Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk has raised fresh concerns about MacKenzie Scott&#8216;s charitable donations, highlighting growing tensions over billionaire philanthropy and its societal impact.



What Happened: Responding to a social media post about Scott&#8217;s donations to liberal nonprofits, Musk offered a one-word critique: &#8220;Concerning.&#8221; The comment came after author John LeFevre highlighted Scott&#8217;s contributions to organizations focused on racial equity, social justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.



Scott, who received Amazon.com Inc. shares worth billions in her 2019 divorce from Jeff Bezos, has emerged as one of America&#8217;s most prolific philanthropists. Through her Yield Giving organization, she has donated over $19 billion to more than 2,450 nonprofits since 2019, while maintaining a net worth above $30 billion due to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42568686/mackenzie-scotts-mission-driven-investing-pushes-back-against-wealth-concentration-amazon-stock-rich-philanthropist-pledges-2-billion-in-donations">Amazon&#8217;s stock performance</a>.



<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">Concerning <a href="https://t.co/C11Lnm8XeH">https://t.co/C11Lnm8XeH</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1871163247593996349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



This marks Musk&#8217;s latest criticism of Scott&#8217;s giving. In March, he suggested in a now-deleted post that &#8220;super rich ex-wives who hate their former spouse&#8221; could contribute to the decline of Western civilization. Shortly after his comment, Scott announced an additional $640 million in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37839087/shrugging-off-elon-musks-western-civilization-jab-jeff-bezoss-ex-wife-doubles-her-donation-efforts-t">donations to 361 organizations</a>.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42676821/how-to-stream-the-nfl-christmas-gameday-live-on-netflix">How To Watch NFL Christmas Gameday Live On Netflix With Mariah Carey, Beyoncé And Epic Football Matchups</a>



What Happened: Scott recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/42009316/jeff-bezos-ex-wife-mackenzie-scott-sells-more-amazon-shares">sold 11% of her Amazon holdings</a>, valued at over $8 billion, signaling a shift toward mission-aligned investments rather than traditional portfolio management. 



The debate over billionaire philanthropy has drawn in other prominent voices, including Melinda French Gates, who has publicly supported Scott&#8217;s rapid-giving approach while criticizing other tech billionaires, including Musk, for prioritizing public influence over charitable giving. 



In a recent New York Times interview, French Gates questioned whether certain tech leaders should even be called philanthropists, suggesting they use their platforms primarily to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40231450/melinda-french-gates-questions-philanthropy-of-musk-thiel-i-would-not-call-those-men-philanthrop">shape public opinion rather than contribute</a> meaningfully to charitable causes.



Her giving strategy contrasts sharply with other tech billionaires, including Musk, who has focused his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42640044/trump-fires-back-at-critics-and-denies-ceding-presidency-to-elon-musk-and-im-safe-he-wasnt-born-in-this-country">recent attention on political causes</a>, including substantial support for President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s campaign.



Scott&#8217;s donations for 2024 include significant support for economic security initiatives and repeat grants to organizations like CAMFED, which supports girls&#8217; education in Africa, demonstrating her continued commitment to addressing systemic inequalities despite <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42568686/mackenzie-scotts-mission-driven-investing-pushes-back-against-wealth-concentration-amazon-stock-rich-philanthropist-pledges-2-billion-in-donations">criticism from fellow billionaires</a>.



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Image via Flickr



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

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Tech

Elon Musk Calls Jeff Bezos' Ex-Wife MacKenzie Scott's $19 Billion Charitable Donations 'Concerning'

Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? You can&#8217;t go wrong with tech.



The Magnificent 7 companies—Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet Inc. (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>), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), and Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)—offer some of the best gadgets, accessories, and experiences.



So, this Christmas, whether you&#8217;re shopping for a techie, a gamer, or someone who just loves convenience, there's something for everyone.



Apple



Apple Watch Strap: Add some flair to an Apple Watch with a durable, comfy band. Available in multiple colors. The starting price is $49.



AirTag: Perfect for tracking keys, bags, or anything else you misplace. Compact and easy to use. Price: $29.



Amazon



Echo Dot (5th Gen): A smart speaker with Alexa to control devices, play music, and more. Compact and stylish. Price starting at $22.99.



Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: Stream your favorite shows in 4K resolution. Supports 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos. Easy to set up and use.&nbsp;



See Also:&nbsp;<a data-google-interstitial="false" style="white-space: normal; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); color: rgb(44, 162, 209); text-decoration: inherit; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, OpenSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42378596/openais-chatgpt-makes-headway-in-search-threatening-googles-reign" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-pan-x: ; --tw-pan-y: ; --tw-pinch-zoom: ; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-gradient-from-position: ; --tw-gradient-via-position: ; --tw-gradient-to-position: ; --tw-ordinal: ; --tw-slashed-zero: ; --tw-numeric-figure: ; --tw-numeric-spacing: ; --tw-numeric-fraction: ; --tw-ring-inset: ; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-blur: ; --tw-brightness: ; --tw-contrast: ; --tw-grayscale: ; --tw-hue-rotate: ; --tw-invert: ; --tw-saturate: ; --tw-sepia: ; --tw-drop-shadow: ; --tw-backdrop-blur: ; --tw-backdrop-brightness: ; --tw-backdrop-contrast: ; --tw-backdrop-grayscale: ; --tw-backdrop-hue-rotate: ; --tw-backdrop-invert: ; --tw-backdrop-opacity: ; --tw-backdrop-saturate: ; --tw-backdrop-sepia: ; --tw-contain-size: ; --tw-contain-layout: ; --tw-contain-paint: ; --tw-contain-style: ;">OpenAI&#8217;s ChatGPT Makes Headway In Search, Threatening Google&#8217;s Reign</a>



Alphabet



Chromecast with Google TV: A versatile streaming device that integrates various streaming services into a single user-friendly interface. Features a compact design that connects directly to the HDMI port of your TV and comes with a voice remote equipped with Google Assistant.&nbsp;



YouTube Premium Subscription: Enjoy ad-free videos, background play, and YouTube Music access. Priced at $13.99 per month.



Meta



Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap: For those who like to extend their virtual reality experience, this is a perfect gift. Addresses common discomfort issues by redistributing weight more evenly across the head, reducing pressure on the face and neck. Priced at $69.99.



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.



Microsoft



Xbox Wireless Controller: The controller features a sleek, updated design with improved ergonomics, textured grips, and a hybrid D-pad for superior comfort and precision during gameplay. It offers compatibility with both Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth.



Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse: A simple, modern mouse that works with Windows and Mac can boost your productivity infinitely. Great for daily use.



Nvidia



GeForce NOW Priority Membership (One year): Stream top games with priority access and extended sessions. Users can stream games in up to 1440p resolution—an improvement from the previous 1080p—and enjoy support for ultrawide resolutions. A gamer's dream. Price: $9.99/month or $99.99/ year.



Tesla



Tesla Key Card: A handy backup or replacement key for Tesla owners. Makes life easier. Price: $40.



Tesla Wireless Portable Charger: A sleek, fast charger compatible with most smartphones. It offers magnetic, wireless charging and boasts a robust 5000mAh battery capacity. Perfect for on-the-go charging. Price: $95.



From sleek devices to powerful experiences, these gifts from the Magnificent 7 companies are sure to impress anyone on your list.



The best part? You can't go wrong with these trusted brands.



Happy shopping!



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 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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Tech, Toys, And Tesla: The Ultimate Santa Tech Wishlist From Magnificent 7 Companies

U.S. financial markets will observe the Christmas holiday with modified trading hours, marking a brief pause in what has been an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42665923/is-stock-market-open-on-christmas-eve-2024-a-quick-guide-for-market-hours-banks-and-whats-closed-for-santa-claus">eventful year for Wall Street</a>.



