Blackstone Secured (NYSE:BXSL) Bolsa

Blackstone Secured

Blackstone Secured Lending Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The investment objectives of the company are to generate current income and, to a lesser extent, long-term capital appreciation. The company seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing in originated loans and other securities, including syndicated loans of private U.S. companies, typically in the form of first lien senior secured and unitranche loans, unsecured and subordinated loans, and other securities.

Blackstone Secured Lending Fund Common Shares of Beneficial Interest

Blackstone Secured Lending Fund

The S&amp;P400 index, which tracks the top mid-cap stocks, fell 9.1% last week and 4.8% last Friday. However, these mid-cap stocks emerged as winners. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORT#NASDAQ">CORT</a>) shares surged 36.28% after the company disclosed that the ROSELLA Phase 3 trial of relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer met its primary endpoint of improved progression-free survival, as assessed by blinded <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44569564" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">independent central review (PFS-BICR)</a>.</li>
<li>Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COOP#NASDAQ">COOP</a>) stock escalated 28.44% after the company announced Rocket Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKT#NYSE">RKT</a>) will acquire it in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44565671" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a $9.4 billion all-stock deal</a>.</li>
<li>Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRRM#NASDAQ">VRRM</a>) shares rose 10.90%.</li>
<li>Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GT#NASDAQ">GT</a>) stock rose 10.35% after Deutsche Bank upgraded it from Hold to Buy <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/gt/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and announced a $13 price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRGS#NASDAQ">PRGS</a>) stock upped 9.30% after the company reported better-than-expected <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44570749" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-quarter financial results</a>.</li>
<li>Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LW#NYSE">LW</a>) stock rose 9.24% after the company reported better-than-expected third-quarter financial results and issued <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44629158" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FY25 sales guidance above estimates</a>.</li>
<li>Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CELH#NASDAQ">CELH</a>) stock rose 5.62%.</li>
<li>Loar Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOAR#NYSE">LOAR</a>) shares increased 5.26% after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44560215" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">company reported quarterly results</a>.</li>
<li>PVH Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PVH#NYSE">PVH</a>) shares gained 4.68% last week following strong <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44572437" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Q4 financial results</a> and the announcement of plans to enter into a $500 million accelerated share repurchase program.</li>
</ol>
Photo by Sorbis via Shutterstock

Mid Cap

News

Movers

Trading Ideas

CELH

COOP

CORT

LOAR

PRGS

VRRM

How Some Mid Cap Stocks Outshone The S&P 400's Dramatic Drop Last Week (Mar 31-Apr 4)

In today's job market, mastering AI skills might seem like the golden ticket to getting hired. But at tech consultancy Accenture (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>), CEO Julie Sweet relies on a surprisingly simple question to spot top talent. And no, it has nothing to do with AI expertise.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The One Question That Separates Hires From Rejects</h2>
In a recent interview on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuctzvVhYJo">"In Good Company" podcas</a>t with Norges Bank Investment Management CEO Nicolai Tangen, Sweet shared her go-to interview question: "What have you learned in the last six months?"
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<li>Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.55 per share now</a>.</li>
</ul>
Her reasoning is straightforward. If a candidate struggles to answer, it's an instant red flag. "A lot of the time people ask me, ‘How do I know if someone's a learner?' And it's a very simple way to know," Sweet explained.&nbsp;
"If someone can't answer that question—and by the way, we don't care if it's, ‘I learned to bake a cake'—then we know that they're not a learner."
Her response highlights a fundamental shift in hiring strategies. Companies no longer just want employees with a strong resume; they want dynamic, adaptable thinkers who actively seek out new knowledge.
Trending: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $100.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI Is Reshaping How Companies Hire</h2>
Sweet's focus on learning isn't just a quirky interview technique—it reflects a broader transformation happening across industries. The rise of generative AI has upended job descriptions, forcing companies to rethink the qualities they value in employees.
Sweet<a href="https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2025/01/14/global-ceos-anxious-over-ai-adoption/"> recently shared</a> that she had met with 30 CEOs across various regions, including Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the U.S., discussing AI's growing role in business. She noted that while some companies are ready to implement AI solutions, others are still exploring its potential.&nbsp;
But rather than prioritizing technical know-how, she believes the best employees are those who can quickly adapt to AI-driven changes.
See Also: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
LinkedIn Chief Operating Officer Daniel Shapero echoed this sentiment last June in an interview with <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/06/26/ai-workplace-relationship-economy-linkedin-karin-kimbrough/">Fortune</a>. His approach? He asks candidates how they've used AI in their daily work to gauge their willingness to experiment with new technology.
"What that demonstrates is, if you're comfortable using AI, then you're more likely to be someone that helps their organization become more AI-centric," Shapero explained.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Era for HR Departments</h2>
As companies scramble to keep up with technological advances, HR departments are becoming more crucial than ever. Sweet believes HR is now one of the most important fields to be in because, aside from AI, talent development is at the top of every CEO's agenda.
"I think the best thing to be right now, one of the best fields to be in, is HR," Julie Sweet told &nbsp; <a href="https://fortune.com/europe/2025/04/01/accenture-ceo-julie-sweet-new-hires-learned-last-6-months/">Fortune</a> last week. "Because right after gen AI on CEOs' agendas is talent, and how you train talent has to completely change."
Read Next:
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<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

Accenture Boss Julie Sweet's Simple Question Determines Who Gets Hired—And It's Not About AI Skills

Last week, shares across several sectors, mainly technology, fell as investors reacted to macro and supply chain uncertainty amid President Trump&#8217;s sweeping Liberation Day tariffs and retaliatory responses from major trading nations. The S&amp;P 500 index fell about 9.1%.
These large-cap stocks were the worst performers. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) shares dipped 26.81%.</li>
<li>Microchip Technology Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCHP#NASDAQ">MCHP</a>) shares dived 25.63%.</li>
<li>Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MFG#NYSE">MFG</a>) stock declined 25.18%.</li>
<li>Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VG#NYSE">VG</a>) stock was down 24.82%. UBS initiated coverage of the company with a Buy rating and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/vg/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced a price forecast of $14</a>.</li>
<li>Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDC#NASDAQ">WDC</a>) shares plummeted 24.82%.</li>
<li>GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEHC#NASDAQ">GEHC</a>) stock fell 24.37%</li>
<li>Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCX#NYSE">FCX</a>) shares decreased 24.13%</li>
<li>Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) stock tumbled 22.98%.</li>
<li>Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>) stock fell 22.62%. Stride Bank announced a payments program partnership with the company, through which it will become a new card <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44586154" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issuing partner for the Affirm CardTM</a>.</li>
<li>Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>) shares were down 22.39%.</li>
</ol>
Image via Shutterstock

Equities

Large Cap

AFRM

DELL

GEHC

MCHP

S&P500 Fell 9.1% Last Week And These Large Cap Stocks Were Obliterated (Mar 31-Apr 4)

The S&amp;P 500 index fell about 9.1% last week (Mar 31-Apr 4), making it one of the worst performances for the benchmark. These large-cap stocks defied the index. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) stock gained 19.55% last week on reports that Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google is looking to rent Nvidia's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) Blackwell Chips from the company.</li>
<li>Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKT#NYSE">RKT</a>) shares surged 18.19% after Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods upgraded the stock from Underperform to Market Perform and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44612611" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised its price forecast from $12 to $14</a>.</li>
<li>GameStop Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>) upped 8.10% last week after it raised $1.5 billion in a private offering and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44638041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryan Cohen increasing his stake</a> in the company.</li>
<li>Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) stock upped 7.58%. Shares of consumer staples stocks gained as tariff uncertainty may be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44641614" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">driving a shift toward defensive stocks</a>.</li>
<li>Molina Healthcare Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOH#NYSE">MOH</a>) shares increased 7.39%. The company recently reported that it has 1.75 million shares sold short, which is 4.16% of all regular shares <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44634528" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">available for trading</a>.</li>
<li>Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPC#NASDAQ">PPC</a>) stock rose 5.63%.</li>
<li>Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROST#NASDAQ">ROST</a>) shares were up 3.90%. Citigroup analyst Paul Lejuez upgraded the company from Neutral to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/rost/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Buy and announced $146 price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>) stock gained 3.72% last week.</li>
<li>TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TJX#NYSE">TJX</a>) shares increased 3.34%. Citigroup analyst Paul Lejuez upgraded the company from Neutral to Buy and raised the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/tjx/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> price forecast from $128 to $140</a>.</li>
<li>NVR, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVR#NYSE">NVR</a>) shares increased 3.19% amid a drop in Treasury yields.</li>
</ol>
Image via Shutterstock

CRWV

GOOG

GOOGL

NVDA

ROST

In One Of The Worst Week, These Large Cap Stocks Emerged As Winners (Mar 31-Apr 4): Are These In Your Portfolio?

