Vericel (NASDAQ:VCEL) Bolsa

Vericel

Vericel Corp is a fully integrated, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company and a provider of therapies for the sports medicine and severe burn care markets. It markets cell therapy products in the United States, MACI (autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane); Epicel (cultured epidermal autografts); and NexoBrid. The Company operates its business in the U.S. in one reportable segment; the research, product development, manufacture, and distribution of cellular therapies and specialty biologics for use in the treatment of specific conditions.

Vericel Corp

On Tuesday, Spotify Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>) defended its $11.99 Premium plan while signaling that future price hikes could be part of its long-term strategy.
What Happened: During <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/45066980/spotify-grows-subscribers-and-revenue-but-profit-miss-sends-stock-sliding">Spotify&#8217;s first-quarter 2025 earnings</a> call, executives were asked why the platform hasn't raised its price more in the past 19 years, and how much room is there to raise it going forward.
In response, CEO Daniel Ek said that in the beginning, Spotify focused only on growing its user base, not on making money. Later, they started thinking about how to convert free users into paying users. That's when features like Family Plan and Student Plan were added.
&#8220;I still believe there will be more segmentation,&#8221; Ek said, adding, &#8220;But yeah, I think the opportunity is big.&#8221;
Spotify's chief business officer, Alex Norstrom, then added that even after the price increases, Spotify is still seen as one of the best values in entertainment.&nbsp;
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44831264/microsoft-debuts-computer-use-tool-for-copilot-studio-ceo-satya-nadella-says-anyone-can-build-agents-that-take-action-on-the-ui-across-desktop-and-web-apps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Satya Nadella Says Microsoft's New Tool Allows Anyone To Create AI Agents That Click, Type, And Navigate On Your Computer For You</a>
&#8220;When we look at churn, this continues to be quite modest even as we raise prices in different markets. And as we&#8217;ve said many times before, prices are now, price increases are now part of our toolbox,&#8221; he stated.
How Spotify Compares With Its Competitors: Spotify faces stiff competition from rivals like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) Music and YouTube Music, a product of Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google, all offering similar subscription tiers at comparable price points.
Spotify&#8217;s plans include $5.99 per month for students, $11.99 for individual users, $16.99 for two-person family plans, and $19.99 for families of up to six.
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Apple Music's pricing starts at $5.99 per month for students, $10.99 for individual users, and $16.99 for a family plan that supports up to six members.
Apple Music is also part of the Apple One subscription bundle — the Individual plan is priced at $19.95 per month, the Family plan at $25.95 per month, and the Premier plan at $37.95 per month
YouTube Music offers two tiers of pricing—one without YouTube Premium and one bundled with it. 
The standalone YouTube Music subscription costs $5.49 per month for students, $10.99 for individual users, and $16.99 for a family plan covering up to five members.
For users seeking an ad-free video experience as well, the bundled option with YouTube Premium is priced at $7.99 for students, $13.99 for individuals, and $22.99 for families with up to five accounts.
Why It's Important: Spotify posted quarterly earnings of $1.13 per share, falling short of the analyst consensus estimate of $2.33. The company added 3 million monthly active users (MAUs) from the previous quarter, bringing the total to 678 million, meeting its projected guidance.
Earlier this month, a steep drop in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44764554/consumer-sentiment-crashes-to-3-year-lows-as-inflation-expectations-spike-to-1981-highs">consumer confidence raised red flags</a> across Main Street, as renewed inflation worries and heightened recession risks sparked fears.
However, Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) co-CEO Greg Peters has downplayed those concerns, noting that entertainment has traditionally <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44881044/netflix-downplays-recession-fears-amid-market-volatility-triggered-by-trump-tariffs-co-ceo-greg-peters-raves-about-resilient-799-ad-plan-we-havent-seen-any-significant-changes">remained resilient even during</a> periods of economic downturn.
Price Action: Spotify shares have climbed 26.03% so far in 2025 and are up an impressive 101.56% over the past 12 months. However, the stock slipped 3.48% on Tuesday, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
In the Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings, Spotify has a growth score of 9.94% and an outstanding momentum score of 97.52%. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Click here to see how it stacks up against</a> rivals like Apple, YouTube, and others.
Photo Courtesy: Ink Drop on Shutterstock.com
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with&nbsp;the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was&nbsp;reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Entertainment

News

Tech

AAPL

GOOG

GOOGL

NFLX

SPOT

Spotify Defends $11.99 Price Tag, But Executive Says Raising Prices Is Now 'Part Of Our Toolbox' — Can Music Escape The Inflation Gauntlet?

A widely followed cryptocurrency analyst forecasted a breakout for Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) toward $1 on Tuesday, based on their analysis of the meme coin&#8217;s weekly chart.
What Happened: In an X post, Trader Tardigrade drew attention to the&nbsp;four completed red candles on the chart, with&nbsp;the current week&#8217;s&nbsp;candle potentially passing through the&nbsp;mid-band, forming a green candle.&nbsp; 
The analyst used the Gaussian Channel indicator, a widely used method to identify potential overbought or oversold conditions. The upper and lower bands of the channel acted as dynamic support and resistance levels.
&#8220;Trendline resistance targets the price near the $1 mark,&#8221; Trader Tartigrade said. Should the prediction come true, it would amount to a 488% upside from DOGE&#8217;s current levels. Note that the cryptocurrency has dipped by over 3% in the last week.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dogecoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dogecoin</a> Weekly Chart with the Gaussian Channel shows four completed red candles, with the current week&#39;s candle potentially passing through the mid-band, forming a green candle. Trendline resistance targets the price near the $1 mark &#x1f680;<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24Doge&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$Doge</a> <a href="https://t.co/lwjOy3GD1Z">pic.twitter.com/lwjOy3GD1Z</a>
&mdash; Trader Tardigrade (@TATrader_Alan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TATrader_Alan/status/1917142577935225056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Trader Tartigrade also outlined how DOGE experienced false breakdowns and breakouts in different ranges. 
&#8220;DOGE has now returned to its current range. Soon, DOGE is expected to break out, potentially sending it higher,&#8221; they added, highlighting the coin&#8217;s previous instance of a breakout following a false break.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dogecoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dogecoin</a> has been moving within different Ranges, experiencing both false breakdowns and breakouts.<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24Doge&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$Doge</a> has now returned to its current range. &#x1f525; Soon, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24Doge&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$Doge</a> is expected to break out, potentially sending it higher &#x1f680; <a href="https://t.co/MBIpHKcDwN">pic.twitter.com/MBIpHKcDwN</a>
&mdash; Trader Tardigrade (@TATrader_Alan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TATrader_Alan/status/1917190278739562659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45029372/forget-dogecoin-and-shiba-inu-crypto-analyst-sees-this-coin-surging-100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forget Dogecoin And Shiba Inu — Crypto Analyst Sees This Coin Surging 100% </a>
Meanwhile, the Bull Bear Power indicator, which measures the strength of buyers and sellers, flashed &#8220;Sell&#8221; for DOGE, <a href="https://in.tradingview.com/symbols/DOGEUSD/technicals/">according</a> to TradingView. 
Moreover, DOGE&#8217;s Long/Short ratio was below 1, <a href="https://www.coinglass.com/currencies/DOGE">according </a>to Coinglass, suggesting that a higher number of futures traders were betting against the world&#8217;s largest meme coin.
In other news, Nasdaq <a href="https://listingcenter.nasdaq.com/assets/rulebook/nasdaq/filings/SR-NASDAQ-2025-034.pdf">filed</a>&nbsp;a 19b-4 proposal with the SEC to list and trade shares of a Dogecoin exchange-traded fund by 21Shares, following the S-1 registration earlier in the month. 
Price Action: At the time of writing, DOGE was exchanging hands at $0.1757, down 1.78% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>. Year-to-date, the cryptocurrency has plummeted 44%.
Photo Courtesy: alfernec on Shutterstock.com
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>

