BUSINESS

Traders are watching support near $1.40 as repeated failures below $1.60 reinforce broader downtrend.

The average production cost was sitting at $88,000 per bitcoin in mid-March, according to Checkonchain’s difficulty regression model.

BTC fell 2.2% as $299 million in liquidations hit crypto markets, with long positions accounting for 85% of the damage.

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 dealSpring cleaning isn’t just a time for dusting, sweeping, mopping, and polishing. It’s also a time to refresh your home, renovating old worn out spaces, investing in new decor, furniture, and clothing, and overall reinvigorating your everyday spaces into something fresh and new. Of course, these changes don’t have to be big or cost a lot of money to complete, but sometimes something as simple as swapping out your bedding can add some energy and freshen up a room that feels dull and drab. In fact, when you don’t have the money for a full home renovation, a bedding refresh is the perfect way to clean up the old and bring in something new without breaking the bank. And now that Wayfair’s Spring Cyber Week Sale has started, bedding at an affordable price is more accessible than ever. The March 19 through March 23 sale is offering deals up to 80% on everything from rugs and mattresses to patio furniture and wall decor. But one of the most exciting parts of this five-day sale is that the bedding brand Bedsure is working in special partnership with Wayfair to deliver you great deals on all kinds of comforters, multi-piece bedding sets, and blankets so that your bedroom looks and feels as great as the rest of your home after a good spring cleaning. One of our favorite sales? The Bedsure GentleSoft Pinch Pleat Bed-in-a-Bag that’s 77% off right now. Bedsure GentleSoft Pinch Pleat Bed-in-a-Bag, $50 (was $220) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at WayfairAvailable as a seven-piece set (or a five if you’re purchasing either of the twin sizes), this bed-in-a-bag comes exactly as you’d expect, but it’s what inside that will grab your attention. Made of brushed microfiber fabric, which gives the bedding a soft, velvety or flannel-like texture, this set comes with a comforter, two pillow shams, two pillowcases, a fitted sheet, and a flat sheet. With the twin or twin XL sizes, you receive one less pillow sham and pillow case which is why in those cases it’s a five-piece set, not a seven. The comforter has a pintuck pinch pleat design that gives it texture and style, and it’s filled with microfiber filling for additional “cloud-like” warmth giving it a bit of a fluffy feel. It comes in 25 colors, ranging from bright pops of green and pink to more neutral beiges, blacks, and white. Because it comes in a bag, it’s perfect for gifting or for situations where you’re moving, like a college student moving into a dorm. If you like the feel of texture but want something that looks a bit more demure or don’t need a full multi-piece set, you can’t go wrong with the Bedsure Waffle Weave Plaid Duvet Cover.Bedsure Waffle Weave Plaid Duvet Cover, $84 (was $500) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at WayfairOriginally retailing for $500, this duvet cover is only $84 right now — meaning you save a whopping $416 to put towards something else on your list! Duvets themselves typically run pretty expensive, so the last thing you want to have to do is pay an additional fortune for the cover. Not only is this particular one reversible, but it’s also made of 100% cotton which means it’s super soft, durable, breathable, and moisture-wicking. For hot sleepers, that’s especially important because it means the cotton promotes air circulation, keeping you cool as you sleep, while the moisture-wicking capabilities ensure that no matter how hot you do get, you stay nice and dry. The textured waffle weave pattern only adds to the comfort the cotton gives, and helps balance out the heaviness of a duvet insert while sprucing up its look. It has eight corner ties and a hidden button to securely keep the insert in place and evenly distributed. We know a lot of folks are very divided when deciding between duvets and regular comforters, and if you’re someone who likes to keep it simple with the hassle of using buttons and ties to keep your bedding neat and tidy, then you’ll love the Bedsure Boho All-Season 7-Piece Bedding Set. Related: Wayfair is selling a scalloped 3-piece quilt set for only $55, and it’s reversibleBedsure Boho All-Season 7-Piece Bedding Set, $60 (was $220) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at WayfairAs much as we understand bedding that is season-specific, with prices being what they are, it’s not surprising most of us prefer a set that’ll work all year long no matter what the weather outside is. Some bedding is too hot to keep using during the summer months, while others are too light to keep you warm during the winter, but this seven-piece set puts those worries to rest. Made from ultra-fine microfiber fabric, this set offers year-round comfort with a “perfect balance of softness, weight, and warmth.” The full set includes a plush comforter that’s filled with “cloud-like” fibers for extra warmth, a fitted sheet that has a 14-inch deep pocket with 360-degree elastic, one flat sheet, two pillowcases, and two pillow shams. Like the previous set, the twin sizes are a five-piece, not a seven-piece, because they include one less pillow sham and one less pillowcase. Machine washable and reversible, this set, which comes in 19 colors, uses contrasting shades to add depth and play around with color in a fun and unique way. If you’re not in the market for a brand new set, perhaps you’re looking for something like the Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket to spruce up your bed a bit without completely overhauling your existing comforter and sheets. Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket, $33 (was $180) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at WayfairAvailable as a throw or in twin, queen, and king bed sizes, as well as in 12 colors, this blanket is what we think of when we hear the word “cozy.” Made of polyester fleece and sherpa fabric, as well as filled with polyester material for cushioning, this blanket delivers exceptional softness and is perfect for keeping you warm both inside and outside. Use it on the bed for extra insulation at night, wrapped around you on the couch when you’re reading or watching TV, or to keep a chill away when you’re outside on the patio and the sun starts to set. The reversible blanket has two sides — one with a shaggy fleece surface with vertical striping and another with a fluffy sherpa that is perfect for times when you need a bit of extra warmth. To maintain quality, it’s best to wash on cold in a gentle cycle separately from other laundry and then tumble dry on low. It’s the perfect cozy accessory for a bed that is both functional and stylish, and for only $33 instead of the original $180 it’s quite a steal. Shop more deals Madison Park Quebec Reversible Bedspread Set, $94 (was $130) at Wayfair510 Design Mina Waffle Weave Textured Comforter Set, $50 (was $100) at WayfairEverGrace Cross-Stitch Velvet Quilt 3-Piece Set, $80 (was $91) at WayfairLuxury bedding certainly isn’t for everyone, but the thing is all bedding should feel luxurious, and thanks to Wayfair’s Spring Cyber Week Sale, everyone can get super soft, high-quality comforters, duvets covers, blankets, and more without the luxury prices attached.

