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Frozen fruit is one of those grocery staples shoppers often buy for convenience and forget about for months, especially in houses with children.A bag of berries can sit in the freezer for smoothies, breakfast bowls, baking, or kids’ snacks long after the original shopping trip. That long shelf life is part of what makes frozen fruit useful, but it also means a recall can reach consumers well after the product has left store shelves.This is why a new recall tied to Publix matters for shoppers across several states.Frozen blueberry recall covers one lot in 8 statesThe Chile-based supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., is recalling one lot of GreenWise frozen organic blueberries sold at Publix after the product was linked to potential E. coli contamination and reports of stomach illness.The recall comes as consumers have become more alert to food-safety warnings, especially when the products involved are everyday grocery items kept at home for later use. TheStreet recently covered an FDA recall involving a blood-pressure drug, showing how technical recall notices can quickly become personal for consumers who rely on common products.Related: FDA recall raises concern over blood pressure drugThe company is recalling 10-ounce bags of frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries because they may be contaminated with E. coli O145:H28, according to Publix’s recall notice.The recalled product was shipped to Publix stores in these 8 states:AlabamaFloridaGeorgiaKentucky North CarolinaSouth CarolinaTennesseeVirginia.The affected product is Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries in 10-ounce bags with lot code 60401 (also listed as 6040 01) and a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028. The GTIN is 4141506453.No other lot codes or best-by dates are included in the recall.Publix is advising customers to return or discard frozen GreenWise blueberries purchased on or before July 3, 2026. Customers with the affected lot should not eat the product.The recall was initiated after reports of 12 confirmed cases of consumers experiencing stomach illness between May 11 and June 5, 2026, linked to E. coli O145:H28 infections, according to the notice.

Frozen blueberries sold at Publix are being recalled.JHVEPhoto / Getty Images

E. coli risk can be seriousE. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strain, which can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, and vomiting.While many healthy people recover within about a week, some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.More Recalls:FDA recall raises concern over blood pressure drugHonda’s million-vehicle recall hits core SUVs and trucksJeep owners should take immediate action to avoid huge riskThe supplier said it is working with regulators and customers, and that it has told customers receiving the affected lot to isolate the product, stop distributing it, and notify downstream customers who may have received it.For Publix shoppers, the key step is to check the freezer, look for the lot code and best-by date, and avoid eating the affected product. Consumers can either discard the blueberries or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.Related: Iconic denim brand closes facility, cuts 303 jobs

Taking a summer road trip used to be one of my favorite things to do. Not anymore. With gas prices skyrocketing, driving across the state, let alone the country, is no longer affordable.While gas prices have generally risen because of the Iran war and other supply-chain issues, other factors may be at play.A lawsuit alleges that Walmart, Albertsons, and other retailers may have contributed to gas price increases in a not-so-consumer-friendly way.The story of rising gas pricesGas prices have been hovering around $2.99 a gallon, according to Trading Economics. While that’s a dip from a few months ago, when prices were at $3.74 a gallon, it’s still high compared to 2025, when prices were at just over $2.00 a gallon.That’s also just the average price across the nation, as prices vary by state. According to Forbes, West Coast states tend to have some of the highest gas prices, with states like California, Washington, and Hawaii reaching over $5 a gallon. Oil and gas prices are also influenced by trading on commodity exchanges, which depends on factors such as the U.S. dollar, geopolitical events, and production quotas.But a recent lawsuit filed in California contends that several retailers have been using AI to inflate prices and bypass standard competition practices.

A lawsuit alleges that a surge in gas prices may have been worsened by the use of AI.Getty Images

AI-driven gas pricing may have violatedantitrust law According to court documents, one of the core causes of high fuel costs in California is retailers’ use of an AI pricing system that fixes prices.The lawsuit alleges that AI algorithmic pricing firm Kalibrate connects directly to gas stations and, instead of lowering prices to attract drivers, uses data from competing companies to inflate prices.More retail60-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 stores“While families struggle to afford the commute to work, Defendants have conspired to put an end to competition, joining an AI-powered trust to ensure that no matter where a driver turns, the price for gasoline is artificially high,” the court document states.In other words, by using Kalibrate, retailers allegedly violated fair competition rules and California antitrust laws.Retailers that used Kalibrate and are named in gas price lawsuitThe list of retailers named in the lawsuit includes the following, among others.WalmartSam’s ClubAlbertsonsCircle KMarathon7-ElevenSpeedwayEG AmericaBPTravelCentersThe lawsuit is one of the first to reference AB 325, a California law passed in 2025 that prohibits shared pricing algorithms.The lawsuit claims that the named gas retailers “have replaced independent, competitive pricing with a coordinated, automated mechanism that relies on sensitive competitor data and a conscious decision to ensure that prices remain artificially high,” which is explicitly forbidden under the law.The class action lawsuit seeks a jury trial and damages for drivers in the state who, it claims, overpaid for gas at more than 1,700 gas stations in California.The lawsuit says gas station owners inflated prices by as much as 22 cents a gallon and as much as 33 cents for diesel, costing California drivers $134 million a year.Walmart owns about 450 gas stations around the country, according to Emarketer, while Albertsons has 402 fuel stations, according to CSP Daily News.Related: Kroger just shook up the supermarket landscape