The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will remain fully closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25, for Christmas Day. The bond market will follow a similar schedule, with the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association <a href="https://www.sifma.org/resources/general/holiday-schedule/">announcing</a> a 2 p.m. ET close on Christmas Eve.



The adjusted schedule affects a broad range of market participants, from institutional investors to retail traders. Regular trading will resume on Thursday, Dec. 26, giving market participants time to position themselves before the year&#8217;s final trading week.



Meanwhile, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) which tracks the S&amp;P 500 saw its year-to-date returns climb by 27.35%, while that of the Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which represents the Nasdaq composite, rose by 29.41%.



While traditional markets pause, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), and other cryptocurrencies will continue trading non-stop on global exchanges, demonstrating the digital asset market&#8217;s unique 24/7 accessibility.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42676790/mega-millions-jackpot-hits-1-billion-on-christmas-eve-amid-year-of-rare-wins">Christmas Eve Mega Millions: Jackpot Soars To Record $1 Billion In Year Of Rare Wins</a>



Looking ahead, investors should note that while stock markets will maintain regular hours on New Year&#8217;s Eve, the bond market will close early at 2 p.m. ET on Dec 31. All U.S. markets will be closed on Jan. 1, 2025, for New Year&#8217;s Day.



The holiday closures come as Asian markets maintain varying schedules. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange will operate abbreviated sessions around Christmas, while the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Tokyo Stock Exchange will continue normal operations during this period.



Major U.S. financial institutions, including Bank of America Corp, JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co, and Citigroup Inc., will close their branches on Christmas Day, aligning with the market holiday schedule.



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Image via Shutterstock



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

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Is Stock Market Open Or Closed On Christmas Day 2024? Here Is What You Can Trade Today

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that it will issue automatic payments this month to approximately 1 million <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-special-payments-going-this-month-to-1-million-taxpayers-who-did-not-claim-2021-recovery-rebate-credit-encourages-non-filers-about-approaching-deadline-to-claim-credits">taxpayers</a> who did not claim the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2021 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>.



The total amount of payments is expected to be around $2.4 billion, with individual payments potentially reaching up to $1,400.



The payments, which are part of ongoing efforts to assist taxpayers, will be sent to individuals who were eligible for the Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) but did not claim them on their 2021 tax returns.



The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit for those who missed out on one or more of the stimulus payments.



These payments will be issued automatically, meaning no additional action is required from eligible taxpayers. The funds will be either direct deposited or sent as paper checks, with most payments arriving by late January 2025.



Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42677188/elon-musk-calls-jeff-bezos-ex-wife-mackenzie-scotts-charitable-donations-concerning" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Calls Jeff Bezos&#8217; Ex-Wife MacKenzie Scott&#8217;s $19 Billion Charitable Donations &#8216;Concerning&#8217;</a>



Eligible taxpayers will also receive a separate notification letter from the IRS confirming the payment.



The IRS also reminded taxpayers who haven't yet filed their 2021 tax returns that they may still be eligible for the credit if they file by the April 15, 2025, deadline.



The payments will go to those who filed a 2021 tax return but left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered $0 when they were actually qualified.



These automatic payments aim to simplify the process for eligible taxpayers, saving them from filing an amended return. Additionally, the IRS assured that the payments would not count as income when determining eligibility for federal benefits such as SSI, SNAP, and WIC. The IRS said it continues its efforts to help taxpayers access credits and deductions, including other coronavirus tax relief measures.



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General

Payments of Up to $1,400 Coming for 1 Million Eligible Taxpayers, IRS Confirms

Taiwan&#8217;s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has reportedly blocked Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) $950 million acquisition of Delivery Hero&#8217;s Foodpanda <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38809280/uber-spices-up-taiwans-food-delivery-scene-with-950m-foodpanda-deal-whats-on-the-menu">business due to anti-competitive concerns.</a>



The merger, which was initially announced in May 2023, would have significantly increased Uber Eats&#8217; dominance in Taiwan&#8217;s food delivery market, giving the combined company over 90% of the market share, Reuters reports.



The FTC cited concerns that the merger would eliminate Foodpanda as Uber Eats&#8217; main competitor, reducing market pressure on the combined entity.



The commission argued that without this competition, Uber would have less incentive to keep prices low for consumers or commissions reasonable for restaurant partners.



With a huge market share, the merger could have led to higher prices and less choice for consumers, undermining the competitive landscape of Taiwan&#8217;s food delivery sector.



The deal was scrutinized by the FTC after Uber filed the application in November 2023. The commission stated that the merger&#8217;s negative effects would outweigh any economic benefits.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42677188/elon-musk-calls-jeff-bezos-ex-wife-mackenzie-scotts-charitable-donations-concerning">Elon Musk Calls Jeff Bezos&#8217; Ex-Wife MacKenzie Scott&#8217;s $19 Billion Charitable Donations &#8216;Concerning&#8217;</a>



The FTC also noted that corrective measures would not be sufficient to address these concerns.



In response, Uber and Delivery Hero said they might appeal the decision or consider terminating the acquisition.



Uber was optimistic about the deal, as it had hoped the merger would help boost its delivery business by contributing $150 million annually to its adjusted core profit.



While online food delivery platforms in Taiwan account for a small fraction of the broader food delivery market, Foodpanda&#8217;s operations had reached breakeven in adjusted core earnings by March 2024.



The proposed merger was expected to be finalized in the first half of 2025, but now faces significant regulatory hurdles in Taiwan.



This decision highlights ongoing scrutiny of mergers in the tech and delivery sectors, as regulators assess their long-term impact on competition and consumers.



Price Action: UBER shares 0.26% to $61.71 on Tuesday, while shares fell by 0.07% after hours.



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UBER

Uber's Foodpanda Acquisition Blocked in Taiwan Due to Competition Concerns

Elon Musk is no stranger to controversy, but his recent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37923084/elon-musk-used-to-email-ex-google-ceo-larry-page-when-he-was-kind-of-homeless-and-ask-can-i-come">remarks about homelessness</a> have sparked a particularly intense reaction. On Dec. 10, Musk took to X – his own platform, no less – to declare, "In most cases, the word ‘homeless' is a lie. It's usually a propaganda word for violent drug addicts with severe mental illness."



The statement came in response to Jeremy Kauffman's post, which painted a grim picture of housing programs in San Francisco. Kauffman listed incidents of squalor, violence, drug overdoses and evictions, suggesting that simply giving unhoused individuals a roof doesn't fix the root of the problem. Musk agreed.



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<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/red-ventures"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>



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This <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42531924/elon-musk-had-a-food-budget-of-30-a-month-his-diet-was-mostly-hot-dogs-and-oranges-in-america-its-pretty-easy-to-keep-yourself-alive">isn't new territory for him</a>. Back in October, during an interview with Tucker Carlson, Musk doubled down on his view of homelessness as a far graver and more complex issue than it's often presented.&nbsp;



According to The Independent, Musk stated in the interview, "Homeless is a misnomer. It implies that someone got a little bit behind on their mortgage and if you just gave them a job, they'd be back on their feet," he said. "What you actually see are violent drug zombies with dead eyes, needles everywhere and human feces on the streets."&nbsp;



But Musk didn't stop there. He argued that pouring more money into homelessness programs only makes things worse. In his view, there's a dark financial incentive at play. He took to X again, writing: "The ‘save the homeless' NGOs are often paid based on how many homeless people are on the streets, thus creating a strong financial incentive for them to maximize the number of homeless people and never actually solve the problem!"



