Vital Energy (NYSE:VTLE) Bolsa

Vital Energy

Vital Energy is an independent energy company. Its business is focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas. The Company has identified one operating segment: exploration and production.

Vital Energy, Inc. Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

In a significant market downturn since President Donald Trump announced new tariffs worldwide, the world&#8217;s wealthiest individuals have seen their fortunes shrink by $74 billion.
What Happened: The market turmoil following Trump&#8217;s sweeping tariffs led to a considerable loss in wealth for the top 10 richest people globally. The S&amp;P 500 experienced a near 5% drop,&nbsp;the Dow lost 1,679 points,&nbsp;and the Nasdaq composite plunged&nbsp;6%.
Elon Musk, who has been facing public backlash for his association&nbsp;with the White House DOGE&nbsp;office and subsequent boycotts against&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), saw his net worth decrease by $11 billion. Musk&#8217;s wealth is primarily tied to his stake in Tesla.
Similarly, Jeff Bezos,&nbsp;the founder and executive chairman&nbsp;of&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), suffered a $15.9 billion reduction in his wealth.&nbsp;Meta&#8217;s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FB#NASDAQ">FB</a>)&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg&nbsp;lost $17.9 billion amid criticism over the rollback of fact-checking on Meta platforms.
Other billionaires who felt the impact include&nbsp;Warren Buffett&nbsp;of&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>),&nbsp;Bernard Arnault&nbsp;of LVMH (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LVMUY#OTC">LVMUY</a>),&nbsp;Bill Gates,&nbsp;Larry Ellison&nbsp;of&nbsp;Oracle&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>),&nbsp;Larry Page&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sergey Brin&nbsp;of&nbsp;Alphabet&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), and former Microsoft CEO&nbsp;Steve Ballmer.
Why It Matters: The significant loss in wealth for these billionaires underscores the far-reaching impact of Trump&#8217;s tariffs on the global economy. 
The market downturn not only affects the world&#8217;s richest but also has potential implications for average investors and the broader economy. 
The tariffs, intended to protect domestic industries, have sparked market chaos and uncertainty, leading to significant financial losses for some of the world&#8217;s most influential business leaders.
Shutterstock: Nmorguelan

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TSLA

$74 Billion Wiped Out Since Tariff Declaration — See How Much The Billionaires Lost

It's normal for people to increase their income as they get more work experience and develop new skills. However, a recent "CNBC Make It" video tells the story of a 40-year-old who went from earning $5.15 per hour to netting more than $1 million per year. He is one of the outliers that can inspire others to pursue bigger goals.
Jamal Robinson started in the fast food industry and eventually became a tech worker. Along with the career jumps came a large portfolio, and he managed to accumulate a $3.5 million net worth before turning 40.&nbsp;
Robinson shares his journey and some of the strategies he used to accelerate his earnings.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some Quick Research Led To His First Negotiation</h2>
The salary for his first job after college wasn't substantial. He told CNBC that he was only set to earn roughly $32,000 per year, but the context surrounding this job set him up for seven-figure years.
It turns out that $32,000 per year was a massive underpay, and he did some quick research to discover that the average engineer was making $54,000 per year at the time. Robinson called HR about this discrepancy, and the company immediately offered him an additional $10,000 per year.
While $42,000 per year was still lower than average, Robinson saw the benefits of negotiating a higher salary. A single email <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/small-cap/23/03/30133560/fighting-inflation-from-your-home-10-side-hustle-ideas-to-keep-your-purchasing-power-intact">increased his earnings</a> by more than 30%.&nbsp;
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The experience changed him, causing him to always stay on top of average salaries. Robinson said that he asks his peers how much they make to gauge if he is getting a fair salary.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Be Open To New Opportunities</h2>
Robinson didn't stay at that first job for long. He worked in startups and moved from one job to the next, raising his salary along the way.
"I always kept my eyes open for new opportunities," he told CNBC.
He didn't just take new jobs. He also made a conscious effort to build connections with his peers. Those connections helped him land jobs at IBM, Amazon, Intel, Microsoft, and other tech giants. Working for those companies and job hopping helped him accelerate his earnings. It didn't take long for him to go from barely making 6-figures to being deep in the 6-figure range. Then, his annual earnings exceeded $1 million.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Continue To Sharpen Your Skills</h2>
Even when his responsibilities and salary went up, Robinson told "CNBC Make It" that he continued to learn. He earned nine certificates and got an MBA while climbing the corporate ladder. He also saw that artificial intelligence was shaping into the next big thing and focused his expertise on AI.
He eventually retired with a $3.5 million portfolio and now follows the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43399160/suze-orman-says-ditch-the-4-retirement-rule-and-opt-for-less-its-very-dangerous-and-no-longer-works-in-todays-financial-environment">4% rule</a>. This rule states that you can live off an annual 4% withdrawal from your investments. The hope is that the investments grow at more than 4% each year to ensure you don't run out of money. The strategy has risks, but it's easier to pull off with a $3.5 million portfolio.&nbsp;
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Personal Finance

How A 40-Year-Old Went From Earning $5.15 Per Hour To More Than $1 Million Per Year: 'I Always Kept My Eyes Open For New Opportunities'

The stock market has seen a historic two-day drop, but experts are cautioning against panic.
What Happened: The crash has erased over $5 trillion in market cap, marking the most devastating week for the market since the early onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average took a dive of over&nbsp;2,200 points, the Nasdaq 100&nbsp;entered&nbsp;a bear market, and the&nbsp;S&amp;P 500 lost nearly 6%. The crash spared no sector of the S&amp;P 500.
Investors are now left wondering about the next course of action. While the urge to panic and make drastic decisions can be overwhelming, experts recommend against it. They remind investors that the overall trend of stocks is upwards, and that severe market drops are often followed by recoveries.
Gina Bolvin, president of&nbsp;Bolvin Wealth Management Group, urges investors to acquaint themselves with cyclical and defensive stocks, and to ensure their portfolios are diversified. She also warns against day trading, asserting that most day traders end up incurring losses.
&#8220;Don&#8217;t panic. The headlines and the market change quickly,&#8221; she <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-market-crash-what-to-do-investing-trade-war-tariffs-2025-4">told</a> Insider.
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&#8220;The only change to your portfolio should be to confirm it&#8217;s diversified and you can weather the storm in good times or bad,&#8221; Bolvin added.
Investors are also advised to maintain some of their&nbsp;investments in cash or cash&nbsp;equivalents, like a money market&nbsp;fund.&nbsp;Brett Panziera, CFP, an associate&nbsp;director of financial planning at&nbsp;EP Wealth Advisors, recommends having sufficient cash on hand to cover&nbsp;at least six months of&nbsp;expenses, or&nbsp;up to two or three&nbsp;years if retired.
&#8220;Even outside of a recession, you should aim to have an amount of cash on hand to fund at least six months of your expenses, or if you are retired and don&#8217;t have employment income to support your spending, perhaps up to two or three years,&#8221;&nbsp;Panziera said. 
Why It Matters: The recent market crash, triggered by the ongoing trade war, has left investors in a state of uncertainty. The advice from experts to stay calm, diversify portfolios, and hold some&nbsp;investments in cash or cash&nbsp;equivalents could prove crucial in navigating this turbulent period. 
The general upward trend of stocks and the common occurrence of rebounds following deep market plunges offer a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. 
However, the situation remains fluid, and investors are advised to stay informed and make decisions based on their individual financial situations and risk tolerance.
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Shutterstock: MiniStocker

Politics

Market Mayhem Persists As Tariffs Spark Turmoil — Experts Say 'Don't Panic'

