Wall Street indexes fell in Tuesday’s volatile session as investors swayed between fears of rising oil prices and hopes for a resolution to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran as U.S. President Trump claimed there were talks even as reports suggested that more American troops were headed to the Middle East.

U.S. Treasury yields extended gains after a weak auction of 2-year Treasury notes, also adding pressure to equity markets.

Indexes regained some ground after Trump ‌told reporters that the ⁠United States ⁠was talking to “the right people” in Iran in order to reach an agreement to end hostilities and that Iran has agreed they will never have nuclear weapons. But reports the Pentagon would send thousands of more troops from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East caused some concerns.

Wall Street indexes on Monday had marked their biggest one-day gain since February 6 ]as oil prices fell after Trump had postponed strikes against Iranian power plants and announced talks with Iran even as Tehran denied negotiations with the U.S. But energy prices rose on Tuesday with crude oil futures settling up more than 4%.

“Stocks are trying to find their footing as investors are keeping one eye on social media and the other eye on every headline. We’re very short-term oriented,” ⁠said Carol Schleif, chief ‌market strategist, BMO Private Wealth.

“Markets are trying to hold onto the optimism they had yesterday. They’re so ready to move beyond war talk even if it’s not 100% settled,” said Schleif but she added, “There’s a lot of nervousness. People are watching oil and ⁠watching interest rates and worrying do we go higher for longer on both energy and interest rates because that could start negatively impacting growth.”
Kevin Gordon, head of macro research & strategy at the Schwab Center for Financial Research in New York also pointed to a “double whammy” higher oil prices and higher rates as a “stagflationary backdrop, which, needless to say, is not a positive backdrop for the stock market.” According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 lost 24.62 points, or 0.36%, to end at 6,557.19 points, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 184.86 points, or 0.84%, to 21,762.77. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 87.24 points, or 0.19%, to 46,121.23.

Among the 11 S&P 500 major industry sectors, energy led gains during the session while communication services and technology were leading losses.

Meanwhile, private credit concerns resurfaced after a report that Ares Management limited ‌redemptions at 5% at its private credit fund, along with Apollo Global Management , as withdrawal requests surged.

Earlier a survey showed U.S. business activity slowed to an 11-month low in March as the Middle East war raised prices for energy products and other inputs.

Higher oil prices have revived inflation jitters and complicated the interest ⁠rate outlook for central banks. The U.S. Federal Reserve struck a hawkish tone last week, projecting only one reduction in 2026.

Traders are no longer pricing in any rate cuts this year, compared with two reductions expected before the Middle East conflict erupted. Expectations for hikes nudged higher amid escalating tensions last week, but were quickly unwound after Trump’s comments on Monday, according to CME’s FedWatch Tool. Among individual movers, shares of Jefferies rose after the Financial Times reported that Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group is working on plans for a possible takeover of the investment bank. Shares in cosmetics maker Estee Lauder tumbled after it said it was in talks for a potential merger with Spanish beauty group Puig Brands. Barclays lifted its 2026 year-end target for the S&P 500 index to 7,650 from 7,400, citing stronger earnings expectations that outweigh macro risks like Middle East tensions, AI-driven disruption and stress in private credit.

Mumbai: Indian equities on Tuesday expectedly tracked a pan-Asian rebound in risk assets to climb nearly 2% while the rupee gained against the dollar, as traders slashed bearish bets after the US halted strikes on Iran in first apparent signs Washington was finally giving diplomacy a chance to help resolve the Gulf crisis.

Still, the conspicuous absence of reciprocal conciliatory statements from Tehran and reports of Iranian attacks tempered optimism on Dalal Street, said analysts, who don’t expect volatility to subside just yet.

The NSE Nifty climbed 1.8% to 22,912.40, while the Sensex advanced 1.9% to 74,068.45. Both gauges have slumped nearly 9% since the start of the war. The rupee, meanwhile, settled at 93.86/$, up 11 paise from its previous close, LSEG data showed. It surged to an intraday high of 92.63/$ and traded in a wide range of 128 paise amid mild central bank interventions, traders said.

