StoneCo (NASDAQ:STNE) 주식

StoneCo

StoneCo Ltd is a provider of financial technology solutions. It serves MSMBs great solutions, at fair prices, and provides the customer experience to help them manage their businesses and sell more. Its Stone Business Model combines end-to-end, cloud-based technology platforms; differentiated hyper-local and integrated distribution approaches; and white-glove, on-demand customer service. It has two segments Financial Services offers payments, digital banking, and credit solutions, focusing Ton solution mainly on micro-merchants, and Stone solution on SMBs. In Software, it offers POS and ERP solutions for different retail and services verticals, Customer Relationship Management, engagement tools, e-commerce, and Order Management System solutions, among others.

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지난 일주일 동안 가장 실적이 좋았던 중형주 10개 종목은 다음과 같다. 디지넥스, 넥스트데케이드, 셀시우스, 시그넷 주얼러스, 뉴 포트리스, 밀로즈, 아커티스, 루시드, 캐털리스트, 스톤코

셀시우스·루시드·시그넷 등 지난주 급등한 중형주 10종목 (3월 17일~21일)

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수요일 아침 (현지 시간 기준) 미국 주식 선물이 상승세를 보인 가운데, 오늘 투자자들의 관심을 끌 수 있는 주식은 다음과 같다: 월스트리트는 시그넷 주얼러스(NYSE:SIG)가 분기 실적을 주당 6.25달러, 매출을 23억 3천만 달러로 발표할 것으로 예상하고 있다. Benzinga Pro의 데이터에 따르면, 시그넷의 주식은 시간외 거래에서 0.3% 상승한 48.42달러에 거래되었다.

수요일 주목해야 할 주식: 윌리엄스-소노마, 헬스에퀴티, 시그넷, 스톤코 및 파이브 빌로우

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CNN 머니 공포·탐욕 지수는 전체 시장 정서에서 약간의 개선을 보여주었지만, 월요일에도 여전히 &#34;극단적 공포&#34; 영역에 머물렀다.미국 주식은 월요일(17일)에 상승세를 보였으며, 다우존스 지수가 거래 중에 350포인트 이상 급등했다. 주요 지수 3개 모두 연속으로 상승했다.

긍정적 경제지표로 다우 지수 350p 상승: 투자자 불안 완화, 탐욕 지수는 &#39;극단적 공포&#39; 영역

StoneCo Ltd

The International Monetary Fund, or IMF, has expressed concern over escalating trade tensions sparked by new U.S. tariffs but emphasized that a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44884282/analyst-predicts-recession-is-coming-despite-financial-crisis-put-on-hold-warns-rich-kids-insulated-from-their-own-actions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global recession is not on the horizon</a>.
The organization acknowledged a sharp rise in economic uncertainty, particularly in relation to trade policy, yet maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook for global growth, BBC reports.
While financial markets have faltered and geopolitical trust has deteriorated, the IMF stated that its revised projections reflect a slowdown—but not a full-blown recession.
Global equity markets have taken a hit since U.S. President Donald Trump introduced sweeping tariffs on April 2, an event dubbed &#8220;Liberation Day&#8221; by the White House.
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Major indexes remain down, with investor sentiment shaken by fears of retaliatory trade measures and sluggish global investment.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has predicted a contraction in international trade volumes this year, directly linking the outlook to Washington&#8217;s tariff strategy, BBC adds.
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, urged nations to use the moment as an opportunity for structural reform.
BBC quotes Georgieva saying, &#8220;A better balanced, more resilient world economy is within reach.&#8221;
&#8220;We must act to secure it,&#8221; she said.
Georgieva called on the U.S. to address its fiscal deficit, encouraged China to bolster social safety nets, and pressed Europe to eliminate internal trade barriers in services and deepen its economic integration.
Despite lingering fears of a downturn, the IMF&#8217;s current stance offers reassurance that the global economy can weather the turbulence—provided governments act decisively.
The organization emphasized collective responsibility and policy coordination as the path to renewed growth and stability.
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Image: Shutterstock/Maxx Studio

Politics

General

Recession? Not So Fast, Says IMF — Even After Trump Tariff Chaos

President Donald Trump has signaled a potential end to efforts in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine, stating that the U.S. may &#8220;take a pass&#8221; on further negotiations <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44888482/trump-set-ultimatum-for-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-not-going-to-continue-with-this-endeavour-for-weeks-and-months-says-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">if either side proves unwilling to compromise</a>.
BBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20x5xn1g92o" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports </a>that Trump emphasized urgency during remarks in the Oval Office on Friday, noting he wants a resolution soon, though not within a rigid timeframe.
Trump&#8217;s warning coincides with comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stressed that American involvement in ceasefire talks could end within days unless tangible progress emerges.
The administration is prioritizing results, not prolonged diplomatic standoffs, BBC reports.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44463509/ukraines-recovery-depends-on-sustainable-investment-experts-call-for-trilateral-minerals-deal" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Ukraine&#8217;s Recovery Depends On Sustainable Investment,&#8217; Experts Call For Trilateral Minerals Deal</a>
As Russian forces continue to assault northeastern Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv and Sumy—leaving multiple casualties—U.S. officials are pressuring both sides to find common ground swiftly.
Despite initial confidence from the Trump administration in securing a quick ceasefire, progress has stalled, with Washington expressing frustration at both Moscow and Kyiv.
Trump&#8217;s past criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and overtures to Vladimir Putin have stirred unease among NATO members, who remain committed to Ukraine&#8217;s defense.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia remains open to negotiations but under conditions aligning with Moscow&#8217;s interests.
Amid the fragile peace efforts, Ukraine and the U.S. have revived discussions around a joint investment fund aimed at post-war reconstruction.
The preliminary agreement, signed Thursday, also hints at broader cooperation over energy infrastructure and mineral resources.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraine&#8217;s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed the deal is progressing and could be finalized by April 26, BBC adds.
Zelensky has continued to push for firm security assurances from the U.S. in any ceasefire deal, warning European allies that a truce without such commitments would leave Ukraine vulnerable.
U.S. officials, however, argue that American business investment itself may serve as a deterrent against future Russian aggression.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/04/44889185/consumer-tech-news-apr-14-apr-18-trumps-125-china-tariff-sidesteps-consumer-tech-tesla-model-y-spotted-in-india-more" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Consumer Tech News (Apr 14-Apr 18): Trump&#8217;s 125% China Tariff Sidesteps Consumer Tech, Tesla Model Y Spotted in India &amp; More</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/Keanu

Trump May 'Take a Pass' on Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Without Progress