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

Cryptocurrency

Markets

$DOGE

Dogecoin Heading Toward $1? Analyst Predicts Breakout For Meme Coin On Weekly Chart

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk drew attention on Tuesday to economic data showing China&#8217;s economy has significantly outgrown both the United States and European Union when measured by purchasing power parity.
What Happened: &#8220;This comes as a surprise to most people,&#8221; Musk wrote on X, citing data from xAI&#8217;s Grok chatbot indicating China&#8217;s gross domestic product in PPP terms is approximately $35.29 trillion in 2025, compared to $28.78 trillion for the U.S. and $21.99 trillion for the EU.
These figures suggest China&#8217;s economy is 1.23 times larger than America&#8217;s and 1.60 times larger than the EU&#8217;s when adjusted for domestic purchasing power.
The World Bank&#8217;s most recent data supports this trend, showing China as the leading global economy with a PPP-adjusted GDP of approximately $34.66 trillion in 2023, compared to $27.72 trillion for the U.S.
According to International Monetary Fund projections for 2025, China&#8217;s economy is growing at 4% compared to 1.8% for the U.S. China is expected to account for 19.68% of global GDP based on PPP, while the U.S. represents 14.75%.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">This comes as a surprise to most people <a href="https://t.co/0UXAuA6BE4">https://t.co/0UXAuA6BE4</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1917039955257528782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/45089879/paypal-says-buy-now-pay-later-users-spend-33-more-make-17-more-transactions-pushes-for-global-rollout">PayPal Says &#8216;Buy Now, Pay Later&#8217; Users Spend 33% More, Make 17% More Transactions—Pushes For Global Rollout</a>
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s comments came in response to billionaire investor Ray Dalio&#8216;s warning about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/45063781/elon-musk-reacts-after-ray-dalio-warns-of-us-decline-says-china-has-already-surpassed-america-as-global-consumption-leader">America&#8217;s declining economic influence</a>. When Dalio suggested the U.S. remains the world&#8217;s primary consumer and debtor, Musk countered, &#8220;China is a much bigger consumer of manufactured goods than the United States. This year, Chinese consumers will buy more cars than America and Europe combined.&#8221;
The exchange highlights shifting global economic power as U.S.-China trade tensions escalate. Recent tariff increases exceeding 100% have led Chinese manufacturers to suspend operations and seek alternative markets, with Goldman Sachs downgrading China&#8217;s GDP <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/45032435/trump-tariffs-prompt-suspension-of-chinese-factory-operations-and-shift-to-new-markets">growth forecasts to 4.0% for 2025</a>.
Despite these challenges, China&#8217;s NDRC remains &#8220;fully confident&#8221; in meeting its 5% economic growth target for 2025, even as economists like Torsten Slok of Apollo Global Management warn of a &#8220;90% chance&#8221; of U.S. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/45033463/as-china-downplays-trump-tariffs-with-5-growth-target-top-economist-warns-of-90-chance-of-a-us-recession-amid-trade-war">recession if current tariffs persist</a>.
Photo Courtesy: bella1105 on Shutterstock.com
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Economics

TSLA

Elon Musk Says Will Come As A 'Surprise To Most' As China's Economy Surpasses US And EU Amid Rising Tariffs And Growing Recession Fears

On Tuesday, major U.S. indexes closed higher, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing 0.75% to 40,527.62, the S&amp;P 500 rising 0.6% to 5,560.83, and the Nasdaq adding 0.55% to finish at 17,461.32.
These are the top stocks that gained the attention of retail traders and investors throughout the day.
Super Micro Computer Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>)
Super Micro Computer&#8217;s stock declined by 3.41%, closing at $36. The stock reached an intraday high of $37.29 and a low of $35.94. Its 52-week high and low are $101.40 and $17.25, respectively. The company reported weak preliminary third-quarter results, attributing the decline to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/45086254/super-micro-computer-stock-is-tanking-after-hours-whats-fueling-the-sell-off">delayed customer platform decisions</a> that shifted sales to the fourth quarter. The company expects third-quarter revenue of $5.4 billion to $4.6 billion, which is lower than the previous guidance of $5 billion to $6 billion.
Starbucks Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>)
Starbucks shares rose by 1.13%, closing at $84.85. The stock&#8217;s intraday high was $85.07, with a low of $83.20. Its 52-week high and low are $117.46 and $71.55, respectively. Despite missing second-quarter earnings estimates, the CEO expressed optimism, stating, &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/45084597/starbucks-misses-q2-earnings-estimates-ceo-says-optimism-has-turned-into-confidence-i-see-more-opportunity-than-i-imagined">I see more opportunity than I imagined</a>.&#8221; Second-quarter revenue came in at $8.76 billion, missing the analyst estimates of $8.56 billion. In the after-hours trading, Starbucks shares declined by 6.5% to $79.33.
Snap Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNAP#NYSE">SNAP</a>)
Snap&#8217;s stock increased by 2.94%, closing at $9.09. The stock hit an intraday high of $9.23 and a low of $8.82. Its 52-week high and low are $17.33 and $7.08, respectively. The company reported first-quarter results, surpassing estimates, but the stock slid due to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/04/45084721/snap-hits-900-million-users-beats-q1-estimates-but-stock-slides-on-uncertainty">uncertainty</a> despite reaching 900 million users. In the after-hours trading, shares fell sharply by over 14.4% to $7.78. Revenue for the first quarter was reported at $1.36 billion, beating the Street consensus of $1.35 billion.
Visa Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>)
Visa&#8217;s stock rose by 1.19%, closing at $341.52. The stock&#8217;s intraday high was $342.27, with a low of $336.46. Its 52-week high and low are $366.54 and $252.70, respectively. The company&#8217;s second-quarter earnings exceeded expectations, reporting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/45083885/visa-shares-move-higher-after-better-than-expected-q2-results-details">earnings of $2.76 per share</a>, which beat the consensus estimate of $2.68.
Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)
Tesla&#8217;s stock climbed by 2.15%, closing at $292.03. The stock reached an intraday high of $293.32 and a low of $279.47. Its 52-week high and low are $488.54 and $157.40, respectively. Despite a challenging year for shareholders, short sellers have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/45084978/teslas-slump-has-been-a-goldmine-for-short-sellers-this-year-theyve-made-11-5-billion-beating-out-nvidias-9-4-billion">profited significantly</a> from Tesla&#8217;s slump, earning $11.5 billion.
Visa or MasterCard. Get <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">the full picture</a> on both stocks with Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="443" height="281" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29234725/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-12.47.03.png" alt="" class="wp-image-893988" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29234725/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-12.47.03.png 443w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29234725/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-12.47.03-300x190.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px" /></a></figure>
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Prepare for the day&#8217;s trading&nbsp;<a href="https://editorial.benzinga.com/wp-admin/Premarket%20Movers%20&amp;%20News">with top premarket movers and news</a>&nbsp;by Benzinga.
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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>

