Three months after saying that a one-size-fits-all federal minimum wage &#8220;wouldn't work,&#8221; President Donald Trump has rolled back a key wage rule <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44277188/a-poverty-sentence-heres-why-some-say-losing-a-federal-job-is-worse-than-being-fired-in-the-private-sector">affecting federal contractors</a>. The move cancels an executive order from then-President Joe Biden that required contractors to pay their workers at least $17.75 per hour.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump&#8217;s Take on Federal Wages</h2>



Back on Dec. 8, during an <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/trump-says-he-would-consider-raising-the-federal-minimum-wage-226490437864">appearance</a> on NBC News&#8217; &#8220;Meet the Press,&#8221; Trump said, "It would be nice to have just a minimum wage for the whole country, but it wouldn't work because you have places where it's very inexpensive to live." He argued that a federal minimum wage could have &#8220;very little effect&#8221; in some areas due to lower living costs.



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His comments fueled debate over whether the U.S. should have a federal wage floor at all. But as of 2023, only about 1.1% of American workers actually earn the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43234188/bernie-sanders-the-7-25-federal-minimum-wage-is-shameful-in-2025-america">federal minimum of $7.25 an hour</a>, according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/minimum-wage/2023/">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. The vast majority earn more, thanks to higher state minimums and market conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Biden&#8217;s $17.75 Minimum Wage for Contractors Repealed</h2>



On March 15, Trump formally repealed Biden's 2021 order that had gradually raised the minimum wage for federal contract workers to $17.75 per hour by this past January. That order replaced an earlier rule from President Barack Obama, who had bumped the contractor minimum to $10.10 in 2014 with periodic increases.



Biden's order also removed an exemption for seasonal recreational businesses on federal land—a carveout Trump had supported during his first term. With the repeal, many federal contractors will now fall back to the Obama-era rate of $13.30 or to the base federal minimum of $7.25 per hour, unless higher state minimum wages apply.



Trending: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers Trust This AI Marketing Firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">Invest Pre-IPO from $0.55 per share</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Millions of Workers Could See Pay Changes</h2>



According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-nixes-1775-minimum-wage-federal-contractors-adopted-by-biden-2025-03-20/">Reuters</a>, roughly 20% of the U.S. workforce is employed by companies with federal contracts. Critics of Biden&#8217;s rule, including some Republicans and business groups, said the $17.75 wage made it harder for small businesses to compete and didn't fit low-cost areas.



But advocates say the change could hurt low-wage workers. &#8220;The federal minimum wage has become largely irrelevant,&#8221; Chad Gammon, a certified financial planner, told <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/trump-federal-minimum-wage-doesnt-work-what-happen-to-earnings-if-eliminated/">GOBankingRates</a>. He pointed out that the federal rate hasn't budged since 2009. Others warn the rollback may reduce worker protections.



The repeal also wipes out Biden-era rules that favored federal contractors who stayed neutral in union drives or joined registered apprenticeship programs. Trump didn't give a&nbsp; reason for the changes, but they align with his stated goal of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43701025/analyst-optimistic-about-banks-trumps-pro-business-agenda-should-drive-customer-acitivity">trimming regulations</a> he sees as unnecessary or burdensome.



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News

Trump Said 3 Months Ago Federal Minimum Wages Don't Work—Now He's Slashed Biden's $17.75 Minimum For Federal Contractors To State Minimums

The cannabis industry saw major developments this week across regulation, corporate earnings and consumer trends. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced a federal cannabis strategy while France moved to ban raw flower in medical cannabis sales. Uruguay made an unexpected regulatory appointment and Spain's top medical cannabis advocacy group shut down in protest of restrictive policies.



On the business side, High Tide reported record revenue but faced margin concerns, while SNDL reached break-even free cash flow despite weakness in its liquor segment. Charlotte's Web continued its mainstream retail expansion, while Agrify doubled down on THC beverages. Edible Brands launched Edibles.com, bringing its consumer trust into the hemp industry and Poseidon-backed Herb Haus prepared to open a social equity dispensary in New Jersey.



Consumer trends continued to shift, with three in four young adults now substituting cannabis for alcohol at least weekly. Meanwhile, Curaleaf and Fab 5 Freddy teamed up to train 175 new cannabis workers and Ted Cruz and Elon Musk stirred conversation with jokes about smoking weed on air.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regulatory And Policy Updates</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CDC Unveils Federal Cannabis Strategy</h3>



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a cannabis strategic plan, outlining a public health approach to cannabis use in the U.S., as first reported by <a href="https://www.greenstate.com/news/cdc-cannabis-strategic-plan/">Green State&#8217;s Rachelle Gordon</a>. The plan highlights concerns over rising THC potency and increased cannabis consumption, while also acknowledging potential benefits.



The strategy focuses on monitoring trends, expanding research, supporting healthcare providers and increasing public awareness. The CDC will also examine cannabis use in key populations, including pregnant women, adolescents and workers in safety-sensitive jobs. While largely focused on risk management, the plan represents a shift toward a more research-driven federal stance on cannabis.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">France Proposes Medical Cannabis Rules, Excludes Raw Flower</h3>



France submitted its proposed medical cannabis regulations to the European Commission, favoring single-use cartridges while banning raw flower sales. The government argues that restricting flower will prevent overlap with recreational use, though critics note that Germany and the Netherlands allow vaporized flower for medical patients.



The regulation would allow tamper-proof cannabis cartridges for fast-acting relief while tightening controls on cultivation, import and distribution. The move places France among the most restrictive medical cannabis markets in Europe, contrasting with broader reforms elsewhere.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Uruguay Names New Cannabis Regulator In Unexpected Move</h3>



Uruguay appointed Martín Rodríguez as the new director of the Institute for Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA) after Daniel Radío declined the position, reported <a href="https://elplanteo.com/ircca-uruguay-nuevo-director/">El Planteo</a>. Rodríguez, who led IRCCA from 2015 to 2019, is seen as an industry insider with a track record in cannabis regulation.



The appointment shifts control to the ruling Frente Amplio party, raising speculation over potential regulatory changes. Uruguay's legal cannabis market has cut illicit trade by 50% and the new leadership could shape its next phase.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spain's Leading Medical Cannabis Group Shuts Down</h3>



After a decade of advocacy, Spain's Observatorio Español del Cannabis Medicinal (OECM) announced its closure. Founder Carola Pérez blamed government inaction and restrictive policies, particularly the refusal to legalize raw flower or full-spectrum oils for patients.



While Spain grants cultivation licenses for export, domestic patients are limited to expensive pharmaceuticals like Sativex and Epidiolex. The OECM's closure is seen as a setback for patient access, even as the country finalizes long-awaited medical cannabis regulations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference Returns To Chicago</h2>



The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is set to return to Chicago on June 8 to June 10, 2025, bringing together top investors, executives and industry leaders. The event will feature exclusive networking opportunities, market insights and discussions on the future of cannabis investing and business strategy. Attendees will hear directly from some of the most influential voices shaping the cannabis landscape. For more details and registration, visit <a href="https://www.bzcannabis.com/">bzcannabis.com</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Market And Earnings Updates</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">High Tide Reports Record Revenue But Faces Margin Pressure</h3>



High Tide (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HITI#NASDAQ">HITI</a>) reported CA$142.46 million ($99.76 million) in first-quarter revenue, an 11% increase year-over-year. The company now has 5.66 million Cabana Club members, including 85,500 paying Elite members, up 13% quarter-over-quarter.



