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Levi Strauss

Levi Strauss & Co is involved in designing, marketing, and selling products that include jeans, casual and dresses pants, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear, and related accessories directly or through third parties and licensees for men, women, and children under Levi's, Dockers, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. and Denizen brands. The company manages its business according to three regional segments: the Americas, which is the key revenue driver; Europe; and Asia.

Levi Strauss & Co

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Levitee Labs Inc

In a significant move towards autonomous transportation,&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) is gearing up for its robotaxi debut in June. 
What Happened: According to reports, Tesla has been secretly testing its self-driving software in Austin&nbsp;with hundreds of test drivers. 
Approximately 300 Tesla test operators are driving around Austin&#8217;s streets&nbsp;using prototypes of the company&#8217;s&nbsp;self-driving software, as part of an initiative known as &#8220;Project Rodeo.&#8221;
In preparation for the launch, Tesla has been accumulating &#8220;critical miles&#8221;, conducting training events with local first responders, forming&nbsp;a team of remote operators,&nbsp;and testing its robotaxi app with&nbsp;Autopilot engineers in Austin and&nbsp;San Francisco.
Test drivers have been used by Tesla since 2016 to fine-tune its advanced driver-assist software. However, the efforts have been intensified&nbsp;over the past year, four&nbsp;current and former employees revealed. The company aims to launch the service by June 1, insiders said <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-robotaxi-launch-austin-june-internal-details-2025-4">to</a> Business Insider.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44657033/elon-musk-loses-11-billion-as-tesla-stock-plummets-in-wake-of-new-trump-tariffs">Elon Musk Loses $11 Billion As Tesla Stock Plummets In Wake Of New Trump Tariffs</a>
During Tesla&#8217;s earnings call last week, CEO Elon Musk announced that Austin residents would soon be able to pay for rides&nbsp;in a self-driving Model Y.&nbsp;He estimated that the program&nbsp;would initially&nbsp;launch with 10 to 20&nbsp;cars.
Despite the progress, some employees have voiced concerns about the ambitious deadline and the challenges associated with logging critical miles. These tests, conducted&nbsp;in complex or high-risk driving&nbsp;situations, are crucial for assessing the self-driving system&#8217;s ability to&nbsp;handle edge cases without human&nbsp;intervention.
Tesla has also been working&nbsp;closely with local emergency services.&nbsp;The company met with the&nbsp;city&#8217;s autonomous vehicle task force,&nbsp;which includes members of the&nbsp;Austin Fire Department, in December.
The company&nbsp;has begun demoing its robotaxi&nbsp;app with employees. The app enables Tesla employees to avail&nbsp;free rides within a geofenced&nbsp;region, a virtual boundary that indicates&nbsp;where the vehicle can safely&nbsp;operate.
Why It Matters: The launch of Tesla&#8217;s robotaxi service in Austin marks a significant step in the company&#8217;s journey towards autonomous transportation. 
The successful implementation of this service could potentially revolutionize the transportation industry, making Tesla a key player in the autonomous vehicle market. However, the ambitious deadline and the challenges associated with testing in complex driving situations highlight the difficulties in achieving full autonomy. 
The company&#8217;s collaboration with local emergency services and the testing of its robotaxi app indicate its commitment to ensuring safety and efficiency in its autonomous operations.
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Image: Shutterstock/Josiah True

