Risk sentiment deteriorated sharply in the second half of the week after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported automobiles, compounding concerns <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44506717/trumps-25-auto-tariff-raises-will-cast-shadow-on-interest-rates-says-economist-tesla-investor-gary-black-says-president-found-further-ways-to-push-the-economy-into-recession-today">about rising inflationary pressures.</a>



On Wednesday evening, the White House revealed plans to impose a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44517885/trump-slaps-25-tariffs-on-autos-what-it-means-for-your-next-car-purchase">25% tariff on auto imports,</a> in addition to a set of reciprocal tariffs expected to be unveiled next week. The administration cited national security risks as the justification for the measures, which may also extend to auto parts by May.



The policy shift sent shockwaves across the automotive industry. Michigan-based giants General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) and Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) posted steep losses in the wake of the announcement. In contrast, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) — both of which manufacture all their vehicles domestically — proved more resilient.



According to Goldman Sachs estimates, the tariffs could push vehicle prices up by $5,000 to $15,000, adding significant cost <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44515578/trumps-25-tariff-set-to-hike-imported-car-prices-up-to-15000-higher-goldman-sachs-warns">pressure on American consumers.</a>



The market impact didn't stop at autos. Broader sectors were also dragged lower amid fears Trump could escalate trade tensions next week with key commercial partners, especially as the U.S. trade deficit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44513963/us-gdp-growth-upwardly-revised-in-q4-trade-deficit-slightly-narrows-as-auto-exports-soar-in-february">remains near record highs.</a>



Tariff tensions are now bleeding into inflation data. The Fed's preferred inflation gauge — the core Personal Consumption Expenditures price index — rose 2.8% year-over-year in February, surpassing expectations of 2.7%. The unexpected acceleration further complicates the Federal Reserve's case for near-term rate cuts.



But the worst surprise came Friday. The University of Michigan's consumer survey revised inflation expectations even higher. Americans now expect inflation to average 4.1% over the next five years, up 0.2 percentage points from earlier estimates and the highest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44537936/consumer-inflation-expectations-skyrocket-in-march-hit-highest-levels-in-32-years">level since February 1993.</a>



Overall consumer sentiment plunged to its lowest level since November 2022, as households grow increasingly uneasy about the labor market outlook.



Amid the prevailing uncertainty, gold reaffirmed its status as a safe-haven asset, climbing to new record highs by week's end.



Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44524354/us-debt-to-explode-past-world-war-ii-highs-threatens-growth-for-decades-cbo-says">Congressional Budget Office delivered</a> another wake-up call: there&#8217;s no end in sight to America's growing debt burden. The national debt is projected to surpass its World War II peak by 2029, and soar to 156% of GDP by 2055 — with no signs of slowing thereafter.



Read now: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44542821/inflation-will-accelerate-in-coming-months-if-april-2-tariffs-take-effect-economist-warns">&#8216;Inflation Will Accelerate In Coming Months&#8217; If April 2 Tariffs Take Effect, Economist Warns</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: janews via Shutterstock

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Trump's 25% Auto Tariffs Rattle Wall Street, Fed's Favorite Inflation Gauge Surges, Consumer Price Worries Rocket: This Week In Markets

Each week,&nbsp;Benzinga&#8217;s Stock Whisper Index&nbsp;uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.



Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.



Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44124338/exclusive-februarys-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-tesla-palantir-alibaba-nvidia-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: February&#8217;s 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro – Where Do Tesla, Palantir, Alibaba, Nvidia Rank?</a>



Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending March 28:



Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIT#NYSE">AIT</a>): The industrial products distributor saw strong interest from readers during the week. KeyBanc recently maintained an Overweight rating on the stock while lowering the price target from $325 to $275. Applied Industrial will likely report third-quarter financial results in late April. The company missed earnings per share estimates in the second quarter but has beaten analyst estimates in nine of the last 10 quarters. The company also missed revenue estimates in the second quarter but has beaten analyst estimates in seven of the last 10 quarters. Applied Industrial <a href="https://ir.applied.com/news/news-details/2025/Applied-Industrial-Technologies-Reports-Fiscal-2025-Second-Quarter-Results/default.aspx">raised </a>full-year guidance after the second quarter thanks to its strong quarter and the Hydradyne acquisition. The stock will be one to watch ahead of the next earnings report.



Applied Industrial stock was down for the week, as seen on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0328">Benzinga Pro chart </a>below. The stock is up 14% over the last year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0328"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160513/Screenshot-366.png" alt="" class="wp-image-847698" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160513/Screenshot-366.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160513/Screenshot-366-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160513/Screenshot-366-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (NYES: WPM): Mining stocks like Wheaton Precious Metals saw increased interest from readers with gold at record prices and President Donald Trump encouraging more mining. The stock trades near all-time highs with a recent strong fourth quarter showing the company beating earnings per share for the fourth time in five quarters. The company missed revenue estimates in the fourth quarter, which was the third straight quarter of missing analyst estimates. Wheaton reported record revenue, adjusted net earnings and operating cash flow in 2024. The company has 18 operating mines and 28 development projects. A five-year outlook from the company calls for annual production to increase by 40% to 870,000 gold equivalent ounces. With gold prices at all-time highs, the stock could be one in the sector that investors keep an eye on, given the record 2024 and five-year growth outlook.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0328"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="991" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160530/Screenshot-367.png" alt="" class="wp-image-847699" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160530/Screenshot-367.png 991w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160530/Screenshot-367-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160530/Screenshot-367-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 991px) 100vw, 991px" /></a></figure>



Newmont Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEM#NYSE">NEM</a>): Speaking of gold and mining, the world's largest gold miner Newmont also saw increased interest from readers. The company <a href="https://www.newmont.com/investors/news-release/news-details/2025/Newmont-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2024-Results-Provides-Full-Year-2025-Guidance/default.aspx">reported </a>fourth-quarter results in February, with strong results reported including a focus on getting rid of non-core assets and focusing on Tier-1 assets. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in three of the last four quarters and beaten analyst estimates for revenue in three of the last four quarters. With investors looking for exposure to gold and other precious metals, Newmont could continue to see shares trade higher. The stock was up around 2% on the week and shares are up 34% over the last year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0328"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="454" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160548/Screenshot-368.png" alt="" class="wp-image-847700" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160548/Screenshot-368.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160548/Screenshot-368-300x136.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160548/Screenshot-368-768x348.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>



Welltower Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WELL#NYSE">WELL</a>): The healthcare REIT saw increased interest from readers during the week. The company owns a portfolio of over 2,0000 senior housing properties, medical offices and skilled nursing properties. Several analysts have raised their price targets on the stock ahead of first-quarter financial results, which will likely be reported next month. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in four straight quarters and beaten analyst estimates for revenue in two straight quarters. Earlier this month, Welltower <a href="https://welltower.com/investors/press-release-details/?id=780">announced </a>the acquisition of 38 ultra-luxury senior housing communities and nine entitled development parcels from Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.



The stock trades near all-time highs and shares are up 34% over the last year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0328"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160603/Screenshot-369.png" alt="" class="wp-image-847701" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160603/Screenshot-369.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160603/Screenshot-369-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160603/Screenshot-369-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>



Deere &amp; Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DE#NYSE">DE</a>): One of the larger stocks to appear on the Stock Whisper Index is agricultural equipment company Deere &amp; Company. Readers were drawn to the company this week with minimal news. The industrial sector continues to see pressure due to tariff threats and concerns that there will be declines in investment and large spending on equipment. Deere &amp; Company's next earnings results will come around May. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in 10 straight quarters and beaten revenue estimates in more than 10 straight quarters. In February, the company's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43692928/deeres-q1-earnings-beat-forecasts-yet-sales-and-profits-slide-amid-declining-equipment-demand">first-quarter results </a>beat estimates, but several segments saw double-digit declines on a year-over-year basis. Guidance for the full year shows some recovery in the company's main operating segments.



