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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.

Oil prices have surged more than 40% since the start of the Iran conflict, rattling global energy markets and raising concerns that U.S. drivers could see further increases at the pump.

Analysts say consumers may not have felt the full impact yet, as higher crude costs typically take weeks to filter through to retail gasoline prices. Even if oil stabilizes, pump prices could continue rising in the near term.

“More than likely there is more to come, because there’s usually a lag between crude prices and what consumers pay at the pump,” said Phil Flynn, a FOX Business contributor and senior market analyst at Price Futures Group.

Michael Mische, a supply chain expert and professor at the University of Southern California, also predicted the worst is not over, telling FOX Business: “There’s more still to come.” 

“There is a lag, and prices will continue to work their way through the system,” he said. 

IRAN WAR COULD PUSH INFLATION HIGHER THIS YEAR, GOLDMAN SACHS SAYS

Prices are seen at a gas station in Downtown Brooklyn, New York, United States, on March 18, 2026.  (Matthew Hoen/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)

U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude closed at $99.64 a barrel on Friday, remaining elevated after a volatile stretch tied to the conflict. While prices were on track for their first weekly decline in more than a month, they remain sharply higher than pre-conflict levels.

The rally follows supply disruptions linked to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which analysts estimate have removed roughly 10 million to 11 million barrels per day from global markets, tightening supply.

Gas prices are displayed at a Mobile Gas station on March 17, 2026 in the Kensington neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City.  (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Geopolitical uncertainty continues to drive the market. The U.S. has extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for global oil shipments—while also weighing additional military action. Prices could fall if the conflict eases but are likely to remain above pre-conflict levels, while a prolonged escalation could push prices higher.

IRAN WAR FUELS ASIA ENERGY CRUNCH AS INDIA, JAPAN, OTHERS FEEL STRAIN

“Even with this supply shock, the increase has been relatively orderly—and it could have been much worse,” Flynn said.

But Mische noted that strong domestic production has helped cushion the impact. “If we didn’t have current U.S. production levels, we would be in a real mess,” he said.

For consumers, gasoline prices have already begun to rise, but further increases may be ahead as the earlier crude spike continues to pass through the system.

High gas prices are listed at Chevron gas station in Los Angeles on March 9, 2026, as gasoline prices surge amid the ongoing war with Iran.  (Frederic J. BROWN / AFP via Getty Images)

The national average price for regular gasoline stood at roughly $3.98 per gallon, according to AAA—up about 6 cents from a week ago and nearly $1 higher than a month ago. GasBuddy data shows a similar trend, with prices rising about 7 cents week over week and more than $1 over the past month.

That increase largely reflects earlier gains in oil, and because retail fuel prices lag crude movements, analysts expect additional upward pressure in the coming weeks.

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Seasonal factors are also contributing. The transition to more expensive summer gasoline blends is underway, increasing refining costs and potentially keeping pump prices elevated even if crude stabilizes.

“Prices go up like rockets, and they come down like a feather,” Mische said.

Reuters contributed to this report.  

Spring has painted parts of the United States in soft shades of pink and white as cherry blossoms reach peak bloom across the country in late March and early April 2026, drawing millions of visitors to festivals that celebrate Japanese-American friendship, cultural exchange and the fleeting beauty of the season.

With the National Cherry Blossom Festival in full swing in the nation’s capital and similar events unfolding from Georgia to the Pacific Northwest, travelers are flocking to cities boasting thousands — or in one case hundreds of thousands — of flowering trees. Peak bloom in Washington, D.C., officially arrived on March 26, slightly ahead of some forecasts, creating a spectacular backdrop against iconic monuments.

While weather can shift timing by days or even a week, the 2026 season aligns well with major festivals running through mid-April. Here is a ranking of the 10 most popular U.S. cities for cherry blossom viewing and festivals this spring, based on tree counts, event scale, visitor numbers and expert recommendations from tourism boards and horticultural sources:

