BUSINESS

Capital outflows, even as activity surges across Ethereum’s ecosystem, highlight the growing disconnect between usage growth and ETH’s market performance, a CryptoQuant report shows.

Seventeen Republicans appeared on the ballot, along with three Democrats.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is seeing monster numbers for FOX Sports, largely on the back of games featuring Team USA. Here are the numbers.

Ahead of ‘ARIRANG,’ BTS is partnering with Spotify to give ARMY more ways to engage with the new album via “SWIMSIDE” pop-up stores, exclusive member content and more.

The Indiana Pacers have the NBA’s worst defense since the All-Star break. What is going wrong, and where does this stretch rank in franchise history?

During my career reporting on mortgage rates and home buying and selling trends, I have often paid close attention to real estate technology company Zillow’s published research that often includes making housing market predictions.Zillow jumped on the occasion of the unfortunate March 6 jobs report to issue such a forecast.”Total nonfarm payroll employment edged down by 92,000 in February, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.4 percent,” the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. “Employment in health care decreased, reflecting strike activity. Employment in information and federal government continued to trend down.”Related: Redfin, Zillow reveal major mortgage rate, housing market changeThis reinforced the idea that job growth had stalled, according to Zillow. Downward revisions to the December 2025 and January 2026 job reports also indicated a weaker labor market than previously thought.”The Zillow baseline housing forecast remains ‘stabilization with downside risk,'” Zillow predicted. “Affordability may improve, but softer hiring and elevated uncertainty can keep transactions subdued until households feel more secure.”Zillow explains jobs reports, mortgage rates, housing marketA softer job market tends to make homebuyers pull back, particularly those buying for the first time or stretching to afford monthly payments. Because housing decisions hinge on how secure people feel in their jobs and how confident they are about future earnings, any erosion in that confidence slows the churn. Here are three ways:Renters renew leases instead of moving up.Prospective buyers wait for more certainty.Potential sellers hold off listing their homes.”There is an offset,” Zillow noted. “A weaker jobs report can support lower bond yields and mortgage rates, which helps affordability at the margin. But for housing turnover, confidence often matters as much as rates — and in a cooling-labor scenario, the confidence channel can dominate.”February’s figures indicate employers remain cautious, a trend that can dampen home‑selling and buying activity despite improving affordability.“If softer growth helps mortgage rates ease, that supports affordability,” wrote Zillow senior economist Orphe Divounguy. “But households still need strong income growth and confidence in job security to list, buy, or move.”Freddie Mac reports mortgage rates holding steadyOn March 5, Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.00%.“Mortgage rates held steady at 6% this week, hovering near their lowest level since 2022,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “In fact, rates are down nearly a full percentage point from this time in 2024, spurring activity from buyers, sellers and owners. As a result, refinance activity is up, and purchase applications are ahead of last year’s pace.”The 15-year FRM averaged 5.43%, slightly down from last week when it averaged 5.44%, according to Freddie Mac. A year ago, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.79%.On March 10, the 30-year FRM was 6.09% and the 15-year FRM was 5.69%, according to Mortgage News Daily (MND).”Today’s mortgage rates are lower when compared to yesterday’s average prior to 4 p.m. ET,” wrote MSD chief operating officer Matthew Graham. “Later in the afternoon, multiple lenders announced improvements as the bond market rallied in response to geopolitical headlines. If we use those later, lower rates as a baseline, today’s average is roughly unchanged.””There were no major economic reports today — not that bonds have been too keen on reacting to econ data anyway,” Graham continued. “War-related headlines remain the biggest risk for potential volatility despite historically significant econ data on tap in the coming days.”

Zillow predicts stabilization in the housing market, but notes that downside risk exists.Shutterstock

Redfin says jobs report unlikely to lower mortgage rates”The surprisingly weak jobs report is stirring the pot this morning, but rates are unlikely to fall much, if at all,” wrote real estate technology company Redfin. “That’s because the jobs report is difficult to interpret, with tons of methodological nuance. Additionally, the intensifying conflict in Iran is driving the market.”Mortgage rates aren’t dropping the way they typically might after data like this because the intensifying conflict involving Iran is overshadowing economic signals. Rising oil prices are pushing rates slightly higher today and keeping day‑to‑day volatility elevated.The Fed remains in a holding pattern, and while today’s numbers could inch policymakers closer to another cut, one data point isn’t enough given how uneven recent jobs reports have been. Shifts in monetary‑policy expectations aren’t what’s driving rate movements right now.Geopolitical tensions have become the primary force behind rate swings. With conditions in the Middle East changing quickly and unpredictably, near‑term rate movements will be harder to anticipate.(Source:Redfin)Related: Redfin, Zillow reveal major mortgage rate, housing market change

The Players Championship returns to TPC Sawgrass with course changes, swirling winds, the island-green 17th, and questions surrounding defending champion Rory McIlroy’s health.