Luxury brands are typically considered recession-resistant. Yet recent store closures suggest that luxury is not always enough to keep a business afloat amid shifting consumer habits and economic challenges. McKinsey & Company reveals an important shift in consumer behavior: Emotional connection is now a top driver of purchasing decisions, ahead of traditional luxury markers such as craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity. “In the United States, luxury clients are most interested in lifestyle experiences, such as travel and well-being-related activities. That means luxury labels now compete with boutique hotels, private clubs, wellness destinations, and cultural institutions for consumers’ time and attention,” writes McKinsey & Company. I recently reported on iconic fashion handbag retailer Vera Bradley closing 13 stores, supporting the trend of consumers becoming more interested in luxury travel than nicely designed bags. However, there was more to that story, as experts say Vera Bradley had lost sight of what made it successful. Nonetheless, other luxury giant downsizing moves do suggest there’s something going on within the high-end fashion industry. In 2025, Kering shut down 133 stores, announcing plans to close 100 more, while Ferragamo said it planned to close roughly 70 stores. On top of that, earlier this year, prominent luxury retail conglomerate Saks Global navigated a high-profile Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring, recently emerging under an optimized footprint, and Macy’s also confirmed plans to shutter 150 locations. Now, another historic luxury brand joins the group as it quietly downsizes.Capri Holdings closes 139 Michael Kors stores in 3 years On May 27, Capri Holdings, the parent company behind fashion icons such as Michael Kors, Versace (recently sold), and Jimmy Choo, disclosed its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2026 ended March 28, 2026.The fashion giant reported fourth-quarter total revenue of $796 million, down from $827 million in the same period of fiscal 2025. Capri Holdings Q4 fiscal 2026 earnings summary: Gross profit amounted to $516 million, compared to $496 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Net loss was $3 million, versus a loss of $644 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Total operating expenses were $543 million, compared to $552 million in the fourth quarter of last year.
Source: Capri Holdings earnings press release
The document further revealed that as of March 28, 2026, Capri Holdings owned 673 Michael Kors and 211 Jimmy Choo stores, while on March 29, 2025, there were 711 Michael Kors and 219 Jimmy Choo stores. The data reveals that in 12 months, Capri Holdings has closed 38 Michael Kors stores. After analyzing Capri Holdings’ previous financial filings, I discovered that it has been closing more than 46 Michael Kors stores on average per year since 2023. Michael Kors year-by-year store closures: 2023 to 2024: Dropped from 812 to 769 stores (43 stores closed).2024 to 2025: Dropped from 769 to 711 stores (58 stores closed).2025 to 2026: Dropped from 711 to 673 stores (38 stores closed).
Sources: FY23 Form 10-K SEC Filing, FY24 Form 10-K SEC Filing, and FY25 Form 10-K SEC Filing
The numbers show an intentional pullback, as Capri Holdings has closed 139 Michael Kors stores, reducing the total number by more than 17% in three years.

Capri Holdings closes 139 Michael Kors stores in three years.HJBC / Getty Images

Why has Michael Kors been closing so many stores per year? A closer look at the company’s financial timeline shows that the store closures track a multi-year revenue decline. According to official regulatory filings, the Michael Kors brand has watched its global sales plummet by more than $860 million in three years. The year-by-year Michael Kors revenue breakdown: Fiscal 2023: $3.88 billion in total net sales, according to the brand’s historical FY23 Form 10-K. Fiscal 2024: $3.52 billion in total net sales, representing a single-year drop of over $350 million, based on Capri Holdings’ FY24 Form 10-K.Fiscal 2025: $3.02 billion in total net sales, representing a 22% revenue drop from 2023, as disclosed in FY25 Form 10-K. Footwear as “biggest issue,” along with overpricing and more During the full-year fiscal 2026 earnings call with Wall Street analysts, CEO John Idol explicitly deflected the brand’s core issue away from handbags, pinpointing a failure in their footwear category layout as the primary drag on retail performance.”Our biggest issue inside the company actually is not the accessories, it’s our footwear. And we are going through a strategic repositioning of our footwear business in Michael Kors,” Idol said, according to a transcript provided by The Motley Fool. The company is refocusing on the casual footwear category and is in the process of renovating about 100 stores this year, Idol added. In fact, he noted that traffic and sales in the renovated stores were up, “and in those stores, quite frankly, there’s a much higher percentage of new customers coming to those stores.” Related: Cult-favorite doughnut chain closes more locations without warningMoreover, Capri Holdings adjusted pricing on Michael Kors product to better align with consumer trends, reported Retail Dive. “We went through a period of time where we raised the prices too far,” Idol said. “About a year and change ago, we went back to our historical pricing structure, and that’s worked really well for us in full price.”Idol added that Michael Kors’ fourth-quarter revenue decline of 5% year over year was driven mostly by the company’s quality of sale initiatives, which included reduction of promotional activity, third-party sales, and off-price shipments. “As our strategic initiatives continue to take hold, we are seeing clear evidence of progress across the business,” the CEO highlighted. Experts say Capri Holdings’ failed merger may also have impacted sales The last few years have been turbulent for the luxury giant, as the company’s merger plans failed, and it subsequently agreed to sell its world-renowned brand Versace. In November 2024, Capri Holdings confirmed a mutual termination of its merger agreement with Tapestry Inc., under which Tapestry was to acquire Capri for approximately $8.5 billion, according to Form 10-K. Both companies mutually agreed to terminate the deal “less than a month after a federal judge blocked the acquisition, which the US Federal Trade Commission had sued to stop, arguing that it would unfairly eliminate competition in the market for affordable handbags,” reported Business of Fashion. According to David Swartz, senior equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, the proposed merger, though it failed, has impacted the company’s operations. “Capri…has been really struggling. The merger has seemingly been a big distraction and has hurt Michael Kors’ results,” Swartz told Fashion Dive. Additionally, Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, told Retail Dive that Capri Holdings neglected its brand, planning the merger. After the merger failed, the company was left with needing “an enormous amount of corrective action” to get back on track. Saunders highlighted that for Tapestry, the deal termination was “a lucky escape,” given Capri’s declining results. “Tapestry would also have inherited a whole host of problems from multiple broken brands and, while it could likely fix these, it would have sapped a great deal of time and resources,” Saunders said.Selling Versace “at a discount,” and Capri Holdings’ next movesUpon terminating the deal, Idol said he remains confident in “Capri’s long-term growth potential,” as the company continued to focus on its three iconic luxury houses.Since then, however, the company retained only two luxury brands, as it decided to sell its Versace business to Italian fashion giant Prada at a discount, according to the BBC. In December 2025, Prada acquired Versace for $1.375 billion, “well below the roughly $2bn that Versace’s former parent company, Capri Holdings, paid for the brand in 2018.” reported BBC. “With the successful completion of the sale of Versace, we plan to use the proceeds to repay the majority of our debt, which will substantially strengthen our balance sheet. As a result, this transaction will significantly reduce our leverage ratio and provide greater financial flexibility to both invest in our growth as well as return capital to shareholders in the future,” Idol stated. The CEO added that he believes the company is on track to stabilize its business this year, while “establishing a solid foundation for a return to growth in fiscal 2027.” Capri expects a fiscal 2027 revenue of about $3.5 billion, including about $2.9 billion for Michael Kors and about $625 million for Jimmy Choo.Raj Mehta, Michael Kors CFO and former interim CFO at Capri, told analysts that retail revenue growth will be “partially offset by a planned decline in our Michael Kors wholesale channel as we continue to reduce off-price shipments.“Our guidance now assumes an additional 10% tariff on products coming into the United States,” Mehta added. “Operating expense dollars are expected to increase modestly relative to fiscal 2026. We expect full-year operating income to be approximately $190 million, a 60% increase year over year.”The company expects Michael Kors operating margin in the low double-digit range, while Jimmy Choo returns to profitability with operating margin in the low single-digit range. Although the broader luxury sector has seen some major retailers reduce their brick-and-mortar footprints amid shifting consumer behavior, Capri executives and analysts suggest Michael Kors’ challenges also stem from brand-specific issues, such as merchandising, pricing, and the failed merger. And while closing 139 stores in three years is a serious contraction, the company’s executives view the strategy as part of a broader effort to improve profitability. With store renovations, pricing adjustments, and wholesale distribution reductions underway, fiscal 2027 will be a test for Michael Kors’ latest turnaround strategy. Related: Las Vegas Strip loses 26 stores after retail scandal

