A new poll indicates that President Donald Trump&#8216;s contentious trade policies are causing apprehension among his own supporters, potentially influencing Republican backing in the run-up to 2026.



What Happened: A&nbsp;POLITICO-Public First poll&nbsp;carried out in June reveals that 25% to 50% of those&nbsp;who voted for Trump in&nbsp;2024 have voiced concerns about his tariff strategies, particularly his stance towards China. 



Merely half of the Trump voters surveyed believe that his tariffs on China, the globe&#8217;s second-largest economy, will be advantageous for American businesses.



This data presents a significant alert for Republicans, given President Trump&#8217;s focus on trade and his pledges to restore industries to the U.S. The <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/12/donald-trump-trade-poll-00449708">poll </a>also discloses that Trump&#8217;s recent assertive&nbsp;tariff letters to other nations, threatening to levy substantial new tariff rates, have rekindled global trade disputes.



About 25% of self-identified 2024 Trump voters voiced last month that the president&#8217;s tariffs are adversely impacting the United States&#8217; capacity to negotiate improved trade agreements with other nations. 



The voters are&nbsp;evenly divided on whether Trump&nbsp;should possess the authority&nbsp;to unilaterally impose tariffs on&nbsp;other countries, with 45% supporting and 44% suggesting he should seek consent from Congress.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46274724/donald-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-could-make-these-electric-vehicles-much-more-expensive-for-you">Donald Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Big Beautiful Bill&#8217; Could Make These Electric Vehicles Much More Expensive For You</a>



Trump has declared another round of tariffs to be levied on August 1, asserting that these tariffs will bring &#8220;big money&#8221; to America. 



However, the costs of these tariffs are shouldered&nbsp;by the companies and individuals&nbsp;importing the goods, which often pass onto their consumers.



Despite Trump&#8217;s uncompromising&nbsp;approach to trade with China&nbsp;attracting increased scrutiny and criticism, his voters still have faith in him to ultimately negotiate a deal&nbsp;with China. 



Fifty-five percent of&nbsp;Trump 2024 voters stated it &#8220;will be difficult&#8221; to secure a deal with China, but they anticipate &#8220;Trump&nbsp;will be able to do&nbsp;it.&#8221;



Why It Matters: The poll results indicate a shift in the perception of Trump&#8217;s voter base towards his trade policies. This could potentially influence the Republican party&#8217;s strategy and approach towards trade policies in the future. 



The increased skepticism among his own voters could also impact Trump&#8217;s standing within his party, and his ability to push through his trade policies. 



The poll results also underscore the importance of public opinion in shaping policy decisions and the direction of political discourse.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46264609/trump-reportedly-told-iran-it-was-ok-to-strike-back-after-us-attack-i-said-go-ahead-i-understand">Trump Reportedly Told Iran It Was OK To Strike Back After US Attack: &#8216;I Said, &#8216;Go Ahead, I Understand&#8221;</a>



Image: Shutterstock

Politics

Poll: Trump's Trade Policies Stir Doubts Among Supporters

The week was a rollercoaster ride for the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin (BTC) led the charge, eyeing a staggering $120,000 mark, and paving the way for altcoins to rally. Dogecoin (DOGE), the original memecoin, also experienced a significant surge, riding the wave of the Bitcoin rally.



Meanwhile, crypto exchanges are setting their sights on neobanks, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional and crypto finance. Ethereum (ETH) continues to dominate the tokenized finance sector, becoming Wall Street&#8217;s preferred blockchain infrastructure. And finally, macro strategist Raoul Pal made a bold prediction for the future of the blockchain space.



Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Extend Rally



The cryptocurrency market saw a significant surge over the weekend, led by Bitcoin&#8217;s run towards the $120,000 mark. This rally cleared the path for altcoins to follow suit.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46377385/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-extend-rally-as-btc-eyes-120000">Read the full article here.</a>



Dogecoin Soars as Bitcoin Rally Ignites Memecoin Frenzy



Dogecoin, the original memecoin, captured significant gains as speculative enthusiasm washed over the crypto market. The surge came in direct sympathy with Bitcoin, which rocketed to a new all-time high of over $118,000.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46375539/dogecoin-doge-soars-as-bitcoin-rally-ignites-memecoin-frenzy">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/22/11/29834951/mango-market-hacker-loses-millions-as-curve-price-manipulation-attempt-on-aave-backfires" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mango Market Hacker Loses Millions As Curve Price Manipulation Attempt on Aave Backfires &#8211; Benzinga</a>



Crypto Exchanges Eye Neobanks for Mainstream Finance Access



Crypto exchanges are looking to acquire neobanks to fast-track their path to dominance of emerging on-chain sectors. This trend is set to continue as blockchain businesses seek opportunities within traditional finance.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/07/46371679/crypto-exchanges-will-acquire-neobanks-to-access-mainstream-finance">Read the full article here.</a>



Ethereum, Not Solana, Is Wall Street&#8217;s &#8216;Preferred Choice&#8217;



Ethereum&#8217;s dominance in the tokenized finance sector shows no signs of slowing down. According to Fundstrat&#8217;s Tom Lee, Ethereum has become Wall Street&#8217;s go-to blockchain infrastructure, outperforming Solana in key institutional use cases.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46364023/tom-lee-ethereum-not-solana-is-the-preferred-choice-for-jp-morgan-robinhood-circle-to-build-on">Read the full article here.</a>



Raoul Pal Predicts &#8216;Insane&#8217; Demand for Blockchain



Macro strategist Raoul Pal predicted an &#8220;insane&#8221; demand for the blockchain space, foreseeing cryptocurrency becoming a $100 trillion asset class over the next 6-8 years.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46360502/raoul-pal-says-no-one-realizes-insane-incoming-demand-for-blockspace-predicts-crypto-will-become-100-trillion-asset-within-a-decade-as-bitcoin-smashes-118000">Read the full article here.</a>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Cryptocurrency

Crypto Market Soars, Dogecoin Rides The Wave And Big Predictions For Blockchain: This Week In Crypto

The One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is now the law of the land, with President Trump taking a victory lap after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46263434/trump-signs-sweeping-tax-and-spending-bill-that-cbo-says-will-add-3-3-trillion-to-us-deficit-cut-health-coverage-for-11-8-million-americans">signing the legislation into law</a> on July 4, 2025.



