Morgan Stanley Direct (NYSE:MSDL) Bolsa

Morgan Stanley Direct

Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund is a fund whose investment objective is to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns via current income and to a lesser extent, capital appreciation by investing predominantly in directly originated senior secured term loans issued by U.S. middle-market companies backed by private equity sponsors. It invests predominantly in directly originated senior secured term loans including first lien senior secured term loans including unitranche loans and second lien senior secured term loans, with the balance of the investments expected to be in higher-yielding assets such as mezzanine debt, unsecured debt, equity investments and other opportunistic asset purchases.

Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund Common Stock

Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund

These eleven large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>) stock jumped 35.20%  amid an escalation of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45805188" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a public dispute</a> between SpaceX's Elon Musk and President Donald Trump.</li>
<li>Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VG#NYSE">VG</a>) shares escalated 31.55% after President Trump said the U.S. would not agree to any uranium enrichment by Iran. Additionally, the commodity could continue to strengthen after OPEC+ decided to keep output levels unchanged.</li>
<li>Nebius Group N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NBIS#NASDAQ">NBIS</a>) stock rose 31.37%. The company recently announced it raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45722616" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$1 billion in convertible notes</a>.</li>
<li>CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) stock upped 25.92% following its major <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45769560" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term infrastructure agreement</a> with Applied Digital Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APLD#NASDAQ">APLD</a>).</li>
<li>Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRDO#NASDAQ">CRDO</a>) shares increased 19.69% after the company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45752619" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts boosted the price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>ON Semiconductor Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>) shares were up 19.40% amid GlobalFoundries Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFS#NASDAQ">GFS</a>) announcement to commit $16 billion to U.S. chip expansion, which may be buoying <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45774178" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investor sentiment toward the space</a>.</li>
<li>Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GWRE#NYSE">GWRE</a>) shares increased 18.95% after the company reported better-than-expected third-quarter earnings and several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45779774" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts boosted the price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PAAS#NYSE">PAAS</a>) shares increased 17.47%. Silver rocketed past $35.60 an ounce Thursday, a level last seen in 2012, and gold bull Peter Schiff <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45792880" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">says it's just warming up</a>.</li>
<li>Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) stock escalated 16.69% after it reported first-quarter results and analysts raised the price <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45775655" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>MongoDB, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDB#NASDAQ">MDB</a>) stock rose 16.58% after the company reported better-than-expected financial results and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45801965" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts revised their price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Ferguson Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FERG#NYSE">FERG</a>) stock upped 15.72% after the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45745671" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported third-quarter results</a>. Analysts boosted the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ferg/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast</a> on the stock.</li>
</ol>
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Elon Musk-Trump Clash Propelled This Stock To Weekly High: Here's A List Of Other Top Performing Large Cap Gainers (Jun 2-Jun 6)

Last week was a whirlwind in the tech world, with major players like&nbsp;Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>),&nbsp;Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), and&nbsp;Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)&nbsp;making significant strides in AI and gaming. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories that made headlines over the weekend.
Microsoft Integrates OpenAI&#8217;s Sora into Bing App
Microsoft has democratized generative video tools by incorporating OpenAI&#8217;s Sora model into its Bing app. This move comes hot on the heels of Google&#8217;s Veo 3 video AI that recently wowed the internet. The new Bing Video Creator allows users to create videos from text using the Sora model, all for free.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45739990/microsoft-brings-openais-sora-to-the-masses-with-free-ai-video-generator-in-bing-app-after-googles-veo-3-wowed-the-internet-heres-what-you-can-and-cant-do">Read the full article here.</a>
Amazon Launches Agentic AI Group
Amazon has set up a new team within its consumer R&amp;D division to focus on agentic artificial intelligence. The agentic AI group will operate out of Lab126, Amazon&#8217;s secretive Silicon Valley unit known for creating the Kindle, Echo, and other flagship devices.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45783322/amazon-launches-new-agentic-ai-group-to-boost-robotics-enhance-user-interactions">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45827073/reid-hoffman-shares-yuval-noah-hararis-stark-warning-that-humanity-wont-adapt-fast-enough-to-artificial-intelligences-rise-and-will-suffer-the-consequences-revolution-is" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reid Hoffman Shares Yuval Noah Harari&#8217;s Stark Warning That Humanity Won&#8217;t Adapt Fast Enough To Artificial Intelligence&#8217;s Rise And Will Suffer The Consequences: &#8216;Revolution Is Moving On With A Rapidity</a>
Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced by AI Processors
NVIDIA&#8217;s CEO, Jensen Huang, has shed light on the company&#8217;s role in enhancing the features of the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 gaming console. The console, set to be released on June 5, has seen Nintendo&#8217;s stock soar in 2025.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/gaming/25/06/45776150/jensen-huang-says-nintendo-switch-2-has-ai-processors-to-enhance-gameplay-unlike-anything-weve-built-before">Read the full article here.</a>
OpenAI&#8217;s ChatGPT Evolves from Simple Chatbot
Srinivas Narayanan, Vice President of Engineering at OpenAI, has shared his vision for the future of autonomous AI. According to Narayanan, OpenAI&#8217;s ChatGPT is no longer just conversational but is now capable of taking actions on behalf of users.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45766429/openais-srinivas-narayanan-says-chatgpt-is-no-longer-just-conversational-its-now-taking-actions-on-your-behalf">Read the full article here.</a>
Elizabeth Warren Criticizes AI Provision in Trump&#8217;s Bill
Sen. Elizabeth Warren has expressed concern over an AI provision in President Donald Trump&#8217;s tax-and-spending bill, warning that it could lead to rising rents and violate Senate procedural rules. The provision would prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45764421/elizabeth-warren-warns-ai-provision-in-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-could-enable-rent-hikes-this-policy-violates-the-senates-budget-rules">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45785227/chief-ai-scientist-at-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-says-no-way-scaling-chatgpt-like-models-is-going-to-lead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chief AI Scientist At Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Says &#8216;No Way&#8217; Scaling ChatGPT-Like Models Is Going To Lead To Human-Level AI</a>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tech

AMZN

MSFT

NVDA

Microsoft And Openai's Free AI Video Generator, Amazon's Agentic AI Group, And More: This Week In AI

