Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump&#8217;s contentious selection, has been confirmed as the new Director of National Intelligence (DNI). This confirmation has provoked warnings of potential severe consequences from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/42935659/mary-trump-blasts-uncle-over-wildfire-comments-if-donald-trump-can-profit-from-your-death-he-will-facilitate-it">Mary Trump, the President&#8217;s estranged niece</a>.



What Happened: Gabbard, a U.S. Army Reserve member,&nbsp;was confirmed by the Senate last week in a 52-48 vote. Following this, she was&nbsp;sworn in as DNI, a&nbsp;position that supervises the 18 intelligence agencies and organizations in the U.S.



Despite her confirmation, Gabbard&#8217;s selection has stirred controversy due to her past pro-Russian stance and her 2017 meeting&nbsp;with former Syrian President Bashar&nbsp;al-Assad. Among her critics is Mary Trump, who expressed her apprehensions in a Substack <a href="https://www.marytrump.org/p/another-line">post</a>, branding Gabbard as a &#8220;known Russian asset&#8221; and a &#8220;defender of the murderous dictator&nbsp;Bashar al-Assad.&#8221;



&#8220;One of the most powerful people in the cabinet is a known Russian asset, a defender of the murderous dictator Bashar al-Assad, and enemy to our ally (?) Ukraine. There are many reasons Gabbard is unfit, but they lead to one potentially catastrophic outcome—having her in such a sensitive position will give our allies pause. Why should they trust us if they cannot trust that we will use any intelligence they share in a way that does not undermine or harm them? What if they stop sharing intelligence at all?,&#8221; she wrote. 



During her confirmation hearing, Gabbard defended her interaction with Assad and pledged to prevent future leaks of classified information. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43581792/mary-trump-slams-uncle-says-president-isnt-just-destroying-democracy-hes-handing-unchecked-power-to-people-like-elon-musk">Mary Trump Slams Uncle, Says President &#8216;Isn&#8217;t Just Destroying Democracy, He&#8217;s Handing Unchecked Power to People Like Elon Musk&#8217;</a>



However, her confirmation has sparked worries about the potential effects on America&#8217;s relationships with its allies.



&#8220;The nominations came and went. We resigned ourselves to the reality that the only thing standing between us and a catastrophic blow to American democracy was Senate Republicans. Even they would understand how damaging it would be to this country's safety, national security, and health to confirm these miscreants,&#8221; Mary Trump wrote in the post. 



At her swearing-in ceremony, President Donald Trump commended Gabbard, stating that she was an &#8220;easy&#8221; choice and that she will &#8220;work tirelessly to keep America&nbsp;safe.&#8221;



Why It Matters: Gabbard&#8217;s confirmation as DNI, despite the controversy surrounding her, underscores the Trump administration&#8217;s willingness to make unconventional choices. 



Her past actions and affiliations have raised eyebrows, but the administration believes in her commitment to safeguarding American interests. However, the dissenting voices, including that of Mary Trump, highlight the potential risks and the need for vigilance in the intelligence community. 



As Gabbard takes on her new role, the world will be watching closely to see how she navigates these challenges and impacts U.S. intelligence operations and international relations.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42713956/mary-trump-reveals-the-worst-christmas-gift-she-ever-received-from-uncle-donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mary Trump Reveals the Worst Christmas Gift She Ever Received from Uncle Donald Trump</a>



Image: Shutterstock

News

Politics

Mary Trump Warns DNI Gabbard Could Lead To 'Catastrophic Outcome': 'A Known Russian Asset,' Defender of 'Murderous Dictator' Assad

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



<ol>
<li>WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WRD#NASDAQ">WRD</a>) shares rocketed 97.62% after NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) disclosed a stake of 1.74 million shares in a 13F filing.</li>



<li>GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GDS#NASDAQ">GDS</a>) stock escalated 43.45%, probably after President Trump had reportedly postponed tariffs on packages under $800 from China. Additionally, optimism towards China&#8217;s DeepSeek AI model has also lifted stocks recently.</li>



<li>SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SWTX#NASDAQ">SWTX</a>) shares jumped 42.58% after announcing Merck KGaA (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MKGAF#OTC">MKGAF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MKKGY#OTC">MKKGY</a>) is in advanced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43631130" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discussions to acquire the company</a>.</li>



<li>Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RXRX#NASDAQ">RXRX</a>) shares increased 40.59%.</li>



<li>Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOC#NYSE">SOC</a>) stock upped 39.09%.</li>



<li>GeneDx Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WGS#NASDAQ">WGS</a>) shares rose 28.23%  after the company announced UltraRapid Whole Genome Sequencing, which will deliver actionable <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43692155" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">results within 48 hours</a>.</li>



<li>VNET Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VNET#NASDAQ">VNET</a>) stock upped 28.22%, probably amid a possible rebound after falling last week due to AI competition concerns related to China&#8217;s DeepSeek AI model.</li>



<li>Insperity, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NSP#NYSE">NSP</a>) stock increased 25.99% after the company reported better-than-<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43590222" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expected fourth-quarter results</a>.</li>



<li>CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRSP#NASDAQ">CRSP</a>) stock grew 25.21% after the company reported better-than-<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43639785" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expected fourth-quarter financial results</a>. Several analysts raised the price <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/crsp/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecast on the stock</a>.</li>



<li>Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXSM#NASDAQ">AXSM</a>) stock grew 24.01% after the company reached a settlement agreement with Teva Pharmaceutical (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEVA#NYSE">TEVA</a>), resolving all patent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43601535" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">litigation related to its Auvelity product</a>. Several analysts raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/axsm/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
</ol>



Photo via WeRide

Equities

Mid Cap

Movers

Trading Ideas

AXSM

CRSP

MKGAF

MKKGY

NVDA

RXRX

SWTX

TEVA

VNET

WeRide, CRISPR And GeneDx Are Among Top 10 Mid-Cap Gainers Last Week (Feb 10-Feb 14): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

The week was a rollercoaster ride in the world of cryptocurrencies. From GameStop-themed crypto rallying to a Trump-backed project bolstering Bitcoin and Ethereum, the crypto market was buzzing with activity. Here&#8217;s a quick round-up of the top stories.



