AlphaVest Acquisition Corp - Right에 대한 매도 수량은 투자자에게 AlphaVest Acquisition Corp - Right의 주식 하락에 베팅하는 정도를 알려줍니다. 매도 수량 데이터는 2주마다 업데이트됩니다.

AlphaVest Acquisition Corp - Right (NASDAQ:ATMVR) 주식, 공매도 수량 보고

AlphaVest Acquisition Corp - Right

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43769996/what-does-warren-buffett-know-that-we-dont-investors-are-paying-attention">Warren Buffett</a> is famous for backing strong consumer stocks like Coca-Cola (NYSE <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KO">KO</a>), but his latest investment indicates he may be on the verge of becoming a beer baron. Public filings show Buffett&#8217;s Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/brk-a">BRK.A</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BRK-B">BRK.B</a>) bought $1.24 billion worth of stock in<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/news/25/02/43929104/heres-how-much-you-would-have-made-owning-constellation-brands-stock-in-the-last-20-years"> Constellation Brands</a> (NYSE<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/STZ"> STZ</a>). Although you may not be familiar with that name, you're probably very familiar with their most popular products, which include the Modelo, Corona, and Pacifico beer brands.
According to Fortune, Buffett's sizable investment means Constellation now accounts for roughly 0.5% of Berkshire-Hathaway's portfolio. This indicates that Buffett is very bullish on the company despite Constellation's stock being down by more than 25% this year. Although Buffett's investment in a company whose stock is plummeting might seem counterintuitive to a casual market observer, this move dovetails perfectly with his investment philosophy.
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First, buying companies with strong market share and a loyal customer base has long been a guiding principle for Buffett. This explains Berkshire's major stakes in big companies like Coca-Cola. Constellation certainly fits that bill. Second, Buffett loves good value, and the chance to buy shares in a company like Constellation at a discount may have been too good to pass up.
Filippo Falorni, who is a lead beverage analyst for Citibank, told Fortune that Buffett's aggressive purchase of Constellation shares is "a perfect example of value investing." Falorni believes that Buffett is banking on Constellation to rebound, and Buffett's big move indicates Falorni's analysis is on the money.
He expanded on that idea by saying, &#8220;The stock has been very weak, mainly due to concerns about [Trump] tariffs on its Mexican beer imports. However, looking past the near-term issue of tariffs, the long-term business remains very attractive with growth in the fastest-growing part of the beer category." Falorni also said the rapidly growing Hispanic population in the U.S.&nbsp; will mean increased market share and distribution opportunities for Constellation.
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All of Constellation's brands carry loyal followings and strong name recognition in the U.S. According to Forbes, Constellation's Modelo Especial has been the best-selling beer brand in the U.S. since 2023, when it knocked Anheuser-Busch InBev's (NYSE <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BUD">BUD</a>) Bud Light out of the top spot. Forbes also reports that InBev tried to purchase&nbsp; Grupo Modelo in 2012, but the Justice Department moved to block the deal, arguing it would have given InBev almost full control of the beer industry.
The deal was eventually completed after InBev reached a settlement agreement with the Justice Department. InBev bought Grupo Modelo and retained global distribution rights but sold the American distribution rights as a condition of Justice Department approval . That's when Constellation Brands stepped in and took control of the American distribution of Grupo Modelo's brands, which include Modelo, Corona, and Pacifico.
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Constellation has steadily eaten into InBev's market share ever since. It's not an accident that happened. Constellation accomplished this through an expertly run series of marketing campaigns for all its products that featured stars like Bad Bunny and Snoop Dogg. These campaigns resonated with both young people and America's Hispanic population. Constellation and its core brands appear to have made lasting inroads with both demographics.
This begs the question of why Constellation Brands&#8217; stock is down this year. The short answer is tariffs.&nbsp; Falorni told Fortune he estimates Trump's proposed tariffs on Mexican imports could knock 28% off Constellation's earnings per share. However, Buffett remains undeterred. Falorni said, &#8220;Warren Buffett is looking at the value of the business in the long term and believes the stock is undervalued due to those external concerns.&#8221;
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Personal Finance

Is Warren Buffett Becoming A Beer Baron? Berkshire Hathaway Invests $1.2 Billion In Beer Conglomerate That Imports Modelo and Corona

If you ever needed an answer to the question, "What do you get for the guy who has everything," the Burj Khalifa in Dubai may have one. The top-level penthouse in the world's tallest building is selling for $51 million. This one-of-a-kind residence features 21,000 square feet spread out on two levels overlooking the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/43422442/luxury-villas-in-dubai-the-best-investment-for-u-s-buyers-in-2025"> Dubai skyline</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
This penthouse unit sits 13,000 feet above Dubai's glistening downtown and has 360-degree views of the city, the Arabian Gulf, and the surrounding desert. It has floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows throughout the property and the cavernous first floor checks in at 14,000 feet of space. The property is unfinished and being sold as a "shell-and-core unit" by listing agent Invest Dubai Real Estate.
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That "shell-and-core" configuration means the buyer will have a free hand to design the interior and customize the entire penthouse to their exact specifications. Dubai travel information site <a href="http://bayut.com/">Bayut.com</a> profiled the Burj Khalifa's luxury amenities, which include:
<ul>
<li>Multiple observation decks (including the world's highest observation deck)</li>
<li>Several private swimming pools (including the world's second highest pool-76th floor)</li>
<li>Three "sky-lobbies" on the 43rd, 76th and 123rd floor-private lounges with gyms, juice bars, and spas</li>
<li>Private elevator strictly for the penthouse</li>
<li>Japanese gardens</li>
<li>24-hour concierge service</li>
<li>Underground parking </li>
</ul>
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The Burj Khalifa also has an exclusive hotel, the Armani, which was designed by Giorgio Armani himself. Penthouse residents will also have convenient access to the Armani hotel's five-star restaurants, including the At.Mosphere, which offers high-level dining along with vistas of Dubai. If shopping is your thing, one of the world's finest commercial centers, the Dubai Mall, is just a few minutes' walk from the Burj Khalifa.
Invest Dubai CEO Asad Khan, whose agency represents the penthouse, talked to the Realty Plus website about the Burj Khalifa's crown jewel. He described it as, a &#8220;Testament to exceptional luxury and architectural excellence." Dubai's famous Jumeirah beaches are also just minutes away. Golf lovers will also be in Heaven at the Penthouse because<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43723200/billionaire-elon-musks-boring-company-to-resolve-traffic-outside-us-with-its-loop-system-but-without-a-deadline"> Dubai</a> features some of the world's finest courses, many of which are within easy driving distance of the Burj.
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Another bonus of owning this penthouse is that it will qualify the owner for a Golden Visa to become a long-term resident of the United Arab Emirates. These visas have become increasingly popular with<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43953249/wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts-spotlight-on-3-real-estate-stocks-with-over-6-dividend-yields"> real estate investors</a> looking to live abroad, and the United Arab Emirates is a preferred destination because of its business-friendly mindset and cosmopolitan image. Locally based Emirates Airlines provides multiple daily flights to major population hubs around the globe.
There can be no doubting this penthouse offers an incredibly unique package, albeit one that comes at a very high price. Whoever does take the plunge will be sitting on top of the world in one of the most unique and luxurious living spaces imaginable. It can be yours, assuming you've got $51 million to spare.
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Sitting On Top Of The World In Dubai—Top Level Penthouse At Burj Khalifa Tower Selling For $51 Million