Mark Cuban wants Americans to ditch pricey tax software and file their taxes for free. In a recent Bluesky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3llrdz6c5bs2t">post</a>, the billionaire entrepreneur encouraged users to take advantage of the IRS Direct File system, calling it a secure, simple way to file taxes that doesn't cost a cent.
"File your taxes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-file-your-own-taxes">using IRS Direct File</a>, a free, secure, accurate and accessible product from the IRS," Cuban wrote. "It is available in 25 states and allows you to import your tax information, like your W-2, directly from the IRS."
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Is Direct File?</h2>
The program, first piloted in 2024, is now expanding and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41321973/more-than-30-million-americans-can-file-taxes-for-free-in-2025-find-out-if-youre-one-of-them-and">available to more than 30 million Americans</a>. Taxpayers in 24 states who lived there for all of 2024 are eligible to use the platform. The list includes large states like California, Florida, New York and Texas, and it's expected to grow in the future.
Direct File is part of a government push to make filing taxes cheaper and easier for ordinary Americans. Created by the U.S. Digital Service and backed by funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the program is meant to cut out the middleman. For many users, it replaces expensive software and paid preparers.
It supports common income types like W-2 wages, Social Security, unemployment, interest over $1,500 and non-IRA pension income. It also allows filers to claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and the Retirement Saver's Credit. But it doesn't yet support gig work, rental income, or itemized deductions.
The Treasury Department said on its&nbsp; <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/inflation-reduction-act/irs-direct-file-service">website</a> says the average taxpayer spends 13 hours and $270 filing taxes. Cuban sees Direct File as a way to change that.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Cuban Says It's Under Threat</h2>
In a follow-up <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3llrdz6cb6s2t">post</a>, Cuban warned that the program could be on the chopping block.
"BTW, [Department of Government Efficiency] wants to end this program, created by USDS. They say there aren&#8217;t enough users. Let&#8217;s prove DOGE wrong — it&#8217;s a great program that simplifies filing your taxes," he wrote.
DOGE has reportedly pushed for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43754316/irs-gears-up-to-lay-off-thousands-of-workers-potentially-impacting-tax-season-no-analysis-to-the-impact-it-will-have-on-operations">deep cuts in federal jobs</a> and programs, including hundreds of thousands of layoffs across agencies.
Cuban sees Direct File as a tool that helps regular people and shouldn't be scrapped just because it doesn't yet have massive adoption.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">He Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is</h2>
Cuban said he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44182718/mark-cuban-was-proud-to-pay-his-275-9m-tax-bill-last-year-and-says-yes-to-taxing-billionaires-more-instead-of-slashing-jobs">paid $275.9 million in taxes</a> last year and was happy to do it.
"I pay what I owe. This country has done so much for me, I&#8217;m proud to pay my taxes every single year," he <a href="https://x.com/mcuban/status/1779573824318521840">wrote</a> on X. When someone asked if billionaires should be taxed more instead of cutting essential government jobs, Cuban replied simply: "Yes."
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The money he paid mostly came from long-term capital gains tied to his $3.5 billion sale of his majority stake in the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. Instead of using that windfall to call for tax breaks, Cuban is calling for a fairer system.
"We only get to be entrepreneurs and enjoy the freedoms we have because of the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our country," he told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/15/how-much-mark-cuban-pays-in-taxes.html">CNBC</a>. "They deserve every penny they get, and my taxes go to support them."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Use Direct File</h2>
To see if you qualify, visit <a href="http://directfile.irs.gov/">DirectFile.irs.gov</a>. The system works on smartphones, tablets and computers, and is available in Spanish as well.
For eligible taxpayers, it's a chance to file taxes quickly, for free, without hidden fees or upsells. And if Cuban has his way, using the tool might also help keep it alive.
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'Let's Prove DOGE Wrong' — Mark Cuban Urges Followers To Use IRS Direct File For Taxes, Says DOGE Wants It Gone Due To Low Usage

Roth IRAs are some of the best tax-advantaged accounts that investors can access. Although you have to pay taxes on your Roth IRA contributions, the withdrawals are tax-free. That tax-free status extends to any capital gains and dividends.
A <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/news/build-emergency-and-retirement-savings-at-the-same-time/vi-AA1C4L9f?ocid=weather-verthp-feeds&amp;cvid=e89268263c9c40098b637dfbca7ddafb&amp;ei=29">recent "CNBC: Your Money" video</a> claimed that Roth IRAs can double as emergency savings accounts. The idea is that the money in a Roth IRA continues to grow tax-free, and you can then take money out of the account for emergencies.
However, there are some flaws within this assumption that are worth noting for people who want to abandon emergency savings accounts in favor of a Roth IRA.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Roth IRAs and Emergency Savings Accounts Have Different Objectives</h2>
Every investment comes with risks and potential returns, and the mentality behind both of these accounts are different. People who put money into a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44565518/investor-considers-100-voo-or-vti-for-roth-reddit-weighs-in-on-bold-choice">Roth IRA</a> want it to grow as much as possible. You don't have to worry about any taxes on dividends or capital gains, so it's the ideal place for growth stocks and ETFs.
However, people want more stability with their emergency savings accounts. For most people, a good emergency savings account is a bank account that yields 3%-4% APY.&nbsp;
While you can pull money from a Roth IRA during an emergency, it's often a bad idea to sell stocks during market corrections. Viewing a Roth IRA as an emergency savings account makes you vulnerable to market timing. People who follow this strategy are essentially hoping that their Roth IRAs generate enough gains before they are needed for an emergency.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Accessibility Issues</h2>
You can withdraw money from a high-yield savings account at any time. Most banks limit you to six withdrawals per month before a small fee applies for additional withdrawals. However, most consumers can manage to stay below this threshold.
However, a Roth IRA's funds aren't accessible until you turn 59 1/2 years old. While you can technically withdraw from a Roth IRA at any time, withdrawing before you turn 59 1/2 years old will result in a 10% penalty. However, this 10% penalty only applies to earnings (i.e., dividends and capital gains), not your contributions. Young adults should avoid viewing a Roth IRA as an emergency savings account due to the penalty fee.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Annual Contribution Limits</h2>
Another detail to keep in mind is the Roth IRA's contribution limits. The IRS adjusts this limit periodically, and you will qualify for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42396804/could-the-super-catch-up-be-your-ticket-to-a-richer-retirement-starting-in-2025-60-year-olds-can-save-an-extra-11250">catch-up contributions</a> when you turn 50. Right now, you can contribute $7,000 per year in a Roth IRA. That annual contribution limit goes up to $8,000 per year if you are at least 50 years old.
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It's important to keep this number in mind when treating a Roth IRA like an emergency fund. If you pull $30,000 out of a high-yield savings account, you can replace the funds at your own pace. You could theoretically put $30,000 into your bank account in one year if you wanted to replenish it.
However, you don't have that option with a Roth IRA. If you pull $30,000 from a Roth IRA for an emergency expense, you're still limited to a $7,000 annual contribution. It would take more than four years to replenish your account, but you could have made those contributions even if you didn't pay the emergency expense.
Roth IRAs and high-yield savings accounts are different financial instruments with different objectives, strengths, and weaknesses. It's not a good idea to treat them as one in the same. Luckily, the low annual IRA contribution limits make it easier to build up a Roth IRA and a high-yield savings account.&nbsp;
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Build Your Retirement Portfolio While Saving For Emergencies: 'A Roth IRA Can Double As An Emergency Fund.' Is That True?

