On Thursday, American EV giant Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) said it will stop taking custom orders for new Model S and X vehicles in Japan after April 1.



What Happened: The production of the higher-end Tesla cars for the Japanese market will end on March 31 and after April 1, the company will only sell stock or used vehicles in the country, Tesla said in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. It added that the company will no longer accept custom orders for new Model S and X vehicles starting in April.



&#8220;This period until production ends will be your last opportunity to purchase a new Model S or Model X in Japan, so if you are considering purchasing one, please place your order as soon as possible,&#8221; the company said. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Model SおよびModel Xは2025年3月31日をもって、国内向け生産を終了いたします。 2025年4月1日以降、在庫車または中古車のみの販売となり、新車のカスタムオーダーはお受けできません。 この生産終了までの期間がModel SおよびModel… <a href="https://t.co/eRBBIvJayi">pic.twitter.com/eRBBIvJayi</a>&mdash; Tesla Japan (@teslajapan) <a href="https://twitter.com/teslajapan/status/1897565315363659913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Tesla did not immediately respond to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga</a>&#8216;s request for comment on the reasons behind this decision. 



Why It Matters:&nbsp;In January 2024, Tesla CEO&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;mourned the company's lack of market share in Japan, terming it "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43078694/tesla-offers-free-supercharging-on-model-3-y-in-japan-a-year-after-musk-mourns-companys-lack-of-market-share-in-geography">remarkably low</a>."



"Japan is the third-largest car market in the world of any country. So we should at least have a market share proportionate to, say, other non-Japanese carmakers like Mercedes or BMW, which we do not currently have," Musk then said while adding that there is a lack of awareness of Tesla in the country.



The Model S and X are Tesla&#8217;s more premium cars. While the Model S starts at 12.67 million yen in Japan, the Model X starts at 14.17 million yen. 



Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/03/44162633/elon-musk-thinks-iss-has-served-its-purpose-and-should-be-deorbited-but-sunita-williams-says-it-is-still-at-its-prime-this-place-is-ticking-its-just-really-amazing">Elon Musk Thinks ISS Has Served Its Purpose And Should Be Deorbited, But Sunita Williams Says It Is Still At Its Prime: &#8216;This Place Is Ticking. It&#8217;s Just Really Amazing&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

News

Tech

TSLA

Elon Musk Mourned Tesla's Lack Of Market Share In Japan In 2024: EV Giant To Now Halt Sale Of New Model S, X Vehicles In Country

These ten large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?



<ol>
<li>Okta Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKTA#NASDAQ">OKTA</a>) shares jumped 24.26% after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/upgrades/25/03/44108947/okta-stock-is-surging-tuesday-heres-why" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better-than-expected</a> Q4 financial results, and several analysts upgraded the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BJ/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock and raised price forecast</a>.</li>



<li>Arcelor Mittal (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MT#NYSE">MT</a>) stock escalated 19.50% amid strength in gold and silver.</li>



<li>ING Groep (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ING#NYSE">ING</a>) stock was up 16.98% after the company announced a €70 million share repurchase program.</li>



<li>POSCO HOLDINGS INC. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PKX#NYSE">PKX</a>) shares escalated 15.55% amid overall market strength, fueled by reports that President Trump will delay auto tariffs.</li>



<li>Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) shares upped 15.02% after CEO Stephane Bancel Disclosed a share purchase.</li>



<li>Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESLT#NASDAQ">ESLT</a>) stock rose 14.80%.</li>



<li>BJ&#8217;s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BJ#NYSE">BJ</a>) stock gained 14.06% after the company reported better-than-expected <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44165337" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Q4 financial results</a>. Several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BJ/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised their price forecast</a> on the stock.</li>



<li>Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKT#NYSE">RKT</a>) stock grew 12.64%.</li>



<li>Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCOM#NASDAQ">TCOM</a>) shares jumped 12.61%, probably after China reportedly set a 2025 GDP growth target of around 5% and unlocked stimulus measures.</li>



<li>MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) shares rose 12.43% as Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BTC</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44138476" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moved closer to the $90,000 mark</a>.</li>
</ol>



Image via Shutterstock

Equities

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Movers

Trading Ideas

ESLT

MRNA

MSTR

OKTA

TCOM

Okta, Moderna and MicroStrategy Are Among Top 10 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Mar 3-Mar 7): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride for the financial world. From Warren Buffett&#8217;s stern warning about tariffs to President Trump&#8217;s call to end the CHIPS Act, the market has been grappling with a flurry of developments.



Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that made headlines over the weekend.



Buffett Calls Tariffs &#8216;An Act Of War&#8217;&nbsp;



Buffett characterized tariffs as "an act of war" that functions as a consumer tax. This comes as markets grapple with President Donald Trump‘s recent implementation of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports. Buffett, in an interview with CBS News, was blunt about the impact of tariffs on inflation, stating that they are a tax on goods.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44070257/warren-buffett-calls-tariffs-an-act-of-war-warns-they-function-as-a-tax-on-goods-amid-market-turmoil">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44108913/tariffs-trump-tumult-how-to-trade-this-volatility-vix-surge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tariffs, Trump, Tumult: How To Trade The Volatility Surge</a>



Trump Seeks To End CHIPS Act



In a surprising move, President Donald Trump called for ending the CHIPS Act during his joint address to Congress. The Act provides manufacturing incentives to semiconductor companies setting up their facilities in the U.S. Trump criticized the legislation, urging U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to &#8220;get rid&#8221; of it.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44135177/trump-seeks-to-end-chips-act-who-stands-to-lose-heres-a-list-of-beneficiaries-that-could-be-affected">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump Considering Tariff Relief For Mexico, Canada



Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that the Trump Administration is considering rolling back some of the tariffs placed on Mexico and Canada. Lutnick stated that Trump will make his decision on tariffs on Wednesday afternoon.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44143647/trump-considering-tariff-relief-for-mexico-canada-commerce-secretary-lutnick-says">Read the full article here.</a>



US Dollar Weakness A &#8216;Symptom Not Cause&#8217;



As the U.S. dollar witnessed its largest two-day decline in over two years, experts argue the importance of devaluation for global growth. The macro strategist at Crescat Capital, Otavio Costa, highlighted that the dollar "needs to be devalued to restore global growth."