Deere &amp; Company&#8217;s stock was down on the week, but shares are up 13% over the last year. The stock is one to watch if industrials show a turnaround or strength going forward.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0328"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160619/Screenshot-370.png" alt="" class="wp-image-847702" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160619/Screenshot-370.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160619/Screenshot-370-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28160619/Screenshot-370-768x388.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>



Stay tuned for next week&#8217;s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0328" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>



Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/44053760/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-55" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">February 28</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44209284/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-56" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">March 7</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44333602/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">March 14</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44448522/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-58">March 21</a></li>
</ul>



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/01/43041374/exclusive-how-high-will-sp-500-go-under-donald-trump-in-2025-readers-are-optimistic-26-say-this" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: How High Will S&amp;P 500 Go Under Donald Trump In 2025? Readers Are Optimistic, 26% Say This…</a></li>
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Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

The anchor underpinning trust in the U.S. monetary system, that is the confidence in the Federal Reserve's ability to keep consumer price changes on track, is facing its most severe test in decades, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44537936/consumer-inflation-expectations-skyrocket-in-march-hit-highest-levels-in-32-years">as inflation expectations spiral.</a>



Investors appear to be running out of patience, pouring capital into the one asset that has historically acted like a magnet during moments of economic uncertainty and when the anchor of price stability shows signs of corrosion.



Gold prices – as tracked by the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>) – are rising with unrelenting force, smashing historical records week after week, just as consumer inflation fears experience their sharpest surge in more than three decades.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Is Gold Sending A Warning Signal?</h3>



According to the latest data from the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey, 5- to 10-year inflation expectations jumped to 4.1%—a level unseen since 1993. 



That&#8217;s a stark divergence from the 20-year average of about 3%. Meanwhile, one-year inflation expectations surged to 5.0% from 2.6% just three months ago, as consumers and producers alike face the brunt of higher costs and persistent supply chain disruptions, compounded in part by President Donald Trump&#8216;s tariffs.



"The spike in long-term inflation expectations is really quite shocking," said Robin Brooks, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former chief economist at the Institute of International Finance, in a post on social media platform X.



The spike in inflation expectations is being fueled in part by the front-loading of imports ahead of anticipated tariff escalations, contributing to a staggering $300 billion trade deficit in just two months, according to macroeconomic research firm The Kobeissi Letter.



In February, the U.S. Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index—the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge—rose 2.8% year over year, slightly above expectations of 2.7%, undermining hopes of imminent rate cuts from the Fed.



Combined with deteriorating consumer sentiment, this backdrop has some analysts warning about a potential stagflationary environment—where stagnant growth meets persistently high inflation.



Longtime gold bull and economist Peter Schiff wrote on X, "Despite constant media hype and the Trump Administration establishing a Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) Strategic Reserve, Bitcoin is down 11% YTD. Gold is up 18% YTD. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44543709/peter-schiff-tells-bitcoin-hodlers-to-get-a-clue-as-gold-outpaces-digital-gold">Get a clue HODLers."</a>



The anonymous derivatives investor known as Heisenberg (@Mr_Derivatives) wrote on X: "Gold is sending a clear message that everything is NOT ok. To see it go up every day and entering a parabolic phase… my spidey tingles."



<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"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24GLD&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$GLD</a> Gold is sending a clear message that everything is NOT ok. To see it go up every day and entering a parabolic phase…. Hmmm. My spidey tingles….&mdash; Heisenberg (@Mr_Derivatives) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mr_Derivatives/status/1905603366115287292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gold Patterns Flash Bullish Signals</h3>



Whether investors focus on technical patterns, macro fundamentals or seasonal trends, gold is radiating strength from every possible angle.



Technically, gold's rally has entered a parabolic phase. Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, noted that a "cup-and-handle formation that took 13 years to develop has seen its target reached within one year. Truly amazing run."



<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"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gold</a>: A cup-and-handle formation that took 13 years to develop, has seen its target reached within one year. Truly amazing run <a href="https://t.co/QTaiuTKNux">pic.twitter.com/QTaiuTKNux</a>&mdash; Ole S Hansen (@Ole_S_Hansen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ole_S_Hansen/status/1905532163744735524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Data revealed Friday by Bank of America&#8217;s chief investment strategist Michael Hartnett shows gold-related investment products saw a record $3.2 billion inflow during the week ending March 21, the largest on record, reflecting a rapid repositioning by investors as inflation fears intensify.



Goldman Sachs analyst Daan Struyven said that in &#8220;tail-risk scenarios,&#8221; if fears about the Federal Reserve's independence or the U.S. dollar's reserve status escalate, central bank demand for gold could surge to 110 tonnes per month.



&#8220;[With] ETF holdings to rebound to pandemic-era levels by end-2025, and positioning to reach the top of its historical range, gold could plausibly trade above $4,200/toz by end-2025 and exceed $4,500/toz within the next 12 months. We view this as a very low-probability event, but include it to illustrate the nonlinear upside to gold prices,&#8221; Goldman Sachs said.



Seasonality could also be a tailwind. According to data analytics firm Seasonality.ai, gold tends to rally between April 1 and April 13, with a 100% win rate over the past 10 years during this specific window. 



The average return in that period has been 2.8%, adding yet another bullish layer to the metal&#8217;s short-term outlook.



Read Next: 



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44542821/inflation-will-accelerate-in-coming-months-if-april-2-tariffs-take-effect-economist-warns">&#8216;Inflation Will Accelerate In Coming Months&#8217; If April 2 Tariffs Take Effect, Economist Warns</a></li>
</ul>



Image created with photos from Shutterstock.

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'My Spidey Tingles' — Gold's Surge Has Some Investors On Edge

A planned nationwide protest known as "Tesla Takeover" is happening on Saturday with the goal of pushing Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk out of the government in his current role helping the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44242181/elon-musk-admits-juggling-between-tesla-doge-is-difficult-says-running-businesses-with-great-difficulty-a">Department of Government Efficiency.</a>



An event organizer told Benzinga about the reasons behind the protests, the changes they are advocating for, and their concerns that non-violent protesters are being unfairly linked to violent demonstrators and criticized by Musk and President Donald Trump.



About Tesla Takedown: While many have heard about the keying of Tesla vehicles and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44403377/elon-musk-calls-it-extreme-domestic-terrorism-after-website-publishes-data-on-us-tesla-owners">lighting Tesla vehicles </a>on fire at a select number of Tesla dealerships across the country, Americans may be unfamiliar with the non-violent Tesla protests happening weekly or biweekly at dealerships.



Adam Sheridan, a volunteer organizer with the Cooper River Indivisible<a href="https://www.cooperriverindivisible.org/"> non-profit</a>, told Benzinga that Tesla Takedown is the result of organic growth of nationwide protests.



"Tesla Takedown was something a lot of people were thinking of on their own," Sheridan told Benzinga.



Sheridan said the goal of <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/teslatakedown">Tesla Takedown</a> and his group is to get Musk out of the government. On March 29, protests will happen at Tesla dealerships across the country.



Benzinga reached out to Tesla to comment on this story and did not hear back at the time of publication.



"Elon Musk seems to have purchased the American government," Sheridan said.



Believing Musk's influence stems largely from his wealth, particularly through Tesla, protesters chose Tesla dealerships as their primary demonstration sites.



"We wanted to bring that fight directly to the front lines," Sheridan added.



Sheridan said the protests are growing in number and the initial Feb. 22 event had 350 people, blowing past his expectations of 20 people.



"We knew we were onto something there."



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44455245/tesla-vandalism-no-coordinated-efforts-detected-experts-dispute-elon-musk-and-trumps-allegations">Tesla Vandalism: No Coordinated Efforts Detected, Experts Dispute Elon Musk And Trump&#8217;s Allegations</a>



Fighting Against Elon Musk: Sheridan told Benzinga that it&#8217;s important to emphasize that the protest is against Elon Musk, not Tesla, its workers, or its shareholders.



"It's a protest against Elon Musk. What we want is we want Elon Musk out of the government," he said.



Sheridan said that Musk is "unelected" and nobody voted for him in the 2024 election.



The protest organizer said that groups are supportive of electric vehicles and some protestors even drive Tesla vehicles as they can't afford to trade them in currently. Sheridan drives a Ford F-150 Lightning himself and says his wife drives a Honda Prologue.