GameStop-Themed Crypto Rallies



Cryptocurrencies themed on video game retailer GameStop Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>) saw a significant surge, thanks to CEO Ryan Cohen&#8217;s picture with Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor. The Ethereum-based GameStop crypto soared nearly 50% in the last 24 hours, with its trading volume surging by 37% to $1.83 million.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43614269/gamestop-themed-crypto-rallies-50-after-ryan-cohen-posts-intriguing-photo-with-bitcoin-bull-michael-saylor">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump-Backed Project Bolsters Bitcoin, Ethereum



World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency project backed by President Donald Trump, announced a strategic token reserve to support projects like Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>). The reserve aims to mitigate market volatility by diversifying holdings across tokenized assets.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43646667/trump-backed-world-liberty-financial-unveils-strategic-token-reserve-to-bolster-bitcoin-ethereum">Read the full article here.</a>



Cathie Wood Backs Musk&#8217;s Blockchain Plan



Cathie Wood, the founder of asset management firm Ark Invest, supported Elon Musk&#8217;s idea of putting all U.S. government spending on blockchains for better transparency. Wood hailed the plan as a &#8220;win, win, win&#8221; for transparency, efficiency, and security.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43613058/cathie-wood-says-doge-lead-elon-musks-plan-of-putting-the-treasury-on-blockchain-a-win-win-win-transparency-efficiency-security">Read the full article here.</a>



Meme Coins Could Make a Comeback



Prominent trader Unipcs believes meme coins could be on the verge of a comeback. He argued that the risk/reward ratio favors longs, as the biggest meme coins have already corrected 70-90% from their peaks just months ago.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43734199/millionaire-trader-says-dogecoin-bonk-trump-memes-have-bottomed">Read the full article here.</a>



SEC Considers Dogecoin, XRP ETFs



The Securities and Exchange Commission has acknowledged Grayscale&#8217;s applications for spot Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) and XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>) ETFs. This move signals that the agency is open to considering the proposals, a shift from its previous tendency to dismiss similar applications for alternative cryptocurrencies.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43730035/does-this-sec-decision-mean-dogecoin-xrp-etfs-are-on-their-way">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43754366/mark-zuckerberg-follows-elon-musks-footsteps-as-meta-reportedly-plans-major-investment-into-ai-powered-humanoid-robots">Mark Zuckerberg Follows Elon Musk&#8217;s Footsteps As Meta Reportedly Plans Major Investment Into AI-Powered Humanoid Robots</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



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

Cryptocurrency

Markets

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

$XRP

GameStop-Linked Crypto Soars, Trump-Backed Project Bolsters Bitcoin, And More: This Week In Crypto

The week was a whirlwind of economic and political events that kept the markets on their toes. From tariff concerns voiced by&nbsp;Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)&nbsp;to&nbsp;Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell&#8216;s firm stance on inflation, the week was filled with significant developments. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories of the week.



Mitch McConnell Criticizes Trump&#8217;s Tariff Plans



Senator Mitch McConnell expressed his apprehensions over President Donald Trump's tariff policies, warning of a potential trade war and subsequent price inflation for U.S. consumers and businesses. McConnell&#8217;s concerns were voiced in an op-ed published in Louisville's Courier-Journal. Trump, known for his support of tariffs, recently implemented widespread import duties on Canada, Mexico, and China, along with additional tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43686104/mitch-mcconnell-criticizes-trumps-tariff-plans-warns-of-potential-price-hike-big-lingering-concerns-for-american-industry-and-workers">Read the full article here.</a>



Powell To Congress: Fed &#8216;Not There Yet&#8217; On Inflation



Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated a firm stance on the central bank&#8217;s monetary policy path, indicating that while inflation is moderating, it hasn&#8217;t cooled enough to justify rate cuts. Powell hinted that further progress is needed to reach the Fed&#8217;s 2% inflation target.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43668443/powell-to-congress-fed-is-not-there-yet-on-inflation-cpi-was-above-every-forecast-us-debt-path-is-unsustainable">Read the full article here.</a>



Justin Trudeau Slams &#8216;Unacceptable&#8217; US Tariffs



Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the adverse effects of the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs and warned of a strong response if required. Trudeau criticized the recent tariffs calling them "Unacceptable" and said, "Canadians will stand up strongly and firmly if we need to."



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43621302/justin-trudeau-slams-unacceptable-us-tariffs-after-trump-imposes-25-levy-on-metal-imports-canadians-will-stand-up-strongly-and-firmly-if-we-need-to">Read the full article here.</a>



Inflation Rises More Than Expected In January



Price pressures surged more than expected in the first month of the year, fueled by increases in both energy goods and underlying service items, dampening investor expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The headline Consumer Price Index rose to 3% year-over-year in data released Wednesday.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43656846/inflation-rises-more-than-expected-in-january-chills-interest-rate-cut-hopes">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump-Putin &#8216;Highly Productive&#8217; Call Sparks Oil Sell-Off



A high-stakes call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent shockwaves through markets, dragging down oil prices and U.S. defense stocks as investors reacted to Trump&#8217;s surprise announcement of imminent peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/02/43674775/trump-putin-highly-productive-call-sparks-oil-sell-off-as-investors-eye-geopolitical-de-escalation">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43754366/mark-zuckerberg-follows-elon-musks-footsteps-as-meta-reportedly-plans-major-investment-into-ai-powered-humanoid-robots">Mark Zuckerberg Follows Elon Musk&#8217;s Footsteps As Meta Reportedly Plans Major Investment Into AI-Powered Humanoid Robots</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



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

Economics

Mitch McConnell's Tariff Concerns, Jerome Powell's Inflation Stance, Trudeau's Tariff Slam, Inflation Surge, And More: This Week In Economics

Inflation concerns loom over the U.S. economy, but Wall Street remains resilient as investors focus on optimism surrounding Ukraine peace talks and a tariff plan from President Donald Trump that appears less severe than initially <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43711974/trump-launches-plan-for-reciprocal-tariffs-sp-500-nears-record-highs-dollar-tumbles-as-investors-cheer-on-late-kickoff">feared—at least for now.</a>



In January, the headline Consumer Price Index rose 3% year-over-year, exceeding expectations of 2.9%. On a monthly basis, inflation climbed 0.5%, significantly outpacing forecasts of 0.3% and marking the biggest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43656846/inflation-rises-more-than-expected-in-january-chills-interest-rate-cut-hopes">jump since August 2023.</a>



Energy prices were the main culprit, with fuel oil surging 6.2%, while egg prices skyrocketed 15%, hitting fresh record highs. Yet inflationary pressures were also evident among services.



Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, edged up to 3.3% year-over-year, beating expectations of a decline to 3.1%. Additionally, inflation at the producer level surprised to the upside, signaling <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/02/43692996/inflation-fears-mount-as-producer-prices-soar-to-35-put-fed-interest-rate-cut-on-ice">broad-based price pressures.</a>



During his semiannual testimony before Congress, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated there is &#8220;no rush&#8221; to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43668443/powell-to-congress-fed-is-not-there-yet-on-inflation-cpi-was-above-every-forecast-us-debt-path-is-unsustainable">cut interest rates.</a>



In response, investors delayed expectations for the first Fed rate cut to December, signaling expectations of a prolonged period of steady rates. Some economists even speculated that a rate hike may be necessary to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/02/43667841/inflation-runs-hot-in-january-houston-we-have-a-problem-experts-warn">curb the inflationary wave.</a>



Despite hotter-than-expected inflation, risk sentiment remained largely intact as Trump reportedly engaged in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to initiate negotiations for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/02/43674775/trump-putin-highly-productive-call-sparks-oil-sell-off-as-investors-eye-geopolitical-de-escalation">peace in Ukraine</a>. This news helped keep oil prices stable for the week.



On Thursday, Trump announced a plan to impose &#8220;reciprocal tariffs&#8221; on all countries, meaning the U.S. would match other nations&#8217; tariff rates. Yet a study period lasting until April 1 suggests there is room for negotiations before any final implementation. The U.S. dollar weakened amid the less-aggressive tariff stance.



The standout performer of the week was Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), which posted its strongest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43723036/intel-on-a-tear-says-analyst-on-18a-node-optimism-company-targets-2026-profitability-boost-as-trump-20-reportedly-drive-chipmakers-toward-intel-foundry">weekly rally since 1975.</a> The surge was driven by a government push to expand domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, reports emerged that Intel may join forces with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) in a joint venture, further <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43685791/taiwan-semiconductor-could-be-the-lifeline-intel-needs-as-rumors-swirl-of-a-us-backed-joint-venture">fueling investor optimism.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43746268/david-tepper-rausing-family-boost-nvidia-holdings-ahead-of-stock-volatility">David Tepper, Rausing Family Boost Nvidia Holdings Ahead Of Stock Volatility</a></li>
</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Global

Econ #s

Federal Reserve

INTC

Inflation Spikes In January, Wall Street Rallies On Ukraine Peace Talks, Delayed Tariffs: This Week In The Markets

The week was buzzing with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) news. From a rare Steve Jobs-signed business card going under the hammer to the announcement of a new product launch, Apple has been making headlines. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories.



Steve Jobs&#8217;s Signed Business Card Up For Auction



A unique piece of Apple history is drawing significant attention at an ongoing auction. A business card signed by the late co-founder,&nbsp;Steve Jobs, dating back to 1983, is up for grabs. This rare memorabilia, authenticated by RR Auction, features Jobs&#8217;s signature alongside the iconic Apple rainbow logo, despite some minor imperfections.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43755318/steve-jobs-signed-rare-apple-business-card-goes-up-for-auction-bids-touch-75000">Read the full article here.</a>



Tim Cook Announces New Product Launch



Apple CEO&nbsp;Tim Cook&nbsp;has confirmed a new product launch on February 19, sparking speculation that the iPhone SE 4 could be on the horizon. Cook made the announcement via a post on X, formerly Twitter, and even Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk joined in the buzz by reposting Cook&#8217;s tweet.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43720367/tim-cook-confirms-new-apple-product-launch-next-week-elon-musk-sets-off-buzz-by-sharing-is-it-the-iphone-se-4">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple Watch Users Strap Devices To Ankles



A new trend among Apple Watch users has emerged, with users strapping the device to their ankles. Fitness enthusiasts have adopted this practice to improve heart rate monitoring, especially for those with smaller wrists. Others have found practical reasons for the trend, like tracking steps while pushing a stroller.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43583166/apple-watch-users-are-strapping-them-to-their-anklesand-some-people-are-seriously-confused">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple&#8217;s Genius Super Bowl Strategy



Apple played a significant role in Super Bowl LIX without directly advertising its products. YouTuber and reviewer Nikias Molina praised the strategy as &#8220;discretely genius,&#8221; noting that Apple focused on culture, music, and community engagement. Apple CEO Tim Cook and Senior VP Eddy Cue were present at the event, reinforcing the company&#8217;s deep ties to the Super Bowl.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43613962/apples-super-bowl-lix-strategy-was-discretely-genius-says-youtuber-nikias-molinaheres-how-it-stole-the-spotlight-without-selling-a-single-product">Read the full article here.</a>



iOS 18.3.1 Released With Critical Security Fix



Apple rolled out iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1 updates on Monday. The updates address a vulnerability that could disable USB Restricted Mode on locked devices. Apple confirmed that the flaw, which required physical access to the device, was exploited in sophisticated attacks targeting specific individuals.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43613306/ios-1831-released-with-critical-security-fix-apple-confirms-usb-restricted-mode-vulnerability-was-actively-exploited">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43754366/mark-zuckerberg-follows-elon-musks-footsteps-as-meta-reportedly-plans-major-investment-into-ai-powered-humanoid-robots">Mark Zuckerberg Follows Elon Musk&#8217;s Footsteps As Meta Reportedly Plans Major Investment Into AI-Powered Humanoid Robots</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



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

Tech

AAPL

Steve Jobs' Signature, New Apple Launch, And Ankle Watches: This Week In Appleverse

The week was abuzz with tech giants making significant moves and stirring up discussions. Elon Musk&#8217;s whopping $97 billion acquisition proposal to OpenAI was turned down, while Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta is reportedly planning a major investment into AI-powered humanoid robots. Intel might find a lifeline in a joint venture with Taiwan Semiconductor, and Scarlett Johansson&#8217;s call for AI regulation has sparked a conversation.



