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Dan Caplinger of The Motley Fool returns to discuss how exchange-traded funds have evolved—and why that evolution can matter more than most investors realize.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkWell, we’re going to welcome back to the program, Dan Caplinger of The Motley Fool. Dan, always great to see you.Thanks for joining us on the program this morning. You bet. Glad to be back with you, Jeff.I always feel privileged when I’m joined by astute journalists like yourself, so I really appreciate you coming back on the program. I didn’t chase you off. Dan, there’s a lot that I love to chat with you about, but today I really wanted to focus on the evolution of exchange traded funds.When I grew up in the retirement industry, ETFs were really just baskets of stocks that represented indexes, S&P 500, Russell 2000. But from talking to you and others, there’s been this evolution where there are actually probably more ETFs now than there are actual stocks on exchanges.Dan Caplinger, The Motley FoolYeah, that milestone just happened pretty recently, Jeff. I find it a little bit alarming just because I feel like we’ve lost our way. Like you, I was raised with the idea of exchange traded funds being a beneficial alternative to traditional mutual funds.We have these index mutual funds that gave everybody the chance to invest rather than trying to beat the market with individual stocks, just matching the market with baskets of stocks. The ETF wrapper introduced the innovation of letting you have access to those items throughout the day. Used to be with those mutual funds, you can only trade once a day, you’d get the closing price.If there was a big opportunity in the middle of the day, you couldn’t get it. And so the ETFs let you do that. But nowadays, the ETFs seem to be moving away from that diversified exposure.There’s still big ETFs out there. You can still get the indexes if you want. But there are a whole bunch of these new ETFs that are folks that are drilling down much more closely, some even at the individual single stock level.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkYeah. And, you know, I kind of echo your sentiment. I mean, I would use it to replace, for example, an S&P 500 large cap blend fund in my portfolio.And we’re not giving financial advice here, we’ll be very clear, or investment advice. We’re just talking, you know, at a very high level. But, you know, Dan, what’s the rationale as to why?Is this a natural evolution in the ETF industry that, hey, you know, like anything else, you just take it to the next iteration, the next level. And so this, you know, there’s a thousand different ways to create these structures.Dan Caplinger, The Motley FoolI think there’s a couple of things going on, Jeff. One is that you have alternatives to ETFs that allow retail investors, ordinary folks, to make very leveraged investments on even individual stocks, moves in those stocks in the short term, you know, in time periods of a day or less. There are plenty, whether it’s prediction markets, whether it is single stock futures, whether it is the options market, there are a lot of ways for investors to try to get a big bang for their buck really quickly.I think that ETF providers see this and they say, hey, look, we want a piece of that action. The other thing, Jeff, is you kind of have to look at where the money goes, because those ETFs that we were talking about up front that track S&P 500, a whole bunch of other indexes, they are huge, but they also collect very small expense ratios for the companies that manage them. I’ve seen some ETFs, you know, you’re talking 0.03 percent, 0.04 percent, you know, on billions and billions of dollars, that adds up to real money. But with these newer ETFs, with these leveraged plays, these ETF companies are able to command easily, often 10 times the expense ratios, the management fees that they’re able to get on an S&P 500 index fund. Match that with the demand from the investment side. Investors want access to products like this.And it makes sense that ETFs are trying to build that bridge and connect the investors with what they want.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkSo, Dan, I, as you know, I come from the retirement industry, 32 years of experience with 401k pension plan. So I’ve always thought about the long term. But what you’re, when you mentioned prediction markets, the first thing I thought about was gambling.So, you know, most investors, people like me, they just want to put money away for a rainy day, you know, when they retire, or maybe they want to buy a home, right? So there’s a long term element. This to me, forgive me, and I need education here, this sounds a lot more analogous to gambling, like sports betting, or some of the other things that we see on TV now.Dan Caplinger, The Motley FoolWell, look, Jeff, I mean, you and I are in the same boat in the sense that I think both of us have more of that long term investing strategy, you’re looking for long term goals, like saving for retirement, saving for down payment for house, whatever it is, you’re not expecting to get there tomorrow, you’re not expecting to get there next week. But you’re expecting if you stay disciplined, you’re going to get there in five years, 10 years, 20 years, whatever your time horizon may be. These products, they aren’t that.Whether they’re gambling or not, I think some people would, you know, reasonable people might disagree with it. But the thing that troubles me with investments like this, you know, there’s a particular type of ETF, we call them leveraged ETFs, and you can get them, they try to provide the daily return of an index or, you know, some sort of underlying, maybe it’s an individual stock, whatever it might be, but they try to double or triple whatever that move is. And Jeff, oftentimes, there are opposing pairs of ETFs.So there’s one that you can buy, if you think that the stock is going to go up, there’s one that you can buy, if you think the stock is going to go down. The whole point of these is to capture daily moves. What’s interesting about this is if you look at these ETFs on a longer term basis, on periods of years, oftentimes, what you will find is both the bullish ETF and the bearish ETF lose money.There’s no long term winner. These products designed entirely for short term trading. And if you’re a short term trader, if that’s what your strategy is, then that’s that’s what they’re there for.But if you’re a long term investor, and you just happen to fall into this trap of thinking that these ETFs are for traditional retirement investors, it can be a costly lesson.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkBut Dan, isn’t the winner, the ETF manufacturer who creates the product and therefore they’re getting an expense ratio, don’t they ultimately win to the detriment of the investor?Dan Caplinger, The Motley FoolIt’s the ETF manager that’s collecting the fees, for sure. It’s also the financial institutions who are taking the other sides of these trades. They are providing what they call financial engineering to make these products available and out there.And more often than not, yeah, I mean, there are occasional situations where just the right combination of circumstances plays out. And these things make a whole bunch of money. But in an ordinary seesaw up one day down the next and up a month and down a month kind of markets, more often than not, it is the house in the form of these institutional financial institutions, investors that end up ahead.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkSo how are people buying? Let’s talk about the type of investor. Are they accredited investors?So are these people, you know, ultra high net worth? Well, you know, can that usually have a financial advisor or someone who’s an expert? Are they buying these?Are those the types of investors that are in these products? Or are there people like me that just earn a wage, put money away, and they’re just like, hey, I’m just going to game the system.Dan Caplinger, The Motley FoolThere’s no consumer protection out there to prevent ordinary investors from buying these ETFs. For sure, there are specialized leveraged investments out there that are only available to accredited investors, only available to institutions that have the experience and the know-how to understand that the risks involved. But a lot of these ETFs increasingly, they just, they trade on the exchange.If you have a regular brokerage account, you can buy these things. And, you know, I think that there is, you know, part of the issue is that if you’re doing your own research, if you’re looking at lists of, okay, yeah, which fund has done the best so far this year, which fund has done the best over the past one year period, oftentimes it’s going to be these leveraged ETFs that stand out because, again, over these relatively short periods of time, one or the other of these is going to be the big winner because either the stock goes up or the stock goes down. One of those, like I said, when you have those opposing pairs of ETFs, one of those funds is likely to go way up. The other one’s likely to go way down, but we don’t pay attention to that one.We just look at the winner. That’s kind of human nature, the way that a lot of investors have done their research in the past, looking for past performance, not really internalizing that just because it did well in the past doesn’t mean that it’s going to keep doing well in the future.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkYeah. Well, that old line, hey, look, I was, I worked for a mutual company. Past performance is not indicative of future results.And that was pretty much on every disclosure, on every fund, every prospectus, every advertisement.Dan Caplinger, The Motley FoolIt’s still there, Jeff. It’s just on page 128 of the 212-page document that nobody ever reads.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkI mean, the prospectus probably isn’t mailed anymore because that’s too expensive. It’s probably like a PDF, but who reads that thing?Dan Caplinger, The Motley FoolYou just click the checkbox and yeah, you’re done.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkWell, that’s true. That’s a good point. So is the answer here, I hate to go back to this, but it sounds like the answer is more education.So it’s content that you’re putting out at The Fool, stuff that we’re doing at the Broadcast Retirement Network, that there are a lot of other people out there. Is it really investor education? And by the way, there’s also education that’s probably needed on the sports betting marketplace that you and I are talking about today.But is that really what has to happen here? The investor needs to be more knowledgeable before he or she invests.Dan Caplinger, The Motley FoolYeah. I just think that a lot of what it takes is a healthy skepticism of those top returns, that when you see a fund that’s doing really well, you should be asking yourself, why? And understanding how the fund works and why the fund participated in a winning trend.The other thing you can do, I don’t want to cast financial advisors in a negative light because I’d say the vast majority of financial advisors out here, they would look at these products and they would say, hey, this is not for you. You have a long-term time horizon. You don’t need to be swinging for the fences and risking it all to try to make a bunch of money tomorrow or next week.And so if you are tempted by these things, getting a second opinion from a financial pro, especially somebody like you were talking about, who’s familiar with retirement and other long-term investment objectives, that’s going to be able to give you the confidence that you have to say, OK, yeah, this one’s not right for me. OK, yeah, maybe this fund is going to get me there. It may take a little longer, but hopefully without the bumps and risks along the way that can derail you permanently from reaching the financial goals that you’ve set for yourself.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkSo Dan, just to kind of come full circle, is that where the F-word comes in, fiduciary? You want to make sure that if you’re partnering with somebody, that they have your best interest in mind versus their own self-interest. Is that where fiduciary is just so important when you’re looking at a financial advisor?Dan Caplinger, The Motley FoolIt definitely is. And I think that there are definitely, many of these exchange traded funds, there aren’t going to be advisor incentives for a financial pro to recommend them to clients. So there’s not necessarily going to be that direct conflict of interest.But nevertheless, I think that you’re always better served by somebody who has undertaken the legal obligation to put their own financial interest behind those of you, the client, making sure that the guidance and advice that they’re giving you is personalized to your needs, not to theirs, and that it’s for your best interest, not theirs, not their companies, not their bosses, but you as the client are getting the full attention of the pros who are working for you.Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement NetworkYeah, I like that you brought up critical thinking. I think that’s something that in today’s digital age, a lot of people maybe need to work on that and improve upon. Dan, we’re going to have to leave it there.Thanks so much for joining us. Always appreciate what valuable insight you have. And we look forward to having you back on the program again very soon, sir.Dan Caplinger, The Motley FoolWe’ll see you next time, Jeff. Thank you so much.