Equities

SBUX

SMCI

SNAP

Super Micro Computer, Starbucks, Snap, Visa, Tesla: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

Trump Media and Technology Group&nbsp;Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>)&nbsp;said Tuesday it was contemplating&nbsp;the launch of a utility token for users accessing its Truth Social ecosystem.
What Happened: In a shareholder letter, TMTG outlined its key products and near-term roadmap, focusing on the Truth Social and Truth+ video streaming platforms.
The company stated it was working on a token within a Truth Digital wallet that could be used to pay for a Truth+ subscription initially and then used to access other products and services in the ecosystem.
TMTG didn&#8217;t immediately return Benzinga&#8217;s request for comment on additional details about the proposed token.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44914780/michael-saylor-warns-leveraging-ethereum-and-solana-could-lead-to-ftx-terra-luna-like-situationcalls-them-balsa-wood-and-clay-bricks-to-bitcoins-steel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Is Steel, Ethereum And Solana Are Balsa Wood And Clay, Warns Michael Saylor—Strategy Chair Says Leveraging ETH, SOL Could Lead To &#8216;Catastrophe&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: TMTG, co-founded and&nbsp;<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44268596/trumps-net-worth-plummets-by-nearly-300m-as-djt-stock-drops-to-its-lowest-since-october" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">majority-owned by</a> President Donald Trump, has deepened its involvement in the cryptocurrency world lately, most notably through a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44467984/trump-media-surges-9-in-after-hours-trading-after-announcing-partnership-with-crypto-com-to-launch-made-in-america-focused-etfs-cro-also-rallies">high-profile partnership</a> with cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com to introduce&nbsp;a series of exchange-traded funds, including ones tracking cryptocurrencies.
Entities linked to Trump and his family have increasingly focused on a crypto-centric business portfolio, with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44560290/trump-family-to-dive-into-bitcoin-mining-after-defi-meme-coin-projects">strategic bet </a>on Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) mining, following their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/04/45077156/trump-affiliated-world-liberty-financial-defies-ethics-concerns-raises-550-million">foray </a>into decentralized finance with World Liberty Financial and the Official Trump (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">TRUMP</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/45058044/trump-memecoin-dips-after-early-spike-amid-questions-over-private-dinner-event">meme coin</a>.
Price Action: Trump Media stock fell 0.12% in overnight trading after closing 3.29% lower at $24.98 on Tuesday, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA.." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.&nbsp;Year-to-date, the stock has plunged 26.74%
As of this writing, the DJT stock exhibited a low value score—&nbsp;a metric that evaluates an asset's relative worth by comparing its market price to fundamental measures. In case you&#8217;re looking to pack your portfolio with high-momentum equities, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/screener/top-value-stocks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga&#8217;s proprietary Edge Rankings score</a> for reference.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45074007/ethereum-stuck-around-1800-why-is-eth-not-moving" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ethereum Stuck Around $1,800: Why Is ETH Not Moving?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo Courtesy: Rokas Tenys On Shutterstock.com
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>

Politics

$BTC

$TRUMP

Trump Media Says Its Exploring Utility Token Within Truth Digital Wallet As Part Of Rewards Program

PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>) is seeing strong momentum with its "Buy Now, Pay Later" services, with significantly higher user engagement and larger transaction sizes, as it expands the offering globally.
What Happened: During its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/45067312/paypal-earnings-beat-but-slower-spending-and-checkout-use-weigh-on-results">first quarter earnings</a> on Tuesday, PayPal highlighted key developments in its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service, a short-term financing option that lets consumers defer payments on purchases, starting with a 0% APR, and no late fees.
BNPL users spend 33% more per transaction than PayPal's overall average of $69.53, the company said. They also complete 17% more transactions than the average of 59.4 per active account over the past 12 months.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/45089384/cathie-wood-bets-against-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-ahead-of-crucial-earnings-report-loads-up-on-this-amazon-rival">Cathie Wood Bets Against Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Ahead Of Crucial Earnings Report, Loads Up On This Amazon Rival</a>
Although PayPal launched its BNPL service in 2020, the company credits recent gains to its improved pay sheet that clearly showcases its full range of payment options. The service has also received greater visibility through marketing campaigns, including one featuring actor Will Ferrell.
Despite inherent credit risks tied to BNPL offerings, PayPal CFO Jamie Miller has said that charge-off rates remain stable and are improving. &#8220;In particular with respect to the consumer portfolios, we've actually seen delinquencies over the last 30 days improve,&#8221; Miller said on the earnings call.
The company&#8217;s CEO, Alex Chriss, considers BNPL a key growth lever going forward, with plans for an international rollout this year.
&#8220;We will continue to lean into BNPL throughout this year with targeted consumer awareness campaigns in the U.K. and Germany and continued investment in other priority global markets including Australia, France, Italy, and Spain,&#8221; Chriss said on the call.
Why It Matters: The BNPL market has surged in recent years, with the market <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/01/36697045/the-rise-of-buy-now-pay-later-in-2024">expected to touch</a> $1 trillion by 2027, led by PayPal, and its peers such as Affirm Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>), Klarna, and AfterPay, which is now owned by Block Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XYZ#NYSE">XYZ</a>).
While analysts have cautioned against <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/02/43888952/americans-owe-a-record-1-21-trillion-in-credit-card-debt-expert-warns-theres-no-end-in-sight">rising BNPL debt</a> and overindulgence by consumers in the past, the company&#8217;s steady charge-off rates and low delinquencies have dismissed these concerns.
Price Action: PayPal stock was up 2.14% on Tuesday, but is down 0.26% after-hours, following the company&#8217;s first quarter earnings.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="136" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29223833/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-8.08.20-AM-1024x136.png" alt="" class="wp-image-893944" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29223833/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-8.08.20-AM-1024x136.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29223833/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-8.08.20-AM-300x40.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29223833/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-8.08.20-AM-768x102.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29223833/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-8.08.20-AM-1536x204.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29223833/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-8.08.20-AM.png 1598w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
PayPal doesn&#8217;t fare too well on Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings, with low scores across the board, and unfavorable price trends in the short, medium, and long term. How does it compare with peers such as Affirm and Block? Sign up for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Benzinga Edge</a> to find out.
Photo Courtesy: BigTunaOnline On Shutterstock.com
Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/45088278/american-express-says-the-rich-are-still-dining-out-and-living-large-while-everyone-else-braces-for-recession-tariffs-and-skyrocketing-prices">American Express Says the Rich Are Still Dining Out and Living Large — While Everyone Else Braces for Recession, Tariffs, and Skyrocketing Prices</a>

