Kartoon Studios (AMEX:TOON) Bolsa

Kartoon Studios

Kartoon Studios Inc is a media company developing, producing, marketing, and licensing branded animated entertainment properties and consumer products for media and retail distribution. Its portfolio features programming for toddlers to tweens, including the preschool properties Rainbow Rangers for Nick Jr. and Llama Llama for Netflix, Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten, Shaq's Garage, toddler brand Baby Genius, STEM-based series Thomas Edison's Secret Lab, Warren Buffett's Secret Millionaires Club, and the new preschool show, Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten. Its channel is available on television and mobile devices through distribution platforms, including Comcast, Cox, DISH, Sling TV, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, Tubi, Xumo, and Amazon Fire.

Kartoon Studios Inc

BOC Aviation Ltd. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCVVF#OTC">BCVVF</a>) has signed agreements to acquire 50 Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) 737-8 jets and 70 Airbus SE (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EADSF#OTC">EADSF</a>) A320neo aircraft, the Singapore-based leasing firm said Monday. 
The financial terms were not disclosed. The deal underscores continued demand for narrowbody aircraft amid growing global travel demand and fleet modernization efforts.
BOC Aviation, originally wholly owned by Bank of China, has a 30% stake listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Sky Splendor, a Bank of China subsidiary, holds the remaining 70%, according <a href="https://centreforaviation.com/data/profiles/lessors/boc-aviation">to</a> Centre for Aviation data.
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Image via Shutterstock

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Boeing Lands 50-Jet Deal With BOC Aviation As Part Of 120-Aircraft Order

On Sunday, President Donald Trump hinted at a possible third-term run, raising questions about constitutional limits.
What Happened: Trump did not rule out the possibility of a third term in office, despite the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution prohibiting such an action. 
&#8220;A lot of people want me to do it,&#8221; said Trump. The president, however, said that it was &#8220;very early&#8221; and he had a &#8220;long way to go.&#8221; He disclosed that he was focused on his current term for now, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-third-term-white-house-methods-rcna198752">reported</a> NBC News.
When Trump was pressed, whether he would like another term, he made it clear that he was &#8220;not joking.&#8221;
When questioned about a potential scenario where Vice President JD Vance could assume the presidency and then transfer the role to Trump, the President acknowledged it as a possible method. However, he refrained from discussing any other methods.
&#8220;There are methods which you could do it,&#8221; said Trump, without providing further details, according to the report.
Amending the Constitution to remove&nbsp;the two-term limit would be&nbsp;a complex process, necessitating a two-thirds vote from&nbsp;Congress or two-thirds of the&nbsp;states agreeing to call a&nbsp;constitutional convention for proposing changes. Subsequently,&nbsp;ratification from three-quarters of the&nbsp;states would be required.
Despite these constitutional challenges, Trump referred to his poll numbers, implying that &#8220;a lot of people would like me to&#8221; serve a third term. Steve Bannon, a Trump ally, also voiced his belief that Trump could &#8220;run and win again in 2028.&#8221;
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Why It Matters: This isn&#8217;t the first time Trump has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38909755/donald-trump-for-third-term-ex-president-floats-controversial-idea-at-nra-convention">entertained the idea</a> of a third term. He sparked speculation about a potential third term during his address at the National Rifle Association&#8217;s annual meeting in May 2024.
However, critics have questioned Trump&#8217;s capacity to lead, with former National Security Advisor John Bolton <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/38014733/ex-trump-advisor-john-bolton-plays-down-former-presidents-capacity-to-become-a-dictator-in-scathing">expressing skepticism</a> about Trump&#8217;s potential to become a dictator.
In February, the White House posted on X an image of Trump on a magazine cover, wearing a crown, with the title &#8220;Long Live the King.&#8221;
Image via Shutterstock
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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>

Politics

General

Trump Makes It Clear He's Not Joking About A Third Term: 'A Lot Of People Want Me To Do It'

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41285154/mark-cuban-says-if-youre-starting-a-business-and-you-take-out-a-loan-youre-a-moron-99-of-small-b">Starting a business</a> can be a rewarding endeavor, but when the numbers don't add up, tough decisions may be necessary. On a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxv-TKqiqC8">episode</a> of "EntreLeadership," Dave Ramsey spoke with Jen, a business owner from Ontario, Canada, who found herself in a difficult financial position despite running a business with significant sales. Ramsey&#8217;s advice was clear: "Being $450,000 in debt to make zero money is a bad idea."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Business Bringing In Sales — But No Profit</h2>
Jen shared that she had left a successful 20-year career to focus on her side hustle, which had grown into a full-time business. After moving the business from her basement to a physical location, sales reached approximately $870,000 last year. However, despite the strong sales figures, Jen wasn't paying herself — and her business was still <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43970634/to-be-unemployed-in-america-today-is-crazy-dave-ramsey-says-theres-always-a-way-to-make-more-money">struggling financially</a>.
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"I have an opportunity to go back to work in my previous field," Jen said. "Make 100 grand again and get back to earning for my family instead of now having what feels like my business just drain me."
Jen explained that her business expenses, including payroll and overhead, were about $20,000 a month. On top of that, the business had accumulated around $450,000 in debt, including a mortgage on the building, renovation costs, and startup inventory expenses.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Business Model Challenges</h2>
Ramsey pressed Jen on whether the business would be profitable without the mortgage. Jen admitted that the mortgage itself wasn't necessarily the problem — the issue was that sales were declining.
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"[$875,0000] is what we did last year, I would say we&#8217;re down to [$550,000] &#8211; we&#8217;re on track to make [$550,000] this year," Jen said. She attributed the decline to shifting customer behavior. During the pandemic, the business had successfully generated revenue through online courses. But as people returned to in-person events, the business was struggling to scale the same level of revenue with smaller class sizes.
Ramsey pointed out that while owning the building might seem like an investment, the business itself needed to generate enough revenue to cover expenses and provide a profit.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ramsey&#8217;s Advice: Make a Change or Shut It Down</h2>
Ramsey's advice was straightforward: If the business model can't be adjusted to turn a profit, it's time to walk away.
"If you can figure out a business model that gives you hope — a business model shift, a pricing shift, a delivery of product shift, whatever it is, the way you&#8217;re doing the classroom thing — to where you actually are making a profit and you are paying yourself and you can see your way to that," he said. He said if Jen can't do something to turn her profit around, it's time to close the business.&nbsp;
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Jen asked Ramsey what he thought about keeping the business open to pay her employees, even if she couldn't pay herself.&nbsp;
"It's not your job to just create jobs," Ramsey said. "It&#8217;s wonderful that you create jobs. And that&#8217;s a cool thing. But you&#8217;re supposed to be making money owning a business. That's the point."
Ramsey suggested that Jen take 30 to 45 days to brainstorm solutions, such as adjusting pricing or scaling the business model. If those changes don't work, Ramsey recommended closing the business, selling the building, and returning to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43679558/how-this-39-year-old-with-no-college-degree-built-passive-income-streams-that-pay-18-000-per-month">steady income stream</a> through her previous career.
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Personal Finance

