The Street

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, is suing Eli Lilly over advertisements comparing some of their biggest-selling drugs.The ads compare Lilly’s Zepbound with Novo’s Wegovy, and Novo argues they give consumers a misleading picture of how the blockbuster weight-loss drugs stack up.At the center of the dispute is Lilly’s claim that patients taking Zepbound lost substantially more weight than those taking Wegovy in a direct clinical trial.Lilly says the comparison is based on a head-to-head clinical trial, which it calls the gold standard for comparing medicines.Novo says the problem is that the trial did not test a newer, higher dose of Wegovy that is now available to patients.That disagreement has opened a new legal front in the fierce competition between the two drugmakers in the booming obesity and diabetes market.Novo Nordisk challenges Lilly’s Zepbound advertisingNovo Nordisk filed a lawsuit on July 21 in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, accusing Lilly of false and misleading advertising involving Zepbound and its diabetes drug Mounjaro.Novo alleges Lilly’s national advertising campaigns make its medicines appear significantly more effective than competing Novo drugs by relying on clinical trials that did not test doses of Wegovy and Ozempic that are now available.More Lawsuits:Meta layoffs take disturbing turn in new lawsuitOpenAI faces sanctions bid as copyright case escalatesFresh lawsuit drops bombshell on Micron stock priceOne of the Zepbound campaigns cited in the complaint reviewed by TheStreet prominently compares the average weight loss of roughly 50 pounds for patients taking Zepbound with about 33 pounds for patients taking Wegovy.Those figures come from Lilly’s SURMOUNT-5 trial, which directly compared tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy.According to the court complaint, participants receiving Zepbound at 10 milligrams or 15 milligrams lost an average of 20.2% of their body weight, compared with 13.7% for participants receiving Wegovy at 1.7 milligrams or 2.4 milligrams.Novo does not dispute that those were the trial’s results.Instead, it argues that continuing to use those results in broad comparisons became misleading after a higher 7.2-milligram dose of Wegovy became available.SURMOUNT-5 did not test that dose.“As new and more effective treatment options become available, people deserve accurate information that reflects the latest scientific evidence and helps them make informed care decisions,” said John Kuckelman, Senior Vice President and Group General Counsel at Novo Nordisk, in a statement to TheStreet.“Healthcare companies have a responsibility to keep their public claims accurate and current — ineffective, fine-print disclaimers do not fix the misleading impression created by major national campaigns.”

Novo Nordisk is suing Eli Lilly.jetcityimage / Getty Images

Eli Lilly stands behind Zepbound comparisonLilly strongly disputes Novo’s allegations and says its advertising is supported by a randomized clinical trial directly comparing the medicines.“The gold standard for comparing medicines is a robustly designed, well-conducted head-to-head clinical trial — like SURMOUNT-5, which remains the only head-to-head, randomized clinical trial directly comparing tirzepatide and semaglutide in weight management,” a Lilly spokesperson told TheStreet.“Rather than compete on the merits of its products, Novo is asking a court to stop Lilly from communicating the results of that trial.”Lilly said it stands behind its advertising.“It is truthful, it is transparent, and it is grounded in the most direct scientific evidence available — exactly what patients deserve,” the spokesperson said.“We will continue to focus on the science and defend against this lawsuit vigorously.”The competing arguments expose the central issue in the case.Lilly is relying on a trial that directly tested Zepbound against Wegovy.Novo argues that the comparison no longer fairly represents the products available today because Wegovy now has a higher approved dose that was never included in that trial.No head-to-head trial cited in the complaint has directly compared Zepbound with Wegovy at the newer 7.2-milligram dose.Novo points to newer Wegovy dataNovo argues in its complaint that results from a separate clinical trial of higher-dose Wegovy undermine the impression created by Lilly’s advertising.According to the lawsuit, Novo’s STEP UP trial found that participants receiving Wegovy 7.2 milligrams achieved an average weight loss of 18.8%, or approximately 47 pounds.Novo compares that result with a separate Lilly trial, SURMOUNT-1, in which participants receiving Zepbound at 15 milligrams achieved average weight loss of 20.9%, or approximately 48 pounds.The two medicines were not tested against each other in those trials.Novo nevertheless argues that the separate results show substantially closer weight loss than the 50-pound-versus-33-pound comparison highlighted in Lilly’s advertising.The company’s complaint argues that Lilly should conduct a new direct clinical trial comparing the currently available doses before making broad claims about product superiority.Lawsuit also targets Mounjaro and Ozempic advertisingNovo’s lawsuit extends beyond weight-loss drugs.The company is also challenging Lilly’s advertising, which compares Mounjaro, its tirzepatide medicine for type 2 diabetes, with Novo’s Ozempic.Lilly advertising cited in the lawsuit compares a 2.3% reduction in A1C with Mounjaro at 15 milligrams to a 1.9% reduction with Ozempic at 1 milligram.Novo argues that the comparison is outdated because Ozempic is also available at a higher 2-milligram dose.The SURPASS-2 trial underlying the comparison tested Mounjaro against Ozempic at 1 milligram and did not include the higher Ozempic dose, according to the complaint.Novo alleges that disclaimers acknowledging the limitations of the comparisons are not enough to correct the broader impression created by the advertising.Lilly says its advertising is truthful and transparent.Novo seeks to stop Lilly adsNovo is asking the court to stop Lilly from continuing the comparative advertising and is seeking damages and other relief.The lawsuit alleges the campaigns could influence which drugs patients ask their healthcare providers about and divert demand from Novo’s medicines to Lilly’s competing products.Novo says Lilly’s Zepbound campaign has reached a particularly large audience.According to the complaint, a revised Zepbound television commercial that began airing in late April had generated more than 700 million impressions.The dispute comes as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly battle for position in one of the pharmaceutical industry’s fastest-growing markets.And the lawsuit adds a new question, not simply which drug works better, but what evidence a company needs before it can tell millions of consumers what its drug does.Related: Popular breakfast chain sold, 16 locations shut down