OpenAI Rejects Musk&#8217;s $97 Billion Acquisition Proposal



The board of OpenAI has turned down a substantial $97.4 billion acquisition offer from Elon Musk and his consortium of investors, according to the Wall Street Journal. The decision was communicated via a letter to Musk&#8217;s lawyer, stating that the offer was not in line with OpenAI&#8217;s mission. OpenAI&#8217;s chairman, Bret Taylor, stressed that the company is not for sale and the board unanimously rejected Musk&#8217;s offer.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43755069/openai-board-rejects-elon-musks-97-billion-acquisition-proposal-days-after-sam-altman-calls-it-a-move-to-slow-down-a-competitor">Read the full article here.</a>



Meta to Invest in AI-Powered Humanoid Robots



Following in the footsteps of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg&#8216;s Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) is reportedly planning a significant investment into AI-powered humanoid robots. Bloomberg reports that Meta is forming a new team within its Reality Labs hardware division to lead this initiative. The tech giant aims to develop its own humanoid robot hardware, initially for household tasks, with a broader goal of creating AI, sensors, and software for robots that other companies will manufacture and sell.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43754366/mark-zuckerberg-follows-elon-musks-footsteps-as-meta-reportedly-plans-major-investment-into-ai-powered-humanoid-robots">Read the full article here.</a>



Intel May Find Lifeline in Joint Venture with Taiwan Semiconductor



Rumors suggest that Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) could be facing a turning point with a potential US-backed joint venture with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>). Baird analyst Tristan Gerra reports that supply chain sources indicate the U.S. government might intervene to push this joint venture to strengthen domestic chip manufacturing. The deal would involve TSMC deploying engineers to Intel&#8217;s advanced 3nm and 2nm fabrication plants to ensure the success of Intel&#8217;s foundry business.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43685791/taiwan-semiconductor-could-be-the-lifeline-intel-needs-as-rumors-swirl-of-a-us-backed-joint-venture">Read the full article here.</a>



Scarlett Johansson Calls for Urgent AI Regulation



Actress Scarlett Johansson has called on lawmakers for urgent AI regulations following a viral AI-generated video featuring her and other Jewish celebrities. The fabricated video, which has sparked concerns over deepfake misuse, shows AI versions of Johansson and other Jewish celebrities appearing to oppose rapper Kanye West.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/02/43682489/scarlett-johansson-calls-for-urgent-ai-regulation-after-fake-kanye-west-video-spreads-government-paralyzed">Read the full article here.</a>



OpenAI&#8217;s Board Claims No Official Receipt of Musk&#8217;s Bid



Despite claims from Musk&#8217;s legal team, OpenAI&#8216;s board has reportedly not officially received Musk&#8217;s $97.4 billion takeover bid. Musk&#8217;s attorney, Marc Toberoff, told Reuters that a four-page Letter of Intent outlining the bid was emailed to OpenAI&#8217;s legal representatives at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen &amp; Katz.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43646042/elon-musks-97-4-billion-openai-takeover-bid-reportedly-not-received-by-chatgpt-parent-another-one-of-his-tactics-says-sam-altman">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43754366/mark-zuckerberg-follows-elon-musks-footsteps-as-meta-reportedly-plans-major-investment-into-ai-powered-humanoid-robots">Mark Zuckerberg Follows Elon Musk&#8217;s Footsteps As Meta Reportedly Plans Major Investment Into AI-Powered Humanoid Robots</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



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

Entertainment

Elon Musk's OpenAI Bid, Meta's AI Robots, Intel's Lifeline, Johansson's AI Regulation Plea, And More: This Week In AI

Benzinga examined the prospects for <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas">many investors&#8217; favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here&#8217;s a look at some of our top stories.



The S&amp;P 500 rose about 1.5% this week, while the Dow gained 0.6% and the Nasdaq climbed 2.6%. Inflation remains a concern, but Wall Street stayed resilient as optimism grew around Ukraine peace talks and President Donald Trump's tariff proposal, which appeared less severe than initially expected. 



January's Consumer Price Index rose 3% year-over-year, exceeding forecasts, with energy and food prices—particularly eggs—driving the increase, while core inflation also came<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/02/43692996/inflation-fears-mount-as-producer-prices-soar-to-35-put-fed-interest-rate-cut-on-ice"> in hotter than anticipated. </a>



Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled no urgency to cut interest rates, prompting investors to push back expectations for the first rate cut to December, with some economists even suggesting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43748007/inflation-spikes-in-january-wall-street-rallies-on-ukraine-peace-talks-delayed-tariffs-this-week-in-the-markets">hike could be on the table.</a>



Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#8217;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bulls</h3>