President Donald Trump's tariff hike sent shockwaves through global markets. While billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg saw their fortunes plummet, Warren Buffett <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44345565/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-sold-134-billion-in-stocks-in-2024-timing-it-perfectly-as-recession-fears-mount-the-internet-is-in-awe">remained resilient</a> and in the green despite the chaos.
What Happened: On April 2, President Trump announced an aggressive new round of tariffs on goods imported from over 100 countries, including a 54% tariff on Chinese goods and 20% on EU imports.
The announcement sent global markets into a tailspin, resulting in a massive one-day loss for some of the world's wealthiest individuals, particularly in the tech industry.
Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and SpaceX, saw his net worth drop by $19.9 billion, bringing his year-to-date losses to a staggering $130 billion, bringing him down to $302 billion.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44212384/bill-ackman-clashes-with-david-sacks-over-ukraine-strategy-asks-if-us-should-let-russia-take-the-rest-of-eastern-europe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Ackman Clashes With David Sacks Over Ukraine Strategy, Asks If US Should Let Russia ‘Take The Rest Of Eastern Europe&#8217;</a>
Amazon.com, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) Jeff Bezos and Meta Platforms, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) Mark Zuckerberg also faced significant setbacks, with Bezos losing $7.59 billion and Zuckerberg's wealth dropping by $9.44 billion.
Year-to-date, Bezos has lost $45.2 billion, while Zuckerberg is down $28.1 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/">Index</a>.
Meanwhile, luxury goods mogul Bernard Arnault, the chairman of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LVMHF#OTC">LVMHF</a>), saw his net worth fall by $5.23 billion as shares in his conglomerate tumbled in Paris, exacerbating his year-to-date losses.
Larry Ellison, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Steve Ballmer, and Bill Gates have also seen major losses, with each shedding tens of billions in wealth.
However, Buffett, the "Oracle of Omaha," stood out for weathering the storm. Buffett&#8217;s net worth dropped by $10.7 billion, but his year-to-date change remained in the green, with a $12.7 billion gain.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It's Important: The 92-year-old billionaire's conservative approach to investing has allowed him to remain relatively unscathed compared to other tech giants.
In 2024, Berkshire Hathaway offloaded a staggering $134 billion worth of stocks, while barely deploying any of the proceeds.
The company halted buybacks entirely in the second half of the year, allowing its cash pile to swell to a <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/02/43904932/warren-buffett-favors-5-treasury-bills-over-buybacks-as-berkshire-hathaways-cash-pile-surges-the-rate-of-change-thats-most-telling-says-lawrence-mcdonald">record-breaking $334 billion</a> by year-end. At the time, critics questioned Buffett's caution, especially as the S&amp;P 500 notched back-to-back years of 20%+ gains.
Buffett also trimmed Berkshire's massive Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) stake from 49% to just 23% of the portfolio and also pared down holdings in Bank of America — a move that came just weeks before markets began to unravel.
Though Buffett has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44122159/warren-buffett-calls-tariffs-an-act-of-war-warns-they-function-as-a-tax-on-goods-amid-market-turmoil">sharply criticized tariffs</a> — once calling them "an act of war" and likening them to a hidden tax on consumers — he remains steadfastly optimistic about the future of American business.
Reaffirming his long-term confidence, he previously stated, "A majority of any money I manage will always be in the United States."
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44212386/stock-futures-drop-as-reverse-trump-trade-takes-holdpeter-schiff-says-market-shift-long-overdue-and-will-likely-continue-for-a-decade" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stock Futures Drop As ‘Reverse Trump Trade&#8217; Takes Hold—Peter Schiff Says Market Shift ‘Long Overdue&#8217; And Will Likely Continue For A Decade</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tech

AAPL

AMZN

LVMHF

TSLA

Warren Buffett Stands Tall In 2025 As Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos And Mark Zuckerberg Bleed Billions In Net Worth: 'Oracle Of Omaha' Emerges As Lone Gainer Among Top Billionaires Amid Market Rout

