BUSINESS

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the Iran conflict has been the battered U.S. dollar, which traded near one of its strongest levels in months on Monday.

The studio’s films took home 11 Oscars after a banner year at the box office and a tumultuous and politically charged sales process for its parent company.

Jane’s backstory in Paradise season 2 episode 6 includes a prophecy that predates her birth and an undelivered message that cements her fate as a killer.

“Golden” from ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ won Best Original Song, but its songwriters were played off stage. Here’s a look at viewer reactions and Oscars’ problem with Asians.

By law, the US Navy is required to operate 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, which has required that the decommissioning of USS Nimitz (CVN-68) be pushed back to 2027

Entrepreneurs often overlook the advantages they already possess, but by applying these five principles, they can uncover a competitive edge others can’t easily replicate.

Here’s what inspired the practices.

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 dealWhile many modern homes have overhead lighting, it can often feel utilitarian. Adding lamps to your space can enhance both style and mood, which is why we think Amazon’s deal on a pair of Qimh Farmhouse Table Lamps is worth checking out. Not only are these stylish lamps 50% off, but they’re perfect for a wide range of home decor styles from rustic farmhouse to whimsical cottagecore.Perfect for savvy shoppers on a budget, this set comes with LED bulbs included that are made to last. However, the lamps do require assembly, which some shoppers have mixed reviews on.Qimh Farmhouse Table Lamp Set, $25 (was $50) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?Each lamp measures 10 inches deep, 10 inches wide, and 22 inches high, and the shade is 11 inches high and 10 inches wide. This makes them ideal for side tables in the living room, master bedroom, or a guest bedroom. The sculpted lamp bases are made of resin and have beautiful detailing and a matching finial that sits on top. These lamps are corded and have rotary switches, so you’ll have to reach underneath the shade to turn them on and off.The linen shades that come with these lamps are a sophisticated shade of cream that goes with just about everything. The one downfall is that the shades do not come assembled, much like the reading lamp I reviewed recently. They’re easy to put together, but since they come flat-packed and are designed to be wrapped around a metal hoop that holds their shape, they have visible seams. I don’t like the way this looks on the lamp I own, but I turned the seam towards the wall, so I don’t have to see it. Some reviewers mention not liking this, with one saying, “The only negative for me was the shades. They look good, but would prefer shades already assembled.”Another plus is that these lamps come with LED bulbs, which can last up to ten years. To get the most time out of them, dust them frequently (dusty bulbs can inhibit proper heat dissipation) use dimmer plugs, which allow for lower energy consumption.While these lamps come in four colors, including blue, Antique White, and Wood Grain, the best price is on the black set. However, if you’re willing to pay a little bit more for a perfect match to your existing home decor, the extra spend may be worth it.Details to knowColors: Black, blue, Antique White, and Wood Grain.Material: Resin base and linen shades.Measurements: 10 inches deep, 10 inches wide, and 22 inches high. Related: Amazon’s smart touch lamp is discounted to just $20, and it’s ‘perfect for any room’The table lamp set has more than 60 five-star ratings, with most shoppers saying they are happy with it. One shopper wrote, “These are so pretty. The color is a rich blue without any chips or flaws. The lamps are made from a sturdy wood, and the pieces went together securely and easily. A warm light bulb was included for each lamp. They are just the perfect addition to my room!”Shop more deals Sealle Farmhouse Table Lamp Set, $37 (was $47) at AmazonTobusa Farmhouse Table Lamp Set, $40 (was $60) at AmazonPokat Rustic Table Lamp Set, $40 at AmazonIf you want a stylish lighting option that looks like it costs more than it does, the Qimh Farmhouse Table Lamp Set is an ideal choice at just $25 for two lamps.