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43592144/us-steel-aluminum-stocks-rally-as-trump-revives-25-tariff-plan">US Steel, Aluminum Stocks Rally As Trump Revives 25% Tariff Plan</a>,&#8221; by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/piero-cingari">Piero Cingari</a>, reports that steel and aluminum stocks surged after Trump announced plans to reintroduce 25% tariffs on imported metals. Shares of Alcoa Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AA#NYSE">AA</a>), Century Aluminum Co. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CENX#NASDAQ">CENX</a>), Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLF#NYSE">CLF</a>), and United States Steel Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>) jumped.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43700767/netflix-stock-attractive-at-all-time-highs-for-analyst-virtuous-circle-of-strong-subscriber-growth-more-revenue-and-growing-profit">Netflix Stock Attractive At All-Time Highs For Analyst: &#8216;Virtuous Circle Of Strong Subscriber Growth, More Revenue, And Growing Profit&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>, highlights a JPMorgan analyst reiterating an Overweight rating on Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) with a $1,150 price target, citing strong subscriber growth, higher engagement, and price hikes expected to boost 2025 revenue by $2 billion in the U.S. and $370 million in the UK.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43648469/hold-dogecoin-until-march-24-says-top-crypto-trader-expecting-nice-pumps-but-look-out-for-these-sell-signals">Hold Dogecoin Until March 24, Says Top Crypto Trader Expecting &#8216;Nice Pumps:&#8217; But Look Out For These &#8216;Sell&#8217; Signals</a>,&#8221; by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/aniket-verma">Aniket Verma</a>, reports on a crypto trader forecasting a Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) rally around March 24, citing Fibonacci time zones. Another analyst highlights increased whale activity and daily active addresses as indicators of potential bullish momentum.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43676849/dutch-bros-stock-rallies-after-blockbuster-q4-results-details">Dutch Bros Stock Rallies After Blockbuster Q4 Results: Details</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43676556/applovin-stock-soars-on-q4-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-strong-guidance-and-more">Applovin Stock Soars On Q4 Earnings: Revenue Beat, EPS Beat, Strong Guidance And More</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/02/43678005/super-micro-rides-ai-server-boom-analysts-see-big-2026-growth-despite-near-term-challenges">Super Micro Rides AI Server Boom, Analysts See Big 2026 Growth Despite Near-Term Challenges</a>



The Bears



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43600852/china-sets-sights-on-us-tech-companies-as-trade-tensions-rise">China Sets Sights On Apple, Nvidia And Other US Tech Companies As Trade Tensions Rise</a>,&#8221; by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/adam-eckert">Adam Eckert</a>, reports that China is compiling a list of U.S. tech firms to target with potential antitrust probes, aiming to gain leverage in trade negotiations. Companies like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), and Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) could face scrutiny, escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43660030/trump-tariff-threats-put-pressure-on-taiwan-semiconductor-could-push-advanced-packaging-capacity-to-us">Taiwan Semiconductor Under Pressure From Trump Tariff Threats, Could Push Advanced Packaging Capacity to US</a>,&#8221; by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/anusuya-lahiri-0">Anusuya Lahiri</a>, reports Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) facing uncertainty as Trump considers semiconductor tariffs and potentially scrapping CHIPS Act subsidies, prompting Taiwan's deputy economy minister to visit Washington amid growing trade tensions.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43651110/starbucks-faces-legal-action-over-alleged-discriminatory-hiring-practices">Racism Has No Place in Missouri&#8217;: State Attorney General Sues Starbucks Over Hiring Policies</a>,&#8221; by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivani-kumaresan">Shivani Kumaresan</a>, reports on Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey suing Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>), alleging that its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives violate federal and state anti-discrimination laws by tying executive compensation to racial and gender quotas.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/02/43667841/inflation-runs-hot-in-january-houston-we-have-a-problem-experts-warn">Inflation Runs Hot In January: &#8216;Houston, We Have A Problem,&#8217; Experts Warn</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43729865/serve-robotics-tumbles-after-nvidia-exit-shakes-investor-confidence">Serve Robotics Tumbles After Nvidia Exit Shakes Investor Confidence</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43585701/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-vp-of-finance-address-allegations-of-tax-fraud-losses-were-high-for-many-years-so-carry-forward">Tesla CEO Elon Musk, VP Of Finance Address Allegations Of Tax Fraud: &#8216;Losses Were High For Many Years, So Carry Forward&#8217;</a>



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



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Long Ideas

Short Ideas

AVGO

CENX

NFLX

SBUX

Benzinga Bulls and Bears: Apple, Nvidia, Netflix and Trader Predicts Dogecoin Surge by March 24

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



<ol>
<li>West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WST#NYSE">WST</a>) stock tumbled 33.22% after it reported fourth-quarter results and provided <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43704837" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weaker-than-expected 2025 guidance</a>.</li>



<li>The Trade Desk, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTD#NASDAQ">TTD</a>) stock dipped 31.66% after the company reported worse-than-expected 2024 fiscal-year fourth-quarter earnings and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43701094" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts cut the price forecast</a>.</li>



<li>Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIS#NYSE">FIS</a>) shares fell 17.31% after the company reported fourth-quarter results and several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43671119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lowered the price forecast</a>.</li>



<li>Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIX#NYSE">FIX</a>) stock declined 14.96%.</li>



<li>Twilio Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TWLO#NYSE">TWLO</a>) shares tumbled 14.06% after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43714858" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter financial results</a>. Analysts revised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/twlo/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>



<li>GoDaddy Inc. (NYSE: GDDY) shares fell 13.82% after the company reported fourth-quarter results and analysts changed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43736943" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their price forecasts</a>.</li>



<li>Astera Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALAB#NASDAQ">ALAB</a>) stock dived 13.27% after it reported first-quarter financial results <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43637593" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and missed its EPS estimate</a>.</li>



<li>Hyatt Hotels Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/H#NYSE">H</a>) fell 12.97% last week following a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43699989" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Q4 earnings miss</a>. Analysts lowered <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/H/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their price forecast</a> on the stock.</li>



<li>Reddit Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>) shares tanked 12.81% after the company reported fourth-quarter results and several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43709134" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts revised the price forecast</a>.</li>



<li>Ubiquiti Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UI#NYSE">UI</a>) shares fell 12.51% after it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43556594" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported quarterly earnings</a>. Analysts revised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ui/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>



<li>Zebra Technologies Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZBRA#NASDAQ">ZBRA</a>) stock decreased 12.40% after the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43705227" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported results for the fourth quarter</a>. Many analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/zbra/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trimmed the price forecasts</a>.</li>
</ol>



Photo via Shutterstock

Large Cap

ALAB

GDDY

RDDT

TWLO

ZBRA

Reddit, GoDaddy & Trade Desk Are Among Top 11 Large-Cap Losers Last Week (Feb 10-Feb 14): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

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



<ol>
<li>Hims &amp; Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>) stock escalated 42.12% last week. The stock may have gained amid momentum following its Super Bowl ad.</li>



