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The Michael Jackson biopic Michael, starring the late pop icon’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, begins its streaming video on demand run on STARZ this week as work on the sequel looms.

Wildberries’ average price for hardware wallets fell 13% to 7,900 rubles, and M.Video broadened its range of products, though neither retailer identified the driving force behind the renewed demand.

Streaming customers have seen their monthly bills go in one direction for years: up.But it seems Disney (DIS) is thinking quite differently now. In its latest earnings call, Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro said the company is exploring free streaming channels that could make some of its vast entertainment library available to viewers who don’t want to add yet another monthly subscription.That could mean a legitimate ad-supported free path to Disney programming for consumers frustrated by rising streaming prices.For Disney investors, the thinking is almost the reverse of giving away something. A free product could attract price-sensitive viewers that Disney+ currently struggles to reach, D’Amaro says. It could generate more advertising inventory and ultimately steer some of those users to paid Disney+, Hulu, and other Disney products.It’s all about timing.Disney’s fiscal third-quarter revenue increased 7% to $25.2 billion, while adjusted earnings per share climbed 28% to $2.06. Entertainment revenue rose 6% to $11.3 billion, and operating income in that segment jumped 64%, helped by streaming gains.Disney finally turned streaming into a real profit engine. Now D’Amaro wants to make it something bigger: the front door to the entire company.“A free offering could help us drive top of funnel Disney+ subscriber growth,” D’Amaro told investors.Disney sees something valuable in customers who won’t payDisney’s possible free service would come as the economics of television undergoes another major shift.Free ad-supported streaming television, or FAST, is becoming more like the cable experience that streaming disrupted in the first place. Viewers open a service and select from channels that are always running, and they watch advertising instead of paying a monthly fee.The price is the difference. For households already paying for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other subscriptions, free programming removes the decision of whether another service deserves space in the monthly budget.That audience is one media companies can no longer ignore.In the first quarter of 2026, streaming made up a record 46.6% of total ad-supported TV viewing, Nielsen said. Among adults 18-49, streaming now represents about two-thirds of their time spent watching ad-supported TV. FAST services such as Tubi, Roku Channel, and Pluto TV are also attracting considerable audiences outside the youngest streaming demographic.Disney has ad-supported Disney+ subscriptions.What D’Amaro describes could be more than just a subscription model. Rather than having viewers pay a reduced monthly fee for commercials, Disney could use some programming to reach those who are not paying anything. Such an approach affects the size of the funnel.Related: Disney’s big bet on the NFL is already paying major dividendsAnd Disney has another motive to covet those viewers.D’Amaro claimed Disney’s streaming ad inventory is “pretty well sold” already. More free viewing would thus provide the corporation more commercial inventory to sell, rather than simply moving existing users to cheaper tiers.That difference is important to shareholders. Disney wouldn’t necessarily be forsaking subscription income to establish the service. Or it may target consumers who never intended to subscribe in the first place, sell ads to monetize their attention, and then sell Disney’s paid ecosystem back to them.Free then becomes a strategy of acquisition, not a discounting strategy.Disney wants Disney+ to become much more than NetflixD’Amaro’s larger point explains why a free service could matter beyond advertising.He doesn’t think of Disney+ as a place where people just watch movies and television series. He wants it to be Disney’s digital customer relationship.More AI:Nvidia just made a move Wall Street wasn’t ready forMicrosoft just took sides in AI policy fightOpenAI just disclosed something genuinely alarmingD’Amaro told investors that Disney’s enormous streaming audience gives the business a rich first-party data set that it can use for personalization and future offerings.Disney has already declared Disney+ will become more of a hub linking its tales, games, films, and physical experiences, rather than a single video service. D’Amaro earlier this year called Disney+ the company’s future “digital centerpiece.”Further adjustments are on the way. Disney is hoping for a spring bounce, with games, merchandising, personalization, exclusivity, and subscriber rewards on the agenda, Variety reports.That’s a huge distinction between Disney and many of its streaming rivals.Netflix’s primary need is for a viewer to keep watching Netflix.Likewise, Disney can keep taking the same fan’s money over and over again. A kid is streaming Toy Story on Disney+. The family purchases goods. They head to a theater to view the next movie. They may find themselves going to a Disney park or taking a Disney cruise.Disney says the “Toy Story” franchise has already racked up well over 2 billion hours of viewing on Disney+, and anticipation for “Toy Story 5” drove more than 60 million hours of streaming for the four previous films.That’s the flywheel D’Amaro wants to get into streaming.