The White House is set to hold a meeting with key officials to discuss the future of&nbsp;TikTok, as the app faces an April 5 deadline to secure a non-Chinese <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/04/44599624/tiktok-clock-ticks-louder-as-deadline-approaches-trump-to-consider-final-proposal-as-private-equity-firms-bid-for-platform" rel="noreferrer noopener">buyer or&nbsp;face a potential U.S. ban</a>.
China announced a series of retaliatory measures on Friday in response to President&nbsp;Donald Trump‘s tariffs on Chinese goods, escalating the trade conflict <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44647999/trumps-tariff-war-could-take-us-tech-industry-back-a-decade-while-china-steam-rolls-ahead-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">between the two&nbsp;largest global economies</a>.&nbsp;
President&nbsp;Donald Trump‘s 25% tariffs on auto imports have sent shockwaves through the integrated North American automotive supply chain, prompting&nbsp;divergent responses from major manufacturers&nbsp;as United Auto <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44642355/trumps-25-auto-tariffs-spark-stellantis-layoffs-gm-expansion-uaws-shawn-fain-calls-job-cuts-completely-unnecessary" rel="noreferrer noopener">Workers leadership criticizes job cuts</a>.
Gaming &amp; Smartphones
Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>)&nbsp;announced key details surrounding the&nbsp;Switch 2&nbsp;during Nintendo Direct, revealing a June 5<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/25/04/44609298/nintendo-switch-2-price-release-date-specs-new-games-revealed" rel="noreferrer noopener"> launch date and a $450 price tag</a>.
The standard console will be accompanied by a $500 bundle that includes a digital copy of&nbsp;Mario Kart World, the first installment in the beloved franchise built exclusively for the new hardware.
Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has officially released&nbsp;iOS 18.4,&nbsp;iPadOS 18.4,&nbsp;macOS 15.4, and&nbsp;VisionOS 2.4, bringing a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44579491/ios-18-4-is-now-live-with-new-emojis-apple-news-food-and-priority-ai-notifications-alongside-vision-pro-updates-what-you-need-to-know" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">range of new features to its devices</a>.
Social Media &amp; Auto
YouTube&nbsp;star&nbsp;Jimmy Donalson, popularly known as&nbsp;MrBeast, pulled a dark yet humorous April Fool&#8217;s prank that involved burning 20 million trees and blinding 1,000 kids, but it was all in jest and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44601201/mrbeast-drops-dark-april-fools-joke-about-burning-20-million-trees-and-blinding-1000-kids-but-its-all-a-callback-to-his-philanthropic-work" rel="noreferrer noopener">reference to his past charitable efforts</a>.
Ford (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) announced it will extend employee pricing to all car shoppers, a move that coincides with the implementation of new 25% U.S. tariffs on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44641009/ford-launches-from-america-for-america-discount-program-as-tariffs-threaten-vehicle-price-surge" rel="noreferrer noopener">imported vehicles and auto parts</a>.
Technology
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee is set to hold a hearing next week to examine&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg-led&nbsp;Meta Platforms, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) alleged efforts to establish a presence in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/04/44620411/mark-zuckerberg-led-meta-set-to-face-truth-at-senate-hearing-over-china-operations-and-communist-party-censorship-efforts" rel="noreferrer noopener">China and its ties to censorship tools</a>.
Meta is reportedly gearing up to release an over $1,000 version of its smart glasses to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44599475/meta-is-planning-to-drop-1000-smart-glasses-to-disrupt-apples-ar-ambitions-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">further challenge&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44599475/meta-is-planning-to-drop-1000-smart-glasses-to-disrupt-apples-ar-ambitions-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44599475/meta-is-planning-to-drop-1000-smart-glasses-to-disrupt-apples-ar-ambitions-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">AR ambitions</a>.
At Intel&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) Vision 2025 conference, the company revealed that it had entered the &#8220;risk production&#8221; phase for its<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44600131/intels-stock-plummeted-50-in-past-12-months-now-the-lip-bu-tan-led-company-is-betting-on-18a-chip-breakthrough-were-freezing-it" rel="noreferrer noopener"> 18A process node,&nbsp;reported&nbsp;Tom&#8217;s Hardware</a>.
Intel&#8217;s Lip-Bu Tan&nbsp;made bold promises about the company&#8217;s future during his first public speech as CEO on Monday, highlighting a&nbsp;major cultural overhaul&nbsp;and signaling potential support from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44577045/intels-new-ceo-lip-bu-tan-says-trump-administration-ready-to-help-beleagured-chipmaker-warns-bureaucracy-kills-innovation" rel="noreferrer noopener">the&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44577045/intels-new-ceo-lip-bu-tan-says-trump-administration-ready-to-help-beleagured-chipmaker-warns-bureaucracy-kills-innovation" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44577045/intels-new-ceo-lip-bu-tan-says-trump-administration-ready-to-help-beleagured-chipmaker-warns-bureaucracy-kills-innovation" rel="noreferrer noopener">administration.</a>
Microsoft Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) has paused discussions and postponed the development of sites in Indonesia, the U.K., Australia, Illinois, North Dakota and Wisconsin, Bloomberg&nbsp;reported, citing unnamed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44645946/microsoft-halts-data-center-expansions-due-to-semiconductor-tariff-concerns-ai-overcapacity-fears" rel="noreferrer noopener">sources familiar with the matter</a>.
Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s&nbsp;Google&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) removed the mailing list for the&nbsp;Bitcoin&nbsp;developer group&nbsp;Bitcoindev, citing "policy violations," prompting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44643317/google-removes-bitcoin-developer-mailing-list-for-policy-violations-jack-dorsey-calls-out-sundar-pichai-for-censorship" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jack Dorsey</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44643317/google-removes-bitcoin-developer-mailing-list-for-policy-violations-jack-dorsey-calls-out-sundar-pichai-for-censorship" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;to call out the company's approach</a>.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) is reportedly set to acquire a 20% stake in a new joint venture with&nbsp;Intel, aimed at addressing the&nbsp;U.S. chipmaker&#8217;s ongoing struggles, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44640394/tsmc-to-take-20-stake-in-joint-venture-with-intel-amid-us-chipmakers-struggles-with-188-billion-net-loss-in-2024-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">including its $18.8 billion net loss in 2024</a>.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Sentient, a San Francisco-based AI development lab backed by&nbsp;Peter Thiel&#8217;s Founder's Fund, has unveiled its open-source AI search framework, positioning its work <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44620834/peter-thiel-backed-nonprofit-sentient-aims-to-be-americas-deepseek-takes-aim-at-closed-ai-systems" rel="noreferrer noopener">as a response to China&#8217;s&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44620834/peter-thiel-backed-nonprofit-sentient-aims-to-be-americas-deepseek-takes-aim-at-closed-ai-systems" rel="noreferrer noopener">DeepSeek</a>.
OpenAI&nbsp;has finalized a record-setting $40 billion funding round, boosting the company&#8217;s valuation to $300 billion, with major investments from&nbsp;SoftBank Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>),&nbsp;Microsoft, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44580172/openai-finalizes-historic-40-billion-funding-round-valuing-company-at-300-billion-with-backing-from-softbank-and-microsoft" rel="noreferrer noopener">and other key backers</a>.
OpenAI&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Sam Altman&nbsp;announced that the company plans to release its new open-weight language model with reasoning capabilities in the coming months. This decision might have been driven by the&nbsp;impressive success of&nbsp;DeepSeek's R1&nbsp;model and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44577187/sam-altman-led-openai-releases-open-weight-ai-model-with-reasoning-capabilities-as-deepseek-and-meta-taste-success" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing popularity of&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44577187/sam-altman-led-openai-releases-open-weight-ai-model-with-reasoning-capabilities-as-deepseek-and-meta-taste-success" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta's&nbsp;Llama</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44577187/sam-altman-led-openai-releases-open-weight-ai-model-with-reasoning-capabilities-as-deepseek-and-meta-taste-success" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;models</a>.
Last week, in a direct response to growing speculation online,&nbsp;Perplexity&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Aravind Srinivas&nbsp;took to&nbsp;Reddit Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>)&nbsp;to deny rumors that the AI search company is facing financial trouble<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44557415/perplexity-ceo-aravind-srinivas-shuts-down-financial-rumors-on-reddit-says-ai-search-startup-has-no-plans-of-ipoing-before-2028" rel="noreferrer noopener"> or preparing for an imminent IPO</a>.
As industry giants like&nbsp;Microsoft and OpenAI throw their weight behind a rising AI protocol,&nbsp;Alphabet&#8217;s CEO has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44554189/openai-and-microsoft-back-mcp-standard-in-major-shift-toward-interoperable-ai-agents-that-can-think-click-and-navigate-the-web-but-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-appears-to-be-mulling-over-it-in-shakespearean-fashion-to-mcp-or-not-to-mcp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offered a cryptic but telling response</a>.
Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/03/44553924/tesla-bull-pierre-ferragu-predicts-113-combined-market-cap-of-elon-musks-ai-startup-xai-and-x-will-look-tiny-in-few-years-so-much-potential" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Bull Pierre Ferragu Predicts $113 Billion Combined Market Cap Of Elon Musk&#8217;s AI Startup xAI And X Will Look &#8216;Tiny&#8217; In Few Years: &#8216;So Much Potential&#8217;</a>
Shutterstock: Bigc Studio

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Consumer Tech News (Mar 31-Apr 4): China Plans Retaliation Against Trump's Tariffs Change, Meta To Release $1,000 Version Of Its Smart Glasses & More

