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GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD

GrafTech International

GrafTech International Ltd is a manufacturer of high-quality graphite electrode products essential to the production of EAF steel and other ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The company has only reportable segment, Industrial Materials, is comprised of its two product categories: graphite electrodes and petroleum needle coke products. Petroleum needle coke is key raw material used in the production of graphite electrodes.

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These ten large-cap stocks were the worst performers last week. Are they a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" rel="noreferrer noopener">part of your portfolio</a>?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) stock lost over 21.84% last week following the recent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/46352461">announcement that it will acquire</a> Core Scientific, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>).</li>
<li>Fair Isaac Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FICO#NYSE">FICO</a>) stock decreased 18.11% after Wells Fargo reiterated an Overweight rating, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FICO/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lowering the price forecast from $2600 to $2300.</a></li>
<li>Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBLY#NASDAQ">MBLY</a>) stock fell 13.81% after the company announced a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46343655/mobileye-global-stock-is-sliding-thursday-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">secondary offering of 50 million shares</a>. Mobileye said earlier this week that it expects second-quarter revenue to be in the range of $502 million to $506 million versus estimates of $463.26 million.</li>
<li>Atlassian Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEAM#NASDAQ">TEAM</a>) stock fell 11.81% this week after CEO and Co-Founder Michael Cannon-Brookes sold shares <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in multiple transactions.</a></li>
<li>First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>) stock slipped 9.26% this week after UbiQD signed an exclusive multi-year deal to supply <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/n46317606/ubiqd-and-first-solar-establish-long-term-quantum-dot-supply-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fluorescent QD technology.</a></li>
<li>Nebius Group N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NBIS#NASDAQ">NBIS</a>) stock fell 9.68% this week.</li>
<li>Datadog, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>) stock dropped 11.48% after Guggenheim downgraded the stock to Sell, citing optimization risks tied to OpenAI, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DDOG/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with a $105 price forecast.</a></li>
<li>Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADSK#NASDAQ">ADSK</a>) stock fell 11.63% following a report that the company is considering a takeover of a competing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46333062/autodesk-stock-is-moving-lower-whats-happening" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engineering-software provider</a>, PTC Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTC#NASDAQ">PTC</a>).</li>
<li>Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGLD#NASDAQ">RGLD</a>) stock decreased 3.61% this week after the firm reported updates for its second quarter 2025 stream segment sales and details for its release of the quarter. The company also unveiled  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/n46270672/royal-gold-to-acquire-sandstorm-gold-royalties-and-horizon-copper-forming-large-scale-industry-lea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two simultaneous acquisitions</a>, a $3.5 billion all-share merger with Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAND#NYSE">SAND</a>) and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/25/07/46275779/royal-gold-acquires-sandstorm-and-horizon-in-bold-expansion-move">a $196 million cash deal</a> for Horizon Copper Corp<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/25/07/46275779/royal-gold-acquires-sandstorm-and-horizon-in-bold-expansion-move" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">.</a></li>
<li>ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>) stock fell 10.01% this week. Guggenheim reiterated a Sell rating on the stock, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NOW/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with a $724 price forecast.</a></li>
</ol>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46382047/trump-targets-mexico-eu-with-30-tariffs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Targets Mexico, EU With 30% Tariffs</a></li>
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CoreWeave, Mobileye And First Solar Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (July 7-July 11): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

While many billionaires start their morning routine with coffee and watching the news or reading the news online, Bill Gates revealed in 2022 that part of his daily routine included <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/01/25224359/what-is-wordle-how-to-play-the-hottest-new-free-puzzle-game-everyone-is-talking-about">playing word game Wordle.</a>
Here's a look back at Gates's addiction to World and other guessing games and how it could help you if you're still playing.
What Happened:&nbsp;The&nbsp;Microsoft Corporation&nbsp;co-founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gatesnotes.com/About-Bill-Gates/Wordle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared&nbsp;</a>in August 2022 that he "can't stop playing Wordle" in a blog post.
"I've started every day since February or March doing the same thing. Not long after I wake up, I grab my phone or laptop and solve Wordle, the puzzle where you get six chances to guess a five-letter English word," Gates said.
Gates also plays&nbsp;Quordle, a four-word puzzle game, and&nbsp;Octordle, an eight-word puzzle game, which are both similar to the play style of Wordle.
Along with playing the games, Gates admitted&nbsp;he's competitive and checked&nbsp;daily to see how he stacked up with friends and family at the number of turns or guesses it took to solve each puzzle game.
Gates said unlike some other "time stinks," puzzle games such as&nbsp;Wordle are a great way to connect with people.
Wordle was<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/01/25224359/what-is-wordle-how-to-play-the-hottest-new-free-puzzle-game-everyone-is-talking-about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;launched in 2021</a>&nbsp;by Josh Wardle and went viral in late 2021 with strong mentions and shares on social media with many celebrities playing the game and sharing it with their followers. The puzzle game company was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/22/01/25327396/addictive-word-game-wordle-bought-over-by-nyt-for-low-seven-figures-what-you-need-to-know" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sold&nbsp;</a>to the&nbsp;New York Times Co&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NYT#NYSE">NYT</a>)&nbsp;in January 2022 in a low seven-figure deal, according to reports.
Gates said he might have an advantage with Wordle from reading a lot of English literature.
"Every once in a while, there'll be a word where you're like I've never used that word," he said.
Gates said he knew the word Smite because he read the Bible and&nbsp;Duchy because of reading English literature.
Gates also said there's a website that offers Wordle in 64 languages including some made up from Star Trek and Lord of the Rings.
"I consider myself a nerd, but anyone who can solve a Wordle in Klingon or Elvish is on a whole other level," he said.
Gates noted&nbsp;he usually solved&nbsp;the Wordle within four guesses or sometimes five. For Octordle, Gates once solved the eight words in 10 guesses on practice mode but admits he's never done that well in the normal puzzles.
Along with word puzzle games, Gates also plays&nbsp;Nerdle, an equation guessing game that uses digits 1 through 9 and operators (+, -, x and /). Like Worlde, you get six guesses and tiles show if they are correct,&nbsp;or correct but in a different location.
"As a math-oriented person, I'm probably better at Nerdle than the word-related versions, though I don't have as many friends and family members who like to do it."
Gates said he usually gets Nerdle in three or four guesses.
"It's a lot of fun."
"I like to start with a word that contains lots of vowels, like Audio or Ounce. Adieu&nbsp;is a good one too," Gates said.
Gates added it&#8217;s important to learn patterns and know which consonants can pair well next to each other.
"I like to look for C and H, for example, or S and L. Then the consonants that are almost never paired with others —&nbsp;like Q, V, X, and Z —&nbsp;really jump out."
"There's a lot of strategy in it. You always want to be gaining as much new information."
While some words can start with vowels, Gates liked&nbsp;to use vowels in the second and fourth positions when he has two vowels.
Words that have no vowels can be tricky, like Tryst, a word that Gates said he only got until he realized it had to have a Y.
One of the cardinal rules of Wordle according to Gates is&nbsp;that "letters can be used more than once." Gates lost on the word Tasty after having the final four letters correct but guessed Pasty&nbsp;instead of Tasty on his final guess.
The hardest part of the game is when you have four of the five letters but there are multiple potential answers, Gates added. Gates cited &#8220;ight&#8221; as an example with potential answers being Light,&nbsp;Tight, Fight, Sight&nbsp;and Right. Gates said&nbsp;a bit of luck is needed to get the guess right before running out of turns.
Gates liked&nbsp;the practice modes that allow multiple puzzles and the chance to waste time.
"I'm the kind of person who will play an addictive game over and over if I give myself the chance," he noted.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/education/25/07/46262205/bill-gates-says-this-very-bad-habit-nearly-derailed-his-career">Bill Gates Says This &#8216;Very Bad Habit&#8217; Nearly Derailed His Career</a></li>
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This article was previously published by Benzinga and has been updated.
Photo: Shutterstock

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Bill Gates's Go-To Wordle Starter: The 4-Vowel Secret You Need