SK Hynix is set to price its Nasdaq listing this week, aiming to raise as much as $28 billion in what would rank as one of the largest share sales in history, according to Reuters. The company adjusted its target down from an initial $29.4 billion following recent pre-pricing pressure on its stock in Seoul, Quartz reported.The South Korean chipmaker does not need the money to survive. It is already profitable, its products are in shortage, and cornerstone investors have lined up before the deal even priced.That combination makes this listing less a lifeline and more a referendum on how much appetite is left for the AI trade.The SK Hynix Nasdaq offering: nuts and bolts SK Hynix filed a Form F-1 registration statement with the SEC to list American depositary shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker SKHY. The company plans to offer 17.79 million new ADSs, about 2.5% of its outstanding shares, according to the SEC filing.Three cornerstone investors — Baillie Gifford, Coatue Management, and Situational Awareness Partners — have already indicated interest in buying up to $7 billion of the shares combined, according to Investing.com.Pricing is expected Thursday, July 9, with shares set to begin trading on Friday, July 10. That gives investors a tight window to decide whether the valuation gap with U.S. rival Micron is worth closing.Why a profitable company is raising money it doesn’t strictly needSK Hynix’s Korea-listed shares slipped about 4% Monday to 2,327,000 won, even as the stock remains up roughly 273% so far in 2026, according to Reuters.The dip looks more like pre-pricing jitters than a change in the underlying demand story.Here is the part that should give investors pause. SK Hynix generated $85.8 billion in revenue over the 12 months through March, and could likely borrow cheaply against that cash flow instead of selling new shares.A Motley Fool analysis makes exactly this point: SK Hynix is choosing the stock market over the bond market anyway, and that choice is the signal worth watching.The shortage itself has already moved markets once. Comments last month that SK Hynix planned to slow its AI memory expansion triggered one of the Kospi’s worst single-day drops on record, according to Fortune.Proceeds are earmarked for the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster and the P&T7 advanced packaging plant in Cheongju, on top of a $4 billion packaging plant already under construction in Indiana, TheStreet reported.None of that capacity arrives fast enough to ease today’s HBM shortage. Customers, including Nvidia, are already reserving production years in advance, the same report confirmed.

SK Hynix expects to spend $7.8 billion on ASML’s EUV scanners as it prepares to price its up to $28 billion Nasdaq listing this week.Bloomberg / Getty Images