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44160833/us-dollar-weakness-a-symptom-not-cause-argues-expert-as-economist-hails-devaluation-to-restore-global-growth">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump Bump Turns Into A Slump



The S&amp;P 500 has now wiped out all of its post-election gains, shedding a staggering $3.3 trillion since its Feb. 19 peak. This equates to a brutal $330 billion in market cap per trading day over the past two weeks.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/03/44139684/trump-bump-turns-into-slump-spy-sinks-as-sp-500-erases-post-election-gains">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/03/44114754/stock-market-sell-off-history-shows-sp-500-rebounds-after-big-drops" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stock Market Sell-Off: History Shows S&amp;P 500 Rebounds After Big Drops</a></li>
</ul>







This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Economics

Buffett's Tariff Warning, Trump's CHIPS Act Repeal, And S&P 500's Post-Election Slump: This Week In Economics

The past week was a rollercoaster ride for the EV industry, with Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) making headlines in China and Japan, Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) announcing its Georgia facility&#8217;s timeline and a sweet partnership, and the &#8220;Big Three&#8221; automakers facing potential profit wipeout due to Trump&#8217;s tariffs.



Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories.



Tesla&#8217;s China Surge



Tesla has reportedly received a whopping 200,000 orders for its refreshed Model Y in China since its January launch, according to Chinese media platform 36Kr. This surge in orders, including refundable ones, is expected to boost Tesla&#8217;s deliveries in the coming months.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44187868/tesla-receives-200000-orders-for-refreshed-model-y-in-china-report">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44176616/trump-vs-musk-tesla-to-be-hurt-by-tariffs-on-mexico-despite-friendship">Trump Vs. Musk: Tesla To Be Hurt By Tariffs On Mexico Despite Friendship</a>



Tesla&#8217;s Japan Retreat



In a surprising move, Tesla announced it will stop taking custom orders for new Model S and X vehicles in Japan after April 1. The production of these higher-end cars for the Japanese market will end on March 31, and the company will only sell stock or used vehicles in the country thereafter.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44185179/elon-musk-mourned-teslas-lack-of-market-share-in-japan-in-2024-ev-giant-to-now-halt-sale-of-new-model-s-x-vehicles-in-country">Read the full article here.</a>



Rivian&#8217;s Georgia Timeline



Rivian&#8217;s CFO Claire McDonough revealed that the company&#8217;s Georgia facility, set to manufacture its R2 and R3 vehicles, is expected to be operational by 2028. Meanwhile, Rivian is expanding its Illinois facility to start R2 production in the first half of 2026.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44136503/rivians-georgia-facility-to-be-ready-in-2028-ev-exports-to-foreign-markets-after-r2-production-ramp-says-company-cfo">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump&#8217;s Tariffs Threat:



Barclays warned that the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump could potentially wipe out the profits of Detroit's "Big Three" automakers &#8211;&nbsp;General Motors,&nbsp;Ford Motor, and&nbsp;Stellantis NV. These countries have announced retaliatory tariffs in response.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44135215/trumps-tariffs-could-wipe-out-profits-for-gm-ford-and-stellantis-barclays-warns-tariffs-of-this-magnitude-are-unlikely-to-stick">Read the full article here.</a>



Rivian&#8217;s Ice Cream Trucks



Rivian has partnered with Ben &amp; Jerry's to introduce two electric "scoop trucks" of the future. Despite the market&#8217;s anticipation of the impact of U.S. tariffs, this collaboration is sure to turn heads.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44118884/rivians-electric-ice-cream-trucks-a-partnership-with-ben-jerrys-revolutionizing-future-of-scoops">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/03/44143606/tesla-stock-nears-50-drop-from-all-time-highs-analyst-says-difficult-fundamental-co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Stock Nears 50% Drop From All-Time Highs: Analyst Says ‘Difficult Fundamental Conditions' Ahead</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Tesla



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>

RIVN

Tesla's China Boom, Rivian's Sweet Ride, And Trump's Tariffs Threat: This Week In Mobility

The past week has been a whirlwind of economic and political news, with President Donald Trump&#8217;s tariff threats, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent&#8217;s economic &#8216;detox&#8217; remarks, and a federal judge&#8217;s block on Trump&#8217;s freeze of billions in congressional funds making headlines. Here&#8217;s a quick round-up of the top stories:



Canada Responds to Trump&#8217;s Tariff Threats



President Donald Trump&#8217;s threats to impose reciprocal tariffs on Canadian lumber and dairy products have reignited trade tensions with the northern neighbor. Trump accused Canada of &#8220;ripping us off for years&#8221; with a 250% tariff on U.S. dairy, which he said hurts American farmers. He warned that Canada would face matching tariffs unless it reduced its own.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/03/44206362/canada-claps-back-at-unjustified-trump-tariffs-on-dairy-lumber">Read the full article here.</a>



U.S. Economy Enters &#8216;Detox Period&#8217;



Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged signs of economic weakness in the U.S., citing a necessary adjustment as the country shifts from government-driven to private sector-driven growth. Bessent suggested the economy had become &#8220;addicted&#8221; to public spending and would undergo a &#8220;detox period.&#8221;



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44196560/bessent-describes-economic-detox-period-as-us-shifts-to-trump-policies">Read the full article here.</a>



Federal Judge Blocks Trump&#8217;s Freeze on Congressional Funds



A federal judge extended an order that prevents the Trump administration from freezing billions in congressionally approved funds to 22 states and the District of Columbia. Judge John J. McConnell Jr. found the administration had overstepped in trying to stop the agencies from using money appropriated by Congress.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/03/44181394/federal-judge-blocks-trumps-freeze-on-billions-in-congressional-funds-executive-put-itself-above-congress">Read the full article here.</a>



Bessent Supports Trump&#8217;s Tariffs



Treasury Secretary Bessent defended President Trump&#8217;s tariffs, asserting that previous trade agreements neglected American workers. Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing the need for &#8220;reciprocal&#8221; trade relationships.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44178376/bessent-backs-trump-tariffs-says-us-trade-needs-to-be-reciprocal">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump Delays Mexico Tariffs Amid Economic Uncertainty



President Trump temporarily postponed the enforcement of a 25% tariff on most imports from Mexico, offering a one-month reprieve amid economic uncertainty. The move follows a conversation between Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, during which they agreed to exempt all trade covered under the USMCA agreement from immediate tariff hikes.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44176918/trump-delays-mexico-tariffs-for-a-month-economic-uncertainty-persits">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44209114/trump-threatens-russia-with-sanctions-amid-ukraine-conflict-as-he-pushes-for-peace" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Threatens Russia With Sanctions Amid Ukraine Conflict As He Pushes For Peace</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Politics

Trump Tariffs, Economic 'detox', And Congressional Funds Freeze: This Week In Politics

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas"> many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.



