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Amazon.com Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) robotaxi company, Zoox, has announced its first serial production facility in Hayward, California.
What Happened: The facility can produce over 10,000 Robotaxis annually and spans an area of 220,000 square feet, Zoox said in a statement released on Wednesday. This is the company's second production facility after Fremont in California.
Zoox's robotaxis lack a steering wheel as well as any pedals and feature a pod-like design, which can autonomously transport up to 4 passengers at a time. Zoox rivals Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) robotaxi service Waymo.
Zoox is currently operating in a limited capacity in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Foster City in California for company employees.
Why It Matters: The news comes in as the self-driving taxi sector in the U.S. is growing with multiple players in the mix. Recently, Waymo announced it was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45988738/tesla-robotaxi-rival-waymo-expands-services-in-california-amid-us-autonomous-vehicle-push">expanding its services</a> in California and will now operate across more neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and the SF Bay Area.
This comes days after the company had <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45853688/tesla-robotaxi-rival-waymo-suspends-services-in-downtown-la-following-vandalism-during-anti-ice-protests">halted operations</a> in Downtown Los Angeles over bouts of vandalism against its fleet during the Anti-ICE protests in the city.
Tesla, on the other hand, is gearing up to launch its Robotaxi service in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45876375/elon-musk-says-tesla-robotaxi-rides-begin-june-22-in-austin-full-self-driving-to-enable-home-delivery-by-june-28-were-being-super-paranoid">Austin on June 22. </a>However, Elon Musk's EV giant has been called upon by lawmakers in Texas to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46010756/texas-lawmakers-urge-elon-musks-tesla-to-delay-june-22-robotaxi-launch-till-september-report">delay the launch</a>, citing updated regulations.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="208" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19010745/AMZN-JUN-19-2025-1024x208.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-954767" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19010745/AMZN-JUN-19-2025-1024x208.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19010745/AMZN-JUN-19-2025-300x61.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19010745/AMZN-JUN-19-2025-768x156.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19010745/AMZN-JUN-19-2025-1536x312.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19010745/AMZN-JUN-19-2025.jpg 1562w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
AMZN scores well on Growth and Quality metrics and offers satisfactory Momentum and Value. For more such insights, sign up for<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"> Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings</a> today!
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Amazon-Backed Zoox Launches California Robotaxi Plant: Tesla Rival Targets 10,000 Vehicles A Year

Vice President JD Vance&#8216;s debut on the social media platform Bluesky lasted less than 30 minutes before automated systems suspended his account Wednesday, marking another high-profile content moderation incident for the X alternative.
What Happened: Vance posted his first message at 4:50 p.m. ET, writing: &#8220;Hello Bluesky, I&#8217;ve been told this app has become the place to go for common sense political discussion and analysis. So I&#8217;m thrilled to be here to engage with all of you.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-bluesky-social wp-block-embed-bluesky-social"> 
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<blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:tkspefzlu72575kljanhe3uj/app.bsky.feed.post/3lrvv4sv2sc24" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreihy57etibipqayy3xnsucpvph6232nvki53mg2vtnjv2no72k6jt4">Hello Bluesky, I&#39;ve been told this app has become the place to go for common sense political discussion and analysis. So I&#39;m thrilled to be here to engage with all of you.
&mdash; <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:tkspefzlu72575kljanhe3uj?ref_src=embed">JD Vance (@jd-vance-1.bsky.social)</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:tkspefzlu72575kljanhe3uj/post/3lrvv4sv2sc24?ref_src=embed">2025-06-18T20:49:56.916Z</a></blockquote>
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The platform&#8217;s automated impersonation detection system flagged the account as potentially fraudulent, according to a Bluesky spokesperson. &#8220;Vice President Vance&#8217;s account was briefly flagged by our automated systems that try to detect impersonation attempts which have targeted public figures like him in the past,&#8221; the company <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/bluesky-explains-jd-vance-suspension-2087685">told</a> Newsweek.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46010639/elizabeth-warren-says-americans-deserve-lower-interest-rates-but-trumps-reckless-tariffs-stand-in-the-way-the-fed-is-getting-boxed-out">Elizabeth Warren Says Americans &#8216;Deserve&#8217; Lower Interest Rates, But Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Reckless&#8217; Tariffs Stand In The Way: &#8216;The Fed Is Getting Boxed Out&#8217;</a>
Bluesky restored the account within 20 minutes and added a verification badge. &#8220;We welcome the Vice President to join the conversation on Bluesky,&#8221; the company said.
Why It Matters: The incident highlights ongoing challenges facing social media platforms as they balance automated content moderation with user experience. Bluesky, launched in February 2023, has attracted over 36 million users as an alternative to Elon Musk&#8216;s X platform.
The platform faces pressure to maintain user growth amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/social-media/25/06/45941107/mark-cuban-criticizes-bluesky-gets-welcome-back-on-x-by-ceo-yaccarino-welcome-home-to-the-true-global-town-square">criticism from prominent users</a>, including Mark Cuban, who recently said Bluesky has &#8220;grown ruder and more hateful&#8221; and lacks &#8220;diversity of thought.&#8221;
In February, Jack Dorsey attributed Bluesky's growth to users fleeing X (formerly Twitter), calling it "not a great way to build a product." He emphasized that Bluesky's appeal lies in its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43757119/jack-dorsey-says-blueskys-rapid-expansion-fueled-by-x-exodus-not-a-great-way-to-build-a-product">user-controlled algorithms</a>, a feature he believes will attract users over time. 
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Phil Mistry on Shutterstock.com

Social Media

JD Vance Gets Suspended On BlueSky After First Post, Platform Says It Was A Mistake: 'We Welcome The Vice President'

Mike Gallagher, Head of Defense at Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), warned that Chinese President Xi Jinping is actively decoupling from the United States and that America risks losing negotiating leverage by ignoring this strategic shift.
What Happened: &#8220;Xi Jinping is decoupling from us. If we ignore it, our own attempts at selective decoupling will happen on much less favorable terms,&#8221; Gallagher wrote on X Wednesday.
Gallagher, who represented Wisconsin&#8217;s Eighth District from 2017 to 2024 before joining Palantir, made the comments during an interview with popular Palantir investor Amit Kukreja. He emphasized that China has never adhered to promised trade rules since Xi&#8217;s rise to power in 2013, particularly regarding the &#8220;Made in China 2025&#8221; initiative.
The former congressman cited China&#8217;s $300 billion annual effort to steal critical technology as evidence of systematic decoupling. He advocated for a strategic U.S. response through selective decoupling coordinated with allies, particularly Japan.
Gallagher referenced former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe&#8216;s vision of &#8220;free flow data with trust&#8221; as a framework for enhanced digital trade agreements that could strengthen U.S.-allied relationships while challenging China&#8217;s technological ambitions.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Xi Jinping is decoupling from us. If we ignore it, our own attempts at selective decoupling will happen on much less favorable terms. <a href="https://t.co/Xqa2mT22a4">pic.twitter.com/Xqa2mT22a4</a>
&mdash; Mike Gallagher (@RepGallagher) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepGallagher/status/1935341558624145487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46010639/elizabeth-warren-says-americans-deserve-lower-interest-rates-but-trumps-reckless-tariffs-stand-in-the-way-the-fed-is-getting-boxed-out">Elizabeth Warren Says Americans &#8216;Deserve&#8217; Lower Interest Rates, But Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Reckless&#8217; Tariffs Stand In The Way: &#8216;The Fed Is Getting Boxed Out&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The warning comes amid renewed U.S.-China trade tensions. President Donald Trump recently described Xi as &#8220;very tough&#8221; and &#8220;extremely hard to make a deal with&#8221; on Truth Social, though he maintains <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">personal rapport with the Chinese leader</a>.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced this month that both nations reached a framework to implement the Geneva consensus following Trump-Xi discussions in London. The agreement includes a 90-day tariff pause and addresses <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/macro-notification/25/06/45876366/howard-lutnick-says-us-and-china-reached-a-framework-to-implement-geneva-consensus-following-trump-xi-call-csi-300-index-gains">rare-earth exports and advanced technology restrictions</a>.
Palantir shares have surged 448% over 12 months, reaching new all-time highs. The company secured over $113 million in new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45988762/palantir-rejects-surveillance-claims-after-being-compared-to-nazi-collaborators-touts-pltrs-transparent-lineage">federal contracts since Trump&#8217;s inauguration</a>, including a $795 million Defense Department agreement.
Gallagher previously authored legislation forcing TikTok&#8216;s divestment from Chinese ownership and investigated Chinese Communist Party involvement in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40523523/former-gop-congressman-mike-gallagher-who-joined-palantir-says-true-divide-on-national-security-is-b">fentanyl crisis while serving in Congress</a>.
According to&nbsp;Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings, Palantir shows strong Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Price Trends. Here&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how the stock performs across other key metrics</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="890" height="644" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19004330/image-295.png" alt="" class="wp-image-954751" style="width:400px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19004330/image-295.png 890w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19004330/image-295-300x217.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19004330/image-295-768x556.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 890px) 100vw, 890px" /></a></figure>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: plavi011 / Shutterstock.com<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>