Despite revenue growth, gross margins fell to 24.9%, the lowest in company history, prompting Beacon Securities to lower its 12-month price target from CA$6.25 to CA$5.75 despite maintaining a &#8220;Buy&#8221; rating. Management expects margins to stabilize as the company expands its Canna Cabana store count, with plans to open between 20 and 30 locations in 2025.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SNDL Achieves Break-Even Free Cash Flow Amid Cannabis Growth</h3>



SNDL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNDL#NASDAQ">SNDL</a>) posted fourth-quarter revenue of CA$257.68 million, up 3.7% year-over-year, exceeding analysts&#8217; estimates of CA$248.10 million. Full-year revenue reached CA$920.4 million, a 1.3% increase from 2023.



The company's cannabis operations saw a 42.4% sales jump, driven by provincial board and business-to-business distribution. However, SNDL's liquor retail segment struggled, with sales down 3.4% year-over-year. Same-store sales in the cannabis segment rose 6.3% in the quarter and 3.5% for the year.



Despite a fourth-quarter operating loss of CA$76.1 million, SNDL achieved positive free cash flow of CA$11.6 million in the quarter and CA$8.9 million for the full year. CEO Zach George noted that the company exceeded its commitment to reaching break-even free cash flow while continuing to invest in expansion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Industry And Business Developments</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Edible Brands Enters The Hemp Market With Edibles.com</h3>



Edible Brands, the parent company of Edible Arrangements, launched Edibles.com, an e-commerce marketplace focused on hemp-derived products. The platform, led by former Theory Wellness CMO Thomas Winstanley, aims to bring Edible Brands&#8217; reputation for quality to the fast-growing hemp industry.



The platform launched in Texas on March 20 and plans rapid expansion into Florida and Georgia. Select products will be available for nationwide shipping where legally permitted.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Poseidon Backs New Jersey Social Equity Dispensary</h3>



Poseidon Investment Management has financed Herb Haus, a social equity dispensary in Carlstadt, New Jersey. The dispensary is strategically located near MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Sports Complex, aiming to serve a high-traffic customer base.



Founder Joe Kanegieser secured a social equity license and was selected for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority&#8217;s Cannabis Equity Grant Program. With New Jersey's cannabis sales growing 25% in 2024, Herb Haus is positioned for success in the state's expanding market.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Consumer Trends And Cultural Shifts</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Young Adults Increasingly Replacing Alcohol With Cannabis</h3>



A Bloomberg Intelligence report found that 74% of consumers aged 18-24 substitute cannabis for alcohol at least weekly. The trend is reshaping the beverage industry, with major cannabis operators like Trulieve and Curaleaf expanding THC-infused drink offerings.



A YouGov poll reinforced the shift, showing that a majority of Americans now believe regular alcohol consumption is more harmful than cannabis use.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fab 5 Freddy, B-Noble And Curaleaf Support Free Cannabis Job Training</h3>



Curaleaf (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURLF#OTC">CURLF</a>) partnered with Green Book Academy and B-Noble to train 175 aspiring cannabis workers free of charge. The program provided hands-on training, resume workshops and industry networking. Hip-hop legend Fab 5 Freddy made a surprise appearance, emphasizing the importance of education in cannabis career development.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Elon Musk And Ted Cruz Joke About Smoking Weed On Air</h3>



During a recent podcast, Ted Cruz and Elon Musk joked about smoking cannabis live, referencing Musk's infamous 2018 interview with Joe Rogan. The exchange, reported on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/03/44427511/elon-musk-ted-cruz-joke-about-cannabis-on-podcast-should-i-pull-out-a-joint-to-boost-ratings">Benzinga</a>, reignited conversations about cannabis normalization in politics and business.



With 4/20 approaching, industry watchers are speculating whether Musk will once again make headlines around the topic.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Grassland Movie Spotlights Cannabis Incarceration</h3>



Grassland, a new social justice drama, is now available for pre-order on Apple TV. Starring Mía Maestro, Quincy Isaiah, Jeff Kober and Ravi Cabot-Conyers, the film explores the human impact of cannabis incarceration in the U.S. during the 2008 economic recession.



The story follows a single mother running an illegal cannabis business to support her family, only to face potential exposure when her son befriends the new neighbors—including a police officer. The film's official trailer has just dropped, offering a gripping look at the challenges of cannabis criminalization.



Stay tuned for more <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis news</a> on Benzinga.

Cannabis

Earnings

Latin America

Eurozone

Politics

AGFY

CURLF

CWBHF

GTBIF

HITI

SNDL

This Week In Cannabis: The CDC's Federal Weed Strategy, Edible Arrangements' New Biz, Global News, Earnings, Musk And More

Each week,&nbsp;Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index&nbsp;uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.



Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.



Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44124338/exclusive-februarys-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-tesla-palantir-alibaba-nvidia-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: February's 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro – Where Do Tesla, Palantir, Alibaba, Nvidia Rank?</a>



Here&#8217;s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending March 21:



Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LULU#NASDAQ">LULU</a>): The apparel company saw strong interest from readers, which comes before the company's fourth-quarter financial results on Thursday March 27. Analysts expect the company to report revenue of $3.57 billion, up from $3.21 billion in last year's fourth quarter. Lululemon has beaten revenue estimates in nine of the last 10 quarters. Analysts expect the company to report fourth-quarter earnings per share of $5.84, up from $5.29 in last year's fourth quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine of the last 10 quarters overall. Analysts have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LULU/analyst-ratings">cut price targets</a> ahead of the quarter and investors remain cautious on the Canadian company with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43442219/why-beer-tequila-avocados-cars-iphone-prices-could-rise-trumps-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-china-to-hurt-several-sectors">concerns about tariffs. </a>Analysts and investors will be watching the earnings report closely to see if there are comments on tariffs and also if the company's international sales continue to grow. International revenue was up 33% year-over-year in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/buybacks/24/12/42352166/lululemon-q3-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-1b-buyback-increase-continued-momentum-across-international-markets">the third quarter.</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175547/Screenshot-361.png" alt="" class="wp-image-836784" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175547/Screenshot-361.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175547/Screenshot-361-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175547/Screenshot-361-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>



