🏠 HOME
💸 MONEY
🎯 SUCCESS
🏡 LIVING SPACES
🧠 Brain 🌍 Travel Archive 🎙️ Podcasts 📺 Video Archive 🎥 Crime & Movies
  • Skip to main content

Mad Mad News

LIVE ABOVE THE MADNESS

MAD WORLD. MAD POSSIBILITIES.
See what's happening. Discover where it could lead.

SUCCESS


Cubs Skipper Sends Rare Dodgers Message After ‘Pretty Darn Good’ Move

September 15, 2026 MMN Editor Filed Under: Uncategorized

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell offered a surprising response about the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision.

‘Slow Horses’ Season 6 Release Schedule, Review Scores, Trailer And More

September 15, 2026 MMN Editor Filed Under: Uncategorized

Slow Horses Season 6 returns to Apple TV this week. Here’s the full release schedule, premiere time, Rotten Tomatoes score, cast, trailer and what to expect.

Why the Next Generation of ETFs Looks Riskier for Investors

September 15, 2026 MMN Editor Filed Under: Uncategorized

The first exchange-traded fund made its debut back in 1993. Known by its ticker SPY, the State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust offered investors something tried-and-true in an attractive new package. It’s an S&P 500 index fund that can be traded on the stock exchange throughout the day, with low costs and better tax efficiency than a traditional mutual fund.More than 30 years later, the ETF market is quickly stealing share from the mutual fund market—a reflection of investor preferences for low-cost index funds which are tough to beat. And the industry is continuing to churn out new ETFs: More than 1,000 were launched in 2025 alone, with even more coming in 2026.The good news is that investors now have a wide range of low-cost, tax-efficient ways to gain exposure to all corners of the global market. The bad news is that an increasing number of newer ETFs are taking on considerable risks in order to carve out a niche and compete. While State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust provides sensible, broad exposure to the US market, newer ETFs crank up risk in various ways. The latest ETFs offer leveraged exposure to just one stock, promise unrealistically high income, and provide exposure to all sorts of cryptocurrencies, among others.The strategies, assets, and risk exposures packaged in ETFs today have come a long way from the simpler ETFs that started trading in the early 1990s.Morningstar’s new State of US ETFs report covers the evolution of ETFs and sifts through the raft of new launches. Here, I’ll summarize the three generations of ETFs.Download the full reportETF 1.0: Where It All BeganETFs have tracked indexes for nearly half of their history. From 1993 until 2008, passively managed strategies were all ETF investors could allocate to. Those roots are still strong today despite a larger number of actively managed ETFs than passive ETFs. The largest 20 ETFs in the US still track indexes. Overall, passively managed ETFs claim more than 87% of US ETF assets. The largest three ETFs all track the S&P 500, with Vanguard S&P 500 ETF VOO and iShares S&P 500 ETF IVV recently surpassing State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in total assets. These three account for 17% of all money invested in US ETFs, with the 20 largest ETFs making up 39%. The remaining 5,381 ETFs had USD 9.61 trillion spread across them. This is substantial, but it’s clear the ETF market is extremely top-heavy and skews toward those that are passively managed.The rapid growth of passive funds allowed ETFs to steal meaningful market share away from mutual funds. ETFs are still relatively young, though, and cede ground to mutual funds when looking at total market share. That may change soon. Since the birth of State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, both mutual funds and ETFs have seen net inflows, but since 2019 mutual funds have been hemorrhaging money while ETF inflows have gone stratospheric. ETF 2.0: Branching Out From PassiveETFs had to branch out from their passive roots to become the preferred investment vehicle that they are today. While passive ETFs like State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust still prove hard to beat, low-cost index-based ETFs are commercially viable only for a select few with significant scale. Issuers in turn began launching more expensive ETFs in the 2010s to maintain their business success. Such ETFs include those that still track indexes but target narrow segments of the market or forgo market-cap weighting in favor of alternative means to beat the market rather than represent it. Other second-generation ETFs may be actively managed or invest in securities other than stocks or bonds. These helped asset managers gain business footing thanks to higher profit margins and growth potential.It took 15 years for Bear Stearns to unveil the first actively managed ETF in 2008. These types of second-generation ETFs grew steadily but struggled to make a mark. That changed in 2019 when the SEC issued Rule 6c-11. Later dubbed the “ETF Rule,” it made it far easier for active fund managers to enjoy the ETF wrapper’s tax benefits and not compromise their investment approach. The growth that ensued was no surprise.ETF 3.0: The Next Generation of ETFsThe mostly sensible second-generation ETFs gave way to a third generation of less sensible ETFs. These ETFs feature more complex investment processes, and many amped up risk in a variety of ways. Leveraged and inverse single-stock ETFs are the poster child for “ETF 3.0” as their risky short-term bets can win big or, as is more often the case, lose big. Relatively tamer defined-outcome ETFs also land in this emerging cohort and aim to cushion stock market losses. Common across this disparate group, though, are generally high fees and the use of derivatives.Most soon-to-be-launched ETFs look more like gambling than investing. More than 50% aim to manipulate the returns of a single stock using derivatives. This is a bleak future for long-term investors. Most investors don’t need these shiny objects, however, and can stick to proven approaches. A few firms have found lightning in a bottle with these risky bets and show the business opportunity in offering them. That’s why so many niche ETFs are in the launch queue. They don’t help long-term investors, but they do bolster fee revenue for the ETF provider.While many recent ETF innovations prey on some of humans’ worst instincts, a few in this cohort do show promise. While first- or second-generation ETFs can easily make up all of an investor’s portfolio, those seeking to further defer their tax bill now can use one or a few unique ETFs to accomplish this—that is, if they remain legal. The IRS is looking at the legality of some of these structures, but for now, and for the right person, a few offer compelling ways to improve aftertax outcomes. They build on the idea that broad-based index ETFs are hard to beat. Instead, they attempt to deliver reliable value to clients by reducing or deferring taxes and improving aftertax returns. Box-spread ETFs and ETFs seeded with Section 351 conversions are two examples. New ETFs Are Launching Fast. Proceed With CautionThat brings us to a fork in the road. Are recent innovations flashes in the pan or durable trends? It’s never been more important for investors and advisors to be picky. ETFs are only getting more complex, so allocating to the wrong third-generation ETF could have consequences. For most, sticking with proven strategies is perfectly fine.