'Being $450,000 In Debt To Make Zero Money Is A Bad Idea' - Dave Ramsey's Advice To Business Owner With No Profit

President Donald Trump has expressed fury over recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin suggesting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should be replaced. 
What Happened: In a weekend interview, Trump said he was "very angry" and warned of economic retaliation if Russia fails to cooperate on halting the Ukraine war.
Putin proposed a transitional government for Ukraine, which would effectively push out Zelenskyy. Trump, in response, threatened to impose sweeping &#8220;secondary tariffs&#8221; on any country purchasing Russian oil, including a 25% to 50% tariff on Russian crude and related products.
Trump made Ukraine a centerpiece of his foreign policy agenda and has pushed for an end to the war. His team helped broker a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, allowing safe passage in the Black Sea and a halt on attacks targeting energy infrastructure. But tensions with Moscow remain high.
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"If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia's fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia's fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia," Trump <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-angry-putin-zelenskyy-iran-sanctions-rcna198729">told </a>to NBC News.
Despite previous criticism of Zelenskyy, Trump signaled he would act against Putin if diplomacy fails. He also said he plans to speak with Putin again this week. "The anger dissipates quickly… if he does the right thing," Trump said, describing their relationship as "very good."
Trump said he also "was pissed off" about Putin's comments about temporary governance and that his anger about Putin's comments had been made known to Moscow.
Trump's tariff threats echo a similar strategy he applied to Venezuela, where countries importing oil from Caracas risked U.S. trade penalties. The same could apply to top buyers of Russian oil such as China, India, Turkey, and Brazil.
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Global

Trump Threatens Russian Oil Tariffs, Says He's 'Very Angry' At Putin

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is moving ahead with its most ambitious health initiative to date, aiming to elevate its Health app with AI capabilities that mimic real doctors. 
Bloomberg&#8217;s Mark Gurman, in his <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-03-30/apple-readies-biggest-push-into-health-yet-with-revamped-app-ai-doctor-service-m8vl97k2?srnd=undefined&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">latest </a>weekly &#8220;Power On&#8221;, has said that the tech giant is also gearing up to launch an M5-powered iPad Pro later this year, and has announced key organizational changes and its next developers conference.
As part of its moon-shot health goals, Apple has been working on Project Mulberry, a major upgrade to its Health app, featuring an AI-driven coach that can deliver customized health insights using user data. This app overhaul will be accompanied by a virtual health guide trained on inputs from internal and external medical professionals, including specialists in sleep, nutrition, and cardiology. The service, potentially branded as "Health+," is expected to debut with iOS 19.4 next year.
The app will integrate video explainers from physicians, track nutrition in detail, and even use iPhone cameras to assess users' exercise form. Apple is also constructing a facility near Oakland, California, where doctors will film educational content for the platform.
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On the hardware front, Apple is testing four new versions of the iPad Pro featuring the M5 chip. These models, now in advanced testing, are expected to launch in the second half of 2025. The company is also working on an M6 version with its own modem chips, which could be ready by 2027. 
Meanwhile, M5 upgrades are coming to MacBook Pro and MacBook Air as well, likely following the same annual release cadence as their M4 predecessors.
Apple quietly announced its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 for June 9–13. The mostly virtual event will feature in-person segments for the keynote and State of the Union. This year's announcement carried a more restrained tone, contrasting with previous years' bold messaging.
The tech giant continues to diversify its business while rivals such as Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) make parallel moves in AI and health. For investors tracking broader trends, the Global X Artificial Intelligence &amp; Technology ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIQ#NASDAQ">AIQ</a>) and iShares U.S. Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYW#NYSE">IYW</a>) remain key barometers of sector momentum.
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Most people start businesses to make more money. Mark Cuban? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43885487/billionaire-mark-cuban-said-the-first-step-to-getting-rich-is-giving-things-up-drink-water-eat-mac-and-cheese-and-save-every-penny">He's already got the billionaire badge</a>. Now he's out to prove that capitalism doesn't have to be cutthroat.
Speaking at <a href="https://youtu.be/y7TSb9oT1lg?si=tUEeiDQTeEUCNTc7">WIRED's The Big Interview</a> event in December, Cuban addressed why his online pharmacy, the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, doesn't chase massive profits.&nbsp;
"I could make more money," he said, pausing as the crowd laughed. "We're a public benefit corporation. But how much f—ing money do I need?"
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He then tossed in a casual dig at his favorite space-faring billionaire rival: "I'm not trying to land on Mars."
That one line summed up Cuban's whole approach to the drug business: practical, transparent, and firmly grounded on Earth.
He didn't have to name Elon Musk to make his point—but he did offer a nod: "And not to take anything away from him for trying. More power to him." Still, for Cubans, it's a simple trade-off: chase more money or shake up a bloated healthcare system. For him, the choice isn't even close.
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Cost Plus Drugs, which Cuban launched in 2022 alongside radiologist Alex Oshmyansky, has been flipping the script on pharmaceutical pricing. Instead of jacking up costs like traditional pharmacy benefit managers—middlemen who negotiate drug prices but often mark them up and pocket the spread—the company slaps a flat 15% markup on the manufacturing price, plus a fixed pharmacy fee. No games, no bloated mystery charges.
It's the kind of pricing model that's caught attention—especially when it results in medications like Droxidopa costing around $20 per month through Cost Plus, compared to $3,000 elsewhere. Yes, that's a real number.
According to Cuban, if Medicare purchased just nine specific drugs through Cost Plus instead of existing suppliers, taxpayers could save billions.&nbsp;
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He's not operating at a loss. The company is profitable. But unlike many of his billionaire peers, Cuban seems <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43662970/mark-cuban-says-u-s-healthcare-is-horrific-calls-for-free-medical-school-to-fix-doctor-shortages-and-soaring-costs">more interested in delivering results</a> than flying too close to the sun—or Mars.
"No American should have to suffer—or worse—because they can't afford basic prescription medications," <a href="https://www.costplusdrugs.com/mission/">Cuban wrote in a public letter.</a> "Many people are spending crazy amounts of money each month just to stay healthy."
The company now offers more than 2,300 prescription meds with home delivery. It's lean, it's efficient, and it's exposing just how padded Big Pharma's bottom line really is.
So no, Cuban isn't angling for another billion. He's aiming for something rarer: a business model that actually helps people without being built on desperation.
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Mark Cuban Says His Online Pharmacy Could Make More, But 'How Much Money Do I Need?'— Adds in Elon Musk Dig: 'Not Trying to Land on Mars'

