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Why Haven’t Oil Prices Surged More?

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Rebecca Feng hedcut

Brent crude jumped more than 7% on Monday to trade above $78 a barrel. That’s a big rise but not as large as some had predicted.

Over the weekend, traders and analysts suggested the conflict in the Middle East would push oil prices above $90 a barrel—with some predicting prices could top $100 a barrel.

So why haven’t oil prices shot up further this morning? Here are some potential reasons.

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Drone strikes damage AWS data centers, disrupt cloud services in Middle East

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Drone strikes damage AWS data centers, disrupt cloud services in Middle East

Drone strikes damaged Amazon Web Services data centers in the Middle East, disrupting cloud operations and prompting the company to urge customers to move critical workloads out of the region.

AWS confirmed that two of its data center facilities in the United Arab Emirates were directly struck, while a separate strike near a site in Bahrain also caused infrastructure damage. The attacks disrupted power systems and caused structural damage, impairing two of the three data center sites that make up AWS’s UAE cloud region.

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As a result, businesses that rely on AWS to run their websites, store data and process transactions experienced more error rates, slower performance and service interruptions. 

Amazon data center

AWS confirmed that two of its data center facilities in the United Arab Emirates were directly struck and another site in Bahrain also sustained damage. (Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters)

AWS said full recovery will depend in part on repairing physical damage and restoring power and connectivity – a process that could take at least a day and potentially longer.

OIL PRICES SURGE AFTER STRIKES KILL IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER, TANKERS HIT NEAR STRAIT OF HORMUZ

The company has urged its customers in the Middle East to activate disaster recovery plans, restore data from backups in other regions and redirect traffic away from the affected facilities. Customers were advised to consider shifting operations to AWS regions in the United States, Europe or Asia-Pacific.

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The damage comes amid unrest after Operation Epic Fury. (Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)

While cloud providers are designed to withstand the loss of a single data center, simultaneous damage to multiple facilities has strained built-in backup systems.

AWS initially described the situation as a localized power issue before later confirming that drone strikes had caused physical damage. The company said it is working with local authorities and prioritizing employee safety as repairs continue.

The company did not say who was responsible for the strikes, but it came amid the ongoing conflict with Iran that has spilled over into the wider region, throwing businesses and economies into uncertainty. 

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When reached for additional details, Amazon referred FOX Business to its AWS Health Dashboard.

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Guthrie Disappearance Enters Fifth Week as Family Visits Memorial

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Nancy Guthrie

The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has entered its fifth week with no major breakthroughs reported, though authorities insist the case is far from cold as investigators pursue viable leads, forensic analysis and a flood of public tips spurred by a $1 million family reward.

Nancy Guthrie
Nancy Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Tucson area on Jan. 31, 2026, and reported missing the following day after failing to appear at a church event. Authorities, including the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI, believe she was taken against her will, classifying the incident as a suspected abduction or kidnapping. Surveillance footage released early in the investigation shows a masked individual at her doorstep, and gloves found nearby contained unknown male DNA now being processed for database matching.

As of March 3, 2026, the investigation remains active, with detectives reviewing surveillance video, timeline inconsistencies and physical evidence. The FBI has confirmed ongoing forensic testing and tip evaluation, emphasizing that verified information continues to drive progress. A retired NYPD detective described recent footage as “a good lead — better than we’ve had so far,” highlighting its potential value despite the passage of time.

On March 2, marking Day 30 since the disappearance, Savannah Guthrie and her sister Annie made their first public visit to their mother’s home since the incident began. Aerial footage captured the siblings laying flowers and a card at a growing memorial of notes, candles and tributes outside the property, which has been returned to the family with “No Trespassing” signs posted. Savannah shared images on social media, writing, “We feel the love. Please don’t stop praying and hoping with us.”

The emotional appearance followed Savannah’s Friday Instagram post reiterating the family’s $1 million reward — announced Feb. 23 — which can be paid in cash for information leading to Nancy’s recovery. The offer has generated over 1,500 new tips, officials said, reinvigorating the lead pool after an initial surge.

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Savannah has been vocal throughout, releasing gut-wrenching videos pleading for help. In one, she acknowledged the possibility that her mother “may already be gone,” yet urged the public to come forward. “We are begging you to please come forward now,” she said in late February remarks.

