BUSINESS

The start times, TV channels, broadcaster information, and more for the upcoming men’s Frozen Four at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas from April 9-11.

The Rockets will be without their starting point guard in the postseason.

On March 26, Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), finding that the weekly 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.38%.”The housing market continues to show gradual improvements compared to a year ago amid recent rate volatility,” said Freddie Mac chief economist Sam Khater. “Purchase and refinance applications are up year-over-year, and rates remain lower than last year when they averaged 6.65%.”The next day, the daily 30-year FRM hovered near 6.7% before settling at 6.64%, according to Mortgage News Daily (MND).”There were mixed blessings in the mortgage rate world today,” wrote MND chief operating officer Matthew Graham. “The bad news is that today’s rates are just a bit higher than yesterday’s, resulting in another 8-month high. The good news is that things were looking quite a bit worse earlier in the morning.””Mortgage lenders prefer to set rates once per day even though those rates are dictated by movement in the underlying bond market,” Graham continued. “If bonds move enough, lenders will change rates mid-day. Today was one of those days and, fortunately, the change was in a friendly direction.”Dave Ramsey warns Americans about importance of real estate agentsAs mortgage rates rise, homebuying and selling become difficult, rattling the housing market amid a drop in sales.As these economic trends affect individuals, bestselling personal finance author and radio host Dave Ramsey offers a warning about real estate investments, such as homes.”Whether you’re buying or selling a house, you’re dealing with a lot of cash,” Ramsey wrote. “But here’s the thing — just one mistake during the home-buying or home-selling process can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.””So, it’s no wonder why 88% of all buyers and 91% of sellers decide it’s worth working with a real estate professional,” Ramsey continued. “Because when you have a solid pro on your side, they’ll take care of the nitty-gritty details.”More on mortgages, housing market:Zillow sounds alarm mortgage rates, housing marketBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices predicts housing market pivotRedfin sends strong message on mortgage ratesRamsey acknowledges that working with a real estate involves expenses, but argues that those costs are justified.”Real estate agents are usually paid via commission (for example, 3% of a home’s purchase price) for helping you close on a home,” Ramsey explained. For example, if a home sells for $400,000, a 3% commission would give both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent about $12,000 each.

Dave Ramsey acknowledges that expenses exist when using a real estate agent, but argues that those costs are justified.Shutterstock

Dave Ramsey explains value of real estate agentsRamsey clarified his view that real estate agents are very much worth the money.”When you hire a buyer’s agent, you’re getting someone on your side who looks at hundreds of homes every year and helps tons of families navigate the home-buying process,” Ramsey wrote. “A buyer’s agent brings experience, market knowledge and negotiation skills to the table that can save you time, money and a ton of stress.”Ramsey lists top buyer’s agent tasksA strong buyer’s agent helps you identify the right home in the neighborhood that best matches your needs.They spot potential problems early so you don’t overpay or end up choosing a property that isn’t a good fit.They make sure you don’t overlook a home that could actually suit you well.They negotiate effectively on your behalf and work to protect your best interests throughout the process.They keep a close eye on new and updated listings so they can point you toward homes that match most of the features you’re looking for.They show you the strongest options and, when you find one you like, they help you prepare and submit a solid offer.After your offer is accepted, they arrange the home inspection and manage any needed repairs or contract updates.They make sure you don’t end up with a bad deal or miss important details buried in the paperwork.(Source:Ramsey Solutions)Ramsey lists top seller’s agent tasksA home seller’s agent has similar qualifications, but from the other side of the transaction, Ramsey explained.A good seller’s agent gives you confidence and peace of mind when you’re preparing to sell your largest asset.They bring deep market knowledge and help you set an accurate, competitive listing price.They manage the marketing of your home and coordinate showings with qualified buyers.They guide you through evaluating offers and negotiate to secure the strongest possible deal.They walk you through how to stage and present your home so it appeals to buyers.They use their knowledge of recent sales in your area to help you set a competitive, realistic price.They promote your home widely — through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), social media, and advertising — to attract as many buyers as possible.This broad exposure helps your home sell quickly and for the strongest possible price.(Source:Ramsey Solutions)Related: Zillow forecasts mortgage rate, housing market shift