Disney may have found a smarter way to grow Disney+.CHRIS DELMAS / Getty Images

Free Disney streaming could change what subscribers actually pay forNothing is set in stone yet. Disney has not said what programming will be free, how many channels it might launch, or whether the offering would be on Disney+ or a separate service. That ambiguity is significant.A free tier with great movies and series could leave some users with little incentive to pay. But a thoughtfully chosen mix of legacy brands, themed channels, and limited programming might have the opposite effect, serving as a giant trailer for Disney’s subscription ecosystem.The second result is closer to what management is thinking.What Disney viewers and investors should watchWhat becomes free: Disney must provide enough recognizable programming to attract viewers without weakening the value of Disney+.Advertising load: Too many commercials could undermine the consumer appeal of a free product.Paid conversions: The strategy becomes much more valuable if free viewers eventually subscribe to Disney+ or buy other Disney products.Streaming profitability: Investors will watch whether additional ad revenue helps extend the recent improvement in entertainment profits.Disney+ expansion: Games, merchandise, and personalization could determine whether Disney succeeds in making the app the center of its broader customer relationship.The shift comes as Disney’s streaming business is in a far better place than just a few years ago.That opens up a little room for D’Amaro to play. Instead of vying just for another monthly subscription, Disney can compete for something possibly more valuable: a relationship with consumers who might someday spend money on movies, goods, parks, cruises, games, and paid streaming.The first handshake might be free television. That’s why Disney’s free streaming consideration is so much more than just adding another set of channels.It was years before the firm showed that Disney+ could be a lucrative streaming service. Now D’Amaro is urging investors to think beyond that success.Disney+ doesn’t need to be another Netflix. If D’Amaro’s method works, Disney+ is instead the site where Disney first meets the client, even if the customer spends nothing.Related: Disney closes 8 popular rides

The popular default investments may need to be more aggressive in order to fund decades of retirement.

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Everyone loves finding smart buys that can save them money. Whether that means opting for in-home storage rather than paying for an off-site warehouse, or buying solar-powered lights to save on electricity, cost-cutting is the name of the game. Speaking of solar power, some consumers are turning to solar as an alternative energy source for more than just outdoor lighting purposes. It has become a real option for budget-conscious shoppers who want to optimize their homes’ energy usage on a larger scale. Utility rates have increased substantially over the past decade, and the past year has seen some of the biggest rate hikes in recent memory. This is due in part to the proliferation of AI data centers and their need for massive amounts of electricity. It’s these utility rate increases, along with inflation impacts on groceries and most other items, that are driving a desire to make the most of alternative energy sources, most practically solar.This shift has increased the popularity of home solar panel kits. These kits serve a number of different purposes and offer a variety of different benefits depending on which one you choose. One of our favorites is available at Amazon for a surprisingly low price, and it’s a great way to save a little money on your electricity bill each month.Renogy 100-Watt Solar Panel Starter Kit