If Tesla were to fire Musk, Sheridan said the protests might stop and protestors could become customers.



Sheridan also said that hurting Tesla's stock price isn't a goal, noting that Tesla's stock price has been "divorced from market fundamentals" for a while, given its premium price-to-earnings ratio compared to competitors and similar companies.



After several weeks, Sheridan said the protests are "definitely working" and have caught the attention of Musk and others.



Sheridan said the goal is to make the case publicly that Musk is a "malignant influence in our government." The protest organizer cited Musk&#8217;s involvement in cuts to programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and the Department of Education.



The March 29 Tesla Takedown Day represents the growth of individual events and the desire to present a united front, Sheridan said.



Who Funds the Protests?: Sheridan said he and other protest leaders get a good laugh out of rumors that billionaires are funding their efforts against Musk.



"It's really funny to us when we hear Elon say George Soros is funding us," Sheridan told Benzinga.



Sheridan said he's been a volunteer for years for various causes and doesn't get paid and even has to pay for his own food and protests signs.



The protest leader brushes off Musk's notion that ActBlue is funding the protests, saying Musk is a smart guy who founded PayPal, which means he should know that ActBlue is a payment processor.



"I know he knows this. He's just spreading the propaganda. His general strategy is just dishonesty."



Non-Violent Protests: Sheridan is quick to highlight the difference between his group and other Tesla protests versus the violent acts being committed at select locations in a limited fashion.



"We absolutely condemn any acts of violence or vandalism," Sheridan said.



Sheridan said his group draws inspiration from the Civil Rights Movement and believes those engaging in violence and vandalism are hurting his and others&#8217; cause.



At Tesla Takedown events and other non-violent protests, guidelines are handed out to participants. Sheridan said there are also de-escalators to manage interactions with counter-protesters and safety personnel to ensure people stay off roads and don't impede traffic.



As the Tesla protests gain steam and get more coverage, Sheridan said concerns about counter-protesters and retaliation have grown.



"We do worry a lot about violence against us."



While many protests against Tesla have remained non-violent, President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have criticized them. Sheridan said the characterization of non-violent protesters as domestic terrorists &#8220;fuels people&#8221; to continue protesting.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/43172806/tesla-lost-15-billion-in-brand-value-in-2024-report-says-did-elon-musks-political-push-hurt-ev-giant">Tesla Lost $15 Billion In Brand Value In 2024, Report Says: Did Elon Musk&#8217;s Political Push Hurt EV Giant?</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Chris Allan/Shutterstock

Interview

EXCLUSIVE: Tesla Protest Organizer Says 'Elon Musk Seems To Have Purchased The American Government'

The Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation came in hotter than expected on Friday. Experts are weighing in on how the latest data could affect<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44535109/feds-favorite-inflation-gauge-rises-more-than-expected-in-february-casting-doubt-on-near-term-rate-cuts"> the road ahead.&nbsp;</a>



The Details: The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index rose 2.5% year-over-year, matching January's reading and economist forecasts of 2.5%. On a monthly basis, headline PCE rose 0.3%, in line with estimates.



However, core PCE climbed 2.8% from a year ago, up slightly from January&#8217;s 2.7% and above economists' expectations of 2.7%.&nbsp;



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/03/44537429/cathie-wood-doubles-down-on-2600-tesla-stock-price-prediction">Cathie Wood Doubles Down On $2,600 Tesla Stock Price Prediction</a>



Bill Adams, chief economist for Comerica Bank, said that February's spending data confirms a slowdown in consumer activity in the first quarter of 2025 and predicted that real GDP will be slower in the quarter as well.&nbsp;



The Federal Reserve is in a tight spot with interest rates as the economy appears to be slowing and inflation is likely to pick back up in 2025.&nbsp;



"If tariffs rise on April 2 as pledged, inflation will accelerate in coming months," Adams said.&nbsp;



Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist for RSM, said that "inflation improvement has stalled out" and warned about tariffs and trade policies affecting the economic data ahead.&nbsp;



<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">February PCE Price Index: inflation improvement has stalled out. The notion of stubborn and sticky inflation is the primary narrative here in advance of the greater trade shock that will show up in the hard data in coming months. The second round effects are going to be key here…&mdash; Joseph Brusuelas (@joebrusuelas) <a href="https://twitter.com/joebrusuelas/status/1905600139957277044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Jeffrey Roach, chief economist for LPL Financial, highlighted February's core PCE index as the hottest print in more than a year and said the savings rate rose to 4.6%, as consumers grow more cautious about the future.



Roach sees income growth as supporting the economy for now, but sees trouble ahead if income growth slows.&nbsp;



"Stable real disposable income growth will likely provide a buffer for the economy nervous about a trade war and sticky inflation. But if income growth falters, the economy will be at greater risk," he said.&nbsp;



Markets React: All three major indexes were down sharply in midday trading Friday as markets digest the PCE data and worse-than-expected consumer <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44537936/consumer-inflation-expectations-skyrocket-in-march-hit-highest-levels-in-32-years">sentiment survey</a> released earlier in the day.&nbsp;President Donald Trump&#8217;s tariffs continue to roil markets with more expected next week. 



The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), tracking the S&amp;P 500, was down 1.9% and the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), tracking the Nasdaq 100 index, was down 2.6% at the time of publication Friday.  



Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44517885/trump-slaps-25-tariffs-on-autos-what-it-means-for-your-next-car-purchase">&nbsp;</a>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44517885/trump-slaps-25-tariffs-on-autos-what-it-means-for-your-next-car-purchase">Trump Slaps 25% Tariffs On Autos: What It Means For Your Next Car Purchase</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Macro Economic Events

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Econ #s

'Inflation Will Accelerate In Coming Months' If April 2 Tariffs Take Effect, Economist Warns

Markets faltered on Friday, with Wall Street reeling as investors hurried to shed risk in the face of mounting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44537936/consumer-inflation-expectations-skyrocket-in-march-hit-highest-levels-in-32-years">inflation and tariff uncertainties.</a>



The S&amp;P 500 fell 2.1% by 1:30 p.m. trading in New York, on track to end the week with losses. The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 tumbled 2.6%, and the Dow fell 1.7%. 



All members of the Magnificent Seven group were in the red, with Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) marking the widest drops, both down 4.4%.



Earlier on Friday, the Fed's favorite inflation gauge – the core Personal Consumption Expenditure price index – rose 2.8% on a yearly basis in February, surprising estimates of 2.7%. 



Investor anxiety deepened following the latest University of Michigan Survey of Consumers, which showed 5-year forward inflation expectations jumping to 4.1% — a 0.2-point increase from prior estimates and the highest reading since February 1993. As stocks fell in unison, a flight to safety ensued, sending gold up 1% to a record-breaking $3,090 per ounce. Treasury bonds also rallied, with yields declining across all maturities. 



Price action in commodities was mixed with oil down 1% and natural gas up 2.4%. Sentiment in crypto also took a sharp hit, with Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) down by 4% to below $84,000, flipping to weekly losses.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Friday's Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Major Indices</td><td>Price</td><td>Chg %</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>41,597.02</td><td>-1.7%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>5,574.84</td><td>-2.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>2,016.62</td><td>-2.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>19,283.98</td><td>-2.6%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 1:20 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>



According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:



<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;fell 2.1% to $555.41.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>)&nbsp;eased 1.8% to $415.31.</li>



<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;dropped 2.7% to $468.61.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>)&nbsp;fell 2.5% to $199.57</li>



<li>The&nbsp;Utilities&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) outperformed, up 0.9%; the&nbsp;Consumer Discretionary&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLY#NYSE">XLY</a>)&nbsp;lagged, down 3.2%.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>



<ul>
<li>Shares of Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LULU#NASDAQ">LULU</a>) sunk 15% in reaction to the company&#8217;s earnings report. </li>



<li>Michigan-based automakers extended losses as investors asses the impact from tariffs. General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) fell 2% following a nearly 6% drop on Thursday. Ford Motor. Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) fell 2.7% after a 3.9% drop a day earlier.</li>



<li>Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) erased Thursday&#8217;s gains and fell 3.5%. </li>



<li>Crypto-related stocks plummeted, with Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) down nearly 10%. Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) fell over 7%, heading for the lowest close since mid-October 2024. </li>
</ul>



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</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Cryptocurrency

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AMZN

COIN

GOOGL

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MSTR

Inflation Fears Spark Risk-Off Sentiment As Magnificent 7 Drop: What's Driving Markets Friday?

