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Meridian

Meridian Corp is a full-service, state-chartered commercial bank providing personal, business lending, and deposit services. It operates in three business segments including Bank, Wealth, and Mortgage. It generates maximum revenue from the Bank segment that consists of commercial and retail banking. It generates interest income from its lending (including leasing) and investing activities and is dependent on the gathering of lower-cost deposits from its branch network or borrowed funds from other sources for funding its loans, resulting in the generation of net interest income, and other sources.

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Descubre las acciones que lideran los movimientos en la apertura del mercado, incluyendo repuntes destacados y caídas sorprendentes.

Acciones de Evaxion Biotech (EVAX) suben alrededor del 62%; 20 acciones que se mueven en el premercado

Meridian Corp

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News

S. Korea's MBC News Reports 47 Dead In Crash Of Boeing 737-800 At Muan Airport With 181 On Board

In the midst of the ongoing infighting within the Republican Party&#8217;s MAGA base, tech mogul Elon Musk has called for the expulsion of &#8220;contemptible fools&#8221; from the party.
What Happened: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, named by President-elect Donald Trump as co-leaders of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have found themselves at odds with the GOP&#8217;s hard right and MAGA base. The disagreement stems from their support of H-1B visas, which are used to bring high-skilled migrant workers to the U.S.
Ramaswamy previously stirred up controversy by stating&nbsp;that the U.S. needs to&nbsp;import high-skilled workers, a standpoint that was met with backlash from several MAGA influencers. 
Musk responded to the criticism on X, saying, &#8220;Yes. And those contemptible fools&nbsp;must be removed from the&nbsp;Republican Party, root and stem.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42496864/exclusive-eric-trump-calls-elon-musk-albert-einstein-of-our-time-says-tesla-ceo-will-help-build-a-stronger-america">EXCLUSIVE: Eric Trump Calls Elon Musk &#8216;Albert Einstein Of Our Time,&#8217; Says Tesla CEO Will Help Build &#8216;A Stronger America&#8217;</a>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Yes. And those contemptible fools must be removed from the Republican Party, root and stem.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1872744295884841262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Responding to Musk&#8217;s post, Gab CEO&nbsp;Andrew Torba said that Musk is declaring war on them. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">He's declaring war on us btw. Should go over well for him as it has for everyone else who has tried. <a href="https://t.co/zGnFIDyFRT">pic.twitter.com/zGnFIDyFRT</a>
&mdash; Andrew Torba (@BasedTorba) <a href="https://twitter.com/BasedTorba/status/1872753653553217726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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The infighting within the MAGA base has reportedly escalated into a virtual right-wing civil war over issues such as race, class, and immigration. Musk&#8217;s position has increasingly put him at odds with Trump&#8217;s base, with figures like Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer expressing their disapproval, as reported <a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/27/elon-musk-contemptible-fools-maga-doge">by</a> Axios.
The report also suggests that this divide may force Trump to choose sides between his original white, working-class supporters&nbsp;and the techno-libertarian billionaires like&nbsp;Musk who are central to his new administration.
Why It Matters: The ongoing infighting within the MAGA base and the Republican Party at large could have significant implications for the future of the party and its political strategies. 
The schism between the traditional white, working-class supporters&nbsp;and the techno-libertarian billionaires like&nbsp;Musk could force a reevaluation of the party&#8217;s stance on key issues such as immigration and labor. 
This could, in turn, influence the party&#8217;s appeal to different voter demographics and its prospects in future elections.
Read Next 
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/41869001/heres-how-trumps-policies-might-shape-the-markets-future" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here's How Trump's Policies Might Shape The Market's Future</a>
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.

Politics

Elon Musk Weighs In On MAGA Divide, Urges GOP To Purge 'Contemptible Fools'

Leading CEOs from the tech industry are reportedly courting favor with President-elect Donald Trump, indicating a significant change in corporate America&#8217;s approach towards his upcoming term.
What Happened: High-profile business leaders have been visiting Trump at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, marking a stark contrast to the reception he received following his 2016 election victory. 
Among the attendees were&nbsp;Amazon&#8217;s Jeff Bezos,&nbsp;Apple&#8217;s Tim Cook,&nbsp;Google&#8217;s Sundar Pichai, and&nbsp;TikTok&#8217;s&nbsp;CEO Shou Zi Chew.&nbsp;Meta&#8217;s&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg had a meeting with Trump last month.
Trump, who secured his election victory&nbsp;with 49.8 percent of the&nbsp;vote, shared his enthusiasm on Truth Social, <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113679845810455086">saying </a>that &#8220;EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND!!!&#8221; 
He also observed a marked shift in attitude compared to his first term, noting that there seems to be a greater willingness to cooperate this time around.
Former&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;CEO Bill Gates is also said to have requested a visit. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42635450/why-trump-wants-debt-ceiling-killed-before-he-takes-office">Why Trump Wants Debt Ceiling Killed Before He Takes Office</a>
In a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113725094327948716" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a>&nbsp;on Truth Social on Friday, Trump said that Gates had asked to come to Mar-a-Lago. The 78-year-old Republican encouraged him to visit.
"Where are you? When are you coming to the ‘Center of the Universe,' Mar-a-Lago. Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Year's Eve is going to be AMAZING!!!" Trump wrote. He signed it "DJT."
Why It Matters: This change in corporate America&#8217;s stance towards Trump could be motivated by a desire for influence or a fear of potential backlash. 
Major corporations&nbsp;such as Amazon, Meta, OpenAI, and Perplexity have pledged to donate $1 million each to Trump&#8217;s inaugural fund. 
This shift underlines the importance of political engagement for these tech giants, who are likely seeking to ensure their interests are represented in the upcoming administration.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42257531/heres-how-ray-dalio-thinks-trumps-second-term-could-reshape-the-us-and-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here's How Ray Dalio Thinks Trump's Second Term Could Reshape the US and the World</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Tech

GOOGL

MSFT

Tech Titans Warm Up To Donald Trump, Who Says 'Everybody Wants To Be My Friend,' Claims Bill Gates Asked To Come To Mar-a-Lago