Market volatility has surged due to uncertainties around U.S. trade tariffs. President Trump's shifting stance on a 25% import tariff has unsettled investors, leading to a sharp decline in the U.S. dollar, which saw its worst weekly drop since November 2022.



Stock markets have also been affected, with the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 extending their losses. The Nasdaq 100 entered correction territory, dropping over 10% from its peak. Investors now anticipate potential Federal Reserve rate cuts amid trade uncertainty and weaker economic data.



Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) has not been spared, slipping below $90,000 despite the U.S. establishing a strategic reserve. This reflects broader market fears and the interplay between financial policies and digital assets. The mix of trade concerns, currency fluctuations, and market reactions highlights ongoing financial instability.



Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.



The Bulls



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/03/44181200/broadcom-stock-surges-on-q1-earnings-beat-revenue-beat-strong-guidance-we-expect-continued-strength-in-ai-semiconductor-revenue">"Broadcom Stock Surges On Q1 Earnings Beat, Revenue Beat, Strong Guidance: ‘We Expect Continued Strength In AI Semiconductor Revenue'"</a> by Adam Eckert reports that Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) reported first-quarter revenue of $14.92 billion, surpassing analyst estimates of $14.61 billion, and adjusted earnings per share of $1.60, exceeding expectations of $1.49, with the company anticipating continued strength in AI semiconductor revenue.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/03/44126630/chargepoint-shares-climb-after-solid-q4-report-q1-guidance-details">"ChargePoint Shares Climb After Solid Q4 Report, Q1 Guidance: Details"</a> by Erica Kollmann reports that ChargePoint Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHPT#NYSE">CHPT</a>) posted a Q4 loss of 14 cents per share, meeting expectations, while revenue of $101.88 million slightly exceeded forecasts, driving shares higher.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/03/44149912/jd-com-stock-soars-102-in-a-year-can-q4-earnings-keep-the-rally-alive">"JD.Com Stock Soars 102% In A Year: Can Q4 Earnings Keep The Rally Alive?"</a> by Surbhi Jain reports that JD.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JD#NASDAQ">JD</a>) has surged 102% in a year, with investors eyeing Q4 earnings to determine if the rally will continue.



For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/03/44154278/lendingtree-stock-rallies-after-strong-q4-results-details">LendingTree Stock Rallies After Strong Q4 Results: Details</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/03/44096190/quantum-si-shares-climb-despite-worse-than-expected-q4-results">Quantum-Si Shares Climb Despite Worse-Than-Expected Q4 Results</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/03/44175102/stocks-of-the-day-are-double-bottom-patterns-bullish-for-valero-marathon">Stocks Of The Day: Are Double Bottom Patterns Bullish For Valero, Marathon?</a>



The Bears



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/03/44180568/bigbear-ai-stock-plummets-after-q4-eps-revenues-miss-details">"BigBear.ai Stock Plummets After Q4 EPS, Revenues Miss: Details"</a> by Erica Kollmann reports that BigBear.ai Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBAI#NYSE">BBAI</a>) posted a quarterly loss of 43 cents per share, missing analyst expectations of a 5-cent loss, with revenue of $43.8 million falling short of the anticipated $54.48 million, leading to a 22.1% drop in stock value.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/ipos/25/03/44108760/coreweaves-ipo-3-major-red-flags-investors-cant-ignore">"CoreWeave's IPO: 3 Major Red Flags Investors Can't Ignore"</a> by Surbhi Jain reports that concerns arised over CoreWeave's dependency on Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), aggressive valuation, and competition from tech giants like Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>).



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/03/44152781/marvell-technology-stock-drops-after-q4-results-q1-guidance-roughly-in-line-details">"Marvell Technology Stock Drops After Q4 Results, Q1 Guidance Roughly In-Line: Details"</a> by Erica Kollmann reports that Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) posted a Q4 adjusted earnings per share of 60 cents, slightly surpassing analyst expectations, but shares fell due to in-line Q1 guidance.



For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/03/44149416/mongodb-slides-into-q4-earnings-bearish-signals-vs-wall-street-optimism">MongoDB Slides Into Q4 Earnings: Bearish Signals Vs. Wall Street Optimism</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44103584/plug-stock-drops-as-hydrogen-leader-struggles-with-margins-initiates-cost-reduction-plan">Plug Power Tightens Its Belt: Plans Massive Cost Cuts &amp; Cash Burn Control In New Strategy</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/03/44139684/trump-bump-turns-into-slump-spy-sinks-as-sp-500-erases-post-election-gains">Trump Bump Turns Into A Slump: SPY Sinks As S&amp;P 500 Erases Post-Election Gains</a>



Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga"> on X</a>.



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Broadcom, ChargePoint, BigBear.ai — And Tariff Whiplash Confounds Markets

The past week was a whirlwind of activity in the tech world, with artificial intelligence (AI) taking center stage. From&nbsp;Elon Musk&#8216;s xAI expanding its supercomputer footprint to&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) delaying its next-gen Siri, the AI landscape continues to evolve. Here&#8217;s a roundup of the top stories.



Elon Musk&#8217;s xAI Acquires Massive Property for Supercomputer Expansion



Elon Musk&#8217;s AI venture, xAI, has made a significant investment in Southwest Memphis, Tennessee. The company has purchased a 1-million-square-foot property, building on its previous announcement to scale its supercomputer, Colossus, to house at least one million GPUs in the state. The move marks a significant step in xAI&#8217;s expansion strategy.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44208284/elon-musks-xai-acquires-1-million-square-foot-property-in-memphis-for-supercomputer-expansion">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple Delays Next-Gen Siri



In a surprising turn of events, Apple has confirmed that its highly anticipated Siri upgrade, which includes AI-powered personalization and contextual awareness, will roll out later than expected. The delay was confirmed by Apple spokesperson Jacqueline Roy. The tech giant has yet to announce a new release date.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44207932/apple-delays-next-gen-siri-its-going-to-take-us-longer-than-we-thought-to-deliver-ai-upgrades">Read the full article here.</a>



Meta AI Assistant May Get Paid Subscriptions, Ads



Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) is reportedly planning to introduce improved voice features into its latest open-source large language model, Llama 4. The move indicates a potential shift towards paid subscriptions and ads, as Meta continues to enhance its AI capabilities.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44191670/meta-ai-assistant-may-get-paid-subscriptions-ads-llama-4-upgrade-in-the-works">Read the full article here.</a>