<li>Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AUR#NASDAQ">AUR</a>) stock jumped 41.53% after the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43675203" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported fourth-quarter results</a>. </li>



<li>Applovin Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>) stock upped 35.77% after the company reported upbeat fourth-quarter results and analysts raised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43709891" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>



<li>Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) stock grew 32.06% after the company reported preliminary second-quarter financial results and analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43678005" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boosted the price forecast</a>.</li>



<li>Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEM#NASDAQ">TEM</a>) stock increased 29.70% after the company announced a collaboration with IFLI for the development of targeted therapies for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43701711" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">follicular lymphoma patients</a>.</li>



<li>DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DKNG#NASDAQ">DKNG</a>) shares rose 26.51% after the company reported better-than-expected results and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43714236" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised its FY25 revenue guidance</a>. Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Graham maintained a Buy rating and raised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/dkng/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $54 to $60</a>.</li>



<li>Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) stock gained 23.56%, possibly on continued strength amid market <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43723036" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optimism toward its 18A process node</a>.</li>



<li>Monday.com Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNDY#NASDAQ">MNDY</a>) stock increased 23.33% after the company reported better-than-expected earnings for its fiscal fourth quarter, and several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43622049" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts revised their price forecasts</a>.</li>



<li>Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BROS#NYSE">BROS</a>) stock upped 22.75% after the company reported better-than-expected financial results for the fourth quarter. Several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43704124" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts raised price forecasts</a>.</li>



<li>CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) shares rose 21.88% after the company reported fourth-quarter results, and several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43709040" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts upgraded or revised their forecasts</a>.</li>



<li>Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) stock gained 20.50% last week <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43631776" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">after reports</a> of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) partnership to develop AI features for iPhone users in China.</li>



<li>Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABNB#NASDAQ">ABNB</a>) shares upped 19.59% after the company reported upbeat fourth-quarter results and analysts boosted the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43736004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
</ol>



Image via Shutterstock

ABNB

BABA

BROS

DKNG

HIMS

MNDY

SMCI

Super Micro Computer, Intel, Alibaba And CVS Are Among Top 13 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Feb 10-Feb 14): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Warren Buffett&#8216;s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) made significant adjustments to its portfolio in Q4 2024, reducing its investment in a number of stocks. However, its stake in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) remains unchanged, as revealed in the recent 13F filings.



What Happened:&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway has continued to offload its shares in&nbsp;Bank of America Corp.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), one of its largest holdings. The company also downsized its stake in&nbsp;Citigroup Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>) and sold a portion of its investment in&nbsp;Capital One Financial Corp.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COF#NYSE">COF</a>).



In addition, Berkshire Hathaway announced a new $1.2 billion position in&nbsp;Constellation Brands, Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STZ#NYSE">STZ</a>), a U.S. seller of Modelo and Corona beer, and divested&nbsp;its shares of Ulta Beauty.



According to the report <a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/buffetts-berkshire-holds-on-to-apple-shares-but-trims-stakes-in-bofa-citi-and-capital-one-b9efdb12">by </a>Wall Street Journal, despite ongoing speculation, Berkshire Hathaway did not sell any of its 300 million Apple shares, which were valued at $75.1 billion as of December 31, 2024.



The regulatory filing also indicated that Berkshire increased its investments in Domino&#8217;s Pizza and Pool Corp., which it had previously disclosed three months ago.



Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42803589/warren-buffetts-advice-for-overpriced-stocks-zip-up-your-wallet-take-a-vacation-and-come-back-in-a-few-years-to-buy-stocks-at-cheap-prices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Advice for Overpriced Stocks: ‘Zip up Your Wallet, Take a Vacation, and Come Back in a Few Years To Buy Stocks at Cheap Prices&#8217;</a>



Investors are eagerly awaiting Buffett&#8217;s annual letter, set to be released on February 22, for insights into these recent trading decisions.



Why It Matters: The recent changes in Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s portfolio reflect the company&#8217;s strategic investment decisions. The continued investment in Apple, despite the sale of other tech stocks, suggests confidence in the tech giant&#8217;s performance. 



The reduction in financial stocks could indicate a shift in Berkshire&#8217;s investment strategy, possibly due to changing market conditions or a reassessment of the financial sector&#8217;s future prospects. The new stake in Constellation Brands and increased positions in Domino&#8217;s Pizza and Pool Corp. highlight Berkshire&#8217;s interest in diversifying its portfolio. 



The upcoming annual letter from Buffett will likely provide further clarity on these decisions.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43423897/buffett-advises-against-using-credit-cards-as-a-source-of-funds-paying-it-off-is-gonna-be-way-better-than-any-investment-idea">Buffett Advises Against Using Credit Cards as a Source of Funds: &#8216;Paying It off Is Gonna Be Way Better Than Any Investment Idea&#8217;</a>



Image: Shutterstock

Earnings

Berkshire Hathaway Adjusts Portfolio, Keeps Apple Stake Unchanged, Offloads Stakes in BofA

Billionaire investor&nbsp;Bill Ackman&nbsp;has ramped up his stake in&nbsp;Nike&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) by 15%, while simultaneously cutting back his investment in&nbsp;Chipotle Mexican Grill&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) by 14%, as per the recent 13F regulatory filing.



What Happened: Ackman&#8217;s firm,&nbsp;Pershing Square Capital Management, now holds&nbsp;18.8 million shares in Nike&nbsp;and 24.7 million shares in&nbsp;Chipotle. Pershing Square has been a Chipotle shareholder since 2016.



Ackman, known for his active involvement in companies like&nbsp;Canadian Pacific Kansas City&nbsp;and&nbsp;Air Products and Chemicals, has been relatively quiet in recent years. Nonetheless, his investment decisions continue to draw interest.



Over time, Pershing Square has been steadily decreasing&nbsp;its investment in Chipotle, one&nbsp;of its major success stories in recent years. As of June 30, the firm&nbsp;owned 28.8 million Chipotle shares.



