The Federal Reserve announced on Friday that all 22 of the nation&#8217;s largest banks successfully passed its 2025 stress test, maintaining adequate capital buffers even under a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/06/46125160/expert-outlook-bank-of-america-through-the-eyes-of-15-analysts" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypothetical recession scenario</a>. However, analysts noted that this year&#8217;s exam was less demanding than previous iterations, CNBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/27/big-banks-all-pass-less-vigorous-federal-reserves-stress-tests.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.



The central bank&#8217;s simulated downturn included milder assumptions compared to 2024—featuring smaller declines in housing and commercial real estate prices, a more moderate unemployment spike, and reduced overall market disruption.



Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46071825/big-short-investor-eisman-warns-jpmorgan-wells-fargo-domination-squeezes-regional-banks" rel="noreferrer noopener"> &#8216;Big Short&#8217; Investor Eisman Warns JPMorgan, Wells Fargo Domination Squeezes Regional Banks</a>



The report adds that these factors likely contributed to the more favorable outcomes for major financial institutions.



Michelle Bowman, the Fed&#8217;s newly appointed vice chair for supervision and a President Donald Trump appointee, said in a statement, &#8220;Large banks remain well capitalized and resilient to a range of severe outcomes,&#8221; CNBC adds



The scenario estimated roughly $550 billion in total losses across the tested firms, yet all remained above regulatory minimums.



Unlike last year&#8217;s exam, which included steeper declines and more severe economic pain points, the 2025 version omitted deeper stress on private equity holdings and did not evaluate exposure to private credit markets—a rapidly growing $2 trillion segment.



Fed officials offered limited explanation for the shift, only citing past volatility in test outcomes and a plan to seek public input for future revisions.



Notably absent from the 2025 methodology was any direct testing of bank vulnerabilities to private credit. Despite recent warnings from Fed researchers—including the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston—about the systemic risks private credit could pose in a sharp downturn, the Fed&#8217;s stress test documents made no reference to the sector.



Top-tier institutions such as JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>), Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) were among those that cleared the exam.



Their solid performance positions them to resume capital return programs, including dividend payouts and share buybacks, with announcements expected next week, the report adds.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46043344/why-are-central-banks-still-stockpiling-gold" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why Are Central Banks Still Stockpiling Gold?</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock/christianthiel.net

Equities

Big Banks Pass Fed's 2025 Stress Test With Ease—But Some Say It Was Too Easy

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, could have been the world&#8217;s first trillionaire if he had retained his original company stock.



What Happened: The Forbes projection comes in light of Gates&#8217; public commitment to donate nearly all of&nbsp;his remaining wealth and wind&nbsp;down the Gates Foundation by&nbsp;2045. 



Gates, along with his ex-wife Melinda, have already donated $60.2 billion to the foundation since its inception in 2000, making them the second-largest philanthropists in America. 



Despite their philanthropic efforts, they remain among the world&#8217;s wealthiest, with an estimated net worth of&nbsp;$113 billion and $30.4 billion, respectively.



According to Forbes&#8217; <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattdurot/2025/05/09/bill-gates-would-be-a-trillionaire-if-hed-kept-all-his-microsoft-stock/">calculations</a>, if the Gates had not embarked on their philanthropic journey and retained all their Microsoft shares,&nbsp;their combined fortune would be&nbsp;a staggering&nbsp;$1.5 trillion. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/10/29194457/melinda-gates-on-divorce-with-bill-gates-unbelievably-painful-i-just-couldnt-stay-in-that-marriage-2">Melinda Gates On Divorce With Bill Gates: &#8216;I Just Couldn&#8217;t Stay In That Marriage&#8217;</a>



In this hypothetical&nbsp;scenario,&nbsp;Gates alone would likely be&nbsp;the first trillionaire, with a fortune of $1.2 trillion&nbsp;even after his 2021 divorce.&nbsp;



This sum would be over&nbsp;triple Elon Musk&#8216;s peak net&nbsp;worth. Melinda would be worth&nbsp;an estimated $300 billion, potentially&nbsp;making her the world&#8217;s third-richest person.



In reality, Gates has&nbsp;systematically sold and donated shares,&nbsp;diversifying his portfolio. Currently,&nbsp;his Microsoft ownership is an&nbsp;estimated 0.9 percent stake, valued&nbsp;at $28 billion. Melinda&#8217;s Microsoft&nbsp;shares are an estimated $&nbsp;380,000.