Mark Cuban, the former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, revealed that his ownership of the team resulted in financial losses running into hundreds of millions of dollars.
What Happened: According to a recent report, Cuban has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Mavericks since he sold his majority share to the Adelson family in December 2023. 
Contrary to his expectations, he did not retain control over basketball operations, as it was not part of the contract when he sold the team. The Adelsons subsequently appointed Nico Harrison to take over.
In a recent Facebook comment, Cuban not only voiced his frustrations about his role with the team, but also revealed that owning the Mavericks was not a profitable venture. 
He claimed to have made money only twice in the 23 years he was the majority owner, resulting in losses of hundreds of millions of dollars.
<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">Mark Cuban says he lost hundreds of millions of dollars owning the Dallas Mavericks "I did every damn thing I could for 23 years. Kept prices lower than not only any NBA team, but lower than college teams too. I made money 2 out of 23 years I was the majority owner. Lost… <a href="https://t.co/ufjvB1lnBy">pic.twitter.com/ufjvB1lnBy</a>
&mdash; NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1905779311292133553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Responding to a former employee&#8217;s criticism, Cuban stated that he had done everything possible for the team over the years, including keeping ticket prices lower than any other NBA or college team. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43581429/mark-cubans-400k-bet-on-teen-founder-comes-with-an-unexpected-invitation-i-want-my-daughters-to-meet-you-and-learn-from-you" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban's $400K Bet On Teen Founder Comes With An Unexpected Invitation: ‘I Want My Daughters To Meet You, And Learn From You'</a>
&#8220;I did every damn thing I could for 23 years. Kept prices lower than not only any NBA team, but lower than college teams too. I had $2 tickets for multiple years. When I sold there were always 4k tickets under $29. I made money 2 out of 23 years I was the majority owner. Lost hundreds of millions of dollars,&#8221; Cuban said on Facebook.  
He also mentioned that he had given bonuses to Mavericks employees when he sold his majority share to the Adelsons.
Since taking over, the Adelsons have increased&nbsp;season ticket prices by an&nbsp;average of over 8% for the next season, hinting at a possible move out&nbsp;of the American Airlines Center.
Why It Matters: Cuban&#8217;s revelation highlights the financial challenges that can come with owning a sports team. Despite his efforts to keep ticket prices low and provide bonuses to employees, Cuban&#8217;s tenure as owner was marked by financial losses. 
This could serve as a cautionary tale for potential sports team owners, emphasizing the importance of sound financial management and strategic planning. 
The Adelsons&#8217; decision to increase ticket prices could be seen as a move to offset these losses, but it remains to be seen how this will impact the team and its fan base in the long run.
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Sports

Mark Cuban's Big Revelation: Says He Lost 'Hundreds Of Millions' Owning The Dallas Mavericks

Major brands are making a cautious return to advertising on Elon Musk&#8216;s social media platform X.
What Happened: According to multiple marketing executives, companies are feeling the pressure to spend nominal amounts on advertising on X. 
This move comes in the wake of Musk&#8217;s influential role in the Trump administration and his legal action against entities that stopped advertising following his $44bn acquisition of the platform in 2022.
Recently, X added more companies to its lawsuit, including Shell, Nestlé, Pinterest, and Lego. Musk&#8217;s AI group xAi acquired X in a deal that valued the platform at $45bn. The plan is to integrate the data, models, and talent of both entities. Investors have shown a positive response to Musk&#8217;s cost-cutting strategy and rising revenues.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44549314/elon-musk-acquires-his-own-social-media-platform-x-through-xai-in-33-billion-deal-says-combined-entity-now-worth-80-billion">Elon Musk Acquires His Own Social Media Platform X Through xAI In $33 Billion Deal, Says Combined Entity Now Worth $80 Billion</a>
According to the report <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/8d3e4dba-1246-482d-9aaa-d970d2cb0a94">by </a>Financial Times, Musk, along with X CEO Linda Yaccarino, is working towards restoring the advertising revenues to 2022 levels. Emarketer data suggests a rise in X&#8217;s revenue to $2.3bn this year, marking an increase from $1.9bn the previous year.
Despite a 2% drop in&nbsp;US ad spend on X&nbsp;in the first two months&nbsp;of 2025, major ad agencies such as&nbsp;WPP,&nbsp;Omnicom,&nbsp;Interpublic Group, and&nbsp;Publicis&nbsp;have agreed&nbsp;to set annual spending targets&nbsp;with X.
Why It Matters: The advertising industry&#8217;s concerns have heightened following X&#8217;s federal antitrust lawsuit against the Global Alliance for Responsible Media, accusing them of an &#8220;illegal boycott&#8221;. 
This move indicates a potential shift in the power dynamics between social media platforms and advertisers, with the latter now seemingly compelled to spend on platforms to avoid legal repercussions.
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Major Brands Resume Advertising On Musk's X Amid Legal Pressure