The Friday confrontation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has left Ukraine and its European <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43769730/ukraine-raises-alarm-over-us-russia-talks-on-war-without-kyivs-involvement">allies in a challenging position</a>.
What Happened: The Oval Office incident has sparked worries about the future of Ukraine&#8217;s ongoing conflict with Russia and its ties with the US. The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy escalated into a heated exchange that was broadcast live. Trump subsequently advised Zelenskyy via social media to &#8220;come back when he is ready for Peace,&#8221; leaving Ukraine in a bind.
Ukraine has been depending on the US as its primary ally and arms provider in its battle against Russia. Trump&#8217;s allies have suggested that a peace agreement is unlikely as long as Zelenskyy is in power.
"Either we're going to end it or let him fight it out, and if he fights it out, it's not going to be pretty, because without us, he doesn't win," Trump said on Friday evening. 
This has left European allies, who have been urging Trump not to hastily agree to a peace deal on Russian President Vladimir Putin&#8216;s terms, in shock. &#8220;Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader,&#8221; stated Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-28/zelenskiy-s-blowup-with-trump-leaves-allies-facing-disaster?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">reports</a> Bloomberg.
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European leaders are now faced with the difficult decision of either backing Ukraine&#8217;s war efforts independently or negotiating with Trump, potentially jeopardizing Zelenskyy's political future. &#8220;It's very difficult to do an economic deal with a leader who doesn't want to do a peace deal,&#8221; said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
"What is needed is an immediate summit between the United States, European states and allies to talk frankly about how we intend to deal with the great challenges of today, starting with Ukraine," Italian Prime Minister&nbsp;Giorgia Meloni&nbsp;told the outlet.
On Friday evening, Zelenskyy told the Fox News "we want peace, and said he's confident he'll be able to salvage his relationship with Trump. "But we can't lose our values, our people. We can't lose our freedom."
Why It Matters: The aftermath of the meeting has left Ukraine and its allies in a scramble to respond. European leaders are now trying to figure out their next move if Trump attempts to coerce Ukraine into a peace agreement favoring Russia. 
The situation has also heightened concerns about the future of Ukraine&#8217;s war against Russia, which is the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.
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Zelenskyy's Clash With Trump Sparks Chaos For Allies, Trump Says 'It's Not Going To Be Pretty, Without Us He Doesn't Win'

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas"> many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
This week, global markets experienced significant volatility due to escalating trade tensions and disappointing tech earnings. President Trump's announcement of impending tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China led to a broad selloff in equities, with the S&amp;P 500 erasing its gains for the year.
Technology stocks were notably impacted; Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) shares fell sharply after underwhelming earnings, contributing to a broader decline in the semiconductor sector. Cryptocurrency markets also suffered, with Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) dropping below $80,000 amid the heightened market uncertainty.
In the fintech sector, Block Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQ#NYSE">SQ</a>) led a selloff after reporting mixed fourth-quarter results, causing its stock to plunge 18% — the most significant single-day drop since March 2020. Despite the downturn, some analysts view the current valuation as an attractive entry point, anticipating growth in the company's Square and Cash App segments.
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/news/earnings/25/02/43993466/joby-aviation-stock-climbs-after-q4-results-heres-why">"Joby Aviation Stock Climbs After Q4 Results: Here's Why"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that Joby Aviation Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JOBY#NYSE">JOBY</a>) posted a fourth-quarter loss of 34 cents per share, missing analyst expectations of a 20-cent loss, while revenue of $55,000 surpassed the anticipated $45,800.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43960671/super-micro-computer-stock-is-soaring-after-hours-whats-going-on">"Super Micro Computer Stock Is Soaring After Hours: What's Going On?"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) shares surged over 22% after the company filed its delayed annual and quarterly reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43929375/walgreens-boots-alliance-stock-is-up-more-than-6-on-monday-heres-what-happened">"Walgreens Boots Alliance Stock Is Up More Than 6% On Monday: Here's What Happened"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) surged over 6% after reports that Sycamore Partners is preparing a $10 billion financing package for a potential buyout of the pharmacy giant.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43991166/apple-stock-to-get-a-boost-from-indonesia-iphone-16-ban-could-be-over-soon">Apple Stock To Get A Boost From Indonesia? iPhone 16 Ban Could Be Over Soon</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43928216/riot-platforms-shares-climb-after-fy-2024-results-details">Riot Platforms Shares Climb After FY 2024 Results: Details</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43980853/why-is-mullen-automotive-stock-skyrocketing-today">Why Is Mullen Automotive Stock Skyrocketing Today?</a>
The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43984093/lucid-stock-falls-on-q4-results-ceo-exit-analysts-see-surge-in-demand-for-gravity-suv">"Lucid Stock Falls On Q4 Results, CEO Exit: Analysts See ‘Surge In Demand' For Gravity SUV"</a>, by Chris Katje, reports that Lucid Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) shares declined after CEO Peter Rawlinson resigned, despite analysts anticipating increased demand for the upcoming Gravity SUV.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/02/44015147/nvidia-rival-amd-hits-52-week-lows-buying-opportunity-or-more-pain-ahead">"Nvidia Rival AMD Hits 52-Week Lows &#8211; Buying Opportunity Or More Pain Ahead?"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) shares have plummeted over 42% in the past year, hitting a 52-week low of $102.17, as bearish technical indicators overshadow strong data center growth projections.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/02/44043021/tesla-the-only-magnificent-seven-stock-in-freefall-can-it-reverse-course">"Tesla: The Only Magnificent Seven Stock In Freefall &#8211; Can It Reverse Course?"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) has declined over 25% year-to-date, making it the worst-performing stock among the Magnificent Seven, with bearish technical indicators and a high forward P/E ratio of 95.24.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43254923/7-ai-infrastructure-stocks-plunge-over-20-outpace-semiconductor-rout-as-deepseek-upends-investment-landscape">7 AI Infrastructure Stocks Plunge Over 20%, Outpace Semiconductor Rout As DeepSeek Upends Investment Landscape</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43932271/dogecoin-gearing-for-final-leg-up-says-analyst-amid-40-slump-but-be-mindful-of-this-bearish-forecast">Dogecoin Has ‘One Final Leg Up Left,' Says Analyst Amid 40% Slump But Investors Should Be Wary Of This Bearish Forecast</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43920295/palantir-extends-losses-microsoft-slides-whats-driving-markets-monday">Palantir Extends Losses, Microsoft Slides: What's Driving Markets Monday?</a>
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga"> on X</a>.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Joby Aviation, Nvidia, Tesla — And Bitcoin Drops Below $80,000