The regulatory document 13F filing, also disclosed that Pershing Square trimmed its stake in&nbsp;Hilton Worldwide Holdings&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HLT#NYSE">HLT</a>)&nbsp;by 26% to 5.4 million&nbsp;shares. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42635629/bill-ackmans-advice-stay-away-from-shorting-stocks-avoid-commodity-sensitive-industries-and-you-do-great">Bill Ackman&#8217;s Advice: &#8216;Stay Away From Shorting Stocks, Avoid Commodity-Sensitive Industries, And You Do Great&#8217;</a>



The firm&#8217;s largest holding is investment company&nbsp;Brookfield,&nbsp;with roughly 35 million shares.



Why It Matters: This portfolio adjustment comes as Ackman&#8217;s firm continues to navigate the fluctuating market conditions. The decision to increase the stake in Nike could be seen as a vote of confidence in the sportswear giant&#8217;s growth prospects. 



On the other hand, the reduction in Chipotle and Hilton stakes might suggest a cautious approach towards the hospitality sector, which has been hit hard by the pandemic. 



These moves reflect Ackman&#8217;s strategy of balancing growth potential with risk management in his investment decisions.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40082441/bill-ackman-hits-pause-on-pershing-square-ipo-after-investors-hesitate">Bill Ackman Hits Pause On Pershing Square IPO After Investors Hesitate</a>



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Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Adjusts Portfolio, Trims Chipotle and Boosts Nike

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43669470/im-so-sorry-dave-ramsey-left-speechless-after-hearing-the-capital-gains-tax-a-canadian-restaurant-owner-would-owe-if-he-sold-his-business">Dave Ramsey</a> has made his stance clear on corporate taxes and how they affect regular Americans. In a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QaHbofQy-qU">recent clip</a> "The Ramsey Show" posted on YouTube Shorts, Ramsey explains that the idea of taxing corporate America is "mythology."



"The company that I own is a corporation," he explained. "Now, if you raise the taxes on that company, on your basis, then do you not think the cost of a ‘Total Money Makeover' book or the cost of a ‘Financial Peace' kit for you to attend the class is gonna go up?"



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Ramsey used his own business as an example to show that when companies face higher taxes, it's the consumer who ends up paying. Economists have argued this idea for years: when corporate taxes go up, the cost is usually passed on to consumers through higher prices, employees through lower wages, and shareholders through decreased returns.



But not everyone agrees with this view.



Corporate taxes have been a point of debate for a long time. In 2017, the Trump administration lowered the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Supporters of the cuts believed this would spark growth and lead to better wages for workers. However, a survey from the National Association for Business Economics found that only 4% of businesses actually increased hiring as a result of the tax change.



Trending: 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>.



During his campaign for a second term, President Donald Trump even proposed further <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41291635/are-trumps-proposed-corporate-tax-cuts-the-key-to-unleashing-a-stock-market-boom-heres-what-history">cutting corporate taxes to 15%</a>. Whether this will happen remains to be seen, but the debate continues.



Despite arguments for tax cuts boosting the economy, many Americans believe corporations need to pay more. A <a href="https://news.gallup.com/opinion/polling-matters/652151/americans-stand-taxes.aspx">Gallup poll</a> found that 70% of Americans feel big companies don't pay enough taxes. Public opinion on this issue differs by political affiliation, with 94% of Democrats, 78% of Independents, and 63% of Republicans supporting higher corporate tax rates.



Supporters of raising corporate taxes argue that businesses should contribute more to support public services and infrastructure. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43578641/bernie-sanders-says-we-must-not-savage-programs-for-working-families-to-provide-huge-tax-breaks-for-billionaires">Bernie Sanders</a> (I-VT) has been vocal about this, saying, "At a time of massive wealth and income inequality and soaring corporate profits, it is an outrage that many large, profitable corporations continue to pay little to nothing in federal income taxes."



Chuck Marr and his team at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities argue that the 2017 tax cuts mainly benefited wealthy individuals, and they believe raising the corporate tax rate to 28% could generate $1.3 trillion over the next decade, providing funding for critical public needs.



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On the other hand, opponents of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41658421/no-one-in-the-u-s-would-have-to-pay-a-dime-in-taxes-warren-buffett-on-berkshire-hathaways-federal-ta">higher corporate taxes</a> say it could slow down economic growth, lead to higher prices for consumers, and push businesses to move abroad. Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) wrote in <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/09/25/rep-miller-raising-corporate-tax-rate-hurt-american-business-investment-consumers-politics-congress-economy/?abc123">Fortune</a> in September that raising corporate taxes would "slow economic growth, reduce jobs, and weaken U.S. competitiveness."



Economists like E.J. Antoni from the Heritage Foundation argue that corporations don't truly bear the tax burden—consumers, workers, and shareholders do. He said taxes are simply another cost of doing business, and those costs end up being passed on to people in different ways.



The corporate tax debate is ongoing, with strong opinions on both sides. While Ramsey and others argue that consumers ultimately pay the price, those in favor of raising taxes believe it's necessary for fairness and to support essential public services. As the conversation continues, the effects on businesses, workers, and everyday people will remain a major point of discussion.



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Personal Finance

'The Idea That You're Going To Tax Corporate America Is Mythology' Dave Ramsey Says, The Consumer Always Pays

Within the first week of his inauguration, President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43177482/trump-signs-executive-order-on-crypto-bitcoin-reserve-to-be-evaluated">signed an executive order</a> that included a directive to evaluate the creation of a "strategic national digital assets stockpile." The Federal Reserve has also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43646173/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-dip-even-as-fed-chair-powell-says-no-to-cbdcs-analyst-says-btc-under-consolidation-but-next-big-move-could-be-likely">shunned plans</a> to create a central bank digital currency, setting a conducive ecosystem for cryptocurrencies to grow.



However, the move has sharply contrasted with the policy of the European Central Bank, which ruled out <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43344908/bitcoin-will-not-be-considered-for-central-bank-reserves-ecb-president-christine-lagarde-says">adding digital assets to monetary frameworks</a>. 



One of the ECB's fiercest critics, Sarah Knafo, a European Parliament member from France, spoke with Benzinga about how Europe was missing out on an impending "revolution" by ignoring Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and clinging to inflationary fiat currencies. 