Despite charging shoppers an annual membership fee, Costco continues to attract some of the most loyal customers in retail, and not just in the U.S.Many consumers willingly pay the fee because the warehouse club consistently delivers a combination that competitors struggle to match: well-known brands, reliable quality, and value pricing. That strategy has helped Costco build a strong reputation among budget-conscious consumers and brand loyalists.Now the retailer is expanding its merchandise lineup through an unexpected collaboration that aims to tap into another passionate fan base.Costco adds F1 merchandise to select warehousesCostco (COST) has begun selling official Formula 1 (F1) merchandise at some of its warehouses, according to listings on the company’s website.The items include branded caps and polo shirts representing several F1 teams, including McLaren, Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, and Mercedes. However, based on the sponsor partnerships displayed on the apparel, the merchandise appears to be from the previous racing season.Prices remain relatively premium compared with the typical apparel sold at Costco stores. In Australia, caps are listed at AUD $50 ($35.59 USD) and polos at AUD $90 ($64.07 USD), according to Costco’s online listings.Availability is also limited and varies by region and specific warehouse. Each location carries different teams and styles depending on inventory, according to consumers who have shared photos and videos of the merchandise appearing in stores on Instagram and TikTok in March 2026.Even though the merchandise may be from last year, selling it in-store allows fans to see and try on the apparel before purchasing. Prices are also significantly lower than those listed in the official F1 online store, which could appeal to budget-conscious consumers.Retailers often sell licensed merchandise from prior seasons at a discount, allowing warehouse clubs like Costco to offer lower prices than official team stores.For now, the collaboration appears to be available only in the UK, Australia, and Canada.TheStreet contacted Costco for comment on whether the F1 merchandise will expand to U.S. warehouses, but the company has not yet responded.

Costco is selling Formula 1 merchandise at select stores.David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Why Costco is rolling out the collaboration in international marketsWhile F1 has recently experienced rapid growth in its U.S. fan base, the sport’s popularity remains significantly stronger internationally.The motorsport’s global fan base reached 827 million in 2025, representing a 12% year-over-year growth, according to the Formula 1 2025 Season in Numbers report.Meanwhile, the U.S. fan base reached 52 million in 2025, up 11% from the previous year, according to the Formula 1 2025 Season Review.”We continue to see robust growth and momentum in the U.S. market supported by the three unique races in the USA,” said F1 in the season review.Race attendance data also highlights the sport’s stronger presence in other international markets, which may explain why Costco is prioritizing those regions for the initial merchandise rollout.2025 Grand Prix attendanceAustralian Grand Prix: 465,000 attendees, according to F1 2025 season numbers.British Grand Prix: 500,000, according to F1 2025 season numbers.Canadian Grand Prix: 352,000, according to F1 2025 season numbers. Miami Grand Prix: 274,000 attendees, according to official data gathered by GP Destinations.Strategic partnerships strengthen Costco’s customer loyaltyCostco’s merchandising strategy of partnering with recognizable brands at the right time and offering them at value pricing has helped the retailer maintain strong customer loyalty. The company reached approximately 82.1 million paid membership accounts worldwide as of March 2026, up 4.8% year over year, and a renewal rate of 89.7%, according to its latest earning call. That loyalty continues to translate into growth. In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Costco reported net sales of $68.24 billion, rising 9.1% year over year, with comparable sales increasing 7.4%. The company attributed the results to the introduction of new and seasonal items, emphasizing the success of its Valentine’s Day sales, citing rose purchases, during the earnings call.More F1 Business News:Why F1’s sponsorship boom is nearing $3 billionWhy Cadillac decided to work with a fashion iconLuxury brand shares surprising F1 partnershipAccording to Roger Dooley, a business strategy expert for Forbes, Costco’s success during both strong and weak economic cycles comes down to its consistent value proposition.”By offering consistent value with strategic product selection, private label products and competitive pricing, Costco ensures that customers continue to return, even in tough economic times​​​​,” said Dooley.Elizabeth Lafontaine, director of research at Placer.ai, told CNBC that Costco’s high visitor loyalty and adaptable merchandising model enable the retailer to push the boundaries of what consumers consider traditional warehouse club items and services.”As the chain looks to grow and evolve, they will likely continue to push the limits of what products it can offer its members,” said Lafontaine. Related: Aritzia brings back iconic fashion brand after shutdown