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Tech

TSLA

Tesla Prepares for Robotaxi Reveal in June, Insiders Share Secrets

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is dismantling a key climate diplomacy office, a move that is throwing U.S. international environmental efforts into disarray just months <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44928877/youre-just-being-foolish-if-you-ignore-climate-change-says-ross-gerber-he-believes-tesla-is-central-to-the-solution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ahead of critical global talks</a>.
On Thursday, staff at the Office of Global Change were verbally informed that the unit, which has overseen U.S. engagement in international climate negotiations, would be dissolved, according to three individuals who requested anonymity out of fear of professional retaliation, Politico <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/24/rubio-eliminates-climate-office-00308505" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
The unexpected announcement left employees reeling, with no clear timeline for when the closure would be finalized.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42770035/bank-of-america-citigroup-exit-climate-alliance-as-trump-policies-shift-energy-priorities" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bank of America, Citigroup Exit Climate Alliance As Trump Policies Shift Energy Priorities</a>
One State Department official warned that the decision could severely undermine America&#8217;s position at the upcoming COP30 climate summit, calling it &#8220;the worst possible time&#8221; to retreat from the global stage, the report notes.
Another source criticized the move as strategically &#8220;dumb,&#8221; suggesting it would create a leadership vacuum that China could exploit.
A spokesperson for the State Department confirmed to Politico that eliminating the office aligns with President Donald Trump&#8216;s mandate to withdraw from international climate agreements. In fact, the Office of Global Change had supported initiatives that hobbled U.S. interests under prior administrations and was no longer necessary under the current policy direction, the report further adds.
The closure of the Office of Global Change follows the earlier elimination of the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, a separate but closely linked unit, as part of a broader State Department restructuring plan announced by Rubio earlier this week.
Both offices had played major roles in steering U.S. efforts related to the Paris Agreement and other global climate initiatives.
While Trump has taken steps to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, the U.S. remains a participant in the underlying UN treaty framework.
It remains unclear whether the United States will dispatch any delegation to the COP30 summit scheduled to be held in Brazil this November.
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Equities

Politics

Markets

General

Rubio Shutters Climate Office, Alarming Global Climate Advocates

In a recent poll, a significant number of voters said that President Donald Trump&#8216;s second term has been &#8220;chaotic&#8221; and &#8220;scary.&#8221; The poll also indicates a considerable disapproval rate for Trump&#8217;s handling of major issues.
What Happened: The New York Times/Siena College <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/us/politics/trump-poll-approval.html?login=email&amp;auth=login-email">poll</a> reveals that 66% of registered voters describe Trump&#8217;s second term as &#8220;chaotic,&#8221; while 59% label it as &#8220;scary.&#8221;
The survey also indicates that 47% of Republican voters and 75% of independents concur with the term &#8220;chaotic.&#8221; However, fewer Republicans (36%) and independents (61%) agreed with the term &#8220;scary.&#8221;
Trump&#8217;s handling of all of the specific issues in the poll was found to be negative. His highest approval was for his handling of immigration, with 47% approving and 51% disapproving.
His lowest approval ratings were for his management of the Ukraine-Russia war and the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, with only 35% and 31% approval respectively.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44891004/meet-the-key-five-people-who-are-shaping-trumps-economic-agenda">Meet the Key Five People Who Are Shaping Trump&#8217;s Economic Agenda</a>
Overall, 42% approved of Trump&#8217;s second stint in the Oval Office so far, while 54% disapproved. The poll surveyed 913 voters nationwide between April 21-24.
Why It Matters: This poll comes at a time when the President&#8217;s approval ratings have been consistently low. The perception of his second term as &#8220;chaotic&#8221; and &#8220;scary&#8221; by a majority of voters could potentially impact the upcoming mid-term elections.
The significant disapproval rate for Trump&#8217;s handling of key issues, particularly the Ukraine-Russia war and immigration, may also influence voters&#8217; decisions in the future. 
The high disapproval rate among independents, who often play a crucial role in elections, is another factor that could have significant political implications.
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Image: Shutterstock/Evan El-Amin

