BUSINESS

It was an ugly day all around in markets as the Iran war has sent oil prices and bond yields surging higher.

A California jury found Bill Cosby liable for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman over 50 years ago — and ordered him to pay nearly $60 million in damages.

The increase marks the latest price hike since the streamer upped subscription costs in January 2025.

Barclays raised its 2026 year-end S&P 500 target to 7,650 on March 24. That is up from its previous target of 7,400. It implies roughly 16% upside from where the index closed the prior session at 6,581.The call came against a difficult backdrop. The S&P 500 has fallen about 4.3% since the Iran war began. Soaring oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty pushed investors toward safer assets. Barclays is betting that the earnings story wins out anyway.What is driving the upgradeThe core of Barclays’ argument is straightforward. Strong corporate earnings, led by the technology sector, will outweigh the macro risks now building in the market. The bank raised its 2026 S&P 500 EPS estimate to $321 from $305.Importantly, Barclays said the target increase reflects a stronger earnings base, not a valuation re-rating. The bank is not arguing stocks deserve higher multiples. It is arguing the profit foundation underneath them is more solid than previously estimated.”We believe the U.S. continues to offer stronger nominal growth than other major economies and a secular growth engine in technology that shows few signs of stopping,” Barclays strategists said in the note.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 investorsThe bank expects real GDP growth of 2.6% in 2026. It described inflation as “sticky but well-anchored.” US consumption has remained durable and labor market conditions have stayed steady despite the geopolitical turbulence. In Barclays’ view, these factors give the earnings outlook a foundation that the current selloff does not adequately reflect.The risks Barclays is not ignoringThe upgrade comes with a clear-eyed view of what could go wrong. Barclays outlined a bear case of 5,900 for the S&P 500. That would represent a roughly 15% decline from recent levels and is described as the scenario where the current risks metastasize.The bank flagged two specific concerns that could derail the bull case:Oil and inflation. Surging energy prices have revived inflation concerns and created a difficult position for the Federal Reserve. The Fed last week signaled only one rate cut for 2026. If oil stays elevated, it could feed through to broader prices and force the Fed into what Barclays called an “unenviable corner” between fighting inflation and supporting growth.Private credit stress. Barclays flagged rising redemption pressure in private credit funds as a risk that could trigger a sharper downturn if investor sentiment deteriorates. This is a less visible risk than the oil story but one the bank explicitly called out.The strategists also noted that the distribution of outcomes has shifted left. Even as they raise their target, they are reducing fair value multiples across the board to account for heightened uncertainty in both macro and AI outcomes.How Barclays is positioning across sectorsAlong with the index target upgrade, Barclays updated its US sector calls. It upgraded industrials to “positive” from “neutral.” It raised materials and energy to “neutral” from “negative.” The reasoning: improving industrial momentum, AI-linked capital expenditure support, and direct benefits from higher energy prices.

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The bank noted that positioning across the market does not yet reflect panic. Long-only funds have reduced exposure and hedge funds have degrossed moderately. But systematic risk appears more symmetric and there is still dry powder on the sidelines. Barclays described the current options activity as having “shifted back toward macro concerns” without yet showing signs of widespread fear.What this means for investorsBarclays is making a specific bet: that the US earnings engine, particularly in technology, remains strong enough to absorb the headwinds from oil, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty. The 7,650 target implies the bank believes the selloff since the Iran war began has created opportunity rather than signaling deeper trouble ahead.The bear case at 5,900 is a reminder that the range of outcomes is wide. The same conditions driving the bull case, strong tech earnings and resilient consumption, could flip quickly if energy prices stay elevated long enough to force a Fed policy error.For investors watching the S&P 500, Barclays is one of the more constructive voices on Wall Street right now. But even in its upgraded scenario, the bank is reducing multiples and warning that uncertainty is elevated. That combination, higher targets alongside lower confidence in the range of outcomes, is itself a signal worth paying attention to. The bull case requires the earnings engine to keep running. The bear case does not require much to go wrong.Related: JPMorgan doubles down on S&P 500 target for one key reason

Those who have either traveled through an airport or followed the news over the last week will know that many airports across the U.S. are currently experiencing hours-long delays to clear security checkpoints.With TSA agents now having missed their first full paycheck, many have been calling in sick or quitting their jobs as political battles over a funding bill tied to increased voting restrictions and expanded Department of Homeland Security funds continue. As of March 26, Republicans have blocked all 11 Democratic proposals to reinstate funding to critical agencies like TSA, FEMA, and CISA without additional resources for immigration enforcement. As a result, airports like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston have been seeing TSA lines that on some days have taken over four hours for travelers to clear.Disney World guests report ride lines as long as in many airports”I’ve been really scared the whole week, looking on TikTok and Instagram and just seeing all the lines,” Lara Atasoya, who arrived at JFK five hours before her flight to get back home to Sweden, described to a local news station. “And I was thinking, how am I going to get home?”While Disney parks have no connection to airport security or governmental funding, guests who came to several of the parks in the Disney World resort this week reported Spring Break crowds equaling what is being reported at many airports.Related: Delta Air Lines scraps secret perk for lawmakers amid shutdown”Rise of the Resistance surged to a posted wait time of 150 minutes and if you’ve spent any time at Disney World, you already know what that really means,” Sarah Larson reported on the situation at Hollywood Studios for the Inside The Magic watchdog blog. “Guests weren’t just waiting two and a half hours — they were committing to a line that stretched close to three. At the same time, Smugglers Run climbed to an 80-minute wait, adding even more pressure to the land.”

