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IT Tech Packaging

IT Tech Packaging Inc is a holding company engaged in the business of paper manufacturing in China. The company operates as a producer and distributor of paper products. It is involved in the production and distribution of three categories of paper products: packing paper (corrugating medium paper), offset printing paper, and tissue paper products. It also produces digital photo paper. Its business is structured into three segments: Dongfang Paper and Tengsheng Paper, which produce offset printing paper, corrugating medium paper, and tissue paper, and Baoding Shengde, which produces face masks and digital photo paper.

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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

IT Tech Packaging Inc

INTREPID CAPITAL CORP by Intrepid Capital Corp.

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Shareef O&#8217;Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O&#8217;Neal, says LeBron James his his favorite NBA player, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44780032/shaqs-financial-wisdom-its-not-what-you-make-its-what-you-keep-and-whats-in-his-wallet-might-surprise-you">placing his father in third place</a>.
What Happened: Shareef O&#8217;Neal disclosed his top NBA players at the 2025 ESPYS, with LeBron James leading the list, followed by Kobe Bryant, and then his father, Shaquille O&#8217;Neal.
Speaking <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/shaqs-son-shareef-oneal-jokes-dad-isnt-his-favorite-nba-player-excl/">with</a> Us Weekly, Shareef mentioned that his father was aware of his choices and was not disturbed by them.
He recalled instances where Shaquille would stay after games so Shareef could meet his favorite players, even when he attended his father&#8217;s games wearing a LeBron jersey.
"He doesn't mind. There would be times when he'd play against Kobe or LeBron, and he'd wait after so we could meet them. I would go to his games in a LeBron jersey. So, it's funny," Shareef said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/04/45027895/why-shaq-wont-share-his-500-million-fortune-with-his-kids-we-aint-rich-im-rich-im-not-going-to-hand-it-to-you-you-gotta-earn-it">Why Shaq Won&#8217;t Share His $500 Million Fortune With His Kids: &#8216;We Ain&#8217;t Rich. I&#8217;m Rich. I&#8217;m Not Going to Hand It to You, You Gotta Earn It&#8217;</a>
Shaquille O&#8217;Neal had the opportunity to play alongside both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant during his NBA career. He was teammates with&nbsp;Bryant on the Lakers for&nbsp;eight seasons, during which they&nbsp;won three consecutive NBA championships. 
He also had a brief stint with James on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Shareef&#8217;s selection of favorite players showcases his personal preferences and experiences, rather than simply following in his father&#8217;s footsteps. 
It also underscores the significant impact and influence that players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have had on the younger generation of basketball enthusiasts, even those born into basketball royalty.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/03/44348149/shaq-once-spent-1-million-in-a-day-on-luxury-then-realized-taxes-took-a-huge-cut">Shaq Once Spent $1 Million in a Day on Luxury, Then Realized Taxes Took a Huge Cut</a>
Image: Shutterstock/lev radin

News

Shaq's Son Names His Favorite NBA Player — And No, It's Not His Dad

President Donald Trump has been in office for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/01/43139381/how-many-people-watched-donald-trumps-2025-inauguration-spoiler-less-than-biden-four-years-ago">nearly six months </a>of a four-year term. While Trump has more than three years left, prediction markets and polls for the 2028 presidential election are already heating up.
2028 Election Odds: Vice President J.D. Vance and California Governor Gavin Newsom <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/11/41830883/2028-election-betting-odds-where-do-j-d-vance-michelle-obama-mark-cuban-ron-desantis-kamal">continue to top </a>the prediction markets when it comes to betting for the 2028 presidential elections.
Prediction market Kalshi has markets open for the Republican and Democratic winners, but not an overall winner.
Here are the current frontrunners for the GOP nomination, with their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46168784/2028-election-poll-shows-vance-buttigieg-in-lead-where-trump-newsom-harris-rank-and-betting-odds">odds from June</a> in parentheses:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>JD Vance: 54% (41%)</li>
<li>Marco Rubio: 8% (8%)</li>
<li>Tulsi Gabbard: 5% (8%)</li>
<li>Donald Trump: 5% (7%)</li>
<li>Ron DeSantis: 4% (5%)</li>
<li>Donald Trump Jr.: 4% (5%)</li>
</ul>
The 22nd&nbsp;Amendment currently would keep Trump from serving more than two terms in the White House, but he&#8217;s included in Kalshi&#8217;s odds here.
Here are the betting odds on Kalshi for the Democrat Party nominee for the 2028 election, with odds from June in parentheses:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Gavin Newsom: 18% (15%)</li>
<li>Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: 14% (13%)</li>
<li>Pete Buttigieg: 10% (9%)</li>
<li>Wes Moore: 7% (7%)</li>
<li>Josh Shapiro: 6% (7%)</li>
<li>Kamala Harris: 4% (4%)</li>
<li>Gretchen Whitmer: 4% (3%)</li>
</ul>
Kalshi also offers betting on which party will win the election with the Democratic party the current favorite at 52%.
Polymarket has just launched its first prediction markets for the candidates in the 2028 election. The prediction market has overall odds and odds to win the Republican and Democratic party nominations. Polymarket also has betting for which party will win with the Democratic Party favored at 54%.
Here is the overall betting odds for the 2028 presidential winner from Polymarket:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>JD Vance: 27%</li>
<li>Gavin Newsom: 15%</li>
<li>Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: 10%</li>
<li>Pete Buttigieg: 8%</li>
<li>Marco Rubio: 6%</li>
<li>Ron DeSantis: 5%</li>
<li>Donald Trump: 5%</li>
<li>Kamala Harris: 4%</li>
<li>Nikki Haley: 3%</li>
<li>Gretchen Whitmer: 3%</li>
<li>Glenn Youngkin: 3%</li>
<li>Tim Walz: 2%</li>
<li>Tulsi Gabbard: 2%</li>
<li>Donald Trump Jr.: 2%</li>
</ul>
With over $90,000 in early bets on Polymarket, surprisingly enough it is Trump who is not currently constitutionally able to run for the election getting over $31,000 of the bets, followed by Vance at $25,000, Buttigieg at $11,000 and Ocasio-Cortez at $10,000.
Did You Know?
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent071825">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
New 2028 Election Poll: The new betting market from Polymarket comes as a new Echelon Insights poll for the 2028 election was released, as shared by the New York Post.
In the primary poll, Democratic voters picked the following as their top candidate:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Kamala Harris: 26%</li>
<li>Pete Buttigieg: 11%</li>
<li>Gavin Newsom: 10%</li>
<li>Cory Booker: 7%</li>
<li>Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: 6%</li>
<li>Mark Cuban: 3%</li>
</ul>
The poll found that 13% of voters were unsure who their top pick would be. The poll also asked who voters would choose as their top pick if Harris doesn't run. In that poll, Newsome and Buttigieg tied for first at 12%, with Ocasio-Cortez ranking third at 9%.
The poll found the following as the top Republican candidate:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>JD Vance: 42%</li>
<li>Ron DeSantis: 9%</li>
<li>Marco Rubio: 7%</li>
<li>Nikki Haley: 6%</li>
<li>Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: 5%</li>
<li>Vivek Ramaswamy: 4%</li>
</ul>
The poll found that 16% of voters were unsure who their top Republican candidate would be.
The poll and prediction markets currently differ quite a bit with prediction markets seeming to already price in Harris not running or placing her odds of winning the election extremely low despite faring well in polls.
Vance dominates both the polls and prediction markets, although a large number of bets by dollar on Polymarket are coming in on Trump with bettors predicting he could end up being allowed to run.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46483170/voters-want-third-party-option-but-77-say-not-so-much-to-elon-musk-while-trump-approval-at-44">Voters Want Third Party Option, But 77% Say &#8216;Not So Much&#8217; To Elon Musk, While Trump Approval At 44%</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/Lev Radin