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Check price at AmazonThe Renogy 100-Watt Solar Panel Starter Kit is currently just $160. It’s the perfect example of what you can get if you want to test the solar panel waters and see if you think this technology is right for you. This panel can be mounted on a roof or other flat surface and wired to an outlet just about anywhere. The 100-watt panel will collect solar energy that can then be used to power cell phones, laptops, small refrigerators, or other moderately-sized electrical items for charging and general use. Not only is it a good way to conserve power that won’t pull from your home’s electricity stores, but it’s also a wonderful option for RVs or off-the-grid cabins. Types of solar panel starter kitsSolar panel kits have many advantages, some of which vary depending on the type of kit you purchase. Standard-use kits like the one above are best when used in the home. They can be permanently or semi-permanently mounted on the roof and offer an alternative to your standard grid outlet for smaller items. One of the biggest benefits of this type of solar panel set is that it’s a good way to get familiar with the technology if you’re deciding whether you want to go full bore and implement a large-scale solar panel plan for your home’s electricity Another type of solar panel starter kit that’s useful in the home is a solar panel for battery maintenance. These panels can also be either mounted on your home or next to it. Their purpose is to allow a vehicle battery to maintain a charge even when it’s not in use for months at a time. Sitting idle tends to drain a vehicle battery, and these panels utilize the sun to keep such batteries charged at all times. They’re ideal for cars, boats, and tractors, among other vehicles.Finally, there are portable generator solar panels. These are most often used for emergencies or off-site activities like camping. The panels collect energy and store it within the portable generator. The generator typically has multiple USB and standard outlets that you can then plug various items into. This type of solar panel starter kit is perfect for people who experience regular power outages. As someone who grew up in Florida and dealt with lots of blackouts due to hurricanes, I wish we would have had access to something like this when I was a kid. They’re very practical and easy to use.More solar panel kitsIf the Renogy 100-Watt Solar Panel Starter Kit isn’t what you’re looking for, then Amazon has many other types of solar kits available. Whether you’re looking for a standard home model like the Renogy, or you want one of the more portable options like one for battery maintenance, the online retailer has what you want. It even boasts one of the largest selections of portable generator panel kits anywhere. Check out the list below, and we’re sure you’ll find something that’s to your liking.Solperk Battery Maintenance Solar Panel Kit

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Check price at AmazonEco-Worthy Off-Grid Solar Panel Starter Kit

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Check price at AmazonDokio Portable Suitcase Solar Panel

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Check price at AmazonZerokor Portable Solar Generator and Panel

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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.

The Strait of Hormuz’s closure has skyrocketed global energy prices and high prices are threatening to unseat Republicans this November.

Blanche was confirmed as attorney general 50-49 after agreeing to a pair of concessions to please wavering Republicans.

Caterpillar delivered a quarter that its own leadership called historic. Sales topped $20 billion for the first time in company history, and profit per share jumped 73% from last year.Notably, Caterpillar’s (CAT) adjusted operating margin came in at 21.9%, boosted by a surprise recovery of tariff costs the company had already absorbed. The single line item is now shaping how Wall Street thinks about Caterpillar’s profitability for the rest of the year.Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what it means for anyone watching CAT stock heading into the back half of 2026.Caterpillar sales hit record highsCaterpillar’s three main segments, Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Power & Energy, all grew sales to end users during the quarter. Power & Energy led the pack, with sales to users up 33%, driven largely by demand for large generators and turbines used in data centers. Power generation sales jumped 72%.Construction Industries posted its sixth straight quarter of sales to user growth, up 22%, helped by strong rental fleet activity in North America. Resource Industries, which covers mining and heavy construction equipment, grew sales to users 17%.CEO Joe Creed pointed to broad-based momentum across the business, stating: “Strong order rates and a growing backlog reflect broadening momentum across our business.”The backlog grew to $72 billion at the end of Q2, up $9 billion from the prior quarter and 92% higher than a year ago. Every segment contributed to that growth, and 59% of it is expected to ship within the next twelve months, a share that has held steady for three straight quarters.

Joe Creed, CEO of Caterpillar is optimistic about steady future growthBloomberg /Getty Images

