. Suh also acknowledged that the conflict in Iran has created short-term headwinds for cross-border travel in parts of the Middle East and Africa.

Visa offset that softness with stronger cross-border e-commerce, per Wolfe Research's note reported by CNBC. The point is that the World Cup spending surge hasn't even begun yet.

Wolfe Research sends a bold message on Visa ahead of the World Cup.

Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher on Getty Images

What the World Cup means for Visa's network

FIFA has designated Visa as the official payments partner for World Cup 2026, which runs June 11 through July 19, according to CNBC. That designation isn't just a logo placement on a jersey.

When you're the official payments partner for the world's most-watched sporting event, you're embedded in the transaction infrastructure itself. Every international fan who uses a Visa card to purchase match tickets, book a hotel in Miami, or buy a jersey in Los Angeles routes a fee through Visa's network. That generates cross-border transaction volume in a concentrated three- to four-week sprint.

I ran the projected attendance and daily-spend numbers from the joint FIFA and World Trade Organization report against Visa's Q2 cross-border metrics, and the scale is striking. The tournament is expected to attract 6.5 million visitors who will spend an estimated $13.9 billion, contributing $40.9 billion to global GDP, according to the joint FIFA-WTO economic impact study.

For a company whose cross-border revenue is already growing at double digits, a three-week burst of foreign fans spending U.S. dollars across 11 American host cities is precisely the kind of catalyst a tollbooth company lives for.

A tournament with record economic stakes

Here is what the independent data says about World Cup 2026's economic footprint, by the numbers.

The tournament is expected to generate $80.1 billion in global economic output, with $30.5 billion flowing to the United States alone.
International visitors will spend an average of $416 per day and stay approximately 12 days, with 6.5 million fans attending across three host nations.
The New York/New Jersey region alone projects 1.2 million visitors and $3.3 billion in economic activity.
Average hotel rates in Los Angeles, normally $227 per night, are projected to jump 90% to $480 during the event.
The tournament is expected to create 824,000 full-time jobs worldwide, including 185,000 in the United States.

These aren't projections for soccer fans. They're a map of where Visa's cross-border transaction volume is heading.

My read on why Visa stock is still lagging

What struck me when I looked at Visa's year-to-date stock chart against its earnings trajectory is how extreme the disconnect is. The company is reporting 17% revenue growth and raising guidance. The stock is still down double digits on the year.

That's not a fundamental problem; it's a sentiment problem.

A lot of it traces to macro fear: tariffs, the slowdown in consumer travel spending tied to geopolitical uncertainty, and broader growth concerns. Those headwinds are real, but they're being priced as though they're permanent.

More Retail:

The analyst consensus tells a different story. Of 42 analysts covering Visa, 39 rate it a buy or strong buy, based on LSEG data cited by CNBC. Raymond James also raised its price target on the stock to $389 from $380, keeping an outperform rating, according to Intellectia. Wolfe Research's view is not an outlier. It is the consensus. The market just hasn't caught up yet.

Peller's note also flagged that Visa's value-added services segment, which includes AI-driven fraud prevention and payment consulting, is expected to sustain growth momentum well beyond the World Cup window. That division hit $3.3 billion in Q2 and now represents 30% of total net revenue, per Biggo Finance earnings data.

Most retail investors still talk about Visa as a card-swipe company. It's much more than that now.

What Visa's World Cup window means for investors

The World Cup ends July 19. By then, Visa will have processed billions of cross-border transactions from fans who flew in from across six continents to spend heavily in American stadiums and cities. The Q3 results, due later this summer, will translate that into hard revenue numbers.

For investors who already own Visa, the Wolfe Research note delivers a clear message. The worst of the 2026 underperformance may already be behind the stock, and the next catalyst is eight weeks away.

For investors who don't own it yet, here's the reality. When the most-watched event in global sports runs entirely on your payment rails and 6.5 million tourists are swiping cards in cities where every hotel just doubled its rates, you don't need to forecast the future. You just need to process the transactions.

Visa will do that for a few billion dollars in fees this summer. Whether the stock reflects that by October is the only remaining question.

Roku just restocked its security camera 2-pack for only $30 at Amazon, but not for long

Jaime Carrillo — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:03:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

Doorbell cameras are having a moment because they're an easy way to deter both sneaky invaders and solicitors from your home. But what about the inside of your home? Who's watching that?

The two-pack of Roku Indoor Cameras keeps selling out, but now it's back in stock and available at Amazon for only $30, which is $10 cheaper than the last time we looked at its listing. They're as dependable and crowd-pleasing as the TVs Roku makes. Thanks to this deal, you can get the highly rated Roku indoor security cameras for just $15 apiece. Shoppers love this set and are pleased with the quality and capabilities it offers.

Roku 2-Pack Indoor Cameras for Home Security, $30 at Amazon

QualityHD/Shutterstock.com

Why do shoppers love it?

Roku, one of the most reliable names in streaming, is now offering a convenient way to keep tabs on your home with its innovative security cameras. They provide crystal-clear 1080p high-definition video, no matter what time it is, with impressive night vision capabilities. These cameras detect both motion and sound, keeping you alert to any potentially dangerous situations, whether you're home or away. The second these cameras detect something suspicious, you'll get an instant alert on a companion smartphone app. From there, you can record, take snapshots, and even communicate through the camera. Granted, some features may require a subscription, but these come with a complimentary three-month membership right out of the box. After the free trial, you can continue for as little as $4 per month. You can even view these cameras through your Roku TV.

Details to know

Video quality: Crystal-clear 1080p high definition video.
Is a subscription required?: No, but some advanced features require a membership.
Controls: You can receive alerts and see video footage from the smartphone app.

Unlike other home security cameras, these couldn't be more user-friendly or easier to install. They're wired, so you don't have to worry about calling in an electrician to set them up, and they are attractive enough that you don't need to cover them up or tuck them away. Aside from providing you with peace of mind, these cameras have countless uses. They'd make excellent pet cameras, baby monitors, or serve as a means to keep an eye on kids' bedrooms, reminding them to hit the hay when it's bedtime. Those are just a couple of ideas; the sky is truly the limit here.

"We have six Roku cameras now and will soon add six more," one shopper said. "There's no lag, it has great night vision, and the picture quality is awesome."

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The two-pack of Roku Indoor Cameras retails for $30, but it probably won't stay in stock for very long, especially at this price. Home security rarely comes at a more reasonable price, so take advantage of the deal while you still can.

125-year-old iconic retailer Nordstrom closes more stores, shoppers react

Nina Zdinjak — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT

The department-store concept was once a massive shift in retail. Before its development, shopping was a high-pressure transaction where buyers asked clerks for specific items at a counter. And most unimaginable today, leaving without buying anything was considered rude.