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The "save the homeless" NGOs are often paid according to how many homeless people are on the streets, thus creating a strong financial incentive for them to maximize the number of homeless people and never actually solve the problem! Incentives explain outcomes. <a href="https://t.co/ujxryf8z6d">https://t.co/ujxryf8z6d</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1866365811977511176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



See Also: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>



Critics have called Musk's comments tone-deaf, accusatory and just flat-out wrong. Jesse Rabinowitz of the National Homelessness Law Center stated, "People are really struggling to afford basic needs in this country, like rent and food. But I don't expect Musk or the other billionaires to know anything about that."&nbsp;



Others argue that someone with Musk's fortune – over $300 billion – could personally solve the housing crisis in the U.S. but chooses to throw verbal grenades instead.



The irony isn't lost on people, either. Musk, who had reportedly funneled over $250 million into <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/12/42417117/jeff-bezos-shrugs-off-worries-about-musks-influence-on-the-trump-administration-if-that-turns-out-to-be-naive-well-well-see">Donald Trump's presidential campaign</a>, has become increasingly vocal about slashing federal programs. Programs, mind you, that directly assist the very people he's labeling as "violent drug addicts."



Trending: Unlock the hidden potential of commercial real estate —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/marcus-millichap-backed-platform-makes-it-easy-to-invest-in-real-estate"> This platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>



So, where does the truth lie? Advocates say Musk's views ignore decades of research that paint a far more nuanced picture of homelessness. According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 650,000 Americans experience homelessness on any given night – and nearly 17% of them are children. The vast majority are not violent, nor are they drug users. Many work full-time but still can't afford rent due to skyrocketing housing costs and stagnant wages.



Even more sobering: unhoused people are far more likely to be victims of violent crimes than perpetrators. The idea of "violent drug zombies" may grab attention, but experts say it's a gross oversimplification that fuels stigma.



For Musk, though, this isn't just rhetoric – it's a rallying cry. He's urging lawmakers and the White House to impose drastic cuts to federal programs, all in the name of "efficiency."&nbsp;



Critics, however, argue that weaponizing homelessness as a talking point – while ignoring the systemic issues that cause it – is not only harmful but wildly irresponsible.



The world's richest man has every platform and resource at his disposal, yet his commentary seems heavy on finger-pointing and light on solutions. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: when Musk talks, people listen. Whether or not they agree? That's another story.



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Elon Musk Says Term 'Homeless' Is A Lie And Misleading – Argues The Programs Claiming To Fix It Are Only Making It Worse For Financial Gain

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41549835/michael-jordan-the-nbas-first-billionaire-once-bet-100-000-on-a-game-of-rock-paper-scissors-i-enjoy">Michael Jordan's</a> legendary Chicago-area mansion has been on the real estate equivalent of a never-ending shot clock. After sitting unsold for over a decade, the property has finally found a buyer.&nbsp;



Public records confirm the deal has closed, with the home selling for $9.5 million – a far cry from the $29 million it was originally listed for in 2012. In the world of luxury real estate, that's what you call a serious markdown.&nbsp;



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<ul>
<li>During market downturns, investors are learning that unlike equities, these<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2"> high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% are protected by resilient assets, buffering against losses.</a></li>



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By 2015, the asking price had already dropped to $14.855 million – a number with a quirky twist. Why so specific? The digits add to Jordan's iconic #23, a nod to the jersey number that adorns the mansion's front gates.



This isn't just any house. Known as Legend Point, the 56,000-square-foot Highland Park estate is a shrine to Jordan's career and unmistakable style.&nbsp;



According to the Zillow listing, the property is "equipped with every conceivable luxury amenity." The home sits on seven acres and boasts features as unique as its owner, including doors salvaged from the original Playboy Mansion. The property has nine bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, a putting green, a tennis court, a cigar lounge and – you guessed it – a regulation-size basketball court.



See Also: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-y2"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>



The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/10/41168132/nba-legend-shaq-only-used-2-rooms-in-his-76-000-sq-ft-mansion-the-kitchen-because-i-like-to-eat-and">real estate listing</a> didn't hold back on the superlatives, calling the estate "as legendary as His Airness himself." It's practically a museum of MJ, designed to showcase his larger-than-life legacy. But therein lies the challenge: owning this home feels a bit like stepping into Jordan's shoes – literally. Perhaps that's why it sat unsold for so long. How do you make a home with that much Jordan energy feel like yours?



Whoever the mystery buyer is, they've got a big project ahead of them. Transforming Legend Point into something less … Michael Jordan will be no small task. After all, Jordan built the estate from scratch in 1991 during his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40488456/nba-legend-charles-barkley-never-wants-to-go-broke-like-80-of-retired-athletes-when-youre-55-how">Chicago Bulls prime</a>, pouring an estimated $50 million into its construction.



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According to Business Insider, listing agent Katherine Malkin told The Wall Street Journal that Jordan bought the property as a vacant lot in 1991, during his Chicago Bulls prime and invested about $50 million to bring his vision to life.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, MJ hasn't exactly been sweating the slow sale. He's long since relocated to sunny Florida, where he picked up a $16.5 million mansion in a gated community in Jupiter earlier this year. It's his second home in the neighborhood. When you're Michael Jordan, you can afford to wait (and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bezos-landlord-100-dollars">diversify your real estate portfolio</a>).



So, while the sale price might be a slam dunk for the buyer, it's a buzzer-beater of sorts for Jordan. After 12 long years on the market, Legend Point has a new owner. But let's be honest: this mansion will always be Michael Jordan's house – playboy doors and all.



Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=jeffbezos100"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $100.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking For Higher-Yield Opportunities In A Shifting Market?</h2>



The changing interest rate environment has created an incredible opportunity for income-seeking investors to earn massive yields, but not through dividend stocks… Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities and Benzinga has identified <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/benzingas-favorite-high-yield-investments">some of the most attractive options for you to consider</a>.&nbsp;



For instance, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/equitymultiple-yf">Ascent Income Fund</a> from EquityMultiple targets stable income from senior commercial real estate debt positions and has a historical distribution yield of 12.1% backed by real assets. With payment priority and flexible liquidity options, the Ascent Income Fund is a cornerstone investment vehicle for income-focused investors. First-time investors with EquityMultiple can now invest in the Ascent Income Fund with a reduced minimum of just $5,000. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/equitymultiple-yf">Benzinga Readers: Earn a 1% return boost on your first EquityMultiple investment when you sign up here (accredited investors only)</a>.



Don't miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of high-yield investments while rates are high. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/benzingas-favorite-high-yield-investments">Check out Benzinga's favorite high-yield offerings.</a>&nbsp;

Michael Jordan Sells His Massive Luxury Mansion For $9.5 Million – But It Took 12 Years To Find A Buyer And He Spent $50 Million Building It

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TM#NYSE">TM</a>) saw a 6.2% <a href="https://global.toyota/en/company/profile/production-sales-figures/202411.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drop</a> in global production in November, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42321484/fords-mustang-mach-e-sales-skyrocket-383-in-november-amid-growing-ev-momentum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with a total of 869,230 vehicles manufactured</a>.



Production within Japan fell by 9.3% year-over-year, amounting to 285,761 units. Outside of Japan, Toyota's production saw a smaller decline of 4.6%, reaching 583,469 units.



The company's U.S. output was particularly hard-hit, dropping 11.8%, though recovery is underway. Production of the Grand Highlander and Lexus TX SUV models resumed in late October after a four-month pause, Reuters reports.



See Also:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42676790/mega-millions-jackpot-hits-1-billion-on-christmas-eve-amid-year-of-rare-wins" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas Eve Mega Millions: Jackpot Soars To Record $1 Billion In Year Of Rare Wins</a>



In China, production fell by 1.6%, a slight improvement compared to the 9% drop in the previous month. Toyota saw stronger sales of its Granvia and Sienna minivans, as well as the electric sedan bZ3, developed in partnership with BYD Co., Ltd. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDY#OTC">BYDDY</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDF#OTC">BYDDF</a>).



In other news, Toyota recently made headlines for a reported $1 million donation to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, The Guardian <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/24/toyota-trump-inauguration-donation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.