Palantir Delivers AI-Powered Battle Stations to US Army



Palantir Technologies Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) has delivered mobile battle stations to the U.S. Army under its $178 million military deal. The Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) system marks the debut of a software company as a prime defense contractor.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44190445/palantir-delivers-ai-powered-battle-stations-to-us-army-stock-now-comparable-to-tesla-circa-2015-analyst">Read the full article here.</a>



Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt Warns Against Global Race for Superintelligent AI



Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, along with Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang and Center for AI Safety Director Dan Hendrycks, has issued a warning against a global race to develop superintelligent AI. The experts expressed concerns over the U.S. government's potential pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI) in a manner akin to the Manhattan Project.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44185833/former-google-ceo-eric-schmidt-warn-of-nuclear-level-risks-in-global-superintelligent-ai-race-what-begins-as-a-push-for-a-superweapon">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44209114/trump-threatens-russia-with-sanctions-amid-ukraine-conflict-as-he-pushes-for-peace" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Threatens Russia With Sanctions Amid Ukraine Conflict As He Pushes For Peace</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

AAPL

PLTR

Elon Musk's xAI Expands, Apple Delays Siri, Meta's AI Assistant May Get Paid Subscriptions, And More: This Week In AI

President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;has strongly criticized the U.K. government&#8217;s demand for&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) to&nbsp;create a backdoor&nbsp;into its encrypted cloud storage, comparing the move to authoritarian surveillance <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44069785/trump-blasts-uks-apple-encryption-order-warns-against-grave-privacy-violations-thats-something-you-hear-about-with-china" rel="noreferrer noopener">tactics used in China</a>.



First Lady&nbsp;Melania Trump&nbsp;used her first major public appearance to call for stronger protections against online abuse, advocating for legislation&nbsp;targeting deepfake&nbsp;and revenge pornography while criticizing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44100458/melania-trump-attacks-democrats-for-skipping-key-discussion-on-deepfakes-first-lady-wants-tougher-safeguards-for-children" rel="noreferrer noopener">Democrats for their absence at the discussion</a>.



Smartphones



Honor&nbsp;has ramped up its AI ambitions with a $10 billion investment over the next five years, alongside a deeper<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44068933/google-and-chinas-honor-deepen-ai-partnership-as-huawei-spin-off-takes-on-apple-and-samsung-with-10-billion-investment" rel="noreferrer noopener"> partnership with&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44068933/google-and-chinas-honor-deepen-ai-partnership-as-huawei-spin-off-takes-on-apple-and-samsung-with-10-billion-investment" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s&nbsp;Google</a>.



Technology



Major tech firms, including&nbsp;Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>),&nbsp;ByteDance-owned&nbsp;TikTok, and&nbsp;Snapchat, are urging Australia to reconsider the exemption of&nbsp;YouTube, an online video sharing platform owned by Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google, from its&nbsp;ban on social media<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44132618/meta-tiktok-and-snapchat-push-back-against-youtubes-exemption-from-australias-social-media-ban-for-children-under-16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> access&nbsp;for users under 16</a>.



Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) launched <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44143576/apples-latest-macbook-air-with-m4-chip-is-twice-as-fast-as-its-predecessor-with-lower-price" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its newest MacBook Air</a> with equipped with the advanced M4 chip for improved speed, longer battery life, and a 12MP camera. The base version costs as low as $999.



Google has begun disabling uBlock Origin and other extensions that rely on its outdated Manifest V2 framework, leaving millions of Chrome users scrambling for alternatives as the company fully transitions <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44135027/googles-chrome-changes-disable-ublock-origin-for-even-more-users-can-you-still-block-ads" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to its new extension standard, </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44135027/googles-chrome-changes-disable-ublock-origin-for-even-more-users-can-you-still-block-ads" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manifest V3</a>.



Ransomware operators have found a way to exploit a Windows-signed driver from&nbsp;Paragon Partition Manager, posing a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44105518/microsoft-adds-paragon-partition-manager-driver-to-blocklist-as-ransomware-hackers-exploit-windows-signed-driver-for-attacks" rel="noreferrer noopener">threat to system security</a>.



Discord, the popular&nbsp;social chat app&nbsp;favored by gamers, is reportedly in early discussions with investment bankers <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44157952/discord-reportedly-exploring-ipo-in-2025heres-what-we-know-about-the-gaming-chat-titans-plans" rel="noreferrer noopener">about a potential initial public offering in 2025.</a>



Former&nbsp;Intel Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) CEO&nbsp;Craig Barrett&nbsp;has strongly criticized calls to divide Intel&#8217;s business, arguing that the company should focus on its recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44070969/former-intel-ceo-craig-barrett-warns-that-splitting-the-company-would-be-a-costly-mistake-a-far-better-move-might-be-to-fire-the-intel-board-and-rehire-pat-gelsinger" rel="noreferrer noopener">chipmaking breakthroughs instead</a>.



Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44070785/top-analyst-shuts-down-nvidia-cowos-order-cut-rumors-confirms-tsmcs-2025-expansion-is-steady-at-70000-wafers-per-month" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ming-Chi Kuo Dismisses Nvidia Order Cut Speculation Amid Intact AI Demand, Confirms TSMC Expansion On Track</a>



Reddit Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>) co-founder and venture capitalist&nbsp;Alexis Ohanian&nbsp;has joined&nbsp;Frank McCourt&#8217;s&nbsp;bid to acquire&nbsp;TikTok&#8217;s&nbsp;U.S. operations, as competition intensifies with rival groups that include&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;star&nbsp;Jimmy Donalson, aka&nbsp;MrBeast, tech entrepreneur&nbsp;Jesse Tinsley, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/03/44100560/reddit-co-founder-alexis-ohanian-joins-frank-mccourts-tiktok-bid-amid-competition-from-mrbeast-jesse-tinsley-and-reid-rasner" rel="noreferrer noopener">and&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/03/44100560/reddit-co-founder-alexis-ohanian-joins-frank-mccourts-tiktok-bid-amid-competition-from-mrbeast-jesse-tinsley-and-reid-rasner" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wyoming</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/03/44100560/reddit-co-founder-alexis-ohanian-joins-frank-mccourts-tiktok-bid-amid-competition-from-mrbeast-jesse-tinsley-and-reid-rasner" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;investor&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/03/44100560/reddit-co-founder-alexis-ohanian-joins-frank-mccourts-tiktok-bid-amid-competition-from-mrbeast-jesse-tinsley-and-reid-rasner" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reid Rasner</a>.