Why It Matters: The Gates have made significant contributions to global health and poverty alleviation through the Gates Foundation, distributing an estimated $47.7 billion.&nbsp;



Melinda has also launched Pivotal&nbsp;Philanthropies and committed an additional&nbsp;$12.5 billion for women's and&nbsp;girls' rights. Both remain committed&nbsp;to the Giving Pledge, which&nbsp;they co-founded with Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s&nbsp;chairperson Warren Buffett in 2010.&nbsp;



Their philanthropic efforts have had a significant impact on global issues, despite the potential personal wealth they could have amassed.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43581817/bill-gates-says-this-simple-trait-is-the-secret-to-his-success">Bill Gates Says This Simple Trait Is the Secret to His Success</a>



Image: Shutterstock/Alexandros Michailidis

News

MSFT

Bill Gates Could've Been The World's First Trillionaire — and Richer Than Elon Musk — If He'd Kept His Microsoft Stock

Wall Street returned to record highs at the end of June, with both the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 breaking above their February peaks, capping a powerful rebound from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46124290/sp-500-hits-record-highs-and-history-says-the-best-is-yet-to-come">April's tariff-driven lows.</a>



Investor sentiment turned positive as geopolitical and trade risks eased. Oil prices slumped $12 to $65 after a symbolic Iranian strike on a U.S. base in Qatar failed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/46101460/oil-was-supposed-to-soar-on-iran-strikes-it-just-crashed-instead">to escalate tensions further. </a>



President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran had been established, effectively ending the 12-day conflict.



During his two-day testimony before Congress, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said this year's tariff hikes are likely to raise prices and weigh on the economy, warranting caution <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46077396/powell-interest-rates-trump-inflation-tariffs">on interest rate cuts.</a>



Powell's neutral tone sparked renewed friction with President Trump, who continues to criticize the Fed chair and fuel speculation over a possible leadership change when Powell's term <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/46115346/trump-powell-fed-chairman-odds-dollar">ends in May 2026</a>.



Markets now anticipate that Trump's influence could lead to a more dovish pivot at the central bank. Traders are pricing in two rate cuts before year-end and persistent dollar weakness, with the U.S. Dollar Index falling to levels last seen in February 2022—before Russia's invasion of Ukraine—and heading for its worst <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46146713/trump-dollar-outlook-tariffs-debt">half-year since 1991.</a>



The stock rally gained momentum at the end of the week as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the U.S. reached a trade agreement with China. Officials also signaled progress in trade talks with at least 10 other countries, suggesting a softening stance from the White House toward protectionist policies.



In corporate news, Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) surged to new record highs, reaching a market <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/46149573/nvidias-stock-price-hits-new-highs-this-is-whats-next">capitalization of $3.85 trillion. </a>



The AI-chip giant reclaimed the title of the world's most valuable publicly traded company, overtaking Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) once again amid continued dominance in the AI chip market. 



On Friday, Trump announced an abrupt halt to all trade negotiations with Canada, a key U.S. trading partner, due to a Digital Services Tax on U.S. corporations. The move halted the market&#8217;s strong gains during the session and raised investor anxiety ahead of July&#8217;s 9 tariff deadline.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46150909/trump-canada-tariffs-dollar-deal">Trump Flips On Canada Trade Deal, Sending Shivers Through Wall Street</a> </li>
</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Government

Macro Economic Events

Regulations

Economics

Federal Reserve

Tech

NVDA

Wall Street Soars To Record Highs, Nvidia Becomes World's Most Valuable Company: This Week In Markets

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.



Wall Street surged this week as easing geopolitics and a potential pause in U.S.-China tariffs lifted sentiment. The S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs, boosted significantly by Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), whose stock jumped by about 10% to record its highest valuation — $3.8 trillion — overtaking Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) as the world's most valuable company



The tech rally reflected strong earnings from Nvidia's AI-centric chip business and supplier Micron (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), while broader market gains were bolstered by renewed risk appetite in equities.



Next week, investors will track the June jobs report, rhetoric on tariffs — including the July 8 "Liberation Day" deadline — and upcoming July 4 tax‑and‑spending legislative actions that could influence rates and 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/markets/tech/25/06/46081553/nvidias-jensen-huang-sparks-quantum-stock-frenzy">"Nvidia's Big Moment Is Back—Stock Soared 500% The Last Time This Happened"</a>, by Piero Cingari, reports that Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) is forming a bullish golden cross — a 50-day moving average crossing above the 200‑day — after recovering from earlier tariff-induced weakness, which historically has preceded massive rallies, with gains as high as 800%, fueled by easing U.S.-China trade tensions and strong earnings.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/06/46104401/micron-q3-earnings-revenue-eps-beat-estimates-data-center-revenue-guidance-ai-demand">"Micron Q3 earnings: Revenue, EPS beat estimates as data center revenue doubles, strong guidance on rising AI‑driven demand"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) delivered a strong Q3 with $9.3 billion in revenue (beating $8.87 billion estimates) and $1.91 adjusted EPS (versus $1.60 expected); data-center revenue more than doubled, and the company forecast Q4 revenue of $10.7 billion and EPS of $2.50 amid surging AI memory demand.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46098312/palantir-stock-hits-all-time-high-whats-going-on">"Palantir stock hits all‑time high: what's going on?"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) shares reached record highs — up roughly 500% over the past year and 93% year-to-date — driven by strong momentum (Benzinga Pro momentum score of 99), surging AI and government contracts including a $795 million U.S. Army deal, and positive Wall Street sentiment such as Loop Capital's raised price target.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/06/46084802/blackberry-stock-climbs-after-better-than-expected-q1-report-details">BlackBerry Stock Climbs After Better-Than-Expected Q1 Report: Details</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/06/46120819/platinum-miners-forecasts-stocks">Platinum's Biggest Rally In 40 Years: These 6 Mining Stocks Could Be Top Gainers</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46129177/pony-ai-stock-pops-on-report-uber-is-in-talks-with-travis-kalanick-to-invest-in-potential-deal">Pony AI Stock Pops On Report Uber Is In Talks With Travis Kalanick To Invest In Potential Deal</a>







