With the Big East men’s basketball tournament starting Wednesday, St. John’s, UConn and Villanova are the only conference teams projected to make the NCAA tournament.
BUSINESS
Strategy logs record STRC equity issuance on Monday, buys estimated 1,420 bitcoin
The company amended its Omnibus Sales Agreement to allow multiple agents to execute sales of the same security outside regular trading hours.
Walmart is selling a 3-piece patio set for $145 that’s weather and UV-resistant
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 dealThere are so many things to look forward to once the weather starts to get warm. As if it wasn’t enough that it offers a much-needed reprieve to the freezing, snow-packed months prior, warm weather gives us the chance to see the flowers start to bloom and freshen up our own greenery in our yards, break out our sleeveless tops and cutoff shorts, keep the windows open to let in a nice breeze, and enjoy days where the sun lasts longer and sets much later. But even if we didn’t have a wide variety of activities to look forward to, just getting to sit outdoors and enjoy some sunshine is reason enough to countdown the days till winter is over, and nothing makes it better than having a great patio set or outdoor furniture to kick off your shoes and curl up on. Not only is it a great place to take your morning coffee or enjoy a cocktail after the end of a long day, but more often than not, a patio furniture set is the centerpiece for many a family and friend gathering, especially as we inch closer to summer. Making sure you have a great set that can withstand the elements is simply a must, and while you sometimes have to pay for that kind of quality, everyday retailers like Walmart offer deals that fit everybody’s budget. Right now, the Homall 3-Piece Patio Furniture Set is on sale for 44% off its original price. Instead of paying $260, you can get the two chairs and matching coffee table for only $145 — leaving you $115 to put towards a new umbrella, hammock, or fire pit. Homall 3-Piece Patio Furniture Set, $145 (was $260) at Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart
Why do shoppers love it?Patio sets don’t have to be overly large to provide the perfect sitting area. In fact, this three-piece set is perfect for those who don’t have an overly large backyard or patio area, but want something to sit in after a long day. With two chairs and a coffee table, you get everything you need to create the perfect warm weather nook to read a book in, chat with a spouse or friend, enjoy drinks and snacks, or just sit back and catch some rays.The two chairs measure 26.8 inches long, 25.2 inches wide, and 29.5 inches high and they’re made with a sturdy steel frame and covered with a polyethylene (PE) rattan that’s known as the “ideal” material for outdoor furniture because it’s so durable. It’s a synthetic, weather-resistant material specifically engineered for outdoor furniture because it is UV-resistant, which keeps it from fading, cracking, or turning brittle. It also doesn’t absorb moisture, which prevents mold and degradation and makes it perfect for coastal areas, gardens, or on a poolside patio deck. With all that in mind, an added bonus is that it also looks great from a design perspective. It’s simple yet classic, and on the off chance it does get damaged, it’s easily repairable to the point where you wouldn’t be able to point out the specific spot you replaced. The sitting area of the chairs measures 20.87 inches long and 15.75 inches high, and has armrests measuring 2.8 inches wide. The bottom and back both have weather-resistant cushions made from polyester and filled with elastic sponge that provide comfort and support. The polyester makes them water-resistant and quick-drying, but since standard polyester can be prone to fading colorwise, it’s best not to leave the cushions out directly in the sun. The cushions are removable, perfect for storage when conditions are damp or when the set isn’t being used. Related: Walmart is selling a ‘fabulous’ outdoor storage box for $55, and shoppers say it’s ‘easy to put together’Measuring 19.9 inches long, 19.7 inches wide, and 19.9 inches high, the coffee table is made of the same PE rattan material, with tempered glass top. The bottom of the coffee table is open on one side, which allows you to use the cubby-like space for storage, while the easy-to-clean glass top provides the perfect resting place for decor, drinks, or snacks. Details to knowMaterial: Steel frames, polyethylene rattan, polyester, and sponge filler. Includes: Two chairs and a coffee table.Dimensions: The chairs measure 26.8 inches long, 25.2 inches wide, and 29.5 inches high. The seat area measures 20.87 inches long and 15.75 inches high with armrests that measure 2.8 inches wide. The coffee table measures 19.9 inches long, 19.7 inches wide, and 19.9 inches high.Shoppers call this set “the perfect addition to any outdoor space.” The chairs are super sturdy and durable, but lightweight so you can easily move them around to change up an arrangement, and the cushions are soft and comfortable. “The set has a sleek, modern look that blends well with any patio or garden setting,” one shopper said. Assembly is required, but it’s very straightforward and takes little time. The quality is impressive, and shoppers find the set to be a great addition around a pool, on a patio or deck, or even set up directly on the grass. Shop more deals Vcatnet 5-Piece Patio Conversation Set, $799 (was $1,000) at WalmartAsofer 3-Piece Bistro Wicker Patio Set, $50 (was $100) at WalmartMruaka 7-Piece Patio Set, $370 (was $720) at WalmartNow that we’re finally seeing some warmer weather, it’s easy to think about getting out to enjoy it, and nothing will make basking in the sun better than the Homall 3-Piece Patio Furniture Set which makes it easy and comfortable to enjoy the outdoors.
Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk gets another downgrade. The end’s in sight for its duopoly status, says TD Cowen.
Novo Nordisk on Tuesday received a broker downgrade, with the analysts arguing that its status as a duopoly in both diabetes and weight loss are under threat.
European bonds join Treasury rally as lower oil prices ease inflation fears
Benchmark Treasury yields are hovering near the middle of their months-long trading range as fears fade of an inflation shock caused by surging oil prices.
Bridgestone Designs Golf Ball For Juniors, Teaming With U.S. Kids Golf
Bridgestone designs a line of golf balls specifically for juniors with youth golfer participation surging by over 50% over past six years.
Evidence Grows U.S. Was Behind Deadly Strike On Iranian Girls School—Trump Doubles Down On Blaming Iran
Video footage published by Bellingcat appears to show a Tomahawk missile striking a compound adjacent to the school.
‘I promised my parents’: I take care of my brother who is developmentally disabled. I’m now retired. Am I doing enough?
“I have $560,000 in my IRA, $125,000 in stocks and $50,000 in savings.”
Walmart is turning heads with $80 sapphire earrings on sale for $19
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 dealPrecious gems are something that you may think always come with a hefty price tag. That may be the case more often than not, but not always. If you’re blessed to be in the right place at the right time, you can find high-end jewelry at a price that could make a queen blush. Congratulations are in order, because you have indeed arrived to the right place at the right time. We just found a pair of gorgeous sapphire earrings that are available at Walmart for a heavily discounted price. No wonder they’re one of the retailer’s bestsellers.The Amy and Annette Blue and White Sapphire Halo Earrings are on sale for $19, if you can believe it (we can’t). The regular price is $80, which means they’re currently 76% off. If ever there was a time to jump head first into a deal, this is it. Amy and Annette Blue and White Sapphire Halo Earrings, $19 (was $80) at Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart
Why do shoppers love it?These earrings look like a million bucks, and with good reason. With alternating blue and white sapphires, they shimmer in the light for anyone lucky enough to be within viewing distance. The rest of the earrings are 18-karat white gold plated, which offers the perfect luster to complement the precious stones. The halo design is created by surrounding each blue sapphire with smaller white sapphires, which creates a beautiful glowing ring around each one. The stones are all lab-grown, which means you get all the benefits of natural sapphires, but in a more affordable package. The value in 18-karat gold plating is that it’s durable, rustproof, and looks amazing, with a brighter shimmer than sterling silver. It’s also completely hypoallergenic, making these earrings absolutely perfect for those who may have sensitive skin. It’s also lead-free and nickel-free, so you can feel secure that only the safest metals are touching your skin. Each earring is 26 millimeters long by 3 millimeters wide, making them large enough to be visible, but petite enough to maintain an air of sophistication and subtlety. Because of the drop stud design of the earrings, they hang comfortably from your earlobes without being too weighty. They don’t pull or tug at your ears, making them easy to wear for long evenings out or all day at work. That said, this is one of Walmart’s signature Flash deals, which means it may not be available much longer. It may disappear even sooner if they sell out, so we don’t recommend taking too much time to decide.Related: Walmart is selling $130 noise-canceling earbuds for $25 with a convenient sleep modeDetails to knowStones: White and blue lab-grown sapphires.Materials: 18-karat white gold plating.Dimensions: 26 millimeters long by 3 millimeters wide.Walmart shoppers were very excited about this beautiful jewelry. One shared, “These earrings [are] beautiful and look and feel very expensive. Such a great buy!” Another said, “These earrings are stunning.”Shop more deals Cate and Chloe 18K White Gold Tennis Bracelet, $25 (was $125) at WalmartJeenMata Birthstone Necklace, $13 (was $79) at WalmartCate and Chloe 18K White Gold Heart Necklace, $20 (was $109) at WalmartThe Amy and Annette Blue and White Sapphire Halo Earrings are the best way you could possibly spend $19 today. At that price, you may want to get a pair for yourself and one for a friend.