Artificial Intelligence (AI)



Tencent Holdings&#8217; (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCEHY#OTC">TCEHY</a>) Yuanbao AI&nbsp;chatbot has surpassed&nbsp;DeepSeek&nbsp;as the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44101621/deepseek-loses-top-spot-as-tencents-yuanbao-ai-becomes-no-1-iphone-app-amid-intensifying-ai-battle" rel="noreferrer noopener">most downloaded&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44101621/deepseek-loses-top-spot-as-tencents-yuanbao-ai-becomes-no-1-iphone-app-amid-intensifying-ai-battle" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhone</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44101621/deepseek-loses-top-spot-as-tencents-yuanbao-ai-becomes-no-1-iphone-app-amid-intensifying-ai-battle" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;app in China</a>.



Chinese AI startup&nbsp;DeepSeek&nbsp;revealed cost and revenue estimates for its popular&nbsp;V3&nbsp;and&nbsp;R1&nbsp;models, showing a theoretical cost-profit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44069178/chinas-deepseek-report-545-theoretical-daily-profit-margin-once-again-raising-questions-about-openai-and-other-us-ai-firms-billion-dollar-chip-investments" rel="noreferrer noopener">ratio of up to 545% per day</a>.



Anthropic&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Dario Amodei&nbsp;has called for stronger U.S. AI safeguards, warning that autocratic regimes like China and Russia could use artificial intelligence to enhance their<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44069535/jeff-bezos-backed-anthropic-pushes-for-stronger-us-ai-safeguards-saying-autocracies-like-china-russia-could-use-ai-to-expand-their-power-some-very-dark-possbilities" rel="noreferrer noopener"> control and military capabilities</a>.



Anthropic and&nbsp;Google has raised $3.5 billion in a Series E funding round,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44099466/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-nosedive-as-trumps-tariff-moves-wipe-out-crypto-reserve-fueled-gains-analyst-says-breaking-through-this-barrier-will-help-btc-touch-new-highs" rel="noreferrer noopener"> bringing its valuation to $61.5 billion</a>.

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Consumer Tech News (Mar 3-Mar 7): Discord May Initiate IPO, Apple's New MacBook Air With M4 Chip, Tencent' Yuanbao AI Surpassed DeepSeek As Most Downloaded & More

The past week has been a rollercoaster for&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>). From delays in AI upgrades to legal challenges and product teasers, the tech giant has been making headlines left, right, and center. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that shaped Apple&#8217;s week.



Apple Delays Next-Gen Siri



The highly anticipated upgrade to Siri, Apple&#8217;s voice assistant, will take longer than expected to hit the market. The update, which includes AI-powered personalization and contextual awareness, was confirmed to be delayed by Apple spokesperson Jacqueline Roy.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44207932/apple-delays-next-gen-siri-its-going-to-take-us-longer-than-we-thought-to-deliver-ai-upgrades">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple Challenges UK&#8217;s &#8216;Backdoor&#8217; Order



In a landmark legal case, Apple is reportedly challenging a directive from the UK government that would force the company to create a &#8220;backdoor&#8221; into its encrypted iCloud storage. The move has drawn criticism from President Donald Trump, who compared the directive to China-style surveillance.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44133360/apple-challenges-uks-backdoor-order-in-landmark-legal-case-after-trump-compares-directive-to-china-style-surveillance-report">Read the full article here.</a>



Tim Cook Teases New Product



Apple CEO Tim Cook sparked speculation with a cryptic teaser hinting at a new "Air" product launch this week. Fans are left guessing whether it&#8217;s the highly anticipated MacBook Air or something entirely unexpected.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44099748/tim-cook-says-theres-something-in-the-air-new-macbook-air-or-a-surprise-product-launch-on-the-cards">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump Criticizes UK&#8217;s Apple Encryption Order



President Donald Trump has strongly criticized the UK government&#8217;s demand for Apple to create a backdoor into its encrypted cloud storage, comparing the move to authoritarian surveillance tactics used in China.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44069785/trump-blasts-uks-apple-encryption-order-warns-against-grave-privacy-violations-thats-something-you-hear-about-with-china">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple&#8217;s New Technology for Age Verification



Apple is reportedly developing a new technology that could help social media apps identify users under 16 years of age. The &#8220;Declared Age Range&#8221; application programming interface (API) is expected to be launched on iOS devices.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/44036079/apples-new-declared-age-range-api-could-reshape-social-media-age-restrictions">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44209114/trump-threatens-russia-with-sanctions-amid-ukraine-conflict-as-he-pushes-for-peace" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Threatens Russia With Sanctions Amid Ukraine Conflict As He Pushes For Peace</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Apple's Tumultuous Week – From Siri Delays, Legal Battles, And New Product Teasers: This Week In Appleverse

The past week in the crypto world was dominated by President Donald Trump&#8217;s announcement of a strategic U.S. cryptocurrency reserve. The move has sparked a flurry of reactions, with some questioning the inclusion of certain digital currencies and others calling for a Congressional investigation.



Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories.



Schiff Questions Rationale for XRP Reserve



Renowned economist&nbsp;Peter Schiff&nbsp;expressed his confusion over the inclusion of XRP in the cryptocurrency reserve that was announced by President Trump. While Schiff acknowledged the rationale behind Bitcoin&#8217;s inclusion, he slammed the decision to include XRP, questioning its necessity.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44069015/bitcoin-is-digital-gold-but-whats-the-rationale-for-an-xrp-reserve-asks-peter-schiff-cardano-founder-charles-hoskinson-says-trump-made-the-right-decision">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44159088/microsoft-might-have-given-bitcoin-investments-a-miss-for-now-but-one-of-its-largest-investors-has-been-an-avid-advocate-of-cryptos-blockchains" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft May Have Given Bitcoin Investments A Miss But A Large MSFT Stock Holder Is A Strong Crypto, Blockchain Advocate</a>



Trump&#8217;s Crypto Reserve Plan Faces Backlash



President Trump&#8217;s crypto reserve plan has not been well-received by his tech community supporters. The plan, which includes Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana's SOL token, and Cardano, has led to a significant divide among his tech allies.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44107003/trump-faces-backlash-over-crypto-reserve-plan-from-bitcoin-supporters-including-his-own-dont-think-the-government-should-be-pumping-our-crypto-bags-with-taxpayer-money">Read the full article here.</a>



Schiff, Scaramucci Call for Congressional Inquiry



Peter Schiff&nbsp;and&nbsp;Anthony Scaramucci&nbsp;have called for a Congressional investigation into President Trump&#8217;s recent cryptocurrency announcements. Schiff raised questions about potential insider trading and manipulation related to the strategic cryptocurrency reserve declaration.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44100165/peter-schiff-anthony-scaramucci-question-trumps-crypto-reserve-announcements-seek-congressional-inquiry">Read the full article here.</a>