Sports Betting

Politics

2028 Election Odds Out From Polymarket: Vance Tops List At 27%, Trump Has 5%, Here's What Voters Say In New Poll

These ten large-cap stocks were the worst performers last week. Are they a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" rel="noreferrer noopener">part of your portfolio</a>?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>) shares decreased 17.96% this week after the company lowered its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46468951/elevance-health-hit-by-medicaid-troubles-trims-outlook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiscal year 2025 adjusted earnings guidance</a>. The company missed earnings in the second quarter. Also, multiple analysts lowered their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ELV/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Waters Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WAT#NYSE">WAT</a>) fell 9.50% this week  after the company agreed to combine Becton, Dickinson and Company&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BDX#NYSE">BDX</a>) Biosciences &amp; Diagnostic Solutions <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/25/07/46389674/bectons-biosciences-and-diagnostics-arm-slated-to-join-waters-in-17-5-billion-merger\" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">business with Waters</a>. Also, Wells Fargo downgraded the stock from Overweight to Equal-Weight and lowered its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WAT/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $420 to $330</a>.</li>
<li>Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTRA#NASDAQ">NTRA</a>) slumped 13.19% this week.</li>
<li>Centene Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>) shares fell 10.49% this week amid a selloff in the sector following Elevance&#8217;s recent soft guidance and broader concerns <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46474212/centene-stock-hit-a-new-52-week-low-today-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">over rising medical costs</a>.</li>
<li>Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VG#NYSE">VG</a>) shares slumped 11.27% this week. The company and ENI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/E#NYSE">E</a>) of Italy announced the execution of a new Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the purchase of 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from CP2 LNG, Venture Global&#8217;s third project, for 20 years.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Schlumberger N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLB#NYSE">SLB</a>) stock slumped 8.87% this week after the company reported second-quarter financial results, issued expectations for flat-to-low single-digit revenue growth in the second half of 2025, and stated that tariffs will cost <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46492669/slb-trims-2025-capital-spending-prioritizing-efficiency-post-championx-deal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">between 20-to-40 basis points of margin</a>. Additionally, Piper Sandler lowered its price forecast <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/slb/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">from $44 to $42</a>.</li>
<li>Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PAG#NYSE">PAG</a>) shares decreased 9.79% this week after JP Morgan lowered the price target from $160 to $155 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PAG/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">while maintaining an Underweight rating</a>.</li>
<li>Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLA#NYSE">STLA</a>) stock declined 7.72% this week after the firm announced it would be pulling the plug on the development of its Hydrogen fuel cell technology, citing no potential in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46437558/stellantis-abandons-hydrogen-vehicle-plans-citing-weak-infrastructure-and-incentives-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sector in the mid-term future</a>.</li>
<li>ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) shares fell 7.39% this week after the company said it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46438500/asml-stock-plunges-nearly-8-in-wednesday-pre-market-whats-going-on">cannot confirm 2026 growth</a> outlook after strong second quarter earnings.</li>
<li>TechnipFMC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTI#NYSE">FTI</a>) stock fell 7.25% this week after BTIG analyst Greg Lewis downgraded the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/fti/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">company from Buy to Neutral</a>.</li>
</ol>
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46507927/blackstone-backs-out-of-tiktok-us-deal-as-trump-deadline-looms-china-opposition-mounts-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackstone Backs Out Of TikTok US Deal As Trump Deadline Looms, China Opposition Mounts: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy Skorzewiak via Shutterstock

Large Cap

ASML

streetTRACKS Dow Jones U.S. Large Cap Value Index Fund

NTRA

STLA

Schlumberger, Stellantis And ASML Holding Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (July 14-July 18): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Long gone are the days of easily spotted, plasticky fake bags perched atop folding tables on New York City's Canal Street. Instead, the modern counterfeit bag is a near-perfect replica, or "reps," to use the more cloak and dagger term you'll see in the underground market. And Gen Z's shift to replicas could pressure luxury margins long-term, T<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/luxury-counterfeits-handbags-superfakes-a490fb42">he Wall Street Journal reported recently</a>, detailing the shadowy market of "superfake" handbags.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Market Data Shows Gen Z's Reticence to Buy Luxury</h2>
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38155531/prada-gucci-louis-vuitton-brace-for-sales-slump-as-chinas-economic-turbulence-hits-luxury-market">luxury sector may be seeing its first revenue pressures</a> as Gen Z pulls back: According to the Journal, data from consulting firm Bain &amp; Co. shows younger consumers spent $5 billion less on luxury in 2023 than the previous year.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – Many are rushing to grab <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.30/share</a></li>
<li>Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a></li>
</ul>
While the data can't definitively identify the cause, the decline suggests one or both factors: budget constraints, or a growing preference for high-quality counterfeits, according to the Journal's analysis.&nbsp;
"People are starting to realize how good these fakes are getting"
Online communities of replica handbag enthusiasts have been reacting to the article, including lurkers and buyers from the "<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/RepladiesDesigner/">Repladiesdesigner</a>" subreddit, which was specifically called out by the Journal: "It&#8217;s crazy how far &#8216;super fakes&#8217; have come and they really are just as good as the original in many cases. The difference in price makes it an easy choice for many," <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/RepladiesDesigner/comments/1lxyphy/wall_street_journal/?sort=top">one user writes</a>. "I also bought Hermes authentics in [the] past but now I&#8217;m buying high tier reps."
"It&#8217;s true that some people are just starting to realize how good these fakes are getting," writes another Repladiesdesigner member. "Honestly, with [the] right seller and the right eye, you can snag a bag that looks better than [the] original."
Trending: $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.
Customers use resources like the subreddit to find sellers, who then move their business off Reddit and onto encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. According to the Journal, this direct-to-consumer sales model floods shipping ports with untraceable single packages, making it much easier to evade the traditional method of bulk interception of counterfeit goods at customs.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Resellers Going High-Tech to Spot Superfakes&nbsp;</h2>
Indeed, superfake handbags are so indiscernible from their luxury counterparts that designer goods resellers like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/REAL">The RealReal</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REAL#NASDAQ">REAL</a>) have adopted forensic-level authentication methods: According to the Journal report, the company is implementing XRF technology to analyze the metal composition of bag hardware and X-ray machines to inspect internal structures. The RealReal Director of Authentication Hunter Thompson tells the Journal that counterfeiters may flawlessly replicate a bag's exterior but often overlook subtle interior details, like the way a nail head is hammered in.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
But what of the brands themselves? How are they fighting back? According to the Journal, in the case of the largest luxury brand, the answer is: meekly. LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's largest luxury conglomerate, spent $11 billion on advertising in 2023 but just $45 million on anti-counterfeiting efforts. It may be that fakes are viewed as a foot-in-the-door toward genuine purchases, but the industry should probably wise up to the reality that superfakes are becoming legitimate competitors — and luxury's pricing power may be at risk.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Image: Shutterstock

REAL

The Rise Of 'Superfakes': Why Ultra-Realistic Designer Knockoffs Are Disrupting The Luxury Industry

Jake Cuban, son of billionaire Mark Cuban, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey reminiscent of his father&#8217;s early business ventures by starting a side hustle selling candy at his school.
What Happened: Mark Cuban shared details of his son&#8217;s business activities on Kevin Hart&#8216;s Peacock talk show &#8220;Hart to Heart&#8221; a few years back.
Cuban referred to Jake as a &#8220;little mini-me,&#8221; emphasizing his son&#8217;s ability to identify and capitalize on profitable opportunities.
&#8220;He&#8217;s hustling and selling stuff all of the time,&#8221; Cuban revealed, noting that Jake is diligently managing his business. &#8220;He shows me his spreadsheet because he&#8217;s buying candy and selling it at school,&#8221; Cuban <a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/hart-to-heart/6188944115208130112/seasons/3/episodes/mark-cuban-episode-6/5acb7c01-0eff-33d1-8121-c542ab5bacb8">shared</a> with Hart.
Jake&#8217;s business acumen extends beyond selling candy. He even contemplated using DoorDash for candy delivery, and queried his father about whether the delivery cost could be included as his cost of goods sold.
Mark Cuban, who initiated his business career by&nbsp;selling garbage bags door-to-door at&nbsp;the age of 12, expressed his admiration for Jake&#8217;s initiative. 
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>
However, he stressed that he doesn&#8217;t want his children to necessarily follow his entrepreneurial footsteps, but rather to discover their own interests and passions.
He said that his advice to them was, &#8220;Do what you want and figure out who you are. You don't need to follow in my footsteps.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This story is significant as it showcases the entrepreneurial spirit being nurtured in the next generation of the Cuban family. 
Mark Cuban&#8217;s early business ventures laid the foundation for his success, and it appears that his son Jake is following a similar path. 
However, Mark Cuban&#8217;s emphasis on his children finding their own interests and passions indicates his belief in individuality and personal growth, values that are just as important as business acumen in shaping future leaders.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/sports/25/07/46383435/mark-cuban-calls-for-nba-veterans-exclusion-from-olympics-were-giving-all-these-guys-for-free-and-taking-the-injury-risk">Mark Cuban Calls for NBA Veterans&#8217; Exclusion From Olympics: &#8216;We&#8217;re Giving All These Guys for Free and Taking the Injury Risk&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Jaguar PS