Earnings

AFRM

PYPL

PayPal Says 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Users Spend 33% More, Make 17% More Transactions—Pushes For Global Rollout

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) develops and supports software, services, devices and solutions worldwide.
It is set to report its Q3 2025 earnings on April 30. Wall Street analysts expect the company to post EPS of $3.22, up from $2.94 in the prior-year period. According to Benzinga Pro, quarterly revenue is expected to reach $68.44 billion, up from $61.86 billion a year earlier.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">If You Bought Microsoft Stock 10 Years Ago</h2>
The company's stock traded at approximately $48.03 per share 10 years ago. If you had invested $10,000, you could have bought roughly 208 shares. Currently, shares trade at $391.85, meaning your investment's value could have grown to $81,584 from stock price appreciation alone. However, Microsoft also paid dividends during these 10 years.&nbsp;
Microsoft's dividend yield is currently 0.86%. Over the last 10 years, it has paid about $22.73 in dividends per share, which means you could have made $4,733 from dividends alone.&nbsp;
Summing up $81,584 and $4,733, we end up with the final value of your investment, which is $86,317. This is how much you could have made if you had invested $10,000 in Microsoft stock 10 years ago. This means a total return of 763.17%. In comparison, the S&amp;P 500 total return for the same period was 213.60%.
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Could The Next 10 Years Bring?&nbsp;</h2>
Microsoft has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a price target of $494.57 based on the ratings of 33 analysts. The price target implies more than 26% potential upside from the current stock price.
On Jan. 29, the company announced its Q2 2025 earnings, posting GAAP EPS of $3.23, beating the $3.11 consensus estimate, as reported by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43320124/microsoft-shares-slide-after-q2-results-cloud-revenue-misses-expectations-details">Benzinga</a>. Quarterly revenue came in at $69.6 billion, above the $68.78 billion analyst consensus estimate.
&#8220;We are innovating across our tech stack and helping customers unlock the full ROI of AI to capture the massive opportunity ahead," said CEO Satya Nadella. &#8220;Already, our AI business has surpassed an annual revenue run rate of $13 billion, up 175% year-over-year.&#8221;
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/04/44835690/forecasting-the-future-20-analyst-projections-for-microsoft">article by Benzinga</a> for 20 analysts' projections on Microsoft.
Given the historical stock price appreciation and expected upside potential, growth-focused investors may find Microsoft stock attractive. Furthermore, they can benefit from the company's solid dividend yield of 0.86% and consistent hikes. Microsoft has raised its dividend consecutively for the last 19 years.
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>
<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

MSFT

If You Invested $10K In Microsoft Stock 10 Years Ago, How Much Would You Have Now?

Leading cryptocurrencies were muffled on Tuesday, but stocks rallied on indications that the United States was nearing a deal with a key trading partner.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 8:45 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>-0.77%</td>
<td>$94,494.12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+0.03%</td>
<td>$1,803.83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-2.30%</td>
<td>$0.1758</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
What Happened: Bitcoin continued to face resistance around $95,500 as trading volume dipped nearly 15% in the last 24 hours. Ethereum wobbled in the early $1,800 territory, with volumes down 9.63%
More than $180 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, with long liquidations accounting for $120 million.&nbsp;
That said, over $630 million in Bitcoin short positions risked liquidation if the apex cryptocurrency rose to $98,000.
Bitcoin&#8217;s Open Interest dropped 2.27% in the last 24 hours, while more than 57% of Binance traders took short positions on the asset.
The market sentiment remained in "Greed," according to the Crypto Fear and Greed Index.
Top Gainers (24-Hours)
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 8:45 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Solayer (LAYER)</td>
<td>+9.31%</td>
<td>$3.21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monero (XMR)</td>
<td>+4.63%</td>
<td>$272.48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bonk (BONK)</td>
<td>+1.29%</td>
<td>$0.6561</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $2.96 trillion, following a drop of 0.74% in the last 24 hours.
Stocks moved further north on Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lifted 300.03 points, or 0.75%, to end at 40,527.62. The S&amp;P 500 gained 0.58% to finish at 5,560.83. The tech-focused Nasdaq Composite added 0.55%, ending at 17,461.32.
On Tuesday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that the U.S. has reached a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/45082716/manufacturing-momentum-market-mirage-lutnick-dismisses-recession">definite trade deal</a> with an unnamed country. This comes a day after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at a potential deal with India
Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) got a hiccup ahead of its first-quarter earnings after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/45067585/amazon-stock-tumbles-as-white-house-calls-tariff-visibility-plans-a-hostile-act">White House deemed "hostile"</a> the e-commerce giant's move to show tariffs on products. That said, the stock recovered nearly all of its initial sell-off at market close.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Analyst Notes: Widely followed cryptocurrency analyst Greg Miller was confident Bitcoin would break out from the ascending triangle pattern.
"Price is holding strong, and the setup is clean—$98,300 might be coming sooner than we think," Miller predicted.&nbsp;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> looks ready to break out from this ascending triangle &#x1f4c8; Price is holding strong, and the setup is clean — $98.3k might be coming sooner than we think. Just staying patient and riding the trend. Let's see how this plays out. <a href="https://t.co/9km1G8OauL">pic.twitter.com/9km1G8OauL</a>
&mdash; Greg Miller (@greg_miller05) <a href="https://twitter.com/greg_miller05/status/1917279169739686306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Chartist and trader Ali Martinez also anticipated a new bull rally for Bitcoin, citing the golden cross between the MVRV Ratio and its 365-day SMA.
MVRV, a shorthand for Market Value to Realized Value, is a ratio used to assess the value of a cryptocurrency by comparing its current market value to its realized value.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">A golden cross between the MVRV Ratio and its 365-day SMA could mark the start of a new bull rally for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a>. One to watch closely! <a href="https://t.co/BrDrNOfgEY">pic.twitter.com/BrDrNOfgEY</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1917251279472189450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Photo: Igor Faun/Shutterstock
Read Next:    
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45060872/peter-schiff-calls-out-trump-coin-gala-invite-hunter-biden-is-already-being-outdone">Peter Schiff Calls Out &#8216;TRUMP&#8217; Coin Gala Invite: &#8216;Hunter Biden Is Already Being Outdone&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Movers