“The markets were oversold and news of a halt in attacks from the US triggered some short covering that led the rally,” said Rajesh Palviya, head of technical and derivatives, Axis Securities. “However, it doesn’t indicate volatility is over since there hasn’t been a concrete resolution yet.”

Strait Still Closed

Asian risk assets, which took a cue from the overnight advance in US equities, climbed Tuesday. Hong Kong jumped 2.8% while South Korea gained 2.7%. China and Japan climbed 1.8% and 1.4%, respectively. Taiwan, however, declined 0.3%.
Palviya said not all the short positions are out of the system as investors await clarity on conflict resolution. Brent crude oil futures retreated about 10% on Monday but retraced to $98.9 on Tuesday after Iran denied talks with the US and launched fresh attacks.
Analysts said the continued closure of the crucial waterway that evacuates a fourth of the world’s energy output capped outsized gains for Indian equities. “If there is further de-escalation from this point, then this could be a bottom for the market,” said Dharmesh Kant, head of research, Cholamandalam Securities.
Energy supplies and the price of crude oil remain key monitorables in the rate and currency markets, too, analysts said. The rupee’s near-term trajectory is linked to geopolitics and Tuesday’s advancing trend could quickly reverse if hostilities continue.

“Some pullback in crude oil prices and easing geopolitical tone supported the rupee, and risk sentiments improved slightly. However, persistent equity outflows from foreign funds continue to pressure the rupee, and I expect a range between 93.65 and 94.25 on Wednesday,” said Anil Bhansali, head of treasury at Finrex Treasury Advisors.

U.S. efforts to resolve tensions with Iran through diplomacy face deep skepticism from military leadership, even as negotiations unfold behind the scenes.

Retired Gen. Jack Keane, a Fox News strategic analyst, joined FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” to discuss whether diplomacy can achieve the same objectives as military action, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.

Keane said the administration is attempting to use diplomatic leverage to reach outcomes that could otherwise be achieved through force but warned the challenge lies in trusting Tehran’s commitments.

“I’m highly skeptical… This is a regime for 47 years. They are pathological liars and they’re cheaters… It’s very difficult to take them at their word,” Keane said.

MARKETS HANGING ON ‘EVERY WORD’ AS US-IRAN CONFLICT NEARS ONE MONTH, FORMER NEC DIRECTOR WARNS

The negotiations, he noted, are taking place indirectly through intermediaries, even as both sides publicly signal conflicting positions about whether talks are happening at all.

Keane emphasized that U.S. and Israeli military leaders are confident they could meet their objectives through force if necessary, including reopening key shipping lanes and eliminating Iran’s ability to sustain attacks.

“If we can do that through negotiations… And we absolutely are confident that it’s real… It remains to be seen,” Keane said.

ENERGY PRICES COULD FALL ‘PRETTY SIGNIFICANTLY’ IF IRAN DEAL REACHED, ENERGY SECRETARY SAYS

He added that Iran’s motivations in any deal would likely center on regime survival, economic recovery and sanctions relief, raising further questions about how much the regime is willing to concede.

“We’ll see what this deal really entails when we get down to the specifics,” he said.

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A New Mexico jury on Tuesday ordered Meta to pay $375 million after finding the company violated state law by misleading users about the safety of its platforms and allegedly enabling child sexual exploitation.

Jurors found the Facebook and Instagram parent company violated New Mexico’s consumer protection law following a lawsuit brought by Attorney General Raul Torrez, who accused Meta of failing to protect children from predators.

“The jury’s verdict is a historic victory for every child and family who has paid the price for Meta’s choice to put profits over kids’ safety,” said New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “Meta executives knew their products harmed children, disregarded warnings from their own employees, and lied to the public about what they knew. Today the jury joined families, educators, and child safety experts in saying enough is enough.”