Moonhub<a href="https://www.moonhub.ai/moonhub-team-joins-salesforce"> announced</a> Monday that it has bewen acquired by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45737436/why-salesforce-is-paying-8-billion-for-the-plumbing-of-ai">Salesforce</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>), marking a new chapter for the AI-powered recruiting startup founded by former Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) engineer Nancy Xu.
The move comes on the heels of Salesforce's recent $8 billion acquisition of Informatica and signals a clear acceleration of its AI-first product strategy,<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/salesforce-acquires-ai-recruiting-startup-moonhub-weeks-after-informatica-deal/articleshow/121590582.cms"> The Economic Times</a> reports.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Moonhub Built a Holistic, Bias-Conscious Approach to AI Hiring</h2>
Founded in 2022 and backed by Khosla Ventures, TIME Ventures, Day One Ventures, AIX Ventures, GV, and Salesforce, Moonhub is known for launching the world's first AI Recruiter, and developed tools to automate hiring processes while minimizing bias. According to The Economic Times, rather than relying on outdated keyword-based filters, the company's AI platform scanned public data sources such as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40061358/satya-nadella-says-microsofts-copilot-drives-40-of-githubs-revenue-growth-we-are-also-enabling-anyon">GitHub</a>, LinkedIn, and personal websites to build rich, multi-dimensional candidate profiles.
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<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a></li>
</ul>
The system was designed to detect meaningful patterns, like promotion frequency, project types, and skill progression, which are often overlooked by traditional recruiting tools. One of Moonhub's core principles was avoiding filters based on race, gender, or disability. Instead, it worked closely with clients to reshape how job descriptions were written and how talent was sourced, The Economic Times reports.
Nancy Xu frequently emphasized the importance of a &#8220;human-in-the-loop&#8221; approach, where final hiring decisions stayed in human hands, The Economic Times says. According to Xu, AI should not replace people in recruitment but support them in making more informed, fair decisions.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Moonhub Joins Salesforce Amid AI Investment Surge</h2>
Moonhub's integration into Salesforce follows a string of AI-focused acquisitions. In addition to the Informatica purchase, Salesforce recently<a href="https://www.salesforceben.com/salesforce-acquires-ai-company-convergence-ai-to-advance-agentforce/"> announced</a> it would acquire Converge.ai, an automation startup, as part of its broader AI strategy. These moves are meant to fuel the Salesforce's Agentforce platform, an initiative focused on developing autonomous AI agents to streamline enterprise operations in areas like sales, customer service, and now hiring.
Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
Moonhub said that joining Salesforce will allow its team to scale its original mission within a much larger ecosystem. Xu in a statement described Salesforce as a values-aligned company with deep investment in trust and impactful AI advancement, both key to the responsible deployment of AI.
While Moonhub is officially winding down as a standalone entity, its core team will now contribute directly to Salesforce's product development in AI-driven recruitment and talent acquisition. According to Salesforce&#8217;s <a href="https://www.salesforceben.com/salesforce-picks-up-talent-from-closing-ai-startup-moonhub/">announcement</a> on Tuesday, their work is expected to be integrated into new iterations of Agentforce tools and services.
See Also: How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strategic Talent, Legacy Investors, And A Strong Signal</h2>
Moonhub raised $14.4 million in venture funding and attracted top-tier investors across Silicon Valley, The Economic Times reports. According to Salesforce, the company is competing head-to-head with tech giants like Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Alphabet's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>, GOOGL)) Google, and OpenAI in the race to dominate enterprise AI.
The integration of Moonhub's team reflects a growing trend among major players: securing specialized talent through strategic acquisitions. As the demand for enterprise-ready AI accelerates, the battle to attract top minds is becoming just as critical as the technology itself.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Image: Shutterstock

GOOG

Salesforce Acquires Moonhub — The AI Recruiting Startup Joins $8B Informatica Deal In AI Hiring Revolution

The past week was a rollercoaster ride for the cryptocurrency market. From Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies facing a dip due to macroeconomic uncertainty, to Ripple&#8217;s XRP climbing amid a significant investment, the crypto world was buzzing with activity.
Adding to the intrigue, Elon Musk, CEO of&nbsp;Tesla Inc., signaled agreement with a warning about Bitcoin potentially replacing the dollar. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Dip Amid Macro Uncertainty
The crypto market faced pressure as macroeconomic headwinds resurfaced. The ADP employment report indicated a slowdown in hiring, and renewed tariff uncertainty shook investor sentiment. This resulted in a dip in major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and Dogecoin.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45801872/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-dip-due-to-macro-uncertainty-bearish-signals-flash-for-btc">Read the full article here.</a>
XRP Price Climbs Amid $100M Investment
XRP saw a price surge following&nbsp;VivoPower International PLC&#8217;s decision to invest $100 million in the cryptocurrency. The company plans to rebrand itself as an XRP treasury and DeFi solutions company, in alliance with Bitgo.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/06/45750565/xrp-price-climbs-amid-100m-investment-ripple-collaborates-with-portuguese-exchange">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/05/45675883/exclusive-blockchain-biotech-bad-guys-canurta-therapeutics-ceo-is-on-a-mission-to-heal-and-hes-just-getting-started" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blockchain, Biotech, Bad Guys: Canurta Therapeutics Fighting ALS</a>
Elon Musk Agrees With Warning About Bitcoin Replacing Dollar
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, signaled agreement with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong&#8216;s warning that government overspending could lead to Bitcoin replacing the dollar as the reserve currency. Armstrong&#8217;s warning came in response to the alarming rise of U.S. federal debt.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45784755/elon-musk-who-called-trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill-a-disgusting-abomination-responds-to-coinbase-ceos-warning-that-bitcoin-could-replace-dollar">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Family&#8217;s Crypto &#8216;Conflicts Of Interest&#8217;
The involvement of President Donald Trump's family in the cryptocurrency industry is reportedly creating problems in the progression of a bill designed to regulate the sector, according to a senior Democratic legislator.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45785389/trump-familys-crypto-conflicts-of-interest-are-coming-in-the-way-of-law-meant-to-regulate-digital-assets-says-gregory-meeks">Read the full article here.</a>
Ross Ulbricht Receives $31 Million Bitcoin Donation
A wallet linked to Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the illegal drug marketplace Silk Road, received over $30 million in Bitcoin. The donation sparked intrigue among the cryptocurrency community.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/45755503/ross-ulbricht-the-silk-road-founder-pardoned-by-trump-soon-after-his-inauguration-receives-a-whoppin?utm_campaign=partner_feed&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=partner_feed&amp;utm_content=real_estate">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/general/education/24/11/41946785/if-you-invested-100-in-pepe-coin-at-launch-heres-how-much-youd-have-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">If You Invested $100 In Pepe Coin At Launch, Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have Today</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>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

Market Fluctuations, Musk's Bitcoin Nod And A $31 Million Bitcoin Donation: This Week In Crypto

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) is taking flak for buying several stocks just before President Donald Trump's April 9 announcement of a 90-day tariff pause for non-retaliating countries, which sparked a market rally.
According to required <a href="https://disclosures-clerk.house.gov/public_disc/ptr-pdfs/2025/20029138.pdf">public disclosures</a>, Greene bought stocks <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/14/us/politics/marjorie-taylor-greene-bought-stock-trump-tariffs-pause.html">worth</a> roughly $21,000 and $315,000 on April 8 and April 9. She also sold between $50,000 and $100,0000 in Treasury bills at the time.
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Greene's net worth has reportedly increased from $700,000 before she joined Congress to approximately $22 million today, according to multiple media outlets. This rise is notable considering the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL30064#:~:text=The%20compensation%20for%20most%20Senators,from%20Puerto%20Rico%20is%20%24174%2C000.">salary</a> of a congressional member is $174,000. According to stock trading data platform <a href="https://www.quiverquant.com/congresstrading/politician/Marjorie%20Taylor%20Greene-G000596/net-worth">Quiver Quantitative</a>, Greene has executed 450 stock trades since 2021, the year she joined the House.
Let's take a look at some of the notable stocks she was buying before Trump's announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs last month.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tesla</h2>
Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) was among the important companies Greene was piling into before Trump announced a 90-day pause on his reciprocal tariffs last month. She bought Tesla shares worth between $1,000 to $15,000 on April 8, according to public disclosures. The stock has gained about 24% over the past month.&nbsp;
Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nvidia</h2>
Greene bought Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) shares worth up to $15,000 on April 9, according to her public disclosures. The stock has gained about 23% since then. Bank of America recently <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4447877-nvidia-amd-top-beneficiaries-from-saudi-deals-but-broadcom-and-marvell-will-benefit-bofa#source=section%3Asummary%7Csection_asset%3Anews_news%7Cfirst_level_url%3Asymbol%7Cbutton%3ATitle%7Clock_status%3ANo%7Cline%3A15">raised</a> its price target for the chipmaker to $160 from $150, calling the company a "top beneficiary" of AI deals recently signed between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Palantir</h2>
Palantir (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) shares are up 44% since April 9, when Greene bought the company's shares worth between $1,000 to $15,000. Last month, Bank of America <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4446480-palantir-in-focus-as-bofa-sets-new-wall-street-high-price-target">raised</a> its price target for Palantir to $150 from $125, citing the company's "bespoke" AI products.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Amazon&nbsp;</h2>
Greene bought Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) shares on April 8, according to her public disclosures. The next day, the stock jumped 12% amid a broader market rally following Trump's announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs. Amazon shares are up 11% over the past 30 days.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Apple</h2>
Greene bought up to $15,000 worth of Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) shares on April 9, her public filings show. The stock is up 2.2% since then. The company has been at the forefront of the US-China tariff war since most of its iPhones are manufactured in the Asian country.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nike</h2>
Nike (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) was among the major companies most affected by Trump's <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/regulating-imports-with-a-reciprocal-tariff-to-rectify-trade-practices-that-contribute-to-large-and-persistent-annual-united-states-goods-trade-deficits/">announcement</a> of reciprocal tariffs on April 2. However, the stock rose on April 9 after Trump <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/modifying-reciprocal-tariff-rates-to-reflect-trading-partner-retaliation-and-alignment/">announced</a> a 90-day pause on duties against non-retalating countries, including Vietnam, which accounts for about 50% of the company's footwear manufacturing.&nbsp;
Greene bought Nike shares worth up to $15,000 on April 8, according to her disclosures.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a>
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TSLA