How to Use Money Market Funds in Your Portfolio
In a previous article, I wrote about the role of cash—an umbrella term used to describe not just hard currency but other safe, liquid assets such as Treasury bills, certificates of deposit, and bank accounts. Here, I’ll talk more specifically about money market funds, which are mutual funds that invest in short-term debt instruments with high credit quality, including US Treasury bills and short-term unsecured corporate-backed notes (aka commercial paper). Money market funds aim to sustain a net asset value of $1.00 per share while offering higher yields than bank savings accounts. Portfolio Basics: How to Build an Investment PortfolioWhat Are the Advantages and Risks of Using a Money Market Fund?Money market funds are popular with both individual savers and corporations, who often use them as a tool for managing the cash on their balance sheets. Based on data from Morningstar Direct, assets in US-based money market funds totaled more than $7 trillion as of Jan. 31, 2026—larger than any other category group except for US equity funds.Money market funds are popular partly because of their convenience. They’re available through any major brokerage platform and often offer features such as check writing, making them easy to use for larger expenses such as tax payments and major purchases. Shareholders in money market funds can easily transfer assets to or from a bank account or a longer-term investment vehicle.There are several types of money market funds, including:Tax-free money market funds, which invest in short-term municipal money market securities that are often exempt from some federal and state taxes.Prime money market funds, which mainly invest in commercial paper and other high-quality, short-term obligations other than Treasury bills and other government-issued securities.Taxable money market funds, which invest in taxable securities such as Treasury bills, other short-term government obligations, and other high-quality, floating-rate debt such as commercial paper. In this article, I’ll focus mainly on taxable money market funds, which account for the bulk of money market fund assets. Their holdings typically have pristine credit quality. Treasury bills are supported by the full faith and credit of the US government. Other short-term government debt, such as bills issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, doesn’t carry an explicit full faith and credit backing, but comes with a fairly solid implicit guarantee as government-sponsored enterprises. Commercial paper is mainly issued by large, financially established companies with solid balance sheets. Moreover, all three types of holdings have very short maturities (with bonds coming due in weeks or months). As a result, they take on little to no interest rate risk. Because maturities are so short, portfolio yields quickly respond to changes in prevailing interest rates as bills mature and get replaced. Money market funds are also safe because they generally don’t lose value, at least in nominal terms. (There have been a few exceptions, which I’ll talk about shortly.)This safety comes at a price: lower returns. Like other forms of cash, money market funds have had both the lowest risk and among the lowest returns compared with other types of assets. Because cash has no potential for capital appreciation, returns on money market funds are driven by yield. Over the past 40 years or so, income returns for money market funds have ranged from a high of 13.4% in 1981 to a low of 0.01% in 2013 and 2014. But holding money market funds isn’t usually a good way to stay ahead of inflation, as shown in the table below. Thanks to elevated yields at the short end of the yield curve, the average money market fund has generated returns slightly higher than inflation over the past three years or so. This pattern usually doesn’t happen, though, and returns for these vehicles have lagged inflation over longer periods. Past Problems With Money Market FundsMoney market funds don’t have a completely unblemished record. In contrast to bank accounts, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, money market funds don’t come with a guarantee. And on occasion, money market funds have “broken the buck” by dropping below a $1.00 per share net asset value. In 1978, First Multifund for Daily Income took losses on some of its longer-maturity holdings as interest rates spiked and eventually liquidated at $0.94 per share. A similar problem arose in 1994, when Community Bankers U.S. Government Money Market Fund liquidated at $0.96 per share after suffering losses on interest rate derivatives as the Federal Reserve raised rates. The biggest problems came around the global financial crisis. In 2007, several funds were exposed to defaults on commercial paper linked to subprime mortgages, but their sponsors stepped in to prevent their NAVs from dropping. In 2008, the Reserve Primary fund dropped to $0.97 per share thanks to Lehman Brothers’ default on commercial paper. And in 2020, several prime (institutional) money market funds suffered a liquidity crunch but maintained their $1.00 per share net asset values when the Fed created an emergency lending program to cover losses. Recent ReformsIn July 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a series of reforms meant to reduce the risk of future money market woes. Among other things, the SEC tightened liquidity requirements for money market funds’ portfolio holdings, eliminated automatic redemption “gates” tied to certain liquidity thresholds, imposed a mandatory liquidity fee for certain funds, and set new rules for disclosure and stress-testing. With these reforms in place, Paul Olmsted, a Morningstar principal for fixed-income strategies, considers most money market funds a relatively safe bet. The table below highlights some of the most popular money market funds that are widely available to individual investors. How Long Should I Plan to Hold a Money Market Fund? Morningstar’s Role in Portfolio Framework considers money market funds a suitable asset for relatively short holding periods (less than one to two years). If you have a spending need coming up a bit further out, such as within three or four years, a money market fund could also be a reasonable parking spot, depending on where yields currently stand relative to inflation. How Much of My Portfolio Should Be in a Money Market Fund?You don’t necessarily need to own a money market fund. As mentioned above, they can be a convenient option for savings and cash management. Personally, I’ve always held some assets in a money market fund mainly because of the convenience factor. If you do use a money market fund for cash management, the size of that position largely depends on your life stage. If you’re many years away from retirement, you don’t need to allocate much to cash, assuming you already have an emergency fund set aside, as well as enough liquid assets to cover any short-term spending needs.Setting aside some assets in a money market fund or other cashlike assets gets more important as you get closer to retirement age. Financial advisors typically recommend that retirees keep at least one to two years’ worth of expenses in cash or other low-risk assets. Holding cash gives you a ready source of liquidity for short-term spending and means you don’t have to sell stocks or bonds when the market is down.