Success Stories

Mark Cuban Praised His 'Hustling' Son, But Told Kids: 'Figure Out Who You Are, You Don't Need To Follow In My Footsteps'

Billionaire investor Peter Thiel once <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/10/17737269/a-huge-week-for-facebook-alums-peter-thiel-dustin-moskovitz-and-justin-rosenstein">acknowledged that selling</a> his Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), which was earlier known as Facebook, shares too early cost him billions.
What Happened: In an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored in 2024, Thiel, the PayPal Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>) co-founder and Facebook's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/05/32461106/if-you-invested-1-000-in-facebook-stock-at-ipo-11-years-ago-heres-how-much-youd-have-now">first outside investor</a>, reflected on his 2012 decision to sell most of his Facebook stake during the company's initial public offering.
He pocketed around $400 million at the time, but had he held on longer, his shares could have been worth much more.
"I think one of the things that was very hard to gauge… was just how [big tech companies] were going to scale and scale and scale," Thiel told Morgan. "The incorrect view I had back in 2012 was that it was fractal up to $100 billion… but going from $100 billion to a trillion was actually the easiest."
Thiel used the term "fractal" to describe how he viewed the difficulty of scaling businesses in successive magnitudes — from $10 million to $100 million, and up to $100 billion.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46425393/metas-metaverse-dreams-tested-by-new-bytedance-swan-goggles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta's Metaverse Dreams Tested By New ByteDance Swan Goggles</a> He believed each step would be just as hard, but misjudged the massive acceleration that can occur once a company hits a certain scale.
The billionaire investor added that as an investor, you want to find opportunities that are both "true and contrarian," and Facebook's eventual rise to over $1.5 trillion in market cap turned out to be just that — widely doubted, but easier to achieve than he imagined.
When asked if selling Facebook stock early was his biggest investing mistake, Thiel admitted, "There are all sorts of mistakes… but the biggest mistake people make is never making mistakes."
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
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</figure>
Why It's Important: Facebook began as a social networking site for college students, launched by Mark Zuckerberg and his friends in a Harvard dorm in February 2004. Two months later, the company was officially registered, and in June 2004, Thiel made the first major investment—$500,001 for a 10.2% stake—also joining the board.
Thiel remained on Facebook's board until 2022. Today, his estimated net worth is $23 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/">Index</a>, largely driven by early tech bets including Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) and PayPal.
Meta currently has a market capitalization of $1.767 trillion, making it the sixth most valuable company in the world.
The tech giant currently holds a consensus price target of $741.41, according to ratings from 42 analysts. The latest analyst updates came from Cantor Fitzgerald, Canaccord Genuity and B of A Securities have set an average price target of $817.67, suggesting a potential upside of 16.11%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
According to Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings, META continues to demonstrate a consistent upward trajectory across short, medium and long-term periods. While its growth score remains strong, its value rating is relatively weaker. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Additional performance details are available here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/17010906/Screenshot-2025-07-17-at-8.55.57%E2%80%AFAM-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-988930" /></a></figure>
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46385278/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-expands-ai-talent-with-playai-acquisition-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Expands AI Talent With PlayAI Acquisition: Report</a></li>
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Photo Courtesy: Mark Reinstein on Shutterstock.com
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Tech

PLTR

PYPL

Peter Thiel Once Touched On Selling Facebook Stock Too Early — Palantir Co-Founder Says Misjudged Big Tech's 'Fractal' Path To $1 Trillion

The past week was a rollercoaster ride for the tech and auto sectors. Tesla Inc. faced a few bumps on the road, while Uber Technologies Inc. geared up for the future. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories.
Tesla&#8217;s Cybertruck Bet Falters
Elon Musk&#8217;s dream of a top-selling electric pickup seems to be fading as the Cybertruck continues to see declining demand. A recent report shows Tesla falling to third place in the electric pickup sector, facing weakened demand for several vehicles across multiple regions.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46475391/tesla-cybertruck-bet-not-paying-off-ford-gm-outsell-ev-giant">Read the full article here.</a>
Tesla Announces New Offers Amid Sluggish US Sales
As the EV giant grapples with lackluster sales figures in the U.S., Tesla has announced a set of new offers on various vehicles in its lineup. This comes in the wake of the Trump administration axing EV incentives.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487092/as-trump-axes-ev-incentives-elon-musks-tesla-announces-new-offers-amid-sluggish-us-sales">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/04/38417196/ford-q1-earnings-highlights-automaker-beats-street-estimates-guidance-improves-ev-revenue-falls-84" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ford Q1 Earnings Highlights: Automaker Beats Street Estimates, Guidance Improves, EV Revenue Falls 84%</a>
Uber Could Benefit Most From Autonomous Driving Tech
Gary Black, Managing Director of The Future Fund LLC, believes that Uber can benefit from the rapid advancement in autonomous driving technology. He suggests that Tesla could undercut other ride-hailing companies by mastering unsupervised autonomy.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46485120/gary-black-thinks-uber-benefits-most-as-autonomous-driving-technology-develops-says-tesla-could-undercut-other-ride-hailing-companies-by-mastering-unsupervised-autonomy">Read the full article here.</a>
Tesla Files For Model 3+ Trim in China
Amid a surge in sales, Tesla has filed for a new trim level for the Model 3 sedan in China. This comes as the EV giant&#8217;s sales rebound in the country following a poor start to July.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/07/46460445/elon-musk-led-tesla-files-for-model-3-trim-in-china-with-500-mile-range-amid-surge-in-sales-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Uber Partners With Lucid, Nuro For $300M AV Push
Uber announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Lucid Group Inc and self-driving software maker Nuro. The partnership aims to add more than 20,000 autonomous vehicles (AVs) to the Uber platform over the next six years.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46496272/uber-partners-with-lucid-nuro-for-300m-push-into-self-driving-future">Read the full article here.</a>
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tesla's Cybertruck Struggles, Uber's Autonomous Drive And More: This Week In Mobility