Department stores changed shopping forever by introducing browsing, allowing people to look around without any obligation to spend. “Department stores revolutionized commercial transactions,” writes Psychology Today, highlighting how direct contact between buyer and seller was no longer necessary.

Today, a true shopping experience depends on the convenience these stores provide: one destination where consumers can browse various brands across multiple price points.

In 2026, however, department stores reflect the state of overall U.S. retail — facing pressure as online platforms expand to offer even more convenience for buyers.

"By 2025, the number of department stores in the U.S. is expected to decline further to 4,678, indicating a long-term contraction in the traditional department store model. This reduction reflects the ongoing transformation in the retail sector, with many stores either closing or shifting to a more e-commerce-focused model,” according to Market.us: Department Stores Statistics (2026).

Now, even a retail institution like Nordstrom, with roots dating back more than 125 years, is feeling the impact of these current challenges.

Nordstrom closes two more full-line department stores for good

Nordstrom recently confirmed the closure of its two full-line department stores:

Nordstrom full-line store Christiana Mall in Delaware
Nordstrom full-line store at Galleria Dallas Mall in Texas

The first store to close is the one at the Christiana Mall, which shut its doors for good on April 30, and the second store will have its last day some two weeks later, on May 16.

TheStreet retail reporter Fernanda Tronco previously highlighted how these closures followed the January 2026 closure of a Nordstrom Rack store in Portland.

More importantly, these closures were revealed after the Nordstrom family reacquired the company in a partnership with Mexican retail giant El Puerto de Liverpool, in a $6.25 billion deal. The move was huge, as it marks the company’s return to private ownership for the first time in 55 years, writes The Detroit News.

"Decisions like this are never easy, and we understand the impact they have on our team members. We’re committed to taking care of our employees through this transition, including supporting those who are interested in finding another role within Nordstrom,” the retailer spokesperson told Retail Dive.

Nordstrom permanently closes two more full-line department stores.

Why is Nordstrom closing two full-line department stores?

The company spokesperson added that the company believes it will better serve its customers “in both regions by leveraging our surrounding stores and through our digital channels.”

Nick Egelanian, president of retail development firm SiteWorks, told Retail Dive that the downsizing is necessary for the department store to thrive.

Focusing on digital channels makes sense now, when even traditional retail giants such as Walmart are noticing several shifts in customer behavior. As the nation's largest retailer, Walmart’s sales directly mirror the entire country’s spending habits.

I recently reported how Walmart's latest earnings report reveals that more consumers are changing shopping habits, particularly by shifting more of their spending online. The retailer also noticed how higher-income households earning more than $100,000 are increasingly shopping at Walmart as they prioritize value and savings in an uncertain economy.

As more consumers become value-oriented shoppers, retailers need to adjust their offerings. Even Nordstrom saw this shift, as its final public earnings report for the fourth quarter of 2024 revealed a 3.7% decline in net sales for Nordstrom stores and a 1.2% increase for Nordstrom Rack.

To adapt to the shifts in consumer behavior, Nordstrom is shifting its strategy by focusing more on its off-price division, Nordstrom Rack. The retailer plans to open 23 Rack locations in 2026, after opening 23 last year and 22 in 2025.

Nordstrom is benefiting from Saks Global’s bankruptcy, analysts say

By shrinking full-line stores and betting on Rack, Nordstrom has adapted its strategy to answer current consumer trends. Its offering, which spans contemporary brands and not just high-end luxury, is appealing to a wider consumer base, as evidenced in the stores' foot traffic last year.

"Visits to Nordstrom (which [MarketWatch notes] will be shifting to private ownership soon) and Bloomingdale’s grew by 3.3% and 2.7%, respectively, in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024. Meanwhile, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus — which recently merged — saw their Q1 2025 visits drop by -6.0% and -5.9% YoY, respectively,” according to data from Placer.ai.

“Following Saks Global’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in January 2026, along with vendor payment issues and store closures over the past few months, Nordstrom has seen relative gains in customer traffic,” writes Fernanda Tronco for TheStreet.

On April 10, 2026, S&P Global officially revised Nordstrom’s outlook from "Stable" to "Positive," specifically highlighting how the company is capitalizing on the struggles of its competitors.

“We believe both Nordstrom Inc. and Bloomingdale’s are benefiting from the Saks Global bankruptcy, which made luxury inventory available to both. Furthermore, the Nordstrom Rack banner is benefiting from a trade-down from the higher-income cohorts, as well as providing an entry point for middle-income demographics,” S&P Global analysts wrote.

Consumers react to Nordstrom’s latest closures

After the Dallas closure, the retailer continues to run two other full-line stores in the Dallas area, at NorthPark Center and Stonebriar Centre, as well as several full-line and Rack locations throughout Texas.

However, it is closing its only full-line store in Delaware, and the nearest such location is now more than 40 miles away at the King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania. Despite the evident change in consumer behavior, a number of longtime customers are disappointed for a surprising reason.

Based on discussions across Reddit and Facebook, the sentiment regarding the Nordstrom closures is a mix of disappointment and indifference.

The reason a number of customers are sad to learn about the closure isn’t because of the items sold in the store or the brand itself, but because of the loss of the third place, where they used to enjoy a cup of coffee and their dining ritual.

“Their sale racks for off-season stuff could make Marshall’s, blush, and they had better quality… the vibe there was always welcoming, the coffee shop downstairs had better brews than the local coffee shops and Starbucks combined, The Grill upstairs was never busy and made better food than most Newcastle county restaurants," Facebook user Leonid Vizelman commented. "When it goes, it will be felt for many people, that place was quality.”

“I am so sad about this store closing, the restaurant and coffee shop also! I am a huge Nordstrom fan!” user Nicole Brunner-Craig added.

In line with the trend of value-oriented consumers, a number of commenters weren’t saddened at all, highlighting how Nordstrom no longer fits in the current economy.

“With the state of the economy people can't afford a lot and can afford expensive department stores even less. I can see people steering clear of Nordstrom due to the reputation of being pricey compared to other stores around it,” Reddit user TheKatsuki15 wrote.

Still, a number of customers are sad to see these full-line stores close for good.

“I loved this store," Donna Lee wrote on Facebook. "My husband bought a beautiful suit there and gorgeous shoes for me years ago.”

Reddit users dangerous_pineapple seconds the love for the full-line stores, saying, “I know a lot of people say its expensive, and it can be, but i like going there to buy things like nike, adidas, topshop, etc. Things that i could buy elsewhere for the same price but without the more luxury feeling experience.”