Gordon Johnson Criticizes Market Corruption



Gordon Johnson, an analyst at GLJ Research, criticized what he called market "corruption" following President Trump&#8217;s announcement of a strategic U.S. cryptocurrency reserve. Johnson responded to allegations that Trump's proposed cryptocurrency purchases aligned with holdings previously owned by his crypto advisor, David Sacks.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44069546/gordon-johnson-slams-market-corruption-following-trumps-crypto-reserve-announcement">Read the full article here.</a>



Polymarket CEO Invited to White House Crypto Summit



Shayne Coplan, CEO of prediction market platform Polymarket, confirmed that he will attend the White House Digital Asset Roundtable. Coplan, who was once raided by the FBI for alleged regulatory violations, thanked President Trump for the invitation.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44185814/polymarket-ceo-who-was-raided-by-the-fbi-on-allegations-of-regulatory-violations-gets-invited-to-white-house-crypto-summit">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li><a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44183572/trump-establishes-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-funded-by-forfeited-assets-i-made-the-promise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Creates Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Funded By Forfeited Assets: ‘I Made The Promise' — BTC Dips 4%</a></li>
</ul>







This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Cryptocurrency

Trump's Crypto Reserve Plan Sparks Controversy, Schiff Questions XRP Inclusion, Polymarket CEO Invited To White House: This Week In Crypto

Well-known financial analyst Samantha LaDuc has warned about current financial conditions and their impact on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43581792/mary-trump-slams-uncle-says-president-isnt-just-destroying-democracy-hes-handing-unchecked-power-to-people-like-elon-musk">Wall Street and Main Street</a>.



What Happened:&nbsp;On Saturday, LaDuc took to X to share her insights. She believes that financial conditions are not easing, but are instead being reset&nbsp;to stimulate real growth from&nbsp;Main Street. This, she says, is being done by pushing down the dollar, yields, and oil&nbsp;to unwind equity leverage from&nbsp;Wall Street.



LaDuc further explained that the examples of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) troughs triggered by a falling US dollar were actually the result of global central bank policy interference and liquidity infusions, primarily led by the US, to suppress the dollar, yields, and volatility. She said, &#8220;Bitcoin is trapped.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Financial conditions are not easing. They are being reset to push down dollar, yields and oil so as to unwind equity leverage from Wall St to stimulate real growth from Main St . All the examples of BTC troughs triggered by falling USD were in fact global central bank POLICY… <a href="https://t.co/LJphKpnNd0">https://t.co/LJphKpnNd0</a>&mdash; Samantha LaDuc (@SamanthaLaDuc) <a href="https://twitter.com/SamanthaLaDuc/status/1898164482343673932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



She also highlighted the shift to fiscal dominance and trade wars,&nbsp;where rising yields inflate assets&nbsp;and falling yields deflate them. This, she claims, is contrary to the previous&nbsp;macro landscape of rate repression&nbsp;to keep speculation bid.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43759418/robert-kiyosaki-predicts-wall-street-crash-and-layoffs-prepare-for-market-crash-depression-and-war">Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Wall Street Crash and Layoffs: &#8216;Prepare for Market Crash, Depression and War&#8217;</a>



Why It Matters:&nbsp;LaDuc&#8217;s views are significant as they challenge the common belief that financial conditions are easing. Instead, she suggests that a reset is taking place to stimulate real growth, a shift that could have profound implications for investors and the broader economy.



She also posits that Bitcoin is trapped and will not significantly rise until quantitative easing (QE) is restarted. However, she warns that if QE is restarted,&nbsp;bonds will crash with stocks&nbsp;and Bitcoin, following the initial risk-on excitement.



These insights provide a fresh perspective on the current financial landscape and the potential future of Bitcoin and other investments.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43756824/market-instability-looms-in-trumps-second-term-warns-paul-tudor-jones-theres-no-room-for-mistakes">Market Instability Looms in Trump&#8217;s Second Term, Warns Paul Tudor Jones: &#8216;There&#8217;s No Room for Mistakes&#8217;</a>



Image: Shutterstock

Samantha LaDuc Says Financial Conditions Are Being Reset and Not Easing: 'Bitcoin Is Trapped'

Justine Musk, the first wife of billionaire Elon Musk, once shared her unique insights on the journey to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/22/05/27458121/heres-elon-musks-piece-of-advice-for-ex-girlfriend-amber-heard"> becoming a billionaire.</a>



What Happened: In 2015, Justine Musk responded to a Quora thread questioning whether determination and hard work alone lead to a billion-dollar fortune. As Elon Musk's first wife, she firmly answered, &#8220;No.&#8221;



She suggested that the question was misguided, emphasizing that determination alone falls short of the mark. To become a billionaire, one must be ready to tackle extreme challenges head-on.



She <a href="https://www.quora.com/Will-I-become-a-billionaire-if-I-am-determined-to-be-one-and-put-in-all-the-necessary-work-required">wrote</a>, &#8220;You&#8217;re determined. So what? You haven&#8217;t been racing naked through shark-infested waters yet,&#8221; underlining the high level of risk and resilience required to accumulate such wealth.



&#8220;Will you be just as determined when you wash up on some deserted island, disoriented and bloody and ragged and beaten and staring into the horizon with no sign of rescue?&#8221; she further wrote in the post.



&#8220;Shift your focus away from what you want a billion dollars and get deeply, intensely curious about what the world wants and needs. Ask yourself what you have the potential to offer that is so unique and compelling and helpful that no computer could replace you, no one could outsource you, no one could steal your product and make it better and then club you into oblivion (not literally). Then develop that potential. Choose one thing and become a master of it. Choose a second thing and become a master of that,&#8221; she continued. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/09/35016865/elon-musks-father-open-to-more-children-despite-age-if-shes-under-35-i-wouldnt-think-twice-about-hav" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk's Father Open To More Children Despite Age: "If She's Under 35, I Wouldn't Think Twice About Having Another Child"</a>



Justine Musk&#8217;s insights are based on her personal experience being married to Elon Musk, who has an estimated net worth of $12.1 billion. 



