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Creative Media

Creative Media & Community Trust Corp is formed to invest in, own, and operate Class A and creative office investments in improving urban communities throughout the United States. It operates through segments such as office, hotel and multifamily properties and lending. The Office segment includes rental of office space and other tenant services, including tenant reimbursements, parking, and storage space rental. The Hotel segment relates to operations of hotel properties whereas, the lending segment refers to income from the yield and other related fee income earned on its loans receivable. The lending segment includes income recognized from the sale of government guaranteed portion of loans receivable, income from the yield on its loans receivable and other related fee income earned.

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Conoce las acciones que lideran el premercado tras movimientos clave: Check-Cap sube un 52,2% gracias a nueva patente.

Las acciones de Check-Cap suben un 52%; 20 acciones que se están moviendo antes de la apertura del mercado

Creative Media & Community Trust Corp

Needham analyst Tom Nikic maintains Nike (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $66 to $78.

News

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Needham Maintains Buy on Nike, Raises Price Target to $78

Needham analyst John Todaro reiterates Core Scientific (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>) with a Buy and maintains $18 price target.

Reiteration

Core Scientific, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

CORZ

Needham Reiterates Buy on Core Scientific, Maintains $18 Price Target

<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/ac369fd5-308a-43a7-b86d-c41fde34156a" title="https://www.ft.com/content/ac369fd5-308a-43a7-b86d-c41fde34156a">https://www.ft.com/content/ac369fd5-308a-43a7-b86d-c41fde34156a</a>

Financial Times Reported Earlier, Unilever Pays $1.5B For Men's Grooming Brand Dr Squatch

Unilever PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UL#NYSE">UL</a>) is acquiring personal care brand Dr. Squatch for $1.5 billion. This is the company&#8217;s next big bet on male grooming products after the deal with Dollar Shave Club fell flat in 2023, resulting in its sale to Nexus Capital Management.
What Happened: The consumer goods giant announced on Monday its acquisition of Dr. Squatch from private equity firm Summit Partners, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/ac369fd5-308a-43a7-b86d-c41fde34156a">the</a> Financial Times reported. This move is part of Unilever&#8217;s strategy to shift its portfolio towards more upscale and higher-growth areas.
Dr. Squatch, a US-based brand, specializes in natural soap, deodorants, shampoos, and other toiletries marketed at men. The brand&#8217;s direct-to-consumer sales model, viral marketing campaigns, and celebrity endorsements have fueled its rapid growth.
Unilever&#8217;s personal care division head, Fabian Garcia, praised Dr. Squatch&#8217;s &#8220;clever digital engagement strategies&#8221; and expressed plans to expand the brand internationally.
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46125266/thank-you-elon-musks-longtime-aide-reportedly-fired-days-after-public-praise">&#8216;Thank You, Elon:&#8217; Musk&#8217;s Longtime Aide Reportedly Fired Days After Public Praise</a>
Unilever&#8217;s previous attempt to break into the US razor market with the acquisition of Dollar Shave Club in 2016 proved disappointing. The company sold the business eventually after struggling to integrate it into the group.
Under the leadership of CEO Fernando Fernandez, Unilever is now focusing on rebalancing its portfolio away from low-growth food brands towards higher-margin personal care and wellbeing products. Earlier this year, Unilever acquired Wild, a premium, refillable cosmetics brand, and is reportedly seeking a buyer for healthy snack brand Graze.
Why It Matters: The acquisition of Dr. Squatch after Unilever&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/16/07/8236693/unilevers-acquisition-of-dollar-shave-club-offers-unique-consumer-and-data-insigh">failed attempt</a> to crack the US razor market suggests the company&#8217;s decision to shift its focus to the fast-growing men&#8217;s personal care segment.&nbsp;
Unilever&#8217;s acquisition of Dr. Squatch is also a testament to the brand&#8217;s successful marketing strategies, including its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45800951/from-viral-ad-to-8-soap-how-sydney-sweeney-turned-fan-obsession-into-a-marketing-goldmine">viral marketing campaigns</a> and celebrity partnerships, which have contributed to its loyal customer base and rapid growth.
Price in Action: Unilever closed at a price of $60.68, experiencing 1% drop. In pre-market trading, the stock price is trading at $60.85, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-3/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="893" height="168" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27043624/Screenshot-2025-06-27-140038.png" alt="" class="wp-image-964550" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27043624/Screenshot-2025-06-27-140038.png 893w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27043624/Screenshot-2025-06-27-140038-300x56.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27043624/Screenshot-2025-06-27-140038-768x144.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 893px) 100vw, 893px" /></a></figure>
Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings indicates Unilever stock shows moderate Momentum at the 64th percentile. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-3/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Know</a> the stock value of other men&#8217;s grooming brands.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: OleksSH / Shutterstock.com

Equities

Unilever To Acquire Men's Grooming Brand Dr. Squatch For $1.5 Billion Following Dollar Shave Club Setback

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Patrick Trucchio reiterates Altimmune (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALT#NASDAQ">ALT</a>) with a Buy and maintains $12 price target.

