BUSINESS

The Treasury Department said it would buy back $6 billion in U.S. government debt, exceeding the amount previously announced in its effort to contain bond yields.

Former FEMA external affairs officer Jason Pack joined “Forbes Newsroom” to discuss his experience documenting Ground Zero in the days directly after 9/11.

Investors whose portfolios are built around an S&P 500 index fund may have more riding on just 10 stocks than they realize.

Those 10 names now control a share of the index that would have been unrecognizable a decade ago, VanEck reported in its July 2026 analysis.

One exchange-traded fund has turned that imbalance into an edge. The outperformance has sparked renewed interest in momentum-based alternatives to traditional index funds.

SPMO’s 3-year run leaves the S&P 500 behind

Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF (SPMO) posted annualized returns of an average of 37% over three years and roughly 20% over both five- and 10-year windows, the Motley Fool report noted.

This figure leaves both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq-100 well behind over the same three- and five-year periods. Over a full decade, SPMO roughly matched the Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ), which tracks the Nasdaq-100, according to the report.

More Exchange Traded Funds:

How smart investors use ETFs to legally bypass IRS wash sale rules

Veteran manager buys 2 ETFs as market shifts

One dividend ETF makes $1,000 a month possible

The fund holds about 100 large-cap stocks ranked by price momentum over the trailing 12 months. It skips the most recent month to filter out short-term reversals and rebalances every March and September.

That rotation drives SPMO’s edge. Stocks losing price strength get dropped, and momentum scores are adjusted for volatility to favor smoother price trends, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices methodology.

The S&P 500 concentration shift driving demand for alternatives

The S&P 500 index fund is not as diversified as its name suggests. A decade ago, the 10 largest S&P 500 stocks held about 18% of the index’s total weight.

Tyler Frawley, portfolio advisor at RBC Wealth Management, described the result as a passive concentration trap. More than $40 of every $100 invested now flows into just 10 companies, reinforcing their dominance, RBC’s analysis noted.

John Patrick Lee, senior product manager at VanEck, wrote in the firm’s July 2026 analysis that a small number of mega-cap stocks now drive most of the S&P 500’s returns and, in a downturn, most of its losses. 

A passive S&P 500 allocation is now effectively an active sector bet, whether the investor intended it or not.

That structural lopsidedness explains why momentum-based ETFs are gaining traction.

The same concentration that has turned the S&P 500 into a top-heavy benchmark has also left its cap-weighted construction vulnerable to a mega-cap rotation. 

S&P 500 concentration is reshaping investor demand as mega-cap dominance raises risks and drives interest in alternative ETF strategies.Xinhua News Agency / Getty Images

The crash risk documented in momentum strategies 

SPMO’s track record is compelling, but momentum strategies carry a well-documented vulnerability: sudden, violent reversals that academics call momentum crashes.

Momentum strategies can suffer “infrequent and persistent strings of negative returns,” researchers Kent Daniel and Tobias Moskowitz reported in the Journal of Financial Economics. Those crashes cluster around market panics and sharp rebounds, they found.

The academic momentum factor lost roughly 88% over two months in mid-1932, the worst single episode documented in the 2016 study. Modern momentum ETFs have not experienced anything near that severity, but the risk is real.

SPMO’s worst peak-to-trough decline was about 31% since its October 2015 launch, a StressTest.pro analysis showed.

The S&P 500 dropped roughly 34% over the same span. However, the Alpha Architect Quantitative Momentum ETF (QMOM) suffered a roughly 39% maximum drawdown, the analysis found.

The pattern across market cycles is consistent: Momentum funds thrive in trending markets and struggle in choppy, fast-rotating ones, the analysis noted.

What SPMO’s track record means for your S&P 500 allocation

Pairing SPMO with a broad index fund and a value or quality tilt can reduce crash correlation while preserving the momentum premium, the report found.

SPMO turned over roughly 44% of its holdings in its most recent annual reporting period, according to Invesco fund filings, compared with roughly 3% for the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), according to AAII.

That gap creates more capital gains distributions in taxable accounts, a drag that disappears inside a tax-advantaged account. The expense ratio sits at 0.13%, above VOO’s 0.03% but low relative to the broader large-blend category.

Treating SPMO as a satellite position keeps the momentum premium in play while limiting damage when the factor reverses, the analysis concluded.

Related: S&P 500 investors are quietly making a huge shift

Have you cut the cord recently?

By this point in 2026, it feels like most Americans have either already cut the cord from the cable company or at least seriously considered it at one point or another.

And during that process, we’ve all faced a similar set of questions before taking the leap:

Which streaming services are best?

Are they really a cost-effective cable replacement?

Which ones will allow me access to my favorite TV shows, movies or sports?