GE Aerospace (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>): The aerospace company saw shares trade higher on the week, helped possibly by some <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/03/44277627/ge-aerospace-doubles-down-on-us-manufacturing-with-1b-investment-details">recent contract awards</a>. GE Aerospace recently announced a US Air Force contract worth up to $5 billion for engines used on the F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. The company also recently announced plans to invest $1 billion in its U.S. manufacturing facilities to strengthen production, which could signal increased orders and growth opportunities.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="504" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175601/Screenshot-362.png" alt="" class="wp-image-836785" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175601/Screenshot-362.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175601/Screenshot-362-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175601/Screenshot-362-768x388.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Monolithic Power Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPWR#NASDAQ">MPWR</a>): The chipmaker saw strong interest during the week, which comes after the company hosted its analyst day and updated its guidance on Thursday. The company is <a href="https://www.monolithicpower.com/en/about-mps/investor-relations/press-releases.html?pressrelease=446">guiding </a>for first-quarter revenue to be in a range of $630 million to $640 million, up from a prior range of $610 million to $630 million. Analysts expect the company to post first-quarter revenue of $578.1 million. Analysts<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MPWR/analyst-ratings"> recently remained bullish</a> on the company with Buy ratings maintained. Shares were down on the week with a sharp drop during the week, before moving back up on Thursday and Friday.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="498" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175614/Screenshot-363.png" alt="" class="wp-image-836786" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175614/Screenshot-363.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175614/Screenshot-363-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175614/Screenshot-363-768x383.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>



AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>): The advertising tech company was one of the top-performing stocks in 2024 and shares are up over 300%<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/reiteration/25/03/44385398/applovin-the-best-performing-tech-stock-in-2024-is-down-40-over-the-past-month-whats-going-on"> in the last year</a>. Readers showed strong interest in the stock, which gained on the week and in recent weeks has posted gains after several short reports<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43981217/applovin-stock-drops-on-multiple-short-reports-allegations-of-copying-meta-creating-smoke-and-mirrors-game"> sent shares lower</a>. Strong fourth-quarter results helped the stock in February before shares dropped from the short reports. Needham analyst Bernie McTernan <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/03/44361420/applovin-taps-into-retail-ad-market-but-growth-hinges-on-big-brand-adoption-analyst">reiterated a Hold rating</a> on the stock recently. McTernan researched APP's expansion beyond mobile gaming ads into other industries like ecommerce, apparel, and furniture.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175631/Screenshot-364.png" alt="" class="wp-image-836788" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175631/Screenshot-364.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175631/Screenshot-364-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175631/Screenshot-364-768x388.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>



Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>): The aerospace company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43900861/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-54">returns to the</a> Stock Whisper Index for the week. The company presented at a Bank of America conference where the CEO said they expect to see F-35 production static or increasing in the second half of the decade. The CEO also said they expect to see service volumes increase year-over-year over the next five to eight years. Howmet reported fourth-quarter financial results that topped analyst estimates in February and saw analysts raise <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HWM/analyst-ratings">their price targets</a> on the stock.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="497" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175644/Screenshot-365.png" alt="" class="wp-image-836789" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175644/Screenshot-365.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175644/Screenshot-365-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175644/Screenshot-365-768x381.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>



Stay tuned for next week's report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>



Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/44053760/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-55" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">February 28</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44209284/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-56">March 7</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44333602/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet">March 14 </a></li>
</ul>



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Exclusives

Trading Ideas

LULU

MPWR

Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.



Markets ended the week mixed, with the S&amp;P 500 and Dow slipping while the Nasdaq notched a slight gain, buoyed by strength in tech. Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) extended its losing streak to a ninth consecutive week despite a broad market rebound earlier.



Investors digested a Federal Reserve decision to hold rates steady, alongside revised projections showing slower GDP growth and higher inflation for 2024. Fed Chair Jerome Powell downplayed the impact of potential tariffs as "transitory."



Meanwhile, jobless claims remained steady, and traders weighed the likelihood of rate cuts later this year amid stubborn inflation and economic uncertainty.



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



The Bulls



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/03/44360400/legendary-trader-says-tesla-nvidia-apple-shares-are-ready-to-rally-i-see-what-i-like-to-see">"Legendary Trader Says Tesla, Nvidia, Apple Shares Are Ready To Rally: ‘I See What I Like To See'"</a>, by Shanthi Rexaline, reports that Larry Benedict sees bullish setups forming in Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) as technical indicators turn favorable.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/03/44423382/billionaire-stanley-druckenmiller-boosts-us-steel-stake-by-143-is-he-betting-on-merger">"Billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller Boosts US Steel Stake By 143%—Is He Betting On Merger?"</a>, by Shanthi Rexaline, reveals that Stanley Druckenmiller more than doubled his position in United States Steel Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>) as the company's pending sale to Nippon Steel draws closer amid regulatory scrutiny.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/03/44426552/buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-outpaces-sp-500-with-best-2-month-run-since-2010">"Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Outpaces S&amp;P 500 With Best 2-Month Run Since 2010"</a>, by Bibhu Pattnaik, highlights how Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) outperformed the broader market with a 16.4% surge, marking its strongest two-month performance in over a decade.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44367075/chinese-stocks-poised-for-best-quarter-vs-sp-500-since-2007-as-investors-bet-on-policy-turnaround">Chinese Stocks Poised For Best Quarter Vs. S&amp;P 500 Since 2007 As Investors Bet On Policy Turnaround</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/03/44379756/luminar-technologies-stock-continues-to-surge-whats-going-on">Luminar Technologies Stock Continues To Surge: What's Going On?</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/03/44399812/tesla-analyst-turns-bullish-following-factory-visit-sees-multiple-catalysts-driving-ev-stock-to-425">Tesla Analyst Turns Bullish Following Factory Visit, Sees Multiple Catalysts Driving EV Stock To $425</a>



The Bears



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44423177/rivian-analyst-downgrades-stock-with-triple-whammy-of-policy-risk-no-catalysts-in-2025">"Rivian Analyst Downgrades Stock With ‘Triple Whammy' Of Policy Risk, No Catalysts In 2025"</a>, by Shanthi Rexaline, reports that Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) sank after a UBS analyst downgraded the stock, citing weak demand, policy headwinds and a lack of near-term growth catalysts.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/03/44425552/fedex-shares-fall-after-q3-earnings-miss-lower-fy25-revenue-forecast">"FedEx Shares Fall After Q3 Earnings Miss, Lower FY25 Revenue Forecast"</a>, by Shivani Kumaresan, reports that FedEx Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) tumbled after missing fiscal third-quarter earnings estimates and trimming its full-year revenue outlook amid continued demand weakness.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44364206/trump-media-technology-insiders-dump-shares">"Trump Media &amp; Technology Insiders Dump Shares"</a>, by Bibhu Pattnaik, reveals that insiders at Trump Media &amp; Technology Group, which plans to merge with Digital World Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DWAC#NASDAQ">DWAC</a>), have offloaded shares ahead of the company's anticipated public debut.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44433594/nio-misses-revenue-estimates-lowers-q1-forecast-amid-stronger-competition-in-ev-market">NIO Q4 Earnings: Revenue &amp; EPS Miss, 45% Delivery Growth, Margin Gains And More</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44357674/restaurant-sales-sink-recession-warning-or-just-weather-driven-dip">Restaurant Sales Sink: Recession Warning Or Just Weather-Driven Dip?</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44395415/trump-administration-weighs-deep-cuts-to-domestic-hiv-prevention-programs-gilead-stock-slides">Trump Administration Weighs Deep Cuts To Domestic HIV Prevention Programs, Gilead Stock Slides</a>



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



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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Nvidia, FedEx — And The Market Digests The Fed's Rate Decision

Former White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci, has suggested that the EU should counter President Donald Trump&#8216;s tariff strategy by reducing their own <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44211446/anthony-scaramucci-slams-donald-trump-hes-going-to-put-us-into-a-recession-frankly">tariffs on U.S. imports to zero</a>.