The new tax and regulatory policy in the bill is already sending huge ripples across the markets. Some <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46368613/3-stocks-to-sell-now-that-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-is-law">sectors are falling</a>, as they&#8217;ve now lost the federal government&#8217;s favor.



New, significant tax benefits to long-term holders of stock in small businesses and startups are already changing investor behavior.



And, of course, a big new budget bill means plenty of big new winning stocks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Meet Your One-Stop Command Center For Smarter Investing</h2>



Newsletters talk. Analysts argue. Talking heads on TV hype. Benzinga Edge does something different—it delivers. With real-time portfolio alerts, actionable stock ideas, and pro-grade tools…you get the complete investor's arsenal — ready to help you profit in any market. Get Your Edge <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge/?utm_campaign=commandcenter&amp;utm_adType=sponsorad&amp;utm_ad=RDweb071125">HERE</a> At A 43% New-Member Discount)



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 OBBB Stocks That May Already Be Striking Lightning </h2>



Drilling down into individual stocks that are expected to benefit from the new OBBB legislation involves examining industries favored by the legislation, such as semiconductors, manufacturing, and materials. Here are a few key sector stocks that are expected to benefit from the bill.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Intel Corp.</h3>



This rationale could apply to any chip manufacturer that&#8217;s playing nice with Uncle Sam, but semiconductors are an obvious favorite coming out of the new budget bill.



"The main benefit for semiconductor manufacturing in the OBBBA is a substantial increase in the tax credit for companies who break ground on new chip fabs before the end of 2026 &#8211; an increase from 25% to 35%," said Michael Bergines, wealth advisor at Prospero Wealth, in San Francisco, Cal. "This tax credit is uncapped and will be grandfathered in for all spending on projects begun in 2025."



The tax credit will primarily benefit companies that have already committed to US-based manufacturing, and this includes not only Intel (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) but also Micron (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) and Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>). 



Intel stands out as its shares have already risen 18% year-to-date and up 15.6% in the past month. That's significantly ahead of the computer and technology sector&#8217;s gain of 6.2% and the S&amp;P 500&#8217;s gain of 4.4%.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lam Research</h3>



The OBBB also includes major funding for the artificial intelligence sector as the federal government continues to seek AI partners that expand American technology influence across the globe.



The legislation should boost U.S. semiconductor companies, such as Fremont, California-based Lam Research (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>), which designs and manufactures semiconductor processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Bergines said the bill should "continue to help" semiconductor equipment companies like Lam, Applied Materials (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>), and KLA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>).



LCRX shares are up 39.9% so far in 2025, but should go higher with the budgetary winds at its back. Toshiya Hari, a Goldman Sachs tech analyst, launched coverage on Lam Research with a Buy on the stock and a target price of $115. It's trading at $101 as of July 10.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MP Material</h3>



At first glance, you may not think the OBBA applies to a company that engages in the production of rare earth specialty materials to the US military, and to billions of dollars of associated budget funding, but that's where MP Materials (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MP#NYSE">MP</a>) finds itself right now.



The Las Vegas-based materials company saw its share price bounce by 50% on July 10 after rolling out a multibillion-dollar public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense to &#8220;dramatically accelerate the build-out of an end-to-end U.S. rare earth magnet supply chain and reduce foreign dependency.&#8221;



"We saw MP Material jump to a new high on news from the Pentagon," said Stephen Herbert Akin, founder at Akin Investments in Charleston, S.C. "The stock appears on our proprietary stock screener on June 9, 2025, at $25.51 per share. In less than a week, the stock traded up to $40, and yesterday it hit $48.01."



George Gianarikas, a Canaccord analyst, doubled his MP price target from $27 to $55 while maintaining a buy rating on the stock on Friday, July 11.



Editorial content from our expert contributors is intended to be information for the general public and not individualized investment advice. Editors/contributors are presenting their individual opinions and strategies, which are neither expressly nor impliedly approved or endorsed by Benzinga.



Photo: Shutterstock

Opinion

Trading Ideas

AMAT

INTC

KLAC

LRCX

3 Stocks Set To Make Hay Under Trump's New Budget Bill

The tech world was abuzz over the week with major developments from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>). From leadership changes to innovative product rumors, here&#8217;s a quick recap of the weekend&#8217;s top stories.



Jeff Williams to Exit Apple



Long-serving Chief Operating Officer of Apple, Jeff Williams, who was once considered a potential successor to Tim Cook, is set to retire later this year. The tech giant announced on Tuesday that Williams&#8217; COO duties will be handed over to Sabih Khan later this month.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46311533/jeff-williams-once-tipped-as-tim-cooks-successor-to-retire-from-apple">Read the full article here.</a>



Meta Snags Apple&#8217;s AI Chief



Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Platforms has reportedly lured Ruoming Pang, the AI model lead at Apple, with a hefty compensation package. Pang, who led the team responsible for training Apple&#8217;s foundational models, is the latest addition to Meta&#8217;s superintelligence efforts.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46288145/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-lures-away-apple-ai-chief-ruoming-pang-with-tens-of-millions-compensation-package-report">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46380875/openai-postpones-open-model-release-indefinitely-we-need-time-says-sam-altman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI Postpones Open Model Release Indefinitely: &#8216;We Need Time,&#8217; Says Sam Altman</a>



Apple&#8217;s Foldable iPhone on the Horizon



Apple is expected to join the foldable smartphone race with the anticipated launch of the iPhone Fold next year. The tech behemoth has reportedly been working on the foldable iPhone for years, ensuring specifications and production are up to standard before a full launch.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46356024/apples-foldable-iphone-could-land-in-2026-and-leave-samsung-playing-catch-up">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple&#8217;s $60 Billion Acquisition Buzz