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) co-founder Bill Gates&nbsp;admitted to a significant oversight that, according to an Android co-founder, cost the Windows-maker a $400 billion opportunity in the mobile sector.
What Happened: During an interview with Eventbrite&nbsp;CEO Julia Hartz, Gates acknowledged his mismanagement led to Microsoft missing out on developing a mobile operating system akin to Android.
Gates expressed that creating such an operating system should have been a natural win for Microsoft.
However, he cited mismanagement and antitrust issues as barriers that prevented the company from capitalizing on the opportunity.
Consequently,&nbsp;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&nbsp;acquired Android in 2005, launching its first device in 2008, while&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)&nbsp;had already released the iPhone in 2007.
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Meanwhile, Android co-founder Rich Miner shared his perspective, stating he&nbsp;helped create Android to prevent&nbsp;Microsoft from dominating the mobile space as it did with personal computers.
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.
Miner humorously remarked on Gates&#8217; regrets, attributing Microsoft&#8217;s loss more to Gates&#8217; actions than he might realize.
"I helped Orange launch the first Windows Mobile phone in 2002, the SPV. I worried MSFT might end up controlling mobile like they did the PC, I wanted something more open. So, sorry Bill, you&#8217;re more responsible for losing the $400B than you realize," Miner said.
<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">I literally helped create Android to prevent Microsoft from controlling the phone the way they did the PC &#8211; stifling innovation. So it&#39;s always funny for me to hear Gates whine about losing mobile to Android &#x1f923; Retweet if you think I should share our original pitch deck 1/2 <a href="https://t.co/urjZWK0yHE">pic.twitter.com/urjZWK0yHE</a>
&mdash; Rich Miner (@richminer) <a href="https://twitter.com/richminer/status/1879004092602982765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Despite this missed opportunity, Microsoft remains a leading global company, competing with Apple and Nvidia for the top spot in market valuation, thanks to its strategic investments in AI and other technologies.
Why It Matters:&nbsp;Gates&nbsp;has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43806425/why-theres-no-new-steve-jobs-or-zuckerberg-bill-gates-names-the-only-20-something-founder-whos-still-in-the-game">often reflected</a> on his career and the decisions that shaped&nbsp;Microsoft&#8217;s trajectory. His recent acknowledgment of the mobile market misstep adds to a series of introspections.
Gates has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43755136/bill-gates-wanted-a-friend-to-take-charge-of-microsoft-due-to-regret-over-leaving-harvard-but-heres-why-he-panicked-and-dropped-out">previously expressed regret</a> over leaving Harvard to start Microsoft, a decision that, despite its success, left him with mixed feelings.
More recently, Gates has been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900360/bill-gates-has-a-warning-for-the-next-generation-says-be-very-afraid-of-these-4-issues">vocal about the challenges</a> facing future generations, including the potential pitfalls of artificial intelligence, a sector where Microsoft is now heavily invested.
This context highlights Gates&#8217; ongoing influence and the lessons he continues to draw from his past, shaping both his personal outlook and Microsoft&#8217;s strategic direction.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Bill Gates on Startups, Investing and Solving The World&#039;s Hardest Problems" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W5g4sPi1wd4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
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

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This Bill Gates 'Mistake' Cost Microsoft A $400 Billion Opportunity, According To Android Co-Founder: 'Sorry, Bill'

Risk-on markets plummeted in February thanks to global trepidation fueled by President Donald Trump's tariff war. Consequently, demand for safe haven assets increased, sending gold-related investments higher.
What happened: Blue-chip indexes like the Nasdaq Composite and the S&amp;P 500 slid 2.93% and 2.96%, respectively, while Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), the world's largest cryptocurrency, tanked 22% in a month.
Trump's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/44010093/trumps-plan-for-canada-mexico-china-tariffs-to-start-march-4-could-shake-stock-market">declaration to impose tariffs</a> on major U.S. trade partners, such as China, Mexico, and Canada, has dampened risk sentiment, with critics claiming that it will disrupt critical sectors like auto production and agriculture.
Accordingly, demand for gold, seen as a hedge against economic uncertainty, rose.&nbsp;
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42735744/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-predicts-doom-for-michael-saylors-microstrategy-as-stock-dips-below-300-in-after-hours-trading"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/44033154/jamie-dimon-was-a-believer-in-smart-contract-cryptos-long-before-jpmorgan-started-piling-on-ethereum-etfs-heres-what-he-said">Jamie Dimon Was A Believer In Smart Contract Cryptos Long Before JPMorgan Hit The Buy Button On Ethereum ETFs: Here&#8217;s What The CEO Said</a>
Spot gold traded at $2,854.22 per ounce as of this writing, up 6.1% from the previous month and 8.8% year to date.
Similarly,&nbsp; SPDR Gold Trust ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), the world's largest physically-backed gold exchange-traded fund, gained 2.46% in the last month and 9.42% since 2025 began.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Asset</td>
<td>Monthly Gains +/-</td>
<td>Year-to-date Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spot gold</td>
<td>+6.1%</td>
<td>+8.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SPDR Gold Trust ETF</td>
<td>+2.46%</td>
<td>+9.42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tether Gold</td>
<td>+4.19%</td>
<td>+8.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PAX Gold</td>
<td>+3.37%</td>
<td>+8.84%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Interestingly, while cryptocurrency investors struggled in the ongoing downturn, they had the option of gaining exposure to the yellow metal via physical gold-backed coins such as Tether Gold (CRYPTO: XAUt) and PAX Gold (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/paxg/usd">PAXG</a>).
XAUt was up 4.19% over the month and 8.87% year-to-date. PAXG rose 3.37% in a month and 8.84% since the beginning of 2025.
The compiled data revealed broadly similar returns by spot gold and gold-backed cryptocurrencies since the beginning of the year, while the GLD ETF generated a higher profit.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

Market Summary

$DOGE

$PAXG

$PEPE

Spot Gold, GLD Gold ETF, Or Gold-Backed Cryptos: Which Was A Better Investment In February Amid A Downturn In Stocks And Bitcoin?

On Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, Cathie Wood&#8217;s&nbsp;Ark Invest&nbsp;made some notable trades. The most prominent among these were the purchases of&nbsp;Archer Aviation Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACHR#NYSE">ACHR</a>),&nbsp;Recursion Pharmaceuticals Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RXRX#NASDAQ">RXRX</a>),&nbsp;Tempus AI Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEM#NASDAQ">TEM</a>), and&nbsp;Iridium Communications Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IRDM#NASDAQ">IRDM</a>).
On the other hand, Ark Invest decided to offload shares of&nbsp;Twist Bioscience Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TWST#NASDAQ">TWST</a>),&nbsp;Adyen NV&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADYEY#OTC">ADYEY</a>),&nbsp;Accolade Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACCD#NASDAQ">ACCD</a>), and&nbsp;Exact Sciences Corp&nbsp;(NCM: EXAS).
The ACHR Trade
Ark Invest purchased a significant number of shares in&nbsp;Archer Aviation Inc&nbsp;across three of its ETFs. The ARK Innovation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#NYSE">ARKK</a>) bought 360,583 shares, the ARK Autonomous Technology &amp; Robotics ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKQ#BATS">ARKQ</a>) acquired 54,699 shares, and the ARK Space Exploration &amp; Innovation ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKX#BATS">ARKX</a>) added 17,322 shares.
Based on the closing price of $8.88 on Friday, the total value of these trades is approximately $3.8 million.
The RXRX and TEM Trades
Ark Invest also showed a strong interest in&nbsp;Recursion Pharmaceuticals Inc&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tempus AI Inc. Ark Invest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43963343/cathie-woods-buys-the-dip-in-tempus-ai-coinbase-but-sells-arks-bitcoin-etf-shares-amid-crypto-meltdown">previously purchased</a> a substantial number of shares in Tempus AI despite the company&#8217;s stock falling after reporting mixed fourth-quarter results.
Ark Invest&#8217;s ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKG#BATS">ARKG</a>) bought 268,467 shares of Recursion Pharmaceuticals and 32,467 shares of Tempus AI.
The ARK Innovation ETF acquired 384,956 shares of Recursion Pharmaceuticals and 49,250 shares of Tempus AI.
Given the closing prices of $56.18 for Tempus AI and $7.51 for Recursion Pharmaceuticals, the total value of these trades is $36.7 million and $0.61 million, respectively.
The IRDM, TWST, ADYEY, ACCD, and EXAS Trades
Ark Invest&#8217;s ARK Innovation ETF bought 73,659 shares of&nbsp;Iridium Communications Inc, while selling 65,290 shares of&nbsp;Twist Bioscience Corp.
The ARK Next Generation Internet ETF sold a small number of shares (52) of&nbsp;Adyen NV.
The ARK Genomic Revolution ETF sold 80,270 shares of&nbsp;Exact Sciences Corp&nbsp;and a minor quantity (232) of&nbsp;Accolade Inc&nbsp;shares.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900360/bill-gates-has-a-warning-for-the-next-generation-says-be-very-afraid-of-these-4-issues" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Gates Has A Warning For The Next Generation, Says Be ‘Very Afraid' Of These 4 Issues</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Ark Invest

