BUSINESS

POP MART and Sony Pictures have officially announced the LABUBU Movie, directed by Paul King and written by King and Steven Levenson, executive produced by Kasing Lung

Efforts such as adding comfier seats at Starbucks stores might not work with younger customers, RBC analysts say.

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 dealWe could all use an extra set of sheets for laundry day or guests. Since the quality of your sheets is important – you need something soft, comfortable, and breathable to help you get a good night’s sleep – we know you don’t want to spend a lot on sheets that are not up to par. You’re in luck, because we found a high-quality four-piece sheet set for under $50 right now. Walmart is selling the Comfort Canopy 100% Cotton Flannel Queen Sheet Set for just $48. You’ll spend less than $50 on this set when you shop now, and enjoy free shipping along with a 30-day window for in-store and online returns.Comfort Canopy 100% Cotton Flannel Queen Sheet Set, $48 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at WalmartWhy do shoppers love it?This bestselling sheet set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two standard pillowcases. They’re available in 16 different solid colors and patterns, though some options are starting to sell out, so we’d recommend ordering yours now to make sure you get your favorite. Colors include: white, ivory, Blush Pink, light gray, light navy blue, dark gray, Botanical Light Gray, Checkerboard Gray, Flower Bunch Light Blue, Rose Bunch Light Blue, and Woven Plaid Light Blue. The brand sells these sheets in twin, queen, king, and California king (full is already sold out!), so you can grab matching sets for all the beds in your home while they’re all heavily discounted. These sheets are made of 100% cotton flannel, so they’re warm yet breathable. Many customers note how warm and comfortable they are when they use these sheets. “These are the most soft, warm, and cozy sheets,” said one reviewer. “No more cold nights with these. They warm within seconds of crawling into bed. I love them so much, I immediately got a second set.”Other reviewers commented on the quality of these sheets, with one describing how much nicer they are than previous sheets they’ve owned. “I love these sheets,” they wrote. “I could feel the difference between these and other flannel sheets I have as soon as I removed them from the packaging. They are so soft, almost silky, and very warm. They are now my favorite cold-weather sheets. I highly recommend them.” They’re both wrinkle-resistant and fade-resistant, so they’re built to last and won’t wear out after sleeping on them night after night. Related: Walmart is selling ‘hotel-quality’ $70 sheets for only $17 right before its Cyber Monday saleTo care for these sheets, the manufacturer recommends machine washing on cold and tumble drying on low. Many reviewers say they wash well, keeping their softness, and with minimal static after multiple washes. Details to knowFabric: 100% cotton.Pocket depth: 16 inches. Set includes: One fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. These sheets are Oeko-Tex certified, meaning that they’re free of harmful chemicals and substances. Shop more deals Fapo 2-Pack Bed Pillows, $22 (was $110) at WalmartClara Clark Bed Sheets Set, $20 (was $70) at WalmartSormag 2-Pack Bamboo Cooling Pillowcases, $14 (was $32) at WalmartAdd a new set of sheets to your rotation while the Comfort Canopy 100% Cotton Flannel Queen Sheet Set is under $50 at Walmart. Pick yours up now in your favorite color for just $48.

The July concerts will mark the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint.