With a massive $60+ billion cash reserve, Apple is once again in the spotlight. As rivals advance in AI, investors are speculating whether it&#8217;s time for Apple to make a bold move. This discussion gained traction after Apple confirmed that COO Jeff Williams will retire in 2025.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46348639/apple-acquisition-buzz-60-billion-cash-reserve">Read the full article here.</a>



Analysts Suggest Apple Needs Product-Focused CEO



Analysts from LightShed Partners have suggested that Apple should consider a change in leadership to prioritize product innovation, particularly in AI. This suggestion comes in the wake of the impending departure of Apple's COO, Jeff Williams.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46337313/apple-needs-product-focused-ceo-say-analysts-as-tim-cook-faces-heat-over-ai-failures-and-innovation-slump">Read the full article here.</a>



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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/news/22/10/29434093/elon-musk-teams-up-with-philippine-billionaire-for-satellite-internet-service-in-southeast-asia-repo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Teams Up With Philippine Billionaire For Satellite Internet Service In Southeast Asia: Report &#8211; Benzinga</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Akhenaton Images/Shutterstock

Tech

AAPL

Apple's Leadership Shake-Up, Meta's New Hire And The Anticipated iPhone Fold: This Week In Appleverse

With Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) trading in price discovery and institutional capital pouring into crypto markets, the long-anticipated "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/07/46267392/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-gain-as-trump-tariffs-deadline-delayed-massive-altcoin-season-in-the-works-says-this-analyst">altseason</a>" may finally be underway.



But industry insiders say the biggest gains may not come from Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) or XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>): instead, it's lesser-known tokens like Alpaca Network's PACA or Telegram-linked (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">TON</a>) that could emerge as breakout performers.



"We&#8217;re in the early stages of what will likely be one of the most historic altseasons we've ever seen," said Michael Gord, CEO of GDA Capital. "Liquidity is re-entering the system… capital is already rotating into ETH and high-beta Layer 1s."



Among those Layer 1s, Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>) is gaining momentum as both experts highlighted it as the fastest horse for the next six months. 



"Solana is moving with the agility of a Web2 product and the scalability of a next-gen chain," Gord noted, citing its rapid ecosystem growth across NFTs, DeFi, and gaming.



Thomas Kralow, chairman of Evedex, echoed that view, adding, "If meme coins and NFT volume resurge, SOL could outpace ETH short-term… its ecosystem's retail-driven momentum often outperforms in altseasons."



Still, the real opportunities may lie in less obvious names.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46368946/bitcoin-hits-dollar-all-time-high-but-trails-in-euro-swiss-franc-dollar-whats-driving-the-divergence">Bitcoin Hits Dollar All-Time High, But Trails In Euro, Swiss Franc: Dollar What&#8217;s Driving The Divergence?</a>



Gord named Alpaca Network's PACA as one of the most promising plays in the decentralized AI infrastructure space.



"Through the launch of Modelz.ai, they're tokenizing AI models themselves… transforming AI into a liquid, composable asset class," he said.



He also pointed to Flashy Finance, which combines gaming, social, and DeFi functions, a new category he calls CultureFi. 



"The next wave is about culture as capital," Gord emphasized.



Meanwhile, Kralow suggested The Open Network, backed by Telegram's massive user base, could quietly climb the ranks. 



"It's gaining traction in payments and bots… developer activity is rising," he said. He also mentioned high-performance chains like SEI (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">SEI</a>) and SUI (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">SUI</a>), which are building strong DeFi and NFT foundations.



Not everyone agrees on the winners, but there's more consensus on who could disappoint.



"ETH might underwhelm relative to expectations," said Gord, pointing to scalability bottlenecks and rising competition. Kralow added that XRP could struggle if legal clarity fails to translate into ecosystem growth.



As for what defines this altseason? Gord said: "This bull run and altseason is going to be the cultural onboarding of Web3 into the global financial narrative."



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46364023/tom-lee-ethereum-not-solana-is-the-preferred-choice-for-jp-morgan-robinhood-circle-to-build-on">Tom Lee: Ethereum, Not Solana, Is The &#8216;Preferred Choice&#8217; For JP Morgan, Robinhood, Circle To Build On</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

News

$BTC

$ETH

$SEI

$SOL

$SUI

$TON

$XRP

Ethereum? XRP? Solana? No, You'll Find Exponential Altseason Returns In Lesser-Known Coins, Experts Say

The past week has been a whirlwind of economic and political events. From record-breaking customs duty collections to billionaire investors casting doubt on tariff outcomes, the week was filled with intriguing stories. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top five stories that made headlines.



US Customs Duty Collection Hits Record High



The U.S. Treasury Department announced that for the first time in history, the country&#8217;s customs duty collections have exceeded $100 billion in a fiscal year. The record-breaking collection for June 2025 alone was $27 billion, resulting in a surprising budget surplus for the month. The surge is largely attributed to President Donald Trump&#8217;s tariffs, which have become a significant revenue source for the federal government.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46380544/amid-trump-tariffs-us-customs-duty-collection-exceeds-100-billion-in-a-fiscal-year-for-the-first-time-report">Read the full article here.</a>



Ray Dalio Questions Effectiveness of Trump&#8217;s Tariffs



Billionaire investor Ray Dalio expressed skepticism about the potential effectiveness of President Trump&#8217;s tariffs in reviving U.S. manufacturing. He warned that the tariffs could deepen &#8220;stagflation&#8221; and may not deliver on promises to rejuvenate U.S. factory floors.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46338641/ray-dalio-says-trumps-tariffs-are-theoretical-warns-they-may-not-bring-manufacturin">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45229287/trump-meets-with-newly-elected-canadian-pm-mark-carney-president-trump-says-we-wi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Meets With Newly-Elected Canadian PM Mark Carney; President Trump Says We Will Have A Very Big Announcement Before Middle East Trip; Really Positive Announcement Thursday, Friday Or Monday Befor</a>



