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Reopening the Strait of Hormuz as part of a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran would ease an energy crisis that has sapped economic growth and fueled inflation worldwide. 

Still, one of the surprises of the monthslong closure of the Middle East’s most critical energy conduit was that the global economy didn’t suffer a more severe shock. The pain wasn’t as swift or intense as it was following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 or the oil crises that rocked the world in the 1970s. 

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Chobani is bringing a Dubai chocolate-inspired coffee creamer to Costco stores nationwide, becoming the latest food and beverage company to capitalize on consumer demand for the viral flavor combination.

The yogurt maker’s new Pistachio Chocolate Coffee Creamer joins a growing list of Dubai chocolate-inspired products that have emerged as the trend expands beyond candy into coffee, shakes and other beverages. Companies including Starbucks, Shake Shack and Pepsi have all introduced products tied to the pistachio-and-chocolate flavor profile that gained popularity on social media.

Dubai chocolate typically refers to chocolate bars filled with pistachio cream and crispy kataifi pastry. The confection gained widespread attention on social media before inspiring a growing number of spin-off products across the food and beverage industry.

COSTCO SHOPPERS STOCK UP ON CULT-FAVORITE COOKIES AS DEMAND SURGES NATIONWIDE

The new creamer is part of Chobani’s limited-run Flavor Drop line and will be sold exclusively at Costco. The company said the product features flavors of roasted pistachio and milk chocolate and is made with farm-fresh milk and real cream.

Retail exclusives and limited-time offerings have become increasingly common tools for consumer brands looking to generate buzz and drive sales. The strategy can also help companies test consumer demand for new products before considering a wider rollout.

The launch comes as food and beverage companies increasingly look to limited-edition products and viral food trends to drive consumer engagement and retail sales. Industry brands have moved quickly to introduce Dubai chocolate-inspired offerings as consumers continue to seek out products tied to the trend.

COSTCO SAYS ITS GAS STATIONS SET ALL-TIME VOLUME RECORDS AS CONSUMERS SEEK LOWER-PRICED FUEL

Chobani has expanded its creamer lineup in recent months with several seasonal and limited-edition flavors, including S’mores, Cookies and Cream and Cookie Butter. Earlier this year, the company also introduced an American Blueberry Flavor Drop tied to the upcoming America250 celebration.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
COST	COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP.	951.45	-14.14	-1.46%

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The Pistachio Chocolate creamer is arriving at Costco warehouses nationwide. Chobani said the suggested retail price is $7.49 for a 52-ounce bottle, though pricing may vary by location.

The product’s release underscores the staying power of the Dubai chocolate trend, which has evolved from a social media sensation into a broader consumer packaged goods opportunity as brands compete for shoppers’ attention in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

ET Intelligence Group: Turtlemint Fintech Solutions, an insurance distribution platform, plans to raise ₹661 crore through a fresh issue to strengthen its technology infrastructure and meet working capital requirements, and ₹221 crore through an offer for sale. The promoter stake will fall to 14% after the IPO from 17.2%. The low penetration of financial products offer growth opportunity for the company. However, it has reported losses over the past three years as it continues to invest in expanding reach. It operates in a tightly regulated industry and any adverse changes or commission structures may affect growth prospects. Given these factors, investors may wait for a better clarity on financials after listing.

Business
Incorporated in 2015, Turtlemint Fintech Solutions operates a technology platform that connects insurers, digital partners, point of sales persons (PoSPs) and end customers. It distributes a range of products including motor, health and life insurance, along with mutual funds and loans. Insurance distribution contributed about 97% to revenue in the nine months ended December 2025. Turtlemint partners with around 45 insurers, covering nearly three-fourths of the industry, and has issued over 2.1 crore policies between April 2022 and December 2025. It has strengthened presence in smaller cities with nearly 75% of platform premium coming from outside the top 30 cities as of December 2025.

Nearly all of Turtlemint’s revenue comes from commissions, rewards and fees earned from insurers and other financial service providers. Any reduction in commission structures by insurers or the regulator may hit its revenue and profitability.

Financials
Revenue rose to ₹749 crore in the nine months ended December 2025 from ₹693 crore in FY25 and ₹460 crore in FY23. Its platform premium increased to ₹2,946 crore in FY25 from ₹2,215 crore in FY23. Net loss narrowed to ₹194 crore in FY25 from ₹288 crore in FY23. The company continues to burn cash, reporting negative operating cash flow of around ₹216 crore in FY25 as against ₹285 crore in FY23, driven by high customer acquisition and distribution expenses.

Valuation
On a post-IPO basis, the company is valued at a price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 4.5 times, compared with 11 times of PB Fintech.

A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Ohio can enforce a law requiring parental consent before children under 16 can use social media, handing a victory to state officials who argue the platforms pose risks to young users.

