Lesaka Technologies (NASDAQ:LSAK) Bolsa

Lesaka Technologies

Lesaka Technologies Inc provides payment solutions, transaction processing solutions, and financial technologies. The company operates two reportable segments: Merchant and Consumer. The company operates mainly within South Africa. The Merchant segment that derives majority revenue includes activities related to the provision of goods and services provided to corporate and other juristic entities. It earns fees from processing activities performed for its customers and revenue generated from the distribution of prepaid airtime. The Consumer segment includes activities related to the provision of financial services to customers, including bank accounts, loans, and insurance products. The firm charges monthly administration fees for all bank accounts.

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Sangamo Therapeutics se dispara tras anunciar un acuerdo exclusivo con Eli Lilly sobre tecnología genética patentada. ¿Qué implica esto?

Acciones de Sangamo Therapeutics (SGMO) se disparan un 40%; Aquí están 20 acciones que se mueven en premercado

Lesaka Technologies Inc

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Regencell Bioscience Shares Trading Premarket Following Effect Of A 38-For-1 Forward Stock Split

A federal jury convicted Tiron Alexander, 35, of wire fraud and entering secure airport areas under false pretenses after he posed as a flight attendant to book more than 120 free flights across multiple airlines from 2018 to 2024.
What Happened: The U.S. Attorney&#8217;s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced June 5 that Alexander used approximately 30 different badge numbers and fabricated employment dates to exploit airline employee discount systems.
Court evidence showed Alexander flew on 34 flights without payment by claiming he worked for seven different carriers through airline websites restricted to pilots and flight attendants, according to <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/06/14/florida-man-free-flights-flight-attendant/">a</a> Fortune report.
Alexander&#8217;s employment history included legitimate positions as a global ticketing support representative for Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>) from 2010-2012, flight attendant for Atlantic Southeast Airlines from 2013-2014, and briefly with Republic Airways in 2015. However, he leveraged this background to create fraudulent credentials across multiple carriers.
The Transportation Security Administration investigated the case, with incidents occurring primarily at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. While court documents don&#8217;t identify specific airlines, booking screenshots indicate Alexander targeted Spirit Airlines Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAVEQ#NASDAQ">SAVEQ</a>).
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/45943559/spacex-ax-4-launch-set-after-june-19-following-propellant-leak-delay">SpaceX Ax-4 Launch Set After June 19 Following Propellant Leak Delay</a>
Why It Matters: Alexander&#8217;s fraud scheme coincided with increased airline fee revenue generation. A Senate investigation in November 2024 revealed that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42202979/senate-targets-airlines-over-124-billion-seat-fees-amid-mounting-scrutiny">major U.S. airlines collected $12.4 billion</a> in seat selection fees between 2018 and 2023.
In 2023 alone, United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>) earned $1.3 billion from seating fees—exceeding its revenue from checked baggage for the first time.
Spirit Airlines <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44320853/spirit-airlines-bounces-back-from-bankruptcy-set-to-enhance-passenger-services">recently emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection </a>in March 2025, completing financial restructuring that reduced funded debt by $795 million while securing $350 million in equity investment. The airline expects to re-list shares &#8220;as soon as reasonably practicable.&#8221;
TSA confirmed Alexander underwent standard security procedures and posed no passenger threat despite fraudulent boarding passes. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra will sentence Alexander August 25, with wire fraud carrying potential penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and substantial fines.
Read Also:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/entertainment/25/06/45943408/leonard-lauder-visionary-behind-estee-lauders-global-expansion-and-creator-of-clinique-aramis-dies-at-92">Leonard Lauder, Visionary Behind Estée Lauder&#8217;s Global Expansion And Creator Of Clinique, Aramis, Dies At 92</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Angel DiBilio / Shutterstock.com