Equities

ETFs

ACCD

ACHR

ADYEY

ARKG

ARKK

ARKQ

ARKX

EXAS

IRDM

RXRX

TWST

Cathie Wood's Ark Invest Loads Up On Tempus AI, Archer Aviation, But Sells Twist Bioscience: Here Are Key Ark Trades This Friday

President Donald Trump&nbsp;is set to host the inaugural cryptocurrency summit at the White House next Friday. This event marks a significant step in his administration&#8217;s engagement with the crypto industry.
What Happened:&nbsp;The summit will feature speeches from Trump and include key figures such as&nbsp;founders, CEOs, and investors from&nbsp;the cryptocurrency sector, along with members of the president&#8217;s Working Group on Digital Assets, according to a statement from the White House.
David Sacks, a venture capitalist and the White House&#8217;s crypto czar, will lead the event, with&nbsp;Bo Hines&nbsp;serving as the executive director.
Shortly after assuming office, Trump signed an executive order establishing a working group to advise on digital asset policy.
This group comprises the Treasury and Justice Departments, the Securities &amp; Exchange Commission (SEC,)&nbsp;and the Commodity Futures Trading&nbsp;Commission (CFTC.)
During his 2024 campaign, Trump pledged to streamline regulations and support a stablecoin framework, a promise that has yet to be fully realized.
The administration&#8217;s approach contrasts with the previous administration&#8217;s stringent regulatory stance following the collapse of the FTX exchange.
Trump&#8217;s involvement in the crypto space includes launching a memecoin and supporting World Liberty Financial,&nbsp;a project involving his sons.
Price Action: Reacting to the news, major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), and others surged.
BTC shot past the $85,000 mark, while Dogecoin surged more than 10% over the past 24 hours at the time of writing.
Why It Matters: The upcoming summit is pivotal as it comes amid a complex landscape for cryptocurrencies.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/44041389/bitcoin-will-still-hit-500000-before-trump-leaves-office-standard-chartered-analyst-maintains">Geoff Kendrick</a>, Standard Chartered's Head of Digital Assets Research, recently expressed optimism about the crypto market&#8217;s medium-term prospects under Trump&#8217;s administration. He highlighted the removal of SAB 121, which has eased restrictions on U.S. financial institutions entering the crypto space.
However, the initial excitement surrounding Trump&#8217;s presidency and its potential deregulatory impact on the crypto industry has begun to wane. As discussed at a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/44063764/cryptos-trump-era-honeymoon-fades-as-regulatory-reality-sets-in">Denarii Labs panel</a>, legal experts are questioning whether the administration can fulfill its blockchain promises or if international competitors will capitalize on the opportunity first.
Additionally, recent market volatility, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43987636/bitcoin-tumbles-below-85000-amid-president-trumps-eu-tariff-threats">Bitcoin&#8217;s slide</a>&nbsp;below $85,000 following Trump&#8217;s EU tariff threats, underscores the challenges facing the crypto sector. The summit could provide clarity on the administration&#8217;s direction and its potential impact on the market.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44064917/trump-says-ukraines-zelensky-is-not-ready-for-peace-after-oval-office-spat-he-disrespected-the-united-states-of-a?upcache=23">Trump Says Ukraine&#8217;s Zelensky Is &#8216;Not Ready For Peace&#8217; After Oval Office Spat: &#8216;He Disrespected The United States Of America&#8217;</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image created via photos on Shutterstock

$ETH

Trump To Host First-Ever White House Crypto Summit Next Friday: BTC Surges Past $85,000, DOGE Surges Over 10%

President Donald Trump&nbsp;voiced his discontent with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy&nbsp;following their meeting at the White House. The interaction has sparked a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44064702/european-leaders-rally-behind-zelenskyy-amid-trump-dispute-free-world-need-a-new-leader">series of reactions</a> from global leaders and highlighted ongoing tensions.
What Happened: In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy after their White House meeting, stating that the conversation revealed insights that could only be understood through direct dialogue.
"Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It's amazing what comes out through emotion," he said.
He added that the interaction showed that&nbsp;Zelenskyy is not ready for&nbsp;peace if the United States is involved, as he perceives U.S. involvement as a significant advantage in negotiations.
Trump emphasized his preference for peace over any advantage, suggesting that Zelenskyy disrespected the U.S. during their meeting in the Oval Office.
"He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace."
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="871" height="712" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/01041146/Trump-Truth-Social-post.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-804807" style="width:408px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/01041146/Trump-Truth-Social-post.jpg 871w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/01041146/Trump-Truth-Social-post-300x245.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/01041146/Trump-Truth-Social-post-768x628.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 871px) 100vw, 871px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: Donald Trump on Truth Social</figcaption></figure>
Why It Matters: The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy has drawn significant attention, especially given the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
During the meeting, Trump accused Zelenskyy of not showing gratitude and warned that his actions could potentially lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/44053592/white-house-meeting-turns-tense-as-trump-warns-zelenskyy-youre-gambling-with-world-war-iii">World War III</a>. This confrontation has intensified concerns about the conflict.
European leaders, including&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Antonio Costa, have rallied behind Zelenskyy, emphasizing their unwavering support and stating that he is &#8220;never alone&#8221; in this struggle.
This support comes amid a failed agreement over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/44057033/this-is-something-that-president-trump-does-over-and-over-again-geopolitical-strategist-says-about-failed-rare-minerals-deal-with-ukraine-president-zelenskyy">rare minerals</a>&nbsp;that was intended as repayment for military aid.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44064817/zelenskyy-says-not-sure-he-did-something-bad-after-public-spat-with-trump-jd-vance-we-have-to-be-very-honest-and-">Despite the public spat</a>, Zelenskyy remains optimistic about mending ties with Trump. He highlighted the longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine, expressing gratitude to the American public for their support.
Vice President&nbsp;JD Vance&nbsp;also attended the meeting, which escalated into a heated argument as Trump asserted that peace talks between Ukraine and Russia were close to resolution.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44064817/zelenskyy-says-not-sure-he-did-something-bad-after-public-spat-with-trump-jd-vance-we-have-to-be-very-honest-and-">Zelenskyy Says &#8216;Not Sure&#8217; He Did Something Bad After Public Spat With Trump, JD Vance: &#8216;We Have To Be Very Honest And Direct&#8217;</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