As retirement approaches, many people take stock of their financial needs — including whether or not their car will last the next chapter of life. One soon-to-retire driver, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/retirement/comments/1lscnv4/should_i_replace_the_car_before_i_retire/">posting to Reddit</a>, asked a simple but important question: Should I replace my 2016 Buick LaCrosse with 138,000 miles before retirement to avoid costly repairs later?
With retirement just over a month away, the driver explained they'll be living on a defined benefit pension and deferred compensation, with Social Security kicking in at 62. They weren't looking for anything brand new — just a one- to two-year-old used car with low mileage.
Here's what fellow <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46202739/i-will-never-work-again-what-retirees-who-gave-up-work-completely-say-about-life-now">retirees</a>, financial experts, and auto professionals say about making this kind of decision.
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</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Some Retirees Say: Keep the Car</h2>
In response to the Reddit post, the majority of commenters offered the same advice: keep driving the Buick until it no longer makes financial sense to repair it. One user suggested, "Drive your current car till it dies a death that costs more than it&#8217;s worth. Then look for another used low mileage car."
Others shared their own strategies. One retiree said they bought a new RAV4 for cash about a year after retiring and passed down their older Honda to their son. They emphasized the peace of mind that comes from owning a reliable vehicle with minimal maintenance costs — and no monthly payments.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Financial Experts: Avoid Large Purchases on a Fixed Income</h2>
Buying a car during retirement can strain limited budgets. "Most retired workers are just barely getting by on SS and some savings, maybe even an IRA, and 401(K)," Chris Pyle, a JustAnswer auto expert, told <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/reasons-you-should-not-buy-a-car-when-you-retire/">GoBankingRates</a>.
Trending: $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.
The cost of new cars — plus insurance, maintenance, and interest if financing is involved — can quickly become burdensome. Even used cars are expensive in today's market. "It's a bad time to buy cars anyway, and new cars are often quite expensive even in good times," Scott Lieberman, founder of Touchdown Money, told GoBankingRates. "The cost usually isn't worth it."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Alternatives and Strategies</h2>
If your current car is running well, some commenters suggest creating a "car fund" — setting aside money monthly toward a future <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45485580/someone-asks-why-do-people-still-equate-luxury-cars-with-being-rich-when-its-common-knowledge-anyone-can-finance-or-lease-a-luxury-car">vehicle purchase</a>. This way, you're prepared if a major repair becomes unavoidable, and you may be able to pay cash when the time comes.
Others point out that retirees often need fewer vehicles, and alternative transportation like ride-shares or public transit can be more economical — and eco-friendly. "If you're retired, there's a good chance that you won't need an additional vehicle during your golden years," Lieberman said.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's the Best Move?</h2>
Ultimately, the Reddit poster decided to keep the Buick for now, noting it's in "great shape." That mirrors the consensus from both the online community and financial experts: unless a new car is a necessity — and you can afford it without putting stress on your <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46266572/heres-how-much-you-should-have-saved-for-retirement-by-40-50-or-60-are-you-ahead-of-the-curve-or-falling-behind">retirement income</a> — it's often wiser to hold onto your current vehicle.
It's not just about money. It's about peace of mind — and ensuring that your golden years aren't weighed down by unexpected expenses.
Read Next: 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>
Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

'Should I Replace The Car Before I Retire?' Soon-To-Retire Driver Debates Trading In 2016 Buick To Avoid Repairs On A Fixed Income

A whirlwind week in consumer tech saw blockbuster earnings, bold AI moves, legal battles, and fresh economic signals reshaping the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets" rel="noreferrer noopener"> industry's outlook.</a>
The second-quarter earnings season opened with strong results from major U.S. banks, but investors remained cautious, focusing on forward guidance and narrowing margins, which<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46420414/bank-earnings-performance-q2-citigroup-jpmorgan-blackrock-wells-fargo" rel="noreferrer noopener"> dragged bank stocks lower</a>. Meanwhile, U.S. retail sales surged 0.6% in June after two months of decline, signaling resilient consumer spending despite high <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46467952/us-retail-sales-june-2025-fed-trump-inflation-consumer" rel="noreferrer noopener">borrowing costs and tariff uncertainties.</a>
Amid this economic backdrop, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller made a strong case for a July rate cut and hinted at his willingness to succeed Jerome Powell if asked <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46491573/waller-fed-chair-trump-rate-cut-july" rel="noreferrer noopener">by President</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46491573/waller-fed-chair-trump-rate-cut-july" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Donald Trump</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46491573/waller-fed-chair-trump-rate-cut-july" rel="noreferrer noopener">.</a>
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46503030/bitcoin-stuck-below-118000-as-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-extend-gains" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Stuck Below $118,000 As Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Extend Gains</a>
In a notable geopolitical shift, China continued reducing its U.S. Treasury holdings for a third consecutive month, bringing its stockpile<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/bonds/25/07/46501603/us-treasury-holdings-foreign-china-japan-trump" rel="noreferrer noopener"> to a 16-year low of $756.3 billion in May.</a>
These economic and geopolitical shifts—ranging from tighter bank margins to China's retreat from U.S. debt—could ripple through the consumer tech world, potentially tightening capital flows, pressuring valuations, and reshaping global <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news" rel="noreferrer noopener">supply chain dynamics.</a>
Earnings
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) eported second-quarter revenue of $11.08 billion, up 16% year-over-year. The revenue total beat a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46481193/netflix-q2-fueled-by-price-ads-squid-game-q3-set-to-repeat" rel="noreferrer noopener">Street consensus estimate of $11.04 billion</a>.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) reported second-quarter net sales of $30.07 billion, up 38.6% year-over-year, topping the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46462634/nvidia-supplier-taiwan-semiconductor-on-a-roll-profit-explodes-with-strong-margin-growth" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst consensus estimate of $30.04 billion.</a>
3M Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMM#NYSE">MMM</a>) posted second-quarter adjusted&nbsp;sales of $6.2 billion, reflecting 1.5% organic growth and beating the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46491058/post-it-maker-3m-defies-tariff-headwinds-with-strong-q2-and-outlook-boost" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate&nbsp;of $6.09 billion.</a>
Technology
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)&nbsp;CEO Jensen Huang,&nbsp;on his third visit&nbsp;to China this year, praised the country's open-source AI innovation during a fireside chat with&nbsp;Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) Cloud founder&nbsp;Wang Jian&nbsp;at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46462378/why-nvidias-jensen-huang-says-china-leads-in-open-source-ai" rel="noreferrer noopener">China International Supply Chain Expo on Thursday.</a>
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)&nbsp;has reportedly laid off several employees within its&nbsp;Amazon Web Services&nbsp;(AWS) cloud division, as the company continues to restructure amid the growing impact of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46485457/amazon-slashes-roles-in-aws-cloud-unit-as-ceo-andy-jassy-says-ai-will-reduce-the-need-for-certain-roles-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">generative artificial intelligence.</a>
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Amazon Web Services&nbsp;are launching a $6 million initiative to attract 30 U.S. startups to build AI applications using Meta&#8217;s open-source Llama model, positioning the partnership as a strategic counter to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46460828/meta-aws-roll-out-6-million-startup-program-to-counter-openai-make-llama-the-go-to-ai-model-for-builders" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI&#8217;s</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46460828/meta-aws-roll-out-6-million-startup-program-to-counter-openai-make-llama-the-go-to-ai-model-for-builders" rel="noreferrer noopener"> closed-source dominance</a>.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)&nbsp;has signed a $500 million deal with&nbsp;MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MP#NYSE">MP</a>), a Pentagon-backed company, to secure a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46435562/apple-strikes-500-million-deal-with-mp-materials-to-reduce-china-reliance-on-critical-magnets" rel="noreferrer noopener">supply of rare earth magnets.</a>
Apple has filed a lawsuit against YouTuber&nbsp;Jon Prosser&nbsp;and collaborator&nbsp;Michael Ramacciotti, alleging they misappropriated trade secrets tied&nbsp;to the unreleased&nbsp;iOS 26&nbsp;by secretly accessing a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/07/46487617/apple-sues-youtuber-jon-prosser-over-alleged-ios-26-leak-involving-secret-iphone-access-facetime-footage-and-trade-secrets-theft" rel="noreferrer noopener">confidential development&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/07/46487617/apple-sues-youtuber-jon-prosser-over-alleged-ios-26-leak-involving-secret-iphone-access-facetime-footage-and-trade-secrets-theft" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhone</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/07/46487617/apple-sues-youtuber-jon-prosser-over-alleged-ios-26-leak-involving-secret-iphone-access-facetime-footage-and-trade-secrets-theft" rel="noreferrer noopener">.</a>
Marvell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>)&nbsp;announced two key leadership <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46492462/marvell-reshuffles-leadership-as-it-looks-to-reignite-momentum-rebuild-investor-confidence" rel="noreferrer noopener">promotions effective July 15, 2025</a>.&nbsp;
Chris Koopmans&nbsp;has been elevated to president, while&nbsp;Sandeep Bharathi&nbsp;has been named president of the company&#8217;s Data Center Group. Both executives will report directly to&nbsp;Matt Murphy, Marvell&#8217;s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=101533&amp;ref=319307113&amp;type=HTML&amp;symbol=MRVL&amp;cdn=a9d5cd7e414d4a656d39e5ac0131183d&amp;companyName=Marvell+Technology+Inc.&amp;formType=8-K&amp;dateFiled=2025-07-17&amp;tblci=GiAIRlI0k8093O7NDun8A3VPr6xAR70_aoZJ6XnLiAtCAyCN1Vcoz7Dpifi1v-7FATDviEo" rel="noreferrer noopener">chair and CEO</a>.
Rumble Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RUM#NASDAQ">RUM</a>) announced it is actively assembling a specialized machine learning and artificial intelligence team that will oversee development in areas such as search functions, content recommendations, creator tools and the platform&#8217;s short-form <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46480518/whats-going-on-with-rumble-shares-today" rel="noreferrer noopener">video segment, Rumble Shorts.&nbsp;</a>
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;administration is reportedly preparing a sweeping executive order aimed at curbing&nbsp;perceived liberal bias&nbsp;in artificial intelligence models used<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487059/trump-white-house-to-crack-down-on-woke-ai-with-executive-order-targeting-political-bias-in-government-contracted-chatbots-and-models-report" rel="noreferrer noopener"> by government contractors.</a>
Hadrian, a defense manufacturing startup, has successfully concluded a $260 million Series C funding round, led by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487918/peter-thiel-backed-hadrian-raises-260-million-to-build-ai-powered-mega-factory-in-arizona" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Thiel's Founders Fund</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487918/peter-thiel-backed-hadrian-raises-260-million-to-build-ai-powered-mega-factory-in-arizona" rel="noreferrer noopener"> and&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487918/peter-thiel-backed-hadrian-raises-260-million-to-build-ai-powered-mega-factory-in-arizona" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lux Capital</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487918/peter-thiel-backed-hadrian-raises-260-million-to-build-ai-powered-mega-factory-in-arizona" rel="noreferrer noopener">.</a>
OpenAI&nbsp;has finally completed its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45640879/openais-sam-altman-says-6-5b-deal-with-jony-ive-to-build-ai-companions-could-add-1-trillion-in-company-value-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">$6.5 billion acquisition</a>&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>
Elon Musk-led artificial intelligence company,&nbsp;xAI, unveiled new technology that will help the company &#8220;sustainably&#8221; cool <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487316/elon-musks-xai-unveils-sustainable-way-to-cool-memphis-data-center-amid-criticism-from-environmental-rights-groups" rel="noreferrer noopener">its Memphis data center.</a>
Automobiles
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) is reportedly preparing to introduce a longer, six-seat version of its Model Y sport<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46452257/whats-going-on-with-tesla-stock-on-wednesday" rel="noreferrer noopener"> utility vehicle in China.</a>
WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WRD#NASDAQ">WRD</a>)&nbsp;announced on Thursday the launch of fully driverless Robobus operations at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore (RWS), the first autonomous vehicle in Southeast Asia to<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46462955/werides-driverless-robobus-approved-in-singapore" rel="noreferrer noopener"> operate without a safety officer on board.</a>
Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) replaced Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) and DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DKNG#NASDAQ">DKNG</a>)
ousted Plug Power, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLUG#NASDAQ">PLUG</a>) in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46449975/rivian-unseats-lucid-draftkings-ousts-plug-power-in-russell-1000-shake-up" rel="noreferrer noopener">latest Russell 1000 index reshuffle.</a>
Lucid Group is making two major moves this week-one to restructure its stock and another to deepen its footprint<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46497381/whats-going-on-with-lucid-group-stock-today-7" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;in autonomous mobility</a>.
Meanwhile, TD Cowen maintained a Hold rating on Lucid Group, with a price target of&nbsp;$2.30.
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Tech News (July 14–July 18): China Cuts US Debt, Fed Signals Rate Shift, Netflix And TSMC Lead Earnings Beat; Meta-AWS Push AI