Legal

SAVEQ

Florida Man Busted For Scoring 120+ Free Flights By Posing As Flight Attendant

For most people, real estate investing sounds like a fantasy reserved for the wealthy. You picture six-figure down payments, all-cash offers, and phone calls about broken water heaters at 2 a.m. It feels out of reach unless you're already sitting on a pile of money or have the time and energy to become a full-time landlord. But the reality is shifting—and fast. Thanks to new platforms like Arrived Homes, getting started in real estate no longer requires deep pockets or heavy responsibilities. In fact, you can begin building your real estate empire for less than what you might spend each week at your local coffee shop. With just $100, <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=y2&amp;aff_sub2=dedicatedcoffee">you can become a fractional owner in rental properties across the U.S.</a> and start earning passive income—without ever lifting a wrench or dealing with a tenant.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Real Estate Is Still One of the Best Wealth Builders</h2>
Even in a volatile market, real estate remains one of the most resilient and proven vehicles for long-term wealth creation. It offers a powerful combination of stable appreciation, tax advantages, and monthly cash flow. But traditionally, accessing those benefits meant buying an entire property outright—something most people simply can't afford. Arrived Homes changes that equation. Instead of saving for years to purchase a single property, you can spread a small investment across several properties and start benefiting from both rental income and potential appreciation. It's real estate investing made accessible, transparent, and stress-free.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Rise of Fractional Real Estate Ownership</h2>
Fractional ownership is reshaping who gets to participate in the property market. Where once you needed tens or hundreds of thousands just to get a foot in the door, platforms like Arrived now let you own shares in rental homes and vacation properties for a fraction of the cost. This model is part of a larger movement that's breaking down the traditional barriers to real estate investing. 
Alongside platforms like Fundrise and Yieldstreet, along plenty of others (more on them later), Arrived is helping create a future where owning a slice of premium real estate isn't just for the top 1%—it's for anyone with a hundred bucks and a Wi-Fi connection. And unlike REITs or mutual funds, fractional ownership gives you direct exposure to the actual properties, with full transparency into how they're selected, managed, and performing.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Arrived Works, Step by Step</h2>
The process is refreshingly simple. You sign up, browse available properties, and choose where to invest. Each listing includes in-depth details like neighborhood insights, rental projections, and appreciation forecasts. You might decide to put $100 into a single-family home in Atlanta or $500 split between vacation rentals in Arizona and Florida. Either way, once you invest, Arrived handles everything—from finding and screening tenants to coordinating maintenance and collecting rent. Your only job? Sit back and collect your quarterly dividends, all while watching your portfolio grow from the comfort of your phone or laptop. The entire process can take less than 15 minutes.
Get Started
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=y2&amp;aff_sub2=dedicatedcoffee">Earn Passive Income from Rental Properties Without Lifting a Finger</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What It's Like to Be an Arrived Investor</h2>
Unlike traditional real estate where you're constantly juggling leases, late payments, or contractor appointments, investing with Arrived is hands-off by design. Many users report being able to build diversified portfolios across multiple states without any prior real estate experience. The platform's dashboard makes it easy to track earnings, review financial performance, and reinvest dividends if you want to scale your holdings. And because Arrived is SEC-qualified and backed by institutional partners, you get a level of regulatory oversight and transparency that's rare in private investing.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Real Benefits of Fractional Ownership</h2>
The power of fractional real estate lies in how much flexibility and control it gives investors. For starters, the low minimum investment means you don't need to wait for a windfall to get started—you can invest in property on your terms and timeline. You also get the benefit of diversification, spreading risk across multiple regions and property types instead of putting all your chips on a single home. It's truly passive income too, with Arrived handling all day-to-day operations. You gain access to premium properties that might otherwise be out of reach, including newly renovated homes in hot rental markets. And in many cases, platforms offer liquidity options, such as secondary markets or scheduled share buybacks, giving you more flexibility if your financial goals change.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Flexibility to Invest on Your Own Terms</h2>
Whether you're saving for a home, a child's education, or just building long-term financial stability, fractional real estate gives you options that traditional assets don't. It's particularly compelling in a high-inflation environment where cash is losing value in savings accounts. Real estate tends to hold up well against inflation, and with Arrived, you can start compounding your returns even if you're only investing a small amount. Best of all, you don't need to be an accredited investor or pass any income thresholds. If you've got $100, you can start.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Skip the Headaches—Let Someone Else Handle the Hassle</h2>
Owning property usually comes with baggage: leaky roofs, emergency repairs, difficult tenants. With Arrived, all of that disappears. They buy the property, they handle the tenants, they manage the maintenance. You simply invest, and they send you your share of the profits. It's the ultimate hands-off model, ideal for busy professionals, new investors, or anyone who wants the benefits of real estate without the landlord lifestyle. You never need to visit the home or deal with the kinds of curveballs that scare people away from owning rentals. It's real ownership without the real-world hassle.
Take Action: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=y2&amp;aff_sub2=dedicatedcoffee">Start Investing in Real Estate with Just $100 with Arrived Homes</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Comparing Fractional Real Estate to Other Investment Options </h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Feature</th>
<th>Fractional Ownership</th>
<th>Traditional Real Estate</th>
<th>REITs</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Minimum Investment</td>
<td>$100+</td>
<td>Tens of thousands</td>
<td>As low as $10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Diversification</td>
<td>High</td>
<td>Low</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Management Hassle</td>
<td>None</td>
<td>High</td>
<td>None</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Liquidity</td>
<td>Moderate to High&#x2A;</td>
<td>Low</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Direct Property Access</td>
<td>Yes</td>
<td>Yes</td>
<td>No (indirect exposure)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passive Income</td>
<td>Yes</td>
<td>Yes (with effort)</td>
<td>Yes</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Few Caveats to Keep in Mind</h2>
As with any investment, there are a few things to be aware of. Some platforms may have limited inventory, especially when demand is high. There's also market risk—property values can go down as well as up. While fractional platforms are generally more liquid than owning a full property, it can still take time to sell your shares depending on the platform's terms. And of course, platform fees matter. Always review the fee structure, including any sourcing or asset management fees, so you understand the net return you're getting.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Start Small, Dream Big</h2>
You don't need to be rich to get started in real estate. You don't need to own a whole property. You don't need to wait for "someday." With Arrived Homes, <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=y2&amp;aff_sub2=dedicatedcoffee">all you need is $100 and the willingness to take the first step</a>. Whether you're building a side income stream, testing the waters of real estate, or looking for a better way to grow your money than letting it sit idle, fractional ownership opens the door to a smarter, simpler, more accessible future. From coffee money to cash flow—it starts here.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Alternatives to Arrived Homes</h2>
If you&#8217;re just getting started in real estate, Arrived Homes is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to dip your toes in. But it's not the only platform out there. As the fractional real estate space continues to grow, so do your options as an investor. Depending on your goals, risk tolerance, and budget, there are several other platforms worth exploring—each offering their own take on how to make real estate investing more accessible, more transparent, and more hands-off.
Fundrise is one of the most well-known names in the space, <a href="https://fundrise.sjv.io/MAWArJ">with a minimum investment as low as $10</a>. It's designed for long-term wealth building, offering access to professionally managed portfolios of real estate assets. You earn through quarterly dividends and potential appreciation, all inside a sleek, easy-to-use app. For investors who want a fully passive experience and are comfortable letting a fund manager handle asset selection, Fundrise is a strong contender.
If you&#8217;re looking to branch out beyond just real estate, Yieldstreet may catch your eye. With a minimum of $2,500, <a href="https://yieldstreet.pxf.io/mO0OQe">it offers access to a range of alternative assets</a>—including real estate, private credit, art, and structured notes—previously available only to institutions. It's built for both accredited and non-accredited investors and focuses on asset classes that are typically uncorrelated with public markets.
On the higher end, <a href="https://equitymultiple.4drrzr.net/LKWK9j">EquityMultiple provides curated access to commercial real estate investments starting at $5,000</a>. The platform specializes in multifamily, industrial, and mixed-use developments, and caters primarily to accredited investors. Each opportunity is professionally vetted, with detailed projections and clear target returns laid out upfront.
Lastly, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/realty-mogul">RealtyMogul gives you the option to invest in individual real estate projects or REITs</a>, starting from $5,000. It's open to both accredited and select non-accredited investors, and offers a mix of commercial deals, apartment communities, and income-producing properties. Like Arrived, the experience is passive and managed—but with a broader scope of opportunities and deal types to choose from.
So while Arrived may be the easiest place to start—especially for first-time investors—don't stop your search there. The world of fractional real estate is expanding fast, and these platforms are all worth looking into as you build out your long-term investing strategy.