HC Wainwright & Co. Reiterates Buy on Altimmune, Maintains $12 Price Target

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Mike Colonnese maintains HIVE Digital Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIVE#NASDAQ">HIVE</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $9 to $6.

HIVE

HC Wainwright & Co. Maintains Buy on HIVE Digital Technologies, Lowers Price Target to $6

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) has restructured its cybersecurity leadership by transferring Chief Information Security Officer Igor Tsyganskiy from the traditional security organization to the Cloud, artificial intelligence division, signaling the tech giant&#8217;s strategic pivot toward AI-powered cybersecurity solutions.
What Happened: Tsyganskiy now reports directly to Executive Vice President Scott Guthrie, who oversees Microsoft&#8217;s Cloud + AI group, managing critical operations including Azure cloud services and partnerships with OpenAI and other artificial intelligence companies, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-moves-ciso-out-of-security-group-closer-ai-2025-6">reported</a> Business Insider. Previously, the CISO reported to Charlie Bell, head of Microsoft&#8217;s Security group.
&#8220;As we continue to navigate increasingly complex global threats, the CISO team plays a critical role in safeguarding Microsoft, the Microsoft Cloud, and our customers,&#8221; Guthrie wrote in an internal memo obtained by Business Insider. &#8220;They are our first line of defense, and drive our services, products, platforms, and operations to be secure by design and secure by default.&#8221;
The organizational shift reflects Microsoft&#8217;s growing emphasis on AI-driven security capabilities as cyber threats evolve in complexity and scale. Company spokesman Frank Shaw stated the move positions Tsyganskiy&#8217;s team closer to the engineering systems they protect while strengthening integration with platform development.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/06/46132025/nikes-vomero-18-quietly-became-a-100-million-franchise-in-90-days-as-ceo-says-its-time-to-turn-the-page-investor-gary-black-cheers-10-after-hours-rally">Nike&#8217;s Vomero 18 Quietly Became A $100 Million Franchise In 90 Days As CEO Says It&#8217;s &#8216;Time To Turn The Page&#8217; — Investor Gary Black Cheers 10% After-Hours Rally</a>
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings show MSFT maintaining a strong price trend across short-, medium-, and long-term periods. Its momentum remains solid, though its value ranking lags behind. Full <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">metric details are available here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="886" height="640" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27051407/image-423.png" alt="" class="wp-image-964608" style="width:545px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27051407/image-423.png 886w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27051407/image-423-300x217.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27051407/image-423-768x555.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 886px) 100vw, 886px" /></a></figure>
Why It Matters: Recent security <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45905908/hackers-could-steal-data-from-microsoft-365-copilot-without-phishing-or-malware-says-ai-startup-echoleak-flaw-took-5-months-to-fix">incidents underscore the urgency</a> of Microsoft&#8217;s AI security focus. AI startup Aim Security discovered a critical flaw called &#8220;EchoLeak&#8221; in Microsoft 365 Copilot that could allow hackers to access sensitive data through simple email attacks without requiring phishing or malware. While Microsoft resolved the issue, it took five months to implement the fix.
CEO Satya Nadella has emphasized that &#8220;the speed, scale, and frequency of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44468737/satya-nadella-says-speed-scale-and-frequency-of-cyberattacks-outpacing-capabilities-of-human-defenders-as-mi">cyberattacks are outpacing the capabilities</a> of human defenders alone.&#8221; In March, Microsoft announced six new AI-powered security agents designed to autonomously handle phishing alerts, data loss incidents, and vulnerability monitoring.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Tada Images / Shutterstock.coma

Markets

MSFT

Microsoft Shifts Top Security Role to AI War Room, Says Future Cyber Battles Will Be Fought in the Cloud With Bots, Not Firewalls

Needham analyst Gil Blum maintains I-MAB (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IMAB#NASDAQ">IMAB</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $4 to $5.

