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Household spending falls
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BTS’s Comeback Show Heavy on New Album ‘Arirang’ as Group Delivers Emotional Reunion in Seoul
SEOUL — BTS made a triumphant return to the stage Saturday, March 21, 2026, with their first full-group performance in nearly four years at a free outdoor concert in Gwanghwamun Square, delivering a setlist dominated by tracks from their new fifth studio album *Arirang* and leaving millions of ARMY worldwide emotional in the historic moment.

The one-hour special event, titled *BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG*, streamed exclusively on Netflix starting at 8 p.m. KST (7 a.m. ET), drew an estimated 260,000 fans to the iconic square in central Seoul — the largest gathering for a K-pop concert in the city. A pre-show drone display lit up the night sky with members’ faces and symbolic imagery, while massive crowds filled security checkpoints from early morning, chanting and waving light sticks in purple.
The show opened with the album’s lead single “Swim,” setting a reflective tone that blended Korean cultural motifs with BTS’s signature introspective lyrics. RM addressed the crowd early, thanking ARMY for their patience during the hiatus caused by mandatory military service. “We’ve been away, but our hearts never left,” he said, drawing cheers that echoed off Gyeongbokgung Palace’s gates.
The setlist leaned heavily into *Arirang*, released just one day earlier on March 20. Of the 14 tracks on the album — including “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” “FYA,” “2.0,” “No. 29,” “Merry Go Round,” “NORMAL,” “Like Animals,” “they don’t know ’bout us,” “One More Night,” “Please” and “Into the Sun” — BTS performed at least eight live for the first time. Highlights included the anthemic closer “Into the Sun,” where all seven members — RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — shared vocal lines in a powerful display of unity, and “Swim,” which featured intricate choreography against the backdrop of Seoul’s historic landmarks.
Fans online described the performance as “heavy on new material” but perfectly balanced, with seamless transitions from fresh songs to beloved classics. The group included brief nods to older hits like “IDOL” and “Fake Love” in medley form, but the focus remained on *Arirang*’s themes of Korean identity, resilience and renewal — a deliberate choice after years of solo endeavors and service.
Jung Kook’s high notes in “Please” and Jimin’s emotive delivery in “Merry Go Round” stood out, while SUGA and j-hope brought rap intensity to “Hooligan” and “FYA.” V’s soulful verses in “Like Animals” and Jin’s stable vocals anchored the harmonies. The members appeared energized, with minimal signs of RM’s recent ankle injury (he wore supportive gear but moved freely).

The concert marked BTS’s first group stage since October 2022, following the completion of military duties by all members in 2025. It served as a prelude to the *Arirang World Tour*, kicking off April 9-12 in Goyang, South Korea, with 82 dates across Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America and Australia planned through 2027.
Netflix’s global livestream captured the electric atmosphere, including fan chants, light stick seas and emotional reactions from ARMY watching remotely. A companion documentary, *BTS: The Return*, premieres March 27 on the platform, offering behind-the-scenes access to the album’s creation in Los Angeles and Seoul.
*Arirang* — BTS’s first full-group release in six years — debuted with massive streaming numbers, topping charts worldwide hours after its March 20 drop at 1 p.m. KST. The title draws from the traditional Korean folk song, symbolizing the group’s roots and journey through challenges.
As the show concluded with fireworks and a heartfelt group bow, RM promised more to come. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “Thank you for waiting. We’ll keep running toward you.”
The event underscored BTS’s enduring global impact, blending cultural pride with universal themes. With the album fresh and tour looming, ARMY worldwide celebrated the start of a new era for the K-pop icons.
Business
Jobs Data, PMI In Focus With A Muted Earnings Calendar Next Week
Get ahead of the market by subscribing to Seeking Alpha’s Wall Street Week Ahead, a preview of key events scheduled for the coming week. The newsletter keeps you informed of the biggest stories set to make headlines, including upcoming IPOs, investor days, earnings reports, and conference presentations.
Wall Street’s major averages were in the red on Friday, with oil sustaining higher prices even as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said the country is helping to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices slipped late on Thursday on the news that Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium or make ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, the U.S. military is reportedly sending thousands more Marines to the Middle East, including three warships, according to U.S. officials.