Real Estate

From Coffee Money to Cash Flow: How Tiny Investments Can Build Your Real Estate Empire

Snowflake (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNOW#NYSE">SNOW</a>) and&nbsp;Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPG#NYSE">IPG</a>) owned Acxiom on Monday <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/06/b45943026/snowflake-and-acxiom-announce-plans-to-transform-ai-powered-marketing-for-brands-and-agencies" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced a partnership</a> to build and deliver a modern, AI-powered marketing data infrastructure that will fundamentally transform how brands leverage AI for marketing.
This collaboration will enable IPG to bring its proprietary data, identity, and collaboration tools directly into brands&#8217; Snowflake environments.
With operations in over 100 countries, IPG will make these capabilities available to brands globally.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45943758/amazon-commits-13-billion-to-expand-australias-ai-data-center-infrastructure" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon Commits $13 Billion To Expand Australia&#8217;s AI Data Center Infrastructure</a>
This will help modernize outdated data practices by delivering a secure and transparent AI-powered marketing foundation built natively in the cloud.
As part of this transformation, Acxiom will also modernize its products, solutions, and client environments with Snowflake, enabling brands to maximize the power of their first-party data in the cloud.
This collaboration unlocks a new era of marketing capabilities for brands, the company said in a press release. Bringing IPG&#8217;s advanced technologies, including Acxiom&#8217;s comprehensive suite of data and identity solutions and IPG&#8217;s collaborative Interact platform, directly into their Snowflake environments, brands gain unprecedented visibility and control over their data flow across applications, agencies, and platforms.
With Snowflake&#8217;s built-in privacy and security features, this direct integration eliminates the need to move first-party data.
It empowers brands with real-time insights, precise audience segmentation, and improved personalization while modernizing their data and technology stacks with composable architectures and AI.
Piper Sandler analyst&nbsp;Brent Bracelin called Snowflake one of their <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/05/45559147/snowflake-jumps-8-pre-market-after-piper-sander-hikes-price-target-to-215-calls-it-high-conviction-growth-play" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8220;highest conviction growth ideas&#8221;</a> for 2025. It is backed by the accomplishment of the &#8220;Rule of 50,&#8221; which means 25% product revenue growth alongside 25% free cash flow margins at over $4 billion in annual recurring revenue.
Price Action: SNOW stock is trading higher by 0.86% to $209.98 premarket at last check Monday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45942100/taiwan-blacklists-huawei-and-smic-citing-national-security-manufacturers-must-carefully-assess-transaction-risks-as-us-led-chip-war-with-china-intensifies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Blacklists Huawei And SMIC, Citing National Security — Manufacturers Must Carefully Assess &#8216;Transaction Risks&#8217; As US-Led Chip War With China Intensifies</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Tada Images via Shutterstock

Tech

SNOW

Snowflake, Acxiom Partner To Power Secure AI Marketing For Brands

Zoom CEO Eric Yuan is the latest addition to the long list of business leaders and tech executives who have denied the existence of work-life balance. Yuan shared his thoughts in detail during a recent podcast interview:
What Happened: Speaking on the Grit podcast, Yuan stated, "There's no way to balance. Work is life, life is work." "I don't have any hobbies. My whole life is Zoom and my family," he added. When asked how he manages competing demands, Yuan said: "Whenever there's a conflict, guess what? Family first. That's it."
Looking ahead, Yuan predicted that advances in artificial intelligence could lead to significantly shorter workweeks. "Imagine down the road, let's say we have very mature AI technology. Do we really need to work for five days a week? Maybe three days, maybe two days," he said. Microsoft Founder Bill Gates <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44481583/bill-gates-thinks-you-might-only-work-2-3-days-a-week-thanks-to-ai-but-also-says-legitimately-people-are-like-wow-this-is-a-bit-scary">made the same prediction</a> earlier this year.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45943342/google-microsoft-elon-musks-xai-reportedly-cut-ties-with-scale-ai-after-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-buys-stake">Google, Microsoft, Elon Musk&#8217;s xAI Reportedly Cut Ties With Scale AI After Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Buys Stake</a>
Why It Matters: Yuan's comments on work-life balance mirror those made by other leading figures in the tech and business landscape. Billionaire investor Mark Cuban recently highlighted the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/45939593/mark-cuban-challenges-concept-of-work-life-balance-for-high-achievers-not-working-would-be-a-sacrifice">amount of work</a> needed to succeed in a given field. "People are like, ‘I need a work-life balance.' If you want to work 9-to-5, you can have work-life balance. If you want to crush the game, whatever game you're in, there's somebody working 24 hours a day to kick your a&#x2A;&#x2A;," he said.
In 2024, former President Barack Obama made a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/05/45709843/barack-obama-once-said-work-life-balance-isnt-always-possible-if-you-want-to-be-successful-you-can-have-it-all-but-you-cant-have-it-all-at-once">similar observation</a>: "If you want to be excellent at anything—sports, music, business, politics—there&#8217;s going to be times of your life when you&#8217;re out of balance, where you&#8217;re just working and you&#8217;re single-minded."
Meanwhile,&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;founder&nbsp;Jeff Bezos&nbsp;shared a slightly different perspective, advocating for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/06/39383085/for-jeff-bezos-work-life-balance-is-debilitating-but-also-doesnt-want-to-be-the-guy-who-drains-all-t">"work-life harmony,"</a> where being satisfied with one's career and fulfilled at home positively impacts both spheres.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman compared work-life balance in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/38012384/openai-ceo-sam-altman-shares-wisdom-on-work-life-balance-and-career-growth-in-your-twenties-compound" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">twenties with the principle of compound interest</a>, highlighting the benefits of hustling hard in the early stages of one's career and reaping the rewards later.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Family, Focus, and 350M Users: Inside Zoom with Eric Yuan" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HiMCeyvdWII?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>
</div>
</figure>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45942463/kevin-olearys-advice-to-first-time-big-earners-avoid-this-worst-move-and-build-the-habit-early">Kevin O&#8217;Leary&#8217;s Advice To First-Time Big Earners: Avoid This &#8216;Worst Move&#8217; And &#8216;Build The Habit Early&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com