The preliminary reading had already raised eyebrows among investors, yet the final data turned out even worse than feared. 



Five-year ahead inflation expectations — which reflect American consumers' perceptions of more structural inflation concerns — jumped to 4.1% in March, according to the final report released by the University of Michigan.



This marks an upward revision from the preliminary estimate of 3.9%, bringing the gauge to its highest level since February 1993.



Inflation concerns for the next 12 months were also upwardly revised from 4.9% to 5%, marking the highest since July 2022.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chart: 5-Year Consumer Inflation Expectations Rose Over Three-Decade Highs</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="529" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28102728/USMIE5Y_2025-03-28_14-27-17_47e29-1024x529.png" alt="" class="wp-image-847068" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28102728/USMIE5Y_2025-03-28_14-27-17_47e29-1024x529.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28102728/USMIE5Y_2025-03-28_14-27-17_47e29-300x155.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28102728/USMIE5Y_2025-03-28_14-27-17_47e29-768x396.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28102728/USMIE5Y_2025-03-28_14-27-17_47e29-1536x793.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/28102728/USMIE5Y_2025-03-28_14-27-17_47e29.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Consumer Sentiment Sinks In March, Inflation Fears Go Haywire</h3>



The University of Michigan's headline consumer sentiment index was revised down to 57.0 in March from a preliminary 57.9, plunging from 64.7 in February. This is the weakest reading in consumer sentiment since November 2022.



&#8220;Consumer sentiment confirmed its early month reading and fell for the third straight month, plummeting 12% from February,&#8221; Surveys of Consumers director Joanne Hsu, said in a Friday&#8217;s note. 



The subindex tracking consumer expectation was downwardly revised from 54.2 to 52.6, hitting the lowest since July 2022. 



&#8220;The expectations index plunged a precipitous 18% and has now lost more than 30% since November 2024,&#8221; Hsu added. 



The subindex for current conditions witnessed a minor improvement from 63.5 to 63.8, yet still marking a nearly 3% decline from February. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Labor Market Concerns Rise</h3>



The report also highlighted growing concerns about the labor market. Consumers remain uneasy about potential economic fallout from current policy developments. Strikingly, two-thirds of respondents now expect unemployment to increase over the next year — the highest level since 2009. 



This trend underscores a critical vulnerability, as resilient labor markets and steady incomes have been the main pillars sustaining consumer spending in recent years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reactions</h3>



Earlier this month, Fed Chair Jerome Powell dismissed the University of Michigan's survey-based inflation expectations as an "outlier," downplaying its significance.



Investors, however, appear to disagree.



Major U.S. equity indices dropped sharply on Friday following the release of the final University of Michigan inflation data, which triggered an even stronger market reaction than the hotter-than-expected reading of the Fed's preferred inflation gauge earlier in the day. The S&amp;P 500 — tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) — fell 1.1%, while the tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) underperformed with a 1.3% decline. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also slid 0.9%.



Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LULU#NASDAQ">LULU</a>) led losses within the S&amp;P 500 index, plunging 15% after reporting weaker-than-expected earnings. 



Excluding Lululemon, consumer discretionary stocks — particularly those tied to the travel and leisure sectors — bore the brunt of the negative sentiment following the University of Michigan consumer data.



Shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCL#NYSE">RCL</a>) sunk 3.1%, heading for a fourth straight session of declines, while MGM Resorts International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MGM#NYSE">MGM</a>) plummeted 4.3%. 



Within Magnificent Seven stocks, Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMNZ#NASDAQ">AMNZ</a>) was the underperformer, down 3%, followed by Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), down 2.2%. 



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44524354/us-debt-to-explode-past-world-war-ii-highs-threatens-growth-for-decades-cbo-says">US Debt To Explode Past World War II Highs, Threatens Growth For Decades: CBO</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

AMNZ

Consumer Inflation Expectations Skyrocket In March, Hit Highest Levels In 32 Years

Risk appetite is on track to end the week on a negative note. Investors continue to trim their equity exposure amid the threat of tariffs and a higher-than-expected increase in the Fed&#8217;s most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44535109/feds-favorite-inflation-gauge-rises-more-than-expected-in-february-casting-doubt-on-near-term-rate-cuts">closely watched inflation metric.</a>



The latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis showed that the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index remained at a 2.5% year-over-year pace in February. Yet, the more telling core PCE measure, which strips out food and energy and is the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, rose from an upwardly revised 2.7% in January to 2.8%, outpacing expectations.



The uptick in core inflation dealt a blow to investor hopes for near-term interest rate cuts, reinforcing the view that the Fed is in no rush to ease policy amid persistent price pressures. 



Adding to the jitters, earlier this week, Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on all foreign auto imports stirred fears of retaliatory trade measures and higher consumer prices.



Investors are now bracing for a potential announcement of "reciprocal tariffs" on April 2, which could further escalate trade tensions and pressure profit margins across multiple sectors.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stocks Slide, Safe Havens Shine</h3>



The S&amp;P 500 index opened lower, with the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) down 0.5%. The Nasdaq 100 – as tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) – fell 0.8%. The Dow eased 0.3%. 



Within mega-cap stocks, Mondelez International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>) was the strongest performer, up 1%, while Target Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) led among the laggards, down 2.5%. 



Gold prices, as mimicked by the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), jumped 0.7% to trade above $3,070 per ounce, setting a new record high. Investors turned to traditional safe havens in reaction to the inflation surprise and rising geopolitical uncertainty.



Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) tumbled 2.2%, flipping to weekly losses. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Investor Sentiment The Most Bearish Since October 2022</h3>



The latest AAII Investor Sentiment Survey shows a sharp deterioration in retail investor confidence.January. 



&#8220;The bull-bear spread of the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) sentiment survey has fallen to the lowest level since October of 2022 as those considering themselves bearish far outnumber those that are expecting gains in the equity market over the next six months,&#8221; said Equity Clock in its latest a monthly outlook. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tariff Tensions Rattle Automakers</h3>



Trump's proposed 25% auto tariff sent shockwaves across the U.S. auto industry this week, with legacy carmakers bearing the brunt. 



Shares of General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) and Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) plunged about 6% and 4%, respectively, in Thursday's session. 



They were down 0.8% and 1% during early trading Friday, respectively.



In stark contrast, U.S.-based EV manufacturers—building all their vehicles domestically—emerge as winners. Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>), and Lucid Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) are all on track to notch their best weekly performance of 2025, as investors bet on their potential insulation from import tariffs.



Read now: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44524354/us-debt-to-explode-past-world-war-ii-highs-threatens-growth-for-decades-cbo-says">US Debt To Explode Past World War II Highs, Threatens Growth For Decades: CBO</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

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Gold Grinds Higher, Wall Street Falls As Tariff-Inflation Combo Hammer End-Of-Week Risk Appetite

Financial advisors are drowning in paperwork, outdated tech and inefficiencies. Enter Savvy Wealth, the digital-first platform <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/wealth-management">revolutionizing wealth management</a>.



In an exclusive Benzinga interview at Future Proof CityWide in Miami, Florida, CEO Ritik Malhotra explained how Savvy is modernizing financial advice and why the industry desperately needs it.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A &#8216;Business In A Box&#8217; For Advisors</h1>



Wealth management is a <a href="https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/savvy-wealth">$545</a> billion industry, yet much of it still operates with pen, paper and Excel spreadsheets. Seventy-five percent of advisors don't offer any digital communication beyond email, and 62% manually conduct financial planning. The result? Poor client experience and advisors bogged down with non-client-facing tasks.