Back when my wife and I lived in Connecticut, our house was maybe three miles from a Costco that itself wasn’t near much except for Target. To get there, we passed at least three gas stations, and if we went in the other direction, there were two within a mile of our house.Costco, of course, always had the best prices, but unless I was planning on shopping at the warehouse club, I had to factor in not just price, but the value of my time.The chain’s CFO Gary Millerchip concedes that Costco is generally not the closest gas station for members, so they have to weigh the value of making that extra trip.“When prices are higher, that will tend to cause members to maybe take the extra mile that it might involve to get to the gas station because of the incremental value they see there,” Millerchip said during the chain’s second-quarter earnings call.The warehouse club, however, has quielty made a move that may have 7-Eleven, Circle K, Casey’s General Stores, Murphy USA, and BP America, the five largest gas station/convenience store chains in the U.S., according to CSP Daily News, at least a little bit concerned.Costco gas station plan has been simpleTraditionally, Costco uses low-priced gas as a way to drive members to its warehouse clubs and that has been an effective tactic, according to Millerchip.“Generally speaking, we see about half of members that will shop at the gas station will also cross-shop at the warehouse,” he said.And, while Costco has no set discount or specific amount of savings it wants to offer customers, it’s consistently cheaper than rivals.“You save approximately 20 cents a gallon at Costco over other local vendors,” David Schwartz, who, with his wife Susan, authored “The Joy of Costco,” told CNBC. “That’s something we have seen time and time again across the country.” 