In the face of President Donald Trump&#8216;s tariff threats, investors have propelled stocks to new heights this past week. However, the forthcoming earnings season could bring the trade war back into the spotlight.
What Happened: Robust corporate profits have enabled the S&amp;P 500 to bounce back from the turbulence of April, resulting in a 6.4% surge this year. 
The index has achieved new records, despite the White House&#8217;s tariff threats on goods from multiple trade partners, including Brazil and Canada.
As per a report <a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/earnings-stock-market-records-trade-bfd8f8c3?mod=hp_lead_pos1">by </a>The Wall Street Journal, investors are now seeking clarity from corporate leaders on how the trade disputes have affected their operations. 
There are fears that the trade war could damage economic growth and corporate profits, particularly when stocks already seem overpriced compared to historical standards.
In the upcoming week, investors will closely examine results from banks such as JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), Wells Fargo &amp; Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), and Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), as well as BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>), the world&#8217;s largest asset manager. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46383071/poll-trumps-trade-policies-stir-doubts-among-supporters">Poll: Trump&#8217;s Trade Policies Stir Doubts Among Supporters</a>
Analysts are forecasting a 4.8% increase in S&amp;P 500 companies&#8217; profits for the second quarter, which would be the lowest year-over-year growth since 2023.
Analysts will also scrutinize&nbsp;earnings and executive commentary for&nbsp;insights into&nbsp;the health of U.S. consumers&nbsp;and their capacity to withstand tariff-related price hikes. Some U.S. companies have retracted or reduced their outlook for the remainder of the year due to the uncertainty created by the tariff situation.
Why It Matters: The ongoing trade disputes and tariff threats have been a significant concern for investors and businesses alike. The upcoming earnings season will provide critical insights into the impact of these trade tensions on corporate profits and the broader economy. 
The results and commentary from leading companies will also shed light on the resilience of U.S. consumers in the face of tariff-related price increases. 
The performance of these companies could potentially set the tone for the market in the coming months.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46382323/private-credit-market-sees-opportunity-amid-donald-trumps-tariff-policies-moodys-reports">Private Credit Market Sees Opportunity Amid Donald Trump&#8217;s Tariff Policies, Moody&#8217;s Reports</a>

Earnings Season Tests Market Records as Investors Brush Off Trump's Tariff Threats

Wall Street watched history unfold as Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) became the first company to hit a $4 trillion market cap, capping off a week of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46321541/nvidia-hits-4-trillion-market-cap-stock-surges-to-all-time-high" rel="noreferrer noopener">market-moving headlines.</a>
In a surprising diplomatic turn, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called recent talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi &#8220;constructive,&#8221; stoking speculation of a Trump–Xi summit possibly <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46365654/xi-jinping-could-meet-trump-this-year-marco-rubio-says-after-very-constructive-talks-with-wang-yi-the-odds-are-high" rel="noreferrer noopener">taking place later this year.</a>
But optimism met friction as President Donald Trump announced that the United States will impose a&nbsp;50% tariff on all copper&nbsp;imports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/07/46339702/trumps-copper-tariff-echoes-through-global-mining-tunnels" rel="noreferrer noopener">starting August 1.</a>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46301947/defense-stocks-goldman-tax-bill-pentangon-spending" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pentagon&#8217;s $156-Billion Payday—These Defense Stocks Are Ready For Liftoff</a>
The decision threatens to disrupt a global supply chain for one of the key inputs for the American industry and a crucial commodity for the green technology transition.
That move, paired with a sweeping 25% tariff on goods from Japan and other Asian countries starting August 1, reignited fears of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/07/46285151/trump-tariffs-japan-yen-etfs-market-reaction" rel="noreferrer noopener">escalating trade tensions.</a>
Amid the macroeconomic jitters and geopolitical headlines, several companies delivered key corporate updates that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets" rel="noreferrer noopener">kept investors tuned in</a>.
Technology
Nvidia Corporation became the first company ever to reach a $4 trillion <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46326271/nvidia-breaks-4-trillion-barrier-benzinga-poll-predicted-it-first" rel="noreferrer noopener">market capitalization on Wednesday.</a>
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has filed an appeal against the €500 million ($586 million) fine imposed by the European Union (EU) over alleged anti-competitive<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46290524/apple-fights-back-against-eus-586-million-fine-says-penalty-far-beyond-what-the-law-requires" rel="noreferrer noopener"> practices on its App Store</a>.
The iPhone maker is expected to join the growing list of smartphone companies&nbsp;with foldable smartphones&nbsp;with a new iPhone Fold<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46356024/apples-foldable-iphone-could-land-in-2026-and-leave-samsung-playing-catch-up" rel="noreferrer noopener"> expected to launch next year.</a>
Apple&#8217;s massive $60+ billion cash pile is once again&nbsp;in the spotlight&nbsp;– and with rivals&nbsp;racing ahead in AI, investors are wondering: is it finally time for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46348639/apple-acquisition-buzz-60-billion-cash-reserve" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple to make a bold move?</a>
Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) announced that it has separated its&nbsp;AI, robotics and biometric business into&nbsp;RealSense,&nbsp;an independent company. Intel also announced that RealSense has secured<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46372526/intel-unleashes-realsense-new-ai-robotics-player-scores-huge-investment" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;$50 million in Series A funding</a>.
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) has reportedly acquired a&nbsp;minority stake&nbsp;in&nbsp;EssilorLuxottica, the French-Italian eyewear giant<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46311405/mark-zuckerberg-led-meta-acquires-nearly-3-of-ray-ban-oakley-parent-essilorluxottica-in-3-5-billion-deal-report" rel="noreferrer noopener"> behind brands such as&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46311405/mark-zuckerberg-led-meta-acquires-nearly-3-of-ray-ban-oakley-parent-essilorluxottica-in-3-5-billion-deal-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ray-Ban</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46311405/mark-zuckerberg-led-meta-acquires-nearly-3-of-ray-ban-oakley-parent-essilorluxottica-in-3-5-billion-deal-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;and&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46311405/mark-zuckerberg-led-meta-acquires-nearly-3-of-ray-ban-oakley-parent-essilorluxottica-in-3-5-billion-deal-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oakley.</a>
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)&nbsp;reels from sweeping layoffs affecting&nbsp;9,100 employees, an&nbsp;Xbox&nbsp;executive&#8217;s suggestion to use AI chatbots for emotional support <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46268037/after-microsoft-lays-off-9100-workers-xbox-executive-tells-fired-workers-to-turn-to-ai-for-mental-health-help" rel="noreferrer noopener">has ignited fierce backlash online.</a>
MicroAlgo, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MLGO#NASDAQ">MLGO</a>) announced the development of a&nbsp;Grover-based quantum algorithm technology designed to find <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46337681/microalgo-stock-rises-3-pre-market-on-quantum-algorithm-breakthrough" rel="noreferrer noopener">pure Nash equilibria in graphical games.</a>
ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>)&nbsp;has&nbsp;adjusted its inclusion&nbsp;and diversity targets in the U.S. to align with new regulations from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46363788/asml-drops-us-diversity-goals-under-trumps-watch" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Trump administration.</a>
Artificial Intelligence
Elon Musk&#8217;s artificial intelligence startup&nbsp;xAI&nbsp;has launched Grok 4, positioning it as the world&#8217;s most powerful AI model according to benchmarks that show it outperforming&nbsp;OpenAI&#8217;s&nbsp;ChatGPT,&nbsp;Google&#8217;s&nbsp;Gemini, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46335602/elon-musk-s-xai-launches-grok-4-with-phd-level-ai-debuts-in-300-month-supergrok-tier" rel="noreferrer noopener">and&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46335602/elon-musk-s-xai-launches-grok-4-with-phd-level-ai-debuts-in-300-month-supergrok-tier" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthropic&#8217;s</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46335602/elon-musk-s-xai-launches-grok-4-with-phd-level-ai-debuts-in-300-month-supergrok-tier" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46335602/elon-musk-s-xai-launches-grok-4-with-phd-level-ai-debuts-in-300-month-supergrok-tier" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claude</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46335602/elon-musk-s-xai-launches-grok-4-with-phd-level-ai-debuts-in-300-month-supergrok-tier" rel="noreferrer noopener">.</a>
OpenAI&nbsp;has finally completed its&nbsp;$6.5 billion acquisition&nbsp;of&nbsp;Jony Ive&#8217;s&nbsp;AI hardware startup&nbsp;io Products, officially bringing the former&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;design chief and his team into the fold to build a new generation of<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46335969/openai-finalizes-6-5-billion-deal-to-acquire-jony-ives-ai-hardware-startup-heres-what-we-know-about-their-first-device" rel="noreferrer noopener"> AI-native devices.</a>
Automobiles
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>)&nbsp;has announced a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V455-7716.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">recall</a>&nbsp;of more than 850,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a faulty fuel system component that may cause <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46338449/ford-recalls-over-850000-vehicles-due-to-stalling-engines" rel="noreferrer noopener">engines to stall while driving.</a>
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&nbsp;has announced November 6 as the date for the company&#8217;s annual shareholder meeting amid mounting pressure from investors who are concerned about&nbsp;Elon Musk&#8217;s political ambitions and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46359669/teslas-annual-shareholder-meeting-set-for-november-6th-dan-ives-says-elon-musks-pay-package-in-the-spotlight" rel="noreferrer noopener">mounting tensions with President&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46359669/teslas-annual-shareholder-meeting-set-for-november-6th-dan-ives-says-elon-musks-pay-package-in-the-spotlight" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46359669/teslas-annual-shareholder-meeting-set-for-november-6th-dan-ives-says-elon-musks-pay-package-in-the-spotlight" rel="noreferrer noopener">.</a>
Tesla will expand the company&#8217;s Robotaxi service to Phoenix, Arizona, as the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46361254/elon-musks-robotaxi-push-expands-to-phoenix-as-tesla-seeks-arizona-approval" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robotaxi race in the U.S. heats up.</a>
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NSANY#OTC">NSANY</a>)&nbsp;has reportedly opened negotiations with&nbsp;Honda Motor Company, Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HMC#NYSE">HMC</a>)&nbsp;to produce vehicles for its rival at a U.S. factory. Both companies seek ways to blunt the impact of upcoming<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46363159/tariff-troubles-drive-nissan-honda-to-u-s-manufacturing-talks-report" rel="noreferrer noopener"> U.S. tariffs on Japanese-made autos.</a>
XPeng Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>)&nbsp;officially opened orders&nbsp;in Europe on Friday for its fully revamped G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV and G9 Ultra Smart Premium SUV, marking its latest move <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46362384/xpeng-brings-ultra-smart-ultra-fast-evs-to-europe" rel="noreferrer noopener">towards AI-driven electric mobility.</a>
Read now:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46280221/vice-stocks-beat-esg-trump-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guns, Booze, And Gambling Stocks Are Crushing ESG In Trump's America</a>
Image: Shutterstock