MARK ZUCKERBERG FACES JURY IN LANDMARK TRIAL OVER ALLEGED YOUTH HARM LINKED TO SOCIAL MEDIA

The verdict marks a major legal win for the state and is believed to be the first time a state has prevailed at trial against a major tech company over claims it harmed children through its platforms, according to the New Mexico State Justice Department.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
META	META PLATFORMS INC.	592.92	-11.14	-1.84%

The lawsuit, filed in 2023 by the state, alleged Meta created a “breeding ground” for child predators and misled users about safety protections on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

APPLE IMPLEMENTING AGE VERIFICATION TOOL TO ENSURE USERS ARE 18 AND UP FOR SOME APPS

The $375 million penalty is significantly lower than the roughly $2.1 billion New Mexico officials had sought, though the jury awarded the maximum allowed under state law of $5,000 per violation.

Meta said it disagrees with the verdict and plans to appeal.

META RESEARCHER WARNED OF 500K CHILD EXPLOITATION CASES DAILY ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM PLATFORMS

“We respectfully disagree with the verdict and will appeal,” a Meta spokesperson told FOX Business in a statement. “We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and are clear about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors or harmful content. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online.”

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The case is separate from a high-profile Los Angeles trial over claims social media platforms contribute to youth addiction.

Netflix announced Tuesday that production has officially begun on “Bridgerton” Season 5, with Hannah Dodd and Masali Baduza stepping into the spotlight as the season’s central romantic pair: the widowed Francesca Bridgerton (now Stirling) and Michaela Stirling, in a storyline that promises to explore second chances at love and unexpected passion in Regency-era London.

The streamer released a short video and first-look images showing Dodd and Baduza in costume fittings and on set outside London, accompanied by the declaration: “Do not fret, dearest readers, for a certain countess shall find love again.” Showrunner Jess Brownell, along with Dodd and Baduza, previewed the upcoming love story in a Tudum feature published the same day.

Netflix renewed the hit Shondaland series for Seasons 5 and 6 simultaneously in May 2025, well before Season 4 premiered in January 2026. The announcement, styled as a Lady Whistledown column, promised fans two more seasons of the lavish Regency romance adapted from Julia Quinn’s novels. Season 4, which focused on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), concluded its run earlier this year, leaving viewers eager for the next chapter in the Bridgerton family saga.

Season 5 centers on Francesca, the quiet and introspective middle daughter of the Bridgerton clan. Two years after the sudden death of her husband John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin, Francesca contemplates re-entering the marriage mart for practical reasons — primarily to secure an heir and stability. But when John’s cousin Michaela Stirling arrives in London to manage the family estate, Francesca finds her carefully laid plans upended by complicated new feelings.

The pairing represents a gender-swapped adaptation of Quinn’s sixth novel, “When He Was Wicked,” in which Francesca falls for her late husband’s cousin Michael. Brownell and the creative team have leaned into inclusive storytelling, building on earlier hints planted in Seasons 3 and 4 that set up Francesca’s arc. Dodd, who took over the role of Francesca in Season 4, and Baduza, introduced as Michaela, have already begun filming key scenes, with costume fittings helping them delve deeper into their characters’ emotional worlds.

Filming is underway at locations outside London, continuing the series’ tradition of grand estates, ballrooms and gardens that transport viewers to the ton. Brownell has emphasized a desire to accelerate the production schedule. Scripts for Season 5 are largely complete, with the writers’ room having wrapped earlier, and the team aims to shorten the gap between seasons. Previous installments have typically taken about 18 to 24 months from filming start to release, suggesting a potential premiere in late 2027 or early 2028, though Netflix has not yet confirmed a date.

The ensemble cast is expected to return in supporting roles. Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, and Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown will likely appear, along with other familiar faces from the Bridgerton and Featherington families. Brownell has confirmed that Seasons 5 and 6 will focus on Eloise and Francesca in some order, leaving open the possibility that Eloise’s story — drawn from the fifth book, “To Sir Phillip, With Love” — could follow in Season 6.

Executive producer Shonda Rhimes, who discovered Quinn’s books while ill and built the “Bridgerton” universe into a global phenomenon, has described the series as more than steamy romance. She views it as a “workplace drama” set in a world where women’s value is tied to marriage, with mothers acting as colleagues navigating power dynamics. Rhimes has teased future spinoffs, including a potential story centered on Violet Bridgerton’s own romance with Edmund, though no formal plans have been announced.