How much is SK Hynix spending on ASML’s EUV machines?SK Hynix expects to pay about 11.9 trillion won, or roughly $7.8 billion, for ASML’s extreme ultraviolet lithography scanners, according to a Seeking Alpha report.ASML is the only company that commercially builds EUV machines, which etch nanometer-scale patterns onto silicon wafers, the report noted. That monopoly is one reason memory chip capacity takes years to expand, not months.Related: After beating Samsung, tech titan files for IPODelivery of the new systems is not expected until December 2027, according to the same filing.That timeline confirms the shortage driving today’s memory prices will not ease anytime soon. SK Hynix separately told the SEC it expects net proceeds of about $28 billion from the Nasdaq offering, slightly below earlier gross estimates once underwriting fees are subtracted.Shares of ASML rose about 4% Monday, July 6, alongside those of other chip equipment makers, as the broader market rebounded from last week’s selloff, the Seeking Alpha report indicated. ASML’s other top customers include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and Intel, both of which are also racing to secure scarce EUV capacity.What SK Hynix’s IPO says about the AI tradeSpaceX raised $85.7 billion in its June 12 debut, the largest IPO ever, after underwriters exercised their over-allotment option, the company confirmed.Alphabet issued $85 billion in stock on June 2, the largest public equity raise on record, according to The Motley Fool. Combined with SK Hynix, the three deals add up to roughly $200 billion pulled from investors in a matter of weeks.More IPO:Wall Street’s $200 billion IPO wave threatens sell-offOpenAI makes IPO decision amid Anthropic, SpaceX fervorAnthropic scales its most powerful AI a day after filing to IPOThe difference is what each company needed the cash for. SpaceX lost $4.9 billion last year and is funding unproven bets on Starship and AI data centers. SK Hynix and Alphabet are the opposite: cash-generative, already dominant, and under no obvious financial pressure.When the strongest companies in the market start behaving like the weakest ones, raising equity instead of debt, it tends to say more about how expensive money has become than about any single balance sheet.The numbers behind the deal:Global HBM market share sits at roughly 57%, with DRAM share at 32%, according to Tom’s Hardware data cited by TheStreet.Market capitalization has climbed toward $1.3 trillion after SK Hynix surpassed Samsung as Korea’s most valuable listed company.A roughly 700% gain over the trailing 12 months makes SK Hynix one of the sector’s top performers, according to Fortune.Second-largest share sale in history is the likely ranking for this offering, trailing only SpaceX and surpassing Saudi Aramco’s $25.6 billion 2019 IPO.SK Hynix’s listing will price this week, but the more useful signal, coming letter, is whether demand holds up for a deal from a company that, by its own numbers, doesn’t need the money.If a shortage this severe still requires outside capital to fix, and if equipment orders don’t arrive until 2027, that says something about how deep the AI buildout has to go before supply catches demand.The real test comes after the IPO. Will investors remain willing to fund that gap once today’s AI enthusiasm begins to cool?Related: Tokyo puts billions behind Micron’s chip plan

Oil was at $107 a barrel in May. Tankers were sailing thousands of miles out of their way. Refiners in Asia were bidding up whatever crude they could find that did not have to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.None of that is true anymore. Brent settled near $68 on July 6. The Strait is open. And JPMorgan’s commodities team is now warning about too much oil, not too little.JPMorgan warns of an oil glut as Hormuz barrels flood backNatasha Kaneva, who heads commodities research at JPMorgan Chase, sent clients a note on July 4 spelling out the problem.”The market is facing the risk of a temporary glut as trapped oil finally re-enters a system that has already spent months learning how to function without it,” she wrote. “The barrels now exiting Hormuz increasingly have nowhere to go except China. But China is not buying.”More Economy:JPMorgan doubles down on economy, inflation outlookCentral bankers grow nervous about AI fundingBofA sees new trends forming in the K-shaped economyMore than 60 million barrels sat effectively frozen since February, when the war with Iran began shutting down Strait traffic. Those barrels are now moving. Saudi Arabia is back to roughly 90% of pre-war export levels. The UAE has fully restored shipments, with more than 3.9 million barrels per day flowing through the Strait and a bypass pipeline. The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which launched a 400-million-barrel emergency release when the crisis started, is still running even though the crisis is largely over.The EIA put the global surplus at nearly 4 million barrels per day for 2026. Last week OPEC+ approved another production increase of 188,000 barrels per day for August.China is not buying oil, and that is the core problemThe physical market is where you see how bad it has gotten. UAE crude shipped to Hawaii, looking for a buyer. A Venezuelan cargo sailed over 10,000 miles to India, sat for two weeks, and left without one. Omani crude is trading at a $4 discount to Dubai, the biggest gap since 2020. Congo’s Djeno grade hit a $14 discount to Brent last week, a record.Before February 28, China was the buyer that kept Middle Eastern crude flowing. When the war started, Chinese imports dropped by roughly 5 million barrels per day. Five months later, they have not recovered.”Chinese buyers remain conspicuously absent,” Citigroup wrote in its own July note. “Without a meaningful return of Chinese demand, the incremental barrels being pushed into the market simply deepen the emerging surplus.”Brent futures have moved into contango, with near-term prices below future delivery prices. Oil traders store barrels when that happens. Weekly EIA inventory data is already showing builds.