Bank of America has agreed to pay $72.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of women who say they were victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operation, reported CBS News. The settlement was filed in Manhattan federal court on March 27.The bank denies wrongdoing. The settlement still requires approval from U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff, with a hearing scheduled for April 2.What the Jeffrey Epstein victims’ lawsuit allegedThe lawsuit, filed in October 2025 under case number 25-cv-08520 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accused Bank of America of providing banking and financial services to Epstein and his associates while ignoring clear warning signs. Plaintiffs alleged the bank failed to file required suspicious activity reports with federal authorities until after Epstein’s death in August 2019, per CBS News.The lead plaintiff, identified only as “BOA Jane Doe,” said she was living in Russia when she met Epstein in 2011 and was coerced into what she described as a cult-like life. According to court filings, Epstein paid her rent and income through a Bank of America account while controlling her financially, emotionally, and psychologically, sexually abusing her on at least 100 occasions over eight years.More Wall StreetBillionaire Dalio sends 2-words on Fed pick WarshTop analyst bets these stocks will boost your portfolio in 2026Bank of America sends quiet warning to stock market investorsA central element of the lawsuit involved billionaire financier Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management. The suit alleged that $170 million Black paid to Epstein from a Bank of America account, described as compensation for “tax and estate planning advice,” represented suspicious transactions the bank should have flagged.Black was not a defendant in the lawsuit but was described as a “critical witness” by Sigrid McCawley, the lead attorney for the victims. Black had been scheduled to be deposed on the same day the settlement details were filed with the court.Bank of America’s position on Epstein lawsuit”While we stand by our prior statements made in the filings in this case, including that Bank of America did not facilitate sex trafficking crimes, this resolution allows us to put this matter behind us and provides further closure for the plaintiffs,” the bank said in a statement cited by NBC News.In February 2026, Judge Rakoff had allowed key claims to proceed, ruling that allegations of the bank’s “reckless disregard” were sufficient to support the case moving forward. The settlement was reached in principle on March 12, and its terms were made public on March 27.Which Epstein victims are covered and what happens nextThe settlement covers all women sexually abused or trafficked by Epstein or his associates between June 30, 2008, and July 6, 2019. Lawyers in the case said they are aware of at least 60 women victimized during that period.Plaintiffs’ attorneys, including McCawley of Boies Schiller Flexner, may seek up to 30% of the fund, approximately $21.8 million, in legal fees. The remaining amount would be distributed among class members after court approval.”Today’s resolution of the case against Bank of America is one more step on the road to much deserved justice,” McCawley said.

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How this compares to prior Wall Street Epstein payoutsJPMorgan Chase: Agreed to pay Epstein victims $290 million in June 2023, per NPR. JPMorgan separately paid the U.S. Virgin Islands $75 million later that year.Deutsche Bank: Agreed to pay victims $75 million in 2023, around the same time as JPMorgan’s settlement.Bank of America: $72.5 million settlement, pending court approval April 2.As with the prior settlements, Bank of America did not admit liability. The pattern across all three institutions has been the same: settle, deny wrongdoing, and move on.What Bank of America’s lawsuit settlement means for investorsThe $72.5 million figure is not material to Bank of America’s finances. The bank reported $7.6 billion in net income in the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, making the settlement cost roughly three days of profit.The more significant question for investors is reputational. Bank of America is the last of the major Wall Street institutions to settle Epstein-related claims. With this litigation moving toward closure, the legal overhang on the stock from this case is effectively resolved pending Rakoff’s approval.The broader pattern across all three banks is notable. Each institution processed transactions for Epstein over many years. Each was accused of ignoring red flags. Each ultimately chose to settle rather than go to trial. None admitted wrongdoing.The settlements collectively represent hundreds of millions of dollars paid to victims and their attorneys. But no bank has faced criminal charges or regulatory action directly tied to Epstein-related compliance failures.Related: Bank of America revamps Apple price target

The Toronto Blue Jays swapped one infielder for another after a significant offseason overhaul.

