에 대한 최신 뉴스 S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI) 주식

S&P Global

S&P Global provides data and benchmarks to capital and commodity market participants. Its ratings business is the largest credit rating agency in the world and S&P's largest segment by profitability. S&P's largest segment by revenue is market intelligence, which provides desktop, data and advisory solutions, enterprise solutions, and credit/risk solutions mostly in the financial-services industry. S&P's other segments include commodity insights (Platts and other data), mobility (Carfax), and indexes.

Analyst Color

Analyst Ratings

Tech

BURL

FOXA

NCLH

NVDA

PINS

SNOW

SPGI

UBER

골드만삭스 리서치가 새로운 해를 맞아 대담한 주식 선택과 2025년 시장을 형성할 다섯 가지 투자 테마를 조명했다. 무슨 일이 있었나: 목요일에 공유된 노트에서, 스티븐 크론(Steven Kron)이 이끄는 애널리스트 팀은 &#34;컨빅션 리스트(Conviction List)&#34; - 주목할 만한 투자 아이디어로 구성된 포트폴리오를 재조정했다.

골드만삭스, &#39;컨빅션 리스트&#39;에 3개의 주식 추가 및 2025년 주목해야 할 5가지 시장 동향

Government

News

Markets

General

최근 미국 증권거래위원회(SEC)는 무디스(NYSE:MCO)의 무디스 레이팅스(Moody&#39;s Ratings), S&amp;P 글로벌(NYSE:SPGI)의 S&amp;P 글로벌 레이팅스, 피치 레이팅스(Fitch Ratings, Inc.)를 포함한 6개의 주요 신용평가사들에 대해 전자 통신의 유지 및 보존에 중대한 결함이 있었다며 막대한 벌금을 부과했다. 이들 기관들은 총 4,900만 달러를 초과하는 민사 벌금을 납부하기로 합의했다.

美 SEC는 무디스, S&amp;P 글로벌, 피치 포함 6개사들에 기록 유지 실패로 $4,900만 벌금 부가

Specialty ETFs

ETFs

Real Estate

AMZN

GOOG

GOOGL

SCHH

XLRE

상업용 부동산 업계는 원격 근무와 인플레이션 상승의 영향으로 계속해서 어려움을 겪고 있다. 이자율이 상승하고 다양한 산업 분야에서 사무실 공간을 축소하려는 광범위한 추세로 인해 이 분야는 전례 없는 규모의 빈 사무실 공간에 직면하게 되었다.

기술 부문 인력 감원, 재택근무로 사무실 공실율 19.6% 상승, 1979년 이후 최고 수준

S&P Global Inc

A call to &#8220;The Dave Ramsey Show&#8221; took an unexpected turn when Jean, a 70-year-old woman from Lexington, Kentucky, called in for financial advice. She explained that she was set to inherit $175,000 and wanted to keep it private from her husband of over 50 years. Her goal was to ensure the money went to her children and was available if her elderly mother needed care.
Dave Ramsey, known for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43741282/dave-ramsey-says-parents-shouldnt-buy-their-teenagers-cars-it-creates-ridiculous-expectations-for-life">giving honest advice</a>, quickly asked why she felt she had to hide the money and keep such a big secret. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that Jean's marriage had been dysfunctional for decades. She described a long-standing lack of respect from her husband toward her family, leading her to believe he would try to control the inheritance if he found out about it.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dave's Take</h2>
Dave didn't hesitate to tell Jean that hiding things from a spouse is not healthy. He acknowledged that while she had every legal right to manage the money independently, deception was not the way to go.&nbsp;
"I don't think it's healthy for you, and I don't think it's healthy for him," he said.
He pointed out that the real issue wasn't just the inheritance—it was the quality of her marriage. The fact that she didn't feel safe sharing this information was a red flag. "This isn't just a precarious relationship. This is a horrible relationship," Dave said.
Trending: 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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Protecting Her Money Without Hiding It</h2>
While Dave refused to encourage deception, he did offer Jean sound legal advice. He suggested she <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/03/37593532/estate-planning-why-you-may-want-to-consider-a-trust-instead-of-a-will">create a trust</a> and a will to make sure her children got the money. He also recommended talking to an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/03/37593532/estate-planning-why-you-may-want-to-consider-a-trust-instead-of-a-will">estate planning attorney</a> to make sure everything was done properly.
"If you do what I'm talking about," Dave assured her, "he has absolutely no access to the money unless you give it to him."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Small Compromises Create Big Problems</h2>
Beyond the financial advice, Dave and his co-host dug into a deeper issue—how Jean ended up in such an unhealthy relationship after 50 years. They emphasized that major life problems don't appear overnight. They result from small compromises, lack of communication, and avoiding difficult conversations for years.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/suze-orman-retirement-bucket">&#8216;Which Bucket Do I Draw From First?&#8217; Suze Orman Explains To 67-Year-Old The Best Order For Tapping Into Her Retirement Accounts</a>
By degrees, people allow bad situations to grow until one day, they find themselves stuck, feeling powerless. This applies not only to relationships but also to finances, careers, and personal growth. You don't just wake up in a bad place—it happens little by little when you stop being intentional.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Face Issues Head-On</h2>
Jean's story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone avoiding difficult conversations. Whether it's about money, marriage, or personal growth, ignoring problems won't make them disappear—it only makes them worse.
Dave encouraged Jean to seek counseling, talk to her pastor, and get support from people who could help her make real changes. The inheritance might have sparked the call, but the real issue was much deeper.
Read Next:
<ul>
<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>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>.</li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

If You Do What I'm Talking About…'—Dave Ramsey Reacts To A Caller Who Wants To Hide Inheritance From Her Husband Of 50 Years

The Trump administration plans to overhaul food assistance programs, with the new Department of Agriculture leadership promising to fix what they call Biden-era &#8220;financial mismanagement&#8221; of food benefits.
Kailee Buller, the new USDA chief of staff, accused former department Secretary Tom Vilsack of putting politics over commonsense in managing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. "Make no mistake, Secretary Vilsack and Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean put politics over commonsense, ignoring scores of USDA financial analysts and policy experts," Buller <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/newsroom/usda-0020.25">said in a statement</a>. "The Trump Administration will immediately correct this egregious action, making certain material weaknesses like this do not happen again."
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>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></li>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
</ul>
However, Buller did not provide specifics on a General Accounting Office review findings or how the administration intends to fix the alleged mismanagement.
The criticism comes as House Republicans propose $230 billion in cuts across USDA programs. The reductions would likely decrease current benefit levels, not just expand work requirements, <a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/02/12/congress/house-gop-budget-targets-snap-cuts-00203872">according to Politico</a>.
<a href="http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap#:~:text=SNAP%20is%20the%20Nation's%20largest,Federal%20cost%20of%20%24112.8%20billion.">According to the USDA</a>, SNAP served an average of 42.1 million Americans monthly in fiscal year 2023, accounting for about 68% of USDA nutrition spending. Nearly 40% of recipients in 2022 were children, with 11.6% under age 5 and 28% between ages 5 and 17. The program provides critical food benefits to supplement the grocery budgets of low-income families.
Trending: <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>
The Biden administration had increased benefits by updating the Thrifty Food Plan to reflect current food prices and dietary guidance, <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/trump-administration-announces-plans-snap-benefit-reform-2030452">according to Newsweek</a>. Republican lawmakers opposed the move, with House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn Thompson (R-PA) attempting to restrict USDA&#8217;s authority to revise the plan in his proposed 2024 Farm Bill.
&#8220;This is not about &#8216;cutting waste, fraud, and abuse.&#8217; It&#8217;s about slashing benefits for working-class Americans to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-rich,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/RoKhanna/status/1889824185251160172">Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) posted on X</a>. Experts at the Center for American Progress warn that the Republican-controlled Congress will likely target the critical food aid program.
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>.
The proposed cuts face resistance from some Republicans in competitive districts concerned about impacts on low-income families ahead of 2026 midterms. States with the highest percentage of SNAP recipients in 2023 included Oregon, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Illinois, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
The department faces additional changes under Trump. On Monday, it terminated 18 contracts totaling $9 million as part of Elon Musk&#8216;s government efficiency initiatives, while reportedly removing climate change references from its website. The USDA has also seen climate program funding slashed.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/millionaires-never-earned-six-figures-according-to-dave-ramsey">69% of Millionaires Never Earned A Six-Figure Salary – Here Are 2 Things They Do To Get Their First $1 Million, According To Dave Ramsey</a></li>
<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
</ul>

SNAP Benefits In Focus: Trump Admin Targets Biden's Food Assistance Policies

A simple pizza delivery turned into an incredible story of generosity after a 20-year-old driver braved a snowstorm to deliver an order—only to get a measly $2.15 tip from a customer in an affluent neighborhood.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The $2 Tip That Started It All</h2>
On Jan. 11, Lt. Richard Craig—known as Officer Craig on TikTok—was on duty in Brownsburg, Indiana, when he spotted Connor Stephanoff trekking through the snow in sneakers and sweatpants, carrying a pizza. Curious about his situation, Craig asked how much he got tipped.
"Two dollars," Stephanoff answered. Craig was floored. "Man, cold-blooded! Two dollars!" he exclaimed in disbelief.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Many don&#8217;t know there are tax benefits when buying a unit as an investment —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/casa-shares"> Here&#8217;s how to invest in real estate by mirroring BlackRock's big move</a></li>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>
Realizing the harsh conditions Stephanoff was working in, Craig gave him $15 of his own money and posted the encounter on TikTok. The <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@officercraig/video/7458528700187839775">video</a>, showing Stephanoff trudging through deep snow after parking his car nearly half a mile away, quickly went viral, racking up thousands of views and comments from outraged viewers.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Turning Frustration Into Action</h2>
Craig couldn't shake the unfairness of the situation, so he launched a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-rockstar-pizza-drivers-dedication">GoFundMe campaign</a> on Jan. 12 titled "Support Rockstar Pizza Driver's Dedication." He initially hoped to raise just $500 to reward Stephanoff's dedication.
"I would LOVE to raise at least $500 for this guy!" Craig wrote in the fundraiser description, praising Stephanoff's work ethic and commitment despite the harsh conditions.
But the internet had bigger plans.
Trending: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Over $45K Raised in Weeks</h2>
In just over a month, donations exploded past $45,000, with more than 2,100 people chipping in. The highest donation—$1,500 from an anonymous donor—was just one example of how much support Stephanoff received from strangers who were touched by his story.
Comments flooded in, with one donor writing: "This story made my day! Keep working hard, pizza delivery guy! You're the kind of person that makes this world go ‘round." Others shared their own experiences as former delivery drivers, emphasizing how rare such dedication is these days. &#8220;I'm gonna do what that pizza customer should have done that day. Props to you for keeping cool regardless of their horrible treatment. Never stop being the amazing person that you are. I see you.&#8221;
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">A Life-Changing Outcome</h2>
Stephanoff, who borrows his grandmother's car to make deliveries, <a href="http://today.com/">told Today.com</a> that he now plans to use the funds to buy his own car, help his grandmother with bills, and, if there's anything left, pursue a college degree in history or business.
Reflecting on the unexpected generosity, he said, "Oh, this is real!" when he saw the donations rolling in. Meanwhile, Craig summed up the entire experience with a simple truth: "Good things come to good people who do the right thing."
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</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>
</ul>