67-year-old grocery, restaurant brand files Chapter 7 bankruptcy

Daniel Kline — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:33:00 GMT

Consumers never really think about how the products they buy every day actually make it to grocery store shelves. That changed during the Covid pandemic, when basic staples like paper towels, ground beef, and many other items were not always available.

In some cases, it wasn't just a supply chain issue, but a change in demand.

“More people are working remotely, so there’s more home consumption of food,” Krishnakumar Davey, president of client engagement at IRI, a market research firm, told Consumer Reports.

Americans’ appetites have been particularly strong for sports drinks, vitamins, ready-to-drink tea, coffee, and convenience meals, including frozen breakfasts and frozen snacks, IRI research shows. “They just want to quickly put something in the microwave to fix a meal,” Davey says.

For many Americans, aside from extreme weather situations, the pandemic-era shortages were the first time they experienced going to a grocery store and not finding what they wanted.

That period, while it eventually ended, led to a number of bankruptcies that impacted grocery stores, including a major Chapter 11 filing by Del Monte Brands. Now, a lesser-known, but still key grocery and restaurant supplier, Potato Specialty Company, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Potato Specialty filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy

Few consumers think about how potatoes get from the fields to grocery shelves and restaurants, unless they have a scenario where they can't get the products they're used to ordering.

That's actually something Burger King and McDonald's had to deal with in 2022 during a short-term potato shortage.

During that period, McDonald's stopped selling its large fries in some countries, while Burger King introduced a French fry alternative.

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"To combat that issue, Burger King has decided to do its best to recreate the French fry experience in its restaurants in Japan by offering what it calls its 'almost-potato set,' a burger with a side of crunchy ramen noodles," the South China Morning Post reported.

It's unclear whether the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing by Potato Specialty Company will cause any supply chain disruption, but the company sold "a wide variety of refrigerated, frozen, and dry products" to its customers, while "specializing in fresh produce," according to its website.

Potato Specialty Company Chapter 7 bankruptcy facts

While it's not a household brand name like Del Monte, the Potato Specialty Company was a key grocery and restaurant supplier.

"The company maintains a broad base of national account contracts, multi-unit establishments, and a team of 'Street' account executives supported with quality and services which normally surpass customer expectations. Products are constantly monitored for freshness and temperature consistency from the time they are received until the time they are delivered to the customer," the company shared on its website.

The Potato Specialty Company has ceased all operations after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Potato Specialty Company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation on April 28, 2026, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, ending operations rather than restructuring, according to PacerMonitor.
The case is listed under docket number 5:26-bk-50149 and reflects a voluntary corporate liquidation proceeding, added PacerMonitor.
Blue Book Services reported the filing and described it as a Chapter 7 liquidation involving a regional produce and foodservice distributor.
According to court documents filed on PacerMonitor, the company reports between 50 and 99 creditors. Estimated assets range from $1,000,000 to $10 million, and liabilities are reported between $1,000,000 to $10 million.
The company operated as a West Texas-based foodservice distributor supplying produce and broadline grocery items across the region, according to its website.
The case is significant in the produce distribution sector because unpaid supplier claims may fall under PACA (Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act), which prioritizes produce creditors in bankruptcy proceedings, according to the U.S. government.

It's unclear what will happen to any unharvested potatoes owned by Potato Specialty Company.

Shutterstock

What is PACA?

The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) gives farmers certain rights.

"The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) was enacted at the request of the fruit and vegetable industry to promote fair trade in the industry. PACA protects businesses dealing in fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables by establishing and enforcing a code of fair business practices and by helping companies resolve business disputes," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Under PACA, produce shipments must be paid for in 30 days, although different terms can be negotiated.

"The PACA does allow for flexibility in the way a seller and buyer can work together to resolve payment issues. However, sellers need to ensure that they don’t unintentionally forfeit their status as a trust beneficiary when trying to work with a buyer who is unable to make full payment in accordance with the original contract terms," according to the USDA.

Potato Specialty Company will be liquidated under Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The company has not made any public comment on the status of its unsold and/or unharvested inventory.

Morgan Stanley resets Coca-Cola stock price target after earnings

Mwangi Enos — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:17:00 GMT

The market is full of earnings anxiety. With that, there's something quietly reassuring about a company that sells the same product it did a hundred years ago, and keeps finding ways to grow faster than almost everyone around it.

Coca-Cola (KO) delivered a first-quarter 2026 earnings report that caught Wall Street's attention in the best possible way. While peers wrestled with cost pressures, Iran conflict disruptions, and downward EPS revisions, Coke beat estimates, raised full-year guidance, and saw its stock jump 3.9% on a day when the S&P 500 fell 0.5%.

"We've had a strong start to the year," said Coca-Cola CEO Henrique Braun. "Our performance this quarter reflects our unwavering focus on staying close to the consumer, executing locally, and managing complexity."

Morgan Stanley was already calling Coke its top pick heading into the print. After the results, the bank raised its price target to $89 from $87, reiterating its overweight rating, and the note carried the kind of conviction that goes beyond a routine quarterly update.

The firm sees Coca-Cola as having long-term organic sales growth potential that is sustainably higher than its mega-cap consumer peers. In fact, that’s a bold claim in a category where everyone fights for fractions of a percentage point.

Coca-Cola's Q126 results beat on volume, earnings, organic sales growth

The first quarter of 2026 wasn't just a beat. It was a broad-based beat, the kind that holds up under scrutiny, regardless of which line you're looking at.

Coca-Cola's Q126 earnings results included:

Global unit case volume growth was 3%, versus 0.8% consensus, Morgan Stanley confirms.
Net revenues grew 12% to to $12.5 billion; organic revenues grew 10%.
Comparable EPS grew 18% to $0.86, ahead of the $0.81 consensus estimate, according to Morgan Stanley.
Operating income grew 19%.
Comparable operating margin was 34.5%, versus 33.8% in the prior year.
Source: Coca-Cola First Quarter 2026 Results & Morgan Stanley Note

The volume number is the one Morgan Stanley highlighted most prominently. At 3% unit case growth against a tough 2% year-over-year comparison, Coca-Cola delivered balanced growth across all segments and well ahead of expectations. The company estimates that Easter's shift into Q1 pulled forward approximately +0.5 points of volume benefit, a timing factor that will reverse in Q2.

The one blemish was gross margins, which missed by 80 basis points, primarily due to a one-time inventory item in Asia Pacific related to juice cost phasing.

Management characterized the miss as anomalous and confirmed that the item is not expected to repeat, according to Morgan Stanley's note. However, commodity pressure in the APAC coffee business is expected to persist through the rest of the year.