In a plea to President Donald Trump, American entrepreneur Leonid Smirnov has sought intervention in the Russian seizure of his $200 million canned food business, Glavprodukt.
What Happened: Smirnov, who fears his company is being systematically dismantled under Russian &#8220;temporary management,&#8221; has warned of potential repercussions for other US-owned businesses operating in Russia.
Russian authorities have seized Smirnov&#8217;s company, marking the first instance of an American-owned business being targeted. Smirnov, a Los Angeles-based businessman who fled the Soviet Union in the 1970s, founded Glavprodukt in 1999. The company has since become a household name in Russia, comparable to Campbell&#8217;s in the US.
Smirnov asserts that the seizure of his company is part of a larger campaign by President Vladimir Putin against foreign businesses in Russia. He cautions that if it can happen to him, it can happen to any of the hundreds of US-owned companies operating in Russia, reports <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/03/29/world-news/businessman-asking-trump-to-save-his-200-million-canned-food-empire/">The</a> New York Post.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43900927/mary-trump-slams-uncle-trump-and-his-corrupt-fascist-regime-are-aligned-with-the-agenda-of-vladimir-putin-and-moscow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mary Trump Slams Uncle: ‘Trump and His Corrupt Fascist Regime Are Aligned With the Agenda of Vladimir Putin and Moscow&#8217;</a>
Since the seizure, Smirnov&#8217;s Moscow-based company, which employs&nbsp;1,000 workers across three factories, has begun to experience losses for the first time, with the company&#8217;s value plummeting by&nbsp;as much as 30 percent. He&nbsp;fears for his and his&nbsp;family&#8217;s safety and has called on President Trump to intervene and safeguard American-owned businesses in Russia.
Secretary of State&nbsp;Marco Rubio&nbsp;has suggested that the issue of&nbsp;Glavprodukt would be part of&nbsp;any discussion about resetting U.S.-Russia relations. However, Smirnov fears his company may not survive until then.
Why It Matters: This incident underscores the precarious position of foreign businesses operating in Russia, particularly those owned by Americans. The seizure of Glavprodukt serves as a stark warning to other US-owned companies in Russia, highlighting the potential risks they face amidst escalating tensions between the two nations. 
The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for future dealings between US and Russian businesses, making this a matter of significant concern for American entrepreneurs and investors alike.
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Image: Shutterstock

Us Businessman Appeals to Trump After Russia Seizes His $200 Million Food Empire

Paul Tudor Jones II, a legendary trader known for his unique investment strategy, stresses the significance of protecting existing wealth rather than chasing new fortunes.
Jones, who forwent a conventional business education to set up his own fund, Tudor Investment Corporation, has become a prominent figure in macro trading. His investment strategy doesn&#8217;t revolve around individual companies or sectors, but rather on predicting fluctuations in interest rates and currencies.
Jones gained significant recognition when he successfully shorted the market during Black Monday in 1987. His fund yielded a 200% return that year, earning him an estimated $100 million and establishing his reputation in the hedge fund industry.
In an <a href="https://chinese-school.netfirms.com/Paul-Tudor-Jones-interview.html">interview </a>in 2000, Jones said, &#8220;most people lose money as individual investors or traders because they're not focusing on losing money. He believed that one should not focus on making money but on protecting what you have.&#8221;
&#8220;People need to focus on the money that they have at risk and how much capital is at risk in any single investment they have. If everyone spent 90% of their time on that, not 90% of the time on pie-in-the-sky ideas of how much money they're going to make, then they would be incredibly successful investors,&#8221; he added.  
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43581581/peter-lynchs-timeless-advice-when-the-markets-going-down-and-you-buy-funds-wisely-at-some-point-in-the-future-you-will-be-happy">Peter Lynch&#8217;s Timeless Advice: &#8216;When the Market&#8217;s Going Down and You Buy Funds Wisely, at Some Point in the Future You Will Be Happy&#8217;</a>
Jones&#8217; career is marked by his extraordinary ability to foresee market shifts. He made substantial profits during the market crash in Japan in 1990 and again during the tech bubble burst in the early 2000s.
Jones asserts that the secret to successful trading lies in focusing on risk management and safeguarding existing investments. He encourages investors to dedicate 90% of their time contemplating the capital at risk in their investments instead of fantasizing about potential profits.
Despite a recent performance slump, Jones is resolute in demonstrating his enduring investment acumen. His primary hedge fund recorded&nbsp;an average annual gain of&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;26% from 1987 through 2007,&nbsp;which declined to around 5.3% from 2008 through 2016.
Jones&#8217; emphasis on protecting existing investments over pursuing new riches offers a valuable lesson for investors. His success, despite market fluctuations, underscores the importance of a strong defensive strategy and risk management in trading. 
This approach may be particularly relevant in today&#8217;s volatile market environment, where the focus on risk control could potentially safeguard investors from significant losses.
Read Next
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Success Stories

Legendary Trader Paul Tudor Jones II Says 'One Should Not Focus On Making Money But On Protecting What You Have'

The political activities of Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and SpaceX, have led to a significant backlash, causing a decline in Tesla&#8217;s sales and triggering protests against the company.
What Happened: Musk has been actively participating in politics, endorsing President Donald Trump&#8216;s reelection campaign and serving as a key advisor to the US leader.
As per the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-elon-musk-backlash-warren-buffett-politics-trump-spacex-government-2025-3">by </a>Insider, this political involvement has resulted in boycotts, protests, and even vandalism against Tesla. Musk expressed his surprise at the violent reactions, stating in a post, &#8220;Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.&#8221;
In contrast,&nbsp;Warren Buffett, CEO of&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>), has steered clear of political involvement to avoid potential backlash against his companies. Buffett, who previously supported Democrats, has since retreated, stating he doesn&#8217;t want his employees and shareholders&nbsp;to &#8220;pay the price&#8221; for&nbsp;his political commentary.
However, experts like Sean Lux, an associate professor at Texas Tech University&#8217;s Rawls College of Business, argue that Musk and Buffett have different goals that shape their political strategies. For Musk, his ultimate mission is to reach Mars, and the US government could be a &#8220;tremendous catalyst or impediment&#8221; to those efforts.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44550912/elon-musk-reveals-the-one-thought-that-keeps-him-awake-at-night">Elon Musk Reveals the One Thought That Keeps Him Awake at Night</a>
Despite the backlash, Musk&#8217;s political involvement has had some benefits, such as&nbsp;the Federal Communications Commission&#8217;s recent&nbsp;decision to allow SpaceX&#8217;s Starlink&nbsp;unit to offer direct-to-cell satellite&nbsp;service.
However, the negative impact on Tesla is significant. New Tesla registrations in the US fell 11% in January, and shares are down 45% from their December high. Steven Callander, a professor of political economy at Stanford Graduate School of Business, said the &#8220;real cost to Tesla will be the lost sales and the brand damage.&#8221;
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s political activities and the subsequent backlash highlight the potential risks for CEOs who choose to engage in politics. The impact on Tesla&#8217;s sales and brand image underscores the potential consequences of such involvement. 
While Musk&#8217;s political activities may be driven by his larger mission of reaching Mars, the negative repercussions on Tesla&#8217;s business cannot be overlooked. 
This situation serves as a reminder for other CEOs to carefully consider the potential impact of their political involvement on their companies.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44450341/retail-investors-cashed-out-as-tesla-stock-plunged-50-blame-it-on-elon-musk">Retail Investors Cashed Out as Tesla Stock Plunged 50%, Blame It on Elon Musk</a>