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's Net Worth Jumped $21 Million Since Joining Congress — Top 6 Stocks She Was Buying Amid Tariff Chaos

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride for&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), with a mix of highs and lows. From facing regulatory hurdles in China to gearing up for the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the tech giant has been in the spotlight. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories.
Apple and Alibaba&#8217;s AI Launch Delayed in China
The much-anticipated artificial intelligence partnership between Apple and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) in China is facing delays due to increasing geopolitical uncertainties and regulatory issues. The delay comes amidst Apple&#8217;s declining market share in China&#8217;s premium smartphone segment, which has dropped from 70% in early 2023 to 47% in the first quarter of 2025.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/06/45787934/apple-and-alibabas-ai-launch-in-china-delayed-by-us-china-trade-tensions-and-regulatory-hurdles-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s WWDC 2025: What to Expect
Apple is all set for its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), scheduled to run from June 9 to June 13. The event will be held online, with the keynote streaming live from Apple Park in Cupertino, California.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45787471/apples-wwdc-2025-when-how-to-watch-the-keynote-and-what-to-expect">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/education/25/06/45789834/bill-gates-says-the-worst-advice-he-received-was-to-avoid-risk-what-better-teacher-than-failure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Gates Says The Worst Advice He Received Was To Avoid Risk: &#8216;What Better Teacher Than Failure?</a>
Apple App Store Sales Jump in May
Apple&#8217;s App Store revenue for May increased by 4.9% month-over-month, supporting an acceleration of year-over-year revenue trends to up 13.0% Y/Y in May, according to JP Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45781527/apple-app-store-sales-jump-in-may-boosting-outlook-for-services-growth">Read the full article here.</a>
Potential New Hardware Launch at WWDC 2025
As Apple gears up for WWDC 2025, rumors are swirling about the potential unveiling of three key hardware products. While WWDC is traditionally a software-heavy event, the possibility of surprise hardware announcements has stirred up excitement.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45826757/apple-may-launch-new-hardware-at-wwdc-2025-mac-pro-homepad-airtag-2-expected">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s Earnings Hit After Court Ruling
Apple&#8217;s latest legal setback is a headwind, but JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee says the impact on the iPhone maker's stock price is materially lower than investors feared.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/06/45798733/apple-faces-modest-earnings-hit-after-court-ruling-but-analyst-expects-match-bumble-spotify-set-to-gain">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45785227/chief-ai-scientist-at-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-says-no-way-scaling-chatgpt-like-models-is-going-to-lead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chief AI Scientist At Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Says &#8216;No Way&#8217; Scaling ChatGPT-Like Models Is Going To Lead To Human-Level AI</a>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>
Photo courtesy: jamesteohart / Shutterstock.com

BABA

Apple's AI Delay, WWDC 2025, And App Store Sales Surge: This Week In Appleverse

Walmart, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) the world's largest retailer, faces challenges in maintaining its signature low prices after President Donald Trump's administration imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports. Walmart employees and shoppers now report price hikes hitting the shelves <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/retail-sales/25/06/45712543/us-tariff-impact-prices-surge-at-walmart-and-target-employees-say-some-jumps-top-38">and their wallets</a>.
What To Know:&nbsp;Walmart employees have been sharing images on Reddit that depict a sharp rise in prices, with some items seeing a surge of up to 45%.&nbsp;
For example, a Jurassic World T. Rex toy at Walmart saw its price increase nearly 38% from $39.92 in late April to $55 in late May.. The price of a Baby Born doll shot up from $34.97 in March to $49.97 in May, an approximate increase of 43%.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45795080/whatever-you-think-of-elon-musk-you-must-support-his-fight-against-the-big-beautiful-bill-says-black-swan-author-nassim-taleb?utm_source=articleShare">&#8216;Whatever You Think Of Elon Musk, You Must Support His Fight Against The Big Beautiful Bill,&#8217; Says &#8216;Black Swan&#8217; Author Nassim Taleb</a>&nbsp;
Roughly 60% of Walmart's merchandise is sourced from China, including essentials like electronics, clothing and household goods, which leaves the retail giant vulnerable to shifts in trade policy.&nbsp;
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon warned on the company's most recent earnings call that the retailer would be forced to raise prices on some items as a direct result of ongoing tariffs, but that the company would work to keep grocery prices low.
What Else: Walmart said it will continue to communicate the impact of tariffs transparently and consistently with its investors, employees and consumers during its annual shareholders' meeting last week.&nbsp;
"We don't aim to be a political figure. We are providing facts as they come," Dan Bartlett, executive vice president of corporate affairs, told reporters.&nbsp;
The retail giant said it expects price increases to become more apparent as the year progressesif the current tariffs remain in place.&nbsp;
Read Next:&nbsp;
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Image: Shutterstock

Retail Sales

Walmart Shoppers See Sharp Price Hikes as Tariffs Hit Shelves

The past week was a whirlwind of economic news. From President Donald Trump&#8217;s aggressive trade deal deadline to Mark Cuban&#8217;s insights on inflation, the stories were as varied as they were impactful. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Trump&#8217;s Trade Deadline
President&nbsp;Donald Trump pushed for countries to submit their best trade negotiation, as his administration raced against a July 8 deadline. The U.S. is seeking proposals on tariff and quota offers for U.S. industrial and agricultural products, plans to remedy non-tariff barriers, digital trade and economic security commitments, and country-specific commitments.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/45740592/trump-sets-july-8-deadline-for-trade-deals-demands-best-offers-from-global-partners-by-wednesday-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Mark Cuban On Inflation
Billionaire investor&nbsp;Mark Cuban&nbsp;shared his thoughts on why inflation hasn&#8217;t surged as much as economists predicted in response to Trump&#8217;s &#8220;Liberation Day&#8221; tariffs. According to Cuban, businesses are using their cash reserves or taking on debt to stockpile inventory in anticipation of potential tariff hikes.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/25/06/45714060/mark-cuban-says-these-are-the-reasons-prices-havent-risen-despite-trumps-liberation-day-tariffs-and-none-of-them-are-positive">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/06/45798808/trump-announces-china-trade-talks-tesla-stock-slumps-whats-driving-markets-thursday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Announces China Trade Talks, Tesla Stock Slumps: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Thursday?</a>
Howard Lutnick&#8217;s National Emergency
U.S. Commerce Secretary&nbsp;Howard Lutnick&nbsp;has declared America&#8217;s trade deficit a national emergency that requires immediate action. In a recent interview, Lutnick reaffirmed the Trump administration&#8217;s commitment to its tariff strategy, stating that tariffs are &#8220;not going away.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/45758956/howard-lutnick-calls-1-2-trillion-trade-deficit-a-national-emergency-says-trumps-tariffs-are-not-goi">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Relationship With Xi Jinping
President Trump has expressed his admiration for Chinese President&nbsp;Xi Jinping, but also acknowledged the difficulty in negotiating with him. This comes as U.S.-China trade negotiations remain at a standstill, despite a temporary truce reached in May.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45764844/trump-says-he-likes-xi-jinping-of-china-but-calls-him-very-tough-and-extremely-hard-to-make-a-deal-with">Read the full article here.</a>
The Future of the Dollar
Veteran investor&nbsp;Rick Rule&nbsp;has warned of potential instability in the U.S. Dollar, suggesting that unchecked federal spending and unfunded liabilities could significantly reduce the greenback&#8217;s purchasing power over the next decade.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/45738637/dollar-to-lose-75-of-its-buying-power-in-next-10-years-rick-rule-says-if-1970s-are-an-indicator-it-could-happen">Read the full article here.</a>
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Economics