Walmart is selling highly rated desktop drawers for just $11 that clear workspace clutter

September 15, 2026 MMN Editor Filed Under: Uncategorized

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 deal

Smaller items can be some of the hardest things to organize. Whether it’s jewelry, office supplies, or makeup, it can be tough to find an organizer that can do it all. Turns out, Walmart is stacked with storage solutions that can help, and there’s one that you’re going to want to see.

The Sterilite 3-Drawer Desktop Organizer is a Walmart bestseller that’s currently on sale for only $11 — that’s 56% off its $25 price tag. Shoppers say it’s “great for organizing clutter” and “takes up little space.”

Sterilite 3-Drawer Desktop Organizer, $11 (was $25) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

This three-drawer organizer might be the solution to your storage problems. Its versatility makes the organizing options endless. Some shoppers say they use them to organize sewing and crafting supplies, Keurig coffee pods, office supplies, hair care, and makeup, to give you a few ideas. Wherever you use it, it’s perfect for keeping track of smaller items.

Related: Amazon’s spacious double-door metal storage shed is only $150

Each drawer is clear, so you can easily see what’s inside rather than fumbling around to find what you need. To top it off, the units are stackable, giving you the option to maximize your storage space with multiple organizers.

Details to know

Overall dimensions: 11 inches long, 13.5 inches wide, and 9.6 inches tall.

Drawer dimensions: 8.9 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 2.5 inches tall.

Product weight: 2.8 pounds.

Maximum load weight: 5 pounds.

“I’ve had one of these for five or so years now…They are the answer for optimizing space efficiently for small knick-knacks, pens, papers, whatever,” one shopper said. “I use them not only to organize things but also to have a place to toss miscellaneous receipts and other loose items that clutter up my desk.”