Trump Says Ukraine's Zelensky Is 'Not Ready For Peace' After Oval Office Spat: 'He Disrespected The United States Of America'

U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly canceled a planned news conference with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a white house meeting between the two turned tense.
What Happened: The Washington Post reported that <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/02/28/trump-presidency-news/">the</a> U.S. President canceled the news conference after the two met in the presence of Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office on Friday.
The gathering at the White House, originally set to finalize a U.S.-Ukraine agreement on critical mineral supplies, quickly escalated when<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/44053592/white-house-meeting-turns-tense-as-trump-warns-zelenskyy-youre-gambling-with-world-war-iii"> Vance accused Zelenskyy of being disrespectful</a>. Trump, raising his voice, warned Zelenskyy that he was "gambling with World War III." 
Zelenskyy&#8217;s visit to Washington, D.C., was expected to reinforce Ukraine&#8217;s partnership with the U.S. in its ongoing defense efforts against Russian aggression. However, the dialogue shifted when Trump and Vance questioned Ukraine&#8217;s diplomatic strategies, with Vance suggesting that prior U.S. policies had only fueled further conflict.
Zelenskyy countered by emphasizing Russia&#8217;s repeated breaches of ceasefire agreements, leading to a heated back-and-forth over what path forward would bring about peace.
&#8220;Not Ready For Peace&#8221;: Following the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/44062221/trump-may-stop-all-military-aid-to-ukraine-after-tense-exchange-with-zelenskyy-report"> meeting in the Oval Office</a>, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social and said that Zelenskyy is &#8220;not ready for Peace if America is involved.&#8221;
&#8220;&#8230;I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don't want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace,&#8221; Trump wrote.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/44049626/key-inflation-measure-falls-in-january-should-catch-the-feds-attention-expert-says" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Key Inflation Measure Falls In January: ‘Should Catch The Fed's Attention,' Economist Says</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Trump Cancels News Conference With Zelenskyy After Tense Meet In Oval Office: Report

Ben Horowitz&nbsp;of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and his spouse Felicia Horowitz are reportedly behind the Cybertruck donations to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
What Happened: Horowitz&#8217;s donation did not go through the  LVMPD Foundation, which raises funds to support the metropolitan police department, <a href="https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/las-vegas/venture-capital-firm-co-founder-funds-metro-cybertrucks-3311590/">the</a> Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the LVMPD announced earlier this week that the department will be adding 10 Cybertrucks to its fleet for patrol and SWAT operations. The &#8220;badass&#8221; trucks, he then said, were donated and would not strain the department&#8217;s general budget. 
"By the way, we ordered these before the Trump Tower [explosion]," McMahill said. "But I will tell you, we want these things because the cops inside will be safe no matter what. These stop bullets. They are also a tremendous recruitment tool for us."
The sheriff did not name the donors then, leading to speculations that the trucks might have been donated by Tesla CEO Elon Musk himself. 
Why It Matters: Unplugged Performance, which offers customization options and upgrades on Tesla vehicles, on Friday posted pictures of LVMPD chief Mike Gennari and his team at its facility beside a Cybertruck. The team will modify the trucks for the police team&#8217;s use.
<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">It was a pleasure to have <a href="https://twitter.com/LVMPD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LVMPD</a> Chief Mike Gennaro and his team at our <a href="https://twitter.com/UpfitTesla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UpfitTesla</a> facility today. We are honored to be building their <a href="https://t.co/VmBWREKCoZ">https://t.co/VmBWREKCoZ</a> Cybertruck fleet of the future!<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cybertruck?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cybertruck</a> <a href="https://t.co/gqinbfI382">pic.twitter.com/gqinbfI382</a>
&mdash; UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE (@UnpluggedTesla) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnpluggedTesla/status/1895562849633878248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The LVMPD is not the first police department to deploy a Cybertruck. The Irvine police department in October unveiled its customized Cybertruck intended to support its Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and community outreach efforts. The truck will not be used as a patrol car, the department then said. However, the vehicle is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41246431/after-shaq-jay-z-beyonce-and-others-tesla-cybertruck-joins-joins-irvine-police-departments-fleet-wil">fully equipped and could respond</a> to emergencies and provide community assistance when needed, the department added.
The high-end variant of the Cybertruck starts at $99,990 without discounts, implying Horowitz donated about a million dollars. 
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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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Here's The Mystery Donor Who Donated 10 Tesla Cybertrucks To Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: Report

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed a tense encounter with Donald Trump at the White House, which resulted in a public spat. Zelenskyy expressed optimism about mending ties between the two leaders, despite <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44064702/european-leaders-rally-behind-zelenskyy-amid-trump-dispute-free-world-need-a-new-leader">the incident</a>.
What Happened: The meeting, attended by Vice President&nbsp;JD Vance, escalated into a heated argument. Zelenskyy was in the U.S. to discuss peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, which Trump asserted were close to resolution.
In an interview <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/zelenskyy-speaks-out-after-public-spat-trump-vance-dustup-bad-both-sides">with</a> Fox News, Zelenskyy highlighted the longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine, stating, &#8220;It&#8217;s&nbsp;relations more than two presidents.&#8221; He expressed gratitude to the American public for their support.
Despite the confrontation, Zelenskyy remarked he was&nbsp;&#8220;not sure that we did&nbsp;something bad,&#8221; but acknowledged the incident&nbsp;was &#8220;bad for both sides."
He emphasized the need for a proper understanding of the situation to maintain the friendship between the nations.
&#8220;I respect president Trump and the American people, but we have to be very honest and direct to understand each other,&#8221; said Zelenskyy.
The altercation led to the cancellation of a press conference and the suspension of a minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine. A White House official reported that Trump asked Zelenskyy to leave the premises following the exchange.
Why It Matters: The confrontation between Zelenskyy and Trump has sparked international attention. European leaders, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44064702/european-leaders-rally-behind-zelenskyy-amid-trump-dispute-free-world-need-a-new-leader?upcache=2">Ursula von der Leyen</a>&nbsp;and Antonio Costa, have rallied behind Zelenskyy, emphasizing their unwavering support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. They reassured Zelenskyy that he is &#8220;never alone&#8221; in this struggle.
The meeting was initially intended to finalize a U.S.-Ukraine agreement on critical mineral supplies, a form of repayment for military aid. However, the discussions took a confrontational turn when Trump accused Zelenskyy of &#8220;gambling with World War III,&#8221; as noted by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/44057033/this-is-something-that-president-trump-does-over-and-over-again-geopolitical-strategist-says-about-failed-rare-minerals-deal-with-ukraine-president-zelenskyy">Benzinga</a>. This incident underscores the complexities and tensions in international diplomacy, particularly concerning military aid and geopolitical strategies.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44064702/european-leaders-rally-behind-zelenskyy-amid-trump-dispute-free-world-need-a-new-leader">European Leaders Rally Behind Zelenskyy Amid Trump Dispute: &#8216;Free World Needs A New Leader&#8217;</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

Zelenskyy Says 'Not Sure' He Did Something Bad After Public Spat With Trump, JD Vance: 'We Have To Be Very Honest And Direct'