Zoom CEO Eric Yuan Dismisses Work-Life Balance: 'Work Is life, Life Is Work'—With One Important Caveat

Taking out a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) used to feel like a no-brainer—rates were low, home values were rising, and tapping into your equity was one of the cheapest ways to borrow. But here in June 2025, the picture looks a lot more complicated. HELOC rates have more than doubled in just a few years, averaging 8.22%, and while there are signs of relief on the horizon, the broader economy still feels fragile. The Federal Reserve is holding rates steady while inflation lingers, housing inventory is climbing, and whispers of a mild recession are getting louder. At the same time, American homeowners are sitting on more equity than ever before, and new options have emerged—like fixed-rate HELOCs, equity-sharing agreements, and alternatives that work even if your credit isn't perfect. So is now actually a good time to pull the trigger on a HELOC? The answer depends on your goals, your risk tolerance, and which route you take to access your home's value.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Current HELOC Landscape</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Interest Rates: Still High, But Trending Down</h3>
HELOC rates have climbed steeply over the last few years, largely mirroring the Federal Reserve's aggressive stance on inflation. From rates below 4% in 2021 to over 8% today, borrowers are facing much higher costs to access their home equity. But there are subtle but important shifts happening. Some lenders have begun offering rates as low as 6.49% APR for well-qualified borrowers, especially those with strong credit and low loan-to-value ratios. For example, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/rate-com">Guaranteed Rate currently offers some of the most competitive HELOCs on the market</a>, including streamlined digital applications and flexible draw terms that make it easier to tap equity without a full refinance. And across the board, average rates have dipped slightly from their 2024 peaks—down from the 8.3% range to roughly 8.14% in some lender surveys.
For context, borrowing $50,000 today costs over $100 less per month than it did this time last year, thanks to that modest rate drop. That drop may continue if the Fed starts cutting rates later this year—but that's far from guaranteed.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fed Policy and Inflation Pressures</h3>
Since most HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate (which tracks closely with the Fed funds rate), the Federal Reserve's decisions matter a great deal. Right now, the Fed has signaled its intent to hold rates steady in the 4.25%–4.5% range through the end of Q3 2025, citing persistent inflation and mixed signals on growth. Core PCE inflation remains stubbornly above target at 2.5%, while the overall economic growth outlook has been revised downward to just 1.4% for the year. With the chance of a recession by early 2026 now estimated at 36%, some analysts expect the Fed to begin easing rates by late 2025—though timing and scale remain uncertain.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Home Equity and Housing Market Health</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Americans Are Sitting on Record Home Equity</h3>
Despite rate pressures, one thing's certain: homeowners have more tappable equity than ever. Recent data shows that 48 million U.S. homeowners have access to a combined $11.5 trillion in usable equity, with average equity per household sitting at $313,000. That's a substantial cushion for borrowers looking to fund home renovations, pay off higher-interest debt, or simply have a rainy-day buffer. In fact, second-lien borrowing (which includes HELOCs) grew 22% year-over-year in Q1 2025, reaching nearly $25 billion in new draws. That growth suggests strong consumer demand, despite rising borrowing costs.
For those with good credit and stable income, a traditional HELOC through lenders like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/rate-com">Guaranteed Rate can be a straightforward way to leverage that equity</a>. But if your credit score is less than perfect, traditional lenders may hesitate. In that case, <a href="http://pointdigitalfinance.sjv.io/2aJavg">Point.com offers a different solution</a>—an equity-sharing agreement where you get a lump sum of cash now, in exchange for a share of your home&#8217;s future appreciation. No monthly payments. No interest. And it&#8217;s available to many borrowers who wouldn't qualify for a conventional HELOC.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing Market Outlook: A Tenuous Balance</h3>
The housing market in mid-2025 is at something of a crossroads. On one hand, price appreciation has slowed to a crawl, with forecasts calling for 0%–3% growth for the year. On the other, inventory has surged—up more than 30% year-over-year—adding supply-side pressure that could temper further gains. While there are no signs of an imminent crash, many economists warn that a soft correction in home values is possible if economic conditions deteriorate. For HELOC borrowers, that introduces a key risk: declining home values could reduce your available credit or even lead lenders to freeze or lower your line of credit mid-term.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Weighing the Pros and Cons</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why a HELOC Might Make Sense Right Now</h3>
From a purely financial standpoint, HELOCs still offer compelling benefits—especially compared to alternatives. Credit cards are currently averaging around 24% APR, and personal loans hover near 12.4%. That makes even an 8% HELOC feel like a bargain in relative terms. Moreover, most HELOCs come with an interest-only draw period (typically 10 years), offering lower monthly payments and more cash flow flexibility during that phase. And if the Fed does eventually pivot to rate cuts later in the year or in 2026, HELOC borrowers could see their rates drop, making this an attractive entry point for those with short-term needs.
Need a streamlined process? Guaranteed Rate lets you <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/rate-com">check your HELOC eligibility</a> and compare offers entirely online—making it a great starting point for anyone looking to run the numbers before committing.
And for those with less-than-ideal credit or irregular income, <a href="http://pointdigitalfinance.sjv.io/2aJavg">Point.com offers a unique path to unlock your equity without adding a monthly payment to your budget</a>. It&#8217;s especially appealing if you're sitting on equity but want to avoid the risks of rising variable rates or repayment pressure in an uncertain economy.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tax Advantages</h3>
If you're using the funds to renovate or improve your home, the interest on your HELOC could be tax-deductible—subject to IRS rules. That can further reduce your effective borrowing cost, especially if you're itemizing deductions. Just keep in mind that Point&#8217;s model is different—it doesn't generate interest payments at all, so there's no deduction, but also no added monthly obligation.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Risks and Considerations</h3>
Still, there are very real risks to entering into a variable-rate borrowing product in a time of economic uncertainty. Should inflation worsen or the Fed delay rate cuts, your monthly payments could rise over time—especially once the draw period ends and full repayment begins. That &#8220;payment shock&#8221; has caught many off guard in the past, particularly in rising-rate environments.
And because your home is the collateral, defaulting on a HELOC has much steeper consequences than falling behind on a credit card. In the worst-case scenario, you could lose your property. For borrowers with tight budgets or unpredictable income, the alternative model offered by Point.com might feel safer—since there are no monthly payments at all. You repay when you sell or refinance, and the company shares in the home&#8217;s appreciation (or depreciation, if values fall).
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Should You Get a HELOC Right Now?</h2>
If you have strong credit, stable income, and a clear use for the funds, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/rate-com">a HELOC can still be one of the most cost-effective ways to borrow</a>. The ability to draw only what you need, when you need it, remains a major plus.
But <a href="http://pointdigitalfinance.sjv.io/2aJavg">if you're nervous about variable rates, or your financial picture doesn't align with the typical underwriting process, Point.com offers a compelling alternative</a>. You still unlock your equity, but you do it without taking on new monthly debt—a rare option in today's credit market.
In short, now can be a good time to access your home equity. But how you do it matters just as much as when. Compare your options, run the numbers, and choose the strategy that fits your financial life—not just the current headlines.