News

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Palantir's Head Of Defense Says 'Xi Jinping Is Decoupling From Us' — Warns America Risks Losing Leverage If China Tech Shift Goes Unchecked

A group of Texas lawmakers has urged Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) to delay its Robotaxi launch in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45876375/elon-musk-says-tesla-robotaxi-rides-begin-june-22-in-austin-full-self-driving-to-enable-home-delivery-by-june-28-were-being-super-paranoid">Austin, scheduled for June 22</a>.
What Happened: In a letter addressed to Elon Musk's electric vehicle giant, lawmakers state that the state's legislature updated its regulations on autonomous vehicles in 2017, which will take effect in September of this year, KXAN reported <a href="https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/texas-lawmakers-send-letter-to-tesla-asking-to-delay-robotaxi-rollout-in-austin/">on</a> Wednesday.
"As members of the Austin delegation in the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives, we are formally requesting that Tesla delay autonomous robotaxi operations until the new law takes effect on September 1, 2025," the lawmakers said in the letter.
New regulations state that all AV operators transporting passengers or property "must receive prior authorization from the Department of Motor Vehicles before operating on public streets without a human driver," the report suggests.
Regulations suggest that compliance requires all AVs must obey state traffic laws, have registered and titled insurance under Texas law, have recording devices and "a minimal risk condition if the automated driving system is rendered inoperable."
Additionally, AV operators are also required to have a first responder interaction plan in place, highlighting how first responders interact with AVs.
Why It Matters: The news comes in as Tesla was officially named as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45854273/elon-musks-tesla-officially-named-av-operator-in-austin-ahead-of-robotaxi-launch">an AV operator</a> in Austin, ahead of June 22's Robotaxi launch, which Musk says will have over 10 Tesla Model Ys initially.
The automaker also recently received a major boost for its Cybercab ambitions as the NHTSA announced it would be updating its regulatory framework to provide <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45942936/elon-musks-cybercab-ambitions-just-got-a-boost-as-nhtsa-eases-regulations-for-autonomous-vehicles">exemptions to AVs </a>from safety standards.
However, questions are being raised about the company's FSD tech, a crucial element in the Robotaxi plan, after incidents involving Tesla vehicles driving in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45991698/tesla-cybertruck-caught-driving-in-wrong-lane-on-fsd-just-days-before-robotaxi-launch">the wrong lane</a>, as well as getting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45945298/tesla-model-3-on-fsd-mode-struck-by-train-after-getting-trapped-on-railroad-tracks-report">struck by a train</a> after getting stuck on railroad tracks, while in self-driving mode.&nbsp;
Robotaxis are steadily growing in the U.S., as Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Waymo announced it will be further <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45988738/tesla-robotaxi-rival-waymo-expands-services-in-california-amid-us-autonomous-vehicle-push">expanding its presence</a> in California.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="196" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18234145/TSLA-JUN-19-2025-1024x196.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-954710" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18234145/TSLA-JUN-19-2025-1024x196.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18234145/TSLA-JUN-19-2025-300x57.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18234145/TSLA-JUN-19-2025-768x147.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18234145/TSLA-JUN-19-2025-1536x294.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18234145/TSLA-JUN-19-2025.jpg 1557w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Tesla scores well on Momentum, Quality and Growth metrics, but offers poor Value. For more such insights, sign up for<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"> Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings</a> today!
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Photo courtesy: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

Texas Lawmakers Urge Elon Musk's Tesla To Delay June 22 Robotaxi Launch Till September: Report

Iranian cryptocurrency exchange, Nobitex, was hacked for nearly $90 million on Wednesday, with an Israel-linked group claiming responsibility for the cyberattack.
What Happened: A group called Gonjeshke Darande, or "Predatory Sparrow," announced the attack on X, calling Nobitex &#8220;a tool for financing terrorism and violating sanctions.&#8221;
&#8220;In the next 24 hours, we will publish the Nobitex source code and internal information from its internal network. Any assets left there after that will be at risk,&#8221; the group said in an X post in Persian.
This marks the second operation by the hacking group in two days, following their claim of data destruction&nbsp;at Iran's state-owned Bank Sepah&nbsp;on Tuesday, a Reuters report said.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">پس از بانک سپه، نوبت Nobitex شد هشدار! در 24 ساعت آینده، کد منبع نوبیتکس و اطلاعات داخلی از شبکه داخلی آن را منتشر خواهیم کرد. هر دارایی که پس از آن در آنجا باقی بماند در معرض خطر خواهد بود! صرافی نوبیتکس در قلب تلاش های رژیم برای تامین مالی ترور در سراسر جهان قرار دارد. این… <a href="https://t.co/IXoFrQBlAK">pic.twitter.com/IXoFrQBlAK</a>
&mdash; Gonjeshke Darande (@GonjeshkeDarand) <a href="https://twitter.com/GonjeshkeDarand/status/1935231054249435607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/45990647/trump-financial-disclosures-reveal-barron-trumps-potential-40-million-windfall-from-crypto-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Financial Disclosures Reveal Barron Trump&#8217;s Potential $40 Million Windfall From Crypto Project</a>
While Israel has never officially acknowledged its association with Gonjeshke Darande, Israeli news outlets such as the Jerusalem Post have <a href="https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-858131">reported</a> the group as &#8220;Israel-linked&#8221;.
Why It Matters: Nobitex, Iran&#8217;s largest cryptocurrency trading platform, was exploited for more than $90 million in assets across a range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), <a href="https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/nobitex-iranian-exchange-exploit-june-2025/">according </a>to on-chain analytics firm Chainalysis.&nbsp;
Chainlaysis said the exchange is involved in &#8220;illicit&#8221; activities, having wallets affiliated with ransomware operators, and entities&nbsp;tied to militant groups such as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/10/35159368/israel-seizes-hamas-crypto-accounts-with-help-from-binance">Hamas </a>and the Houthis.
This cyberattack on Nobitex comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/06/45983526/trump-wants-an-end-not-a-ceasefire-for-the-israel-iran-war-what-that-means-for-etfs"> two rivals carrying out missile attacks against each other</a> since last week. 
Iran&#8217;s state-run news agency IRIB warned citizens against using WhatsApp, Telegram, and other &#8220;location-based applications,&#8221; claiming they are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45988833/iran-says-whatsapp-a-tool-for-israeli-surveillance-meta-hits-back-calling-it-false-reports">tools for Israeli surveillance</a>. Israel has also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/06/45965846/israel-is-pounding-irans-energy-infrastructure-and-its-sending-these-oil-etfs-soaring-but-it-maybe-bad-news-at-the-gas-pump">launched attacks</a> on Iran's energy infrastructure, causing a surge in global energy prices.
Photo Courtesy: Sergey Nivens on Shutterstock.com
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>