Spring Break is peak visitor period at all the Disney parks.Image source: Daniel Kline/TheStreet

Why the Disney lines are so long this time of yearWith the exact timing of spring break differing between cities and exact schools, the entire period at the end of March and start of April is generally some of Disney’s busiest as many families plan their trip to the parks around this time; this also happens to be the time of the year when temperatures are milder and before the worst of the Florida heat sets in.More Travel News:Airline to launch unusual new flight to Cayman Islands from the U.S.Iranian strike hits major airport, injuries reportedUnexpected country is most luxurious travel destination for 2026U.S. government issues sudden warning on Switzerland travelThis year, the worst of the crowds are expected for the period of Easter weekend between April 3 and 6. The Walt Disney World Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which allows holders to pass to the front of the line for popular rides, has sold out on many days last week while prices that increase based on how busy the parks get reached $449 for Magic Kingdom and are expected to stay in that highest end of the range over the next few weeks.Travelers going through a U.S. airport to get to Disney are, in turn, likely to face a double whammy of many hours spent waiting in lines.Related: U.S. government issues strange warning on Ireland travel

The video retailer sparked speculations of selling bitcoin after it transferred nearly all its coins to Coinbase Prime in January.

Gregory Zamfotis chose lattes over the law, deciding midway through law school that he wanted to start his own business.

Gas prices are climbing again. And what that means for millions of gig workers, is that it’s more than just a headline. It’s a direct hit to income.For drivers relying on ride-hailing platforms, every extra dollar at the pump eats into already tight margins. So when fuel costs spike, the pressure builds fast.That’s exactly the situation many drivers across the U.S. are facing right now. And Lyft (LYFT) is stepping in.According to Investing.com, the San Francisco-based company just announced a temporary driver relief program. Key target? It’s aimed at helping drivers offset rising fuel costs amid geopolitical tensions that are pushing energy prices higher.The move raises an important question: Is this short-term support? Or is it really the start of a bigger shift in how gig platforms support drivers?Lyft launches driver relief program as fuel costs riseLyft’s new program is designed to provide immediate financial relief. The initiative will run for 60 days, from March 27 through May 26, and offers a mix of cash-back incentives and fuel savings.Here is where it gets more interesting. Drivers using the Lyft Direct debit card at eligible gas stations can unlock added benefits.

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Here’s how the program breaks down:Top-tier drivers: Extra 2% cash back on fuelMid-tier drivers: Additional 1% cash backExisting rewards: Up to 10% depending on driver statusWhen combined with partner offers, the savings can add up quickly.Lyft estimates that top-performing drivers could save up to 98 cents per gallon, based on national average gas prices near $3.97–$3.98 per gallon, according to AAA.Drivers can also stack additional savings:Around 14 cents per gallon via Lyft’s partnership with the Upside appExtra rewards through point redemption programs“Gas prices have jumped significantly… and we know that hits hardest for drivers,” the company said in a statement.Rising gas prices put pressure on gig workersThe timing of Lyft’s program isn’t random. Fuel prices have surged more than 30% in recent weeks, driven by global energy disruptions tied to ongoing geopolitical tensions. That has created a difficult environment for gig workers.Unlike traditional employees, drivers absorb fuel costs directly. Meaning higher prices immediately reduce take-home pay.More Oil and Gas:The world’s biggest gas field matters just as much as oil right nowGoldman Sachs reveals top oil stocks to buy for 2026U.S. economy will show resilience, despite rising oil pricesLyft (LYFT) acknowledged this challenge directly.“Drivers are feeling the cost of rising gas prices, which ultimately impacts their earnings,” said Yuko Yamazaki, the company’s head of driver experience.The move also reflects growing competition in the gig economy. Earlier this week, DoorDash (DASH) announced a similar relief initiative, offering fuel-related support through April.That signals a broader trend: Platforms are being forced to respond as driver economics tighten.Lyft’s also reported strong financial results for 2025Despite current pressures, Lyft (LYFT) enters this period from a position of strength. The company reported record financial results for 2025 on February 10th, highlighting a major turnaround.Key highlights included:Gross bookings: $18.5 billion, up 15% year over yearRevenue: $6.3 billion, up 9%Net income: $2.8 billion (vs. just $22.8 million in 2024)Free cash flow: $1.12 billionCEO David Risher described 2025 as a “comeback year,” with the company now entering a new phase focused on expansion and innovation.“2025 was an incredible year in Lyft’s comeback story. Through customer obsession, we’re transforming from your local, “out-to-dinner” rideshare app to a global, hybrid transportation platform.”So, what does Lyft expect looking ahead?In the earnings call transcript, The CEO, David Risher, mentioned this too. “As we look ahead, we are entering a transformational phase for Lyft – 2026 will be the year of the AV with deployments in the U.S. and overseas.”In their Q1’26 outlook, Lyft expects:Q1 2026 bookings: $4.86 billion to $5.00 billionAdjusted EBITDA: $120 million to $140 millionThe company is also preparing for a future shaped by autonomous vehicles, calling 2026 “the year of the AV.” But near-term challenges remain.Rising fuel costs could impact driver supply. And ultimately, rider experience, if not addressed effectively.What this means for drivers and investorsLyft’s relief program may be temporary, but it highlights a bigger shift. The gig economy is becoming more sensitive to macro pressures like inflation, fuel costs, and global conflict.For drivers, the question is simple: Will this support be enough? For investors, the stakes are broader. Can Lyft balance driver incentives, profitability, and growth in a volatile environment?Related: Uber’s CEO says other executives are lying about AI