“Bridgerton” exploded onto Netflix in 2020, becoming one of the streamer’s most-watched titles and sparking a cultural craze for Regency fashion, string-quartet covers of pop songs and scandal-filled gossip. The show has consistently delivered high production values, diverse casting and emotionally resonant love stories that blend humor, heartache and heat. Season 4’s Benedict-Sophie arc, with its Cinderella-inspired elements, maintained strong viewership despite some mixed fan reactions to pacing.

For Season 5, Brownell has promised a “super romantic” tone while honoring the deeper themes of grief, desire and self-discovery in Francesca’s journey. A time jump may feature to allow the story’s emotional layers to unfold, mirroring the book’s structure that spans years. The introduction of Michaela adds fresh chemistry and representation, building on the series’ commitment to evolving beyond strict adherence to source material chronology.

Fans have reacted with excitement mixed with anticipation on social media. Some celebrate the gender-swapped storyline as a bold, modern take, while others debate whether Eloise’s more outspoken personality might have fit better as the immediate follow-up to Benedict. Regardless, the confirmation that production has started signals momentum after the long wait following Season 4.

Netflix has not released a trailer or detailed plot synopsis beyond the initial announcement, but early images show Dodd and Baduza in elegant period attire, hinting at the visual splendor audiences have come to expect. Costume designers, set decorators and the hair-and-makeup team are once again tasked with creating the lush world that has defined the show’s aesthetic.

Looking further ahead, Season 6 is already in early development, ensuring the Bridgerton siblings — including remaining younger ones Hyacinth and Gregory — will eventually all receive their moments in the spotlight. Rhimes has mused about potentially eight seasons, one for each sibling, though nothing is guaranteed.

As cameras roll outside London, “Bridgerton” Season 5 continues the franchise’s reign as Netflix’s flagship period drama. With Francesca and Michaela’s story taking center stage, the series promises another chapter filled with longing glances, whispered scandals and the timeless question of whether love can bloom again after loss.

Dearest readers, the ton awaits. Production on Season 5 is just beginning, but the promise of new romance — and perhaps a few surprises from Lady Whistledown — already has fans counting the days until the next glittering season arrives.

LastPass, one of the world’s most widely used password managers, faced widespread user complaints of login failures and vault access problems Tuesday, March 24, 2026, prompting the company to acknowledge an internal issue and launch an active investigation.

As of midday Eastern Time, the company’s official status page at status.lastpass.com showed an “Investigating” alert posted around 13:00 UTC (9 a.m. EDT), stating engineers were working to resolve reports of degraded service. Components including the marketing website, support site, MFA and certain regional services showed “Major Outage” indicators in real time.

Downdetector and other monitoring sites recorded a sharp spike in user reports beginning around 8:56 a.m. EDT, with the majority of complaints centered on inability to log in or access stored passwords. Social media and Reddit threads filled with frustrated users unable to retrieve credentials for work, banking and personal accounts. LastPass’s official Twitter account, @LastPassStatus, posted an apology: “We apologize for any disruption accessing your LastPass Vault today. This internal issue is currently being addressed and we expect services to be fully restored shortly.”

The incident marks the latest service disruption for the password manager, which has more than 25 million users worldwide despite past security controversies. LastPass, owned by GoTo (formerly LogMeIn), stores encrypted passwords, credit card details and other sensitive information in the cloud, allowing users to autofill logins across devices via browser extensions and mobile apps.

No widespread outage appeared on March 23 or earlier days in the month, according to the status page history, which listed no incidents for March 2026 prior to Tuesday. The most recent resolved incident occurred in mid-February, when login verification emails failed for several hours.

Users experiencing problems reported a range of symptoms: browser extensions failing to connect, mobile apps showing authentication errors, and the web vault remaining inaccessible even after correct master password entry. Some said they could reach the LastPass website but not the vault itself. Others noted that federated login options and multi-factor authentication prompts were also affected.