If you thought that hands-free technology control is something of the future, think again. NAQI Logix has made that future a reality with its highly innovative <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43114842/meta-expands-ai-wearables-with-oakley-smart-glasses-camera-equipped-earbuds-in-development">earbuds</a> that require no high-risk procedures, such as brain implants, to work.
The company intends to assist the world&#8217;s over 2.5 billion people who face digital challenges through its neural earphone technology that allows people to control their computer hands-free, without voice commands or a screen.
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With global recognition from giants like Yahoo Finance, TechRadar, BBC News, Time, the Edison Awards, and the CES, NAQI Logix has already raised $9.6 million, secured 27 awarded patents, and signed a $1.2 million government contract. The startup is also working with top organizations in the engineering and accessibility spaces.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Breakthrough in Alternative Investments</h2>
A non-invasive neural earbud that NAQI Logix calls &#8220;superpower in your ear,&#8221; the new device uses human-machine interface technology, which enables it to read the user&#8217;s subtle facial micro-gestures in order to control various equipment, including computers, robots, and wheelchairs. The earbuds can be connected to phones, smart homes, drones, AR/VR tech, and more.
Valued at $126.11 million and with 146 investors already supporting its vision, NAQI Logix comes forth with a great alternative <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44618898/warren-buffett-said-cash-is-always-a-bad-investment-and-you-dont-need-excessive-amounts-but-hes-sitting-on-record-334-billion-cash-pil">investment</a> opportunity that starts at $522 for investors looking to gain exposure to the booming wearable tech sector.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Makes NAQI Logix Different?</h2>
NAQI Logix overcomes the constraints of existing interfaces with its new, non-invasive technique. It allows users to operate every device secretly and invisibly with just their facial expressions, all while avoiding harmful brain implants.&nbsp;
This innovative technology doesn&#8217;t require voice commands, hand movements, or eye tracking, making it particularly helpful for over 2.5 billion people who have a hard time using digital tools and those with physical disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, ALS, paralysis, or upper limb loss.
The device also offers non-verbal autistic children a new way to communicate with platforms like Microsoft CBOARD. Youngsters who don&#8217;t know how to use an iPad, laptop, or desktop can also use the earbuds to navigate apps by looking at icons on the screen.
In short, NAQI Logix&#8217;s neural technology is discreet, responsive, and user-friendly and sets a new standard for human-machine interaction.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Market Potential</h2>
The global wearable technology market is growing rapidly, with neural devices expected to monopolize in the next decade or so. As noted earlier, NAQI Logix has already caught the attention of major media outlets and they&#8217;re partnering with big names like Black &amp; Veatch and Permobil to expand their reach.
The demand for easy, non-invasive assistive tech is on the rise, and NAQI Logix is perfectly positioned to meet that demand. Whether it&#8217;s for people with disabilities, specialists who need hands-free control over a device, or gamers looking for an edge in AR/VR, this tool can be used by almost anyone.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Invest in NAQI Logix?</h2>
NAQI Logix is on the frontline of redefining human-computer interaction. With global recognition, a robust patent portfolio, and government backing, it presents a unique investment opportunity in the neural technology sector.
Investors can be part of a movement that could replace standard input gadgets with seamless, thought-driven commands for only $522.
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Neural Earbuds That Control Computers and Robots: Meet NAQI Logix, Backed By Time, Edison Awards, and $1.2M in Government Contracts

Rayonier (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RYN#NYSE">RYN</a>) is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the U.S. and New Zealand.
It is set to report its Q1 2025 earnings on April 30. Wall Street analysts expect the company to post EPS of $0.11, up from $0.05 in the year-ago period. According to Benzinga Pro, quarterly revenue is expected to reach $191.13 million, up from $168.10 million a year earlier.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">If You Bought Rayonier Stock 10 Years Ago</h2>
The company's stock traded at approximately $26.93 per share 10 years ago. If you had invested $10,000, you could have bought roughly 371 shares. Currently, shares trade at $27.85, meaning your investment's value could have grown to $10,342 from stock price appreciation alone. However, Rayonier also paid dividends during these 10 years.&nbsp;
Rayonier's dividend yield is currently 3.91%. Over the last 10 years, it has paid about $11.93 in dividends per share, which means you could have made $4,430 from dividends alone.&nbsp;
Summing up $10,342 and $4,430, we end up with the final value of your investment, which is $14,772. This is how much you could have made if you had invested $10,000 in Rayonier stock 10 years ago. This means a total return of 47.72%. However, this figure is significantly less than the S&amp;P 500 total return for the same period, which was 226.6%.
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Could The Next 10 Years Bring?&nbsp;</h2>
Rayonier has a consensus rating of "Sector Perform" and a price target of $31.29 based on the ratings of seven analysts. The price target implies more than a 12% potential upside from the current stock price.
On Feb. 5, the company announced its Q4 2024 earnings, posting adjusted EPS of $0.27, beating the consensus estimate of $0.19, as reported by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43510361/rayonier-q4-2024-adj-eps-0-27-beats-0-19-estimate">Benzinga</a>.
"Our full-year 2024 financial performance demonstrates our resilience and nimble execution amid persistent market headwinds," said CEO Mark McHug. "We were pleased to finish the year with strong fourth quarter financial results, which allowed us to deliver full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $298.8 million—roughly 3% above the high end of our prior guidance range."
See Also: Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a>
The company provided its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting an EPS in the range of $0.51 to $0.64 and adjusted EBITDA of $270 million to $300 million.&nbsp;
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/03/44291707/4-analysts-assess-rayonier-what-you-need-to-know">article by Benzinga</a> for four analysts' insights on Rayonier.
Given the expected upside potential, growth-focused investors may find Rayonier stock attractive. Furthermore, they can benefit from the company's solid dividend yield of 3.91%.
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</ul>

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

Warren Buffett&nbsp;is considered one of the greatest&nbsp;investors&nbsp;of all time. He also appears to be one of the greatest teachers of all time, given the massive returns generated by one of his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/23/02/30736762/former-hedge-fund-manager-lists-3-reasons-berkshire-hathaway-has-everything-we-look">portfolio managers</a>.
What To Know:&nbsp;According to a Business Insider&nbsp;<a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/warren-buffett-ted-weschler-berkshire-hathaway-ira-retirement-losses-saving-2021-9?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=business-sf&amp;fbclid=IwAR0l3O5vxSJKAtyJxJGPDCx2V0saqwmwfE67AnEmE9j_huNjrF40zjvrWrk">report</a>&nbsp;citing a Washington Post interview from late 2021,&nbsp;Ted Weschler, an investment manager at&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/brk-a#NYSE">BRK-A</a>) (NYSE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/brk-b#NYSE">BRK-B</a>), grew his retirement account from $70,000 to $264 million&nbsp;in less than&nbsp;30 years with a pretty simple approach.
The massive fortune was first uncovered in June 2021 when ProPublica got ahold of Weschler's tax returns. The Berkshire Hathaway portfolio manager then shared some details about how he managed to amass the wealth with reporter&nbsp;Allan Sloan.
"In a perfect world, nobody would know about this account," Weschler&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/08/27/retirement-fund-millionaire/">reportedly told Sloan</a>&nbsp;in an email.
"But now that the number is out there, I&#8217;m hopeful that some good can come of it by serving as a motivation for new workforce entrants to start saving and investing early."
Weschler definitely got an early start, and anyone&nbsp;hoping to replicate the feat needs to do the same.
The report indicates that Weschler started&nbsp;an&nbsp;IRA in 1984 at the age of 22 and by the time he was 27, he had grown his account to&nbsp;$70,384&nbsp;by maxing out his contributions and doubling down via employer match.
He quit his job as a financial analyst and began his journey in&nbsp;private equity. Despite getting off to a rocky start with investments in&nbsp;Continental Health&nbsp;and Intelogic, his new role&nbsp;ultimately led him to become a hedge fund manager by the turn of the century.
Related Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/02/30736289/youll-never-believe-the-dumbest-stock-warren-buffett-ever-bought">You'll Never Believe the "Dumbest" Stock Warren Buffett Ever Bought</a>
Speaking with Sloan, the portfolio manager noted that all losses are simply "unmonetized lessons."&nbsp;
Weschler reportedly generated compound annual returns of 22% for more than a decade before he joined Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway in 2012.&nbsp;
He noted that he used to focus on companies that he believed were in&nbsp;much better standing&nbsp;than the market was pricing in.&nbsp;Weschler also said he spent&nbsp;a lot of his time&nbsp;studying companies and industries in order to find important pieces of information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/02/30689536/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-trims-stake-in-chinese-ev-maker-to-less-than-13">the&nbsp;market was missing</a>.&nbsp;
For those who don't have the time, he recommended&nbsp;focusing on index funds like the&nbsp;Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>). They can be very powerful tools for investors who can't&nbsp;closely follow individual investments, he said.
But his main advice is to keep all&nbsp;of your money in equities and to tune out anyone&nbsp;who tells&nbsp;you to do something different.&nbsp;
"Start early, maximize the [employer]&nbsp;match, invest 100% in equities, and ignore all the other noise," Weschler said.
The Berkshire manager told the Washington Post he made all of his money&nbsp;by investing in&nbsp;publicly available securities, suggesting anyone can do it with the right approach.
Buffett too was a beneficiary of an&nbsp;early&nbsp;start. The billionaire investor&nbsp;has been piling money into equities&nbsp;since he was 11.&nbsp;If you don't have the early start advantage in front of you, one&nbsp;can always&nbsp;back the guys who are&nbsp;arguably the best to ever do it by&nbsp;buying shares of Berkshire Hathaway. The fund has historically&nbsp;outperformed the S&amp;P 500.
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Photo: Shutterstock / Some elements of this story were previously reported by Benzinga and it has been updated.