What Happened: In a recent podcast, Scaramucci put forth this strategy. Rather than retaliating against&nbsp;Trump&#8217;s 25% tariffs on EU&nbsp;steel and aluminium imports with their own tariffs, Scaramucci proposed that the EU should &#8220;outgame&#8221; Trump by playing his game and reducing their tariffs to zero.



Scaramucci, who served as Trump&#8217;s spokesman for a brief period in 2017, urged ministers and officials in Brussels to consider this alternative approach. He drew parallels with Ronald Reagan&#8216;s 1981 strategy of eliminating Pershing missiles in West Germany if the Soviet Union reciprocated in East Germany.



&#8220;I would caution ministers and people in Brussels. If you want to outgame Trump, play his game, lower your tariffs. Ronald Reagan in 1981 went with a zero option. He said he would zero-out the Pershing missiles in West Germany if the Soviet Union did the same thing in East Germany, and so play his game. Cut your tariffs to zero,&#8221; he <a href="https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-the-pat-kenny-show/anthony-scaramucci-on-trump-tariffs-and-much-more">said</a> in the interview. 



Speaking about Trump&#8217;s potential efforts to&nbsp;bring back taxes&nbsp;and jobs created by US&nbsp;tech and pharma multinationals in Ireland, Scaramucci expressed doubt about Trump&#8217;s ability to dismantle Ireland&#8217;s FDI sector, which provides employment to 300,000 people.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44348205/scaramucci-sees-trouble-ahead-for-musk-trump-relationship-everyone-flames-out-with-trump">Scaramucci Sees Trouble Ahead for Musk-Trump Relationship: &#8216;Everyone Flames Out With Trump&#8217;</a>



&#8220;He was opining about the genius of your country with the tax engineering to get the multinationals over here, but he didn&#8217;t say, hey, and I&#8217;m going to fix it. Hey, I&#8217;m going to change it,&#8221; Scaramucci added.



While acknowledging that Trump has previously lauded Ireland&#8217;s success in&nbsp;attracting US firms with its&nbsp;low corporation tax, Scaramucci expressed skepticism that Trump could significantly impact this, even with a proposed 15% corporate tax rate.



Scaramucci concluded by stating that Trump lacks a mechanism to disrupt Ireland&#8217;s corporation tax regime, despite any potential threats he may have made to Taoiseach Micheál Martin.



Why It Matters: Scaramucci&#8217;s proposed strategy could potentially change the dynamics of the ongoing tariff war between the EU and the US. By adopting a zero-tariff approach, the EU could potentially &#8220;outgame&#8221; Trump and force a reconsideration of the current US tariff strategy. 



This could have significant implications for international trade and economic relations between the two regions.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44211446/anthony-scaramucci-slams-donald-trump-hes-going-to-put-us-into-a-recession-frankly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Slams Donald Trump: ‘He's Going To Put Us Into A Recession, Frankly'</a>



Image: Shutterstock

Scaramucci Slams Trump, Advises EU to Counter Levies With Zero-Tariff Strategy

In the face of ongoing market disruption in 2025, Wall Street&#8217;s diversification-focused professionals are witnessing a change in investment trends. 



What Happened: With the tariff war in full swing, investors are shifting their focus from American equities to alternative assets such as gold, corporate debt, and a Treasury index that has seen a nearly 3% rise this year. 



As reported <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-21/wall-street-s-bear-market-in-diversification-is-finally-easing?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">by</a> Bloomberg, the trading landscape is undergoing a transformation, marking a much-anticipated return to normalcy for proponents of diversification strategies.



Despite the promotion of cross-asset products by some of the industry&#8217;s leading minds, the steady rise in US shares since the financial crisis has largely overshadowed these strategies.



Currently, the S&amp;P 500 is mired&nbsp;in a correction, ending another&nbsp;week of uncertainty with a 0.5% increase. However, previously dormant investment vehicles, ranging&nbsp;from leveraged quant portfolios to&nbsp;options-hedged products, are gaining momentum. An exchange-traded fund (ETF) that diversifies bets across&nbsp;asset classes, including commodities and&nbsp;bonds, has surged over 5% since the start of the year, outperforming the S&amp;P 500 by approximately 9 percentage points.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42497093/stock-market-predictions-for-2025-a-mixed-bag-of-expectations">Stock Market Predictions for 2025: A Mixed Bag Of Expectations</a>



Meb Faber, founder of Cambria Funds, commented,&nbsp;"It feels a long time&nbsp;coming." His global asset-allocation ETF (GAA) has risen 3% this year, potentially marking its best performance relative to the S&amp;P 500 since its inception. 



However, the continuation of this trend remains uncertain. US stocks have lagged behind&nbsp;the global portfolio in Cambria's&nbsp;model twice since the global&nbsp;financial crisis, only to bounce back amidst improving economic sentiment, reports the outlet. 



Given the stretched valuations of US equities and an uncertain growth outlook, investors are being encouraged to explore a broad range of strategies, including&nbsp;both bullish and bearish equity&nbsp;wagers.&nbsp;Pete Hecht, head of the&nbsp;North America portfolio solutions group&nbsp;at AQR Capital Management, advised,&nbsp;"I would say investors need&nbsp;to lean on diversification even&nbsp;more than normal."



Why It Matters: The shift towards diversification strategies and alternative assets reflects an evolving investment landscape. As traditional equities continue to face uncertainty, investors are seeking more balanced portfolios to mitigate risk. 



This trend could potentially reshape Wall Street&#8217;s approach to investment, emphasizing the importance of diversification in an increasingly volatile market.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/stock-split/25/03/44067742/21-trillion-wealth-creating-stocks-are-still-undervalued-three-big-bargains-to-buy-now">$21 Trillion Wealth-Creating Stocks Are Still Undervalued — Three Big Bargains To Buy Now</a>

Bear Market in Diversification Eases as Investors Seek Alternative Assets

Elon Musk has issued a public threat to Pentagon employees suspected of leaking information about an alleged briefing on sensitive materials involving a potential U.S. war with China.



What Happened: The New York Times published a story suggesting Musk was to be briefed by the Pentagon on potential military plans involving China. This information was allegedly leaked by Pentagon employees.