Many of us remember the days when shopping at Target was an experience to look forward to.In recent years, that’s changed. Messy aisles, empty shelves, and disorganized inventory have wreaked havoc on the big-box giant’s reputation.Now, Target is on a mission to win back shoppers by rebuilding trust in the areas that matter most — product quality, value, and a better overall shopping experience.After years of pressure from changing consumer habits, economic uncertainty, and questions about its merchandise assortment, Target has been focused on improving key categories where it believes it can stand out.The baby category is especially important because it gives Target an opportunity to become a destination for one of the most valuable groups of shoppers — new and expecting parents.These customers often need a wide range of products, from everyday essentials to clothing to toys. Winning their trust can create years of repeat business, which is why Target’s newest investment makes a lot of sense.Target wants baby to become a bigger destinationTarget is making another major investment in the baby category with the launch of Picolette, an exclusive collection created with entrepreneur and new mom Olivia Culpo.The 60-item collection includes baby apparel, accessories, mealtime products, keepsakes, and gifts. Related: Target customers lose a big perk in AugustTarget says the assortment combines elevated design with practical features for families, with prices starting at $4.99 and most items priced at $18 or less. The collection launches on July 26 in about 1,400 stores and online, with additional drops planned throughout the year.”We know that parents are looking for trusted solutions that combine style, quality, functionality and value,” said Amanda Nusz, senior vice president for merchandising. “Picolette is a beautiful example of how we’re combining elevated design, meaningful storytelling and real-life solutions in one affordable assortment to make it easy for families to celebrate some of life’s early milestones.” The launch of the new line fits into Target’s bigger plans. During its most recent quarter, the baby and kids category experienced a more than 5% increase in comparable sales trends, the company said.”We know the value we can deliver by helping busy new parents find the products they want and need to keep their baby happy, healthy and safe,” Chief Merchandising Officer Cara Sylvester said. “So we’re investing to do just that with a thoughtfully curated assortment of trusted owned and national brand products.”

Target is launching an exclusive collection in the baby category.Shutterstock

Why baby is a smart bet for TargetInvesting in baby products makes sense because it aligns with several of Target’s biggest priorities.First, it gives the company an opportunity to strengthen relationships with younger families. Parents who have a positive experience shopping for their first child may continue turning to Target as their children grow.More Retail:60-year-old retailer closes over 240 locations across 35 statesRetail giant exits U.S. fashion after multi-million-dollar scandal79-year-old fast-fashion retailer closes 128 storesSecond, this is a category where shoppers value convenience. Parents often want a retailer where they can find essentials, clothing, and household items in one place. Improving the assortment and experience can encourage larger baskets and more frequent visits.Finally, baby products fit Target’s broader identity. The company has long tried to position itself between discount retailers and higher-end specialty stores, offering products that feel more stylish and thoughtfully designed without luxury pricing.The challenge for Target is turning those improvements into lasting customer loyalty. But focusing on the baby category gives the retailer a chance to showcase the combination of value and design that it believes can separate it from rivals.For a company trying to rebuild its relationship with shoppers, winning parents over may be one of the most important steps it can take.Maurie Backman owns shares of Target.Related: Target wants rich parents to shop at its stores