Knafo belongs to the French-nationalist Reconquête party, which was founded in late 2021. She was elected to the European Parliament in 2024 and currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Europe of Sovereign Nations Group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Fight Against &#8220;Totalitarian&#8221; ECB</h2>



The European lawmaker said Bitcoin was a response to the "galloping" inflation in Europe.&nbsp;



"Public deficit leads to monetary creation, which creates inflation, which leads to chaos. Because of these poor political choices, our traditional currencies have only collapsed for decades, while that of Bitcoin only strengthens," Knafo stated, aligning with the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41930918/trumps-high-inflation-regime-will-weaken-the-dollar-and-push-bitcoin-to-1m-says-arthur-hayes-get-long-and-stay-long">arguments of Bitcoin maximalists</a>.&nbsp;



In a recent address to the European Parliament, Knafo slammed the idea of a digital euro and backed the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve.&nbsp;



"I am going to fight the digital euro, this totalitarian temptation of the ECB, by alerting public opinion," Knafo said. "I will do everything my status as a member of Parliament allows me to do."



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ECB, on the other hand, states on its website that the digital euro will provide a higher level of privacy than other digital payment systems and that the infrastructure provider won&#8217;t be able to connect transactions to individuals. The central bank declined to categorically respond to Knafo&#8217;s accusations.



Regarding Bitcoin, ECB President Christine Lagarde said last month that the leading cryptocurrency does not align with its standards for safety, liquidity, and regulatory compliance, and hence fails the reserve asset test.



It's worth noting that<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43622299/poland-rejects-bitcoin-reserves-as-czech-republic-and-us-explore-crypto-holdings"> Poland has ruled out</a> adding Bitcoin to its reserves, while another non-eurozone member, the Czech Republic, showed interest in exploring the idea.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The El Salvador Playbook</h2>



When asked if Bitcoin might become legal money alongside the euro, the lawmaker stated, &#8220;I believe that Bitcoin has the capacity to be an answer, without replacing traditional currencies.&#8221;&nbsp;



Knafo reserved special praise for El Salvador, the first country to adopt Bitcoin as a legal tender. "For the moment, El Salvador&#8217;s choice is visibly paying off and offers a very interesting and innovative growth driver."



Interestingly, President Nayib Bukele, under whose administration Bitcoin became a legal tender, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40644084/el-salvador-president-nayib-bukele-says-bitcoin-uptake-hasnt-been-a-resounding-success-we-">admitted last year</a> that the cryptocurrency hasn&#8217;t witnessed widespread adoption as expected.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Michael Saylor Is A Genius, The U.S. A Pioneer</h2>



Knafo acknowledged the pro-cryptocurrency pivot in the U.S. under Trump, contrasting it with the "slowness" of European institutions.&nbsp;



"Historically, the United States has had the ability to scale up at the forefront of innovation, while the EU wastes time regulating before innovating. This freedom allows them to be pioneers," she said.&nbsp;



Knafo also talked about her <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43596456/strategy-acquires-7633-bitcoin-for-742-4-million-boosts-holdings-to-478740-btc">recent meeting</a> with Michael Saylor, the co-founder of the world's largest Bitcoin holding company, Strategy.



"This meeting was absolutely fascinating, and Michael is a genius entrepreneur. We talked about Bitcoin but also about many other future topics such as AI, French nuclear power, and the future of Europe.&#8221;



Photo Courtesy: Sarah Knafo



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Exclusives

EXCLUSIVE: Bitcoin Has 'Capacity' To Become Legal Tender In Europe, Says EU Member Of Parliament Sarah Knafo: 'I Am Going To Fight The Digital Euro' And The Totalitarian ECB

Cryptocurrency analyst&nbsp;Michaël van de Poppe&nbsp;has shared insights on potential trajectories&nbsp;for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and altcoins&nbsp;in the coming months.



What Happened: Van de Poppe suggests two scenarios: one where Bitcoin peaks in late 2025 and altcoins surge in early 2026, following the typical four-year cycle influenced by Bitcoin halving events.



The second scenario, according to Van de Poppe, involves even larger rallies for cryptocurrencies, driven by rising equity prices and policies from&nbsp;President Donald Trump.



"The S&amp;P is going to copy-paste the last four years of the dotcom bubble with four years of 20% returns or more which is a very rare case and which is basically designing the entire bubble that was happening in the dotcom bubble and might be the case again with AI and blockchain," he explained.



He predicts that the S&amp;P index could mimic the dotcom bubble&#8217;s returns, potentially leading Bitcoin to reach $1 million and altcoins to experience extreme valuations.



"If the S&amp;P is going to do that, Bitcoin is going to be the beta play on top of that where Trump is going to fuel that entire run where Bitcoin goes to a $1 million and altcoins can go completely wild with irrational valuations."



Van de Poppe warns of a significant market correction following these events, suggesting a shift in macroeconomic conditions.



He emphasizes that this cycle might have started late for altcoins, marking&nbsp;the longest bear market in&nbsp;their history.



Why It Matters: On Friday, Bitcoin, Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), XRP ((CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>), and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) posted gains, indicating strong market activity.



A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43746357/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-rally-trader-predicts-weekend-pullback-before-push-to-103000">recent report</a>&nbsp;highlighted predictions of a weekend pullback before a potential push to $103,000 for Bitcoin.



Additionally, there is growing speculation around the approval of a Dogecoin ETF in 2025. Betting markets, as per&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43742669/a-dogecoin-etf-approval-in-2025-is-becoming-increasingly-likely-polymarket-traders-speculate">Polymarket data</a>, show a 74% chance of approval by the end of 2025, reflecting increased optimism since President Trump&#8217;s inauguration.



Moreover,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43723429/arthur-hayes-says-trump-coin-will-lead-bitcoin-if-market-sentiment-turns-favorable-calls-memecoin-purest-and-most-honest-popularity-metric">Arthur Hayes</a>, co-founder of BitMEX, has suggested that a positive shift in market sentiment could propel the Trump coin ahead of Bitcoin.



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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



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