Trump's Trade Deadline, Cuban On Inflation, Lutnick's National Emergency And Trump-Xi Relations: This Week In Economics

After years in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45184462/yeah-no-its-low-wages-a-worker-responds-to-whether-the-skilled-labor-shortage-is-just-because-everyone-was-told-to-go-to-college">low-paying retail</a>, a Reddit user recently landed a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/41714026/28-year-old-software-developer-who-retired-after-working-just-7-years-shares-his-stock-portfolio-and">software development job</a> with a $105,000 salary. But instead of feeling relief or success, they&#8217;re overwhelmed by financial anxiety.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Money, More Worries</h2>
&#8220;Just hit $105K salary (software dev, finally escaped retail hell) and I thought I&#8217;d feel&#8230; rich? Or at least comfortable?&#8221; the poster wrote in the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/MiddleClassFinance/comments/1l3hg5w/made_it_to_six_figures_but_somehow_feel_broker/">r/MiddleClassFinance</a> subreddit. &#8220;Instead, I&#8217;m lying awake at 2 a.m. doing mental math about whether I can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45670256/screw-this-economy-a-worker-says-theyre-finally-too-broke-for-boba-and-coffee-with-tips-it-hit-20-more-than-their-hourly-wage">afford the $6 fancy coffee</a> tomorrow.&#8221;
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They explained that their old life on a $45,000 salary came with simplicity. &#8220;I lived in a sh&#x2A;tty studio, ate ramen, had like $200 leftover each month but somehow felt fine??&#8221; Now, with more income, they shop at Whole Foods, rent a one-bedroom apartment, and save $1,500 a month. Yet every expense feels heavier. &#8220;Now I&#8217;m stressed about every purchase over $50.&#8221;
&#8220;I think I&#8217;m experiencing some twisted version of lifestyle inflation,&#8221; they added. &#8220;When I made $45K I&#8217;d buy a $15 shirt without thinking. Now I make $105K and I spent 20 minutes last night researching if a $40 sweater was &#8216;worth it.'&#8221;
This sentiment hit home for many commenters who said they've experienced the same thing.
&#8220;When I was making less, I mentally felt &#8216;whatever&#8217; since the progress I was going to make on lower income was minimal,&#8221; one person shared.&nbsp;
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a>
&#8220;Before I made enough to save anything, there was no point thinking about money that much. Now my spending habits can make thousands of dollars of a difference in my annual savings and I am thinking of everything in terms of how it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/38845785/living-on-edge-nearly-90-of-retirees-worried-inflation-will-eat-away-savings">impacts my retirement</a>,&#8221; another added.
Another person said, &#8220;My <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38462785/finally-hit-1-million-and-ive-never-been-more-miserable-this-woman-wants-to-quit-job-but-struggl">higher-paying job is miserable</a> so now every dollar has inherently more value to it. Each one represents endured suffering and relatively few things seem worth the cost.&#8221;
Others blamed the problem on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/05/45710917/whats-driving-americans-to-live-paycheck-to-paycheck-one-person-says-its-like-being-thrown-into-adulthood-without-a-map">lifestyle creep and expectations</a>. &#8220;At $50K, spending $100 on a fancy keyboard was a way to feel like I could spend money. At $110K, spending $100 on a fancy keyboard I don&#8217;t really need is just opportunity cost,&#8221; a commenter explained.
One philosophical reply suggested this is a predictable psychological trap. &#8220;Kierkegaard coined the term &#8216;angst&#8217; to describe how it feels when you know that your choices have future consequences, but you don't know exactly which choice will result lead to which consequence,&#8221; they wrote. In essence, when one is broke, their options are limited. When they&#8217;re making six figures, there are more forks in the road.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Several commenters pointed out that a six-figure salary today <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43403375/58-of-people-say-100000-a-year-is-the-bare-minimum-to-avoid-the-financial-stress-of-daily-life-heres-how-many-actually-earn-this">doesn&#8217;t go as far</a> as it once did. &#8220;$100K now is more like $60K pre-COVID,&#8221; one person wrote. Another broke down their expenses on a $160,000 salary and still had less than $1,200 a month left after taxes, healthcare, housing, and child support. &#8220;I should be swimming in cash like Scrooge McDuck.&#8221;
And when it comes to groceries? Whole Foods got roasted. &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45517752/dave-ramsey-whatever-you-think-youre-spending-at-the-grocery-store-youre-wrong-its-more-than-that">Shopping at Whole Foods</a> is kind of a waste unless you have certain health requirements,&#8221; one person noted. &#8220;There's a reason they call it Whole Paycheck.&#8221;
The original poster may not feel wealthy, but many agreed their habits show long-term thinking.&nbsp;
Read Next: 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>.
Image: Shutterstock

A Software Developer Who Finally 'Escaped Retail Hell' Says They Finally Hit Six Figures But Feel Poorer Than Ever—'I Thought I'd Feel Rich'

The past week was filled with political drama, billionaire power plays, and potential economic impacts. The ongoing feud between President Donald Trump and Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk showed no signs of abating. Meanwhile, high-profile billionaires are attempting to reshape the Democratic Party, and former President Joe Biden is dismissing Trump&#8217;s allegations. Lastly, the auto industry is bracing for the impact of Trump&#8217;s steel tariffs.
Trump-Musk Feud Continues
President Donald Trump has declared he has no plans to engage with Elon Musk, further fueling their ongoing disagreement over the controversial &#8216;Big, Beautiful Bill.&#8217; Despite wishing Musk success with Tesla, Trump has made it clear that a conversation with the EV giant&#8217;s CEO is not on his agenda.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45826692/trump-musk-feud-may-not-end-anytime-soon-as-president-says-he-has-no-plans-to-speak-to-the-tesla-ceo">Read the full article here.</a>
Musk Supports Trump&#8217;s Impeachment
The war of words between Trump and Musk escalated when Musk publicly endorsed a call to impeach Trump and replace him with Vice President JD Vance. The call for impeachment was made by right-wing commentator Ian Miles Cheong.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45808078/elon-musk-says-yes-to-impeaching-trump-replacing-him-with-jd-vance-amid-fierce-back-and-forth-over-big-beautiful-bill">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/topics/25/05/45709073/bono-tells-joe-rogan-that-300000-people-have-died-from-doge-led-usaid-cuts-elon-musk-calls-him-a-liar-says-zero-people-have-died" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bono Tells Joe Rogan That 300,000 People Have Died From DOGE-Led USAID Cuts: Elon Musk Calls Him A Liar, Says &#8216;Zero People Have Died&#8217; &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Billionaires Reboot Democratic Party
Billionaires like James Murdoch and LinkedIn&#8217;s Reid Hoffman are backing a new centrist movement within the Democratic Party. The initiative, known as WelcomeFest, aims to energize moderate voices and build a structured political movement to counterbalance the party&#8217;s progressive wing.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45789292/billionaires-like-james-murdoch-and-linkedins-reid-hoffman-are-fueling-a-centrist-reboot-of-the-democratic-party">Read the full article here.</a>
Biden Dismisses Trump&#8217;s Allegations
Former President Joe Biden has refuted allegations made by Trump concerning his mental health and the use of an autopen for signing official documents. Biden dismissed these allegations as a distraction from the &#8216;disastrous&#8217; bill that Trump and Congressional Republicans are pushing.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45786416/joe-biden-calls-trump-probe-a-distraction-from-disastrous-gop-bill-aiming-to-raise-costs-for-americans-all-to-pay-for-tax-breaks-for-the-ultra-wealthy">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Steel Tariff Impacts Automakers
Trump&#8217;s 50% tariff on steel imports could significantly increase costs for U.S. auto manufacturers. The industry is now scrambling to restructure its supply chain in response to these tariffs.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45786145/trumps-50-steel-tariff-could-drive-up-the-costs-for-automakers-almost-2000-of-cost-for-each-car">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44450232/white-house-says-gold-reserves-may-be-used-to-purchase-bitcoin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">White House Says Gold Reserves May Be Used to Purchase Bitcoin &#8211; Benzinga</a>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>
Photo courtesy: Joey Sussman / Shutterstock.com