European leaders have thrown their support behind&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;following a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/44057033/this-is-something-that-president-trump-does-over-and-over-again-geopolitical-strategist-says-about-failed-rare-minerals-deal-with-ukraine-president-zelenskyy">contentious</a> meeting with President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;at the White House. The confrontation has intensified concerns regarding the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
What Happened: During a meeting in the Oval Office, Trump criticized Zelenskyy for not expressing gratitude and accused him of being unprepared for peace. Trump further alleged that Zelensky&#8217;s actions could potentially lead to World War III.
In response, European Union leaders, including&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Antonio Costa, reassured Zelenskyy of their unwavering support. They emphasized that he is &#8220;never alone&#8221; in this struggle.
"Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on X in a post addressed to Zelensky.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a>, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.
&mdash; Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/donaldtusk/status/1895546144748614041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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French President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich&nbsp;Merz&nbsp;also voiced their backing for Ukraine.
<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">There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a victim: Ukraine. We were right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago—and to keep doing so. By "we," I mean the Americans, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese, and many others. Thank you to…
&mdash; Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1895582703556444404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Meanwhile,&nbsp;Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban&nbsp;praised Trump for his stance on peace, while&nbsp;Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni&nbsp;called for an urgent summit to address the Ukraine crisis.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other allies echoed their support for Ukraine, highlighting the importance of sovereignty and security.
EU diplomat Kaja Kallas questioned the U.S.'s leadership following the incident.
"Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It's up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge," she said.
<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">Ukraine is Europe! We stand by Ukraine. We will step up our support to Ukraine so that they can continue to fight back the agressor. Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It's up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.
&mdash; Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) <a href="https://twitter.com/kajakallas/status/1895570098834063878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy was initially intended to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/44057033/this-is-something-that-president-trump-does-over-and-over-again-geopolitical-strategist-says-about-failed-rare-minerals-deal-with-ukraine-president-zelenskyy">finalize a deal</a> over critical minerals.
However, the discussions quickly escalated, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of &#8220;gambling with World War III.&#8221;
This tension follows a series of negotiations that lacked long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, despite the country&#8217;s mineral wealth being a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43968607/trump-negotiates-a-very-big-deal-for-ukraines-mineral-wealth">significant point of interest</a> for the U.S.
The dispute underscores the fragile nature of international diplomacy, especially when intertwined with economic interests and geopolitical tensions. As European leaders rally behind Zelensky, the situation highlights the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the broader implications for global peace and security.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photos courtesy: Shutterstock

European Leaders Rally Behind Zelenskyy Amid Trump Dispute: 'Free World Needs A New Leader'

EV giant Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) is offering discounts of up to $7950 on the older version of its Model Y SUV, before it starts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43183608/tesla-launches-refreshed-model-y-in-us-with-25-price-hike-full-self-driving-included">delivering the refreshed version </a>of the vehicle in March.
What Happened: While the long-range rear-wheel drive variant is listed with as much as $3720 discount, the long-range all-wheel drive variant is listed with as much as $4950 discount, and the performance version with up to $7950 in discounts.
The offers come as the company is gearing up to start deliveries of its refreshed Model Y. 
Tesla launched the refreshed version of its best-selling Model Y SUV in January. Deliveries of the vehicle are slated to start in March. 
Why It Matters: The refreshed Model Y long-range all-wheel drive is now listed on Tesla&#8217;s website alongside the older models, with a starting price of $59,990, roughly 25% more expensive than its predecessor. 
Model Y, launched in 2020, is Tesla's best-selling vehicle. The launch of the refreshed vehicle comes after the company reported its first decline in annual global deliveries in over a decade.
Tesla reported global&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/42766117/tesla-stock-tumbles-on-q4-deliveries-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deliveries of 1.79 million</a>&nbsp;vehicles in 2024, down from full-year deliveries of 1.81 million in 2023.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Tesla

Tesla Offers Deep Discounts Of Up To $7950 On The Model Y As The EV Giant Gears Up To Deliver The Refreshed Version

General Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) consumers are most loyal to the manufacturer while Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) vehicle owners are most loyal to the vehicle make, according to automotive research firm S&amp;P Global Mobility.
What Happened: S&amp;P Global Mobility announced the winners of its automotive loyalty awards earlier this week based on a review of 13.1 million new retail vehicle registrations in the U.S. from January to December 2024. Overall, loyalty rates increased year-on-year for the third time in a row in 2024, the firm said. More consumers are remaining with their previous brand when purchasing a new vehicle, the firm noted.
While GM won the award for overall loyalty to the manufacturer, Tesla won the award for overall loyalty to the make. Both companies are repeat winners, having bagged loyalty awards in 2023.
Lincoln Corsair, manufactured by Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), won the award for overall loyalty to the model.
Why It Matters: "While brand loyalty is still below pre-pandemic levels, we are starting to see a consistent trend of customers going back to the brands they are familiar with," said Joe LaFeir, President, Automotive Insights, S&amp;P Global Mobility. "This will be important as we navigate a period of uncertainty in our industry assessing tariff and trade impacts on vehicle demand, making retention an even greater indicator of brand health."
President Donald Trump has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43926015/trump-confirms-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-will-take-effect-as-planned">proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada</a>, slated to be effective on March. 4. The move is expected to impact the automotive industry significantly as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43524700/ford-ceo-jim-farley-says-trumps-proposed-tariffs-on-mexico-canada-will-be-manageable-in-near-term-but-will-have-huge-impact-if-protracted">GM and Ford manufacture</a> some of their vehicles in Mexico and also have supply chains that depend on cross-border component movement.
"There's no question that tariffs at 25% level from Canada, Mexico, if they're protracted, would have a huge impact on our industry, with billions of dollars of industry profits wiped out and adverse effect on the US jobs as well as the entire value system in our industry. Tariffs would also mean higher prices for customers," Ford CEO Jim Farley said earlier this month. 
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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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tesla Owners Stay True To Their Cars, While GM Retains The Most Loyal Customers

Starlink has introduced a new monthly plan in the U.S. in a bid to lower the cost of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39747379/starlink-mini-hardware-now-available-for-us-customers-looking-for-connectivity-on-the-go-for-599">satellite internet access </a>and appeal to a wider range of customers.
What Happened: The newly introduced residential lite monthly plan is priced at $80, lower than the residential plan priced at $120 per month.
The residential lite plan will give you a lower network speed of 50-100 Mbps as compared to 150-200 Mbps for the $120 plan. The low-cost plan, however, is only available in select areas, unlike the residential plan which is available across the country. 
&#8220;Users on Residential Lite plan are prioritized behind Residential and will see slower speeds during peak hours,&#8221; Starlink warns on its website. When most users are online, customers on the lite plan may experience slower speeds, it said. 
The $80 plan, Starlink says, is best for low usage and smaller households. However, it is unavailable in Maine and Nebraska, among other places. The plan is for use at fixed, land-based locations in select areas, and customers on the plan can upgrade to the residential plan at any time. 
Why It Matters: Starlink is the satellite internet segment of SpaceX connecting more than 5 million people with internet across 125 countries, territories, and other markets.
SpaceX, to date, has launched over 8000 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit, of which over 6000 are in operational orbit, according to a study by astronomer Jonathan McDowell.
The company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/01/42755343/spacex-hits-new-milestone-in-2024-with-134-launches">completed 134 launches in 2024</a>, excluding four test flights of its Starship launch vehicle, a whopping majority of which were Starlink missions. 
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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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