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 dealGetting your home organized is a deeply rewarding feeling, whether it’s a storage cart in the bathroom, a buffet cabinet in the dining room, or even a case for small parts for your DIY projects. But since the garage is a dumping ground for everything from Christmas decorations to unused furniture, it can turn into a mess fast — that is, unless you have it under control with the help of a sturdy tote tower.Walmart’sClevermade Five-Tier Tote Tower holds five 27-gallon storage totes (sold separately), getting them up off the ground and making them easy to slide in and out. Whether you use it alone or line up a few in your garage, they’ll make storage much easier to manage, especially when you need to go digging through them to figure out where you put something. For $89, that’s an investment worth making.Clevermade 5-Tier Tote Tower, $89 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at WalmartWhy do shoppers love it?This tower is one of those things you’ll buy and then wonder how you ever lived without it. While there are tons of shelving options to store large totes on, this one has a major advantage over them: a rail stop at the end of each shelf, which keeps the tote from exiting the back of the tower. It’s made of steel and measures 67.75 inches high, 23 inches wide, and 30.75 inches deep, and can hold up to 50 pounds per shelf for a total of 250 pounds, so even if you load these totes up with heavy stuff, the tower can handle it.One thing to note is that this tower does not come with totes. If you don’t already own the size that fits into it, there are plenty of options out there to choose from. We recommend the Hyper Tough 27-gallon bins, which live up to their name.These towers would make an ideal setup for DIY enthusiasts who need a way to organize tools and materials in the garage, but that’s just one of hundreds of potential uses. Since the totes are airtight, you can safely store everything from off-season bedding to emergency rations and rest assured they’ll be in good condition when you need them (and best of all, they’ll be easy to reach).Related: Amazon is selling a 26-drawer organizer for only $31 with over 40,000 5-star ratingsShoppers love this tote tower, which has an average 4.2-star rating out of five. “This storage bin setup keeps your area looking neat and your bins off of the floor,” one shopper wrote. “Much easier to slide them in and out (since they are resting on individual rails) as opposed to having to unstack them to get to the storage bin that you need. Great buy!”A second shopper wrote, “My husband absolutely loves this! It’s easy to put together, and holds its weight in full totes! Totes slide out easily and take up less space than having totes thrown everywhere!”Shop more deals Sterilite 6-Pack of Large Storage Bins, $48 (was $60) at WalmartHyper Tough 27-Gallon Storage Bin Pack of Four, $32 at WalmartSterilite 2-Pack 40-Gallon Storage Bin With Wheels, $37 (was $60) at WalmartIf you’re tired of dealing with a cluttered garage, the Clevermade Five-Tier Tote Tower might be your new best friend. Pick one up for $89 and wrangle your storage into shape.