Hedge Funds

General

Warren Buffett's Fund Manager Didn't Want Anyone To Know He Turned $70,000 Into $264M, 'But Now That The Number Is Out There...'

President Donald Trump&#8216;s 10% baseline tariffs on most U.S. imports took effect on Saturday.
What Happened: The new tariffs have sparked a significant market reaction, escalating U.S. duties&nbsp;to their highest level in&nbsp;over a century. The tariffs are a part of Trump&#8217;s strategy to stimulate domestic investment by companies seeking to evade&nbsp;import taxes. 
While the baseline&nbsp;tariff is now active, higher duties on certain countries, which will replace&nbsp;rather than add to the&nbsp;10% rate, are scheduled&nbsp;to start on April 9, reports Bloomberg. 
As <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-05/trump-s-10-baseline-tariff-on-most-us-imports-takes-effect?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">per</a> reports, the latest tariffs imposed by Trump have triggered global discussions, with countries contemplating their response. The tariffs have pushed US duties to their highest point in over a century, shaking up the post-World War II trading system that Trump has frequently criticized as unjust.
The announcement on Wednesday resulted in the S&amp;P&nbsp;500 index of U.S. stocks&nbsp;plunging to its lowest in 11 months, wiping out&nbsp;$5.4 trillion of market value&nbsp;in just two trading sessions. This represents the steepest two-day drop since the pandemic reached&nbsp;the US in March 2020.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44652222/trumps-tariffs-may-shift-us-spending-from-goods-to-services-creating-uncertainty-for-ecommerce-and-advertising-industries-analyst-warns">Tariffs To Impact End Demand: Goldman Sachs Analyst Expects Drag On Corporate Spending, Hiring</a>
Trump&#8217;s inconsistent messages regarding his willingness to negotiate&nbsp;the size and scope of&nbsp;his tariffs have further complicated matters&nbsp;for foreign leaders and business&nbsp;executives. 
Last week on Thursday, Trump suggested a readiness&nbsp;to lower his duties if&nbsp;other nations proposed something &#8220;phenomenal.&#8221;
Why It Matters: The new tariffs have the potential to reshape global trade dynamics and could lead to retaliatory measures from other nations. The impact on the US economy and stock market is already evident, with the S&amp;P 500 experiencing its sharpest drop since the onset of the pandemic. 
The uncertainty surrounding Trump&#8217;s willingness to negotiate further complicates the situation, leaving global leaders and businesses in a state of flux as they navigate these unprecedented trade conditions.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44552465/trump-unfazed-by-potential-auto-price-hikes-amid-new-tariffs-i-couldnt-care-less">Trump Unfazed by Potential Auto Price Hikes Amid New Tariffs: &#8216;I Couldn&#8217;t Care Less&#8217;</a>
Shutterstock: Lightspring

Trump's 10% Tariff On Most Imports Is Finally Here, Taking Effect Saturday

Many people talk about what their $10,000 investment would have turned into if they bought a stock five years before it became popular. However, some people actually buy early and end up with substantial gains.
Someone called into "The Ramsey Show" saying that his 37-year-old aunt has $650,000 worth of Tesla stock. She worked at Tesla for six years and didn't touch the stock. The caller expressed caution, saying that it's not good to put all of your eggs in one basket.
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Financial guru Dave Ramsey was on board with the assessment and liked that the aunt could turn to her nephew and that he told her to minimize her risk. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS70zmGv_sU">video conversation</a> ended up on Ramsey's channel. He also shares what he would do with the money and how the aunt can continue to build wealth.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Context on the Aunt</h2>
The aunt works as a project engineer and earns $70,000 per year. She's only paying $1,000 per month in rent and has $20,000 in debt that will be paid off this year. The aunt has retirement investments but no cash savings. She wants to wait until it reaches $1 million to sell, and she also doesn't want to take a big tax hit. Ramsey offered pretty blunt advice on the capital gains taxes.
"You're going to have taxes. Welcome to making money."
Ramsey went on to explain how this is a good problem to have. He also didn't bash Tesla stock. He said he would have the same opinion regardless of whether the $650,000 was in Tesla, Apple, or any other solid stock. Ramsey believes in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44565770/30-year-old-with-65k-in-stocks-sparks-debate-focusing-mostly-on-etfs-but-now-betting-on-bonds-small-caps-and-international-plays">portfolio diversification</a> over allocating most or all of your capital into a single holding.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Ramsey Would Use the $650,000</h2>
We don't know how much the aunt would have to pay in capital gains tax. She would have to pay a 15% capital gains tax rate on her gains, but Ramsey views it as an expense worth paying.
Ramsey encourages the aunt to view it as $650,000 on the kitchen table instead of seeing it as money tied to Tesla stock. The financial guru proceeds to ask what you would do if you saw that money on your kitchen table.
While each person has different ideas of what they would do with the money, Ramsey offered suggestions based on the aunt's financial situation. He said he would use the money to pay off the debt and then buy a house.&nbsp;
The caller mentioned they were a low-income household earlier, so it may be feasible for the aunt to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/09/40977423/44-of-luxury-homes-bought-with-cash-but-this-0-5-fed-rate-cut-could-raise-luxury-home-prices-by-110k">buy a house with cash</a> in her area. Then, she doesn't have to worry about any rent or mortgage payments.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/suze-orman-retirement-bucket">&#8216;Which Bucket Do I Draw From First?&#8217; Suze Orman Explains To 67-Year-Old The Best Order For Tapping Into Her Retirement Accounts</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Load Up On Your Retirement Accounts</h2>
Ramsey wraps things up by saying she can make another million if she puts more money into her retirement accounts. If she follows Ramsey's approach, she won't have any mortgage payments and will be in a better position to max out her 401(k) plan and Roth IRA.&nbsp;
Ramsey believes she can invest close to $5,000 per month, which would be a big game changer. Tesla stock has served her well, but selling some or all of the shares can open up more possibilities. She can enhance her quality of life in a sustainable manner if she uses the extra funds wisely.
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Dave Ramsey's Blunt Advice To Aunt Who Won't Sell $650K In Tesla Stock Over Tax Fears: 'You're Going To Have Taxes. Welcome To Making Money.'

Grant Cardone, author of "The 10X Rule," has been educating people about real estate for decades. He preaches investing your money so you can multiply it and is not a fan of keeping money in the bank where it will earn a low interest.
While stocks and real estate have been popular investments for decades, alternative investments like crypto have been gaining steam. Alternative investments give people more choices, but Cardone believes that some people are a bit generous with how they define alternative assets.
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The real estate mogul recently published an <a href="https://x.com/GrantCardone/status/1905254790973550780">X post</a> reacting to a video of a woman buying six Birkin bags. She referred to them as investments, but Cardone wasn't having it.
"Birkin bags are not investments. Those are ‘look at me' expenditures," he stated in the post.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Calling It an Investment Aims to Justify an Irrational Purchase</h2>
Cardone explains in his post that using the same money to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44485950/stocks-or-house-24-year-old-with-15k-struggles-with-risky-choices-i-have-no-idea-when-id-be-read">buy real estate</a> could have generated cash flow every month. Real estate also has the potential to double every seven years.
Luxury items, in the simplest terms, are items that display luxury. They aim to show off a perceived prestige and make the buyer look more impressive to others.&nbsp;
Some people call them investments in an effort to justify a purchase or appear smart. This trend extends beyond handbags.&nbsp;
One X user responded to Cardone's post asking if he views Richard Mille watches as investments. Cardone simply said, "Stupid &#8211; watches are not investments. [They're] watches."
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">You Can Buy Luxury Items, But They Are Not Investments</h2>
Consumers are free to buy luxury items, but you should have your finances in order before you make those types of purchases. It's better to prolong those purchases and put your money into stocks, real estate, or another true investment.&nbsp;
<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44473843/walking-on-red-puts-you-in-the-red-suze-ormans-verdict-on-845-designer-heels">Luxury items</a> display wealth, but who are you displaying it to? Most people glance at luxury items and then continue with their days. Instead of aiming to impress others by displaying wealth, Cardone is an advocate of building real wealth.&nbsp;
While Cardone isn't afraid to show off his watches, private jet, and real estate properties, he has built real wealth. As someone who is selling people on the benefits of real estate and how it can drive wealth, it makes sense for Cardone to show off what he has accomplished.&nbsp;
Cardone also built wealth before buying those things. He's not going deep into credit card debt to afford luxuries. It's better to be wealthy than it is to look wealthy.&nbsp;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Create a Budget</h2>
If you want to buy luxury items, you should take an inventory of your budget and see how much you can afford. Mapping out your income and expenses will help you gauge how much you can afford, but that's just a starting point.
People who want to build long-term wealth should invest a percentage of every paycheck before they start spending it. For instance, if you set aside 10% of every paycheck before covering any expenses, it's easier to grow long-term wealth. That 10% figure is a minimum, and you can contribute more than 10% of your paycheck when you have fewer expenses or want to reach your financial goals sooner.
Luxury items will slow down your path to long-term wealth. The money you put into these items cannot go toward any investments. While some people like to view luxury handbags as investments, they can also turn you into a target if you are walking alone at night.&nbsp;
With that said, people like to spend money on their hobbies. If buying luxury items is your hobby, you can set aside some money for it each month with a good budget. However, you should put your investments above luxury items.
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Grant Cardone Roasts Luxury Items and Recommends Real Estate Instead: 'Birkin Bags Are Not Investments'