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.One of the biggest names in luxury watches is Omega. The Swiss brand has been making world-class timepieces well over a century ago, and it’s one of the most beloved luxury watch brands if you ask any watch nerd. Not only do Omega watches ooze class and quality, but they’ve even been the choice of James Bond for over two decades. You honestly can’t go wrong with shopping for an Omega watch. That’s precisely why I’m wearing one right now.With that said, buying a mechanical Swiss luxury watch is a serious investment. The luxury market as a whole is going through a rough patch at the moment as well. Swiss luxury watches typically cost multiple thousands of dollars, even on the secondary market. That’s why me and my ilk were so thrilled when Omega collaborated with Swatch to release a series of quartz-powered Speedmaster-themed watches. Now you can have that iconic Speedmaster look on your wrist without taking out a second mortgage on your home. It’s the perfect way to get a little luxury without breaking the bank. What is a MoonSwatch?If you’re not familiar with the vaunted Omega Speedmaster, then allow me to illuminate you. First released in 1957 as an auto racing chronograph, Omega submitted a Speedmaster model to NASA in the 1960s, with the hopes of being the space agency’s preferred timepiece of its astronauts. A chronograph watch is important for space travel because it’s used to time burns, stirring of oxygen tanks, and other technical tasks on-board. Ultimately, the Omega Speedmaster beat out brands like Rolex and Bulova to be the very first watch on the moon. That was in 1969, and the watch’s legend has only grown since then. Omega sells tens of different Speedmaster models with different colors, features, and aesthetics. I myself own a vintage 1974 Speedmaster with a square 1970’s-style “TV dial.” It’s a rare model and I couldn’t love it more than I already do. That said, there are many times when I don’t feel like taking an expensive and delicate vintage chronograph out of my watch box because it’s just not the right time. That’s when I pull out my MoonSwatch. The MoonSwatch is manufactured by Swatch using the aesthetics and basic features of an Omega Speedmaster. The collab caused quite a stir when first released, and they immediately began selling for thousands on the secondary market.Thankfully, the retail price remains reasonable, and they’re easy to buy these days. In fact, Swatch continues to release new models and special editions every few months. Two of the most popular models leverage Omega’s history with the Snoopy character, and they’re my personal favorites. That’s why some weeks I wear mine more than I even wear the aforementioned vintage Speedmaster.Omega X Swatch Mission to the Moonphase New Moon

Courtesy of Swatch

Check price at SwatchThis watch, inspired in part by the Omega Silver Snoopy commemorative Speedmaster, has an all black case made from Swatch’s proprietary bioceramic. It’s lightweight and relatively durable, making this and every MoonSwatch incredibly comfortable to wear. In addition to the standard chronograph function, there is a small moonphase feature that includes a Snoopy character. As the moon comes out, so does Snoopy, adding a fun little touch to an otherwise serious-looking watch. I get constant compliments on the watch when I wear it out. Some of those come from people who think it’s an authentic mechanical Speedmaster and others who know exactly what it is and want to show their appreciation. With a retail price of just $320, this is your best entry into the world of luxury watch collecting, and the watch world will respect you for it.Omega X Swatch Mission to the Moonphase White

Courtesy of Swatch

Check price at SwatchThere is another version of this same watch in all white. I actually have the white one on my buy list as well, though I need to wait a little longer, lest my wife decides to commandeer my collection and sell it for scraps. As with the black model, this one is made from lightweight bioceramic and includes a velcro-attached NATO-style strap. This is exactly the type of strap used by the astronauts during the Speedmaster’s first journeys into space. As it is with the New Moon model, Snoopy peeks out from behind a panel as the moonphase progresses. While these are two of my favorite MoonSwatch models, there are plenty more to shop. They’re available in a variety of colors and finishes, and Swatch has done an amazing job of infusing its fun and modern design elements into a traditional powerhouse watch model. I can’t recommend these watches enough for seasoned watch collectors, and those who are looking to get started as well. More Swatch modelsIf Snoopy isn’t your thing, there are many other Swatch looks that may suit you, whether that’s within the MoonSwatch family or not. I recommend browsing through each one and picture it on your wrist in different scenarios. I tend to opt for more neutral colors, but you may want a little more personality in your watchbox.Omega X Swatch Mission to the Moon

Courtesy of Swatch

Check price at SwatchOmega X Swatch Mission to the Moonphase White

Courtesy of Swatch

Check price at SwacthOmega X Swatch Mission to the Moon 1969

Courtesy of Swatch

Check price at SwatchSwatch Skin Irony Casual Watch

Courtesy of Amazon

Check price at AmazonSwatch Biosourced Casual Watch

Courtesy of Amazon

Check price at AmazonTheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use. Read more about our Editorial Standards and How We Choose Our Shopping Deals.