The past week has been a whirlwind of activity in the tech world, with a particular focus on the rise and impact of artificial intelligence (AI). From the introduction of AI-native browsers to new AI job requirements at Amazon, the industry is buzzing with developments. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories.
AI Disruption in Browsers, Not Chatbots 
Perplexity&#8217;s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, has introduced Comet, an AI-native browser designed to fully automate key white-collar roles. Unlike typical AI assistants, Comet integrates directly with workplace apps like Gmail, LinkedIn, and Google Calendar to perform high-value tasks.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46508035/forget-chatbots-perplexitys-aravind-srinivas-says-the-real-ai-disruption-is-in-the-browser-and-its-coming-for-office-jobs">Read the full article here.</a>
AI Becomes a Job Requirement at Amazon
Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) has implemented a new policy at its Ring division, making AI a requirement for promotions. The new policy, announced by Ring&#8217;s founder Jamie Siminoff, mandates that all promotion applications must now include details on how AI is utilized in their roles.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46507890/amazon-ring-is-making-ai-a-job-requirement-starting-with-promotions">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46496809/magnificent-7-stocks-wall-streets-estimates-google-alphabet-microsoft" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These Two Magnificent 7 Stocks Are About To Hit Overdrive — And Wall Street&#8217;s Getting Excited</a>
Meta&#8217;s AI Talent Raid
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) has intensified its AI talent war by hiring two key former Apple engineers for its Superintelligence Labs team. This move comes just weeks after Meta poached their former boss, Ruoming Pang, with a multi-year pay package reportedly worth over $200 million.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46501869/meta-raids-apples-ai-lab-with-big-paychecks-zuckerberg-bets-to-win-the-ai-race">Read the full article here.</a>
Peter Thiel-Backed Hadrian Raises $260 Million
Defense manufacturing startup Hadrian has successfully concluded a $260 million Series C funding round. The funding will be utilized to establish a new 270,000 square foot factory in Mesa, Arizona, and expand its Torrance, California, location.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487918/peter-thiel-backed-hadrian-raises-260-million-to-build-ai-powered-mega-factory-in-arizona">Read the full article here.</a>
Chamath Palihapitiya Slams AI Agent Hype
Billionaire investor Chamath Palihapitiya has criticized the underwhelming performance of AI systems in large corporations, calling 2025 a &#8220;year of letdowns&#8221; for these systems. He also promoted his product, the &#8216;Software Factory&#8217; developed by 8090 Solutions Inc., as a reliable alternative.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46485314/chamath-palihapitiya-slams-ai-agent-hype-as-year-of-letdowns-touts-8090s-software-factory-as-no-gimmick-alternative">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487092/as-trump-axes-ev-incentives-elon-musks-tesla-announces-new-offers-amid-sluggish-us-sales" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">As Trump Axes EV Incentives, Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla Announces New Offers Amid Sluggish US Sales</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: Shutterstock

Disruption In Browsers, Amazon's AI Job Requirement, Meta's AI Talent Raid And More: This Week In AI

The past week was a whirlwind of cryptocurrency news, with the Trump family and their associates making headlines. From Senator Elizabeth Warren&#8217;s scathing comments on a potential quid pro quo involving the Trump family&#8217;s cryptocurrency ventures to President Donald Trump&#8217;s public endorsement of the GENIUS Act, the week was filled with significant developments.
Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories.
Warren Questions Trump Family&#8217;s Crypto Interests
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) raised concerns about a potential quid pro quo involving the Trump family&#8217;s cryptocurrency ventures and Binance&#8217;s convicted ex-CEO Changpeng Zhao. Warren referred to a report that claimed Binance covertly assisted a Trump-backed cryptocurrency company, World Liberty Financial, in developing the USD1 stablecoin.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46410017/elizabeth-warren-says-convicted-felon-leveraged-trump-familys-crypto-interests-for-pardon-senator-m">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Happy Crypto Week&#8217;
President Donald Trump took to social media to call on all Republicans to support the GENIUS Act, a comprehensive crypto bill aimed at positioning the United States as the global leader in digital assets. Trump&#8217;s endorsement came during what is now being referred to as &#8220;Crypto Week.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46424764/trump-wishes-bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-happy-crypto-week-it-is-all-part-of-make-america-great-again">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46477874/xrp-explodes-for-32-weekly-rally-to-form-a-golden-cross-all-time-highs-soon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">XRP Explodes For 32% Weekly Rally To Form A Golden Cross: All-Time Highs Soon?</a>
Thumzup Media&#8217;s $250M Crypto Investment
Thumzup Media Corporation, a digital adtech company backed by Donald Trump Jr., received board approval to invest up to $250 million in cryptocurrencies. The authorization allows Thumzup to hold a diversified portfolio of digital assets.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46491139/donald-trump-jr-backed-thumzup-media-approves-250m-in-bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-sol-dogecoin-treasury-purchases">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Secures Support For Stablecoin Bill
President Donald Trump announced that he had secured the commitment of House Republicans to vote in favor of the GENIUS Act, also known as the stablecoin bill. The announcement came after procedural failures had earlier halted the bill&#8217;s progress.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46435915/trump-says-11-of-12-republicans-needed-now-support-stablecoin-bill-after-earlier-setback-theyve-all">Read the full article here.</a>
Bitcoin Bull Run Predicted
Bitcoin advocate Udi Wertheimer suggested that Bitcoin is entering an explosive bull run, similar to Dogecoin&#8217;s surge in 2020–2021. Wertheimer argued that Bitcoin&#8217;s surge is not just about price, as legacy crypto holders are being replaced by institutions, ETFs, and treasuries.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46421044/bitcoin-advocate-says-btc-will-emulate-2021-dogecoin-run-this-thesis-will-retire-your-bloodline">Read the full article here.</a>
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