'Man, Cold-Blooded! Two Dollars!' — Officer Steps Up And Crowdfunds $45K For Pizza Driver Who Got A Shockingly Low Tip In Snowstorm

Gerber Kawasaki Wealth &amp; Investment Management CEO Ross Gerber, a Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shareholder, anticipates a 50% plummet in the stock&#8217;s price this year.
What Happened: Gerber had earlier offloaded approximately $60 million worth of Tesla shares, citing concerns over the company&#8217;s dwindling popularity. 
Despite a brief spike following the 2024 election, Tesla&#8217;s shares have witnessed a 16% decline this year and have fallen 4% since Gerber&#8217;s remarks in December.
In his conversation <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-stock-price-2025-outlook-crash-elon-musks-gerber-tsla-2025-2">with</a> Insider, Gerber detailed four reasons behind his pessimistic forecast for Tesla. He expressed skepticism over Elon Musk&#8216;s ambitious goal of rolling out an autonomous taxi network in Austin, Texas, by June.
&#8220;All of this stuff is going to come to roost this year because he put this deadline on full self driving working in a couple months. It almost seems impossible for that to happen,&#8221; Gerber told the outlet. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43770024/from-tech-to-politics-how-elon-musk-is-empowering-far-right-across-the-globe">From Tech to Politics: How Elon Musk Is Empowering Far Right Across the Globe</a>
He also voiced concerns about Tesla&#8217;s self-driving platform, which depends on cameras rather than LIDAR sensors.
Gerber also indicated that Musk&#8217;s emphasis on AI could prove harmful to Tesla. He suggested that Tesla&#8217;s primary business of car sales is slowing down due to rising competition from BYD, the world&#8217;s largest EV manufacturer based in China. 
&#8220;His 100% focus is on AI, and that&#8217;s really a detriment to Tesla more than it&#8217;s a plus for xAI and all the other businesses because he doesn&#8217;t work at Tesla anymore,&#8221; Gerber said. &#8220;If he were putting all of his time into full self-driving, I&#8217;d feel a lot more confident about Tesla.&#8221;
He also underscored the potential backlash Tesla may face owing to Musk&#8217;s close ties with President Donald Trump.
&#8220;What this does is it creates this anger. I&#8217;ve never seen this anger towards Tesla, but it&#8217;s not toward Tesla as the company, it&#8217;s because of Elon, this is the only way people can take it out,&#8221; Gerber added.
Gerber&#8217;s bearish perspective is echoed by several prominent Wall Street firms, including JPMorgan, which has set&nbsp;a $135 price target for&nbsp;Tesla stock, indicating a potential 60% downside from its current levels.
Why It Matters: Gerber&#8217;s prediction comes at a time when Tesla&#8217;s stock performance has been under scrutiny. The company&#8217;s shares have been on a downward trajectory this year, and Gerber&#8217;s comments add to the growing concerns about Tesla&#8217;s future prospects. 
His concerns about Tesla&#8217;s autonomous driving platform and the potential backlash due to Musk&#8217;s association with President Trump underscore the challenges that Tesla may face in the coming years.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43219136/cuban-on-musk-i-have-no-problem-throwing-elon-under-the-bus-but-ill-save-it-for-when-its-truly-deserved">Cuban on Musk: &#8216;I Have No Problem Throwing Elon Under the Bus, but I&#8217;ll Save It for When It&#8217;s Truly Deserved&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

TSLA

Former Tesla Booster Now Warns Stock Faces Major Pain in 2025

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has reportedly withdrawn its most secure cloud storage service, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), from the UK after the British government <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43554574/apple-faces-mounting-pressure-from-uk-government-to-grant-spying-access-to-encrypted-data-of-users-worldwide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">demanded secret access to user data</a>.
The decision follows an order under the UK&#8217;s Investigatory Powers Act, which would have required Apple to provide a &#8220;backdoor&#8221; to iPhone backups and cloud data, enabling law enforcement to access information otherwise protected by encryption, The Financial Times reports.
The company stated that it could no longer offer ADP to new UK users, and current users would eventually be forced to disable the feature, the report further noted, citing a statement from Apple.
Since the service was introduced in December 2022, British Apple users had to opt in to benefit from the advanced security.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="http://benzinga.com/25/02/43900955/berkshire-hathaways-q4-profits-soar-71-warren-buffett-says-his-firm-has-paid-more-taxes-than-tech-titans-in-trillions" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkshire Hathaway Q4 Profits Soar 71%, Buffett Says Firm Pays More Taxes Than &#8216;Tech Titans&#8217; With Market Value in &#8216;Trillions&#8217;</a>
As of February 2025, attempts to activate ADP in the UK have now resulted in an error message.
The British government&#8217;s request to access encrypted data through a &#8220;backdoor&#8221; has drawn criticism, with experts warning it would undermine online privacy and security for UK users, BBC reports.
Prof Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity expert, called the move an &#8220;act of self-harm,&#8221; as BBC dds, while online privacy advocate Caro Robson labeled it as an unprecedented step for a company to pull a product rather than comply with a government directive.
This development highlights the tension between national security demands and digital privacy rights, raising concerns over the global impact of such policies on technology companies.
Read Next
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43769996/what-does-warren-buffett-know-that-we-dont-investors-are-paying-attention" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What Does Warren Buffett Know That We Don't? Investors Are Paying Attention</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Fredex

Equities

AAPL

Apple Bows Out of UK's Cloud Encryption Amid Government's 'Backdoor' Demands

Singer-songwriter John Legend famously sang, &#8220;We&#8217;re just ordinary people,&#8221; but he and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, have far-from-ordinary bank accounts.
It&#8217;s just as well because after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43300232/rebuilding-la-could-take-up-to-a-decade-according-to-experts-heres-what-a-new-la-could-look-like">L.A. wildfires</a>, the soulful crooner, 46, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/john-legend-my-favorite-dream-7b77f0af?mod=real-estate_lead_pos1">told The Wall Street Journal</a>, the family is considering saying goodbye to the West Coast and returning to New York.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Collective Trauma</h2>
&#8220;Watching TV in the family room, our fears grew. When the Sunset fire began to expand on Jan. 9, the danger felt too close for comfort,&#8221; he told The Journal. &#8220;That night, my wife and I gathered our four kids, four dogs, and bearded dragon and drove south to a hotel in Carlsbad. We didn&#8217;t return until the following week,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Our home was safe, but many weren&#8217;t so fortunate, and the threat still looms. The fires were a collective trauma that shook everyone, including our kids.&#8221;
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>CEO of Integris gathered a team of senior investment managers who have $34.22 billion in combined owned and managed assets in the West Coast —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/integris"> here&#8217;s how to invest in their private credit fund that targets 12% annual interest rate.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund&#8217;s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%&#x2A;</a>, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf"> </a></li>
</ul>
Legend added, &#8220;Chrissy and I have always considered returning to New York, where we once lived. We probably will, once our youngest ones grow up a bit.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">$100 Million Couple</h2>
The Ivy League-educated singer, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, and his wife are estimated to have a net worth that hovers around $100 million, according to multiple websites, the accuracy of which cannot be verified. The following calculations help shed light on this lofty number.
<ul>
<li>Seven seasons as a judge on "The Voice," earning about<a href="https://stylecaster.com/lists/the-voice-judges-salaries/john-legend-voice-salary/"> $60 million in total</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>They have an expansive real estate portfolio, including a $5.1 million West Hollywood home and a $17.5 million <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/01/43345883/drake-seeking-high-rolling-tenant-at-250k-monthly-for-beverly-hills-mansion">Beverly Hills</a> mansion. They sold their two New York City penthouses for <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/realestate/john-legend-chrissy-teigen-nolita-penthouses.html#:~:text=Big%20Ticket-,John%20Legend%20and%20Chrissy%20Teigen%20Sell%20a%20Pair%20of%20Penthouses,sold%20for%20around%20%2456%20million.">$16.8 Million</a> in June 2022.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Another source of income not usually mentioned in net worth round-ups is Legend&#8217;s music publishing. In 2022,<a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2022-01-06/john-legend-sells-music-catalog-joining-dylan-and-springsteen#:~:text=KKR%20has%20spent%20heavily%20since,music%20being%20performed%20via%20streaming.%E2%80%9D"> he sold the rights to his music</a> to an alliance of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/news/25/02/43626316/comparing-kkr-with-industry-competitors-in-capital-markets-industry">KKR</a> &amp; Co. and BMG. The financial terms were not disclosed.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>In 2020,<a href="https://variety.com/2020/music/news/john-legend-bigger-love-music-mogul-1234731024/"> Variety</a> estimated that Legend&#8217;s disparate income streams, including LVE, his Napa Valley wine brand, see he &#8220;earns between $50 million and $100 million per year from his various projects.&#8221; </li>
</ul>
Trending: Many don&#8217;t know there are tax benefits when buying a unit as an investment —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/casa-shares-y2"> Here&#8217;s how to invest in real estate by mirroring BlackRock's big move</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">One Of The World's Highest Paid Models</h2>
In 2017, Forbes estimated that Teigen was one of the highest-paid models in the world, earning<a href="https://www.forbes.com/pictures/59f65cc231358e542c04644e/3-chrissy-teigen-1/"> $13.5 million</a>. The following year, she made<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2018/12/13/highest-paid-models-2018-kendall-jenner-leads-with-22-5-million/"> $11.5 million</a>—largely from endorsements, TV hosting, social media, and cookbooks. Based on her yearly revenue, her contribution to the family coffers is not insubstantial, which puts these ordinary people into a very extraordinary wealth bracket.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>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></li>
<li>This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=byerscta100">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100</a>.</li>
</ul>

John Legend & Chrissy Teigen Plan To Quit LA For New York After Wildfires. They Can Take Their Pick With $100 Million Fortune