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 dealClosets collect everything from sweaters to bedding to accessories, making it easy for everyday essentials to disappear into the clutter. Whether you need to organize a small apartment, set up a dorm, or make better use of your walk-in closet, adding flexible storage can make it easy to keep your items organized and find what you need when you need it. Using vertical space is a great way to add extra storage space, allowing you to take advantage of unused space to prevent piles of clothes and shoes on the closet floor. The X-cosrack 5-Piece Closet Organizer offers an easy and lightweight option for any closet. The layered design allows them to be stacked, hung, or used separately, and five storage baskets plus connection hooks are on sale for just $36 at Amazon.X-cosrack 5-Piece Closet Organizer, $36 (was $40) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?The wire storage baskets offer an open and easy-to-see option for clothes and shoes while also providing good airflow to prevent musty smells. The wire mesh is sturdy and made of powder-coated iron to prevent rusting, warping, and snagging, and the baskets feature a ramp lip at each one to keep clothes in place while also making it easy to slide items out. The sturdy hanging hooks attach to the baskets to hold them together, allowing you to hang them off the closet bar or fixed closet racks, or even on thinner doors, offering a flexible modular design. They can also be individually placed on fixed shelves to help keep items separate, or they can just be stacked and placed on the floor. These baskets can hold jeans, sweaters, shoes, handbags, hats, toys, and much more.Related: Amazon’s 5-tier bookshelf is on sale for only $40, and it’s ‘the perfect size for a smaller space’These organizer baskets fold flat when not in use, allowing you to save room when needed. This also makes them easy to travel with, offering an alternative to living out of your suitcase when staying in hotels or acting as a trunk organizer, offering a spot to keep jackets and hats in your trunk while on road trips. The included S-hooks can also be used to hang wallets, necklaces, and other accessories. These baskets are also easy to clean with a damp rag when they get dusty in the closet or dirty in the trunk, and offer a multitude of convenient configurations for any setup.Details to knowSize: The baskets measure 12.4 inches wide, 11.8 inches deep, and 8.8 inches tall. Material: The powder-coated iron wire basket can hold up to daily use without warping or rusting in humid conditions. Uses: While these closet organizers are great for clothing, they can also be used in the pantry to hold fruits and vegetables, in the entryway closet for mail and keys, in the office, and more. One shopper said, “These are incredibly sturdy and well made. I wish I would have discovered this sooner. I ordered the stack of five and split them up. There are choices as to how to set up and use; I found them to be versatile. They screw onto one another to ensure they stay in place. They are very easy to assemble.”Another buyer said, “It looks clean and works great. I highly recommend these.”Shop more dealsStorageworks Fabric Hanging Closet Organizer, $20 (was $29) at AmazonGranny Says 3-Tier Hanging Organizer, $11 (was $14) at AmazonLifewit 5-Tier Fabric Hanging Organizer, $10 (was $13) at AmazonAdding organization to your life is easy with the X-cosrack 5-Piece Closet Organizer. They’re simple to set up and hang, and offer storage for a variety of items for just $36 at Amazon.

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 dealStyle might be subjective, but there are certain accessories that always impress no matter who wears them, and any piece designed with diamonds is one of them. Something about a simple strand around the neck or wrist has a way of transforming whatever you’re wearing, and catches the eye of anyone who even glances at you. They’re a timeless classic that’s long-lasting and super versatile, so when you are going to drop a chunk of change on a stunning piece of jewelry, you can’t go wrong investing in a diamond necklace or bracelet. But lucky for you, even if you were prepared to pay the often expensive price tag attached to such a stone, Macy’s current sale is giving you the chance to score some sparkle for a fraction of the cost. The Macy’s Diamond Bolo Bracelet is on sale for 75% off. The stunning bracelet, which usually retails for $250, is only $63 — but hurry, because this sale is for a limited time. Macy’s Diamond Bolo Bracelet, $63 (was $250) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy’s

Shop at Macy’sWhy do shoppers love it?The sales price might seem too good to be true, but it isn’t. This originally $250 diamond bracelet is only $63, and it might just be one of the best jewelry deals we’ve seen recently. Unlike other bracelets that have a lobster or spring ring clasp where one part of the bracelet “hooks” onto the other for a secure fit, this bracelet has a bolo clasp closure, which uses a central sliding bead to tighten or loosen the two ends of the bracelet. It’s a one-size-fits all clasp that allows more customized fit around your wrist. Plus, it’s much easier to put on and remove on your own — no extra additional person required to help.The front half of the bracelet features a row of round diamonds, in total weighing 1/10 ct., in a straight line that, when on, would cover the top portion of the wrist. The diamonds have a color rating of J-K, meaning they are near-colorless to faint, providing a mostly white appearance to the naked eye. They also have a clarity rating of 12-13, which, although alludes to inclusions, still doesn’t take away from the overall sparkling sheen the bracelet has under artificial or natural lighting. Related: Macy’s is selling a $699 sterling silver diamond necklace for 82% offAlthough the bracelet comes in three colors, they all have a sterling silver base, so you can be sure that this bracelet is super durable and built to last. No rusting or turning green after lots of wear to worry about. The basic silver option is just sterling silver, while the other two are 14-Karat rose gold-plated or 14-Karat gold-plated sterling silver. Details to knowMaterial: Diamond, and sterling silver. Carat: 1/10 ct. t.w.Shape: Round.Color: Sterling silver, 14K rose gold-plated sterling silver, and 14K gold-plated sterling silver.Clasp: Bolo clasp closure. This Macy’s exclusive is a favorite for everyday wear among shoppers. The adjustable closure makes it more unique than other bracelet options, and shoppers appreciate that you can easily adjust the fit of the bracelet thanks to the bolo clasp. “Simple and dainty,” one shopper said. Although the diamonds are small, it makes it a great piece of jewelry to layer among other bracelets. “Beautiful bracelet, excellent quality, will enhance the wrist of any woman,” another shopper said. Shop more dealsMacy’s Diamond Stud Earrings, $240 (was $901) at Macy’sMacy’s Diamond Baguette Cluster Pendant Necklace, $150 (was $699) at Macy’sThe Macy’s Diamond Bolo Bracelet won’t be on for long — it’s only a one-day sale! Don’t wait too long to take advantage of this limited-time price of $63. We know we wouldn’t want to miss out on it. 