An Azerbaijan Airlines flight which crashed on Christmas Day in Kazakhstan was reportedly hit by &#8220;external interference&#8221; over Russia, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42711444/national-security-councils-kirby-notes-early-indications-of-russian-link-in-azerbaijan-crash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Azerbaijan&#8217;s transport minister, </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42711444/national-security-councils-kirby-notes-early-indications-of-russian-link-in-azerbaijan-crash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rashad Nabiyev</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42711444/national-security-councils-kirby-notes-early-indications-of-russian-link-in-azerbaijan-crash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">.</a>
The crash, which claimed 38 lives, occurred after the plane, a Brazilian-made Embraer 190, was diverted to Kazakhstan from Russia&#8217;s Chechnya region due to damage sustained during flight, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4717j21kko" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> BBC.
Passengers onboard reported hearing three blasts above Grozny, leading to speculation that the aircraft had been struck by Russian air defense systems.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42686735/azerbaijan-airliner-crash-kills-38-weather-russia-under-scrutiny" rel="noreferrer noopener">Azerbaijan Airliner Crash Kills 38: Weather, Russia Under Scrutiny</a>
Russian authorities have yet to comment, though Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia&#8217;s civil aviation agency, claimed that the region was under threat from Ukrainian drone attacks, and a &#8220;Carpet plan&#8221; was enacted, clearing aircraft from the area.
He also mentioned dense fog over Grozny airport, which could have contributed to the incident.
The U.S. government has confirmed receiving early indications that Russian air defense systems may have downed the plane, although they have refrained from making a definitive statement.
Azerbaijan Airlines has pointed to &#8220;physical and technical external interference,&#8221; which experts believe involved GPS jamming and missile shrapnel damage, BBC adds.
One flight attendant described hearing a &#8220;strike,&#8221; which injured her arm. Pilot Tahir Agaguliev speculated that the missile exploded nearby, with shrapnel damaging the aircraft&#8217;s hydraulics.
Despite the damage, the pilots managed to land the plane, saving 29 lives.
Azerbaijan is demanding Russia acknowledge its responsibility for the incident, similar to the apology Russia extended in 2020 when it shot down an Azerbaijani helicopter.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan Airlines suspended flights to several Russian cities, including Grozny and Sochi, citing security concerns. The investigation is ongoing, with Azerbaijan pushing for an international inquiry rather than one led by Russia or Kazakhstan.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42677932/russian-firms-adopt-bitcoin-for-global-trade-in-response-to-western-sanctions-should-be-expanded-and-developed-further" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russian Firms Adopt Bitcoin For Global Trade In Response To Western Sanctions: &#8216;Should Be Expanded And Developed Further&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Markets

Media

General

Azerbaijan Airlines Flight Hit by 'External Interference' Over Russia Before Fatal Crash

In an interview with Fortune in 2013, legendary investor Warren Buffett shared his insights on avoiding speculative investing and adopting a disciplined, long-term approach. 
What Happened: Buffett, known for his value investing philosophy, highlighted the importance of understanding the productive potential of assets rather than making impulsive decisions based on market noise.
During the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzuTj_t7ILs&amp;t=2s">interview</a>, Buffett compared evaluating stocks to assessing tangible investments like farms or apartment buildings. For a farm, he advises calculating expected crop yields and determining their value. 
Similarly, for an apartment building, rental income should be weighed against taxes and expenses to estimate the expected return. In both cases, the focus should be on paying a fair price for the asset's productive potential.
&#8220;You always want to look at the productive ability of the assets you're buying, whether it's a farm, an apartment house, or a company. The company is represented by a stock. If you always get your money's worth, you'll do very well,&#8221; Buffett said. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42663704/warren-buffetts-timeless-advice-if-youre-gonna-do-dumb-things-because-your-stock-goes-down-you-shoul">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Timeless Advice: &#8216;If You&#8217;re Gonna Do Dumb Things Because Your Stock Goes Down, You Shouldn&#8217;t Own A Stock At All&#8217;</a>
&#8220;If you buy a farm, you look at the farm and say, "I expect to get so many bushels per acre of corn or soybeans." Then you figure out how much that will be worth and you figure out what the price should be. If you buy an apartment house, you should look at what the rentals will be, what the taxes and expenses will be, and then decide how much income you'll have. You pay a fair price for that,&#8221; Buffett added. 
However, when it comes to stocks, Buffett warned against buying based on hearsay or speculative advice. He encouraged investors to prioritize the long-term productive ability of assets over short-term price movements. 
"The biggest mistake people make is listening to a lot of other people and buying something because they think it's going to go up next week or next month, for whatever reason people give you. You should understand what you buy," he said. 
He emphasized that understanding the intrinsic value of a company, which a stock represents, is key to successful investing.
&#8220;With stocks, their neighbor whispers something to them and then run out and spend money that it took them years to earn,&#8221; Buffett said. 
Why It Matters: This advice aligns with Buffett's broader philosophy of value investing, which has guided his decades-long track record of outperforming the market. 
His focus on fundamentals serves as a reminder that patience and careful evaluation remain the cornerstones of sound investing.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40666605/warren-buffetts-career-advice-dont-think-about-money-take-the-job-that-you-would-take-if-you-didnt-n">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Career Advice: &#8216;Don&#8217;t Think About Money, Take The Job That You Would Take If You Didn&#8217;t Need The Job&#8217;</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Warren Buffett's Stock Market Advice: Ignore Neighbor's Whispers On Stock Tips, Focus On Long-Term Value

Anthony Scaramucci, the former White House communications director, has urged&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;to focus on his thriving businesses and refrain from political involvement. 
What Happened: Scaramucci, who had a brief stint in the first Donald Trump administration and has since become a vocal critic of the President-elect, praised Musk&#8217;s business prowess.
Speaking with CNN in an interview last week, he said of Musk, &#8220;Stick to business. You've done great. You've made a couple hundred billion dollars since the election.&#8221;
He further warned Musk about the potential pitfalls of political involvement, saying, &#8220;Lay&nbsp;off the gas on politics&nbsp;a little bit because these&nbsp;people, these people could hurt&nbsp;you.&#8221;
While acknowledging Musk&#8217;s significant influence during the 2024 election, Scaramucci expressed doubts about Musk&#8217;s ability to exert the same level of influence in Washington. 
Despite Musk&#8217;s large following and significant influence, Scaramucci advised him to tread carefully. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42378550/musk-kicked-in-more-than-a-quarter-billion-dollars-to-trump-and-gop">Musk Kicked In More Than a Quarter-Billion Dollars To Trump and GOP</a>
He stated, &#8220;He's&nbsp;just got to be very,&nbsp;very careful because he's making&nbsp;enemies that he doesn‘t realize,&#8221; and added, &#8220;And&nbsp;the incentives in Washington are&nbsp;totally different than those in&nbsp;business.&#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">Can he do the fandango like in that Queen song?
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1871485780037972349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Responding to Scaramucci&#8217;s advice, Musk asked whether Scaramucci could &#8220;do the fandango like in that Queen song,&#8221; a reference to the line &#8220;Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango&#8221; in the song &#8220;Bohemian Rhapsody.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>
Why It Matters: Scaramucci&#8217;s advice to Musk comes at a time when the latter&#8217;s influence has been growing, not just in the business world but also in the political sphere. 
Musk&#8217;s significant role in the 2024 election and his large following are testament to his influence. However, Scaramucci&#8217;s cautionary words highlight the potential dangers that come with political involvement, especially for someone who is primarily a business figure. 
The different incentives and dynamics in Washington, as compared to the business world, could pose challenges and risks for Musk.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41082363/heres-how-elon-musk-has-become-a-pro-trump-political-influencer-through-social-media">Here&#8217;s How Elon Musk Has Become A Pro-Trump Political Influencer Through Social Media</a>
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.