Trading Ideas

$ETH

AMZN

Bitcoin, Ethereum Flat, Dogecoin Dips Amid Trade Deal Hopes: Analyst Says BTC Price 'Holding Strong' And Setup Clean For Push To $98,300

On Tuesday, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest executed notable trades involving Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) , Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), and Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHOP#NASDAQ">SHOP</a>).
The Meta Platforms Trade saw Ark Invest offloading 2,865 shares of Meta Platforms Inc. through its ARK Innovation ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#BATS">ARKK</a>) fund. This move comes ahead of Meta&#8217;s anticipated first-quarter earnings report, where analysts expect the company to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/04/45083272/meta-platforms-q1-earnings-preview-analyst-expects-weak-guidance-will-company-continue-streak-of-revenue-beats">highlight its advancements</a> in artificial intelligence. The Mark Zuckerberg-led company is expected to disclose earnings figures on Wednesday. The sale, valued at approximately $1.6 million coincides with Meta&#8217;s recent launch of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/45075691/meta-launches-ai-app-to-compete-with-chatgpt-gemini-grok">standalone AI app</a> designed to compete with OpenAI&#8217;s ChatGPT and Google&#8217;s Gemini. The stock closed at $554.44, marking a 0.85% increase on the day.
The AMD Trade involved Ark Invest acquiring 7,786 shares of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. through the ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKW#BATS">ARKW</a>). The purchase, valued at around $747,923, follows recent market reactions to reports that Huawei has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/45052912/whats-going-on-with-advanced-micro-devices-stock-monday">developed an AI chip</a>. AMD&#8217;s stock saw a slight decline of 0.34%, closing at $96.06. Notably, Ark also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/45057303/cathie-wood-chops-palantir-ark-invest-dumps-9-1-million-worth-of-stock-also-sells-meta-and-robinhood-shares">purchased AMD stock</a> worth $3.79 million on Monday.
The Shopify Trade featured Ark Invest purchasing 12,182 shares of Shopify Inc. via the ARKW fund. This transaction, worth approximately $1.2 million, comes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44640798/trump-ends-de-minimis-exemptions-shopify-bigcommerce-and-lightspeed-face-new-headwinds">amid new challenges</a> for e-commerce platforms like Shopify due to changes in trade and tariff policies. On Tuesday, Shopify&#8217;s stock experienced a 0.36% uptick, closing at $98.92.
Other Key Trades:
<ul>
<li>Sold 67,053 shares of Schrodinger Inc (SDGR) from the ARKG fund.</li>
<li>Bought 60,264 shares of Personalis Inc (PSNL) through the ARKG fund.</li>
<li>Sold 92,782 shares of CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) from the ARKK fund.</li>
<li>Bought 61,911 shares of Intellia Therapeutics Inc (NTLA) via the ARKK fund.</li>
</ul>
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings indicate Meta Platforms has Momentum in the 78th percentile and Growth in the 75th percentile. How do other Magnificent 7 stocks weigh up? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Click here</a> and find out.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="444" height="280" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29215417/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-10.53.56.png" alt="" class="wp-image-893911" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29215417/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-10.53.56.png 444w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29215417/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-10.53.56-300x189.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 444px) 100vw, 444px" /></a></figure>
Photo Courtesy: viewimage on Shutterstock.com
Read Next: 
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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>

ETFs

ARKK

ARKW

SHOP

Cathie Wood Bets Against Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Ahead Of Crucial Earnings Report, Loads Up On This Amazon Rival

On his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/04/45069781/trumps-first-100-days-what-he-delivered-where-he-fell-short-how-markets-reacted">100th day in office</a> during his second term, President Donald Trump returned to a familiar setting — a rally stage in Michigan — to energize supporters, defend his policies, and lash out at critics as Democrats prepared a coordinated protest in the Senate.
What Happened: On Tuesday, before a crowd in the battleground state he flipped in 2024, Trump touted his administration's economic record, declaring, "We've already ended inflation," and vowed further spending cuts to boost growth, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/04/29/trump-presidency-news-100-days/">reported</a> The Washington Post.
"We will cut more than $1 trillion in wasteful and unnecessary spending," he stated, adding, "We will end inflation, slash prices — we've already ended inflation — raise wages and give you the greatest economy in the history of the world."
In a speech that echoed his campaign rallies, Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42980742/trump-off-hook-in-2020-election-case-special-counsel-smith-says-evidence-was-sufficient-to-obtain-and-sustain-a-conviction">repeated false claims</a> about the 2020 election and accused Democrats of trying to influence the 2024 outcome. "That's their single greatest trait," Trump said, the report noted.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44999959/how-the-us-china-trade-war-is-unintentionally-boosting-demand-for-intels-older-chips-amid-economic-uncertainty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel's Older Parts Are In Demand Thanks To US-China Trade War: ‘Tariffs Have Everybody Hedging Their Bets,' Says Executive</a>
The president also defended his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44891977/pete-hegseth-shared-yemen-strike-details-in-another-signal-group-chat-this-time-with-his-wife-brother-and-personal-lawyer-report">embattled defense secretary</a>, Pete Hegseth, calling him a "tough cookie."
He also said <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/25/04/45064937/donald-trump-threatens-to-veto-any-gop-bill-that-touches-medicaid-or-social-security-if-it-cuts-it-i-would-not-approve">Republicans will defend Medicaid</a>. "We will always protect Medicare and Social Security for our great seniors with no cuts, and we will defend Medicaid for those great people that are in need,"
Trump said, despite criticism from Democrats and analysts who argue his budget plan would force cuts.
The President also saved some of his sharpest criticism for Democratic figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/23/09/34249216/trump-goes-all-in-on-his-nickname-for-biden-sleepy-joe-becomes-crooked-joe-says-indicted-former-">mocked former President</a> Joe Biden, polling the crowd on whether to call him "Sleepy Joe" or "Crooked Joe," the report said.
Meanwhile, Democratic senators intend to spend hours on the Senate floor Tuesday evening criticizing Trump's first 100 days in office, the report added.
Why It's Important: Trump has completed 100 days of his second term, with mixed progress on key 2024 campaign promises.
He's largely delivered on immigration <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/45032435/trump-tariffs-prompt-suspension-of-chinese-factory-operations-and-shift-to-new-markets">and tariffs</a>, imposing a 10% import tax and targeting trade imbalances. Gas prices are down, but grocery costs have risen due to tariffs.
His vow to end the Ukraine war <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44888482/trump-set-ultimatum-for-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-not-going-to-continue-with-this-endeavour-for-weeks-and-months-says-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio">remains unmet</a>, though diplomatic efforts are underway.
Trump also signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43088148/trump-pardons-1500-jan-6-defendants-including-key-proud-boys-figures-after-bidens-final-hour-clemency">pardoned over 1,500 people</a>, including Jan. 6 defendants.
Economic pledges like tax cuts on tips and overtime remain unfulfilled. The Associated Press rates four promises as kept, 15 in progress, and five as "complicated."
Photo Courtesy: Rawpixel.com on Shutterstock.com
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Government