The physical market is where you see how bad it has gottenRue/Getty Images

What falling oil prices mean for the US economyGasoline prices have not fully followed crude down yet, but they will. Crude oil accounts for more than half of what drivers pay at the pump, and the EIA is forecasting a 6% drop in US retail gas prices for 2026 compared with last year. It just takes longer for pump prices to fall than it does for them to rise. Traders have a name for it: rockets and feathers.Lower crude costs feed through to trucking, food distribution, and manufacturing. If oil stays in the high $60s, that is real downward pressure on costs that have been elevated since the war began.The part that does not feel like relief is in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Yale University’s Budget Lab has documented how quickly capital leaves the shale patch when crude drops. Drilling budgets get cut. Rig counts fall. People get laid off. The gas savings consumers see at the pump do not make up for that in oil-dependent communities.The Federal Reserve is in a complicated spot. Cheaper energy pulls headline inflation lower, which normally builds the case for rate cuts. But the Fed has been burned before by moving on energy-driven inflation that reversed course. If $68 oil holds through August, it becomes harder to ignore. If China comes back and crude rebounds, the window closes.How long oil glut lasts depends on ChinaJPMorgan is calling it temporary, and there are real reasons to think it could be. The 60-million-barrel release from Hormuz was a one-time event, not an ongoing production increase. The IEA expectsSPR releases to taper off sharply within a month, which cuts one big source of supply pressure.Kpler senior analyst Homayoun Falakshahi told Bloomberg that Chinese demand looks close to a floor. Middle Eastern crude is cheap right now. The economic case for Chinese refiners to start buying again is getting hard to pass up.But cheap oil has not brought them back yet. OPEC+ is still adding barrels every month. Global oil demand is on track to fall by 1.1 million barrels per day in 2026, per the IEA, as economies slow and more drivers switch to EVs. Saudi Arabia and its OPEC+ partners have not started talking seriously about production cuts. Until one of those things changes, the surplus does not go away on its own.Related: JPMorgan resets oil price target for rest of 2026

SoftBank Group (SFTBY) agreed to invest up to $87 billion to build AI data centers in France, CNBC reported. French President Emmanuel Macron personally closed the deal, courting SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son over two months, according to CNBC.Most infrastructure commitments this large move through trade ministries and years of negotiation. This one moved through direct outreach between a head of state and a single chief executive.That shortcut points to a bigger problem. The United States and China already control the AI models, chip supply chains, and data-center capacity that define the current race, and every other country is negotiating for what is left.The U.S. and China already control the inputs AI needsIndia does not produce cutting-edge chips domestically and has no frontier-scale AI model to match leading U.S. or Chinese systems, according to CNBC’s reporting.France depends on foreign chipmakers and hyperscalers for the computing power a domestic AI industry would need.Those gaps are structural, not something either country closes through policy incentives alone. That is why Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have gone around the usual channels, since trade agencies move too slowly for a race this compressed.SoftBank’s France investment shows what direct diplomacy buysSoftBank confirmed in its own announcement that it will spend an initial €45 billion, about $52 billion, to build 3.1 gigawatts of AI data center capacity in France’s Hauts-de-France region by 2031.That figure sits inside a larger €75 billion commitment targeting 5 gigawatts total, contingent on the first phase succeeding.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 gigawatt figure matters more to investors than the euro total, since compute capacity determines how much AI workload a region can actually support.Son said Macron pushed for more power capacity than SoftBank first proposed, and France committed 3 gigawatts instead of 2, according to Bloomberg. Macron used France’s nuclear-heavy electricity grid as his leverage in that negotiation.“AI is entering a new era,” Son said in SoftBank’s statement, framing the investment as a bet on which countries build AI infrastructure first. SoftBank trades in Tokyo under ticker 9984.T, and its fortunes increasingly track AI infrastructure bets like this one, rather than its legacy telecom and venture holdings.

SoftBank committed $87 billion to French AI data centers after Macron personally negotiated the deal with founder Masayoshi Son.LUDOVIC MARIN / Getty Images

Modi is running the same playbook with American hyperscalersAmazon CEO Andy Jassy met Modi in New Delhi and committed Amazon to $48 billion in India through 2030, with $21 billion of that directed at AI and cloud infrastructure in Mumbai and Hyderabad, Amazon said in a statement.That $21 billion figure is the one investors should track, since it is the portion tied directly to AWS capacity rather than Amazon’s broader retail footprint in India.Related: Amazon doubles down on enterprise AI betMicrosoft and Google have made comparable commitments. Microsoft confirmed its largest investment in Asia, and Google pledged $15 billion for its largest AI hub outside the U.S., according to CNBC.Some additional context on how far that courtship has extended:A lithography supply deal was reached between Dutch chipmaker ASML and India’s Tata Electronics for a new 300mm semiconductor fab, giving India its first serious foothold in advanced chip manufacturing.A G7 summit lunch organized by Macron in June seated OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, and Google DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis alongside world leaders, according to CNBC.Modi convened AI executives, including Altman and Amodei, at India’s AI Impact Summit in February.The AI race rewards proximity, not just capitalNone of this changes the scoreboard. The U.S. and China are not just ahead in AI. They control the inputs everyone else needs to compete, and no relationship with a single CEO closes that gap on its own.What France and India are buying is time and capacity, not parity. That distinction is the one worth watching as SoftBank, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google decide where their next round of AI capital goes, because the countries willing to negotiate directly with a handful of executives are set to keep pulling ahead of the ones waiting for the market to sort itself out.Regardless, the entire world is trailing behind the U.S. and China when it comes to AI, and that is not changing anytime soon.Related: Tokyo puts billions behind Micron’s chip plan

Walt Disney World visitors planning a trip to Epcot later this year will soon lose access to one of the park’s most iconic dining experiences.The restaurant is unlike any other at Disney World, allowing guests to dine beside a massive living coral reef aquarium through floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing thousands of sea creatures. Its one-of-a-kind underwater setting has made it a longtime favorite for visitors seeking both seafood and an immersive dining experience.The shutdown comes as Disney continues to invest billions of dollars to expand and upgrade its parks and attractions, although the company has not explained why this particular location is closing.Disney World closing Coral Reef RestaurantDisney World will close its Coral Reef Restaurant located inside Epcot’s World Nature neighborhood beginning Sept. 8, 2026.Earlier this year, the restaurant shifted to dinner-only service, operating daily from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Disney has not said whether those limited hours are related to the upcoming closure or whether they will be permanent.Although the shutdown is temporary, Disney has not announced a reopening date. The official Disney World website only states that the Coral Reef Restaurant is expected to reopen later in 2026.The company has also not shared the reason for the closure.Coral Reef Restaurant overlooks the aquarium inside The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion, making it the only restaurant at Disney World where guests can dine alongside a living coral reef habitat.According to Disney, The Seas is one of the largest human-made ocean environments in the world. The aquarium contains enough water to fill 54 Olympic-sized swimming pools and is home to approximately 2,000 marine animals representing more than 60 species, all cared for by Disney’s team of marine scientists and animal care experts.