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Google (GOOGL) just gave Wall Street a reason to rethink the biggest AI trade available.Alphabet’s Google Research said earlier in March that it had developed a new family of compression algorithms, TurboQuant, PolarQuant and Quantized Johnson-Lindenstrauss, or QJL.What is the point of all of these? They aim to slash the memory required to run large language models and vector search systems.In Google’s tests, TurboQuant reduced key-value cache memory needs by at least six times while preserving accuracy, raising important questions regarding the bigger issue for investors. What happens to memory and storage demand if AI models become dramatically better?That question hit a nerve fast. Micron Technology (MU), Western Digital (WDC), Seagate Technology (STX) and SanDisk (SNDK) all moved lower as investors digested the possibility that AI workloads may not need as much firepower.Market coverage tied the decline directly to Google’s breakthrough, which landed at a moment when AI infrastructure stocks had already enjoyed an enormous run on the belief that bigger models translate into higher memory, more storage and more capex.That is what made the reaction so alarming. Wall Street was not simply responding to a research blog. It was responding to the idea that part of the AI boom’s value could shift away from hardware suppliers. Where will it go next? Well, it will likely move towards the companies finding ways to squeeze more performance out of the same infrastructure base.For a scarcity-built trade, that is something alarming.“As AI becomes more integrated into all products, from LLMs to semantic search, this work in fundamental vector quantization will be more critical than ever,” Google research scientist Amir Zandieh and Google Fellow Vahab Mirrokni wrote in a company blog post.Google’s TurboQuant hits the AI memory tradeGoogleframed TurboQuant as a solution to one of modern AI’s most painful bottlenecks: memory overhead.As models process longer prompts and larger context windows, the need for memory to store key-value caches increases, which can slow inference and raise operating expenses.Traditional vector quantization can make that footprint smaller, but it often adds extra costs because systems still need to store quantization constants with high precision.Related: Nvidia CEO makes bombshell call on AI’s next big thingGoogle said TurboQuant addresses that weakness by combining PolarQuant for the main compression work with QJL for low-cost error correction.That technical distinction is why the market is responding so much. For the past two years, investors are rewarding the opinion that artificial intelligence will keep forcing hyperscalers and model builders to buy more memory-rich systems, higher-capacity storage and more supporting infrastructure.Google’s work does not eliminate the thesis. However, it confuses the matter by showing that software innovation can bend the hardware-demand curve.When a sector is priced for relentless intensity, even the hint of future efficiency will lead to substantial repricing.There is still an important counterargument. TurboQuant remains research-stage technology, with Google saying it plans to debut the documents at ICLR 2026, while PolarQuant is slated for AISTATS 2026.That means that the selloff may have been caused as much by people getting out of crowded positions and taking profits as by a sudden change in demand in the end market. And bulls still have a case to make: recent news has shown that hyperscaler infrastructure spending will still be huge in 2026.Sandisk added another twist to the story, as it occurred on the same day that people learned about a large strategic move in memory.Nanya Technology said March 25 that Sandisk Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sandisk Corp., subscribed for 138.685 million common shares in Nanya’s private placement at NT$223.9 per share.Nanya said the proceeds would be used for factory facilities and production equipment for advanced memory manufacturing to meet AI-driven computational demand.Sandisk was the biggest investor in the about $2.5 billion fundraising and that it also inked a long-term deal for DRAM supply with Nanya, according to the reports.That makes the most interesting split-screen in the story. On one side, Google’s new documents suggest future AI models may require less memory per workload.On the other hand, Sandisk is still spending real money to make sure it can get memory supply for the long-term growth of AI. That is not something investors can ignore. The real debate right now is what will happen next in the AI infrastructure trade.The more profound issue is whether AI remains primarily a hardware story or is becoming an optimization issue. Up to now, the market is overwhelmingly rewarding hardware beneficiaries, from memory makers to networking suppliers to GPU partners.But Google’s is giving a reminder that the best benefits accruing in AI economics may come from smarter compression, better routing, lower-cost inference and more efficient data handling. That does not finish the buildout; it simply redistributes some of the profit pool.That is why these stocks reacted so violently. Investors weren’t just buying and selling news about one algorithm. They were betting that software might start moving faster than the hardware assumptions the market makes. If that happens, the winners inside AI may still win big. But the key thing is that they will not win the same way.

Google sparks a fresh selloff in AI memory stocksPhoto by LUDOVIC MARIN on Getty Images

Sandisk and Micron now face a tougher AI narrativeFor now, the cleanest read is not that Google broke and destroyed the memory market. It is that Google has disrupted the simplicity of the memory trade.More Tech Stocks:Morgan Stanley sets jaw-dropping Micron price target after eventNvidia’s China chip problem isn’t what most investors thinkQuantum Computing makes $110 million move nobody saw comingMicron, Western Digital, Seagate and Sandisk all benefit from a straightforward narrative.Related: Micron CEO drops a bombshell after Micron’s huge earnings beatLarger models, heavier inference and more AI traffic should require more chips, more storage and higher spending across the data center stack. Do not get me wrong, that narrative still has plenty of legs to run. Micron’s own recent results showed that demand for AI is still very high, and recent news has said that big hyperscalers are still planning to spend a lot on infrastructure in 2026.The point is that demand does not disappear. The point is for investors to think long and hard about how much of that demand will be offset by efficiency gains from the model side.That’s when figuring out the value gets harder. If AI keeps getting smarter but the amount of memory needed for each task goes down, hardware makers may still have strong sales, but not the kind of steady growth that investors had expected. That possibility is most important for stocks that have already gone up a lot, because when the market sees a new reason to question the slope of future demand, crowded winners are usually the first to get hit. That’s precisely what Google’s post on March 24 did.Key takeaways on Google, Micron and SandiskGoogle ResearchintroducedTurboQuant, PolarQuant and QJL on March 24 to reduce AI memory overhead.Google said TurboQuant cut key-value cache memoryneeds by at least six times in its tests without sacrificing accuracy.Memory and storage stocks including Micron, Western Digital, Seagate and Sandisk sold off as investors reassessed AI hardware demand assumptions.Sandiskseparately agreed to invest in Nanya and secure DRAM supply, signaling continued confidence in long-term memory demand.The big market question is whether AI’s next gains flow more to hardware suppliers or to software and model companies that make infrastructure more efficient.The AI memory trade is not dead. Not at all. But it is no longer as simple as “more models, more chips.”Google just reminded Wall Street that software can shake things up as well. That makes things harder for Micron, Sandisk, and the rest of the group. They now have to show that demand growth can outpace the efficiency gains from the model side of the business. That means that for investors, the next few quarters will be less about excitement and more about proof.Related: Palantir just got access to something highly sensitive