The world’s largest sportswear company has accelerated a wave of store closures across the U.S., shutting down roughly a dozen locations in a single month as it works to reshape its retail footprint.The move comes at a time when competition across the athletic apparel industry is intensifying. Established rivals and fast-growing activewear brands have gained momentum by responding more quickly to changing consumer preferences, putting pressure on longtime market leaders to modernize their products, shopping experiences, and operations.As a result, one of the industry’s most recognizable brands is making significant operational changes in response to those industry pressures.Founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports before adopting its current name in 1971, Nike has grown into the world’s largest sportswear company. The company owns globally recognized brands including Nike, Jordan, and Converse, and its products have been worn by generations of elite athletes, including Michael Jordan and LeBron James.Nike closes stores nationwideNike (NKE) has closed multiple stores during July 2026 alone, including locations in:San Jose, California: 333 Santana Row, Suite 1000Tampa, Florida: 1520 W Swann AvenueAtlanta, Georgia: 675 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE, Suite E-184Alpharetta, Georgia: 7110 Avalon BoulevardNaperville, Illinois: 217 S Main StreetLouisville, Kentucky: 7900 Shelbyville Road, Suite E15aKansas City, Missouri: 450 Nichols RoadBethesda, Maryland: 7117 Arlington Road, Space UHoboken, New Jersey: 222 Washington StreetCary, North Carolina: 4 Fenton Main Street, Suite 140The Woodlands, Texas: 9595 Six Pines Drive, Suite 885Nike has not disclosed how many additional stores it plans to close or which remaining locations could be affected later this year.Why is Nike closing stores?The closures are part of Nike’s Global Operations Changes announced in April 2026, a restructuring initiative designed to strengthen the company’s foundation, improve competitiveness, and support long-term profitable growth.As part of the plan, Nike said it would realign its global operations to better meet future business needs by optimizing its supply chain footprint, accelerating technology deployment, investing in employee training, and strengthening relationships with manufacturers and retail partners.The restructuring is also expected to eliminate approximately 1,400 Global Operations positions.Since announcing those changes, Nike has continued streamlining its business. The company discontinued its Nike Fitness Studios venture, which launched with FitLab in 2023, and closed technology offices in three locations while consolidating operations into two hubs.

Nike closes more stores in 2026.Cheng Xin/Getty Images

Nike faces continued business declinesThe operational changes come after another quarter of declining sales across several key business segments, underscoring the challenges Nike is working to reverse.During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026: Revenue declined 1%.Footwear and equipment both posted negative growth.Nike Direct revenue fell 9%.Nike Digital was down 12%.Revenue from Nike-owned stores decreased 7%.Converse revenue dropped 32%.”We know we’re not living up to our full potential,” said Nike President and CEO Elliot Hill during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call. “We’re operating in a more complex macro environment, where we’re seeing added pressure on traffic and discretionary spending across our geographies. But we’re focused on what we can control, bringing each sport together across product, brand, marketplace, and operations and deepening our connections with athletes, consumers, and partners.”Here’s some of my previous coverage of store closures:Former retail giant closes more storesPopular beverage chain closing multiple locations nationwideAfter years of store closures, fashion retailer shifts strategyDespite the recent setbacks, Hill said Nike will continue investing in both its online business and brick-and-mortar stores. The company plans to modernize 50% of its Nike Direct company-owned retail fleet by the end of the fiscal year, creating a more consistent shopping experience across its physical and digital channels.Related: Ikea closing key U.S. stores