Those of you who are full-time streamers or have been shopping around to ditch cable likely know that live TV streaming services, such as YouTube TV and Fubo, are not much cheaper than a standard cable TV subscription anymore.

So many people cutting the cord for financial reasons opt for video streaming services (VOD) as their cable replacements. This category is a blend of on-demand and live content for much cheaper monthly subscriptions. It features many names you’ve heard of, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.

But which ones can you rely on to both save you money and entertain you enough to stay away from cable/live TV streaming? In this article, we’ll take a look at the subscription choices of 2026 cord cutters.

Study Reveals Which Streaming Services New Cord Cutters Prefer

A new study from Antenna has measured where recent cord cutters are shopping first for their video streaming needs.

According to the research: “Within a month of canceling pay TV, 31% of Cord Cutters sign-up for a new streaming service.”

But where are recent cord-cutters taking their business? Antenna’s latest data for Quarter 1 of 2026 (January-March) reveals some interesting names for those subscription choices:

If you’re like me, you’re probably surprised to see Paramount+ at the top of this list. Perhaps that’s because it’s included at no extra cost with a Walmart+ subscription. Another driving factor may be Paramount’s recent acquisition of UFC Fight Night streaming rights.

If you tally up the different tiers of streaming services, Netflix is actually the most-used VOD service among recent cord-cutters. That makes sense, as it is inarguably the most popular streaming service in this category.

Another thing I found surprising was the absence of HBO Max or Amazon’s Prime Video on this list. These two high-end VOD streamers offer popular original series and also include exclusive live sports in their subscriptions.

Team Clark Reminder: Don’t Forget About Free Streaming TV!

If you’re new to the cord-cutting game, or even cutting out your expensive live TV streaming service, we want to make sure you know there are some FREE options worth checking out.

Money expert Clark Howard recommends that you first check out the options available to you over-the-air via antenna.

This may sound like an “old-school” move, but it can give you free access to high-definition broadcasts of your local ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS affiliates, with a surprising menu of additional channels available in select markets. And you’ll never owe a monthly subscription fee to access them this way.

Once you have that in place, you can supplement it with a large menu of free streaming TV services!

This is another Clark-approved way to save money on in-home entertainment. We’ve spent a significant amount of time vetting these services for legitimacy and testing them for you.

Some of my top recommendations for getting started in the free streaming space are:

Tubi TV

Pluto TV

The Roku Channel

Xumo Play

What was your go-to streaming service when you first cut the cord? Would you make the same choice now? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the Clark.com community.
The post New Study Reveals Which Streaming Service Cord Cutters Prefer appeared first on Clark Howard.

Hyun Bin, Woo Do-hwan and director Woo Min-ho discuss ‘Made in Korea’ Season 2, its 1979 setting, family conflict and what viewers can expect from this second season.

Hunter Biden’s memecoin initially saw a flurry of interest before crashing to lose most of its value.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn’t have a fixed schedule for changing its rules. While some updates happen with relatively little notice due to security concerns, new technology, or federal requirements, others stay unchanged for decades. 

That’s why, when a long-standing rule changes, it gets massive attention. 

Last year, for example, the news that TSA was eliminating the shoes-off requirements after nearly 20 years exploded across the internet. 

Now, the agency is making another major change at U.S. airports by lifting certain gate restrictions that have been in place for 25 years. The news is getting mixed reactions from travelers, as allowing non-ticketed visitors to pass the gates has its pros and cons. 

TSA opens departure gates to non-flyers, but there’s a catch

The TSA recently introduced a new program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, which brings back a popular airport feature that was eliminated after the 9/11 attacks, when TSA was officially established. 

Under the new TSA Gateside program, people who are not flying but just want to say goodbye to their loved ones can access the terminal beyond airport security, but there’s a catch. This privilege is only for TSA PreCheck members, and they need to use their known travel number (KTN) to apply one to three days before their planned visits and receive approval before going to the airport. 

The passes are valid for one calendar day, but reentries are allowed on that day. 

TSA opens departure gates to non-flyers across 13 airports. MattGush / Getty Images

TSA Gateside key details: 

Who can apply: Active TSA PreCheck members who do not have a plane ticket.

How to apply: Request a single-day “TSA Gateside” pass online 1 to 3 days in advance.

Who gets it: PreCheck members whose advance applications are approved for that specific date.

Cost: Free (for active PreCheck holders).

Key restrictions:Not for the general public: You must already hold an active TSA PreCheck membership; unvetted non-flyers are still barred.

No spontaneous visits: You cannot show up on a whim — passes must be requested 24 to 72 hours beforehand.

Very limited airports: Currently active at only 13 U.S. airports, with a gradual rollout planned for others.