Trump's Second Term Viewed as 'Chaotic' and 'Scary' by Majority of Voters

When it comes to understanding everyday financial concepts, most Americans are still struggling. According to new findings from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation's <a href="https://www.finra.org/media-center/newsreleases/2025/finra-foundation-releases-state-state-financial-knowledge-findings">National Financial Capability Study</a>, just 4% of respondents answered all seven questions on a basic financial literacy quiz correctly. And while some areas — like inflation — show improvement, the overall results highlight the need for stronger <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44130633/you-just-talk-about-life-and-money-is-part-of-life-rachel-cruze-talks-on-teaching-finances-to-kids-based-on-how-dave-ramsey-raised-her">financial education</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What the Quiz Measures</h2>
The FINRA quiz focuses on seven questions that cover common financial topics: interest rates, inflation, bond prices, mortgages, stocks, debt, and probabilities. These are all issues that come up in everyday decisions — from choosing between a 15- or 30-year mortgage to deciding whether to invest in a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/44016490/21-year-old-pro-investor-challenges-dave-ramsey-show-hosts-on-index-funds-vs-mutual-funds-80-of-mutual-funds-dont-beat-the-market">stock or mutual fund</a>.
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In total, more than 25,500 adults across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. took the quiz. On average, respondents answered only 3.3 questions correctly, gave 1.5 incorrect answers, and said "don't know" to 2.2 questions.
Only 27% of participants got at least five questions right. Just 4% answered all seven correctly.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Could You Answer These?</h2>
Here's a sample of the types of questions included in the quiz:
Question: Suppose you owe $1,000 on a loan and the interest rate you are charged is 20% per year compounded annually. If you didn&#8217;t pay anything off, at this interest rate, how many years would it take for the amount you owe to double?
Answer choices:
<ul>
<li>Less than 2 years</li>
<li>2 to 4 years</li>
<li>5 to 9 years</li>
<li>10 or more years</li>
<li>Don't know</li>
</ul>
The correct answer is 2 to 4 years, but only about 30% of participants got it right, according to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/04/19/american-consumers-inflation-financial-literacy-quiz-education/83145630007/">USA Today</a>. This concept — how fast debt can grow when interest compounds — is key to avoiding long-term credit card problems.
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Another question focused on inflation and savings:
Question: Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account is 1 percent a year and inflation is 2 percent a year. After one year, would the money in the account buy more than it does today, exactly the same or less than today?
Correct answer: Less than today.
FINRA's data shows that 58% of Americans answered this one correctly in 2024, up from 53% in 2021. Among people aged 55 and older, 72% got it right — the highest score of any age group.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some States Scored Higher Than Others</h2>
Financial literacy also varied significantly by state. According to FINRA, Minnesota topped the list, with nearly 35% of residents answering five or more questions correctly. Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, Colorado, and Wyoming rounded out the top five.
Meanwhile, in the lowest-ranking states — Louisiana and Mississippi — fewer than 20% of participants answered at least five questions correctly.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Financial Literacy Matters</h2>
Failing to understand basic financial principles like compound interest or inflation can have real-world consequences. Consumers who don't fully grasp how credit card interest works, for example, may end up carrying balances they can't afford — especially with today's average credit card rates around 20%, according to <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/advice/current-interest-rates/">Bankrate</a>.
&#8220;Knowledge of everyday financial concepts remains a challenge for many Americans,&#8221; said Gerri Walsh, president of the FINRA Foundation. She added that although awareness of inflation has improved, more education is needed to help people navigate complex financial decisions.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Take the Quiz Yourself</h2>
Want to see how you stack up? The <a href="https://www.finra.org/financial_knowledge_quiz">full seven-question quiz</a> is available through the FINRA Foundation's website.
Whether you're brushing up on old skills or learning something new, understanding how your money works is always a smart move — no matter your age.
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Personal Finance

Only 4% Of Americans Aced This 7-Question Financial Literacy Quiz — Can You?