With no major earnings scheduled, investors will keep a keen eye on key economic data releases next week. S&P Global PMI data for March is due on Tuesday. Crude oil inventory data will be out on Wednesday. On Thursday, initial jobless claims data will be released.
GameStop (GME), BYD (BYDDF), and Carnival Corp. (CCL) are among the companies reporting their results next week.
_______________________________________________________________
Earnings spotlight: Tuesday: GameStop. See the full earnings calendar.
Earnings spotlight: Wednesday: PDD (PDD), Beyond Meat (BYND). See the full earnings calendar.
Earnings spotlight: Thursday: Pony Ai (PONY). See the full earnings calendar.
Earnings spotlight: Friday: BYD, Carnival Corp. See the full earnings calendar.
Volatility watch: Coinbase (COIN) and lululemon (LULU) have a high level of implied volatility based on options trading. Sunrun (RUN) and Omega Therapeutics (OMGAQ) head into the new week with a high level of short interest outstanding on them. The most overbought stocks per their 14-day relative strength index include Tilly’s (TLYS), Adecoagro (AGRO
Business
The 7-Foot-9 Florida Gators Center Making History
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 Canadian center for the Florida Gators, continues to captivate college basketball fans in March 2026 as the tallest player ever to compete in NCAA men’s hoops. Now a redshirt freshman in his first active season after preserving eligibility in 2024-25, Rioux has appeared in limited minutes but already etched his name in record books with historic dunks and crowd-roaring entrances.

Born February 2, 2006, in Terrebonne, Quebec, Rioux turned 20 this year and stands at 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters) tall, weighing 305 pounds. Guinness World Records once named him the tallest teenager on Earth in 2021 at age 15 (then 7-5), and his growth trajectory — 6-1 at age 8, 6-11 by sixth grade, crossing 7 feet before seventh grade — has fueled lifelong fascination.
Here are five key facts about the emerging big man as he navigates his debut campaign with the Gators in the 2025-26 season.
- Record-Breaking Height and Historic College Debut. Rioux became the tallest player in college basketball history when he checked into Florida’s 104-64 win over North Florida on December 18, 2025, surpassing previous marks. He scored his first career field goal — a thunderous dunk — against Alabama in late February 2026, making him the tallest ever to score in an NCAA men’s game. Crowds erupt whenever he enters, with fans chanting for “Clap Shark” (his nickname) and giving standing ovations even for brief appearances. In 11 games through mid-March, he averages 0.6 points and 0.5 rebounds in 1.5 minutes per contest, shooting 50% from the field and free-throw line.
- Developmental Path and Redshirt Decision. After starring at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida — a powerhouse prep program — Rioux committed to Florida as a preferred walk-on, meaning no athletic scholarship or guaranteed playing time. He took a developmental redshirt in 2024-25, serving on the scout team while adapting to college strength, conditioning and the SEC’s physicality. Coach Todd Golden praised his attitude during the limited role, noting Rioux’s work ethic despite minimal reward. The Gators, coming off a 2025 national championship, value his presence in practice, where his size challenges teammates daily.
- Family of Tall Athletes Fuels His Journey. Rioux comes from a towering Quebec family: father Jean-François Rioux (6-8), a retired volleyball player and photographer; mother Anne Gariépy (6-2), a former volleyball standout and Royal Bank of Canada employee; and older brother Émile (6-9), who has played basketball. The athletic genes run deep — both parents competed at high levels in volleyball — and Olivier started basketball at age 5. The family relocated multiple times in Quebec (Anjou borough of Montreal, Beloeil suburb) before he pursued elite training in the U.S. His background reflects French-Canadian heritage, with the Rioux family emphasizing sports and discipline.
- International Experience and Early Accolades. Before college, Rioux represented Canada internationally, helping the U18 team win bronze at the 2023 FIBA AmeriCup (averaging 4.5 points and rebounds). He competed for Canada at U16 and U19 levels, earning medals and showcasing soft hands, touch around the rim and improving mobility for his frame. His prep career at IMG included strong showings against top talent, drawing NBA scout interest despite questions about speed and perimeter defense. Draft boards occasionally project him as a late second-round pick in 2027 or beyond, though many note the challenges extreme height poses for NBA viability — coordination, injury risk and agility demands.