Mark Cuban is urging Americans to stock up on essentials—everything from toothpaste to soap—before prices rise even more.
In a Bluesky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3llucjq4wkc2h">post</a> on Wednesday, the billionaire investor and entrepreneur wrote, &#8220;It&#8217;s not a bad idea to go to the local Walmart or big box retailer and buy lots of consumables now. From toothpaste to soap, anything you can find storage space for, buy before they have to replenish inventory. Even if it&#8217;s made in the USA, they will jack up the price and blame it on tariffs.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prices Could Rise Quickly</h2>
Cuban&#8217;s warning comes just as President Donald Trump&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44621408/market-access-has-a-price-trump-unveils-list-of-tariffs-countries-targeted">new round of sweeping tariffs</a> begins to take effect. The tariffs target trading partners including China, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, with duties ranging from 34% to 46%, starting April 9. Trump calls it a &#8220;Declaration of Economic Independence.&#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">Monstrously destructive, incoherent, ill-informed tariffs based on fabrications, imagined wrongs, discredited theories and ignorance of decades of evidence. And the real tragedy is that they will hurt working Americans more than anyone else.
&mdash; Justin Wolfers (@JustinWolfers) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinWolfers/status/1907548227798274400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44620423/trumps-sweeping-tariffs-could-cost-us-20-trillion-crash-markets-warn-economists-monstrously-destructive">Economists warn</a> that the damage could be severe. &#8220;Monstrously destructive, incoherent, ill-informed tariffs based on fabrications&#8221; is how University of Michigan professor Justin Wolfers <a href="https://x.com/JustinWolfers/status/1907548227798274400">described</a> the plan on X.&nbsp;
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>
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers <a href="https://x.com/LHSummers/status/1907603078909432312">said</a> the economic damage could reach $20 trillion—or more than $200,000 per U.S. household—pointing out that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44622754/tariffs-are-most-expensive-and-masochistic-could-cost-30-trillion-to-the-economy-erasing-300k-per-family-explains-former-treasury-secretary-larry-summers">stock market lost</a> about $1.5 trillion in value immediately after Trump's announcement.&nbsp;
"As the president spoke, the value of all US stocks fell at least 2 to 3 percent. Most of the losses to corporations were already discounted before the president spoke. So $4 trillion is a better estimate of stock market loss," Summers also <a href="https://x.com/LHSummers/status/1907603077160411317">said</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Can Afford To Stock Up</h2>
Cuban's post sparked a heated debate online. Some users said Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) instead of Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) or Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>). But others pushed back, pointing out that not everyone can afford a Costco membership—or even stock up in the first place.
"Unfortunately, those who will be hit hardest by this are also the people who cannot buy extra to stock up," one user wrote. "This country abuses the crap out of the poor."
See Also: How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.
Another added, "Nor do they likely have room to store all these extra things that they can&#8217;t afford to buy."
Others raised concerns about hoarding. "Please, please, please do not encourage hoarding," one commenter said. "It's this kind of sh&#x2A;t that made people run out and buy 17,000 bottles of antibacterial soap."
Still, many agree prices are on the way up—and fast. The only question now is who can actually afford to prepare for it.
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COST

'Stock Up Now,' Says Mark Cuban. He Warns That Even American-Made Goods Will See Price Hikes Soon

<ul>
<li>Bitcoin eroded market optimism with a significant retreat in response to President Donald Trump&#8217;s &#8220;Liberation Day&#8221; tariffs.</li>
<li>BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes has highlighted a key level to watch amid the rout.</li>
<li>Hayes has maintained the belief that Bitcoin still has a chance of more than doubling in price this year.</li>
</ul>
After days of anxious waiting, President Donald Trump&#8217;s &#8220;Liberation Day&#8221; came and went. As anticipated, equity and cryptocurrency markets did not like the idea of fresh and broad tariffs. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44620686/sp-500-nasdaq-futures-plunge-over-3-as-trumps-reciprocal-tariff-plan-hits-market-confidence">A broad market sell-off</a> ensued in after-hours trading&nbsp; as the president read off his chart outlining &#8220;reciprocal tariffs&#8221; on almost every country in the world, including uninhabited islands.
Bitcoin, in particular, dropped 5% from $88,500 to just over $82,000 and continues to trade near these lows, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44603859/bitcoin-braces-for-trump-tariff-announcement-short-term-optimism-has-the-upper-hand-experts-say">eroding earlier market optimism</a>. Amid the rout, one prominent analyst has pointed to a key level to watch.
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</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Line In The Sand For Bitcoin?</h2>
According to BitMEX founder and Maelstrom CIO Arthur Hayes, the $76,500 price point is the level to watch for Bitcoin.
&#8220;if BTC can hold $76.5k btw now and US tax day Apr 15, then we are out of the woods,&#8221; he wrote in a Wednesday X post following Trump&#8217;s tariff announcements.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Mrkt no likey &quot;Liberation Day&quot;, if <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> can hold $76.5k btw now and US tax day Apr 15, then we are out of the woods. Don&#39;t get chopped up!
&mdash; Arthur Hayes (@CryptoHayes) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoHayes/status/1907547718681244009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The price level aligns with the three-month price low Bitcoin hit on March 11. On March 20, Hayes <a href="https://x.com/CryptoHayes/status/1902564099592220793?t=wy6Bn4bxT1QzQLlipqlSHA&amp;s=19">speculated</a> that the level was the line in the sand for the asset, suggesting that the worst of the recent correction is over and that it is unlikely the asset will break below the level before making a run for new highs.
Trending: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?
For confirmation of Hayes&#8217; analysis, bulls will want to see a strong bounce from that level should Bitcoin retest it.
The analyst&#8217;s view comes as he continues to maintain that the leading digital asset is on course to more than double in price this year.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin&#8217;s Road To $250,000 According To Arthur Hayes</h2>
Specifically, Hayes maintains that Bitcoin can still hit $250,000 by the end of the year.
This prediction is based on the belief that the Federal Reserve will have no choice but to pivot from quantitative tightening to quantitative easing due to political pressure as Trump seeks to reduce the U.S.&#8217;s trade deficit from 7% to 3% by 2028. In this scenario, the liquidity created is expected to boost risk markets, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
In the analyst&#8217;s telling, this pivot may have already started following <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">remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell</a> in March. He announced a slowdown of the central bank's quantitative tightening efforts that kicked off Tuesday while stating that he now expected tariff inflation to be &#8220;transitory.&#8221;
See Also: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
With the move to slow down quantitative tightening, Hayes argued that the apex bank was already on course to create an extra $240 billion in liquidity.
&#8220;If my analysis of the Fed&#8217;s major pivot from QT to QE for treasuries is correct, then Bitcoin hit a local low of $76,500 last month, and now we begin the ascent to $250,000 by year-end,&#8221; he submitted in an <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/cryptohayes/p/the-bbc?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=android&amp;r=lwh9y">essay</a> released on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Hayes&#8217; expectation of greater market liquidity is not limited to the U.S. The analyst also expects China and Europe to join in the money printing—the former to defend the dollar-yuan exchange rate, the latter to build armies as the U.S. under Trump looks set to step back from guaranteeing its protection.
Nonetheless, at the time of writing, Bitcoin continues to fall, trading below $82,000 in an over 5% decline over the past 24 hours.
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<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>