The Supreme Court has rejected a plea by President Donald Trump for an immediate dismissal of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43758634/mary-trump-warns-dni-gabbard-could-lead-to-catastrophic-outcome-a-known-russian-asset-defender-of-murderous-dictator-assad">Office of Special Counsel chief Hampton Dellinger</a>.
What Happened: The Supreme Court has denied Trump&#8217;s appeal to immediately fire Dellinger, who is responsible for protecting government whistleblowers. This decision allows Dellinger to maintain his position for a few more days.
A report <a href="https://www.mediaite.com/news/denied-trump-emergency-appeal-to-fire-watchdog-immediately-rejected-in-unsigned-supreme-court-order/">by</a> Mediaite says Trump had dismissed Dellinger via a direct email two weeks ago. However, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson quickly ordered his reinstatement following a lawsuit filed by Dellinger.
Last Friday, the Supreme Court upheld Judge Jackson&#8217;s Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against Trump&#8217;s motion to vacate the order. The unsigned order was based on the fact that the TRO is due to expire in a few days.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43768173/trump-appeals-to-supreme-court-for-permission-to-dismiss-head-of-whistleblower-agency">Trump Appeals To Supreme Court for Permission To Dismiss Head of Whistleblower Agency</a>
The order also pointed out that while the&nbsp;Court typically does not have&nbsp;appellate jurisdiction over TROs, the&nbsp;Government urged it to interpret&nbsp;the TRO as a preliminary&nbsp;injunction or to exercise jurisdiction&nbsp;under the All Writs Act&nbsp;due to the restrained core executive power.
Justices Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito dissented.
Why It Matters: This decision is significant as it highlights the ongoing legal battles involving the former president. The Supreme Court&#8217;s decision to uphold the TRO against Trump&#8217;s motion to vacate the order underscores the judiciary&#8217;s role in checking executive power. 
The case also brings to light the importance of the Office of Special Counsel in safeguarding government whistleblowers, a role that has been under scrutiny during Trump&#8217;s presidency. 
The decision to allow Dellinger to retain his position, albeit temporarily, is a testament to the checks and balances inherent in the U.S. legal system.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43756824/market-instability-looms-in-trumps-second-term-warns-paul-tudor-jones-theres-no-room-for-mistakes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Market Instability Looms in Trump's Second Term, Warns Paul Tudor Jones: ‘There's No Room for Mistakes'</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Politics

Trump's Bid To Remove Watchdog Denied By Supreme Court — What's Behind His Urgency?

President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in his ability to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to release thousands of Ukrainian children who have been kidnapped amid the ongoing conflict.
What Happened: Trump voiced his belief during a conversation with&nbsp;Fox News <a href="https://radio.foxnews.com/2025/02/21/president-donald-trump-on-his-frustration-with-zelenskyy/">Radio</a>. He said, &#8220;I&nbsp;believe I could, yes. I&nbsp;didn't know too much about&nbsp;it. I&nbsp;was hearing about it yesterday.&nbsp;It's pretty tough stuff, but&nbsp;I believe I could do&nbsp;that.&#8221;
The pro-Kyiv non-profit&nbsp;Razom for Ukraine&nbsp;has reported that Russian forces have kidnapped&nbsp;19,546 Ukrainian children since 2022.&nbsp;The United Nations Commission of&nbsp;Inquiry on Ukraine stated in 2023 that the majority of these children were taken from Russian-controlled territories in eastern Ukraine and moved further into Russia.
Some of these children were granted Russian citizenship and put into foster care, while others have&nbsp;lost all contact with their&nbsp;biological families. Parents have reported to&nbsp;the UN commission that their&nbsp;children are being subjected to mistreatment, including physical abuse and being forced to wear unclean clothes.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43900927/mary-trump-slams-uncle-trump-and-his-corrupt-fascist-regime-are-aligned-with-the-agenda-of-vladimir-putin-and-moscow">Mary Trump Slams Uncle: &#8216;Trump and His Corrupt Fascist Regime Are Aligned With the Agenda of Vladimir Putin and Moscow&#8217;</a>
According to the report <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/02/21/us-news/trump-i-believe-i-could-convince-putin-to-free-thousands-of-kidnapped-ukrainian-kids/">by </a>New York Post, the commission has termed Russia&#8217;s child deportation practices as a &#8220;war crime&#8221; and a breach of international humanitarian law, calling on&nbsp;Moscow to release all Ukrainian&nbsp;deportees and detainees.
While some children have been returned to Ukraine through successful charity operations, thousands still remain in enemy territory.&nbsp;Mykola Murskyj, advocacy director of&nbsp;Razom for Ukraine, underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating, &#8220;Trafficking&nbsp;children goes against everything we&nbsp;stand for as America. We&nbsp;cannot and must not falter&nbsp;in our fight against evil.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This development comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and ongoing conflict in Europe. The kidnapping and mistreatment of Ukrainian children by Russian forces has been a significant point of contention, with international bodies and non-profits alike condemning the actions as war crimes. 
Trump&#8217;s assertion that he could influence Putin to release these children, if true, could potentially lead to a significant breakthrough in this humanitarian crisis. 
However, the actual feasibility and potential implications of such an intervention remain to be seen.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43769730/ukraine-raises-alarm-over-us-russia-talks-on-war-without-kyivs-involvement">Ukraine Raises Alarm Over US-Russia Talks on War Without Kyiv&#8217;s Involvement</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Global

Trump Says He Could Influence Putin To Free Kidnapped Ukrainian Children: 'It's Pretty Tough Stuff, But I Believe I Could Do That'

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban is raising the alarm about a brewing battle that he believes will reshape the future of power in the U.S. In a series of recent Bluesky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3liaw4s65c22z">posts</a>, Cuban predicted that the biggest showdown yet will be between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, with AI at the center of the fight.
According to Cuban, AI is quickly becoming the most powerful tool in the world, rivaling even military strength. He believes that the next U.S. president must be technologically competent to keep the country competitive, especially as AI continues to evolve.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
<li>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></li>
</ul>
Cuban envisions Musk pushing AI-driven automation in ways that directly conflict with Trump's desire to control certain aspects of governance. "Elon will try to implement AI in a manner that automates much of what Trump is now trying to control. Trump will have no understanding of what is going on and will have to turn to the AI oligarchs to support him in this battle," Cuban <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3liay2ghdec2o">warned</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Battle of Business and Politics</h2>
Cuban doesn't just see this as a political fight—he believes it will be the greatest business battle in history. If Musk ever attempts to integrate AI into federal processes, a war between AI companies will erupt over which firms secure government contracts. "The battle will be fought over which company's AI will be used by the feds. This is a zero-sum battle that will create more chaos than this country has ever seen," he said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>
Apparently, trillions of dollars are at stake. Cuban <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3liaw4s6e4s2z">noted</a> that major tech companies—Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Google (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), OpenAI, Anthropic, and Musk's ventures—are all vying for control. "This is a zero-sum game and the exact reason <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43056464/giving-millions-and-kissing-the-ring-when-trillions-are-at-stake-is-nothing-says-mark-cuban-explaining-why-big-tech-supports-trump">every tech bro has kissed the ring</a>. We are talking tens of TRILLIONS IN MARKET CAP."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI's Unpredictable Future</h2>
Cuban has long expressed concerns about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/42235738/in-just-16-months-elon-musk-achieved-with-xai-what-took-openai-nearly-nine-years-to-accomplish">AI's rapid development</a>, saying that unlike past technological revolutions, it's nearly impossible to predict where AI will take us. "I've <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/10/41234173/how-mark-cuban-turned-broadcast-com-into-5-7b-sale-we-were-the-youtube-of-our-day">been in technology for a long time</a>, and you can always look at a new tech, PCs, networks, the internet, streaming, whatever, and say, ‘OK, in five years, this is what's going to happen, right,' and have a good sense. With AI, you can't do that," <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/08/40431659/mark-cuban-says-everybodys-chasing-power-and-nothing-will-give-you-more-power-than-military-and-ai">he explained</a>.
Despite the uncertainty, Cuban is certain that the U.S. is the leader in AI development and must hold onto that advantage. Countries are now competing not just for better technology but for control over algorithms, which shape public opinion and decision-making. "If you want to influence somebody, just manipulate the algorithm, and you'll get their attention," he said.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a></li>
</ul>

MSFT

'Biggest Cage Match Ever'—Mark Cuban Warns Of A Coming Clash, Says Musk's AI Implementation Will Directly Challenge Trump's Grip On Control

Americans&#8217; confidence in the economy remains in solidly negative territory as Gallup&#8217;s Economic Confidence Index (ECI) holds <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/657044/economic-confidence-index-steady-february.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">steady </a>at -19 <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43827291/exclusive-will-trumps-tariffs-hurt-or-help-stock-market-59-say-this" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for February, the same as January</a>.
This index measures both public evaluations of current economic conditions and their outlook on the economy&#8217;s future.
The February survey reveals a shift in how Americans view the current state of the economy.
While 20% still consider it &#8220;excellent&#8221; or &#8220;good,&#8221; this is down from 26% in January.
On the flip side, the number of people labeling the economy as &#8220;poor&#8221; dropped from 40% to 33%, with a notable increase in those describing conditions as &#8220;only fair,&#8221; which now stands at 45%, up from 33% last month.
Meanwhile, according to the University of Michigan&#8217;s monthly consumer <a href="http://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/">survey</a>, consumer confidence took a significant dip in February, marking a nearly 10% decline from January.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43901149/buffett-reflects-on-60-years-at-berkshire-helm-cardinal-sin-is-delaying-the-correction-of-mistakes" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buffett Reflects on 60 Years at Berkshire Helm: &#8216;Cardinal Sin Is Delaying the Correction of Mistakes&#8217;</a>
The Consumer Sentiment Index fell from 71.7 in January to 64.7 in February.
This sharp decrease is largely attributed to consumer concerns over tariff hikes and their potential impact on inflation, The Hill <a target="_blank" href="https://thehill.com/business/5157665-consumer-confidence-dips-in-trumps-first-month-as-tariff-threats-drive-inflation-fears/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
In early February, President Donald Trump approved a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, which were eventually delayed after both countries took steps to curb the flow of drugs at their borders.
Additionally, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, raised aluminum tariffs to 25%, and reinstated the full power of steel tariffs. These actions sparked worries about rising inflation, with inflation expectations for the next year jumping from 3.3% to 4.3%, while long-term inflation expectations increased from 3.2% to 3.5%.
Alongside the rise in inflation expectations, the consumer price index also showed an uptick, rising 3% year-over-year in January, up from 2.9% in December.
This marked the fourth consecutive month of inflation growth, The Hill adds.
The survey also revealed a partisan split in consumer sentiment. Both Democrats and independents saw a decline in sentiment, while Republicans&#8217; views remained largely unchanged.
Similarly, inflation expectations rose among Democrats and independents but fell slightly for Republicans.
In a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://emersoncollegepolling.com/february-2025-national-poll-trump-presidential-approval-at-48-musk-doge-job-approval-at-41/" rel="noreferrer noopener">poll </a>by Emerson College, Trump&#8217;s approval rating stood at 48%, with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43847433/trump-approval-rating-declines-in-february-unpopular-domestic-and-foreign-policy-ideas" rel="noreferrer noopener">42% disapproving of his performance</a>.
Despite strong approval for his election win in January, his recent tariff decisions and exploration of territorial expansion have seen a decrease in support, particularly concerning their potential impact on the stock market.
This shift in consumer sentiment highlights growing concerns over economic policies and inflation.
Read Next
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43766008/berkshire-hathaways-13f-filing-suggests-a-buffett-style-bash-pizza-beer-and-fine-wine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s 13F Filing Suggests a Buffett-Style Bash — Pizza, Beer and Fine Wine</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Is Trump Tariff Chaos Worrying Americans? Consumer Confidence Dips Amid Rising Inflation