Savvy Wealth is tackling this problem head-on, offering financial advisors a complete, plug-and-play platform. &#8220;We help automate and take away all of the work related to middle and back office, help with marketing support, figure out all the things around financial services so that advisors can focus on the number one thing — spending more time with clients,&#8221; said Malhotra.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/03/44520918/andrew-pitcairn-on-multi-generational-wealth-think-in-50-year-increments">Andrew Pitcairn On Multi-Generational Wealth: &#8216;Think In 50-Year Increments&#8217;</a>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">From Snail Mail To AI-Powered Wealth Management</h1>



Malhotra's journey into fintech was personal. After selling his first startup to Box, he found himself suddenly wealthy and in need of a financial advisor. The experience was &#8220;quite antiquated&#8221; he said. &#8220;I was snail-mailing documents&#8230; DocuSign wasn't allowed for certain things.&#8221; Malhotra was clear this industry needed a serious upgrade.



His solution? Savvy Wealth. More than just another fintech platform, it provides an end-to-end solution, handling automation, compliance, marketing and operational headaches so advisors can scale efficiently. &#8220;We spoke to 100 financial advisors over the years, and they all basically pointed to one problem&#8221; — they lack the right tools to provide a modern experience to clients. So, Malhotra decided to fix that.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">The AI Revolution In Finance</h1>



Savvy Wealth is also leaning hard into artificial intelligence, using it to streamline back-office tasks, automate marketing, and even generate financial plans. AI can &#8220;automate 90% of document filling&#8221; and help advisors &#8220;with generating marketing collateral.&#8221; The excitement, thought, is in scenario planning — advisors can dictate a client&#8217;s goals and risk profile and AI can generate an actionable financial plan instantly.



Don&#8217;t expect robo-advisors to replace humans anytime soon, Malhotra cautioned. Wealth management is going to be &#8220;human-powered first.&#8221; Robo-advisors have their place, but the advisor is the most important part of the financial equation. The company&#8217;s goal is to give them their own &#8220;Iron Man suit&#8221; — the technology that helps them be the best version of themselves, he said.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Investor Takeaway: The Future Is Digital</h1>



For investors, Savvy Wealth represents a prime example of fintech's growing role in transforming legacy industries. As AI and automation continue to reshape financial services, companies such as Savvy Wealth are positioned to benefit from the shift.



The traditional wealth management firms clinging to outdated methods may struggle, while those embracing digital transformation could see exponential growth.



As Malhotra puts it, &#8220;If the advisor is the superhero for the client, then we want to maximize that amount of time and actually minimize all that other work.&#8221;



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44517394/the-future-of-cheap-scalable-digital-labor-marc-benioff-shares-video-of-a-chinese-robot-doing-kung-fu-that-c">&#8216;The Future Of Cheap, Scalable Digital Labor&#8217;—Marc Benioff Shares Video Of A Chinese Robot Doing Kung Fu &#8216;That Costs Less Than A MacBook&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="SavvyWealth &#x7C; Future Proof CityWide Miami 2025" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/srGpNEwr9bA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Photo: Shutterstock

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EXCLUSIVE: This FinTech Disruptor Is Giving Financial Advisors Their Own 'Iron Man Suit' — Here's How

Economist Craig Shapiro has said that the Federal Reserve has been &#8220;gaslighting the public,&#8221; after the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Tom Barkin said Thursday that inflation is not &#8220;de-anchored&#8221;.



What Happened: Barkin, while speaking to the reporters after his speech on Thursday, acknowledged that the U.S. economy has been through a significant inflationary period.



"That means the expectations have been loosened—not de-anchored, loosened—for both price setters and price receivers,&#8221; he added.



Reacting to this, Shapiro, a macro strategist at the Bear Traps Report, said, &#8220;Federal Reserve trying out a new word to continue gaslighting the public into the idea that inflation expectations are still well-anchored.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">BARKIN: INFLATION EXPECTATIONS HAVE LOOSENED, NOT DE-ANCHORED<a href="https://twitter.com/federalreserve?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@federalreserve</a> trying out a new word to continue gaslighting the public into the idea that inflation expectations are still &quot;well-anchored.&quot; Don&#39;t believe your lying eyes. Cmon&mdash; Craig Shapiro (@ces921) <a href="https://twitter.com/ces921/status/1905408144148218268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



For now, an uncertainty-driven drop in sentiment looks like it could quiet demand, said Barkin during the speech. &#8220;The outlook once the fog lifts will in part depend on how long it lasts,&#8221; he added.



Barkin also countered Chairman Jerome Powell&#8216;s tariff-induced &#8220;transitory inflation&#8221; remark and told the reporters that he wouldn&#8217;t assume that there would just be a one-time increase in price levels, which could be overlooked.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44528015/trump-reacts-to-selloff-following-auto-tariffs-that-can-take-care-of-itself-in-one-day-two-days-or-o">Trump Reacts To Selloff Following Auto Tariffs: &#8216;That Can Take Care Of Itself In One Day, Two Days, Or One Week&#8217; </a>



Why It Matters: While Powell has reiterated the Fed&#8217;s focus on its dual mandate given to it by Congress &#8211; maximum employment and stable prices.



Setting policy is likely to become <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44415047/recession-will-rear-its-ugly-head-as-early-as-july-warns-expert-amid-two-rate-cuts-projected-for-2025-buy-bonds-on-dips">trickier for the central bank</a> as it projects a higher unemployment rate of 4.4% and a 1.7% change in its real GDP during 2025, all while Powell dismisses inflation concerns as &#8220;transitory.&#8221;



Barkin described this situation as finding your way through a dense fog. &#8220;With all this change, a dense fog has fallen. It's not an everyday, &#8216;forecasting is hard&#8217; type of fog. It's a &#8216;zero visibility, pull over and turn on your hazards&#8217; type of fog.&#8221;



Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers called it "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44403939/larry-summers-says-federal-reserve-in-hard-position-with-stagflationary-shock-ahead-of-fomc-decision">the most difficult challenge</a>&#8221; faced by the central bank amid higher prices and fewer jobs.



He held the ongoing tariff battle waged by President Donald Trump responsible for this challenging situation, saying, &#8220;This is what tariffs do.&#8221; 



Price Action: The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, dropped in premarket on Friday. The SPY was down 0.16% to $566.16, while the QQQ declined 0.30% to $480.18, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44532855/intels-superfluid-cooling-tech-possibly-suitable-for-nvidias-gb300-chips-says-expert-amid-intcs-efforts-to-secure-commitments-for-foundry-services">Intel&#8217;s SuperFluid Cooling Tech &#8216;Possibly Suitable For Nvidia&#8217;s GB300&#8217; Chips, Says Expert Amid INTC&#8217;s Efforts To Secure Commitments For Foundry Services </a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Federal Reserve

Market Summary

Futures

Markets

Federal Reserve Is 'Gaslighting The Public,' Warns Expert As Richmond Fed President Says 'Inflation Expectations Have Loosened, Not De-Anchored'

The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge rose more than anticipated in February, underscoring the bumpy road back to the 2% target and throwing cold water on expectations for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/interest-rates">imminent interest rate cuts.</a>



According to data released Friday by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index increased by 2.5% year-over-year, matching both the previous reading and economist forecasts of 2.5%. On a monthly basis, headline PCE rose 0.3%, in line with estimates.



Stripping out volatile food and energy prices, the core PCE price index—the Fed's favorite metric for inflation—climbed 2.8% from a year ago, slightly up from January's upwardly revised 2.7% and above expectations of 2.7%. 



The monthly core PCE figure accelerated to 0.4%, surpassing the 0.3% consensus estimate.



The hotter-than-expected inflation data could potentially dent market optimism for near-term monetary easing. 



Before the release, fed futures markets had priced in a roughly 70% probability of a rate cut by June and cumulatively 63 basis points of cuts by December, according to CME FedWatch data.



In a sign of consumer resilience despite sticky inflation, personal spending bounced back in February, rising 0.4% month-over-month after a 0.3% contraction in January, but missing expectations for a 0.5% increase. 



Personal income growth accelerated to 0.8%, above January's 0.7% and well beyond the 0.4% estimate. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reaction: Wall Street Flashes Red Lights </h3>



Futures on major U.S. stock indexes fell in premarket trading Friday. The S&amp;P 500 contracts slid 0.4%, the Nasdaq 100 dropped 0.5%, and Dow Jones futures declined 0.2%. Premarket moves pushed the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) near the flatline for the week. 



