March Madness is the popular name for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. The tournament features 68 college teams competing in a single-elimination bracket. Teams qualify either by winning their conference tournaments or by receiving an at-large selection from the NCAA committee.

Once the field is set, teams are seeded and placed into a bracket that fans often fill out to predict winners. The tournament progresses through several rounds until the final two teams meet in the national championship game. Currently, here’s what the betting lines say about which teams could make a deep run in March Madness.

Duke Leads the ACC Favorites

College Basketball betting lines have the Blue Devils as the team most likely to take the ACC title. The team dominated most of the season and finished with a 19–1 record in conference play. Duke also closed the regular season with a strong winning streak.

However, Louisville and Virginia could still challenge them if they play well during the tournament. The Tar Heels also have the talent to compete if they catch momentum at the right time. North Carolina is another program worth watching, even though its odds are much longer.

Michigan Leads the Big Ten

Michigan enters the Big Ten tournament as the betting favorite after a dominant regular season. The Wolverines lost only one conference game and often won by comfortable margins. Still, postseason games can be much closer than regular-season matchups.

Several other Big Ten teams could challenge Michigan if the bracket works in their favor. Illinois, Michigan State, and Purdue all have solid odds and strong rosters. These programs have experience playing in high-pressure tournament games.

Arizona and Houston Headline the Big 12

The Big 12 remains one of the toughest conferences in college basketball. Arizona is currently the favorite after winning the regular-season title. The Wildcats picked up key wins against strong opponents throughout the season.

Houston is not far behind in the betting odds and could easily take the tournament title. The team has been consistent all season and plays strong defense. Kansas and Texas Tech are also capable of making deep runs if they find their rhythm.

Big East Race Looks Tight

Latest NCAAB Betting Insights reveal that the Big East tournament may come down to a close battle between UConn and St. John’s. Both teams had strong seasons and remain near the top of the betting board. UConn is slightly favored, but the gap between the two teams is small.

Marquette could also play a role in shaking up the bracket. The team has recently defeated UConn in the final game of the regular season. That result proved the Golden Eagles can challenge one of the Big East’s top teams when playing at their best.

Florida Gaining Momentum in the SEC

Florida is another team drawing attention heading into the SEC tournament. The Gators are on a long winning streak and have been beating opponents by large margins. That momentum has helped them become the conference favorite.

However, teams like Arkansas and Alabama could still challenge them. Both programs have shown flashes of strong play during the season. A few good games in the tournament could put them in position for a title run.

What Do the Lines Say

The odds show that Duke, Michigan, Arizona, and Florida could enter the NCAA tournament. They performed consistently well during the regular season and finished near the top of their conferences. Their strong records and dominant wins against tough opponents helped improve their betting odds.

Marquette, Houston, and Illinois have also shown they can compete in their conferences. Each of these teams has recorded important wins against highly ranked opponents during the season. If they carry that momentum into the NCAA tournament, they could become dangerous opponents in the bracket.

When the Odds Go Mad

However, March Madness is famous for its unpredictability. This is mainly because of the tournament’s single-elimination format, where one loss immediately sends a team home. In this case, even strong teams can have an off night, while underdogs may play their best game of the season.

Upsets are also common in the tournament’s early rounds. For example, No. 12 seeds have beaten No. 5 seeds about 35% of the time, showing that lower-seeded teams can still win big games. Because of this, even the best teams with strong betting odds are never guaranteed to advance far in March Madness.

Reading the Madness

Betting lines for the 2026 conference tournaments highlight several strong contenders across major college basketball leagues. Duke leads the ACC, while Michigan, Arizona, and Florida are favorites in the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC, respectively. Other teams, such as Louisville, Virginia, Illinois, Houston, and Arkansas, could still challenge if they perform well in their conference tournaments.

Programs like Marquette, Houston, and Illinois have also shown they can compete with top teams and could become dangerous opponents in the NCAA tournament. However, March Madness remains unpredictable due to its single-elimination format, where even top teams can be eliminated early by lower-seeded programs.

Spot trading and futures trading are two of the most popular ways to participate in crypto markets. Spot trading involves buying and selling digital assets at the current market price, with immediate settlement. Futures trading allows traders to speculate on future prices using contracts that can be leveraged, without owning the underlying asset. Both approaches have their place, but hidden costs often determine which one delivers better results for active traders. Platforms like PrimeXBT offer both spot and PrimeXBT futures, giving users flexibility to choose based on strategy and market conditions. This article compares spot and futures trading, highlighting the hidden costs that can significantly impact profitability.

Spot Trading: Simple but Costly in Practice

Spot trading is straightforward: you buy or sell crypto at the current price, and the transaction settles immediately. You own the asset outright, with no expiry or funding rates. This makes it ideal for long-term holding or simple buy-and-hold strategies.

However, spot trading has hidden costs that many beginners overlook. Withdrawal fees can be substantial, especially for large amounts or less liquid coins. Network fees (gas on Ethereum, transaction fees on other chains) add up when moving assets between wallets or exchanges.