Peter Schiff Warns Against Trump&#8217;s Tax Cuts



Economist Peter Schiff cautioned that President Trump&#8217;s latest tax and spending package could harm the U.S. economy more than it helps. He argued that the tax cuts, which add to budget deficits, won&#8217;t stimulate economic growth but will instead lead to higher long-term interest rates and inflation.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/07/46302822/peter-schiff-says-trumps-tax-cuts-wont-grow-the-economy-instead-he-warns-theyll-lead-to-higher-interest-rates-and-inflation">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump Threatens Brazil with 50% Tariffs



Tensions escalated between the United States and Brazil after President Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on imports from the South American nation. The threat came in a letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in which Trump also called the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro a &#8220;Witch Hunt.&#8221;



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46334793/trump-sends-lula-a-letter-imposing-50-tariffs-calls-bolsonaro-trial-a-witch-hunt-brazils-president-hits-back-will-not-accept-any-form-of-tutelage">Read the full article here.</a>



Craig Shapiro Criticizes Jerome Powell&#8217;s Legacy



Macro strategist Craig Shapiro criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s tenure, alleging that the Federal Reserve under Powell has deviated from its core mission of serving the public. Shapiro accused the Fed of ceasing to fight inflation, deepening inequality, and quietly surrendering monetary control back to the U.S. Treasury.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46267995/craig-shapiro-slams-jerome-powells-legacy-of-quiet-surrender-to-wall-street-and-the-us-treasury-no-longer-serves-the-public">Read the full article here.</a>



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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/government/25/07/46347510/bulgaria-becomes-21st-eu-member-to-adopt-euro-despite-domestic-opposition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulgaria Becomes 21st EU Member To Adopt Euro Despite Domestic Opposition</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Economics

Trump's Tariffs, Tax Cuts, And Tensions With Brazil Stir The Pot: This Week In Economy

The week brought a mix of stories that stirred the pot in various sectors. From Bill Gates&#8217; warning about the devastating effects of USAID funding cuts on HIV programs in Africa, to the first June budget surplus since 2017 under Donald Trump&#8217;s administration, the news cycle was anything but dull. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.



Bill Gates Sounds Alarm on USAID Funding Cuts



Co-founder of Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Bill Gates, has expressed serious concerns about the impacts of U.S. aid cuts on HIV programs in Africa. Gates called for a reversal of the decision, highlighting the distressing conditions faced by an HIV doctor in Africa whose work relies on USAID and PEPFAR.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46380959/bill-gates-warns-of-devestating-effects-of-usaid-funding-cuts-its-not-too-late-to-reverse-them">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump Delivers First June Budget Surplus Since 2017



The U.S. government recorded a surplus of just over $27 billion in June, marking the first June budget surplus since 2017. This turnaround was largely driven by a significant increase in tariff revenues, according to the Treasury Department.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46377893/trump-delivers-first-june-budget-surplus-since-2017-thanks-to-tariffs">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/22/10/29370689/boris-johnson-tries-to-win-support-for-uk-pm-comeback-bid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boris Johnson Tries To Win Support For UK PM Comeback Bid &#8211; Benzinga</a>



Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino Considers Resignation



Amid tensions between the FBI and the Justice Department over the Jeffrey Epstein memo, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is reportedly contemplating stepping down. This development follows a heated exchange with Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the case's management.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46380999/deputy-fbi-director-dan-bongino-considers-resignation-amid-epstein-memo-fallout-report">Read the full article here.</a>



Fed HQ Renovation Costs Soar to $2.5 Billion



Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought accused Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell of gross fiscal mismanagement as the renovation costs for the Fed's headquarters have ballooned to $2.5 billion. The project includes terrace rooftop gardens, water features, VIP elevators, and premium marble fixtures.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46361722/jerome-powell-has-grossly-mismanaged-says-russ-vought-as-fed-hq-renovation-costs-soar-to-2-5-billion-the-palace-of-versailles-would-have-cost-3-billion">Read the full article here.</a>



Mike Pence Criticizes Trump&#8217;s Tariff Escalations



Former Vice President Mike Pence likened President Donald Trump&#8217;s escalating tariff war to &#8220;dismissing your front line in a football game.&#8221; Pence expressed his disagreement with Trump&#8217;s &#8220;permanent unilateral tariff barriers,&#8221; which he believes could alienate U.S. allies.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46360429/mike-pence-says-trumps-tariff-escalations-with-us-allies-are-like-dismissing-your-front-line-in-a-football-game">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/24/09/40894933/kim-jong-uns-north-korea-outranks-china-as-russias-top-ally-in-ukraine-conflict-says-military-intell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kim Jong Un&#8217;s North Korea Outranks China As Russia&#8217;s Top Ally In Ukraine Conflict, Says Military Intelligence Chief &#8211; Benzinga</a>



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



Photo courtesy: Maxim Elramsisy / Shutterstock.com

MSFT

Bill Gates' Warning, Trump's Surplus, And Bongino's Potential Exit: This Week In Politics

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is under mounting pressure as he navigates contentious trade talks with the United States amid fresh threats from President Donald Trump to impose a 35% tariff on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46158982/trumps-canada-trade-flip-oil-market-shock-and-nvidias-rise-to-the-top-this-week-in-economy" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian imports starting August 1.</a>



Trump&#8217;s latest warning arrives while both nations are in the midst of hammering out a broader trade agreement—talks that have grown increasingly tense following several concessions from Ottawa.



These include a recent rollback of a proposed Digital Services Tax targeting tech giants, after Washington vowed to end trade talks unless the plan was scrapped, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg81518yyyo" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports </a>BBC News.



Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46382047/trump-targets-mexico-eu-with-30-tariffs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Targets Mexico, EU With 30% Tariffs</a>



Carney&#8217;s approach, once symbolized by a combative &#8220;elbows up&#8221; hockey metaphor, is now being questioned across the political spectrum.