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$ETH

Israel-Linked 'Predatory Sparrow' Hackers Say They've Drained Millions In Bitcoin, Ethereum From Iran's Crypto Exchange

The U.S. markets will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
What Happened: According to the guidance from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq will both suspend trading for the day, along with the U.S. bond market, which will also remain closed. Trading will resume as normal on Friday, June 20.
Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday in the calendar, having been designated only in 2021 by former President Joe Biden, 156 years after Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas on June 19, 1865.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46010064/ayatollah-assassination-discussion-rejected-by-putin-i-do-not-even-want-to-discuss-this-possibility">Ayatollah Assassination Discussion Rejected By Putin: &#8216;I Do Not Even Want To Discuss This Possibility&#8217;</a>
The decision to make this a national holiday was undertaken following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39397814/is-the-market-open-on-juneteenth">months of widespread protests</a> against racial injustice and inequality in 2020. 
While financial markets will be off on Thursday, not all sectors will stop functioning. Most federal government offices, bank branches, schools, and even the U.S. Postal Service will be shutting down, with many state and local government offices also observing the holiday.
Private companies, however, aren&#8217;t required by law to close for federal holidays, and retailers such as Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), Target Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>), and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) will continue <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/18/business/open-closed-juneteenth">to</a> remain open during their normal working hours. 
Major banks such as JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), among others, will be closed, while online banking and ATMs will continue to function. 
Why It Matters: For years, Juneteenth celebrations were <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/06/27699154/juneteenth-2022-whats-open-whats-closed-and-what-is-the-holiday-all-about-1">restricted only to Texas</a>, but following the unrest that stemmed from the death of George Floyd in 2020, there were growing calls for making it a nationwide holiday.
Besides Juneteenth, the markets remain closed for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/stock-market-holidays">eight other federal holidays</a>, with the following occasions in the coming months,
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Friday, July 4th—Independence Day</li>
<li>Friday, September 5th—Labor Day</li>
<li>Monday, November 24th—Thanksgiving</li>
<li>Friday, December 26th—Christmas Day</li>
</ul>
Photo Courtesy: iHumnoi on Shutterstock.com Read More: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46010451/peter-schiff-doesnt-think-stablecoins-will-help-preserve-dollar-dominance-heres-what-the-economist-says-theyll-do-instead">Peter Schiff Doesn&#8217;t Think Stablecoins Will Help Preserve Dollar Dominance — Here&#8217;s What The Economist Says They&#8217;ll Do Instead</a></li>
</ul>

Are Markets Open On Juneteenth This Year? Here's What's Open And What's Closed On June 19

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) criticized President Donald Trump&#8216;s tariff policies on Wednesday, arguing they prevent the Federal Reserve from delivering the lower interest rates Americans need.
What Happened: &#8220;Americans deserve lower interest rates and lower costs, but Donald Trump and his reckless tariffs are standing in the way of that relief,&#8221; Warren wrote on X. &#8220;The Fed is getting boxed out by the President&#8217;s chaotic economic policies.&#8221;
Warren&#8217;s comments follow the Fed&#8217;s decision to hold rates at 4.25%-4.50% for the fourth consecutive meeting. Fed Chair Jerome Powell cited tariff-induced inflation concerns as a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46004338/no-rate-cuts-yet-fed-flags-slower-growth-sticky-inflation">key factor preventing rate cuts</a>.
The Fed raised its core Personal Consumption Expenditure inflation forecast to 3.1% for 2025, up from 2.8% in March. Powell directly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46004338/no-rate-cuts-yet-fed-flags-slower-growth-sticky-inflation">attributed this increase to tariff effects</a>, noting &#8220;we&#8217;re beginning to see some effects&#8221; on goods prices, particularly personal computers and audiovisual equipment.
Powell said <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46006680/powell-holds-line-on-interest-rates-blames-tariff-uncertainty-for-delay-in-cuts">business surveys indicate</a> &#8220;many companies do expect to put all or some of the effect of tariffs through to the next person in the chain. And ultimately, to the consumer.&#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">Americans deserve lower interest rates and lower costs, but Donald Trump and his reckless tariffs are standing in the way of that relief. The Fed is getting boxed out by the President&#39;s chaotic economic policies. <a href="https://t.co/FKfO5tGHlN">pic.twitter.com/FKfO5tGHlN</a>
&mdash; Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenWarren/status/1935455623908348265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45988985/israel-says-it-struck-iranian-centrifuge-site-missile-factories-near-tehran-with-over-50-jets-to-disrupt-weapons-program">Israel Says It Struck Iranian Centrifuge Site, Missile Factories Near Tehran With Over 50 Jets To Disrupt Weapons Program</a>
Why It Matters: The Fed&#8217;s dot plot maintains expectations for two rate cuts in 2025, unchanged from March projections. However, 2026 expectations dropped to two cuts from three previously.
Markets initially declined during Powell&#8217;s press conference, with the Nasdaq 100 tracked by Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) dropping 180 points from session highs before recovering on Trump&#8217;s Middle East comments.
Warren <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45785851/elizabeth-warren-says-trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill-will-rip-away-health-coverage-from-16-million-americans-just-so-jeff-bezos-can-buy-a-third-ya">previously clashed with Trump</a> over his &#8220;One Big Beautiful Bill,&#8221; which the Congressional Budget Office estimates would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over 10 years while potentially removing health coverage from 16 million Americans.
The Fed projects real GDP growth at 1.4% in 2025, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46004338/no-rate-cuts-yet-fed-flags-slower-growth-sticky-inflation">down from 1.7% in March</a>, while unemployment is expected to rise to 4.5%. Powell emphasized there&#8217;s &#8220;no rush&#8221; to ease policy given current economic uncertainties.
Read Next: 
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Sheila Fitzgerald / Shutterstock.com

Politics

Elizabeth Warren Says Americans 'Deserve' Lower Interest Rates, But Trump's 'Reckless' Tariffs Stand In The Way: 'The Fed Is Getting Boxed Out'