General

AAPL

ASML

INTC

MLGO

MSFT

NSANY

NVDA

TSLA

XPEV

Consumer Tech News (July 7–July 11): Nvidia Hits $4 Trillion, Japan Tariffs Rattle Markets, Hopes Rise For Trump–Xi Summit

Warren Buffett is worth over $140 billion. He could buy a new car for every day of the year — heck, for every hour — and still have plenty left for ice cream and insurance. But instead of cruising around in a luxury supercar, he's been rolling in a 2014 Cadillac XTS… with hail damage.
Everyone knows Buffett isn't flashy. His frugality is legendary. He still lives in the same Omaha home he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43612207/warren-buffett-has-lived-in-his-31500-home-for-67-years-and-calls-it-one-of-his-best-investments-but-warned-a-house-can-be-a-nightmare">bought for $31,500 in 1958</a>. And when it comes to cars, his approach is just as practical.
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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 $10.</a></li>
<li>$100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.</li>
</ul>
Back in 2001, at the <a href="https://buffett.cnbc.com/video/2001/04/28/afternoon-session---2001-berkshire-hathaway-annual-meeting.html">Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>, BRK.B)) annual meeting</a>, Buffett explained how he chose his car based not on style or horsepower, but safety. "Actually, I picked out the car I have based on the fact that it had airbags on both sides," he said. "It's both heavy and has airbags, and those are two primary factors in safety. I don't think a safer car is necessarily being made."
By 2014, it was time for an upgrade — or so his daughter decided. Buffett <a href="https://time.com/3002836/warren-buffet-cadillac-mary-barra/">sent Susie to the dealership</a> to negotiate the price. In a <a href="https://youtu.be/w-eX4sZi-Zs?si=v5rN6S0PkcrlsVE-">BBC documentary</a>, she revealed he didn't just keep cars forever — he bought ones with hail damage to save a few bucks. "You've got to understand, he keeps cars until I tell him, ‘This is getting embarrassing — time for a new car,'" she said. The 2006 Cadillac DTS he finally let go? It had barely 19,000 miles after eight years.
In an <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2014/07/15/warren-buffett-shares-the-inside-scoop-he-bought-a-cadillac-not-a-subaru/">interview with Forbes</a>, Buffett justified his minimal car use, saying: "The truth is, I only drive about 3,500 miles a year, so I will buy a new car very infrequently." The 2014 Cadillac reportedly cost around $45,000 — a drop in the bucket for someone whose daily stock moves can dwarf that figure by the second.
Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">See which asset class has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 (1995-2024) – and with near-zero correlation.</a>
And in case you're thinking, "Well yeah, he's just quirky like that," Buffett's habits line up with a growing national trend. According to <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/mobility/en/research-analysis/average-age-vehicles-united-states-2024.html">S&amp;P Global Mobility</a>, the average vehicle on U.S. roads is now 12.6 years old — the oldest on record. People are holding onto their cars longer due to rising new car prices, higher interest rates, and, like Buffett, just not seeing the need to upgrade.
What about the dealership hassle? Buffett addressed that too. He's famously said that buying a new car is a "half-day" commitment, and "that's just a half-day I don't want to give up in my life for no benefit." If he could just write a check in 30 seconds and skip the rest, he'd be fine—but he'd rather preserve his time and skip the dealership dance.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Buffett's car-buying philosophy is simple: If it works, why replace it? It's not just about saving money — it's about cutting down on hassle. Even as one of the richest men in the world, he's not interested in spending time at a dealership or test-driving every new model that drops.
That's the Buffett way — wealth with restraint, comfort over flash, and a healthy dose of "Why bother?" when it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44367634/bill-gates-says-hes-not-an-overly-frugal-billionaire-but-by-his-grandmothers-standards-hes-crazy-for-tossing-gift-bags-and-wrapping-paper">comes to consumer excess</a>.
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<li>Over the last five years, the price of gold has increased by approximately 83% — Investors like Bill O&#8217;Reilly and Rudy Giuliani are using this platform to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/american-hartford-gold">create customized gold IRAs to help shield their savings from inflation and economic turbulence. </a></li>
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Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

Billionaire Warren Buffett Drives A 2014 Cadillac With Hail Damage — And Only Upgrades When His Daughter Says 'This Is Getting Embarrassing'

Mark Cuban, the former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the participation of NBA veterans in the Olympics. 
Cuban&#8217;s concerns stem from the belief that these seasoned NBA stars are jeopardizing their careers by engaging in the Olympics without any financial gain.
Cuban&#8217;s remarks have surfaced at a crucial juncture, in the wake of the Achilles injuries sustained by&nbsp;Team USA's 2024 Olympic representatives,&nbsp;Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton,&nbsp;during the 2025 NBA playoffs.&nbsp;
Cuban argues that the&nbsp;toll of practices, exhibition games,&nbsp;and international travel on NBA-level athletes is significant, particularly for those on max contracts.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46288396/mark-cuban-says-his-children-struggle-with-the-downsides-of-his-wealth-not-that-they-want-to-be-poor">Mark Cuban Says His Children Struggle With the Downsides of His Wealth: &#8216;Not That They Want To Be Poor, But It Sets An Expectation&#8217;</a>
Speaking on Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio on Saturday, the former Mavericks&#8217; owner advocates for the NBA to adopt the Olympic soccer model, which&nbsp;limits participation to Under-23 players&nbsp;with only three overage exceptions&nbsp;per team. 
<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">Mark Cuban says he hates NBA players participating in the Olympics and believes it should be limited to players 21 years old and younger "We're giving all these guys for free and taking the injury risk." (&#x1f3a5; <a href="https://twitter.com/SiriusXMNBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SiriusXMNBA</a> ) <a href="https://t.co/J3Xu36PIg0">pic.twitter.com/J3Xu36PIg0</a>
&mdash; NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1944081376304562588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Cuban suggests that the NBA should restrict Olympic play to rising stars and then establish&nbsp;its own basketball World Cup&nbsp;to compete with FIFA's worldwide event.
The remarks from Cuban have reignited a longstanding debate as the NBA wrestles with player injuries and the fallout from Paris 2024. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44571779/mark-cubans-big-revelation-says-he-lost-hundreds-of-millions-owning-the-dallas-mavericks">Mark Cuban&#8217;s Big Revelation: Says He Lost &#8216;Hundreds Of Millions&#8217; Owning The Dallas Mavericks</a>
The league may soon be faced with a decision: either continue to allow its stars to participate in the Olympics or heed Cuban&#8217;s advice and allow a new generation of players to step into the spotlight.
The NBA&#8217;s decision on this matter will have far-reaching implications for the future of the sport. If the league chooses to limit the participation of its stars in the Olympics, it could significantly alter the dynamics of international basketball competitions. 
On the other hand, following Cuban&#8217;s proposed model could provide a platform for emerging talent to shine on a global stage, while also potentially reducing the risk of career-threatening injuries for established players. 
The NBA&#8217;s choice could set a precedent for other sports leagues grappling with similar issues.
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Image: Shutterstock/A.RICARDO