Coca-Cola management noted that volume in the Eurasia and Middle East region declined in March after the onset of the Iran conflict.

Coca-Cola raises full-year 2026 EPS guidance, while most peers cut theirs

The guidance raise is what separates Coca-Cola's Q1 from a crowded field of decent prints.

FY2026 comparable EPS growth rose to 8% to 9% (from 7% to 8%), implying $3.24 - $3.27 versus $3.22 consensus, according to Morgan Stanley.
The growth was driven by a lower effective tax rate of 19.9% (from 20.9%), adding roughly $0.04 to EPS.
Organic revenue growth guidance was unchanged at 4% to 5%.
Operating cash flow held steady at approximately $14.4B.
FX tailwind is now expected at 1% to 2% for revenue and 3% for EPS.
Morgan Stanley raised 2026-2027 EPS estimates by 1%, maintaining a 25x CY27 P/E and a new $89 price target (14% upside).
Source: Coca-Cola First Quarter 2026 Results & Morgan Stanley Note

The context matters. Morgan Stanley explicitly noted that the guidance raise stands in contrast to the negative EPS revisions broadly expected across consumer peers facing higher cost pressure from the Iran conflict.

Coke's ability to raise guidance into that environment, not despite it, is precisely why the bank is paying a premium multiple.

Fairlife and pricing power are also Coca-Cola long-term growth engines

The bull case on Coke at Morgan Stanley is about a structural growth argument that the bank has been building for months. Not just about one strong quarter.

The firm identifies three interlocking reasons it believes Coca-Cola can sustain organic sales growth above its mega-cap consumer peers over the long term, according to its April 29 note.

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First, structural pricing power. Coke continues to gain share, supported by higher marketing spend, lower private-label exposure, and stronger emerging market pricing. U.S. scanner sales outperformance versus PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper has reaccelerated to approximately 500 basis points, year to date (YTD), up from 350 points in 2025.

Second, the Fairlife ultra-filtered milk and protein brand is seen as an underappreciated contributor, positioned in high-growth segments. Expanded capacity in 2026 is flagged as one of two key near-term catalysts.

Third, durable volume growth. Coke has delivered above-peer historical volume growth even while pushing outsized pricing, a combination that most consumer staples companies can't sustain simultaneously.

What Coca-Cola's Iran conflict positioning means for investors

Of course, Coke isn't immune to geopolitical disruption. Management noted that volume in the Eurasia and Middle East region declined in March after the onset of the Iran conflict, according to Morgan Stanley's note.

However, the company still gained value share in the region during Q1, and its exposure to commodity cost pressures stemming from the conflict remains more limited than that of most consumer peers.

That relative insulation is part of why Morgan Stanley views Coke as well-positioned in the current environment. With Iran war-driven commodity costs pressuring food and beverage margins broadly, a company that can raise EPS guidance while peers are cutting it occupies a rare and valuable position in a portfolio.

For investors navigating a market where certainty is scarce, Coca-Cola's combination of pricing power, volume momentum, Fairlife growth optionality, and a management team willing to raise guidance in a difficult environment represents exactly the kind of durable compounding story Morgan Stanley is willing to call its top pick.

Amazon's $33 Dewalt Tstak tool box keeps your tools in order

Adam Reeder — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:15:00 GMT

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

I don't know about you, but for me, one of the hardest parts of managing DIY projects around the house is keeping tools in order and close-at-hand. I've tried all sorts of organization techniques to keep track of my tools, large and small, with varied levels of success. Ultimately, I decided that the only way to move forward was with a tool box that could serve as a central location for all of my essentials. If you're tired of home improvement tools and accessories strewn about the house like I was, then Amazon has the best deal for starting fresh.

The Dewalt Tstak Long-Handle Tool Organizer is currently available at Amazon for only $33. That's a discount of 38% off the original price of $53. This organizer offers so much more than the average tool box, and it does it for so much less.

Dewalt Tstak Long-Handle Tool Organizer, $33 (was $53) at Amazon

Photo by KARL MONDON on Getty Images

Why do shoppers love it?

One of the first things I looked for when trying to solve my tool clutter problem was a dual use container. This one fits that mold perfectly. It has a large open lower bin that's perfect for keeping larger tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, or even a cordless drill. Built into the top half of the box is a segmented accessory bin. It's ideal for screws, nails, and other fasteners. The deep well design and adjustable dividers in the top section allow for customization and maximum storage. I've found that the ability to make alterations to my tool storage scheme keeps me from falling back into bad habits due to a lack of "me-based" solutions.

The overall dimensions of this box are 17.3 inches long by 7.3 inches wide by 13 inches tall. That makes it large enough to hold plenty of gear but still small enough to be portable. One of my least successful previous strategies was keeping my tools loose in a large cardboard box. Aside from being messy, this technique didn't allow for portability of my tools. This case solves that problem and makes for easy transport. Furthering that feature is the long-handle design. It's ergonomic and makes it easy to grab and go, even when it's stored on the floor.

That said, this box may rarely touch the floor. It's part of Dewalt's popular Tstak series. That means it sits perfectly atop another Tstak tool box of the same or a different design. The Tstak system allows you to customize your entire tool storage plan to your personal needs. As mentioned above, I have found customization the most important factor in keeping my DIY accouterments in order, and the fact that this storage case is part of the Tstak line makes it the perfect fit for those needs.

Pros and cons of the Dewalt Tstak Long-Handle Tool Organizer

Pros

Dual handles: The case has a long-handle top grip as well as a side handle for carrying it like a briefcase.
Segmented top section: The dividers in the top portion of the tool box allow for easy separation of accessories.
Tstak design: The case can be easily stacked along with other Tstak items thanks to the molded interlocking construction.

Cons

Viewing: It may be more convenient if the top portion of the case had a clear cover, allowing users to view the fasteners within.
Weight: Due to the large footprint of the box, it might become quite heavy and difficult to cary if filled with heavy tools.

Amazon shoppers appear to feel the same about this tool case as I do. One claimed it "feels sturdy," adding, "This is a quality built tool box. If you are looking for a reasonably large main bin with a subdivided section, this will probably fill your need."

Shop more deals

If you've decided to get your tools in order like I eventually did, then the Dewalt Tstak Long-Handle Tool Organizer might be your best bet. At just $33, it's hard to argue against it.

Peter Schiff: U.S. stocks are a ‘ticking time bomb’ — what to buy before the crash

Rebecca Mezistrano — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:13:56 GMT

Transcript:
Caroline Woods
Markets are near highs, but not everyone is buying this rally. Peter Schiff has been warning about a weaker dollar, higher gold and real risk for equities. He joins us now. Peter Schiff, chief economist and global strategist at Europac.com. Thanks so much for being here.

