From forgotten to front stage – After years of underperformance, energy stocks are back in the spotlight as conflict in Iran keeps oil prices elevated. Even after a strong rally, the sector still represents less than 4% of the S&P 500 Index (well below tech’s roughly 32% share), prompting some investors to reconsider long-standing underweights, especially given energy’s history of outperforming during inflation shocks. (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

Stubborn, sticky, and still here – Core inflation remained at 3% in February, holding above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. The figure predates the war-related energy‑price spike, indicating that inflation pressures were already proving persistent before additional supply-side risks emerged. (Source: CNBC)

On the clearance rack, but it's still designer – After one of the weakest stretches of relative performance in decades, tech is starting to look like a potential bargain bin. Valuations remain depressed despite strong earnings growth, with global tech trading at lower earnings multiples than several other major sectors—conditions that may be creating a more attractive entry point. (Source: Reuters)

Risk appetite has left the chat – After a record burst of stock buying earlier this year, individual investors are pulling back fast. Retail trading activity in March fell nearly 50% from January’s peak, with investors taking profits on rallies, trimming big winners, and shifting toward more defensive plays. Even strong market rebounds haven’t lured retail investors back, signaling a more cautious mood as geopolitical risks keep markets on edge. (Source: Morningstar)

Hmm, better not – Despite a two-week US–Iran ceasefire, roughly 2,000 vessels—from oil and gas tankers to cruise ships—remain stuck in the Persian Gulf. Iran continues to control passage through the Strait of Hormuz and requires explicit approval before ships can transit the narrow waterway. With fees potentially reaching $2 million per vessel and safety concerns still elevated, most shipowners are staying put. (Source: The Guardian)

Get while the getting is good, I guess – The labor-force participation rate for Americans over age 55 has fallen to a 20‑year low of 37.2%. Part of the decline reflects years of strong market returns and rising home equity, which have left some individuals near retirement in a financial position to step away from work earlier than planned. Some analysts also point to hesitancy among older workers to adapt to AI‑driven changes in the workplace. (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

Out of office? More like out of this world – NASA’s Artemis II astronauts have traveled farther from Earth than any humans before during its lunar flyby, breaking a record set during Apollo 13 in 1970. The crew spent the mission testing the Orion spacecraft while passing behind and observing little seen areas on the far-side of the moon. (Source: NASA)

Talk about an oxymoron – Amazon’s Audible is opening a “bookless bookstore” in New York City this May. The monthlong popup, called Audible Story House, will let visitors sample audiobooks using physical story “tiles” and dedicated listening spaces with surround sound. It’s the company's first-ever physical space dedicated entirely to audio storytelling. (Source: The Verge)

All that cash and not even old enough to buy a beer – Baseball’s top prospect, Konnor Griffin, has signed a nine‑year, $140 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates at just 19 years old. After appearing in only six major‑league games, the deal already makes him the highest‑paid player in franchise history. (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

Masters without some masters – The 2026 Masters will be the first tournament since 1994 to begin without Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson in the field. Between them, they have eight green jackets and appeared in nearly every Masters over the past three decades. (Source: MSN)