Mark Cuban Calls for NBA Veterans' Exclusion From Olympics: 'We're Giving All These Guys for Free and Taking the Injury Risk'

These ten large-cap stocks were top performers last week. Are they a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" rel="noreferrer noopener">part of your portfolio</a>?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VG#NYSE">VG</a>) jumped 18.96% last week after landing a 20-year <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/b46314484/venture-global-and-sefe-announce-expansion-of-lng-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LNG deal with Germany's SEFE</a>. For the quarter ended June, it exported 51 cargos (190.5 TBtu) from its Plaquemines facility, earning an average liquefaction fee of $7.09/MMBtu.</li>
<li>SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOFI#NASDAQ">SOFI</a>) stock rose 14.29% this week after TD Cowen initiated coverage with a Hold rating and a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOFI/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast of $21</a>. The stock is also gaining from potential legislative changes that could significantly reroute student loan demand from federal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46352055/how-trumps-student-loan-reform-could-funnel-billions-loans-sofi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">programs to private lenders</a>.</li>
<li>Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>) stock gained 11.91% this week after the company reported better-than-expected second-quarter <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46341383/delta-air-lines-ceo-confident-in-stronger-2025-as-demand-holds-steady" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earnings per share and sales</a>. Multiple analysts also increased the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/dal/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast on the stock.</a></li>
<li>Unity Software Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/U#NYSE">U</a>) stock gained 9.17% after Wells Fargo maintained an Equal-Weight rating but raised its<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/u/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> price forecast from $19 to $24.</a></li>
<li>Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) stock increased 10.66% this week after the company received full FDA approval for its COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, for children aged 6 months through 11 years at increased <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/fda/25/07/46351929/fda-grants-complete-approval-to-modernas-covid-19-vaccine-for-children-as-young-as-6-months" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk for COVID-19 disease</a>. The company also announced it will sue RFK Jr over what they deem to be unlawful <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46303191/medical-groups-sue-rfk-jr-for-assault-on-science-over-unlawful-covid-19-vaccine-rollbacks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 vaccine rollbacks.</a></li>
<li>PTC Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTC#NASDAQ">PTC</a>) stock increased 10.06% this week after Keybanc reiterated an Overweight rating, raising the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PTC/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $185 to $192.</a> Also, media reports emerged claiming that Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADSK#NASDAQ">ADSK</a>)<a href="https://www.autodesk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a> is working with advisors as it weighs a potential acquisition of PTC in a deal that would <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46333062/autodesk-stock-is-moving-lower-whats-happening">involve a mix of cash and stock.</a></li>
<li>Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) stock rose 5.60% after selecting Bollinger Shipyards to help build its ocean landing platform <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/b46355743/rocket-lab-selects-bollinger-shipyards-to-support-modification-of-neutron-landing-platform" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for the Neutron reusable rocket</a>.</li>
<li>Tapestry, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPR#NYSE">TPR</a>) stock gained 7.93% last week after Barclays reiterated an Overweight rating on the stock, increasing the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TPR/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $98 to $105.</a></li>
<li>Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) stock increased 8.31% in the past week after Barclays maintained an Equal-Weight rating on the company, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/luv/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raising the price forecast from $26 to $34.</a></li>
<li>Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) stock upped 9.23% this week after Barclays maintained the stock with an Equal-Weight rating, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raising the price forecast from $202 to $359</a></li>
</ol>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46382047/trump-targets-mexico-eu-with-30-tariffs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Targets Mexico, EU With 30% Tariffs</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock

Trading Ideas

COIN

MRNA

RKLB

SOFI

Delta Air, Moderna And Coinbase Are Among Top Large Cap Gainers Last Week (July 7-July 11): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

The past weekend was a rollercoaster of events, with major stories revolving around&nbsp;Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&nbsp;CEO Elon Musk&#8217;s political ambitions, the confirmation of a new FAA chief, and a significant surge in used car prices. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Musk&#8217;s Political Ambitions Questioned
Co-founder of Gerber Kawasaki, Ross Gerber, has criticized Elon Musk&#8217;s political aspirations and the impact on Tesla. Gerber expressed his concerns amidst the controversy surrounding Musk&#8217;s new &#8220;America Party&#8221;. He described the situation as Tesla being &#8216;basically hijacked&#8217; by Musk.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46337215/tesla-is-basically-hijacked-by-elon-musk-says-ross-gerber-calling-it-completely-ridiculous-america-party-is-the-worst-news-for-tsla">Read the full article here.</a>
Senate Confirms New FAA Chief
The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump&#8217;s nominee, Bryan Bedford, as the new FAA Administrator. Bedford, former CEO of Republic Airways, was approved for a five-year term despite warnings from Senator Chuck Schumer that he may prioritize profits over passenger safety.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46336395/senate-confirms-trump-pick-bryan-bedford-as-faa-chief-even-as-chuck-schumer-warns-he-will-prioritize-profits-over-passenger-safety">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/24/12/42712726/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-gets-license-from-faa-for-new-glenn-maiden-launch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeff Bezos&#8217; Blue Origin Gets License From FAA For New Glenn&#8217;s Maiden Launch As It Takes On Elon Musk&#8217;s SpaceX Falcon &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Tesla Investors Demand Shareholder Meeting
Major investors in Tesla have called for a shareholders meeting due to escalating tensions between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. The request comes amid reports of declining sales for the electric vehicle giant.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46335587/tesla-investors-call-for-shareholder-meeting-amid-elon-musk-trump-feud-declining-sales-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Air India Crash: Preliminary Report A preliminary report on the tragic Air India crash that claimed 260 lives has identified a cut in the fuel supply to the engines as a contributing factor. The incident involved a&nbsp;Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>)&nbsp;787 Dreamliner.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/07/46380354/fuel-supply-was-cut-moments-before-air-india-crash-as-per-preliminary-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Surge in Used Car Prices
Used car prices in the U.S. are experiencing their biggest surge since 2022, driven by the volatility around President Trump&#8217;s tariffs. The Manheim Index, a metric tracking used car prices, reported a 1.6% increase in June from May, and a 6.3% year-on-year increase.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46314078/used-car-prices-see-biggest-surge-since-2022-as-trump-tariffs-shake-auto-market-report">Read the full article here.</a>
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/top-stories/24/04/38463053/is-hondas-11b-canada-ev-deal-worth-it-rival-ford-burns-up-to-65-000-on-every-electric-car-it-sells" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honda, Canada EV Deal Worth It? Auto Rivals Burn Thousands On Every Electric Car They Build &#8211; Benzinga</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/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tech

Musk's Political Ambitions, FAA Chief Confirmation And Surging Used Car Prices: This Week In Mobility

The past week was a whirlwind of activity in the tech sector, with major moves from industry giants and promising startups alike. From Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) being touted as the next big AI winner to OpenAI making significant acquisitions and postponements, there&#8217;s a lot to catch up on. Let&#8217;s dive in.
Dan Ives Predicts Palantir&#8217;s AI Triumph
Tech analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities has upped his price target for Palantir Technologies, hinting at a 12% increase from its current trading price over the coming year. Ives&#8217; confidence in Palantir&#8217;s AI strategy led him to raise his target price to $160 per share, labeling it as the firm&#8217;s &#8220;golden path to become an AI stalwart&#8221; in the next 12 months.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/price-target/25/07/46339022/palantir-could-be-the-next-big-ai-winner-says-dan-ives-sees-12-pltr-stock-surge">Read the full article here.</a>
OpenAI Acquires Jony Ive&#8217;s AI Startup
OpenAI has successfully finalized its $6.5 billion acquisition of Jony Ive&#8217;s AI hardware startup, io Products. The deal brings the former Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) design chief and his team on board to develop a new generation of AI-native devices.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46335969/openai-finalizes-6-5-billion-deal-to-acquire-jony-ives-ai-hardware-startup-heres-what-we-know-about-their-first-device">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46372755/nancy-pelosi-just-bought-tech-stock-at-71-discount-to-current-price-heres-how" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Pelosi Just Bought Tech Stock At 71% Discount To Current Price—Here&#8217;s How</a>
Google Secures Windsurf Tech and Staff for $2.4B
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 has finalized a $2.4 billion deal to license technology from AI coding startup Windsurf. The agreement also includes hiring Windsurf's CEO, Varun Mohan, cofounder Douglas Chen, and a select group of its key R&amp;D employees to join the Google DeepMind team.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46380738/google-beats-openai-secures-windsurf-technology-ceo-and-key-staff-for-2-4-billion">Read the full article here.</a>
OpenAI Delays Open Model Release
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company is postponing the release of its open model indefinitely to allow for additional safety testing. Altman emphasized the need for further safety evaluations and a review of high-risk areas.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46380875/openai-postpones-open-model-release-indefinitely-we-need-time-says-sam-altman">Read the full article here.</a>
Elon Musk&#8217;s xAI Launches Grok 4
Elon Musk&#8217;s AI startup xAI has launched Grok 4, positioning it as the world's most powerful AI model. The new model debuts through SuperGrok Heavy, a premium subscription tier starting at $300 monthly that provides enhanced rate limits and early access to new features.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46335602/elon-musk-s-xai-launches-grok-4-with-phd-level-ai-debuts-in-300-month-supergrok-tier">Read the full article here.</a>
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Grok 4, Palantir's AI Ambitions, Openai's Big Moves, And Google's $2.4 Billion Windsurf Deal: This Week In AI