The news came a day after Ford Motor Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) and General Motors Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) announced similar donations. Both of these U.S. automakers also pledged to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42562982/toyota-shares-are-on-the-rise-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">provide vehicles for the inauguration</a>.



Additionally, Toyota's North American division received $4.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's ARPA-E program. This funding supports a project aimed at enhancing the circular supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.



In partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Baker Hughes' Waygate Technologies, Toyota is working on improving battery disassembly, component classification, and recycling to reduce waste and emissions.



Price Action: TM shares closed 0.54% higher to $181.43 on Tuesday, shares fell 0.24% afterhours.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42677225/is-the-stock-market-open-or-closed-on-christmas-day-2024-here-is-what-you-can-trade-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is Stock Market Open Or Closed On Christmas Day 2024? Here Is What You Can Trade Today</a></li>
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BYDDF

BYDDY

Toyota's Global Output Slips 6.2%, While Company Donates $1 Million to Trump's Inaugural Fund

The year of milestones, 2024, has seen an unperturbed rise in the current bull market, which is nearly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42430296/carson-researchs-50-year-study-suggests-that-the-26-months-old-bull-market-is-far-from-over">26 months</a> old. It is higher by more than 70% from the mid-October 2022 lows. As we wrap up the year with the possibility of a &#8216;Santa Rally,&#8217; let&#8217;s recap 2024&#8217;s landmark junctures.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Major U.S. Benchmarks Scale Fresh Records</h3>



The S&amp;P 500 Index has made 57 new all-time highs this year, hitting the last one on Dec. 6, 2024. Also, &#8220;2024 would go down as the best election year return ever,&#8221; said Ryan Detrick, the chief market strategist at Carson Research in a note.



&#8220;Going back 50 years, we found five other bull markets that had lasted at least this long and the shortest any of them lasted was five total years. Think of it like a cruise ship — once it gets moving, it can be quite hard to stop,&#8221; added Detrick



While the S&amp;P 500 index was up 25.96% on a year-to-date basis as of Dec. 23 close, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) rose by 25.82% in the same period.



The Dow Jones Industrial Average index, on the other hand, hit a record eight 1,000-point milestones this year. It started the year around the 37,000 level and breached the 45,000 level at the beginning of December. It took only seven trading days for the index to go from 44,000 to 45,000, the second fastest 1,000-point milestone ever. Following that the index also saw one of its longest 10-day losing streak, the first ever since 1974.



Dow was up 13.77% year-to-date as of the Dec. 23 close, whereas the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) gained 13.74% in the same period.



The Nasdaq 100 index which includes all the &#8216;magnificent seven&#8217; stocks, unlike Dow, rose 29.98% year-to-date as Dec. 23 close. The ETF tracking the index, Fidelity NASDAQ Composite Index ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONEQ#NASDAQ">ONEQ</a>) rose by 33.85% in the same period. Whereas, the Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) rose by 29.88% in 2024.



The smallcap index Russell 2000 was up 11.16% over the year, while iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) was up 10.97% in the same period as of the Dec. 23 close.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021350/CHARt-1-INDICES-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-705432" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021350/CHARt-1-INDICES-1024x576.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021350/CHARt-1-INDICES-300x169.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021350/CHARt-1-INDICES-768x432.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021350/CHARt-1-INDICES-1536x864.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021350/CHARt-1-INDICES.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42430296/carson-researchs-50-year-study-suggests-that-the-26-months-old-bull-market-is-far-from-over">Is The 26-Month Bull Market Over? Here Is What Carson Research&#8217;s 50-Year Old Study Tells Us</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">U.S. Market Trumps The World</h3>



Among the developed economies, the S&amp;P 500 remains the best index with a 25.96% gain on a year-to-date basis, outperforming all the other developed market indices.



While the <a href="https://x.com/RyanDetrick/status/1871317802306707882">first </a>year of a new president&#8217;s term has usually been strong since 1897, the returns during year one of a second term haven&#8217;t been very good overall, said Detrick.



<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">Returns during year one of a second term haven&#39;t been very good overall, but way better lately. Down 5 in a row, but now up 4 in a row. &#x1f914; <a href="https://t.co/aUrCbf22Gw">pic.twitter.com/aUrCbf22Gw</a>&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1871320275129967103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td>Developed Markets</td><td>Indices</td><td>YTD Performance</td></tr><tr><td>United States</td><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>25.96%</td></tr><tr><td>Germany</td><td>DAX</td><td>18.36%</td></tr><tr><td>Japan</td><td>Nikkei 225</td><td>17.27%</td></tr><tr><td>Hong Kong</td><td>Hang Seng</td><td>19.71%</td></tr><tr><td>Spain</td><td>IBEX 35</td><td>12.31%</td></tr><tr><td>United Kingdom</td><td>FTSE 100</td><td>4.94%</td></tr><tr><td>Switzerland</td><td>Swiss Market</td><td>2.85%</td></tr><tr><td>France</td><td>CAC 40</td><td>-3.43%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(As Of Dec. 23 Close)</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Communication, Consumer Discretionary, And Technology Lead Gains In 2024</h3>



Tracking the exchange-traded funds that track the major sectors in the U.S. market, communication services emerged as the top sector for the year, followed by consumer discretionary and technology. The information technology sector has the highest weight of 31.3% in the S&amp;P 500, followed by financials a t13.9%.



BlackRock said that they see technology companies&#8217; earnings performing well in 2025. &#8220;We are overweight as the AI theme and earnings growth broaden. Valuations for AI beneficiaries are supported by tech companies delivering on earnings.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cyclical Sectors</td><td>ETFs</td><td>YTD Performance</td></tr><tr><td>Communication Services</td><td>Communication Services Select SPDR ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLC#NYSE">XLC</a>)</td><td>35.97%</td></tr><tr><td>Consumer Discretionary</td><td>Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VCR#NYSE">VCR</a>)</td><td>27.21%</td></tr><tr><td>Technology</td><td>Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>)</td><td>27.01%</td></tr><tr><td>Financials</td><td>Invesco S&amp;P 500 Equal Weight Financial ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RSPF#NYSE">RSPF</a>)</td><td>23.48%</td></tr><tr><td>Industrials</td><td>Vanguard Industrials ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VIS#NYSE">VIS</a>)</td><td>17.80%</td></tr><tr><td>Real Estate</td><td>Real Estate Select Sector SPDR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLRE#NYSE">XLRE</a>)</td><td>0.27%</td></tr><tr><td>Materials</td><td>Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (ARC: XLB)</td><td>-0.37%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(As Of Dec. 23 Close)</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021831/Chart-2.1-cyclical-sectors-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-705439" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021831/Chart-2.1-cyclical-sectors-1024x576.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021831/Chart-2.1-cyclical-sectors-300x169.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021831/Chart-2.1-cyclical-sectors-768x432.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021831/Chart-2.1-cyclical-sectors-1536x864.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24021831/Chart-2.1-cyclical-sectors.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42383725/trump-administrations-deregulation-efforts-to-lift-energy-oil-and-gas-sectors-ai-frenzy-to-aid-faang-stocks-and-nvidia-says-fintech-insider">Trump&#8217;s Deregulation Efforts To Benefit Energy, Oil And Gas Sectors, While AI Frenzy Will Boost FAANG Stocks And Nvidia, Says Fintech Insider</a>



Among the defensive sectors, utilities emerged as a winner, whereas energy was an underperformer. Consumer staples, energy, and utilities take up 5.7%, 3.4%, and 2.5% weight, respectively in the S&amp;P 500 index.