IMAB

Needham Maintains Buy on I-MAB, Raises Price Target to $5

TV host Jim Cramer has once again thrown his weight behind Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), this time with a striking new valuation claim and a nod to the company's latest initiative tied to nuclear infrastructure.
What Happened: On Thursday, during the pre-market segment on CNBC&#8217;s Mad Money, Cramer made a bold bet on Palantir, calling it a &#8220;$200 stock masquerading as $144,&#8221; essentially predicting a 36% upside for the AI giant from its current levels.
Cramer pointed to Palantir's involvement in a so-called Nuclear Operating System (NOS), which he said aims to support on-time, on-budget nuclear construction projects. 
While the details around the system remain limited, Cramer suggested that the inclusion of the word &#8220;nuclear&#8221; alone may be enough to drive investor enthusiasm.
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&#8220;It's got &#8216;nuclear&#8217; in the name, that's all that matters today,&#8221; he said, pointing to the market's appetite for headline-driven momentum in the burgeoning AI and energy sectors.
The renowned television host also mentioned Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) CEO Satya Nadella&#8217;s recent remarks on Palantir. Nadella reportedly met with the company&#8217;s leadership and praised it as being &#8220;really important now.&#8221;
Cramer also alluded to mounting interest in Washington around AI and defense technology, referencing comments made by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). 
&#8220;I was listening to Senator Warr[e]n this morning,&#8221; he said, adding that while Warren didn't explicitly mention the company by name, Cramer emphasized the growing sense that firms like Palantir are becoming essential players in government tech procurement.
Why It Matters: Recently, at a Y Combinator event, Nadella <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46109638/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-praises-palantirs-fde-model-as-fantastic-insiders-say-its-not-consulting-it-builds-the-product-customers-need">praised Palantir&#8217;s Forward Deployed Engineer</a> solution as &#8220;fantastic,&#8221; highlighting its change management model in helping customers and partners truly grasp the value in transformative AI technologies.
The company&#8217;s shares hit a new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46098312/palantir-stock-hits-all-time-high-whats-going-on">all-time high this week</a>, after rallying 480% over the past 12 months, and 94.6% year-to-date. 
According to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, the stock can triple from here over the next two to three years, reaching a market capitalization of $1 trillion, crediting CEO Alex Karp for its prospects.
&#8220;[Alex] Karp, he&#8217;s playing chess, others are playing checkers. And I think you are starting to realize more and more in government, enterprise, and that&#8217;s why you cannot talk AI revolution without saying Palantir,&#8221; Ives said.
Price Action: Shares of Palantir were up 2.39% on Thursday, trading at $146.31, and are down 0.69% after hours.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="146" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27050650/Screenshot-2025-06-27-at-2.36.30-PM-1024x146.png" alt="" class="wp-image-964603" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27050650/Screenshot-2025-06-27-at-2.36.30-PM-1024x146.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27050650/Screenshot-2025-06-27-at-2.36.30-PM-300x43.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27050650/Screenshot-2025-06-27-at-2.36.30-PM-768x110.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27050650/Screenshot-2025-06-27-at-2.36.30-PM.png 1528w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
According to Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings, Palantir&#8217;s performance is truly off-the-charts, ranking 97th and 98th percentile on Growth and Momentum, respectively, with a favorable price trend in the short, medium and long terms. Click <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">here</a> for deeper insights into the stock.
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Cramer&#039;s Mad Dash: Palantir" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qV_siKLMg7A?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Photo courtesy: slyellow / Shutterstock.com

Large Cap

PLTR

Palantir Is A '$200 Stock Masquerading As $144,' Says Jim Cramer: Highlights New Nuclear Operating System, Microsoft Endorsement

The adjustment reflects the temporary impact of the Company's sales system upgrade to support its long-term growth. The Company is confident in completing its organizational upgrade before the launch of Li i8, enabling it to effectively embrace the new product cycle with strengthened organizational capabilities.

Li Auto Updates Second Quarter 2025 Delivery Outlook To Approximately 108,000 Vehicles, Down From Previous 123,000–128,000 Estimate, Citing Organizational And Sales System Upgrades

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44685818/nvidia-and-google-bet-big-on-quantum-ai-with-150m-investment-in-sandboxaq-raising-series-e-round-to-450-million">SandboxAQ</a>, an artificial intelligence startup backed by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45961532/nvidia-and-samsung-back-4-5b-robotics-startup-skild-ai-with-35m-as-softbank-and-jeff-bezos-drive-push-into-consumer-robots">Nvidia</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and born from Alphabet's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>, GOOGL)) Google, has released a dataset containing 5.2 million synthetic molecules aimed at transforming how scientists predict drug-protein binding,<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/nvidia-backed-ai-startup-sandboxaq-creates-new-data-speed-up-drug-discovery-2025-06-18/"> Reuters</a> reports.
Rather than generating the data through lab experiments, SandboxAQ used Nvidia chips and scientific computing methods to create synthetic 3D molecules, using physics-based equations grounded in real-world data. According to Reuters, the goal is to significantly reduce the time associated with discovering new drugs.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SandboxAQ is Building a New Model for Molecular Simulations</h2>
SandboxAQ is helping scientists tackle a critical challenge in drug development: predicting whether a small-molecule drug will bind to a protein target. While this process traditionally involved complex and time-consuming methods, SandboxAQ&#8217;s AI models, trained on synthetic data, can generate predictions in a fraction of the time required by manual calculation, Reuters says.
The 5.2 million structures were generated by simulating how atoms combine to form molecules, using verified equations and a foundation of experimental data. According to Reuters, these structures are computationally created but tagged to real-world results, offering a bridge between traditional drug development and machine-learning approaches.
Scientists can use SandboxAQ's data-driven tools to predict whether a drug molecule designed to disrupt a disease-related process will bind to its intended protein target, Reuters reports.
The approach blends established scientific computing with recent advancements in artificial intelligence, forming a hybrid method that enables faster and more precise molecular modeling. While researchers have long used equations to understand how atoms form molecules, Reuters says that SandboxAQ's integration of AI adds scalability to what was once a tedious process.
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According to Nadia Harhen, SandboxAQ's general manager of AI simulation, this method allows researchers to use synthetic data in new ways. Harhen emphasized the industry-wide challenge this data intends to solve.
&#8220;This is a long-standing problem in biology that we&#8217;ve all, as an industry, been trying to solve for,&#8221; Harhen told Reuters. &#8220;All of these computationally generated structures are tagged to a ground-truth experimental data, and so when you pick this data set and you train models, you can actually use the synthetic data in a way that&#8217;s never been done before.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SandboxAQ is Opening Access and Closing the Gap</h2>
SandboxAQ says its models retain accuracy while allowing researchers to train AI models that can predict whether a drug molecule is likely to bind to a specific protein target, Reuters reported. SandboxAQ will sell its own proprietary AI models built from the dataset, which it hopes will deliver results that rival traditional lab experiments but are done virtually instead. Drug development is notoriously expensive.
According to a report by<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7054832/"> Jama Network</a>, bringing a new drug to market can cost more than $2.8 billion on average. With faster, AI-powered tools, SandboxAQ could become a key player in reducing those costs across the industry. Reuters reports that the company has already secured close to $1 billion in funding and is signaling its intent to lead in AI-driven biotechnology innovation.
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Image: Shutterstock