Analysts and commentators have described his trade posture as inconsistent, with Canadian columnist Robyn Urback likening it to a &#8220;chicken dance.&#8221; Critics argue that caving on the digital tax and not responding to recent tariff escalations on steel and aluminum undermines his promise of standing firm against U.S. pressure.



While Carney&#8217;s government continues to enjoy strong domestic support in polls, some political scientists say the prime minister&#8217;s broader strategy—pursuing an expansive trade and security deal—lacks coherence.



Blayne Haggart, a professor at Brock University, said Canada&#8217;s recent reversals have accomplished &#8220;less than nothing.&#8221;



Others, like former government adviser Roland Paris, argue it&#8217;s too soon to judge and that the final agreement will determine whether Carney capitulated or played a smart long game.



Trump&#8217;s tariff warning letter also revived his criticism of Canadian drug policy, accusing Ottawa of not doing enough to curb fentanyl flow across the border.



Despite the friction, Carney has avoided retaliatory action and reiterated Canada&#8217;s commitment to protecting its workers and industries.



The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement remains intact for now, exempting many Canadian goods from the threatened 35% tariff.



Canadian politicians across party lines have presented a united front. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, pledged full support to secure a strong deal, while British Columbia Premier David Eby emphasized national unity.



Experts, including Carleton University&#8217;s Fen Hampson, caution against judging the talks prematurely, pointing out that American businesses would also suffer from the tariffs and that Carney has made moves to diversify trade, including with the EU.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46381494/mm-skittles-maker-rejects-rfk-jr-s-call-to-drop-synthetic-dyes-people-can-buy-alcohol-and-cigarettesbut-colored-candy-is-an-issue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M&amp;M, Skittles Maker Rejects RFK Jr.'s Call To Drop Synthetic Dyes — ‘People Can Buy Alcohol And Cigarettes…But Colored Candy Is An Issue?'</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock/Harrison Ha

Equities

General

Carney Faces Cross-Border Pressure Amid High-Stakes US Trade Talks

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.



U.S. markets closed this week at record highs, driven by Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) surpassing a $4 trillion market cap — the first ever, marking a historic milestone — amid easing global tensions and broad AI enthusiasm. President Donald Trump's trade rhetoric intensified, with new 50% tariffs planned on copper and Brazilian goods, but markets remained resilient, betting on eventual policy moderation.



Key sectors like airlines and materials also saw gains, while Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) remained under pressure due to Elon Musk's political activities. Gold and the dollar steadied alongside Treasury yields.



Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.







The Bulls



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46321541/nvidia-hits-4-trillion-market-cap-stock-surges-to-all-time-high">"Nvidia hits $4 trillion market cap, stock surges to all‑time high"</a>, by Henry Khederian, reports that Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA) reached a record market valuation above $4 trillion — becoming the first U.S. company to do so — on strong investor momentum, driven by its dominant position in AI chipmaking.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46356963/drone-stocks-fly-as-defense-secretary-fast-tracks-drone-production-deployment">"Drone stocks fly as Defense Secretary fast-tracks drone production, deployment"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVAV#NASDAQ">AVAV</a>), Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTOS#NASDAQ">KTOS</a>), Red Cat Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCAT#NASDAQ">RCAT</a>), Unusual Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UMAC#NASDAQ">UMAC</a>), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAVS#NASDAQ">UAVS</a>), and Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONDS#NASDAQ">ONDS</a>) all rallied after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revoked procurement restrictions and empowered frontline units to fast‑track U.S.-made drone production and deployment.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46324594/used%E2%80%91car-boom-prices-supercharging-carvana-autonation-stocks">"Used‑car boom prices supercharging Carvana, AutoNation stocks"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that soaring used‑car prices are lifting Carvana Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVNA#NYSE">CVNA</a>) and AutoNation Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AN#NYSE">AN</a>), as both retailers benefit from record-high margins and strong consumer demand in the resale vehicle market.



For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46328802/dell-hpe-named-top-ai-server-plays-as-analyst-cites-14b-backlog">Dell, HPE Named Top AI Server Plays As Analyst Cites $14 Billion Backlog</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46299701/ge-aerospace-climbs-46-in-2025-as-investors-eye-tariff-strategy-earnings">GE Aerospace Climbs 46% In 2025 As Investors Eye Tariff Strategy, Earnings</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46353542/palantir-next-oracle-trump-backed-ai-surge">Palantir Is The ‘Next Oracle' On Trump-Backed AI Surge: Analyst</a>







The Bears



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/downgrades/25/07/46308347/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-too-much-for-tesla-stock-direct-hit-to-profitability">"Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill' too much for Tesla stock? Direct hit to profitability"</a>, by Shanthi Rexaline, reports that Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) was downgraded by William Blair analyst Jed Dorsheimer, who warned Trump's new bill eliminates $7,500 EV tax credits and corporate average fuel economy fines — putting Tesla's $2.8 billion in annual regulatory credit revenue, 16% of gross profit, at risk.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46280387/unitedhealth-centene-hit-hard-by-guidance-shock-trumps-medicaid-push">"UnitedHealth, Centene hit hard by guidance shock, Trump's Medicaid push"</a>, by Vandana Singh, reports that UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) saw its market cap plunge nearly 41% in Q2 and Centene Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>) shares crashed over 40% after Centene withdrew its 2025 guidance — moves driven by unexpectedly high medical costs and President Donald Trump's new legislation targeting Medicaid funding that threatens insurers' risk pools and reimbursement structures.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46348352/gorilla-technology-shares-plunge-after-nvidia-fueled-rally-reverses">"Gorilla Technology shares plunge after Nvidia‑fueled rally reverses"</a>, by Akanksha Bakshi, reports that Gorilla Technology Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GRRR) stock tumbled after a brief surge drove by its inclusion as an NVIDIA Solutions Partner on Nvidia's website—without any formal announcement—reversing the prior day's strong rally.