Mark Zuckerberg-led Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) is reportedly looking to bring high-profile AI talent in-house as it doubles down on its efforts to lead the next wave of artificial intelligence innovation.
What Happened: Meta is in discussions to hire Nat Friedman, former CEO of GitHub, to support its artificial intelligence efforts, reported Reuters (<a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/meta-talks-hire-former-github-ceo-nat-friedman-daniel-gross-join-ai-efforts">via</a> The Information).
The company is also reportedly in talks with Daniel Gross, Friedman's partner at investment fund NFDG, about a potential AI-related role.
Meta is also considering a partial acquisition of NFDG, the report said. The move would further integrate top-tier AI talent and resources into the company's growing portfolio.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/05/45680165/meta-hits-1-billion-monthly-ai-users-eyes-future-with-subscriptions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta Hits 1 Billion Monthly AI Users, Eyes Future With Subscriptions</a>
Friedman currently serves on Meta's Advisory Group, an external council that advises the company on technology and product development.
Why It's Important: Earlier this week, during a podcast, ​​OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45988600/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-dangled-100-million-signing-bonuses-to-openai-team-members-says-sam-altman-happy-none-of-our-best-people-took-them">Meta offered $100 million compensation</a> packages to lure top AI talent from his company and Google DeepMind.
Previously, it was also reported that Meta is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45899037/metas-mark-zuckerberg-is-losing-top-ai-talent-to-openai-and-anthropic-even-as-it-shells-out-millions-in-salaries-report">struggling with a wave of departures</a> from its AI division, as more employees head to competitors such as OpenAI and Anthropic.
Meanwhile, Meta has made a strategic minority investment in Scale AI, pushing the startup's valuation beyond $29 billion. As part of the deal, Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang will <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45919069/meta-invests-in-scale-ai-at-29-billion-valuation-taps-ceo-alexandr-wang-to-drive-internal-ai-push-as-part-of-deepening-partnership">join Meta to assist</a> with its AI initiatives while continuing to serve on Scale's board.
Price Action: Meta shares are up 16.11% year-to-date. On Wednesday, the stock dipped 0.21% during regular trading and edged down another 0.062% after hours, as per <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings show META maintaining an upward trajectory across short, medium and long-term timeframes. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound'">Additional performance data is available here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound'"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18225542/Screenshot-2025-06-19-at-7.55.55%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-954686" /></a></figure>
Photo courtesy: Skorzewiak / Shutterstock.com
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45396297/cathie-wood-dumps-palantir-as-stock-touches-peak-prices-bails-on-soaring-flying-taxi-maker-archer-aviation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cathie Wood Dumps Palantir As Stock Touches Peak Prices, Bails On Soaring Flying-Taxi Maker Archer Aviation</a></li>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Media

Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Reportedly Looking To Hire Former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman And Investor Daniel Gross As Part Of Aggressive AI Expansion Strategy

Economist and market commentator Peter Schiff raised doubts about the potential of stablecoins to uphold the U.S. dollar&#8217;s dominance on Wednesday, stating that their primary use would be in cryptocurrency trading.
What Happened:&nbsp;Schiff took to X, disputing the widely touted role of stablecoins in helping the U.S. economy. 
&#8220;Rising federal budget deficits and higher inflation will erode demand for non–interest-bearing U.S. dollar–pegged stablecoins,&#8221; Schiff argued. 
<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">With respect, you are forgetting the use of stablecoins in countries with high inflation where individuals trade their devaluing fiat into USDT (for example) to preserve buying power. Merchants in these countries may prefer to be paid this way. Subtle infiltration.
&mdash; Frederick Frost (@fafrost) <a href="https://twitter.com/fafrost/status/1935368846548119680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
He added that stablecoins will fail to preserve the dollar&#8217;s role as the global reserve currency, as claimed, with their primary use case as trading pairs with other cryptocurrency tokens.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45988984/anthony-scaramucci-quotes-harry-truman-to-take-a-sly-dig-at-trumps-recent-ventures-show-me-a-man-th" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Quotes Harry Truman To Take A Sly Dig At Trump&#8217;s Recent Ventures? — &#8216;Show Me A Man That Gets Rich By Being A Politician&#8230;&#8217;</a>
However, Schiff&#8217;s views were contested by critics. An X user, Frederick Frost, highlighted&nbsp;the use of stablecoins in&nbsp;countries with high inflation, arguing that individuals in these regions could&nbsp;trade their devalued national currency into&nbsp;Tether (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDT</a>) to maintain their buying power. 
In response, Schiff said those people could use tokens pegged to other currencies or gold.
Why It Matters: Schiff&#8217;s comments come in the wake of the passage of the stablecoin bill by the Senate. President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46009971/trump-cheers-incredible-stablecoin-bill-passed-by-senate-get-it-to-my-desk-asap-no-delays">praised the move</a> and urged Congress to get it on his desk without delay.
Treasury Secretary&nbsp;Scott Bessent said that the bill&#8217;s passage could help stablecoins <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45897485/treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-sees-stablecoin-market-surging-past-2-trillion-as-senate-a">grow into a $3.7 trillion market</a> by the end of the decade, generate significant demand for U.S. Treasuries and T-bills.
Schiff has been opposed to regulating dollar-pegged stablecoins. &#8220;Let the free market regulated it. Lots of companies can issue stablecoins, have independent audits and offer privately insured deposits,&#8221; he wrote in a post from 2022.
<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">We don&#39;t need regulation for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StableCoins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StableCoins</a>. Let the free market regulated it. Lots of companies can issue stable coins, have independent audits and offer privately insured deposits. Let businesses compete for reputation, build brands, and allow educated consumers to shop around.
&mdash; Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterSchiff/status/1602735693314260994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Photo Courtesy: ddRender on Shutterstock.com
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/45964856/trump-asks-everyone-to-immediately-evacuate-tehran-odds-of-us-striking-iran-spike-on-crypto-betting-p" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Asks &#8216;Everyone&#8217; To Immediately Evacuate Tehran, Odds Of US Striking Iran Spike On Crypto Betting Platform</a></li>
</ul>

Government

Regulations

$USDT

Peter Schiff Doesn't Think Stablecoins Will Help Preserve  Dollar Dominance — Here's What The Economist Says They'll Do Instead

Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) warns that the traditional 9-to-5 has dissolved into an "infinite workday," with employees signing on before dawn, moving between impromptu meetings all day, and rechecking email near midnight.
What Happened: Microsoft&#8217;s June Work Trend Index Special Report, <a href="https://news.microsoft.com/de-ch/2025/06/17/new-microsoft-study-reveals-the-rise-of-the-infinite-workday-40-of-employees-check-email-before-6-a-m-evening-meetings-up-16/">based</a> on trillions of anonymized Microsoft 365 signals, shows 40% of users are already triaging messages at 6 am, while 29% return to their inbox around 10 pm.
57% of meetings are scheduled on the fly without an invite, and half of all gatherings cluster between 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. — hours the research identifies as prime focus time.
Evening obligations are rising fast, too. Virtual meetings after 5 pm jumped 16% year-over-year, and the typical employee now handles about 50 Teams messages outside core hours. 20% of staff work on weekends, with many opening emails before noon on Saturday and Sunday.
Workers are pinged roughly every 1.75 minutes and about 275 interruptions in an eight-hour span. Microsoft thus calculates that the median employee enjoys just two consecutive minutes of deep focus during the day.
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45995888/scott-galloway-says-people-are-still-spending-shopping-at-whole-foods-and-vacationing-despite-irrational-economic-policy-why-is-that">Scott Galloway Says People Are Still Spending, Shopping At Whole Foods, And Vacationing Despite &#8216;Irrational Economic Policy.&#8217; Why Is That?</a>
The company calls meetings "the primary thief of concentration" and notes that mass emails to 20-plus recipients climbed 7% in the past year.
Why It Matters: Microsoft argues the always-on culture could stunt productivity unless firms rethink calendars and adopt AI tools to triage low-value tasks. The findings arrive after JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) CEO Jamie Dimon urged corporate managers to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/financing/25/06/45878903/jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-urges-managers-to-stop-running-meetings-to-impress-the-boss-and-start-confronting-real-problems-head-on">abandon meetings</a> designed to impress bosses and instead focus on being transparent about business problems.
Similarly, Airbnb (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABNB#NASDAQ">ABNB</a>) chief Brian Chesky has admitted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/05/45463946/airbnb-ceo-brian-chesky-reveals-why-he-doesnt-do-emails-and-early-morning-meetings-says-silicon-valley-founders-dont-need-to-be-miserable">he doesn&#8217;t do email</a> and doesn&#8217;t attend meetings before 10 am. Similarly, Meta Platforms Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) Mark Zuckerberg says the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45556921/mark-zuckerberg-slams-endless-one-on-one-meetings-says-i-just-like-explode-without-open-blocks-of-time-in-the-calendar">secret to his calendar management</a> is leaving it empty and not packing it tight.
Photo Courtesy: Ground Picture on Shutterstock.com
Read next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45996375/dave-ramsey-admits-his-advice-is-simple-in-theory-but-hard-in-practice-clears-up-the-biggest-misconceptions-about-his-famous-advice">Dave Ramsey Admits His Advice Is Simple In Theory But Hard In Practice, Clears Up The Biggest Misconceptions About His Famous Advice</a>