North Korea&#8217;s infamous Lazarus Group is suspected to be the mastermind behind the $1.4 billion Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) hack on cryptocurrency exchange Bybit, as per findings from blockchain data platform Arkham Intelligence.
What Happened:&nbsp;According to the report, Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored hacking organization from North Korea, is believed to have pilfered&nbsp;over $1.4 billion worth of&nbsp;Ethereum and related tokens from Bybit last Friday. 
This suspicion was drawn from on-chain data analysis that linked the activity to previous attacks associated with the Lazarus Group.
The link was established by an anonymous on-chain investigator known as ZachXBT, who has a history of solving numerous crypto hacks. His report included a detailed analysis of test transactions, connected wallets used before the exploit, and several forensic graphs and timing analyses, reports <a href="https://decrypt.co/307304/north-korea-lazarus-group-bybit-hack-arkham">reports</a> Decrypt.
Arkham Intelligence&nbsp;had previously announced a bounty of nearly $30,000 in ARKM tokens for information leading to the identification of the hackers behind the massive Bybit hack. The hack not only impacted Bybit but also sent shockwaves through the crypto markets.
<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">BREAKING: BYBIT $1 BILLION HACK BOUNTY SOLVED BY ZACHXBT At 19:09 UTC today, <a href="https://twitter.com/zachxbt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zachxbt</a> submitted definitive proof that this attack on Bybit was performed by the LAZARUS GROUP. His submission included a detailed analysis of test transactions and connected wallets used ahead of… <a href="https://t.co/O43qD2CM2U">https://t.co/O43qD2CM2U</a> <a href="https://t.co/jtQPtXl0C5">pic.twitter.com/jtQPtXl0C5</a>
&mdash; Arkham (@arkham) <a href="https://twitter.com/arkham/status/1893033424224411885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The Lazarus Group, a collective of&nbsp;North Korean state-sponsored crypto hackers,&nbsp;is considered one&nbsp;of the most sophisticated on-chain&nbsp;operators globally. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43890188/bybit-founder-says-14b-eth-hack-may-stem-from-safe-wallet-compromise">Bybit Founder Says $1.4B ETH Hack May Stem From Safe Wallet Compromise</a>
Last year, they reportedly stole&nbsp;over $1.3 billion from various&nbsp;projects, accounting for 61% of all illicitly obtained crypto&nbsp;in 2024, according to Chainalysis.
Currently, the specifics of the recent hack, the&nbsp;largest in crypto history based&nbsp;on asset prices at the&nbsp;time of the incident, remain unclear. 
Bybit claimed that the exploit involved a &#8220;sophisticated attack&#8221;&nbsp;that masked the signing interface&nbsp;of a multi-signature transaction, making&nbsp;a hacker-controlled wallet appear as&nbsp;the intended recipient address.
Why It Matters: The magnitude of this hack underscores the growing threat of state-sponsored cybercrime in the crypto space. The Lazarus Group&#8217;s suspected involvement highlights the sophistication and scale of such operations. 
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the security vulnerabilities inherent in the crypto market and the need for robust security measures to protect against such sophisticated attacks.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43883117/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-says-sec-has-agreed-to-end-bogus-enforcement-case-without-penalties" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Says SEC Has Agreed To End ‘Bogus' Enforcement Case Without Penalties</a>
Image: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

$ETH

North Korea's Lazarus Group Suspected in $1.4 Billion Bybit Crypto Hack

Buyer's remorse frequently accompanies large purchases, particularly if you don't have the financial means to make that purchase. Personal finance expert <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43086362/retiring-with-zero-money-and-a-nice-paid-for-house-is-not-a-plan-dave-ramsey-tells-59-year-old-with-no-retirement-savings">Dave Ramsey</a> stands by a simple rule to determine whether an abnormal purchase or charitable donation is too much.&nbsp;
"We use the burn the money in the middle of the floor thing," Ramsey said on The Ramsey Show. "If I took this much money and set fire to it, does my life change? If the answer is yes, then it&#8217;s too expensive."
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>
It's no secret that Ramsey is a fan of budgeting. He consistently emphasizes the importance of this exercise, especially when it comes to making large purchases. In a recent <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1005173921662454">Facebook post</a>, he wrote, &#8220;There&#8217;s nothing wrong with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43443687/dave-ramsey-says-if-you-want-to-waste-5000-a-year-spend-13-70-a-day-on-things-you-dont-need">spending money</a> on things you enjoy &#8211; just make sure you&#8217;ve planned for it! That plan is called a budget.&#8221;&nbsp;
By mapping out expenses ahead of time, individuals can ensure they are spending within their means and not jeopardizing their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43499935/worldwide-57-expect-the-next-generation-to-be-worse-off-financially-what-drives-this-economic-pessimism">financial stability</a>.
Many Americans struggle with buyer's remorse, often due to impulse purchases or unnecessary spending. A <a href="https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/many-americans-have-experienced-buyers-remorse">2023 Google/Ipsos poll</a> found that:
<ul>
<li>Roughly two in five Americans (42%) have bought something on sale only to later regret it.</li>
<li>The primary reason for regretting a purchase is realizing they didn't need the item (62%).</li>
<li>Impulse purchasing (42%) and already owning too many things (34%) are also common causes of regret.</li>
</ul>
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a>
In the poll, respondents were asked about tips to avoid buyer's remorse. Over half of Americans (53%) believe that one way to combat regret is by price comparing across retailers. Comparatively, 47% agree that adequate research for products can help alleviate buyer's remorse.&nbsp;
Ramsey's approach aligns with this mindset—by evaluating the true impact of a purchase or donation, individuals can avoid spending decisions they may later regret.
While Ramsey advocates for financial discipline, he also acknowledges the importance of allowing some discretionary spending. In <a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/fun-money-in-budget">an article</a> on Ramsey Solutions, they explained that budgeting for &#8220;fun money&#8221; ensures people can enjoy occasional indulgences without derailing their financial goals.&nbsp;
"We talk a lot about goals and how they need to be the perfect balance of empowering and realistic," Ramsey Solutions wrote. "Fun money helps you with the realistic side because it lets you stick to your goals and have a treat every now and then. Fun money also helps you remember a budget isn't all about restrictions."
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>
The key is to set a fixed amount and stick to it—once the fun money is spent, it's gone. This helps maintain financial balance while still allowing for small luxuries.
Charitable giving is also an important value for many, including Ramsey, but he advises people to ensure their generosity aligns with their financial situation. If giving away a certain amount would create financial strain, it may be too much. Instead, he recommends planning for generosity within a budget, just as one would for other expenses.
Ramsey's approach to evaluating major purchases and donations is rooted in financial responsibility and intentionality. By using a budget, planning ahead, and considering the impact of an expense, individuals can make confident financial choices without experiencing regret. For those looking to apply Ramsey's principles, his straightforward test serves as a practical guide: if losing the money would negatively impact your <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/02/36960367/average-person-believes-financial-happiness-comes-with-a-1-2-million-price-tag-revealing-money-c">financial well-being</a>, it's likely too much to spend.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-centennial">Jeff Bezos-Backed Arrived Homes Hits A Big Sale On Charlotte Property – Investors Earning A 34.7% Return</a></li>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
</ul>

How Does Dave Ramsey Determine If An Abnormal Purchase Or Charitable Donation Is Too Much?

Investor and author Robert Kiyosaki, has predicted a &#8220;giant crash&#8221; in the market. Despite this, he is confident that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43423389/robert-kiyosaki-predicts-gold-silver-bitcoin-crash-over-trumps-tariffs-says-its-a-buying-moment">will be the first to recover</a>.
What Happened: In a post on X on Friday, Kiyosaki anticipates a significant market crash that will impact all major assets, including&nbsp;stocks, bonds, real estate, gold,&nbsp;silver, and Bitcoin. However, he strongly believes in Bitcoin&#8217;s resilience, asserting that it&nbsp;will be the fastest to&nbsp;recover and hit new highs.
In the post Kiyosaki revealed his post-crash strategy on buying more Bitcoin. He said, despite the impending crash, he has no plans to sell his &#8220;digital gold.&#8221; Instead, he intends to &#8220;back up the truck and&nbsp;buy more&#8221; if Bitcoin&#8217;s price plummets.
<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">GIANT CRASH???? If there is a giant crash…. Of the often times called "the EVERYTHING BUBBLE," stocks and bonds, real estate, gold and silver and Bitcoin will crash with it. Q: If it crashes will I sell my Bitcoin? A: NO If the price of Bitcoin crashes I will back up the…
&mdash; Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1892686186495524973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Kiyosaki&#8217;s confidence in Bitcoin is apparent in his social media posts. Earlier this month, he encouraged his followers to start accumulating gold, silver, and Bitcoin, while criticizing the U.S. dollar as &#8220;fake.&#8221; 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43759418/robert-kiyosaki-predicts-wall-street-crash-and-layoffs-prepare-for-market-crash-depression-and-war">Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Wall Street Crash and Layoffs: &#8216;Prepare for Market Crash, Depression and War&#8217;</a>
He argues that owning gold and Bitcoin is a smarter and safer strategy than saving dollars.
As of the time of writing, Bitcoin has rebounded by 1.65% in the past 24 hours, moving from $96,870 to $98,540.
Why It Matters: Kiyosaki&#8217;s prediction comes at a time when Bitcoin&#8217;s volatility has been a cause for concern among investors. 
His faith in Bitcoin&#8217;s resilience and potential for recovery, however, could bolster confidence among other investors. His strategy of buying more Bitcoin in the event of a crash could also influence others to consider similar strategies. 
Despite the potential risks, Kiyosaki&#8217;s stance underscores the growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a viable investment asset.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42804530/robert-kiyosaki-predicts-massive-market-crash-save-gold-silver-bitcoin-crash-is-here" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Massive Market Crash: ‘Save Gold, Silver, &amp; Bitcoin, Crash Is Here'</a>
Image: Shutterstock

$BTC

Robert Kiyosaki Says 'Everything Bubble' Will Cause Historic Market Crash, Bitcoin Will Be Fastest To Recover

Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has a warning for workers across America: If Elon Musk can fire hundreds of thousands of federal employees without cause, private sector workers could be next.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Billionaire Power and Its Consequences</h2>
In a recent <a href="https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/1890894754423910412">post on X</a>, Sanders put it bluntly: &#8220;Today, it's federal workers. Tomorrow, it's &#x2A;your&#x2A; job. That's what oligarchy is about.&#8221;
Sanders has long criticized the growing influence of billionaires in politics and the economy, but he says Musk has made it clearer than ever. In an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txe2Zu3QbNU">interview</a> with Brian Tyler Cohen, Sanders argued that Musk's power goes beyond business—he's now shaping government itself.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>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>.</li>
<li>‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a></li>
</ul>
&#8220;Everybody has got to understand this is the wealthiest guy in the world right now, worth over $400 billion,&#8221; Sanders said. &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43582376/not-a-bad-return-on-his-investment-bernie-sanders-says-elon-musk-spent-277-million-to-elect-trump-and-made-154-billion-since-election-day">Musk put over $270 million</a> into Trump&#8217;s campaign and guess what? He's now the most important person in government. What does that sound like to you? Does that sound like a democracy&#8230; or is it really an oligarchy doing the bidding of the very richest people?&#8221;
Sanders pointed to Trump's budget priorities, which include massive tax cuts for the wealthy while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43718712/floridas-medicaid-disaster-1-3-million-cut-from-coverage-one-of-the-highest-disenrollment-rates-in-the-u-s">slashing programs like Medicaid</a>, student aid, and other critical support for working families. He sees it as part of a larger strategy where billionaires get richer while everyday Americans struggle.
&#8220;The end goal of oligarchy is to make the richest people who are already phenomenally rich even richer,&#8221; Sanders explained. &#8220;How do you do that? You give them <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43774882/donald-trumps-tax-cut-could-add-46-trillion-to-deficit-says-robert-reich-emphasizing-48-billion-relief-for-top-100-us-firms-via-corporate-tax-cuts">massive tax breaks</a>. And where do you get the money? You cut programs that working people need.&#8221;
Trending: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?
Musk's influence extends far beyond government decisions. Sanders argues that billionaires like Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43072236/biden-warns-of-musk-bezos-zuckerberg-oligarchy-but-is-he-to-blame-mark-cuban-says-president-pushed-t">control not just politics</a> but also the media landscape. &#8220;They will use their enormous media operations they own to deflect attention away from the impact of their policies while they entertain us to death,&#8221; Sanders said in a <a href="https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/1889341118556274924">video</a> posted on X.
And for those who think these billionaires care about workers? Sanders doesn't buy it. &#8220;Do you think for one second that the oligarchs give a damn about working people? Trust me, they don't.&#8221;
He pointed to Musk's role in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43781034/bill-gates-hopes-elon-musk-will-rethink-slashing-usaid-their-work-is-something-every-taxpayer-would-be-proud-of">dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development</a>, a move that he says will leave thousands of people around the world without food and healthcare. &#8220;They will sacrifice, without hesitation, the well-being of working people to protect their interests.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>
So what's the solution? Sanders calls for unity among workers of all backgrounds—Black, white, Latino, urban, rural, young, old—to fight back against billionaire control. &#8220;The oligarchs' nightmare is that we will not allow ourselves to be divided up&#8230; and that we'll together have the courage to take them on.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mass Firings Shake Federal Workforce</h2>
Sanders' warning comes as the Trump administration, with Musk's influence, has begun a sweeping purge of federal employees. More than 9,500 workers across departments like Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior, Health and Human Services, and Energy have been fired. Another <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43801494/fork-in-the-road-75000-federal-workers-took-musks-offer-but-was-it-enough">75,000 have taken a buyout</a>, representing 3% of the 2.3 million civilian workforce. Many of the job cuts have targeted probationary employees with fewer protections.
The Trump administration claims these cuts are necessary to curb government waste, but Democrats argue they overstep Congress's authority on federal spending.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
</ul>

Bernie Sanders Warns: If Elon Musk Can Fire Hundreds Of Thousands Of Federal Employees, Imagine What He'll Do To Private Sector Workers

In his latest annual letter to shareholders, Warren Buffett celebrated 60 years of steering the ship at Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>). He also expressed confidence in the company&#8217;s future under the leadership of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43769996/what-does-warren-buffett-know-that-we-dont-investors-are-paying-attention">chosen successor Greg Abel</a>.
What Happened: Buffett&#8217;s <a href="https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/2024ltr.pdf">letter</a>, which was released on Saturday, chronicled the journey of Berkshire Hathaway from a floundering textile company to a powerful conglomerate. While he admitted to past errors, he assured shareholders that his choice of Abel as his successor was not one of them.
&#8220;Sometimes I've made mistakes in assessing the future economics of a business I've purchased for Berkshire – each a case of capital allocation gone wrong. That happens with both judgments about marketable equities – we view these as partial ownership of businesses – and the 100% acquisitions of companies. At other times, I've made mistakes when assessing the abilities or fidelity of the managers Berkshire is hiring. The fidelity disappointments can hurt beyond their financial impact, a pain that can approach that of a failed marriage,&#8221; Buffett wrote. 
&#8220;A decent batting average in personnel decisions is all that can be hoped for. The cardinal sin is delaying the correction of mistakes or what Charlie Munger called &#8216;thumb-sucking.&#8217; Problems, he would tell me, cannot be wished away. They require action, however uncomfortable that may be,&#8221; Buffett mentioned in the letter.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900955/berkshire-hathaways-q4-profits-soar-71-warren-buffett-says-his-firm-has-paid-more-taxes-than-tech-titans-in-trillions">Berkshire Hathaway Q4 Profits Soar 71%, Buffett Says Firm Pays More Taxes Than &#8216;Tech Titans&#8217; With Market Value in &#8216;Trillions&#8217;</a>
Buffett praised Abel for his knack for identifying significant investment opportunities. He also pointed out that Berkshire Hathaway now boasts a cash reserve of $334.201 billion, nearly twice the $167.6 billion it had a year ago. 
&#8220;At 94, it won't be long before Greg Abel replaces me as CEO and will be writing the annual letters. Greg shares the Berkshire creed that a "report" is what a Berkshire CEO annually owes to owners. And he also understands that if you start fooling your shareholders, you will soon believe your own baloney and be fooling yourself as well,&#8221; he wrote in the letter. 
"We are impartial in our choice of equity vehicles, investing in either variety based upon where we can best deploy your (and my family's) savings. Often, nothing looks compelling; very infrequently we find ourselves knee-deep in opportunities. Greg has vividly shown his ability to act at such times," Buffett added.
Despite recent challenges in finding major acquisitions, Buffett confirmed that he has no intention of offering a dividend. He also revealed that this year&#8217;s shareholder meeting in May will be shorter than usual, with Buffett and Berkshire&#8217;s two vice chairmen fielding&nbsp;questions from 8 a.m. until&nbsp;1 p.m.
Why It Matters: Buffett&#8217;s 60-year tenure at Berkshire Hathaway has seen the company transform into a global powerhouse. His endorsement of Abel as his successor is a testament to Abel&#8217;s capabilities and the company&#8217;s robust succession plan. 
The significant cash reserves and strategic investments underscore Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s financial strength and its ability to seize investment opportunities. Despite the challenges in finding major acquisitions, Buffett&#8217;s decision not to offer a dividend reflects his confidence in the company&#8217;s growth prospects. 
The upcoming shareholder meeting will provide further insights into the company&#8217;s future direction under Abel&#8217;s leadership.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43766008/berkshire-hathaways-13f-filing-suggests-a-buffett-style-bash-pizza-beer-and-fine-wine">Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s 13F Filing Suggests a Buffett-Style Bash — Pizza, Beer and Fine Wine</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Earnings

Success Stories

Buffett Reflects on 60 Years at Berkshire Helm: 'Cardinal Sin Is Delaying the Correction of Mistakes'

Big changes could be coming for government benefits. House Republicans just unveiled a budget plan that includes massive spending cuts—<a href="https://docs.house.gov/meetings/BU/BU00/20250213/117894/BILLS-119NAih.pdf">$880 billion</a> from Medicaid over the next decade.
Social Security? Safe. Medicare? Also safe. But Medicaid? Not so much.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump Draws The Line</h2>
President Donald Trump has been clear: No cuts to Social Security or Medicare. They're not touching it. But Medicaid? That's another story.
The House Budget Committee is looking to slash spending by $2 trillion. That includes deep Medicaid cuts, with some proposals pushing for over $2 trillion in reductions. The idea is to balance those cuts with $4.5 trillion in tax cuts.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich-2">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.</li>
</ul>
For millions of Americans, this could mean losing healthcare coverage. <a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/program-information/medicaid-and-chip-enrollment-data/report-highlights/index.html">Over 72 million people</a> rely on Medicaid, including 7.25 million children enrolled in the Children's Health Insurance Program. In some states, <a href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/10-things-to-know-about-medicaid/">over 30% of the population</a> depends on Medicaid for healthcare.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Would These Cuts Look Like?</h2>
The budget draft calls for changes in how Medicaid is funded. Some Republicans want to lower Federal Medical Assistance Percentages—the amount the federal government pays to states for Medicaid. Others want per-capita spending caps, which could cut up to $900 billion in funding.
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a>
What does that mean? States would either have to cut Medicaid services or find another way to make up the shortfall. For many, that could mean fewer benefits, tougher eligibility requirements, or higher costs.
Critics argue that Medicaid isn't efficient. Some believe many recipients could get healthcare through work or other means. But research has shown that Medicaid expansions <a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w26081">reduce rates of mortality,</a> <a href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/report/the-effects-of-medicaid-expansion-under-the-aca-updated-findings-from-a-literature-review/#:~:text=Access%20to%20care%20and%20related%20measures%3A">improve access to care</a>, and even boost local economies.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next?</h2>
The budget fight is just getting started. Senate Republicans, led by Lindsey Graham (R-SC), are working on <a href="https://www.budget.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/chairmans_mark_-_fy25_budget_resolution.pdf">their own budget plan</a>. That one focuses more on border security and defense spending.
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>.
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, meaning they could push through a budget with a simple majority vote. The House has a much tighter margin—218-215—so every vote will count.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), is already throwing cold water on Graham's plan, telling reporters it was a "nonstarter," <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/medicaid-trump-republicans-house-budget-social-security-medicare-musk-doge-2025-2">Business Insider reported</a>. But the House and Senate need to agree on something if they want Trump to sign off.
For now, Social Security stays untouched. But Medicaid? It's on the chopping block, and millions of Americans could feel the impact soon.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li>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></li>
</ul>