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 dealIf your backyard or front porch is empty, you’re wasting valuable square footage. Transforming your patio space into an outdoor oasis starts with the right furniture. There are countless styles to consider, like bistro sets or a classic Adirondack chair, but we love a matching set that’s perfect for stretching out and taking cat naps in the sun. The MF Studio 3-Piece Rattan Patio Conversation Set fits the bill with a cozy love seat and chaise lounge that can be configured multiple ways, and it’s currently 50% off with a Walmart deal. Normally, you’d have to pay $510 to score this gorgeous patio set that’s glamorous enough to sit on the balcony of a high-end boutique resort, but the limited-time deal brings the price down to just $255. A 3-piece furniture set with a sectional couch and a generously sized coffee table like this one is rarely available at the price point, especially when the design looks so polished. With this deep discount, the patio set is an even more popular pick, with over 100 sets sold in the past 24 hours alone, so you won’t want to snag it for yourself.MF Studio 3-Piece Rattan Patio Conversation Set, $255 (was $510) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at WalmartWhy do shoppers love it?Featuring a loveseat and chaise lounge topped with cozy cushions, this patio set has room to comfortably seat up to four guests. The third piece is a matching coffee table, which has a handy two-in-one design, allowing you to use it as a convenient surface to place your snacks and beverages or as an ottoman for kicking up your feet. The versatility of this set doesn’t end there. With options to set them up in over seven different configurations, the seat and table can adapt to a variety of layouts and floor plans.”I love the look of this patio set and the different configurations you can make,” one shopper raved. They also appreciated the plushness of the cushions, writing that they’re “very comfortable and thicker than other sets I looked at.” As a bonus, these cushions come with a water-repellent fabric that’s to keep them fresh and clean after splashes or storms.Related: Walmart’s bestselling 4-piece patio set with soft cushions is on sale for $109Designed to withstand all types of weather, this patio set is made from a durable synthetic rattan. It has the same earthy tan hue of natural rattan, but offers more resilience for outdoor use. The appearance of the set is further elevated with solid acacia wood on the feet, armrest, and table of the patio furniture, giving it an extra touch of luxury. Overall, the build of this patio furniture is solid and sturdy, which is proven by the couch’s weight capacity that exceeds 700 pounds.Pros and cons of the $255 MF Studio patio setPros:It’s a gorgeous design. Natural materials like rattan and acacia wood have a timeless look, but it’s also a popular choice for current interior decor trends this season.It comes with cushions: Many times more affordable patio furniture sets will come without cushions, but you don’t have to buy them separately with this deal.It allows for multiple configurations: If you have a small balcony or porch, this patio furniture can be arranged multiple ways to best fit your setup.Cons:Assembly is required: If you’re not handy, you’ll want to ask someone for help with the assembly process.It only comes in one color: We love the beige seats and light-hued rattan, but it’s also the only color available, limiting your options.Shop more patio furniture dealsAlpha Joy 3-Piece Wicker Patio Set, $300 (was $460) at WalmartLausaint Home 3-Piece Patio Outdoor Conversation Set, $185 (was $330) at WalmartLazzo 3-Piece Patio Outdoor Conversation Set, $166 (was $200) at WalmartUpgrade your outdoor space with the MF Studio 3-Piece Rattan Patio Conversation Set while it’s on sale for $255 at Walmart. This limited-time deal won’t last long, and it’s going fast, so we suggest adding it to your cart ASAP.

Along with the recent collapse of several low-cost airlines, travel agencies and other companies selling various travel services have also had a tough first half of 2026.The string of recent travel company bankruptcies include British firms Great Little Escapes, Salamander Voyages, and Jetline, French cruise operator Expedis Exploration, Boston-based GoPlay Sports Tours and Australian tour-booking giant AVG Travels.While not selling any trips or tours, travel consulting firm Govassist LLC just became the latest to file for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Puerto Rico on July 22.Travel company Govassist files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Puerto RicoThe company was founded out of Guaynabo in northern Puerto Rico in 2010 and provided consulting and assistance with applying for non-immigrant tourist visas to the U.S. to travelers who require them. The report from Bondoro shows that the company reported $1.1 million in assets and $15.9 million in liabilities as well as no ability to cover these debts to its creditors.Juan C. Bigas of Juan C. Bigas Lawis representing the company in the bankruptcy proceedings.Related: Another airline will be dissolved, all flights canceledOn its website, Govassist positions itself as a “personal visa consultant” offering help filling out forms for applications like the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) required of travelers with visa-free agreements with the U.S. and a full visa for citizens of countries without it.Particularly for the ESTA visa, any “consulting” help that a private company can provide is very limited in scope given that travelers can simply go on the CBP website or mobile platform and enter one’s personal details and passport information for $40.27 USD for a two-year period if the electronic authorization is approved (if it is not, the money is refunded minus a $10.27 processing fee).

Govassist advertised services helping U.S.-bound travelers apply for electronic travel authorization and visas.Shutterstock

These are the kinds of visa consultation services sold by GovassistGovassist charges $129, comprehensive of the application fee, to fill this out for the traveler while stating that it powers part of this process through AI. The company could not be immediately reached for comment on the bankruptcy filing so it is also not immediately clear whether it will restructure or close down.More Travel News:Airline to launch unusual new flight to Cayman Islands from the U.S.There is a very cool Irish version of swimming pigs in the BahamasUnexpected country is most luxurious travel destination for 2026Low-cost airline launches easier way to get to Sri LankaSome recent travel agency bankruptcies in 2026:AVG Travels: The Melbourne-based travel agency selling cheap vacation packages to travelers in Australia and New Zealand sent more than 200 travelers an email saying that the trips were canceled before entering bankruptcy in May 2026.GoPlay Sports: In April 2026, the men’s basketball team of the University of Dallas was left without a planned trip to compete in the United Kingdom after Boston-based GoPlay Sports Tours LLC accepted two payments of $30,000 and then went unreachable.Havantur: Havantur was forced to shut down its main European office in Franceat the start of 2026 after tourist numbers to the Caribbean country plummeted due to U.S. military actions in Venezuela and threats against the country.Vegas Vacations and North America Destinations: Two travel agencies in the Canadian province of British Columbia, Vegas Vacations and North America Destinations, were shut down by regulators within a few days of each other in January 2026 after multiple travelers complained of buying trips with invalid plane tickets and hotel bookings.Related: Another airline cancels 3 flights to U.S., offers refunds