The Bears



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/06/46080036/hims-crashes-on-novo-glp-1-fallout-buy-the-dip-or-bail">"HIMS crashes on Novo GLP‑1 fallout: buy‑the‑dip or bail?"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Hims &amp; Hers Health Inc. (NYSE: HIMS) shares plunged 34% after Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) ended their partnership over claims of unapproved Wegovy compounding, with analysts warning that legal risk and lofty valuation may outweigh oversold technicals.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/46116103/altimmune-stock-sinks-after-mid-stage-data-from-fatty-liver-candidate">"Altimmune stock sinks after mid‑stage data from fatty liver candidate"</a>, by Vandana Singh, reports that Altimmune Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALT#NASDAQ">ALT</a>) shares plunged after its Phase 2b trial showed pemvidutide resolved MASH in over half of treated patients (59.1% at 1.2 mg and 52.1% at 1.8 mg) with significant liver‑fat reduction, but missed the fibrosis endpoint — prompting broad investor concern.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/46055895/ast-spacemobile-stock-downgraded-rocket-lab-prepares-electron-launch-space-stock-countdown">"AST SpaceMobile stock downgraded, Rocket Lab prepares Electron launch: Space stock countdown"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>) was downgraded by Scotiabank to Sector Perform with a $45.40 target, even as Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) gears up for another Electron launch — factors highlighting heightened volatility in space stocks.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/06/46083155/aerovironment-stock-sinks-despite-better-than-expected-q4-report-heres-why">AeroVironment Stock Sinks Despite Better-Than-Expected Q4 Report: Here's Why</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/06/46128371/concentrix-stock-slips-after-mixed-q2-results-details">Concentrix Stock Slips After Mixed Q2 Results: Details</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46118143/unity-software-stock-is-sliding-today-whats-going-on">Unity Software Stock Is Sliding Today: What's Going On?</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

ASTS

AVAV

CNXC

HIMS

PLTR

PONY

RKLB

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Nvidia, Micron, HIMS — And Markets Soar On Mideast And Tariff Relief

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/25/06/45750724/exclusive-mays-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-apple-palantir-coreweave-nvidia-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: May's 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do Apple, Palantir, CoreWeave, Nvidia Rank?</a>



Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending June 27:



Prologis (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLD#NYSE">PLD</a>): The logistics real estate company saw increased interest from readers during the week. The company was recently named to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46144750/44-public-companies-make-times-most-influential-list-coinbase-ufc-nintendo-netflix-and-more-stocks-investors-can-buy">TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list</a> in the "Leaders" category. Investors may be gearing up for second quarter financial results, which are set for July 16. The company has beaten funds from operation estimates from analysts in four straight quarters, while revenue has missed analyst estimates in six straight quarters. Prologis could be fitting several themes for investors with a dividend payment and operating in the growing logistics REIT market. The stock was nearly flat on the week, as seen on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0627">Benzinga Pro chart </a>below and shares are up only 1.3% year-to-date in 2025.



<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=0627"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="498" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172832/Screenshot-471.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965471" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172832/Screenshot-471.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172832/Screenshot-471-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172832/Screenshot-471-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Global-E Online (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLBE#NASDAQ">GLBE</a>): The ecommerce solutions company saw strong interest from readers during the week with the stock price up 6%. The company<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45410991/global-e-q1-sales-up-30-gmv-soars-34-extends-strategic-partnership-with-shopify"> reported first-quarter financial results</a> in May with sales beating analyst estimates. The company saw 30% year-over-year sales growth and gross merchandise value also rose 34% year-over-year in the quarter. Global-E Online also reported growth in its Adjusted EBITDA with the operating loss narrowing. The company reiterated its full year guidance after the quarter. Along with financial results, Global-E Online also announced a new three-year strategic partnership with Shopify, extending an existing long-term partnership for first-party and third-party solutions.



"We had another quarter of strong results,&nbsp;demonstrating our ability to grow fast even within macroeconomic turbulent times with Q1 results coming in at or above the midpoints across our guidance," founder and CEO&nbsp;Amir Schlachet&nbsp;said. &nbsp;



Schlachet said the company's pipeline is very active and the company is seeing increased interest in its services.