Media

The Trumps, Bitcoin Bull Run And Stablecoin Bill: This Week In Crypto

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), made a high-profile appearance at the China International Supply Chain Expo this week, delivering a message of cooperation amid lingering trade tensions <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46457371/nvidia-reloads-china-jensens-pitch-let-me-sell-the-good-stuff" rel="noreferrer noopener">between the United States and China.</a>
During his third visit to China in less than a year, Huang donned a traditional Chinese tang suit and greeted audiences with a few lines in Mandarin.
His presence, alongside a surge in U.S. company participation, highlighted tentative progress in cross-border diplomacy, South China Morning Post <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3318784/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-charms-china-trade-war-fears-still-lurk-beneath-surface?module=top_story&amp;pgtype=homepage" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46507658/microsoft-ends-china-based-tech-support-for-pentagon-projects-amid-national-security-backlash" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Ends China-Based Tech Support For Pentagon Projects Amid National Security Backlash</a>
Huang announced that the Biden administration had cleared Nvidia to ship its H20 chip to China — a customized, less powerful alternative to the firm&#8217;s top-tier AI processors blocked by prior sanctions.
The gesture was framed as part of broader efforts to ease commercial strains between the two nations.
American firms represented the largest foreign group at the event, with attendance up by 15% over last year.
Despite the positive optics, underlying worries about tariff escalations and fractured supply chains still haunted participants, especially in the agricultural and raw materials sectors, the report adds.
A Chinese buyer at the U.S. Grains Council booth said ongoing duties — including a 10% tariff on rice bran — have devastated profits.
According to a U.S. state trade official based in China, many Republican and swing states have shuttered their in-country offices, leaving just a handful of Democrat-led states with an active footprint.
Prospective Chinese investors, too, have put plans on ice due to bureaucratic delays and fears of retaliatory policies.
One Chinese firm in the raw materials space canceled plans to build warehousing infrastructure in the U.S. after zoning and documentation issues compounded post-tariff uncertainties.
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Image: Shutterstock/jamesonwu1972

Nvidia's Jensen Huang Charms China With AI Diplomacy as Tariff Tensions Linger

As the weekend wraps up, there&#8217;s no shortage of intriguing stories surrounding&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>). From acquisition speculations to legal disputes, the tech giant has been at the center of numerous headlines. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top five stories that made waves over the weekend.
Apple&#8217;s $60 Billion Acquisition Buzz
The tech world is abuzz with speculations about Apple&#8217;s massive $60 billion cash reserve. With rivals advancing in AI, many are wondering if it&#8217;s time for Apple to make a bold move. The discussions intensified after the company confirmed that COO Jeff Williams will retire in 2025, leading to speculations about a potential shift in Apple&#8217;s approach, particularly towards artificial intelligence.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46348639/apple-acquisition-buzz-60-billion-cash-reserve">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Sues YouTuber Jon Prosser
Apple has filed a lawsuit against YouTuber Jon Prosser and his collaborator Michael Ramacciotti. The tech giant alleges that the duo misappropriated trade secrets related to the unreleased iOS 26 by secretly accessing a confidential development iPhone. The leak reportedly originated from an internal iPhone used by a now-terminated Apple employee, Ethan Lipnik.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/07/46487617/apple-sues-youtuber-jon-prosser-over-alleged-ios-26-leak-involving-secret-iphone-access-facetime-footage-and-trade-secrets-theft">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487409/palmer-luckey-says-theres-a-chance-anduril-launches-american-made-computers-soon-rules-out-chance-of" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palmer Luckey Says &#8216;There&#8217;s A Chance&#8217; Anduril Launches American-Made Computers Soon, Rules Out Chance Of A Humanoid Robot</a>
Tim Cook&#8217;s Political Balancing Act
According to Justin Wolfers, an economist at the University of Michigan, Apple CEO Tim Cook has been spending more time managing politics than pursuing new innovations in recent months. This observation has sparked a debate on the balance between innovation and political favoritism in the tech industry.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46458652/tim-cooks-new-job-is-keeping-trump-happy-says-economist-justin-wolfers-innovation-takes-a-back-seat-to-political-favoritism">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s $500 Million Deal with MP Materials
In a strategic move to reduce reliance on China, Apple has signed a $500 million deal with MP Materials (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MP#NYSE">MP</a>), a Pentagon-backed company. The deal aims to secure a consistent supply of rare earth magnets, which are critical components in many of Apple&#8217;s products.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46435562/apple-strikes-500-million-deal-with-mp-materials-to-reduce-china-reliance-on-critical-magnets">Read the full article here.</a>
Jim Cramer&#8217;s Take on Apple&#8217;s Stock
CNBC&#8217;s &#8216;Mad Money&#8217; host Jim Cramer believes that Apple&#8217;s stock could soar if the company makes strategic acquisitions and halts its stock buyback program. According to Cramer, these moves could propel Apple, the third-largest company in the world, to new heights.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46439852/aapl-stock-would-soar-if-it-buys-this-says-jim-cramer-continued-buybacks-will-do-nothing">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: jamesteohart / Shutterstock.com

Acquisition Buzz, Legal Battles And Tim Cook's Balancing Act: This Week In Appleverse

The past week was a rollercoaster ride in the world of economics and finance. From President Donald Trump&#8217;s tariff threats against Russia to the Federal Reserve&#8217;s cautious stance amidst rising inflation, there was no shortage of headlines.
Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that made waves over the weekend.
Trump&#8217;s Tariff Threat Draws Criticism
President Donald Trump&#8217;s recent threat of imposing a 100% tariff on Russia if no peace deal is reached in Ukraine within 50 days has been met with criticism and mockery from leading economist Justin Wolfers. Wolfers pointed out that the U.S. already has sanctions on Russia, making any tariff figure irrelevant for Moscow at this point.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46407695/trumps-100-tariff-threat-on-almost-nothing-trade-with-russia-a-prescription-for-how-to-soun">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Rate Cut Calls Clash With Rising Inflation
President Trump&#8217;s calls for aggressive rate cuts collided with economic reality as June&#8217;s rising inflation dynamics offered a temporary win for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s cautious stance. June&#8217;s headline inflation accelerated to 2.7% year over year, up from 2.4% in May, marking the highest reading since February.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46430675/trump-powell-june-inflation-fed-rate-cuts">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46496809/magnificent-7-stocks-wall-streets-estimates-google-alphabet-microsoft" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These Two Magnificent 7 Stocks Are About To Hit Overdrive — And Wall Street&#8217;s Getting Excited</a>
June Inflation Report Fuels Fed Rate Cut Hopes
The June inflation report brought relief to Wall Street as the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) matched expectations, while core inflation came in slightly cooler than forecast, reviving optimism for interest rate cuts later this year.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46413961/june-inflation-cpi-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Federal Reserve&#8217;s Beige Book Reveals Tariff-Driven Profit Squeeze
The latest Federal Reserve study of economic conditions reveals that businesses that did not raise prices or pass on the impact of tariffs to their customers are likely to take a hit on their profit margins.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46461053/federal-reserves-beige-book-reveals-tariff-driven-profit-squeeze-as-businesses-avoid-price-">Read the full article here.</a>
Powell Defends $2.5 Billion Fed HQ Overhaul
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell defended the central bank&#8217;s multi-billion-dollar renovation of its Washington, D.C. headquarters, emphasizing that the project is being managed responsibly, with no extravagant features or misuse of public funds.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46485087/jerome-powell-defends-2-5-billion-fed-hq-overhaul-says-no-vip-dining-rooms-no-priva">Read the full article here.</a>
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Economics