Disney is temporarily closing the Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot.Joseph Prezioso/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

What the closure means for Disney World visitorsGuests visiting Epcot on or after Sept. 8 should expect the Coral Reef Restaurant to be unavailable until it reopens later this year.Because the restaurant overlooks the aquarium inside The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion, its temporary closure removes one of Epcot’s most distinct dining experiences. However, the attraction itself is expected to remain open unless Disney announces otherwise.Visitors will still have access to more than 400 dining locations across Walt Disney World Resort, including numerous restaurants inside Epcot.Guests can also check Disney’s official interactive park hours calendar before their visit to confirm operating schedules and any temporary closures.Closures come as Disney invests billions in its parksWhile Disney has not linked the Coral Reef Restaurant’s closure to any broader construction or refurbishment plans, it comes as the company continues investing heavily in expanding and modernizing its Parks, Experiences, and Products business.Speaking at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in March 2026, Disney CFO Hugh Johnston reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its $60 billion, 10-year investment plan, first launched in 2023, as reported by Disney Tourist Blog.The investment is intended to expand park capacity, enhance attractions, improve guest experiences, and support long-term growth as demand for Disney’s parks continues to increase.Disneyland confirms closure of iconic attraction and restaurantA beloved Disney theme park ride is changing foreverDisney World adding new land, closing classic attractionsJohnston said that many Disney parks are already operating near capacity, making investments in new attractions and guest experiences increasingly important to the company’s future.”I’ve got high, high confidence that this notion of turbocharging experiences is something that’s going to pay back for not just years to come, but probably a couple of decades to come,” said Johnston.Disney’s parks continue to grow despite attendance challengesDisney’s (DIS) long-term investment strategy is already producing financial results.During the second quarter of fiscal 2026, the company’s Experiences segment reported a 6.5% year-over-year increase in revenue, while theme park admissions rose by nearly 6%. Although domestic attendance declined 1%, guest spending per visit grew 5%, helping offset lower visitation through stronger sales of merchandise, food, and beverages.During its latest earnings call, Disney said it anticipated softer domestic attendance, but following the opening of Epic Universe, it expects comparisons to improve in the upcoming quarters.Maintaining and expanding Disney’s parks, however, requires significant investment. Capital spending on parks, resorts, cruise ships, and other Experiences assets increased 15.2% year over year to nearly $5 billion during the quarter, as the company continued funding new attractions, infrastructure improvements, and future expansion projects.Related: Disney World shares new theme park ticket prices for 2027

Tesla (TSLA) finally gave investors a delivery rebound.But BYD nevertheless claimed the crown back.That’s the painful part of the new worldwide electric-vehicle numbers. Tesla produced 480,126 vehicles in the second quarter, easily beating Wall Street estimates and indicating demand had bounced back after a slow first quarter. Tesla produced 451,758 vehicles and installed 13.5 gigawatt-hours of energy storage solutions throughout the quarter.But BYD (BYDDY) did something more crucial for the long-haul electric-vehicle competition.BYD’s pure-EV sales declined year on year, but the Chinese automaker retook the global lead for battery-electric vehicles from Tesla. That’s the bit that investors need to listen to.BYD didn’t need a perfect quarter to beat Tesla. All it had to do was keep its foreign machine running.That’s turning the tale of a simple Tesla versus BYD sales race into something broader. Defending Tesla’s overseas growth narrative can get more expensive if BYD can stave off criticism at home with more cars abroad.The danger for Tesla isn’t just that BYD sold more EVs in one quarter. The thing is, BYD might be able to turn margin into a weapon on global exports.“Tesla vehicle deliveries and storage deployments represent only two measures of the Company’s financial performance,” Tesla said, adding that quarterly results depend on factors including average selling price and cost of sales.BYD’s overseas push changes Tesla’s problemBYD’s second-quarter figures appear extremely different depending on where investors look.The headline win is obvious. BYD sold 557,090 battery-electric vehicles in the second quarter, the company’s April, May and June production and sales documents show. That topped Tesla’s 480,126 deliveries.But the subtext is even weirder.BYD’s battery-electric sales in the second quarter fell approximately 8.2% from 606,993 a year ago. That would usually be the weak aspect of the story. Instead, BYD still defeated Tesla.That means Tesla did not lose the global pure-EV crown because its quarter was bad. Tesla delivered a strong number. BYD simply had more scale.Related: Why a fatal crash threatens Tesla’s stockThe ‘anti-Tesla’ gives American buyers more good newsTesla investors face a tougher challenge.Tesla bulls can argue the delivery rebound demonstrates demand is coming back. But BYD’s victory suggests that Tesla’s rebound may not be enough if its biggest global competitor can continue to make gains internationally while taking hits at home in China.BYD’s export figures show the change.More Tesla:Tesla faces lawsuit from family of victim killed in Texas home crashWhy a fatal crash threatens Tesla’s stockTesla stock has a SpaceX problem, veteran analyst saysThe company exported 135,098 units of new energy cars in April, 160,644 in May, and 175,349 in June. That’s 471,091 new energy vehicles exported in the second quarter.BYD sold 1,108,048 new energy vehicles in the second quarter, which means exports accounted for around 42.5% of the company’s quarterly sales. This is the genuine clue of an investment. BYD is no longer only fighting Tesla in China. It’s fighting that struggle somewhere else.BYD beats Tesla without a flawless quarterBYD’s June filing explains the story isn’t that easy: “BYD is booming.”In June, the business sold 403,472 new energy vehicles, against 382,585 a year ago. BYD’s total new energy vehicle sales fell 15.72% year over year to 1,808,511 vehicles from 2,145,954 through the first half of 2026.That’s the rub.BYD faces the headwinds. It’s not like it’s racing away with the field in every category. Its sales of battery-electric vehicles declined year over year in June and its first-half sales of battery-electric vehicles declined 15.23% from the same period in 2025.But BYD nevertheless managed to snatch the global pure-EV lead from Tesla.That’s the “oh wow” moment for the investor. BYD can have a terrible pure-EV quarter and yet beat Tesla because its base is so big currently.