Anthony Scaramucci Tells Musk To 'Stick To Business' — Here's Musk's Musical Response

President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s repeated calls to defund public media have put organizations like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/recent" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NPR and PBS on high alert</a>.
Trump has long criticized outlets like NPR and PBS, accusing them of promoting liberal bias, and has vowed to cut all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports public media, The Guardian <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/28/trump-npr-pbs-funding-cut" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
In April on Truth Social, Trump called NPR a &#8220;total scam&#8221; and demanded an end to its funding.
His criticism follows a longstanding pattern of Republican efforts to reduce or eliminate public media funding, dating back to the 1967 creation of the CPB.
The CPB provides grants to over 1,500 public radio and TV stations across the country, helping ensure editorial independence while also allowing for local fundraising.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/12/42713893/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-quantum-computing-tesla-amd-and-whales-buy-270-million-dogecoin-over-4-days">Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Quantum Computing, Tesla, AMD — And Whales Buy 270 Million Dogecoin Over 4 Days</a>
Trump&#8217;s allies, including Elon Musk, have joined the chorus. Musk, after labeling NPR as &#8220;state-affiliated media&#8221; in 2023, has called for the defunding of NPR, echoing Trump&#8217;s anti-public media stance, the report adds.
His recent collaboration with Vivek Ramaswamy to reduce government spending includes proposed cuts to the CPB&#8217;s $535 million budget.
Despite these efforts, public media remains deeply embedded in American life, with 99% of the population within reach of public radio or TV, The Guardian adds.
Yet the U.S. spends far less on public media compared to other countries. Critics argue that defunding public media would harm rural communities, where stations are often crucial for local news and emergency alerts.
While bills to defund NPR and PBS are currently before Congress, the challenge of transferring emergency alert responsibilities and the two-year funding cycle for the CPB could slow these efforts.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/12/42707484/exxonmobil-stock-navigates-death-cross-market-signals-turn-bearish-for-the-oil-giant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ExxonMobil Stock Navigates Death Cross: Market Signals Turn Bearish For Oil Giant</a></li>
</ul>

Trump's Threat to Defund Public Media Puts NPR and PBS on Edge

Dave Ramsey is synonymous with financial advice, but his journey to becoming a household name and building Ramsey Solutions – a $300 million business – is filled with humility, resilience and common sense lessons. Ramsey doesn't shy away from admitting his mistakes, jokingly claiming, "I've got a PhD in D.U.M.B." Here's how he turned those missteps into steppingstones for success.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Rock Bottom to Financial Freedom</h2>
Over 35 years ago, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42514449/dave-ramsey-says-his-wife-wanted-to-leave-him-but-she-didnt-have-a-car-hitting-rock-bottom-financially-almost-ended-his-marriage">Dave Ramsey hit rock bottom</a>. In his late 20s, he went bankrupt. With a marriage hanging by a thread, two young kids and a mountain of fear, Ramsey recalls standing in the shower, crying because he didn't know what to do next.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>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>.</li>
<li>It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 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></li>
</ul>
But adversity became his teacher. He turned to biblical principles about money, which mirrored the advice of seasoned wealthy individuals. Ideas like living on less than you make, avoiding debt, budgeting and being generous became the foundation of his financial philosophy. Applying these principles helped his family recover and inspired him to help others do the same.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Birth of a Business</h2>
What started as a small ministry in his church, teaching others how to manage their finances, became a full-fledged business. Ramsey was reluctant to expand initially. "I didn't want employees," he admitted. "As far as I was concerned, employees come late, leave early and steal while they're there."
But as demand for his financial advice grew, so did the need to build a team. His first hire was a man named Russ Carroll and from there, the journey began. Ramsey's early days were filled with long hours, mistakes and hard lessons, but he kept pushing forward.
See Also: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Five Stages of Business</h2>
Through trial and error, Ramsey identified five stages of business growth and shared them in a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHZEAXH6kqk">video</a>:
1. Treadmill Operator
Business owners are overwhelmed at this stage because they're doing everything themselves. Ramsey described his experience working 16-hour days, collapsing on the couch at night and barely remembering what he accomplished. &#8220;I was the CEO – the chief everything officer,&#8221; he says. It's a cycle of nonstop work, where cash flow becomes the primary concern and the business cannot function without the owner's constant presence.
2. Pathfinder
This stage involves a lack of clear direction, where the team feels uncoordinated and enthusiasm begins to drop. Ramsey discovered that the key to breaking out of this stage is defining a mission, vision and core values. For example, one of his breakthrough moments came when he fired an employee spreading negativity, clarifying the company's no-gossip policy and reigniting team alignment.
3. Trailblazer
Scaling the business requires implementing systems and processes while delegating leadership responsibilities. Ramsey recalled the game-changing decision to record <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/06/39316291/dave-ramsey-tells-americans-if-you-retire-broke-its-your-fault-explains-how-to-retire-with-1-mil">Financial Peace University</a> on video. This shift allowed him to expand his reach while freeing up his time. At this stage, businesses must also focus on strategic planning to prepare for larger growth.
Trending: The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a>
4. Peak Performer
Businesses at this stage thrive financially and operationally, but the danger lies in becoming too comfortable. Ramsey emphasized the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/04/38254603/warren-buffett-says-the-key-to-success-isnt-having-the-greatest-business-idea-in-the-world-the-test">importance of staying innovative</a> and maintaining a culture of excellence. He shared how his team continually reevaluated systems and processes to keep improving, even when things were going well.
5. Legacy Builder
The final stage focuses on ensuring the business's success beyond the founder. For Ramsey, this meant rebranding his company to "Ramsey Solutions" and transitioning the "Dave Ramsey Show" to "The Ramsey Show." By developing future leaders and creating a succession plan, Ramsey ensures his company will continue to thrive long after his direct involvement.
Ramsey attributes much of his success to the "Momentum Theorem": Focused intensity over time, multiplied by God, equals unstoppable momentum.
He quickly acknowledges that his achievements combine relentless effort and divine grace. Ramsey says it's God's blessings, "but it's also 25 years of hard work."
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>

'I've Got A PhD In D.U.M.B' – Dave Ramsey Reveals How He Built His $300 Million Business