Only members can use Costco gas stations and you have to pay with a credit or debit card.Shutterstock

Costco changes its gas station modelGas makes up about 10% of total Costco sales, according to the company’s annual report.Costco has long treated gasoline as a membership benefit rather than a major profit center. Because the company earns billions annually from membership fees, it can afford to keep fuel margins thinner than many traditional convenience-store chains.Costco takes its gas value proposition very seriously.“Generally speaking, if gas prices start to increase, then we tend to see our value proposition resonate better with members, just because obviously we want to be the pricing authority on gas,” Millerchip said during the earnings call.The standalone stations suggest Costco may also be exploring another role for fuel, bringing its value proposition closer to members who don’t live near a warehouse.Costco has opened a new standalone gas station in Mission Viejo, California, C-Store Dive reported. “Regardless of Costco’s long-term plans for standalone gas stations, the new Mission Viejo location will almost certainly put pressure on nearby convenience retailers, which are unlikely to match the wholesaler’s aggressive fuel pricing,” the news site shared. According to Costco’s website, the station is selling regular gasoline for $4.59 per gallon — roughly 71 cents below the Orange County average, according to AAA.Costco also has plans to open a second stand-alone gas station in Hawaii, but the company has not commented on its overall plans in this area.Retail analysts say that if Costco expands its standalone gas strategy, competing chains may feel pressure to narrow fuel margins in order to remain competitive.Costco’s standalone gas station offers a 17,185-square-foot gas canopy with 40 fueling positions and is only accessible to Costco Warehouse members, according to a filing with Mission Viejo.Costco is being aggressive on gasCostco has been working on fully optimizing its fuel operations.“We’re now in the process of deploying AI tools in our gas business, which we expect will improve inventory management and drive incremental sales by ensuring we are always delivering the best value to our members,” CEO Ron Vachris said during Costco’s first-quarter earnings call.Pricing is a significant factor in how consumers decide where to buy gas.”Gas price is the top reason a driver selects a specific retail fueling location to fill up. Overall, 72% of all drivers say price is the most important factor, compared to 16% who cite location and 12% who cite brand, according to a 2025 NACS Consumer Fuels Survey. The same survey found that 69% of drivers said they would drive 5 minutes out of their way to save 5 cents a gallon,” The NACS reported.That means that, at least when gas prices are high, the combination warehouse-based gas stations and standalone, should that fleet grow, could give Costco a reach that’s bigger than its footprint.RTM Nexus CEO Dominick Miserandino thinks that Costco may add more standalone gas stations, but won’t deviate too far from its current formula of using discount fuel to drive store visits.“Gas isn’t a profit center for the clubs. It’s a high-octane magnet. Think about it: If you’re already sitting in a 15-minute line to save $0.30 a gallon, you’ve already committed the time. You’re in the ‘Costco headspace.’ Once you finish at the pump, your brain says, ‘I’m already here, I might as well grab the $5 chicken and a 30-pack of paper towels,’” he told TheStreet.Miserandino also shared that at the end of the day, Costco wants members to renew and that putting standalone gas stations in select areas may drive that.”Their revenue is from membership. I mean they do care if you enter the warehouse or you won’t keep renewing, but they value and want that annual recurring revenue from membership,” he added.Related: Costco quietly makes key credit card change

Investors worried about another dot-com crash may be asking the wrong question.Jim Cramer argues that pockets of speculation do not make the entire stock market a bubble. Compared with the late 1990s, many of the companies leading the current rally generate substantial revenue, earnings, and cash flow.And that distinction matters.Not only promises but also profits for Wall Street’s biggest banks, Micron Technology (MU) and Nvidia (NVDA). The recent financial data reveal that AI expenditure, trading activity, and company investment are delivering tangible profits.But “not another 2000” doesn’t mean equities are safe from a nasty fall.The market’s main test will be whether corporate earnings can keep expanding fast enough to justify lofty valuations without the artificial intelligence investment boom causing enough inflationary pressure to keep interest rates elevated.That poses an unforeseen risk for regular investors.The same data center building and tech spending that powers AI stocks might strengthen the economy, raise demand for equipment and labor, and complicate the Federal Reserve’s approach to cut rates.Maybe the rally won’t break because every AI business was a hoax.It might weaken due to further rising borrowing costs for real growth or due to earnings missing already discounted expectations.“There is some froth, but the froth does not represent what we trade. What we own,” Cramer said.AI earnings make this market different from 2000The most convincing counter-argument to a widespread AI bubble is that most of the biggest winners are achieving results that the most speculative dotcom businesses never did.The company’s earnings report for fiscal 2027 said Nvidia earned record first-quarter revenue of $81.6 billion, up 85% from the same period a year earlier. Non-GAAP gross margin was 75%, but data-center sales rocketed 92% to $75.2 billion.Those numbers don’t mean Nvidia stock is attractively valued. They do illustrate the AI infrastructure development is translating into income and profit, not just creating buzz about a far-off prospect.And another example is Micron.The memory-chip producer posted fiscal third-quarter revenue of $41.46 billion, up from $9.3 billion a year earlier. Micron also forecasted around $50 billion in fourth-quarter sales in its official quarterly results, as high-bandwidth memory and data-center demand intensified.Related: Nvidia partner sued over five critical productsEarnings strength isn’t limited to semiconductors either.JPMorgan Chase (JPM)posted a $21.2 billion second-quarter profit, but Visa and other investments inflated the headline number. Excluding significant adjustments, profit was $16.9 billion, the bank said in its second-quarter results report.Goldman Sachs (GS) said its official results showed $20.34 billion in quarterly revenue and $6.63 billion in net profitability as banking and markets activity rose.Bank of America (BAC), meanwhile, reported $31.6 billion in sales and $9.1 billion in net income, according to its investor-relations report.That breadth plays to Cramer’s thesis.There’s more than just unprofitable tech companies selling investors on a vision of the future that supports the market. Chip businesses are seeing a swift rise in profitability, and banks are cashing in on lending, trading, and dealmaking.However, take the valuation with a pinch of salt.FactSet calculated the future 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of the S&P 500 at 20.9 in an April analysis. That was above its five-year average of 19.9 and 10-year average of 18.9, while analysts predicted full-year 2026 earnings to grow by 18%.So simply said, the market might not look like the dot-com high, but it’s not clearly cheap.Strong profits explain some of the valuation. If such profits are disappointing, they don’t eliminate the repercussions.The AI boom could create its own interest-rate problemCramer’s analogy to the dot-com crash is mainly based on monetary policy.The technological bubble burst as interest rates climbed and investors evaluated the price they were ready to pay for uncertain future rewards. Lower valuations and a less aggressive rate cycle make the present market appear less fragile.The recent inflation report bolstered that claim.The Consumer Price Index fell 0.4% in June, the greatest monthly loss since April 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said. Consumer prices were still 3.5% higher than 12 months ago.That combination gave investors optimistic short-term inflation news without signaling that the Federal Reserve had finished its work.The FOMC kept its target rate at 3.5% to 3.75% in June. Its official statement noted inflation remained high relative to the central bank’s 2% target.More AI:The new Chinese AI model rattling U.S. tech investorsAnthropic restores access to Mythos 5 for select organizationsSoftBank CEO offers stinging critique of Musk’s AI betThe unseen danger is that the AI investment itself could hamper the ability to achieve rate decreases.Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warshtold Congress on July 14 that expenditure on high-tech companies climbed roughly 25% in the year ended in the first quarter. Much of the growth was due to data-center building and demand for AI hardware and software, he said.The Fed’s June meeting minutes were more explicit.Some authorities argued heavy investment in AI could add to stubborn inflation if economic growth outpaces the economy’s ability to produce. They also suggested productivity increases from AI might eventually cut costs, although such benefits may take time to materialize.That tension is significant for tech valuations.The AI businesses are getting the benefit of phenomenal capital spending. But growth companies are equally vulnerable to interest rates because a lot of their price is based on earnings investors expect them to make in future years.Higher yields diminish the present value of those future earnings. They also could raise the cost of funding for data centers, energy projects, and smaller enterprises trying to cash in on the AI build-out.That creates a market where good economic news doesn’t always translate into excellent stock-market news.Quick investment in artificial intelligence can boost revenues, spur demand for semiconductors, and drive economic growth. If that also pushes rate cuts further off, then investors might be less inclined to pay premium multiples for such earnings.