Ukraine’s war showed that the edge in drone warfare may lie as much in software as hardware. Demand is rising for autonomous systems and the software behind them.

You spent months planning your dream international vacation, booking the flights, reserving the hotel, and packing your bags with total precision. But there is one critical financial question you almost certainly never stopped to ask yourself before heading straight to the airport departure gate.What exactly happens if you get seriously hurt or fall dangerously ill in a foreign country where your health insurance refuses to pay? The answer for millions of American travelers who fly internationally every single year is a financial disaster that can quickly spiral into six figures.A growing number of travelers are now discovering that one affordable policy could mean the difference between manageable medical care and total financial ruin.Your U.S. health insurance probably stops working the moment you leave the countryThe U.S. State Department warns that most American health insurance plans do not cover medical emergencies that happen on foreign soil at all. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide any coverage for medical costs that you incur outside the United States, according to the State Department.That means the health plan you rely on at home every single day could offer you zero financial protection the moment you cross the border. Foreign hospitals operate under no obligation to accept your American insurance card, and many facilities around the world will simply refuse it.The State Department states in its official travel guidance that the U.S. government does not pay medical costs for its citizens traveling overseas.A medical evacuation alone could cost you up to $200,000 The U.S. State Department reports that an air ambulance evacuation back to the United States can cost you anywhere between $20,000 and $200,000 total. That price range covers only the cost of physically transporting you to a hospital, and does not include a single dollar of actual medical treatment.If you fracture your hip while trekking through a remote part of Southeast Asia, a helicopter evacuation alone could run $150,000 or significantly more.  Both the CDC and the State Department now recommend that all U.S. travelers secure international travel health insurance before departing on any overseas trip.You might assume your premium travel credit card has you fully covered, but the actual medical protection most cards provide is shockingly limited in practice. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers just $2,500 in emergency medical coverage with a $50 deductible, which barely covers a single doctor visit.Travel medical insurance is affordable, and here is what your policy coversStandard travel medical insurance benefits typically include:Travel medical insurance is a standalone policy designed specifically to cover emergency health care costs you incur while traveling outside your home country altogether. These affordable policies typically cover hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications, emergency dental treatment, and ground ambulance transportation for travelers.Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization for unexpected injuries or sudden illness that occurs during your international trip away from your home countryEmergency dental care for accidents while traveling, usually with a sublimit that ranges from $500 to $1,000 per each covered incident on your planMedical evacuation and repatriation services to transport you to the nearest adequate hospital or back to the United States for additional necessary careRound-the-clock emergency assistance hotlines staffed with multilingual coordinators who arrange your treatment and keep your family fully informed throughout recoveryCoverage for travel delays, lost baggage, and missed connections depending on the specific plan and the travel insurance provider you ultimately choose to buyA MoneyGeek analysis of September 2025 premiums found that basic travel medical plans average about $125 for standard trip coverage across major U.S. providers. Medical-only travel insurance plans start as low as roughly one dollar per day, making them the most affordable form of travel protection available.