<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=0627"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="993" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172847/Screenshot-472.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965472" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172847/Screenshot-472.png 993w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172847/Screenshot-472-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172847/Screenshot-472-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 993px) 100vw, 993px" /></a></figure>



Agilent Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/A#NYSE">A</a>): The life sciences and diagnostics company saw increased interest from investors during the week, which comes after the company reported quarterly financial results <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45669099/agilent-braces-for-potential-us-eu-tariff-hike-maintains-annual-outlook">last month</a>. Agilent reported 6% year-over-year sales growth, which beat analyst estimates. The company beat revenue estimates from analysts for a fourth straight quarter and ninth time out of the last 10 quarters. The company's earnings per share also beat analyst estimates, which kept a streak of more than 10 straight quarters beating estimates in place. Agilent reaffirmed earnings per share guidance for the full year and raised its full-year sales guidance, saying that it will be able to mitigate most of the impacts of tariffs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0627"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172902/Screenshot-473.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965473" style="width:920px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172902/Screenshot-473.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172902/Screenshot-473-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172902/Screenshot-473-768x385.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>



Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AA#NYSE">AA</a>): Investors showed increased interest in the metals company ahead of its July 16 second-quarter financial results. Analyss expect the company to report earnings per share of 57 cents and revenue of $2.96 billion. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in four straight quarters and seven of the last 10 quarters overall. Revenue has been more mixed with a miss in the last quarter and five beats and five misses over the last 10 quarters. Investors are likely looking to hear more on the impact of tariffs for the company. Alcoa reported $20 million in additional costs in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44853254/alcoa-shares-gain-after-mixed-q1-results-eps-beat-revenues-miss">the first quarter</a> due to the impact of tariffs on Canadian aluminum imports. The forecast for the second quarter impact from tariffs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44858454/alcoa-warns-tariffs-could-cost-425-million-annually-this-is-the-most-material-impact-says-ceo">was $90 million.</a>



&#8220;This is the most material impact to Alcoa, as approximately 70% of our aluminum produced in Canada is destined for U.S. customers,&#8221; Alcoa CEO William Oplinger said.



He estimated the annual cost of the 25% tariff could reach as high as $425 million.



Investors will likely want to hear that these numbers have not gone up and that higher metals prices and demand could help offset some of the increased costs.



<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=0627"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="504" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172921/Screenshot-474.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965474" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172921/Screenshot-474.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172921/Screenshot-474-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172921/Screenshot-474-768x389.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>



Comfort Systems USA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIX#NYSE">FIX</a>): The HVAC and electrical company saw increased interest from investors with shares at all-time highs. While most investors may not be familiar with the company, Comfort Systems has shown consistent growth and has a history of beating analyst estimates. Second quarter financial results are expected in June. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $4.78, up from $3.74 in last year's second quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in more than 10 straight quarters. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $1.97 billion, up from $1.54 billion in last year's second quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates in two straight quarters and nine of the last 10 quarters overall. Analysts have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FIX/analyst-ratings">raised price targets</a> on the stock in recent months and the new quarterly results could see more analyst action.



<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=0627"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="506" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172936/Screenshot-475.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965476" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172936/Screenshot-475.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172936/Screenshot-475-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172936/Screenshot-475-768x389.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 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0627" 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/25/05/45710022/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-67" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May 30</a></li>



<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">June 20</a></li>
</ul>



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45932660/exclusive-sp-500-new-all-time-highs-again-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: S&amp;P 500 To Hit New All-Time Highs Again In 2025? Majority Say Yes, 27% Predict This Range</a></li>
</ul>

Exclusives

Trading Ideas

GLBE

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

Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) is the top performer in the S&amp;P 500 for June, surging 43% and reaching its highest level since<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/06/46131195/cathie-woods-thursday-crypto-moves-ark-unloads-nearly-25-million-in-coinbase-block-stocks"> its 2021 IPO. </a>



The rally follows the stock's inclusion in the index at the end of May and is supported by positive regulatory updates and new product launches. Coinbase's momentum began in April and marks its third consecutive monthly gain.



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46130084/cathie-woods-alpha-surge-250-million-circle-windfall-big-amd-buys?utm_source=articleShare">Cathie Wood&#8217;s Alpha Surge: $250 Million Circle Windfall, Big AMD Buys</a>



What To Know: Analysts credit Coinbase's strength to its S&amp;P 500 inclusion, the Senate's passage of the GENIUS Act and the strong performance of Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRCL#NASDAQ">CRCL</a>), according to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/27/coinbase-is-best-performing-stock-in-sp-500-in-june-and-may-move-higher.html">CNBC</a>.&nbsp;



Coinbase benefits from a revenue-sharing agreement with Circle, allowing it to capture all revenue from USDC (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDC</a>) held on its platform and nearly half of other USDC revenues—without incurring Circle's operating costs.