Jim Cramer sees one risk that could still derail AI stocksJemal Countess / Getty Images

What investors should watch instead of bubble talkThe phrase “bubble” makes investors see the market as one trade.No, it isn’t.The S&P 500 is made up of 500 of the leading corporations and comprises around 80% of the available U.S. market capitalization. The index weights companies by market size; thus, the success of its largest constituents can still have a big impact on overall performance.That causes a big difference between the index and the experience of the average stock.The S&P Dow Jones Indices’ June factor report showed the equal-weighted S&P 500 behind the capitalization-weighted index over the prior one-, three-, five-, 10-, and 15-year periods. That means the largest companies have carried a disproportionate amount of long-term index returns.For retail investors, that concentration is more valuable to watch than a broad bubble label.There can be many extremely speculative equities in a market, but not all big companies are dangerously valued. It can also look solid at the index level even if fewer companies are responsible for its advances.Key takeaways for AI investorsMajor AI suppliers are generating substantial revenue and earnings, unlike many dot-com-era companies.The S&P 500’s valuation remains above its recent historical averages, even if it is below the dot-com peak.Cooling inflation reduces the immediate risk of aggressive rate increases, but inflation remains above the Fed’s goal.AI investment is supporting economic growth and corporate profits.That same spending could keep inflation and interest rates higher than investors expect.Earnings growth, market breadth and interest-rate expectations matter more than whether commentators use the word “bubble.”First, investors want to see if earnings will continue to underpin the price of the market.Nvidia and Micron have posted amazing growth, but the higher the performance, the higher the expectations. A corporation can have another record quarter and still disappoint if investors are looking for something more.The second measure is if earnings growth is widening.JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and Bank of America posted strong results that illustrate the market’s earnings story isn’t limited to technology. If financials, industrials and consumer sectors remain strong, the rise would be more sustainable.The monetary policy is the final exam.The Fed has “zero tolerance” for rising inflation, Warsh said in his congressional testimony, and remains committed to price stability. The central bank may be cheering productivity gains from AI but is unlikely to cut rates just to protect lofty stock prices.Cramer is correct that a few speculative stocks don’t make a whole market another dot-com bubble.But investors should not take that conclusion as a signal to buy.The bigger threat is that the best businesses in the market will have to keep generating fabulous earnings as the AI boom stretches the economy’s ability and the Fed’s willingness to cope.The rally doesn’t need to go to 2000 to be damaging.All it needs is for profits to slow, or interest rates to stay higher for longer than the market expects.Related: Jim Cramer crowns one surging sector the hottest in the market

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Admiring the night sky is a primal pastime, and one that humans have been engaging in for millennia. Today’s stargazing, however, is far more crisp and clear than it was for our ancestors. That’s thanks to the invention of the personal telescope. These impressive gadgets help us to see the heavens in a far more detailed way than ever before. The technology has improved immensely in recent years as well, giving us an even closer look at our neighbors in the cosmos. Shopping at online retailers like Amazon and Walmart, you can find lots of telescopes in every price range and with every type of feature imaginable. Many have fun extra features as well, such as the ability to attach a smartphone for taking photos. If you have a smartwatch, you can even use it to time the pictures. There’s no better time than now to start looking up and admiring the universe. That’s because the summer sky offers the kind of astronomy lessons you could never get from a textbook. Stargazing in the summertimeThere are a few reasons why the summer is one of the best times to enjoy looking into space with your telescope. The first of these is the most practical. It’s simply that the weather allows for comfortable viewing for the entire season. While heat or humidity may impact general comfort for some, it still doesn’t hinder your ability to use your telescope. Cloud cover, rain, and even snow can keep you from seeing much of anything throughout the rest of the year. While springtime often offers a more temperate climate, it also brings with it a fair amount of precipitation. That’s why making use of summer weather is the best strategy for stargazers.Secondly, the Milky Way galaxy itself is more visible in the summer months than at any other time of the year. That’s because in the summertime, the Earth faces the center of the galaxy, which is intensely bright. It allows for the best possible views of the galaxy and so much that it encompasses. The Milky Way’s center is loaded with all sorts of interesting astral objects, including globular star clusters and multiple nebulae.Finally, you can get the optimum performance from your telescope in the summer. There’s less risk of your lenses fogging due to rapid temperature drops, which can happen regularly in other seasons. Battery-powered components and moving parts tend not to fare as well in colder weather. In fact, batteries have a shorter lifespan when used in extreme cold versus warmer weather. All of these factors contribute to summertime being ideal for astronomy fans. When choosing a telescope, there are three designs to consider.Refractor telescopesRefractor telescopes utilize two or more lenses to collect light, and subsequently bend it in order to magnify your subject. It also makes objects in your view look brighter and more clear. Refractor telescopes are more popular for amateur astronomers vs. professionals. That’s because in order to get higher magnification, you need larger and heavier lenses as well as a longer tube. That gets expensive when you’re talking about a professional-scale telescope that can see deeper than most amateur models. What’s more, gravity can cause large glass lenses to sag over time, creating distortions.Gskyer Refractor Travel Telescope