Travel insurance bridges the gap between domestic coverage and international healthcare systems Portrait of a businessman and doctor shaking hands

The cost of skipping travel medical insurance on your next international tripTravel insurance typically costs between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost, depending on your age, your destination, and the coverage level selected. For a $2,000 international vacation, you could pay as little as $59 to $140 for a policy with meaningful emergency medical protection for the entire trip.Without that policy, a single broken bone treated at a foreign hospital could generate a medical bill your domestic health insurance will simply refuse to cover.How travel medical insurance costs scale by coverage tier:Basic plans averaging $125 cap your medical coverage between $25,000 and $50,000, making them suitable only for domestic trips or very low-risk international travelComprehensive plans averaging $227 provide $100,000 to $150,000 in medical coverage and offer up to $1 million in emergency evacuation protection for your tripPremium plans averaging $345 max out at $250,000 or more in medical coverage, and often include optional cancel-for-any-reason benefits for greater trip flexibilitySeniors typically pay about double what younger travelers pay across all trip values, though the gap narrows slightly on higher-cost trips and longer vacations.  According to TravelInsurance.com, the average trip cost rose 7% in 2025 to $7,900, making the financial risk of traveling without any coverage even greater for you.Retirees and Medicare holders face an even bigger coverage gapMedicare.gov confirms that the program generally does not pay for health care services or supplies you receive outside the United States at all. That restriction includes everything from routine doctor visits to emergency surgery you might urgently need at a foreign hospital during your retirement vacation trip abroad.Some Medigap supplemental plans do cover emergency care abroad, but the benefit is capped at 80% of $50,000 after you pay your required deductible amount. That Medigap emergency foreign travel benefit also stops applying altogether once you have been outside the United States for 60 consecutive days on any single trip.Medicare Advantage plans rarely cover international medical treatment, though a small number of plans may include very limited emergency care provisions for travelers abroad. If you are a retiree planning a cruise, an extended overseas trip, or a seasonal stay abroad, a standalone travel medical policy is almost certainly essential for you.Pre-existing conditions and adventure sports exclusions you need to understandStandard travel medical insurance policies do not automatically cover medical events related to pre-existing health conditions you were already managing before you purchased coverage.Most insurers define a pre-existing condition as any illness or injury for which you sought treatment within 60 to 180 days before purchasing your policy.More Medicare/MedicaidAARP raises a red flag on Social Security, MedicareIf your Medicare plan was canceled, do this nowAARP explains huge new Medicare change coming soonKey exclusions and limitations to review before purchasing any travel medical plan:Pre-existing condition waivers are generally only available if you purchase the policy within 14 to 21 days of making your initial trip deposit paymentAdventure sports and high-risk activities like scuba diving, skiing, and skydiving are typically excluded from standard travel medical insurance coverage under most policiesInjuries caused by alcohol or drug intoxication are typically excluded from all travel medical insurance claims, even if that substance is perfectly legal at your destinationRoutine or elective medical care, including wellness visits and all preventive treatments, are not covered under any travel medical insurance policy that you can purchaseIf you take daily medication or manage any chronic condition, confirm your specific coverage details directly with the insurer before purchasing a travel medical plan.Adventure sports riders that add coverage for high-risk activities typically increase your premium by approximately 10% to 20% above the base cost of your policy.How to choose the right travel medical insurance plan Choosing the right travel medical insurance policy starts with understanding exactly how much medical coverage you actually need for your specific destination and planned activities.Steps to find the right travel medical insurance for your next trip:Check your existing domestic health insurance to find out exactly what it covers abroad, and verify any specific limitations or exclusions directly with your providerAim for at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international trips near the U.S. and at least $100,000 for trips to remote overseas destinationsSelect at least $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage as your baseline, and strongly consider $250,000 or more for cruise travel and adventure trip destinationsPurchase your policy as soon as you make your first nonrefundable trip payment to qualify for pre-existing medical condition waivers if they are available to youCompare plans from multiple providers using an online quote tool that lets you filter by medical limits, deductibles, and coverage for specific activities you plan to doRead your certificate of insurance carefully, paying close attention to the claims process, required documentation, deductible amounts, and any exclusions that may specifically apply. A 2025 U.S. News survey found that 65% of consumers now consider travel insurance important, and roughly 50% of Americans invest in some form of trip coverage.Protecting yourself financially before your next international trip You would never drive your car without auto insurance coverage, and you should not board an international flight without travel medical coverage protecting you either. A policy that costs you less than a restaurant dinner could be the only thing standing between you and a $200,000 medical evacuation bill in a foreign country.Your domestic health insurance plan, your Medicare coverage, and your premium credit card perks almost certainly will not save you in a foreign medical emergency. The U.S. travel insurance market has grown to $7.71 billion in 2025, with a 40% traveler penetration rate that has nearly doubled since before the pandemic hit.Before you book your next international trip, spend just 15 minutes comparing travel medical insurance quotes from at least two or three competing insurance providers online. That small investment of your time and roughly $50 to $125 in premiums could easily be the smartest financial decision you make before your next departure date arrives.Related: McKinsey says AI could reshape how you buy insurance