A stock portfolio with many holdings can minimize risk and give you access to many opportunities. However, one Redditor is wondering if two holdings are all they need and <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/dividends/comments/1jo8l2z/thinking_of_going_50_voo_50_schd_too_simple/">posted in the Dividends subreddit</a> for some feedback.&nbsp;
"I'm seriously considering streamlining my entire portfolio," the Redditor stated at the start of the post.
Instead of picking a bunch of stocks, the Redditor has settled on two positions: the Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) and the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>). The Redditor is also considering a 45/45 split, with the remaining 10% going into the Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHG#NYSE">SCHG</a>).
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<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ETFs Simplify Investing</h2>
Several commenters agreed with the ETF-focused approach and shared that they also heavily invest in funds. The top commenter puts 50% into SCHD and the remaining 50% into SCHG. One of the top replies to that comment came from someone who puts 60% into SCHD and 40% into SCHG.
The comment got plenty of traction from Redditors who agreed. One commenter replied to the top comment saying, "This is exactly my portfolio in Roth. Not too much going on but that's all I need. Tired of gambling on single stocks."
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">No Such Thing As Too Simple</h2>
One commenter stated that there is no such thing as having a portfolio that is too simple. While you can have a portfolio that isn't diverse enough, you can buy shares in a single ETF and instantly have a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44461718/high-income-earner-with-3000-monthly-to-invest-faces-big-decision-i-definitely-want-to-diversify-beyond-ai-and-dividends">diversified portfolio</a>.
The commenter said that VOO has plenty of growth. Investors don't have to beat the market. Most people can reach their long-term financial goals if they match market returns instead of taking high risks just for the hope of outperforming an index like the S&amp;P 500.
Some commenters said that this simple approach was a good one. The Redditor received encouraging comments telling them to keep up the good work. Another commenter mentioned that a more complex portfolio doesn't necessarily generate a higher return.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Knowing The Redditor's Age and Goals Would Help</h2>
While most of the commenters praised the Redditor's decision, one commenter said that knowing the original poster's age and time horizon would have been better. The commenter also said it would be optimal to know the age of each person who has committed to sticking with a few ETFs.
The commenter makes a good point, as each person's investment preferences are different. Some people have higher risk tolerances and gravitate toward ETFs that give exposure to big tech companies. Others accumulate shares in less risky, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44589415/desperate-investor-with-50k-seeks-the-highest-possible-dollar-amount-of-a-dividend-payment-what-fund-would-you-buy-reddit-erupts">high-yield ETFs</a> as they get closer to retirement.
Assessing someone's financial goals can help them decide which combination of ETFs is right for them. However, you don't need a ton of stocks. A good growth fund may be all you need.
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<li>Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a></li>
<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
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SCHD

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A Redditor Only Wants to Hold Two Stocks: 'I'm Seriously Considering Streamlining My Entire Portfolio'

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride for the auto industry, with major headlines revolving around&nbsp;Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>),&nbsp;Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>),&nbsp;General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), and&nbsp;Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>). From Tesla&#8217;s anticipated first-quarter delivery figures to the impact of Trump&#8217;s tariffs on Detroit automakers, there&#8217;s a lot to unpack. Let&#8217;s dive in.
Tesla&#8217;s Q1 Deliveries: A Potential Miss?
The first quarter delivery numbers from Tesla are eagerly awaited, especially in light of recent boycotts and reported sales dips in certain European regions. Analysts are predicting around 377,000 deliveries, but traders at Kalshi are less optimistic, forecasting a miss.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/previews/25/04/44593138/tesla-q1-deliveries-preview-analysts-forecast-377k-but-kalshi-traders-predict-a-miss">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Tariffs Worry Detroit Automakers
Executives at&nbsp;Ford&nbsp;and&nbsp;GM&nbsp;are working to reassure their employees amidst the challenges posed by President Trump&#8217;s 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/03/44574393/ford-gm-executives-address-trump-tariffs-in-internal-memos-aimed-to-reassure-employees-report">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/24/01/36615986/top-10-bestselling-electric-vehicles-in-u-s-2023-where-do-tesla-ford-general-motors-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 10 Bestselling Electric Vehicles In U.S. 2023: Where Do Tesla, Ford, General Motors Rank?</a>
Rivian CEO Calls For More Affordable EVs In The US
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe expressed his concern at the Nvidia GTC conference about the US lagging behind China in EV market share. He emphasized the need for more EVs priced under $50,000 in the US market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/44598035/rivian-ceo-says-us-needs-more-under-50k-evs-to-catch-up-to-china-you-have-to-have-the-plumbing-right">Read the full article here.</a>
Tesla&#8217;s Sales Dip In 2025: A Result Of Musk Backlash?
Market experts are bracing for a potential downturn in Tesla&#8217;s sales this year, with the brand&#8217;s recent struggles being a major concern. Tesla&#8217;s Q1 deliveries have already seen a 13% decrease, the lowest in nearly three years.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44646680/tesla-to-face-steeper-sales-dip-in-2025-amid-growing-backlash-against-elon-musk-report">Read the full article here.</a>
XPeng&#8217;s Record Q1 EV Sales In China
Chinese electric vehicle company&nbsp;XPeng Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>)&nbsp;reported a record surge in its Q1 EV sales. In March alone, XPeng delivered 33,205 Smart EVs, marking a 268% growth and surpassing 30,000 units for the fifth consecutive month.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44582215/chinas-xpeng-clocks-record-q1-ev-sales-deliveries-surge-3-6x">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44635878/tesla-shares-are-falling-today-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Shares Are Falling Today: What&#8217;s Going On?</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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Tesla's Q1 Delivery Predictions, Trump Tariffs, And China's EV Dominance:  This Week In Mobility

Imagine finally finding a pharmacy that doesn't drain your bank account—only for prices to suddenly spike. That's the situation Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs might face, thanks to new tariff policies that could force the low-cost drug company to raise prices.
In a recent episode of the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkC72m9hrJw&amp;ab_channel=TaraPalmeri">Somebody's Gotta Win with Tara Palmeri" podcast</a>, Cuban didn't hold back.&nbsp;
He warned that looming tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, particularly from India, could leave his company no choice but to increase medication costs. "If we have a high tariff on drugs coming from India, we won&#8217;t have a choice but to pass those costs on to consumers,&#8221; Cuban said.
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</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cost Plus Drugs: The Disruptor Facing a New Challenge</h2>
Launched in 2022, Cost Plus Drugs aimed to shake up the pharmaceutical industry by selling medications at a fraction of traditional retail prices. The company's <a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/mark-cuban-wants-keep-shaking-healthcare-heres-cost-plus-drugs-next-move">pricing model </a>is simple: charge the wholesale cost of the drug, add a 15% markup, a $5 labor fee per medication, and $5 for shipping.&nbsp;
That's how a <a href="https://www.costplusdrugs.com/medications/imatinib-400mg-tablet/">30-day supply of generic imatinib</a>, a chemotherapy drug, could cost just $34.70—while traditional pharmacies might charge $9,657.30. But now, the affordability that made Cost Plus Drugs a game-changer could be at risk.
Trending: This platform is reshaping how you invest in private companies —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/kingscrowd-adv"> and you can be a part of it for $0.18 per share</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Tariffs Are a Big Deal for Prescription Drugs</h2>
In April, President Donald Trump announced sweeping new <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">tariffs</a> affecting imports from 185 countries. The baseline tariff? 10%. While some industries saw exemptions, the pharmaceutical sector wasn't as lucky.&nbsp;
Drugmakers are still scrambling to understand the impact, with concerns that both branded and generic medications from India could be affected. If these tariffs take effect, <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/drug-tariffs-could-raise-cancer-treatment-cost-by-usd10-000-analysis-finds-11707125?utm_source=chatgpt.com">analysts</a> predict that the cost of certain cancer treatments could skyrocket by up to $10,000 for a 24-week course.&nbsp;
Even generic medications, which many Americans rely on, could see price hikes—potentially increasing the average pill price from 82 cents to 94 cents. That may not sound like much, but over time, the added costs could be significant, especially for people with chronic conditions.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/startengine-own">The $1.3 billion startup investment boom: How this company's explosive growth is opening doors for everyday investors with a new $500 minimum</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cuban's Bigger Concern: The Impact on Everyday Americans</h2>
Cuban's warning goes beyond just his own company. He's concerned about how tariffs function as a hidden tax on consumers—especially lower-income families who can't afford rising costs on essentials like medication, food, and clothing.&nbsp;
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/why-trump-tariffs-inflation-economic-growth-ct2nhwb3m">compares tariffs to a sales tax</a>, not inflation. Critics, including former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/15/trump-tariffs-robert-reich">argue</a> tariffs burden lower-income Americans more, functioning like a regressive consumption tax.
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Mark Cuban Says Cost Plus Drugs Faces Price Hike Threat—'Tariffs Would Force Us To Pass Costs Directly To Consumers'