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Check price at AmazonMeezaa Professional Refractor Telescope

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Check price at AmazonReflector telescopesReflector telescopes, on the other hand, utilize a large mirror at the back of the tube to reflect light toward another smaller mirror that then feeds the image to the eyepiece. This uses the mirrors as the primary magnifiers rather than lenses. Mirrors can be produced much thinner than glass lenses from a refractor telescope, so there’s less concern about image distortion when you upsize the telescope. Reflector telescopes tend to require more maintenance than their refractor counterparts because there are more components involved and they sometimes require internal cleaning.Celestron Power Seeker Reflector Telescope

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Check price at AmazonGskyer Astronomical Reflector Telescope

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Check price at AmazonCheck price at WalmartNational Geographic Reflector Telescope

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Check price at AmazonCheck price at WalmartCompound telescopesAs you may expect, compound telescopes use a combination of refraction and reflection to magnify things in the night sky. Because they use both techniques, they’re fairly compact and smaller, on average, than the other two options. They also sit at a midrange price point. However, because they require a more complex manufacturing and assembly process than the other two, they’re not quite as common or readily available. Compound telescopes are more of a specialty item for hobbyists and professionals rather than a standard budget pickup. That doesn’t mean, though, that you can’t find one at a good price occasionally. Even Amazon only seems to have one compound model available at the moment.Skywatcher Skymax Compound Telescope

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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 dealWhen it comes to conquering the outdoors, it’s always best to be prepared. Rain, sleet, sun, or snow, you want to be able to handle anything the environment or Mother Nature throws at you, and one of the best ways to do that is by knowing how to layer. With the right apparel, you can easily add layers or remove them to adjust accordingly to your surroundings, staying comfortable and appropriately dressed for any outdoor adventure you plan to take. The thinner base layers can range anywhere from a tank top to a thin long sleeve, but a good jacket or outer layer, like the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is what you really need when the seasons start to change. Summer might not be primetime for a Patagonia fleece, but before you know it the temperatures will drop, and autumn and winter will be making their debut. And while we’re in no mood to rush the sweet summer season, we like to take advantage of sales now so that we’re prepared and ready to go in the future. REI offers tons of great deals on your favorite outdoor and athletic wear, and lately Patagonia is getting the spotlight. Right now, the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is on sale for up to 50% off in select colors. The $199 fleece is now available for as little as $94, with other styles also marked down to $139. Not all available colors are on sale, but the ones that are make a great purchase if you’re an avid adventurer planning your next trips. Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody, $94 (was $199) at REI

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Shop at REIWhy do shoppers love it?Although this piece of apparel is labeled as a “hoody” it’s more of a zip-up fleece. Made from recycled polyester, as part of the technical fleece line, it’s designed as a hybrid garment that combines the warmth of a standard fleece with the weather- and abrasion-resistant of a soft-shell jacket. It’s designed for comfort but also long-lasting use especially since it’s ideal for high-exertion outdoor activities where you can come into contact with all kinds of elements and conditions. Although less breathable than natural fibers, polyester is not only extremely durable but it’s exceptionally warm. The wrinkle- and stain-resistant fabric is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, so even when you do overheat you don’t have to worry about your jacket feeling damp with sweat. That’s why it’s a go-to material for athletic wear and outdoor gear. It specifically has a zigzag knit pattern that’s designed to increase airflow and minimize bulk. There are built-in vents that allow in airflow when you do get overly warm. Related: Amazon’s $12 fleece-lined hoodie replaces expensive alternativesThe jacket is still highly breathable and insulating while also being lightweight. Weighing only about 11 ounces, the jacket is about hip-length on an average-sized person. The slim-fit hood layers comfortably over or under other pieces of apparel, and the hood itself can even fit under helmets or other hoods. It has an off-shoulder seam, one zippered left-chest pocket, and two front pockets with small zippers. There is a quick-drying woven binding along the back hem and cuffs for improved fit and durability. Details to knowMaterial: Recycled polyester. Colors: Five.Sizes: XXS through XL.Shoppers love this stylish, form-fitting hoodie that hugs the body but isn’t overly tight, allowing you to easily add more layers underneath it. Not only does it have a great fit, but it’s flexible and moves with you while also keeping you incredibly comfortable. “It’s so warm, cozy, and regulates my body temperature better than any other fleece I have tried,” one shopper said. Shop more deals REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket, $64 (was $129) at REIPatagonia R1 Air Jacket, $115 (was $165) at REIKuhl Renegade Recon Pants, $49 (was $99) at REIAlthough you certainly wouldn’t use this jacket anytime soon if you’re in an area where the heat has felt extreme, take advantage of the excellent sale price on the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody to prepare for your future adventures when the conditions are much cooler. 

Roth individual retirement account conversion transactions jumped 41% compared with the same period a year earlier, Fidelity’s first-quarter 2026 retirement analysis found.The One Big Beautiful Bill Act permanently extended lower federal income tax rates, and many retirees now see a window to convert at today’s brackets.But Fidelity Investments is urging caution, warning that rushing the move without modeling its full impact can do more harm than good.Every dollar converted counts as ordinary income for that tax year, and the resulting income spike can trigger costs that extend beyond the initial tax bill.The Federal Tax impact of a large Roth conversionA Roth conversion moves pre-tax retirement savings into a Roth account, where future qualified withdrawals are generally tax-free after a five-year holding period, Fidelity stated.The trade-off is that each dollar converted is included in the annual adjusted gross income, increasing the amount of income subject to federal taxation.A married couple with $170,000 in combined pension, wage, and Social Security income who converts $80,000 to a Roth could see their taxable income push past the $211,400 top of the 22% bracket for joint filers in 2026, moving the excess into the 24% bracket, according to the Internal Revenue Service.Fidelity Viewpoints notes that investors who lack the cash to cover the resulting tax bill often pay it from the converted balance, shrinking the amount that grows tax-free inside the Roth. For individuals under age 59-and-a-half, using retirement funds to pay the resulting tax bill may also trigger a 10% early withdrawal penalty, Fidelity cautioned.The Medicare surcharge most retirees overlook in Roth conversionsThe increase in tax liability is reflected on the tax return, but a less apparent consequence can emerge through higher Medicare income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA) that may persist for years.For 2026, Medicare charges the surcharge when modified adjusted gross income crosses $109,000 for single filers or $218,000 for married couples filing jointly, according to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).More Fidelity:Fidelity offers a lifeline to millions before Social Security shiftsFidelity flags major 401(k), IRA shift as Americans struggleFidelity cuts to the chase on 401(k) best practicesUnlike tax brackets, the IRMAA operates as a cliff, meaning a single dollar above the threshold triggers the full surcharge for the entire tier, Kiplinger reported.“People don’t know what IRMAA is,” Nancy Gates, lead educator and financial coach at Boldin, told Kiplinger. “They could pay three times what everyone else pays for Medicare.”The timing creates another complication, as Medicare determines premiums based on tax returns filed two years earlier, rather than income reported during the current year.A conversion completed in 2026 would first affect premiums in 2028, when the higher income enters Medicare’s two-year lookback window.A married couple in which both spouses are enrolled in Medicare could face about $1,949 per year in additional Part B premiums alone, based on the $81.20 monthly surcharge.Conversions completed in 2018 or later are also irreversible, because the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated the ability to recharacterize a Roth conversion for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, the IRS confirmed. 