The U.S. dollar index – as tracked by the Invesco DB USD Index Bullish Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UUP#NYSE">UUP</a>) –&nbsp;slightly trimmed session gains, up 0.1%. 



In the bond market, yields remained broadly steady. The 2-year Treasury yield – a gauge for interest-rate expectations – hovered around 4%.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44531466/us-stocks-likely-to-open-lower-analysts-warn-prolonged-uncertainty-could-hurt-both-us-and-global-risk-assets">US Stocks Likely To Open Lower, Analysts Warn &#8216;Prolonged Uncertainty Could Hurt Both US And Global Risk Assets&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Currency ETFs

Fed's Favorite Inflation Gauge Rises More Than Expected In February, Casting Doubt On Near-Term Rate Cuts

U.S. stock futures fell on Friday after two consecutive days of decline on Wednesday and Thursday. Futures of major benchmark indices were lower in premarket trading.



Stocks slid as investors digested the new auto tariffs levied on foreign cars and auto parts.



President Donald Trump also warned that he would impose much higher tariffs on the EU and Canada if they retaliate against his planned tariffs.



In a Truth Social post, he threatened large-scale tariffs to counter any economic harm from the two allies. While he has recently hinted at targeting them in his upcoming "Liberation Day" tariffs, no direct actions have been taken yet.



Traders will watch out for the Federal Reserve&#8217;s preferred measure of inflation, the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, specifically the core PCE, which excludes food and energy prices due to their volatility.



With the 10-year Treasury yield at 4.32% and the 2-year at 3.99%, the CME Group's FedWatch <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">tool</a> shows markets pricing in an 88.4% likelihood of the Federal Reserve maintaining current interest rates through its May meeting.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Futures</td><td>Change (+/-)</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>-0.40%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>-0.22%</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>-0.15%</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>0.12%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, dropped in premarket on Friday. The SPY was down 0.19% to $565.98, while the QQQ declined 0.36% to $479.89, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.



Cues From Last Session:



Most sectors on the S&amp;P 500 ended in the red on Thursday, with energy, communication services, and information technology stocks leading the losses. However, health care and consumer staples stocks managed to buck the trend, closing higher.



European automakers were hit hard, with Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBGAF#OTC">MBGAF</a>) sliding 1.7% and Porsche Automobil Holding SE (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/POAHF#OTC">POAHF</a>) dropping 2.3%.



In earnings news, shares of TD Synnex Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNX#NYSE">SNX</a>) tumbled around 14% after the company reported its first-quarter results. Verint Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRNT#NASDAQ">VRNT</a>) also fell sharply, dropping more than 13% following worse-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings and weaker-than-expected FY26 EPS guidance.



On the economic front, U.S. initial jobless claims dipped by 1,000 to 224,000 for the week ending March 22, slightly below market estimates of 225,000. Meanwhile, fourth-quarter GDP growth was revised up to an annualized 2.4% from 2.3%, and U.S. wholesale inventories increased by 0.3% in February, following a 0.8% gain in January.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Index</td><td>Performance (+/-)</td><td>Value</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq Composite</td><td>-0.53%</td><td>17,804.03</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>-0.33%</td><td>5,693.31</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>-0.37%</td><td>42,299.70</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>-0.39%</td><td>2,065.70</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Insights From Analysts:



According to the analysts at BlackRock, the weight of non-U.S. equities in global equity indexes has been on the rise since the end of January. This is caused by the policy uncertainty, which has shaken the investor belief in the U.S. growth and equity strength, pulling the S&amp;P 500 down more than 3%, the note added.



&#8220;The selloff has been exacerbated by investors rapidly pulling out of popular trades – like the tech-heavy momentum equity style factor and cyclical trades that were betting on a boost from growth from potential U.S. deregulation and tax cuts.&#8221;



&#8220;We stay overweight U.S. stocks on a six- to 12-month tactical horizon. Yet prolonged uncertainty could hurt both U.S. and global risk assets,&#8221; the note adds.



Meanwhile, as the uncertainty around tariffs mounts, Michael Townsend, managing director of legislative and regulatory affairs with Schwab, said that &#8220;The White House has been sending mixed signals.&#8221;



&#8220;First, saying that they would be imposed on all countries, then more recently saying they will initially focus on 10 to 15 countries with which the U.S. has big trade deficits. The plan also was to announce tariffs on automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors next week, but those reportedly will be delayed. The uncertainty is driving companies and investors crazy.&#8221;



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-trade-futures">How To Trade Futures </a>



Upcoming Economic Data



Here&#8217;s what investors will keep an eye on Friday:



<ul>
<li>Personal income, spending, personal consumption expenditure index, and core PCE index are scheduled to be released at 8:30 a.m. ET.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Consumer sentiment data is scheduled to be released at 10 a.m. ET.</li>
</ul>



Stocks In Focus:



<ul>
<li>Super League Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLE#NASDAQ">SLE</a>) jumped 7.32% in premarket on Friday ahead of its earnings before the opening bell. Analysts expect a quarterly loss of 26 cents per share on the revenue of $5.50 million.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Katapult Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KPLT#NASDAQ">KPLT</a>) was down 2.16% as Wall Street expects it to report a quarterly loss of $1.77 per share on revenue of $62.20 million before the opening bell.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LULU#NASDAQ">LULU</a>) slumped 10.84% as it sees full-year 2025 earnings in the range of $14.95 to $15.15 per share, versus estimates of $15.30 per share.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Braze Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRZE#NASDAQ">BRZE</a>) surged 10.63% after it reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results and issued strong FY26 adjusted EPS guidance.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>AAR Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIR#NYSE">AIR</a>) was up 2.41% after posting upbeat earnings for the third quarter, while sales missed estimates.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Direct Digital Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRCT#NASDAQ">DRCT</a>) plunged 38.35% after it reported a substantial earnings miss in the fourth quarter, with earnings per share of -$0.54, sharply below the forecasted $0.11.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>XTI Aerospace Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XTIA#NASDAQ">XTIA</a>) dropped 31.30% after announcing a public offering of common stock and warrants; the offering&#8217;s size and valuation remain undisclosed. Proceeds will repay debt and fund operations. This move follows a recent $5 million share buyback.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Dermata Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRMA#NASDAQ">DRMA</a>) plummeted 21.13% as it announced an agreement for the exercise of 4,834,470 outstanding warrants at a reduced price of $1.284 per share.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNSE#NASDAQ">SNSE</a>) climbed 26.60% after reporting encouraging Phase 1/2 trial results for solnerstotug, showing a 14% overall response rate in resistant tumors, significantly exceeding historical rechallenge rates.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>DBV Technologies SA ADR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DBVT#NASDAQ">DBVT</a>) surged 59.85% after securing up to $306.9 million in financing for its Viaskin peanut patch program, including $125.5 million upfront and potentially $181.4 million from warrant exercises.</li>
</ul>



Commodities, Gold, And Global Equity Markets:



Crude oil futures were trading lower in the early New York session by 0.06% to hover around $69.88 per barrel.



Gold Spot US Dollar advanced 0.47% to hover around $3,071.22 per ounce. Its fresh record high stood at $3,086.08 per ounce.



Asian markets closed on a lower note on Friday. China&#8217;s CSI 300, India's S&amp;P BSE Sensex, Hong Kong's Hang Seng, South Korea's Kospi, and Japan's Nikkei 225 index declined, whereas Australia's ASX 200 index rose. European markets were also lower in early trade.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44528015/trump-reacts-to-selloff-following-auto-tariffs-that-can-take-care-of-itself-in-one-day-two-days-or-o">Trump Reacts To Selloff Following Auto Tariffs: &#8216;That Can Take Care Of Itself In One Day, Two Days, Or One Week&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Treasuries

Pre-Market Outlook

BRZE

DBVT

DRCT

DRMA

KPLT

MBGAF

POAHF

SNSE

VRNT

XTIA

US Stocks Likely To Open Lower, Analysts Warn 'Prolonged Uncertainty Could Hurt Both US And Global Risk Assets'

The director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Phillip Swagel, stated that President Donald Trump&#8216;s tariffs are projected to gross $800 billion over the next decade.