Peter Schiff
Oh my pleasure.

Caroline Woods
So we've heard a lot of bullish takes lately Peter. So we thought it was time to bring on the other side. So to kick things off tell us what's the market getting wrong right here as it sits near all time highs.

Peter Schiff
Well I think investors have gotten a lot of things wrong, but that hasn't stopped the market from from going up. You know, it's, the majority of investors don't understand the fundamentals. And they buy stocks anyway. Stocks can go up. But in the long run, the fundamentals are going to ultimately bring the market back down. And so you have to be prepared for that.

Peter Schiff
You know the U.S. economy is in a lot of trouble. Much more than is generally, perceived. I think we're on the verge of not just a financial crisis, but a U.S. dollar and sovereign debt crisis. So I think U.S. stocks, which are extremely expensive by any, you know, conventional way to measure stock value, even even the bulls will concede that they're expensive.

Peter Schiff
They just expect them to stay expensive. But there's a lot of risk that when you're price for perfection, you're not going to get it. And the markets are going to be repriced. And, you know, now you have the war, which I think people are underestimating the significance of this war, how much damage it's going to do, to the U.S. economy, to the budget of the United States, to the credibility of the United States, and, to long term interest rates and inflation, so that the markets, I think, are really looking past a lot of problems and pricing stops based on hope and not reality.

Caroline Woods
So you said that investors need to prepare for the downturn. If you're right, how should they be positioned?

Peter Schiff
Well, they can take profits. If they've been investing in the U.S. market for some time, they should have some nice profits. They should they should get out and they should look to alternatives. You know, one would be precious metals, gold and silver. But they're also stocks you can get into resource stocks, mining stocks, precious metals, industrial metals, energy stocks although they they've run up a bit but I still think they're going higher.

Peter Schiff
Other commodity agricultural plays. Look at the emerging markets. A lot of value is still there. And even developed markets outside the U.S. that I think where the stocks are much better value, where you don't have these, you know, sky high, you know, valuations with these Pease and IPOs and low dividend yields. And in countries that will benefit from the weakness of the dollar and strength in overseas markets.

Caroline Woods
So as they think about portfolio allocation, how much of the portfolio should be allocated to things like gold versus stocks. What does that the 6040 portfolio look like in a Peter Schiff world?

Peter Schiff
Well, I think you should have more allocated to stocks and gold. But the key is which stocks? I think Americans should have a greater allocation to foreign stocks. I would substantially underweight U.S. stocks and I would, you know, focus more on like energy companies, something like that. I, I think that there are much better values to be had outside the United States.

Peter Schiff
The U.S. has had a huge run over the last decade, and it's very expensive, even if everything was good. The U.S. market is expensive, but it's not. It's it's a ticking time bomb. So minimizing your exposure to U.S. stocks, I think is a good idea. I'd have no exposure to U.S. bonds. I can't think of any rational basis why a long term investor would want to own any treasuries or corporate bonds.

Peter Schiff
The yields are just much too low, to offset the risk either of default or inflation. So if you want to be in bonds, I would look overseas. You know, we do have a managing international portfolio of foreign bonds, which has a much higher yield and then and U.S. bonds. But I think that your risk is lower in that.

Peter Schiff
I think, those currencies are going to hold up better over time as far as the purchasing power that they're able to deliver.

Caroline Woods
So international over us, and I understand that from a valuation perspective. But what about from a fundamental perspective?

Peter Schiff
Yeah, both I mean fundamentally, you know, and that's what valuations are part of. They're a reflection of the fundamentals. The other way to look at stocks would be technicals. And I think even there the technical picture for the U.S. market looks pretty toppy to me. We've had a big run. And you know we could be consolidating and making a major top.

Peter Schiff
That will cap the upside for a while. I think we've already seen that in crypto. You know, I think bitcoin a lot of other tokens have already done that. You know they were actually bubbles. And now they've kind of popped. And there's still a lot of hope keeping much of the air in those bubbles. But I think it's all going to come out.

Peter Schiff
And and so the stock market in general is not as overpriced as something like Bitcoin. But it's similar in that the prices are much too high and they're going to come down.

Caroline Woods
Bitcoin is about 40% off the highs but it's not broken. So what's the market seeing that you're not.

Peter Schiff
Well I think it is broken I think.

Caroline Woods
But I mean it's it's trading at 76,000.

Peter Schiff
Yes. Well you know a year ago it was 110,000 and it got as high as 126,000. And look at what's happened over the course of the past year. Look at all of the bitcoin that strategy has purchased. Look at all of the Bitcoin that at least a half a dozen other copycat Bitcoin treasury companies have have purchased. Look at all the hype that has come out of the Trump administration.

Peter Schiff
Look at what's happened with the Trump family and how much they've embraced crypto in Bitcoin and what they've done. So you've had massive pumping of Bitcoin. You've got a bitcoin president, a bitcoin czar. You've got bitcoin friendly legislation that has been passed in Congress. You've got various states that have passed bitcoin friendly legislation. You've got a Bitcoin strategic reserve.

Peter Schiff
You've got all of this good stuff that should have resulted in a higher price for Bitcoin, and instead it resulted in a much lower price. So that tells me that the smart money has spent the last year selling and the, Bitcoin has been accumulated by retail investors, by small mom and mom and pops, by ETF buyers. You know, this is a very unhealthy market.

Peter Schiff
I mean, I think the whole story behind, Bitcoin has broke. In fact, look at what Saylor has to do now. When a year ago, he was able to sell 0%, preferred 0% interest because people really wanted exposure to bitcoin, he can't do that anymore because they don't want the exposure to Bitcoin. He has to bribe them with an 11.5% yield.

Peter Schiff
So people are saying I don't care about bitcoin anymore. I don't want the upside of bitcoin. Give me that 11% yield. That's what's going on. So the whole story is broken. Yes Bitcoin is not a zero yet. You can still get a lot of money if you sell your bitcoin. But no one's making any money buying it. It's not going to be the new gold.

Peter Schiff
It's not digital gold. It's not going to replace the dollar. It's not going to replace anything. The whole thing was a giant, Ponzi, decentralized Ponzi, pyramid blockchain letter. The fact that it gets so much attention from the financial community without criticism, the fact that the SEC is not coming after Michael Saylor, which is ridiculous. I mean, they would never let me get away with what they're letting Saylor get away with.

Peter Schiff
They'd probably shut down my whole business if I was promoting something the way he is.

Caroline Woods
Okay, so you're not buying Bitcoin, but you are buying gold. And gold already had a big move. But it is, what, 20% off the highs? What actually takes gold meaningfully higher from here?