GOOG

NVDA

A Problem The Industry's 'Been Trying To Solve': Nvidia-Powered SandboxAQ Unveils AI Data Breakthrough With 5.2 Million Drug Simulations

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/45029646/banned-by-columbia-backed-by-millions-21-year-olds-ai-startup-cluely-lets-you-cheat-on-exams-interviews-and-sales-calls">Cluely</a>, the controversial AI startup originally built to help users &#8220;cheat on everything," has raised $15 million in a new funding round led by venture capital powerhouse <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45336180/former-openai-cto-mira-muratis-2b-ai-startup-thinking-machines-lab-sets-50m-investment-minimum-backed-by-andreessen-horowitz-and-sequoia-capital">Andreessen Horowitz</a>, co-founder Chungin &#8220;Roy&#8221; Lee<a href="https://x.com/im_roy_lee/status/1936138361011585190"> announced</a> on X on June 20.
The San Francisco-based company was co-founded by 21-year-old Lee, who rose to notoriety earlier this year after being suspended from Columbia University for launching an early version of the software,<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/20/cluely-a-startup-that-helps-cheat-on-everything-raises-15m-from-a16z/"> TechCrunch</a> says. Cluely's other co-founder, Neel Shanmugam, also 21 and a former Columbia student, serves as the company's chief operating officer. Like Lee, Shanmugam faced disciplinary action at Columbia related to the AI tool. According to<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/21/columbia-student-suspended-over-interview-cheating-tool-raises-5-3m-to-cheat-on-everything/"> TechCrunch</a>, both founders have since dropped out.
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Originally called "Interview Coder," the tool helped software engineers cheat on technical job interviews by providing real-time, AI-generated answers while the interview was in progress, TechCrunch says.
Although Cluely has since scrubbed explicit references to cheating from its website,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cluely-viral-ai-cheating-startup-15-million-a16z-2025-6"> Business Insider</a> reports that the platform still promotes itself as an "undetectable" AI assistant capable of viewing the user's screen and feeding answers in real-time during high-stakes conversations like interviews, exams, and sales calls.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How a Columbia Suspension Became a Springboard for Virality</h2>
According to TechCrunch, Lee's suspension from Columbia accelerated his momentum. His viral online presence, often driven by controversial videos and stunts, has helped Cluely break through the noise in a crowded AI market.
In April, Cluely released a video in which Lee used the software to impress a woman on a date by pretending to know about art, wealth, and wine. The comedic tone turned heads across social media, but not everyone was amused, TechCrunch says.
Earlier this week, the startup attempted to throw a massive after-party following Y Combinator's AI Startup School. According to TechCrunch, police intervened after 2,000 people flooded the venue and stopped the party.
Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bezos-landlord-100-dollars"> become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;Whatever It Takes&#8217;: The Growth Plan Backed by Silicon Valley's Elite</h2>
Lee told Business Insider the company's top priority is achieving 1 billion total views across all social platforms. "We'll do pretty much whatever it takes to do that," he said.
That ambition is reflected in the company's new hiring strategy. Cluely<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323544823095840768/"> announced</a> on LinkedIn that it will bring on 50 "growth interns" who will each be required to post four TikToks per day promoting the brand.
Andreessen Horowitz partner Bryan Kim told Business Insider that Lee is a "founder with the boldness to rethink what&#8217;s possible," which highlights Andreessen Horowitz's support for Lee's unconventional vision. &#8220;We backed Roy early because he brings a rare mix of vision and fearlessness,&#8221; Kim said.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cluely's Future Includes Profitability, Pushback, and Potential</h2>
Cluely's $15 million Series A round follows a previous $5.3 million seed investment co-led by Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures. Two unnamed investors told TechCrunch they believe the startup's current post-money valuation is approximately $120 million, although neither the company nor Andreessen Horowitz confirmed that figure.
According to multiple posts from Lee on X and podcast appearances, Cluely is already profitable, TechCrunch says. Lee's provocative social media presence, including highly produced and often controversial videos, has played a key role in building brand awareness and driving public attention to Cluely.
While Cluely's rapid rise has drawn praise for its bold marketing and attention-grabbing tactics, some reactions have been more critical. One of the company&#8217;s launch videos was compared by viewers to the dystopian themes of "Black Mirror," showcasing a broader tension between innovation and ethical boundaries in emerging AI tools, TechCrunch reports.&nbsp;
See Next:
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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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Image: Shutterstock