Politics

Trump-Musk Feud Escalates, Billionaires Look To Reboot Democratic Party, And More: This Week In Politics

It's incredible how many different ways you can make money, and financial guru Graham Stephan was impressed to hear that someone makes $300,000 per year with a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@grahamstephan/video/7511475338715843883?lang=en">vending machine business</a>.
He proceeded to compare it with real estate, explaining that vending machines generate cash flow without having to worry about tenants. Stephan pointed out that each vending machine has to be maintained and that a business owner likely has to restock the machines every one to two weeks.
"It's not bad," Stephan said while expressing approval for the business model.
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You don't have to invest in real estate to generate cash flow. Vending machine businesses may be right for you, and they are easier to build if you're on a budget.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upfront Costs</h2>
You don't need a lot of money to buy a vending machine. The price of a good vending machine ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on whether you want an old machine or a new machine with the most features. Then, it's a matter of stocking the shelves with the initial inventory. Once that inventory performs well, you can proceed to buy more inventory and reinvest the profits into additional vending machines.
You'll also have to contend with some legal registration fees and franchise fees. The location fee is also a factor; this fee usually represents a percentage of total sales, typically 5% to 25% of that machine's revenue. Most commission arrangements are on the lower end, but the location plays a big factor.
This is a great business model since the owner of the location is financially incentivized to promote the vending machine and keep it in good condition. The business owner who puts your vending machine in their area will want the machine to do well since it translates into more revenue.
Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking For Profitable Locations</h2>
There's a lot less pressure with finding your first profitable vending machine location than there is to be profitable with your first real estate investment. The relatively low cost of vending machines makes it easier to scale, but naturally, you still want to be profitable with every vending machine location.
Some cities and suburban areas have more foot traffic than others, but you should also assess which types of buildings get the most traffic. Schools, hospitals, and office buildings are some of the most promising areas. You will have to contact the property owner to determine the terms and see if it's a good deal.&nbsp;
It's perfectly fine to contact several property owners before deciding on the right location. Reaching out to multiple people will give you an idea of what payment structure you can negotiate.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Set Ambitious Goals</h2>
The vending machine business model can offer steady cash flow without the stress of managing tenants. It's also more affordable to enter the industry than real estate and can be lucrative.&nbsp;
You will still encounter some obstacles along the way. If there weren't challenges with this business model, then everyone would be rushing to do it.&nbsp;
Stephan showcased an individual who makes $300,000 per year with vending machines. Stories like those demonstrate what is possible, and if you set ambitious goals and work toward them, you can become the next case study.&nbsp;
Read Next: 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>.
Image: Shutterstock

Graham Stephan Shares A Story Of A Guy Who Makes $300,000 Per Year With Vending Machines: 'It's Not Bad'

After more than 30 years as a meteorologist, John Morales says he can&#8217;t promise Florida the same level of confidence this year when it comes to forecasting dangerous storms, including hurricanes. And the reason, he says, isn&#8217;t the weather itself — it&#8217;s the state of the country&#8217;s weather infrastructure.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Florida Offices Are Short-Staffed, Data Is Lacking, And Accuracy Is Suffering</h2>
&#8220;I am here to tell you that I am not sure I can do that this year, Morales said during a June 3 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwmmPlw06_0">WTVJ-TV</a> broadcast, reflecting on his calm reassurance during Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which devastated the northwest Bahamas as a Category 5 storm while many Floridians feared a direct hit.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">South Florida weatherman tells viewers he can&#39;t accurately predict hurricanes because of government cuts <a href="https://t.co/n0xolylA6C">pic.twitter.com/n0xolylA6C</a>
&mdash; &#x1f30a; R Saddler (@Politics_PR) <a href="https://twitter.com/Politics_PR/status/1930094865020232136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Why is he no longer confident in his forecasting? &#8220;Because of the cuts, the gutting, the sledgehammer <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45619523/neil-degrasse-tyson-says-cutting-science-and-education-funding-is-so-severe-if-a-foreign-power-did-it-wed-call-it-an-act-of-war">attack on science in general</a>,&#8221; he said, &#8220;I could talk about that for a long, long time and how that is affecting the U.S. Leadership in science over many years and how we&#8217;re losing that leadership.&#8221;
Morales is among many meteorologists and scientists raising alarms about the recent wave of budget cuts and layoffs hitting the National Weather Service and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Central and South Florida NWS offices are currently operating with 20% to 40% fewer staff than needed, according to Morales.
He also mentioned that because of some of these cuts, the NOAA &#8220;Hurricane Hunter&#8221; aircraft will not be able to fly this year. As Morales put it, that means, &#8220;We may be flying blind and not exactly know how strong a hurricane is before it reaches the coastline.&#8221;
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a>
The Trump administration cut nearly 600 NWS positions earlier this year. Some field offices were no longer staffed around the clock. Weather balloon launches dropped by 20%, and critical hurricane reconnaissance flights were at risk of being canceled. Those flights collect key data that help experts understand storm strength and direction.
&#8220;This could result in another Otis,&#8221; Morales warned, referring to Hurricane Otis in 2023, which was forecast as a tropical storm just 24 hours before slamming into Acapulco, Mexico as a Category 5 hurricane.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Forecast Models Are Getting Worse, Not Better</h2>
The staffing and data shortages have already apparently started to affect the accuracy of forecast models. &#8220;The quality of the forecast is becoming degraded,&#8221; Morales said.
The situation drew national attention earlier this year when news broke that the Trump administration was planning to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44222551/meteorologist-warns-that-gutting-noaa-will-bankrupt-the-us-says-every-single-dollar-of-our-economy-is-impacted-by-the-weather">cancel the lease</a> for NOAA&#8217;s main forecasting center in Maryland, a facility housing supercomputers and data hubs essential for weather prediction.
See Also: 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>.
Meteorologist Brad Panovich with WCNC-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina, warned that this kind of move could have wide-reaching consequences. &#8220;Every single dollar of our economy is impacted by the weather,&#8221; he <a href="https://x.com/wxbrad/status/1896700892633612369">posted on X</a> at the time. &#8220;This will literally bankrupt the U.S.&#8221;
University of Pennsylvania climatologist Michael Mann called the dismantling of NOAA &#8220;catastrophic,&#8221; telling <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/doge-set-cancel-lease-weather-nerve-center-tornado-season-begins-2040142">Newsweek</a> that &#8220;Without NOAA, we are flying blind into a climate abyss.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rehiring Starts, But The Damage Is Already Done</h2>
Following public backlash and several deadly storms, the NWS recently received authorization to rehire 126 employees, including forecasters and radar technicians. But former NOAA undersecretary Mary Glackin told <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/06/03/nx-s1-5422198/nws-national-weather-service-hires-again-trump-cuts">NPR</a> that it might be too little, too late. &#8220;This is kind of putting a band-aid on a rather large wound,&#8221; she said. &#8220;We&#8217;re in the middle of a severe weather season. It&#8217;s not a good time to be understaffed.&#8221;
According to Glackin, the rehires won&#8217;t be in place until at least September, and the NWS still remains short by several hundred positions. The agency is trying to stabilize operations, but many meteorologists worry the country&#8217;s forecasting system may already be compromised.
&#8220;I just want you to know that what you need to do is call your representatives and make sure that these cuts are stopped,&#8221; Morales urged.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Image: Shutterstock