The case has drawn intense national and international attention, with communities near Tucson holding vigils to mark the one-month milestone. Messages of hope and support have proliferated at the memorial, reflecting widespread sympathy for the Guthrie family.

Investigative shifts have fueled speculation. The FBI relocated much of its command post from Tucson to Phoenix last week, and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department reassigned some officers, focusing resources on dedicated missing-persons detectives. Experts caution these moves indicate strategic adjustments rather than abandonment, with one former agent calling federal prosecutors’ presence at the home “great news” for potential charges.

A man named Luke Daley and his mother were briefly detained Feb. 13 under a federal search warrant but released without charges. Daley later spoke publicly, stating he has no information about the case.

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Sheriff Chris Nanos cleared all Guthrie family members, including Savannah and her siblings, as suspects early on. No arrests have been made, and no suspect has been publicly identified.

The disappearance’s perplexing nature — an elderly woman vanishing from her home with limited immediate clues — has perplexed investigators and captivated media. Coverage spans outlets from CNN and The New York Times to local Arizona stations, with live updates tracking Day 30 developments.

Nancy Guthrie, a private figure before this ordeal, gained broader recognition through her daughter’s platform. Some reports note her Christian faith and family-oriented life in retirement, though details remain sparse amid the ongoing probe.

Public reaction mixes hope with concern over the case potentially cooling. Experts stress it’s too early to declare it cold, citing active leads and the reward’s impact. “They still have viable leads that need to be followed,” one analyst said, pointing to forensic opportunities and public engagement.

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As the search continues, authorities urge anyone with information — no matter how small — to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s tip line or the FBI. The family maintains hope, bolstered by community support and the outpouring at the memorial.

The ordeal underscores the anguish of prolonged uncertainty for loved ones. For the Guthries, each day without resolution heightens calls for closure. Investigators vow to persist, driven by evidence, tips and the family’s unwavering pleas.

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ASMPT Limited 2025 Q4 – Results – Earnings Call Presentation (OTCMKTS:ASMVY) 2026-03-03

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

This article was written by

Seeking Alpha’s transcripts team is responsible for the development of all of our transcript-related projects. We currently publish thousands of quarterly earnings calls per quarter on our site and are continuing to grow and expand our coverage. The purpose of this profile is to allow us to share with our readers new transcript-related developments. Thanks, SA Transcripts Team

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Cathie Wood’s ARK sells Roku stock, buys Alibaba and Biotech

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Cathie Wood’s ARK sells Roku stock, buys Alibaba and Biotech

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Is Abu Dhabi Airport Open? International Airport Partially Reopens Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflict

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Kuwait International Airport

ABU DHABI — Zayed International Airport (AUH), the primary hub for Abu Dhabi and home to Etihad Airways, has partially resumed operations as of March 2, 2026, following a temporary closure triggered by escalating military conflict in the region involving U.S., Israeli and Iranian forces.

Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi International Airport
Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi International Airport

The airport, also known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, reopened in a limited capacity starting Monday evening, allowing select exceptional, repatriation, cargo and repositioning flights to operate under strict coordination with UAE authorities and airlines. However, the vast majority of scheduled commercial flights remain suspended, with Etihad Airways extending its halt on regular passenger services until 2:00 p.m. UAE time on Wednesday, March 4 (some reports indicate Thursday, March 5, reflecting fluid updates).

The partial resumption follows a full airspace closure imposed by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on March 1 amid Iranian missile and drone retaliatory strikes in response to prior U.S.-Israeli actions. Debris from intercepted projectiles reportedly caused minor damage at AUH and nearby sites, including an embassy complex, though no major structural impacts or casualties were detailed at the airport itself.

Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator, confirmed the phased reopening in statements on its website and social media, emphasizing that “passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been explicitly advised by their airline to do so.” Access remains restricted to confirmed travelers only, with safety as the top priority. The official Zayed International Airport site displays prominent warnings urging travelers to check airline updates before heading to the facility.

Etihad Airways, the dominant carrier at AUH, reiterated that all scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended through at least mid-afternoon Wednesday. The airline has operated a limited number of repatriation flights since March 2 to assist stranded passengers, with destinations including Paris, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Cairo and London Heathrow. At least 15 such flights departed Monday, per flight-tracking data, but normal schedules are not expected to resume imminently.