As per Morgan Stanley, the energy sector faces a divided future. Trump's deregulation could benefit traditional energy, but the outlook for oil is uncertain due to potential oversupply and weak global demand, especially from China. In contrast, natural gas may see growth from strong European demand and increased domestic use for electrification and AI-powered data centers. The clean energy sector could face challenges, if Trump rollbacks Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act tax credits. However, a full repeal seems unlikely due to the benefits for Republican states.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td>Defensive Sectors</td><td>ETFs</td><td>YTD Performance</td></tr><tr><td>Utilities</td><td>Vanguard Utilities ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VPU#NYSE">VPU</a>)</td><td>18.23%</td></tr><tr><td>Consumer Staples</td><td>Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VDC#NYSE">VDC</a>)</td><td>10.04%</td></tr><tr><td>Healthcare</td><td>Vanguard Health Care ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VHT#NYSE">VHT</a>)</td><td>0.63%</td></tr><tr><td>Energy</td><td>The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>)</td><td>-0.96%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(As Of Dec. 23 Close)</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022041/Chart-2.2-defensive-sectors-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-705442" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022041/Chart-2.2-defensive-sectors-1024x576.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022041/Chart-2.2-defensive-sectors-300x169.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022041/Chart-2.2-defensive-sectors-768x432.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022041/Chart-2.2-defensive-sectors-1536x864.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022041/Chart-2.2-defensive-sectors.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top S&amp;P 500 Performers In 2024</h3>



Palantir was the top performer within the S&amp;P 500 index this year, as it zoomed 386.67% year-to-date, as of Dec. 23 close. Vistra and Nvidia followed Palantir to advance 269.82% and 189.95% in the same period.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td>S&amp;P 500 Stocks</td><td>YTD Performance</td></tr><tr><td>Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)</td><td>386.67%</td></tr><tr><td>Vistra Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VST#NYSE">VST</a>)</td><td>269.82%</td></tr><tr><td>NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)</td><td>189.95%</td></tr><tr><td>GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>)</td><td>162.80%</td></tr><tr><td>Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>)</td><td>148.04%</td></tr><tr><td>United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>)</td><td>144.30%</td></tr><tr><td>Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>)</td><td>114.07%</td></tr><tr><td>Texas Pacific Land Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPL#NYSE">TPL</a>)</td><td>113.03%</td></tr><tr><td>Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRGP#NYSE">TRGP</a>)</td><td>106.40%</td></tr><tr><td>Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>)</td><td>105.73%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(As Of Dec. 23 Close)</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022228/Chart-3-top-performers-of-SPY-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-705446" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022228/Chart-3-top-performers-of-SPY-1024x576.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022228/Chart-3-top-performers-of-SPY-300x169.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022228/Chart-3-top-performers-of-SPY-768x432.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022228/Chart-3-top-performers-of-SPY-1536x864.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022228/Chart-3-top-performers-of-SPY.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">U.S. Dollar Surges Over 6% In 2024</h3>



The Dollar index was up 6.72% year-to-date with a 52-week range of 100.1570 to 108.5410 per unit. If the Greenback can hold on to these gains, the currency would leave behind the second-best year since 2015.



The UDS&#8217;s demand has been rising due to the &#8220;Uncertainties arising from expected Trump's policies and hawkish comments from the Fed towards rate cycle,&#8221; said Kunal Sodhani, vice president of the global trading center at Shinhan Bank.



According to Franklin Templeton, &#8220;The Fed easing cycle will be a dominant factor for the USD. The two main comparisons we draw against the Fed cyclically, interest-rate-wise, are emerging markets, and Japan.&#8221;



WisdomTree Bloomberg US Dollar Bullish Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USDU#NYSE">USDU</a>) was up 13.24% on a year-to-date basis, as of Dec. 23 close, where as Invesco DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UUP#NYSE">UUP</a>) advanced by 7.21% in the same period.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022447/Chart-4-Dollar-ETFs-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-705448" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022447/Chart-4-Dollar-ETFs-1024x576.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022447/Chart-4-Dollar-ETFs-300x169.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022447/Chart-4-Dollar-ETFs-768x432.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022447/Chart-4-Dollar-ETFs-1536x864.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24022447/Chart-4-Dollar-ETFs.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42642834/market-breadth-turns-positive-after-a-rare-14-day-negative-streak-history-suggests-gains-ahead">Market Breadth Rebounds As Risk Appetite Makes A Comeback: This Analyst Predicts Gains Ahead After S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Record Negative Streak</a></li>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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AXON

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TRGP

USDU

XLRE

S&P 500 Hits 57 All-Time Highs In Record-Breaking 2024: Magnificent 7 Drive 30% Of Nasdaq's Surge

One of the annual traditions of Christmas for most families is the giving and receiving of gifts. While popular gift items include toys, clothes, gift cards, and money, another option is to give a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gift of cryptocurrency.</a>



Here&#8217;s a look back at how much a gift of cryptocurrency for Christmas in 2023 would be worth today.



What Happened: Just<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38778908/if-you-bought-your-mom-100-in-bitcoin-dogecoin-and-ethereum-last-mothers-day-heres-how-muc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> like Mother&#8217;s Day</a>, Christmas is a holiday that could see the selection of gifts for loved ones in your family.



Giving cryptocurrency as a gift at Christmas 2023 may have been a more popular option than in 2022. The 2022 year saw several cryptocurrency platforms go bankrupt and all the major cryptocurrencies trade down on the year.



In 2023, cryptocurrencies turned around with many of the largest cryptos outperforming the top stocks and overall broad stock market.



Fast forward to 2024 and the cryptocurrency market has been surging with several of the largest cryptos hitting new all-time highs after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41778425/bitcoins-all-time-high-a-groundbreaking-milestone-and-strong-post-election-rally-coming-ex">the 2024 election</a>. A new White House administration has created optimism for investors and crypto advocates. 



Here&#8217;s a look back at how much three major cryptocurrencies given as gifts for Christmas 2023 would be worth today.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42607398/dogecoin-down-17-in-one-month-will-meme-crypto-reach-25-cents-or-69-cents-first-78-of-readers-say">Dogecoin Down 17% In One Month, Will Meme Crypto Reach 25 Cents Or 69 Cents First? 78% Of Readers Say…</a>



Investing $100 in Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum: A popular gift amount may have been giving $100 in cryptocurrency to a loved one on Christmas Day 2023. Here&#8217;s a look at how much one could have bought of 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>) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) based on the intraday high on Dec. 25, 2023.



<ul>
<li>Bitcoin: 0.0023 BTC</li>



<li> Dogecoin: 1,050.78 DOGE</li>



<li> Ethereum: 0.0434 ETH</li>
</ul>



Investing $100 in each cryptocurrency last Christmas would be worth the following based on prices at the time of writing:



<ul>
<li>Bitcoin: $225.46, +125.5%</li>



<li> Dogecoin: $349.17, +249.2%</li>



<li> Ethereum: $150.68, +50.9%</li>
</ul>



A $300 gift consisting of the three cryptocurrencies would be worth $725.32 today, an increase of 141.8%.



This return from Christmas 2023 to Christmas 2024 trumps the return of the three cryptocurrencies from Christmas 2022 to Christmas 2023 when the same $300 would have turned into $559.61 in one year, an increase of 86.5%.



Family members would likely welcome the return of any of these three cryptocurrencies over the last year.



For comparison, a $300 investment last Christmas in the&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust, which tracks the S&amp;P 500 Index, would be worth $379.48 today. This represents a return of 26.5%.



The holidays would likely be happier for loved ones who got cryptocurrency as a gift last year than many clothes, gift cards, cash, or stocks.



Based on Benzinga's calculations for the hypothetical investments in Bitcoin, Dogecoin and Ethereum over the last two Christmases would have turned $300 in 2022 and $300 in 2023 into $2,015.30 total. This represents a gain of 235.9% on the $600 investment over the last two Christmases.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/12/42658677/better-christmas-gift-gamestop-stock-or-latest-video-game">Better Christmas Gift: GameStop Stock Or Latest Video Game?</a></li>
</ul>



This article was previously published by Benzinga and has been updated.