Management

ABNB

MSFT

Microsoft Study Finds That 9-To-5 Has Morphed Into 'Infinite Workdays' And Employees Can't Stop Checking Mail Even At Midnight

Graham Stephan was a real estate agent long before he started his YouTube channel, but the financial personality recently unveiled how much <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@grahamstephan/video/7514547069537799454?lang=en">YouTube accelerated his real estate career</a>. This tidbit came up in a conversation about Stephan's cameos in a Netflix show that centered around Los Angeles real estate.
While Stephan had other ways to promote his real estate services, none of them came close to the growth that YouTube provided.
"YouTube allowed me to scale," he explained.
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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>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/how-peter-thiel-turned-his-roth-ira-into-5-billion-and-why-accredited-investors-are-now-eyeing-this-smartphone-disruptor">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.30/share!</a></li>
</ul>
Stephan's praises for YouTube may make more people consider starting their own channels on the side. Here's what he said.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Videos Get Views While You Sleep</h2>
Real estate agents send plenty of cold emails and hop on the phone to speak with potential clients. While this strategy can be enough to produce a full-time income, it's not scalable. You're limited by how many hours you can get on the phone each day, but those constraints do not exist with a YouTube channel.
When Stephan records and publishes a YouTube video, it stays up forever. YouTube videos can act as 24/7 salespeople that bring more attention to your products and services. You can also bring more people through the customer journey without any additional effort.&nbsp;
YouTube introduces you to new people and can make them feel like they already know you by the time they call about your services. Stephan created YouTube's scalability as one of the key reasons his real estate career took off.
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>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">He Eventually Made More Money With YouTube</h2>
While you can make good money by using YouTube to promote your products and services, the video platform also allows you to make money with online ads. As Stephan's videos became more popular, his YouTube income eventually exceeded his real estate earnings.
Stephan continued to work as a real estate agent even when YouTube produced most of the revenue and had a better growth trajectory. YouTube helped him create multiple income streams, which now include ads, training courses, affiliate promotions, and sponsorships.
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.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stephan Become A Full-Time YouTuber During The Pandemic</h2>
Stephan expected to stick with real estate even as his YouTube channel grew, but those plans unraveled during the pandemic. He explained in an interview that the breaking point was when the National Association of Realtors said it wasn't safe to do open houses anymore.
Open houses are a key part of marketing a property and getting a buyer. Not being able to meet people and show off the property in person made real estate less attractive. Stephan had luckily built a large YouTube audience by that point, allowing him to seamlessly transition to a more promising opportunity than being a real estate agent.
This experience highlights the value of building new skills and diversifying your income. You never know when you may get paid off from your job and have to make ends meet with different income sources. Stephan didn't know a pandemic was coming, but by growing his YouTube channel during the good times, he was able to weather the storm.
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<li>Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-peter-thiel-turned-his-roth-ira-into-5-billion-and-why-accredited-investors-are-now-eyeing-this-smartphone-disruptor">invest with $1,000 at just $0.30/share.</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

Graham Stephan Explains How YouTube Accelerated His Real Estate Career: 'YouTube Allowed Me To Scale'

As tensions continue to flare in the Middle East, U.S. Stock futures inch lower on Wednesday evening, compounded by the Fed&#8217;s decision to hold rates steady, while warning of lower economic growth and persistent inflation.
The&nbsp;S&amp;P 500 Futures are down 0.32%, trading at 6,014.75, followed by Nasdaq Futures at 21,840.50, down 0.48%, and finally Dow Futures, trading at 42,398.00, down 0.27%, at the time of writing this.
This comes amid a Situation Room meeting held in the White House on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. It is still unclear what was discussed during the meeting or who was in attendance, according <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/israel-iran-live-updates-trump-weighs-us-strike-khamenei-rcna213665">to</a> a report by NBC News. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46009971/trump-cheers-incredible-stablecoin-bill-passed-by-senate-get-it-to-my-desk-asap-no-delays">Trump Cheers &#8216;Incredible&#8217; Stablecoin Bill Passed By Senate: &#8216;Get It To My Desk, ASAP — No Delays&#8217;</a>
Earlier in the day, when asked if the U.S. would strike Iran in support of Israel&#8217;s ongoing campaign, President Donald Trump remained undecided, telling reporters, &#8220;I may do it, I may not do it.&#8221;
Meanwhile, defense stocks and ETFs continue their volatile streak with no clarity just yet on American involvement in this new geopolitical conflict.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Stocks</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">After Hours</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESLT#NASDAQ">ESLT</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTOS#NASDAQ">KTOS</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.45%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.30%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ETFs</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Month-To-Date</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year-To-Date</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+2.34%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+56.51%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>)&nbsp;</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.86%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+23.42%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Asian markets opened lower on Thursday, with Japan&#8217;s benchmark Nikkei 225 down 0.74%, trading at 38,598, led by shipping, exports, and electronics companies.
The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) is up 0.14%, trading at 98.046 against a basket of global currencies, following the Fed&#8217;s decision to keep rates steady in the short term.
Thursday is a market holiday due to Juneteenth. So, no economic events or major corporate earnings calls are scheduled for the day.
Photo Courtesy: Zakharchuk on Shutterstock.com
Read More: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/education/25/06/46007465/jamie-dimon-sounds-alarm-on-skills-gap-calls-for-overhaul-of-us-education-system">Jamie Dimon Sounds Alarm On Skills Gap, Calls For Overhaul Of US Education System</a></li>
</ul>

Equities

ESLT

iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

KTOS

SHLD

As Trump Weighs Options On Iran — Dow Futures Slip, Defense Stocks Tick Up In After-Hours Session