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to eliminate all federal funding for Head Start in his 2026 budget proposal, putting a program that has served nearly 40 million children since 1965 at serious risk.
According to <a href="https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2025/04/11/trump-proposal-eliminating-head-start/83045346007/">USA Today</a>, which cites a government official familiar with the plan, the White House&#8217;s proposed budget would zero out funding for Head Start, part of a broader effort to shrink the federal government under the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/42152862/trump-picks-project-2025-co-author-russell-vought-for-omb">Project 2025</a> policy blueprint. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps families with heating and cooling costs, is also on the chopping block.
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While the White House has not confirmed the cut, Rachel Cauley, a spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget, said, &#8220;No final funding decisions have been made.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Critics Warn of Catastrophic Consequences</h2>
Even so, the news has sparked widespread concern. The National Head Start Association called the proposal to eliminate the program &#8220;catastrophic&#8221; and warned it could result in more than 1 million parents losing access to affordable child care and preschool, disrupting their ability to work.
&#8220;Meals, developmental screenings and health care for nearly 800,000 children would disappear,&#8221; NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci told USA Today. &#8220;We urge every parent, every American, and every believer in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41196233/kevin-oleary-defends-the-american-dream-on-fox-business-im-the-guy-that-invests-in-businesses-5-to-5">American dream</a> to reach out to their elected officials to express their outrage about such a proposal.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regional Offices Shut Down Without Warning</h2>
The proposal comes on the heels of abrupt closures of at least five regional Head Start offices in Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle. These offices provide crucial oversight and support for local Head Start programs.
NHSA said it was informed of the closures early last week and is urging the administration to halt further action until a transition plan is in place. &#8220;Closing these regional Head Start offices could create delays in essential program support and weaken the system that has successfully served millions of children for decades,&#8221; the group said in a <a href="https://nhsa.org/press_release/nhsa-expresses-deep-concern-over-administration-shuttering-regional-offices/">statement</a>.
The staffing cuts, part of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr's downsizing plans, left many program directors blindsided. &#8220;None of us saw this coming,&#8221; Janice Smith, early childhood services director at the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency in Southeastern Michigan, told the <a href="https://eu.freep.com/story/news/education/2025/04/11/trump-cuts-head-start-jobs-leaving-local-michigan-programs-uncertain-of-future-closures/83009348007/">Detroit Free Press</a>.
NHSA emphasized that less than 1% of Head Start's annual funding goes to federal staff, including those working in regional offices.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sen. Murray: &#8216;Offensive and Just Plain Wrong&#8217;</h2>
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, slammed the Trump administration's proposal in a statement released Monday.
&#8220;While families feel the crunch with a worsening child care crisis and much higher daily costs thanks to Trump's tariffs, President Trump wants to eliminate Head Start and kick hundreds of thousands of kids out of the classroom, fire teachers, and make child care and early learning more expensive and less safe,&#8221; Murray said in a <a href="https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-trump-budget-proposal-to-fully-eliminate-head-start/">statement</a>.
She added, &#8220;This administration believes we cannot afford to help families get preschool or help kids get basic health services, but we can afford trillions of dollars more in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43578641/bernie-sanders-says-we-must-not-savage-programs-for-working-families-to-provide-huge-tax-breaks-for-billionaires">tax breaks for billionaires</a>. It's offensive and just plain wrong.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's at Stake</h2>
Head Start serves more than 750,000 children nationwide and is especially important in rural areas where other early childhood education options are scarce. The program provides early learning, health care, and family support to low-income families.
NHSA said it will continue working with the administration and Congress to protect the program. &#8220;An investment in Head Start is an important investment in our youngest learners, their families, our communities, and our nation,&#8221; the organization stated.
With Congress holding the final say on the budget, the future of Head Start now rests on political negotiations. But for the millions of families relying on it, the threat feels immediate and very real.
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Image: Shutterstock

'It's Offensive And Just Plain Wrong'—Trump's Budget Proposal To Eliminate Head Start, Affecting Over 1 Million Parents

In the ongoing antitrust trial against&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FB#NASDAQ">FB</a>), decade-old emails from CEO Mark Zuckerberg have taken center stage.
What Happened: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been scrutinizing Zuckerberg&#8217;s emails, some of which are over 10 years old, during the trial. These emails disclose Zuckerberg&#8217;s long-held apprehensions about potential antitrust issues.
In a 2018 email to senior Facebook executives, Zuckerberg voiced concern that the company&#8217;s growth trajectory could invite antitrust regulation. This email was emphasized by the FTC&#8217;s lead attorney, Daniel Matheson, during the trial.
The emails also shed light on Zuckerberg&#8217;s worries about rising competitors and his candid evaluations of Facebook&#8217;s key deals. In a 2012 email to COO Sheryl Sandberg, Zuckerberg discussed the necessity to acquire Instagram due to its swift growth, reports <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/zuckerberg-meta-antitrust-trial-emails-ftc-2025-4">the</a> Business Insider.
If the FTC emerges victorious in the case, it could potentially force Meta to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. However, legal experts argue that proving Meta established its monopoly through these acquisitions will be a tough task, given that the FTC had previously greenlit these mergers.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44780047/mark-zuckerbergs-empire-in-jeopardy-as-meta-faces-antitrust-battle-in-court">Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Empire in Jeopardy as Meta Faces Antitrust Battle in Court</a>
Mark Hansen, Meta&#8217;s lead attorney, has tried to downplay the importance of Zuckerberg&#8217;s emails, suggesting that worrying about competition is a standard part of a CEO&#8217;s job.
Why It Matters: The emergence of Zuckerberg&#8217;s old emails as key evidence in the trial underscores the FTC&#8217;s determination to hold Meta accountable for potential antitrust violations. 
The emails not only reveal Zuckerberg&#8217;s longstanding concerns about antitrust issues but also his strategic moves to neutralize emerging competitors. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications for Meta and other tech giants, potentially reshaping the digital landscape. 
If the FTC wins, it could set a precedent for future antitrust cases, signaling a tougher regulatory environment for big tech companies.
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Image: Shutterstock

Zuckerberg's Leaked Emails Show His Rivals Lived Rent-Free in His Mind

According to a recent survey, 40% of Americans with credit card debt are under the impression that making minimum payments is an effective way to manage their debt.
This misunderstanding is contributing to the escalating credit card debt in the country, which has now hit a record high of $1.2 trillion. The <a href="https://www.experianplc.com/newsroom/press-releases/2025/americans-tackling-debt-to-achieve-their-own-cinderella-story">survey</a> was carried out by Experian.
It revealed that a large number of Americans falsely believe that making the minimum payment on their credit card debt is enough to keep it under control. This misunderstanding is contributing to the growing credit card debt in the United States, which has reached an all-time high.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869188/robert-kiyosaki-rings-alarm-bells-over-soaring-us-debt-the-dollar-is-trash">Robert Kiyosaki Rings Alarm Bells Over Soaring US Debt: &#8216;The Dollar Is Trash&#8217;</a>
According to&nbsp;the Federal Reserve Bank of&nbsp;New York, American consumers collectively owe $1.2 trillion in credit card debt.&nbsp;
Experts suggest strategies such as&nbsp;the &#8220;snowball&#8221; or &#8220;avalanche&#8221; methods&nbsp;to effectively manage and pay off credit card debt. Both methods have their pros and cons, and the choice depends on what works best for the individual.
The issue of credit card debt is a serious one, with experts stressing the importance of strategic debt management.&nbsp;
&#8220;Credit card debt is the&nbsp;highest cost debt for most&nbsp;households. This is definitely one to&nbsp;prioritize for your financial wellbeing,&#8221; Ted Rossman, senior industry&nbsp;analyst for credit cards at&nbsp;Bankrate <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/18/americans-biggest-misconception-about-managing-credit-card-debt.html">told </a>CNBC. 
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Image: Shutterstock/Me dia