Is Now the Right Time to Get a HELOC? What June 2025 Homeowners Need to Know

A key tax proposal in President&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45764422/white-house-says-trump-is-sticking-to-the-big-beautiful-bill-despite-elon-musks-sharp-criticism-it-doesnt-change-the-presidents-opinion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8220;big, beautiful bill&#8221;</a> has analysts raising alarms, warning that it could dissuade foreign investors and deplete global confidence in the U.S.
What Happened: The provision, referred to as section 899, targets countries imposing taxes the Trump administration views as discriminatory toward American companies. The Guardian <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/16/donald-trump-revenge-tax-could-threaten-foreign-investment-into-us-analysts-say">reports</a> that the provision authorizes the U.S. to levy escalating taxes starting at 5% and rising to 20% on individuals, firms and investors from countries that impose "unfair foreign taxes" on American entities.
These include digital services taxes and diverted profits taxes, which many European nations currently apply. The bill views this as retaliation and aims to recoup losses and pressure trade partners. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45581297/trumps-big-beautiful-3-8-trillion-bill-squeaks-through-house-expert-says-it-will-boost-the-economy-in-the-short-term-but-worsen-deficits">It passed the House</a> and now awaits a Senate vote.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45943245/trump-says-he-was-amazed-that-tesla-ceo-elon-musk-endorsed-him-despite-his-anti-ev-stance">Trump Says He Was &#8216;Amazed&#8217; That Tesla CEO Elon Musk Endorsed Him Despite His Anti-EV Stance</a>
Why It Matters: Max Yoeli of Chatham House warned the measure "threatens to further alienate foreign investors" by marring the U.S.&#8217;s traditional openness. UniCredit noted the policy could backfire, as many foreign governments, especially in Europe, hold vast quantities of U.S. assets.
Goldman Sachs analysts added that UK-based firms are especially vulnerable, with nearly a third of FTSE 100 revenue tied to the U.S.
Some companies may even consider changing their listing from the London Stock Exchange to New York to avoid penalties, particularly if they already have many U.S.-based shareholders.
"This could transform a trade war into a capital war," warned Deutsche Bank's George Saravelos.
Last week, top executives from major multinational corporations <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45833008/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-triggers-corporate-lobbying-blitz-in-washington-as-70-firms-push-to-kill-section-899-report">arrived at Capitol Hill</a> to lobby against the implementation of Section 899.
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Photo courtesy: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock.com