Leading cryptocurrencies moved sideways Wednesday as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled slower growth and hotter inflation after the central bank left interest rates unchanged.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Cryptocurrency</th>
<th>Gains +/-</th>
<th>Price (Recorded at 9:50 p.m. ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>-0.15%</td>
<td>$104,630.33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-0.27%</td>
<td>$2,515.68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+0.37%</td>
<td>$0.1698</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
What Happened: Bitcoin consolidated in the $104,000-$105,000 range, with trading volumes plummeting 11% in the last 24 hours.
Similarly, Ethereum fluctuated around $2,500, with an 18% volume decline indicating a lack of interest among traders.
Both assets have stagnated in June after their May surges, with BTC up 0.23% and ETH up 0.03%.
Over $224 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, with long position traders bearing the brunt of the losses.&nbsp;
Bitcoin&#8217;s Open Interest dipped 1.24% in the last 24 hours, while ETH recorded a 2.35% fall in funds locked in its derivatives contracts.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the percentage of Binance traders with long BTC positions fell in the last 24 hours, according to the Long/Short ratio.
The market sentiment returned to "Greed," according to the Crypto Fear &amp; Greed Index.
Top Gainers (24 Hours)
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Cryptocurrency</th>
<th>Gains +/-</th>
<th>Price (Recorded at 9:50 p.m. ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Aerodrome Finance (AERO)</td>
<td>+19.02%</td>
<td>$0.8917</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Raydium (RAY) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+17.56%</td>
<td>$2.42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kaia (KAIA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+7.60%</td>
<td>$0.1723 </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.25 trillion, following a dip of 0.22% in the last 24 hours.
Major stock indexes closed in the red on Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 44.14 points, or 0.10%, to close at 42,171.66. The S&amp;P 500 lost 0.03% to end at 5,980.87. The tech-focused Nasdaq Composite was the silver lining, edging up 0.13% to close at 19,546.27.
As widely expected, the Fed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46004338/no-rate-cuts-yet-fed-flags-slower-growth-sticky-inflation">left the interest rates unchanged</a> at 4.25%-4.50%, while signaling slower growth and hotter inflation. Later in the day, Fed Chair Powell called <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46006680/powell-holds-line-on-interest-rates-blames-tariff-uncertainty-for-delay-in-cuts">tariffs a significant source of uncertainty</a> but downplayed ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Analyst Notes: In a statement to Benzinga, Arthur Azizov, founder and investor at B2 Ventures, noted "very few positive developments" are currently occurring.
"If no positive sentiment emerges in the near future, Bitcoin could very well retreat into the $90,000-$84,000 range. On the other hand, if a positive backdrop does appear—particularly if the Fed signals a rate cut—then Bitcoin is likely to reach $128,000 by the end of the year," Azizov said.
He said the key levels to watch are $112,000 and $100,500, with no "major" surges or corrections in sight.
Blockchain analytics firm Santiment stated that the Iran-Israel conflict would continue to cause "volatile and unpredictable price action.
"Despite the initial panic, Bitcoin has remained in the $104,000-$105,000 range, aided by consistent ETF inflows and a lack of follow-through in military actions, mirroring the typical &#8216;risk-off, then stabilize&#8217; pattern seen in previous geopolitical crises," Santiment added.
<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">&#x1f1ee;&#x1f1f1;&#x1f1ee;&#x1f1f7; The ongoing conflict between Israel &amp; Iran has led to a visible increase in volatility across crypto. Sentiment data showed major bearish sentiment coming in between June 12th to 15th, in particular, coinciding with a 4–6% drop in Bitcoin&#39;s price and erasing over $200B from… <a href="https://t.co/t1Qe7DlOCf">pic.twitter.com/t1Qe7DlOCf</a>
&mdash; Santiment (@santimentfeed) <a href="https://twitter.com/santimentfeed/status/1935375698828399046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Photo Courtesy: sundaemorning on Shutterstock.com
Read Next:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46009971/trump-cheers-incredible-stablecoin-bill-passed-by-senate-get-it-to-my-desk-asap-no-delays">Trump Cheers &#8216;Incredible&#8217; Stablecoin Bill Passed By Senate: &#8216;Get It To My Desk, ASAP — No Delays&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Movers

Trading Ideas

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Rangebound As Fed Chair Jerome Powell Highlights Tariff-Induced Uncertainty: Analyst Says These 2 Levels Are Key For BTC

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is reportedly looking to harness the power of generative artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/40027650/apples-ai-models-trained-on-googles-custom-chips-not-nvidias-report">custom chips that power</a> its devices, according to senior executive Johny Srouji.
What Happened: During a speech in Belgium last month, Apple's senior vice president of hardware technologies, Srouji, said the company is exploring generative AI to streamline chip design, calling it a major productivity opportunity, reported Reuters on Wednesday.
"Generative AI techniques have a high potential in getting more design work in less time, and it can be a huge productivity boost," Srouji said, according to a recording reviewed by the publication.
He made the remarks while accepting an award from Imec, a prominent semiconductor R&amp;D organization.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45988833/iran-says-whatsapp-a-tool-for-israeli-surveillance-meta-hits-back-calling-it-false-reports" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iran Says WhatsApp A Tool For Israeli Surveillance — Meta Hits Back, Calling It ‘False Reports'</a>
During his speech, Srouji highlighted that electronic design automation (EDA) firms like Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDNS#NASDAQ">CDNS</a>) and Synopsys Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>)—both racing to integrate AI—are critical to managing the complexity of Apple's chip development.
Srouji also reflected on Apple's bold move in 2020 to replace Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) chips in Mac computers with its own Apple Silicon. He said that it was a major takeaway from Apple&#8217;s chip development journey was the importance of making bold decisions and moving forward without hesitation.
&nbsp;"There was no backup plan, no split-the-lineup plan, so we went all in," he said. "Including a monumental software effort."
Why It's Important: Last month, it was reported that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45324239/apples-upcoming-chips-aim-to-challenge-meta-in-the-smart-glasses-battle-report">Apple is developing new chips</a> to power upcoming smart glasses, AI servers and future Macs. Apple aims to launch it by 2026–2027.
Meanwhile, the M5 chip, built on the advanced 3nm N3P architecture, has reportedly entered mass production and is expected to enhance the MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Vision Pro—especially with upcoming Apple Intelligence features.
Price Action: Apple shares have declined 19.38% year-to-date and are down 8.26% over the past 12 months. On Wednesday, the stock rose 0.48% during regular trading but dipped 0.26% after hours, per <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings reflect a steady downward trend for Apple across the short, medium, and long term. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Additional performance insights are available here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18214402/Screenshot-2025-06-19-at-6.59.16%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-954643" /></a></figure>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45988600/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-dangled-100-million-signing-bonuses-to-openai-team-members-says-sam-altman-happy-none-of-our-best-people-took-them" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Dangled ‘$100 Million Signing Bonuses&#8217; To OpenAI Team Members, Says Sam Altman: Happy ‘None&#8217; Of Our Best People Took Them</a></li>
</ul>
Photo Courtesy: Prathmesh T on Shutterstock.com
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

AAPL

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Apple Hardware Executive Says iPhone Maker Plans To Use AI For Speeding Up Custom Chip Design: 'High Potential In Getting More Design Work In Less Time'

Vladimir Putin has firmly rejected any discussions regarding the potential assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Russian President emphasized the unity of the Iranian people around their leaders in Tehran.
What Happened: Putin stated on Wednesday that he would not entertain discussions about the potential assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader, as reported by Reuters. 
The Russian President emphasized that the Iranian populace is rallying around its leaders in Tehran.
According to Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has speculated that military actions could lead to a regime change in Iran. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump mentioned that the U.S. is aware of Khamenei&#8217;s location but has no immediate plans to target him.
When asked about a potential assassination involving Israel and the U.S., Putin firmly stated, &#8220;I&nbsp;do not even want to&nbsp;discuss this possibility.&#8221; He reiterated the importance of finding peaceful resolutions that respect Iran&#8217;s right to nuclear energy and Israel&#8217;s security needs.
Putin also revealed that he has communicated with both Trump and Netanyahu, sharing Moscow&#8217;s proposals for resolving the conflict. He highlighted the importance of maintaining Iran&#8217;s access to civil nuclear energy while addressing Israel&#8217;s security concerns.
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45988984/anthony-scaramucci-quotes-harry-truman-to-take-a-sly-dig-at-trumps-recent-ventures-show-me-a-man-th" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Quotes Harry Truman To Take A Sly Dig At Trump&#8217;s Recent Ventures? — &#8216;Show Me A Man That Gets Rich By Being A Politician&#8230;&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The geopolitical tensions between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. have been escalating, with Donald Trump recently calling for an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/06/45983526/trump-wants-an-end-not-a-ceasefire-for-the-israel-iran-war-what-that-means-for-etfs">end to the conflict</a> rather than a ceasefire. 
However, Trump&#8217;s demand for Iran&#8217;s &#8220;unconditional surrender&#8221; has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/06/45988507/trump-demands-irans-uncoditional-surrender-stock-futures-remain-steady-defense-shares-trade-higher-in-after-hours-trading">added to the tension</a>. 
Photo Courtesy: miss.cabul on Shutterstock.com
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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/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