“The drawers are spacious and slide smoothly, perfect for storing everything from school supplies to personal items,” a reviewer said. “It’s lightweight, but holds up well, even with daily use. I also appreciate the clear fronts, which make it easy to see what’s inside without opening every drawer. It’s a simple, reliable storage solution that keeps my space neat and tidy.”

Shop more deals

Sterilite 76-Quart Stacker Box, $14 at Walmart

Phancir 4-Tier Desk Organizer, $25 (was $39) at Walmart

Intige 5-Tray Paper and Desk Organizer, $22 at Walmart

The Sterilite 3-Drawer Desktop Organizer is on sale for just $11. With hundreds of units already in shoppers’ carts, you’re going to want to shop this deal before it’s gone. 

Factory robots long posed a safety threat to human workers. One company says it’s solved that problem.

September 15, 2026 MMN Editor Filed Under: Uncategorized

Ahead of an expected public-market debut later this year, Agility Robotics says it’s cracked the code and devised humanoids that can work safely alongside real humans.

Jewelry sales are heating up as Gen Z seeks out ‘little treats’ and the ultra-rich go for chunky gold

September 15, 2026 MMN Editor Filed Under: Uncategorized

A Kohl’s executive recently said fine jewelry “just seems to be something that continues to trend incredibly well with our customers.”

How a Costco partner’s bankruptcy could benefit its biggest rival

September 15, 2026 MMN Editor Filed Under: Uncategorized

I have covered two bankruptcy stories before. Not from the usual angle of what happened and why; for each, I dug deeper into who could win from the wreckage.

The Magellan Aerospace story led me to Howmet. The IKEA store closures pointed me to Target. This week’s Chapter 11 filing from Focus Factor maker Synergy CHC Corp. points me squarely to Reckitt Benckiser (RBGLY).

Synergy CHC filed for bankruptcy on September 4, 2026, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia, TheStreet reported. 

Costco told the company back in July that it would be discontinuing Focus Factor products after a 16-year relationship. You see that one decision? It cost Synergy approximately 58% of its total 2025 net revenue, triggered an $18.9 million debt acceleration from its lender, and made Chapter 11 inevitable.

RBGLY currently trades at $14, down 10.62% year-to-date, according to Yahoo Finance.

How a 58% revenue concentration becomes a fatal single point of failure

The Synergy CHC situation shows just how quickly retail concentration can become a risk. Focus Factor is a functional beverage brand with a 25-year legacy, enjoying established distribution in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and distribution across Walmart, Walgreens, Amazon, and BJ’s. 

The company’s a brain supplement with vitamins, minerals, and neuro-nutrients. It carries a “#1 Pharmacist Recommended” claim from the 2025-2026 U.S. Pharmacy Times survey for memory support. None of that mattered once Costco made its decision.

More Retail:

Home Depot is making a big bet on cautious consumers

Another state just banned a controversial retail pricing practice

JPMorgan just flagged a slow-build food crisis

“Costco accounted for approximately 58% of the Company’s net revenue during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025,” the SEC filing stated. “The Company expects Costco’s decision to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition.”

Costco did not give a public reason for dropping the brand. It did not need to. It’s a retailer that moves products in bulk, and it made its vendor decision for whatever reason. 

The $18.9 million debt acceleration that followed confirmed Synergy had no financial cushion to survive even a temporary revenue disruption of this magnitude.

Why I think Reckitt’s Neuriva is the obvious beneficiary

Three structural advantages make Reckitt the clearest winner.

Neuriva is already in Costco’s system. The Neuriva Brain Supplement Original (50 capsules) currently retails at Costco for $43.99. Reckitt does not need to win a vendor slot or navigate Costco’s notoriously demanding supplier requirements. It is already approved, integrated, and selling. Scaling volume within an existing supplier relationship is operationally easy.

Reckitt’s product portfolio fits neatly into where Costco wants to go. Costco members tend to gravitate toward premium wellness products backed by established brands and research. Reckitt has been aggressively expanding Neuriva, with products including Neuriva Plus, Neuriva Ultra, and Neuriva Memory 3D. I see these premium formulations align with Costco’s push toward higher-margin health solutions far better than the legacy Focus Factor lineup.