Liquidity can be an issue for smaller altcoins. Wider spreads and slippage during volatile periods reduce effective entry and exit prices. For active traders, these costs can erode small gains quickly.

Futures Trading: Leverage and Flexibility

Futures contracts allow traders to take leveraged positions on crypto prices. Perpetual futures, the most common in crypto, have no expiry date and use funding rates to keep prices close to spot. Leverage ranges from 5x to 100x or more, amplifying both gains and losses.

The main advantage is flexibility. You can go long or short easily, hedge positions, or use margin to increase exposure. Funding rates can even generate income if you hold the right side of the trade.

However, futures come with their own hidden costs. Funding rates are paid every 8 hours, and in strong trends, one side can pay the other significantly. At 0.05% per funding period, this can add up to 0.15% daily in extreme cases.

Hidden Costs Comparison: Spot vs Futures

Spot trading costs are upfront and visible. Exchange fees, withdrawal fees, and network fees are the main ones. There are no ongoing costs for holding, but moving assets incurs charges.

Futures trading costs are more complex. Trading fees (maker/taker), funding rates, and potential rollover costs on dated contracts add layers. Funding rates can be positive or negative, meaning you can earn or pay to hold positions.

The table below summarizes the key cost differences:

When Spot Trading Is Better

Spot trading is preferable for long-term holding or when you want to own the asset for staking or DeFi. There are no funding rates, so you avoid ongoing costs during sideways markets.

It’s also better for low-leverage or no-leverage strategies. You avoid liquidation risk and margin calls, which can be devastating in volatile crypto markets.

Spot is simpler for beginners. No need to understand funding rates or rollover. Just buy and hold or sell when ready.

When Futures Trading Is Better

Futures excel in short-term or directional trading. Leverage allows larger positions with less capital, ideal for capturing 2-5% moves in BTC or ETH.

Short-selling is easy. Profit from downtrends without borrowing assets. This is valuable in bear markets or during corrections.

Hedging is straightforward. Short futures against spot holdings to protect against downside while maintaining long-term exposure.

Funding rates can be an opportunity. In strong trends, one side can earn significant income from funding payments.

Risk Management in Both Approaches

In spot trading, risk comes from price volatility. Use position sizing and diversification to limit exposure. Stop-loss orders help manage downside.

In futures, leverage adds liquidation risk. Use isolated margin, low leverage (5x-10x), and tight stops. Monitor funding rates to avoid high-cost holds.

For both, risk 1-2% per trade. This preserves capital through losing streaks. Diversify across assets and strategies.

Conclusion

Spot and futures trading both have their place in crypto markets. Spot is better for long-term holding and simplicity, with no funding costs. Futures provide leverage, short-selling, and hedging, but funding rates and liquidation risks add complexity. The hidden costs, especially funding rates in futures and withdrawal fees in spot, can significantly impact results. Choose based on your strategy: spot for holding, futures for active trading. Use low leverage, strict risk management, and monitor costs. In volatile markets, the right approach isn’t about choosing one, it’s about using both wisely.

Why Many Business Owners Look Beyond Traditional IRAs

Most retirement accounts offered through brokerages come with a very limited investment menu. Typically, you’re choosing from stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, or bonds. That may work well for many investors, but entrepreneurs often see opportunities outside public markets every day.

Maybe it’s a rental property that pencils out. Maybe it’s a startup someone in your network is launching. Maybe it’s a private lending deal with strong collateral.

The challenge is that traditional IRAs usually don’t allow those investments.

That’s where self directed IRA services come in.

A self-directed IRA expands the range of assets you can hold in a retirement account while still keeping the same tax advantages of an IRA. Investors can structure accounts like a self-directed traditional IRA and deploy funds into a much broader set of assets.

For business owners who already think beyond the stock market, the appeal is obvious.

The question many people ask first is simple: what can a self-directed IRA invest in?

The answer is surprisingly broad.

How Self-Directed IRAs Work

Before looking at specific investments, it helps to understand how these accounts are structured.

From a tax perspective, a self-directed IRA follows the same basic rules as any other IRA. Contribution limits, required minimum distributions, and tax treatments remain largely the same.

The main difference lies in administration.

Self-directed accounts must be held by specialized self-directed IRA custodians that handle recordkeeping and compliance requirements. These custodians maintain the account, process transactions, and ensure the IRA follows IRS rules.

The regulatory framework is defined by the Internal Revenue Service, which sets the guidelines for what retirement accounts can and cannot hold.

Unlike brokerage firms, however, SDIRA custodians typically do not recommend investments. They simply execute instructions from the account owner.

That structure gives investors more flexibility—but also more responsibility.

Once investors understand what they can invest in with a self-directed IRA, they can begin exploring options that match their experience and risk tolerance.

Real Estate: The Most Popular SDIRA Investment

Real estate is often the first asset people think about when exploring self-directed IRA options.