Media

Trump Says He's 'Already Ended Inflation' At Michigan Rally Held To Mark 100 Days In Office, Promises To Protect Medicare And Social Security — Democrats Plan Senate Barrage

Former Vice President Mike Pence published a pointed op-ed in The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, grading President Donald Trump's first 100 days of his second term and warning against a departure from the conservative principles that defined their previous administration. 
What Happened: Pence credited Trump with a "political comeback unrivaled in modern American history," highlighting early wins such as cutting illegal immigration by over 90% at the southern border and restoring American strength abroad, particularly in the Middle East. However, Pence cautioned in the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/what-the-47th-president-can-learn-from-the-45th-trump-second-term-policy-ea1bf83e">op-ed</a> that these "hard-won and overdue" gains could be lost if the administration strays from its original playbook.
The former Vice President praised Trump's decisive actions, stating, "No new laws. Just a president with the backbone to do his job and keep America safe." He also lauded the administration's military investments and tough stance on universities tolerating antisemitism. Yet, Pence sounded alarms over what he called "troubling signs of retreat," especially regarding wavering support for Ukraine and renewed negotiations with Iran, warning, "Only renewed American military support for our close partner provides any hope for a just and lasting peace."
On the economic front, Pence criticized Trump's sweeping tariffs as "the largest peacetime tax hike in American history," arguing they threaten to derail economic recovery: "Since the president announced his ‘Liberation Day' tariffs, the only thing America has been liberated from is trillions of dollars in investments." He called for the extension of all Trump-Pence tax cuts, warning that failure to do so "would amount to the largest middle-class tax hike in modern history, costing millions of American jobs."
Pence summed up his message with a stark reminder: "A strong first 100 days is a foundation. But only a return to the conservative principles that guided our administration and achieved peace and prosperity during the president's first term will ensure that this administration builds something lasting-for the president's legacy, and for America's future."
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/45061180/trump-orders-english-only-rule-for-truck-drivers-this-is-common-sense-says-white-house-wit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Orders English-Only Rule For Truck Drivers: &#8216;This Is Common Sense,&#8217; Says White House, With Enforcement And Penalties Set Within 60 Days</a>
Why It Matters: In a recent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/45047432/trump-says-i-run-the-country-and-the-world-yet-polls-plummet">interview with The Atlantic</a>, Trump claimed, &#8220;I run the country and the world,&#8221; yet his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/45047432/trump-says-i-run-the-country-and-the-world-yet-polls-plummet">approval ratings have seen a decline</a>. The first 100 days of his second term have been marked by both achievements and controversies, impacting his public perception.
Pence has previously criticized Trump&#8217;s tariff policies, calling them a &#8220;misstep&#8221; that could harm working families economically. Pence warned that these tariffs, particularly the 125% on China, could become a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44728777/pence-calls-trumps-tariff-moves-misstep-cites-potential-economic-harm-to-working-families">major political issue for Republicans</a> in the upcoming midterm elections. He noted that the tariffs could be seen as &#8220;the largest peacetime tax hike in American history&#8221; if not adjusted.
In terms of market performance, Trump&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/04/45069781/trumps-first-100-days-what-he-delivered-where-he-fell-short-how-markets-reacted">first 100 days</a> have had mixed reactions from the stock market. While some sectors have benefited from his policies, others have faced challenges due to the economic uncertainties brought by the tariffs and international tensions.
Photo Courtesy: Gino Santa Maria On Shutterstock.com
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

General

Mike Pence Says Trump Comeback 'Unrivaled' In Modern American History But Only Return To Values Of First Term Will Ensure President's Legacy