Peter Schiff
Well, the same things that drove it higher in the last several years. I think that gold has been driven by a dollarization trend that has focused mainly on foreign central banks, but I think it will spread beyond that. I think retail investors are going to start buying gold, maybe in a small way at first, but they'll buy more over time.

Peter Schiff
And of course, in private institutions, I think you're going to be buying gold. I think a lot of the money that may have gone into Bitcoin will start going into gold. Now that, you know, the wind has come out of that Bitcoin sale, I think, more people are going to look at gold that might not have looked at it.

Peter Schiff
But gold has done very well for all the naysayers. Gold has outperformed the stock market over the past 26 years, since the century began. And it's not even close. The stock market is down better than 70% price of gold. So that is a big decline.

Caroline Woods
How much higher can you go from here?

Peter Schiff
Major bear market.

Caroline Woods
Yes. So how much higher can we go from here?

Peter Schiff
Or how much lower can the market go? A lot. I think the.

Caroline Woods
Market was hitting all time highs at the same time that the market was. So it didn't necessarily move in the direction that you would think.

Peter Schiff
Why keep happening? Gold. Gold was going up faster than the market. So in relation to gold the market was going down. So that can be very confusing. When you have inflation, prices tend to go up. The price of everything goes up. But that doesn't mean that things are getting more valuable. It just means you're getting more expensive.

Peter Schiff
What you want to do is look at the price of gold to see what's really happening to prices, because gold is a neutral arbitrator of what's actually happening. And so when you start measuring prices in gold, when you start measuring assets in gold, you realize that prices are actually falling. But in terms of the fiat currency that the fed creates out of thin air, of course prices are going up, but it's not the prices that are changing, it's the value of the fiat currency that's changing.

Peter Schiff
The fiat currency is losing value. And so you need more units of that currency to buy the same quantity of goods or assets.

Caroline Woods
Peter, you've called this and everything bubble. What's the first thing that's going to break.

Peter Schiff
Well, you know I think crypto is already broke. It just hasn't collapsed. The bond market has broke down, too. I think if you look at where yields are compared to where they were a few years ago, in fact, you know, yields are much higher today than they were before the fed started cutting rates. So I think the bonds have already broke.

Peter Schiff
They haven't just broke down. Stocks of course, haven't even broken yet because they've just hit new highs. So I think you've seen a breakdown in crypto, a breakdown in bonds. I think the dollar hasn't really broken down, but it's topping out and and gold is clearly broken out. So his silver I think oil has two now I think you know and other commodities look at copper.

Peter Schiff
So I think I think, you know, this is a break out in the commodity markets and generally a commodity bull market, is not good news for the bond market. And if we're going to have a bear market in bonds, it's going to be hard for the stock market to shrug that off.

Peter Schiff
Do you believe that I is included in the everything bubble? Is I a bubble? And should investors have exposure to names like Nvidia in their portfolio?

Peter Schiff
Well, I don't know if AI itself is a bubble, just like the internet was in a bubble, but many stocks that, you know, got caught up in that as dot.com stocks, there was a bubble there. You know, just like airlines were, you know, railroads were in a bubble, but there was a bubble in railroad stocks. I mean, railroads did a lot to transform America.

Peter Schiff
But that didn't stop the valuations from getting ridiculous in those companies. So I think, well.

Caroline Woods
Which names do you think are safe? And sorry to interrupt you, but which names do you think are safe from a bubble popping in? Which would you expect to be happy talking about years down the road?

Peter Schiff
Well, I itself to me is the most transformative development or technology that I've ever seen. And so I think the potential for AI to improve, humanity's, standard of living to make life on Earth better, to raise the standard of living of everybody, particularly the middle class or the lower class, I think is incredible. But that does not mean that, you know, the companies that are raising so much money, many of them still through private deals, you know, they're not even public yet, but a lot of them are that the valuations are probably way out of line with what those companies will end up being worth.

Peter Schiff
You know, it's a very competitive market when it comes to AI is going to get a lot more competitive, but who knows of the massive amounts of money that are now being spent, on building out the infrastructure on the data centers? If this money is not just mal investment, this money is not just a waste. If these companies are not going to be maybe even at a disadvantage over other companies that have spent so much money on stuff that may not even be necessary.

Peter Schiff
You know, we don't really know how this is going to play out, but I do think it's also probably going to happen at a slower pace, even though the technology is improving so rapidly as far as how much better it gets. It's not like everywhere I look I see robots and, you know, I, I is helping certain aspects of my life.

Peter Schiff
I use it, I do things, but it it's not so transformative. Yet that doesn't mean it doesn't have the potential over time to do that. But I think that the people who are really excited about it are underestimating how long it's going to take to get the real benefits of AI. In the meantime, all those benefits are being priced into a handful of stocks as if they're going to be right.

Peter Schiff
But fisheries. But you know, it should be.

Caroline Woods
Do you have a business.

Peter Schiff
That end up benefiting.

Caroline Woods
So you do you have exposure to those stocks in your portfolio?

Peter Schiff
Well.

Peter Schiff
Look, personally I have some exposure to high tech stocks like I own Taiwan Semiconductor. I myself we own that in our in our vault in our emerging market fund. Obviously TSM benefits because it makes all this stuff right. A lot of the stuff is not Nvidia's a GPU, but it makes a lot of these chips. I have other companies, you know, personally, I own this company called Delta Electronics, which is now the biggest company in Thailand.

Peter Schiff
When I bought it, it was pretty insignificant. It's now about 100 times what I paid for it, and the reason it went up so much was because it really got into, I know I probably should sell it, but I haven't. I just kind of hung on to it. And I have, you know, a tremendous gain. And obviously percentage wise, it's the biggest gainer in my portfolio.

Peter Schiff
It's not quite the biggest position in my portfolio, but it's one of them is one of them.

Caroline Woods
Do you have any mag seven in your portfolio? Do you have any mag seven in your portfolio?

Peter Schiff
No, I don't I don't have any of the mag seven names, in my portfolio, nor did I have them on the way up. So it's not like I was so smart. I got in, I made a bunch of money in med, or Microsoft or, you know, Nvidia and I and I, I got out. I just never even got involved in them.

Peter Schiff
But I got another text. I owned Singapore Technologies. I mean, I owned some of these companies. I just tend not to buy what everybody else is buying.

Caroline Woods
And I didn't get any FOMO on the way up, especially lately.

Peter Schiff
In the short run, it can cost you something to not buy what everybody is buying, because if everybody's buying it, it can push up the price. But at the end of the day, that usually doesn't own very well, end very well. You have a big collapse. You have a lot of bag holders. You know, I'm a value and a contrarian investor by nature.

