U.S. stocks edged lower as investors navigated a mix of rising oil prices, corporate earnings signals, and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all turned down after early gains, reflecting a market grappling with geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Indexes Pull Back All three major indexes slipped roughly between 0.3% and 0.6%, giving back some of the previous session’s momentum. The downturn followed renewed volatility in energy markets and cautious sentiment around consumer spending. Oil Prices Add Fresh Pressure Crude prices extended their sharp rally, driven by heightened worries over a potential U.S.–Iran conflict. Brent crude climbed above $71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $66 — its biggest daily jump since October. Rising energy costs revived inflation concerns and weighed on equities. Walmart Earnings in Focus Walmart posted stronger‑than‑expected results, but its cautious pro...
The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th promises to be a celestial spectacle, and witnessing it safely is essential. While specialized eclipse glasses are recommended, you can also create a simple and effective viewer using a cereal box and a few household items. Let’s dive into the steps:
Materials Needed:
- Empty Cereal Box: Grab an empty cereal box from your kitchen.
- White Paper or Cardboard: Cut a piece that fits snugly into the bottom of the cereal box.
- Tin Foil: You’ll need this to create a pinhole projector.
- Tape or Glue: To secure the paper and tin foil in place.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Trace and Cut: Trace the bottom of the cereal box onto the white paper or cardboard. Cut out the traced rectangle.
- Top Opening: Cut off the side tabs on the top of the box, leaving the center intact.
- Tin Foil Cover: Tape a piece of tin foil over one of the openings at the top of the cereal box.
- Viewing Position: Stand with your back to the sun and look into the larger hole cut into the top of the cereal box. The sun’s image will be projected through the hole in the aluminum foil onto the white paper at the bottom of the box. This allows you to safely view the eclipse without directly looking at the sun.
Remember, improper observation of the sun during an eclipse can lead to eclipse blindness or retinal burns. Use this cereal box viewer as a safe alternative to enjoy the cosmic event. Happy eclipse watching!
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