The regulatory history matters, too. Focus Factor has faced FTC settlements and consumer class-action lawsuits challenging its efficacy claims. Reckitt builds Neuriva’s marketing around clinically studied ingredients and GMO-free formulations. 

After dropping a brand with that compliance history, Costco’s buyer relationships will naturally favor an institutional, publicly traded consumer health company with a clean regulatory record.

The Neuriva Brain Supplement Original (50 capsules) currently retails at Costco for $43.99.BearFotos Via Shutterstock

The Reckitt business picture and what the H1 2026 results show

The business picture matters for investors considering whether RBGLY at $14.00 and down 10.62% year-to-date represents an opportunity. While its primary listing is on the London Stock Exchange (RKT), it is highly visible to U.S. market investors via its American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) under the ticker RBGLY on the over-the-counter market.

Half-year 2026 (H1 2026) results showed Core Reckitt like-for-like net revenue growth of 2.7%, accelerating to 4.2% in Q2 alone, according to Reckitt’s earnings statement. 

Gross profit margin for Core Reckitt was 60.9%. Adjusted operating profit margin was 24.8%. Free cash flow was £419 million in the first half. Approximately £3 billion was returned to shareholders during the period through dividends and buybacks, according to the Q2 earnings call.

Related: Loss of Costco deal helps push beverage brand into Chapter 11

Reckitt also announced a 5% increase in its interim dividend alongside an additional £500 million share buyback. Full-year 2026 guidance calls for 4% to 5% like-for-like net revenue growth in Core Reckitt.

A special dividend was also paid in February 2026 following the completion of the Essential Home business divestment, returning additional capital to shareholders.

Macrotrends‘ statistics show RBGLY with a 4.6% dividend yield at current prices, with the most recent dividend of $0.64 per share. 

The valuation picture is also fair: trailing P/E of 11.36 and forward P/E of 14.24 for a company with 60.9% gross margins, a growing consumer health platform, and direct competitive beneficiary of its largest brain health competitor’s collapse.

What to watch for next at Costco

Synergy CHC built a strong brand on a structurally fragile foundation. The concentration risk was visible in the filings long before the bankruptcy. And then when Costco walked, the math became inevitable.

I think Reckitt has all it takes. The Costco shelf presence, regulatory credibility, supply chain, and product portfolio to absorb that demand without adding structural risk. 

All of that and more is likely to translate to RBGLY’s financial results, depending on how aggressively Costco scales up Neuriva alongside the overall product developments.

Related: Costco asks members to help make stores better

Phillies All-Star Castoff Suddenly Ends Season After Setback

September 15, 2026 MMN Editor Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Philadelphia Phillies’ former All-Star has decided to focus on next year after a brutal return with his new team.

Week 2 Fantasy Football Injury Report: A.J. Brown, Zay Flowers, Ladd McConkey And More

September 15, 2026 MMN Editor Filed Under: Uncategorized

We break down all of the biggest injury news that could shape fantasy football lineups in Week 2.

Why an annuity might be a costly mistake for your portfolio

September 15, 2026 MMN Editor Filed Under: Uncategorized

When investors near retirement, the promise of guaranteed income can sound like an oasis in a desert of market volatility. Annuities are frequently sold as the ultimate risk-free retirement strategy product that promises to turn a nest egg into a predictable, pension-like paycheck for life.

However, beneath that comforting pitch lies a complex, highly restrictive financial product that can quietly sabotage long-term wealth. For many investors, committing capital to an annuity isn’t just unnecessary; it can be one of the most expensive financial choices a retiree makes.

Here is why purchasing an annuity could be a costly mistake for your portfolio, and what you need to consider before signing on the dotted line.

Annuities have opaque and exorbitant fee structures

One of the most immediate drags on an annuity’s performance is its cost structure.

Unlike low-cost index funds or ETFs, which often carry expense ratios below 0.10%, variable and indexed annuities often have total annual fees exceeding 3% to 4%.

Mortality and expense (M&E) charges: Often running between 1.2% and 1.8% annually, this fee covers the insurance company’s risk of paying out lifetime benefits.