Coinbase has expanded its crypto services, launching a crypto-backed credit card with American Express, partnering with Shopify for stablecoin payments and collaborating with JPMorgan on a deposit token using its Base blockchain.&nbsp;



What Else: Coinbase <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46123211/whats-going-on-with-coinbase-global-stock-thursday">shares surged further</a> on Thursday after the company announced the upcoming launch of US-regulated perpetual-style futures for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and Ether, (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)&nbsp; set to begin July 21.&nbsp;



This marks a major milestone, as such products have been largely unavailable to US traders, who have typically relied on offshore exchanges.&nbsp;



Coinbase's move aims to capture a significant share of this market by providing a domestic, regulated alternative.&nbsp;



The announcement coincided with Bernstein raising its price target on Coinbase stock from $310 to $510, citing rapid growth in derivatives and strong non-trading revenues from staking and the Base blockchain.&nbsp;



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46117473/sofi-stock-gets-supercharged-with-return-to-crypto?utm_source=articleShare">SoFi Stock Gets Supercharged With Return To Crypto</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock&nbsp;

Fintech

Movers

$BTC

$ETH

$USDC

COIN

CRCL

Coinbase Stock Is S&P 500's Best Performer For June: How It Got There

This week, on multiple occasions, Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/46131597/bill-gates-says-he-knows-for-a-fact-that-more-children-will-die-due-to-us-health-aid-cuts-and-hes-taking-the-proof-to-congress">expressed concern</a> over the future of global health, warning that recent cuts to funding for Gavi could undo decades of progress in saving children&#8217;s lives through vaccinations.



What Happened: In a post titled "A perilous time for the world's poorest children," <a href="https://www.gatesnotes.com/home/home-page-topic/reader/a-perilous-time-for-the-worlds-poorest-children">on</a> Gates Notes, Gates decried the Donald Trump government&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44498936/moderna-novavax-shares-are-sliding-wednesday-whats-going-on">decision to pull funding</a> from Gavi, the vaccine alliance that has helped vaccinate over a billion children.



He warned that the cuts could lead to a reversal in progress, with more children dying from preventable diseases. Gates noted that 2025 could be the first year since the 1990s when child mortality rates increase, instead of continuing to decline.



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46087132/elizabeth-warren-says-the-tax-break-for-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-is-so-bountiful-under-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-that-35-copay-from-each-american-wont-still" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elizabeth Warren Says The Tax Break For Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Is So Bountiful Under Trump&#8217;s ‘Big Beautiful Bill&#8217; That $35 Copay From Each American Won&#8217;t Still Match It</a>



He stated, &#8220;All the progress we've made is at risk,&#8221; referencing the vital role Gavi plays in providing affordable vaccines to low-income countries.



Gates also highlighted how the funding cuts could undermine efforts to eradicate diseases like polio and malaria, emphasizing that &#8220;the life could have been saved by a vaccine that costs just 30 cents.&#8221;



Why It&#8217;s Important: On Tuesday, the Gates Foundation announced a pledge of $1.6 billion over the next five years to Gavi.



Earlier this month, Gates, who chairs the Gates Foundation, committed to channeling the majority of its planned <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/esg/25/06/45739698/bill-gates-commits-majority-of-200-billion-foundation-budget-to-africa-over-next-20-years-amid-trumps-massive-usaid-cuts">$200 billion investment</a> over the next two decades into Africa.



The Trump administration had earlier signaled its intention to reduce its annual contribution of approximately $300 million to Gavi.



The Microsoft co-founder has previously also aimed at Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk and Trump for supporting sudden cuts to USAID funding, cautioning that these cuts could halt the supply of essential food and medicine, potentially causing a resurgence of diseases such as measles, HIV, and polio — with the world's most vulnerable <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45286464/bill-gates-commits-99-of-his-remaining-fortune-to-gates-foundation-set-to-wind-down-in-20-years-somebody-should-give-more-money-than-i-did">children bearing the brunt</a>.



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45396297/cathie-wood-dumps-palantir-as-stock-touches-peak-prices-bails-on-soaring-flying-taxi-maker-archer-aviation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cathie Wood Dumps Palantir As Stock Touches Peak Prices, Bails On Soaring Flying-Taxi Maker Archer Aviation</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com

Health Care

Bill Gates Warns Of 'Perilous' Times After Trump Administration Pulls Funding From Gavi, A Group That Has Paid For Over A Billion Children's Vaccinations: 'All The Progress We've Made Is At Risk'

Elon Musk&#8216;s Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) failed to dismiss a lawsuit over a fatal car crash involving its Model S. The judge&#8217;s decision paves the way for a potential trial.



What Happened: A federal judge in Miami, Beth Bloom, ruled that the estate of Naibel Benavides Leon and her former boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, can proceed with their claims against Tesla for design defects and failure to warn, according to a report by Reuters on Friday.



The lawsuit is related to an April 2019 incident where a Tesla Model S, equipped with Autopilot, crashed into the victims&#8217; parked Chevrolet Tahoe in Key Largo, Florida.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46105919/byd-beats-tesla-in-europe-never-been-such-a-product-offensive-done">BYD Beats Tesla In Europe: Never Been &#8216;Such A Product Offensive Done&#8217;</a>



The judge&#8217;s decision also allows the plaintiffs to seek punitive damages. The trial is scheduled for July 14.