Personal Finance

Survey Unveils American Misconceptions About Credit Card Debt Management

When it comes to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44793077/retirement-nightmare-45-year-old-weighs-230k-lump-sum-vs-lifetime-pension-are-dividends-a-good-idea-for-me-reddit-reacts">retirement planning</a>, many Americans contribute to a traditional 401(k). But there&#8217;s another option available in most employer-sponsored retirement plans — and according to personal finance expert Suze Orman, far too few people are taking advantage of it.
The Roth 401(k) is a feature offered by roughly 90% of workplace retirement plans, yet only about 20% of participants are using it, according to Orman. She believes this overlooked strategy could offer major benefits, especially when it comes to taxes in retirement.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k): Know the Difference</h2>
With a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44424162/its-a-really-really-bad-idea-suze-orman-warns-58-year-old-against-using-a-401k-to-buy-a-lifetime">traditional 401(k)</a>, your contributions are made with pre-tax dollars. That means you reduce your taxable income today, but you'll owe income tax on every dollar you withdraw in retirement.
A Roth 401(k), by contrast, is funded with after-tax dollars. You won't get a tax break up front, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. That includes both your contributions and any investment earnings.
"So for those of you saving in a 401(k), I want you to check if your plan offers the Roth 401(k) option. If so, I think you should consider switching your new contributions over to the Roth 401(k)," Orman wrote in a recent <a href="https://www.suzeorman.com/blog/The-Best-Investing-Move-for-Your-Retirement">blog post</a>.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Suze Orman Recommends Switching Future Contributions</h2>
Orman isn't advising anyone to convert their existing traditional 401(k) balances to a Roth — that move comes with a tax bill. Instead, she's suggesting that savers consider directing new contributions into a Roth 401(k), if their plan offers it.
This strategy, she says, could help reduce your taxable income in retirement. If you've already built up savings in a traditional 401(k), adding Roth savings to the mix gives you more flexibility. You'll be able to tap into tax-free funds in retirement, which could help you stay in a lower tax bracket and minimize required minimum distributions from your traditional accounts.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Avoiding Higher Medicare Premiums</h2>
Another important reason Orman says to consider a Roth 401(k)? Your future Medicare premiums.
Medicare Part B premiums are based on your taxable income. Withdrawals from a traditional 401(k) count as taxable income, but withdrawals from a Roth 401(k) do not — assuming the account has been open for at least five years and you're 59½ or older.
By using tax-free funds from a Roth 401(k), you may be able to avoid crossing into higher income tiers that trigger <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44694563/medicare-advantage-rates-expected-to-climb-over-5-in-2026-easing-pressure-on-managed-care">increased Medicare costs</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Flexibility for Life's "What Ifs"</h2>
A Roth 401(k) can also provide valuable peace of mind. Whether it's a big vacation, home care, or an unexpected expense, knowing you have access to tax-free funds can ease the financial pressure.
"I strongly believe that you will appreciate having some of your retirement money in Roth accounts once you are in retirement," Orman says.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bottom Line</h2>
If your employer offers a Roth 401(k), it might be worth giving this underused tool a closer look. Contributing even a portion of your future retirement savings to a Roth 401(k) could offer greater tax flexibility, protect your Medicare premiums, and give you more control over your retirement income.
Before making any changes, consider speaking with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> or tax professional to make sure the strategy fits your situation.
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Image: Shutterstock

90% of Plans Offer It, But Only 20% Use It — Suze Orman Says This 401(k) Feature Is Being Ignored at Your Own Risk

Bill Ackman&#8216;s hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management has acquired a significant stake in Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HTZ#NYSE">HTZ</a>).
What Happened: The stake, which includes both&nbsp;share ownership and total return&nbsp;swaps, has been built up since the end of last year. 
Ackman is of the opinion that Hertz can bounce back from an ill-advised investment in&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) electric vehicles and leverage a potential surge in used-car prices triggered by President Donald Trump&#8216;s&nbsp;tariff on US auto imports.
In a post on X, Ackman said that the company has "a 19.8% stake in the company comprised of outright share ownership and total return swaps."
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We began accumulating shares in <a href="https://twitter.com/Hertz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hertz</a> late last year, and as of today, we have a 19.8% stake in the company comprised of outright share ownership and total return swaps. Hertz can be thought of as an operating company combined with a highly leveraged portfolio of automobiles.…
&mdash; Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillAckman/status/1912955549542744462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
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"Hertz is uniquely well-positioned in the current tariff environment. Hertz owns a fleet of over 500,000 vehicles valued at approximately $12 billion. A 10% increase in used car prices would equate to a $1.2 billion gain on its auto assets – equivalent to approximately half of the company's current market capitalization," Ackman added in the post. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44065982/bill-ackman-predicts-strong-future-for-berkshire-hathaway-after-warren-buffett-steps-down">Bill Ackman Predicts Strong Future for Berkshire Hathaway After Warren Buffett Steps Down</a>
Following the news, Hertz&#8217;s shares soared&nbsp;44% in New York trading&nbsp;on Thursday, doubling in value over a two-day rally. 
The company&#8217;s CEO, Gil West, who is responsible for managing the company&#8217;s significant debt and implementing the turnaround, expressed gratitude for Ackman&#8217;s support in a note to employees.
Ackman also suggested a future where Hertz, leveraging its global presence, could manage a fleet of autonomous vehicles for&nbsp;Uber Technologies Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>). Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi responded positively to the idea, expressing interest in expanding their existing partnership.
&#8220;Investing is risky. There are no guarantees of a successful outcome. Caveat emptor,&#8221; he concluded in his post. 
Why It Matters: Ackman&#8217;s investment in Hertz is a strong vote of confidence in the company&#8217;s turnaround strategy. The hedge fund manager&#8217;s belief that Hertz can recover from its investment in Tesla and benefit from&nbsp;a potential rise in used-car&nbsp;prices due to tariffs on US auto imports could signal a positive future for the company.
Moreover, the idea of Hertz managing a fleet of autonomous vehicles for Uber could open up new avenues for the company, further strengthening its position in the market. However, Ackman has warned investors about the inherent risks, stating, &#8220;Investing is risky. There&nbsp;are no guarantees of a&nbsp;successful outcome. Caveat emptor.&#8221;
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Image: Shutterstock/Tupungato

TSLA

UBER

Ackman Bets Big on Hertz as Tariff Tailwinds Boost Fleet Value: 'Investing Is Risky, There Are No Guarantees of a Successful Outcome'

Members of AmeriCorps and Peace Corps are facing an uncertain future due to staff cuts initiated by&nbsp;the White House DOGE office. This has left numerous young volunteers and employees in a state of doubt regarding their career trajectories.
What Happened: AmeriCorps members were unexpectedly sent home, with many of them only three months into their ten-month service contracts. This sudden decision has left thousands of volunteers and employees in a state of uncertainty, as they prepare for potential layoffs.
The&nbsp;White House DOGE&nbsp;office had previously visited the&nbsp;AmeriCorps and Peace Corps headquarters, leading to speculation about the future of these agencies. 
However, despite the hiring freeze, the Peace Corps confirmed that volunteer recruitment activities are ongoing and no staff have been cut as of yet, reports <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/americorps-peacecorps-genz-doge-trump-cuts-career-2025-4">the</a> Insider.
Founded in 1993 and 1961&nbsp;respectively, AmeriCorps and the Peace&nbsp;Corps enroll hundreds of thousands&nbsp;of young adult volunteers each&nbsp;year. These volunteers, who&nbsp;receive a stipend for living&nbsp;expenses, participate in various service works in local communities. The experience often serves as a stepping stone&nbsp;for a career in public&nbsp;service.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44778605/elon-musk-digging-my-own-grave-by-tying-himself-to-doge">Elon Musk: &#8216;Digging My Own Grave&#8217; by Tying Himself to DOGE</a>
Nevertheless, the recent developments have left many members concerned about their future career prospects. The White House confirmed that about&nbsp;75% of full-time AmeriCorps employees&nbsp;were placed on administrative leave&nbsp;this week, with&nbsp;no clear timeline for when&nbsp;they&nbsp;could return to work or&nbsp;be fired.
An administration official cited AmeriCorps&#8217; failure in eight consecutive audits and its management of&nbsp;over $1 billion in taxpayer&nbsp;dollars every year as reasons for the staff shake-up. AmeriCorps representatives have not responded to requests for comment.
Why It Matters: The current situation has raised concerns about the future of public service agencies and the impact on young volunteers who rely on these programs for career development. 
The uncertainty also raises questions about the management of taxpayer dollars and the accountability of these agencies. 
The outcome of this situation could have far-reaching implications for public service in the United States.
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Image: Shutterstock/Joshua Sukoff