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“Some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals,” Etihad stated. The carrier has issued free rebooking options for affected passengers with tickets issued before February 28 for travel up to March 7, allowing changes to Etihad-operated flights through March 18.

Broader UAE aviation remains heavily disrupted. Neighboring Dubai International (DXB) and other regional hubs like Doha and Bahrain have seen similar partial resumptions, but with more than 90% of scheduled flights canceled in recent days, according to FlightAware and Cirium data. Over 12,300 cancellations across seven major Middle East airports have been recorded since late February, stranding hundreds of thousands of travelers globally.

The conflict’s impact on aviation stems from closed or restricted airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria and parts of the Gulf, forcing rerouting and heightening risks from potential debris or miscalculation. Defense systems intercepted multiple threats over UAE territory, contributing to the initial shutdown. Flightradar24 and other trackers show sparse activity at AUH on March 3, with most boards listing cancellations.

Travelers face significant challenges. Airlines including Emirates (primarily Dubai-based) and flydubai have resumed limited services for priority repatriations, but advise against heading to airports without direct confirmation. Government advisories from various countries urge citizens to monitor alerts, with some issuing heightened warnings for the region.

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The disruption ranks among the most severe for global travel since the COVID-19 pandemic, rivaling past events like the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption or 2014 MH17 incident in scope. Major carriers beyond the Gulf — such as British Airways, Aegean and others — have canceled or suspended services to affected destinations through early March.

Abu Dhabi Airports and the GCAA continue coordinating with international bodies to assess when fuller operations can resume. No specific timeline for normal commercial service has been provided, with decisions tied to ongoing security evaluations and airspace clearances.

Passengers with upcoming travel to or through AUH should:

– Check flight status directly on airline websites or apps (etihad.com for Etihad).
– Contact carriers for rebooking, refunds or accommodation under passenger rights.
– Avoid traveling to the airport without explicit airline approval to prevent congestion and security issues.
– Monitor official sources like zayedinternationalairport.ae or adairports.ae for updates.

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As the situation evolves rapidly amid geopolitical developments, aviation experts stress patience and flexibility. The partial reopening offers limited relief for stranded individuals, but full normalcy at Abu Dhabi International Airport depends on de-escalation and restored airspace safety.

For real-time flight information, consult tools like Flightradar24 or airline hotlines. The airport’s focus remains on safe, controlled operations during this unprecedented period.

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Dow Jones Futures Plunge Over 700 Points as Middle East Conflict Escalates, Oil Prices Surge

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GameStop shares soared over 400% as small investors took on big hedge funds

NEW YORK — Dow Jones Industrial Average futures tumbled sharply in pre-market trading on March 3, 2026, with contracts dropping as much as 772 points or 1.6%, signaling a potential open well below 49,000 as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensified and oil prices continued their dramatic rally.

Futures tied to the blue-chip index hovered around 48,200-48,300 levels in early Asian and European sessions before deepening losses toward the U.S. open, reflecting renewed risk aversion amid fears that the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran could prolong regional instability and disrupt global energy supplies. The March 2026 E-mini Dow contract traded near 48,265, down about 680 points or 1.39% in one snapshot, with intraday lows dipping toward 47,950 before partial recoveries.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is displayed on a screen after the markets closed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in Manhattan, New York City

The sell-off erased much of Monday’s modest equity rebound, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down just 0.15% at around 48,978, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq eked out small gains. On Tuesday, broader futures followed suit: S&P 500 contracts fell 1.5-1.8% near 6,790-6,800, and Nasdaq 100 futures slid 2.0-2.3%, underscoring pressure on growth stocks sensitive to higher borrowing costs and energy inflation.

The primary driver remained the escalating conflict, now in its fourth day. U.S. and Israeli forces conducted fresh airstrikes on Iranian targets overnight, prompting Tehran to vow attacks on any vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz — the chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil flows. Iranian state media claimed the strait was effectively closed, with threats to target ships, sending shockwaves through commodity markets.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, surged more than 6-9% in recent sessions, trading near $79-$83 per barrel — levels not seen since mid-2024 or earlier highs. West Texas Intermediate climbed toward $72-$73, up around 8-9% intraday at peaks. The spike stemmed from production halts by some Middle Eastern producers, halted tanker traffic and fears of sustained supply disruptions, even as Iran ranks as OPEC’s fourth-largest producer.