- Limited Role in 2025-26 Amid Gators’ Success. Florida’s deep roster and defensive focus have kept Rioux on the bench for most games, with coach Golden explaining the plan prioritizes development over forcing minutes. Rioux has appeared in eight to 11 contests (reports vary slightly), grabbing rebounds off the floor, altering shots and energizing crowds. His size 20 shoes and 5,000-plus calorie daily intake highlight the logistical demands of sustaining his frame. While playing time remains sparse, his presence adds unique value — opponents must adjust schemes, and he contributes in blowouts or foul trouble situations. Analysts see growth potential as he adds strength, refines footwork and gains confidence.
Rioux’s story blends wonder and realism: unmatched height draws global attention, viral dunks and crowd chants, yet his college role reflects patient development in a loaded SEC program. As Florida pushes through March Madness 2026, Rioux’s brief but impactful appearances remind fans of basketball’s evolving extremes. Whether he evolves into a rotational force or remains a novelty, his journey captivates as one of the most unique in modern college hoops.
Business
Strive Asset Management: Sustained Dip Reflects Flawed Bitcoin As A Treasury Push
Strive Asset Management: Sustained Dip Reflects Flawed Bitcoin As A Treasury Push
Business
Is Istanbul Airport Opened Today? Airport Remains Fully Open and Operational
ISTANBUL — Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, is fully open and operating normally on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with no widespread closures, major shutdowns or emergency restrictions reported, according to official airport data, live flight trackers and Turkish authorities.

The massive facility — handling over 1,400 scheduled flights daily — shows active arrivals and departures across domestic and international routes. Real-time dashboards from the official iGA Istanbul Airport website display check-in counters open, boarding gates active and passenger processing moving smoothly. Live waiting times remain low: terminal entrance checkpoints at 1-3 minutes, passport control at 13-14 minutes in busiest areas, and domestic controls at 1-2 minutes. Weather conditions are mild with broken clouds, 7-9°C (45-48°F) temperatures, and north winds at 16-18 knots, posing no significant operational threats.
Flight tracking platforms like Flightradar24, FlightStats and FlightAware confirm ongoing activity. Arrival and departure boards list hundreds of flights in progress, including Turkish Airlines services from Guangzhou, Moscow, Ashgabat and Delhi landing or departing as scheduled. Delay indices stand at very low to low levels (0.25-0.4 arrival delay index), with no systemic cancellations or ground stops. Turkish Airlines’ flight status page and third-party aggregators like Skyscanner and Trip.com show real-time updates without blanket alerts for IST.
The airport has maintained operations throughout the ongoing regional tensions stemming from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, now in its seventh week. While airspace restrictions over Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and parts of the Gulf have forced route diversions, increased congestion in Turkish airspace and temporary suspensions for certain Middle East destinations, Istanbul Airport itself has not faced closure. Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu extended flight halts to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan until March 9 (with some carriers like Turkish Airlines and Pegasus extending to March 12-20), but emphasized that domestic and non-restricted international traffic continues unimpeded.
Earlier disruptions peaked around March 5-6, when airspace closures diverted 15 flights (nine to IST) and caused scattered delays. By mid-March, reports indicated 141 delays and nine cancellations across Istanbul airports on select days, primarily affecting carriers like Pegasus, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air and others on Gulf routes. However, these were route-specific rather than airport-wide shutdowns. Istanbul Airport absorbed diverted traffic efficiently, with no evidence of capacity overload or operational halts.
Officials stress that Turkish airspace remains safe and open, with air traffic services maintained without major interruptions. Istanbul Airport’s role as a global transfer hub has continued, though passengers on affected routes face longer flight times due to rerouting around closed corridors.
Travel advisories from airlines and governments recommend checking individual flight status before heading to the airport. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus have issued notices for suspended or adjusted services to certain Middle East cities, advising passengers to monitor updates via official channels. No new advisories indicate IST-specific closures or major disruptions as of late March 21.