&#8220;The world doesn&#8217;t throw a billion dollars at a person because the person wants it or works so hard they feel they deserve it. The world does not care what you want or deserve. The world gives you money in exchange for something it perceives to be of equal or greater value: something that transforms an aspect of the culture, reworks a familiar story or introduces a new one, alters the way people think about the category and make use of it in daily life. There is no roadmap, no blueprint for this; a lot of people will give you a lot of advice, and most of it will be bad, and a lot of it will be good and sound but you&#8217;ll have to figure out how it doesn&#8217;t apply to you because you&#8217;re coming from an unexpected angle,&#8221; she wrote in the post. 



Elon Musk is renowned for his roles in founding PayPal and leading innovative companies like Tesla and SpaceX.



Why It Matters: Justine Musk&#8217;s comments provide a rare glimpse into the mindset and challenges of those who have achieved billionaire status. Her unique perspective, shaped by her close relationship with one of the world&#8217;s most successful entrepreneurs, offers valuable insights for those aspiring to similar levels of success. 



Her emphasis on the need for resilience and a willingness to face extreme challenges echoes the experiences of many successful entrepreneurs. 



This serves as a reminder that the path to significant wealth is often fraught with risk and requires more than just determination and hard work.



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<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/07/39657381/elon-musks-mother-recounts-time-her-children-used-to-ask-for-food-she-couldnt-afford-after-">Elon Musk&#8217;s Mother Recounts Time Her Children Used To Ask For Food She Couldn&#8217;t Afford After Her Divorce: &#8216;If They Complained, I Didn&#8217;t Listen&#8217;</a>

Social Media

Elon Musk's Ex-Wife Spills The Truth About What It Really Takes To Be A Billionaire: 'There Is No Roadmap, No Blueprint For This'

Bill Gates, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), has worn many titles over the years—tech visionary, philanthropist, the world's richest man. But now, at 69, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43129756/bill-gates-earned-reputation-as-office-bully-but-has-mellowed-out-and-now-says-my-20-year-old-self-is-so-disgusted-with-my-current-self">his life looks a little different</a>. His three children have moved out and <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bill-gates-frugal-wears-10-140516005.html">started families of their own</a>, making him a grandpa. And after his divorce from Melinda French Gates, he's living alone. Yet despite his change in circumstances, one thing remains constant: his home.



In a January <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/celebrity/article/bill-gates-interview-new-book-memoir-wh766b9bs">interview with The Times of London</a>, Gates made it clear that he has no plans to downsize. "My house in Seattle, I admit, is gigantic. My sisters have downsized. I can't. I like the houses I have," he said.



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He was referring to Xanadu 2.0, his 66,000-square-foot tech-filled mansion on the shores of Lake Washington. It's one of the most expensive and high-tech private homes in the world, and for Gates, it's not just a house—it's an investment, a passion project, and a place filled with memories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Home Built to Last</h2>



Gates bought the property in 1988 for $2 million, then spent seven years and $63 million turning it into the ultra-modern estate it is today. Now valued at an estimated $130 million, the home isn't just massive—it's built with some of the most advanced technology available.



Guests wear electronic pins that adjust the lighting, temperature, and artwork on digital screens as they move through the house. Hidden speakers embedded in the walls allow music to follow visitors from room to room. A private library spans 2,100 square feet and features a domed reading room with a Great Gatsby quote engraved into the ceiling. The estate also includes six kitchens, 24 bathrooms, a trampoline room, and a 17-by-60-foot swimming pool with an underwater music system. Beneath the mansion, an underground garage can hold at least 23 cars.



Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A House That Outlasted His Marriage</h2>



While Gates considers Xanadu 2.0 an achievement, not everyone in his family shared the enthusiasm. His ex-wife once described the mansion as "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/39084795/bill-gates-66-000-sq-ft-mansion-features-a-trampoline-room-and-24-bathrooms-but-was-dubbed-a-nightma">a bachelor's dream and a bride's nightmare</a>." Back in a 2008 Fortune profile, she admitted that the home's overwhelming technology made her feel like she was living inside a video game. At one point during construction, she even put the project on hold due to creative differences.



Melinda often spoke about wanting a simpler life, even expressing hope that one day, she and Gates could live in a modest 1,500-square-foot home. That vision never came to fruition, and in 2021, the couple ended their 27-year marriage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">An Empty House—But Not a Lonely One</h2>



The mansion that once served as a home base for his family is now occupied only by Gates himself. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42648634/bill-gates-says-his-22-year-old-daughter-told-him-to-never-email-her-so-now-he-sends-her-a-text-letting-her-know-hes-emailing">His three children</a>—Jennifer, 28; Rory, 25; and Phoebe, 22—have moved on, but he says they still enjoy coming back. "My kids like to come back—that is a luxury," he told The Times.



Though he has household staff, Gates acknowledges that he doesn't keep up with daily chores. "I don't cook, I don't make my own bed, but I don't mind if no one has made it—I wouldn't notice."



While some billionaires trade estates as often as they trade stocks, Gates sees his home differently. He spent years perfecting it, and even now, he doesn't see the point in leaving. It's not just a mansion—it's his home, and that's something he's not willing to give up.



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<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
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Personal Finance

Bill Gates Is a Divorced Grandpa Living Alone in 'Gigantic' 66,000 Sq. Ft. Home—But Won't Be Downsizing: 'I Can't. I Like the Houses I Have'

Concerns over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs">trade tariffs continue</a> to rattle financial markets, fueling economic uncertainty and sparking heightened volatility across asset classes.



President Donald Trump initially proposed a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada starting from Tuesday, but later excluded automobiles before ultimately deciding to postpone all tariffs covered under the North American <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44143647/trump-considering-tariff-relief-for-mexico-canada-commerce-secretary-lutnick-says">trade agreement until April 2.</a>



The U.S. dollar suffered heavy losses, with the Dollar Index posting its steepest weekly decline since November 2022, effectively wiping out gains made following Trump's election victory.



Wall Street extended its losing streak to three consecutive weeks, with the Nasdaq 100 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44197558/whats-moving-markets-friday">sliding into correctio</a>n territory after tumbling more than <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44186189/nasdaq-100-to-enter-bear-market-territory-next-two-weeks-crucial-as-35-fall-following-correction-can-make-it-a-reality-warns-analyst">10% from its peak.</a> The S&amp;P 500 also gave up all gains accumulated post-Trump election.



Energy and financial stocks led the decline, as investors trimmed their growth forecasts for the U.S. economy in response to trade uncertainty and weaker economic data.



Fresh estimates from the Atlanta Fed's GDPNow model suggest that real GDP growth for the first quarter of 2025 could shrink by 2.4% annualized. 