Trump's Tariff Threat, Inflation Dynamics And Federal Reserve Updates: This Week In Economy

The week was a whirlwind of political and entertainment news, with major developments from Brazil to Hollywood. From the intensifying legal actions against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to Bill Gates warning about the potential consequences of the U.S. reducing its support for global tuberculosis treatment, there was no shortage of headlines. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories.
Brazil&#8217;s Supreme Court Cracks Down on Bolsonaro
The legal woes of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro escalated as Brazil&#8217;s Supreme Court issued search warrants and restraining orders against him. The court&#8217;s actions follow allegations that Bolsonaro sought interference from U.S. President Donald Trump. Bolsonaro, now under house arrest and barred from social media, has decried the court&#8217;s actions as a &#8220;supreme humiliation.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46507563/trump-ally-jair-bolsonaro-hit-with-restraining-order-as-brazil-supreme-court-cracks-down-marco-rubio-calls-it-political-witch-hunt">Read the full article here.</a>
Bill Gates Warns of TB Aid Cuts Consequences
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has raised concerns about the potential fallout of the U.S. reducing its support for global tuberculosis treatment and diagnosis efforts. Gates warned that if the U.S. scales back its global TB aid, it could lead to at least 2 million additional deaths.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46507574/bill-gates-warns-us-cuts-to-tb-aid-could-lead-to-2-million-additional-deaths-worldwide">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/article/4399443" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8 Lessons Executives Can Learn From &#8216;House Of Cards&#8217; &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Trump Revels in Colbert&#8217;s Late Show Cancellation
President Donald Trump expressed delight over Paramount Global&#8217;s decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, calling the host talentless and suggesting the move was overdue. Trump&#8217;s comments came in a post on Truth Social, where he wrote, &#8220;I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/entertainment/25/07/46507946/trump-celebrates-stephen-colberts-late-show-cancellation-slams-cbs-and-calls-host-talentless-amid-paramount-settlement-controversy">Read the full article here.</a>
China Sends Trump a $756 Billion Message
Despite a trade truce agreed upon at May's Geneva summit, China has reduced its U.S. Treasury holdings to the lowest level in over 16 years. In May, Beijing trimmed its stockpile of American debt to $756.3 billion, marking the third straight month of reductions.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/bonds/25/07/46501603/us-treasury-holdings-foreign-china-japan-trump">Read the full article here.</a>
Warren Demands Explanation for Colbert&#8217;s Show Cancellation
The decision to cancel the &#8220;Late Show With Stephen Colbert&#8221; has drawn the attention of Congress, with Senator Elizabeth Warren demanding an explanation from Paramount Global. The show&#8217;s cancellation comes on the heels of a settlement between the media company and President Donald Trump.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46496489/elizabeth-warren-demands-paramount-explain-colberts-late-show-cancellation-america-deserves-to-know">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/07/46469746/canada-hits-back-at-trumps-50-steel-tariffs-with-1-billion-rescue-new-quota-system" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canada Hits Back At Trump&#8217;s 50% Steel Tariffs With $1 Billion Rescue, New Quota System</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: Shutterstock

Bolsonaro's Restraining Order, Gates' TB Warning, And Late Show Drama: This Week In Politics

After a volatile start to the year, the stock market has rebounded — offering investors, especially retirees, a valuable chance to reassess their portfolios. Financial expert <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46266281/divorce-at-72-leaves-woman-working-full-time-to-make-ends-meet-but-thats-not-all-suze-orman-weighs-in">Suze Orman</a> is encouraging older Americans to use this moment of market recovery as an opportunity to adjust their investment strategies.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Market Recovery Offers a Second Chance</h2>
Orman shared that in the first few months of 2025, the S&amp;P 500 dropped more than 15%, and the Nasdaq 100 saw losses close to 20%. But by late June, both indexes had not only bounced back — they posted gains for the year. This quick turnaround, she says, is a rare window for reflection and course correction.
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"If you were anxious during the market sell-off in the first half of the year, now is a good time to think through whether it is indeed time to reduce your overall allocation to stocks," Orman wrote in a recent <a href="https://www.suzeorman.com/blog/Your-Mid-Year-Investment-Check-Up">blog post</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Your Strategy May Need an Update</h2>
Orman points out that the same investment strategy that worked in your 40s or early 50s might not serve you well in your 60s or 70s. While she says that stocks still have a place in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/46043866/can-you-guess-what-single-asset-makes-up-30-of-the-average-americans-portfolio-its-not-a-401k">retirement portfolios</a> — particularly to help outpace inflation — she advises against holding an overly aggressive position.
Someone who once had 80% of their portfolio in stocks may now want to take a more balanced approach. "Each of us has to know what will work for us," Orman wrote. That includes reevaluating your risk tolerance as you age and your income needs shift.
Trending: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Build a Cash Cushion for Stability</h2>
One of Orman's key pieces of advice for retirees is to maintain a solid cash reserve. She recommends setting aside at least two to three years' worth of living expenses in cash — not including your emergency savings.
This buffer allows retirees to avoid dipping into stock investments during downturns, helping to preserve long-term growth while providing peace of mind. If you don't currently have that cushion, Orman suggests that now — while markets are up — may be a smart time to build it.
"Being able to cover your living costs without touching stocks when they are down…is how you sleep soundly in retirement," she explains.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prepare for Ongoing Volatility</h2>
Although the market has shown resilience so far this year, Orman cautions that more turbulence may lie ahead. Factors like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45994928/global-investing-in-an-age-of-geopolitical-uncertainty">global trade uncertainty</a> and shifts in the job market due to artificial intelligence could continue to shake investor confidence.
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Still, she says the long-term case for stocks remains strong. The key is having the right mix of investments to reflect both your risk tolerance and your retirement timeline.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Time to Rebalance?</h2>
If the recent market rally has you feeling relieved but uncertain, now may be the perfect time to rebalance your portfolio. Whether that means reducing your stock exposure, increasing your cash reserves, or simply reviewing your asset mix, Orman's message is clear: your financial strategy should evolve with your life.
"Recalibrating your overall investments in stocks to match your risk tolerance and your needs is smart prep work for whatever lies ahead," she says.
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'What Worked for You 5 Or 10 Years Ago May Not Be The Right Strategy': Suze Orman Warns Retirees To Rebalance While Markets Are Up