TSLA

Why Elon Musk May Regret Ignoring Warren Buffett's Political Strategy

In a recent interaction with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, YouTube star MrBeast proposed ways to enhance Meta&#8216;s multilingual content reach, emphasizing the potential of AI-generated dubbing to increase viewer retention.
What Happened: MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, appeared on a podcast with Zuckerberg and pointed out that Meta's platforms lag behind YouTube in multilingual dubbing capabilities, which greatly impacts content reach.
During the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMW7-yk296U">interaction</a>, MrBeast elaborated that YouTube allows creators to upload multiple audio tracks in different languages, thereby increasing the accessibility of content for non-English speaking audiences. This feature is absent on Meta&#8217;s platforms, resulting in decreased viewership.
"One thing I think really sucks about Meta is like, on YouTube you can have different audio tracks. So 70% of my audience on YouTube don't speak English, so I upload videos, and then you just upload a bunch of different files, so if you click on my video in Mexico, it autoplays in Spanish," Donaldson said.
&nbsp;"What's brutal is when I post those same videos on Facebook or any of your platforms, I can't import the dubs over, so my viewership is always just infinitely lower because people from Mexico and Brazil and things can't watch it with dubs," he added. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/02/43903423/mrbeast-calls-his-amazon-deal-for-beast-games-a-financial-mistake-this-is-the-price-you-have-to-pay">MrBeast Calls His Amazon Deal for &#8216;Beast Games&#8217; a Financial Mistake: &#8216;This Is the Price You Have to Pay&#8217;</a>
Zuckerberg concurred with MrBeast&#8217;s evaluation, indicating that AI could be a potential solution. MrBeast affirmed that he has already witnessed enhanced viewer retention on other platforms that employ AI-generated dubs in his voice.
With a substantial following on YouTube, MrBeast stressed the significance of multilingual content, revealing that a large segment of his audience does not speak English. 
He further stated that if he were in the driver&#8217;s seat, refining the dubbing feature would be a top priority.
"If I was CEO that's one of the first things I would fast-track because, everything you do revolves around the creators and the people who use the platform and you want to help them get more views and more engagement," Donaldson added. 
Recognizing the problem, Zuckerberg agreed that AI offers a feasible solution to augment Meta&#8217;s multilingual content reach.
Why It Matters: The importance of multilingual content in expanding a platform&#8217;s reach cannot be overstated. As MrBeast pointed out, a significant portion of the global audience does not speak English, and providing content in multiple languages can significantly increase viewership. 
This is particularly relevant for Meta, which is striving to establish a global presence. By incorporating AI-generated dubbing, Meta could potentially enhance viewer retention and expand its user base. 
This could be a game-changer for the company, especially considering the increasing competition in the social media landscape.
Read Next
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Entertainment

MrBeast Reveals What He'd Fix at Meta If He Were CEO — And Zuckerberg Agreed

Renowned macro expert and ex-Goldman Sachs executive, Raoul Pal, has signaled an imminent upswing in the value of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), attributing the expected surge to increasing global liquidity.
What Happened: Pal communicated his predictions on social media platform X. He proposed that Bitcoin&#8217;s value trends typically trail the global liquidity cycle by a span of 10 weeks.
Pal presented a chart showcasing a significant uptick in global M2, which represents the total supply of money worldwide, following a dip&nbsp;in late 2024. Based on&nbsp;this information, he predicts that Bitcoin is on the brink of ending its correction phase and embarking on new rallies.
Earlier in the month, Pal forecasted that the global M2 will persist in its upward trajectory while Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies experience a &#8220;regular correction&#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">The waiting game is almost over&#8230;the 10 week lead is my preferred&#8230; but <a href="https://t.co/pRCxvwMheA">pic.twitter.com/pRCxvwMheA</a>
&mdash; Raoul Pal (@RaoulGMI) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaoulGMI/status/1905760110737236360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
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</figure>
He further conjectured that Bitcoin could hit a market cycle peak of at least $210,000, with the potential to soar to $412,000 or even $805,000.
<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">Over time, we just keep climbing the log regression channel. Whether we stay at the man (red) or climb above it by another standard deviation or two remains to be seen as the cycle develops. <a href="https://t.co/h5WszZzCit">pic.twitter.com/h5WszZzCit</a>
&mdash; Raoul Pal (@RaoulGMI) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaoulGMI/status/1899074741220069563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
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</figure>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44065728/crypto-analyst-predicts-195-bitcoin-rally-says-bull-market-not-over-yet">Crypto Analyst Predicts 195% Bitcoin Rally, Says Bull Market Not Over Yet</a>
As of this writing, Bitcoin is priced at $82,500, marking a 2.25% decrease over the past day.
<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">This too shall pass&#8230; Crypto is still feeling the tightening in liquidity from the stronger dollar and higher rates in Q4 2024. That is almost done and financial conditions are easing fast and M2 is headed back to new highs. This is just a regular correction&#8230; 1/ <a href="https://t.co/P2XH4h50nF">pic.twitter.com/P2XH4h50nF</a>
&mdash; Raoul Pal (@RaoulGMI) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaoulGMI/status/1899074736899997967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: The contrasting views of Pal and Bittel highlight the inherent volatility and unpredictability of the cryptocurrency market. While both experts agree on the correlation between Bitcoin&#8217;s performance and global liquidity, the timing of Bitcoin&#8217;s response to changes in global M2 is a point of contention. 
This divergence in opinion underscores the need for investors to approach cryptocurrency investments with caution and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.
Read Next
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Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Macro Expert Raoul Pal: Bitcoin Poised For Massive Gains