The past week was a whirlwind of AI-related news, with tech giants&nbsp;Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>),&nbsp;Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>), and&nbsp;OpenAI&nbsp;making significant strides in the field. From AI roasting tech leaders to the unveiling of new AI models, the week was filled with exciting developments. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories.
Microsoft&#8217;s AI Copilot Roasts Tech Leaders
In a humorous twist during Microsoft&#8217;s 50th-anniversary celebrations, the company&#8217;s AI assistant, Copilot, took the opportunity to roast tech leaders Bill Gates, Satya Nadella, and Steve Ballmer. The event was part of a special interview designed to celebrate Microsoft&#8217;s legacy.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44656079/bill-gates-satya-nadella-and-steve-ballmer-get-roasted-by-microsofts-ai-copilot-lets-spice-it-up">Read the full article here.</a>
Alibaba Challenges DeepSeek with Qwen 3
Chinese tech giant Alibaba plans to release an upgraded version of its flagship AI model, Qwen 3, by April. This move comes as China&#8217;s tech leaders are flooding the market with affordable AI services, following the success of a robust model by domestic AI startup, DeepSeek.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44625580/alibaba-steps-up-ai-game-with-qwen-3-challenging-deepseeks-low-cost-ai-success">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/03/44402199/elon-musks-first-ex-wife-says-she-sucked-at-being-his-trophy-wife-and-recalls-him-saying-if-you-were-my-employee-i-would-fire-you" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk&#8217;s First Ex-Wife Says She &#8216;Sucked&#8217; At Being His Trophy Wife And Recalls Him Saying: &#8216;If You Were My Employee, I Would Fire You&#8217; &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Peter Thiel-Backed Sentient Takes Aim at Closed AI Systems
Sentient, a San Francisco-based AI development lab backed by Peter Thiel&#8217;s Founder's Fund, has unveiled its open-source AI search framework. The company positions its work as a response to China&#8217;s DeepSeek, claiming that its Open Deep Search (ODS) framework outperforms major closed-source competitors.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44620834/peter-thiel-backed-nonprofit-sentient-aims-to-be-americas-deepseek-takes-aim-at-closed-ai-systems">Read the full article here.</a>
Mark Cuban Sees AI as a Growth Engine
Billionaire investor Mark Cuban dismisses concerns that artificial intelligence will drive deflation. Instead, he believes that AI will be a massive driver of innovation and productivity, dubbing it the &#8220;greatest growth and productivity engine ever.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44600269/mark-cuban-argues-ais-new-sht-will-drive-growth-not-deflation">Read the full article here.</a>
OpenAI Plans to Release Open-Weight AI Model
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced plans to release a new open-weight language model with reasoning capabilities in the coming months. This move may have been influenced by the success of DeepSeek's R1 model and the growing popularity of Meta Platforms, Inc.'s Llama models.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44577187/sam-altman-led-openai-releases-open-weight-ai-model-with-reasoning-capabilities-as-deepseek-and-meta-taste-success">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/04/44645172/china-retaliates-with-34-tariff-on-all-us-imports-urges-trump-to-immediately-cancel-the-tariffs-calls-for-ne" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China Retaliates With 34% Tariff On All US Imports, Urges Trump To Immediately Cancel The Tariffs, Calls For Negotiation</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

BABA

AI Takes Center Stage With Microsoft, Alibaba's Qwen 3, And OpenAI's Open-Weight AI Model: This Week In AI

Dividend investing attracts many people due to its passive cash flow, including a Redditor from the UK. The individual is new to dividend investing and recently <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/dividends/comments/1jo629x/new_to_dividends_rate_my_uk_portfolio/">posted in the Dividends Reddit community</a>, seeking some guidance.
"I'd like your opinion on what I could do better," the Redditor said before showing everyone their portfolio. Most of the Redditor's holdings are UK-based companies since the individual doesn't want to pay withholdings taxes for the U.S. companies.
The portfolio yields 7.53% and brings in £11.33 ($14.93) per month.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Portfolio</h2>
The Redditor has 17 holdings. Most of the stocks yield above 5%, and some of them yield more than 10%. The well-diversified portfolio minimizes the Redditor's risk. While one commenter said that the portfolio seems decent, another expressed doubt about one of the holdings.
The individual currently holds 81.71 shares of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OXLC#NASDAQ">OXLC</a>). At the time of the post, it had a 19.72% yield. The cautious commenter warned that the yield might be good for a few months and wasn't a long-term play.&nbsp;
The Redditor responded to the comment by saying that the stock's net asset value will likely decrease and that it won't be a long-term fixture in the portfolio. Shares have been down by 3% over the past year, which is a good performance considering the yield.
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
Shares were down by more than 10% year-to-date until the company announced a buyback in the middle of March. Then, the stock recovered most of its losses.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">An ETF Can Add More Diversification</h2>
The Redditor has a bunch of individual dividend stocks and may benefit greatly from a dividend ETF. It may be worth diversifying into ETFs like the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>), which offers some diversification outside of the UK. SCHD comes up frequently in the Dividends Reddit community.
ETFs make it much easier to diversify your portfolio, and you can find funds that align with your risk tolerance and long-term financial goals. Investing in ETFs makes it easier to invest in individual stocks, knowing that you already have a basket of holdings in the ETF.&nbsp;
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.55 per share now</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't Chase Yields</h2>
While high yields may look enticing now, the stocks that offer those yields may underperform the stock market in the long run. Some high-yield stocks offer more stability during market uncertainty, but it's important to avoid chasing high yields without considering the fundamentals.&nbsp;
The Redditor admitted to having OXLC as a short-term play, but dividend investing is a long-term game. Sticking with OXLC just for the yield isn't the best approach, but the Redditor may see some value in the company that goes beyond its yield.
Investors should aim to achieve the maximum return that aligns with their risk tolerance. Some stocks with lower yields may produce higher long-term returns. A stock isn't a buy just because of a high yield, and you shouldn't avoid a particular dividend stock just because it has a low yield.&nbsp;
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OXLC

UK Investor Asks Reddit to Rate Their Dividend Portfolio That Yields 7.53%: 'I'd Like Your Opinion On What I Could Do Better'

The past week was a whirlwind of activity in the cryptocurrency world. From Ripple&#8217;s concerns about the UK&#8217;s crypto regulation to Circle&#8217;s renewed public listing ambitions, and the anticipated Bitcoin price surge, there was no shortage of intriguing developments.
Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that made headlines.
Ripple Raises Concerns Over UK&#8217;s Crypto Regulation
Blockchain-based payments firm,&nbsp;Ripple, voiced concerns about the UK&#8217;s slow approach to crypto regulation. Ripple&#8217;s Managing Director for the UK and Europe, Cassie Craddock, expressed that British banks are hesitant to adopt Ripple&#8217;s services due to the uncertainty surrounding crypto laws.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44649174/ripple-warns-uk-behind-crypto">Read the full article here.</a>
Circle Eyes $5 Billion Valuation For Upcoming IPO
Circle Internet Financial, the company behind the USDC/USD stablecoin, is reportedly preparing to file for an initial public offering by late April. The crypto-focused fintech is working with&nbsp;JPMorgan Chase (JPM)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Citi&nbsp;as advisors. This marks Circle&#8217;s second major attempt to go public.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44567164/circle-eyes-5-billion-valuation-for-upcoming-initial-public-offering">Read the full article here.</a>
See More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Anthony Pompliano Praises Trump&#8217;s Tariffs As Catalyst For Crypto Innovation
Anthony Pompliano, Founder &amp; CEO of Professional Capital Management, lauded the new tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump. He argued that these tariffs highlight the inefficiencies of traditional financial systems and bolster the case for decentralized finance solutions like Bitcoin.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44625640/anthony-pompliano-praises-trumps-tariffs-as-catalyst-for-crypto-innovation">Read the full article here.</a>
Bitcoin Set for April Price Surge As Fed Signals Monetary Easing
Despite recent drops in cryptocurrency prices due to inflation concerns and tariff threats from President Donald Trump, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are projected to experience a price surge in April. This follows hints from the Federal Reserve about possible monetary easing. Arthur Hayes, a prominent crypto trader and BitMex co-founder, anticipates a Bitcoin price boom in April.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44552659/bitcoin-set-for-april-price-surge-as-fed-signals-monetary-easing">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump's Tariff Surprise Sends Recession Bets Soaring on Polymarket
Cryptocurrency bettors significantly increased their expectations of a U.S. recession after President Donald Trump's underwhelming &#8220;Liberation Day&#8221; tariff announcement. On Polymarket, the odds for the &#8220;US recession in 2025?&#8221; contract jumped from 46% to 54% within 24 hours. Just a week earlier, the probability stood at 38%.
<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44640419/recession-in-2025-crypto-betters-now-see-over-50-probability-after-trumps-sweeping-tariff-rollout">Read the full article here</a>.
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