Public Service Pipeline For Grads Faces DOGE-Induced Roadblocks

Dave Ramsey is known for helping people get out of debt, so it was shocking when he told a 40-year-old widower to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdlvQ48onNo">buy a new car</a>. The caller mentioned he was considering a new car to impress women since he's ready to attract another woman in his life. Ramsey didn't only tell him to get a new car, but he was pretty adamant about it.
"Regardless of women, you should get a better car. Your car sucks."
The context behind this response and the advice Ramsey gives later in the call can help people who are looking for love and want to build their net worth.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Caller Has An Old Vehicle</h2>
It's normal for people to drive older vehicles. The average age of a U.S. vehicle reached a <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/mobility/en/research-analysis/average-age-vehicles-united-states-2024.html#:~:text=Vehicles%20on%20the%20road%20are,2023%2C%20according%20to%20new%20analysis.">record 12.6 years</a> in 2024. New cars are expensive and can get you deep into debt, but there are two unique factors to the caller's situation.
The first one is that the caller is driving a 25-year-old pick-up truck. Even a used car from the 2010s is a massive upgrade from an old pick-up truck. The second detail is that the caller is in a tremendous financial position. He has a $1.3 million net worth and earns $132,000 per year. He also has no debt, no mortgage, and no kids.
While the caller shouldn't get an exotic luxury vehicle, he doesn't have to settle for a 25-year-old pick-up truck either.&nbsp;
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't Buy A Car Just To Attract Women</h2>
The way Ramsey framed his advice is also important. He said that the caller should get a better car, even if trying to impress women wasn't a part of the equation. While Ramsey recommended a vehicle upgrade, he also warned against the caller tipping people off on his net worth.
"If you impress them with the car, it's the wrong woman," Ramsey responded.
A flashy car risks attracting a woman who only loves you for your money. Showing off rich items may attract a gold digger.&nbsp;
However, it is still ideal to have a car that's in good condition. Ramsey's daughter, Rachel Cruze, was the co-host for this episode, and she chimed in from the woman's perspective.&nbsp;
Cruze said that having a beat-up car can indicate to a woman that she has to be the breadwinner to hold up the family financially. Not every woman wants that pressure, especially biblical women. It's common for biblical women to see themselves as the person who has to nurture the kids while the father is the breadwinner who provides for the family.&nbsp;
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
A good car can show a woman that you are able to provide. It can indicate that you either have good finances or are making progress with your finances.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Caller Is Looking At Used Cars</h2>
The caller has good financial management skills based on his net worth, and he's also looking at cars that range from $5,000 to $10,000. That puts him in the used car market, which isn't a bad thing. Almost any car is an upgrade from what he currently has.
While he has the flexibility to raise his budget, the caller's desire to spend a relatively small amount of money on a car demonstrates good financial management. A new car is a good investment, and in this case, a new car can simply mean a used car that looks better than the pick-up truck.
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Image: Shutterstock

A Widower Asks Dave Ramsey If He Should Get A New Car To Impress Woman: 'Regardless Of Women, You Should Get A Better Car. Your Car Sucks.'

Cryptocurrency analyst Benjamin Cowen has proposed that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) could potentially see a 137% increase in a perfect market scenario.
What Happened: Cowen, during his discussion with Kyle Chasse, put forth that Bitcoin could reach up to $200,000 if it&nbsp;is currently in a right-translated&nbsp;cycle. This type of market cycle is characterized by prices peaking later rather than sooner.
During the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nTKdVWUM1Y">interview</a>, Cowen inferred that in such a cycle, Bitcoin could experience a 10x increase from its lowest point, positioning it around $150,000. However, he does not anticipate Bitcoin reaching $300,000 in this cycle, even though he is confident it will eventually hit that mark.
The analyst stressed that for Bitcoin to stay on course for new all-time highs in this cycle, it needs to uphold the 2024 high of&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;$72,000 on the weekly chart. He expressed a positive outlook for later in the year if Bitcoin can sustain this level, even in the face of another pullback.
"I would say that it's possible if we get a right translated cycle that from the bottom Bitcoin could go up about 10x or something, which would probably put it around $150,000. So I would say, in a right translated cycle my guess is that it would be anywhere from like $120,000 to like $150,000,&#8221; he said. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44888965/this-crypto-analyst-forecasts-bitcoins-superiority-over-altcoins-until-this-happens">This Crypto Analyst Forecasts Bitcoin&#8217;s Superiority Over Altcoins Until This Happens</a>
&#8220;It's possible in the perfect scenario that it could go all the way up to $200,000. I don't think Bitcoin will hit $300,000 this cycle. I do think Bitcoin will eventually hit $300,000, but I don't think it will be this cycle," Cowen added. 
&#8220;I would definitely become more optimistic later on this year. That's my main concern right now, is, if there is another pullback, can we hold it? The good news is we've held it so far, and we actually technically we haven't even tested it. So the good news is if there is another drop, you probably would have some bulls try to hold the line at those levels because we haven't even tested those levels yet," he continued. 
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $84,483, with no significant change on the day.
Why It Matters: Cowen&#8217;s predictions come at a time when Bitcoin&#8217;s performance is under intense scrutiny. The cryptocurrency&#8217;s ability to maintain a high weekly chart, as Cowen suggests, could be a key determinant of its future trajectory. 
His forecast of a potential 137% surge under ideal conditions underscores the volatile and unpredictable nature of the crypto market. However, it also highlights the immense potential for growth that Bitcoin holds, reinforcing its appeal to investors. 
Despite the lack of a specific timeline for when Bitcoin might hit the $300,000 mark, Cowen&#8217;s optimism provides a positive outlook for the cryptocurrency&#8217;s long-term performance.
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Image: Shutterstock/Bukhta Yurii

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

This Crypto Analyst Predicts Bitcoin Could Soar 137% Under Perfect Market Conditions

Robert Kiyosaki, the well-known entrepreneur and author, has predicted that Bitcoin&#8217;s price will soon exceed $1 million.
What Happened: In a post on X on Friday, Kiyosaki, the author of the best-selling book Rich Dad Poor Dad, expressed the view that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) will cross the $1 million mark.
His prediction is rooted in the current financial state of the U.S., which is burdened with heavy debt, soaring unemployment rates, and shrinking pension funds.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">MAKES ME SAD: In 2025 credit card debt is at all time highs. US debt is at all time highs. Unemployment is rising. 401 k's are losing. Pensions are being stolen. USA may be heading for a GREATER DEPRESSION. I get sad because as I stated in an earlier X….Tweet….I warned…
&mdash; Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1913366747010531408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Kiyosaki also expressed concerns about a potential &#8220;Greater Depression&#8221; looming over the country, a prediction he had made in his early 2000&#8217;s book Rich Dad's Prophecy. Despite the bleak outlook, Kiyosaki conveyed that individuals can still amass wealth amidst the current market crash.
He advocates for investing in Bitcoin, gold, and silver, stating that owning even a fraction of Bitcoin could lead to wealth post-crisis. He is confident that by 2035, Bitcoin&#8217;s price will cross $1 million, with gold and silver also witnessing significant increases in value.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44886845/robert-kiyosaki-says-millions-could-be-out-of-work-heres-his-game-plan">Robert Kiyosaki Says Millions Could Be Out of Work — Here&#8217;s His Game Plan</a>
At the time the report was published, Bitcoin was trading at $84,967, marking a 2% increase since the previous Wednesday.
Why It Matters: Kiyosaki&#8217;s prediction comes at a time when the U.S. is grappling with economic instability. His views on the potential of Bitcoin, gold, and silver as investment options highlight the growing interest in alternative assets amidst economic uncertainty. 
His forecast also underscores the increasing acceptance of Bitcoin as a potential hedge against inflation and economic downturns. 
While his prediction is bold, it reflects a growing sentiment among investors seeking refuge in alternative assets during these turbulent times.
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Image: Shutterstock/Paopano

Robert Kiyosaki's Bitcoin Forecast: Could $1 Million Be Realistic?