Ramit Sethi is a financial expert who wrote the book "I Will Teach You To Be Rich." He isn't afraid to share unconventional takes on personal finance and share which strategies bother him the most.
He's been critical of the Financial Independence, Retire Early movement. FIRE is a personal finance strategy that involves accumulating enough money to retire at a young age. There are many Reddit groups that discuss Sethi and FIRE, and those forces came to a head in a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/comments/1dv4e9o/ramit_sethis_problems_with_the_fire_movement/">recent Financial Independence Reddit post</a>.
"Frugal FIRE can make you miserable," a Redditor explained Sethi's stance in a post.&nbsp;
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Some people agreed with Sethi, while others believe that his advice caters mostly to rich people. These were some of Reddit's takes on Sethi's beef with the FIRE movement.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Spending To Maximize Your Enjoyment</h2>
One of the Redditors who came in defense of Sethi viewed the financial guru's remarks as an emphasis on how you spend your money. Sethi advocates for spending money on things that you enjoy so you can live a more fulfilling life. He's against dying with a stack of cash and living cheaply.
"I think Ramit was talking about spending in general. The spending muscle he&#8217;s talking about is learning how to spend in a way that maximizes your enjoyment [of] life and what you value, not just ‘spending on stuff'. In other words, learning that buying the latest gadget doesn&#8217;t actually make you happy, but spending hours and hours of research finding the cheapest phone available, or depending on an unreliable or unsafe car, in order [to] save a few dollars, doesn&#8217;t make you happy either," the Redditor suggested.
It also aligns with the original poster's summary of Sethi's opinion on the FIRE movement. The financial guru believes that "FIRE folks need to develop healthy spending." Saving money is great, but it's okay to spend some of it.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">You Don't Have To Spend On Stuff To Be Happy</h2>
One Redditor in the comments views Sethi as "mostly a skilled marketer" and doesn't believe there are "strong principles behind what he says."
This Redditor didn't agree with Sethi's stance on spending, especially the notion of buying things that make you happy.&nbsp;
"I find that spending on stuff at this point has no lasting impact on my happiness. Maybe I get a small bump when I buy something new, but that item quickly becomes part of the background and doesn&#8217;t generate any long-term happiness," the Redditor stated.
Although Sethi has a good message on not restricting yourself, that good idea can turn into impulsive purchases. Some restraints [are] good, such as fasting for a day. It's hard to give up food for a day, but your body can repair itself via autophagy if you give your digestive system a break. Similarly, restraining yourself from making purchases can help you build wealth and have less stress when you retire.
You also don't have to buy new things all the time to be happy. Less is more since you will assign a higher value to the few things that you decide to buy.
"I have things that make me happy each time I use them. But they last, so I&#8217;m not buying a new one all the time," another Redditor said.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding The FIRE Movement</h2>
Many people have embraced the FIRE movement. While it's good that many people care about creating financial independence, it can be easy to forget the underlying pillars of a movement when more people join. One Redditor offered a concise summary of FIRE that's relevant for Sethi's FIRE beef.
"The first tenant of FIRE is literally: Build the life you want. Then save for it."
Building the life you want may mean retiring earlier so you don't have to go to a job that you hate. Some people can't wait to escape their jobs, and that long-term goal may be more valuable to them than any item or vacation. Some people are happier when they make the occasional purchase or go on a vacation, but others can't wait to live a life that is more on their terms.
However, FIRE pursuers can benefit from taking occasional days or weeks off to connect with friends, go to events, pursue their hobbies, and enjoy new experiences. Although the FIRE crowd doesn't entirely agree with Sethi, his perspective on living a Rich Life can be valuable to people as they balance long-term retirement goals with enjoying life right now.
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Image: Shutterstock

Reddit Dissects Ramit Sethi's Beef With The FIRE Movement: 'Frugal FIRE Can Make You Miserable'