Veteran Florida Weatherman Says He's Struggling To Forecast Hurricanes, Blames 'The Gutting, The Sledgehammer Attack On Science'

How do you know if you're actually rich — like, rich rich?
If you've ever wondered whether your savings, investments, or home equity stack up to the country's wealthiest, there's a number that draws the line. And while it might sound like an elite bracket reserved for finance bros and inheritance babies, the top 5% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43759794/are-you-a-top-1-earner-heres-what-you-need-to-rake-in-to-be-among-the-richest">isn't as far out of reach as some might think</a>.
You'll hear people toss around figures like "I want to retire with $5 million," or "You're not rich until you never check your balance." Fair. But in the background, many are just quietly checking to see if their net worth is even close to making the cut. You'll spot them in Reddit threads, in comment sections, or sitting across from you at brunch, casually mentioning their Roth IRA.
So—how rich do you need to be to join the top 5% of households?
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Number: $3.8 Million</h2>
According to the <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scfindex.htm">Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances</a>, you'd need a net worth of about $3.8 million to break into the top 5% of U.S. households. That includes everything you own—retirement accounts, investments, your home—minus any debts you owe.
Seems steep? Compared to the median net worth in America, which is around $192,700, it is. But if you've been aggressively saving, investing wisely, or just got lucky with some real estate timing, you might be closer than you think.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Average vs. Median: Why It Matters</h2>
The average net worth of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44891276/the-average-household-is-a-millionaire-with-a-1-06-million-net-worth-according-to-the-fed-so-why-do-people-still-feel-broke">households in the U.S. is about $1.06 million</a>, but don't let that fool you. Averages get warped by the ultra-wealthy. The median is a better measure for the "typical" household—and that's why $192,000 matters. If you're above it, you're ahead of most. If you're below it, you're not alone.
Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Counts in That $3.8 Million?</h2>
This number includes:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Retirement savings (401(k), IRA)</li>
<li>Brokerage and investment accounts</li>
<li>Real estate equity</li>
<li>Business ownership or equity</li>
<li>Cash and bank holdings</li>
</ul>
Minus credit card debt, student loans, mortgages, etc. 
It doesn't count income—this is strictly net worth, not how much you make.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Grow Your Net Worth</h2>
Whether you're halfway there or just getting started, here are a few things that actually move the needle:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Automate your investing. Consistency beats timing.</li>
<li>Pay down high-interest debt. It eats your momentum.</li>
<li>Own appreciating assets. Think equities or property, not depreciating toys.</li>
<li>Reinvest wisely. Compound interest rewards the patient.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">So… Are You Rich?</h2>
Comparing yourself to others isn't the recipe for happiness—but it is human nature. Benchmarks like this help give context, not judgment. Some people live well below their means and still feel broke. Others drive a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40963028/suze-orman-says-keep-your-car-for-15-years-or-longer-instead-of-leasing-a-new-one-every-3-years-">15-year-old car and feel free</a>.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Your version of "rich"</a> might mean peace of mind, flexibility, or just not sweating the small stuff. These numbers are guideposts, not gospel.
But if you're aiming for top 5% status? Now you know the number. The rest is strategy.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Image: Shutterstock

Want To Be In The Top 5% Of Households? Here's Exactly How Much You Need—And It's Much Lower Than You'd Guess

President Donald Trump issued a warning to Elon Musk, stating that there would be &#8220;serious consequences&#8221; if Musk chooses to financially back Democratic candidates against Republicans who support the GOP&#8217;s budget bill.
What Happened: According to an interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump said, "If he does, he'll have to pay the consequences for that."
However, he did not elaborate on what the repercussions might be for Musk, if he decides to fund Democratic candidates.
"He'll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that," Trump added while speaking with the <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-elon-musk-consequences-funds-democratic-candidates-rcna211605">outlet</a>.
This warning follows a public spat between Trump and Musk earlier in the week. Trump has shown no interest in reconciling with Musk, assuming their relationship to be beyond repair.
When asked if he thought his relationship with Musk was over, Trump said, "I would assume so, yeah."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45827968/trump-vs-musk-betting-markets-anticipate-next-move-in-musk-trump-feud-predict-low-chances-of-musk-forming-political-party">Trump vs. Musk: Betting Markets Anticipate Next Move in Musk-Trump Feud, Predict Low Chances of Musk Forming Political Party</a>
Trump further added that he has no plans to speak with Musk. "I'm too busy doing other things. I have no intention of speaking to him."
The President has accused Musk of showing disrespect towards the office of the President. This accusation was in response to Musk&#8217;s series of posts against Trump, including a now-deleted post that highlighted past connections between Trump and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Prior to their public fallout, Musk had expressed his disapproval&nbsp;of a GOP-led spending bill&nbsp;that was passed by the House last month. 
Trump, in response, expressed his disappointment in Musk, reminding him of the support he had extended to him in the past.
Trump suggested that one&nbsp;way to save money in&nbsp;the budget could be to cut Musk&#8217;s government subsidies and contracts, specifically&nbsp;referring to federal contracts with&nbsp;SpaceX. However, he confessed that he hadn&#8217;t given this idea much consideration.
Despite calls for an investigation into Musk&#8217;s business practices and immigration record, Trump stated that it wasn&#8217;t a priority for him at this time.
Musk has previously donated a significant amount of money to Trump&#8217;s 2024 presidential campaign, contributing over $250 million to support him in swing states. 
Despite their current disagreement, Trump believes that it has brought attention to&nbsp;the benefits of the bill.
Why It Matters: The public feud and subsequent warning from Trump could potentially impact Musk&#8217;s political and business decisions. 
It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what the potential consequences might be for Musk, Tesla, and SpaceX.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45827849/public-fight-between-trump-and-musk-rocks-tesla-spacex-here-are-the-biggest-bombshells">Public Fight Between Trump and Musk Rocks Tesla, SpaceX: Here Are the Biggest Bombshells</a>
Image: Shutterstock/bella1105

Trump Warns Musk Against Aiding Democrats: 'He'll Have To Pay Serious Consequences If He Does That'