Why It Matters: Tesla, based in Austin, Texas, has long been under scrutiny for the safety of its self-driving technology. The company has repeatedly emphasized that its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/02/25681053/tesla-sued-over-alleged-suspension-failure-in-fatal-florida-crash-that-killed-2-last-year">autopilot features</a> are meant for &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44458804/elon-musk-10-years-ago-called-autonomous-driving-a-solved-problem-said-we-will-be-there-in-a-few-years">fully attentive</a>&#8221; drivers and do not make its vehicles autonomous.



Earlier this month, Tesla faced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46041090/tesla-faces-safety-questions-from-regulators-ahead-of-robotaxi-launch-in-austin">safety questions from regulators</a> as it prepared to launch its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. The regulators were particularly concerned about the performance of Tesla&#8217;s self-driving technology in challenging weather conditions.



In a separate incident, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Tesla in New Jersey over a 2024 crash involving a Model S that claimed three lives. The lawsuit alleges that the crash was due to the car&#8217;s &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46068107/elon-musks-tesla-faces-wrongful-death-lawsuit-over-model-s-crash-which-claimed-3-lives-plaintiffs-call-cars-design-defective-and-unreasonably-dangerous">defective and unreasonably dangerous design</a>.&#8221;



Price in Action: Tesla closed at $323.63, down 0.66% for the day. A slight dip of 0.28% was seen in after-hours trading, amounting to $322.71, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.



Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings indicates Tesla stock has Momentum in the 78th percentile. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-3/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Find out</a> the stock value of other automotive companies.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-3/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="872" height="162" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28023256/Screenshot-2025-06-28-115351.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965619" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28023256/Screenshot-2025-06-28-115351.png 872w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28023256/Screenshot-2025-06-28-115351-300x56.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28023256/Screenshot-2025-06-28-115351-768x143.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 872px) 100vw, 872px" /></a></figure>



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46132977/microsoft-windows-blue-screen-of-death-is-retiring-after-40-years-heres-what-will-replace-it">Microsoft Windows Blue Screen Of Death Is Retiring After 40 Years, Here&#8217;s What Will Replace It</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Photo courtesy: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

TSLA

Elon Musk's Tesla Loses Bid To Dismiss Fatal Crash Lawsuit, Trial Set for July

Jim Cramer&nbsp;expressed concerns on Monday about&nbsp;Palantir Technologies Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) experiencing a significant stock decline, questioning if it was a result of the Russell index rebalance.



What Happened: Palantir's stock price plunged by over 10% on Friday, amid easing tensions in the Middle East and a possible pullback after a recent bull run in the stock.



Despite this drop, Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings show Palantir's shares rank in the 98th and 97% percentiles on Momentum and Growth, respectively. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;for deeper insights into the stock.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="957" height="136" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28004846/PLTR-Benzinga-Edge-rankings.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-965593" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28004846/PLTR-Benzinga-Edge-rankings.jpg 957w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28004846/PLTR-Benzinga-Edge-rankings-300x43.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28004846/PLTR-Benzinga-Edge-rankings-768x109.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 957px) 100vw, 957px" /></a></figure>



CNBC's "Mad Money" host Cramer wondered if the fall in Palantir stock could be due to a rebalance by FTSE Russell in its U.S. indices.



<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">Was Palantir a casualty of the Russell rebalance?&mdash; Jim Cramer (@jimcramer) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimcramer/status/1938691380722667837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Cramer&#8217;s post comes after he recently praised Palantir, suggesting it has the potential to be valued at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46134364/palantir-is-a-200-stock-masquerading-as-144-says-jim-cramer-highlights-new-nuclear-operating-system-microsoft-endorsement">$200 per share</a>, despite its current trading levels.



During his analysis, Cramer also highlighted Palantir&#8217;s new nuclear operating system and endorsement from&nbsp;Microsoft Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>).



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/24/09/40791990/oracle-to-rally-around-29-here-are-10-top-analyst-forecasts-for-tuesday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oracle To Rally Around 29%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Tuesday</a>



Why It Matters: The stock market often reacts to index rebalances, which can cause volatility. Cramer&#8217;s comments come at a time when Palantir&#8217;s stock has been performing well, hitting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46098312/palantir-stock-hits-all-time-high-whats-going-on">new all-time highs</a> and rising over 500% in the past year.



Despite the recent drop, the stock remains up approximately 93% year-to-date.



Moreover, Palantir&#8217;s innovative approach, particularly its Forward Deployed Engineer model, has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46109638/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-praises-palantirs-fde-model-as-fantastic-insiders-say-its-not-consulting-it-builds-the-product-customers-need">received praise</a> from industry leaders like&nbsp;Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. Nadella described the model as &#8220;fantastic,&#8221; emphasizing its unique role in product development rather than traditional consulting.



Price Action:&nbsp;Shares of Palantir closed 10.64% lower on Friday, but rose 2.85% in 0.69% after hours.