The airport’s live stream and operation center feeds show normal activity in terminals, with passengers moving through security, retail and gates without unusual congestion. Exhibition spaces, including artist Beyazıt Öztürk’s “Things” display, remain open, underscoring the facility’s focus on passenger experience amid external challenges.
Experts note that Istanbul Airport’s design — with three parallel runways, advanced ATC systems and vast capacity — has enabled it to handle increased traffic from diversions while maintaining high on-time performance (around 75-89% in recent metrics). The hub’s strategic location continues to make it a preferred rerouting point for international carriers.
Travelers planning to use IST today or in coming days should verify their specific flight via airline apps, the official airport site (istairport.com) or trackers like Flightradar24. Allow extra time for potential minor delays from regional airspace adjustments, but the airport remains fully accessible for departures, arrivals and connections.
As geopolitical tensions persist, Istanbul Airport’s resilience highlights its critical role in global aviation. No immediate threats to full operations have emerged, and authorities continue monitoring the situation in real time.
Business
American Airlines: Back In The Game
American Airlines: Back In The Game
Business
Invesco Mortgage Capital: A Buying Opportunity Emerges In The Series C Preferred Shares
I ventured into investing in high school in 2011, mainly in REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds, starting a fascination with markets and the economy that has not faded despite the years. More recently I have been combining long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts. I approach investing purely from a fundamental long-term point of view. On Seeking Alpha I mostly cover REITs and financials, with occasional articles on ETFs and other stocks driven by a macro trade idea.
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.
Business
(VIDEO) Taylor Swift Leads 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards Nominations
LOS ANGELES — Taylor Swift will make her first major public appearance of 2026 at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 26 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, leading the nominations with nine nods, organizers announced March 19.

The 36-year-old singer tops the list for the live Fox broadcast (8-10 p.m. ET), earning nominations including Song of the Year, Pop Song of the Year, Favorite TikTok Dance, Best Lyrics and Best Music Video for “The Fate of Ophelia” from her 2025 album *The Life of a Showgirl*. She is also up for Artist of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Favorite On Screen for the *Eras Tour* film extension and Favorite Tour Style.
Swift will attend but not perform, per iHeartMedia and Fox reports. The event marks her return to awards show red carpets after a quieter period focused on personal milestones and selective engagements following her August 2025 engagement to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
She recently appeared at Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s Oscars after-party on March 15 in Los Angeles, arriving discreetly and mingling inside. Wedding speculation continues, with reports suggesting a summer ceremony before NFL training camp, though no official date has been confirmed. Kelce credited Swift’s passion for her work as motivation for his 2026 season on his *New Heights* podcast.
*The Life of a Showgirl* drove U.S. vinyl sales past $1 billion in 2025 — a decades-high mark — and contributed to the music industry’s $11.5 billion revenue record. Swift called retirement rumors after marriage “shockingly offensive” in a BBC Radio 2 interview, praising Kelce’s support: “He loves what I do and how fulfilled I am by making art.”
No full tour is planned for the album due to post-Eras fatigue, though fans anticipate possible announcements at the iHeartRadio event given her history of reveals. A Netflix docuseries extension, *The End of an Era*, has included reflections on past challenges.
With nine chances to win and her unmatched fanbase, Swift’s March 26 appearance is expected to draw massive attention and potentially tease future projects in her record-shattering career.
Business
Kendra Duggar Arrested on Child Endangerment Charges
TONTITOWN, Ark. — Kendra Duggar, wife of former “19 Kids and Counting” star Joseph Duggar, was arrested Friday, March 20, 2026, on misdemeanor charges including four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment, authorities in Tontitown, Arkansas, announced.

The arrest came just two days after her husband was taken into custody on separate allegations of child molestation stemming from a 2020 incident in Florida. Both face the new Arkansas charges, which are misdemeanors, amid an ongoing multi-state investigation involving alleged offenses against minors.
Tontitown Police Department issued arrest warrants for Joseph, 31, and Kendra, 27, on Friday. Kendra turned herself in at the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville around 4:56 p.m. local time, according to jail records viewed by multiple outlets including People and Us Weekly. She posted $1,470 bond and was released at 6:19 p.m. Her mugshot shows a 5-foot-3 woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.