For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46352461/core-scientific-downgraded-over-concerns-on-acquisition-deal">Core Scientific Downgraded Over Concerns On Acquisition Deal</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46374969/jpmorgan-just-hit-delete-on-tesla-and-rivian">JPMorgan Just Hit ‘Delete' On Tesla And Rivian</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46326465/unitedhealth-slammed-with-another-lawsuit-over-119-billion-stock-plunge">UnitedHealth Slammed With Another Lawsuit Over $119 Billion Stock Plunge</a>







Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Markets

AVAV

CORZ

CVNA

DELL

GRRR

KTOS

NVDA

ONDS

PLTR

RCAT

RIVN

TSLA

UAVS

UMAC

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Nvidia, Tesla, Carvana — And Trump Amps Up Tariff Talk

Each week, Benzinga&#8217;s Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the <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/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: June's 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do CoreWeave, Nvidia, Apple Stock Rank?</a>



Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending July 11:



Intuit Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTU#NASDAQ">INTU</a>): The owner of Quickbooks and TurboTax finds its way back on the Stock Whisper Index for a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45938888/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-69">second straight month</a>. Investors are showing strong interest in the company once again with shares near all-time highs. One reason for the increased attention is optimism from analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTU/analyst-ratings">covering the stock</a>. BMO maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $820 to $870 and Morgan Stanley maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $785 to $900. Another reason could be the passing of the "One Big Beautiful Bill." The bill will add new tax cuts and changes and also eliminates some free IRS filing tools. These could see customers flocking to TurboTax to make sure they get all the latest tax tips and breaks come tax filing time next 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=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="494" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982515" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497-768x381.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Roblox Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBLX#NYSE">RBLX</a>): The gaming company makes the Stock Whisper Index for a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46043300/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-70">second straight month</a> with shares nearing all-time highs that were last hit back in late 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is seeing strong usage and monetization from hit minigame "Grow a Garden," which Roblox users can play. Analysts are also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RBLX/analyst-ratings">raising price targets</a> aggressively with BTIG taking the target from $73 to $124 and Citigroup taking the price target from $100 to $123. The company is set to report second-quarter financial results on July 31 and could share updates on the recent success and strong usage. Roblox has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in seven straight quarters and for revenue in three of the last four quarters.



<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=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1005" height="498" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982516" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498.png 1005w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498-768x381.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1005px) 100vw, 1005px" /></a></figure>



AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>): The drugmaker saw strong interest from readers during the week with minimal news. Benzinga reported that the company is<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/contracts/25/07/46249640/astrazeneca-in-15b-talks-for-drug-that-could-upend-lung-cancer-treatment"> in reported talks </a>with Summit Therapeutics about a potential partnership for lung cancer drug called ivonescimab. The deal could be worth up to $15 billion and would give AstraZeneca the rights to the drug. Bloomberg said other drug companies are in talks with Summit. Ivonescimab has show lower risks of disease progression or death when compared to Merck's Keytruda. The increased interest in AstraZeneca comes ahead of second-quarter financial results set for July 29. The company has missed analyst estimates for earnings per share in five of the last six quarters, while beating analyst estimates for revenue in four of the last five quarters. Investors could be anticipating strong financial results and/or be excited in a potential partnership with Summit.



<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=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982517" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>



NextEra Energy Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEE#NYSE">NEE</a>): Readers showed strong interest in the energy company during the week. The company is one of many in the clean energy sector that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46173316/trumps-big-bill-rocks-clean-energy-stocks-except-rooftop-solar">could see pressure</a> from the "Big Beautiful Bill" that rolls back some incentives for the sector. NextEra could also stand out with their presence in the nuclear energy sector which is getting a renewed push going forward. Investors could also be excited ahead of second-quarter financial results set for July 23. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in eight of the last 10 quarters. The company has missed analyst estimates for revenue in five straight quarters. Investors will be hoping for a better quarter and a double beat this time around as the future remains less certain with the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill.



<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=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="507" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982518" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500-300x153.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500-768x391.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



ServiceNow Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>): The software solutions company is seeing strong interest from readers as the company makes progress with AI solutions for businesses. Investors could be gearing up for the company's second-quarter financial results set for July 23. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine of the last 10 quarters, with the lone non-beat a quarter where expectations were met. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in eight of the last 10 quarters. Another strong quarter could see investors get more excited for the stock, with shares down 11% year-to-date despite the quarterly beats.



<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=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982519" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Stay tuned for next week&#8217;s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>



Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45827517/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-68" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 6</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45938888/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-69" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 13</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46043300/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-70" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 20</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 27</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46264224/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-72">July 4</a></li>
</ul>



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46236448/exclusive-2025s-first-half-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-nvidia-tesla-apple-stock-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: 2025's First Half Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do Nvidia, Tesla, Apple Stock Rank?</a></li>
</ul>

Long Ideas

Exclusives

INTU

RBLX

Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

Wall Street posted fresh all-time highs this week, fueled by a relentless rally in Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), which became the first company in history to surpass a $4 trillion market capitalization, igniting optimism across the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech"> tech and AI sectors.</a>



The chipmaker extended its winning streak to a seventh straight week — and the 11th in the last 12 — nearly doubling its share price from early April lows in just over three months.



This surge pushed the combined market value of the so-called Magnificent Seven — Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) — to a staggering $18.3 trillion.



Chart Of The Week: Nvidia Has Now Rallied 90% Since April&#8217;s Tariff Turmoil



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="525" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-1024x525.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982442" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-1024x525.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-300x154.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-768x394.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-1536x788.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11154407/image-140-2048x1050.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



President Donald Trump reignited trade war concerns, announcing a 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting Aug. 1. He also proposed blanket tariffs of 15% to 20% on most other U.S. trading partners. Additionally, the administration unveiled 50% duties on copper and Brazilian goods, all set to kick in on the same day.



Trump also escalated his feud with the Federal Reserve. On Wednesday, he called for an aggressive three-percentage-point rate cut, arguing that each point costs the U.S. $360 billion annually in debt service.