Renowned financial educator&nbsp;and author Robert Kiyosaki&nbsp;has predicted a significant surge in Bitcoin&#8216;s (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) value by 2025, while expressing distrust in Black Rock&#8217;s handling of the cryptocurrency.
What Happened: In a post on X on Friday, Kiyosaki voiced his concerns about Larry Fink, the head of Black Rock, and his handling of Bitcoin.
He accused Fink of being a &#8220;Marxist&#8221; and a &#8220;Share Holder Capitalist,&#8221; suggesting that such individuals are suppressing Bitcoin&#8217;s price for personal gain.
&#8220;Larry Fink dumping Bitcoin. VIVEK warned Larry Fink of BLACK ROCK is a Marxist. Vivek warned Fink &amp; Black Rock are Share Holder Capitalist not Stake Holder Caplitist. Share Holder Capitalists are Marxist….like Klaus Schwab who state: "Someday you'll own nothing and you'll be happy," he wrote in the post. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42677439/kiyosaki-warns-of-global-financial-crisis-protect-your-wealth-by-investing-in-real-assets">Kiyosaki Warns of Global Financial Crisis: &#8216;Protect Your Wealth by Investing in Real Assets&#8217;</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Larry Fink dumping Bitcoin. VIVEK warned Larry Fink of BLACK ROCK is a Marxist. Vivek warned Fink &amp; Black Rock are Share Holder Capitalist not Stake Holder Caplitist. Share Holder Capitalists are Marxist….like Klaus Schwab who state: "Someday you'll own nothing and you'll be…
&mdash; Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1872665122440704137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Kiyosaki further stated his preference for keeping Bitcoin in his own wallet, expressing distrust in Black Rock&#8217;s Bitcoin ETF. Despite his criticisms, Kiyosaki remains bullish on Bitcoin, predicting it will reach $350,000 in 2025.
&#8220;I love Bitcoin in my own wallet. I would not trust Bitcoin in Black Rocks ETF. Black Rock suppressing Bitcoin price so the whales can buy Bitcoin at under $100k. I will keep buying more Bitcoin because Bitcoin going higher. I predict Bitcoin to hit $350 k in 2025,&#8221; he added in the post. 
Why It Matters: Kiyosaki&#8217;s comments come amid a broader debate about the role of institutional investors in the cryptocurrency market. His criticisms of Black Rock and Larry Fink reflect concerns about potential market manipulation and the concentration of power in the hands of a few large players.
Despite these concerns, Kiyosaki&#8217;s bullish prediction for Bitcoin suggests he remains confident in the cryptocurrency&#8217;s long-term potential. 
His comments highlight the ongoing tension between the decentralized ethos of cryptocurrencies and the increasing involvement of traditional financial institutions.
Read Next
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Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Kiyosaki Warns Of Bitcoin In Black Rocks ETF: 'It Is Suppressing Bitcoin Price'

Geologists have discovered a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/05/38895301/solitario-resources-finds-new-gold-zones-in-south-dakota-highest-grade-samples-collected">large gold deposit</a> in Hunan Province, China and experts call it a "supergiant." The Geological Bureau of Hunan Province announced their discovery in the Wangu gold field. It is estimated to contain 1,000 metric tons of gold, valuing around 600 billion yuan or almost $83 billion. However, some experts question the feasibility of this finding and whether the scope is as large as estimates say.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Discovery</h2>
According to Xinhua News Agency, the deposit was identified through extensive exploration, which included drilling 150,000 meters and analyzing 40 distinct gold veins. The highest-grade samples contained 138 grams of gold per ton of ore, surpassing the typical benchmark of eight grams for high-grade deposits. The initial exploration discovered 300 tons of gold at depths of up to 2,000 meters. Further analysis suggests that the deposit could extend up to 3,000 meters.&nbsp;
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Liu Yongju, vice head of the Geological Bureau of Hunan Province, said that technological advancements like 3D geological modeling played a large role in uncovering the deposit. Visible gold in rock cores was among the evidence supporting the claim of vast reserves.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Comparisons and Skepticism</h2>
If verified, this discovery could rival South Africa&#8217;s South Deep Mine, which holds approximately 900 metric tons of gold and is considered one of the largest deposits globally. However, some analysts, including those at the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/24/12/42502069/gold-poised-for-its-best-year-in-a-decade-while-bitcoin-surges-analysts-eye-2025-as-a-golden-era-for-precious-metal-amid-michael-saylors-push-for-btc-as-a-reserve-asset">World Gold Council</a> (WGC), remain cautious.
John Reade, WGC's senior market strategist, emailed The Northern Miner to label the estimate of 1,000 metric tons as "aspirational." He pointed out that much more exploration would be needed to confirm the full scale of the deposit. He noted that Chinese reporting standards differ from global frameworks like Canada's NI 43-101 and Australia's JORC code, making independent verification necessary.
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Challenges to mining at such depths – ranging from extreme heat to high operational costs – could delay or limit production. Reade noted that even if mining begins, the deposit would contribute only a fraction to global supply, approximately 3,600 metric tons annually.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Implications for China</h2>
China is already the world's largest gold producer, with reserves estimated at over 2,000 metric tons earlier this year, according to ScienceAlert. Yet, domestic production has declined due to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41158922/biden-signs-law-to-exempt-certain-us-chipmaking-facilities-from-federal-environmental-reviews-un">environmental regulations</a> and the closure of smaller mines. A find like this could bolster China's reserves and production capacity.
The discovery also comes as global gold prices rise amid economic uncertainty, increasing the potential economic impact of such a find. However, historical parallels, like the Sonbhadra gold deposit claim in India, which was debunked in 2020 according to Mining.com, underscore the need for rigorous verification.
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 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">What Comes Next?</h2>
While the announcement has sparked excitement, experts urge caution. Developing a deposit of this size and depth will require years of investment and planning. Independent verification of the reserves will also be critical to establish credibility.
For now, the Wangu gold field represents a promising development in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/10/41398733/gold-surges-past-2-700-to-record-high-asia-and-europe-markets-in-green-global-markets-today-while-us">global gold market</a>, but whether it becomes a game-changer remains to be seen.
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Startups

$83 Billion Gold Deposit Unearthed In China – Is This The Largest Find In History?

Prominent MAGA figures have accused Elon Musk of silencing critics who challenge <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42713746/financial-crime-weekly-sec-charges-tai-mo-shan-with-misleading-terra-usd-investors-rocket-companies-sued-over-alleged-kickback-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">his views on immigration</a>.
The controversy erupted when at least 14 right-wing accounts reported losing access to premium features on X, including blue verification badges and monetization tools, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/28/elon-musk-accused-of-censoring-conservatives-on-x-over-immigration.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> CNBC.
This follows a wave of criticism targeting Musk's pro-immigration stance, particularly from anti-immigration factions within the MAGA movement.
The affected users, many affiliated with the media group ConservativeOG, said they were penalized after publicly voicing opposition to Musk's position.
These accounts saw their reach on the platform shrink significantly, triggering accusations that Musk was shadowbanning or censoring those who disagreed with him.
Read Next:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42687945/zelle-became-a-gold-mine-for-fraudsters-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-lawsuit" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;‘Zelle Became A Gold Mine For Fraudsters': Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Lawsuit</a>
Some of these individuals expressed concern that losing monetization features would impact their ability to continue posting content regularly.
In response to the growing controversy, Musk posted a "reminder" on X about the platform's algorithm, stating that accounts frequently blocked or muted by verified users would see their reach decline. 
However, this explanation only fueled further accusations of censorship. Critics felt that Musk, despite his claims of championing free speech, was punishing those who voiced opposition to his views on immigration.
Among those impacted was Preston Parra, head of ConservativeOG, who described the actions as a "political takedown" aimed at silencing conservative voices.
Parra vowed to continue fighting Musk's platform policies, which he sees as an attack on conservative values. The incident has sparked a broader debate over the influence of tech executives like Musk and their role in shaping political discourse, especially in light of his immigrant background and ties to pro-immigration figures.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between free speech advocates and those who believe social media platforms should regulate harmful content.
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MAGA Conservatives Accuse Elon Musk of Censorship Over Immigration Disagreements on X