In a 2-1 decision, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower-court ruling that had blocked enforcement of Ohio’s Social Media Parental Notification Act. The dissenting judge argued that the law likely imposes unconstitutional restrictions on minors’ access to protected speech, reflecting concerns that had previously led a lower court to block the measure.

The law, which was passed by the Ohio legislature in 2023 and took effect in 2024, requires certain websites and social media platforms to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before users under 16 can create or use accounts.

The measure includes an 11-factor test for determining whether a website is likely to be accessed by children, along with several exceptions.

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Ohio officials have said the law is intended to protect children from online harms, including exposure to harmful content, excessive social media use and data-collection practices

The law was put on hold following a legal challenge by NetChoice, a technology industry trade group whose members include YouTube, TikTok and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

NetChoice argued that the law was unconstitutionally vague and improperly restricted minors’ access to speech protected by the First Amendment. The group has also argued that age-verification and parental-consent requirements can force users to disclose personal information before accessing protected online speech.

The appeals court disagreed.

“At bottom, the Act imposes a parental consent requirement,” U.S. Circuit Judge Eric Clay wrote in the court’s lead opinion.

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“That requirement constitutes a marginal burden that precisely targets the multi-faceted problem that Ohio has identified: Children’s unsupervised assent to terms and conditions for use of platforms that take advantage of and harm them,” he added.

In a statement provided to FOX Business, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson called the ruling a “win for Ohio families.”

“The court agreed that parents — not social media companies — should get a say in what kids see online,” Wilson said. “We have an obligation to keep our children safe, and today, the most dangerous place for our kids is the internet.”

“This decision gives parents the tools to be involved and provide oversight,” he added.

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NetChoice has mounted legal challenges to similar laws across the country aimed at restricting children’s access to social media.

NetChoice criticized the ruling in a statement to FOX Business, arguing that it threatens the privacy and constitutional rights of Ohio residents. The group said it remains “fully confident” that the law will ultimately be struck down.

“An unconstitutional law protects no one, and we remain focused on ensuring the First Amendment rights of Ohioans are protected,” Paul Taske, director of the NetChoice Litigation Center, said in a statement.

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“Parents must remain in the drivers’ seat for parenting decisions,” Taske continued. “Ohio cannot step in and make those decisions in the first instance. But Ohio’s digital-ID law discards that constitutionally required dynamic. By requiring parents to override the government’s determination, Ohio has violated bedrock First Amendment principles.”

Taske said NetChoice is reviewing its legal options moving forward.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CEFS, FOF, NBXG either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Costco shoppers are snapping up a popular Australian snack that recently landed on shelves across the United States, highlighting growing demand for international food brands among American consumers.

Tim Tams, the chocolate-covered biscuits made by Australian food giant Arnott’s, are now available in bulk packages at Costco warehouses nationwide. The product’s arrival has generated significant attention online, with shoppers sharing photos of stocked shelves and discussing the cookies across social media.

The Original Tim Tam features two malted chocolate biscuits layered with a cocoa-flavored filling and coated in chocolate. The brand, which has been a staple in Australia since 1964, has developed a loyal following well beyond its home market.

Costco is selling the product in six-sleeve boxes containing 66 cookies for about $14, giving American consumers broader access to a snack that was previously available primarily through specialty retailers and international food stores.

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Social media has played a key role in driving interest. Many first-time buyers have been introduced to the “Tim Tam Slam,” a popular Australian tradition in which consumers bite off opposite corners of the biscuit, use it as a straw to sip coffee or tea, and then eat the softened cookie before it dissolves.

The technique has gained visibility through TikTok videos and celebrity demonstrations. Australian actress Isla Fisher previously showcased the Tim Tam Slam on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” while “Succession” star Sarah Snook demonstrated the ritual during an appearance on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

The viral appeal of Tim Tams underscores a broader trend of international food brands finding new audiences in the U.S., particularly when social media helps introduce consumers to products and traditions that may be unfamiliar outside their home countries.

For Costco, the launch also reflects the retailer’s ongoing effort to offer members products they may not find elsewhere. The warehouse giant has increasingly leaned on exclusive items, limited-time offerings and its Kirkland Signature private-label brand to differentiate itself from traditional grocery chains and competing warehouse clubs.

COSTCO SAYS ITS GAS STATIONS SET ALL-TIME VOLUME RECORDS AS CONSUMERS SEEK LOWER-PRICED FUEL

The Tim Tams rollout comes as Costco continues emphasizing value for shoppers. The retailer recently highlighted price reductions on several Kirkland Signature products, including chicken wings, chocolate-covered almonds and golf balls, as executives reiterated their goal of lowering prices when possible.

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The combination of exclusive products, private-label offerings and competitive pricing has helped Costco maintain strong consumer demand even as many households remain focused on stretching their grocery budgets.