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“This is a classic flight to safety amid uncertainty,” one strategist noted in a client update. “Oil’s rapid ascent is reigniting inflation concerns just as markets were pricing in potential Fed easing. If the conflict drags on, it could force higher-for-longer rates and crimp economic growth.”

Treasury yields rose in tandem, with the 10-year note climbing above 4% in spots, reflecting bets on persistent price pressures. Gold futures extended gains as a hedge, while the U.S. dollar strengthened against major currencies.

Energy and defense sectors offered relative bright spots. Stocks like Exxon Mobil, Northrop Grumman and Palantir Technologies saw pre-market strength in prior sessions, with gains of 1-6% amid bets on elevated oil demand and increased military spending. However, broader equities faced headwinds, particularly in consumer discretionary and tech, where higher fuel costs erode margins and valuations compress.

The Dow futures retreat follows a volatile stretch for the index. Year-to-date performance has been mixed, with the blue chips showing resilience earlier in 2026 through rotation into value and cyclical names. Yet the latest catalyst has accelerated a defensive posture, with the VIX fear gauge elevated and volatility spiking across asset classes.

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Analysts cautioned that while the immediate reaction appears measured compared to past geopolitical shocks, prolonged escalation poses risks. Tehran’s threats to the Strait of Hormuz could sustain oil above $80, complicating the soft-landing narrative that supported stocks through much of the prior year. Federal Reserve policymakers, already navigating hotter inflation data, may face added pressure to delay rate cuts.

Investors awaited further developments, including any diplomatic breakthroughs or additional military updates. U.S. officials signaled strikes could continue for weeks, while global shipping rates surged to all-time highs on rerouting and insurance concerns.

For traders, key levels to watch include Dow futures support near 48,000 and resistance around the prior close. A de-escalation signal could spark a rebound, but sustained oil elevation keeps caution dominant.

The episode highlights markets’ sensitivity to energy geopolitics in 2026. As the conflict unfolds, Dow futures serve as a real-time barometer of risk sentiment, balancing growth optimism against immediate inflationary and supply threats.

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Market participants are urged to monitor official channels for updates, with trading likely to remain choppy through the session.

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Aluminium rallies after Qatar halts output

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Aluminium rallies after Qatar halts output
Aluminium jumped after Qatar’s state-owned energy producer said it would halt output of the metal as the Iran war throttles supply lines for smelters throughout the West Asia region.

Prices rallied as much as 3.8% in London before paring some gains. QatarEnergy halted the production of aluminium and some chemicals, as it grappled with the consequences of Iranian attacks that forced the shutdown of its major liquefied natural gas plant.

QatarEnergy holds a 50% stake in Qatalum, which is a major regional producer of the metal alongside joint-venture partner Norsk Hydro ASA. Hydro subsequently said the specific implications for aluminium production at Qatalum are currently unclear and Hydro is seeking to obtain more information. Copper fell more than 2% in London.

Iran has stepped up its response to US-Israeli attacks by targeting US allies, and President Donald Trump has said there is no fixed timeline for his military action. The State Department urged Americans to leave countries across the Middle East, citing “serious safety risks” amid dangers from the war.

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Qatar’s announcement adds to signs of growing stress for producers in the region and their customers in markets spanning Asia, Europe and the US. Orders to withdraw aluminum from warehouses tracked by London Metal Exchange more than doubled to 86,025 tons on Tuesday, as traders brace for widespread disruptions to supplies.


Emirates Global Aluminum — the UAE’s top producer — acknowledged delays to its exports and said it may draw on stockpiles outside the region to meet customer demands. Hydro had said on Monday that Qatalum was weighing contingencies to avoid disruptions to deliveries.
Rio Tinto Group on Monday withdrew an initial offer to supply Japanese customers for second-quarter supply, as the hostilities threatened to raise regional fees. The US Midwest premium — a key benchmark for American manufacturers — on Monday rose 1.4% to $1.055 a pound, just below the mid-February record of $1.065. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. said it sees “substantial upside” to premiums in Europe — a major market for the Gulf producers — after levels there reached the highest since 2022 last week.