'Cheat On Everything': Viral AI Startup Cluely Lands $15M From Andreessen Horowitz After Its CEO Was Suspended From Columbia

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers believes markets are far less reactive to geopolitical conflict than many expect, citing the recent example of flaring tensions in Iran.
What Happened: On Thursday, Summers posted on X, discussing his recent Bloomberg interview where he addressed the market&#8217;s response to the flare-up in the Middle East.
Despite the gravity of the situation, including Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure and fears of broader escalation, financial markets have remained largely resilient. Summers says this is because, &#8220;geopolitics are much less significant for markets than geopolitical people think they should be.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46094069/iran-breaks-silence-says-nuclear-facilities-badly-damaged-by-us-strikes">Iran Breaks Silence, Says Nuclear Facilities &#8216;Badly Damaged&#8217; By US Strikes</a>
His comments come amid equity markets remaining remarkably stable amid the nearly two-week-long crisis involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Crude oil prices, however, did experience some volatility, rallying 21% from the beginning of this month to a high of $76.16 per barrel last week, before mellowing down to $68. 
Summers explains this by saying that the &#8220;markets have a life of their own, driven by longer term assessments,&#8221; adding that they are less responsive to even &#8220;very dramatic short term events.&#8221;
He concludes by saying that &#8220;events are ultimately less important than trends,&#8221; underscoring his belief that investors&#8217; behavior is guided more by long-term fundamentals than by momentary panic.
<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DavidWestin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DavidWestin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BloombergTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BloombergTV</a> asked me about the market reaction to the conflict in Iran: Geopolitics are much less significant for markets than geopolitical people think that they should be. Markets have a life of their own, driven by longer term assessments and markets are less…
&mdash; Lawrence H. Summers (@LHSummers) <a href="https://twitter.com/LHSummers/status/1938250955788566829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: Last week, hours after President Donald Trump called for an &#8220;unconditional surrender&#8221; by Iran, markets <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/06/45988507/trump-demands-irans-uncoditional-surrender-stock-futures-remain-steady-defense-shares-trade-higher-in-after-hours-trading">remained unfazed</a> by the threat, with U.S. stock futures continuing to trade flat.
Several other leading market experts have echoed similar views, with Steve Eisman saying that the crisis could be &#8220;extremely positive for the markets,&#8221; helping <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46014941/the-big-short-investor-steve-eisman-says-iran-crisis-could-be-extremely-positive-for-markets-calls-regime-a-death-cult-close-to-nuclear-weapons">bring stability and growth</a> to the Middle East.
Senior analyst, Dan Ives, believes the crisis is already in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46045276/dan-ives-says-iran-threat-is-in-rear-view-mirror-calls-it-positive-for-the-middle-east-and-the-tech-sector">&#8220;rear-view mirror&#8221;</a> of the markets, and calls it broadly &#8220;a positive&#8221; for the Middle East and the tech sector.
Read More:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46133523/trump-and-israels-netanyahu-working-on-plan-to-end-gaza-war-expand-abraham-accords-report">Trump And Israel&#8217;s Netanyahu Working On Plan To End Gaza War, Expand Abraham Accords: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Economics

Larry Summers Says Markets 'Have a Life of Their Own' As Iran Conflict Fails to Shake Investors: Events Are 'Less Important Than Trends'

India will deny a UN Aviation investigator to join the probe into the Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45899174/boeing-dreamliner-carrying-over-200-passengers-crashes-shortly-after-takeoff-near-indias-ahmedabad-ba-stock-falls-over-5-in-thursday-pre-market">787 Dreamliner crash</a> in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
What Happened: Citing two anonymous sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reported on Friday that the ICAO, or International Civil Aviation Organization, a specialized agency of the UN, asked India to give its investigator, who was in the country, observer status. However, the country denied the request.
The United Nations took an "unusual step" to provide India with an aviation expert to join the probe, which has been criticized for delays related to crucial Black Box data, the report suggests.
Why It Matters: The news comes as Boeing has been under scrutiny on social media as users shared <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45991614/if-its-boeing-im-not-going-why-some-people-are-turning-their-backs-on-the-american-plane-maker-in-favor-of-rival-airbus">their discontentment online</a> in the aftermath of the Air India Flight 171 crash.
The aircraft manufacturer also faces heat from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, or NTSB, over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/travel/25/06/46070802/this-shouldve-been-caught-years-ago-boeing-faces-ntsb-heat-over-737-max-9-alaska-airlines-mid-air-blowout-incident">the Boeing 737-MAX</a> Alaska Airlines mid-flight blowout.
In a separate investigation, Boeing also faces heat over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46011482/safety-concerns-mount-for-boeing-airbus-as-ntsb-investigates-smoke-risk-linked-to-engines">CFM-sourced engines</a> that could pose a fire risk as the engines could fill the aircraft's cabin as well as the cockpit with smoke.
Elsewhere, the authorities in India are also considering <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45919464/boeing-faces-fresh-turmoil-as-india-mulls-787-8-grounding-after-fatal-crash-ceo-kelly-cancels-paris-trip-report">grounding the 787-Dreamliner</a> fleet following the fatal crash on June 12 that caused the deaths of 241 people out of the 242 on board the aircraft.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility"> following this link.</a>
Read Next:
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</ul>
Photo courtesy: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