Costco has also invested in operational improvements, including expanded digital membership capabilities and checkout technology designed to improve transaction speeds and enhance the customer experience.

Facebook and other Meta platforms faced significant service disruptions Friday, with thousands of users reporting difficulties accessing feeds, logging in and using core features of the social network.

The outage, which began in the morning hours, impacted users across the United States and several other countries. Reports surged on monitoring sites, with many describing blank screens, error messages and frozen interfaces when attempting to load the platform.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger, confirmed awareness of the technical issues. Communications officials noted teams were actively working to restore full functionality, though specific details about the cause remained limited.

Outage tracking service Downdetector recorded more than 100,000 reports of Facebook problems at peak times, with similar spikes for Instagram and Messenger. The issues appeared to affect both mobile apps and website access for many users.

The disruption comes amid growing reliance on Meta’s platforms for communication, business operations and information sharing. Small businesses, news organizations and individual users reported challenges managing pages, posting content and engaging with audiences during the outage.

Meta has not released a detailed explanation for the service interruption. Previous widespread outages have been attributed to configuration changes, server issues or network problems within the company’s global infrastructure.

Users took to alternative platforms like X to share experiences and seek updates. Many expressed frustration over lost productivity and inability to access personal accounts during the disruption.

The outage highlights vulnerabilities in centralized social media networks that billions rely upon daily. Meta’s platforms serve more than 3 billion users monthly across its family of apps, making service reliability critical for global connectivity.

For businesses dependent on Facebook advertising and e-commerce features, the downtime represented potential revenue impacts. Advertising managers reported difficulties accessing campaign tools and analytics during peak business hours.

Meta’s stock experienced minor fluctuations amid the reports, though broader market movements likely influenced trading activity. The company has faced increasing scrutiny over platform reliability, content moderation and competition concerns in recent years.

This incident marks one of several notable Meta outages in recent memory. Previous disruptions have prompted calls for greater transparency and improved backup systems to prevent widespread service failures.

Users experiencing problems were advised to check their internet connections, update apps and wait for Meta’s resolution. Many reported gradual restoration of service as the company addressed underlying technical issues.

The event serves as a reminder of digital infrastructure’s fragility despite advances in cloud computing and redundancy measures. As social media integrates deeper into daily life, expectations for uninterrupted service continue to rise.

Meta officials have committed to investigating the root cause and implementing preventive measures. The company typically provides post-incident summaries outlining what went wrong and steps taken to avoid future occurrences.

For now, affected users await full restoration while turning to alternative communication methods. The outage underscores both the convenience and vulnerability of relying on single platforms for social interaction and information exchange.

NEW YORK — With the confetti barely settled on the New York Knicks’ first championship in 53 years, the NBA’s 2026 offseason trade market is detonating in all directions. Stars are being shopped, franchises are being rebuilt, and the draft on June 23 is serving as an unofficial deadline for blockbusters that could reshape the league’s balance of power for years. Here are the five biggest trade storylines consuming front offices right now.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Saga That Has Swallowed the Entire Offseason

Nothing else in the NBA moves until the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation resolves itself, and it appears that resolution is imminent. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Milwaukee Bucks — coming off a dismal 32-50 season that ended without a playoff appearance — have been fielding calls on the two-time MVP for months, with Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam having set the NBA Draft as an informal deadline for a decision.

The Miami Heat have been the frontrunner for what feels like an eternity. According to reporting from The Athletic’s Tim Reynolds, Antetokounmpo “wants to be in Miami,” though even he “doesn’t know how this thing is going to end up.” The Bucks, however, remain a difficult negotiating partner. ESPN’s Windhorst reported that “the Bucks seem to not be in love with the Heat’s offer(s) and continue to discuss trade packages with other teams.”

Miami has sweetened its offer significantly since the February trade deadline, and the package now in play is substantial. According to insider Evan Sidery, the Bucks have made their desired trade package clear to the Heat: they want Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and a future first-round pick.

The Boston Celtics have inserted themselves forcefully into the picture. Windhorst reported Tuesday that the Celtics are “on Antetokounmpo’s list,” and that Giannis is “very intrigued” by Boston due in part to his “focus on getting back to title contention.” Boston has also indicated a willingness to sign Antetokounmpo to a contract extension as part of a trade. His current deal expires after the 2026-27 season.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that a trade “is indeed drawing near,” with momentum continuing to rest with the Miami Heat, though the Boston Celtics remain in the mix. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives — the same analyst who has been tracking the SpaceX-Tesla merger odds — isn’t the only one watching an 80-percent probability play out; Wedbush’s own NBA counterpart circle has similar conviction that the Heat ultimately land their man. The Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves have also been positioned as possible third-team partners to help the Bucks maximize their return.