A Reddit <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/economy/comments/1k54s6p/does_anybody_here_honestly_believe_that_real/">post</a> questioning the future of manufacturing in the U.S. sparked an avalanche of opinions this week. The original poster was straightforward: "You&#8217;d have to pay Americans $40-$50 an hour to work inside a manufacturing building, probably higher with benefits."&nbsp;
And they argued that bringing back domestic production would make consumer goods like iPhones way more expensive: "That $1,300 iPhone would easily be $3,000."
So, is a real comeback for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44880439/80-of-americans-say-the-country-would-be-better-off-with-more-manufacturing-jobs-but-only-25-want-one-themselves">American manufacturing</a> on the table?
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Automation, Not Labor, Is the Real Trend</h2>
The most common response was that even if manufacturing comes back, humans won't be the ones doing most of the work. "If it does, it will be mostly automated," one user wrote, pointing to Canon's fully automated camera factory in Japan as a real-world example. Another added, "New Chinese car factories are just <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/43422818/beyond-self-driving-cars-factory-automation-takes-center-stage">supervised robots</a> with a few humans for quality control."
One user summed it up with a bit of dark humor: "The factory of the future will have only two employees, a man and a dog. The man is there to feed the dog. The dog is there to stop the man from touching the equipment."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Labor Costs Are Just One Part of the Puzzle</h2>
Others pushed back on the $40/hour claim. One Redditor noted that most manufacturing jobs in the U.S. pay around $17 to $25 per hour. Managers might make $30 to $35. Still, even that adds up quickly for employers compared to overseas options.
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Another chimed in with data: "Chinese factory workers make [around] $32,000 a year." In other words, they're not working for $5 a day anymore.
Furthermore, Gen Z is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44881768/nearly-4-million-manufacturing-jobs-are-opening-as-boomers-retirebut-gen-z-is-not-interested">not particularly interested in factory jobs</a>, despite the increasing number of openings as older workers retire.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Building Factories Isn't a 90-Day Project</h2>
Even if companies wanted to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., it wouldn't be fast or cheap. "Preconstruction alone for a new facility would take about a year," said one construction worker.&nbsp;
A user in project engineering added, "As an engineer, the logistics of moving production to the other side of the world presents a host of logistical challenges that would take years to resolve."
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tariffs, Politics, and Broken Promises</h2>
Several commenters pointed to policy uncertainty as a huge barrier. As one put it, "Thing is, these trade policies will be reversed in the next election with a new President. Not many companies are going to move their manufacturing back to the U.S. because it takes years to build a factory and by then, these policies will be a distant memory."&nbsp;
Others saw the situation as more chaotic than malicious. "I honestly don't believe in the &#8216;evil genius with a decades-long plot&#8217; thing anymore. But I get the appeal. It's comforting to think there's a plan. Even an evil plan. Because the alternative—that these people are just not very smart and it's all chaos—is even more terrifying."
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Image: Shutterstock

'Does Anybody Honestly Believe Manufacturing Is Coming Back To The US?' One Person Asked. Says, 'You'd Have To Pay Americans $40–$50/Hr'

NBA legend Shaquille O&#8217;Neal is instilling in his children the importance of self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
What Happened: O&#8217;Neal, who has a net worth of approximately $500 million, has made successful investments in real estate, technology, and entertainment. 
He owns 155 Five Guys restaurants and nine Papa John&#8217;s franchises in Atlanta. Despite his wealth, the former LA Lakers player insists his children create a business plan before he considers giving them any money.
In a 2021 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/earnyourleisure/#">interview</a> O&#8217;Neal stated, &#8220;My kids are older now. They kinda upset with me &#8211; not really upset &#8211; but they don&#8217;t understand. Because I tell them all the time. We ain&#8217;t rich. I&#8217;m rich. You&#8217;ve got to have Bachelor&#8217;s or Master&#8217;s degrees and then if you want me to invest in one of your companies, you&#8217;re going to have to present it. Bring it to me, I&#8217;ll let you know. I&#8217;m not giving you nothing."
O&#8217;Neal, a father of six, emphasizes the importance of education and self-reliance. He hopes his children will become professionals and business owners. 
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&#8220;Listen, I got six kids. I would like a doctor, somebody to own a hedge fund, a pharmacist, a lawyer, someone that owns multiple businesses, someone to take over my business. But I tell them I&#8217;m not going to hand it to you. You gotta earn it,&#8221; he added. 
He also revealed his philosophy of &#8220;respectable nepotism&#8221; in another interview, where he discussed the requirement of a business plan before considering a handout.
Despite his fame, O&#8217;Neal has distanced himself from the &#8216;celebrity&#8217; status, stating, "These celebrities are going freaking crazy and I don&#8217;t want to be one. I denounce my celebrity-ness today. I&#8217;m done with it."
Why It Matters: O&#8217;Neal&#8217;s unique approach to parenting underscores the importance he places on financial independence and self-reliance. By requiring his children to present a business plan before considering financial support, he is teaching them the value of entrepreneurship and hard work. 
His philosophy of &#8220;respectable nepotism&#8221; further emphasizes his belief in merit-based success, even within his own family. 
This approach could potentially inspire other parents, particularly those in the public eye, to adopt similar strategies in their own parenting.
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Sports