For most people, the dream of a four-day workweek feels like something you'd hear in a TED Talk, not a political pitch. But Sen. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46106134/bernie-sanders-shares-first-thing-he-would-do-as-president-and-it-could-be-a-jab-at-elon-musk">Bernie Sanders</a> (I-VT) thinks it should be the new normal — especially with artificial intelligence rapidly reshaping the workplace.
<a href="https://youtu.be/mYVzme2fybU?si=RnCz8KEF8G47VJfG">Last month on "The Joe Rogan Experience,"</a> the former presidential candidate doubled down on his belief that AI shouldn't replace workers — it should relieve them.
"Technology is gonna work to improve us, not just the people who own the technology and the CEOs of large corporations," Sanders told Joe Rogan. "You are a worker, your productivity is increasing because we give you AI, right? Instead of throwing you out on the street, I'm gonna reduce <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/42914736/bernie-sanders-pushes-for-32-hour-work-weeks-with-no-pay-loss-it-is-time-to-reduce-the-stress-level-in-our-country">your workweek to 32 hours</a>."
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He's not alone in thinking AI will change everything. Elon Musk has warned that universal basic income might be necessary to support people who lose their jobs to AI. Bill Gates has said it will "certainly" replace jobs, and education experts are already recommending students focus on "AI-proof" degrees. The fear is real — and it's spreading.
But Sanders isn't calling for panic. He's calling for policy.
"If you're the president and President Sanders, we have this issue — the whole country is going to go automation, what do we do?" Rogan asked.
"First of all, we make the determination that we are not going to let a handful of CEOs make these decisions," Sanders replied. "They're going to be made by the American people."
His solution? Let the people benefit from the productivity gains — not just the executives and shareholders.
"One of the demands of the United Auto Workers strike was a 32-hour workweek," he said. "People thought Sean Fain, the union president, was crazy. But the idea is catching on."
Trending: 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>
And he's right. Countries like the U.K., Iceland, and Spain have <a href="https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/02/02/the-four-day-week-which-countries-have-embraced-it-and-how-s-it-going-so-far">tested four-day workweeks with encouraging results</a>: less stress, more focus, no drop in productivity. In Scotland, civil servants are already working reduced hours. In Lithuania, parents with young children can opt into a 32-hour week. Belgium and the United Arab Emirates have adopted policies letting workers compress or shorten their workweeks, too.
"Let's use technology to benefit workers," Sanders urged. "That means give you more time with your family, with your friends, for education, whatever the hell you wanna do."
It's not just about work-life balance — it's about control. Sanders warned that without guardrails, companies will use AI as an excuse to cut costs and staff. "You're not gonna get sick," he said, mimicking how a CEO might view automation. "I can fix you a lot easier than paying for your healthcare."
His point? If we let corporations steer the AI ship, they'll cruise straight past worker rights. But if workers get a say, the rise of AI could mean shorter weeks, more time off, and a better quality of life — not mass unemployment.
"Not a radical idea," Sanders repeated. "There are companies around the world that are doing it with some success."
And in his view, the U.S. should be next.
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Bernie Sanders Continues Push For 4-Day Workweek — Says AI Should Give You Free Time For Family, Friends Or 'Whatever The Hell You Wanna Do'

Interest in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/digital-assets">digital assets</a> has grown well beyond early adopters. As crypto continues to gain attention among mainstream investors, more individuals are considering it a serious part of their portfolios. This shift is creating <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46075963/wealthy-investors-want-crypto-advice-but-doubt-their-advisors-experience-report">new expectations for financial professionals</a>, as clients seek help in managing the risks and opportunities associated with digital asset investing.
A new <a href="https://coinshares.com/en/d/insights/survey/us-investors-survey-06-2025/">survey</a> by CoinShares polled 500 wealthy U.S. investors and found that 82% would be more likely to work with a financial advisor who offers crypto-related guidance. However, nearly one-third of respondents expressed concerns about their advisors' experience in the space.
Among crypto holders surveyed, 88% currently work with an advisor. Many said they expect a wide range of support, including secure investment options, risk management, tax and regulatory guidance, and help understanding newer areas like tokenization and decentralized finance.
The survey also noted several concerns that investors have about crypto, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46056732/are-we-measuring-crypto-resilience-all-wrong-nodeops-ceo-says-on-chain-metrics-miss-the-point">including security risks</a>, regulatory uncertainty, and market volatility. These issues were commonly cited by both current holders and those considering entering the space.
Advisors' lack of personal experience with digital assets and unclear risk explanations were the most frequently mentioned red flags. Some respondents also highlighted outdated views on the cryptocurrency market as a concern.
The data suggest that while interest in crypto is rising, many investors remain cautious and want more guidance from their financial advisors before fully committing.
Photo: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

Financial Advisors

New Survey Reveals What Wealthy Investors Really Think About Crypto

Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of Nvidia, is on the verge of overtaking investment guru&nbsp;Warren Buffett&nbsp;in terms of net worth, thanks to the skyrocketing value of his company.
What Happened:&nbsp;Huang&#8217;s net worth has skyrocketed to $142 billion, marking an impressive increase of $27.6 billion since the beginning of the year. 
This wealth explosion is primarily due to&nbsp;his roughly 3.5% stake in&nbsp;Nvidia Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>),&nbsp;the world&#8217;s most valuable public&nbsp;company at present.
Last week, Nvidia&#8217;s market cap momentarily reached the $4 trillion milestone, a historic first. The company&#8217;s stock has risen by 22% year-to-date, fueled by the robust demand for its computer chips in the AI technology sector.&nbsp;
Loop Capital analyst Ananda Baruah&nbsp;suggests that Nvidia&#8217;s market valuation could potentially reach a staggering $6 trillion, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/10/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-could-soon-be-richer-than-warren-buffett.html">reports</a> CNBC. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45485072/if-i-were-a-student-today-heres-how-id-use-ai-to-do-my-job-better-says-nvidia-ceo">If I Were A Student Today, Here&#8217;s How I&#8217;d Use AI To Do My Job Better, Says Nvidia CEO</a>
In contrast, Buffett&#8217;s net worth, currently estimated at $144 billion, has seen a modest increase of $2.19 billion since the start of the year. 
Despite the strong performance of his holding company,&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>), Huang could soon outstrip Buffett in the wealth rankings due to Nvidia&#8217;s rapid growth.
It&#8217;s important to note, however, that Nvidia&#8217;s business has faced considerable market volatility in 2025, and&nbsp;Huang&#8217;s net worth isn&#8217;t guaranteed&nbsp;to surpass Buffett&#8217;s. Despite these uncertainties, Nvidia has been on a roll on Wall Street since June.
Why It Matters: The potential shift in wealth rankings underscores the increasing value of technology companies, particularly those in the AI sector. 
Nvidia&#8217;s meteoric rise reflects the growing demand for advanced computer chips, a trend that is likely to continue as AI technology evolves. This could further bolster Huang&#8217;s net worth, potentially solidifying his position above Buffett. 
However, the volatile nature of the tech market means that this is far from certain. 
The coming months will reveal whether Huang can maintain his company&#8217;s impressive growth trajectory and secure his position in the wealth rankings.
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Jensen Huang Is Closing in on Warren Buffett's Fortune And The Numbers Might Surprise You