The Fed remains cautious. Minutes from the June 17–18 FOMC meeting revealed that most officials expect to cut rates later this year. Still, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee pushed back, saying debt costs shouldn&#8217;t drive monetary policy. He reiterated the central bank's dual mandate: price stability and full employment.



Airline stocks outperformed this week. Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>) surged 12% on Thursday after beating earnings expectations and reaffirming its full-year profit forecast. Optimism spilled over to United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>), Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) and American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>), as investors bet on a strong summer quarter for the travel sector.



Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) also broke records, soaring past $118,000. The iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>) — the world's largest crypto-related exchange-traded fund — posted inflows in 12 of the past 13 weeks, reflecting surging institutional interest in the top cryptocurrency.



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Wall Street Hits Record Highs As Nvidia Tops $4 Trillion, Trump Ramps Up Trade Tensions: This Week In Markets

In the face of an ongoing power struggle within the Trump administration, the position of Attorney General Pam Bondi remains unthreatened, says Ty Cobb, a former White House lawyer.



What Happened: FBI Director Kash Patel&nbsp;and Deputy FBI Director Dan&nbsp;Bongino were contemplating resignation if Bondi continues her tenure as attorney general. This development comes in the wake of a controversy related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.



Bondi, Patel, and Bongino had&nbsp;all pledged to disclose vital documents associated with Epstein, a deceased financier and a convicted sex offender. 



However, a memo from&nbsp;the Department of Justice and&nbsp;FBI revealed&nbsp;that Epstein did not have&nbsp;the much-anticipated &#8220;client list&#8221; that many, including Trump supporters, believed he possessed.



The memo&#8217;s findings triggered a strong backlash from Trump&#8217;s supporters. Cobb, who served during Trump&#8217;s first administration, mentioned on CNN that President Donald Trump would certainly favor Bondi over Patel or Bongino.



"I think Patel clearly has gotten the message because he sort of silently sat on the sidelines and rallied behind the team concept that the White House and the Justice Department are trying to sell," Cobb said. 



"And I think what you'll see is that Bongino has to come back from the weekend, and say, ‘Gee, sorry I had a bad day.&#8217;"



As per Cobb, if Bongino fails to express regret, &#8220;he&#8217;s gone.&#8221; He further underscored that Bondi&#8217;s position is secure, asserting, &#8220;Bondi&#8217;s not going.&#8221;



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46264647/elon-musk-renews-demand-for-jeffrey-epstein-files-release-weeks-after-alleging-trump-is-named-in-them">Elon Musk Renews Demand for Jeffrey Epstein Files Release, Weeks After Alleging Trump Is Named in Them</a>



"And for a specific reason, which is Bondi, like Hegseth, is very senior to the other people in their departments who are screwing up. And while they've both been a huge embarrassment and done some just astonishing things, and for the history of the country, if he terminates one of them, he picked them,&#8221; Cobb said. 



&#8220;And he put him in those senior positions, and it'll be a huge embarrassment to him. So, the further down the pecking order you go, if you're Trump, in his thinking, if somebody leaves that's further down, if it's not the top dog, it's not as big a reflection on him," he further added. 



Why It Matters: The power struggle within the Trump administration and the controversy surrounding the Epstein case have put the spotlight on key figures like Bondi, Patel, and Bongino. 



The assurance from Cobb, a former insider, about Bondi&#8217;s secure position, provides a glimpse into the dynamics of the administration. The potential resignations of Patel and Bongino could lead to significant shifts in the administration&#8217;s power structure. 



The fallout from the Epstein case continues to have repercussions, influencing public opinion and the administration&#8217;s internal politics.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43077007/jeffrey-epstein-allegedly-offered-plea-deal-in-exchange-for-trump-info-if-i-can-give-them-something-on-trump-to-get-him-impeached" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeffrey Epstein Allegedly Offered Plea Deal In Exchange For Trump Info: ‘If I Can Give Them Something On Trump To Get Him Impeached'</a>



Image: Shutterstock/Joshua Sukoff

Jeffrey Epstein Case: Ex-Trump White House Lawyer Says Pam Bondi Isn't Going Anywhere Amid Power Struggle

President Donald Trump&#8216;s former lawyer Alan Dershowitz has asserted that he is aware of the identities on the purported client list of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/social-media/25/05/45710915/elon-musk-once-asked-why-epstein-maxwell-client-list-hasnt-leaked-heres-how-he-responded-to-x-user-who-suggested-he-was-a-client">late financier Jeffrey Epstein.</a>



What Happened: Statements from Dershowitz&#8217;s March appearance&nbsp;on The Sean Spicer Show&nbsp;have come to light again. 



Last week in a post on X, Spicer shared Dershowitz&#8217;s&nbsp;comments, &#8220;I&nbsp;know the names of the&nbsp;individuals. I know why they're&nbsp;being suppressed. I know who's&nbsp;suppressing them. But I&#8217;m bound by confidentiality.&#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">&#x1f6a8;<a href="https://twitter.com/AlanDersh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlanDersh</a> said he saw the entire Epstein list while proving his innocence: &quot;Documents are being suppressed to protect individuals. I know the names of the individuals. I know why they&#39;re being suppressed. I know who&#39;s suppressing them. But I&#39;m bound by confidentiality.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/2bx7SwozN3">pic.twitter.com/2bx7SwozN3</a>&mdash; Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) <a href="https://twitter.com/seanspicer/status/1943322536189509719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>







Epstein, who committed suicide in 2019, has been the center of conspiracy theories that suggest he provided underage girls for sex to a list of prominent individuals. 



Dershowitz, renowned for representing high-profile clients like Epstein and Donald Trump, was a member of Epstein&#8217;s defense team during the financier&#8217;s investigations for soliciting sex from minors.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46264647/elon-musk-renews-demand-for-jeffrey-epstein-files-release-weeks-after-alleging-trump-is-named-in-them">Elon Musk Renews Demand for Jeffrey Epstein Files Release, Weeks After Alleging Trump Is Named in Them</a>



Earlier this year, the Trump administration hinted at revealing documents and names linked to Epstein&#8217;s inner circle, but later withdrew, sparking outrage among&nbsp;many in the MAGA movement.