According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), first-time homebuyers are now on average 38 years old, up three years from 2023 and nearly a decade older than buyers in the 1980s. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/11/41876775/u-s-homebuyers-are-now-56-on-average-as-younger-generations-struggle-with-wildly-unaffordable-market-housing-expert-warns">median age for all homebuyers reached 56</a>, jumping seven years from 2023&#8217;s figure of 49.
Money talks in today&#8217;s market, with one-third of home purchases made in cash compared to one-fourth during the late 2010s. Existing homeowners tap their home equity for substantial down payments, outmaneuvering first-timers who must borrow at higher rates.
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The share of first-time buyers fell to 24% of the market – down from 32% last year and well below the pre-2008 level of 40%. A Redfin survey found 40% of current homeowners acknowledge they couldn&#8217;t afford their homes at today&#8217;s prices.
Location compounds the challenge. High-paying jobs cluster in cities like Boston, New York, San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles, where less than 10% of listed homes fall within reach of median-income households.
Family wealth shapes buying power. A Redfin-commissioned survey revealed over one-third of buyers under 30 planned to use family cash gifts for down payments. University of Chicago economists found children of homeowners face better odds of achieving homeownership themselves, according to HousingWire.
See Also: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2">These high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% make earning passive income easier than ever.</a>
&#8220;To reverse these trends, we must address the root causes of unaffordability. That means building starter homes, reforming zoning laws and creating pathways for economic mobility that don&#8217;t rely so heavily on homeownership,&#8221; HousingWire said.
Most new mortgage holders are young borrowers from diverse backgrounds. While they stand to gain from homeownership&#8217;s long-term benefits, many report working longer hours or postponing medical care to afford payments.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/09/41082529/its-not-a-housing-crisis-but-a-housing-policy-crisis-homebuilders-call-out-roadblocks-as-prices-surg">affordability and policy crisis hits hardest in major job markets</a>. Cities with strong employment opportunities show median home prices far exceeding what typical earners can afford, forcing extended rental periods while saving for down payments.
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Cash buyers dominate the landscape as existing homeowners leverage equity gains from recent years. First-time buyers face a triple threat: high prices, elevated interest rates and competition from buyers with ready cash.
The generational wealth gap widens as homeownership becomes more difficult for those without family assistance. Potential buyers lacking inherited wealth or homeowner parents face steeper climbs toward ownership.
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Real Estate

38 Years Old, 56 Years Old: America's Homebuyers Are Older – And Wealthier – Than Ever

In a recent forecast, Anthony Pompliano, founder of Morgan Creek Capital, anticipates a significant upswing for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42638493/crypto-analyst-2025-will-continue-to-be-a-great-year-for-bitcoin">broader crypto market in 2025</a>.
What Happened: Pompliano, a prominent crypto advocate, asserts that digital assets are gaining traction in the conventional finance sector, which will act as a key driver in 2025.
Recently <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bPxXF-34XE">on</a> Fox Business, Pompliano said, &#8220;I think the big story of 2025 is going to be that crypto has now grown up and is part of the traditional financial system.&#8221;
He further emphasized that Bitcoin will continue to dominate the crypto sphere, with the majority of capital influx from the traditional sector being directed towards Bitcoin.
&#8220;I think that Bitcoin is the king and will remain the king. Most of the capital flows from the traditional world are going into Bitcoin. There are going to be other assets that enter into the market, you obviously see the Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) ETF get approved and you'll probably see others get approved as well,&#8221; he said during the interview. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42380983/this-analyst-says-bitcoin-could-reach-200k-by-end-of-2025">This Analyst Says Bitcoin Could Reach $200K By End of 2025</a>
Pompliano also pointed out that the case for any crypto other than Bitcoin is essentially a technological one, drawing parallels to the choice between tech behemoths such as Google, Amazon and Facebook.
&#8220;The argument for anything other than Bitcoin is a very different one, it's a technology argument. It's no different than trying to pick between Google, Amazon, and Facebook. The Bitcoin argument is much more akin to ‘Do I want to protect my purchasing power?&#8217;"
Despite the recent declaration by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell that the U.S. is legally prohibited from holding BTC as a reserve asset, Pompliano maintains a positive outlook for Bitcoin&#8217;s future. At the time of the report, Bitcoin was trading at $94,108, reflecting a 2.1% drop on the day.
Why It Matters: Pompliano&#8217;s forecast comes at a time when cryptocurrencies are increasingly being recognized and adopted by traditional financial institutions. 
This growing acceptance, coupled with technological advancements in the crypto space, is expected to fuel the predicted surge in 2025. 
Despite regulatory hurdles, such as the recent statement by the Fed Chair, the optimism surrounding Bitcoin and other digital assets remains high, indicating a promising future for the crypto market.
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$ETH

Analyst Says This Single Factor Could Propel Bitcoin And Crypto To New Heights In 2025

Ever wondered what it feels like to become a millionaire? Kevin O'Leary, aka &#8220;Mr. Wonderful&#8221; from Shark Tank, has an answer that might surprise you: He doesn't remember – and he doesn't care.
For many, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42223593/70-of-millionaires-dont-think-theyre-rich-even-though-people-are-wealthier-than-ever-they-dont-feel-it">hitting the millionaire milestone feels like</a> the ultimate dream. But O'Leary says it's not about the money. "People ask me all the time, ‘What did it feel like to become a millionaire?' My answer? I don't remember," Kevin shared. "That's not why I did it. It's not about chasing money."
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">People always ask me, ‘What did it feel like to become a millionaire?' My answer? I don't remember—and I don't care. Chasing money isn't the goal. Solve big problems, and the money will come. But here's the real prize: personal freedom. That's what it's all about. Go solve… <a href="https://t.co/9BFYLGkP7f">pic.twitter.com/9BFYLGkP7f</a>
&mdash; Kevin O&#39;Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) <a href="https://twitter.com/kevinolearytv/status/1870486863116636248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">It's About Solving Problems and Gaining Freedom</h2>
So, if it's not about the money, what is it about? According to Kevin, the real reward is personal freedom. "Solve big problems and the money will come," he explains. But it's freedom – being able to do what you love on your terms – that makes it all worthwhile.
Kevin believes that when you're passionate about solving problems, financial success naturally follows. But he also points out that the journey doesn't end when the bank account hits seven figures. In fact, for him, the work only got more exciting. "I woke up rich one day, but I didn't care. I work harder now than I ever did before."
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Retiring Early: A Dream or a Dull Reality?</h2>
Still, what he said earlier this year tells a somewhat different story. In his mid-30s, he sold his first company, Softkey, for $4.2 billion and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/09/40776473/it-was-boring-kevin-oleary-explored-every-beach-on-earth-after-he-first-got-rich-but-the-highs-and-l">decided to retire and live the dream</a>. He spent three years traveling to stunning beaches and exploring the world, but instead of happiness, he found boredom.
"I thought, ‘Hey, I'm 36, I can retire now.' And that's exactly what I did. But after three years, I realized it was really boring," Kevin admitted.
He discovered that work isn't just about money – it's about having a purpose. "Work gives you social interaction, keeps you thinking and makes life more interesting," Kevin says. That realization brought him back into the game, this time as an investor.
Trending: The number of ‘401(k)' Millionaires is up 43% from last year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/401k-millionaires"> Here are three ways to join the club.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why the F.I.R.E. Movement Misses the Mark</h2>
Kevin's experience puts him at odds with the popular F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. While F.I.R.E. encourages people to save aggressively and retire young, Kevin says early retirement often results in a lack of fulfillment.
"This whole idea of Financial Independence, Retire Early <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39938702/dave-ramsey-says-the-fire-movement-isnt-sustainable-to-caller-who-spent-5-years-working-3-jobs-t">doesn't work</a>," he explains. People think, &#8220;I'm going to retire early and life will be perfect,&#8221; but they're wrong. Staying engaged is how you stay sharp and healthy, according to O'Leary.
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What's The Feeling When You Become A Millionaire? Kevin O'Leary Shares His Take On The Defining Moment