450732062Agencies

But there’s also a risk that protracted hostilities could hurt major economies and fuel a downturn in metals demand.

“Pricing reflects the competing forces of short-term geopolitical risk premiums versus concerns that sustained energy inflation could weaken global industrial demand,” analysts from CreditSights wrote in an emailed note.

Trump said the US had planned for four to five weeks of military action, but could go longer, even as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the idea of an “endless war.” Any prolonged conflict could leave aluminum smelters in countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia starved of raw materials and unable to export metal.

The Middle East accounts for about a fifth of production outside China. Most of the metal produced in the Gulf states is exported, largely through the Strait of Hormuz that’s all but shut down as a trade route in the aftermath of the attacks. And while smelters will have stockpiles of raw materials like bauxite and alumina, production cuts may be necessary if those start to dwindle.

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“Although Middle Eastern smelters may have close to one month of feedstock inventory, they may already be forced to cut production if the war drags on for around two weeks,” said Zhang Meng, an analyst with Shandong Aize Business Information Consulting Co. “They need to plan ahead, rather than waiting until all inventories are exhausted and then shutting down in a panic.”

Shipowners and insurers are already reluctant to deal with shipments to the Gulf, and many ports are closed in the region, Zhang added.

A month of fully lost production — together with spiking energy costs in Europe — could see aluminum prices shoot up to $3,600 a ton, according to Goldman Sachs. The bank’s base case is still for aluminum to average $3,150 in the first half of the year.

Aluminum buyers were already facing tight supply this year after various production curtailments and trade dislocations, and with China’s producers close to a government-imposed cap on the size of its industry. The planned mothballing of a large smelter in Mozambique has added to supply concerns in 2026, and prices are now up 22% from a year ago.

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Aluminum prices were 2% higher at $3,259.00 a ton as of 12:18 p.m. local time on the LME, after earlier hitting $3,315 a ton. Copper was 2.0% lower at $12,845.50 a ton, as all metals except aluminum declined.

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US stocks fall as Middle East tensions drive oil prices higher

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US stocks fall as Middle East tensions drive oil prices higher

U.S. stocks fell on Tuesday as investors eye growing tensions in the Middle East and their potential effects on inflation and global trade.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 403.51 points, or 0.83%. The Dow was down 1,278 points, or 2.6%, at the worst levels of Tuesday’s trading session.

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The Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 dropped 1.02% and 0.94%, respectively.

Investors feared that the higher oil prices could fuel inflation and complicate central bank policy decisions already strained by tariff-driven price increases.

US ‘SITTING ON SIGNIFICANT PROVEN RESERVES’: ANALYST SAYS AMERICA CAN WITHSTAND IRAN ENERGY SHOCK

Wall Street traders.

Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York City, on March 3, 2026. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

International benchmark Brent crude was up more than 4% at $81 a barrel on Tuesday, while West Texas Intermediate crude climbed over 4% to $74 per barrel.

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Oil prices eased on Tuesday after President Donald Trump ​said he had ordered the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to provide political risk insurance and financial ‌guarantees for maritime trade traveling the Gulf, adding that the U.S. Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary.

“No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD. The United States’ ECONOMIC and MILITARY MIGHT is the GREATEST ON EARTH,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

Tehran’s threat to attack any vessel attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, combined with production halts by several Middle Eastern oil and gas producers, has driven up global shipping rates and prices of crude and natural gas.

The strait, a critical choke point, carries roughly one fifth of the world’s total oil consumption.

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The 10-year Treasury yield touched its highest level in more than a week and investors pushed back expectations for a 25-basis-point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve to September from July, according to LSEG-compiled data.

An aerial view Port of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates in the strait of Hormuz

An aerial view of Port of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, in the Strait of Hormuz, Dec. 10, 2023. (Reuters)

OIL MARKETS ON EDGE AS IRAN MOVES TO RESTRICT VITAL STRAIT OF HORMUZ SHIPPING LANE, REPORT SAYS

“Investors worry about additional inflation coming down the road. The main concern is that (oil prices) goes to over $100 a barrel and stays there,” said Robert Pavlik, senior portfolio manager at Dakota Wealth.

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
I:DJI DOW JONES AVERAGES 48501.27 -403.51 -0.83%
SP500 S&P 500 6816.63 -64.99 -0.94%
I:COMP NASDAQ COMPOSITE INDEX 22516.690852 -232.17 -1.02%

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Reuters contributed to this report.