Ripple's Crypto Warning, Circle's IPO Ambitions, And Bitcoin's Anticipated Surge: This Week In Crypto

The past week has been a whirlwind for&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), with the tech giant facing significant challenges and predictions. From the potential impact of President Trump&#8217;s tariffs to the feasibility of manufacturing iPhones in America, there&#8217;s a lot to unpack. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories that shaped Apple&#8217;s week.
Trump&#8217;s Tariffs Could Skyrocket iPhone Prices
President Donald Trump&#8217;s recently enacted tariffs could lead to a significant price hike for Apple&#8217;s iPhones. If Apple decides to pass these costs onto consumers, we could see a price surge of 30% to 40%. This is primarily because most iPhones are manufactured in China, which is now facing a 54% tariff.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44655937/trump-tariffs-could-spike-iphone-prices-to-almost-2300-if-apple-decides-to-pass-on-the-costs-to-buyers">Read the full article here.</a>
Manufacturing iPhones in America: A Pipe Dream?
Top analyst Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of manufacturing Apple products, including iPhones, in the U.S. According to Ives, such a move would result in significantly higher costs.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44640656/apple-making-iphones-in-america-a-fantasy-that-sounds-great-behind-the-microphones-says-top-analyst-dan-ives">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44650952/china-restricts-rare-earth-exports-to-us-as-part-of-tariff-retaliation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China Restricts Rare Earth Exports To US As Part Of Tariff Retaliation: &#8216;Geopolitical Earthquake In Slow Motion,&#8217; CEO Says</a>
Apple&#8217;s Strong iPhone Upgrade Cycle Predicted
BofA Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan maintained a Buy rating on Apple, anticipating a strong iPhone upgrade cycle in fiscal 2025 and 2026. This prediction is driven by the need for the latest hardware to enable generative AI features and higher growth in Services revenue.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/04/44613270/apple-set-for-strong-iphone-upgrade-cycle-driven-by-ai-analyst-says">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s $300 Billion Rout: What Could Turn Things Around?
Following a nearly 10% drop in Apple&#8217;s stock, which resulted in a loss of about $300 billion of market cap due to new tariffs, Needham analyst Laura Martin reiterated a Buy rating with a $260 price target.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/04/44651515/apple-analyst-holds-the-line-after-300-billion-rout-what-could-turn-stock-around">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Stock Slammed by Trump Tariffs: Is a Death Cross Next?
Apple&#8217;s stock took a significant hit as President Trump&#8217;s surprise tariff announcement sent shockwaves through the tech sector. The stock slumped about 9.5% in early market trading, extending a brutal month-long slide that has already shaved off more than 13%. If this trend continues, the stock could soon make a Death Cross — a classic bearish signal.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/04/44629335/apple-stock-slammed-by-trump-tariffs-is-a-death-cross-next">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://benzinga.com/media/25/04/44655737/former-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-says-trumps-new-tariffs-could-spark-global-turmoil-hurt-consumers-as-sat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer Says Trump&#8217;s New Tariffs Could Spark Global Turmoil, Hurt Consumers As Satya Nadella-Led MSFT&#8217;s Stock Drops 14% YT</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Tariffs, Production Fantasies, And Analyst Predictions: This Week In Appleverse

The past week was a rollercoaster ride for global markets, largely due to President Donald Trump&#8217;s new trade tariffs. The tariffs, aimed at reducing America&#8217;s $1.2 trillion annual trade deficit, have sparked a flurry of reactions from economists, investors, and market observers. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that shaped the week.
Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Reciprocal Tariff&#8217; Math
President Trump&#8217;s tariff calculations have raised eyebrows among experts. James Surowiecki, a writer for The Atlantic and Fast Company, questioned the credibility of the figures shared by the White House, calling them &#8220;dumb and deceptive.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44622346/trumps-reciprocal-tariff-math-a-masterclass-in-economic-absurdity">Read the full article here.</a>
Wall Street Wipes Out $2 Trillion
Trump&#8217;s new trade tariffs sent shockwaves through global markets, triggering a massive sell-off. Wall Street saw a staggering $2 trillion in market cap erased in a single day, with the U.S.'s biggest 10 companies shedding $1 trillion alone.&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) plunged 8.7%, wiping out nearly $300 billion in value.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44631916/wall-street-wipes-out-2-trillion-apple-eyes-worst-day-since-covid-19-pandemic-oil-plummets-whats-driving-markets-thursday">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/04/44645172/china-retaliates-with-34-tariff-on-all-us-imports-urges-trump-to-immediately-cancel-the-tariffs-calls-for-negotiation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China Retaliates With 34% Tariff On All US Imports, Urges Trump To Immediately Cancel The Tariffs, Calls For Negotiation</a>
Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Liberation Day&#8217; Tariff Label Is Orwellian Doublespeak: Dr. Doom
Economist Nouriel Roubini criticized President Trump's declaration of "Liberation Day," marking the imposition of new tariffs. Roubini described the term as "literally Orwellian doublespeak," suggesting that the tariffs would lead to "lower growth and higher inflation."
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44620056/dr-doom-nouriel-roubini-trumps-liberation-day-tariff-label-is-orwellian-doublespeak-us-playing-with-fire">Read the full article here.</a>
Larry Summers Warns Trump&#8217;s Tariffs Will Deliver &#8216;Oil Crisis-Like Shock&#8217;
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers warned that President Trump‘s tariffs will cause an "oil crisis-like shock" to the economy, spiking prices and unemployment while shrinking productive capacity.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44623179/larry-summers-warns-trumps-tariffs-will-deliver-oil-crisis-like-shock-slash-30-trillion-from-economy-as-markets-plunge">Read the full article here.</a>
Lutnick Says Markets Will Do &#8216;Extremely Well&#8217; Long-Term
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick believes the Trump Administration's reciprocal tariffs will cause some short-term pain, but ultimately result in medium- and longer-term gain.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44630931/commerce-secretary-lutnick-says-us-markets-will-perform-extremely-well-long-term-despite-trump-tariff-selloff">Read the full article here.</a>
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Economics

Trump's Tariffs Stir Global Markets, Wall Street Loses $2 Trillion, And More: This Week In Economics