Mass layoffs have rattled the U.S. workforce over the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/06/39457749/tesla-leads-2024-us-tech-layoffs-so-far-followed-by-dell-cisco-xerox-paypal-microsoft">past year</a>, hitting nearly every sector from tech to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44277188/a-poverty-sentence-heres-why-some-say-losing-a-federal-job-is-worse-than-being-fired-in-the-private-sector">federal agencies</a>. As job security erodes and economic uncertainty deepens, one uncomfortable question is echoing louder in online communities: Are we being quietly pushed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43850350/dave-ramsey-says-hes-going-to-be-miserable-if-when-a-wife-asks-if-her-husband-should-join-the-military-to-get-student-loans-forgiven">enlist in the military</a>?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;Give Me A Weapon&#8217;</h2>
That question recently took center stage in a popular Reddit thread on r/Layoffs. The original post was straightforward: &#8220;With all the layoffs, are we being pushed to enlist into the military?&#8221;
Commenters responded, not with patriotism, but with sarcasm, exhaustion and deep cynicism.
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&#8220;I've been unemployed over 2 years. Sure, give me a weapon,&#8221; one person wrote. Another added, &#8220;They won't take me. I'm too old now. I think we're just supposed to die for the oligarchy?&#8221;
While some dismissed the idea outright, others pointed to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/05/45484549/inflation-still-tops-americans-financial-concerns-but-worries-are-shifting">rising economic pressure</a> and lack of job alternatives, especially for younger people or those without a college degree. One person said, &#8220;The military is not for the faint of heart. Wendy&#8217;s suits you more,&#8221; mocking the narrow options many face.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some See It As A Smart Financial Move</h2>
A handful of veterans and current service members shared a different perspective. One Redditor, who served a short stint in active duty, said he and his wife left the military with paid-for degrees, $400,000 in investments, and about $5,000 a month in tax-free disability pay. &#8220;Mileage may vary,&#8221; he noted, but the payoff can be real.
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a>
Another encouraged young people to consider it strategically: &#8220;If you are under 30 and can&#8217;t get a job&#8230; consider joining the military. It&#8217;s not a bad idea. You only need 25 years of service to retire&#8230; You are also the first choice for hire in city jobs.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Barriers To Entry Are Real</h2>
Several commenters noted that even if they wanted to enlist, they likely couldn't. The military has strict entry requirements. &#8220;The basic physical minimums probably eliminate 70% of people alone,&#8221; someone said, adding that antidepressants, past drug use, and even dental issues can disqualify applicants.
The original poster shared his own doubts: &#8220;I&#8217;m 37M who weighs about 300lbs and I don&#8217;t have a thyroid gland&#8230; I can lose weight but idk if the military will accept my medical condition.&#8221;
See Also: 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>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Bigger Picture?</h2>
Many tied the issue to broader trends: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45613320/ai-is-gutting-entry-level-jobs-and-gen-z-is-paying-the-price-warns-linkedins-aneesh-raman">AI taking over junior white-collar jobs</a>, soaring housing prices, and what some called a &#8220;coordinated effort&#8221; to push people out of higher education and into manual labor or military service. &#8220;They just want manual labor now as they believe AI will take over all thinking jobs,&#8221; one comment read.
Others echoed distrust in the system altogether. &#8220;We are forced on 401(k)s on a market that can&#8217;t grow forever, have money in banks that steal from us, and depend on our health care from jobs that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45250949/tech-layoffs-get-the-headlines-but-its-uncle-sam-doge-whos-bleeding-workers-in-2025">get rid of us</a> like flies.&#8221;
Whether the shift toward military enlistment is intentional or not, the sentiment is that many people are starting to feel boxed in.
As one person put it, &#8220;Joining the military is just another way to sell your body to rich men.&#8221;
Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

With Tech, Fed And Corporate Layoffs Surging, One Question Is Gaining Traction: 'Are We Being Pushed To Enlist Into The Military?'

Rich people seem to have their mindsets hardwired differently from most people, but many of these same people share their biggest wealth-building secrets online. Small business guru Codie Sanchez recently shared a secret that <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez/video/7511405633338494251?lang=en">rich people use to build wealth</a>, and she regularly uses it herself.
"Turn every expense into an income stream," she explained.
Viewing every expense as an opportunity to make money can be an eye-opening experience. Here's how you can make it happen.
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</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Invest In Small Businesses</h2>
Sanchez mentions several examples of how she turned regular expenses into income. For instance, she bought vending machines when she realized she was spending too much money on gym snacks. The vending machine now makes her $1,000 per month.
While $1,000 per month isn't life-changing, it's part of a mindset shift that can lead to riches. Sanchez also bought part of a window cleaning company when she realized she was spending too much money on window cleaning. Making that investment generates cash flow, but it also allows her to save money on window cleaning services.
Sanchez repeated the process by buying part of a painting company. You can also follow this strategy by investing in shares of publicly traded corporations. For instance, if you spend a lot of money on Amazon, buying Amazon shares can help you pay for those expenses.&nbsp;
Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
Although it wouldn't make sense to sell Amazon shares just to buy things on Amazon, those shares can gain value over time. If the returns compound, you can end up making more in Amazon stock gains than you spend on Amazon orders.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Investing In Businesses With Zero Money Or Experience</h2>
Sanchez proceeds to explain how you can invest in small businesses even if you have no money or experience. Seller financing makes equity stakes more accessible, but you can also raise money with an SBA loan. The only catch with an SBA loan is that it can take up to 90 days to get approved for a 7(a) loan.
If you buy the business outright, she suggests finding a top-tier professional and offering him 10% equity in your business. Then, the company's cash flow can pay off the debt and the operator. This model involves the operator running the entire business for you.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Only Skills You Need</h2>
Sanchez wraps up the video by explaining that you just have to be a good dealmaker to make it work. Dealmaking allows you to buy businesses and take back Main Street from Wall Street.&nbsp;
However, it's also good to know how to get the business in front of more people. You will need to know a few marketing channels very well, such as online ads, local SEO, or content marketing. Good dealmaking enables these types of opportunities while knowing marketing or hiring someone who knows how to implement the best marketing strategies is also essential.
It's good to have some business knowledge before going into any deal, but the best way to learn is by doing. Sanchez has acquired partial and full stakes in many small businesses, and that has diversified her income in the process.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Image: Shutterstock

Codie Sanchez Reveals A Secret That Rich People Use To Compound Wealth: 'Turn Every Expense Into An Income Stream'

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Non-alcoholic beer is projected to grow by 8% this year, according to IWSR, making it the second-largest beer category worldwide in 2025</li>
<li>The sector's growth is largely driven by millennials and Gen Z, among whom sober-curious lifestyles are on the rise</li>
<li>Meticulous Research predicts the global non-alcoholic beer market will reach $34.97 billion by 2032</li>
</ul>
Non-alcoholic beer is set to overtake ale as the second-largest beer category by volume in 2025, according to global drinks provider <a href="https://www.theiwsr.com/insight/developing-markets-key-to-future-tba-growth-after-lacklustre-2024/">IWSR</a>.
The data provider is projecting an 8% growth in the sector in 2024-2025, with the U.S. alone spending $2 billion more on non-alcoholic beer over the next five years.
Despite this growth, non-alcoholic beer is far from the top-selling beer category globally, with only about 2% of the market share according to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/29/non-alcoholic-beer-to-pass-ale-in-sales-volume-this-year.html">CNBC</a>. Lager, with its 92% market share, remains the leader.
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</ul>
Non-alcoholic beverages have been gaining popularity as consumers cut back on their alcohol consumption, says <a href="https://www.theiwsr.com/insight/key-statistics-and-trends-for-the-us-no-alcohol-market/">IWSR</a>. Millennials and Gen Z are the largest groups of non-alcoholic beverage consumers, and are largely responsible for the push for brewers to invest in zero-proof alternatives.
With companies like <a href="https://ncsolutions.com/the-goods/sober-curious-nation-alcohol-survey/">NCSolutions</a> reporting that 49% of Americans are trying to drink less in 2025, and 58% of Americans are planning to try non-alcoholic beverages this year, major beer brands are cluing in and rolling out alcohol-free versions of their classic products. Guinness, Heineken, and Budweiser have all introduced zero-proof options within the last five years.
Several brands with only non-alcoholic offerings have also sprung up recently. Athletic Brewing, which was founded in 2018, is now the top-selling non-alcoholic beer brand in the U.S., CNBC reports. The upstart holds 17% of the category's volume share, edging out Bud Zero and Heineken's 0.0 version. Just three years earlier, Athletic held only a 4% share of the sector.&nbsp;
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As is true with many other branches of the beverage market, no-alcohol beer has experienced a rash of celebrity-backed brands flooding the shelves. Actor Tom Holland launched Bero in 2024, retired NBA player Dwyane Wade helped get Bud Zero off the ground in 2020, and actor Dax Shepherd created Ted Segers in 2023.
Despite projections from <a href="http://bernstein/">Meticulous Research</a> that the global non-alcoholic beer market will reach $34.97 billion by 2032, IWSR says there are still a number of barriers the market must overcome in order to reach that growth potential. Specifically, availability, price, and taste have the ability to affect market value. "Boomers' expectations for lower prices conflict with the higher production costs of most no-alcohol products," the report says.
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Non-Alcoholic Beer Sales Up 9% In 2024, Experts Predict It Will Be The Second-Largest Beer Category Worldwide In 2025