Peter Schiff
And generally they go hand in hand because the best way to buy value is to buy what other people don't like, because that's how you can get it cheap. And so that makes you a contrarian. You're looking for value that other people don't see, and then you buy it and you wait for them to figure out what you already know.

Peter Schiff
And so that's that's our whole strategy with the company. And that's how I invest I personally.

Caroline Woods
All right. We're just about out of time. I want to get to our rapid fire game of this or that. Our viewers love that. One final question though. If you have $100,000 to allocate today, where are you putting it? How much in gold?

Peter Schiff
Well, where am I putting it? Or where should your typical well, your typical guy with 100 grand, he should be investing it in my funds. The Euro Pacific funds I have on.

Caroline Woods
Your fund side.

Peter Schiff
Yeah. Well be. Yes.

Caroline Woods
I set you up.

Peter Schiff
For that one. I got an emerging market fund. I got a gold fund. I got a global value fund, a global dividend payers fund, and a global bond fund that'll cover that covers everything that covers your whole 100 grand. You get a complete diversified exposure outside, you know.

Caroline Woods
Where are you putting it then? How much in gold?

Peter Schiff
How much money?

Caroline Woods
Markets.

Peter Schiff
I have my money in the same stocks that are in these funds. I have a few others that are not in there, but by and large, I eat more of my own cookie than any of my, clients.

Caroline Woods
Okay. And just finally, what has to happen for you to be wrong?

Peter Schiff
Wrong about what?

Caroline Woods
Your entire thesis that stocks are going down.

Peter Schiff
Well, there's no way Bitcoin is my entire thesis that that's that's the I don't think that there's a chance of that. I mean so many things. Look I've been I've been in this business what, 30 years plus, but so many things that I have predicted over the years have already come true. Things that the vast majority in the mainstream media and Wall Street, you know, the big name firms in the government, whether it's people at on the fed or, you know, people as part of the presidential, you know, economic advisors, so many things that nobody else saw coming that people, in fact, specifically said were impossible to happen, that I predicted have already happened.

Peter Schiff
So, so much has already happened to validate what I've been saying, that the odds that this is all random coincidence and that I'm somehow wrong, I think are very slim. The only thing that hasn't happened yet is the ultimate, collapse. The ultimate crash. That is the consequence of all these forecasts that have already come true. So the only thing is the time, I don't know exactly when the whole thing is going to implode, but all the pieces of that puzzle are coming together.

Peter Schiff
All the things that I've been saying would happen, are happening or have happened.

Caroline Woods
So okay, so let me ask in a different.

Peter Schiff
Way I.

Caroline Woods
Could.

Peter Schiff
I early.

Caroline Woods
Yeah. No, I meant what would what would make you wrong. But let me ask it this way. What would make you bullish on stocks from here.

Peter Schiff
Oh I'm on U.S. stocks. Yeah. Well if they went down if they went down a lot then I would could get bullish. I mean obviously if they got cheap I would get bullish. And I still think over time U.S. stocks are going to go up just like they've been going up for the past 26 years. But in terms of gold they've been going down.

Peter Schiff
And that's what I've been telling people. It doesn't matter what happens to the nominal price of your stocks. What matters is what are they worth when you sell them and you want to go buy them. And I think that U.S. stocks are going to keep losing value over time, especially if you want to sell them and buy gold.

Peter Schiff
But so I would rather invest in foreign stocks, in commodities and other investments that I expect to outperform the U.S. stock market, even though I expect the U.S. stock market to outperform the dollar.

Caroline Woods
Okay. So perfect time to transition to our rapid fire game of this or that. This is quick questions. Quick answers. Usually there's one or the other. It's called this or that. Are you ready to play with us.

Peter Schiff
All right I thought we already started, but let's go.

Caroline Woods
The current rally real or a set up?

Peter Schiff
Set up.

Caroline Woods
Stocks. Long term polar bear.

Peter Schiff
Priced in gold. Bear priced in dollars.

Caroline Woods
Bull inflation peaked or persistent.

Peter Schiff
Persistent and going to get higher.

Caroline Woods
The fed hike again. We're forced to cut.

Peter Schiff
They should hike but they'll probably be forced to cut.

Caroline Woods
Resilient economy or recession delayed.

Peter Schiff
Recession, maybe depression. Oh my god.

Caroline Woods
When does that show up? 2027.

Peter Schiff
I think we've been in a recession for years. The numbers just mask it. But officially, when would the recession start? I don't know, maybe. Maybe this year, you know, we'll see if they can stop it with the midterms and a stimulus plan. So either this year or 2027.

Caroline Woods
U.S. or international markets.

Peter Schiff
Enter Nashville by their.

Caroline Woods
Cash or hard assets.

Peter Schiff
Aren't assets.

Caroline Woods
Gold at 4500 by the dip or wait for 4000.

Peter Schiff
By the dip now. And if it goes to 4000 by more going.

Caroline Woods
In physical gold or gold miners, both produces healthy silver catch up over hikes.

Peter Schiff
Excuse me.

Caroline Woods
Silver catch is overhyped.

Peter Schiff
By its breakout by the step at.

Caroline Woods
AI opportunity or bubble. Both Nvidia generational leader or peak hype.

Peter Schiff
Peak hype.

Caroline Woods
Real estate high rates kill the market or inflation keeps prices high.

Peter Schiff
Well, it's a combination of both. It depends on the market location. But I would still I would still avoid U.S. real estate. Okay.

Caroline Woods
And finally a value stock that others don't like. But you do.

Peter Schiff
Well, pretty much almost all the miners, I think, at this point are value stocks. But, and there there are a lot of individual names out there and they're in our portfolios. It's hard to pick one.

Caroline Woods
But can you give us. Okay, give us three. Yeah.

Peter Schiff
Give us three. Just come out with what I think are the three, the three, the three most undervalued stocks, you know, in the portfolio, people that you know. But there's a lot there's a lot of names that we like. Anybody could just go to Morningstar and look at my our funds and pull up the holdings and see what we got in there.

Caroline Woods
All right. It's time to go public record. Peter Schiff chief economist and global strategist, Europac.com. Thank you so much. Appreciate your playing along and appreciate your perspective as well.

Peter Schiff
Sure thing.

Caroline Woods
Take care for a totally different view. Check out our street talk with Nancy Tengler as she breaks down why she's bullish on the market and gives names she's buying right now.

Elon Musk's 4 court words just changed the AI debate

Tobi Opeyemi Amure — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:07:00 GMT

You expect big talk about artificial intelligence at Davos, in glossy CEO letters and on breathless earnings calls.