The week was a rollercoaster ride for the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin (BTC) led the charge, eyeing a staggering $120,000 mark, and paving the way for altcoins to rally. Dogecoin (DOGE), the original memecoin, also experienced a significant surge, riding the wave of the Bitcoin rally.
Meanwhile, crypto exchanges are setting their sights on neobanks, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional and crypto finance. Ethereum (ETH) continues to dominate the tokenized finance sector, becoming Wall Street&#8217;s preferred blockchain infrastructure. And finally, macro strategist Raoul Pal made a bold prediction for the future of the blockchain space.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Extend Rally
The cryptocurrency market saw a significant surge over the weekend, led by Bitcoin&#8217;s run towards the $120,000 mark. This rally cleared the path for altcoins to follow suit.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46377385/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-extend-rally-as-btc-eyes-120000">Read the full article here.</a>
Dogecoin Soars as Bitcoin Rally Ignites Memecoin Frenzy
Dogecoin, the original memecoin, captured significant gains as speculative enthusiasm washed over the crypto market. The surge came in direct sympathy with Bitcoin, which rocketed to a new all-time high of over $118,000.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46375539/dogecoin-doge-soars-as-bitcoin-rally-ignites-memecoin-frenzy">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/22/11/29834951/mango-market-hacker-loses-millions-as-curve-price-manipulation-attempt-on-aave-backfires" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mango Market Hacker Loses Millions As Curve Price Manipulation Attempt on Aave Backfires &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Crypto Exchanges Eye Neobanks for Mainstream Finance Access
Crypto exchanges are looking to acquire neobanks to fast-track their path to dominance of emerging on-chain sectors. This trend is set to continue as blockchain businesses seek opportunities within traditional finance.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/07/46371679/crypto-exchanges-will-acquire-neobanks-to-access-mainstream-finance">Read the full article here.</a>
Ethereum, Not Solana, Is Wall Street&#8217;s &#8216;Preferred Choice&#8217;
Ethereum&#8217;s dominance in the tokenized finance sector shows no signs of slowing down. According to Fundstrat&#8217;s Tom Lee, Ethereum has become Wall Street&#8217;s go-to blockchain infrastructure, outperforming Solana in key institutional use cases.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46364023/tom-lee-ethereum-not-solana-is-the-preferred-choice-for-jp-morgan-robinhood-circle-to-build-on">Read the full article here.</a>
Raoul Pal Predicts &#8216;Insane&#8217; Demand for Blockchain
Macro strategist Raoul Pal predicted an &#8220;insane&#8221; demand for the blockchain space, foreseeing cryptocurrency becoming a $100 trillion asset class over the next 6-8 years.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46360502/raoul-pal-says-no-one-realizes-insane-incoming-demand-for-blockspace-predicts-crypto-will-become-100-trillion-asset-within-a-decade-as-bitcoin-smashes-118000">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/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>
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Crypto Market Soars, Dogecoin Rides The Wave And Big Predictions For Blockchain: This Week In Crypto

A new poll indicates that President Donald Trump&#8216;s contentious trade policies are causing apprehension among his own supporters, potentially influencing Republican backing in the run-up to 2026.
What Happened: A&nbsp;POLITICO-Public First poll&nbsp;carried out in June reveals that 25% to 50% of those&nbsp;who voted for Trump in&nbsp;2024 have voiced concerns about his tariff strategies, particularly his stance towards China. 
Merely half of the Trump voters surveyed believe that his tariffs on China, the globe&#8217;s second-largest economy, will be advantageous for American businesses.
This data presents a significant alert for Republicans, given President Trump&#8217;s focus on trade and his pledges to restore industries to the U.S. The <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/12/donald-trump-trade-poll-00449708">poll </a>also discloses that Trump&#8217;s recent assertive&nbsp;tariff letters to other nations, threatening to levy substantial new tariff rates, have rekindled global trade disputes.
About 25% of self-identified 2024 Trump voters voiced last month that the president&#8217;s tariffs are adversely impacting the United States&#8217; capacity to negotiate improved trade agreements with other nations. 
The voters are&nbsp;evenly divided on whether Trump&nbsp;should possess the authority&nbsp;to unilaterally impose tariffs on&nbsp;other countries, with 45% supporting and 44% suggesting he should seek consent from Congress.
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Trump has declared another round of tariffs to be levied on August 1, asserting that these tariffs will bring &#8220;big money&#8221; to America. 
However, the costs of these tariffs are shouldered&nbsp;by the companies and individuals&nbsp;importing the goods, which often pass onto their consumers.
Despite Trump&#8217;s uncompromising&nbsp;approach to trade with China&nbsp;attracting increased scrutiny and criticism, his voters still have faith in him to ultimately negotiate a deal&nbsp;with China. 
Fifty-five percent of&nbsp;Trump 2024 voters stated it &#8220;will be difficult&#8221; to secure a deal with China, but they anticipate &#8220;Trump&nbsp;will be able to do&nbsp;it.&#8221;
Why It Matters: The poll results indicate a shift in the perception of Trump&#8217;s voter base towards his trade policies. This could potentially influence the Republican party&#8217;s strategy and approach towards trade policies in the future. 
The increased skepticism among his own voters could also impact Trump&#8217;s standing within his party, and his ability to push through his trade policies. 
The poll results also underscore the importance of public opinion in shaping policy decisions and the direction of political discourse.
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Politics

Poll: Trump's Trade Policies Stir Doubts Among Supporters

Buying a starter home has rarely looked tougher. New National Association of Realtors data show just 1.14 million Americans bought their first house in 2024, barely a third of the 3.2 million who did so two decades ago and roughly half the historical norm.
What Happened: Realtors say the slide highlights how high prices and borrowing costs have pushed Gen Z and millennial buyers to the sidelines, often back to parents' homes or into long-term rentals, according to a <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/07/09/gen-z-millennial-homebuyer-housing-market/">report</a> by Fortune.
The median existing-home price now <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-existing-home-sales-report-shows-0-8-increase-in-may">tops</a> $422,000, according to NAR, meaning a typical buyer needs <a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/rent-vs-buy-income-gap-2025">about $117,000</a> in annual income to meet payments, which is nearly double what is required to rent the average apartment. With 30-year mortgage rates hovering near 7%, the monthly tab on that median house approaches before taxes and insurance only keep climbing.
First-time buyers are facing a &#8220;real mismatch&#8221; between what they've saved and what homes cost, said Los Angeles broker Tami Pardee, noting that a West LA condo now runs $940,000 and would carry payments more than $2,200 higher than local median rent. In Brooklyn, agent Alexandra Gupta said most entry buyers are dual-income professionals in their 30s, yet the &#8220;affordability gap&#8221; is huge. Many still need family help for the down payment.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/macro-notification/25/06/46070420/us-home-sales-sink-to-slowest-may-since-2009-as-mortgage-rates-and-record-prices-keep-buyers-on-the-sidelines">US Home Sales Sink To Slowest May Since 2009 As Mortgage Rates And Record Prices Keep Buyers On The Sidelines</a>
Why It Matters: NAR's latest <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2024-11/2024-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers-highlights-11-04-2024_2.pdf">profile</a> shows first-timers accounted for just 24% of all purchases last year, far below the pre-2008 norm of 40%. Rising cash offers, namely 26% of all deals and limited starter-home inventory have intensified competition for buyers without deep equity. Analysts say <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/06/45712505/75-of-homebuyers-are-waiting-for-lower-rates-report-finds">relief hinges</a> on lower rates, faster wage growth and more construction of smaller houses, none of which appears imminent. &#8220;We're seeing a reshaping of the housing ladder," Gupta explains. &#8220;Some first-time buyers are turning to long-term renting or even co-living models because the idea of owning a home has become so out of reach," she added.
Until those fundamentals shift, the American dream of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tips-first-time-homebuyers">first home</a> may stay on hold for millions of young adults who now need six-figure paychecks just to get a foot in the door.
Photo Courtesy: fizkes on Shutterstock.com
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Gen Z Doomed To Pay Rent Forever? Number Of First-Time Buyers Shrink As Average House Tops $422,000