SPACE

Starlink Launches $80 Monthly Plan As It Targets Wider Customer Base

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk said on Friday that it is still awaiting regulatory clearance to roll out its full self-driving (FSD) driver assistance technology in Europe, despite rolling its<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43932533/tesla-starts-rolling-out-fsd-features-in-china"> features out in China </a>earlier this week.
What Happened: &#8220;We are waiting for regulatory approval,&#8221; Musk said in a post on X.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We are waiting for regulatory approval
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1895499677384212564?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
In September, Tesla said that it would roll out FSD in Europe and China in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40724069/tesla-fsd-rollout-in-china-europe-planned-for-q1-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first quarter of 2025</a>. The company started rolling out FSD features in China earlier this week, but not in Europe.
FSD Rollout In China: In China, Tesla did not explicitly term the newly rolled out driving assistance features for city streets as FSD, but they are similar to those included under FSD in the U.S.
Following a software update, the Tesla vehicle will identify traffic lights, allow for automatic lane changes, and more, the company said. The cabin camera will also monitor whether the driver is paying attention to the road while the features are working.
The company is pushing out the update to vehicles in batches on some models, the company said, while adding that the range of compatible models will be gradually expanded.
&#8220;Layer Cake Of Regulations&#8221;: In January, during Tesla&#8217;s fourth-quarter earnings call, Musk said that regulations are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43647669/tesla-releases-supervised-full-self-driving-in-mexico-says-hola-to-local-drivers">preventing the launch</a> of FSD in Europe.
"Europe is a layer cake of regulations and bureaucracy, which really needs to be addressed," Musk said while adding that he does not see FSD being launched in Europe in the first quarter.
The CEO then said that the company has to go through a &#8220;mountain of paperwork.&#8221;
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

After FSD Rollout In China, Musk Says Rollout In Europe Delayed Owing To Lack Of Approvals

One month into Donald Trump's presidency, the cryptocurrency industry's euphoria over anticipated deregulation is giving way to a sobering realization: meaningful change may take years, not weeks. 
At a Denarii Labs-hosted panel titled &#8220;Regulatory Crossfire: What's Next for Crypto in 2025,&#8221; held at the Eth Denver summit, legal experts Jonathan Turnham of NXT Law and Nick Pullman of One Law dissected the U.S. regulatory landscape, questioning whether the administration can deliver on its blockchain promises—or if global competitors will seize the moment first.
The discussion comes amid a whirlwind of post-election speculation. 
Crypto markets surged in late 2024, hoping that Trump's administration would usher in a golden era of regulatory relief, fueled by the president's meme coin ventures and public statements favoring digital assets.
Yet, 30 days into his term, tangible progress remains elusive. 
"We've seen a number of efforts spot-cundered," said Pullman, a legal advisor at One Law, referencing stalled initiatives like stablecoin regulation. "These things take time."
Turnham, a Cayman Islands-based lawyer with a decade of crypto law experience at NXT Law, echoed the sentiment, tempering enthusiasm with pragmatism. 
"There's been a reality check," he noted, pointing to the gap between initial market exuberance and the slow grind of policy-making. 
The panelists agreed that while the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) recent decisions to drop enforcement cases against firms like Uniswap Labs and Coinbase signal a potential softening, it's far from a regulatory revolution.
The SEC's pivot under Acting Chair Hester Peirce, who now leads a rebooted crypto task force, and the expected confirmation of Paul Atkins as chair, marks a stark contrast to Gary Gensler's enforcement-heavy tenure. 
Turnham expressed cautious optimism: "Those dropped cases involved mature projects with mature legal teams that tried to engage with regulators. 
The fact that it happened quickly is progress." 
He suggested Atkins, a respected figure with a pro-business bent, could bring "tough love and guidance" to an industry craving clarity.
Pullman predicted a pause in the SEC's aggressive posture, potentially reducing the need for reactive lawsuits like the Blockchain Association's challenge to the IRS. 
"We've seen more collaboration in six weeks than in six years," he said, citing joint rule-making efforts between the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to clarify the murky divide between securities and commodities in crypto.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/44056857/stablecoins-are-future-of-commerce-says-bases-tom-vieira">Stablecoins Are Future Of Commerce, Says Base&#8217;s Tom Vieira</a>
Yet, challenges loom. Defining "decentralized" remains a sticking point, and Pullman warned that stablecoin regulations—like the Stables Act of 2025—could stifle innovation if consumer protections (e.g., mandatory KYC whitelists) clash with interoperability. 
"It's going to be challenging," he admitted, though he sees a path forward with better disclosures.
Beyond U.S. borders, the panel highlighted a jurisdictional arms race. Europe's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, despite implementation hiccups across 27 nations, has prompted regulatory arbitrage, with some firms fleeing stringent rules. 
Turnham's clients, many operating globally from the Cayman Islands, view the U.S. as a potential counterweight—if it can act decisively. "There's competition between jurisdictions," he said. "If Trump wants to bring it back here, he needs a regime people trust."
Emerging markets like India and Brazil, however, lag. Turnham attributed this to fears of losing financial control: "Governments historically use capital controls as a lever. Crypto threatens that." 
Pullman added that building international trust in such markets takes decades, citing the Cayman Islands' decades-long reputation as a stable hub.
The panel also spotlighted signs of industry maturity. 
Turnham, who has facilitated over a dozen token-level mergers, sees consolidation as healthy: "It's a recognition that running these businesses globally is difficult." 
Banking support may also rise with the reported end of Operation Choke Point 2.0, though Pullman noted lingering hesitancy from risk-averse institutions. 
Meanwhile, spot crypto ETFs are gaining traction post-SEC softening, though Turnham cautioned that legal hurdles around custody and consumer education persist.
Looking ahead, the interplay between U.S. regulations and global frameworks like the OECD's tax visibility efforts remains fluid. 
"The U.S. is the gold standard everyone's trying to crack," Turnham said, but warned that clarity must come soon to fend off competitors.
For all the optimism, the panelists underscored a central truth: crypto's regulatory fate hinges on execution, not promises. 
"No one wants the time and cost of litigation," Pullman said, advocating for collaboration over courtroom battles. As the Trump administration navigates its first 100 days, the industry watches—hopeful, but no longer starry-eyed.
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Crypto's Trump-Era Honeymoon Fades As Regulatory Reality Sets In