Over the last few years, limited-time menu options have become the bread and butter of fast-food restaurants. Sometimes these limited time offers (LTOs) are one offs, like Taco Bell’s Y2K menu, which brought back a series of nostalgic faves last fall. Other times, these LTOs are seasonal, like Chick-fil-A’s peppermint chip milkshake that hits menus every winter, or Starbucks range of fall and holiday-themed beverages that come back like clockwork every year. Regardless of how temporary these items really are, the “get it before it’s gone” mentality they inspire in customers is instrumental in a restaurant’s ability to attract customers.“Having evolving menus that bring something unique to the consumer is… a high priority for the foodservice business,” the International Food Service Distribution Association said in a 2025 report. “Operators are introducing more limited-time offers to consumers than ever before in the hope that a steady flow of new menu items will be seen as different and exciting. The number of limited-time offers in restaurants in 2025 is expected to be twice what was seen in 2022.”This strategy has been particularly important as prices go up. When diners become more conscious of their spending, they’re less likely to splash out on menu items they could get anytime and more likely to spend on exclusive options they don’t want to miss.Or so the thinking has gone.McDonald’s limited-time offerings failed to deliverMcDonald’s (MCD) is no stranger to a limited-time offering. Shamrock Shakes land at the restaurant’s locations every spring, and temporary items (like the new Big Arch Burger) regularly drop on and off its menu.However, data from Placer.ai reveal that these temporary offerings aren’t the traffic drivers they once were.When the Shamrock Shake made its annual reappearance during the week of February 16, 2026, foot traffic increased by 5.5% year over year. One week later, traffic had dipped by 0.5% year over year, indicating that the dessert provided only a short traffic boost rather than a sustained, seasonal increase.Related: Fast food giant is coming for Starbucks with fan-approved launchThe fast-food joint saw similar patterns with its release of the Big Arch burger. During the week of March 2, 2026, when the menu item launched, traffic grew only 2.2% year over year, which is hardly the bump McDonald’s was hoping for.“While these LTOs did generate modest traffic lifts for the chain, the impact was relatively muted compared to some of last year’s stronger performers, such as McDonald’s Grinch Meals,” the Placer.ai report said. “These results may suggest that consumers are becoming increasingly selective in their spending — potentially making it more difficult for quick-service restaurant chains to rely on LTOs alone to drive meaningful traffic momentum without additional value-oriented offerings.”

With the Big Arch Burger and the Shamrock Shake failing to deliver foot traffic, McDonald’s may soon be reimagining its menu strategy. Shutterstock

McDonald’s bid to revive its value imageEarlier this month, TheStreet’s Nina Zdinjak reported that McDonald’s was set to launch new value offerings in April 2026.These items, which include a $4 breakfast meal deal and all-day items priced at $3 and under, are designed to attract more price-conscious diners and restore the quick-service chain’s value image.More restaurants:McDonald’s revives 36-year-old fan favorite Happy Meal toy collabTaco Bell makes longtime fan favorite permanent51-year-old regional fast food favorite files Chapter 11“In our big five international operated markets, we’ve offered everyday affordable price options, or EDAP, and menu bundles since early 2025,” McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski told investors during the company’s Q4 FY2025 earnings call. “As awareness for these programs has grown, we’ve seen value and affordability scores steadily improve throughout the year, which also tell us they’re resonating with customers.”“As I’ve said before, and I will say again, McDonald’s is not going to get beat on value and affordability,” he continued. “It’s in our DNA, and we will remain agile to respond as appropriate to a dynamic, competitive landscape.”The failure of McDonald’s recent LTOs may indicate that customers have lost interest in these higher-priced temporary items, and are instead looking to quick-service chains for affordable, reliable offerings. If the new value menu rollout makes a significant difference in McDonald’s foot traffic, we could see the chain fully reimagining its menu strategy going forward.Related: Walmart’s new partner brings iconic brand to the retail giant

The major force in North America’s greatest street race for over 50 years, Acura GP of Long Beach CEO Jim Michaelian, died on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the age of 83.