Politics

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Palmer Luckey, the founder of defense technology startup&nbsp;Anduril Industries, has reportedly backed a cryptocurrency-friendly banking startup that aims to revolutionize the financial sector.
What Happened: Luckey is backing a budding&nbsp;financial firm that aims to&nbsp;provide &#8220;stability&#8221; to Silicon Valley,&nbsp;The New York Post&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2025/06/13/business/andurils-palmer-luckey-plots-erebor-digital-bank-startup-sources/">reported</a> on Friday, citing insiders. The firm&#8217;s main objective is to assist tech entrepreneurs in growing their businesses, rather than focusing on maximizing returns on deposits.
Luckey is said to be partnering on the bank startup with tech investor and Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) co-founder Joe Lonsdale
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42049664/paul-tudor-jones-boosts-bitcoin-holdings-potentially-making-btc-his-largest-non-options-investment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Tudor Jones Boosts Bitcoin Holdings, Potentially Making BTC His Largest Non-Options Investment</a>
The startup, currently named &#8220;Erebor,&#8221; is a reference to&nbsp;the mountain where the dragon&nbsp;Smaug keeps his gold in J.R.R. Tolkien&#8217;s 1937 novel &#8220;The Hobbit.&#8221; However, insiders have hinted that the name might not be final and could be subject to change.
In addition to cash, Erebor plans to accept deposits in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stablecoin">stablecoins</a>, a form of digital currency whose value is tethered to a fiat currency, such as the U.S. dollar. The project is in its early stages, and the plans have not been finalized, according to the report.
Benzinga didn&#8217;t immediately hear back from Anduril and Lonsdale's venture firm, 8VC, on the matter.
Why It Matters: This comes just days after Luckey confirmed plans for Anduril&#8217;s initial public offering. 
During an interview, Luckey emphasized that Anduril is being run <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/ipos/25/06/45877601/anduril-ceo-palmer-luckey-confirms-ipo-plans-to-compete-for-trillion-dollar-defense-contracts-we-are-definitely-going-to-be-a-publicly-traded">&#8220;to be the shape of a publicly traded company,</a>&#8221; highlighting the need for public status to compete for substantial defense contracts
The public listing plans come as Anduril <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/06/45810158/anduril-raises-2-5-billion-at-30-5-billion-valuation-doubling-in-a-year-as-defense-contracts-grow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reaches new valuation heights</a>. The company recently raised $2.5 billion in fresh capital, catapulting its valuation to $30.5 billion. According to Forbes, his net worth was <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/palmer-luckey/">estimated </a>to be $3.6 billion as of this writing.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45942372/anthony-scaramucci-welcomes-philippe-laffonts-bitcoin-advocacy-after-billionaire-hedge-fund-manager-says-apex-crypto-has-become-central-to-investment-portfolios">Anthony Scaramucci Welcomes Philippe Laffont&#8217;s Bitcoin Advocacy After Billionaire Hedge Fund Manager Says Apex Crypto Has Become &#8216;Central&#8217; To Investment Portfolios</a></li>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>
Photo Courtesy: Paopano on Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

PLTR

Anduril Founder Palmer Luckey, Palantir Co-Founder Joe Lonsdale To Invest In Crypto-Friendly Startup Bank: Report

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Insider Trades

VSCO

The Wall Street Journal Reported Sunday, Barington Capital Holds Over 1% Stake in Victoria's Secret, Plans to Push for Board Overhaul and Renewed Focus on Core Products

FOX Advertising announced today a strategic investment in&nbsp;The Lighthouse (part of the Whalar Group), the innovative studio and campus space designed specifically for Creators to collaborate and develop content. The
FOX Advertising announced today a strategic investment in&nbsp;<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4449292-1&amp;h=271618661&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelighthouse.com%2F&amp;a=The+Lighthouse">The Lighthouse</a> (part of the <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4449292-1&amp;h=2909397130&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwhalargroup.com%2F&amp;a=Whalar+Group">Whalar Group</a>), the innovative studio and campus space designed specifically for Creators to collaborate and develop content. The investment will also support the launch of FOX's new IP development initiative aimed at fueling Creator-led franchises across its content portfolio.
At a time when brands and media companies are seeking immersive, IP-first ecosystems that blend content, commerce and culture, this strategic investment will further strengthen FOX's commitment to Creator-powered innovation and content creation.

FOXA

FOX Invests in Creator Studio The Lighthouse to Launch New Franchise-Driven Content Initiative

President Donald Trump has directed ICE to conduct  "the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History," in a new post on Truth Social made on Sunday.
What Happened: In his <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114690267066155731">post</a>, Trump highlighted cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago as key targets, labelling these areas are "Democrat Power Centers" where immigrants help Democrats "expand their Voter Base, cheat in Elections, and grow the Welfare State."
He accused them of robbing "good paying Jobs and Benefits from Hardworking American Citizens."
"ICE Officers are herewith ordered, by notice of this TRUTH, to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History," he wrote.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="372" height="800" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16045432/image-231.png" alt="" class="wp-image-950381" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16045432/image-231.png 372w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16045432/image-231-140x300.png 140w" sizes="(max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px" /></figure>
His call to action comes after ICE raids that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/45878983/us-cities-brace-for-escalating-immigration-protests-los-angeles-enforces-curfew-national-guard-deployed-amid-trump-crackdown">triggered protests across the country</a>, beginning in Los Angeles and culminating in coordinated "No Kings" demonstrations on June 14. In retaliation to the unrest, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45900294/trump-deploys-marines-to-la-with-authority-to-detain-civilians-california-challenges-military-involvement-in-immigration-enforcement">Trump deployed National Guard troops and Marines</a>.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45942618/trump-administration-weighs-travel-restrictions-on-36-nations-over-security-deportation-concerns-report">Trump Administration Weighs Travel Restrictions On 36 Nations Over Security, Deportation Concerns: Report</a>
Why It Matters: Trump appeared to adopt a measured stance on immigration a few days earlier. "Our farmers are being hurt badly," he said on June 12. "They have very good workers… They're not citizens, but they've turned out to be, you know, great."
ICE has already increased its daily arrest quota from 1,000 to 3,000 under orders from the White House, according to Reuters.
Trump&#8217;s immigration chief, Tom Homan, recently confirmed 200,000 deportations over four months. USA Today <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/15/donald-trump-ice-deportations-efforts/84223328007/">reports</a> that this pace is slower than under the Biden administration, which the White House attributes to fewer illegal crossings at the southern border.
Border apprehensions have plummeted to under 10,000 per month, a significant reduction from over 100,000 a year ago.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45939400/trump-administration-enforces-long-dormant-world-war-ii-era-alien-registration-act">reinstated the long-dormant Alien Registration Act</a>, a World War II-era law that requires all non-citizens in the U.S. to register with the federal government and submit their fingerprints. The statute had not been enforced in 75 years.
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Photo courtesy: Joey Sussman / Shutterstock.com