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/46090389/palantirs-defense-chief-says-iran-nuclear-program-set-back-significantly-by-us-strikes-but-intel-split-on-how-long" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palantir's Defense Chief Says Iran Nuclear Program ‘Set Back Significantly' By US Strikes—But Intel Split On How Long</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo: slyellow / Shutterstock.com

Palantir Stock Price Falls Over 10%: Jim Cramer Wonders If It Was A Casualty Of Russell Rebalance Days After Calling It A $200 Stock

Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) saw its shares surge to new all-time highs this week, fueled by strong AI positioning and geopolitical factors. Here&#8217;s what investors <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PLTR/news">need to know</a> as the stock pulls back Friday.



What To Know: The stock is up approximately 85% year-to-date, building on a 500% rise over the past year. Momentum is linked to its expanding role in government and defense, including a $795 million U.S. Army contract for its Maven Smart System and a strategic agreement with the Israeli Defense Ministry.



Analysts remain bullish, with Loop Capital raising its price target to $155. Wedbush&#8217;s Dan Ives predicts a potential surge to a $1 trillion market cap within three years, citing CEO Alex Karp&#8217;s strategic initiative. 



Palantir&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46098312/palantir-stock-hits-all-time-high-whats-going-on">first-quarter results</a> bolstered this optimism, with U.S. Commercial revenue growing 71% and U.S. Government revenue climbing 45%. The company also issued strong second-quarter revenue guidance, citing "surging and ferocious growth."



Furthering its strategic expansion, Palantir announced a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46114101/palantir-just-teamed-up-to-reinvent-nuclear-power-heres-whats-at-stake">partnership</a> with The Nuclear Company on Thursday. The collaboration will develop the first AI-driven software, the Nuclear Operating System, aimed at modernizing nuclear construction. 



This move aligns with recent executive orders to expand U.S. nuclear capacity, positioning Palantir to capitalize on domestic energy and infrastructure initiatives.



Price Action: According to data from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>, PLTR shares are trading lower by 4.32% to $138.07 Friday morning. The stock has a 52-week high of $148.22 and a 52-week low of $21.23.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46134364/palantir-is-a-200-stock-masquerading-as-144-says-jim-cramer-highlights-new-nuclear-operating-system-microsoft-endorsement">Palantir Is A &#8216;$200 Stock Masquerading As $144,&#8217; Says Jim Cramer: Highlights New Nuclear Operating System, Microsoft Endorsement</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Buy PLTR Stock</h2>



Besides going to a brokerage platform to purchase a share &#8211; or fractional share &#8211; of stock, you can also gain access to shares either by buying an exchange traded fund (ETF) that holds the stock itself, or by allocating yourself to a strategy in your 401(k) that would seek to acquire shares in a mutual fund or other instrument. 



For example, in Palantir Technologies&#8217; case, it is in the Information Technology sector. An ETF will likely hold shares in many liquid and large companies that help track that sector, allowing an investor to gain exposure to the trends within that segment.



Image: Shutterstock

Palantir (PLTR) Stock Pulls Back From All-Time High: What's Going On?

Wall Street's move into single-family housing made national headlines just a few years ago. Firms like Blackstone and Invitation Homes were on a buying spree, snapping up tens of thousands of homes and building large-scale rental portfolios. Entire communities were developed specifically to rent, not own. It was one of the biggest shifts in the U.S. housing market in decades, and it priced out plenty of would-be homeowners in the process.



That frenzy has cooled. But the capital hasn't gone far.



Now, instead of buying the house, institutional investors are buying the upside.



They're targeting the equity inside owner-occupied homes. This new strategy doesn't involve tenants or any property management. Just a stake in future home appreciation.



The instrument making this possible is called a <a href="https://nada.sjv.io/c/1193480/3013486/19981">Home Equity Agreement (HEA)</a>. It gives homeowners a lump sum of cash in exchange for a share of the home's future value when it sells. Unlike a home equity line of credit (HELOC), there's no debt, monthly payment or interest rate.



That model has gained traction fast, especially with firms looking for real estate exposure without operational drag. Companies like Barclays, KKR, Nomura, Carlyle Group and others have invested billions of dollars into securitizations backed by HEAs. These securitizations have given large investors a new pipeline into U.S. residential equity.&nbsp;



The structure of HEAs is designed to give investors returns that outperform the actual price movement of the home. This is achieved through an equity exchange rate. In simple terms, if the home's value increases by 3% annually, investors can realize annual returns of 15% or more.&nbsp;



And while appreciation is the obvious draw, the downside protection is quietly just as important. If home prices fall, the same exchange rate provides a buffer that allows investors to still come out ahead with positive gains.&nbsp;



All of this is happening against the backdrop of one of the biggest pools of wealth in the country; $35 trillion in U.S. home equity. Most of it is sitting idle and untapped. It was only a matter of time before institutional investors created a new opportunity out of this market.



HEAs weren't structured for individuals, and the funds buying them weren't open to the public. However, that's beginning to change.



<a href="https://nada.sjv.io/c/1193480/3013486/19981">Homeshares</a>, a fintech-backed platform, is opening the door through its <a href="https://nada.sjv.io/c/1193480/3013486/19981">U.S. Home Equity Fund (HEF)</a>. The private fund that allows accredited investors to participate in a diversified portfolio of HEAs.