Tariff recovery lifts marginsTariffs have been a drag on Caterpillar’s profits since early 2025, when new import duties started hitting its supply chain. In the second quarter, the company recognized $392 million in what it calls IEEPA tariff recoveries, essentially money clawed back after adjustments to how earlier tariff costs were calculated.CFO Kyle Epley explained that outside of that recovery, tariff costs for the quarter came in around $400 million, well below the $700 million the company had guided to back in April. “This favorability was primarily driven by adjustments to the computation of tariffs previously incurred,” Epley said.Related: BofA sees more power behind Caterpillar sharesThat combination, a one-time recovery plus lower ongoing tariff costs, added up to a 430 basis point margin improvement compared to last year. Without the recovery, Caterpillar says full-year margin would land near the bottom of its target range. With it, the company now expects to operate closer to the middle of that range.For investors, this matters because it shows tariffs aren’t just a one-way headwind anymore. Caterpillar is finding ways to recapture some of that cost, and management believes the tariff impact in the second half of the year will not be significant.Wall Street responds to Caterpillar stockAccording to Investing.com, Oppenheimer lifted its price target on Caterpillar to $1,118 from $1,105 following the results, while keeping its “Outperform” rating in place. The investment firm pointed to acceleration across every business segment as the reason for the price hike. The upgrade landed shortly after a broader pullback in stocks tied to AI infrastructure spending, a group Caterpillar has increasingly been lumped into given its exposure to data center power demand. Oppenheimer pointed out that Caterpillar’s stock has become notably more sensitive to swings in AI-related trading, with its beta to that trade roughly doubling from about 0.8 in 2025 to around 1.6 now, a level that lines up with the stock’s five-year beta of 1.6.Out of the 16 analysts covering CAT stock, eight recommend “Buy”, and eight recommend “Hold”. The average Caterpillar stock price target is $1,013, 18% above the current price. What’s next for Caterpillar stockCaterpillar raised its full-year sales outlook to mid- to high-teens growth, up from its prior guidance. The company also expects free cash flow to land in the top half of its $6 billion to $15 billion annual target range.Construction demand remains a bright spot, particularly through Major Projects, a new dealer-owned rental venture aimed at large-scale infrastructure and data center builds. Creed said the strategy is about making it easier for big contractors to work with Caterpillar and its dealer network.More Wall Street:Wall Street’s AI trade faces its biggest valuation testThe next Wall Street shift is already underwayWall Street sends strong 4-word verdict on the stock marketPower & Energy remains the segment to watch. Creed noted that customers are placing orders as far out as 2029 and 2030, and that lead times for gas engines used in data center power are already extended into late 2028. “No one is slowing down at the moment,” Creed said, addressing concerns about whether AI-driven data center demand could cool off. “In fact, if we can get more units out, they’re asking us to give them more units.”Financial Products, Caterpillar’s lending arm, also showed strength. Past-due accounts fell to 1.31%, the lowest level since 1998, a sign that Caterpillar’s customers are in solid financial shape even as the broader economy faces uncertainty.Put together, the quarter tells a fairly clear story. Demand is broad and growing, the backlog gives Caterpillar visibility years into the future, and tariffs, while still a real cost, are proving more manageable than feared just a few months ago. That’s the kind of setup that tends to keep margin expectations, and investor attention, pointed in Caterpillar’s favor.Related: Michael Burry just sent a fresh signal to stock market investors

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 dealYou’ll never regret spending a few extra dollars on a beautiful luxury watch, especially if it’s one that you can wear daily. If you can find one that’s also deeply discounted, then you’re really ahead of the curve. One of the best places to find such a deal is Macy’s. The historic retailer carries everything from jewelry to bedding, but their selection of high-end watches is truly a marvel of modern retail. In fact, one of its best examples of this is currently on clearance, and we recommend putting it in your cart sooner rather than later.The Bulova Marine Star Stainless Steel Watch is on sale for only $270. That’s a discount of 40% off the original price of $450. If you want to get a gorgeous luxury timepiece at an affordable price, then this is the perfect buy.Bulova Marine Star Stainless Steel Watch, $270 (was $450) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy’s

Shop at Macy’sWhy do shoppers love it?This watch hits all the important points that you’d expect from a true luxury watch. It’s made from 316L stainless steel, which is not only beautiful, but rustproof and corrosion resistant. The case has a diameter of 43 millimeters, offering a highly legible dial in the center. The dial has a beautiful sunburst effect, and there are applied hour markers with copious amounts of luminous coating. The sword-style handset also has a luminescent coating for maximum legibility in low light conditions.In addition to the watch’s good looks, it also has real dive watch chops, living up to its moniker. With 100 meters of water resistance, you can feel safe taking it in the pool or the ocean, and you don’t have to worry about internal damage. There is also a rotating inner dive bezel that allows you to time your dives, or just about anything else your heart desires. On the inside, this watch is powered by a high-accuracy three-hand quartz movement. This type of battery-powered movement is far more accurate than most standard mechanical watches that cost five times as much. It also includes a special date complication so you can keep track of your monthly calendar right on your wrist. The subtle, yet nicely finished date window sits at the 3 o’clock position, making it easy to read while remaining relatively out of the way. Related: Citizen’s luxury $425 Eco-Drive watch is now 55% off at AmazonDetails to knowMaterial: 316L Stainless Steel,Case diameter: 43 millimeters.Water resistance: 100 meters.Movement: Battery-powered quartz.Macy’s customers were very happy with this watch. One called it “beautifully simple,” adding that it was “very nicely finished.’Shop more deals Citizen Eco-Drive 43-Millimeter Watch, $395 at Macy’sCitizen Steel Eco-Drive Dive Watch, $395 at Macy’sCitizen Sport Casual Black Tone Eco-Drive Watch, $395 at Macy’sWhether you want a watch to wear daily to the office or primarily on your scuba diving trips, the Bulova Marine Star Stainless Steel Watch can do the job. At the sale price of $270, it’s a smart buy for your collection.