A Roth conversion could unexpectedly increase your Medicare premiums years later if your income crosses IRMAA surcharge thresholds.Dreet Production/Getty Images

The case for spreading Roth conversions across lower-income yearsMercer Advisors and Fidelity Viewpoints recommend smaller annual conversions during years when taxable income naturally remains lower, allowing taxpayers to manage tax exposure over time.Bryan Strike, senior director of financial planning at Mercer Advisors, identifies the gap between retirement and required minimum distributions as the ideal conversion window.In a Mercer Advisors example, a couple with $110,000 in base income converts $60,000 per year during that window and remains within the 22% bracket.That approach prevents the couple from being pushed into the 32% bracket or higher once mandatory withdrawals begin at age 73, the firm’s analysis explained.Bryan Hwang, a vice president with Fidelity Private Wealth Management, wrote in Fidelity’s Viewpoints article on Roth IRA conversions that Roth conversions can serve a dual purpose by reducing both the account holder’s future income tax burden and the taxable value of the estate passed on to heirs.The Roth conversion can be quite valuable, not only from an income tax perspective, but also from an estate tax perspective.Converting before mandatory withdrawals begin also shrinks the traditional balance that heirs must deplete within 10 years under the SECURE Act’s distribution rule.What to weigh before converting a traditional IRA to a RothThe number of years before required minimum distributions begin at age 73 can determine how much opportunity remains to spread conversions across lower tax brackets and manage taxable income over time.A large conversion could increase modified adjusted gross income enough to cross an IRMAA threshold, potentially resulting in higher Medicare premiums beginning two years later.The ability to pay the resulting tax bill with funds outside the retirement account is another factor. Using separate cash reserves allows the full converted amount to remain invested in the Roth account rather than reducing the benefit of the conversion, Fidelity reported.State tax rules can also influence the decision, particularly for individuals who expect to relocate to a state with no income tax before or during retirement. Fidelity and Mercer Advisors both frame timing and surrounding circumstances as central to whether a Roth conversion delivers a net benefit, alongside the mechanics of the conversion itself.Related: Dave Ramsey raises red flag on major IRA, Roth IRA decision

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 dealWith the summer finally here, we’re gearing up to spend as much time as we can outside. But to do so comfortably, a canopy tent can come in handy.Pop-up canopy tents are convenient outdoor essentials that protect you from the sun. All provide shade and a spot to stay cool, but some come with extra features that protect you from bugs, too. Canopies that come with mesh netting keep bugs and mosquitoes out, keeping you cool with the breathable material and free of pesky bug bites.The Specstar 10×10-Foot Easy Pop-Up Canopy with Mesh Netting is a great option, and it’s currently on sale at Walmart. Thanks to a Flash deal, the canopy is on sale for $126, which is 34% off its regular price of $190. For a spacious canopy that can fit up to 10 people, it’s a steal.Specstar 10×10-Foot Easy Pop-Up Canopy with Mesh Netting, $126 (was $190) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at WalmartWhy do shoppers love it?This pop-up canopy comes with mosquito netting that covers all four walls. They keep bugs away all while not trapping heat inside, with their breathable walls. Not only is the netting removable, but it also has double-sided zippers on two sides to make it easy to enter and exit.The tent has a durable rust- and scratch-resistant steel frame. Its height is adjustable to four levels, with a maximum height of 9.2 feet. The cover features 150D silver-coated Oxford cloth, which has UPF 50+ protection that can keep you safe in the sun. With an easy setup, the frame comes pre-assembled, and all you have to do is push up to put it together. It’s designed for a single person to do it, which means it’s as easy as can be. The canopy also comes with rope and stakes to anchor it to the ground for extra security.Measuring 10 feet by 10 feet, it’s spacious enough to fit eight to ten people. It’s a great addition to a backyard for outdoor summer gatherings. It comes with a rolling carrying case, which makes it easy to transport from car to campsite to beach — wherever your outdoor adventures take you.Related: Amazon’s ‘easy to set up’ 10-foot pop-up canopy tent is on sale for $94Pros and consProsRemovable netting: It has full-wrap netting to keep the bugs out that you can remove when needed.Easy assembly: It has a pre-assembled pop-up frame designed to be easy enough that one person can do it.Portable: The canopy comes with a roller bag that has removable wheels, making it easy to move around.ConsNot heavy windproof: While it can manage light wind, it might need extra anchoring against strong winds.Netting installation: Some reviewers say the netting can be difficult to install, as it uses Velcro to keep it in place.”This canopy is perfect for our back deck! The netting is tightly woven, so even the sneakiest mosquitoes can’t get through,” a shopper said. “The tie downs are very secure, and it’s very easy to pop into place!! Great canopy for the price point!”Shop more dealsCobizi 10×15 Pop-Up Canopy Tent with Mosquito Netting, $200 (was $270) at WalmartCostway 10×10 Pop-Up Canopy Tent with Mesh Netting, $114 (was $159) at WalmartDon’t let the sun or the bugs stop you from enjoying the outdoors this summer. The Specstar 10×10-Foot Easy Pop-Up Canopy with Mesh Netting is a solid buy, and it’s on sale now for only $126 during a limited-time Flash deal.