What Happened: Phillip Swagel, the director of the CBO, told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/03/27/cbo-director-phillip-swagel-we-have-to-get-the-deficit-to-a-level-thats-sustainable.html">CNBC</a> on Thursday that the existing tariffs, not including the ones set to commence on April 2, could generate $800 billion in customs duties over the next decade.



President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;has declared&nbsp;a 25% duty on all&nbsp;non-U.S. manufactured cars, set to be enforced from April 2. This move follows a delay in implementing&nbsp;a series of earlier tariffs.



However, the overall impact of this figure on the federal budget remains uncertain. The tariffs could trigger retaliation from other nations, potentially damaging U.S. firms selling products overseas. Furthermore, U.S. companies might pass on price hikes due to sourcing raw materials subject to tariffs to consumers, possibly causing a surge in inflation.



While the incoming customs duties could enhance government revenues, impending tax cuts could reduce tax revenue, potentially offsetting these increases.



SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44523216/microsoft-plans-proprietary-ai-to-power-business-software-and-reduce-openai-dependence-report">Microsoft Plans Proprietary AI To Power Business Software And Reduce OpenAI Dependence: Report</a>



Why It Matters: Since taking office, President Trump has twice imposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, two key U.S. trading partners, only to delay them later. This lack of consistency has made it challenging for forecasters to determine the specifics of upcoming tariffs or even their likelihood of implementation.



Several countries have retaliated against U.S. tariffs. China imposed 10-15% tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, while Canada plans tariffs on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44102599/canadian-pm-justin-trudeau-retaliates-with-25-tariffs-on-us-goods-amid-escalating-trade-war">over $100 billion</a> of U.S. goods. Mexico initially threatened tariffs but backed off after an agreement to delay them.



Meanwhile, according to Goldman Sachs, the new 25% tariff on imported autos could raise vehicle prices by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44515578/trumps-25-tariff-set-to-hike-imported-car-prices-up-to-15000-higher-goldman-sachs-warns">$5,000 to $15,000, </a>depending on the model and country of origin. This could significantly impact auto demand and reshape the competitive dynamics of the U.S. automotive market.



<ul>
<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44532423/elon-musks-tesla-at-risk-of-being-removed-from-ev-incentive-program-in-uk-after-canada">Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla At Risk Of Being Removed From EV Incentive Program In UK After Canada</a></li>
</ul>



Image via Shutterstock



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

Trump's Tariffs Could Bring In $800 Billion Over Next Decade—But At What Economic Cost?

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed U.S. President Donald Trump&#8216;s intentions to annex Greenland and spoke about the Kremlin&#8217;s stance on the matter.



What Happened: Putin expressed his concerns at an Arctic forum held in Murmansk. He emphasized that the U.S. plans for Greenland are not just mere rhetoric but are deeply &#8216;serious&#8217;, <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3304179/trump-plan-take-over-greenland-serious-putin-says">reported</a> the South China Morning Post.



Though his remarks did not appear to criticize Trump&#8217;s intentions, Putin voiced his fears that the Arctic could be used by the West as a launchpad for future conflicts. Despite Russia not being directly involved in Greenland&#8217;s ownership issue, Putin cautioned about NATO countries identifying the far north as a possible conflict zone.



"It is a deep mistake to think that this is some extravagant talk from the new American administration. It is nothing of the sort," confirmed the Russian President. &#8220;These plans have long-standing historical roots,&#8221; added Putin. 



Despite Trump&#8217;s persistent requests, Denmark has declined to relinquish control of the island, asserting that&nbsp;the people of Greenland have&nbsp;no desire to join the United States.



Meanwhile, Trump showed no signs of easing his stance towards Greenland. &nbsp;He told reporters on Thursday that the U.S. will &#8220;go as far as we have to go&#8221; to get control of Greenland. &nbsp;&#8220;&#8230;if we don&#8217;t have Greenland, we can&#8217;t have great international security,&#8221; the U.S. President reiterated. 



SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44530226/robinhood-launches-ai-investment-tool-cortex-to-expand-market-analysis-access-a-premium-research-assistant-right-in-your-pocket">Robinhood Says Its &#8216;Cortex&#8217; AI Investment Tool Will &#8216;Bridge The Gap&#8217; Between Institutional And Retail Investors: Here Is What It Can And Can&#8217;t Do</a>



Why It Matters: The Arctic, rich in fossil fuels and minerals, is also an area of military competition. Defense analysts have noted Russia&#8217;s rapid buildup in the region, reopening Soviet-era bases and modernizing its navy in the region. The U.S. views the Arctic as crucial for national security, including its early warning system against nuclear attacks.



Notably, Putin aims to boost trade via the Northern Sea Route as Russia pivots to Asia instead of Europe due to Western sanctions. He stated that Russia has never threatened anyone in the Arctic but is ready to defend its interests.



Greenland, which is striving for independence from Denmark, is strategically positioned&nbsp;between North America and Europe. The island already hosts a US military base, and&nbsp;U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance is&nbsp;slated to visit on Friday. 



U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44530882/usha-vance-faces-cold-reception-in-greenland-as-locals-say-no-thank-you-after-jd-vance-steps-in">faced a cold </a>reception in Greenland. The locals in Nuuk, Greenland&#8217;s capital, declined to welcome her ahead of her planned visit. This incident further highlights the tension surrounding the U.S.&#8217;s interest in Greenland. The longer visit was ultimately scaled back and Usha Vance and Energy Secretary Chris Wright will head the U.S. delegation visiting the Pituffik military space base in the island&#8217;s northwest.



<ul>
<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44531398/peter-schiff-slams-gamestops-bitcoin-strategy-as-shares-plummet-now-that-all-the-fools-have-already-rushed-in-smarter-investors-are-selling">Peter Schiff Slams Gamestop&#8217;s Bitcoin Strategy As Shares Plummet: &#8216;Now That All The Fools Have Already Rushed In, Smarter Investors Are Selling&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Politics

Russian President Alarms About Trump's 'Serious' Plans To Annex Greenland: 'These Plans Have Long-Standing Historical Roots'

Paul Atkins, former&nbsp;U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission&nbsp;(SEC) member and President Donald Trump&#8216;s nominee to head the agency, has pledged a new approach towards crypto regulation.



What Happened: Atkins&#8217; stance on crypto regulation marks a departure from his predecessor, Gary Gensler, who saw much of the crypto sector as potentially violating registration requirements. Atkins, on the other hand, stated, &#8220;A top priority of my chairmanship will be to work with my fellow commissioners and Congress to provide a firm regulatory foundation for digital assets through a rational, coherent, and principled approach,&#8221; Atkins said in&nbsp;his testimony&nbsp;for Thursday.



Atkins positioned himself as an experienced regulator and private-sector executive. He also stated that he would step down and relinquish his stake in Potomac Global Partners, the consulting firm he founded, if his nomination is approved.



Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who chairs the committee, stated that Atkins will &#8220;offer much-needed clarity for digital assets.&#8221;



The next step in the confirmation process is for the committee to vote on the nominees and submit them for possible approval by the full Senate.



SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44530904/waymos-robotaxis-rack-up-600-parking-tickets-65000-in-fines-in-just-san-francisco-in-2024">Waymo&#8217;s Robotaxis Rack Up 600 Parking Tickets, $65,000 In Fines In Just San Francisco In 2024</a>



Why It Matters: Atkins&#8217; nomination and his proposed approach to crypto regulation come at a crucial time. For the crypto industry, Atkins&#8217; responses on cryptocurrency issues may be more pressing. Earlier this month, a report stated that the SEC is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44287639/trump-appointed-sec-chair-could-fast-track-crypto-etf-approvals-xrp-solana-dogecoin-etfs-coming-by-june">unlikely to approve</a> or reject crypto ETFs until its new leadership is in place. This suggests that Atkins&#8217; confirmation could potentially fast-track crypto ETF approvals.