The tech world was abuzz over the week with major developments from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>). From leadership changes to innovative product rumors, here&#8217;s a quick recap of the weekend&#8217;s top stories.
Jeff Williams to Exit Apple
Long-serving Chief Operating Officer of Apple, Jeff Williams, who was once considered a potential successor to Tim Cook, is set to retire later this year. The tech giant announced on Tuesday that Williams&#8217; COO duties will be handed over to Sabih Khan later this month.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46311533/jeff-williams-once-tipped-as-tim-cooks-successor-to-retire-from-apple">Read the full article here.</a>
Meta Snags Apple&#8217;s AI Chief
Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Platforms has reportedly lured Ruoming Pang, the AI model lead at Apple, with a hefty compensation package. Pang, who led the team responsible for training Apple&#8217;s foundational models, is the latest addition to Meta&#8217;s superintelligence efforts.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46288145/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-lures-away-apple-ai-chief-ruoming-pang-with-tens-of-millions-compensation-package-report">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46380875/openai-postpones-open-model-release-indefinitely-we-need-time-says-sam-altman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI Postpones Open Model Release Indefinitely: &#8216;We Need Time,&#8217; Says Sam Altman</a>
Apple&#8217;s Foldable iPhone on the Horizon
Apple is expected to join the foldable smartphone race with the anticipated launch of the iPhone Fold next year. The tech behemoth has reportedly been working on the foldable iPhone for years, ensuring specifications and production are up to standard before a full launch.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46356024/apples-foldable-iphone-could-land-in-2026-and-leave-samsung-playing-catch-up">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s $60 Billion Acquisition Buzz
With a massive $60+ billion cash reserve, Apple is once again in the spotlight. As rivals advance in AI, investors are speculating whether it&#8217;s time for Apple to make a bold move. This discussion gained traction after Apple confirmed that COO Jeff Williams will retire in 2025.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46348639/apple-acquisition-buzz-60-billion-cash-reserve">Read the full article here.</a>
Analysts Suggest Apple Needs Product-Focused CEO
Analysts from LightShed Partners have suggested that Apple should consider a change in leadership to prioritize product innovation, particularly in AI. This suggestion comes in the wake of the impending departure of Apple's COO, Jeff Williams.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46337313/apple-needs-product-focused-ceo-say-analysts-as-tim-cook-faces-heat-over-ai-failures-and-innovation-slump">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/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>
Photo courtesy: Akhenaton Images/Shutterstock

Apple's Leadership Shake-Up, Meta's New Hire And The Anticipated iPhone Fold: This Week In Appleverse

The past week has been a whirlwind of economic and political events. From record-breaking customs duty collections to billionaire investors casting doubt on tariff outcomes, the week was filled with intriguing stories. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top five stories that made headlines.
US Customs Duty Collection Hits Record High
The U.S. Treasury Department announced that for the first time in history, the country&#8217;s customs duty collections have exceeded $100 billion in a fiscal year. The record-breaking collection for June 2025 alone was $27 billion, resulting in a surprising budget surplus for the month. The surge is largely attributed to President Donald Trump&#8217;s tariffs, which have become a significant revenue source for the federal government.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46380544/amid-trump-tariffs-us-customs-duty-collection-exceeds-100-billion-in-a-fiscal-year-for-the-first-time-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Ray Dalio Questions Effectiveness of Trump&#8217;s Tariffs
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio expressed skepticism about the potential effectiveness of President Trump&#8217;s tariffs in reviving U.S. manufacturing. He warned that the tariffs could deepen &#8220;stagflation&#8221; and may not deliver on promises to rejuvenate U.S. factory floors.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46338641/ray-dalio-says-trumps-tariffs-are-theoretical-warns-they-may-not-bring-manufacturin">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45229287/trump-meets-with-newly-elected-canadian-pm-mark-carney-president-trump-says-we-wi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Meets With Newly-Elected Canadian PM Mark Carney; President Trump Says We Will Have A Very Big Announcement Before Middle East Trip; Really Positive Announcement Thursday, Friday Or Monday Befor</a>
Peter Schiff Warns Against Trump&#8217;s Tax Cuts
Economist Peter Schiff cautioned that President Trump&#8217;s latest tax and spending package could harm the U.S. economy more than it helps. He argued that the tax cuts, which add to budget deficits, won&#8217;t stimulate economic growth but will instead lead to higher long-term interest rates and inflation.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/07/46302822/peter-schiff-says-trumps-tax-cuts-wont-grow-the-economy-instead-he-warns-theyll-lead-to-higher-interest-rates-and-inflation">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Threatens Brazil with 50% Tariffs
Tensions escalated between the United States and Brazil after President Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on imports from the South American nation. The threat came in a letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in which Trump also called the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro a &#8220;Witch Hunt.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46334793/trump-sends-lula-a-letter-imposing-50-tariffs-calls-bolsonaro-trial-a-witch-hunt-brazils-president-hits-back-will-not-accept-any-form-of-tutelage">Read the full article here.</a>
Craig Shapiro Criticizes Jerome Powell&#8217;s Legacy
Macro strategist Craig Shapiro criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s tenure, alleging that the Federal Reserve under Powell has deviated from its core mission of serving the public. Shapiro accused the Fed of ceasing to fight inflation, deepening inequality, and quietly surrendering monetary control back to the U.S. Treasury.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46267995/craig-shapiro-slams-jerome-powells-legacy-of-quiet-surrender-to-wall-street-and-the-us-treasury-no-longer-serves-the-public">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/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Economics

Trump's Tariffs, Tax Cuts, And Tensions With Brazil Stir The Pot: This Week In Economy

The week brought a mix of stories that stirred the pot in various sectors. From Bill Gates&#8217; warning about the devastating effects of USAID funding cuts on HIV programs in Africa, to the first June budget surplus since 2017 under Donald Trump&#8217;s administration, the news cycle was anything but dull. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Bill Gates Sounds Alarm on USAID Funding Cuts
Co-founder of Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Bill Gates, has expressed serious concerns about the impacts of U.S. aid cuts on HIV programs in Africa. Gates called for a reversal of the decision, highlighting the distressing conditions faced by an HIV doctor in Africa whose work relies on USAID and PEPFAR.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46380959/bill-gates-warns-of-devestating-effects-of-usaid-funding-cuts-its-not-too-late-to-reverse-them">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Delivers First June Budget Surplus Since 2017
The U.S. government recorded a surplus of just over $27 billion in June, marking the first June budget surplus since 2017. This turnaround was largely driven by a significant increase in tariff revenues, according to the Treasury Department.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46377893/trump-delivers-first-june-budget-surplus-since-2017-thanks-to-tariffs">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/22/10/29370689/boris-johnson-tries-to-win-support-for-uk-pm-comeback-bid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boris Johnson Tries To Win Support For UK PM Comeback Bid &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino Considers Resignation
Amid tensions between the FBI and the Justice Department over the Jeffrey Epstein memo, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is reportedly contemplating stepping down. This development follows a heated exchange with Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the case's management.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46380999/deputy-fbi-director-dan-bongino-considers-resignation-amid-epstein-memo-fallout-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Fed HQ Renovation Costs Soar to $2.5 Billion
Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought accused Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell of gross fiscal mismanagement as the renovation costs for the Fed's headquarters have ballooned to $2.5 billion. The project includes terrace rooftop gardens, water features, VIP elevators, and premium marble fixtures.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46361722/jerome-powell-has-grossly-mismanaged-says-russ-vought-as-fed-hq-renovation-costs-soar-to-2-5-billion-the-palace-of-versailles-would-have-cost-3-billion">Read the full article here.</a>
Mike Pence Criticizes Trump&#8217;s Tariff Escalations
Former Vice President Mike Pence likened President Donald Trump&#8217;s escalating tariff war to &#8220;dismissing your front line in a football game.&#8221; Pence expressed his disagreement with Trump&#8217;s &#8220;permanent unilateral tariff barriers,&#8221; which he believes could alienate U.S. allies.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46360429/mike-pence-says-trumps-tariff-escalations-with-us-allies-are-like-dismissing-your-front-line-in-a-football-game">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/24/09/40894933/kim-jong-uns-north-korea-outranks-china-as-russias-top-ally-in-ukraine-conflict-says-military-intell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kim Jong Un&#8217;s North Korea Outranks China As Russia&#8217;s Top Ally In Ukraine Conflict, Says Military Intelligence Chief &#8211; Benzinga</a>
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>
Photo courtesy: Maxim Elramsisy / Shutterstock.com

Bill Gates' Warning, Trump's Surplus, And Bongino's Potential Exit: This Week In Politics