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Arkansas Ticket Claims $251 Million Prize in March 2 Drawing

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Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi International Airport

A single lucky ticket sold in Arkansas matched all six numbers to win the estimated $251 million Powerball jackpot in Monday night’s drawing, ending a rollover streak and resetting the prize pool to $20 million for the next contest.

Lakiesha Deshawn McGhee was arrested after she allegedly stole lottery tickets from the office of Sabrina Renee Dollar, who had just been shot in an armed robbery. In photo: Powerball and Mega Millions lottery tickets are displayed on Jan. 3, 2018, in San
Powerball

The winning numbers for the March 2, 2026, drawing were **2, 17, 18, 38, 62**, with the red Powerball **20**. The Power Play multiplier was **2x**, boosting non-jackpot prizes for players who opted in.

According to the official Powerball website and multiple state lottery reports, the jackpot-winning ticket was purchased in Arkansas. The winner has not yet come forward publicly, and the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has not released details on the retailer or specific location of the sale as of Tuesday afternoon. Winners typically have 180 days to claim prizes in most jurisdictions, with anonymity options varying by state.

The jackpot carried an estimated cash value of $118 million before taxes. Powerball prizes are paid as an annuity over 30 years or a lump-sum cash option, which is reduced by federal withholding and potential state taxes. Arkansas does not impose a state lottery tax on winnings, though federal taxes apply.

The March 2 drawing marked the first jackpot win since late January, when a North Carolina player claimed $209.3 million. The prize had climbed steadily through rollovers, drawing excitement nationwide as it approached the quarter-billion mark. Pre-drawing estimates hovered around $249 million to $251 million, with the final figure settling at $251 million based on ticket sales.

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Powerball drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio. The game is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Beyond the jackpot, the drawing produced other notable winners. One ticket in Puerto Rico matched the five white balls plus the Power Play for a $2 million prize (Match 5 + Power Play). Additional Match 5 winners without Power Play earned $1 million each, though none were reported in that category for this draw.

Lower-tier prizes included:

– Match 4 + Powerball: $50,000 (5 winners nationwide)
– Match 4: $100 (256 winners)
– Match 3 + Powerball: $100 (624 winners)
– Match 3: $7 (16,371 winners)

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With the Power Play 2x multiplier, many prizes doubled for participants who added the $1 option.

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot remain long at approximately 1 in 292.2 million. However, the overall odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 24.9.

This win comes amid a strong year for multi-state lotteries. Powerball and Mega Millions have produced several nine-figure jackpots in 2026, fueling player participation and retailer traffic. The game’s structure — with a $2 base ticket price, optional Power Play for $1 more, and jackpots starting at $20 million — continues to attract millions of entries per drawing.

The identity of the Arkansas winner may remain private for some time. Many large-prize claimants delay public announcements to consult financial advisors, attorneys and tax professionals. In states allowing anonymity, winners can often claim through trusts.

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Arkansas Lottery officials confirmed the ticket’s validity and said procedures for verification are underway. Once claimed, the prize will be disbursed after required withholdings.

For the next drawing on Wednesday, March 4, the estimated jackpot resets to $20 million, with a cash value of about $9.4 million. Players are reminded to check tickets promptly, as unclaimed prizes eventually fund state programs like education in participating jurisdictions.

Powerball tickets must be purchased before local cutoff times, typically 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. depending on the state. Quick Picks remain the most popular method, accounting for the majority of jackpot wins historically.

As news of the Arkansas win spread, social media buzzed with congratulations and speculation. Some players shared near-misses, while others vowed to keep playing despite the long odds.

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The March 2 result underscores Powerball’s allure: a life-changing sum from a modest wager. For one fortunate Arkansan, that dream became reality overnight.

The jackpot cycle now begins anew, with eyes on future rollovers that could push prizes higher. Until then, the latest winner holds the spotlight in lottery lore.

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Tesla Stock Closes Near $403 Amid Geopolitical Pressures and Autonomy Focus

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Dow Jones

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) shares closed at $403.32 on March 2, 2026, up 0.20% or $0.81 from the prior session, capping a resilient performance despite broader market volatility tied to Middle East tensions and surging oil prices.