An aspiring buyer with $100,000 in savings recently asked Reddit&#8217;s <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/smallbusiness/comments/1m043hq/what_are_the_best_boring_business_to_buy_from/">r/smallbusiness</a> community, "What are the best &#8216;boring&#8217; businesses to buy from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40987007/baby-boomers-are-the-richest-generation-ever-but-being-pretty-stingy-with-their-money-and-younge">retiring boomers</a>?" They said they were eyeing a $200,000 business where seller financing could cover the rest.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reddit Responds: Laundromats, Car Washes And More</h2>
The responses poured in, and the most recommended business types had one thing in common: they're stable, not flashy.
&#8220;Laundromats in college towns or near apartment complexes do quite well,&#8221; one commenter wrote. Another chimed in: &#8220;Right up my alley. Every business I've ever bought was from a boomer.&#8221; They recommended buying established fast-casual restaurants. &#8220;If they've been around for over 15 years you're almost guaranteed success. Stay away from full service.&#8221;
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Car washes, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44630156/self-run-car-wash-profits-thousands-per-month-for-young-entrepreneur-i-basically-just-stop-by-to-mix-the-soap">especially automated ones</a>, also got plenty of love. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/05/38826490/cannabis-beverages-at-liquor-stores-largest-wine-retailer-in-us-selling-6byear-adding-thc-to-the-men">Liquor stores</a> were mentioned too, but with a warning: they only work well in states with flexible liquor laws. &#8220;If you're in California, do it. If you're in Alabama, don't,&#8221; one experienced buyer noted.
Some looked to more niche but proven paths. &#8220;Bought a ballroom dance studio with a partner for this amount back at the end of 2021. It&#8217;s a niche market &#8230; and overall it is a cash cow,&#8221; one person shared. Others suggested bridal stores, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/invest-in-storage-units">storage units</a>, even yacht charter operations—provided the inefficiencies could be cleaned up.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Realities Of Buying A Boomer Business</h2>
The romanticized idea of buying a business from a retiring boomer got a reality check. Many warned that what looks like a turnkey operation may actually be a mess under the hood.
&#8220;40 year old business, financials are sh&#x2A;t because the seller is 83 years old and didn't know what [customer relationship management] is,&#8221; one buyer shared about their custom woodworking shop purchase. &#8220;But lots of upside. Time will tell. Ask me again in 6 months.&#8221;
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Tariffs, outdated tech, and owner-dependent operations were also common pain points. &#8220;You might be buying the headache and whatever the equipment is worth,&#8221; one commenter responded.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/partner/general/24/05/38901957/sell-your-business-before-your-kids-do-business-broker-experts-share-their-advice-for-retiring-ba">Business brokers</a> joined the discussion to offer clarity. &#8220;Do not focus on popular business industries,&#8221; one wrote. &#8220;The right opportunities are the ones that match your interests, experience, skills, location, and budget.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Financing Side Of Things</h2>
The original poster was hoping for a deal where the seller would finance half. Several people pointed out that seller financing isn't as common as it sounds on social media. &#8220;In the U.S., sellers prefer buyers with [Small Business Administration] loans because they can receive 80-100% of the purchase price at closing,&#8221; the business broker explained.
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That means with $100,000 down, a buyer could potentially go after businesses worth up to $1 million using a mix of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/partner/general/24/06/39311146/lifeline-for-micro-businesses-ai-and-fintech-simplify-sba-loans-leading-to-more-companies-securin">SBA loans</a> and seller notes. But the reality is more competitive than many realize.&nbsp;
A few veterans of the small business scene gave OP a friendly dose of realism. &#8220;You are not going to find a stable 100K profit business for your 100K down, 100K loan,&#8221; one person warned. &#8220;That only happens in TikTok fantasy stories.&#8221;
Still, others offered encouragement. &#8220;My friend who purchases businesses from 60+ owners looks for poorly run but profitable businesses that he can go in and clean up,&#8221; one person said. &#8220;Usually takes him about a year to get them up to speed, then he moves onto the next business.&#8221;
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A Potential Investor Reached Out To Small Business Owners Asking, 'What Are The Best 'Boring' Businesses To Buy From Retiring Boomers?'

A Reddit user <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/s/RYDKwo2Idr">posed a question</a> that hits home for a lot of families trying to help their aging parents navigate retirement: Does it make sense to buy an annuity?
The post laid it all out. Their dad is 80. Mom is 65. They've <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46266572/heres-how-much-you-should-have-saved-for-retirement-by-40-50-or-60-are-you-ahead-of-the-curve-or-falling-behind">got around $687,000 in investments</a> and roughly $69,000 in annual income from Social Security and a pension. The user considered letting them follow the variable percentage withdrawal method—basically taking around 5.1% from the portfolio each year. That would give them about $85,000 in income annually, which should cover their estimated $75,000 in yearly expenses.
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Still, they weren't fully convinced. "I don't trust that she truly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41869557/can-you-guess-how-much-the-average-retiree-spends-per-month-hint-its-likely-more-than-youd-think">understands how much they spend</a>," they said about their mom, who believed their retirement spending would naturally drop. So the user started looking into annuities. Fixed, guaranteed income for life? Fewer surprises? It seemed appealing, especially for parents with such a large age gap. And they were fine with the idea that it might use up most of the money. "Yes, they won't leave anything to us when they pass, but it would be split six ways anyway," they wrote.
That kind of honesty sparked plenty of responses. Some suggested the VPW method could still work. Others were quick to bring up annuity rates, which in mid-2025 have climbed significantly. Several said that fixed annuities were now paying over 5%, with joint lifetime annuities offering even more for older buyers. That's where the math starts to matter.
The original post didn't specify exactly how much they'd consider converting, but let's say the parents decided to put $500,000 into a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40739486/if-i-buy-a-100-000-annuity-how-much-cash-will-it-pay-me-each-month">joint immediate annuity</a>. Based on current market rates, that could generate around $2,350 to $2,500 per month, or roughly $28,000 to $30,000 per year. Add that to their existing $69,000 in Social Security and pension income, and their total annual income could land around $97,000 to $99,000.&nbsp;
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But once they commit to an annuity, that money is locked in. It's not available for emergencies, unexpected medical costs, or any big one-time expenses. If they choose inflation protection, the monthly payouts drop at the start in exchange for gradual increases later. And unless they add specific riders, there's typically no money left over for heirs. For retirees focused on guaranteed income and less day-to-day decision-making, it might be worth the trade-off. But for others, the loss of flexibility—especially with a large chunk of savings—can feel like too big a sacrifice.
In this case, the adult child wasn't chasing returns—they just wanted to make sure their parents didn't run out of money. An annuity could help with that. But it's not the only answer. The right move depends on spending habits, health, priorities, and how much they value predictability over control.
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Should My 80-Year-Old Dad and 65-Year-Old Mom Turn Their $687,000 Nest Egg Into an Annuity? 'I Don't Think They Realize How Much They're Spending'

Tennis great Roger Federer's most lucrative financial move wasn't made on a tennis court — it came through a strategic <a href="https://press.on-running.com/roger-federer-joins-swiss-running-brand-on-as-an-entrepreneur">investment</a> in a Swiss sneaker company, On Holding AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONON#NYSE">ONON</a>).
According to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/">Bloomberg's Billionaire Index</a>, Federer has amassed a net worth of $1.3 billion. While he earned $130.6 million in prize money during his 24-year career — including 20 Grand Slam titles — his wealth primarily stems from endorsements and investments.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Grand Slams To Billionaire Status</h2>
Federer joins the ranks of billionaire athletes, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Tiger Woods. His net worth reflects a combination of endorsements, equity stakes, and earnings, adjusted for Swiss tax rates and market performance, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-27/roger-federer-s-long-term-deals-make-him-a-tennis-billionaire">according</a> to Bloomberg.
Many of his partnerships have spanned decades. Federer earns $8 million annually from Rolex and $5 million from Mercedes-Benz, and also received $20 million from Swiss chocolatier Lindt, Fortune <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/07/08/billionaire-tennis-star-roger-federer-grand-slam-winner-investments-mercedes-rolex/">reported</a>. However, his biggest financial wins came in the later stages of his career.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Uniqlo Deal That Led to a $500 Million Sneaker Bet</h2>
In 2018, Roger Federer ended his long-standing apparel partnership with Nike (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) and signed a $300 million, 10-year deal with the Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo. Unlike Nike, Uniqlo doesn't produce footwear, giving Federer the freedom to explore new opportunities in the shoe market.
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That opening led to a pivotal investment in On Holding, then an emerging sneaker maker. Federer first came across the brand after his wife bought a pair and introduced him to its founders. Impressed by the product and vision, he met with the team and later collaborated on developing his own line of performance shoes, Bloomberg reported.
Federer ultimately purchased an estimated 3% stake in On. The brand's popularity has surged, particularly in the U.S., and it now has a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/onon">market capitalization</a> of more than $17 billion. Bloomberg estimates Federer's stake is worth at least $500 million—nearly four times his total tennis prize earnings over two decades.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Athlete to Investor: A Shifting Playbook</h2>
Jordan, James and Woods are all part of the billionaires club, not just through sports performance but through savvy business decisions.
Federer joins that group by taking a longer-term approach. While many athletes today expand their influence through social media and brand visibility, Federer has taken a different route.
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He has remained selective about his public presence and commercial commitments, avoiding commentary roles and short-term sponsorships. Instead, Federer works with long-term advisors, including his management company Team8 and investment firm Format A, to focus on brand partnerships and philanthropy that align with his personal values, according to Bloomberg.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Legacy Beyond the Court</h2>
In a commencement <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqWUuYTcG-o">speech</a> at Dartmouth College last year, Federer urged graduates to look beyond their careers and focus on meaning and impact. "All of you have so much to give, and I hope you will find your own unique ways to make a difference, because life really is much bigger than the court," he said.
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