The Iran war could push U.S. inflation and unemployment higher than the Federal Reserve expected this year, according to a new survey of former central bank officials conducted by the Duke University Department of Economics. The findings arrive just days before the Fed’s March policy meeting, when policymakers will release their “dot plot” forecasts for interest rates, inflation, and employment.The CME Group FedWatch tool estimates a more than 99% chance the Federal Open Market Committee will hold rates steady at its March 17-18 meeting. The next likely quarter-point cut is predicted for later in the year, perhaps as late as December. Among the key findings from the Federal Reserve Insights survey released March 16: Former Fed insiders projected an inflation rate higher than what the central bank is anticipating and a jobless rate higher than the Fed’s December projections. Most respondents said the Fed would likely need to hold policy steady this year. The former officials projected slower growth in economic output than previously estimated.What the Fed’s dual mandate requires for jobs, pricesThe Fed’s dual congressional mandate requires it to balance full employment and price stability.Lower interest rates support hiring but can fuel inflation.Higher rates cool prices but can weaken the job market.The two goals often conflict, operate on different timelines and are influenced by unpredictable global events such as pandemics and wars. 

Federal Reserve Bank of New York via FRED®

Fed paused rate cuts in JanuaryThe FOMC voted 10-2 to hold interest rates steady at 3.50% to 3.75% in January after three consecutive quarter-point cuts in its last three meetings of 2025.Those cuts were based on data showing increasing weakening in the labor market and cooling inflation, although still sticky and tariff-laced.More Federal Reserve:Fed Chair Powell sends frustrating message on future interest-rate cutsIt was the FOMC’s first pause since July 2025.The Fed uses government and private data sources to drive monetary policy decisions, a rear-view mirror approach often criticized as being too restrictive. Those critics, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, Trump’s nominee to be the next Fed chair, advocate use of more advanced models, including AI, to set interest rates.Fed to release latest “dot plot” this weekThe Fed’s “Summary of Economic Projections” provides its estimates of inflation, unemployment, and economic output, in addition to estimates of interest rates that officials see as the most appropriate monetary policy over a three-year horizon. The interest rate estimates, also known as the Fed’s “dot plot,” are closely watched on Wall Street for insight into the central bank’s thinking and plans.Background on the Federal Reserve Insights surveyIn all, 28 former officials and staff members participated in the survey between March 6 and March 13. The survey panel included former Fed board governors, former regional bank presidents, and former staff at the Board and Reserve Banks. Related: Looming Fed meeting shifts bets for 2026 interest-rate cutsThe projections outlined are based on the medians of their estimates.Some individuals didn’t answer every question.Survey projects new inflation, jobless ratesFormer central bank officials projected 3% inflation this year, higher than the Fed’s official 2% target, and higher than the 2.4% inflation rate that the central bank projected for 2026 back in December.Former officials also projected a jobless rate of 4.6%, higher than the 4.4% rate that the central bank projected in December and higher than the 4.2% rate that the Fed sees as normal in the long run. The former officials projected slower growth in economic output than previously estimated. For now, they agreed the United States is not in recession or heading toward recession, but they said that could change if conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to global oil supplies persist.Could Fed interest-rate hikes be in the future? Given the economic backdrop, most respondents said the Fed would likely need to hold policy steady this year. Thirteen respondents said appropriate policy in 2026 would likely be no change in rates.Six said it would be appropriate to raise rates.Seven said it would be appropriate to reduce rates.Former Fed officials focus on Iran war, oil shockMany former officials in the Duke survey described the conflict in the Persian Gulf as a global supply shock — a constraint on the production and movement of energy and other products from the Middle East to other parts of the world. Reduced supply pushes up prices and reduces output. One former official estimated that every $10 per barrel increase in the price of oil adds 0.2 percentage points to the U.S. inflation rate. The longer this disruption lasts, this person said, the greater the risks to inflation and output. A short-term disruption might wash through the economy without major effects on inflation or output. A sustained shock would be more damaging. A sustained oil price above $100 per barrel would raise recession risk, while sustained oil prices over $120 per barrel would make recession the most likely outcome, this person said. What the market outlook expects from the FedWith the Fed meeting this week amid heightened geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices,  markets are closely watching what the “dot plot” will reveal.Ben Sullivan, CIO of AE Wealth Management, said higher energy prices could complicate the inflation outlook, even as markets continue to anticipate rate cuts later in the cycle. Sullivan expects the possibility of one to two cuts over the remainder of 2026 if inflation moderates and growth slows, but said a major wild card remains the potential leadership transition at the Fed and the uncertainty surrounding Warsh’s confirmation.Gene Goldman, CIO of Cetera Investment Management, said he is focused on how the Iran War and resulting spike in oil prices could keep market volatility elevated. While markets historically recover from geopolitical shocks, Goldman said higher energy costs can pressure consumer spending and potentially influence Fed policy. He said he is also watching the stronger U.S. dollar and elevated market valuations, which may make equities more sensitive to uncertainty.Related: Oil shock threatens Fed rate-cut bets