You do not usually expect it in a courtroom, with a witness under oath, facing a jury instead of handpicked investors.

For years, the AI debate has followed a familiar script. The optimists tell you it will cure disease, rewrite code and boost productivity. The worriers talk about job losses and the long tail risk that a very smart system could slip out of human control.

Sam Altman, the OpenAI chief executive, told United States senators that AI could help tackle "some of humanity's biggest challenges," but warned that if it "goes wrong, it could go quite wrong," according to Forbes.

Into that noisy mix walked Elon Musk, on the witness stand in Oakland, California, in his lawsuit accusing OpenAI and Altman of turning what he calls a nonprofit "charity" into a profit machine tied to Microsoft.

In that setting, Musk delivered four words that landed differently than any late night post on X. According to clips reshared widely by WatcherGuru and corroborated by India Today, he warned that AI "could kill us all."

Musk's AI warning in court

The trial is officially about contracts and control, not science fiction. Musk argues that OpenAI became "a closed source de facto subsidiary" of Microsoft, a claim the company strongly denies, according to prior legal filings and TheStreet.

But when he told the court AI "could kill us all," he pulled the conversation out of the legal weeds and into the place regulators and voters live. He urged the world to avoid a "Terminator" style future and instead steer toward something more like "Star Trek," according to India Today's trial coverage.

This is not a new fear for Musk. At Davos in January he told audiences that AI could surpass all human intelligence around 2030, warning of a future with "more robots than people," TheStreet reported.

What changed in Oakland was the venue. A warning in a keynote can be dismissed as theater. The same warning given under penalty of perjury, in a trial that will produce a legal record, lands differently.

Artificial intelligence "could kill us all."

What the other big voices are actually saying

Other leaders are nowhere near unified. Geoffrey Hinton, often called the "Godfather of AI," left Google and began warning about super intelligent systems and market instability, arguing the industry is chasing short term profit at the expense of long term safety, according to MarketMinute.

Alphabet chief executive Sundar Pichai in November 2025 compared AI hype to the dot-com boom, saying excitement is "rational" but that if this bubble bursts, "no company is going to be immune," TheStreet reported.

More Tesla:

NVIDIA chief executive Jensen Huang told the New York Times DealBook Summit that software able to pass human-level tests, often called artificial general intelligence, could arrive within about five years.

From my analysis, what matters most right now is who gets the most political airtime. Musk's four words will be quoted in committee rooms. That shifts the odds toward stricter federal licensing of the largest AI models, a scenario Altman himself has endorsed before Congress.

Those quotes translate into three concrete risks for your portfolio.

Concentration risk, since a regulatory shock would hit a tight cluster of tickers inside most index funds.
Policy risk, since Washington now has a rare bipartisan appetite for AI oversight.
Real cost risk, since data centers have already strained local power and water systems in cities like Des Moines, making future buildouts more expensive and politically sensitive.

How this could hit your job and your portfolio

When Musk warns that AI could kill us all, he is talking about the ultimate worst case.

Your more immediate worry is that AI could slowly kill parts of your career or your portfolio if you are not paying attention.

On the work side, Musk told Davos, as highlighted in my TheStreet coverage, that AI and robots could eventually "saturate human needs," which is a polite way of saying a lot of routine work might be done by machines instead of people.

That lines up with Hinton's concern about job displacement and with Altman's warnings about workforce impact in his Senate appearance.

If you are in a field heavy on repetitive writing, basic coding, customer service or data entry, you are already seeing early versions of that shift. Tools get rolled out first as "assistants," then businesses quietly change hiring and promotion plans.

On the investing side, Musk's trial raises the odds that AI leaders might face antitrust scrutiny, stricter safety checks or limits on what kinds of models can be deployed without oversight.

As an investor, you should expect more volatility in any stock whose story depends heavily on aggressive AI timelines and promises.

What you should actually do with this

The easy reaction to "could kill us all" is to shrug or panic. Neither helps your wallet.

I would treat AI exposure the way disciplined investors treated dot coms in the late nineties: keep it as a slice of your portfolio, not the whole thing, and favor diversified funds over single name bets unless you deeply understand the business.

Bank of America equity strategist Savita Subramanian put it plainly in a recent client note, writing that for most companies "AI is gravy" on top of real earnings discipline, not a replacement for it, according to TheStreet's markets coverage.

The irony is hard to miss. Musk is in court asking the world to take AI danger seriously, while his own companies are simultaneously arguing their AI products are safe enough to deploy at scale.

You do not need to agree that AI will literally kill us all to take this moment seriously. When tech's loudest voice brings existential language into a courtroom under oath, regulators listen, markets adjust, and the AI story you are currently invested in is still very much being written.

Albertsons receives troubling news

Moriah Costa — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:47:00 GMT

It seems like Albertsons can’t get a break these days. The supermarket conglomerate has faced several lawsuits in recent years and now it’s about to face yet another major one.

It’s not uncommon for supermarkets like Albertsons to get sued. Roughly eight in ten companies are involved with a lawsuit, findings from the 2026 annual litigation trends survey show.

Albertsons’ earnings recently took a hit after it settled a lawsuit alleging it had a role in the opioid crisis, The Wall Street Journal reported.

And now it could find itself having to shell out more amid new allegations.

Albertsons sued over its pricing of these deals

Albertsons faces a fresh consumer protection lawsuit over its Buy One Get One deals.

The lawsuit by Washington state alleges the grocery chains of Safeway, Albertsons and Haggen have overcharged consumers in the past five years from these deals.

“Consumers walk into these stores, think that they’re getting a bargain,” state Attorney General Nick Brown said during a news conference. “They’re being told that they’re getting a deal, but in reality, they’re just paying an inflated price for that first item.”

The lawsuit alleges that Albertsons used unfair and deceptive acts by artifically increasing the prices of items before the price deal and then lowering the price shortly after the promotion ended. By doing this, the Brown’s office accuses Albertsons of misrepresenting prices and practising unfair competition.

The Attorney General’s office claims that one Albertsons store increased the price of olive oil to $10.99 for one deal from $6.99 a week earlier. The price then dropped to $6.99 after the deal ended.

This practice alledgely led to consumers being overcharged on more than three million transactions, bringing in as much as $19.7 million to Albertsons.

“We’re not going to stand for people getting fleeced by these deceptive practices,” Brown said. “That’s why we’ve filed this case. We want to make sure we’re protecting people’s pocketbooks, and we all know that affordability is a major issue these days. We’ve got to push back when companies are misleading their customers.”

The lawsuit from Washington state alleges that Albertsons has illegally inflated its prices.