Politics

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Crash: India Shuts Door On UN Aviation Expert Probing Plane Accident

<h3>Companies Reporting Before The Bell</h3>
• Apogee Enterprises (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APOG#NASDAQ">APOG</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $0.45 per share on revenue of $326.08 million. 
<h3>Companies Reporting After The Bell</h3>
• Cineverse (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNVS#NASDAQ">CNVS</a>) is estimated to report earnings for its fourth quarter. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Earnings

APOG

CNVS

Earnings Scheduled For June 27, 2025

Democratic lawmakers, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), are scrutinizing the lobbying efforts of two energy companies aimed at securing a $1.1 billion tax loophole in the reconciliation mega-bill.
What Happened: On Thursday, Warren, along with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Ron Wyden, and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), sent letters to ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>) and Ovintiv seeking clarification on their role in the proposed tax change, reported The Guardian. The letter, addressed to ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan Lance and Ovintiv CEO Brendan McCracken, questions the amount spent on lobbying and potential tax reductions if the provision is finalized.
Warren criticized the proposal, stating, &#8220;It's&nbsp;an insult to working people&nbsp;to give oil companies a&nbsp;massive tax handout while slashing&nbsp;healthcare and raising energy prices&nbsp;for millions of families.&#8221;&nbsp;
Senate Republicans have proposed an exemption to President Biden's 2022 corporate tax law that would allow fossil fuel companies to deduct drilling costs, potentially eliminating their tax liability. The move, backed by major industry players like ConocoPhillips and Ovintiv, targets the 15% minimum tax on billion-dollar corporations under the Inflation Reduction Act.
The proposed tax break is viewed as especially troubling, given that other measures in the draft reconciliation bill could result in higher utility bills and job losses.
Meanwhile, Schumer said, "Republicans would rather kill over 800,000 good-paying jobs and send energy costs skyrocketing than stand up to their big oil billionaire buddies.&#8221;
SEE ALSO: <a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/46131453/bitcoin-ethereum-rangebound-dogecoin-dips-amid-potential-july-tariff-deadline-extension-analyst-predicts-btcs-next-big-move-once-it-breaks-out-of-this-range" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin, Ethereum Rangebound, Dogecoin Dips Amid Potential July Tariff Deadline Extension: Analyst Predicts BTC&#8217;s &#8216;Next Big Move&#8217; Once It Breaks Out Of This Range </a>
Why It Matters: The senators&#8217; letters come amid a larger debate on the proposed tax breaks and their potential impact. Earlier this week, Warren criticized a provision in President Trump&#8217;s &#8220;Big Beautiful Bill&#8221; that offers&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46087132/elizabeth-warren-says-the-tax-break-for-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-is-so-bountiful-under-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-that-35-copay-from-each-american-wont-still">massive tax break</a>, saying the benefits far outweigh what ordinary Americans could ever contribute.
Furthermore, Senate Minority Leader&nbsp;Chuck Schumer&nbsp;has been vocal in his opposition to the GOP&#8217;s budget reconciliation bill, dubbed the &#8220;One Big, Beautiful Bill,&#8221; for its extensive cutbacks on welfare, alongside tax breaks for the wealthy. Schumer has called the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46132709/chuck-schumer-slams-gops-big-beautiful-bill-as-flawed-it-guts-healthcare-kills-jobs-to-fund-tax-breaks-for-billionaires">&#8220;flawed&#8221; and &#8220;irredeemable&#8221;</a>, stating that it will kick millions off healthcare and kill good-paying energy jobs while taking food away from children.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has been pushing the Senate to pass his &#8216;Big, Beautiful Bill&#8217; bill before the July 4 deadline.
On a year to date basis, shares of ConocoPhillips tumbled 9.18%, as per <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>. 
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<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46107536/elizabeth-warren-blames-trumps-dumb-trade-war-for-feds-grim-outlook-the-president-is-standing-in-the-way-of-lower-rates-and-lower-costs">Elizabeth Warren Blames Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Dumb Trade War&#8217; For Fed&#8217;s Grim Outlook: The President Is &#8216;Standing In The Way Of Lower Rates And Lower Costs&#8217; </a></li>
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Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer Grill ConocoPhillips, Big Oil For Massive Tax Break In Trump Budget Law: 'It's An Insult To Working People'