The Federal Reserve voted to keep the federal funds rate unchanged at its meeting on March 17-18, a decision that was widely expected. However, the fed funds rate can still impact mortgage rates, even when the Fed keeps it flat.During my years reporting on mortgage rates, I have closely followed the correlation between the Federal Reserve and interest rates. The relationship between the two doesn’t usually work the way people assume. For example, let’s say the Fed does cut the fed funds rate at a meeting. You might think mortgage rates would go down afterward, right? But if this slash is expected, mortgage rates typically drop in the weeks before the meeting in anticipation of this decrease.They don’t make as many moves after the meeting, though — unless the Federal Reserve Chair makes a remark in their post-meeting statement that changes investor sentiments. For instance, the Chair might say that the Fed expects to lower its rate more times this year than it has previously predicted. In that case, mortgage rates could fall after the meeting.But what about meetings like this one, when the fed funds rate doesn’t move at all? How do mortgage rates respond?Mortgage rates will probably hold steadyThe same general rules apply for Fed meetings when the central bank doesn’t change the fed funds rate at all. Investors didn’t expect a rate cut, so mortgage rates didn’t decrease leading up to the March meeting.Rates actually increased for two straight weeks, according to Freddie Mac data, but that likely had little to nothing to do with Fed expectations. Other factors, such as a rising 10-year Treasury yield and conflict in the Middle East, have contributed to recent mortgage rate inclines.Related: Fannie Mae predicts shifts in mortgage rates, housing market”Mortgage rates track the bond market (specifically, the 10-year Treasury), which doesn’t always move in sync with Fed decisions,” Matt Vernon, head of consumer lending at Bank of America, told TheStreet. “This means that even without a Fed cut or hike, rates could shift based on inflation data, investor sentiment, and broader economic signals.”Vernon said the Fed does have some impact on mortgage interest rates, particularly on home loans with variable rates, such as adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). However, with the Fed keeping the fed funds rate unchanged, he said mortgage rates should hold relatively steady, unless other factors cause them to shift.How Powell’s statement could shift mortgage ratesThe Fed also indicated that it plans to make only one quarter-point fed funds rate cut in 2026, which was widely expected. The Fed needs to see higher employment rates and slower inflation before lowering its rate.The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, and the conflict doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. In his Wednesday, March 18, statement, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank needs more time to see how the conflict and tariffs will affect longer-term inflation before lowering its rate.More on mortgage rates and the housing market:Fannie Mae predicts shifts in mortgage rates, housing marketIran war causes mortgage rate surgeRedfin predicts major shift in housing market”We’re well aware of the performance of inflation over the last few years and how a series of shocks have interrupted progress that we’ve made over time,” Powell said.Because economists expected the Fed to hold its rate and predict one rate cut in 2026, mortgage rates may not move much in response to the Fed meeting. However, conflict in Iran has already contributed to higher mortgage rates, and Powell expressed that the turmoil will impact Fed moves later in the year.So, mortgage rates could hold steady or tick up after the Fed meeting — but don’t expect them to decrease.Factors impacting mortgage rates over the next monthWe don’t need to wait for the Fed meeting on April 28-29 to see how the economy will affect mortgage rates. Here are some key factors that impact interest rates and could move mortgage rates over the next several weeks, regardless of what the Fed does at its next meeting.Inflation could shift. Not only does inflation affect the Fed’s decision about the fed funds rate, but slower inflation also typically pushes mortgage rates down. “Cooling prices would likely do more to bring rates down than a rate cut alone,” said Vernon.Developments in the Middle East could push up mortgage rates. “With the Fed [holding] rates steady at its meeting this week, markets are likely to remain focused on geopolitics and any signs of policy relief until there is a clearer path toward de-escalation,” said Jeff DerGurahian, loanDepot’s chief investment officer and head economist.Employment could slow down even more. DerGurahian told TheStreet that if jobs reports continue to show weak data, mortgage rates may decrease in response.Related: Iran war causes mortgage rate surge

College basketball and your money — the stock market often loses when your team does,

Shares of Five Below rallied after hours Wednesday after the teen-centric discount retailer offered an upbeat forecast for this year and said shoppers across all income levels were buying at its stores, helped by efforts to draw younger shoppers and keep apace with viral trends online.

U.S. stocks were flirting with a critical threshold on Wednesday that, if broken, could portend another 10% drop for the S&P 500, according to one technical analyst.

Shares of Five Below rallied after hours Wednesday after the teen-centric discount retailer offered an upbeat forecast for this year and said shoppers across all income levels were buying at its stores, helped by efforts to draw younger shoppers and keep apace with viral trends online.

While we all prefer living in a fully equipped home, not everyone has the time, skills, or necessary resources to maintain it in good condition, or repair it if necessary. The Covid lockdowns certainly taught us the importance of keeping our environments comfortable and functional, and reminded us that home is the place where we should have peace and spend quality time with family. However, other circumstances often make this a challenge. In fact, as of late 2025, 60% of homeowners admitted to actively putting off necessary maintenance, and 92% confirm to have at least one outstanding repair on their to-do list, according to data from Bold North Roofing.In addition to the procrastination epidemic, 68% of first-time homeowners admit feeling overwhelmed by home projects. About 45% of homeowners report living in homes they consider less safe, because they haven’t addressed basic repairs, according to Bold North Roofing. The question is, if they don’t have the skills, the tools, and the time, why not hire help? According to industry data, finding home-improvement help makes yet another challenge for homeowners. In fact, 70% of Millennials (who lead in total home spending) claim difficulty in finding skilled labor, which often results in project delays or higher costs, according to the 2025 State of Home Spending report by Angi. A home improvement giant, Lowe’s, has just announced a new solution to some of these challenges. Lowe’s launches home maintenance service offering HomeCare+ Lowe’s shared on March 17 that it has launched a new subscription service called HomeCare+ to help homeowners with routine maintenance. Per the official press release, Lowe’s will offer seven in-home services that make it easier for homeowners to manage essential up-keep tasks on a regular basis. The program will be available across more than 75% of homes across the country.Lower’s HomeCare+ subscription key details Cost: $99 per year.What you get: Two visits a year from a Lowe’s “Red Vest” associate (a trained store employee).Availability: It is launching nationwide and covers about 75% of U.S. homes.Services included:
Electric dryer vent cleaning

Changing HVAC (AC/heating) filters

Replacing refrigerator water filters

Flushing the water heater

Changing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries

Lubricating garage doors
“HomeCare+ is all about simplifying home improvement and making it easier for our customers. Bringing together a simple, affordable subscription with something that truly sets Lowe’s apart — the expertise of our red vest associates — is how we will deepen loyalty with our customers,” stated Lowe’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jen Wilson. 