The fixed-income ETF boom is often described as a response to yield, but the more revealing shift may be in how investors want to use bonds. Rather than treating a bond fund as a broad income sleeve, households and advisers are looking for vehicles that put future spending—retirement income gaps, tuition, renovations or travel—on a calendar. That changes the question from what a fund yields to whether its cash flows arrive when a bill does.Danielle Retski, an ETF capital market specialist at Northern Trust, described that demand as a search for “goal-driven solutions.” In the first half of the year, fixed-income ETFs took in 29% of all ETF flows despite representing 16% of ETF assets under management, she said. The mismatch suggests that investors are seeking a more deliberate role for bonds alongside risk-taking elsewhere in their portfolios.A distributing bond ladder is built around that scheduling problem. The underlying bonds mature in staggered calendar years, or rungs, and Northern Trust’s ladder ETFs return monthly interest while distributing principal when bonds mature rather than automatically reinvesting it. The design is notably different from a perpetual bond fund, where proceeds are generally rolled forward into new holdings.The Spending Date Is Becoming Part of the Investment ChoiceThe practical attraction is not limited to retirees. Retski cited college tuition, philanthropy, home improvement, travel and private-school payment plans as situations in which investors may want predictable outlays. In each case, the issue is not merely generating portfolio income; it is avoiding the need to decide, year after year, which investment to sell when an expected expense arrives.Any time that you would want consistent cash flows, our ladder ETFs take that federally tax-exempt income and put it in a way where in practice, investors are getting monthly interest income and also annual principal return to them so they can manage their spending needs with their income.That framing makes bond ladders a household-planning tool as much as an interest-rate instrument. For a retiree delaying full Social Security benefits, Retski offered a five-year ladder as an example of a bridge for expected cash-flow needs. For a family setting aside money for education or a renovation, the same structure can tie a future payment to a maturing rung rather than to an uncertain sale of a longer-lived fund.Returning Principal Solves One Problem but Narrows the Use CaseThe annual return of principal is also the feature that makes a ladder unsuitable as a catchall bond allocation. Retski said the products are designed for investors using goal-based investing, cash-flow management or budgeting tools. Someone whose primary objective is ongoing exposure to bonds, rather than a defined stream of future cash, is confronting a different portfolio question.The trade-off is especially relevant when rate expectations are changing. Retski said holding bonds to maturity and returning principal each year can minimize interest-rate risk and give investors duration control. But that benefit follows from a time-defined structure: cash is being paid out rather than simply remaining invested in a perpetual strategy.Tax and Inflation Concerns Are Being Folded Into the Same PlanThe product menu also shows how investors are trying to address several planning concerns in one decision. Northern Trust offers municipal bond ladder ETFs, MUNA–MUND, intended to provide federally tax-exempt income, and TIPA–TIPD TIPS Ladder ETFs, which use Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities. Retski said municipal bonds can be useful where tax-exempt cash flow is a priority, while TIPS are meant to help with inflation that exceeds what markets have embedded in the breakeven rate.TIPS illustrate why a spending plan still needs an inflation lens. Their principal rises with inflation and falls with deflation, Retski said, whereas a nominal Treasury’s yield includes a fixed market expectation for inflation. She pointed to shocks such as the war in Iran and a global pandemic as examples of events that can produce short-term inflation pressure not fully reflected in that expectation.The growing use of fixed-income ETFs, then, is not simply a referendum on yields or the Federal Reserve. It reflects a preference for making portfolio cash flows legible against real household obligations. A bond ladder cannot remove the need to decide whether a particular fund, tax feature or maturity schedule fits an investor’s circumstances. Its narrower promise is more concrete: for money earmarked for a known purpose, the timing of income and principal can be designed to matter as much as the return.

Every generation gets handed a financial script early, and the script tends to outlive the conditions that wrote it.Millennials got theirs somewhere between the 2008 layoffs and the third round of student loan paperwork.You graduated into a broken labor market. You rented for years longer than your parents did. You watched housing costs detach from wages and stay detached.That script hardened into something closer to a diagnosis, and it followed the generation into its 40s. It also shapes how you read your own account statement.So the annual benchmark reports land in a predictable way. You open one, hunt for the average balance for your age group, find yourself somewhere underneath it, and close the tab feeling the same as you did before, only with better documentation.That reflex is worth interrupting this particular year, and the reason sits in an annual report that most people never read past the first page.The 25th edition of How America Saves, the retirement study Vanguard has published since 2001, landed in June, carrying age-bracket detail that cuts hard against the script in a way the summary coverage skipped past almost entirely.Why the average 401(k) balance keeps making you feel behindThe number that travels is the average, and the average is close to useless for this particular job.Average participant balance hit $167,970 at the end of 2025, while the median, the midpoint where half of savers sit above and half below, was $44,115, according to Vanguard.More Personal Finance:Fidelity discloses wealth move that triggers hidden IRS taxMarket pivot point is here – how Investors should get readyDave Ramsey shares strong warning on 401(k)s, IRAsThat spread is not a rounding error. It is the whole reason benchmark stories make people feel worse than the underlying data warrant.Average balances are “more representative of the results experienced by longer-tenured, more affluent, or older participants,” the firm wrote. Vanguard puts its own average at roughly the 75th percentile, meaning three out of four participants hold less than that figure.One in four participants had less than $10,000 saved, while 35% held more than $100,000, and 18% held at least $250,000.None of it is wrong. It is just the wrong comparison for anyone trying to judge their own account.