Cryptocurrency

Education

If You Gifted Your Family $100 In Bitcoin, Dogecoin And Ethereum Last Christmas, Here's How Much They Would Have This Christmas

The year 2024 saw the U.S. stock market make new records, with major indices breaching key milestones. While many stocks witnessed a stellar rally this year, analysts still expect some blue-chip equities to rise further as they forecast a better return potential.



Dow&#8217;s Performance In 2024



The Dow Jones Industrial Average index hit a record eight 1,000-point milestones this year. It started the year around the 37,000 level and breached the 45,000 level at the beginning of December. It took only seven trading days for the index to go from 44,000 to 45,000, the second fastest 1,000-point milestone ever.



Following that the index also saw one of its longest 10-day losing streak, the first ever since 1974. These 10 days of underperformance stems from a confluence of factors. 



The Dow doesn&#8217;t include all &#8220;Magnificent 7&#8221; stocks like Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Alphabet Inc (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>). The recent inclusion of Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) in the Dow has also pulled the index down because of the stock&#8217;s underperformance.



Dow&#8217;s constituent UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) has experienced a substantial decline this month following the tragedy with its CEO&#8217;s shooting. Moreover, in essence, the Dow&#8217;s historical advantage of its price-weighted indexing has become a significant disadvantage in today&#8217;s market. This is because, unlike market capitalization-weighted indices, higher-priced stocks have more weight in the calculation of a price-weighted index.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Dow Jones Stocks With The Best And Worst Return Potential</h4>



Analysts still expect that a group of stocks led by Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>), UnitedHealth and Sherwin-Williams Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHW#NYSE">SHW</a>) within the Dow will rise even more, according to estimates compiled by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com">Benzinga</a>. Others on the list are the Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) and Merck &amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>).



To be sure, analysts keep updating their forecasts based on company performance and may change their estimates as the new earnings season begins.



Selection Criteria:



<ul>
<li>The thirty blue-chip stocks in Down Jones.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>The highest and lowest return potential is based on the average 12-month target prices from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td>Companies</td><td>M-Cap</td><td>Highest PT ($/Share)</td><td>Lowest PT ($/Share)</td><td>Consensus PT ($/Share)</td><td>Upside/Downside Potential</td></tr><tr><td>Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>)</td><td>176.73B</td><td>515</td><td>174</td><td>331.35</td><td>31.68%</td></tr><tr><td>UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>)</td><td>460.26B</td><td>675</td><td>460</td><td>608.16</td><td>28.95%</td></tr><tr><td>Sherwin-Williams Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHW#NYSE">SHW</a>)</td><td>86.71B</td><td>450</td><td>249</td><td>371.19</td><td>24.08%</td></tr><tr><td>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)</td><td>2,365.04B</td><td>290</td><td>197</td><td>247.05</td><td>23.82%</td></tr><tr><td>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>)</td><td>347.83B</td><td>215</td><td>40</td><td>168</td><td>22.41%</td></tr><tr><td>Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>)</td><td>256.71B</td><td>212</td><td>160</td><td>179.36</td><td>21.42%</td></tr><tr><td>Merck &amp; Co Inc (NYSE: MRK</td><td>248.03B</td><td>155</td><td>104</td><td>126.24</td><td>20.76%</td></tr><tr><td>Salesforce Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/crm#NYSE">CRM</a>)</td><td>328.87B</td><td>450</td><td>236</td><td>378.52</td><td>20.60%</td></tr><tr><td>Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)</td><td>3,246.07B</td><td>600</td><td>465</td><td>508</td><td>18.21%</td></tr><tr><td>Visa Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>)</td><td>622.63B</td><td>375</td><td>252</td><td>318.42</td><td>17.69%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: Benzinga.com (Data as of Dec. 22, 2024)</figcaption></figure>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42430296/carson-researchs-50-year-study-suggests-that-the-26-months-old-bull-market-is-far-from-over">Is The 26-Month Bull Market Over? Here Is What Carson Research&#8217;s 50-Year Old Study Tells Us</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Caterpillar Inc</h3>



<ul>
<li>Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>) has the highest return potential of 31.68% among the Dow Jones constituents.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>The 28 analysts tracking the company have a consensus price target of $331.35 per share, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CAT/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>. </li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Truist Securities&#8217; Jamie Cook raised the price target from $454 to $471 per share on Dec. 19, 2024 as he expects significant investments in infrastructure, likely driven by government initiatives and private sector projects to fuel demand for Caterpillar&#8217;s equipment.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Citigroup analyst Kyle Menges maintained a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating on the company and raised the price target from $435 to $460 apiece on Dec. 9, 2024.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>On Dec. 9, JPMorgan analyst Tami Zakaria also reaffirmed her bullish stance on Caterpillar, maintaining a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating on the stock. Concurrently, she raised the firm&#8217;s price target for Caterpillar from $500 to $515 per share.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">UnitedHealth Group</h3>



<ul>
<li>UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) has the second highest return potential of 28.95% among the Dow Jones constituents.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>The 26 analysts tracking the company have a consensus price target of $331.35 per share, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UNH/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Oppenheimer raised its price target to $640 from $610 apiece on Dec.6, 2024. The primary reason for the price target increase is that the Oppenheimer analyst is updating their financial model. This update appears to be based solely on the publicly available information disclosed by UnitedHealth in their 8-K filing.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Stephens &amp; Co raised its target price to $675 from $605 per share on Dec. 5, 2024, after conducting a detailed review of the 2025 guidance metrics that UnitedHealth had shared before the fatal shooting of CEO Brian Thompson that led to the cancellation of their investor conference.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Deutsche Bank also increased its target from $595 to $625 apiece as it believes investor positioning into the event is mostly neutral to positive, with almost no one expecting a negative revision versus the third quarter outlook.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sherwin-Williams Company</h3>



<ul>
<li>Sherwin-Williams Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHW#NYSE">SHW</a>) has a return potential of 24.08% going into 2025.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>A consensus price target of $371.19 per share was maintained by 25 analysts that track the company, as per <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SHW/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>. </li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Greg Melich from Evercore ISI raised the price target of the Ohio-based paints, coatings and related products manufacturer to $420 from $400 per share on Nov. 7, 2024.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>RBC Capital&#8217;s Arun Viswanathan lowered his target on the company from $455 to $446 per share on Oct. 24, 2024. While acknowledging that third-quarter results might not have met investor expectations, Viswanathan emphasized the company&#8217;s potential for market share gains and the positive impact of its upcoming price increase scheduled for January 2025.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Citigroup adjusted its price target from $430 to $420 apiece on Oct. 24 as it anticipates choppy demand in the first half of 2025, which could hinder the rapid pass-through of interest rate cuts.</li>
</ul>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42383725/trump-administrations-deregulation-efforts-to-lift-energy-oil-and-gas-sectors-ai-frenzy-to-aid-faang-stocks-and-nvidia-says-fintech-insider">Trump&#8217;s Deregulation Efforts To Benefit Energy, Oil And Gas Sectors, While AI Frenzy Will Boost FAANG Stocks And Nvidia, Says Fintech Insider</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Amazon.com Inc</h3>



<ul>
<li>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) has a return potential of 23.82% going into 2025.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>A consensus price target of $247.05 per share was maintained by 39 analysts that track the company, as per <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMZN/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>. </li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Tigress Financial&#8217;s Ivan Feinseth umped is price target from $245 to $290 apiece on Dec.20, 2024 as it believes Amazon is well-positioned for continued success, driven by robust retail trends, effective utilization of generative AI and its fulfillment network, and the strategic integration of AI across its entire business.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>The expectations of strong long-term growth driven by operational efficiency and sustained momentum across its business segments led Bernstein to raise its target price from $235 to $265 per share on Dec. 18, 2024.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>According to JPMorgan analyst Douglas Anmuth, Amazon is a best idea for 2025, and confidence in AWS growth in the months to come is a major reason for that. He raised its target price from $250 to $280 apiece on Dec. 18, 2024.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Johnson &amp; Johnson</h3>