Password managers like LastPass have become essential tools in an era of dozens or hundreds of online accounts per person. When they go down, the impact can be immediate and frustrating, especially for remote workers, businesses and individuals who rely on them for daily access to email, banking, productivity suites and government services.

LastPass has faced scrutiny in recent years following high-profile security incidents. In late 2022, the company disclosed a breach in which attackers accessed encrypted vaults and other data after an earlier incident compromised source code and developer systems. Although customer master passwords remained protected by strong encryption, the episode led to widespread criticism, class-action lawsuits and a migration of users to competitors such as Bitwarden, 1Password and Dashlane.

Despite the history, many organizations and individuals continue using LastPass because of its enterprise features, including shared folders, admin consoles and integration with single sign-on systems. The company has invested in security improvements, including zero-knowledge architecture enhancements and regular audits, while reminding users to enable MFA and use strong, unique master passwords.

Tuesday’s outage arrived at a time when cyber threats remain elevated globally. With ransomware gangs and state actors targeting credential repositories, any downtime in a password manager raises questions about redundancy and backup plans. Security experts recommend that users maintain offline backups of critical credentials — printed or stored on encrypted external drives — precisely for situations like this.

For affected users, LastPass support pages suggest basic troubleshooting: clearing browser cache and cookies, trying incognito mode, restarting devices, or reinstalling the extension or app. However, when core backend services are impacted, these steps often prove ineffective until the provider resolves the root cause.

The company has not yet released a detailed root-cause analysis or estimated time to full restoration. In similar past incidents, resolution times ranged from under an hour to several hours. Users who can still access their vaults via cached sessions or offline mode are advised to avoid logging out until service stabilizes.

Analysts note that password manager outages, while inconvenient, rarely expose user data because of end-to-end encryption. The primary risk during downtime is productivity loss and the temptation for users to temporarily store passwords in less secure locations such as notes apps or email.

LastPass competes in a crowded market that has grown rapidly with rising awareness of password hygiene. Industry reports estimate the global password management software market will exceed $2 billion by 2028, driven by remote work, regulatory compliance and increasing cyber attacks.

As of late morning Tuesday, some users reported gradual improvement in certain regions, but many continued to encounter errors. Monitoring sites such as DownDetector showed the spike in reports beginning to plateau, though not yet returning to baseline.

The incident serves as a reminder of single points of failure in digital life. Experts recommend diversifying password storage — using a primary manager alongside secure notes or hardware keys — and regularly testing recovery processes.

LastPass has not commented publicly beyond the status page and Twitter update. Company representatives typically provide post-incident summaries once service returns to normal, including any steps taken to prevent recurrence.

For now, users are urged to monitor the official status page and @LastPassStatus for updates. Those unable to wait may consider temporary workarounds such as manually entering known passwords or switching to alternative access methods where possible.

The broader password management industry has seen similar hiccups in recent years, underscoring the challenges of maintaining always-on, highly secure cloud services at global scale. Tuesday’s events will likely fuel ongoing conversations about trust, transparency and the need for robust contingency planning among both consumers and enterprise customers.

As the investigation continues, millions of LastPass users worldwide are left hoping for a swift resolution so they can regain seamless access to their digital lives.

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. 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.

StubHub Holdings Inc. shares gained about 0.5% to around $6.85 in early trading Tuesday, March 24, 2026, extending a modest recovery after closing at $6.88 the previous session. The move came as the secondary ticket marketplace operator, which went public in September 2025, continued to trade well below its IPO price amid investor concerns over slowing growth and recent earnings misses.

The stock opened near $6.71 and fluctuated in a narrow range between roughly $6.62 and $6.90 on moderate volume. It closed Monday at $6.88, up nearly 3% on the day, after hitting a new 52-week low of $6.59 earlier in March. Year-to-date in 2026, shares have declined about 49%, reflecting a sharp pullback from the September 2025 IPO priced at $23.50 that valued the company at approximately $8.6 billion. Market capitalization now stands near $2.45 billion.