Mark Cuban made numerous deals during his time on hit show "Shark Tank," including many in categories he knew well like sports, entertainment and men's products.
Cuban may have broken one of his investment rules during the Season 14, episode 15 of "Shark Tank."
What Happened:&nbsp;Mark Cuban&nbsp;likes to invest in companies that have products he could see himself using or that could be used by the Dallas Mavericks, the National Basketball Association<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/03/31348294/mark-cuban-has-a-new-role-in-life-to-prepare-for-after-investing-shark-tank-and-nba-success" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;team he owns.</a>
On a past episode of "Shark Tank," Cuban offered a deal for a company whose products he'll likely never use.
The Season 14, episode 15 of "Shark Tank" aired in early March and featured a pitch by makeup company Youthforia.
The company launched in April 2021 and had $2 million in sales prior to appearing on the episode, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/06/mark-cuban-shark-tank-deal-with-youthforia-is-for-daughters-wife.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNBC</a>. The company had seen some levels of viral success thanks to&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;and mentions of its color-changing oil blush that reacts and blends into customers' skin. On TikTok,&nbsp;<a href="https://youthforia.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Youthforia&nbsp;</a>has over 130,000 followers and over three million likes.
The Sharks liked the TikTok success and were also impressed with the company's founder and CEO&nbsp;Fiona Co Chan.&nbsp;
Kevin O'Leary&nbsp;offered&nbsp;Co Chan $100,000 for 20% of the company along with a $300,000 loan and a cut of distribution pay.
"It's a bet on the jockey on this deal," O'Leary said of Co Chan. "You're really impressive."
Co Chan wanted to hear from the other Sharks, with Cuban and&nbsp;Barbara Corcoran&nbsp;not putting out bids yet. Co Chan tried to lure them in by saying there was a launch of more shades of blush coming, which neither was thrilled about.
"When you have something that's completely differentiated, you ride that, and you don't do anything else, because that just dilutes your efforts," Cuban said. "Sometimes, you shouldn't listen to your customers."
Co Chan turned to O'Leary and offered 5% equity for $400,000 and a 50 cent royalty for each unit sold by the company up to $500,000.
O'Leary countered with an $800,000 offer for 10% equity and a $1 royalty on each unit.
This is when Cuban decided to step in, offering $400,000 for 10% without a royalty and said the reason he was interested in the makeup brand was because his<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/08/28577562/what-its-like-to-have-mark-cuban-as-a-dad-you-dont-just-get-a-credit-card-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;daughters and wife</a>&nbsp;would "understand" the product, which he didn't.
Cuban offered to wear the color-changing blush himself as part of demos.
O'Leary countered with a $400,000 offer for 7.5% and a 75 cent royalty on sales up to $1 million.
Ultimately, Cuban got Co Chan to accept with his final offer of $400,000 for 8% and no royalties, which he offered "just to prove a point" and ended up&nbsp;beating O'Leary.
 You may not be a billionaire like Mark Cuban, but you can uncover hidden gems in the stock market using our proprietary data and pattern recognition — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71">check out five stocks flying under the radar that deserve your attention.</a>
Why It's Important:&nbsp;The company and Co Chan drew praise from the Sharks during portions of the pitch and after Cuban's offer was accepted.
Herjavec and Corcoran, who sat out on the offers, said they were impressed with Co Chan's negotiating skills.
"Kevin, you have to get up and leave the ‘Shark Tank,'" Herjavec said. "Fiona's taking your chair."
The offer for Youthforia that was accepted makes the first deal Cuban has ever done with a makeup brand, which could provide several lessons. Cuban has often stuck to his principles in investing in products that he would use himself or the Mavericks would use.
Hearing how much the other Sharks loved the company&#8217;s CEO and the product going viral on TikTok, Cuban trusted in his family and made the investment&nbsp;because he could see his daughters and wife using the product.&nbsp;
Youthforia is available on Amazon.com and also at&nbsp;Ulta Beauty&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULTA#NASDAQ">ULTA</a>)&nbsp;stores. While we won't likely see the makeup products at Mavericks games in the future, they could end up becoming a staple in the Cuban household.
Cuban stepped away from "Shark Tank" after Season 16, which aired in May 2025.
"It's not being on TV that's made it special. It's sending a message to everybody that watches that the American dream is alive and well,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41271567/mark-cuban-reflects-on-shark-tanks-enduring-success-the-american-dream-is-alive-and-well" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cuban said</a>&nbsp;on the "Life in Seven Songs"&nbsp;podcast of "Shark Tank."
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</ul>
This story is part of a series of features on the subject of success,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/benzinga-inspire" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Inspire.</a>
This article was previously published by Benzinga and has been updated.
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Mark Cuban Makes His First-Ever Deal for a Makeup Brand - Shark Tank" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z7q4UHtn4qM?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: Shutterstock

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ULTA

Cuban Broke His Own Rule—Invests $400,000 In Makeup He'll Never Use

For years, hitting a six-figure salary was considered a major milestone, a sign that you had officially &#8220;made it.&#8221; But in 2025, that benchmark doesn&#8217;t mean what it used to. A widely shared <a href="https://x.com/unusual_whales/status/1942553501814620607">post on X</a> citing the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics <a href="https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm">calculator</a> noted that a $100,000 salary in January 2020 has the same buying power as $124,353 in April 2025.
Despite inflation cutting into its value, many people still treat $100,000 as a symbol of success.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Cultural Milestone, But Not A Financial One Anymore</h2>
In a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Salary/comments/1luz2tw/why_do_people_continue_to_use_six_figures_as/">Reddit</a> thread that shared the tweet and asked, &#8220;Why do people continue to use &#8216;six figures&#8217; as their standard of success for a given career?&#8221; one user put it simply: &#8220;Because it&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46262294/is-earning-100k-year-in-the-u-s-easy-a-project-manager-says-it-requires-getting-off-your-ass-and-doing-more-than-working-fast-food">still hard to make 100K</a>.&#8221; Another noted, &#8220;Only 18% of individual Americans and only 34% of households make six figures or more.&#8221;
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Yet, the emotional weight attached to that number hasn't kept pace with economic reality. As one person said, &#8220;Emotions haven't kept up with inflation. If you're working towards six figures for 10 years, your emotions may not register that last year&#8217;s inflation made $100K more like $80K.&#8221;
People who recently crossed the six-figure mark expressed mixed feelings. &#8220;I hit six figures in 2024 and it made a huge positive impact on my life,&#8221; one person said. Another added, &#8220;I hit six figures pre-pandemic and it didn't feel as comfortable as I thought it would. It was a nice benchmark, but as I got older bills got higher, etc.&#8221;
A lot of the disillusionment comes from rising costs, especially housing, healthcare and childcare. &#8220;The childcare&#8217;s the killer,&#8221; one parent shared. &#8220;$2,500 per month with pickup before 5:30 or it's an additional fee. It was literally more cost-effective to retire my mother-in-law.&#8221;
Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">See which asset class has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 (1995-2024) – and with near-zero correlation.</a>
For those in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45685741/the-cost-of-living-crisis-hits-hard-in-these-8-cities-where-you-need-to-earn-at-least-100k-to-live-c">high-cost areas</a>, the situation is even more stark. &#8220;That is almost exactly the median individual income in San Francisco,&#8221; one commenter said. &#8220;That makes sense,&#8221; they added, implying that even six figures just gets you by in some cities.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Still Symbolic, Still Out Of Reach For Many</h2>
Some argued the term still holds weight because of its cultural significance. &#8220;Same reason people use six feet to denote a tall person. People like round numbers,&#8221; one person commented. Others mentioned it as an emotional or generational touchstone: &#8220;It was kind of the gold standard for a lot of us growing up.&#8221;
But many agreed it&#8217;s time to update expectations. &#8220;$150K is the new ‘six figures,'&#8221; one person claimed. Another said, &#8220;Even $180K feels like the new $100K.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a>
Still, the thread was filled with reminders that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46128507/think-youll-make-100k-right-out-of-college-in-these-10-fields-you-might-be-ri">six figures</a> remain out of reach for most Americans. &#8220;I make 48K a year and I think six figures sounds really, really good,&#8221; one commenter said. Another added, &#8220;I&#8217;ve lived off of 30K for nearly a decade. 100K is more than enough to live off of when you consider just how poor you can actually be.&#8221;
Even those doing well financially recognized the disconnect. &#8220;I make six figures. 102K to be exact. I have a small house, a reliable car, and live comfortably,&#8221; one said. &#8220;Six figures is absolutely success, if you&#8217;re smart with your money.&#8221;
At the end of the day, six figures may no longer signal wealth, but it still signals something important: security. &#8220;$100K still puts you in the top 20% of individual incomes,&#8221; one person pointed out. &#8220;Just because it doesn&#8217;t have the same purchasing power as five, 10, or 20 years ago doesn&#8217;t mean it isn&#8217;t a lot more than most people are getting.&#8221;
Read Next: Over the last five years, the price of gold has increased by approximately 83% — Investors like Bill O&#8217;Reilly and Rudy Giuliani are using this platform to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/american-hartford-gold">create customized gold IRAs to help shield their savings from inflation and economic turbulence.&nbsp;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

The Six-Figure Salary Was Once A Finish Line. Now It Feels Like The Starting Point For Basic Adulthood

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