Throughout his campaign and into his second term as president, so far, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43858129/as-trump-pushes-for-reciprocal-tariffs-vietnam-looks-to-increase-us-farm-product-imports-to-ease-trade-risks">President Donald Trump</a> has outlined ambitious plans for taxes that could reduce federal revenue by $5 trillion to $11.2 trillion over the next decade, according to estimates from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.&nbsp;
This plan would effectively increase the nation's debt by eliminating current or anticipated revenue sources. It includes extending tax cuts from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/24/11/41868686/how-trumps-win-will-change-tax-planning">2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act</a>, and it would also expand deductions and provide targeted tax relief for specific groups.&nbsp;
Some argue that these tax cuts could spur economic growth, however, critics warn that there are severe fiscal consequences, particularly in regard to rising the national debt.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Does Trump's Tax Plan Entail?</h2>
The tax package, according to the CFRB, includes several major components:
<ul>
<li>Extending the 2017 Tax Cuts: The TCJA tax cuts are set to expire in 2025, however under Trump's plan, these would be extended, with an estimated federal revenue reduction of $3.9 trillion to $4.8 trillion.</li>
<li>State and Local Tax Deduction Relief: Expanding the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/09/40980998/trump-vows-to-restore-salt-deduction-promising-relief-for-high-tax-state-homeowners">SALT deduction</a> could cost between $200 billion and $1.2 trillion, depending on the scope of the policy.</li>
<li>Tax Cuts on Tips, Overtime, and Social Security Benefits: The CFRB estimates eliminating these taxes could total anywhere from $900 billion to $5 trillion, depending on how they are implemented.</li>
<li>Tax Breaks for Domestic Production: A tax cut aimed at boosting American manufacturing could reduce revenue by $100 billion to $200 billion.</li>
<li>Closing the Carried Interest Loophole and Limiting Stadium Tax Breaks: While these changes could raise between $20 billion and $100 billion, they only offset a small portion of the proposed cuts.</li>
</ul>
Totaling the ranges of each estimate brings the fiscal impact of Trump's tax plans to between $5 trillion and $11.2 trillion.&nbsp;
Trending: Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Would This Impact The Economy?&nbsp;</h2>
Those in favor of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43901103/medicaid-faces-880-billion-cuts-but-trump-says-social-security-is-safe">Trump's tax plans</a> state that reducing taxes could spur economic growth through the encouragement of new investments and job creation. They also point out the benefits that middle-class workers would receive by not having to pay taxes on their tips or overtime earnings.&nbsp;
However, without offsets, the CRFB estimates that the plan could push the national debt to between 132% and 149% of GDP by 2035, up from approximately 100% currently. This is nearly double or triple the projected growth to 118% under current law. Interest costs alone could rise by $1.2 trillion to $2.7 trillion over the next decade, increasing the risk of a fiscal crisis.
One major concern is the potential impact on programs like Social Security and Medicare. The CRFB warns that tax reductions on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43831371/eliminating-social-security-income-taxes-would-cost-1-5-trillion-and-deplete-the-trust-fund-by-2032-who-wins-and-who-loses">Social Security benefits</a>, combined with other revenue losses, could weaken these trust funds. Additionally, broad tax cuts could exacerbate income shifting and tax avoidance, reducing projected revenue even further.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Weighing the Trade-offs</h2>
Trump&#8217;s tax plan presents a clear trade-off between economic stimulus and fiscal responsibility. While tax cuts could provide immediate financial relief and potentially stimulate growth, the long-term impact on national debt and government-funded programs remains a critical consideration.&nbsp;
"Policymakers should scale back and more carefully target their tax agenda and ensure that any tax cuts are part of a package to lower deficits. There are plenty of offsets available. Reconciliation should reduce, not add to, budget deficits," the CRFB warns.&nbsp;
Without offsets or spending reductions, the plan could push federal debt to levels unseen in U.S. history.
As policymakers debate the proposal, the key question remains: Can tax cuts of this magnitude drive enough economic expansion to offset their cost, or will they lead the country toward an unsustainable fiscal path?
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Trump's $5 Trillion To $11 Trillion Tax Plan: A Boost For Growth Or A Path To Unprecedented Debt?

Many are concerned about the accessibility of social security services as the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43957909/social-security-in-uncertain-times-what-the-resignation-of-michelle-king-and-musks-doge-data-push-could-mean-for-beneficiaries-2">Social Security Administration</a> faces office closures. As of Feb. 26, several locations have been closed or consolidated due to budget cuts and a federal push for streamlining government operations.&nbsp;
These changes, made by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43962364/president-trump-says-inflation-is-back-claims-its-not-his-fault-but-bidens-i-had-nothing-to-do-with-it">President Donald Trump</a>'s administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, have left many beneficiaries wondering how these closures will impact their access to important services.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Are Offices Closing?&nbsp;</h2>
The federal government has initiated widespread efforts to reduce operational costs, led by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43906977/elon-musks-doge-savings-of-55-billion-may-be-overstated-wsj-analysis-reveals-the-likely-actual-figure">DOGE</a>, including terminating leases for 7,500 federal buildings, some of which are used by the SSA, <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/full-list-social-security-office-closings-after-doge-cuts-2035533">according to Newsweek</a>. Already struggling with staffing shortages, the SSA's closures may worsen delays for beneficiaries.&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a></li>
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Former SSA Commissioner Martin O'Malley testified to Congress last year the agency would be serving 7 million more beneficiaries with considerably less staff by the end of 2024. He also warned that the SSA can't "keep doing more with less" while budget constraints force the agency to its lowest staffing level in 25 years.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which Locations Are Affected?</h2>
The following Social Security offices have either closed or are in the process of closing:
<ul>
<li>White Plains, New York</li>
<li>Logan, West Virginia</li>
<li>Carlsbad, California</li>
<li>Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina</li>
<li>Batesville, Arkansas</li>
<li>Columbus, Ohio</li>
<li>Okemos, Michigan</li>
<li>Nacogdoches, Texas</li>
<li>Green Bay, Wisconsin</li>
<li>Las Vegas</li>
</ul>
While some offices have been consolidated or reassigned to new locations, the closures are expected to lead to longer wait times and more difficulty for beneficiaries trying to access services.&nbsp;
Trending: The average 401(k) balance soars to a record-breaking high – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/average-401k-balances-soars-to-record-high">Here's how to know if your nest egg is keeping pace.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Concerns For Travel and Disabled Beneficiaries</h2>
The closures and consolidation of offices raise particular concerns for individuals with disabilities. As Mary Ellen O&#8217;Connor, founder of O&#8217;Connor Law PLLC, told Newsweek these individuals often rely on accessible, local offices to receive support. For many, traveling long distances or navigating online systems is not a viable option.
&#8220;Disabled individuals seeking benefits face unique obstacles,&#8221; O&#8217;Connor said. &#8220;Many rely on local, accessible offices and personalized support, and the move to remote hearings and longer travel distances creates extra barriers.&#8221;
These challenges are particularly pronounced for people with limited transportation options, those who require special accommodations, and those struggling with digital literacy. While online hearings may be helpful for some, O&#8217;Connor emphasized that they are not suitable for everyone, especially those with hearing or visual impairments.
The changes have sparked concern among lawmakers as well. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) York, sent a letter to the SSA regarding the closure of the White Plains office.&nbsp;
&#8220;As the only hearing office in the lower Hudson Valley region, its closure will
negatively impact thousands of constituents who reside in these seven counties,&#8221; Gillibrand wrote. "If SSA does not open an alternative site, beneficiaries will be required to travel between 24 and 135 miles to be serviced by the closest offices."&nbsp;
She also noted that travel costs and time would significantly increase, creating hardship for many.
See Also: Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Happens Next?</h2>
With these closures, it's essential for beneficiaries to stay informed about any changes to their local offices. The SSA has advised individuals to check their website for updates and to consider using online services where possible.&nbsp;
For beneficiaries who rely on in-person support, alternatives may not always be available. The SSA is also grappling with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43871609/trumps-federal-workforce-downsizing-plan-gets-green-light-from-judge-appeal-by-unions-dismissed">reduced workforce</a> and increasing backlogs. The agency is working to ensure that services continue, but the closures and staff shortages may lead to delays in processing claims and handling cases.
Read Next:
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<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>
<li><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></li>
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