In the wake of hints from the Federal Reserve about possible monetary easing, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and other cryptocurrencies are projected to experience a price surge in April. This comes despite recent drops in cryptocurrency prices, spurred by inflation concerns and tariff threats from President Donald Trump.
What Happened: Recent report revealed a drop in Bitcoin&#8217;s price to approximately $80,000 per Bitcoin, after nearly reaching $90,000 earlier in the week. This decrease is linked to inflation worries, President Trump&#8217;s tariff threats, and fears surrounding a new, unidentified hack.
Despite these challenges, Arthur Hayes, a prominent crypto trader and BitMex co-founder, anticipates a Bitcoin price boom in April. 
"There was a seminal change in the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's tone at the last Fed board meeting," Hayes <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzSJilpCzWs">said</a> on a podcast.
Hayes, who recently founded the Maelstrom investment firm, suggests that the Federal Reserve's potential return to "stealth" money printing, or quantitative easing, could fuel this surge, even as it struggles with the $36 trillion U.S. debt that has spiraled out of control since 2020.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44348215/bitcoin-whale-takes-332-million-short-position-heres-where-it-gets-liquidated">Bitcoin Whale Takes $332 Million Short Position, Here&#8217;s Where It Gets Liquidated</a>
Hayes&#8217; forecast follows the&nbsp;Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)&nbsp;maintaining interest rates and revising its economic growth outlook. The FOMC also hinted at reducing its &#8220;quantitative tightening&#8221; program, which diminishes the bonds it retains on its balance sheet.
"Tariffs don't matter anymore to Powell, and they shouldn't matter as crypto investors. If Trump does 50% or he does 2%, it doesn't matter, because we know that Powell is going to continue to provide the easy monetary conditions that we need to have our portfolios go up in fiat dollars," Hayes added.
Why It Matters: The potential for a Bitcoin price surge is significant, given the recent volatility in the cryptocurrency market. 
The Federal Reserve&#8217;s hinted monetary easing could provide a much-needed boost to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which have been impacted by inflation fears and tariff threats. 
The predictions of industry experts like Arthur Hayes lend further credibility to this potential surge. However, the impact of these factors will only be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44065728/crypto-analyst-predicts-195-bitcoin-rally-says-bull-market-not-over-yet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crypto Analyst Predicts 195% Bitcoin Rally, Says Bull Market Not Over Yet</a>

Bitcoin Set for April Price Surge as Fed Signals Monetary Easing

Charlie Javice, the founder of a once-promising startup, was found guilty Friday of defrauding JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) to the tune of $175 million.
What Happened: Javice, the brain behind Frank, a startup that aimed to streamline the student financial aid application process, was&nbsp;convicted of defrauding JPMorgan Chase. 
The judgement followed a five-week trial held in a federal court in Manhattan.
Javice, along with her co-defendant Olivier Amar, was found guilty on all four charges listed in the indictments, including conspiracy, bank fraud, and wire fraud. These charges could potentially lead to a 30-year prison sentence.
According to the report <a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-javice-convicted-fraud-jp-morgan-783cb7b089f6ab5d814c4c0984f0302b">by</a> the Associated Press, the indictment accused Javice of inflating her client base by a factor of ten, which led to JPMorgan&#8217;s acquisition of her startup in 2021. During the trial, bank executives testified that Javice had falsely claimed to have a client base of over four million, a figure that was later found to be grossly overstated.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43778720/renaissance-technologies-founded-by-math-whiz-jim-simons-makes-ai-focused-portfolio-changes-slashes-palantir-exits-alphabet-smci-and-adds-alibaba-jd-tsm-robinhood-in-q4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jim Simons' Renaissance Technologies Makes AI Moves: Sells Big Tech, Buys Chinese Stocks, Robinhood In Q4</a>
The defense has requested the judge to overturn the verdict, arguing that the evidence presented was insufficient to uphold the conviction. The judge is expected to consider these arguments next week.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said, &#8220;While Javice and Amar may have thought that they could lie and cheat their way to a huge payday, their lies caught up with them, and they now stand convicted by a jury of their peers.&#8221;
Javice, who has been out on a&nbsp;$2 million bail since her&nbsp;arrest in 2023, is set to be sentenced on July 23.
Why It Matters: This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with startup acquisitions. It underscores the need for thorough due diligence and stringent verification of claims made by startups, particularly regarding their customer base. 
The conviction of Javice and Amar is a significant development, highlighting the severe legal consequences of fraudulent practices.
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</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Startup Founder Convicted for $175 Million Fraud Against JPMorgan Chase