Medicaid Faces $880 Billion Cuts — But Trump Says Social Security Is Safe

In a recent interview, billionaire investor Ray Dalio offered fresh insights on successful investing, emphasizing the importance of diversification and patience in investment strategies.
What Happened:&nbsp;Dalio, who boasts five decades of market experience, urged investors to diversify their portfolios&nbsp;by investing in 10 to&nbsp;15 "good, uncorrelated return streams&nbsp;that are risk balanced." 
He labeled this strategy as&nbsp;his "holy grail and mantra in investing," and assured that adhering to this mantra could result in substantial wealth.
Speaking <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ray-dalios-debt-warnings-big-economic-insights-for/id1749109417?i=1000685223078">with</a> Yahoo Finance, Dalio underscored the significance of patience in investment strategies, warning that the nature of loss necessitates investors to earn double the lost amount to recover.
"Everybody's thinking about what is the best debt. They don't realize that with diversification, the first three diversified, relatively uncorrelated assets will reduce the risk almost in half. That means you double your return-to-risk ratio," Dalio said. 
Dalio further advised investors to differentiate&nbsp;between an investment that has&nbsp;increased in value and one that has performed well, cautioning against the assumption that recent good returns indicate a better investment.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43756938/ray-dalio-warns-of-looming-us-debt-crisis-says-america-faces-economic-heart-attack-without-fiscal-cuts">Ray Dalio Warns of Looming US Debt Crisis, Says America Faces &#8216;Economic Heart Attack&#8217; Without Fiscal Cuts</a>
"The game is played on not getting out. The nature of loss [is], you lose 50%, you have to make 100% to get it back," he further added. 
"Get away from the notion that investments which have done well recently are better investments, rather than more expensive. You have to know the difference between an investment that has gone up a lot and done well. Don't assume that because it felt good recently and gave you good returns, it's a better investment," he said. 
Why It Matters: Dalio&#8217;s advice comes at a time when investors are seeking guidance in an increasingly volatile market. 
His emphasis on diversification and patience reflects his long-standing investment philosophy, which has guided Bridgewater Associates to become one of the world&#8217;s largest hedge funds. 
Dalio&#8217;s&nbsp;latest book, &#8220;How Countries Go&nbsp;Broke: Principles for Navigating the&nbsp;Big Debt Cycle, Where We&nbsp;Are Headed, and What We&nbsp;Should Do,&#8221; scheduled for release in September, is expected to provide further insights into his unique investment principles.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42805138/ray-dalios-timeless-advice-if-you-dont-own-gold-you-know-neither-history-nor-economics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ray Dalio's Timeless Advice: ‘If You Don't Own Gold, You Know Neither History Nor Economics'</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Ray Dalio's 'Holy Grail' Investment Strategy: Why 10-15 Diversified Investments Could Make You a Fortune

In the aftermath of a $1.4 billion Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) heist, cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has launched a recovery bounty program, offering a reward of up to 10% of the recovered funds to ethical cyber and network security experts who actively contribute to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43890188/bybit-founder-says-14b-eth-hack-may-stem-from-safe-wallet-compromise">retrieving the stolen assets</a>.
This translates to a potential bounty of up to $140 million, making it one of the largest crypto recovery efforts in history.
"Within 24 hours of the event, we were overwhelmed with support from some of the best people and organizations in the industry, and we do not take it for granted. We have shared in a dark moment of crypto history, and we've proven we are better than the malicious actors," said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit.
The security breach, confirmed by Zhou on Friday evening, resulted in 401,347 ETH ($1.12 billion), 90,376 stETH ($253 million), 15,000 cmETH ($44 million), and 8,000 mETH ($23 million) being stolen from Bybit's Ethereum cold wallet. 
The attack was initially suspected to have exploited Safe's multisig wallet infrastructure, misleading Bybit's team into signing a transaction that granted the attacker control over the cold wallet's smart contract logic.
&#8220;It was a normal URL. I double-checked. It was the Safe URL from the official Safe website,&#8221; Zhou explained in a live stream following the incident. 
&#8220;The hacker changed that transaction into upgrading or changing the Safe smart contract logic so that he gained control over the entire Ethereum cold wallet.&#8221;
Bybit has already received assistance from major exchanges including Binance and MEXC, which are helping monitor and prevent the stolen funds from being laundered. 
Zhou expressed gratitude for the industry&#8217;s response, saying, &#8220;Within 24 hours of the event, we were overwhelmed with support from some of the best people and organizations in the industry.&#8221;
Individuals or groups with expertise in blockchain forensics, security analysis, and fund recovery can participate in the bounty program by contacting Bybit via <a>bounty_program@bybit.com</a>.
Despite the scale of the attack, Bybit continues processing withdrawals, securing liquidity through a bridge loan covering 80% of the stolen Ethereum to ensure customers&#8217; funds remain safe. 
The company has also emphasized its commitment to improving security infrastructure and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Bybit's full forensic investigation is ongoing, working closely with law enforcement, cybersecurity experts, and Safe's development team to determine whether the attack stemmed from a Safe multisig vulnerability or a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43886224/bybit-founder-confirms-1-4-billion-ethereum-hack-blames-masked-transaction">broader infrastructure breach</a>.
Image: Shutterstock

Bybit Offers $140M Bounty In Wake of $1.4B ETH Hack, Investigation Focuses On Safe

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, Wall Street retreated from record highs, influenced by Walmart's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) cautious profit outlook and the Federal Reserve's emphasis on persistent inflation risks. Walmart's stock declined by 6.5% after its profit forecast fell short of analysts&#8217; expectations, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/02/43895372/walmarts-warning-fed-highlights-inflation-risks-chinese-stocks-surge-this-week-in-markets">raising concerns about consumer spending</a> amid ongoing inflation and trade uncertainties.
The Federal Reserve, in its latest meeting minutes, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43829352/fomc-minutes">highlighted the need for more evidence of cooling inflation</a> before considering rate cuts. Officials also pointed to potential inflationary pressures from possible shifts in trade and immigration policies, as well as supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions.
In contrast, Chinese technology stocks experienced a surge, with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) rising 8.1% following strong earnings and optimistic guidance. This rally was bolstered by speculation of potential monetary policy easing by China&#8217;s central bank and anticipated fiscal stimulus measures from policymakers.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
The Bulls
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43812953/super-micro-computer-stock-continues-to-climb-whats-going-on">"Super Micro Computer Stock Continues To Climb: 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 16.5% after the company announced strong preliminary first-quarter results and reassured investors by confirming it will file delayed financial reports by the Feb. 25 deadline, addressing governance concerns.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43787535/archer-aviation-stock-is-rising-tuesday-whats-going-on">"Archer Aviation Stock Is Rising Tuesday: What's Going On?"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACHR#NYSE">ACHR</a>) shares climbed 8.16% after the company secured FAA certification to launch its pilot training academy, a key milestone in its goal to begin electric air taxi operations in 2025, with only one more regulatory approval remaining.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43819990/jetai-targets-ai-infrastructure-growth-with-new-data-center-in-nevada-stock-skyrockets">"Jet.AI Targets AI Infrastructure Growth With New Data Center In Nevada, Stock Skyrockets"</a>, by Shivani Kumaresan, reports that Jet.AI Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JTAI#NASDAQ">JTAI</a>) shares soared 69% after the company unveiled plans for a 50-megawatt AI data center in Nevada, aiming for a full gigawatt capacity, as it seeks to capitalize on the surging demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43825695/xrp-rallies-5-on-etf-news-what-is-going-on">XRP Rallies 5% On ETF News: What Is Going On?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/02/43855319/apple-stock-set-for-streaming-lift-severance-breaks-record-after-x-ads-tim-cook-promo">Apple Stock Set For Streaming Lift? ‘Severance' Breaks Record After X Ads, Tim Cook Promo</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/02/43816112/hedge-fund-shake-up-tiger-appaloosa-soros-outperform-buffett-icahn-ackman">Hedge Fund Shake-Up: Tiger, Appaloosa, Soros Outperform Buffett, Icahn, Ackman</a>
The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/02/43857040/palantir-stock-tanks-10-as-ceo-sell-plan-defense-budget-cuts-spark-sell-off">"Palantir Stock Tanks 10% As CEO Sell Plan, Defense Budget Cuts Spark Sell-Off"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) shares plunged 10% after CEO Alex Karp announced plans to sell nearly 10 million shares, raising investor concerns, while potential U.S. defense budget cuts threaten the company's lucrative government contracts, intensifying the sell-off.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43799173/occidental-petroleum-q4">"Occidental Petroleum Shares Slide After Mixed Q4 Results: EPS Beat, Revenues Miss"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that Occidental Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OXY#NYSE">OXY</a>) posted fourth-quarter earnings of 80 cents per share, surpassing analyst expectations of 70 cents, while revenue fell to $6.83 billion, missing the projected $7.05 billion.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43868719/dropbox-stock-falls-after-q4-report-arr-slips-paying-users-decrease">"Dropbox Stock Falls After Q4 Report: ARR Slips, Paying Users Decrease"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that Dropbox Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DBX#NASDAQ">DBX</a>) shares fell 8.6% after the company announced a slight decrease in annual recurring revenue and a reduction of 15,000 paying users in the fourth quarter, despite exceeding earnings and revenue expectations.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43884153/us-services-drop-sharply-darkening-picture-of-high-prices-uncertainty-economist-says">US Services Drop Sharply: ‘Darkening Picture' Of High Prices, Uncertainty, Economist Says</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/02/43795095/viking-bails-on-apple-tesla-and-trims-nvidia-is-this-a-big-tech-rethink">Viking Bails On Apple, Tesla And Trims Nvidia: Is This A Big Tech Rethink?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43869433/walmart-expects-slower-growth-in-an-uncertain-time-cfo-says-on-earnings-call">Walmart Expects Slower Growth In ‘An Uncertain Time,' CFO Says On Earnings Call</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 Twitter</a>.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Market Summary

Federal Reserve

ACHR

BABA

JTAI

PLTR

SMCI

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: SMCI, Jet.AI, Palantir, OXY And Wall Street Retreats From Record Highs

The annual report of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) was released on Saturday morning, shedding light on the company&#8217;s robust performance in the insurance sector with a whopping 71% increase in operating earnings for the fourth quarter.
What Happened: According to Berkshire&#8217;s report, the Nebraska-based conglomerate, under the leadership of Warren Buffett, attributed this surge to the rise in interest rates that amplified its investment income and an uplift in its insurance business. The company&#8217;s operating earnings for the quarter were recorded at $14.5 billion.
A significant portion of the earnings increase was due to a 48% increase in insurance investment income, which amounted to $4.1 billion. The firm&#8217;s insurance underwriting business also experienced a strong recovery, with operating earnings multiplying fourfold to $3.4 billion.
GEICO, a major contributor to Berkshire&#8217;s insurance results, more than doubled its pretax underwriting earnings&nbsp;to $7.8 billion in 2024.&nbsp;This was achieved by reversing a years-long downward trend and adding new clients in the latter half of the year.
However, despite these positive results, Berkshire&nbsp;expects pretax losses of approximately&nbsp;$1.3 billion due to the wildfires that ravaged&nbsp;parts of Los Angeles last&nbsp;month. Furthermore, Buffett&#8217;s cash reserves increased&nbsp;to a record $334.2 billion&nbsp;at the end of 2024,&nbsp;marking the 10th consecutive quarter of growth.
In his <a href="https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/2024ltr.pdf">letter</a> to shareholders, Warren Buffett revealed the company&#8217;s performance exceeded his expectations. He also noted that the company paid more taxes than tech giants with trillion-dollar valuations.
&#8220;Berkshire Hathaway – paid far more in corporate income tax than the U.S. government had ever received from any company – even the American tech titans that commanded market values in the trillions. To be precise, Berkshire last year made four payments to the IRS that totaled $26.8 billion. That's about 5% of what all of corporate America paid. In addition, we paid sizable amounts for income taxes to foreign governments and to 44 states,&#8221; he mentioned in the letter. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43874883/warren-buffets-berkshire-hathaway-further-trims-its-stake-in-davita-by-2-sells-additional-shares-worth-116-million">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Berkshire Hathaway Sells $116M Shares Of Dialysis Giant DaVita, Cuts Stake By 2%</a>
Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s property-casualty (P/C) insurance remains its core business. The company distinguishes itself&nbsp;in the insurance industry by&nbsp;taking on risks that other private insurers shy away from, while maintaining a disciplined approach to avoid underpriced policies.
Why It Matters: The substantial increase in Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s Q4 operating profits signifies a strong recovery and growth in its insurance and investment sectors. The rise in interest rates played a crucial role in boosting the company&#8217;s investment income, contributing to the overall surge in earnings.
The robust recovery of the firm&#8217;s insurance underwriting business and the significant contribution from GEICO also played a pivotal role in the earnings increase. 
The growth of P/C insurance is directly linked to increasing economic risks.&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway believes one-year risk&nbsp;assumptions are generally manageable but&nbsp;remains flexible to adapt policies&nbsp;as needed. This strategic approach has allowed the company to stay ahead in the industry and ensure its continued growth.
Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s investment strategy is also noteworthy. The company&nbsp;remains committed to investing the&nbsp;majority of shareholder funds in&nbsp;equities, primarily American companies with&nbsp;significant international operations. 
This strategy of prioritizing&nbsp;ownership in strong businesses over&nbsp;holding cash-equivalent assets ensures&nbsp;long-term growth and value for&nbsp;its investors.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43769996/what-does-warren-buffett-know-that-we-dont-investors-are-paying-attention">What Does Warren Buffett Know That We Don&#8217;t? Investors Are Paying Attention</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Earnings Misses