Zillow started its July Market Report with good news: Year-over-year home sales increased by 7%. This is the highest annual gain so far in 2026.Then the real estate technology company hit us with a sobering reality.This gain represents sales that closed in July, so many of the offers were actually made in June — before the U.S. officially ended the ceasefire with Iran.That timing makes all the difference. July home sales data were strong, but Zillow analysts believe this is as good as it gets in 2026.Unfortunately, it might all be downhill from here.Newly pending listings decreased in JulyJuly’s strong sales figures reflect June buyer activity, but lagging sales representation isn’t the only reason Zillow analysts remain cautious.Some of the other data points from Zillow’s July report also give the company pause. Specifically, it flagged data about newly pending listings, or homes that have received an offer but haven’t closed yet.”Newly pending listings” from July will likely translate to “home sales” in August. Year-over-year newly pending listings increased by only 0.3% in July — and they’ve dropped 7.7% since June.Related: How young adults are actually buying houses right nowThis shift makes sense, given that Freddie Mac mortgage rates ticked down a couple of times in June, then spiked in July. On July 30, the 30-year fixed rate reached an annual high of 6.66%.Increasing interest rates probably deterred more people from making offers on homes in July.”This portends a weaker half of the year for sales growth, with flat to declining transaction volumes for the remainder of the year in some regions,” wrote Mischa Fisher, chief economist for Zillow Group.

As mortgage rates inch closer to 7%, fewer Americans are confident about buying homes.MoMo Productions / Getty Images

Mortgage rates could continue hurting the housing marketThings quickly worsened in August, lending Zillow’s predictions of a weaker housing market even more credibility. On Aug. 6, the average 30-year mortgage rate had increased again to 6.69%. This could sideline even more potential homebuyers. I reached out to Zillow to ask whether there is a scenario in which the housing market could improve this year. What would it take for Zillow to reverse its grim outlook for 2026 real estate?”Elevated borrowing costs are in part due to elevated inflation,” Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow, told TheStreet. “Earlier this year, before the oil shock, mortgage rates briefly touched 6% and we saw real buyer activity pick up in response.”More Mortgage Rates:Americans face 3 major takeaways after mortgage rate newsCooler PCE inflation data can’t fix today’s mortgage ratesMortgage rate forecast resets after Fed decision”A reversal of the oil price shock could put buyers back in the position they were in earlier this year, when the typical household had an extra $30,000 in buying power compared to the year before,” Ng continued.For oil prices — and mortgage rates — to drop significantly, the U.S. would have to improve its relations with Iran.The two countries are discussing the possibility of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but it’s a constant back-and-forth. The deal is far from finalized. However, that would likely be the first step to lower home loan rates.Zillow’s tips for homebuyers and sellers in this marketToday’s high housing costs make it a tough time for many to buy a house. It isn’t exactly easy for sellers, either — less buyer demand means fewer people interested in buying their homes.If you can still afford to buy a home, though, the current real estate market could actually be great for you.”One of the best times to buy is when nobody else wants to,” Ng told TheStreet. “Right now, fewer buyers are able to compete, which means more leverage for the ones who can.””The trade-off for waiting until the 2027 shopping season is fresher options but also potentially fresh competition,” she added.As for home sellers, the key to getting a good offer is to be realistic. Sellers are dealing with the double whammy of an already-slow market and the end of the home-buying season.”As home shopping season winds down, the pool of active buyers gets smaller, which makes pricing right even more important,” Ng said. “A well-priced home can still generate real competition, but there is less room for error than there was a few months ago.”Working with a real estate agent who knows your local market well is key to selling your home in today’s housing environment. A good Realtor can help you set an appropriate price so the house will ideally sell quickly. And they can help you understand what to expect from the process.Related: JPMorganChase drops $750B to fix U.S. housing crisis