A Redditor recently cast doubt on one of the most popular retirement vehicles: the Roth IRA. The Redditor <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/dividends/comments/1jj82bs/i_am_honestly_a_little_confused_and_wanting_some/">posted in the Dividends subreddit</a> about investing aggressively in the Schwab US Dividend ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) and not needing a Roth IRA. The Redditor shared some calculations that show he can earn $50,000 to $70,000 each year from SCHD in 20 years. Based on that logic, the Redditor was wondering if a Roth IRA makes any sense.
The comments section quickly explained why Roth IRAs are valuable and how they can help the Redditor maximize their returns.
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<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Roth IRAs Result in Zero Taxes on Dividends and Gains</h2>
The main reason people invest in Roth IRAs is to avoid taxes on dividends and capital gains. While that's advantageous for any investor, it's especially beneficial for dividend investors. That's because SCHD's dividend distributions are normally taxable. While you won't have to pay at the ordinary income tax rate, you still end up with taxes on SCHD that will limit your portfolio's growth.
SCHD currently has a 30-day SEC yield of 3.71%. Buying shares in a Roth IRA allows you to avoid any taxes on that yield. Furthermore, the capital gains are also tax-free if you decide to sell SCHD in the future.&nbsp;
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Redditor Used an Inaccurate Model</h2>
The Redditor makes several assumptions to assume their SCHD position will generate $50,000 to $70,000 per year in 20 years. One of those assumptions is a generous dividend growth rate which some of the commenters question.
One of the commenters mentioned that the yield is unlikely to increase as the model shows. The commenter anticipates that SCHD's yield will hover between 3% and 4%. The Redditor assumes the yield will jump from 3.77% to 6.75% over the next 20 years. It's a very generous assumption since the average company isn't going to give out a 6.75% yield.&nbsp;
A Roth IRA can make it easier to reach that goal. However, the Redditor will have to invest a lot more into SCHD than their model suggests if they want to earn up to $70,000 per year from dividends.
See Also: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When Do You Plan on Retiring?</h2>
While most Redditors pointed to the benefits of a Roth IRA, there was a small corner of the comments section that agreed with the original poster. If the Redditor can retire before turning 50, then it wouldn't make as much sense to use a Roth IRA.&nbsp;
Those funds won't be accessible until the Redditor turns 59 1/2 years old. If you invest in a brokerage account instead, you can access all of the dividends right away.&nbsp;
This is the best argument against Roth IRAs since some people may want to retire earlier. However, you can also combine Roth IRA contributions with brokerage account contributions. You can have both and use the dividends from your brokerage account to cover your expenses until you can withdraw from the Roth IRA penalty-free.
However, this scenario only matters for people who have a shot at retiring before they turn 59 ½ years old. Someone who retires in their 60s would have benefitted from using a Roth IRA for some of their SCHD investments.&nbsp;
Read Next:
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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>
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</ul>

SCHD

Redditors Jump in When a Dividend Investor Questions the Need for a Roth IRA: 'That $50K–$70K is all yours, tax-free'

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44476775/mark-cuban-we-all-want-to-eliminate-corruption-but-what-corruption-do-social-security-office-closures-actually-solve">Social Security Administration</a> has experienced recent challenges, making it harder for some retirees and disabled Americans to access benefits and services. Sen. Angus King (I-ME) recently described the situation as "the destruction of the agency from the inside out, and it's accelerating." His concerns come amid reports of staffing cuts, service disruptions, and growing uncertainty about the future of Social Security.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Widespread Service Disruptions</h2>
The SSA's website crashed four times in just 10 days this month due to overloaded servers, preventing users from logging in to check their benefits or manage their accounts, according to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/03/25/social-security-phones-doge-cuts/">The Washington Post</a>. Field offices are also struggling to keep up with demand. Office managers have had to step in and answer phones at the front desk because so many employees have left.
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</ul>
The agency is responsible for delivering $1.5 trillion in benefits to around 73 million Americans each year. However, recent internal reports suggest that the agency's ability to provide reliable service is deteriorating. This has left many retirees, disabled individuals, and others who rely on Social Security with reduced access to essential services.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Staffing Cuts and Leadership Changes</h2>
The SSA has seen rapid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43926826/social-security-in-uncertain-times-what-the-resignation-of-michelle-king-and-musks-doge-data-push-could-mean-for-beneficiaries">leadership changes</a> and staffing reductions in recent months. The agency is currently run by Leland Dudek, who became acting commissioner on Feb. 16. Dudek has already overseen staff cuts of more than 12%, with reports indicating that experienced officials have been pushed out or left voluntarily due to internal chaos.
Dudek's changes appear to be influenced by pressure from the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, which has been focused on addressing alleged benefits fraud. However, critics argue that this focus is misplaced, with limited evidence of widespread fraud. Under Musk&#8217;s team's guidance, several longstanding policies have been altered or eliminated, including remote access to services for individuals without internet access.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Concerns from Lawmakers and Advocates</h2>
King has been vocal about the negative impact these changes are having on Americans, particularly older residents in his home state of Maine — which has the country's oldest population. "What they're doing now is unconscionable," King told the Post. He added that many seniors have approached him with concerns about whether they'll be able to continue receiving the benefits they've paid into for decades.
The AARP has also seen a rise in calls from concerned retirees. Since early February, the organization has received more than 2,000 calls per week — double the usual number — from individuals worried about benefit delays or disruptions.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Long Wait Times and Technology Issues</h2>
Phone service issues have added to the frustration. The average wait time for Social Security's toll-free phone line has risen to more than 120 minutes, with some callers reporting wait times of four to five hours. A planned modernization of the phone system has been delayed due to administrative turnover and funding issues.
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Some changes have also made it harder for certain groups to access benefits. For example, the SSA <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-03-18">announced</a> that direct deposit transactions and identity verification could no longer be done over the phone; it could only be done online or in person. However, after public pushback, the SSA has <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-03-26">announced</a> that starting April 14, individuals applying for Disability Insurance, Medicare, or SSI will be exempt from the in-person identity proofing requirement, allowing them to complete their applications over the phone.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next for Social Security</h2>
The challenges facing Social Security come at a time when the program's long-term financial stability is already under pressure. Without legislative action, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43831371/eliminating-social-security-income-taxes-would-cost-1-5-trillion-and-deplete-the-trust-fund-by-2032-who-wins-and-who-loses">program's trust funds</a> are projected to run out of reserves by 2034, which could result in benefit cuts.
King's warning reflects the growing urgency to address these issues. "I have people approaching me all the time in their 70s and 80s, and they're beside themselves. They don't know what's coming," he said.
Frank Bisignano, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the SSA, recently testified during his Senate confirmation hearing. His leadership could play a key role in determining whether the agency stabilizes or continues to face disruption in the years ahead.
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Sen. Angus King On Social Security: 'What's Going On Is The Destruction Of The Agency From The Inside Out, And It's Accelerating'