Administrative & management fees: Mutual fund sub-account fees within variable annuities often range from 0.5% to 1.5%.

Rider fees: Optional features, such as guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (GMWB) or inflation adjustments, frequently add another 1% or more to your annual cost.

Over a 20-year retirement, paying 3% or more in annual fees severely erodes compound growth, costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost market performance.

Severe liquidity caps and penalty surrender charges

Annuities are notoriously illiquid. Once you transfer capital into an annuity contract, accessing your cash beyond a strict limit comes with severe penalties.

Most contracts include a surrender period, typically lasting three to 10 years, during which withdrawing more than the standard 10% penalty-free allowance triggers a surrender charge. These charges can start as high as 7% to 10% of the account value in year one, scaling down slowly over time.

If an unexpected medical emergency, major home repair, or healthcare need arises, your money is effectively locked behind a costly paywall.

Retirement planning is complex enough; adding an annuity might, in some cases, provide a costly and false sense of security.FG Trade / Getty Images

Capped upsides limit your returns

Fixed-indexed annuities (FIAs) are often pitched with the alluring promise of “market upside with zero downside risk.”

While the downside protection is real, the market participation is heavily restricted through artificial caps, participation rates, and spread fees.

Return caps: If the S&P 500 surges 22% in a year, but your contract has a 6% cap, your return is limited to 6%.

Participation rates: If your contract features a 70% participation rate and the market gains 10%, you receive only 7%.

Exclusion of dividends: Index-linked annuities almost universally calculate returns based strictly on price movement, excluding dividend yields. Historically, dividends account for roughly 15% to 20% of the S&P 500’s total return over time.

You absorb the risk of underperforming inflation during bull markets, while the insurance company retains the excess upside to profitability.

More Retirement:

Choosing an annuity for retirement rests on hidden features, risks

One index exposes your bigest retirement fears

The tax rules that can quietly ruin your Roth IRA conversion strategy

Loss of favorable capital gains tax treatment

In a standard taxable brokerage account, long-term investments held for more than a year qualify for favorable long-term capital gains tax rates (0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on income).

Annuities trade this tax advantage for tax-deferred growth. When you take withdrawals from a non-qualified annuity:

Earnings are distributed on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis, meaning profit comes out first.

Withdrawals are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate, which can reach as high as 37%.

If you take withdrawals before age 59½, you face an additional 10% IRS tax penalty.

Transforming lower capital gains rates into higher ordinary income tax rates can create a net tax disadvantage over the long run.

Inflation risk erodes purchasing power of fixed annuity payments

Unless you pay extra for an inflation-adjusted rider (which reduces your starting payout significantly), fixed annuity payments remain static.

A payout of $2,500 a month might sound sufficient at age 65, but at a standard 3% annual inflation rate, that same monthly payment loses nearly 45% of its purchasing power by age 85.

Unlike a diversified portfolio of equities, dividend-growth stocks, and real estate, which naturally appreciate and adjust alongside inflation, fixed annuity income streams remain frozen while expenses rise.

Consider annuity alternatives

Before locking capital away in an insurance product, evaluate alternative strategies that offer predictable cash flow while maintaining liquidity and control.

A systematic withdrawal strategy: Using a flexible 3.5% to 4% withdrawal rate from a low-cost, multi-asset portfolio allows capital to continue growing while generating monthly income.

Bond / CD ladders: Building a staggered ladder of U.S. Treasury bonds or high-yield CDs locks in guaranteed yield across a set time horizon without insurance fees.

Optimized Social Security claiming: Delaying Social Security claims from age 62 to age 70 increases your guaranteed, inflation-protected monthly payout by roughly 8% per year without ongoing management expenses.

Related: Choosing an annuity for retirement rests on hidden features, risks

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 338
  • Page 339
  • Page 340
  • Page 341
  • Page 342
  • Go to Next Page »

© 2026–2027 OCON Entertainment Group LLC. All rights reserved.
MadMadNews.com is owned and operated by OCON Entertainment Group LLC.
Third-party news, images, videos, and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
Copyright, Ownership & Takedown Notice