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 dealSome rooms in our home tend to collect clutter more than others. A bustling kitchen with cookware, bakeware, dry goods, and appliances, or your bathroom that’s juggling towels, toiletries, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, hair care, skincare, and more. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a little bit of extra storage to properly house items, making the room appear tidier and making it easier to find what you need, but these areas are often smaller and difficult to find storage that fits.That’s where the Teenfon Narrow Adjustable Storage Cabinet comes in. It has a small footprint with tons of storage, and the best part is that it’s on sale for 10% off right now at Amazon. Shoppers can tidy up their space and save at the same time, paying only $65 for this cabinet. Teenfon Narrow Adjustable Storage Cabinet, $58 (was $65) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?This storage cabinet features five adjustable shelves, allowing you to make room for larger or smaller items. It also has four more shelves located in the top and the bottom cupboards. The drawer in the middle is ideal for items like cosmetics, Band-Aids, and other smaller items that may roll around or fall easily off the shelves. The whole unit is eight inches deep, eight inches wide, and 71 inches tall, fitting items such as tall paper towels, shampoo bottles, lotion bottles, cleaning spray, rolled up towels, and more. It’s perfect for all the little odds and ends that get left on top of the counter or get lost in bigger bathroom cabinets. Related: Amazon is selling a space-saving farmhouse cabinet for just $63The raised base design keeps the storage cabinet clean and dry, especially in the bathroom or kitchen, where water might spill on the floor. The cabinet surface is also waterproof, mitigating rogue water droplets from washing dishes, brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and more. It also makes it longer-lasting in the bathroom, where humidity tends to build up during showers and baths. It’s durable and includes an anti-tip kit to fix it to the wall and prevent your contents from falling. Details to knowStorage space: This storage cabinet has two cupboards with shelves, five open shelves, and one drawer. Color: Choose from green or white for the best deal, and other options like natural and black are available at different prices. Size: This cabinet is 8 inches deep, 8 inches wide, and 71 inches tall.One reviewer said, “This cabinet did not disappoint. I had just the right amount of storage, and it was easy to put together. Overall, the cabinet is pretty sturdy.” Another person said, “I was really impressed with the quality right out of the box. The material feels solid. The instructions were clear, all the pieces were perfectly labeled, and everything lined up exactly as it should.”Shop more dealsViaozutis Tall Bathroom Cabinet, $100 at AmazonShintenchi Tall Slim Storage Cabinet, $82 at AmazonWhether you need more storage space for your toiletries, want to tidy up your family room nook, or just want a cute accent piece for your kitchen, the Teenfon Narrow Adjustable Storage Cabinet is a convenient and beautiful choice. The small footprint makes it ideal for room corners, kitchen pantries, bathrooms, or hallways, and the price is even better. Shoppers can save 10% on this storage cabinet, paying just $58 while this deal lasts. 

South Korean memory chipmaker SK Hynix (SKHY) was a company most American investors could not buy. It builds the high-bandwidth memory stacked next to Nvidia’s AI accelerators. Until last week, owning SK Hynix meant opening a Korean brokerage account or settling for a thinly traded over-the-counter receipt.That changed on July 10, when SK Hynix listed American Depositary Receipts on the Nasdaq and raised $26.5 billion.What followed was not a clean victory lap. In four sessions, the stock advanced 13%, crashed to within a few dollars of its offer price, then surged 27.29% higher on July 14 to close at $193.92.Four days, three completely different conversations about the same company.What SK Hynix’s $26.5 billion Nasdaq listing actually deliveredSK Hynix priced 177.9 million American Depositary Shares at $149 each, raising $26.5 billion and surpassing Alibaba’s 2014 debut as the largest U.S. share sale ever by a foreign company, CNBC reported.Demand outstripped supply by roughlyseven times.More AI Chip Stocks:Micron stock jumps as investors look beyond GPUs in AI chip tradeMorgan Stanley says Nvidia stock remains top pick despite headwindMajor AI chip stock plunges after blockbuster $26.5 billion Nasdaq debutOne structural detail is worth noting. Each ADS represents one-tenth of a Korean common share, according to SK Hynix’s SEC data. Ten ADSs equal one ordinary share.That ratio is why the entire $26.5 billion raise created only 17.79 million new common shares, under 3% of the company.The money is already committed. According to SK Hynix, proceeds go toward fabrication capacity in South Korea and a $3.87 billion advanced packaging plant in Indiana. The company’s management targets mass production in the second half of 2028.

SK Hynix raised $26.5 billion in its Nasdaq debut, the largest U.S. share sale ever by a foreign company.Sundry Photography / Getty Images