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSM#NYSE">MSM</a>) will release earnings results for the third quarter, before the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/msm/earnings">opening bell on Tuesday, July 1.</a>
Analysts expect the Melville, New York-based company to report quarterly earnings at $1.03 per share, down from $1.33 per share in the year-ago period. MSC Industrial Direct projects to report quarterly revenue of $969.19 million, compared to $979.35 million a year earlier, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
On April 3, the company said second-quarter net sales declined 4.7% year-over-year to $891.7 million, missing the consensus of $899.54 million.
MSC Industrial Direct shares gained 3.5% to close at $84.77 on Thursday.
Benzinga readers can access the latest analyst ratings on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Readers can sort by stock ticker, company name, analyst firm, rating change or other variables.
Let's have a look at how Benzinga's most-accurate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GBX/analyst-ratings">analysts have rated the company</a> in the recent period.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Loop Capital analyst Chris Dankert maintained a Hold rating and cut the price target from $83 to $74 on April 4, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 70%.</li>
<li>Baird analyst David Manthey maintained a Neutral rating and lowered the price target from $90 to $84 on April 4, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 77%.</li>
<li>Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Tommy Moll downgraded the stock from Overweight to Equal-Weight with a price target of $85 on Dec. 4, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 75%.</li>
<li>Keybanc analyst Ken Newman downgraded the stock from Overweight to Sector Weight on June 17, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 76%.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying MSM stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSM/analyst-ratings"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="603" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/26132012/image-416-1024x603.png" alt="" class="wp-image-963723" style="width:613px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/26132012/image-416-1024x603.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/26132012/image-416-300x177.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/26132012/image-416-768x453.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/26132012/image-416.png 1125w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
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Photo via Shutterstock

Top Wall Street Forecasters Revamp MSC Industrial Direct Expectations Ahead Of Q3 Earnings

Shares of&nbsp;Bakkt Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKKT#NYSE">BKKT</a>)&nbsp;rose in Thursday&#8217;s trading after the cryptocurrency custody company announced plans to raise as much as $1 billion, with proceeds potentially getting allocated to buy Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>).
What Happened: The possible shelf offering might include sales of Bakkt&#8217;s&nbsp;Class A common stock, preferred&nbsp;stock, warrants, and debt securities, according to an SEC filing. The funds are expected to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, with a portion potentially allocated to Bitcoin.
Bakkt announced an updated investment policy earlier this month to&nbsp;use the excess capital at its disposal to buy Bitcoin and&nbsp;other digital assets. However, the&nbsp;firm has not yet made&nbsp;any crypto purchases as yet, according to&nbsp;the SEC filing.
As of this writing, the BKKT stock lags in terms of Momentum and Value. Visit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings</a> to discover the top five cryptocurrency stocks based on these criteria.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="563" height="413" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27035110/image-422.png" alt="" class="wp-image-964463" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27035110/image-422.png 563w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27035110/image-422-300x220.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px" /></figure>
Bakkt, which went public in October 2021 via a SPAC merger, was<a href="https://editorial.benzinga.com/wp-admin/admin.php?id=3974&amp;page=benzinga-neuro-displayarticle"> reportedly being considered for acquisition</a> by Trump Media &amp; Technology Group. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>), which is owned by President Donald Trump, last November. The company&#8217;s shares witnessed a significant surge back then.
Price Action:&nbsp; Shares of Bakkt closed 3.09% higher at $13.33 during Thursday&#8217;s regular trading session, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>. Year-to-date, the stock has plunged 46% in value.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>
Photo: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Bakkt Holdings, Inc. Class A Common Stock

BKKT

This Under-The-Radar Crypto Stock Lifted 3% On $1 Billion Fundraising That Could Go Into Buying Bitcoin