The past week was filled with intriguing stories, from the Trump administration&#8217;s backing of a Biden-era project to a lawsuit over China tariffs. Members of Congress are trading Tesla stock, while Trump&#8217;s stance on cannabis policy remains unclear. Lastly, the President sets up a new entity to manage the CHIPS Act. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of these stories.
Trump&#8217;s Administration Backs Biden&#8217;s Legacy Project
The Trump administration has shown support for the Lobito Corridor, a project initiated by former President Joe Biden. The transcontinental railway project aims to link resource-rich areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to Angola&#8217;s Atlantic port of Lobito. This move is expected to strengthen the West&#8217;s critical minerals supply chain.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44644390/trumps-administration-backs-bidens-legacy-project-to-secure-african-resources">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Faces Lawsuit Over China Tariffs
President Donald Trump is facing a lawsuit over the 20% tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. The lawsuit, filed by the New Civil Liberties Alliance on behalf of a Florida-based small business, challenges Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44639682/trump-gets-sued-over-china-tariffs-congress-did-not-grant-presidents-blank-check-to-write-domestic-policy">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44639682/trump-gets-sued-over-china-tariffs-congress-did-not-grant-presidents-blank-check-to-write-domestic-policy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Gets Sued Over China Tariffs: Congress Did Not Grant Presidents &#8216;Blank Check To Write Domestic Policy&#8217;</a>
Congress Members Trading Tesla Stock 
Seven members of Congress have bought and sold Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) stock since the 2024 presidential election. The rising price of Tesla stock in 2024 following Trump&#8217;s election win may have boosted the wealth of these Congress members.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44614311/7-congress-members-have-bought-and-sold-tesla-stock-since-2024-election-a-look-at-the-republicans-and-democrats-betting-on-ev-giant">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Stance on Cannabis Policy 
Despite receiving praise from a pro-cannabis PAC during his campaign, President Trump seems to be in no rush to make significant changes to cannabis policy. A White House official stated that &#8220;no action is being considered at this time&#8221; regarding marijuana policy.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/44593274/trump-gets-fawning-praise-from-pro-cannabis-pac-but-hes-not-returning-the-sentiment">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Sets Up New Entity for CHIPS Act
Days after criticizing the CHIPS Act as a &#8216;horrible thing,&#8217; President Trump has set up a new entity within the Commerce Department to manage the CHIPS and Science Act, 2022. The United States Investment Accelerator will now oversee the CHIPS Act program.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44584283/days-after-calling-the-chips-act-a-horrible-thing-donald-trump-sets-up-new-entity-for-negotiating-much-better-deals-heres-more">Read the full article here.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Politics

Trump Backs Biden's Project, China Tariffs, Tesla Stock, Cannabis Policy, And The CHIPS Act: This Week In Politics

Many people talk about saving money and building a nest egg. However, "I Will Teach You To Be Rich" author and financial guru <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43995980/self-made-millionaire-warns-90-of-people-are-throwing-away-money-on-this-expense">Ramit Sethi</a> believes there's a valuable money lesson that's missing from conversations.
"Few people teach you how to spend money meaningfully," the financial guru stated in a recent <a href="https://moneywise.com/managing-money/ramit-sethi-money-red-flags-couples">Moneywise interview</a>.
People are good about telling you to avoid impulsive purchases. They also advocate for putting your money into assets like stocks and real estate. However, not everyone fancies the idea of passing away with millions of dollars in the bank. It's good to have a big nest egg, but you should also take time to enjoy some of the fruits of your labor.
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<li>Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $100.</a></li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Restrictions Need Balance</h2>
The personal finance industry is good at telling you to restrict purchases. It's good to restrict certain purchases, especially impulsive ones. The money you save by not buying unnecessary things will add up in the long run. However, Sethi expresses how only thinking in terms of restrictions can lead to an unsatisfying life.
"No, you can&#8217;t buy coffee. No, you can&#8217;t buy jeans. No, you can&#8217;t go on vacation. Save your money until you&#8217;re 96 years old and then maybe you can take a trip in economy seats," he told&nbsp; Moneywise.
Sure, it may benefit some people to cut down on coffee or avoid the latest fashion items. However, if you have a $10 million account but feel dead inside because of the missed opportunities, was relentless saving really worth it? That's the idea Sethi wants more people to consider as they work toward their financial goals.
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Spending Money Meaningfully</h2>
A rich life isn't just tied to a net worth. Sethi views a rich life as the ability to build wealth, achieve personal growth, and have a life aligned with your values. Spending money meaningfully gives people the flexibility to make big purchases if they provide long-lasting memories.
For instance, some people may say that you can't afford to go on any vacations while you are in debt or building up to a $1 million portfolio. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44587016/dave-ramsey-says-a-600k-salary-should-be-enough-so-why-is-this-couple-living-paycheck-to-paycheck-one-disgusting-expense-to-blame">Looking at your budget</a> and cutting out a bunch of expenses is a good decision when you are looking to build wealth. However, Sethi's approach to building a rich life would allow people to go on a big vacation if it's on their bucket list.
Spending money meaningfully can help you cut down on purchases that don't have any meaning. You may become sharper with your money and more inspired to boost your income if you know you can spend it on meaningful purchases.&nbsp;
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.55 per share now</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't Always Fixate On Costs</h2>
Sethi told Moneywise that he believes people who fixate on every cost "suck the life out of every room." This approach demonstrates that it's good to focus on costs in some areas, but it's worth ignoring the price tag if a purchase is meaningful.
Meaningful purchases don't always come. In fact, the fewer purchases you make for yourself, the more meaningful they are. It's similar to a room filled with clutter versus a room with a few items. Each individual item in a cluttered room doesn't carry as much meaning as the few items in a tidy room.
You can fixate on some costs, and it's good to observe when this happens. If you're thinking about the cost, it probably isn't a meaningful purchase. However, if the thought of buying something is more significant than its cost, then it may be a meaningful purchase.
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Ramit Sethi Shares A Valuable Lesson About Money That Most People Miss: 'Few People Teach You How To Spend Money Meaningfully'

Charlie Munger wasn't just Warren Buffett's right-hand man—Buffett once called him the "architect of Berkshire Hathaway." He was a machine of rational thinking, known for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44146342/charlie-munger-said-he-was-passionate-about-getting-rich-but-not-because-i-wanted-ferraris-i-wanted-the-independence">cutting through Wall Street hype</a> with a few words sharper than most analysts' full reports. But even the sharpest minds miss the mark now and then.
In 2021, Munger made a bold bet on Alibaba (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>). He didn't whisper it either—he went all in through the Daily Journal Corporation, where he served as chairman, snapping up 165,000 shares of the Chinese tech giant. As the price dropped, he doubled down, building the position to over 600,000 shares—worth about $72 million and nearly 30% of the portfolio.
Then came the U-turn.
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The same man who had praised Alibaba's strategic positioning in China's internet ecosystem called the move "one of the worst mistakes I ever made." At the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/9VVPO3KWj3A?si=f8EWUfxwW4Gj27K0">Daily Journal's 2023 annual meeting</a>, Munger admitted:
"I got charmed by the idea of their position in the Chinese internet; I didn't stop to realize they're still a goddamn retailer. It's going to be a competitive business, the internet — it's not going to be a cakewalk for everybody."
He also added, "I keep rubbing my own nose in my own mistakes like I'm doing now because I think it's good for myself."
Alibaba's stock had been battered by regulatory crackdowns, founder Jack Ma's disappearing act, and a broader market chill toward Chinese companies. Munger criticized Ma directly, <a href="https://youtu.be/NZzv2GJxRaw?si=YzvigfQEJ1CXEtkK">calling him "very arrogant"</a> for publicly taking shots at Chinese regulators.
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At that point, it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44238467/warren-buffett-shares-biggest-investing-mistakes-433m-deal-that-cost-berkshire-billions-and-trillion-dollar-tech-stocks-he-missed">seemed like a rare Munger misfire</a>. The stock had nearly halved, and Daily Journal started trimming its stake. By Q1 2024, the holding was down to 195,000 shares—worth just $16.5 million at the time.
But then something happened.
Since Munger's death in November 2023, Alibaba stock has rebounded—hard. It's up 74% <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/charlie-munger-alibaba-stock-ma-mistake-china-tech-byd-buffett-2025-3">according to Business Insider</a>, driven by surprisingly strong earnings and a push into artificial intelligence. In February, Alibaba blew past analyst expectations, <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250219393026/en/Alibaba-Group-Announces-December-Quarter-2024-Results">reporting $38.5 billion in revenue</a> and EPS of $2.93. AI products racked up triple-digit growth for six quarters in a row.
So was it really one of the worst mistakes of his investing career?
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Maybe not. The rebound doesn't erase the pain of mistiming or the political risks Munger flagged. But the story of Alibaba now reads less like a disaster and more like a case of brutal short-term volatility that clouded long-term potential.
The Daily Journal still holds its smaller stake. Whether that holding grows again remains to be seen—but it's clear that what looked like a major blunder may have just needed more time.
Munger often said, "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44065682/charlie-munger-shared-advice-for-the-young-but-it-applies-to-all-if-youve-got-anything-you-really-want-to-do-dont-wait-until-youre-93">All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I'll never go there</a>." Turns out, even he couldn't always predict which bets would live and which would come roaring back from the grave.
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Charlie Munger Called Alibaba 'One of the Worst Mistakes I Ever Made'—Now It's Up 74% Since His Death, and That 'Goddamn Retailer' Is Surging