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Albertsons (ACI), a leading US food and drug retailer, is pulling back in the high-stakes North Texas market as part of a broader restructuring.According to recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filings listed by USA Today, the grocery giant will shutter two Tarrant County locations by late April, resulting in 138 layoffs.This adds to a string of location closures by the grocery retailer, which spans California and Washington, D.C. These new locations add to its shrinking physical footprint, following the company’s 2025 closure of 20 stores to survive as a standalone entity.While the Euless and Fort Worth closures may seem like a local story, they underscore a rising trend of digital productivity amid cooling merger ambitions in an extremely competitive market.Under the company banner are known names, including Safeway, Vons, Acme, Pavilions, Shaw’s, and Tom Thumb, among others, with a combined strength of more than 2,200 stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia.The Kroger merger hangoverIn 2024, the planned $24.6 billion merger between grocery giant Kroger and Albertsons collapsed due to antitrust concerns and concerns that it would reduce workers’ bargaining power. This deal was a missed lifeline for a financially pressured Albertsons, as competition from Costco, Walmart, and Texas-based H-E-B continues to make staying relevant in this market extremely difficult. More Layoffs:Major grocery store supplier delivers harsh message to workers4 signs your company is quietly planning layoffsLuxury retail giant cuts more than 1,200 jobs after bankruptcy filingAdding to the pressure is market manipulation by dominant grocery retail power buyers like Walmart, which is “contributing to higher food prices for American consumers,” according to the National Grocers Association.As such, it is pushing local retailers such as Albertsons to brace for a brutal reality in which names like Walmart, with an over $1 trillion valuation, capture around 23% of the U.S. grocery market, followed by Kroger, which accounts for over 10% of the market, as reported by TheStreet.Albertsons rebound strategyDuring the company’s Q3 earnings call in January 2025, then-CEO Viveik Sankaran revealed that increasing digital sales was a pivotal part of its revival strategy.“To engage customers, we have continued to invest in growth through four digital platforms. These platforms are designed to drive increased sales, more deeply engage our most loyal customers, increase customer lifetime value, and generate digital space and robust data for the Albertsons Media collective,” said former Albertsons CEO Vivek Sankaran.

Albertsons’ stock is down 21% over the year.Shutterstock

One of these platforms is e-commerce, which is run out of the store and helped drive digital sales, accounting for 7% of total grocery revenue, Sankaran noted. Improvements in “quality, speed, and convenience of DriveUp & Go and in-home delivery” have also contributed.In addition, Albertsons set a target to deliver $1.5 billion in savings to invest in growth initiatives and customer value propositions. These include automating the majority of the supply chain, rolling out AI technologies, and implementing a new warehouse management system.Fast forwarding to its Q3 2025 earnings report released on Jan 7, 2026, the company noted a 21% increase in digital sales and a 12% increase in loyalty members, totaling 49.8 million. The report noted that Albertsons achieved improved results through smart investments in technology and AI, which have reshaped its customer interactions. These investments are also “driving smarter decisions, greater efficiency, and more personalized experiences,” said Albertsons CEO Susan Morris.By closing underperforming locations and driving up digital performance, the grocery retailer aims to strengthen its foundation in a market that is comparatively under-penetrated compared to industry benchmarks.Here are the Albertsons locations that have closed, resulting in layoffs, since January.Washington, D.C.:Safeway (Albertsons banner) is permanently closing its Maryland Ave, NE grocery location by May 16, and its pharmacy will close on April 1. It impacted 87 employees.California: In Escondido, a Vons location will close by May 1, affecting 65 employees; and in Redlands, a Vons location impacting 70 people will shutter starting March 19.Texas: The closure of the Euless location will impact 82 employees, and the Fort Worth location will result in 56 employees being laid off, both beginning in April 25, 2026.
Total: 295 jobs cut
Related: Discount retail giant closes facility, lays off more than 300 people