After the story was published, both Pentagon officials and President Donald Trump confirmed the planned meeting but denied any discussions about China. &#8220;China will not even be mentioned or discussed,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114198186465713235">stated</a> on his Truth Social platform, dismissing the media reports as &#8220;lies.&#8221;



Musk supported Trump&#8217;s statement, reposting the President&#8217;s comments and labeling the New York Times as &#8220;pure propaganda.&#8221; He also warned the alleged leakers at the Pentagon, stating, &#8220;They will be found.&#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 New York Times is pure propaganda. Also, I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT. They will be found. <a href="https://t.co/xANvLMOH5j">pic.twitter.com/xANvLMOH5j</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1902977556329931052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



The New York Times <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44431437/trump-debunks-reports-of-elon-musks-briefing-on-us-china-war-strategy-china-will-not-even-be-mentioned">report</a> suggested that such a briefing would expand Musk&#8217;s role within the federal bureaucracy, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest given his business dealings in China and his role as a major government contractor with SpaceX.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44209536/trump-vs-musk-federal-workers-unconvinced-hell-take-action-if-they-dont-cut-elon-will-comments-show-whos-really-in-charge">Trump vs Musk? Federal Workers Unconvinced He&#8217;ll Take Action: &#8216;If They Don&#8217;t Cut, Elon will, Comments Show Who&#8217;s Really In Charge&#8217;</a>



Why It Matters: The controversy surrounding the alleged leak highlights the sensitive nature of information within the Pentagon and the potential implications of such leaks. 



Musk&#8217;s threat to the leakers underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential consequences for those involved.



Furthermore, the incident raises questions about Musk&#8217;s role within the government and his potential conflicts of interest. As a major government contractor and a business figure with significant ties to China, the implications of Musk being briefed on potential military plans are significant. 



This controversy may impact Musk&#8217;s role within the government and his relationship with China, potentially affecting his business interests and the operations of SpaceX.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44067638/elon-musk-claims-rival-billionaire-wants-to-destroy-trump-to-suppress-jeffrey-epstein-client-list" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Claims Rival Billionaire Wants to ‘Destroy' Trump To Suppress Jeffrey Epstein Client List</a>



Image: Shutterstock

Elon Musk Warns Pentagon Leakers Following Exposé on Alleged Secret China War Briefing: 'They Will Be Found'

Billionaire investor Ray Dalio attributes his success to transcendental meditation. Dalio, who founded Bridgewater Associates in 1975, revealed that meditation gives him calmness and equanimity, which he credits more than anything else for his achievements.



What Happened: Dalio, with a net worth exceeding $16 billion, revealed in an interview <a href="https://www.pionline.com/special-report-hedge-funds/bridgewater-retains-top-spot-largest-hedge-fund-despite-aum-sliding-23">with</a> CNBC that he practices transcendental meditation by repeating a mantra for twenty minutes twice daily.



He describes each session as a &#8220;20-minute vacation&#8221; that aids in decision-making and creativity.



"The best advice that I could give anybody, I think, it would be to meditate, and that&#8217;s because it gives you a calmness and equanimity," Dalio said, according to the report.



"Whatever success I&#8217;ve had in life has been more due to my meditating than anything else."



Dalio began this practice in 1968, influenced by The Beatles, and it has been a constant throughout his career, including his tenure as co-CEO of Bridgewater until 2017.



Research supports the benefits of transcendental meditation, with studies indicating reduced symptoms of trauma and improved mental health.



Dalio&#8217;s approach to leadership at Bridgewater included &#8220;radical transparency,&#8221; where meetings are recorded and open criticism is encouraged.



Other billionaires, like&nbsp;Richard Branson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jack Dorsey, also incorporate meditation into their routines, highlighting its widespread appeal among successful entrepreneurs.



Why It Matters: Dalio, who has a net worth of nearly $16 billion as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, has been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44345022/ray-dalio-has-a-chilling-warning-for-president-trump-debt-crisis-is-imminent-and-an-issue-of-paramount-importance">vocal</a> about various global economic issues, including the looming debt crisis in the U.S.



Additionally, Dalio <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44273552/ray-dalio-says-china-is-way-ahead-in-ai-and-robotics-us-lags-in-mass-production">has</a> expressed concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. He highlighted China&#8217;s lead in AI and robotics, contrasting it with the U.S.&#8217;s lag in mass production. Dalio also warned about the potential risks of AI, suggesting it could lead to totalitarian control or anarchy.



Dalio&#8217;s insights into meditation, economic challenges, and technological advancements reflect his comprehensive understanding of both personal and global dynamics, offering valuable perspectives to investors and leaders worldwide.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44434973/tesla-record-highest-trade-ins-amid-backlash-against-ceo-elon-musk-surge-in-vandalism">Tesla Record Highest Trade-Ins Amid Backlash Against CEO Elon Musk, Surge In Vandalism</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Success Stories

Billionaire Investor Ray Dalio Reveals The Key To His Success: 'The Best Advice That I Could Give Anybody…'

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) is expected to reach a six-figure valuation by 2025, according to Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group. This prediction comes despite the lack of explicit support from U.S. President Donald Trump.



What Happened: In a recent video update, Green discussed the potential for Bitcoin to outshine gold if the Federal Reserve opts to reduce interest rates this year.



He pointed out that gold&#8217;s current upward trend is largely due to macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly stemming from Trump&#8217;s tariff policies.



Green believes that if the U.S. dollar weakens following rate cuts, investors may be more "inclined" to pivot towards Bitcoin.



"We live in a digital&nbsp;world, and I think that&nbsp;with or without Donald Trump's&nbsp;backing – and I think&nbsp;he's going to back it&nbsp;– you're going to see&nbsp;Bitcoin start to soar again.&#8221; He emphasized that a potential decline in the dollar would encourage more investments in Bitcoin.



According <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">to</a> CME's FedWatch tool,&nbsp;69% of traders and investors&nbsp;anticipate a rate cut by the Fed in June.



Green remains firm&nbsp;on his prediction that Bitcoin&nbsp;will rise over 79% from its current value by the end of the year, aiming for $150,000.



Why It Matters: The cryptocurrency market has been experiencing fluctuations, with Bitcoin recently breaching $86,000 before dropping to $83,647.19, despite President Trump&#8217;s supportive remarks for the industry at a recent event.



This volatility is not uncommon, as explained by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44410262/why-bitcoin-pulls-back-and-then-gains-after-economic-uncertainties-like-tariffsbitwise-cio-explains-dip-then-rip-phenomenon">Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan</a>, who noted that economic uncertainties, such as tariffs, can lead to short-term price dips due to increased market risk perception.



Additionally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44345006/arthur-hayes-predicts-bitcoin-surge-to-250000-by-year-end-says-current-downturn-is-clearing-out-deadwood-short-term-pain">Arthur Hayes</a>, co-founder of BitMEX, has also projected a significant increase in Bitcoin's value, anticipating it will reach $250,000 by the end of the year.



Hayes suggests that the current downturn is a temporary setback, part of a natural market cycle.



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Gold Vs Bitcoin - 2025 Price Prediction - Who Wins? Nigel Green deVere CEO Explains" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gtkuX6TGDVQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Price Action: Bitcoin was trading at $84,417 at the time of writing, up 0.2% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44447947/big-short-investor-danny-moses-warns-of-economic-risks-from-elon-musks-doge-induced-federal-job-cuts">Big Short Investor Danny Moses Warns Of Economic Risks From Elon Musk&#8217;s DOGE-Induced Federal Job Cuts</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Bitcoin To Flourish With Or Without Trump's Support, Says Expert: Fed's Rate Cuts Could Make People More 'Inclined' To Buy BTC

On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest made some notable trades, including significant buys and sells.