General

Ayatollah Assassination Discussion Rejected By Putin: 'I Do Not Even Want To Discuss This Possibility'

President Donald Trump lauded the Senate&#8217;s passing of the stablecoin legislation Wednesday, urging Congress to get it to his desk without delays.
What Happened: In a Truth social post, Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump">said </a>that the &#8220;incredible&#8221; GENIUS Act would position the U.S. as the &#8220;undisputed&#8221; leader in digital assets. 
&#8220;Nobody will do it better, it is pure GENIUS!&#8221; Trump stated. &#8220;Digital Assets are the future, and our Nation is going to own it.&#8221;
He further emphasized the potential for massive investment and innovation and asked the House, where the bill will be debated next, to move &#8220;lightning fast.&#8221;
&#8220;Get it to my desk, ASAP — NO DELAYS, NO ADD ONS,&#8221; Trump added.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45740537/forget-dollars-willy-woo-says-bitcoin-will-be-priced-against-global-gdp-gold-used-to-be-that-money-btc-is-the-challenger" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forget Dollars: Willy Woo Says Bitcoin Will Be Priced Against Global GDP — &#8216;Gold Used To Be That Money, BTC Is The Challenger&#8217;</a>
According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45947687/stablecoins-set-to-be-internets-digital-cash-genius-act-may-position-us-as-global-hub-says-bernstein">Benzinga report</a>, the GENIUS Act, or the Guiding and Establishing the National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act of 2025, is expected to pass by the end of summer.
Why It Matters: The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/06/45972264/senate-advances-stablecoin-bill-a-defining-moment-for-crypto-market-regulation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passed the GENIUS Act</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, a bill establishing the country's first regulatory framework for dollar-pegged cryptocurrencies, such as Tether (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDT</a>) and USD Coin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDC</a>).&nbsp;The cryptocurrency industry celebrated the development, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45989307/senate-passes-genius-act-coinbases-brian-armstrong-calls-it-big-milestone-scott-bessent-says-passage-could-drive-stablecoins-into-a-3-7-trillion-market">passage might help</a> stablecoins grow into a $3.7 trillion market by the end of the decade.
However, some experts have expressed concerns. Former Bank of England economist Dan Davies warned that stablecoins could pose a &#8216;systemic risk&#8217; to U.S. banks and the dollar. He compared stablecoin issuers to banks that lack the oversight and safeguards of traditional institutions.
The bill passed the closure vote last month despite vehement opposition by&nbsp;Sen. Elizabeth Warren&nbsp;(D-Mass), who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45509721/elizabeth-warren-urges-congress-to-vote-against-genius-act-citing-potential-for-trumps-corruptionanthony-scaramucci-warns-democrats-against-political-suicide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alleged</a>&nbsp;that the legislation would &#8220;turbocharge&#8221; Trump&#8217;s corruption, citing the family-backed&nbsp;USD1&nbsp;stablecoin initiative. Trump reported incomes<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45966444/donald-trump-jr-says-his-father-doesnt-touch-the-family-backed-crypto-company-despite-disclosure-of-57-million-income"> exceeding $57 million</a> from World Liberty Financial, the firm behind USD1, in his latest disclosure.
Photo courtesy: Maxim Elramsisy / Shutterstock.com
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>

$USDC

Trump Cheers 'Incredible' Stablecoin Bill Passed By Senate: 'Get It To My Desk, ASAP — No Delays'

Jack Ma, the billionaire founder of Alibaba Group Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>), once offered a heartfelt roadmap for life, urging young <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44890758/warren-buffetts-success-mantra-for-gen-z-figure-out-what-your-strengths-are-then-pick-the-right-people-and-dont-be-afraid-of-making-mistakes">people to embrace mistakes</a> and older professionals to pass the torch.
What Happened: In a candid talk, Ma outlined how people should approach their careers based on age, underscoring the importance of mentorship, experience and personal fulfillment.
Before 30 years old, it's not which company you go to, it's which boss you follow, Ma said, adding, &#8220;Before 30 years old, it&#8217;s not which company you go [to], it&#8217;s which boss you follow. It&#8217;s very important, a good boss teaches you differently.&#8221;
He advised people in their 20s to be good students and embrace failure as growth. "Any mistake is an income, is a wonderful revenue for you," he said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44576705/jack-ma-drew-a-parallel-between-himself-and-forrest-gump-at-the-alibaba-ipo-over-a-decade-ago-the-philosophy-inspired-by-the-iconic-character-has-helped-build-a-tech-giant-worth-319-billion">Jack Ma Drew A Parallel Between Himself And Forrest Gump At The Alibaba IPO Over A Decade Ago — The Philosophy Inspired By The Iconic Character Has Helped Build A Tech Giant Worth $319 Billion</a>
"Make enough mistakes. Don't worry, you fall, you stand up," he stated and then telling young people to "enjoy the show."
Between the ages of 30 and 40, Ma recommended thinking clearly about whether you&#8217;re working for yourself. From 40 to 50, he urged people to focus on what they're already good at rather than trying something entirely new.
After 50, Ma suggested shifting gears. &#8220;Work for the young people because young people can do better than you. So rely on them, invest on them, making sure they&#8217;re good.&#8221;
And once you hit 60? "Spend time for yourself," he said.
During the conversation, Ma also admitted regrets, including sacrificing time with family and losing privacy to public life. "If I have another life, I would never do things like this," he said.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
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Why It's Important: According to Bloomberg's Billionaire <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/">Index</a>, Ma currently has a net worth of $39.3 billion.
Born in 1964 in Hangzhou, China, Ma began his journey as a self-taught English speaker who offered free tours to foreign visitors. After failing the college entrance exam twice, he graduated from Hangzhou Teachers College and worked as an English teacher, earning $15 a month.
His exposure to the internet came during a trip to the U.S. in 1995, leading him to create China Pages, a web service for small businesses. He later <a href="http://alibaba.com/">founded Alibaba.com</a> in 1999 with $60,000 and 17 co-founders.
A major deal in 2005 with Yahoo saw the U.S. company take a 40% stake in Alibaba for $1 billion, but tensions grew after Ma spun off Alipay in 2011 without Yahoo&#8217;s approval.
The dispute was settled, and in 2012, Ma agreed to buy back part of Yahoo's stake for $7.1 billion. Alibaba's IPO in 2014 became the world's largest.
Despite his success, Ma expressed a desire to return to teaching. He <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/07/27996692/read-what-is-keeping-alibaba-founder-jack-ma-busy-these-days">stepped down as CEO</a> in 2013 and as chairman in 2019.
Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings show BABA trending downward in the short and medium term, but gaining momentum over the long term. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound'">More detailed performance data can be found here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound'"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18203242/Screenshot-2025-06-19-at-5.54.42%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-954602" /></a></figure>
 Image via shutterstock Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43120820/if-you-invested-1000-in-bitcoin-when-peter-thiel-said-the-top-crypto-might-not-rise-dramatically-heres-how-much-youd-have-made-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">If You Invested $1,000 In Bitcoin When Billionaire Peter Thiel Said BTC Might Not Rise ‘Dramatically,' Here's How Much You'd Have Made Today</a></li>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

BABA

Jack Ma Says You Need A Good Boss Before 30, But Once You Turn 50 You Need To Take A Different Approach To Life: Here's What The Alibaba-Founder Meant