2. Ja Morant: Memphis Has Decided, the Market Is Being Patient

The Memphis Grizzlies have arrived at an organizational verdict on Ja Morant, and it isn’t a happy one for the two-time All-Star who was once considered a generational talent. After failing to find an adequate return before the February trade deadline — amid a market so cold that ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on air that Morant had “negative value,” meaning teams expected Memphis to attach draft picks just to take the contract — the Grizzlies are now preparing to move him this summer with a clearer mind and more leverage.

According to ESPN, Morant has told people that he’s done playing for the Grizzlies. “Morant still hasn’t gotten over the suspension, multiple league sources said, because he felt alienated by teammates,” ESPN reported, adding that he had told players and former coaches around the league that he isn’t playing for Memphis anymore.

The strategic calculus in Memphis is deliberate. NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin reported that “Morant is expected to be traded this offseason, although the Grizzlies will wait until the Antetokounmpo drama plays out before making a move, to see whether any teams that strike out with the Greek Freak pivot to Morant.”

That sequencing matters. Miami’s fallback options if they miss on Giannis reportedly include Morant, as does Minnesota’s. The 26-year-old carries two years and $87 million remaining on his contract — $42.2 million in 2026-27 and $44.9 million in 2027-28 — a financial reality that shapes what Memphis can realistically expect in return. The Grizzlies have the third overall pick in this month’s draft and have already accumulated 12 future first-round picks through deals involving Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., so they can afford to wait for the right offer.

3. OKC Thunder: Apron Math Could Force a Painful Move

Oklahoma City went 64-18 and reached the Western Conference Finals, making them one of the two best teams in basketball alongside the San Antonio Spurs. And yet they may be forced to trade a key contributor this summer — not because they want to, but because of the NBA’s punishing second-apron rules.

Including both 2026 first-round picks, Oklahoma City is approximately $59 million over the luxury tax and above both aprons, according to ESPN’s offseason analysis. The Thunder have until June 29 to exercise the team options of Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, and Kenrich Williams — all three of whom are extension-eligible.

The math is severe. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s super-max extension kicking in at $48 million-plus and new rookie extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams collectively exploding the payroll, the Thunder will need to shed salary to avoid second-apron restrictions that would freeze their ability to make trades and aggregate contracts. The No. 17 draft pick has already been identified as a tradeable asset, with multiple reports indicating OKC is actively looking to move that selection.

General manager Sam Presti, who has consistently avoided tipping his hand publicly, will need to thread a needle: maintaining enough firepower to compete with the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama while complying with rules that could strip the franchise of future flexibility.

4. Ja Morant’s Shadow: Trae Young Opts Out, Trade Market Opens

In a development that shook up the point guard market Wednesday, Trae Young is planning to decline his $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season and enter free agency, per Marc J. Spears of ESPN.

The widely expected move opens the door to two outcomes: a new long-term extension with the Washington Wizards at a lower annual rate, or — perhaps more intriguingly — a trade. According to Jake Fischer at The Stein Line, teams are eyeing a potential Young trade, including the Miami Heat, who see the All-Star point guard as a “big fish” backup if they strike out on landing Antetokounmpo.

Young was acquired by Washington from Atlanta last season in a trade that cost the Wizards almost nothing, a reflection of how little the market valued him at the time. The context has changed. After a bounce-back season in which he showed he could still be a primary offensive engine, interest has increased substantially heading into the summer. The Heat’s potential involvement links the Morant, Giannis and Young storylines into one interconnected chain: whoever Miami misses on cascades to the next option.

5. Walker Kessler: The Jazz’s Restricted Free Agent Headache

It is a smaller story than the others, but one with significant implications for several contenders looking for interior depth: Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is disenchanted and wants out.

According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Kessler was already frustrated by Utah’s choice not to offer him an extension last summer, and now, with the Jazz leveraging restricted free agency to minimize his market, sources say he is “strongly considering the prospect of a basketball future outside Utah.”

The 24-year-old is one of the premier rim-protectors and shot-blockers in the NBA, exactly the kind of player championship-caliber teams covet. As a restricted free agent, he can sign an offer sheet with another team beginning July 1 — with Utah retaining the right to match. His qualifying offer is worth $14.6 million, providing a pathway to unrestricted free agency if he accepts.

The Lakers have been among the teams with interest, though the practical challenge of signing a restricted free agent — particularly one whose current team is likely to match any offer — makes the path complicated. A sign-and-trade scenario, where Utah receives value in return for facilitating a departure, may be the most realistic route for all parties. Given that the Jazz already added Jaren Jackson Jr. at the trade deadline and hold the No. 2 pick in this month’s draft, they are in position to build a legitimate frontcourt without Kessler if the price is right.

The NBA Draft on June 23 will serve as the inflection point for most of these stories. The Giannis sweepstakes, in particular, has been described by insiders as something that could close before the opening bell of the first round — making the next five days among the most consequential in league history.

The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23 in Brooklyn. The NBA free agency period begins July 1.