Why SK Hynix’s HBM position anchors the bull caseHigh-bandwidth memory is DRAM stacked in vertical layers and placed right next to an AI chip, so it can feed data fast enough to keep the chip working at full speed.Without HBM, an expensive accelerator sits idle waiting for data.SK Hynix ranked first globally in HBM revenue with a 56.4% share in the first quarter of 2026, according to its SEC filings.First-quarter revenue reached 52.58 trillion won, roughly $34.5 billion. That’s up 198% from a year earlier.Only three companies make HBM: SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron (MU). All three supply Nvidia (NVDA). Micron has been the only one Americans could own directly, which is part of why its stock has run so hard in 2026.SKHY changes that math. It gives U.S. investors a second listed way into the same HBM boom.Why the stock crashed before it soaredOn July 13, SK Hynix had its worst single day on record in Seoul. The stock fell 15.4%, dragging the KOSPI down 9% and triggering a trading halt.The trigger was a brokerage note. Korean firm KIS published a second-quarter profit estimate about 8% below consensus, citing slower HBM4 shipments.KIS’s estimate simply moved, and $100 billion of market value moved with it. Then, on July 14, it reversed entirely. Goldman Sachs said newly launched, concentrated ETFs amplified the Seoul selloff, even as the underlying semiconductor cycle stayed strong, MarketScreener reported.The ADR premium is the number to watchHere is where SKHY stops behaving like a normal stock.The premium of SK Hynix’s ADRs over its Korean shares surpassed 50% within three days of listing, Bloomberg reported.Both securities represent the same company and the same earnings. Yet at that spread, a U.S. buyer pays roughly 1.5 times what a Seoul buyer pays for identical stakes.Related: Michael Burry doubles down on AI chip bubble with Micron shortPremiums exist because it takes time, paperwork, and cost to convert Korean shares into ADRs. That friction keeps arbitrage from closing the gap fast, so the premium sticks around.What that means practically:If the premium narrows, SKHY can fall even when the Korean shares riseThe U.S. tradable shares are small, which magnifies both directionsLeveraged ETF flows sit on top of an already limited supplyBuying SKHY over Micron means paying for access, not just for memory exposureThe premium is the number that separates SKHY’s return from SK Hynix’s performance.What Wall Street is telling investors nowBarclays initiated coverage of the newly listed ADRs on July 15 with an Overweight rating and a $330 price target.That price target is roughly 70% above the July 14 close, and it landed while Seoul shares jumped nearly 13%.Meritz Securities analyst Kim Sunwoo said DRAM suppliers currently meet only about 75% to 80% of demand, and that fulfillment rate could drop into the 60% range in 2027.CEO Kwak Noh-jung has said the memory industry faces its worst-ever supply shortage in 2027, with demand exceeding capacity well beyond 2030.Micron’s results corroborate the cycle from the U.S. side, where third-quarter revenue hit $41.46 billion, and analysts keep raising targets on memory pricing.When a supplier and its direct competitor independently describe the same shortage, the shortage is probably real.What still has to happen for the bull case to holdThe demand story is largely confirmed. However, the stock’s price is an open question.Four things need to go right from here:HBM4 has to ship on schedule. The KIS note that triggered the crash cited HBM4 delays specifically, and Samsung is closing the gapThe 2027 shortage has to arrive as expected. Every 2026 capex dollar across the industry becomes a 2028 supplyThe ADR premium has to hold or narrow slowly. A fast snapback hurts U.S. holders even if Korea ralliesAI capital spending has to keep pace. Hyperscaler budgets fund the entire chainHow to think about SKHY versus MicronFor most U.S. investors, the practical question is not whether AI memory is booming. It is the question of which stock to follow.Micron offers the same shortage exposure with no premium, deep liquidity, and years of U.S. disclosure history. SK Hynix offers more direct HBM exposure, but at a 50% premium for a newly listed stock with limited trading history.The Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM) offers exposure to the whole sector. But its top three holdings still account for about 73% of its assets, so it’s less diversified than it sounds.The leveraged ETFs are a different bet entirely. They reset daily, so their returns can drift from the stock’s own performance over time.These leveraged ETFs even lose money in stretches when SK Hynix rises. Treat them as short-term trades, not long-term holdings.The bottom line SK Hynix’s business is doing exactly what it promised. High-bandwidth memory (HBM) shares are above 56%, revenue is up 198%, and there’s a shortage the CEO expects to last past 2030.The Nasdaq debut proved the demand is real. But it also proved something else.SKHY’s stock price moves just as much due to fund trading and high price premiums as it does due to its actual business performance.A 27% daily increase driven by new leveraged funds is not the same as a 27% daily increase driven by earnings.Do you want memory exposure without paying that premium? Micron offers it.If you want SK Hynix instead, this stock fell 15% in a single day, then jumped 27% the next. Nothing about the company changed. So, size your position with that kind of swing in mind.Related: Citi sends warning on semiconductor and hyperscaler stocks

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 dealHaving a comfortable place to settle in for the night can make your mornings feel better and your evenings cozier. Soft, comfortable, and clean sheets allow you to have a more restful night and a more productive day, and it’s a bonus when your sheet set is easy to care for and to put on the bed without struggling to stretch it over the corners.Target is selling a Hoey 4-Piece Microfiber Sheet Set that features deep pockets, a slip-resistant design, and storage for your devices. Originally $60, this super soft sheet set is on sale for 40% off, offering an affordable price of just $36 for this set.Hoey 4-Piece Microfiber Queen Sheet Set, $36 (was $60) at Target

Courtesy of Target

Shop at TargetWhy do shoppers love it?This microfiber sheet set features a deep-pocket design with upgraded elastic bands that not only easily fit over your mattress without struggling, but also stay in place, and provide a non-slip corner strap on each corner to help secure the fitted sheet. This set fits mattresses with a depth of up to 21 inches. The set also includes a top sheet and two envelope-style pillow cases with double-stitched embroidered edges for an elegant touch that also provides durability. The envelope design folds over the ends of the pillows and allows them to stay secure throughout the night. It also features two pockets sewn into the side of the sheet, offering a place to set your phone, TV remote, journal, or other items to have them close by every night. Related: Walmart’s bestselling 7-piece comforter and sheet set is now just $37 in all 20+ colorsThe 100% double-brushed microfiber is super soft to the touch and offers breathability for a good night’s sleep. The sheets also stay cooler and feature a wrinkle-resistant design that allows your bed to look nice without the extra work of ironing and smoothing the sheets out every morning. They’re machine washable, making them easy to wash quickly and throw back on the bed, or add into a rotation of a few sets for the house. This queen-sized set measures 102 inches by 90 inches for the flat sheet, 80 inches by 60 inches for the fitted sheet, and two 20-inch by 30-inch pillowcases.Details to knowSize: This queen-sized set measures 102 inches by 90 inches for the flat sheet, 80 inches by 60 inches for the fitted sheet, and two 20-inch by 30-inch pillowcases.Color: This set is only available in gray.Material: This double-brushed microfiber sheet set is machine washable, wrinkle-resistant, breathable, and super soft. One reviewer said, “These are the best, most comfortable sheets I have ever owned!” Another shopper said, “I love these. They’re durable and a great size for my bed.”Shop more dealsSweet Home Collections 6-Piece Sheet Set, $27 (was $69) at TargetCalifornia Design Den 100% Cotton Sheet Set, $48 (was $117) at TargetBecky Cameron FLoral Pattern Sheet Set, $38 (was $63) at TargetWhether you want to update your bedding or need something cool and ready for summer, the Hoey 4-Piece Microfiber Sheet Set is a great choice. At just $36, this set saves you 50% off the original price and offers soft, washable, and convenient bedding with the deep pockets and extra side pockets for your phone. Shoppers save $24 at Target.