President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s estranged niece Mary Trump recently shared some of her most peculiar Christmas gift experiences with her uncle.
What Happened: Known for her vocal criticism of the President-elect, Mary Trump often uses online platforms to express her views.
In a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u_K67M9WHw">video</a>, she reflected on some of the more unusual gifts she received from her uncle.
She recalled a &#8220;single shoe&#8221; filled with hard candy, which she suspects was a regifted &#8220;party favor&#8221; from a luncheon hosted by Donald Trump's first wife, Ivana Trump.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42635765/mary-trumps-warning-donald-trumps-second-term-already-is-more-dangerous-than-the-first">Mary Trump&#8217;s Warning: Donald Trump&#8217;s Second Term &#8216;Already Is More Dangerous Than the First&#8217;</a>
Mary also recounted a playful sibling rivalry with her brother over who could receive the &#8220;worst&#8221; gift — a competition sparked by a leather-bound calendar that was already two years outdated.
She also revealed that her first gift from Donald and Ivana Trump was a three-pack of underwear from Bloomingdales. &#8220;It was a very exciting&nbsp;moment, and it just kind&nbsp;of got weirder from there,&#8221; she said in the post.
Why It Matters: The revelations from Mary Trump come at a time when Donald Trump, who won the 2024 presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris, is preparing to begin his second term in the White House in January. 
These personal anecdotes provide a unique insight into the private life of the once and future president, adding a humanizing layer to the often controversial figure.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Mary Trump Reveals the Worst Christmas Gift She Ever Received from Uncle Donald Trump

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas"> many investors&#8217; favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here&#8217;s a look at some of our top stories.
Major U.S. indexes ended the week higher, with the Dow up 0.4%, S&amp;P 500 gaining 0.7%, and Nasdaq rising 0.8%, breaking a three-week decline streak. 
The S&amp;P 500&#8217;s strong Christmas Eve performance fueled hopes for a &#8220;Santa Rally,&#8221; a historical trend showing gains 64 out of 96 years during <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/12/42675763/santa-rally-serial-winners-10-stocks-historically-poised-for-big-year-end-gains">December&#8217;s final week. </a>Markets started recovering from the Fed&#8217;s hawkish rate cut signals but faced renewed volatility Friday, tempering Santa Rally expectations. 
Despite near-term uncertainty, 2024 remains exceptional, with the S&amp;P 500 matching last year&#8217;s 24% gain and U.S. stocks outperforming global markets by the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42711387/wall-streets-santa-rally-at-risk-palantir-dethrones-nvidia-consumer-confidence-pulls-back-this-week-in-the-markets">widest margin since 1997.</a>
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#8217;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bulls</h3>
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42657620/amd-and-micron-top-analyst-picks-for-ai-and-next-gen-tech-growth">AMD And Micron Are Top Analyst Picks For AI And Next-Gen Tech Growth</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/anusuya-lahiri-0">Anusuya Lahiri</a>, highlights Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) being a top 2025 analyst&#8217;s pick for CPU/GPU momentum and AI edge opportunities, and Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) for its dominance in high-bandwidth memory.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42676474/dogecoin-whales-load-up-coins-worth-92-million-over-4-days-as-meme-king-outperforms-bitcoin-ethereum-in-2024">Dogecoin Whales Load Up Coins Worth $92 Million Over 4 Days As Meme King Outperforms Bitcoin, Ethereum In 2024</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>, reports that whale investors acquired 270 million Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), worth $92 million, over four days, boosting DOGE's 274% YTD rally, far outpacing Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) gains of 132% and 53%, respectively.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42698198/quantum-computing-stock-qubt-has-more-than-doubled-while-bitcoin-has-dropped-since-googles-willow-reveal-what-does-this-mean">Quantum Computing Stock QUBT Soars 157% While Bitcoin Drops Post Google's &#8216;Willow&#8217; Reveal</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/aniket-verma">Aniket Verma</a>, highlights Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QUBT#NASDAQ">QUBT</a>) surging after Google's &#8220;Willow&#8221; chip breakthrough, outperforming key indices, while Bitcoin faced a downturn amid concerns Willow&#8217;s quantum power could undermine cryptographic security.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42678014/top-7-blue-chip-stocks-with-the-best-return-potential-going-into-2025">Top 7 Blue-Chip Stocks With The Best Return Potential Going Into 2025</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42666472/gms-60000-cadillac-lyriq-was-its-best-selling-ev-in-2024-as-of-q3-is-premium-the-way-to-go-for-ev-makers">GM&#8217;s $60,000 Cadillac Lyriq Was Its Best Selling EV In 2024 As Of Q3: Is Premium The Way To Go For EV Makers?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/24/12/42672565/why-trumps-return-to-office-could-drive-gold-demand-in-2025">Why Trump&#8217;s Return To Office Could Drive Gold Demand In 2025</a>
The Bears
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42660092/microstrategy-sinks-after-nasdaq-100-inclusion-bitcoin-bet-under-fire">MicroStrategy Sinks After Nasdaq 100 Inclusion: Bitcoin Bet Under Fire</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/piero-cingari">Piero Cingari</a>, reports MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) shares dropping 8.5% after its Nasdaq 100 debut, as analysts question its $561 million Bitcoin purchase at a 12% premium to current levels, marking its smallest acquisition amid declining stock performance.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42688941/are-us-vehicles-under-30000-a-thing-of-the-past-trumps-mexico-tariff-plans-could-change-auto-market">Are Sub-$30,000 Cars Disappearing? Trump&#8217;s Tariff Plans Could Reshape US Auto Market</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>, explores Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, potentially pushing the price of vehicles like Ford Motor Co.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) Maverick and Honda Motor Co.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HMC#NYSE">HMC</a>) Civic above $30,000, with one-third of sub-$30,000 cars currently made in Mexico.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42665033/tesla-shorts-gordon-johnson-and-james-chanos-express-skepticism-on-robotaxi-potential-as-usage-data-sparks-debate">Tesla Shorts Gordon Johnson And James Chanos Skeptical Of Robotaxi Potential Amid Usage Data Debate</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/kaustubh-bagalkote">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>, details criticism from Gordon Johnson of GLJ Research and short-seller James Chanos, who argue Tesla Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) robotaxi ambitions overpromise revenue potential, citing New York City ride-share data.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42676801/lyft-sues-san-francisco-over-100-million-tax-bill-citing-misclassification-of-driver-payments">Lyft Sues San Francisco Over $100 Million Tax Bill, Says Payments To Drivers By Passengers Misclassified</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42700098/us-markets-likely-headed-for-10-correction-says-jay-woods-trumps-tariff-plans-musk-co-led-doge-could-be-partially-to-blame">US Markets Likely Headed For 10% Correction, Says Jay Woods: Trump&#8217;s Tariff Plans, Musk&#8217;s DOGE Advocacy Among Contributing Factors</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42687945/zelle-became-a-gold-mine-for-fraudsters-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-lawsuit">&#8216;Zelle Became A Gold Mine For Fraudsters&#8217;: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Lawsuit</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 Twitter</a>.
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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Quantum Computing, Tesla, AMD — And Whales Buy 270 Million Dogecoin Over 4 Days