The latest Iran war escalation touched the South Pars/North Dome reservoir, the giant structure shared by Iran and Qatar that is widely regarded as the world’s largest gas field. The Iranian side, South Pars, accounts for roughly 70% to 75% of Iran’s gas output. The Qatari side, the North Field, is the backbone of one of the most important LNG export systems in the world. After strikes hit South Pars and subsequent attacks damaged Qatar’s Ras Laffan complex, the market was forced to reprice not just crude risk, but also gas and LNG risk. Qatar said the damage knocked out about 17% of its LNG export capacity and could delay recovery for years.That matters because this is not a marginal asset. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says Qatar’s North Field is the largest non-associated gas field in the world, and QatarEnergy says it holds more than 900 trillion cubic feet of recoverable reserves. Current reporting on the broader shared structure places total gas in place at about 1,800 Tcf. In other words, the field at the center of this week’s crisis is not just another regional supply source. It is one of the foundations of the global gas trade.The biggest gas fields on the planetSouth Pars/North Dome (Iran-Qatar): QatarEnergy says the North Field alone has more than 900 Tcf of recoverable reserves, while the broader shared reservoir is widely described as the world’s largest gas field.Urengoyskoye (Russia): Gazprom says the field had 10.9 trillion cubic meters of initial gas reserves at discovery.Bovanenkovskoye (Russia): Gazprom says the field has 4.9 trillion cubic meters of initial gas reserves and design capacity of 115 bcm a year.Zapolyarnoye (Russia): Gazprom says the field has more than 3.5 trillion cubic meters of initial gas reserves and design capacity of 130 bcm a year.Galkynysh (Turkmenistan): Operator-linked figures place proven commercial reserves at 2.8 trillion cubic meters, with broader estimates ranging higher.

Escalation in the Middle East delays natural gas recovery for years.Shutterstock

What the gas-field damage means for Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and ExxonMobilExxonMobil (XOM) has the clearest direct Qatar tie. The company reported 8,442 million cubic feet per day of natural gas production available for sale in 2025, and its Qatar position includes a 25% stake in the joint venture that owns 25% of North Field East, giving Exxon an effective 6.25% interest in the overall project. Exxon is also a major LNG player through Golden Pass in Texas.More oil and gasOil’s whiplash is powering ConocoPhillips, but the real catalyst is internal156-year-old energy king evacuates Middle East staffChevron, Shell make stunning Venezuela move as Iran crisis deepensConocoPhillips (COP) has broad LNG exposure, even if it is not as closely associated with Qatar in the market’s mind. Its LNG portfolio includes equity interests in QatarEnergy LNG, Australia Pacific LNG, and Equatorial Guinea LNG, plus additional exposure through North Field East, North Field South, and Gulf Coast offtake. Conoco’s Qatar position alone includes a 30% interest in QatarEnergy LNG N(3), which is tied to production from the North Field, and 1 MTPA-equivalent interests in both NFE and NFS through joint ventures.Chevron (CVX) has less direct Qatar sensitivity, but it still has major global gas and LNG exposure. Its gas footprint runs through Gorgon in Australia, with 15.6 MTPA of LNG capacity, Wheatstone at 8.9 MTPA, Angola LNG with 1.1 Bcf/d of plant capacity, and the Leviathan expansion in the Eastern Mediterranean, which Chevron says will lift capacity to about 21 bcm annually toward the end of the decade.None of those companies is a pure-play gas exporter, so the exposure is easier to see through production volumes, LNG stakes, and project ownership than through a neat “gas revenue” line. For investors, that is the point. This week’s shock is not only about whether oil can hold above $110. It is about whether a market that depends on giant, concentrated gas infrastructure is being forced to assign a higher risk premium to LNG supply, project timing, and the majors that help move that gas around the world.Related: Sable Offshore runs into a California Line 325 chokepoint

Looking for help with today’s New York Times Wordle? Here are some expert hints, clues and commentary to help you solve today’s Wordle and sharpen your guessing game.