Mark Cuban has made billions, built companies, and basically turned being blunt into a brand. But if there's one thing he's not doing? Pretending it was all part of some master plan.
In a <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/mark-cuban-interview-advice">2023 GQ interview</a>, Cuban stripped the gloss off the billionaire success story. "Anybody who has a ‘B' next to their name, and they tell you they <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/06/39192298/warren-buffett-was-asked-if-he-had-to-start-over-in-his-30s-how-would-he-make-30-billion-today-h">could do it all again</a>, they're lying their ass off," he said. "You've got to have luck. You gotta have timing."
That wasn't self-deprecation. It was precision.
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Cuban isn't saying success is impossible or that everyone with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44618898/warren-buffett-said-cash-is-always-a-bad-investment-and-you-dont-need-excessive-amounts-but-hes-sitting-on-record-334-billion-cash-pil">money just rolled the dice</a> right. What he's pointing out is that there's more to the story than <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42193386/mark-cuban-shared-600-a-month-dallas-apartment-with-5-guys-and-slept-on-the-living-room-floor-i-had-nothing-so-i-had-nothing-to-lose">grit and genius</a>. He had a solid idea, sure. He worked hard. But he also happened to understand networking right when the internet stock market blew up. That timing? Out of his control. "If I would have been born three years earlier, three years later, we probably would not be having this conversation," he said.
It's a rare kind of honesty in a world that loves to package ambition as a blueprint. Cuban doesn't buy into that fantasy—not for himself, and not for everyone else trying to make it.
He's not alone in this thinking. Warren Buffett has often spoken about winning the "ovarian lottery," acknowledging that being born in the right place at the right time played a significant role in his success. Similarly, Bill Gates has recognized the role of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43562104/bill-gates-was-the-richest-man-in-the-world-for-a-record-18-years-he-says-money-brings-freedom-but-beyond-that-its-the-same-hamburger">luck and timing in his journey</a>. In Malcolm Gladwell's book "Outliers," Gates discusses how having access to a computer at a young age was a rare opportunity that set him on the path to founding Microsoft.
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Elon Musk, while emphasizing hard work, also admits to the challenges and uncertainties in entrepreneurship. Speaking at a town hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin last month, he said, "It is true that most businesses that start do not succeed."
But that doesn't mean Cuban plays it safe. He's the same guy who called diversification "for idiots," though he now says that line came from a different time and market. "The only constant in life is change," he told GQ. His philosophy isn't about being right forever—it's about staying sharp while everything else shifts.
That same instinct led him to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44552923/mark-cuban-says-his-online-pharmacy-could-make-more-but-how-much-money-do-i-need-adds-in-elon-musk-dig-not-trying-to-land-on-mars">launch Cost Plus Drugs</a> with Alex Oshmyansky. It wasn't Cuban's idea, but he knew a system worth breaking when he saw one. Now they're undercutting pharma giants and drawing praise from The Wall Street Journal for it.
So yes, Cuban got lucky. But he also knew what to do when that luck showed up. The myth that success comes from a perfect plan? He's not buying it. And if he's being honest—neither should anyone else.
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Mark Cuban Said Billionaires Who Claim They Could Do It All Again Are 'Lying Their A** Off' — You've Got To Have 'Luck And Timing' To Get Rich

Charlie Munger, the longtime business partner of Warren Buffett, once voiced his disapproval of introducing young people to active stock trading, likening it to initiating them into heroin use.
What Happened: Munger expressed his contempt for active investment management during the yearly Daily Journal shareholder <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1Oi3esiry8">meeting </a>in 2019. He proposed that it might be detrimental to novice investors.
Munger compared the contemporary world&#8217;s efforts to promote active stock trading among the youth to persuading them to start using heroin. Instead, he lauded large index funds as a superior choice for regular investors looking to gain&nbsp;exposure to the stock markets.
"If you take the modern world where people are trying to teach you to come in and trade actively in stocks, well I regard that as roughly equivalent to trying to induce a bunch of young people to start off on heroin," Munger said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43581818/charlie-mungers-four-life-lessons-consume-less-than-you-accumulate-invest-judiciously-persistently-learn-and-uphold-discipline">Charlie Munger&#8217;s Four Life Lessons: &#8216;Consume Less Than You Accumulate, Invest Judiciously, Persistently Learn, and Uphold Discipline&#8217;</a>
Furthermore, he lambasted many active stock pickers, implying they are in denial about the worth of their expertise vis-à-vis the fees they impose on&nbsp;clients. &#8220;They have a horrible&nbsp;problem they can&#8217;t fix so&nbsp;they just treat it as&nbsp;nonexistent,&#8221; Munger added.
"It's wrong to have all these people in just a state of denial and doing what they've always did year after year, and hoping that the world will keep paying them for it even though an unmanned index is virtually certain to do better," he said. 
Despite his critique of active investment management, Munger conceded that it&#8217;s permissible for investors to hold a limited&nbsp;number of stock positions if&nbsp;their goal is to outperform the wider stock markets. He underscored the significance of investing in sectors where one possesses additional knowledge.
Why It Matters: Munger&#8217;s comments highlight the potential risks associated with inexperienced investors engaging in active stock trading. His comparison to heroin use underscores the addictive nature of trading and the potential for significant financial loss. 
His endorsement of large index funds for everyday investors suggests a preference for more conservative, long-term investment strategies. His criticism of active stock pickers also raises questions about the value of their services in relation to their fees. 
This could potentially influence how investors approach their investment strategies and who they choose to manage their investments.
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Charlie Munger Slams Teaching Stock Trading To Young People: 'It's Like Trying To Induce Young People To Start Off On Heroin'

The S&amp;P 500 descends into correction territory following President Trump&#8216;s tariff declarations.
What Happened: Stock prices plummeted in response to President Trump&#8217;s sweeping 10% tariffs&nbsp;on all U.S. trading partners&nbsp;announced the day before. 
This move has sparked concerns over a potential trade war and heightened inflation, both of which could steer the U.S. towards an economic slowdown. Consequently, the S&amp;P 500 has now dipped over 11% from its February peak, indicating its entry into correction territory.
Renowned investor Warren Buffett, in his 2017 <a href="https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/2017ltr.pdf">letter </a>to shareholders, recommended a 19th-century poem as a tool to maintain composure during stock market downturns.
"There is simply no telling how far stocks can fall in a short period." But should a major decline occur, he continued, "heed these lines" from&nbsp;Rudyard Kipling's classic <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46473/if---">poem </a>"If," Buffett wrote. 
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Buffett drew from Rudyard Kipling&#8217;s 1895 poem, "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs. If you can wait and not be tired by waiting. If you can think and not make thoughts your aim. If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you. Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it."
"No one can tell you when these will happen. The light can at any time go from green to red without pausing at yellow," Buffett wrote in 2017.
Why It Matters: Buffett perceives downturns as &#8220;extraordinary opportunities&#8221; and encourages investors to adhere to their long-term plans and continue investing, irrespective of whether a decline is temporary or extended. 
He underscores that downturns are frequently succeeded by the market resuming its upward trend, and advises investors to seize these opportunities.
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