Kevin O&#8217;Leary is being brutally honest when it comes to China and its impact on American businesses. The &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; investor and chair of O&#8217;Leary Ventures recently spoke out on social media and MSNBC, slamming China&#8217;s track record since joining the World Trade Organization in 2000.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8220;They Never, Ever Complied&#8221;</h2>
According to O&#8217;Leary, the original plan to bring China into the WTO was based on the hope that exposure to democracy and fair trade practices would influence the country.&nbsp;
&#8220;I think it was Clinton&#8217;s administration, 2000, when he said, look, the way to win over China is to give them a taste of democracy on a worldwide basis,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary said in a video <a href="https://x.com/kevinolearytv/status/1915529242860830727">posted</a> on social media. &#8220;Let&#8217;s invite them into the World Trade Organization if they&#8217;re willing to abide by the covenants of all the other nations.&#8221;
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But O&#8217;Leary said China never followed through. &#8220;They never, ever complied to a single covenant. Not the first week, not the 20th year,&#8221; he said. Grievances have piled up within the WTO and have never been resolved, he added.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Knockoffs Flood the Market</h2>
O&#8217;Leary shared a real-world example to show how U.S. businesses suffer. He pointed to a simple, patented product called &#8220;DrainWig.&#8221; As soon as it approached $5 million in sales, &#8220;boom,&#8221; knockoffs appeared everywhere, he said. &#8220;They didn&#8217;t have to spend any money in R&amp;D or any legal fees for patenting it,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary explained.
&#8220;I&#8217;ve come to the conclusion they don&#8217;t even care,&#8221; he said. &#8220;And the reason they don&#8217;t care is there&#8217;s never any consequence.&#8221;
Trending: Donald Trump Just Announced a $500 Billion AI Infrastructure Deal — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/seize-a-share-while-you-still-can-in-the-2-trillion-entertainment-market-with-elf-labs-at-just-2-25-share">Here's How You Can Invest in the Entertainment Market's Next Big Disruptor for Just $998</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Backing Trump&#8217;s Trade Policies</h2>
During his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztWvIPUxT0s">MSNBC</a> appearance, O&#8217;Leary stood firmly behind Donald Trump&#8217;s tariff strategies, arguing that they&#8217;re long overdue. While critics like economist Paul Krugman and investor Bill Ackman have called the trade war risky, O&#8217;Leary said it&#8217;s the only way to get China to take the U.S. seriously.
&#8220;This is a game of chicken right now,&#8221; he said, as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44902888/kevin-oleary-says-chinas-actions-have-wiped-out-millions-of-american-companies-i-dont-know-why-anyone-is-okay-with-it">higher tariffs are necessary</a> to bring China to the negotiating table.
O&#8217;Leary emphasized that he supports policy, not politicians. &#8220;There are millions of American companies wiped out by what China does,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know why you&#8217;re okay with it. You shouldn&#8217;t be.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Small Businesses Hit the Hardest</h2>
O&#8217;Leary pointed out that small businesses are the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/08/40284639/kevin-oleary-declares-i-am-not-ashamed-of-capitalism-agrees-theres-anti-elitism-and-applauds-musk-on">backbone of the U.S. economy</a>, creating 62% of American jobs. &#8220;I&#8217;m just speaking on behalf of every small entrepreneur in America, and I think I have my army behind me,&#8221; he said.
Despite his frustrations, O&#8217;Leary said he remains open to doing business with China, but only if fair play is enforced. &#8220;We want to form some kind of a union that&#8217;s not so antagonistic. But you can&#8217;t cheat, you can&#8217;t steal,&#8221; he said.
Looking ahead, O&#8217;Leary is hopeful that new trade policies will start showing results soon. &#8220;Give it a few weeks,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I think we&#8217;re going to get something worked out here. Xi is also in a bad place.&#8221;
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'Boom—Knockoffs Flood The Market,' Says Kevin O'Leary About Inviting China Into The WTO Thinking They'd Play Fair—'They Never Did'

Elon Musk last month appeared on the <a href="https://youtu.be/BDREZmpkIz8?si=OrWW63POKaHORcJN">"Verdict with Ted Cruz" podcast</a>, where the Texas senator threw him a rare question: Who's the smartest guy you've ever met?
Musk didn't hesitate. He named two heavyweights — Larry Ellison and Larry Page — both billionaires, both tech legends, and at one point, both close friends of Musk.
"Larry Ellison's very smart," Musk said. "I will say Larry Ellison is one of the smartest people."
He added, "You know, Larry Page… there are a lot of people that are very smart."
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He didn't stop there. Musk also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/04/44992374/elon-musk-is-122-billion-poorer-in-2025-and-still-richer-than-bezos-huang-cuban-combined">tipped his hat to Jeff Bezos</a>, acknowledging that Bezos had accomplished "a lot of difficult and significant things" — even if their rivalry over space has stretched on for more than two decades.
But when it came to Ellison and Page, Musk had more personal history.
Ellison wasn't just impressed by Musk from afar. In 2018, when Tesla was battling lawsuits and controversy over Musk's "funding secured" tweet about taking the company private, Ellison stepped in. He bought a $1 billion stake in Tesla, joined the company's board, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41185303/elon-musk-says-larry-ellison-is-awesome-after-oracle-ctos-old-video-praising-tesla-ceo-resurfaces">publicly backed Musk</a>, calling Tesla an "amazing company" and describing Musk as a "very close friend."
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At a time when investors were running for cover, Ellison was standing next to him.
Page's relationship with Musk ran even deeper — and ultimately more complicated.
Musk and Page once shared an easy friendship, spending long nights talking about humanity's future, space colonization, and artificial intelligence. Musk said he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37923084/elon-musk-used-to-email-ex-google-ceo-larry-page-when-he-was-kind-of-homeless-and-ask-can-i-come">would even stay at Page's house</a> while visiting Silicon Valley.
But the friendship cracked. Musk believed AI development needed strict oversight; Page, according to Musk, was "cavalier" about the risks. The philosophical divide led Musk to help launch OpenAI as a nonprofit competitor to Google's DeepMind, and the two friends drifted apart.
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Still, before things soured, Page made it clear just how much faith he had in Musk.
In a 2014 <a href="https://blog.ted.com/computing-is-still-too-clunky-charlie-rose-and-larry-page-in-conversation/">TED interview with Charlie Rose</a>, Page said: "If I were to get hit by a bus today, I should leave all of it to Elon Musk."
Page argued that Musk's mission to "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42154628/larry-page-google-co-founder-said-hed-leave-his-fortune-to-elon-musk-over-charity-because-of-his-plans-to-go-to-mars-to-back-up-humanity">back up humanity" by building a future on Mars</a> was a better bet than funneling billions into traditional charities.
Musk's answer wasn't about old alliances or loyalty. It showed that even after friendships cracked, companies competed, and philosophies clashed, he could still recognize brilliance when he saw it — and wasn't afraid to applaud it, even from a distance.
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Elon Musk Was Asked 'Who's the Smartest Guy You've Ever Met?' He Picked Two CEOs, Both Named Larry — And One Even Said He'd Leave Him His Fortune

IDEXX Laboratories (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IDXX#NASDAQ">IDXX</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 11.03% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 21.28%. Currently, IDEXX Laboratories has a market capitalization of $35.41 billion. 
Buying $100 In IDXX: If an investor had bought $100 of IDXX stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $669.58 today based on a price of $436.97 for IDXX at the time of writing.
<h3>IDEXX Laboratories's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745970316_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

IDXX

Here's How Much $100 Invested In IDEXX Laboratories 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