A Tesla logo is seen in Los Angeles, California U.S. January 12, 2018.
A Tesla logo is seen in Los Angeles, California U.S. January 12, 2018.

The electric vehicle and AI pioneer opened at $390.60, ranged from a low of $388.25 to a high of $404.54, and traded on volume of nearly 55 million shares. After-hours trading saw a dip to around $397-$393, with pre-market indications on March 3 pointing to a lower open near $390-$394 amid risk-off sentiment in tech-heavy names.

Tesla’s market capitalization hovered near $1.51 trillion, reflecting its status as one of the world’s most valuable companies. The stock has shown volatility in early 2026, trading within a 52-week range of $214.25 to $498.83 — the peak hit in late 2025. Year-to-date, shares have gained modestly from earlier lows, supported by optimism around autonomy milestones despite softer core automotive metrics.

The latest trading session unfolded against a backdrop of geopolitical escalation, with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran driving oil higher and pressuring growth stocks. Tesla, sensitive to energy costs and consumer sentiment, navigated the environment with relative stability, buoyed by ongoing developments in Full Self-Driving (FSD) and robotics.

Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) system surpassed 8.4 billion cumulative miles driven worldwide, nearing CEO Elon Musk’s 10 billion-mile threshold viewed as critical for advancing toward unsupervised autonomy. The fleet added roughly 1 billion miles in the first 50 days of 2026, accelerating data collection for neural network improvements. Tesla expanded supervised FSD testing to Abu Dhabi under regulatory oversight, marking progress in global deployment.

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In autonomy news, Tesla’s limited robotaxi service — launched in Austin, Texas, in January 2026 with no safety drivers in modified Model Y vehicles — continues to scale modestly. The company aims to expand unsupervised rides to additional U.S. markets in the first half of 2026, with Cybercab production starting at Giga Texas. Musk has described initial output as “agonizingly slow” before ramping, with volume targeted later in the year. Optimus humanoid robot production is expected to remain limited through 2026, though mass scaling could begin by year-end.

These initiatives underpin Tesla’s valuation premium. Trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio exceeding 370 based on 2026 estimates, the stock reflects bets on high-margin AI and robotics revenue offsetting automotive headwinds. Analysts project 2026 vehicle deliveries around 1.77 million, an 8% increase from 2025’s 1.636 million, though consensus remains cautious on core EV margins amid competition and pricing pressures.

Tesla’s fourth-quarter 2025 results, released in late January 2026, showed production of over 434,000 vehicles and deliveries of 418,000 — up 3% sequentially but down year-over-year in some segments. Annual 2025 deliveries totaled 1.636 million, with energy storage deployments hitting a record 46.7 GWh. Revenue declined modestly to around $94.83 billion for the year, marking the first annual drop, but energy generation and storage grew robustly with higher margins.

Capital expenditures are set to surge to more than $20 billion in 2026, funding new factories, AI infrastructure and robotics. Management has shifted focus from aggressive vehicle growth targets — withdrawing prior 20 million annual delivery goals by 2030 — toward autonomy and energy as key drivers.

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Analyst views remain polarized. Consensus 12-month price targets cluster around $396-$421, implying limited near-term upside from current levels, though bullish voices like Wedbush’s Dan Ives see potential to $600 on robotaxi optionality. Bears, including GLJ Research, cite declining automotive margins and competition, with targets as low as $25.

Technical analysts highlight key levels: support near $390 and resistance around $418, with some noting channel patterns on weekly charts. Prediction markets on platforms like Polymarket show active wagering on March 3 closes, reflecting trader interest in short-term moves.

Tesla’s trajectory in 2026 hinges on execution in autonomy. Robotaxi expansion to more cities, FSD adoption growth (with 1.1 million paid subscribers) and Optimus progress could catalyze rallies, while delays or regulatory hurdles pose risks. Energy storage remains a bright spot, with Megapack deployments supporting diversified revenue.

Investors monitor upcoming catalysts, including potential Q1 2026 delivery updates and earnings around late April. Amid macroeconomic uncertainty, Tesla’s blend of EV leadership, AI ambition and energy growth keeps it a focal point for market participants.

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As shares hover near $400, the stock embodies the tension between near-term automotive challenges and long-term transformative potential in autonomy and robotics.

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