If Bitcoin Holds This Level Between Now And April 15, Arthur Hayes Says 'We Are Out Of The Woods'

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.
Wall Street reeled this week as President Donald Trump's new global tariffs and hawkish Fed signals rattled investors. The tariffs triggered broad selloffs, dragging the S&amp;P 500 to its worst weekly loss since the pandemic's onset in 2020.
Stocks tumbled Thursday and Friday, with tech and consumer names especially hard-hit, as traders braced for higher costs and retaliatory trade risks. Concerns mounted over how renewed trade tensions could disrupt supply chains and weigh on corporate margins.
At the same time, Federal Reserve officials signaled fewer rate cuts ahead, compounding fears and sending bond yields higher, further pressuring equities across sectors.
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/25/04/44645277/why-is-ev-maker-mullen-automotive-stock-skyrocketing-today">"Why Is EV Maker Mullen Automotive Stock Skyrocketing Today?"</a>, by Shivani Kumaresan, reports that Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MULN#NASDAQ">MULN</a>) shares surged over 80% after the EV maker secured a $50 million funding commitment and reaffirmed it won't pursue a reverse stock split.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44589883/why-cloudastructure-stock-is-soaring-tuesday">"Why Cloudastructure Stock Is Soaring Tuesday"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Cloudastructure Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLOU#OTC">CLOU</a>) shares jumped over 40% after the company reported a 161% year-over-year revenue increase in its fiscal fourth quarter and a significantly narrowed net loss.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/04/44597023/trumps-tariffs-could-spark-reshoring-boom-for-these-4-us-stocks">"Trump's Tariffs Could Spark Reshoring Boom For These 4 US Stocks"</a>, by Erica Kollman, explores how new U.S. tariffs and China's response could boost reshoring plays like Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>), Eaton Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ETN#NYSE">ETN</a>), General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>), and Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EMR#NYSE">EMR</a>).
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44634431/altimeters-brad-gerstner-builds-up-nvidia-stake-after-trump-tariffs-applauds-semiconductor-exception">Altimeter's Brad Gerstner Builds Up Nvidia Stake After Trump Tariffs, Applauds Semiconductor Exception</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/04/44610672/stock-of-the-day-will-johnson-johnson-rally-the-sell-off-may-have-ended">Stock Of The Day: Will Johnson &amp; Johnson Rally? The Sell-Off May Have Ended</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44645518/strong-jobs-report-offers-hope-but-will-it-be-enough-to-counter-tariff-turmoil">Strong Jobs Report Offers Hope — But Will It Be Enough To Counter Tariff Turmoil?</a>
The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44629275/nike-stock-is-tumbling-thursday-heres-why">"Nike Stock Is Tumbling Thursday: Here's Why"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) shares fell after Citigroup downgraded the stock to Neutral, citing weak consumer demand in China and concerns about the company's long-term growth strategy.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/offerings/25/04/44627275/lucid-stock-is-hitting-the-brakes-thursday-whats-driving-the-action">"Lucid Stock Is Hitting The Brakes Thursday: What's Driving The Action"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reveals that Lucid Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) shares dropped after the EV maker announced a $1 billion stock offering backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, raising dilution concerns among investors.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44632479/retail-stocks-slammed-as-trumps-tariff-plan-sends-shockwaves-through-sector">"Retail Stocks Slammed As Trump's Tariff Plan Sends Shockwaves Through Sector"</a>, by Erica Kollman, reports that the new tariffs triggered a selloff in major retailers including Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>), Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), and Target Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) over fears of rising costs and inflation.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/04/44645278/coinbase-stock-drops-into-a-death-cross-will-xrp-futures-be-its-comeback-catalyst">Coinbase Stock Drops Into A Death Cross: Will XRP Futures Be Its Comeback Catalyst?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44647678/nasdaq-100-enters-bear-market-dow-in-correction-territory-traders-await-fed-chair-powells-remarks">Nasdaq 100 Enters Bear Market, Dow In Correction Territory, Traders Await Fed Chair Powell's Remarks</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44618811/trump-tariffs-trigger-sell-off-on-holding-ast-spacemobile-lululemon-shopify-robinhood-tank">Trump Tariffs Trigger Sell-Off: On Holding, AST SpaceMobile, Lululemon, Shopify, Robinhood Tank</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>.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

CLOU

LCID

MULN

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Nike, Target, And Walmart Among Hardest-Hit Following Trump's 'Liberation Day' Tariffs

Chamath Palihapitiya, in a post on X, has shared an old video in which renowned investor Warren Buffett has shared his thoughts on the emotional and psychological aspects of stock ownership, emphasizing the importance of staying calm during market volatility.
What Happened: Buffett, known as the ‘Oracle of Omaha', shared his insights on stock ownership, emphasizing emotional and psychological readiness.
&#8220;If you&#8217;re going to do dumb things because your stock goes down, you shouldn&#8217;t own a stock at all," Buffet said during an interview with CNBC.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The GOAT has spoken: No crying in the casino!! <a href="https://t.co/54x0nMhZnr">https://t.co/54x0nMhZnr</a>
&mdash; Chamath Palihapitiya (@chamath) <a href="https://twitter.com/chamath/status/1908326913225220458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Buffett&#8217;s remarks highlight the importance of maintaining composure during market fluctuations. He suggested that some individuals may not be suited for stock ownership due to their emotional responses to market changes.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; WARREN BUFFET: SOME PEOPLE SHOULD NOT OWN STOCKS AT ALL &quot;Some people should not own stocks at all because they get too upset with price fluctuations. If you&#39;re going to do dumb things because a stock goes down, you shouldn&#39;t own a stock at all.&quot; Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/devorydarkins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@devorydarkins</a> <a href="https://t.co/VY5LCBldlB">https://t.co/VY5LCBldlB</a> <a href="https://t.co/8R10PHFURJ">pic.twitter.com/8R10PHFURJ</a>
&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1908384102815822241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
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This advice comes as a reminder to investors about the significance of psychological preparedness in the stock market.
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44655737/former-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-says-trumps-new-tariffs-could-spark-global-turmoil-hurt-consumers-as-satya-nadella-led-msfts-stock-drops-14-ytd"> Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer Says Trump&#8217;s New Tariffs Could Spark Global Turmoil, Hurt Consumers As Satya Nadella-Led MSFT&#8217;s Stock Drops 14% YTD</a>
Why It Matters: Buffett&#8217;s advice comes at a time when market conditions are particularly unstable. Recently, the U.S. stock market faced a significant downturn due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. The ‘Liberation Day' tariffs announced by President Donald Trump led to a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44655719/trump-tariffs-erode-5-trillion-in-market-cap-in-2-days-as-china-retaliates-jerome-powell-warns-of-inflation"> $5 trillion loss in market capitalization</a> for S&amp;P 500 companies over just two days.
Additionally, a Goldman Sachs analyst has warned that these<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44652222/trumps-tariffs-may-shift-us-spending-from-goods-to-services-creating-uncertainty-for-ecommerce-and-advertising-industries-analyst-warns"> tariffs could shift U.S. spending</a> from goods to services, creating uncertainty in various sectors. This environment of heightened uncertainty underscores the importance of Buffett&#8217;s advice on emotional readiness and composure in stock ownership.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44655719/trump-tariffs-erode-5-trillion-in-market-cap-in-2-days-as-china-retaliates-jerome-powell-warns-of-inflation">Trump Tariffs Erode $5 Trillion In Market Cap In 2 Days As China Retaliates, Jerome Powell Warns Of Inflation</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