<ul>
<li>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) has the fifth highest return potential in Dow of 22.41% going into 2025.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>The 21 analysts tracking the company have a consensus price target of $168 apiece, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/JNJ/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>. </li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Citigroup&#8217;s Joanne Wuensch lowered Johnson &amp; Johnson&#8217;s price target from $185 to $175 per share while maintaining a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating on Dec. 11, 2024.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>BofA Securities reinstated coverage of Johnson &amp; Johnson with a &#8216;neutral&#8217; rating and a $166 price target on Dec. 10, 2024. BofA notes that J&amp;J&#8217;s current valuation premium to peers may limit upside potential. However, the analyst acknowledges a &#8220;fairly interesting&#8221; pipeline and anticipates that resolving the talc litigation in 2025 would be beneficial. This analysis was part of BofA&#8217;s broader coverage initiation of 11 large-cap U.S. pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Wolfe Research analyst Alexandria Hammond commenced coverage of Johnson &amp; Johnson with an &#8216;outperform&#8217; recommendation and established a price target of $190 per share on Nov. 15, 2024</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chevron Corporation</h3>



<ul>
<li>Chevron Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) has a return potential of 21.42% going into 2025.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>The 24 analysts tracking the company have a consensus price target of $179.36 apiece, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVX/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Piper Sandler analyst Ryan Todd reduced his price target on the company from $184 to $173 per share on Dec. 19, 2024, while maintaining a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating. Piper Sandler suggests the valuation gap between Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) and Chevron implies a probability of over 65% of the Hess Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HES#NYSE">HES</a>) deal failing out. This scenario presents a potential 15%-25% upside, while a successful deal offers a 5%-10% downside ahead of the upcoming arbitration.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Despite this deal uncertainty, Piper expects Chevron to deliver strong portfolio performance in 2025, driven by project starts and controlled capital expenditures. This is projected to result in a significant free cash flow increase of $6-$7 billion.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Roger Read raised his target price from $171 to $188 apiece on Dec. 9, 2024</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Truist Securities raised its price target on Chevron to $160 from $155 while maintaining a &#8216;hold&#8217; rating, on Dec. 6, 2024. The analyst highlights Chevron&#8217;s significant inventory, including ample royalties, and expects improved capital efficiency to drive a cash flow inflection in the coming year.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Merck &amp; Co Inc</h3>



<ul>
<li>Merck &amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) has the seventh highest return potential in Dow of 20.76% going into 2025.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>The 27 analysts tracking the company have a consensus price target of $126.24 apiece, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRK/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>BMO Capital Markets downgraded Merck to &#8216;market perform&#8217; from &#8216;outperform&#8217; lowering the price target from $136 to $105 apiece, on Dec. 20, 2024. The downgrade reflects concerns about the company&#8217;s Gardasil franchise in China and the potential revenue gap as Keytruda faces increased competition from biosimilars and generic drugs.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Tim Anderson from BofA Securities maintains his bullish stance on Merck with a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating, while adjusting the price target downward to $121 from $127 per share, on Dec. 10, 2024.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Truist analyst Robyn Karnauskas reaffirms a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating for Merck on Nov. 7, 2024, but lowers the price target to $130 from $132 apiece.</li>
</ul>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42642834/market-breadth-turns-positive-after-a-rare-14-day-negative-streak-history-suggests-gains-ahead">Market Breadth Rebounds As Risk Appetite Makes A Comeback: This Analyst Predicts Gains Ahead After S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Record Negative Streak</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Long Ideas

Trading Ideas

Top 7 Blue-Chip Stocks With The Best Return Potential Going Into 2025

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has expressed his disdain for billionaires, including Elon Musk, influencing elections and has called for an immediate ban on Super PACs by the Democratic National Committee.



What Happened: On Christmas Eve, Sanders took to X to voice his concerns about the role of billionaires in swaying elections. He specifically mentioned Musk, who has been previously criticized for his hefty campaign contributions. Sanders&#8217; post read, &#8220;The American people are disgusted with Musk and other billionaires buying elections. We must not only fight to end Citizens United. We must demand that the DNC ban Super PACs NOW in Democratic primaries.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The American people are disgusted with Musk and other billionaires buying elections. We must not only fight to end Citizens United. We must demand that the DNC ban Super PACs NOW in Democratic primaries.&mdash; Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1871320030769758364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



In the past, Sanders has been vocal about his concerns regarding the influence of big money in politics. He has repeatedly called for an end to Citizens United and Super PACs, advocating for public funding of elections instead.



The Citizens United decision, issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010, ruled that laws preventing corporations and labor unions from making independent political expenditures violated the First Amendment&#8217;s free speech protections.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42654769/tiktok-ban-under-trump-president-elect-wants-to-keep-months-after-pelosi-said-follow-the-money?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TikTok Ban Under Trump? President-Elect Reconsiders As Pelosi Says &#8216;Follow The Money&#8217;</a>



Why It Matters: Sanders&#8217; recent post comes in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39807458/bernie-sanders-slams-elon-musks-reported-45m-donations-to-trump-campaign-we-need-a-government-that-r">wake of his criticism</a> of Musk&#8217;s reported monthly donations of $45 million to the Trump campaign. He stressed the importance of overturning Citizens United and transitioning to publicly funded elections to ensure a government that represents all citizens, not just billionaires.



The Vermont senator had previously expressed concern over the defeat of Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) in a primary election, attributing it to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40273794/bernie-sanders-calls-for-end-to-super-pacs-billionaires-buying-elections-is-not-what-this-country-is">influence</a> of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's Super PAC, United Democracy Project.



According to Sanders, just 150 billionaire families <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42463691/just-150-billionaire-families-spent-nearly-2-billion-on-elections-bernie-sanders-says-we-live-in-an-oligarchy-heres-what-he-proposes">spent almost $2 billion</a> in the 2024 elections, further emphasizing his argument that the U.S. is becoming an oligarchy.



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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Politics

Bernie Sanders: 'The American People Are Disgusted With Musk' — Calls On Democrats To End Super PACs In Primaries

Kevin O'Leary, known for his straightforward attitude on Shark Tank, recently stated that you don't have to love Donald Trump to appreciate his policies. In a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAEDN5TLnmY">appearance</a> on Fox Business, O'Leary praised the president-elect&#8217;s pro-business strategies, saying they are exactly what America needs to boost the economy and create jobs.



O'Leary is working on a massive project in Alberta, Canada – supposedly the world's largest AI data center. However, his attention is equally focused on the U.S., where he believes Trump's policies could fast-track similar ventures. Trump recently promised expedited permits for large infrastructure projects, something O'Leary says would be a game-changer.



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"If he can deliver that," O'Leary said, "it's going to bring capital back to the United States." He explained that permitting delays often scare off investors and stall big projects. By cutting red tape, Trump's plan could open the floodgates for investment, particularly in the energy and tech sectors, per O&#8217;Leary.



The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/12/42486613/kevin-oleary-has-recently-noted-the-increasing-demand-for-data-centers-describing-them-as-a-notable-combination-of-real-estate-and-technology-with-considerable-potential">AI data center</a> he is building in Canada will rely on natural gas turbines for power, an interim solution until nuclear energy becomes more viable. He is also exploring similar projects in West Virginia and North Dakota but says U.S. permitting delays are a major hurdle.



According to O'Leary, Trump's promise to simplify the permitting process is exactly what is needed to turn these ideas into reality.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jobs and Economic Growth</h2>



O'Leary also believes that policies promoting infrastructure and energy projects will create significant jobs. "This is what we need," he said. "You can still hate Trump, but you've got to love his policies because that will bring jobs to these states."