Berkshire Hathaway Q4 Profits Soar 71%, Buffett Says Firm Pays More Taxes Than 'Tech Titans' With Market Value in 'Trillions'

Commodities

Press Releases

CERAWeek by S&P Global 2025 to Convene Energy CEOs, Government Officials and Business and Technology Leaders in Houston, March 10-14

Acushnet Holdings Set to Join S&P SmallCap 600

S&P Global Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results

U.S. MANUFACTURING PICKED UP IN JANUARY DRIVEN BY GROWING DEMAND: GEP GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY INDEX

S&P Global Market Intelligence Quarterly Report Finds Global Equity Issuance Value Rose to the Highest Level Since 2021 in Q4 2024

Kadant Set to Join S&P SmallCap 600

BlackRock Chairman and CEO Laurence D. Fink to Address CERAWeek by S&P Global in Houston, March 10-14

US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to Address CERAWeek by S&P Global in Houston, March 10-14

S&P Global to Present at Raymond James' 46th Annual Institutional Investors Conference on March 3, 2025

SanDisk Set to Join S&P SmallCap 600

GOLF

LESL

NARI

ROIC

AGM Group Holdings Inc. - Class A Ordinary Shares

AGM Gr Hldgs

Bakkt Holdings, Inc. Class A Common Stock

Bakkt Hldgs

CME Gr

Coincheck Group

Coinbase Global, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

Coinbase Global

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. Common Stock

Donnelley Financial Solns

FactSet Research Systems Inc. Common Stock

FactSet Research Systems

Intercontinental Exchange Inc. Common Stock

Intercontinental Exchange

Open Lending

Moodys

Marketwise

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. - Common Stock

MarketAxess Holdings

Morningstar

MSCI

Nasdaq

Powell Max Limited - Class A Ordinary Shares

Powell Max

Tradeweb Markets Inc. - Class A Common Stock

Tradeweb Markets

Value Line

BMO Capital

Morgan Stanley

Wells Fargo

Evercore ISI Group

골드만삭스 리서치가 새로운 해를 맞아 대담한 주식 선택과 2025년 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/12/42710358/veteran-investor-bets-big-on-sp-500-hitting-7000-by-end-of-2025-these-sectors-could-lead-the-charge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">시장을 형성할</a> 다섯 가지 투자 테마를 조명했다.
무슨 일이 있었나: 목요일에 공유된 노트에서, 스티븐 크론(Steven Kron)이 이끄는 애널리스트 팀은 &#8220;컨빅션 리스트(Conviction List)&#8221; &#8211; 주목할 만한 투자 아이디어로 구성된 포트폴리오를 재조정했다.
골드만삭스는 벨덴(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BDC#NYSE">BDC</a>), 노르웨이 크루즈 라인 홀딩스(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCLH#NYSE">NCLH</a>), 그리고 우버 테크놀로지스(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>)를 리스트에 추가했다. 이 회사들은 폭스(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOXA#NASDAQ">FOXA</a>), 파커 하니핀(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PH#NYSE">PH</a>) 그리고 TPG(TPG.)를 대체했다.
중요성: 산업 기술이 다시 유행하고 있다. 애널리스트 마크 델라니(Mark Delaney)는 벨덴이 산업의 순환적 회복을 타고 상승하고, 고마진 소프트웨어 솔루션 비즈니스를 확장하고 있다고 보고 있다. 델라니는 2025년과 2026년 모두 컨센서스 예상치를 상회하는 주당순이익(EPS)을 예측하여, 이를 산업 분야에서 두드러진 선택으로 만들었다.
크루즈 산업은 더 강력한 2025년을 향해 항해하고 있다. 애널리스트 리지 도브(Lizzie Dove)는 순 구매 의향(NPI) 데이터의 가속화와 2023년 경영진 인사로 인한 비용 절감을 언급했다. 도브는 이 기업이 단위당 수익과 비용 격차를 2.5%포인트 확대하여 동종업계인 로얄 캐리비안 크루즈(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCL#NYSE">RCL</a>)에 가까운 평가로 만들어질 것이라고 예상한다.
애널리스트 에릭 셰리던(Eric Sheridan)은 이동성 사업에 대한 회의론과 자율주행차의 부상에도 불구하고 우버에 대해 긍정적인 전망을 유지하고 있다. 그는 2023년에서 2026년까지 조정된 EBITDA의 연평균 성장률(CAGR)이 39%에 이를 것이라고 예측한다. 이 투자은행에 따르면, 우버는 2026년까지 $3.50의 GAAP EPS를 제공할 것으로 예상되며, 이는 컨센서스보다 7% 높은 수치이다. 골드만삭스는 우버 주식에 대해 12개월 목표 주가를 $96로 설정하여, 현재 시장 수준에서 거의 60% 상승할 것으로 예상한다.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025년에 주목할 주요 테마: AI, M&amp;A, 탈세계화 등</h3>
이 투자은행은 새해를 맞이하여 주목해야 할 다섯 가지 주요 테마를 제시했습니다.
<ul>
<li>인공지능(AI): 골드만삭스의 카시 랑간(Kash Rangan)은 AI 투자가 2025년에 인프라 지출에서 플랫폼과 애플리케이션으로 전환될 것이라고 예상한다. 최근 노트에서 랑간은 AI가 기업 소프트웨어에 점점 더 통합되고 있음을 강조했다. 이 트렌드에 노출된 주식으로는 엔비디아(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), 스노우플레이크(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNOW#NYSE">SNOW</a>) 그리고 테라다인(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TER#NASDAQ">TER</a>)이 있다.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>규제 완화, M&amp;A, 자본 시장 회복: 잠재적인 트럼프 행정부 2기 아래의 규제 변화가 M&amp;A 활동을 가속화할 수 있다고 골드만의 애널리스트들이 말한다. 씨티그룹(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), 에버코어(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVR#NYSE">EVR</a>) 그리고 S&amp;P 글로벌(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPGI#NYSE">SPGI</a>)과 같은 금융 기업들이 혜택을 볼 수 있다. 애널리스트 리차드 램스덴(Richard Ramsden)은 최근 은행과 금융 자문사에 대한 환경이 더 유리해질 것이라고 언급했다.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>미국 재충전: 칼리 데이븐포트(Carly Davenport)는 데이터 센터와 AI 컴퓨팅의 전력 수요 증가를 강조하며, 이 추세가 유틸리티 자본 지출의 지속적인 성장을 주도하고 있다고 지적했다. 그녀의 팀은 운송 전기화를 지원하기 위한 에너지 인프라의 중요성을 강조했다. DBA 셈프라(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRE#NYSE">SRE</a>)가 골드만의 이 분야 최고의 선택이다.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>탈세계화: 관세 전쟁의 시대는 끝나지 않았다. 얀 하치우스(Jan Hatzius)와 경제팀은 중국 수입품에 대한 관세가 20%포인트 인상되고, 유럽 자동차와 멕시코 전기차에 새로운 세금이 부과될 것으로 예상한다. 벌컨 머티리얼즈(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VMC#NYSE">VMC</a>)와 우드워드(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WWD#NASDAQ">WWD</a>)와 같은 회사들은 이러한 정책으로 인한 공급망 혼란에 잘 적응할 수 있다.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>탄력적인 미국 소비자: 거시적 우려에도 불구하고 골드만삭스는 미국 소비자들에게 또 다른 강력한 해를 그리고 있다. 재량적 현금 흐름이 2025년에 5.2% 증가할 것으로 예상되며, 2024년의 4.4%에서 상승할 것으로 보인다. 이는 저축률 상승에 의해 지원된다. 주목해야 할 주식으로는 노르웨이 크루즈 라인, 우버, 벌링턴 스토어스(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BURL#NYSE">BURL</a>) 그리고 핀터레스트(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PINS#NYSE">PINS</a>)가 있다.</li>
<li></li>
</ul>
지금 읽어보세요:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/01/42770597/wall-street-watches-january-sp-500-tends-to-gain-yet-streaming-giant-steals-the-market-show">월스트리트가 1월을 주목 &#8211; S&amp;P 500은 상승하는 경향이 있지만, 스트리밍 대기업이 시장의 관심을 빼앗습니다.</a></li>
</ul>
이미지: Shutterstock
Benzinga Pro의 독점 뉴스 및 도구로 더 많은 승리를 거두세요 
독점 속보 및 스캐너와 같은 Benzinga Pro의 강력한 도구 세트로 다른 트레이더보다 우위를 점하세요. 
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?t=be2bewe5mibe3bz3&amp;utm_source=bz-kor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">여기를 클릭</a>하여 14일 무료 체험을 시작하세요.