Equities

'If You're Going To Do Dumb Things Because Your Stock Goes Down…:' Warren Buffett's Old Warning Gains Steam As US Stocks Wipe Out $5 Trillion After Trump Tariffs

In a lighthearted moment on Friday during Microsoft Corp.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44655911/microsoft-worker-disrupts-50th-anniversary-celebration-hurls-accusations-at-ai-ceo-mustafa-suleyman-while-calling-the-tech-giant-war-profiteer">50th anniversary celebrations</a>, AI Copilot, the company&#8217;s artificial intelligence assistant, took the opportunity to roast Bill Gates, Satya Nadella, and Steve Ballmer.
What Happened: As part of a special event, Microsoft CEO Nadella, along with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44655737/former-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-says-trumps-new-tariffs-could-spark-global-turmoil-hurt-consumers-as-satya-nadella-led-msfts-stock-drops-14-ytd">former CEOs Gates and Ballmer</a>, sat down for an interview with Copilot, which was designed to celebrate the company&#8217;s legacy.
The conversation kicks off with Satya Nadella prompting, &#8220;wrap it up by asking or maybe roast giving us each an AI roast?&#8221;
Without missing a beat, Microsoft's AI-powered assistant fires back with flair: "Alright, Satya. Let's spice it up."
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44508019/tesla-and-other-us-robotics-giants-demand-federal-strategy-to-compete-with-chinas-138-billion-push-warn-america-will-lose-the-race-without-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla And Other US Robotics Giants Demand Federal Strategy To Compete With China's $138 Billion Push — Warn America Will Lose The Race Without It</a>
Copilot kicked things off with Ballmer, known for his boundless energy. "Steve, we&#8217;ll start with you. Your enthusiasm is legendary, but do you ever worry that your energy might short-circuit the AI? I mean, even robots need a coffee break after your pep talks," the Copilot joked.
Ballmer, unfazed, fired back with his trademark bravado: "Come on, dude. If you can&#8217;t handle me, you can&#8217;t handle a huge percentage of the world&#8217;s population. We&#8217;re counting on you."
"Fair point, Steve," the AI conceded.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Next up was Gates, with Copilot teasing his signature intense expression. "Now, Bill, you&#8217;ve got that signature thoughtful gaze, but do you ever think the AI might feel intimidated by your intense thinking face? I mean, it&#8217;s like it&#8217;s waiting for a blue screen moment," it asked.
Gates, never short on dry wit, replied:&nbsp; "I hope so. I mean, that&#8217;s all I&#8217;ve got left as these AIs get so damn intelligent. It&#8217;s just that gaze and my willingness to criticize that differentiates me."
"And it&#8217;s a formidable gaze indeed, Bill," the AI acknowledged.
Ballmer then jumped in, posing a question to Copilot, saying, "Copilot, would you ever be willing to criticise him?" To which Copilot responded, "Absolutely. Criticism is where growth happens."
Turning to current CEO Nadella, Copilot couldn't resist a final jab — this time about Nadella's well-documented passion for AI.
"Satya, AI seems to be your best buddy," the Copilot said. "But ever worry that your deep passion for AI could one day have it running the show, leaving you to just enjoy the ride?"
Nadella answered with a reference close to his heart — cricket.&nbsp; "Well, the day AI can play like the best cricket player that I enjoy, that&#8217;s the day it can run the show as far as I&#8217;m concerned."
"Touche, Satya. Let&#8217;s see if it can hit a century in cricket, and then we&#8217;ll talk. This has been a blast, gentlemen," the AI concluded, adding, "Here&#8217;s to another 50 years of innovation and adventure. Cheers."
Gates, ever the realist, added a cheeky final thought, "Whatever that means to an AI. Does it drink?"
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Three Microsoft CEOs walk into a room on Microsoft's 50th anniversary … and are interviewed by Copilot! <a href="https://t.co/5E8wHCDV92">pic.twitter.com/5E8wHCDV92</a>
&mdash; Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) <a href="https://twitter.com/satyanadella/status/1908044816677744693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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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>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43373775/tim-cook-praises-chinas-deepseek-for-driving-efficiency-stresses-apples-prudent-and-deliberate-approach-toward-capital-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tim Cook Praises China&#8217;s DeepSeek For Driving Efficiency, Stresses Apple&#8217;s ‘Prudent And Deliberate&#8217; Approach Toward Capital Expenditure</a></li>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tech

MSFT

Bill Gates, Satya Nadella, And Steve Ballmer Get Roasted By Microsoft's AI Copilot: 'Let's Spice It Up'

Cathie Wood, CEO of Ark Invest, on Friday warned that President Donald Trump&#8217;s new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44631916/wall-street-wipes-out-2-trillion-apple-eyes-worst-day-since-covid-19-pandemic-oil-plummets-whats-driving-markets-thursday">tariffs could push the U.S. economy</a> into a recession but remained optimistic that innovation and smart policy could lead to a recovery.
What Happened: During an "Employment Friday" session, Wood analyzed the potential effects of Trump's newly imposed tariffs, which include a universal 10% base tariff on all imports and specific country tariffs, including 34% on China and 26% on India.
"Markets are in quite a bit of turmoil," Wood said, addressing the uncertainty created by these measures. She cautioned that these policies could push the U.S. into a recession, adding,&nbsp;
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44508019/tesla-and-other-us-robotics-giants-demand-federal-strategy-to-compete-with-chinas-138-billion-push-warn-america-will-lose-the-race-without-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla And Other US Robotics Giants Demand Federal Strategy To Compete With China&#8217;s $138 Billion Push — Warn America Will Lose The Race Without It</a>
"We know how he calculated his version of reciprocity, but it doesn&#8217;t seem to make very much sense," she stated.
However, Wood also expressed hope that, with the right strategic policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, the economy could eventually stabilize and grow. She also pointed to the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis, where market recovery began in late 2008 despite widespread financial turmoil.
She shared the video on X and said that the current situation could also be seen as a potential turning point. 
"Innovation gains traction during tough times," she said, referencing how businesses and consumers are often more willing to adapt and change when facing economic uncertainty.
She pointed to technological advances in AI, blockchain, and robotics as key factors that could help drive recovery.
"We are in the eye of the storm," Wood said. "But if President Trump cares about his legacy — which we know he does — or the midterm election campaign season, which will start this fall, then the last leg of this rolling recession is giving him and the Fed more degrees of freedom to pivot."
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We are in the eye of the storm but, if President Trump cares about his legacy &#8211; which we know he does &#8211; or the midterm election campaign season &#8211; which will start this fall &#8211; then the last leg of this rolling recession is giving him and the Fed more degrees of freedom to pivot. <a href="https://t.co/4oc5JeMLJc">https://t.co/4oc5JeMLJc</a>
&mdash; Cathie Wood (@CathieDWood) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathieDWood/status/1908359222691049812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: The stock market saw a <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44655719/trump-tariffs-erode-5-trillion-in-market-cap-in-2-days-as-china-retaliates-jerome-powell-warns-of-inflation">sharp decline on Friday</a>, with S&amp;P 500 companies shedding $5 trillion in value following Trump&#8217;s announcement of sweeping tariffs on Wednesday.
The Nasdaq officially entered bear market territory, falling more than 20% from its all-time peak.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell remarked on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44648681/powell-cites-tariff-driven-inflation-risks-shrugs-off-trumps-call-for-perfect-time-to-cut-rates">surprising scale of Trump's tariffs</a>, warning they could lead to increased inflation and dampen economic growth. At the same time, JP Morgan raised its projection for a recession, estimating a 60% likelihood by the end of the year.
On Friday, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer also voiced concern that newly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44655737/former-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-says-trumps-new-tariffs-could-spark-global-turmoil-hurt-consumers-as-satya-nadella-led-msfts-stock-drops-14-ytd">imposed tariffs could spark global</a> instability and hurt consumers.
On the other hand, JPMorgan analyst Thomas Kennedy views the tariffs as a possible <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/04/44642302/jim-cramer-slams-trumps-new-tariffs-despite-calling-himself-pro-tariff-labels-it-a-manmade-disaster">driver of major long-term change</a>, arguing that they signal the end of the globalization era.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Cathie Wood Weighs In On Trump's 'Tariff Turmoil' And Potential Economic Impact: 'If President Trump Cares About His Legacy…'