Mohamed El-Erian, a prominent economist and former CEO of PIMCO, has voiced significant concerns regarding the Federal Reserve, asserting that it is &#8220;getting harder to convince people that the Fed is apolitical.&#8221;
What Happened: In a recent <a href="https://substack.com/inbox/post/166923226">Substack</a> post, El-Erian identifies three distinct political narratives that he believes threaten the central bank&#8217;s &#8220;institutional integrity and operational credibility.&#8221; 
The first narrative, according to El-Erian, involves speculation about President Donald Trump potentially appointing a &#8220;de facto shadow chair&#8221; to undermine the authority of current Fed Chair Jerome Powell. This suggests a direct challenge to the established leadership structure within the institution.
Secondly, El-Erian points to recent comments from two Republican-leaning Fed Governors who are reportedly &#8220;pushing for the July FOMC meeting to be &#8216;live,&#8217; implying a possible rate cut.&#8221; This public pressure from within the Fed itself could be perceived as politically motivated, impacting the perception of independent decision-making.
The third narrative posits that Chair Powell might be attempting to &#8220;obfuscate significant policy mistakes during his tenure,&#8221; meaning he was trying to hide, obscure, or make less clear the errors or misjudgments that he may have made.
El-Erian cites examples such as the &#8220;2021 surge in the inflation rate (which remains above target four years later) and the major 2023 bank supervision lapses.&#8221;
According to this view, Powell&#8217;s efforts to &#8220;cement his legacy as a defender of Fed independence&#8221; might ironically lead to policies that are &#8220;too tight for too long.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Three distinct political narratives are now circulating, each risking further erosion of the Federal Reserve&#39;s institutional integrity and operational credibility. The first involves the possible appointment by President Trump of a de facto &quot;shadow chair&quot; to undermine the…
&mdash; Mohamed A. El-Erian (@elerianm) <a href="https://twitter.com/elerianm/status/1938312470646436057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46112471/ross-gerber-touts-an-idea-to-cut-deficit-by-trillions-of-dollars-let-the-tax-cuts-e">Ross Gerber Touts An Idea To Cut Deficit By Trillions Of Dollars: ‘Let The Tax Cuts Expire And Full SALT Come Back'</a>
Why It Matters: El-Erian warns that &#8220;the longer these narratives persist, the greater the threats to an institution&#8221; that is not only grappling with complex policy choices but also in the process of revising its &#8220;monetary policy framework,&#8221; which &#8220;proved problematic shortly after its release in August 2020.&#8221;
His analysis underscores a growing challenge to the Fed&#8217;s crucial role in maintaining economic stability amidst increasing political scrutiny.
During his testimony to Congress, Federal Reserve Chair Powell signaled slower growth and hotter inflation after the central bank left interest rates unchanged.
President Trump, who has been pushing the Fed to cut rates, said that he could announce Powell&#8217;s successor by September, whose term ends later in May 2026, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/trump-next-federal-reserve-chair-powell-d3edcb9c?mod=hp_lead_pos1">reported</a> the Wall Street Journal. 
Price Action: The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, ended higher on Thursday. The SPY was up 0.78% at $611.87, while the QQQ advanced 0.94% to $546.22, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
On Friday, the futures of the S&amp;P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq 100 indices were trading higher.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46108861/microsoft-is-playing-chess-and-others-are-playing-checkers-dan-ives-says-msft-could-be-a-5-trillion-company-in-18-months">Microsoft Is ‘Playing Chess, And Others Are Playing Checkers:' Dan Ives Says MSFT Could Be A $5 Trillion Company In 18 Months</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Domenico Fornas / Shutterstock.com

Federal Reserve

Mohamed El-Erian Flags Political Narratives Affecting Federal Reserve's 'Institutional Integrity And Operational Credibility'

Elon Musk says humanity can dodge a "population collapse" only if today's parents aim higher than two kids.
What Happened: The billionaire told his 221 million followers on X that "people who have kids do need to have 3 kids to make up for those who have 0 or 1," or birth-rate math will "collapse" society.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">People who have kids do need to have 3 kids to make up for those who have 0 or 1 kid or population will collapse <a href="https://t.co/Gx1N4sW59E">https://t.co/Gx1N4sW59E</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1938254253027717270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Musk fired off the post after entrepreneur Mario Nawfal shared Fortune data showing scientists now peg the replacement rate at 2.7 children per woman, up from the long-accepted 2.1. By contrast, the United States sits at 1.66, and rich nations such as Italy (1.29) and Japan (1.30) are even lower.
The Tesla CEO has pounded this drum for years, warning that shrinking families <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40744772/elon-musk-sounds-the-alarm-after-eu-birth-rates-hit-record-low-population-collapse-is-a-certainty">threaten economic growth</a>, innovation and even survival. Last fall, he told followers that Europe's plunging fertility made a "population collapse … a certainty." In March, he even confessed to declining birth rates as the one thought that "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44550912/elon-musk-reveals-the-one-thought-that-keeps-him-awake-at-night">keeps him awake at night</a>."
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/46132209/mark-cuban-calls-out-low-wage-employers-says-taxpayers-are-subsidizing-their-profits-pushes-name-and-shame-strategy-to-cut-medicaid-costs">Mark Cuban Calls Out Low-Wage Employers, Says Taxpayers Are &#8216;Subsidizing&#8217; Their Profits: Pushes &#8216;Name And Shame&#8217; Strategy To Cut Medicaid Costs</a>
Why It Matters: Demographers say the concern is real. CDC figures show America's fertility rate hit another record low in 2024. Globally, average fertility has fallen from about 5.3 births per woman in 1963 to under 2.5 today, according to Our World in Data. Italy's national statistics office <a href="https://www.istat.it/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DEMOGRAPHIC-INDICATORS_YEAR-2024.pdf">reports</a> parts of Sardinia are already below one child per woman. Japan's 2024 handbook <a href="https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/pdf/2024all.pdf">puts</a> its rate near 1.3, despite decades of pronatalist subsidies.
Economists at the International Monetary Fund <a href="https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2025/06/the-debate-over-falling-fertility-david-bloom">warn</a> that fewer babies can mean labor shortages, higher pension costs and slower growth unless countries boost productivity or immigration.
Musk, a father of 14, backs incentives for bigger families in aging nations such as Japan, South Korea and much of Europe. "The birth rate is very low in almost every country. And unless that changes, civilization will disappear," he said in March.
Photo Courtesy: Frederic Legrand &#8211; COMEO On Shutterstock.com
Read next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46131850/none-of-that-matters-kevin-oleary-says-you-might-have-to-sacrifice-your-marriage-your-dog-and-even-your-moms-love-to-succeed">&#8216;None Of That Matters&#8217; — Kevin O&#8217;Leary Says You Might Have To Sacrifice Your Marriage, Your Dog, And Even Your Mom&#8217;s Love To Succeed</a>

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