Full security screening: You must still pass through the TSA PreCheck security lane just like a flying passenger.

“As an exclusive benefit for our most trusted travelers, this new program makes it easier to return to the gate for welcomes and send-offs, meet friends during a layover, and enjoy dining and shopping along the way, bringing back the moments that once defined air travel,” the TSA stated. 

A full guide on how and where to apply online can be found on the official TSA page. 

Airports included in the program: 

Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona 

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas 

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan 

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Kansas

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indiana 

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Nevada 

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California 

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Arkansas

Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma

Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Nebraska

San Diego International Airport (SAN) in California 

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah  

TSA is adding airports in a phased approach to expand access to the program. 

Travelers react to TSA Gateside program 

Travelers’ reactions across online travel communities are widely split, especially between casual and frequent flyers. 

Supporters are thrilled about the emotional and practical utility of a non-ticketed pass to departure gates, while some frequent flyers and PreCheck members are highly skeptical, mostly worrying about potential gate crowding. 

On the r/tsa Subreddit, travelers staying at terminal-connected hotels (like the Grand Hyatt at DFW Airport) are praising the program because it frees them from being “hotel captives.” It allows them to easily go airside to access a wider variety of dining options.  

Here’s some of my other recent travel news coverage:

Marriott finally fixes an annoying part of hotel rooms

Delta Air Lines CEO signals major shift in what travelers pay

Disney World quietly hikes key prices

Then again, users on the r/SaltLakeCity Subreddit have expressed concern that adding thousands of non-travelers to the dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes will slow down the expedited security lines, defeating the purpose of paying for the trusted traveler status.

Industry data confirm that airport crowds are much bigger nowadays than 25 years ago. 

In 2000, the year before the 9/11 attacks, U.S. airlines carried a total of 665 million passenger enplanements for the full year, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) data. At that time, TSA did not exist yet, and airport security checkpoints were run by private contractors hired by individual airlines, so there is no equivalent “checkpoint screening” number for 2000.

Looking at overall passenger volume, U.S. carriers handled approximately 972 million passengers across the 12 months of 2025, according to monthly scheduled-service data from the BTS. That represents roughly 46% more passenger traffic than the 665 million recorded in 2000.

These figures are not a direct measure of how crowded a terminal feels, and they should not be interpreted as 46% more people physically standing in airports. Passenger enplanements count boardings, not unique travelers, and today’s airports also have more gates, terminals, and security capacity. 

But the numbers clearly show that the U.S. aviation system is handling substantially more passenger traffic than it did before 9/11.

In 2024, TSA screened roughly 904 million individuals at airport checkpoints over the full year, setting a new all-time annual record. In 2025, it broke that record again, screening roughly 906.7 million, the second year in a row above 900 million. This occurred during a period when non-ticketed visitors were prohibited from passing through security checkpoints. 

“Golden age of travel” vs. business strategy 

While some major travel and news outlets focus on the cultural and operational impact, highlighting “golden age of travel” nostalgia and the attempt to bring back the moments that once defined air travel, others point to the business angle. 

For example, an X post from Aakash Gupta, the tech strategist behind the Product Growth Newsletter, pointed out that according to data from Airports Council International, airports derive about 37% of their revenue from non-aeronautical/commercial operations. 

By introducing programs such as Gateside to extend passenger dwell time, airports tap directly into proven industry mechanics. A simple 10% increase in secure-terminal dwell time has been shown to boost food and beverage sales by 8%, Gupta highlighted. 

Related: Flight delays could cost travelers more starting in October

If you like saving money on groceries, Aldi is the place to shop. This discount grocer features rock-bottom prices on the most popular grocery items as well as organic meats, milk and specialty cheese.

In addition to its fantastic prices on all your favorite grocery items, Aldi features special deals each week in its Aldi Finds ad. This week’s ad features Halloween home decor, kitchen goods, rainy day gear and more!

These items are available in limited quantities while supplies last, so shop early to get the best selection! If you’re an Instacart+ member, you qualify for free curbside pickup and delivery on orders of $35 or more. This includes Aldi’s middle aisle items!

Note that start dates of the ad may vary slightly by location, but you can input your zip code here to find the exact date these items will be available at your store. See all the deals at Aldi this week here!

Save With the Best Deals From “Aldi Finds” Available Right Now

The Halloween Collection LED Ghosts for $29.99

These adorable ghosts will light up the night! Find a similar set at Wayfair for $47.99.

The Halloween Collection LED ghost wreath for $16.99

This wreath will make your neighbors smile! Find a similar wreath at Target for $41.60.

The Halloween Collection LED hanging ghosts for $7.99

Another fun ghost to have hanging around! Compare to $19.99 at Wayfair.