With college basketball’s biggest tournament just days away, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is rolling out a three-day pop-up viewing and betting experience designed to turn the opening weekend of NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament into a stadium-style spectacle on the Strip.While Las Vegas tourism has been making headlines lately because year-over-year visitor numbers were down in 2025, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), gaming revenue is a bright spot, especially sports betting. “Nevada gaming operators won more money in 2025 than they ever have before in a single year,” reported Casino.org. In fact, 2025 marked the fifth straight year of record revenue for the state.In part, that’s because casinos are constantly adding new features meant to draw people in, such as Brackets at The Venetian.Brackets returns to The Stadium in The VenetianThe Venetian announced the return of Brackets at The Stadium, an immersive watch party for the basketball-obsessed, running March 19 through March 21. Every tournament game will be broadcast inside the venue across more than 100 screens.Marketed as the “ultimate viewing experience” for basketball fans, the event combines large-scale game broadcasts, food service, open bar access, and on-site sports betting — transforming the space into a temporary sports gambling hub during the tournament’s opening rounds.Sports betting is the fastest-growing type of gamblingThe global sports betting market size accounted for $112.26 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from $124.88 billion in 2026 to approximately $325.71 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 11.24% from 2026 to 2035, according to Precedence Research. The market is growing so quickly because it is now legal in many parts of the U.S. and around the world, and because smartphones make it so easy to participate. Sports betting revenue rose 22.8% year over year to $16.96 billion, driven by strong 22.0% annual growth in online sports betting — representing 96.5% of the market share, reported American Gaming.Americans legally wagered $166.94 billion on sports in 2025, up 11.0% from the previous year. Washington, D.C., saw the largest increase in year-over-year legal wagering, benefiting from expanded offerings, while North Carolina (+34.3%) and Vermont (18.3%) reported strong growth in their second full year of operations. Missouri joined the legal sports betting market in the last month of the year and immediately became the fifth-largest market by revenue for the month.

Brackets is a three-day pop up sports book and bar, created for March Madness. Image: The Venetian

Brackets is tailor-made for college basketball fansTickets for Brackets start at $199 per person per day for general admission, which includes first-come seating, curated food offerings, and an all-day open bar.Higher-tier options are also available for fans seeking a more exclusive experience.VIP seating packages range from $500 to $750 per person per day, with perks such as premium seating areas, upgraded menu selections, and priority service. Related: Affordable gambling option comes back to the Las Vegas StripPrivate skyboxes, priced at $650 per person, can host up to eight guests and include personal HD screens with views of the main broadcast. Luxury Boxes — the top-tier experience — offer private suites, some with outdoor patios overlooking the Strip.The event also leans heavily into Las Vegas’ core attraction: betting.Guests who like to bet on sports, college basketball especially, will be able to place bets throughout Brackets at kiosks operated by William Hill, or at a live betting counter near the entrance. Visitors can also access the Yahoo Sportsbook powered by William Hill to place wagers on tournament games.Beyond the screens and betting windows, organizers say the venue will feature interactive entertainment, including pool tables, outdoor lawn games, and themed photo stations.Food service throughout the day will include breakfast items, Italian subs, and brisket mac-and-cheese bowls, part of what the resort describes as an “elevated” take on traditional game-day fare.More Travel:The world fires back on Trump’s new travel banLow-cost airline adds 5 new flights to popular beach destinationsAmerican Air launching 15 new summer routes between U.S. citiesDoors will open one hour before the first game tip-off each day. All attendees must be 21 or older, and tickets are non-refundable, though date changes may be available depending on capacity.The event reflects the growing intersection of sports viewing and sports betting in Las Vegas, particularly during the opening rounds of March Madness, one of the busiest wagering weekends of the year in Nevada.Tickets and additional information are available through the resort’s website.Las Vegas 2025 visitor statisticsI happened to be in Las Vegas last week, and expected it to be fairly quiet, given all that I’ve been reading (and writing) about the state of the city over the last year. I was surprised to find The Strip hopping. There was a big convention in town, so that explains part of it, and while the LVCVA data does show visitor numbers are down, restaurants in The Venetian, The MGM Grand, and Wynn had lines out the door, and the casino floors were busy. While ongoing economic uncertainty is affecting discretionary spending in many parts of the country, there is a segment of the population that clearly has no problem spending on an extravagant meal or two, or other entertainment. According to the LVCVA: Las Vegas saw 38.5 million visitors in 2025, a 7.5% decrease from 2024.The city hosted about 6 million convention attendees in 2025, roughly the same as 2024 but below the 2019 record of 6.6 million.The average hotel occupancy rate was 80.3% in 2025, down 3.3 percentage points year over year.The average hotel room rate was $183.52 per night in 2025, a 5% decline from 2024 but still among the third-highest on record.Las Vegas had about 3.27 million visitors in January 2026, 2.2% lower than in January 2025.Related: Iconic rock band sets Las Vegas Strip Sphere residency

For the first time in over a decade and a half, Oracle says it grew both revenue and earnings by at least 20%.