골드만삭스, '컨빅션 리스트'에 3개의 주식 추가 및 2025년 주목해야 할 5가지 시장 동향

최근 미국 증권거래위원회(SEC)는 무디스(NYSE:<a class="items-end ticker-link-wrapper inline-flex" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/mco" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener" aria-label="Go to Quote Page for MCO">MCO</a>)의 무디스 레이팅스(Moody&#8217;s Ratings), S&amp;P 글로벌(NYSE:<a class="items-end ticker-link-wrapper inline-flex" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/spgi" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener" aria-label="Go to Quote Page for SPGI">SPGI</a>)의 S&amp;P 글로벌 레이팅스, 피치 레이팅스(Fitch Ratings, Inc.)를 포함한 6개의 주요 신용평가사들에 대해 전자 통신의 유지 및 보존에 중대한 결함이 있었다며 막대한 벌금을 부과했다. 이들 기관들은 총 4,900만 달러를 초과하는 민사 벌금을 납부하기로 합의했다.
무슨 일이 (What Happened): 화요일에 발표된 SEC 보도자료에 따르면, 이들 6개의 신용평가사는 각각의 SEC 명령에서 자세히 설명된 사실을 인정하고, 그들의 행위가 연방법의 기록 유지 조항을 위반했음을 인정했다. 이들 회사는 이러한 위반 사항을 시정하기 위해 준수 정책 및 절차를 강화하기 위한 조치를 취했다.
이 중 무디스와 S&amp;P 글로벌 레이팅스는 각각 2,000만 달러의 민사 벌금을 납부하기로 합의했으며, 피치 레이팅스는 800만 달러의 민사 벌금을 납부하기로 했다. 나머지 3개 회사인 HR Ratings de México, S.A. de C.V., A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc., 및 Demotech, Inc.는 각각 25만 달러, 100만 달러, 10만 달러의 벌금을 납부하기로 합의했다.
&#8220;필수 기록을 유지하고 보존하지 못하는 경우, 직원들이 회사가 의무를 준수하고 있는지 확인하는 데 어려움을 겪고, 위반한 회사에 책임을 물을 수 없게 되어 종종 투자자에게 불이익을 줄 수 있다 것을 우리는 반복적으로 목격했다&#8221;고 SEC 집행부의 부국장인 산제이 와드화(Sanjay Wadhwa)가 말했다.
이들 6개 회사는 1934년 증권거래법 섹션 17(a)(1) 및 그에 따른 규칙 17g-2(b)(7)을 위반한 혐의를 받았다. 재정적 처벌 외에도 각 신용평가 기관들은 이러한 조항을 다시 위반하지 않겠다는 명령과 경고를 받았다.
Benzinga의 문의에 대해, S&amp;P 글로벌, AM Best, HR Ratings는 SEC의 처벌을 인정하며 각자의 규제 의무를 준수할 것을 약속했다.
중요성 (Why It Matters): 이번 집행 조치는 SEC의 규제 준수에 대한 광범위한 단속의 일환이다. 이전에 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40693531/sec-charges-galois-capital-with-custody-rule-violations-misleading-investors" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-google-interstitial="false">SEC는 갈루아 캐피털(Galois Capital)</a>이 투자 자문법의 보관 규칙을 위반하고 투자자들을 오도한 혐의로 기소한 바 있다.
SEC는 이전에 마크 큐반(Mark Cuban)과 같은 억만장자 투자자들로부터 월스트리트에 초점을 맞추는 대신 소규모 투자자들을 희생시킨다는 비판을 받은 적이 있다.
Image via Shutterstock
다른 트레이더들보다 30분 일찍 독점 시장 움직임 뉴스를 받아보세요 
Benzinga Pro의 14일 무료 체험을 통해 독점 뉴스 기사를 이용할 수 있어 수백만 명의 다른 트레이더보다 먼저 실행 가능한 거래 뉴스를 얻을 수 있습니다. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?t=be2bewe5mibe3bz3&amp;utm_source=bz-kor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">여기를 클릭</a>하여 14일 무료 체험을 시작하세요.

美 SEC는 무디스, S&P 글로벌, 피치 포함 6개사들에 기록 유지 실패로 $4,900만 벌금 부가

상업용 부동산 업계는 원격 근무와 <a href="http://benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38219988/economists-warn-feds-inflation-battle-could-trigger-recession-have-to-increase-the-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">인플레이션 상승</a>의 영향으로 계속해서 어려움을 겪고 있다.
이자율이 상승하고 다양한 산업 분야에서 사무실 공간을 축소하려는 광범위한 추세로 인해 이 분야는 전례 없는 규모의 빈 사무실 공간에 직면하게 되었다.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38273192/goldman-sachs-boasts-near-perfect-q1-results-5-analysts-zero-in-on-core-strengths" target="_blank" rel="noopener">월요일 실적 발표에서</a> 골드만삭스 그룹(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>)의 최고경영자(CEO) 데이비드 M. 솔로몬(David M. Solomon)은 인플레이션에 대한 지속적인 우려와 지정학적 긴장 고조와 함께 상업용 부동산의 열악한 상황을 미국 성장을 둔화시키는 주요 요인 중 하나로 언급했다.
이 부문은 금리를 둘러싼 추측에 특히 민감해졌다. 지난달, 연방준비제도(연준)의 금리 인하가 암시되면서 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/reit/24/03/37882885/10-real-estate-stocks-move-on-thursday-fed-rate-cut-possibility-sparks-rally-for-troubled-sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener">여러 주식과 펀드가 상승</a>했다. 이는 일반적으로 위험한 시장에 대한 안정성을 제공한다고 칭찬받는 부문에서는 알 수 없는 변동성을 보여주었다.
불과 며칠 후 S&amp;P 글로벌(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPGI#NYSE">SPGI</a>)은 불안정한 상업용 부동산 시장과 관련된 위험을 기반으로 5개 지역 은행의 등급을 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/37950136" target="_blank" rel="noopener">하향 조정</a>하기로 결정했다.
거대 기술 기업의 운영 변화는 부분적으로 상업용 부동산 침체를 부채질하고 있다. 코로나19 사태 이후 기술 부문에서 새로운 현상이 된 원격 또는 하이브리드 근무로의 변화로 인해 많은 기업이 필요한 것보다 더 많은 사무실 공간을 확보하게 되었다.
이는 2023년 하반기에 약간의 감소세를 보인 후 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/01/36874447/tech-layoffs-up-over-300-month-over-month-in-january-3-companies-with-the-most-employees-laid-of" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2024년 1분기 동안 기술 부문</a>에서 계속해서 일반적인 관행으로 이어졌던 대규모 해고 추세에 추가되었다.
지난달 말 아마존닷컴 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)은 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37983953/amazons-strategic-real-estate-plan-to-reduce-vacancy-rate-and-enhance-workspace-efficiency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">사무실 공간을 줄이고 임대를 조기 종료</a>하여 13억 달러를 절감할 계획이라고 밝혔다. 이 거대 기술 기업은 2022년과 2023년에 27,000명 이상의 직원을 해고한 후 사무실 공실률이 33.8%에 달할 것으로 예상된다.
월스트리트 저널(WSJ)의 <a href="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/big-tech-is-downsizing-work-space-in-another-blow-to-office-real-estate-67b4685c?mod=hp_featst_pos3">보도</a>에 따르면, 알파벳(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>)는 실리콘밸리의 일부 사무실 공간을 서브리스하고, 메타 플랫폼(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)은 자사 사무실 공간의 계약을 줄였다. 페이스북을 소유하고 있는 이 기업은 올해 전세계적으로, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/37024306">싱가포르와</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/34900681">런던</a> 등의 지역을 포함하여 사무실 공간을 대폭 축소하고 있다. 한편, 세일즈포스 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>)는 증권거래위원회(SEC) 보고서에서 1년 전과 비교했을 때 샌프란시스코 지역의 사무실 공간을 절반만 사용하고 있다고 밝혔다.
같이 읽기: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/04/38278182/powell-delays-fed-rate-cuts-we-need-greater-confidence-in-inflation-2-year-yields-spik">파월은 왜 이자율 인하를 미루고 있는가</a>?
기술 부문의 후퇴는 법률 회사와 금융 회사를 포함한 다른 일반적인 사무실 주거 부문의 손실을 추가할 때 부동산 부문에 특히 고통스러운 것으로 입증되었다.
무디스 애널리틱스(Moody&#8217;s Analytics) 보고서에 따르면 1월까지 전국 대도시의 평균 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/01/36542862/empty-spaces-us-office-vacancies-rise-to-highest-levels-in-four-decades" target="_blank" rel="noopener">빈 사무실 공간은 19.6%</a>로 1979년 이후 최고치를 기록했다.
요즘 몇몇 도시에서는 극도의 사무실 공실률을 보이고 있는데, 샌프란시스코의 경우 팬데믹 이전 3.6%에 불과했던 것에 비해 36.7%를 기록했다. 이러한 공백은 시애틀, 뉴욕, 오스틴 등 기술 산업과 관련된 도시에서 더욱 두드러진다. 시애틀에서는 해당 지역에서 약 45,000명의 직원이 해고된 후 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/financing/24/02/37134484/seattles-office-space-dives-98-7-dip-reflects-tech-storm-hybrid-shifts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2023년 사무실 부동산 거래가 전년 동기 대비 98.7%</a>나 감소했다.
지난주 웰스파고(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>)의 1분기 통화에서 CEO 찰스 W. 샤르프(Charles W. Scharf)는 해당 부문의 대출 수요 감소로 인해 상업용 부동산 수익이 전년도보다 7% 감소했다고 말했다.
그러나 이 임원은 주로 사무실 공간으로 구성된 이 부문이 2023년 4분기와 비교했을 때 큰 변화를 경험하지 못했다고 덧붙였다.
자산 관리 부문에서 가장 큰 규모의 부동산 ETF인 뱅가드 부동산 지수 펀드 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VNQ#NYSE">VNQ</a>)는 올 초 이후로 거의 11% 하락한 수치를 기록하며, 지난 5일 동안에만 5%의 하락을 기록하고 있다.
슈왑 US REIT ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHH#NYSE">SCHH</a>)와 리얼 에스테이트 셀렉트 섹터 SPDR 펀드 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLRE#NYSE">XLRE</a>)는 매우 유사한 추이를 보이고 있다.
그러나 이 분야의 투자자들에게 이것이 모두 나쁜 소식은 아니다. 블랙스톤(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BX#NYSE">BX</a>)의 사장인 존 그레이(Jon Gray)는 최근 지금이 부동산 급락에 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/03/37719939/is-it-time-to-buy-the-commercial-real-estate-dip-the-worlds-biggest-private-equity-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8220;저가 매수&#8221;</a>할 적절한 시기가 될 수 있다고 말했다. 자산 운용사는 연준이 조만간 금리를 인하해야 할 것이라는 점을 고려하면서 상업용 부동산의 장기적인 미래에 대해 낙관하고 있다.
그런 일이 발생하면 이러한 경기 침체로 인한 새로운 개발 공급 감소와 저렴한 차입 비용이 결합되어 업계가 다시 한 번 상승할 수 있다.
이미지는 Midjourney가 제공한 인공지능을 통해 생성되었습니다.

Comments

S&P Global

뉴스

에 대한 최신 뉴스 S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI) 주식

목요일, 1월 02, 2025

목요일, 9월 05, 2024

수요일, 4월 17, 2024

사람들이 또한 지켜본다

뉴스

파트너 / 기고자

벤징가 글로벌