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a longtime but mostly low-profile legislator, has surged into the national spotlight <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44779739/oops-hes-alive-and-secure-trump-administration-updates-status-on-mistaken-deportation-to-el-salvador" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following a trip to El Salvador</a> to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
The visit, where Van Hollen met with the Maryland man erroneously deported by the Trump administration after initally being denief permission to do so, has raised Van Hollen&#8217;s profile and energized progressive Democrats, Politico <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/18/inside-chris-van-hollen-moment-00299228" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
The controversy has escalated as the White House publicly dismissed Van Hollen&#8217;s efforts, <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1913241658579440126" rel="noreferrer noopener">posting </a>that Abrego Garcia is &#8220;NOT coming back.&#8221;
El Salvador&#8217;s President Nayib Bukele joined in, mockingly posting staged photos of Van Hollen and Abrego Garcia at a restaurant.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44885628/mark-cuban-says-health-insurance-shouldnt-exist-you-dont-have-to-grab-every-nickel-when-its-the-health-of-the-entire-country-at-stake" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban Says Health Insurance Shouldn&#8217;t Exist — &#8216;You Don&#8217;t Have to Grab Every Nickel When It&#8217;s the Health of the Entire Country at Stake&#8217;</a>
Van Hollen has denied the authenticity of these images, accusing Salvadoran officials of staging props for political theater.
Initially denied access to the prison where Abrego Garcia was held, Van Hollen ultimately succeeded in speaking with his constituent after a transfer to another facility.
His dramatic intervention has struck a nerve at a time when Democrats are struggling for unity and momentum, the report furher adds.
Van Hollen&#8217;s trip was prompted by what he and others have called a gross miscarriage of justice.
Despite a court ruling that allowed Abrego Garcia to stay in the U.S., immigration officials deported him, citing alleged gang affiliations — claims unsupported by evidence.
A federal judge later ordered his return, a directive the Trump administration has refused to implement, even after the Supreme Court upheld it.
The senator&#8217;s high-profile actions have sparked praise from progressive leaders who see him as a model for confronting the consequences of Trump-era immigration policies.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Leah Greenberg of Indivisible have applauded his initiative, noting it could revitalize a fractured party and offer a coherent, values-driven narrative on immigration and constitutional rights.
Van Hollen&#8217;s emergence as a moral voice on international human rights may reshape his political arc, Politico adds.
Known for a principled stance on foreign policy, including criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza, he is gaining traction as Democrats mull leadership changes. His name has even been floated for a potential cabinet role under a future Democratic administration.
At a press conference at Dulles International Airport, Van Hollen emphasized that his mission transcends partisan politics. &#8220;This is an American issue,&#8221; he said.
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Image: Shutterstock/Philip Yabut

Maryland Senator Grabs National Spotlight With El Salvador Meeting With Deportee

Investor and entrepreneur Grant Cardone got people talking again with a tweet listing seven ways to scale passive income. The list included automated car washes, laundromats, lending, video arcades, self-storage, apartments and ATM machines. While some followers cheered him on, others raised eyebrows, laughed or called the whole thing outdated.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">7 Ways to Scale Passive income. • automated car washes • Laundry mats • Lending • Video arcades • Self-storage • Apartments • ATM machines
&mdash; Grant Cardone (@GrantCardone) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantCardone/status/1912107691637358691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Is Passive Income?</h2>
Passive income is money earned without putting in sustained effort. In contrast to active income, where you trade time for money through your job or services, passive income flows in with little to no regular involvement once systems are in place. It typically requires effort up front, but once running, it can offer financial independence and long-term stability.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some Call It a Solid List</h2>
Supporters of Cardone&#8217;s tweet said the list featured proven ways to build long-term wealth. They argued that while these businesses require upfront effort, they can generate income with minimal daily involvement once set up. One user added that self-storage, in particular, has low overhead and high margins after the initial investment. &#8220;Self-storage is the hidden gem here. Been watching friends crush it.&#8221; Another praised car washes and apartments as strong income generators when properly managed.
Others jumped in with suggestions like vending machines, digital products, print-on-demand merch and even mobile home parks. A few noted that many new developments in their areas were car washes and self-storage units, possibly for these very reasons.&nbsp;
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Others Aren&#8217;t Buying the Hype</h2>
Critics pushed back hard, saying that most of Cardone's list isn't passive at all. They argued that these are active businesses that need constant management. If a machine breaks, it&#8217;s your responsibility. If a tenant has a problem, you have to solve it. One user summed it up: &#8220;None of these are truly passive until you've mastered 3 things: Operations, automation, delegation. You&#8217;re not buying income. You&#8217;re buying systems that free you from the work.&#8221;
&#8220;Video arcades. Thanks boomer,&#8221; another person quipped, poking fun at the outdated feel of some entries on the list.
Some even suggested the list sounded more like a blueprint for money laundering than real investment advice.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ideas for Passive Income Investing</h2>
There are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/passive-income-investing-the-path-to-true-wealth">many ways to invest in passive income</a>. Some are business-based, like the ideas Cardone shared, while others rely more on traditional or digital investments. Here are a few general categories:
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Investment-Based Passive Income</h2>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-dividend-paying-stocks">Dividend Stocks</a>: Earn a share of company profits. Yields can be modest, but with the right picks, they offer steady income.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-buy-bonds">Bonds and Bond Index Funds</a>: Lend money to companies or governments and receive interest. Funds help spread out risk.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-annuity-companies">Annuities</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-mutual-funds">Mutual Funds</a>: Annuities guarantee regular payments; mutual funds offer dividends depending on performance.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-in-private-equity-guide-to-getting-started">Private Equity</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-is-venture-capital">Venture Capital</a>: High risk, but potentially high reward. You invest and earn returns if the business succeeds.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Interest-Based Passive Income</h2>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-savings-accounts">High-Yield Savings Accounts</a>: Lower risk and insured by the government. Pays modest interest.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-5-year-cd-rates">Certificates of Deposit</a>: Fixed rate for a fixed term. Less liquidity but more predictability.
Alternative Investment-Based Passive Income
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-invest-in-real-estate">Real Estate</a>: Rental properties can provide consistent income. Crowdfunding and REITs are options too.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-reits">REITs</a>: Own shares in real estate companies that pay dividends.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-get-into-cryptocurrency">Cryptocurrency</a>: Earn through staking or lending coins. High risk but also potential for high returns.
Cardone sparked an important conversation. Whether you agree with his list or not, it got people thinking about what it really takes to build wealth that works for you, instead of the other way around.
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'Video Arcades? Thanks Boomer'—Grant Cardone Shares Seven Passive Income Ideas, And People Are Amused