For most of us, a tough question sounds like "Where do you see yourself in five years?" or "Why is your child eating peanut butter off the floor?" But for Warren Buffett—a man who's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43718032/warren-buffett-was-asked-how-a-regular-person-gets-rich-he-detailed-exactly-how-hed-make-30-billion-starting-over-with-only-10000">fielded questions about billions</a>, bailouts, and Berkshire—his hardest question had nothing to do with stocks.
It was about the minimum wage.
In a <a href="https://youtu.be/Pss2x9eOaJw?si=lQIOWfrbPQZ09y49">2015 CNN interview with Poppy Harlow</a>, Buffett was asked if the federal minimum wage should be raised from $7.25 an hour. Harlow didn't tiptoe into it—she reminded him he'd already called it the most difficult question he'd ever been asked.
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"Last year when I asked you, Warren, if the federal minimum wage should be raised from $7.25 an hour, you said: ‘That is the toughest question you could ask me, because I've been thinking about it for 50 years, and I don't know the answer.'"
When pressed again, Buffett acknowledged the dilemma hadn't gotten any easier. "I'd like to see everybody make $20 an hour at a minimum," he said, but quickly added, "I know if you increase it to $20 an hour, you'd have millions of people unemployed. I don't know how to calibrate it precisely."
A decade later, it's clear the country doesn't either. The federal minimum wage hasn't budged, and the same economic tension Buffett described—between higher pay and potential job loss—still keeps policymakers in a holding pattern. Even now, the "toughest question" remains unanswered.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Happens When You Raise Minimum Wage?</h2>
Buffett isn't alone in wrestling with this. The economic debate over minimum wage is decades deep, and not without its contradictions.
Studies from the <a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/56975">Congressional Budget Office</a> and economists across the political spectrum suggest that modest increases in the minimum wage can lift incomes and reduce poverty—but may also lead to some job losses, particularly among young or low-skilled workers. The bigger the hike, the higher the risk.
Cities like Seattle and San Francisco <a href="https://www.frbsf.org/research-and-insights/publications/economic-letter/2015/12/effects-of-minimum-wage-on-employment">have raised their minimum wages</a> well above the federal level and early research has shown mixed results. Some workers earned more. Others saw hours cut. In industries with tight margins—like restaurants and retail—businesses have had to adjust, and not all managed to stay afloat. It's exactly the kind of tradeoff Buffett worries about. "You do lose some employment as you increase the minimum wage," he said. "If you didn't, I would be for having it $15 an hour." The reality, he suggests, is that there's no one-size-fits-all solution—just difficult compromises between helping workers and protecting jobs.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Buffett's Fix Puts Less Pressure on Employers, More Help from Government</h2>
Buffett believes there's a better tool in the policy toolkit: the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43578779/warren-buffett-said-anybody-whos-willing-to-work-40-hours-a-week-deserves-a-decent-life-but-proposes-a-minimum-income-not-minimum-wage-2">earned income tax credit</a>. It's a refundable tax credit that boosts the income of low-to-moderate earners, without placing the full cost on employers.
"I personally believe that the earned income tax credit is a much better way of handling the problem of people who are really not paid enough to live decently," Buffett explained. In 2013, the EITC delivered over $56 billion in aid. Buffett thinks it should go even further—expanded and "done smarter."
It's a solution designed to lift up workers without risking jobs. But unlike wage hikes, the earned income tax credit depends on political will, budget priorities—and it often flies under the radar. Many workers who qualify never even claim it.
Buffett's honesty on this is rare. After 50 years of watching markets, reading economic data, and weighing the trade-offs, he's still torn.
"I don't know if more people will be better off," he admitted. And that's coming from a man who's made a living betting big on long-term outcomes. But maybe that's the point: when even Warren Buffett hesitates to take a side, it's probably not a black-and-white issue.
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Warren Buffett Says Toughest Question He's Ever Been Asked Is Whether Minimum Wage Should Go Up — 'I Don't Know If People Will Be Better Off'

Five former Proud Boys leaders have filed a sweeping $100 million lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging they were unjustly prosecuted for their roles in the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45826882/trump-signs-orders-to-strengthen-us-drone-defenses-and-supersonic-flight" rel="noreferrer noopener"> January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.</a>
The plaintiffs—Henry &#8220;Enrique&#8221; Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola—say their constitutional rights were violated during legal proceedings, which they claim were tainted by political motivations, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4z7zyl0gwo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports </a>BBC.
The lawsuit, submitted in a Florida federal court on Friday, accuses federal prosecutors and FBI agents of bias, alleging misconduct such as witness coercion and tampering with evidence.
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The defendants argue their treatment was part of a broader effort to persecute allies of President Donald Trump.
Tarrio, the group&#8217;s former chairman, was convicted of seditious conspiracy and received a 22-year sentence—among the harshest tied to the Capitol breach.
The others received similar convictions and prison terms. However, their fortunes shifted dramatically earlier this year when Donald Trump pardoned the group during his second presidential inauguration, describing them as victims of government overreach.
Trump defended his sweeping clemency move, stating, &#8220;What they&#8217;ve done to these people is outrageous,&#8221; and labeled the prosecutions as historically extreme.
The lawsuit echoes these sentiments, calling the federal cases &#8220;corrupt and politically motivated.&#8221;
Filed against the Department of Justice, now led by Attorney General Pam Bondi under the Trump administration, the legal challenge highlights alleged systemic abuses in how the cases were handled.
The plaintiffs argue that federal agents pursued them not out of justice, but due to animus toward their political affiliations.
Over 1,500 individuals have faced federal charges tied to the Capitol attack, with hundreds accused of assaulting law enforcement officers using various makeshift weapons.
Despite this, Trump and his allies have continued to characterize January 6 as a misrepresented event.
His critics, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have called the pardons a slap in the face to justice.
This lawsuit may further complicate ongoing debates surrounding accountability, political bias, and the long-term consequences of the Capitol insurrection.
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Proud Boys Sue DOJ For $100 Million, Slam January 6 Convictions As 'Politically Motivated'

Didi Taihuttu and his family, known widely as the &#8220;Bitcoin Family,&#8221; have reportedly taken dramatic steps to safeguard their digital wealth amid a global uptick <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in violent crypto-targeted crimes</a>.
The family, which famously liquidated all their assets in 2017 to bet entirely on Bitcoin, has revamped their entire security system to minimize physical and digital threats.
CNBC reports that the Taihuttus now store their crypto seed phrases across four continents using a method that combines analog stealth and digital encryption.
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After a string of disturbing incidents—including abductions, physical torture, and ransom schemes targeting crypto holders in France and New York—Taihuttu chose to abandon hardware wallets altogether.
Instead, he has implemented a more intricate system: a single 24-word seed phrase, split into four encrypted chunks, each hidden in a separate global location, CNBC adds.
Most of the family&#8217;s digital fortune—roughly 65%—sits in cold storage, completely disconnected from the internet.
The remainder is allocated to hot wallets protected by multi-signature protocols.
Taihuttu uses tools like Safe (formerly Gnosis Safe) for altcoins and layered security structures on centralized platforms such as Bybit.
One of the main reasons behind the hardware wallet exodus is skepticism around device security.
Following controversial firmware updates and fears of backdoor access, Taihuttu replaced them with steel-etched, fireproof backups hidden physically.
The family now avoids even filming at home or sharing real-time travel details due to stalkers identifying their whereabouts.
Beyond traditional multi-signature wallets, Taihuttu is also exploring multi-party computation (MPC).
Unlike standard setups, MPC splits the private key itself among multiple parties, requiring a quorum to initiate any transaction. This ensures no individual has complete control, further reducing vulnerability.
With plans to access their cold wallets only when Bitcoin reaches $1 million—projected by 2033—the Taihuttus are positioning their crypto as a long-term pension fund.
Meanwhile, 80% of their trading now happens on decentralized exchanges like Apex, which let them maintain custody while executing trades.
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