StubHub, a leading platform for buying and selling tickets to concerts, sports events and theater performances, operates in the highly competitive secondary ticketing market. The company was spun out from eBay and completed its long-awaited initial public offering in September 2025 amid strong demand, with the deal reported as 20 times oversubscribed. Shares initially traded as high as $27.89 in the weeks following the debut but have since lost more than 75% of their value as growth concerns mounted.

The company reported full-year and fourth-quarter 2025 results on March 4, 2026, posting a wider-than-expected loss and softer guidance that triggered a sharp sell-off. Gross merchandise sales (GMS) for the full year came in below some analyst expectations, while the company highlighted progress in reducing debt and strengthening its balance sheet. StubHub also disclosed that IPO lock-up restrictions expired on March 6, potentially adding selling pressure from insiders and early investors.

For 2026, StubHub provided guidance calling for GMS of $9.9 billion to $10.1 billion, implying roughly 9% growth at the midpoint. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to rise sharply to $400 million to $420 million, representing about 70-80% growth from 2025 levels and signaling a potential inflection in profitability driven by operating leverage in its core resale marketplace. Management emphasized international expansion, improved marketing efficiency and consistent take rates as key drivers, while noting that new initiatives such as direct issuance and advertising are not expected to contribute materially to 2026 results.

Analysts remain divided but largely constructive on the longer-term story. Consensus ratings lean toward Strong Buy, with an average 12-month price target around $12.83, implying significant upside from current levels. Some firms have lowered targets following the Q4 report, citing near-term margin pressures and regulatory risks in the ticketing industry. The stock trades at a forward price-to-sales multiple near 1.4x and an enterprise value to 2026 EBITDA multiple around 11x, which some value investors view as attractive after the steep decline.

Challenges persist for StubHub. The secondary ticketing sector faces ongoing scrutiny over dynamic pricing, bot activity and consumer protection issues. Competition from platforms such as Ticketmaster’s resale arm, SeatGeek and Vivid Seats remains intense. Macroeconomic factors, including consumer discretionary spending on live events, could weigh on demand if economic uncertainty lingers. The company has also faced class-action litigation related to its IPO disclosures, adding to volatility.

On the positive side, StubHub benefits from an asset-light business model with high gross margins in its core operations. Live events demand has shown resilience post-pandemic, particularly for major tours and sports. The company has invested in technology, including an AI-powered tool launched in March 2026 to help artists, teams and venues optimize ticket distribution and pricing. International markets, where growth has outpaced North America, offer additional runway.

Wall Street has noted the potential for margin expansion as StubHub scales. The 2026 EBITDA guidance suggests the company is transitioning from heavy investment in competitive positioning to harvesting returns. However, execution risks remain, particularly around timing of new product rollouts and maintaining market share without aggressive discounting.

Beta for the stock is elevated, reflecting its status as a newer public company in a cyclical industry. Trading volume has averaged around 4-5 million shares daily in recent sessions, with occasional spikes on news flow.

Investors will watch closely for the first-quarter 2026 results, expected in May, for updates on GMS trends, international progress and any commentary on debt reduction or capital allocation. With the lock-up expiration already behind it, the stock may see more normalized trading dynamics in coming weeks.

StubHub’s journey from eBay subsidiary to independent public company highlights both the opportunities and pitfalls of the live-events economy. While the platform connects millions of fans with tickets, its valuation has compressed dramatically since the IPO, leaving room for debate over whether current levels represent a buying opportunity or continued downside risk.

As of early Tuesday, the modest gain reflected some bargain hunting after recent lows, but broader market sentiment and upcoming earnings will likely dictate near-term direction. For now, StubHub trades as much on hopes for a 2026 profitability inflection as on current fundamentals.

A Louisiana Upbringing That Built Practical Skills

Steven Keller grew up in Reserve, Louisiana, a small community along the Mississippi River. Life there was simple, hands-on, and close to nature. Those early years helped shape the work ethic that would later define his career.