O'Leary argues that these initiatives can breathe new life into local economies by cutting through bureaucracy and encouraging private investment. He is particularly optimistic about how such policies can attract capital, boost industries and ultimately create long-term stability.



Critics fear that cutting corners on permits could result in problems for the environment and public safety. Some contend that these rules prioritize corporations over regular citizens. O&#8217;Leary, however, is adamant and emphasizes the necessity of bold action to boost businesses and lessen supposed dependency on imported energy.



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O'Leary is focused on outcomes. For him, it is not about politics – it is about what works. Whether AI data centers in Canada or energy projects in the U.S., he sees Trump's business-first approach as a blueprint for success.



In October, O'Leary also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/41750727/kevin-oleary-supports-elon-musks-2-trillion-plan-to-slash-government-spending-with-trumps-backing-it">weighed in on Elon Musk's ambitious $2 trillion plan</a> to slash federal spending. Backed by Trump, Musk is proposed to lead the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Trump&#8217;s second term. O'Leary called for Musk's cost-cutting expertise to be unleashed across federal agencies. "Let them in there and come back with a shopping list of ideas and let's debate it. Why not? We need to find some savings," he said.



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Kevin O'Leary Says, 'You Can Hate Trump, But You've Got To Love His Policies' – They Will 'Bring Jobs'

In 2015, Australian prospector David Hole searched for gold in Maryborough Regional Park, near Melbourne, with his metal detector. While this wasn't an unusual outing for the prospector, what he discovered was. He unearthed an unusually heavy reddish rock, which he suspected was a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40457722/gold-is-getting-its-moment-in-the-sun-and-experts-say-the-record-high-prices-could-">gold nugget</a> at the time.&nbsp;



He took the rock home and tried everything to crack it open – saws, hammers, even acid—but nothing worked. Years later, he took the rock to the Melbourne Museum to have them identify it. To his astonishment, geologists revealed that this "rock" was no rock at all but a rare 4.6 billion-year-old meteorite.&nbsp;



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Named after the park where it was found, the Maryborough meteorite weighs 17 kilograms (about 37.5 pounds) and has been identified as an H5 ordinary chondrite. According to Museums Victoria, this means that it contains chondrules, which are tiny crystallized droplets of metallic minerals that formed during the early stages of the solar system.&nbsp;



Museums Victoria geologist Dermot Henry told The Sydney Morning Herald that the meteorite's sculpted, dimpled surface was formed as it burned through the Earth's atmosphere. Henry, who has examined thousands of suspected meteorites throughout his decades-long career, commented that only two of the rocks he's examined turned out to be real meteorites and this was one of them.&nbsp;



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Researchers who have studied the meteorite determined its unique composition includes a high percentage of iron and other elements that can only be found in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/24/12/42612382/spacex-to-launch-2-more-private-astronaut-missions-to-iss">space</a>. According to Museums Victoria, the meteorite likely originated in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.&nbsp;



Carbon dating suggests that the Maryborough meteorite landed on Earth between 100 and 1,000 years ago. Historical records of meteor sightings near Maryborough, dating back to 1889, may provide clues about its arrival.&nbsp;



Meteorites like this offer invaluable insights into the formation and evolution of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38792088/expert-says-stunning-solar-activity-might-be-a-wake-up-call-for-earths-power-grids">solar system</a>. "They transport us back in time, providing clues to the age, formation and chemistry of our solar system (including Earth)," Henry said in a media release from Museums Victoria.&nbsp;



According to Science Alert, the Maryborough meteorite is one of only 17 recorded in Victoria, making it far rarer than gold. It is also the second largest meteorite discovered in the area, second only to a 55-kilogram specimen identified in 2003.&nbsp;



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While experts haven't assigned a precise monetary value to the meteorite, they state that its rarity and scientific significance make it far more valuable than gold—it's priceless.&nbsp;



What began as a quest for gold ended with identifying a cosmic artifact that has survived billions of years and countless celestial events.



The Maryborough meteorite is now part of Museums Victoria's collection, which continues to captivate visitors and researchers alike. It was displayed at the Melbourne Museum during National Science Week, offering the public a chance to marvel at a tangible piece of the cosmos.



For those with a keen eye for unusual finds, this story serves as a reminder: the next time you encounter an unusually heavy, hard-to-break rock, it might just be a fragment of space waiting to share its story.



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Startups

Man Keeps 17-Kilogram Rock For Years, Thinking It's Gold – Turns Out It's A 4.6 Billion-Year-Old Meteorite Worth Much More

The irony here is impossible to ignore. Bill Gates, whose legacy includes making email an essential part of modern life, now texts his youngest daughter, Phoebe, to let her know he's sent her an email. Yes, the same Bill Gates who cofounded<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/39084795/bill-gates-66-000-sq-ft-mansion-features-a-trampoline-room-and-24-bathrooms-but-was-dubbed-a-nightma"> Microsoft</a> and made tools like Outlook a household name is being told by his 22-year-old daughter that email is ancient history.



"When I asked her why not, she said, ‘No one uses email for personal communications anymore. Just text me,'" Gates wrote in a blog post on Sept. 18, promoting his new Netflix docuseries What's Next? The Future with Bill Gates.



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His response? That was a classic dad move. "I ended up meeting her halfway," he explained. "These days, I text her to say that I'm sending her an email."



The exchange is a modern twist on the age-old generational divide, but Gates isn't bitter about it. He says this adaptation has improved their relationship. "We've ended up talking more on the phone," he shared, which is a small win for a dad navigating the ever-evolving communication preferences of Gen Z.



This wasn't the only moment of blunt honesty between father and daughter. Gates called his conversations with Phoebe, featured in the new series, his "favorite" part of the project. "Few people in your life can be as direct with you as your own children," he wrote, reflecting on the lessons he learned from her about social media, how to avoid trolls and the importance of exposing yourself to different viewpoints.



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Phoebe, a Stanford graduate and co-founder of the digital fashion platform Phia, didn't hold back when discussing what's outdated. In addition to email, Facebook also made the list of things she doesn't bother with.



"The important lesson (for me, at least) is that no one uses Facebook or email anymore," Gates admitted.



It's a surprising acknowledgment from someone who built his empire on technology, but Gates seems genuinely open to learning – even from his kids. "I've always thought of myself as a student trying to get to the bottom of things," he wrote. "A good day for me is one where I go to sleep with just a little bit more knowledge than I had when I woke up in the morning."



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While Phoebe may not use email, most of Gen Z still does. According to Statista, about 94% of Gen Z individuals in the U.S. reported relying on email communications as of January 2022. However, she nailed it when it comes to Facebook. Engagement among young adults and teens has dropped significantly. The Verge reports that while half of teens say they're "almost constantly" online, only 32% of U.S. teens use Facebook – a dramatic decline from 71% just a decade ago.



Gates also couldn't hide his pride in Phoebe, calling her an "incredible advocate for women's rights and women's health." He wrote, "I can't wait to see how her advocacy work will <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42438799/bill-gates-predicts-ai-in-the-workforce-will-lead-to-so-much-leisure-time-but-itll-create-a-what-do-we-do-with-all-that-time-problem">make a difference in the world – </a>and hear what she thinks of What's Next? now that it's out."



The man who helped the world transition to digital communication is now rethinking his habits, one text message at a time. It's an unexpected twist, but <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/06/39228376/bill-gates-could-be-the-worlds-first-trillionaire-if-he-had-diamond-handed-his-microsoft-shares-hed">Gates seems to be embracing it,</a> quirks and all.



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Personal Finance

Bill Gates Says His 22-Year-Old Daughter Told Him To 'Never Email Her' – So Now He Sends Her A Text Letting Her Know He's Emailing

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