American Express (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>) is riding high — and so are its richest customers.
While warnings of a tariff-fueled recession swirl and some Americans are pulling back on spending, AmEx says its most affluent cardholders are still dropping cash on the finer things — especially dining out, which CFO Christophe Le Caillec last week called "the ultimate discretionary expense."
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In Q1, billed business on AmEx cards jumped 7.5% year over year, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44862333/american-express-q1-card-spending-strong-ceo-maintains-annual-outlook-contingent-on-economic-climate">helping push revenue to $17 billion, an 8% increase</a>. That's better than Wall Street expected — and according to CEO Stephen Squeri, it's largely thanks to confident spending from the top tier.
Restaurant and hotel spending stayed strong, while airline spending cooled slightly. But it's not just older cardholders footing the bill anymore. The real surge came from younger Americans: 60% of AmEx's 3.4 million new cardholders last quarter were Gen Z and millennials. Those groups also spent 14% more compared to last year — compared to just a 1% increase from boomers.
AmEx is leaning into that shift. Squeri said younger customers are flocking to the card for its lifestyle perks, like restaurant credits and access to premium dining through acquisitions like Resy and Tock. He even dubbed the revamped Gold Card "the Restaurant Card."
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And despite rising economic uncertainty, AmEx isn't pulling back. Squeri said the company sees no reason to yank its full-year forecast of 8–10% revenue growth. "It's probably easy to pull guidance," <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/american-express-ceo-aprils-stock-market-volatility-hasnt-sent-customers-into-their-bunkers-122606716.html">he told Yahoo Finance</a>, "but what are you going to pull if you know you're still within your guidance range?"
"There's a lot of stability and strength, despite the news and the environment," <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/17/american-express-cardholders-still-spending-despite-trump-tariffs.html">Le Caillec explained to CNBC.</a>
That confidence sets AmEx apart from other companies, including JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) and major retailers, that are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/04/44717888/jpmorgan-jamie-dimon-warns-recession-now-likely-outcome">warning of a slowdown</a> and ditching forecasts due to tariff chaos and market whiplash. Meanwhile, Le Caillec said that while some small businesses may be stockpiling inventory ahead of potential price hikes, AmEx's core spending levels don't appear artificially inflated.
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The rich are still swiping, but what about everyone else?&nbsp;
Beyond the platinum perks and premium cardholders, the broader economy is flashing warning signs. U.S. small business confidence dropped sharply in March, with only 21% of owners expecting better conditions ahead—the lowest since October 2024, according to the <a href="https://www.nfib.com/news/analysis/small-business-optimism-slips-in-march-research/">National Federation of Independent Business</a>.&nbsp;
Sales expectations also fell to their lowest point since before the 2024 election. Meanwhile, consumers across income levels are tightening their belts. A <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/the-state-of-the-us-consumer">McKinsey survey</a> found that 75% of Americans reported trading down in categories like groceries and apparel, and many are delaying non-essential purchases amid inflation concerns.&nbsp;
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American Express Says the Rich Are Still Dining Out and Living Large — While Everyone Else Braces for Recession, Tariffs, and Skyrocketing Prices

Ares Management (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARES#NYSE">ARES</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 13.19% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 23.44%. Currently, Ares Management has a market capitalization of $33.73 billion. 
Buying $100 In ARES: If an investor had bought $100 of ARES stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $826.34 today based on a price of $154.38 for ARES at the time of writing.
<h3>Ares Management's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745969413_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ARES

Here's How Much $100 Invested In Ares Management 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 10.54% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 24.89%. Currently, Aflac has a market capitalization of $59.69 billion. 
Buying $1000 In AFL: If an investor had bought $1000 of AFL stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,965.59 today based on a price of $109.20 for AFL at the time of writing.
<h3>Aflac's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745968512_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Aflac Stock In The Last 5 Years

Caterpillar (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 3.2% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 13.45%. Currently, Caterpillar has a market capitalization of $148.40 billion. 
Buying $1000 In CAT: If an investor had bought $1000 of CAT stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $3,521.19 today based on a price of $307.36 for CAT at the time of writing.
<h3>Caterpillar's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745967612_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$1000 Invested In Caterpillar 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

S&amp;P Global (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPGI#NYSE">SPGI</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 6.45% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 16.7%. Currently, S&amp;P Global has a market capitalization of $150.81 billion. 
Buying $100 In SPGI: If an investor had bought $100 of SPGI stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $465.11 today based on a price of $491.76 for SPGI at the time of writing.
<h3>S&amp;P Global's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745966713_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

SPGI

If You Invested $100 In This Stock 10 Years Ago, You Would Have This Much Today

In a country wrestling with rising crime rates, viral videos of smash-and-grab robberies, and heated debates about bail reform, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44940401/elon-musk-says-hell-only-spend-day-or-two-per-week-on-government-matters-to-ensure-fraud-does-not-come-roaring-back-ceos-focus-to-shift-to-tesla-beginning-may">Elon Musk</a> says the conversation has gone dangerously off track.
A few months ago, Musk sat down with Tucker Carlson earlier this year to talk about what he sees as one of America's growing blind spots: misplaced empathy.
"What I see is what I call shallow empathy," Musk said. "People have empathy for the criminals but not empathy for the victims of the criminals."
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Musk wasn't talking about hypothetical issues. He pointed to a hard reality: a small slice of society — "a few percent," as he put it — struggle with severe anger problems or "enjoy hurting other people." Without serious consequences, he warned, they don't just stop.
"If you do not incarcerate them," Musk said, "they will hurt other people."
Rather than asking what makes politicians or activists feel good about themselves, Musk argued society needs a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/04/44973207/elon-musks-critics-on-x-see-sudden-drop-in-visibility-raising-questions-about-platforms-free-speech-commitments">harder conversation about the greater good</a>. "I believe one should have deep empathy and ask, what is the greater good for society?" he said. "Is it better to incarcerate violent criminals and prevent them from hurting people, or to let them loose and allow those people to be hurt? I think the latter is much worse."
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Musk's frustration taps into a <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/06/us-news/progressive-los-angeles-da-george-gascon-voted-out/">broader national debate</a>. In cities like Los Angeles, efforts to soften criminal sentencing have triggered public backlash. District Attorney George Gascón, criticized for scaling back prosecutions and sentencing enhancements, faced a tough reelection fight against Nathan Hochman, who promised to bring back stricter penalties in the name of protecting victims.&nbsp;
Carlson agreed with Musk, pointing out that modern thinking seems more concerned with showing compassion toward criminals than with protecting victims.
But Musk wasn't finished. He tied the same kind of shallow decision-making to a wider frustration: the suffocation of innovation in America.
Citing endless regulations, ballooning bureaucracy, and the rise of consultants who profit without building anything, Musk compared the situation to an "Atlas Shrugged" scenario, where true creators are buried under a mountain of red tape.
"I build cars, I build rockets, I build satellite internet," Musk said. "I can't put myself in the mindset of someone who wants to do crime. I don't want to hurt people."
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>
Musk blamed part of the problem on people growing up in "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44598039/elon-musk-says-were-living-in-the-best-time-and-if-you-disagree-you-probably-should-read-a-history-book-when-else-would-you-want-to-be-alive">safe, sheltered environments</a>," unable to grasp the harsh realities of violence because they've never seen it up close. Well-meaning but naive, they design policies with good intentions — but innocent people pay the price.
His message cuts deeper than crime statistics: in a society built on shallow empathy, the real victims aren't just forgotten — they're sacrificed.
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