Kirkton House Shawl blanket with pockets for $14.99

Keep this cozy shawl on hand for a cool day! Find a similar style at the Country Store for $19.99.

Kirkton House 2×6 washable runner for $19.99

There’s nothing like a new fun rug for the fall! Compare to a runner at Wayfair for $23.99.

Kirkton House Light Gray Slub room darkening curtains – 2-pack for $14.99

Room darkening curtains are a great energy saver! Find a similar pair at Walmart for $21.99.

Licensed Cars character sweatsuit for $12.99

It’s Cars’ 20th anniversary! Compare to a similar themed sweatsuit for $17.60 at Carter’s.

Serra Autumn automatic umbrella for $5.99

This is a fun, rainy fall-day accessory! Find a similar fall leaves umbrella at La Bella Umbrella for $45.

Serra Ladies Brown clogs for $7.99

These are good rainy day shoes! You can find similar clogs at Crocs for $34.99.

Crofton Harvest serving dish for $14.99

This serving dish will be perfect for Thanksgiving! Compare to a pumpkin-themed platter at Kohl’s for $27.99.

Rose bouquet (12 count) for $6.99

 

Pick up some beautiful roses for an incredible price! Compare at $10.73 at Walmart.

 

For even more great deals and discounts, sign up for the Clark Deals daily newsletter!
The post The Best Deals of Aldi’s Middle Aisle in September appeared first on Clark Howard.

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Why we love this deal

If you want budget-friendly bedding that won’t break the bank, Amazon’s outlet store should be your first stop. Amazon Outlet is nearly hidden and tricky to find on the website’s homepage, but this secret storefront has some of the steepest savings and deepest discounts you’ll find at the retailer, with overstock and out-of-season selections. You can find all kinds of hidden gems there, from deals on furniture and home goods to electronics and fashion, but the bedding deals are particularly noteworthy. If you need a new comforter, quilt, or duvet, I’d be willing to bet you’ll find one there for less than anywhere else. 

One remarkable bedding deal at Amazon Outlet happening now is on the DJY Coastal 3-Piece Quilt Set with 50% off. Affordable at its original price of $42, the king-sized coverlet and two matching pillow shams are a complete steal while on sale for just $21. The bedding has a charming beach-themed print with pops of blue and coral, but there are several other ocean-inspired prints discounted to $22 or less, so you can find the one that best suits your personal style. While this specific deal is for the king-size bedspread, you can find similar discounts for the twin, full, and queen size selections.

DJY Coastal 3-Piece Quilt Set, $21 (was $42) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

Featuring a pattern of blue seahorses and orange coral, this coastal quilt set is great for a beach house or anyone who wants to bring those relaxing beachy vibes to their bedroom. If you have a cramped or dark bedroom, the light cream background will make it feel more open and airy, helping to transform your space. The bedspread and shams are elevated with intricate quilt stitching that adds both timeless appeal and durability to the set. As a bonus, the coverlet has a reversible design, with a solid gray canvas on the opposite side, so you can switch up the look if the desire ever strikes. 

“Beautiful, soft, and really good quality with bright, vibrant blues,” one shopper wrote describing the bedding set. They raved, “It definitely brightens up the room.”

Related: Walmart is selling a 7-piece comforter set for $35, and it comes with matching sheets

The lightweight bedding is constructed from 100% brushed microfiber, so it’s cozy to cuddle up with each night. This material is gentle on the skin and machine washable, so you don’t have to take an extra trip to the dry cleaner on laundry day. Since the coverlet is lightweight, it’s best for warmer months when you don’t need a lot of warmth. However, you can easily use the bedspread when it gets colder by adding a blanket to the mix. 

Details to know 

Sizes available: The bedding is available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes at various price points.

Color options: Five colorways are currently on sale for $22 or less.

Material: Brushed microfiber made from polyester.

Is it machine washable?: Yes.

With an average rating of 4.8 out of five stars from hundreds of shoppers, this bedding comes highly rated. One shopper wrote, “Super soft and well made. I giggle with delight every time I look at this quilt in the room.”

Shop more deals

Cottolester 8-Piece Boho Bedding Set, $40 (was $63) at Amazon

Jessy Home Coastal Ocean Quilt Set, $26 (was $29) at Amazon

Weigelia Sea Turtle Quilt Set, $30 (was $35) at Amazon

Upgrade your bedroom on a budget with the DJY Coastal 3-Piece Quilt Set while it’s on sale for just $21 at Amazon. A few patterns are already showing low stock, so you won’t want to wait to snag it for yourself.

Generation Z and young millennials are navigating major shifts in the economy that have made it harder to build wealth the way Americans did in the past.