“My early years were spent fishing and hunting in the Garyville swamp,” Keller says. “It teaches you patience and respect for the environment.”

His family placed a strong value on education and service. His father, Dr. Gerald Keller, served as the retired Superintendent of Schools in St. John the Baptist Parish and was known locally as a historian. His mother, Cheryl Keller, worked for years as a registered nurse.

Education and hard work were normal expectations in the Keller household.

“My father always believed in learning and discipline,” Keller says. “Watching both of my parents dedicate themselves to their careers had a big impact on me.”

Steven grew up alongside three siblings: Dr. Lisa Keller Watson, Gerald Keller Jr., PE, and David Keller. Each pursued professional careers, reinforcing a culture of achievement within the family.

Education in the River Parishes

Keller’s education began at St. Peter’s Catholic School, where he attended through eighth grade. He later graduated from East St. John High School, one of the main public schools serving the River Parishes region of Louisiana.

After high school, he continued his studies locally.

“I went to River Parishes Community College and later Northshore Technical College,” Keller explains. “Those programs helped me develop technical skills that I use every day.”

The path he chose focused less on theory and more on practical application. Technical trades were essential to the region’s industrial economy, which includes chemical plants, logistics hubs, and food distribution centers.

For Keller, the appeal was simple.

“I like working with systems and solving problems,” he says. “Every day is a little different.”

Building a Career in Refrigeration Engineering

Today, Steven Keller works as a Refrigeration Technician at C&S Wholesale Grocers, one of the largest wholesale grocery supply companies in the United States.

Industrial refrigeration systems play a critical role in food distribution. These systems keep large warehouses and storage facilities at precise temperatures to maintain food safety and supply chain efficiency.

Keller specializes in ammonia refrigeration, a complex and highly regulated industrial cooling system commonly used in large facilities.

“Ammonia refrigeration requires knowledge and patience,” Keller says. “You have to understand the equipment and respect the process.”

Earlier in his career, Keller also worked as a Project Engineer at Wink Engineering, where he gained experience managing technical projects and complex systems.

Those experiences helped him develop both hands-on technical skills and a broader understanding of industrial operations.

“You learn quickly that knowledge comes from experience,” he says. “You keep studying, asking questions, and improving your craft.”

Recognition for Workplace Performance

Keller’s work has also earned recognition within the energy and industrial sector.

He received the Tiger Award from ExxonMobil, an honor that recognizes performance, safety, and excellence in industrial environments.

While Keller is modest about the recognition, he sees it as confirmation that consistency matters.

“Achieving all the goals you set for yourself takes time,” he says. “You focus on doing your job well every day.”

That mindset has helped him build a reputation as a dependable professional in a highly technical field.

Lessons From Work and Life

Keller often emphasizes that technical careers require patience.

“Patience and knowledge go hand in hand,” he says. “You can’t rush learning a trade.”

The work itself demands careful thinking. Industrial refrigeration systems operate under pressure and require strict safety procedures. Mistakes can be costly, which means technicians must approach every job with discipline.

Keller believes long-term success comes from steady improvement rather than quick wins.

“You have to stay curious,” he says. “There’s always something new to learn.”

Personal Interests and Life Outside Work

When he’s not working, Keller still enjoys the outdoor lifestyle he grew up with in Louisiana.

“I still like fishing when I can,” he says. “And riding four-wheelers.”

Like many people balancing work and family life, he also enjoys simple downtime.

“Sometimes it’s just relaxing and watching Netflix,” he adds.

Those moments of balance help recharge after long workdays in industrial environments.

A Career Built on Discipline and Determination

For Keller, professional success is less about titles and more about commitment.

His career reflects the values he learned growing up in Reserve: patience, discipline, and respect for knowledge.

“Work hard, stay focused, and keep learning,” Keller says. “That’s the formula.” In

From fishing in Louisiana swamps to maintaining critical refrigeration systems that support major food supply chains, Keller’s journey shows how technical careers often grow from practical roots.

And for him, the path forward remains simple.

“Just keep improving,” he says. “That’s always been the goal.”