Ark Invest's fund bought Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IRDM#NASDAQ">IRDM</a>), Beam Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BEAM#NASDAQ">BEAM</a>), Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PACB#NASDAQ">PACB</a>) and Absci Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABSI#NASDAQ">ABSI</a>), while selling Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILMN#NASDAQ">ILMN</a>), Repare Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RPTX#NASDAQ">RPTX</a>), Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), and Veeva Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VEEV#NYSE">VEEV</a>).



The IRDM Trade: Ark Invest&#8217;s ARK Innovation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#NYSE">ARKK</a>), ARK Autonomous Technology &amp; Robotics ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKQ#BATS">ARKQ</a>), and ARK Space Exploration &amp; Innovation ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKX#BATS">ARKX</a>) funds purchased a total of 68,355 shares of Iridium Communications Inc.



The total value of the shares bought, based on the last close price of $27.65, is approximately $1.89 million.



The BEAM Trade: Ark Invest&#8217;s ARKK and Ark Genomic Revolution ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKG#BATS">ARKG</a>) funds bought a total of 28,717 shares of Beam Therapeutics Inc.



The total value of the shares bought, based on the last close price of $23.3, is approximately $669,106.



The PACB Trade: Ark Invest&#8217;s ARKK fund bought a whopping 243,300 shares of Pacific Biosciences of California Inc.



The total value of the shares bought, based on the last close price of $1.3, is approximately $316,290.



Other Key Trades:



<ul>
<li>Illumina Inc: Ark Invest sold a total of 42,616 shares through ARKK and ARKG.</li>



<li>Absci Corp: Ark Invest&#8217;s bought 71,392 shares through ARKG.</li>



<li>Repare Therapeutics: Ark Invest sold 54,786 shares through ARKG.</li>



<li>Amgen Inc: Ark Invest sold 990 shares through ARKG.</li>



<li>Veeva Systems Inc: Ark Invest sold 1,322 shares through ARKG.</li>
</ul>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44434973/tesla-record-highest-trade-ins-amid-backlash-against-ceo-elon-musk-surge-in-vandalism">Tesla Record Highest Trade-Ins Amid Backlash Against CEO Elon Musk, Surge In Vandalism</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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ARKG

ARKK

ARKQ

ARKX

BEAM

ILMN

IRDM

PACB

RPTX

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Cathie Wood's Ark Invest Scoops Up Iridium, Beam, Pacific Biosciences While Offloading Illumina And Amgen

A Tesla Cybertruck owner returned from a trip to find his vehicle had been keyed. Instead of getting angry, he used the incident to promote Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), saying the act of vandalism did nothing to hurt the company or its CEO, Elon Musk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;This Craziness Has To Stop&#8217;</h2>



Chris, who goes by &#8220;Common Sense American&#8221; on social media, <a href="https://x.com/chrisontesla/status/1901335888187269199">posted</a> about the incident, questioning the logic behind keying his truck. &#8220;Does this hurt Elon Musk? Keying my car? No,&#8221; he said, adding that if he didn&#8217;t have a wrap on his truck, he would simply take it to Tesla for repairs, giving the company more revenue.



<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">My Cybertruck was keyed. There's only one way to counter this craziness. <a href="https://t.co/lIDRyPWip4">https://t.co/lIDRyPWip4</a> <a href="https://t.co/hp1xPNk6Q3">pic.twitter.com/hp1xPNk6Q3</a>&mdash; Common Sense American (@chrisontesla) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisontesla/status/1901335888187269199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



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&#8220;Does it hurt me? Not really, just makes me think less of you that you would actually harm someone else&#8217;s property out of some ideology or whatever your point was to do this,&#8221; he continued.



Rather than letting the situation bring him down, Chris said he would channel his frustration into something positive for Tesla. &#8220;I kind of thought about like what could I do. I can lash out and I don&#8217;t know, be mad about it, or I can help Tesla sell more cars, and that&#8217;s exactly what I&#8217;m gonna do.&#8221;



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;Go Schedule A Demo Drive&#8217;</h2>



Chris, who has owned both a Model X and a Cybertruck, encouraged his followers to test-drive a Tesla and see for themselves what makes the vehicles stand out.



&#8220;If you&#8217;ve never driven a Tesla, go drive one. Go schedule a demo drive,&#8221; he said, explaining that Tesla&#8217;s test-driving process is simple and does not involve salespeople pressuring customers.



&#8220;Most of the time you just show up, the app points you directly to the car, you go get in it and you drive it around. It&#8217;s an awesome experience. Go try it out.&#8221;



He ended his message with sarcasm directed at the person who keyed his truck: &#8220;So to whoever keyed the car, thank you. You just sold a lot more Teslas. I appreciate you.&#8221;



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Escalating Attacks Against Tesla</h2>



The keying incident comes at a time when <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44394560/elon-musks-tesla-targeted-with-arson-attacks-in-las-vegas-kansas-city-report">Tesla has faced</a> more <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44135841/elon-musk-slams-attacks-on-tesla-vehicles-after-incident-in-brookline-vandalism-is-not-free-speech">serious acts of vandalism</a> and arson across the country, incidents Attorney General Pam Bondi has described as &#8220;nothing short of domestic terrorism.&#8221;



On March 18, five Teslas were damaged when a fire was started at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas. &#8220;This was a targeted attack against a Tesla facility,&#8221; said Dori Koren, assistant sheriff for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Officials found &#8220;RESIST&#8221; spray-painted on the facility's doors and evidence of gunfire aimed at Tesla vehicles.



A day earlier, two Cybertrucks caught fire at a Tesla dealership in Kansas City, Missouri, in what authorities suspect was arson. Last week, a Tesla dealership in Oregon was hit with more than a dozen gunshots, and multiple Teslas were vandalized in Massachusetts.



The FBI is involved in multiple investigations, but no arrests have been made.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Musk Responds</h2>



The surge in attacks has coincided with Musk's new role in the White House, where he is leading the Department of Government Efficiency. The company's stock has plummeted 38% this year, and several top Tesla executives have sold off $100 million in shares.



Musk, who has frequently clashed with critics, dismissed the violence as politically motivated. &#8220;Because I am a deadly threat to the woke mind parasite and the humans it controls,&#8221; he <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1901635479528726969">wrote</a> on X.



Despite the escalating backlash, Tesla owners like Chris are standing by the company—and, in some cases, using these attacks to encourage even more people to buy Teslas.



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To Whoever Keyed The Car, Thank You!'—Cybertruck Owner Says Keying His Truck Backfired, Vows To Help Tesla Sell More Cars

Wall Street remains on edge as investors adopt a cautious stance amid an increasingly uncertain economic outlook. At its March meeting, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 4.25%-4.50%, signaling "no rush" to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44403637/fed-holds-rates-while-growth-forecasts-slip-inflation-projections-rise">adjust its monetary policy.</a>



Yet, the central bank's latest economic projections painted a less optimistic picture, with lower growth forecasts and higher inflation expectations for the coming years.