Lowe’s has launched a home maintenance service called HomeCare+.Thayer/Getty Images

Lowe’s loyal members get extra benefits with the new service subscription MyLowe’s Rewards loyal members get 5% off the supplies needed for these tasks (like HVAC filters, batteries, light bulbs, and refrigerator water filters). Moreover, subscribers are automatically upgraded to “Gold Status” in the MyLowe’s Rewards program, which gives you faster free delivery, more points on your purchases, member-only deals, and access to free member gifts.More Retail:Walmart closes stores for weeks to test new perks for shoppers91-year-old grocery chain closes another store in a key market Home Depot borrows from Domino’s to fix major pain pointLowe’s makes major change to how you interact with its stores  Lowe’s plans to offer HomeCare+ gift cards later this year, which they suggest as a gift for new homeowners or elderly parents.With this service offering, the home improvement retailer provides more human connection in the space and to bridge the gap between doing it yourself and hiring a full-scale contractor for minor home maintenance.“As AI plays a bigger role in people’s lives, and ultimately in their homes, leaning into the power of human connection uniquely positions Lowe’s as the most helpful brand in home improvement,” Wilson added.The housing market is slowly rebounding In its latest earnings report for the fourth quarter of 2025, Lowe’s reported a 1.3% increase in comparable sales for the quarter, driven by continued growth in Pro, online, and home services sales, along with strong holiday performance. The latest results show improvement and possibly a stabilization in the sector, considering that in the first half of 2025, both Lowe’s and Home Depot saw foot traffic decline. In Q1, year-over-year foot traffic dropped 3.8% for Home Depot and 3.5% for Lowe’s due to “sluggish housing market and other economic headwinds,” according to data from Placer.ai. As of mid-March 2025, the U.S. housing market is showing signs of a rebound after years of stagnation, even though it has not reached pre-pandemic levels. For the first time since November, the number of houses hitting the U.S. market has finally edged upward. During the four-week window closing March 8, new listings saw a modest 0.5% bump compared to the same period last year, according to a Redfin report. “Heading into spring and summer, the vibe is that the market will shift from the slowness we’ve seen over the last few years,” said Justin Gomez, a Redfin Premier agent in Omaha, Neb.”I’ve already seen a few bidding wars on lower-priced homes, and that may become more common if mortgage rates stay closer to 6% than 7%. We also have a fairly large pool of homes for sale, with a lot of new construction homes sitting on the market. If the spring does bring more buyers off the sidelines, those will go fast and maybe for over asking price.”Despite the housing market challenges over the past few years, Lowe’s has made moves to maintain its position in the space. It has recently focused on expanding its loyalty programs, enhancing the “Pro” customer experience, and using technology to simplify home improvement.Lowe’s recent moves and milestones Betting on AI for service: In 2025, Lowe’s integrated generative AI technology to help associates better manage inventory and give customers more precise project advice in-store, according to previous reporting by TheStreet. Rolled out MyLowe’s Rewards Kids Club: In February 2026, Lowe’s formally added a “Kids Club” to the loyalty ecosystem, offering monthly DIY workshops, digital badges, and in-store treats for children, previously reported TheStreet. Relaunched Pro Loyalty Program: In February 2025, Lowe’s rebranded its professional rewards as “MyLowe’s Pro Rewards,” making it easier for small-to-mid-sized contractors to earn points and volume discounts, according to the official press release. Partnered with DoorDash: In 2024, Lowe’s became the first major home improvement retailer to offer on-demand delivery nationwide through the DoorDash app, reported Door Dash. Secured Klein Tools partnership: In 2023, it became the primary home improvement destination for the iconic Klein Tools brand, specifically targeting electrical and HVAC professionals, according to Lowe’s official press release.Invested in skilled trades: In February 2026, the company shared that through the Lowe’s Foundation, it has committed more than $10 million to nonprofits to train the next generation of skilled trade workers. Related: Home Depot borrows from Domino’s to fix major pain point