However, his ties to the crypto industry have raised concerns.&nbsp;Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44468393/elizabeth-warren-questions-trumps-sec-pick-paul-atkins-on-ftx-ties-conflict-of-interest-over-trump-memecoin">questioned Atkins</a> about his connections to the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which she believes could pose conflicts of interest if he is confirmed as SEC Chair.



The outcome of Atkins&#8217; confirmation and his approach to crypto regulation could significantly impact the future of the crypto industry.



READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44527681/over-7-million-vehicles-could-face-the-brunt-of-trumps-auto-tariffs-this-could-drive-the-auto-indust">Over 7 Million Vehicles Could Face The Brunt Of Trump&#8217;s Auto Tariffs: &#8216;This Could Drive&#8230;The Auto industry Into Recession&#8217;</a>

Trump's SEC Pick Paul Atkins Says His 'Top Priority' Will Be 'Rational' Crypto Regulations, Marking Shift From Gary Gensler's Approach

Leading cryptocurrencies dipped on Wednesday as investors weighed the market uncertainties of President Donald Trump's tariff-related announcements.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Gains +/-</td><td>Price (Recorded at 8:45 p.m. ET)</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>-0.02%</td><td>$87,151.49</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-0.89%</td><td>$1,996.20</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-3.29%</td><td>$0.1893</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



What Happened: Bitcoin wobbled between the highs of $86,000 and $87,000 throughout the day as trading volume fell by more than 10% in the last 24 hours.



The apex cryptocurrency was up 3.30% over the week but slid nearly 6.70% over the quarter, its worst since the COVID-19 outbreak during 2020.



Industry observers acknowledged that Bitcoin has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44521011/will-trumps-25-auto-tariffs-take-a-toll-on-bitcoin">reacted more to macroeconomic triggers</a> recently and that uncertainty has caused short-term ripples.



Ethereum too stagnated, bouncing in the range just south of $2,000. The second-largest cryptocurrency experienced an even worse first quarter, falling 39% as of this writing.



Long liquidations hit over $113 million in the last 24 hours, significantly higher than bearish shorts.



Bitcoin's Open Interest rose marginally by 0.10% in the last 24 hours, while funds locked in Ethereum's futures dipped 1.44%.&nbsp;



The percentage of Bitcoin futures traders positioned bearish on the cryptocurrency exceeded those betting on its price increase, suggesting further downsides could be possible.



The market remained gripped by "Fear" sentiment, according to the Crypto Fear and Greed Index.



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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Gains +/-</td><td>Price (Recorded at 8:45 p.m. ET)</td></tr><tr><td>Berachain (BERA)</td><td>+12.25%</td><td>$8.71</td></tr><tr><td>Toncoin (TON)</td><td>+8.19%</td><td>$4.01</td></tr><tr><td>Cronos (CRO)</td><td>+6.18%</td><td>$0.1073</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $2.84 trillion, following a drop of 0.24% in the last 24 hours.



Stocks sank further on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 155.09 points, or 0.37%, to close at 42,299.70. The S&amp;P 500 slid 0.33%, ending at 5,693.31, while the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.53% to close at 17,804.03.



Investors likely reacted to Trump&#8217;s<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44506345/trump-imposes-25-tariffs-on-auto-imports-says-this-will-continue-to-spur-growth-canada-eu-slam-the-move"> new 25% tariffs targeting foreign automakers</a>.



Shares of domestic automakers like General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) and Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) plunged 7.36% and 3.88%, respectively, during the session.



See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>



Analyst Notes: Well-known blockchain analytics firm CryptoQuant noticed that short-term holders who bought Bitcoin within the last week were profitable.



"The 1w-1m cohort&#8217;s realized price is around $84,740, meaning if BTC dips towards this level, it could act as support," CryptoQuant added.



The firm stated that if BTC stays above this level, it will signal "strength in demand." Conversely, a move below could indicate a potential reversal.



<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">Liquidation event of $359.7M in long positions "If BTC holds above the short-term realized price, it suggests strength in demand. A breakdown below these levels might indicate a potential reversal or correction." – By Amr Taha Full post &#x2935;&#xFE0F;<a href="https://t.co/SW9e16kofW">https://t.co/SW9e16kofW</a> <a href="https://t.co/0YR9rfreGa">pic.twitter.com/0YR9rfreGa</a>&mdash; CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/cryptoquant_com/status/1905242620869402844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Widely followed cryptocurrency trader Daan Crypto Trades stated that Bitcoin's price would continue to be "heavily" influenced by headlines, given that Trump's tariff "Liberation Day" was approaching.&nbsp;



"Would not be surprised to hang around the mid-$80,000s for a while until that blows over," the trader predicted.



"Now that reserves have plateaued, it looks like investors are sitting on the sidelines," Martinez remarked.



<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"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> This range breakdown &amp; sweep might be a bit slower, but it&#39;s also on the back of the sharpest equities sell off since the Yen Carry Trade issues, which coincidentally also marked that last range sweep in August 2024. I think there was a lot of reason and opportunity to dump… <a href="https://t.co/uKAoGP7aDc">https://t.co/uKAoGP7aDc</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qr6fjSJIwZ">pic.twitter.com/Qr6fjSJIwZ</a>&mdash; Daan Crypto Trades (@DaanCrypto) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaanCrypto/status/1905364454499651632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Photo by SvetlanaParnikova on Shutterstock



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Bitcoin, Ethereum Flat, Dogecoin Drops Amid Trump Tariffs-Fueled Uncertainty: Analyst Firm Foresees 'Strength In Demand' If BTC Stays Above This Level

On Thursday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman touted the latest version of GPT-4o's improved "freedom." However, digital rights advocates have previously argued that the real threat isn't political bias but growing AI-driven censorship.



What Happened: Altman took to X, formerly Twitter, and said that the new version of GPT-4o is "particularly good at coding, instruction following, and freedom."



<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">new version of GPT-4o particularly good at coding, instruction following, and freedom.&mdash; Sam Altman (@sama) <a href="https://twitter.com/sama/status/1905419197120680193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Earlier this week, OpenAI upgraded GPT-4o, which debuted about a year ago, by introducing advanced image-generation capabilities. Along with this new capability, the AI startup also outlined its updated safety measures and policies for GPT-4o.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44526379/tesla-and-other-us-robotics-giants-demand-federal-strategy-to-compete-with-chinas-138-billion-push-w">Tesla And Other US Robotics Giants Demand Federal Strategy To Compete With China&#8217;s $138 Billion Push — Warn America Will Lose The Race Without It</a>



&#8220;In line with our Model Spec, we aim to maximize creative freedom by supporting valuable use cases like game development, historical exploration, and education—while maintaining strong safety standards,&#8221; the company stated, &#8220;At the same time, it remains as important as ever to block requests that violate those standards.&#8221;



Why It's Important: Altman's statement came at a time when the debate around AI's political leanings and bias mitigation strategies continues to swirl, particularly following missteps by Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google Gemini and Adobe Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>) Firefly, which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37763969/elon-musk-says-woke-ai-like-google-gemini-can-be-deadly-it-will-do-whatever-it-can-potentially-even">drew backlash last year</a> over "woke" image outputs.



However, some experts say the bigger issue isn't about whether AI is biased—it's about whether AI is suppressing speech altogether.



A 2023 report from Freedom House, titled "The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence," warned that AI is enabling governments and companies to scale censorship, surveillance, and disinformation faster and more cheaply than ever.



Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.



A 2024 report by The Conversation said, "We found that the use policies of major chatbots don't meet United Nations free speech standards," adding, "These vague and expansive rules give companies too much discretion to silence controversial or politically sensitive topics."



For instance, Google's Gemini bans content that "promotes or encourages hatred," a guideline critics say is overly broad and potentially suppressive.



As generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude gain widespread influence, their usage policies shape public discourse.



Without transparent safeguards that align with global human rights norms, free speech advocates warn that AI companies risk enabling digital repression—even while claiming to promote "freedom."



Photo by jamesonwu1972 on Shutterstock



Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.



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

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Sam Altman Hypes GPT-4o's 'Freedom' — But Critics Point Out AI's Real Problem Is Censorship, Not Bias

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