Police did not release detailed allegations tied to the new counts, citing Arkansas laws restricting disclosure in cases involving minors. The Tontitown department stated the investigation remains active and declined further comment. The charges appear separate from Joseph’s Florida case, where he faces felony counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under 12 and lewd conduct by a person 18 or older.
Joseph Duggar was arrested Wednesday, March 18, in Tontitown after Bay County, Florida, sheriff’s investigators accused him of molesting a 9-year-old girl during a family vacation in Panama City Beach in 2020. The accuser, now 14, told police Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap, then under a blanket on a couch where he allegedly manipulated her underwear, grazed her genitals and rubbed her thighs. Duggar reportedly admitted the conduct to the girl’s father and later to Tontitown detectives during a March 17 confrontation.
He waived extradition Friday in Washington County court, clearing the way for transfer to Florida within 30 days. He remains in Washington County Detention Center pending that move.
The Arkansas charges against both Duggars surfaced amid the Florida probe’s fallout. Tontitown officers served warrants at the Duggar family compound Friday afternoon but initially found Kendra absent. She later surrendered.
The couple, married since 2017, have four children together. They live in Tontitown, part of the Duggar family’s extended network in northwest Arkansas. The family gained fame through TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting,” which ended in 2015 amid scandals involving eldest son Josh Duggar, who is serving a federal prison sentence for child pornography convictions.
Joseph and Kendra have largely stayed out of the spotlight compared to other family members, though they appeared on spin-off shows and shared family updates on social media before stepping back in recent years.
No formal statements have come from the couple or the Duggar family as of March 21. Kendra’s arrest drew immediate media attention, with outlets like TMZ, People and NBC News reporting her mugshot and bond details. Public reaction online has been swift and critical, with many linking the charges to broader family controversies.
Legal experts note the misdemeanor nature of the Arkansas counts carries lighter penalties than Joseph’s Florida felonies, which could bring years in prison if convicted. Second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor in Arkansas typically involves knowingly placing a child in a situation risking serious harm, while false imprisonment involves unlawfully restraining someone.
The cases highlight ongoing scrutiny of the Duggar family following Josh Duggar’s 2021 conviction and related fallout. Authorities have not indicated connections between the current allegations and prior family scandals, but the timing has intensified public interest.
As investigations continue in Arkansas and Florida, both Joseph and Kendra Duggar face court proceedings in the coming weeks. The Tontitown Police Department urged anyone with information to contact them, emphasizing the active status of the probe.
The developments add another chapter to the Duggar family’s turbulent public saga, drawing renewed attention to their once-prominent reality TV legacy.
Business
CK Asset Holdings Limited (CHKGF) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Lai Chee Ma
General Manager of Corporate Business Development Department
Good afternoon. Welcome to the CK Asset Holdings Limited 2025 Annual Results Analyst Presentation. My name is Gerald. On my right are two of my fellow ExCo members, Simon Man and Yue Seng Chiu. Our Chairman, Mr. Victor Li, will join us shortly for the Q&A session after the presentation.
So we’ll quickly go into it, 2025 results highlights. Revenue came to HKD 85.85 billion, up 19.9%. Profit before investment property revaluation, HKD 11.96 billion or HKD 3.42, up 2.7%. We recorded an IP revaluation deficit of HKD 1.11 billion last year or HKD 0.32, leading to a profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 10.85 billion or HKD 3.10, down 20.3%. We declared a final dividend of HKD 1.39, making full year dividend HKD 1.78. Dividend per share, hence up 2.3% over last year. Net book value per share also has risen by 2.3% to HKD 113.28.
Turning to our principal activities. 76% of our revenue and 85% of our profit contribution are now recurring in nature. By geography, 31% of contribution from Hong Kong, 11% from the Mainland and 58% from overseas, making us a very different company compared to other property companies in Hong Kong.
Looking at divisional performances, property sales. So we recorded much stronger sales recognition this year — last year, but margins were low due to provisions for properties for sale. Revenue came to HKD 20.45 billion, up 105.3%. Profit contribution after provisions at HKD 2.7 billion, up 24%. Overall margin post provision was 13.4%.
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