A Reddit user recently asked a question that hit close to home: &#8220;How is everyone actually affording to live right now?&#8221; The <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/povertyfinance/comments/1lbn3ns/how_is_everyone_actually_affording_to_live_right/">post</a>, shared on the r/povertyfinance subreddit, got hundreds of replies.&nbsp;
Plenty of people related to the question, but what really stood out was the confession: &#8220;I make decent money, but no matter what I do, it feels impossible to get ahead.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Struggling Is The New Normal</h2>
The top-rated comment summed up the mood: &#8220;Only <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/42880871/a-couple-asks-can-you-get-away-with-spending-only-300-per-month-on-groceries-heres-what-people-said-most-agreed-on-this-one-thing">spending money on groceries</a>, bills and gas. Can&#8217;t afford anything besides that.&#8221; Others chimed in with similar stories: living off rice and rotisserie chicken, skipping everything except essentials, and still falling short.
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Multigenerational living came up again and again. People in their 30s and 40s openly admitted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45484395/a-redditor-asks-if-it-makes-more-sense-to-live-with-their-parents-for-a-few-years-or-move-out-sooner-were-aiming-to-save-200000-or-more">moving back in with parents</a> or siblings just to stay afloat. &#8220;I moved in with my sister. I&#8217;m 40. Unemployed thirteen months from full-time work. It sucks,&#8221; one person said. Another added, &#8220;My daughter and I moved back in with my parents. At least we have that option, idk what we would do if we didn't.&#8221;
For those who don&#8217;t have that kind of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44532343/joe-rogan-says-social-safety-nets-are-very-important-for-people-he-calls-the-bootstraps-mentality-horsesht">safety net</a>, things feel even more dire. &#8220;The broke runs deep in this family tree,&#8221; one commenter wrote. &#8220;Which is how we ended up on this sub in the first place. I wish I had some pride that I could let get in my way.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Debt, Exhaustion And Delayed Gratification</h2>
A lot of people admitted they are simply <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45941152/a-millennial-living-paycheck-to-paycheck-with-100k-in-debt-says-i-should-be-freaking-out-but-i-just-dont-have-the-energy-anymore">going into debt</a>. &#8220;I&#8217;m racking up debt and about to take money out of my 401(k). I&#8217;m not gonna retire anyway,&#8221; one person said. Others are working 60- to 70-hour weeks or juggling multiple side hustles just to stay afloat.
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>.
One person broke it down: DoorDash (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DASH#NYSE">DASH</a>), plasma donation, cleaning houses, bartering for gym memberships, batch cooking and cutting their own hair. &#8220;All of this is tiring and takes mad discipline, but I&#8217;m trying to stay focused on my goals. <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">Delayed gratification</a>.&#8221;
Some say staying single has helped their finances. &#8220;Broke up with my partner and now I'm pocketing an extra $2,000 a month. Turns out spending money on food and dates for a second person costs a ton,&#8221; one person wrote. But others pushed back, saying relationships can actually help if both people are financially responsible.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">No Room For Mistakes</h2>
Even people who say they&#8217;re doing okay admit that one emergency can wipe them out. &#8220;Literally just got a couple months of emergency fund saved up by spending only on food and housing. And then my dog has a $1,500 vet bill,&#8221; someone shared. &#8220;I was so proud of myself for getting a little ahead.&#8221;
See Also: 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>
Homeowners face their own set of issues. People listed surprise costs like mold, broken pipes, tree removal and furnace repairs. &#8220;Everything breaks all the time,&#8221; one person said. Another added, &#8220;There&#8217;s no such thing as one home project, when one thing breaks, expect at least three other things to crap out on you.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Choosing Frugality Or Being Forced Into It</h2>
Some try to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44449440/if-i-die-a-redditor-lived-frugally-for-20-years-to-secure-their-future-now-a-cancer-diagnosis-is-making-them-question-everything">live intentionally frugal lives</a>. One person said they live on $30,000 a year despite earning more than $100,000. Another shared that they haven't bought new clothes in three years and mend their own whenever possible.
But others say they&#8217;re just surviving, not choosing a minimalist lifestyle. &#8220;I'm frugal af and still don't know how people are doing it. I wouldn&#8217;t call what I'm doing &#8216;living,&#8217; it&#8217;s more like surviving.&#8221;
For many, doing everything &#8220;right&#8221; still doesn't result in financial security.
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<li><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></li>
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – Many are rushing to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.30/share!</a></li>
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Image: Shutterstock

DASH

Someone Finally Said It: 'I Make Decent Money, But No Matter What I Do, It Feels Impossible To Get Ahead'

Consumers reported losing $470 million to text message scams in 2024, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/04/new-ftc-data-show-top-text-message-scams-2024-overall-losses-text-scams-hit-470-million">Federal Trade Commission reports</a>.
The most common text message scam was fake package delivery, followed by bogus job opportunities. While these job opportunity scams can vary widely, they most often look like purported recruiters reaching out about positions available at well-known, well-respected companies. Scammers will then ask for identifying information, like social security numbers or driver&#8217;s license details, in order to solidify the offer.&nbsp;
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&#8220;We are definitely seeing both a growth in reported losses to text scams and also a growth in reported losses to job scams,&#8221; Kati Daffan, an attorney for the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, told <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/job-offers-scam-text-layoffs-unemployment-indeed-ftc-remote-work-2025-6">Business Insider</a>. &#8220;Reported losses to job scams increased more than three times between 2020 and 2023.&#8221;
Experts are now warning the outlet that these text message job scams could get worse. As the labor market gets rockier, Americans feel more stress surrounding their financial positions, and people are increasingly looking for remote work options they become easier targets, Business Insider reports. Meanwhile, AI is making the scams easier to run and lending them an air of authenticity that makes them more believable.
&#8220;It&#8217;s likely that as unemployment increases and more people are worried about the economic uncertainty, if the scams aren&#8217;t necessarily increasing, the likelihood that people might fall for them will be,&#8221; Selena Larson, a threat researcher at cybersecurity company Proofpoint, told Business Insider.
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;
Identity Theft Resource Center CEO Eva Velasquez explained to Business Insider that the scams are not only lucrative for those behind them because they can "capture not only your data but often your money," but also because they require relatively little effort from the scammers. The scammers are asking for information that would be par for the course in a real hiring process, so it doesn't take much convincing for people to hand it over.
&#8220;[The scam] relies on this concept of social engineering and the hackers being very compelling. They make you feel something, they make you feel excited,&#8221; Larson told Business Insider. &#8220;They make you feel like you want to be a part of this ecosystem, that this job is a great opportunity that you don&#8217;t want to lose.&#8221;
Surprisingly, it's not older generations that are the most likely to fall for these scams, Business Insider reports. Instead, it's millennials and Gen Zers who are used to conducting much of their life digitally.&nbsp;
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>.
&#8220;You look at the Gen Zs and the younger millennials and they just click, click, click, click, click, click,&#8221; Alex Quilici, the CEO of YouMail, a service that helps block scam texts and calls, told Business Insider.
At this point, there is no clear path for cracking down on these scams, so it&#8217;s up to the individual consumer to protect themselves. Experts told Business Insider that the best ways to do this are by slowing down when considering these offers, never clicking on links included in suspicious text messages or e-mails, and refusing to send money to unknown entities.&nbsp;
&#8220;One of the reasons that job scams are flourishing is that many people do want to work extra and make extra income, and they&#8217;re looking for an opportunity to do that,&#8221; Daffan says. &#8220;And scammers know that, and so they know there&#8217;s a big market out there if they can have a convincing job scam. And, unfortunately, that is the case.&#8221;
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<li>Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-peter-thiel-turned-his-roth-ira-into-5-billion-and-why-accredited-investors-are-now-eyeing-this-smartphone-disruptor">invest with $1,000 at just $0.30/share.</a></li>
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Image: Shutterstock

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