The Fed now expects real GDP growth to slow from its December forecast of 2.1% for 2025 to 1.7%. Growth estimates for 2026 were revised downward from 2% to 1.8% and 2027 was lowered from 1.9% to 1.8%.



The Personal Consumption Expenditures price index — the Fed's preferred inflation gauge — is now projected to hit 2.7% in 2025, up from 2.5% previously. Broader price pressures for 2026 were also revised higher, from 2.1% to 2.3%, signaling persistent inflation risks.



In short, the latest projections suggest a more stagflationary environment — something Fed Chair Jerome Powell had categorically dismissed last year, when he quipped that he saw "no stag, nor flation" on the horizon.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44405112/tariff-inflation-may-be-transitory-powell-says-stocks-rally-bitcoin-clears-85000-as-bulls-return">During his press conference</a>, Powell attempted to quell market fears over a potential recession and the inflationary impact of tariffs. He reaffirmed confidence in the U.S. economy, highlighting its resilience and low recession risk, while acknowledging lingering uncertainty in the outlook.



His characterization of Trump's proposed tariffs as "transitory" <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44427074/economists-react-to-powell-we-are-now-seeing-the-stag-and-the-flation">raised eyebrows among economists</a>  — particularly given his prior misjudgment in labeling post-COVID-19 pandemic inflation as short-lived.



Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) emerged as the week's top performer in the S&amp;P 500, surging double digits in its best weekly performance since July 2023. The rally was fueled by a multibillion-dollar contract to design and manufacture a next-generation fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force, beating out rival Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)



Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)'s decline persisted, now down more than 50% from its peak, marking its ninth consecutive negative week — a record losing streak since the company went public in 2010. In Elon Musk's empire, SpaceX has now officially overtaken Tesla as his most valuable asset.



NVIDIA-GM Alliance: At the GPU Technology Conference, NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) CEO Jensen Huang unveiled a new collaboration with General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) to advance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/03/44399929/how-the-nvidia-gm-partnership-could-challenge-tesla-boost-uber">next-generation self-driving vehicles.</a> This partnership intensifies competition with Tesla in the growing robotaxi market.



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Tesla Notches Ninth Negative Week; Fed Sees More Inflation, Less Growth Yet Powell Labels Tariffs Effect As 'Transitory': This Week In Markets

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44346708/charlie-munger-called-elon-musk-a-certified-genius-who-exaggerates-his-iq-but-warned-never-underestimate-the-man-who-overestimates-himself">Charlie Munger</a> never believed in selling people dreams, and when a 20-year-old from India asked him for investing advice at the Daily Journal (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJCO#NYSE">DJCO</a>) annual meeting in 2015, he didn't sugarcoat a thing. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/phildemuth/2015/04/13/charlie-mungers-2015-daily-journal-annual-meeting-part-2/">Forbes transcribed</a> the exchange, capturing Munger's brutally honest response.



The question was simple: "What is your advice to a 20-year-old individual who wants to achieve financial freedom through investing?"



Munger's answer? That used to be doable—but <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44065682/charlie-munger-shared-advice-for-the-young-but-it-applies-to-all-if-youve-got-anything-you-really-want-to-do-dont-wait-until-youre-93">for young investors today</a>, the road to riches through investing is a lot rougher.



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"Achieving success through investments has been pretty easy in my lifetime," Munger said. He explained that if an investor was "rational and disciplined," the stock market gave them a built-in tailwind, averaging around 10% per year before taxes. That alone, combined with smart saving and living below your means, "was enough to take care of you."



But then came the reality check.



"Now, if the world is going to get 10% out of indexes in the future, and I don't think it will, in real terms, getting more has proven to be quite difficult," Munger warned. "Some of you who come along later are finding that if you stay in the big stocks, it's damn near impossible for most people."



And then, the gut punch: "When things are damn near impossible, maybe you could stop trying."



That was 2015. Now, in 2025, the market is proving him right.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Market Has Changed—Just Like Munger Predicted</h2>



The S&amp;P 500 pulled off over 20% gains in 2023 and 2024, but things aren't looking so bright this year. The Magnificent Seven—Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), and the rest of the tech giants—have lost nearly 15%, taking much of the broader market down with them. Investors who thought they could ride big-name stocks to easy riches? They're learning the hard way that the game has changed.



Companies like Tencent are throwing billions into artificial intelligence, but AI-driven investing tools are becoming so common that any advantage they once offered is slipping away. Investors looking for a shortcut to wealth are running into the same problem Munger described: it's damn near impossible for most people to outperform the market now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">That $10 Million Advice—And Who Actually Said It</h2>



One of the most memorable moments of the 2015 meeting came when Daily Journal CEO Gerry Salzman joked, "Charlie says the way to get rich is to keep $10 million in your checking account in case a good deal comes along."



The room laughed, but Munger was quick to clarify: that wasn't his advice—it was actually real estate mogul Howard Ahmanson's line to a bunch of young and starving college grads . Then he added his own signature commentary, "rich people sometimes get a little pompous."



For most people, keeping $10 million liquid isn't exactly an option, but Munger's real point was about being prepared. If you want to take advantage of real opportunities, you need money on hand.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Munger's Final Take—And Why It Still Matters</h2>



Munger <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43759618/charlie-munger-said-the-hardest-part-of-getting-rich-is-the-first-100000-but-from-there-it-snowballs-and-you-can-ease-off-the-gas">never promised an easy path to wealth</a>. In fact, he spent decades trying to steer people away from thinking there was a simple formula. And in 2025, his warning is proving more accurate than ever.



The stock market isn't handing out easy money. AI investing isn't a magic trick. And the best opportunities still go to those who are disciplined, patient, and have the capital to act when the time is right.



As Munger put it, if something's "damn near impossible," stop wasting time chasing it. The real key to wealth is to be smart, be prepared, and most importantly—don't be delusional.



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Charlie Munger Told a 20-Year-Old That Getting Rich Through Investing Is 'Damn Near Impossible' — And You Might Need $10 Million in the Bank

Remember when Elon Musk <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1808156026123829599">fired off that bold prediction on X</a>? "Once Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) fully solves autonomy and has Optimus in volume production, anyone still holding a short position will be obliterated. Even Gates." That was last July—Musk basically dared short-sellers, including Bill Gates, to bet against Tesla, warning they'd be crushed once self-driving tech and Optimus robots took off. But now, in March, it's not the short-sellers feeling the heat—it's Tesla's stock.



Instead of soaring to unstoppable heights, Tesla's shares have plunged roughly 53% from their December peak, sitting around $225. The biggest winners? The very same short sellers Musk warned, who have raked in a staggering $16.2 billion in profits over the last three months, according to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-short-sellers-stock-elon-musk-evs-cars-2025-3">Business Insider</a>. If obliteration was on the table, it sure didn't land where Musk expected.