President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;has excluded a range of technology products, including certain consumer electronics made in China, from the reciprocal tariffs. The list of exemptions, released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, effectively <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44784092/apple-smci-nvidia-and-amd-stocks-climb-in-monday-pre-market-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduces the scope of the imposed levies</a>.
The exclusions apply to smartphones, laptops, hard drives, and computer processors and memory chips, shielding them from Trump&#8217;s proposed 125% tariff on Chinese goods and the baseline 10% global tariff on most other countries.
Pedestrians in at least three California cities were met with bizarre AI-generated voice clips mimicking Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Meta Platforms Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) Mark Zuckerberg after crosswalk buttons were <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44784312/hacked-crosswalk-buttons-in-california-cities-play-ai-generated-elon-musk-zuckerberg-voice-clips-mocking-democracy-and-begging-for-friends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly hacked over the weekend.</a>
Automotive
Rivian Automotive Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) founder and CEO RJ Scaringe has said the company boasts a "U.S.-centric" supply chain amid&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8216;s 25% <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44836493/rivians-us-centric-supply-chain-could-offer-edge-amid-trumps-auto-tariffs-says-ceo-rj-scaringe" rel="noreferrer noopener">tariffs on the auto industry</a>.
Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) has released a cheaper, long-range version of the Model Y facelift. The new version replaces the limited-run launch edition, which is no longer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44809616/heres-how-the-new-2025-tesla-model-y-long-range-differs-from-the-limited-run-launch-edition" rel="noreferrer noopener">available for sale by the company</a>.
A&nbsp;Tesla Model Y was spotted testing in India&#8217;s Mumbai, adding to the anticipation of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44833951/elon-musk-led-teslas-model-y-spotted-testing-in-mumbai-ahead-of-india-debut" rel="noreferrer noopener">the company&#8217;s debut in India</a>.
Social Media/Entertainment
Netflix Inc.&nbsp;has begun testing an artificial intelligence–powered search engine that enables subscribers to find movies and TV shows based on their emotions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44778760/netflix-debuts-openai-backed-search-engine-that-lets-you-discover-movies-and-tv-shows-based-on-emotions-not-just-titles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preferences, or specific situations</a>.
TikTok‘s U.S. public policy chief,&nbsp;Michael Beckerman, is leaving his Washington-based role to transition <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/04/44856624/tiktoks-us-policy-chief-steps-down-as-bidding-war-heats-up-after-trump-extends-deadline-report">to a global advisory position</a>.
Technology
Nvidia Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) and&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) have reportedly decided to invest in the artificial intelligence startup co-founded by former&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44778730/nvidia-and-alphabet-to-back-openai-co-founder-ilya-sutskevers-new-ai-startup-safe-superintelligence-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44778730/nvidia-and-alphabet-to-back-openai-co-founder-ilya-sutskevers-new-ai-startup-safe-superintelligence-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">chief scientist&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44778730/nvidia-and-alphabet-to-back-openai-co-founder-ilya-sutskevers-new-ai-startup-safe-superintelligence-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ilya Sutskever</a>.
Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s&nbsp;Google&nbsp;rolled out its&nbsp;Veo 2&nbsp;model <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44832438/googles-veo-2-will-allow-you-to-create-high-resolution-videos-with-text-in-gemini-app-sundar-pichai-shows-off-cyberpunk-style-anime" rel="noreferrer noopener">to&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44832438/googles-veo-2-will-allow-you-to-create-high-resolution-videos-with-text-in-gemini-app-sundar-pichai-shows-off-cyberpunk-style-anime" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gemini Advanced</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44832438/googles-veo-2-will-allow-you-to-create-high-resolution-videos-with-text-in-gemini-app-sundar-pichai-shows-off-cyberpunk-style-anime" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;users</a>.
Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s&nbsp;Google&#8217;s DeepMind&nbsp;is diving into marine science with a new AI model designed to help <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44833198/can-ai-talk-to-dolphins-googles-deepmind-creates-dolphingemma-to-explore-animal-language" rel="noreferrer noopener">researchers decode dolphin communication</a>.
Meta Platforms announced Friday it will appoint&nbsp;Dina Powell&nbsp;McCormick&nbsp;and&nbsp;Stripe&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Patrick Collison&nbsp;to its board of directors, effective April 15. The move increased the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44782094/meta-board-shake-up-trump-era-veteran-dina-powell-and-stripe-ceo-join-as-zuckerberg-reshapes-companys-political-and-strategic-direction" rel="noreferrer noopener">board&#8217;s size to 15 members</a>.
Microsoft Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) announced a research preview of &#8220;Computer Use,&#8221; a new tool within&nbsp;Copilot Studio&nbsp;that enables AI agents to perform tasks on desktop and web <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44831264/microsoft-debuts-computer-use-tool-for-copilot-studio-ceo-satya-nadella-says-anyone-can-build-agents-that-take-action-on-the-ui-across-desktop-and-web-apps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">applications by interacting directly</a>.
Bill Gates&nbsp;says artificial intelligence will soon wipe out chronic shortages of skilled workers like doctors and teachers, eventually forcing societies to rethink the value of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44857520/bill-gates-says-his-kids-and-grandkids-will-live-in-a-very-changed-world-as-ai-puts-an-end-to-shortage-of-teachers-and-doctors">time and the concept of ‘work hours</a>'.
Smartphones
Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) investors breathed a much-needed sigh of relief on Friday when the Trump administration announced a decision to exempt iPhones, iPads, and Macs from the latest wave of reciprocal tariffs. This might have saved the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44788262/apples-margins-catch-a-break-but-road-ahead-still-looks-bumpy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> company from a near-term cost storm</a>.
Image: Shutterstock/Gorodenkoff

Large Cap

AAPL

GOOG

MSFT

NFLX

RIVN

Consumer Tech News (Apr 14-Apr 18): Trump's 125% China Tariff Sidesteps Consumer Tech, Tesla Model Y Spotted in India & More

Companies with a long history of paying dividends and consistently hiking them remain appealing to income-focused investors. Evergy, Sempra, and Philip Morris have rewarded shareholders for years and recently announced dividend increases. These companies currently offer dividend yields of over 3%.
Evergy
Evergy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVRG#NASDAQ">EVRG</a>) engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the U.S. It generates electricity through coal, landfill gas, uranium, and natural gas and oil sources, as well as solar, wind, and other renewable sources.
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Evergy has raised its dividends consecutively for the last seven years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Nov. 7, the company's board increased the quarterly payout by 4% to $0.6675 per share, equal to an annual figure of $2.67 per share. The current dividend yield is 3.93%.
Evergy's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $5.85 billion. According to its most recent release on Feb. 27, it posted Q4 2024 revenues of $1.26 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $1.24 billion, while EPS of $0.35 came in below the consensus of $0.37.
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
Sempra
Sempra (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRE#NYSE">SRE</a>) operates as an energy infrastructure company in the U.S. and internationally.
The company increased its dividends consecutively for the last 15 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Feb. 25, it raised the quarterly payout from $0.62 to $0.645 per share, which is equal to an annual figure of $2.58 per share. The current yield on the dividend is 3.67%.
Sempra's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $13.19 billion. In its Q4 2024 earnings announcement on Feb. 25, the company posted revenues of $3.76 billion and EPS of $1.50. Both figures came in below expectations.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/04/44812332/analyst-expectations-for-sempras-future">article by Benzinga</a> for 14 analysts' insights on Sempra.
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
Philip Morris
Philip Morris International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) operates as a tobacco company. The company offers cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.
Philip Morris has raised its dividends every year for the past 17 years. In the company&#8217;s most recent dividend hike announcement on Sept. 12, it increased the quarterly payout from $1.30 to $1.35 per share, equaling an annual figure of $5.40 per share. More recently, in its dividend announcement on March 6, the company maintained the payout at the same level. The current dividend yield on the stock is 3.37%.
The company&#8217;s annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $37.88 billion. In its Q4 2024 earnings release on Feb. 6, it posted revenues of $9.71 billion and EPS of $1.55, both above the consensus estimates.
Evergy, Sempra, and Philip Morris are good choices for investors seeking reliable passive income. Their dividend yields of over 3% and long history of consistent hikes make them attractive to income-focused investors.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44830336/how-kimberly-clark-txnm-energy-and-getty-realty-can-put-cash-in-your-pocket">article by Benzinga</a> for three more stocks offering high dividend yields.&nbsp;
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EVRG