The fund invests in home equity in some of the most stable housing markets across the U.S. and has achieved a 17% IRR on its realized investments since inception.



The single-family rental boom may have dominated the past decade, but home equity is next. Wall Street has already moved in. Now, with the right access point, individual investors can follow.



Image: Shutterstock

Real Estate

First They Bought Entire Neighborhoods – Now Wall Street Is Coming For The Equity In Your Neighbor's Home

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) co-founder Bill Gates has once again <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44392153/bill-gates-cautions-trump-administration-his-foundation-cannot-bridge-global-health-funding-gaps-amid-usaid-cuts-reports">expressed his concerns</a> about the impact of continued U.S. cuts to global health aid, warning that these reductions could lead to an additional 8 million child deaths by 2040, citing a study.



What Happened: Sharing his Gates notes on X, formerly Twitter, Gates said he has worked in global health for over 25 years. &#8220;At this point, I know as much about improving health in poor countries as I do about software.&#8221;



He then highlighted concerns about the consequences of slashed funding for health initiatives. &#8220;So when the United States and other governments suddenly cut their aid budgets the way they&#8217;ve been doing, I know for a fact that more children will die.&#8221;



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/45090992/mark-zuckerberg-warns-of-serious-disadvantage-as-chinas-data-center-blitz-could-let-deepseek-leapfrog-us-ai-labs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg Warns Of ‘Serious Disadvantage&#8217; As China&#8217;s Data-Center Blitz Could Let DeepSeek Leapfrog US AI Labs</a>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">When the United States and other governments suddenly cut their aid budgets, I know for a fact that more children will die. Here's the proof I'm showing Congress. <a href="https://t.co/Oa05MTyDoU">https://t.co/Oa05MTyDoU</a>&mdash; Bill Gates (@BillGates) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates/status/1937902974996738233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



He cited a Lancet <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5199076&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawK33KhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETE4TExZd3ZHNFpSUXRsbXkwAR76ORhFayZzhN0m_kImLiBmaZ1BDAmshvRZvOqCucONgp5jVE5MRtFR9ZMM8A_aem_Zec5BpVMaTbVz-fsnnahgA">study</a> examining the long-term effects of reduced U.S. foreign aid projects that by 2040, an additional 8 million children could die before reaching age five.



Gates noted that the cuts are already being felt, with critical programs like tuberculosis detection and malaria prevention stalling and life-saving medication being delayed.



He also shared personal stories from his recent visits to Nigeria and Ethiopia, where he witnessed firsthand how the cuts to U.S. aid have disrupted local healthcare systems.



Despite these setbacks, Gates remains optimistic. &#8220;It's not too late to change course,&#8221; he said on Thursday, urging Congress to restore funding to vital programs like PEPFAR (the U.S. President&#8217;s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) and the Global Fund.



<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">It&#39;s not too late to change course. <a href="https://t.co/w4vD15se6I">https://t.co/w4vD15se6I</a>&mdash; Bill Gates (@BillGates) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates/status/1938368126372253782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Earlier this month, Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, pledged to direct most of the foundation's planned <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/esg/25/06/45739698/bill-gates-commits-majority-of-200-billion-foundation-budget-to-africa-over-next-20-years-amid-trumps-massive-usaid-cuts">$200 billion investment</a> over the next 20 years toward Africa.



He <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45286464/bill-gates-commits-99-of-his-remaining-fortune-to-gates-foundation-set-to-wind-down-in-20-years-somebody-should-give-more-money-than-i-did">has also criticized</a> Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk and Trump for backing abrupt cuts to USAID funding, warning that such actions could lead to the expiration of vital food and medicines and trigger a resurgence of diseases like measles, HIV and polio, particularly harming the world's poorest children.



Why It's Important: On Thursday, The Guardian <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/26/cancer-research-trump-nci-cuts-plan">reported</a> that experts and former officials warn that the Donald Trump administration's proposed 2026 budget, which slashes nearly $2.7 billion—or 37%—from the National Cancer Institute, could lead to more patient deaths by severely undermining cancer research efforts.



Last month, House Republicans proposed at least $880 billion in Medicaid reductions as the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45344596/house-republicans-push-880-billion-medicaid-cuts-to-renew-trump-tax-breaks-democrat-warns-millions-will-lose-their-health-care">primary cost-saving measure</a> to support Trump's $4.5 trillion tax break extension.



A <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45307739/over-5-million-americans-risk-losing-health-coverage-by-2034-amid-proposed-gop-medicaid-cuts-cbo-fin">May analysis by the</a> Congressional Budget Office found that Republican proposals to cut Medicaid funding—aimed at supporting President Trump's tax and policy agenda—could lead to 2.3 to 8.6 million Americans losing coverage, with millions left uninsured by 2034 under various cost-saving scenarios.



Photo courtesy: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com



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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.

Bill Gates Says He Knows For A 'Fact' That More Children Will Die Due To US Health Aid Cuts And He's Taking The 'Proof' To Congress

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