Trump Orders ICE To Launch 'The Single Largest Mass Deportation Program In History,' Targeting Los Angeles, Chicago And New York

Ark Invest&#8217;s Cathie Wood is raising questions over an unusual discrepancy in Chinese automaker BYD Company Ltd.'s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDF#OTC">BYDDF</a>) reported delivery data, citing a roughly 20% gap between the company's vehicle deliveries and corresponding registration figures.
What Happened: On Sunday, Wood, who is a prominent Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) investor, posted on X with just a &#8220;?&#8221; while quoting a post by Akaash TK, a research associate at Ark. In his post, Akaash highlighted significant discrepancies in the sales and delivery figures being cited by the Chinese EV giant, with a gap that goes as high as 20%.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45942949/white-house-orders-scrutiny-of-spacex-contracts-even-as-trump-musk-relationship-warms-report">White House Orders Scrutiny Of SpaceX Contracts Even As Trump-Musk Relationship Warms: Report</a>
&#8220;A 20% gap between BYD&#8217;s delivery numbers and likely registrations from Jan–Apr. Inventory build or something else?&#8221; he asks, referring to the significant differences between the number of vehicles that the company has claimed to have delivered and those that have been registered from January through April 2025.
Akaash questions whether this is an inventory build, referring to a potential rise in inventory in anticipation of a spike in demand, or something else altogether.
BYD did not immediately respond to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a>'s request for comment.
<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">? <a href="https://t.co/u9cUhvSgWx">https://t.co/u9cUhvSgWx</a>
&mdash; Cathie Wood (@CathieDWood) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathieDWood/status/1934274389886796025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: This comes amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/05/45611701/chinese-regulators-will-meet-tesla-rival-byd-other-companies-to-discuss-zero-mile-used-cars-report">growing concerns regarding</a> &#8220;Zero Mile&#8221; used cars in Chinese markets, a practice wherein cars with zero mileage are sold as used cars, primarily to boost sales and clear inventory. 
A few weeks ago, this prompted Chinese regulators to meet with the country&#8217;s automakers, including BYD, to address these concerns.
China&#8217;s Commerce Ministry was prompted to act following Great Wall Motor Company&#8217;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GWLLF#OTC">GWLLF</a>) Chairman Wei Jianjun&#8217;s comments on the matter in recent weeks.
Jianjun said that at least 3,000 to 4,000 vendors on Chinese used car markets were selling such brand new cars, with no mileage, as used cars at discounted prices, according to a report by Reuters.
Price Action: Shares of BYD were down 3.07% on Friday, trading at $16.86 per share in the OTC markets.
Read More:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45943372/obama-calls-for-dignity-in-immigration-enforcement-as-ice-crackdown-escalates">Obama Calls For Dignity In Immigration Enforcement As ICE Crackdown Escalates</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Cobalt S-Elino via Shutterstock

Equities

BYDDF

GWLLF

TSLA

Cathie Wood Flags BYD's 20% Delivery-to-Registrations Gap Amid Concerns Over Zero-Mileage Used Car Sales Practices

The renewed US-China trade truce reached in London left critical military-use rare earth export restrictions unresolved, threatening comprehensive deal prospects as global supply chain disruptions continue.
What Happened: Beijing has not committed to granting export clearance for specialized rare-earth magnets that US military suppliers need for fighter jets and missile systems, reported Reuters.
China&#8217;s negotiators appeared to link progress in lifting export controls on military-use rare earth magnets with longstanding US curbs on exports of advanced AI chips to China.
US officials signaled they are looking to extend existing tariffs on China for a further 90 days beyond the August 10 deadline agreed in Geneva, suggesting a more permanent trade deal is unlikely before then.
President Donald Trump called the London handshake deal &#8220;great,&#8221; while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there would be no &#8220;quid pro quo&#8221; on easing AI chip export curbs for rare earth access.
China promised to fast-track approval of rare-earth export applications from non-military US manufacturers, with licenses having six-month terms. Beijing also offered to set up a &#8220;green channel&#8221; for expediting approvals from trusted US companies. Chinese rare-earth magnet producer JL MAG Rare-Earth obtained export licenses, including the United States.
However, China has not budged on specialized rare earths, including samarium, needed for military applications. The restrictions stem from Beijing&#8217;s April export controls that disrupted global supply chains after the Geneva tariff reduction agreement faltered.
China controls more than <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45854131/trump-says-hes-getting-good-reports-as-scott-bessent-led-delegation-expects-beijing-to-remove-rare-earth-export-curbs">70% of global rare-earth mining and over 90% of rare-earth alloy </a>and magnet production. The country has granted temporary export licenses to suppliers of Detroit&#8217;s Big Three automakers, offering relief amid broader trade tensions.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45942949/white-house-orders-scrutiny-of-spacex-contracts-even-as-trump-musk-relationship-warms-report">White House Orders Scrutiny Of SpaceX Contracts Even As Trump-Musk Relationship Warms: Report</a>
Why It Matters: China&#8217;s May customs<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45857954/us-china-trade-talks-in-london-enter-second-day-amid-rare-earths-dispute-and-export-control-tensions"> data showed exports</a> to the US plunged 34.5%, while overall exports rose 4.8% year-over-year, suggesting China redirected trade capacity away from the US market.
The unresolved rare earth dispute underscores the Trump administration&#8217;s challenges in securing comprehensive trade agreements given Beijing&#8217;s willingness to leverage critical mineral control.
Current US tariffs on Chinese goods remain at 30%, down from peak rates of 145%, while Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) previously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45808672/nvidia-denies-report-of-re-entering-chinese-market-with-custom-ai-chip-despite-us-restrictions-we-are-still-evaluating">wrote off $5.5 billion in inventory</a> and walked away from approximately $15 billion in sales due to chip export restrictions, with the company stating it remains &#8220;effectively foreclosed&#8221; from China&#8217;s $50 billion data center market.
The negotiations link rare earth mineral access with advanced AI chip export controls. Read Next:
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Global