Despite a recent government memo stating&nbsp;no new evidence has been&nbsp;found in relation to the Epstein case, Sigrid McCawley, representing several Epstein victims, demanded that those involved in Epstein&#8217;s crimes be brought to justice.



"Epstein could not have run this operation without the help of many people. He needed a lawyer who would, you know, cover things up for him. He needed an accountant who would funnel money in certain ways," McCawley said in a statement.



Why It Matters: The alleged client list of Epstein has been a subject of intense speculation and controversy. The list is believed to contain names of high-profile individuals who were part of Epstein&#8217;s inner circle. 



Dershowitz&#8217;s claim of knowledge about the list and the individuals on it adds a new layer to the ongoing investigations and discussions around Epstein&#8217;s activities.



The Trump administration&#8217;s earlier indication of releasing related documents and names, and its subsequent retraction, has added to the intrigue and public demand for transparency. 



The call by McCawley for those connected to Epstein&#8217;s crimes to be held accountable underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation.



Read Next



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Image: Shutterstock/a katz

Ex-Trump Lawyer Dershowitz Claims Knowledge of Epstein Client List: 'I Know the Names, But I'm Bound by Confidentiality'

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants synthetic food dyes out of the American food supply. But one of the nation's most recognizable candy giants — Mars, the maker of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46278726/rfk-jr-s-battle-against-synthetic-food-dye-will-mms-skittles-keep-their-colors">M&amp;M's and Skittles</a> — isn't playing along.



Mars confirmed it will continue using synthetic dyes in its candies, despite a previous 2016 pledge to remove all artificial colors from its entire portfolio of foods and snacks. In a statement to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/politics/rfk-food-dyes-candy.html">The New York Times</a>, the company defended its decision, stating that its products remain "safe to enjoy and meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities around the world."



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RFK Jr., meanwhile, is pushing for a nationwide ban on petroleum-based dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, and Blue 1 and 2 — all of which are common in children's snacks. The move is part of his broader <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45560572/rfk-jr-s-make-america-healthy-again-report-stirs-gop-farmers-over-glyphosate-concerns-ahead-of-release">"Make America Healthy Again" agenda</a>, which targets food additives linked to health and behavioral concerns.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Behind the Ban?</h2>



Synthetic dyes have long been controversial. Several studies have raised concerns over possible links to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and even cancer — especially in children.



According to a 2024 study published in the <a href="https://www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(25)00166-2/fulltext">Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics</a>, 19% of packaged U.S. foods contained synthetic dyes. That number jumped to 28% in products marketed to children. Many of those same foods were also found to contain significantly higher sugar levels.



While federal regulators have yet to impose restrictions on these dyes, a growing number of states are stepping in. West Virginia has passed <a href="https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=2354&amp;year=2025&amp;sessiontype=RS">sweeping legislation banning seven dyes</a> and two preservatives from school meals starting in 2025, with a broader food ban statewide by 2028. California will prohibit Red Dye No. 3 and several other additives starting in 2027. Utah, Virginia, and Texas have all adopted similar policies, ranging from outright bans to mandatory labeling.



Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mars Pushes Back&nbsp;</h2>



In comments made to the <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/07/08/business/mampms-skittles-resist-rfk-jrs-demand-to-remove-synthetic-dyes/">New York Post</a>, the National Confectioners Association — which represents companies like Mars — defended the use of synthetic dyes and questioned why candy is being singled out.



"People can freely buy cannabis, THC products, alcohol, and cigarettes — but vibrantly colored candy is an issue? Give me a break," said NCA spokesperson Christopher Gindlesperger.



He argued that candy isn't deceptive. "People know that confectionery products are treats and that they contain sugar, food colors, and other FDA-approved ingredients, because candy is intrinsically transparent," he said.



Gindlesperger added that chocolate and candy have been safely enjoyed "for generations," and that the industry supports science-based evaluations of food additives to reduce consumer confusion and maintain trust.



As for switching to natural colors? Gindlesperger acknowledged that it's possible — but not easy. Natural alternatives are harder to source, more expensive, and could increase prices for consumers. "Companies need time to find alternatives," he told the Post.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">So Why Candy — and Not Cigarettes or Booze?</h2>



That's the question candy makers keep coming back to.



They argue that candy is being unfairly targeted in RFK Jr.'s crackdown, especially when far more harmful substances—like tobacco, alcohol, and even THC products—remain legal and widely available. Unlike those, they say, candy is clearly labeled, transparently marketed as a treat, and enjoyed in moderation by millions of people without controversy.



But RFK Jr.'s team sees it differently. The concern isn't just the color—it's the cumulative exposure. Artificial dyes are especially common in products aimed at children, and many of those same items are loaded with sugar. Bright packaging and vibrant colors may make candy look harmless, but for kids who consume it regularly, critics argue the long-term health effects can quietly stack up.



And while candy companies point to personal choice and moderation, some health experts say the issue runs deeper. According to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/experts-is-sugar-addictive-drug">Healthline</a>, registered dietitian Cassie Bjork, founder of Healthy Simple Life, says sugar can light up the brain's reward system in ways similar to addictive drugs. "Sugar activates the opiate receptors in our brain and affects the reward center," she explained. That activation, she says, can lead to compulsive use "despite the negative consequences like weight gain, headaches, hormone imbalances, and more."



In that context, candy may not look so harmless after all. The argument isn't just about whether candy is as dangerous as cigarettes—but whether it's been given a pass for too long simply because it comes in a bright wrapper.



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Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

M&M, Skittles Maker Rejects RFK Jr.'s Call To Drop Synthetic Dyes — 'People Can Buy Alcohol And Cigarettes…But Colored Candy Is An Issue?'

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