That’s partly because property is tangible and familiar. Many entrepreneurs already have experience with rental properties or commercial real estate.

Through a self-directed IRA, investors can purchase:

• Residential rental properties
• Commercial real estate
• Apartment buildings
• Raw land
• Real estate partnerships
• Tax lien certificates

Income generated by the property—such as rent—flows directly back into the IRA, maintaining the tax-advantaged structure.

However, there are strict rules.

The property cannot be used personally by the IRA owner or close family members. It must be strictly held for investment purposes.

According to guidance from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, violating these “prohibited transaction” rules can disqualify the entire retirement account.

That’s why investors often work closely with experienced custodians when structuring real estate deals within SDIRAs.

Private Companies and Startup Investments

Another common answer to the question of what a self-directed IRA can invest in is private equity.

Entrepreneurs often encounter early-stage investment opportunities that never reach public markets. Self-directed IRAs make it possible to participate in those deals using retirement capital.

Examples include:

• Startup equity investments
• Venture capital funds
• Angel investing
• Private company shares
• Limited partnership interests

These investments can offer significant upside—but they also come with higher risk and lower liquidity.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has repeatedly warned that private placements require careful due diligence. Investors should thoroughly review financial statements, management teams, and offering documents before committing retirement funds.

Still, for investors who understand private markets, this flexibility can be a powerful advantage.

Precious Metals and Hard Assets

Some investors use SDIRAs to hold physical assets like gold or silver.

Precious metals are often viewed as a hedge against inflation or currency volatility. While traditional brokerage IRAs may offer exposure through ETFs, a self-directed IRA can hold certain physical metals directly.

Eligible metals include:

• Gold bullion
• Silver bullion
• Platinum
• Palladium

The IRS requires that metals meet specific purity standards and be stored in approved depositories.

While precious metals typically don’t generate income like rental property or lending investments, they can serve as a diversification tool within broader self-directed IRA options.

Private Lending and Mortgage Notes

Many SDIRA investors also participate in private lending.

In this structure, the IRA becomes the lender instead of the borrower.

The account can issue loans secured by real estate, business assets, or other collateral. Interest payments are deposited back into the IRA, where they grow tax-deferred or tax-free depending on the account structure.

Examples of lending opportunities include:

• Real estate bridge loans
• Fix-and-flip financing
• Promissory notes
• Business loans

For investors with strong networks in real estate or small-business communities, this option can provide a steady income within a retirement account.

But, as with any lending activity, risk management matters. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission advises investors to carefully assess borrower creditworthiness and collateral protections.

Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets

Digital assets have also entered the SDIRA landscape in recent years.

Certain custodians now allow retirement accounts to hold cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.

For investors interested in emerging technologies, this offers a way to gain exposure while maintaining the tax advantages of retirement savings.

At the same time, regulators urge caution.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has repeatedly emphasized that cryptocurrency markets remain volatile and speculative. Retirement investors should consider position sizing carefully and avoid overconcentration in any single asset class.

Still, cryptocurrency remains one of the fastest-growing categories among modern self-directed IRA options.

Other Alternative Investments

Beyond the categories above, the list of assets available within a self-directed IRA continues to grow.

Depending on the custodian and investment structure, SDIRAs may also hold:

• Farmland investments
• Oil and gas partnerships
• Equipment leasing deals
• Intellectual property royalties
• Structured settlements
• Timberland investments

However, certain investments remain prohibited.

The IRS prohibits SDIRAs from holding:

• Collectibles such as art or antiques
• Alcohol or rare coins (outside specific exceptions)
• Life insurance policies

Additionally, investors must avoid transactions involving “disqualified persons,” including themselves, close family members, or businesses they control.

These rules exist to prevent retirement accounts from being used for personal benefit before retirement age.

Choosing the Right Self-Directed IRA Custodian

Since SDIRAs operate differently from standard brokerage accounts, selecting the right custodian is a key decision.

Reliable self-directed IRA custodians provide the administrative infrastructure required to maintain compliance with IRS rules.

That typically includes:

• Transaction processing
• Regulatory reporting
• Asset custody and recordkeeping
• Compliance monitoring

But the investment decisions remain entirely with the account holder.

For busy entrepreneurs, this is where the right retirement platform can make a meaningful difference—especially when administration, reporting, and support are handled smoothly behind the scenes.

A Retirement Strategy That Matches the Way Entrepreneurs Invest

For many business owners, traditional retirement accounts feel disconnected from the way they actually invest in the real world.

Entrepreneurs are used to evaluating deals, assessing markets, and backing opportunities they understand.

Self-directed IRAs simply bring that mindset into the retirement space.

By expanding self-directed IRA options, investors can align retirement capital with their broader investment expertise—whether that’s real estate, private companies, lending, or alternative assets.

Running a business is already a full-time job. Your retirement plan shouldn’t be another one. IRA Club SBS helps business owners set up retirement plans that run smoothly in the background — with flat fees, real human support, and investing tools built for entrepreneurs.