1. Washington, D.C. — The undisputed centerpiece of American cherry blossom season. Nearly 3,800 Yoshino cherry trees ring the Tidal Basin, framing the Jefferson Memorial and other landmarks in a pink haze. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 20 to April 12, featuring parades, the Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza fireworks, cultural performances and a Sakura Matsuri street festival. Peak bloom was declared March 26, with optimal viewing expected into early April. The festival ties into the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, adding patriotic flair to the blooms. Crowds are heavy, so early morning or evening visits are advised.
2. Macon, Georgia — Known as the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World,” Macon boasts more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees — far outnumbering Washington, D.C. The International Cherry Blossom Festival, March 20-29, transforms the city into the “Pinkest Party on Earth” with concerts, amusement rides, food vendors, hot air balloons and family events at Carolyn Crayton Park. Mid-to-late March typically brings peak bloom, making it an accessible Southern alternative with fewer crowds than the capital.
3. Newark, New Jersey — Branch Brook Park holds the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States, with more than 5,300 specimens. The park’s Cherry Blossom Festival, running April 4-19, includes Bloomfest on April 19 featuring Japanese cultural demonstrations, live music and a craft market. Visitors can drive or walk tree-lined paths for an immersive experience rivaling larger festivals. Peak bloom is expected around mid-April.
4. Seattle, Washington — The University of Washington Quad becomes a pink tunnel of cherry trees each spring, one of the most photographed spots in the Pacific Northwest. Peak bloom hits mid-to-late March, drawing students, locals and tourists for hanami-style picnics. Additional viewing areas include Kobe Terrace and the Seattle Japanese Garden. The setting against Pacific Northwest evergreens creates a striking contrast.
5. Brooklyn, New York — The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Cherry Esplanade and surrounding grounds host one of the Northeast’s premier displays, with over 200 cherry trees of various species. Hanami Nights, scheduled April 21-24, offer evening illumination, cultural programming and a serene escape from Manhattan crowds. New York City’s broader cherry blossom spots, including the New York Botanical Garden, add to the metro area’s appeal.
6. Portland, Oregon — Cherry trees line the Tom McCall Waterfront Park along the Willamette River and flourish at the Portland Japanese Garden, considered one of the most authentic outside Japan. Late March to early April brings peak viewing, with the urban backdrop enhancing the natural beauty. The city’s walkable layout makes it ideal for relaxed blossom strolls.
7. St. Louis, Missouri — The Missouri Botanical Garden’s 14-acre Japanese Garden features more than 230 cherry trees that bloom from late March into early April. The garden’s serene paths and traditional landscaping provide a peaceful Midwest hanami experience, often paired with educational programs on Japanese culture.
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, held March 28-29 at the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center and other sites, draws thousands with kimono dressing, origami, tea ceremonies and taiko drumming. The city’s roughly 2,600 cherry trees offer solid viewing without D.C.-level crowds, making it a strong East Coast option.
9. Dallas, Texas — The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s “Dallas Blooms” festival, running through April 12, showcases 150 cherry trees alongside 500,000 tulips and other spring flowers. Concerts, floral classes and picnics create a festive atmosphere in the Southwest, with peak cherry blossoms typically in mid-March.
10. Columbus, Ohio — The Greater Columbus Cherry Blossom Festival highlights more than 100 trees in Franklin Park, inspired by Washington, D.C.’s event. Cultural performances and family activities celebrate the season in the Midwest, offering a smaller-scale but charming alternative for regional visitors.

Trends and Practical Advice for 2026

This year’s season has been influenced by a cold winter followed by warming trends, resulting in slightly earlier blooms in some regions. Washington, D.C.’s peak arrived on March 26, while Southern and Western spots peaked or are peaking in mid-to-late March. Northern and higher-elevation areas may see blooms extending into mid-April.

Festivals emphasize cultural exchange, with many featuring Japanese music, food, crafts and educational elements honoring the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, D.C. Sustainability efforts, including careful tree maintenance and crowd management, are priorities at major sites.

Travelers should check real-time bloom updates via National Park Service Bloom Watch tools, garden websites or local tourism apps, as weather — especially wind and rain — can shorten the display. Early mornings or weekdays offer thinner crowds. Many events are free or low-cost, though parking and accommodations near popular sites book quickly.

Beyond the Blooms

Cherry blossom season boosts local economies through tourism, hotel stays and dining. In Washington, D.C., the festival coincides with broader spring events, while Macon’s “Pinkest Party” injects energy into downtown and park areas.

For those unable to travel, live webcams at the Tidal Basin and other sites provide virtual access. Photographers recommend wide-angle lenses for sweeping views and patience for the perfect petal-filled shot.

As petals begin to fall — creating “pink snow” on paths — the season reminds visitors of nature’s transience and the enduring cultural ties between the U.S. and Japan. Whether strolling the Tidal Basin, exploring Macon’s tree-lined streets or picnicking in Seattle’s Quad, 2026 offers memorable ways to welcome spring under canopies of cherry blossoms.

With festivals stretching into mid-April, there is still time to plan a trip and experience one of America’s most beloved seasonal spectacles.

This article was written by

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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.

Pearl Abyss’ ambitious open-world action RPG “Crimson Desert” has delivered a classic launch redemption story on PlayStation 5, bouncing back from mixed early player feedback with swift updates that address technical issues, improve controls and boost accessibility just days after its March 19, 2026 release.

The single-player adventure, set in the vast continent of Pywel, launched simultaneously on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Mac to strong commercial success, surpassing 2 million copies sold in its opening weekend and climbing toward 3 million shortly after. Critics and players praised its stunning visuals — especially on PS5 Pro — and expansive world, though initial complaints centered on convoluted controls, inventory management, blurry textures on base PS5 hardware and occasional crashes.