A 25-year-old <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/10/41517544/timing-the-market-here-are-americas-next-10-boomtowns">South Carolina</a> YouTuber turned a $7,000 school bus into a two-story home, spending $50,000 on renovations to create a full-time living space with two bedrooms, an office and a full bathroom.
Chay Denne, known online as President Chay, documented the six-month transformation on his YouTube channel. The project began with removing 28 seats from the 40-foot bus, which Denne selected for its reliable engine condition.
The renovation&#8217;s centerpiece involved raising the roof four feet – something Denne says sets a YouTube record for school bus conversions. His father designed wooden jacks to lift the roof &#8220;safely and squarely,&#8221; allowing for 9-foot ceilings and two-story living space in the rear section.
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&#8220;Once everything was cut, it was time to try lifting it. It took many tries to get it right, but eventually, we raised it. You might be surprised to know that we went another foot higher,&#8221; Denne told viewers in his documentation series.
According to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/12/42462666/plan-and-budget-for-the-mid-6-range-what-homebuyers-can-expect-in-2025-according-to-realtor-com">Realtor.com report</a>, the build required extensive weatherproofing. The team clamped and welded steel tubing to cut metal sections overnight to secure the shell before adding exterior siding. The finished structure stands 10 feet tall.
Interior work started with a multilayered floor system: thick plastic for water protection, 3-inch closed-cell foam for mold prevention and insulation, two-by-fours and a rigid subfloor. The team opted for a flat ceiling rather than the curved design common in bus conversions.
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The floor plan includes two bedrooms, an office and a full bathroom with working plumbing supported by built-in water tanks. The kitchen features a four-seat bar, while a 9-foot attic above the bathroom provides storage space. A dehumidifier prevents moisture buildup.
Denne&#8217;s girlfriend, Kelsey, assisted throughout the project. Upon completion, he proposed on the bus&#8217;s roof deck during a beach trip. &#8220;She has been my biggest supporter since Day 1, even helping with the first video on this channel,&#8221; Denne said.
The renovation serves as Denne&#8217;s solution to rising housing costs. His previous experience with smaller vehicle conversions and micro-campers led him to tackle the full-size bus project. &#8220;I decided I&#8217;d had it with rent and bought a full-size school bus,&#8221; he said. &#8220;This bus was going to make the perfect house because it ran beautifully and was super powerful.&#8221;
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'I'd Had It With Rent': Man Builds $57K Dream Home Out Of A 2-Story School Bus

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Sues Rocket Homes, Alleges Kickback Scheme</h2>
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sued Rocket Homes, a division of Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKT#NYSE">RKT</a>), on Monday in what it said is an action stop the company from providing incentives to real estate brokers and agents to steer homebuyers to Rocket Mortgage,<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-files-lawsuit-to-stop-illegal-kickback-scheme-to-steer-borrowers-to-rocket-mortgage/"> LLC for loans</a>.
The CFPB alleged that Rocket Homes pressured real estate brokers and agents not to share information with clients concerning products which were not offered by Rocket Mortgage, including the availability of down payment assistance programs.&nbsp;
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42687945/zelle-became-a-gold-mine-for-fraudsters-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-lawsuit"> &#8216;Zelle Became A Gold Mine For Fraudsters&#8217;: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Lawsuit</a>
"Rocket engaged in a kickback scheme that discouraged homebuyers from comparison shopping and getting the best deal," said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra.&nbsp;
"At a time when homeownership feels out of reach for so many, companies should not illegally block competition in ways that drive up the cost of housing," Chopra added.
The CFPB also sued Jason Mitchell and his real estate brokerage firm, JMG Holding Partners LLC, which does business as The Jason Mitchell Group, for allegedly participating in the kickback scheme.&nbsp;
Rocket Homes denied the allegations in a statement late Monday, calling the lawsuit "flimsy" and part of a "political agenda.&#8221;
"The CFPB's allegations are false and a distortion of reality. The accusation that homebuyers paid more when working with Rocket Homes is a lie. Additionally, the notion that Rocket Homes penalized real estate brokers or agents for helping clients compare rates and choose the best lender for them is also a lie," the statement said, per Yahoo Finance.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SEC Charges Tai Mo Shan With Misleading Investors About Terra USD</h2>
The Securities and Exchange Commission last Friday<a href="https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024-212"> charged</a> Tai Mo Shan Ltd. with misleading investors about the stability of Terra USD, when UST dropped from its purportedly fixed exchange rate of 1 UST to $1, known as a peg.&nbsp;
The SEC also charged Tai Mo Shan with offering and selling securities in unregistered transactions by acting as a statutory underwriter with respect to certain of its offers and sales of LUNA (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/luna/usd">LUNA</a>), a crypto asset issued by Terraform and offered and sold as a security.&nbsp;
"This case reminds us that, too many times in the crypto markets, we've seen significant investor losses due to fraud," said SEC Chair Gary Gensler.&nbsp;
"Here, the impact reverberated throughout the crypto markets, eventually costing the savings of countless investors. Regardless of the labels, crypto market participants should comply with the securities laws where applicable and not deceive the public. Otherwise, investors get hurt," Gensler added.&nbsp;
Tai Mo Shan agreed to pay $73,452,756 in disgorgement, $12,916,153 in prejudgment interest, and a $36,726,378 civil penalty as part of the settlement. Tai Mo Shan also agreed to cease and desist from violations of the registration and fraud provisions it violated, without admitting or denying the SEC's findings.
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Financial Crime Weekly: SEC Charges Tai Mo Shan With Misleading Terra USD Investors, Rocket Companies Sued Over Alleged Kickback Scheme

Billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, advisers to President-elect Donald Trump on federal spending, are urging support for foreign tech workers &#8211; a stance that has ignited a Twitter firestorm among Trump's far-right base. 
The debate over immigration policy and the tech industry's reliance on skilled labor is at the core of the rift between Trump&#8217;s nationalist supporters and the Silicon Valley leaders backing his administration, underscoring potential challenges for Trump, who takes office on January 20, 2025.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Big Tech&#8217;s Reliance On Foreign Talent</h2>
The tech sector has long championed the H-1B visa program, which enables U.S. companies to hire thousands of foreign engineers and specialists annually, primarily from India and China. However, Trump's first administration restricted the program in 2020, arguing it displaced American workers with lower-paid foreign employees.
Musk, a former H-1B visa holder whose company Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) has utilized the program, defended the industry's position in a Dec. 25, <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1871956518213656728">post on X,</a> "There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent. It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley." 
Ramaswamy went further. "‘Normalcy' doesn't cut it in a hyper-competitive global market for technical talent. And if we pretend like it does, we'll have our asses handed to us by China," he wrote in a long <a href="https://x.com/VivekGRamaswamy/status/1872312139945234507">X post</a>.
"Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long (at least since the 90s and likely longer). That doesn't start in college, it starts YOUNG," he continued.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Laura Loomer Looms Over MAGA</h2>
Earlier in the week, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40867076/laura-loomer-faces-republican-wrath-over-racist-posts-is-donald-trump-defending-her">Laura Loomer</a>, a far-right activist known for racist and conspiratorial remarks, criticized Trump's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42639812/trump-taps-sriram-krishnan-as-senior-ai-advisor-to-work-closely-with-ai-and-crypto-czar-david-sacks">decision to name Sriram Krishnan</a> as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy. Krishnan supports bringing more skilled immigrants into the U.S., which Loomer called "not America First policy" and accused tech executives of self-enrichment.
Loomer&#8217;s comments provoked <a href="https://x.com/DavidSacks/status/1871731437906645421">commentary on X </a>from venture capitalist and former PayPal (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>) executive David Sacks, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42356067/venture-capitalist-david-sacks-appointed-as-white-house-ai-crypto-czar-by-trump">Trump's newly appointed</a> "White House A.I. &amp; Crypto Czar," who said on Wednesday that attacks against Krishnan &#8220;have become crude.&#8221;
Late Friday, <a href="https://x.com/LauraLoomer/status/1872846772630163604">Loomer tweeted</a> that Musk had censored her account &#8220;in retaliation for speaking out about Big Tech and immigration&#8221; And that &#8220;MAGA is under attack."
Nikki Haley, former U.N. Ambassador and 2024 presidential candidate, also took to X on Thursday to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42696536/nikki-haley-blasts-doge-co-head-vivek-ramaswamy-for-his-take-on-american-culture-all-you-have-to-do-is-look-at-the-border-and-see-how-many-want-what-we-have">blast Ramaswamy</a>. 
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where Does Trump Stand?</h2>
While Trump has not yet weighed in on the intensifying Twitter squabble, his positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his threat of mass deportation, were central to his campaign
That said, the online feud reflects the challenges Trump could face in keeping his MAGA base and his Silicon Valley billionaires playing nice together. 
"It's a sign of future conflicts," <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/12/27/h-1b-visas-elon-musk-trump-immigration/">said</a> Samuel Hammond, a senior economist at the Foundation for American Innovation. "This is like the pregame."
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This holiday season, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42676715/openai-ceo-sam-altman-crowdsources-2025-goals-sora-upgrades-top-user-wishlist">OpenAI</a>'s employees and former staff could experience an extraordinary financial windfall. A private stock sale orchestrated by the San Francisco-based leading AI company will allow approximately 400 eligible participants to cash in up to $10 million each, marking one of the most lucrative employee payouts in the tech industry.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Special Stock Sale</h2>
The opportunity comes via a tender offer from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42513807/trump-says-softbanks-100b-commitment-to-us-is-monumental-demonstration-of-confidence-in-americas-future">Japan's SoftBank Group</a>, which has agreed to purchase up to $1.6 billion of OpenAI stock at $210 per share. This price reflects OpenAI's valuation of $157 billion, which has doubled in just a year, according to Fortune. Eligible shareholders include current and former OpenAI employees who were issued restricted stock units more than two years ago.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Benefits?</h2>
Current OpenAI employees will receive priority in this stock sale. Fortune reports they can cash out the maximum allowable amount of $10 million each. Former employees, while also eligible, may face limits depending on the level of participation. However, all participants are guaranteed to sell at least $2 million worth of stock, ensuring that everyone benefits from the opportunity.
The participation deadline was set for Dec. 24, so the resulting payout offers a timely holiday bonus for those involved. The eligible stock is reportedly valued at $2 billion, but some shares may remain unsold, with SoftBank purchasing $1.6 billion.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Growing Valuation</h2>
OpenAI's stock sale aligns with its dramatic growth. According to CNBC, since the launch of ChatGPT, the company has raised $13 billion, including $6.6 billion in its most recent fundraising round in October. SoftBank initially invested $500 million during this round and its latest tender offer represents an even greater stake in the AI leader. Other notable investors include <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42679515/microsoft-invested-nearly-14-billion-in-openai-but-now-its-reducing-its-dependence-on-the-chatgpt-pa">Microsoft</a> and chipmaker Nvidia.
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Tender offers like this have become increasingly important in the tech industry, especially given a subdued IPO market. By allowing employees to sell shares, companies like OpenAI provide liquidity to their teams while avoiding the pressures of going public.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Policy Revisions</h2>
This tender offer also reflects OpenAI's evolving policies toward secondary share sales. Past restrictions limited participation and raised employee concerns, but the company has since introduced changes to create a more inclusive process. Now, current and former employees have equal access to annual tender offers, ensuring a fairer system.
According to CNBC, the policy shift has quelled shareholder tensions while positioning OpenAI to maintain its capital-intensive operations. With plans to facilitate more secondary sales in the future, the company is addressing the growing demand for liquidity among tech workers.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Competition and Market Dynamics</h2>
OpenAI faces stiff competition from rivals such as Anthropic and tech giants like Google. Yet, the company's valuation and continued fundraising highlight its dominance in the rapidly expanding generative AI market. Bloomberg states it will generate $1 trillion in revenue within the next decade.
SoftBank's commitment to AI investments extends beyond OpenAI. The conglomerate has backed other startups, including Glean and Perplexity and recently announced plans with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42654769/tiktok-ban-under-trump-president-elect-wants-to-keep-months-after-pelosi-said-follow-the-money">President-elect Donald Trump</a> to allocate $100 billion toward projects in the U.S., according to The Associated Press.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Holiday Cheer for OpenAI Employees</h2>
This tender offer represents a rare opportunity for OpenAI's employees to turn their equity into tangible wealth. Whether they cash out partially or take full advantage of the $10 million cap, the payout is a testament to the company's success and commitment to rewarding its team.
OpenAI's stock sale reminds us of the financial opportunities available in the tech industry, especially for those working at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence.
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OpenAI's Big Holiday Payday: How 400 Employees Could Walk Away With $10 Million Each

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Meridian Bank ( ($MRBK) ) has provided an update. Meridian Corporation, a prominent financial institution in the Delaware Valley, highlights its ro...

Meridian Bank Reports Strong Q3 2024 Financial Performance

Meridian Bank ( ($MRBK) ) has released its Q3 earnings. Here is a breakdown of the information Meridian Bank presented to its investors. Meridian B...

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