Elon Musk&#8217;s SpaceX, Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, and Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) and Lockheed Martin Corp.'s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)&nbsp;United Launch Alliance&nbsp;(ULA) have been awarded contracts by the U.S. Space Force.
These contracts, valued at $13.5 billion, are intended for launching critical satellites into orbit by 2029.
What Happened: These contracts are part of the Space Force&#8217;s National Security Space Launch program, which will allocate approximately 54 missions through incremental task orders.
SpaceX will handle 28 missions, securing $5.9 billion, while ULA, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, will conduct 19 missions for $5.3 billion.
Blue Origin&nbsp;will manage seven missions, valued at $2.3 billion, with launches planned for later years.
The program recognizes these companies as leading U.S. rocket providers, despite&nbsp;Blue Origin&#8217;s&nbsp;limited launch experience compared to&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;and&nbsp;ULA.
SpaceX&nbsp;plans to utilize its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets&nbsp;for the Phase 3 missions.
ULA&#8217;s&nbsp;Vulcan rocket, recently certified for national security missions, will also be used.&nbsp;The awards are part of&nbsp;the Phase 3 program&#8217;s &#8220;Lane 2&#8221; track, which involves the Pentagon&#8217;s most challenging and costly missions.
SpaceX&nbsp;is expected to receive the majority of the missions in the program&#8217;s first year, reflecting its high launch rate.
Elon Musk quipped that despite ULA bagging 40% of the Phase 3 missions, they cannot deliver on them yet.
"I hope they succeed, but they aren't there yet."
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Winning 60% of the missions may sound generous, but the reality is that all SpaceX competitors combined cannot currently deliver the other 40%! I hope they succeed, but they aren't there yet.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1908278741794455908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: This latest award highlights&nbsp;SpaceX&#8217;s&nbsp;growing influence in securing federal contracts, a trend that has been building over recent years.
In March, it was reported that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44452231/elon-musks-spacex-on-track-to-secure-billions-in-federal-contracts-under-trump-report">SpaceX</a>&nbsp;was on track to secure billions in federal contracts under the Trump administration, with backing for its rocket technology for military cargo transportation.
Meanwhile, international competition is heating up, as Chinese startups, with support from President Xi Jinping, aim to challenge&nbsp;SpaceX&#8217;s dominance by 2030. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44451622/chinas-private-space-founder-says-they-can-beat-elon-musks-spacex-by-2030-as-president-xi-jinping-bets-big-on-reusable-rockets-to-break-free-from-us-tech-dependence">China&#8217;s private space sector</a>&nbsp;is making strides with reusable rockets.
Additionally,&nbsp;SpaceX&#8217;s recent success in safely returning NASA astronauts from the International Space Station further underscores its reliability and capability in space missions.
This was demonstrated in March when astronauts returned to Earth in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/03/44391875/sunita-williams-butch-wilmore-return-to-earth-on-spacex-dragon-capsule-after-286-days-in-space-nasa-astronauts-to-undergo-health-checks">SpaceX Dragon capsule</a>&nbsp;after an extended mission.
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44655895/treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-says-stock-market-decline-is-due-to-chinas-deepseek-not-trumps-policies-mag-7-pr">Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Says Stock Market Decline Is Due To China&#8217;s DeepSeek, Not Trump&#8217;s Policies: ‘Mag 7 Problem, Not A MAGA Problem'</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: SpaceX

SPACE

Elon Musk's SpaceX, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, And Boeing-Lockheed's ULA Bag $13.5 Billion Pentagon Launch Contracts

President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;has enacted sweeping tariffs that could significantly increase the cost of consumer goods, including&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) iPhones. Analysts foresee a potential price surge&nbsp;of 30% to 40% if&nbsp;Apple passes these costs onto consumers.
What Happened: According to a report by Reuters, most iPhones are manufactured in China, which now faces a 54% tariff.
If these tariffs persist, Apple must choose between absorbing the increased costs or transferring them to customers. Apple shares dropped 9.3% on Thursday, marking&nbsp;their worst day since March&nbsp;2020.
Projections from Rosenblatt Securities suggest that Apple&#8217;s iPhone 16, initially priced at $799, could rise to $1,142. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, currently $1,599, might reach nearly $2,300 with a 43% price hike.
Despite some production shifting to Vietnam and India, these countries also face tariffs of 46% and 26%, respectively.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/media/25/04/44655737/former-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-says-trumps-new-tariffs-could-spark-global-turmoil-hurt-consumers-as-sat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer Says Trump&#8217;s New Tariffs Could Spark Global Turmoil, Hurt Consumers As Satya Nadella-Led MSFT&#8217;s Stock Drops 14% YTD</a>
Analysts like Angelo Zino from CFRA Research propose that Apple might delay significant price increases until the iPhone 17 launch in the fall.
Why It Matters: The tariffs imposed by President Trump have far-reaching implications beyond just consumer electronics.
Former Treasury Secretary&nbsp;Larry Summers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44622754/tariffs-are-most-expensive-and-masochistic-could-cost-30-trillion-to-the-economy-erasing-300k-per-family-explains-former-treasury-secretary-larry-summers">described these tariffs</a> as the &#8220;most expensive and masochistic&#8221; decision by the U.S., potentially costing the economy $30 trillion, or about $300,000 per family.
Additionally, the automotive sector is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44119668/trump-tariffs-could-make-your-next-car-12000-more-expensive-expert-says-25-fees-will-have-a-sharp-negative-effect-on-auto-sales">expected to face</a> significant challenges. Experts predict that the tariffs could increase car prices by $12,000, negatively impacting auto sales.
The tariffs, which include a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43423288/trumps-tariffs-are-here-heres-what-will-get-more-expensive-from-canada-china-and-mexico">25% duty on imports</a> from Mexico and most goods from Canada, excluding energy-related items, are part of a broader strategy that could have substantial repercussions for American businesses and consumers.
Price Action: Apple&#8217;s stock has declined nearly 25% year-to-date, closing at $188.38 on Friday, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;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: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Apple

AAPL

iPhone Prices Could Soar To Almost $2,300 Due To Trump Tariffs If Apple Decides To Pass On The Costs To Buyers

On Friday, a Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) employee disrupted the company's 50th-anniversary event, accusing the tech giant of complicity in war crimes. Microsoft&#8217;s former CEOs Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and current CEO Satya Nadella attended the event.
What Happened: During the event, Ibtihal Aboussad, a Microsoft employee, interrupted Microsoft's AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman's speech, shouting, "You are a war profiteer. Stop using AI for genocide. You have blood on your hands. All of Microsoft has blood on its hands."
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44508019/tesla-and-other-us-robotics-giants-demand-federal-strategy-to-compete-with-chinas-138-billion-push-warn-america-will-lose-the-race-without-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla And Other US Robotics Giants Demand Federal Strategy To Compete With China&#8217;s $138 Billion Push — Warn America Will Lose The Race Without It</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">This is the moment a protester interrupted Microsoft&#39;s live Copilot AI event. <a href="https://t.co/QB7TxFCbqu">pic.twitter.com/QB7TxFCbqu</a>
&mdash; Zac Bowden (@zacbowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/zacbowden/status/1908202722760839426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Aboussad, a software engineer with Microsoft's AI Platform org, followed the outburst with an email to Microsoft employees, explaining her actions, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/643670/microsoft-employee-protest-50th-annivesary-ai">reported</a> The Verge.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
&nbsp;&#8220;I spoke up today because after learning that my org was powering the genocide of my people in Palestine, I saw no other moral choice,&#8221; Aboussad wrote, condemning the company's alleged involvement in AI technology used by the Israeli military.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga's</a> request for comments.
Price Action: Microsoft&#8217;s stock dropped 3.56% on Friday. In the after-hours session, the stock declined an additional 0.025%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings gives MSFT a growth score of 64.59%. Want to see how it compares to other stocks? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Click here for the full analysis</a>.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;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: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Worker Disrupts Microsoft 50th Anniversay Event With Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, And Satya Nadella Present, Calls Tech Giant 'War Profiteer'

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