Developer and publisher Pearl Abyss responded quickly. Patch 1.00.03, released March 23 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox, introduced a 120Hz mode toggle, fixed PS5 map menu crashes, adjusted settings saving, reduced enemy health and attack values in certain encounters, lowered stamina consumption for blocking, and improved food and item healing. A follow-up hotfix (Version 1.00.04) further stabilized PlayStation performance. Steam user reviews, initially mixed, shifted to “Mostly Positive” following the updates.

Technical Challenges and Console Performance

Early impressions highlighted strong graphical fidelity on high-end hardware. On PS5 Pro, the game leverages upgraded PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) for sharper 4K visuals, enhanced ray tracing and smoother long-distance rendering in its massive open world. Base PS5 runs in performance, balanced and quality modes, with recent patches mitigating blurriness and frame rate instability reported by some players.

Digital Foundry and hands-on previews noted the game’s demanding nature, powered by Pearl Abyss’ proprietary BlackSpace Engine, which excels at streaming detailed environments but strained console resources at launch. The addition of the 120Hz toggle has helped console players achieve smoother gameplay, while crash fixes specifically targeted PS5 issues when accessing the map.

Pre-launch concerns included a lack of extensive base PS5 footage, prompting the studio to urge patience. Post-release gameplay videos confirmed solid performance on standard hardware once patches rolled out, though some players still debate optimization compared to PC and PS5 Pro versions.

The title arrived with Denuvo anti-tamper software on PC, sparking debate among fans wary of potential performance impact, though console versions remain unaffected.

Gameplay and World Design

“Crimson Desert” follows protagonist Kliff and other playable characters — including a female warrior and orc barbarian — in a story-driven action RPG emphasizing cinematic combat, seamless exploration and large-scale boss fights. The open world features dynamic weather, detailed ecosystems and hidden secrets, with players discovering mechanics reminiscent of classic titles, such as advanced physics interactions not heavily marketed pre-launch.

Patch notes also introduced new item storage at the Howling Hill Camp, addressing early inventory complaints, and refined gamepad and keyboard/mouse controls for better responsiveness. Some boss encounters saw difficulty adjustments described by players as “nerfs,” making progression more approachable without diminishing challenge.

Pre-order bonuses included the Khaled Shield and PS5-exclusive Grotevant Plate armor set, while the game supports three distinct playable characters with unique combat styles.

Development History and Anticipation

Originally teased years ago as a spiritual successor in the Black Desert universe, “Crimson Desert” faced multiple delays, shifting from a late 2025 window to Q1 2026 before locking in the March 19 global launch at 3 p.m. PT. The extra time allowed for polish on voice acting, console certification and optimization.

Previews in early 2026 highlighted its ambition: a premium single-player experience without microtransactions, focusing on story, exploration and combat in a next-gen open world. Pearl Abyss emphasized a “buy once, enjoy fully” model, distancing itself from live-service elements common in its MMORPG Black Desert Online.

Launch trailers showcased epic battles and a mature narrative involving power struggles across Pywel. The game earned an ESRB Mature rating for blood, intense violence, strong language and drug references.

Sales, Reception and Future Plans

Strong opening sales reflect pent-up demand for ambitious single-player RPGs in a year crowded with major releases. While not dominating every “Game of the Year” conversation amid stiff competition, “Crimson Desert” has carved a niche with its visuals and scope.

Player feedback on platforms like Reddit and Steam highlights the game’s depth, with many calling certain undiscovered features “11/10” surprises. Pearl Abyss has committed to ongoing support, including free content updates discussed in recent shareholder meetings, such as story expansions or additional mods.

The studio also addressed use of generative AI for some 2D placeholder assets, confirming an audit to replace them with traditional creations.

For PS5 owners, the rapid patches signal a developer attentive to feedback, potentially turning initial technical hiccups into a smoother long-term experience. Ongoing updates continue to refine graphics settings, performance and gameplay balance.

Outlook for Crimson Desert on PlayStation 5

As patches roll out and player counts stabilize, “Crimson Desert” appears positioned for a successful console lifecycle on PS5. Its blend of high-fidelity visuals, expansive world and responsive combat — once early issues are ironed out — appeals to fans seeking a premium open-world adventure without ongoing monetization pressures.

With free content on the horizon and further optimizations likely, Pearl Abyss aims to build on the strong sales foundation. For PlayStation players debating a purchase, the post-launch improvements have made the experience more accessible, particularly on base PS5 hardware.

Whether exploring Pywel’s secrets, tackling massive bosses or customizing characters like Kliff, the game offers substantial content for RPG enthusiasts. As 2026 progresses, continued updates could elevate “Crimson Desert” from a rocky launch to one of the year’s standout console experiences.