BYD turns Tesla’s EV race into a global fightBenjamin Fanjoy / Getty Images

Tesla has a narrower product strategy than BYD.Tesla solely sells battery-powered electric vehicles. BYD sells battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric automobiles. In June, BYD delivered 201,472 battery electric passenger vehicles and 195,820 plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles.That gives BYD more ways to compete in markets where consumers are not ready to go fully electric.It also allows the corporation greater pricing options. Tesla’s lineup remains narrower, still depending on the Model 3 and Model Y. Tesla delivered 467,762 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the second quarter, with all other models combined representing only 12,364 deliveries.That makes the worldwide EV contest a little less cozy for Tesla.Tesla is trying to convince Wall Street its future is autonomy, artificial intelligence, robotaxis and robotics. But today’s financial engine is mainly dependent on car sales. BYD is addressing that engine with scale-and-cost advantages and a far bigger global effort.Chinese exports are becoming the real threatThe BYD tale is also part of a much wider trend.Chinese automakers will see exports grow to 9.9 million vehicles in 2026 from 7.1 million in 2025, AlixPartners predicts. The consultancy group also argues exports are likely merely the initial phase of China’s global car expansion, with localized production the long-term goal.That’s important for Tesla because exports are only the start.Chinese automakers might be tougher competitors in Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East if they leverage exports to create brand awareness and then change course to local manufacturing.BYD is already talking about itself as a global enterprise. The manufacturer said it was present in more than 120 nations and regions, sold 4.6 million vehicles worldwide in 2025, and sold more than 1 million of those vehicles outside of China.That international footprint affects the investor question.The age-old concern for Tesla has been whether it can keep boosting deliveries.The new concern is whether Tesla can sustain boosting deliveries without sacrificing pricing power in countries where BYD and other Chinese rivals are getting stronger.BYD: Key second-quarter numbers557,090: BYD battery-electric vehicles sold in the second quarter.480,126: Tesla vehicles delivered in the second quarter.1,108,048: BYD total new energy vehicles sold in the second quarter.471,091: BYD new energy vehicles exported in the second quarter.42.5%: Approximate share of BYD’s second-quarter sales that came from exports.467,762: Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles delivered in the second quarter.12,364: Tesla deliveries from other models.Tesla’s own delivery release urged investors not to see vehicle deliveries and storage deployments as a perfect barometer of financial health. Tesla noted results also rely on average selling price, cost of sale, foreign exchange and other factors.That prudence is much more important when BYD is going overseas.If Tesla has to respond to BYD with lower prices, better incentives or faster model updates, then the delivery race can become a profit race very quickly. Selling more vehicles is beneficial, but selling more vehicles at weaker margins is a different story.Tesla investors now face a global margin testTesla’s second-quarter delivery rebound was still important.The corporation delivered almost 480,000 vehicles, a significant increase over the first quarter. It also gave investors indications that demand fears may have been overblown.But BYD’s reclaiming of the pure-EV championship raises the stakes for what Tesla has to prove next.Tesla can no longer rest on becoming the default worldwide electric vehicle. BYD shows Chinese automakers can expand upward and export aggressively, using hybrid and all-electric offerings to reach more people.That is not to say Tesla is in a long-term losing race.It does mean the race is getting harder.Tesla’s next earnings report will have to answer the question that deliveries can’t: if the higher volume is translating into strong profits. Investors will be looking for vehicle gross margins, operating income, free cash flow and any comments from CEO Elon Musk on price, demand and competition internationally.They’ll also be listening for any updates on robotaxis and artificial intelligence, companies that continue to be important to Tesla’s valuation.But BYD’s recent success is a reminder that the automotive business is still important.Tesla might be selling investors on a future beyond cars. BYD is pressing the business that funds that future.Related: Tesla’s $1.4 trillion valuation rests on what happens next in one city