The chances of accelerating U.S. inflation are growing with each passing day as the war in the Middle East continues, with the average price of gasoline nationwide spiking to almost $4 a gallon as of Thursday. But there’s another thing American consumers and investors should feel nervous about: the prospect of deflation.

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 dealThe weather might be warming up but that doesn’t mean it’s time to say goodbye to long sleeves. Spring weather is particularly fickle so having some go-to layering options and outer layers is the only way to balance out Mother Nature’s temperamental mood swings that take us from sunny and hot to rainy and cold in the blink of an eye. It’s far too warm for a heavy coat or jacket, but a solid sweatshirt or lightweight denim jacket are perfect to carry with you when you’re out on the go, easily thrown on when you have a chill and taken off when the sun is on full blast. And the only thing better than being prepared for all kinds of weather is scoring your spring outerwear for a super low price. During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, the Champion Pullover Hoodie is available for 40% off. You can get the $27 sweatshirt for just $16 right now, and a variety of other colors are also available at discount prices. With a large size range and over 65,000 ratings at Amazon, it’s one of the best clothing sales we’ve seen so far. Champion Pullover Hoodie, $16 (was $24) at Amazon

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Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?When it comes to any kind of loungewear, comfort is of the utmost importance, and this sweatshirt offers it in spades. Crafted with a cotton and polyester fabric blend, the sweatshirt has the durability, sturdiness, and moisture-wicking properties that synthetic fabrics like polyester offer while also being super soft and breathable thanks to natural fibers like cotton. In combination, the sweatshirt provides insulation and warmth, but also allows for air circulation so that you don’t get overheated and you stay cool and dry. The inside of the sweatshirt is made with a brushed midweight fleece that adds extra warmth without making it overly bulky and providing you with endless comfort as you wear it. It’s designed to have a standard fit, so if you prefer a more oversized look it’s best to size up. What’s great about this sweatshirt is that it has a large size range, starting at X-Small and going up to 4X-Large, and you can opt for Standard or Big & Tall sizing. The pullover has ribbed cuffs and a bottom hem that adds some dimension and shape to the hoodie. The double-layered hood with the adjustable drawstring is perfect at providing more warmth when the weather is chillier, and you can customize the fit around your head and face with the drawstring. The front of the sweatshirt has a kangaroo pocket which can provide storage or keep hands warm, and as always the iconic Champion logo is emblazoned on the upper left shoulder area. Related: Amazon’s bestselling 6-pack of novelty T-shirts is on sale for $88It comes in not just one but 28 colors. Styles and price vary slightly, but many of the options have some sort of discount or deal applied to them right now. It is easy to clean and machine-washable. Details to knowMaterial: Cotton and polyester blend. Colors: 28.Sizes: The sweatshirt is available in standard and big & tall sizes. The range starts at X-Small and goes up to 4X-Large. Care: Machine wash.With over 65,000 ratings, shoppers certainly have a lot to say about this hoodie. It gets lots of callouts for its soft, thick feel that keeps you warm and stays in great condition after multiple washes. Shoppers say it’s lightweight and comfortable, and the wide size range makes it great for all kinds of body types. “It’s a functional sweater and easy to layer,” one shopper said. Shop more deals Aloodor 2-Piece Sweatsuit Set, $25 (was $36) at AmazonColumbia PFG Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Shirt, $21 (was $40) at AmazonGAP Logo Full Zip Sweatshirt, $36 (was $50) at AmazonWith weather changing so vastly each day, it’s best to be prepared with the right apparel, and a quality sweatshirt like the Champion Pullover Hoodie is the perfect layering piece to keep you comfortable all spring long.