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Gates, one of the most high-profile Tesla bears, first <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/11/41852561/if-you-invested-1000-in-tesla-stock-when-bill-gates-shorted-the-stock-heres-how-much-youd-have-today">revealed his short position back in 2022</a>, fueling an already simmering feud with Musk. Their clash wasn't just about stock—it was personal.&nbsp;



Gates had approached Musk to collaborate on climate change initiatives, only for Musk to shut it down entirely, firing back, "Sorry, but I cannot take your philanthropy on climate change seriously when you have a massive short position against Tesla, the company doing the most to solve climate change." That text exchange, which Musk gleefully made public, cemented their billionaire beef for years to come.



But why is Tesla's stock tanking while short-sellers cash in? For starters, Chinese EV makers aren't just competing—they're coming for Tesla's lunch. BYD, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44354592/warren-buffett-backed-byd-eyes-germany-for-third-european-plant-amid-tariff-concerns-report">one of China's biggest auto players</a>, just rolled out a lightning-fast charging system that delivers 400 kilometers of range in five minutes, leaving Tesla scrambling to keep up. Then there's Wall Street's shifting mood—RBC just slashed its Tesla price target from $440 to $320, dialing back expectations for its self-driving tech and robotaxi rollout. Add in a brutal 49% year-over-year drop in Tesla's China shipments last month, and investors are hitting the brakes hard.



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Meanwhile, Musk's latest moonshot—er, Mars-shot—plan to send the Optimus robot to the Red Planet by 2026 might sound impressive, but it's doing little to reassure shareholders that Tesla's real-world business is on solid ground. While Musk is talking about robots in space, investors are more concerned with what's happening on Earth—where Tesla's dominance is getting chipped away.



Musk's warning wasn't just about short-term stock movement. His vision for Tesla remains locked on a future where self-driving technology and humanoid robots aren't just ideas but market-shifting realities. If he's right, Tesla could still make an explosive comeback, and today's short-seller profits might look like pocket change in hindsight.&nbsp;



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Markets go up, markets go down—that's just how the game works. Tesla's stock may be struggling now, but if there's one thing Musk doesn't do, it's stop. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42741855/elon-musks-ex-wife-and-mother-of-5-kids-says-he-wont-take-no-for-an-answer-he-locks-his-gaze-on-to-something-and-says-it-shall-be-mine">The man is relentless</a>, always pushing forward, whether it's EVs, AI, or even robots bound for Mars.



Even Gates—despite their long-running feud—has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43880898/im-in-awe-bill-gates-says-elon-musk-is-brilliant-rich-and-influential-but-admits-hes-been-mean-to-me-at-times">acknowledged Musk's impact</a>. In an interview with <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/bill-gates-elon-musk-memoir-source-code-b2688651.html">The Independent</a> last month, Gates said, "I'm in awe of the great work he did at SpaceX and Tesla." He even credited Tesla with forcing the auto industry to improve electric vehicles, calling it a "gigantic contribution" to climate change solutions.



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Elon Musk Said Bill Gates Would Be 'Obliterated' for Shorting Tesla—But Short Sellers Just Made $16.2 Billion In 3 Months Betting Against Him

Editor&#8217;s Note: This story has been updated to correct an error in Tesla&#8217;s price action.



On Thursday night, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) abruptly scheduled an all-hands meeting. The event was set to begin at 9:30 p.m. ET, but it didn't start until 9:58 p.m. ET.



What Happened: The presentation started with Tesla CEO Elon Musk praising the company's workforce. "Some of the finest people in the world work at Tesla, designing and manufacturing our incredible products. Thanks to you for everything you are doing, well done."



He then outlined key milestones achieved by the company, announcing that Tesla has now produced over 7 million vehicles globally. Looking ahead, Musk projected that Tesla will surpass the 10 million vehicle mark next year.



Musk went on to add that both manufacturing and servicing vehicles require overcoming significant challenges, but despite occasional turbulence, the future is "incredibly bright."



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44409706/tesla-crash-victims-families-demand-accountability-push-for-probes-free-from-elon-musks-interference-we-are-deeply-concerned">Tesla Crash Victims&#8217; Families Demand Accountability, Push For Probes Free From Elon Musk&#8217;s Interference: &#8216;We Are Deeply Concerned…&#8217;</a>



The Tesla CEO outlined his vision for a future of "sustainable abundance," underscoring the role of solar energy, battery storage, and AI in creating a world where resources are plentiful without compromising nature.



He reiterated Tesla's broader ambitions, including space travel and colonization of Mars.



Musk then highlighted Tesla's ongoing success, noting that Model Y became the best-selling vehicle in the world. He also celebrated Cybertruck's rapid rise as the top-selling electric pickup, Tesla's position as Europe's best-selling EV brand, and the company's growing presence in international markets, including Lithuania, Chile, and the Philippines.&nbsp;



&#8220;If you read the news, It feels like Armageddon,&#8221; he said, adding, &#8220;I can&#8217;t walk past the TV without seeing a Tesla on fire.&#8221;



Musk praised the upgraded Model 3 and reaffirmed the Cybertruck's five-star safety rating. He also defended the Tesla Semi factory, which some critics had dismissed as unfeasible.&nbsp;



He also pointed out that some investors, like ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood, have already recognized the disruptive potential of Tesla's autonomous future. "What I am saying is, hang on to your stock."



Musk praised Tesla's extensive Supercharger network, which now allows seamless road trips across the U.S., Europe, China, and Australia. He said that Tesla's battery life is designed to exceed human endurance, stating, "The battery will last longer than your bladder—just plug in when you take a restroom break, grab a coffee, and you're back on the road."



He also said that Tesla&#8217;s Dojo supercomputer is making significant progress, with the Dojo first-generation now fully operational at Gigafactory New York and Palo Alto. The system is actively handling AI training workloads, currently accounting for approximately 5%—and nearing 10%—of Tesla's total AI training.



The company plans to introduce a more advanced version, expected to be "ten times" more powerful.



Musk then touted the rapid development of Optimus.



"Optimus has gone from an idea to the most sophisticated humanoid robot on Earth. There's nothing close to its level of sophistication," Musk said. He credited Tesla's expertise in AI, electric motors, batteries, and large-scale manufacturing as key factors enabling Optimus to be mass-produced at an affordable price.



<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">Tesla all-hands live presentation <a href="https://t.co/jQOt6WB2LN">https://t.co/jQOt6WB2LN</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1902899450487455809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Why It Matters: Earlier in the night, Business Insider <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-springs-last-minute-public-all-hands-on-staffers-2025-3">reported</a> that Tesla employees were caught off guard as they were given little notice. Internal Microsoft Teams messages revealed that some employees were uncertain about the event's purpose and short notice.



The confusion only deepened when Tesla posted a livestream link ahead of the meeting, only to abruptly take it down about 30 minutes later.



The EV giant restarted the livestream shortly before the scheduled 9:30 p.m. ET start time, but it remained silent for at least 30 minutes. Musk tweeted a link to the event at 9:45 p.m. ET.



Price Action: Tesla's stock gained 0.17% on Thursday's regular session, closing at $236.26. In after-hours trading, it dropped 0.51%, reaching $235.06. Year-to-date, the company's shares have dropped 37.71%, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.



Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>



Image via Shutterstock



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