President Donald Trump remains undeterred in the face of potential price hikes in the auto industry in response to his new tariffs on foreign-made vehicles.
What Happened: On Saturday, Trump refuted claims that he had advised auto industry leaders against price increases in response to the new tariffs. Instead, he reaffirmed his decision to raise tariffs in an effort to boost American manufacturing.
&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t care less if they raise prices, because people are going to start buying American-made cars,&#8221; Trump stated in an interview <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-couldnt-care-less-automakers-raise-prices-tariffs-rcna198731">with</a> NBC News. He further expressed his anticipation for price increases, which he believes will steer consumers towards American-made vehicles.
Earlier this week, Trump declared a 25% tariff on foreign-made cars and auto parts, set to take effect from April 2. Countries such as Germany, Japan, and South Korea are predicted to be most affected by these tariffs.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44509009/over-7-million-vehicles-could-face-the-brunt-of-trumps-auto-tariff-this-could-drive-not-the-overall-economy-stric">Over 7 Million Vehicles Could Face The Brunt Of Trump&#8217;s Auto Tariffs: &#8216;This Could Drive&#8230;The Auto industry Into Recession&#8217;</a>
Trump confirmed these import policies are here to stay. &#8220;The world has been ripping&nbsp;off the United States for&nbsp;the last 40 years and&nbsp;more,&#8221; he declared. &#8220;And all we&#8217;re&nbsp;doing is being fair, and&nbsp;frankly, I&#8217;m being very generous.&#8221;
According to reports, if&nbsp;the tariffs are fully passed&nbsp;onto consumers, the average price of an imported vehicle could spike by $12,500. This could potentially fuel overall inflation. However, Trump pointed out that countries with &#8220;great value&#8221; resources might have room to negotiate lower prices.
Despite some resistance from lawmakers, Trump is convinced that this move will bring long-term benefits for the U.S. This announcement has already triggered significant investments in American plants by foreign companies, including&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>),&nbsp;Honda Motor Co., Ltd.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HMC#NYSE">HMC</a>), and&nbsp;Hyundai Motor Company&nbsp;(KRX: 005380).
Why It Matters: This decision by the President could reshape the auto industry, potentially leading to a shift in consumer behavior towards American-made vehicles. 
The move has already sparked investments from foreign companies in American manufacturing plants, indicating a possible boost to the domestic auto industry. 
However, the potential price hike and its impact on inflation will be a key factor to watch in the coming months.
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Trump Unfazed by Potential Auto Price Hikes Amid New Tariffs: 'I Couldn't Care Less'

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/gold-prices/">Gold prices</a> have been on a tear lately, surpassing $3,000 per ounce in mid-March and up nearly 38% in the last year. 
Investors have been flocking to the precious metal as economic uncertainty grows, with global trade tensions playing a major role.
The latest boost came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced new auto tariffs, sparking concerns about inflation and sending markets into a frenzy. With fears of a trade war escalating, gold's reputation as a safe-haven asset has only strengthened, according to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/how-investors-buy-gold-what-drives-market-2025-03-27/">Reuters</a>.
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There are plenty of ways to invest in gold, and it's not just about buying physical bars. The spot market, where prices are determined in real-time, remains a major force, especially in financial hubs like London. Futures markets, led by COMEX in New York, allow traders to lock in prices for gold at a later date. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have also gained popularity, letting investors gain exposure to gold prices without dealing with storage.
For those who prefer something tangible, gold bars and coins remain a popular option. You can even buy gold at Costco.
So, what's actually driving gold's rise?
A combination of factors is at play, but investor sentiment is a big one. When financial markets turn volatile, gold tends to shine as a safe investment. Currency movements also matter—gold and the U.S. dollar often move in opposite directions, meaning a weaker dollar makes gold more attractive.
Central banks are another major influence. Many have been increasing their gold reserves in response to global economic shifts, helping push demand to record levels last year, according to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/27/gold-rises-as-fears-mount-over-trumps-reciprocal-tariff-plans.html">CNBC</a>.
With gold prices climbing, financial analysts are adjusting their expectations. Goldman Sachs and Bank of America have both raised their forecasts for the coming year, citing strong investor demand and continued geopolitical uncertainty. As global economies navigate inflation concerns, shifting trade policies, and fluctuating interest rates, it will be interesting to monitor gold's performance.
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Image: Shutterstock

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The past week in the world of business and finance was nothing short of eventful. From the FBI stepping in to address violent protests against&nbsp;Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) to&nbsp;Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>)&nbsp;making strategic moves in the EV sector, there was no shortage of headlines. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories.
FBI Steps Up Against Tesla Protests
In response to escalating violent attacks involving Tesla, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has initiated a new task force. FBI Director Kash Patel, who labeled the attacks as &#8220;domestic terrorism,&#8221; addressed the issue on social media.
<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44474423/fbi-launches-task-force-to-address-tesla-protests-director-kash-patel-condemns-violence-as-domestic-terrorism">Read the full article here.</a>
Rivian&#8217;s Micromobility Spin-Off
Rivian Automotive announced the spin-off of its micromobility business into a new entity, Also, Inc. The news was well-received by the market, with Rivian&#8217;s shares experiencing a boost post-announcement.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/03/44494216/rivian-doubles-down-on-ev-innovation-with-micromobility-spin-off-stock-gains">Read the full article here.</a>
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Experts Dispute Tesla Vandalism Claims
Claims by Elon Musk and Donald Trump that recent attacks on Tesla properties are part of a coordinated effort have been dismissed by law enforcement agencies and experts. A report by NBC News revealed no evidence of such coordinated efforts.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44455245/tesla-vandalism-no-coordinated-efforts-detected-experts-dispute-elon-musk-and-trumps-allegations">Read the full article here.</a>
Ford&#8217;s Manual Shift in EVs
Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>)&nbsp;has filed a patent for a manual shift in electric vehicles, sparking conversations in the EV sector. The company has a history of filing patents for its electric vehicles and technology.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44484646/ford-patent-filing-for-manual-shift-in-evs-will-car-owners-appreciate-the-legacy-stick-shift-efforts">Read the full article here.</a>
Waymo&#8217;s Parking Fines
Alphabet&#8216;s Waymo autonomous vehicles have racked up fines totaling $65,065 in San Francisco for traffic violations, including obstructing traffic and parking in restricted zones.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44530904/waymos-robotaxis-rack-up-600-parking-tickets-65000-in-fines-in-just-san-francisco-in-2024">Read the full article here.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Tesla
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

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