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 dealA tablet can be useful and convenient when you want to work and play on the go. They’re great for everything from checking emails and writing up documents to streaming Netflix and scrolling through Instagram. If you’re on a budget, there are a few tablets on our radar at Amazon, and one offers a ton at under $60.The Yqsavior 2-in-1 Android Laptop and Tablet is on sale for just $59 at Amazon, and you’ll get a big bang for your buck with this pick. It comes with a tech accessories bundle that not only improves its functionality as a tablet, but can also turn it into a mini laptop.Yqsavior 2-in-1 Android Laptop and Tablet, $59 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?If you didn’t think you could get a standard everyday tablet and laptop for under $100, think again. This two-in-one laptop and tablet features up to 2.0 gigahertz (GHz) processor, 8 gigabytes (GB) of RAM, and 32 GB of ROM that’s expandable up to 1 terabyte (TB). The combination gives you great performance and potentially tons of storage for everyday computing tasks at an affordable price. Running on the Android 15 operating system, you get some of the latest software that offers seamless performance and security. Its 10.1-inch screen is the sweet spot between a large laptop and a smartphone, making it more portable and easy to carry around, whether it’s around the house or while you’re traveling. The front and back cameras allow you to snap pics, take videos, and partake in video calls, and it has a reading mode that’s designed to reduce eye strain. With a 6000-milliampere-hour (mAh) battery, you can get up to 12 hours of use on a single charge. But the real kicker is the tech accessories it comes with. In the bundle, you get a wireless keyboard, a wireless mouse, a stylus, a case, and a charging cable that can essentially transform a basic tablet into a mini workstation. Not to mention, the price of the entire two-in-one laptop and tablet bundle can cost just as much, if not less, than the price of a single accessory from a more high-end brand. Related: Amazon is selling an Android tablet for only $53 that comes in 5 colorsPros and cons of the Yqsavior 2-in-1 Android Laptop and TabletProsProductivity bundle: This tablet comes with a wireless keyboard, a wireless mouse, a stylus, a charging cable, and a case that make it more versatile than just a tablet. All the accessories plus the tablet also cost significantly less in this bundle compared to buying them individually.Up-to-date operating system: It runs on Android 15, which is one of the latest software updates that provides enhanced security and performance.Expandable storage: While the 32 GB storage is on the small side, it’s expandable up to 1 TB with a micro SD card, which is impressive for a budget-friendly tablet.ConsLower resolution: As a budget tablet, the 1280×800-pixel resolution is sufficient, but don’t expect the clarity and sharpness of a more high-end tablet like the iPad 11 that has a resolution of 2360×1640 pixels.Multitasking limitations: If you need to do basic tasks and run apps, this tablet can handle the job. But if you have too many apps running and tabs open simultaneously, it might start to lag.According to Amazon shoppers, this laptop and tablet bundle offers a ton of value for the price. Customers highlighted the tech accessories bundle that includes everything you need to turn the tablet into a mini laptop. Reviewers say it’s great for day-to-day tasks, and it’s great for all ages, from kids to adults.There’s no denying that you get a lot for the price with this tablet combo, but don’t expect Apple-level performance at this price or expect to use the tablet to do heavy-lifting or advanced gaming. “It runs Android 15 and handles basic tasks well enough,” a reviewer said. “It can lag a bit when switching apps or doing a lot at once, but for browsing, videos, or everyday use, it works fine.”Shop more dealsTuohaitime 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $68 (was $81) at AmazonHiGrace 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $80 (was $90) at AmazonCupeisi 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $75 at AmazonBottom line? If you need a budget-friendly tablet that’s versatile, comes with all the accessories you need to turn it into a mini workstation, and performs basic computing tasks well, the Yqsavior 2-in-1 Android Laptop and Tablet is a great choice at only $59.

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 dealListening to music or podcasts is far less enjoyable if you don’t have a high-quality set of earbuds. That’s why we’re constantly searching for the best deals on personal audio equipment. One of the best places to hunt for such finds is Walmart. The retailer always has plenty of discounts on earbuds and headphones, and we found one that just blew us away. We think you might be a fan too, once you see the sale price.The Sta Noise-Canceling Earbuds are on sale at the moment for only $20. That’s an unbelievable discount of 88% off the original price of $170. Even at the regular price, these are some of Walmart’s bestselling earbuds. We can only imagine how fast they’ll sell at this deep of a discount.Sta Noise-Canceling Earbuds, $20 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at WalmartWhy do shoppers love it?While these headphones offer superior sound quality, they also have another little surprise that has us completely shook. More on that later, though. With two 14-millimeter dynamic drivers delivering an immersive sound experience, you’ll forget what music ever sounded like before you bought these headphones. The bass is deep and thumping while the mids and highs sound crisp without being too tinny. They offer great sound for music and movies, but are just as impressive for phone calls.Speaking of which, the buds have a built-in noise-canceling microphone that allows whoever you have on the other end of the line to hear every word in crystal-clear surround sound. The silicone bud caps also create a nearly soundproof seal around your ear canal, giving you reduced ambient noise as well. There is also an advanced noise-canceling setting for reducing sonic distractions even further.Now, back to the little surprise we mentioned above. The charging case for these earbuds includes a full-color multi-function LED touchscreen that would even make your smartwatch jealous. The screen allows you to control every aspect of your listening experience, and even includes a minigame to boot. The earbuds have a staggering runtime of 70 hours when paired with the case. The case itself offers one-hour quick charging as well, which is incredibly convenient when you’re on the go.Related: Walmart’s bestselling $168 noise-canceling headphones with improved bass are now just $21Details to knowDrivers: Two 14-millimeter dynamic drivers.Battery life: Up to 70 hours with charging case.Noise cancellation: Advanced noise-canceling setting reduces ambient sounds.Connection: Bluetooth.Walmart shoppers were very happy with these earbuds. One called them “my new favorite earbuds” before also saying, “I always have trouble getting earbuds to stay in my ear, but these fit perfectly. The LED screen on the front of the recharging case is my favorite part.” Another said the noise-canceling setting “completely blocks outside noise out.”Shop more deals JBL Tour Pro 3 Noise-Canceling Earbuds, $330 at WalmartSoundcore P25i Bluetooth True Wireless Earbuds, $15 (was $40) at WalmartIf you want to hear the best audio quality without all the external sound and fury drowning it out, then we think the Sta Noise Canceling Earbuds are a great buy. At just $20, this sounds to us like the best thing you could possibly spend your money on.