NVDA

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US-China Trade Truce Offers No Relief For Defense Supply Chains As China Links Rare Earths To Chip Export Curbs: Report

Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) announced on Wednesday plans to invest AU$20 billion ($13.02 billion) through 2029 to expand its data center infrastructure across Australia, marking the nation&#8217;s largest global technology investment in history.
What Happened: The investment will strengthen Amazon Web Services&#8217; cloud computing and artificial intelligence capabilities in Sydney and Melbourne, supporting growing customer demand for AI services. 
According to Australia&#8217;s Department of Industry, Science and Resources, AI and automation could contribute AU$600 billion ($390.48 billion) annually to the nation&#8217;s GDP by 2030.
&#8220;This planned investment deepens our long-term commitment to supporting the growth and development of Australian organizations of all sizes,&#8221; said Matt Garman, AWS CEO, during the announcement with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Seattle.
The expansion builds on AWS&#8217;s decade-long presence in Australia, which began with the Sydney Region launch in 2012. AWS opened its Melbourne Region in 2023 and launched Amazon Bedrock generative AI services in the Sydney Region last April.
To support the infrastructure expansion, Amazon is investing in three new solar farms across Victoria and Queensland, adding more than 170 megawatts of renewable energy capacity. 
Why It Matters: The investment follows Amazon&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45786038/amazon-expands-cloud-ai-footprint-with-10-billion-data-center-investment-in-north-carolina">recent $10 billion North Carolina data center commitment</a>, highlighting the company&#8217;s aggressive AI infrastructure expansion. Since 2017, AWS has trained more than 400,000 Australians in digital skills through various programs.
Albanese called the investment &#8220;exactly the kind of economic investment in our nation that we want to see,&#8221; emphasizing job creation and AI capability development.
AWS serves hundreds of thousands of Australian organizations, including Commonwealth Bank, ANZ Bank, Telstra and Canva, many leveraging generative AI services for operational transformation.
According to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings, AMZN shows strong growth and positive momentum, supported by a modest valuation. The stock has maintained a favorable price trend across both short- and long-term timeframes. Click <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">here for the full stock breakdown</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="648" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16042243/image-229.png" alt="" class="wp-image-950337" style="width:419px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16042243/image-229.png 874w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16042243/image-229-300x222.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16042243/image-229-768x569.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 874px) 100vw, 874px" /></a></figure>
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Reddit Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>) is gaining <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43682932/reddit-ceo-acknowledges-google-search-updates-impact-on-traffic-but-shrugs-it-off-these-changes-happen-all-the-time">increased visibility</a> in 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's AI Overviews, but analysts say that traffic boost may not translate into meaningful revenue growth.
What Happened: According to data from analytics firm Semrush, Reddit is the second most-cited source in Google's AI-generated summaries, trailing only Quora.
The rise is likely tied to a $60 million content licensing deal Reddit signed with Google in 2024, which allows Google to use Reddit data to train its AI systems and display it more prominently in search.
"Quora and Reddit users often ask and answer niche questions that aren't addressed elsewhere," the Semrush report said, adding, "Making them rich information sources for highly specific AI prompts."
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45899111/apple-may-end-up-acquiring-perplexity-like-it-did-with-beats-in-2014-says-dan-ives-consumers-need-reasons-to-upgrade-as-iphone-maker-falls-way-behind-in-ai-race" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple May End Up Acquiring Perplexity Like It Did With Beats In 2014, Says Dan Ives—Consumers Need ‘Reasons To Upgrade' As iPhone Maker Falls ‘Way Behind' In AI Race</a>
But while this exposure is boosting Reddit's web traffic, it's coming largely from "logged-out users"—people who click Reddit links from Google but don't sign in or stick around, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reddit-google-search-ai-overview-2025-6#:~:text=Tech-,Reddit%20is%20the%202nd%20most%2Dcited%20source%20in%20Google%20AI,much%20for%20its%20bottom%20line&amp;text=Analytics%20firm%20Semrush%20studied%20how,was%20the%20most%20cited%20source.">reported</a> Business Insider.
Analysts at Redburn wrote in March, "Accelerated user growth has been driven predominantly by logged-out users who arrive on the platform largely via Google Search."
"These users are much less valuable to Reddit as they are typically just looking for an answer to a query and thus spend little time on the platform," the analyst continued, the report added.
Moreover, with Google's AI Overviews summarizing Reddit content directly on the search page, fewer users may click through to Reddit at all, the report said.
Why It's Important: Reddit, which went public in 2023, is under mounting pressure to grow ad revenue and prove long-term profitability, the report noted.
While its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40229902/reddit-partnerships-with-openai-google-and-sprinklr-drive-upside-analysts">partnership with Google</a> has increased exposure, the quality of that traffic matters more than volume.
As Google leans more <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45537306/google-unveils-total-reimagining-of-search-with-chatbot-style-feature-to-compete-with-openai">heavily on AI-generated answers</a>, Reddit may find itself widely cited but less visited, posing a challenge for monetization. Last month, Google launched a new "AI mode" in Search and Chrome for U.S. users, providing a ChatGPT-like conversational experience instead of traditional search results.
Price Action: Reddit shares have declined 28.77% year-to-date but have surged 95.82% over the past 12 months, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings show a steady upward trend for Reddit in the short and long term, while reflecting a downward movement in the medium term. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Additional performance insights are available here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16042513/Screenshot-2025-06-16-at-1.19.35%E2%80%AFPM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-950338" /></a></figure>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Henry Franklin/Shutterstock

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Reddit Is The Second Most-Cited Source In Google AI Overviews, But Logged-Out Traffic May Undercut Revenue Gains

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