Market expectations for Federal Reserve policy have also shifted significantly. Just a month ago, traders priced in only one rate cut by year-end, but now three cuts are fully anticipated.



On the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44194357/markets-breathe-sigh-of-relief-as-february-jobs-data-shows-economy-not-falling-off-a-cliff-economist-says">labor market front</a>, the pace of job creation stood at 151,000 in February, up from 125,000 in January but slightly below forecasts of 160,000. The unemployment rate edged up from 4% to 4.1%, slightly above forecasts of an unchanged reading.



Wage growth also showed signs of slowing, with average hourly earnings rising 0.3% month-over-month, down from January's 0.4% increase.



Bitcoin prices softened despite a major policy move from the White House. Trump signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, aimed at leveraging seized digital assets for government use.



David Sacks, the White House&#8217;s crypto and AI policy leader revealed the reserve would be entirely funded using Bitcoin confiscated from illicit activities through criminal or civil asset forfeiture cases, meaning it wouldn't impose any direct <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44183572/trump-establishes-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-funded-by-forfeited-assets-i-made-the-promise">financial cost on taxpayers.</a>&nbsp;



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Auto Stocks Surge</h1>



Shares of major Michigan-based automakers rebounded as Trump postponed tariffs on Mexican imports, giving Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), General Motors Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), and Stellantis NV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLA#NYSE">STLA</a>) short-term relief, though <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/03/44153070/auto-etfs-surge-on-trumps-tariff-reprieve-but-uncertainty-looms">long-term uncertainty persists.</a> Read Next: •<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44196560/bessent-describes-economic-detox-period-as-us-shifts-to-trump-policies"> Bessent Describes Economic &#8216;Detox Period&#8217; As US Shifts To Trump Policies</a>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Global

STLA

Tariff Uncertainty Roils Wall Street, Dollar Suffers A Blow, Bitcoin Slips Despite US Strategic Reserve: This Week In Markets

Billionaire investor Ray Dalio doesn't do baseless fearmongering. When he speaks, people listen—because he's spent decades successfully predicting economic shifts, financial crises, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43969651/billionaire-ray-dalio-says-ai-risks-totalitarian-control-or-anarchy-as-it-could-reshape-world-in-next-5-years-here-is-a-list-of-ai-linked-etfs-for-investors-to-consider">and global power shifts</a>. And his latest warning? The U.S. may have crossed a line where political and social conflicts are no longer solvable through discussion.



"We are probably past the point of being able to resolve that by compromise and empathy and all of that," Dalio said during his appearance on <a href="https://youtu.be/0j1gcGD5DrA?si=dJGMa8bNax0Xfm3j">Tucker Carlson's show last month</a>.



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This isn't just a passing comment. Dalio is saying that the nation's internal divisions are now so severe that traditional resolutions—like bipartisan cooperation and civil discourse—are no longer viable. His words paint a bleak picture of a country that may be on an irreversible path toward deeper turmoil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dalio's Track Record: Why His Warnings Matter</h2>



Dalio isn't some doomsday prophet making wild predictions. He's the founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund, which has managed over $170 billion in assets. He called the 2008 financial crisis before it happened and has been studying economic cycles for decades. His <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43901059/ray-dalios-holy-grail-investment-strategy-why-10-15-diversified-investments-could-make-you-a-fortune">expertise isn't just in markets</a>—it's in understanding global systems, historical trends, and human behavior.



So when he says the U.S. is facing a crisis beyond repair, it's not a random hot take. It's based on patterns he's seen throughout history—and he believes the warning signs are flashing bright red.



Trending: Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A ‘Civil War' of Values and Wealth</h2>



Carlson pressed Dalio to elaborate on his claim that the U.S. is in a civil war, noting that "most Americans don't perceive that." Dalio clarified that while it's not a traditional civil war, it is a "type of civil war" driven by "irreconcilable differences."



"What I mean is that there are irreconcilable differences that each side is willing to fight for in order to get the outcomes that they want," he explained.



The division, in his view, isn't just about politics. It's a combination of economic disparity, clashing values, and growing distrust in institutions.



<ul>
<li>The wealth gap is exploding. The rich are getting richer, while 60% of Americans struggle with below a sixth-grade reading level—making it even harder for them to adapt to a rapidly changing job market.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Political polarization is at historic levels. Dalio cited data showing that the gap between conservative and liberal votes in Congress is the largest since 1900 and that the number of votes crossing party lines is the lowest in over a century.</li>



<li>People no longer trust the system. "Does the legal system stand in the way of that fight? Or is there going to be a fight that will make the cause more important than anything?" Dalio asked.</li>
</ul>



His conclusion? The U.S. is no longer functioning as a unified nation.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Nation on the Brink of Fragmentation</h2>



Dalio doesn't believe this division will magically heal itself. Instead, he predicts that the U.S. will break apart even further.



"I think we're going to more fragmentation," he said, suggesting that different states will become increasingly isolated from one another, operating <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43756938/ray-dalio-warns-of-looming-us-debt-crisis-says-america-faces-economic-heart-attack-without-fiscal-cuts">under vastly different rules</a> and priorities.



This isn't just speculation. He said we're already seeing it play out:



<ul>
<li>Sanctuary city policies have created deep rifts between federal and state governments over immigration enforcement.</li>



<li>States like California and Texas are essentially operating as their own economic powerhouses with drastically different approaches to governance.</li>



<li>Legal battles over Supreme Court decisions continue to erode public confidence in the justice system.</li>
</ul>



Dalio argues that historically, these types of divisions do not end peacefully. He points out that conflict—whether social, political, or even violent—is the usual outcome when societies reach this level of polarization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can Anything Stop This?</h2>



When Carlson pressed Dalio on potential solutions, he didn't offer much optimism.



"The only thing that can be done is to have the fear of that create a necessity for having another path," he said.



In other words, unless Americans truly grasp how bad things could get, they won't be motivated to fix it. The problem? He doesn't believe that's happening fast enough.



Dalio compared today's crisis to past historical cycles where nations ignored warning signs until it was too late. He doesn't see any serious efforts to bridge the divide—and that's what worries him most.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts: A Warning We Can't Ignore</h2>



Dalio has built his career on spotting trends before they become crises. His latest warning isn't just about politics—it's about the fundamental breakdown of cooperation, economic stability, and national unity.



If he's right, the U.S. isn't just in a rough patch. It may be on an irreversible course toward fragmentation and conflict.



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'Probably Past the Point of Compromise and Empathy' — Billionaire Investor Ray Dalio Tells Tucker Carlson We're Already In A 'Civil War'

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