Vanguard’s 2026 data show Millennial 401(k) medians up 15%, putting seven figures within reach.EF Volart / Getty Images

What Vanguard’s new Millennial 401(k) numbers actually showMillennials now span the 25-to-34 and 35-to-44 brackets, and both of them moved hard last year.The younger bracket’s median balance reached $18,732, up from $16,255 a year earlier. The older bracket’s median hit $46,919, up from $39,958. Both gains outran the 16% move in the all-participant median, Vanguard reported.Markets did most of that work rather than virtue. The average one-year participant return was 19.3% in 2025.Related: Vanguard warns of Social Security traps costing retireesTwo behavioral readings matter more for what happens next. Participants under age 45 held roughly 90% of plan assets in equities at the median, the heaviest allocation of any age group. And when the first quarter of 2026 turned choppy, only 5% of Millennials touched their allocation while 18.4% raised their savings rate, “in large part due to auto increases,” according to Fidelity.Positioned correctly and not trading. That pairing is rarer than it sounds.The tax positioning tracks, too. Roth adoption ran at 20% for the 25-to-34 group and 19% for the 35-to-44 group, the two highest rates of any age band, Vanguard found.Paying tax now on a balance with three decades of compounding ahead of it is the right trade when you are early.The generation is not maxing out, to be clear. Only 10% of the younger bracket and 15% of the older one hit the statutory limit last year.Here is the Millennial ledger in one place:Median balance for ages 25 to 34 reached $18,732, up from $16,255, based on Vanguard’s 2026 and 2025 editions.Median balance for ages 35 to 44 reached $46,919, up from $39,958, according to the same two reports.The average one-year participant return came in at 19.3% for 2025, Vanguard noted.The total 401(k) savings rate hit a record 14.4% in the first quarter of 2026, according to Fidelity.The employee deferral ceiling “increased to $24,500, up from $23,500 for 2025,” the IRS confirmed. Running the millionaire math on a median Millennial saverI ran the projections myself rather than trusting the round numbers that circulate every summer.Start with a 30-year-old sitting exactly at the median, $18,732, contributing at the 11.3% combined employee and employer rate Vanguard reports for that bracket, applied to the $90,000 median participant income. Thirty-five years at a 7% annual return produces about $1.6 million. Drop the assumption to a grim 6%, and it still clears $1.27 million.The 40-year-old is the harder case. Starting at $46,919 with an 11.8% combined rate, 25 years at 7% lands near $926,000.Short of the milestone, and that is exactly where the pessimistic version of this story usually stops.What my analysis turned up is the size of the shortfall. Closing it takes a 13.1% total contribution rate instead of 11.8%. On a $90,000 income, the difference is $97 a month.Vanguard already recommends a 12% to 15% total contribution rate. The median 40-year-old saver is not short by a lifestyle or a windfall. They are short by 1.3 percentage points, sitting inside a band the firm publishes every single year.I checked the top of that band, too. At 15%, the same 40-year-old lands near $1.11 million. Push to this year’s $24,500 ceiling, and it is roughly $1.8 million.The distance between the median outcome and the good one is measured in single-digit percentage points of pay.What a seven-figure 401(k) balance will actually buy in 2051Now for the part that gets left out of the cheerful version.Compounding runs both directions. At 2.5% annual inflation, a million dollars in 2051 buys roughly $539,000 in today’s money. The 30-year-old’s $1.6 million in 2061 works out to about $677,000.The milestone, in other words, is the wrong finish line. Millionaire is a headline. Your replacement income is the actual question.The more durable read on this year’s data is that the system is carrying weight the individual saver used to carry alone, through automatic enrollment, automatic escalation and target-date defaults. That machinery does not care how the generation feels about its own script.It also has a leak. Hardship withdrawals reached 6% of participants in 2025, triple the 2021 rate, at a median of $1,900.A $1,900 withdrawal is not a retirement problem. It is an emergency fund problem showing up in the wrong account, and it is the most fixable item here.Expect next year’s snapshot to look worse on balances alone. Total 401(k) assets slipped to $9.9 trillion by March 31 from $10.1 trillion at year-end 2025, according to the Investment Company Institute.Watch the deferral rate instead of the balance. One is weather. The other is the only variable on the page you actually control, and the 2026 numbers say Millennials are already moving it.Related: Vanguard sounds alarm on growing housing market problem