Looking For Yields: Evergy, Sempra, And Philip Morris Are Consistent Moneymakers

Chocolate lovers are in for a rude awakening this Easter, with their favorite bars, cherished brands, and even the iconic Cadbury Creme Egg are significantly dearer compared to prior years.
The 370% rally in cocoa prices, from $2,600 a ton in 2023 to $12,200 in April 2024, is more than just a bitter pill for consumers. It is weighing on the entire supply chain, from farmers and traders to confectionery giants and small chocolatiers alike.
While prices have stabilized this year, they are still well above historic averages at $7,750 a ton, and analysts warn that there is little relief on the horizon.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Turmoil In West Africa &#8211; Poor Weather, Crop Failures &amp; Floods</h2>
The world produces nearly 6 million tonnes of cocoa beans each year, with two-thirds of them coming from the West African nations of Ghana and Ivory Coast. Starting with the 2022-23 cocoa season, however, the region has been hit by a perfect storm of floods, crop failures, and shifting weather patterns.
According to the International Cocoa Association, the global market has faced three consecutive years of deficit, the latest being a 150,000 tonne deficit during the 2024-25 season.&nbsp;
Following devastating floods that wiped out key growing regions, the extra dry Harmattan season roasted the cocoa pods, according to a <a href="https://think.ing.com/articles/cocoa-deficit-concerns-grow-chocolate-prices-record/">report</a> by ING Group analysts. Harmattan refers to dusty easterly or north-easterly winds on the West African coast that prevail between December to February. 
To make matters worse, nearly 600,000 hectares of the 1.4 million hectares of land in Ghana that is under cocoa production has been infected with Swollen Foot Virus, which affects cocoa trees, harming their yield, and ultimately killing them, according to Reuters.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="710" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-1024x710.png" alt="" class="wp-image-878110" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-1024x710.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-300x208.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com-768x532.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18044906/cc1_com.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Chart representing Cocoa prices in USD per Tonne: source: tradingeconomics.com
Even as the dust settles on these issues, climate change-driven shifting weather patterns are threatening to destroy West Africa's cocoa industry for good.
Max Dugan-Knight, a climate data scientist at Deep Sky, a Canadian carbon capture startup, says that cocoa is grown in tropical climates, but persistent temperatures above 90°F kill cocoa trees. Both Ivory Coast and Ghana now see extended periods above these thresholds every year.
Climate change is causing more extreme heat, extreme precipitation, and larger swings between hot and cold and wet and dry. None of that is good for crops like cocoa, he adds.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tariffs &amp; Other Structural Issues</h2>
While critical problems continue to persist across key areas of the supply, new structural issues have since cropped up, further adding to the complexity of this crisis.
With just two days left for Easter, the White House is planning its annual Easter Egg Roll, a time-honored tradition going back nearly 150 years. The event will use 30,000 real eggs, but for those who want to celebrate with chocolate Easter Bunnies and eggs, things aren't as festive.
Recently, the U.S. Government <a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44616760/donald-trump-sets-reciprocal-tariffs-on-key-trade-partners-in-historic-policy-shock">imposed reciprocal tariffs</a> of 21% on the Ivory Coast and 10% on Ghana, making cocoa more expensive for importers and chocolate producers located in the United States. To make matters worse, no region in the U.S. besides small parts of Hawaii is suitable for cultivating cocoa.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shrinkflation Takes Hold of Big Chocolate</h2>
The big chocolate and confectionery companies such as Hershey Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) and Mondelez International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>), which owns Cadbury's, have come under pressure from rising raw material prices, but not to the extent that was expected.
While cocoa prices have rallied over 300%, Hershey's has raised prices by 12% to 13% for some products, Mondelez by less than 10% for its chocolate products, while other popular brands such as Lindt &amp; Spruengli AG have hiked prices by 6.5%.
According to the consumer price index, the retail price of chocolate has increased by 3% over the past year. A part of this was owing to the extensive hedging strategies and long-term contracts used by the big companies to handle volatility, but that doesn't last very long.
As cocoa prices show no signs of retreating, companies have begun employing other strategies to maintain their prices and margins in the long run.&nbsp;
This includes a reduction in product sizes, or ‘Shrinkflation,' along with changing formulations, with some products now labeled &#8220;chocolatey&#8221; or &#8220;chocolate flavored&#8221; to reflect reduced cocoa content, according to a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-29/rising-cocoa-prices-drive-mars-hersey-to-use-less-chocolate">report</a> by Bloomberg.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Small Craft Chocolatiers Are Doing Better</h2>
Smaller craft chocolatiers see an opportunity in this crisis and are using their unique niche positioning to pass on the costs to consumers.
According to Chaitanya Muppala, the CEO of Manam Chocolate, an Indian craft chocolate brand focused on ethical sourcing and sustainability, "Given that for many companies the cacao content is going to change to cushion the volatility, this stands as an opportunity for us to truly familiarize people with premium quality, world-class chocolate."
Muppala adds that fine flavor cacao that craft chocolatiers work with has always traded at a premium to bulk cacao, and while the gap has narrowed, it still trades at a considerable premium. "We don't bother much about spot cacao prices," he says.
According to Carla Martin, director of the Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute at Harvard University, there are 400 specialty chocolate companies in the U.S., a number that has doubled since 2017. She now worries that the rising prices alongside the new tariffs by the Trump administration could kill this nascent industry, as <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/01/03/climate-related-cocoa-shortages-put-strain-on-the-global-chocolate-industry">reported</a> by The Marketplace. &nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Easter Bunnies: More Expensive Than Ever, Not Getting Any Cheaper</h2>
Chocolate Easter bunnies, already costlier to produce due to their intricate shapes, are expected to see price increases, with German manufacturers reporting bunnies are 2 to 3 times more expensive than regular chocolate bars, according to a <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/germany-high-global-cocoa-prices-hamper-easter-bunny-output/a-72220808">report</a> by DW.&nbsp;
Cocoa's rally has turned a holiday indulgence into a bellwether for climate resilience and trade policy. Whether the industry can channel record prices into better farm incomes and sustainable replanting will determine if the current boom ends in relief, or another meltdown the following Easter.
Photo Courtesy: LenaAndPhoto via Shutterstock.com
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Commodities

Exclusives

MDLZ

Easter Candy Sticker Shock: Trump Tariffs And Climate Threaten to Make Your Chocolate Bunny A Luxury Item

<ul>
<li>Coinbase Institutional has suggested that the cryptocurrency market is at the start of a bearish cycle.</li>
<li>Bitcoin and major altcoins have fallen below a key technical level.</li>
<li>Coinbase Institutional does not expect the cryptocurrency bear market cycle to last long.</li>
</ul>
Amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44830360/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-match-stock-futures-decline-as-nvidia-faces-pressure-analyst-sees-signs-of-resumption-of-btcs-uptrend">declining prices and growing market uncertainty</a> over the past few months, the burning question on the minds of several cryptocurrency market participants has been: Is the bull market cycle over?
Coinbase Institutional, the institution-facing arm of the leading U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, is the latest to attempt to answer the question. The answer? Probably, especially in the short term.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">‘Crypto Winter'</h2>
&#8220;Several converging signals may be pointing to the start of a new &#8216;crypto winter,'&#8221; Coinbase Institutional Global Head of Research David Duong asserted in a Tuesday <a href="https://www.coinbase.com/institutional/research-insights/research/monthly-outlook/monthly-outlook-apr-2025">note</a>.
Crypto winter is an extended bear market phase characterized by falling prices, low volumes, and negative market sentiment.
Amid market uncertainty sparked by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44845141/nvidia-drags-wall-street-down-gold-defies-gravity-ahead-of-powell-remarks-whats-driving-markets-wednesday">the U.S.-led trade war</a>, Duong argues that Bitcoin has been trading in bear market territory since late March and altcoins, specifically the top 50 coins per market cap, since the end of February, citing the 200-day moving average.
The moving average is a technical indicator traders often rely on to cut through the noise from market fluctuations and identify the underlying trend. The 200DMA, in particular, is widely believed to indicate long-term market trends. If an asset&#8217;s price is above the indicator, it is considered to be in a bull market and vice versa.
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Bitcoin fell below the 200DMA on March 9 and has failed to hold above since.
Beyond the 200DMA, Duong highlighted significant declines in the total cryptocurrency market capitalization and venture capital funding as further evidence that cryptocurrencies were in a bear market cycle.
Specifically, he noted that the total crypto market capitalization, excluding Bitcoin, stood at $950 billion, down 41% from a December 2024 high of $1.6 trillion and 17% year-on-year.
At the same time, according to the analyst, venture capital funding in the cryptocurrency space remains over 50% below the levels observed during the height of the 2021-2022 cycle, suggesting reduced fresh capital inflows, especially for altcoins.
But Duong remains optimistic that the current cryptocurrency bear market trajectory may not last long.&nbsp;
&#8220;We still believe that crypto prices may be able to find their floor in mid-to-late 2Q25 &#8211; setting up a better 3Q25,&#8221; he wrote.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Improved Global Liquidity</h2>
Speaking to Benzinga about why Coinbase Institutional is anticipating a Q3 market recovery, Duong explained that he expects global liquidity to recover in late Q2, helped by anticipated lower borrowing costs from interest rate reductions. At the same time, he asserted that secular trends like AI were likely to sustain long-term growth.
&#8220;Thus, we think it&#8217;s possible that this quarter may represent the low for crypto prices in 2025 – barring any major paradigm shifts – as tax cuts, deregulation and other stimulative fiscal policies may yet materialize later this year. That would also enable some of positive [sic] crypto regulatory developments to support markets,&#8221; he submitted.
The positive cryptocurrency regulatory developments referenced by Duong likely refer to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/25/04/44758705/ripple-sec-move-to-end-legal-dispute-as-both-sides-withdraw-appeals">the less combative approach</a> regulators have taken to the sector under President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44420122/donald-trump-calls-for-stablecoin-legislation-lauds-bitcoin-reserve-biden-got-a-fraction-of-their-value">the push to pass pro-cryptocurrency regulation</a> before year-end.
Citing similar factors, Cardano founder <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44781236/why-cardano-founder-sees-bitcoin-hitting-250k-this-year-despite-trump-tariffs">Charles Hoskinson recently contended</a> that Bitcoin still had the potential to surge to a new price record of $250,000 this year. At the time of writing, however, the asset is struggling to hold above the $85,000 price point.
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Image: Shutterstock