In the early 2000s, Best Buy was the place to go for all of your technology needs. Best Buy’s stores had all of the newest phones, PCs, and gaming consoles on display so you could physically interact with them before making a purchase. Its blue-shirted staff didn’t work on commission, which made their advice feel less like a sales pitch and more genuinely helpful. And the vibes were always high, with pop ballads blasting over the surround sound speaker system and Geek Squad staff on hand to help you solve even the most complex tech issues.But that all began to change in the late 2010s and early 2020s. A shift in consumer behavior, largely driven by Covid, saw a growing number of shoppers electing to shop online rather than in-person.Electronics stores like Best Buy were among the hardest hit by these changes. Between 2017 and 2022, they saw a $9 billion, or 12%, drop in revenues and a 40.8% decrease in their workforce, according to data from the US Census Bureau. As a result, Best Buy began closing stores across the country. According to Business Insider, the retailer has had fewer brick-and-mortar locations in the US every year since 2012. Best Buy announces new store openings Some 14 years later, it seems that streak may finally be coming to an end.During the company’s Q4 FY 2026 earnings call, CEO Corie Barry announced that Best Buy (BBY) would be expanding its physical footprint over the next year.“This year, we expect to have new domestic Best Buy store growth for the first time in more than a decade,” Barry told investors. “We plan to open six new stores to better meet demand in markets that have grown, including areas where we have not previously had a physical presence.”More retail:Dick’s Sporting Goods says this fan favorite is here to stayCostco shares surprising plan to add more storesKohl’s CEO tells customers major revamp is on the wayThe new stores will likely look a little different than the superstores of two decades ago.“We have created and tested a smaller store model that drives incremental revenue in these types of markets, like the Bozeman store we opened last year,” Barry said on the call.  Best Buy started experimenting with these smaller format stores a year ago.Related: Bath & Body Works makes big change customers will notice right away“We’re working on a smaller footprint store that maybe can augment a market like Miami or Atlanta, where we’ve seen a lot of growth, or could go into a new market,” Berry told CNBC in September 2025.  “Because it’s a format that can actually work in a smaller setting, you can garner customers you wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach,” she continued. “And so we’re playing with really experiential, all the bells and whistles stores in partnership with our vendors, and at the same time some that might be a little bit leaner and serve a customer we couldn’t otherwise reach.”

Best Buy announces plans to expand its brick-and-mortar locations for the first time in a decade with the opening of six new stores.Getty Images

The return of brick and mortar storesBest Buy isn’t the only company looking to expand its physical presence this year.John Mercer, head of global research at retail data company Coresight Research, told CoStar he expects to see roughly 5,500 store openings in 2026, a 4% increase year-over-year. “These openings and closings, they trend,” he said. “You have peak years and then they have a dip, up or down. And this year looks like it’s going to be a down in terms of closings, maybe an up in terms of openings.”At least a portion of this growth can be attributed to Gen Z shoppers. Despite being the first generation to be digitally native, consulting firm L.E.K. says that 64% of Gen Zers prefer shopping in person to online.Data from Placer.ai seems to back up those findings. According to its February 2026 Mall Index report, indoor malls, outdoor shopping centers, and outlet malls all saw an increase in foot traffic year-over-year.In February: Indoor mall traffic grew by 5%, year-over-year Open air shopping center traffic grew by 7.3% year-over-yearOutlet mall traffic grew by 7.2%, year-over-year
Source: Placer.ai
So while the nostalgic “technology toy store” version of Best Buy may be a thing of the past, these smaller, mall-sized stores could drive the company’s future. Related: Target makes bold change to win back customers