Coinbase Institutional Says Several Signs Point To 'Crypto Winter' But Remains Optimistic About H2 2025

Crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen anticipates that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) will maintain its dominance over altcoins until there are alterations in the US monetary policy.
What Happened: In a video post on Wednesday, Cowen communicated his insights to his 892,000 YouTube subscribers. He anticipates that the total market cap of altcoins, excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum, will persist in its decline against Bitcoin.
Cowen&#8217;s prediction is that Bitcoin will continue to outperform altcoins until the US Federal Reserve relaxes its monetary policy. &#8220;My base case right now for Bitcoin dominance is that it will likely go higher until quantitative tightening is over,&#8221; Cowen expressed in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMU14i4PIYk">post</a>.
The term Bitcoin dominance refers to the proportion of Bitcoin&#8217;s total market capitalization in comparison to all other crypto assets. A rise in Bitcoin dominance signifies that Bitcoin is either ascending faster than other crypto assets or its descent is less severe.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44884222/bitcoin-solana-and-pepe-show-bullish-reversal-signs-amid-market-recovery">Bitcoin, Solana and Pepe Show Bullish Reversal Signs Amid Market Recovery</a>
Regarding the timeline for the Federal Reserve to relax its monetary policy, Cowen said, &#8220;Now, I don&#8217;t know how long it&#8217;s&nbsp;going to take them to&nbsp;end quantitative tightening, it&#8217;s&nbsp;possible they end it this&nbsp;summer.&#8221;
At the time of the report, Bitcoin was trading at $84,270.
Why It Matters: The dominance of Bitcoin over altcoins has significant implications for investors and the broader cryptocurrency market. If Bitcoin continues to outperform altcoins, it could lead to a consolidation of investment in Bitcoin, potentially driving its price even higher. 
Conversely, a shift in the US monetary policy that leads to an easing of the Federal Reserve&#8217;s current stance could disrupt this trend, leading to a more even distribution of investment across different cryptocurrencies. 
This prediction by Cowen provides valuable insight for investors navigating the volatile cryptocurrency market.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44065728/crypto-analyst-predicts-195-bitcoin-rally-says-bull-market-not-over-yet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crypto Analyst Predicts 195% Bitcoin Rally, Says Bull Market Not Over Yet</a>

This Crypto Analyst Forecasts Bitcoin's Superiority Over Altcoins Until This Happens

<ul>
<li>On Monday, Meta and the FTC began a faceoff in court over monopoly claims</li>
<li>If the FTC wins, Meta will be forced to sell off apps like Instagram and WhatsApp</li>
<li>Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's relationship with President Donald Trump has been called into question, as many worry that it could potentially sway the outcome of the trial</li>
</ul>
The US government began a closely watched aantitrust case against Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) on Monday. The Federal Trade Commission's <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/191-0134-facebook-inc-ftc-v-ftc-v-meta-platforms-inc">suit alleges</a> that the company has illegally built a "social networking monopoly" through years of "anticompetitive conduct." Defending his company's actions, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand on the first day of proceedings, answering questions about the company's intentions in purchasing apps like Instagram and WhatsApp, and his oft-repeated philosophy "it's better to buy than compete," according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-ftc-antitrust-instagram-whatsapp-facebook-f602a09e86c9eb4538949572f72e8380">Associated Press</a>.&nbsp;
If the government wins the case, Meta will be forced to sell off Instagram and WhatsApp, and other tech giants, like Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>, GOOG)) and Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), would be put on notice.
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Historically, the FTC has operated with a large degree of independence, meaning its investigators have been shielded from political pressure. But over the course of his second term, President Donald Trump seems to be bucking those norms. This could have a significant impact on the outcome of the case.
In January, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/technology/mark-zuckerberg-meta-trump.html">The New York Times</a> reported that Zuckerberg told employees, "We now have an opportunity to have a productive partnership with the United States government," and "we're going to take that." His comments came after months of private dinners with Trump and those his camp, trips to Mar-a-Lago, and policy changes on his platforms that benefited Trump. The Times reported earlier this month that Zuckerberg visited the White House to urge Trump to intervene in the case.
At the time, a Meta spokesman Andy Stone, told the Times that the company "regularly meets with policymakers to discuss issues impacting competitiveness, national security, and economic growth," essentially implying that the visit wasn't out of the norm. But still, the meeting has raised concerns that Zuckerberg and Meta have been unfairly attempting to sway the outcome in their favor.
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But the question remains, will it work? Maybe, maybe not.
The biggest hurdle will be the U.S. district judge assigned to the case, Judge James Boasberg. Described by Trump as a "Radical Left Lunatic," Boasberg has a nonpartisan record and a sterling reputation in legal circles. However, he has rejected Meta's bids to dismiss the suit once, and seems to be unswayed by Trump so far, ruling against the president's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members, although he was largely overruled by the Supreme Court.
But Meta isn't giving up. Ahead of the trial, a company spokesman told <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/14/media/meta-ftc-trial/index.html">CNN</a>, "Regulators should be supporting American innovation, rather than seeking to break up a great American company and further advantaging China on critical issues like AI." And Meta reportedly plans to argue at trial that it remaining so large and expansive is critical, as it provides an American answer and competitor to foreign-owned platforms like TikTok and domestic competitors like YouTube and X, per CNN.&nbsp;
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Image: Shutterstock

AMZN

GOOGL

Meta Faces An Antitrust Lawsuit, FTC Says Company Holds A 'Social Network Monopoly'

In a surprising turn of events, the&nbsp;acting commissioner of the Internal&nbsp;Revenue Service (IRS) has been replaced, following a dispute with billionaire&nbsp;Elon Musk. The move comes amidst increasing concerns over Musk&#8217;s influence within the Trump administration.
What Happened: The interim head of the IRS, Gary Shapley, was replaced after a disagreement with Musk. The report suggests that Musk, through his Department of Government Efficiency, had pushed for Shapley&#8217;s appointment, bypassing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
As per the report <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/18/us/politics/irs-scott-bessent-elon-musk.html">by </a>New York Times, Bessent, who was reportedly unaware of Musk&#8217;s involvement, expressed his dissatisfaction to President Trump, who then approved the reversal of Shapley&#8217;s appointment.
The Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Michael Faulkender, is expected to step in as the acting head of the IRS. He will hold the position until the Senate approves the President&#8217;s nominee for the permanent role, former congressman Billy Long.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44778605/elon-musk-digging-my-own-grave-by-tying-himself-to-doge">Elon Musk: &#8216;Digging My Own Grave&#8217; by Tying Himself to DOGE</a>
This leadership change at the IRS is the latest in a series of temporary appointments under the Trump administration. 
The previous interim head, Melanie Krause, resigned after the Treasury Department decided to use IRS data to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement in deporting undocumented immigrants.
The IRS has declined to comment on the situation. However, this incident underscores the growing concern over Musk&#8217;s&nbsp;influence in the Trump administration, adding to the existing turmoil within the IRS.
Why It Matters: This incident is indicative of the ongoing power struggles within the Trump administration, particularly regarding the influence of private sector figures like Musk. 
The frequent changes in leadership at the IRS, a crucial government agency, could potentially impact its effectiveness and stability. 
Moreover, the use of IRS data for immigration enforcement has raised ethical and legal questions, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43768756/privacy-concerns-emerge-as-elon-musks-doge-team-seeks-access-to-taxpayer-data" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Privacy Concerns Emerge As Elon Musk's DOGE Team Seeks Access to Taxpayer Data</a>

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