Why Shaq Won't Share His $500 Million Fortune With His Kids: 'We Ain't Rich. I'm Rich. I'm Not Going to Hand It to You, You Gotta Earn It'

A majority of Americans is expressing concern about the economy&#8217;s trajectory amid rising <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44884282/analyst-predicts-recession-is-coming-despite-financial-crisis-put-on-hold-warns-rich-kids-insulated-from-their-own-actions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumer costs and potential recession risks</a>, and President Donald Trump&#8216;s approval rating is taking the hit.
In a <a href="https://apnorc.org/projects/three-quarters-of-the-public-expect-tariffs-to-increase-consumer-prices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new poll</a> conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research between April 17-21, roughly three-quarters of adults predict that tariffs will drive up consumer prices, while about six in ten disapprove of the president&#8217;s handling of economic and trade matters.
Sixty-one percent of respondents said they are troubled by soaring grocery bills, while about half voiced anxiety about an impending economic downturn and the affordability of major purchases.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/04/44871428/blackstone-president-warns-of-recession-risk-tied-to-trumps-tariffs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackstone President Warns Of Recession Risk Tied To Trump&#8217;s Tariffs</a>
Meanwhile, fewer participants expressed immediate fears about the availability of goods on store shelves.
Fifty-two percent of those surveyed oppose tariffs altogether, and 59% believe Trump exceeded reasonable limits in imposing them.
However, public opinion remains split on tariffs&#8217; impact on jobs: about 40% anticipate job growth, while a similar share foresees job losses. Half of respondents expect an uptick in domestic manufacturing.
Views about the economy remain sharply divided along party lines. Approximately six in ten Republicans rate the economy as healthy, while more than eight in ten Democrats rate it poorly.
Concern about a near-term recession runs far higher among Democrats than Republicans, the survey found.
Democrats Oppose Tariffs More Strongly Than Republicans Support Them
Opposition to tariffs is notably stronger among Democrats—82% are against them, including 62% who strongly object. Meanwhile, 55% of Republicans favor tariffs, with 27% expressing strong approval, according to the poll. 
Despite political divisions, majorities across parties agree that tariffs are likely to push consumer prices higher.
Financial anxiety is another point of concern, with 52% of Democrats and 50% of independents citing major personal finance stress, compared to 34% of Republicans. 
Notably, perceptions of economic conditions have flipped dramatically since Trump&#8217;s inauguration, with Republicans now far more optimistic and Democrats markedly more pessimistic than in previous years.
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Image: Shutterstock

Trump's Approval Plummets As Tariffs Bite, Americans Expect Skyrocketing Prices and Shrinking Wallets

Seattle-based Loti AI has secured $16.2 million in Series A funding to power the next wave of deepfake <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44838892/booz-allen-bets-big-on-ai-defense-tech-with-scout-ai-investment">defense tech</a>.
Led by Khosla Ventures and joined by FUSE, Bling Capital, Ensemble, Alpha Edison, and K5 Tokyo Black, the $16.2 million raise brings Loti's total funding to $23 million, marking a pivotal shift in how seriously the industry is treating digital identity defense, according to<a href="https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/loti-ai-deepfake-protection-announces-public-service-1236339546/"> Variety</a>.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Celebrity Protection in the Age of AI</h2>
Loti AI builds protection software for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44718837/currently-wine-co-raising-1-43m-before-april-22-backed-by-celebrities-and-11k-fans">celebrities</a>, influencers, politicians, athletes, and everyday consumers navigating a world where their faces and voices can be cloned in seconds. According to<a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/seattle-startup-loti-lands-16m-to-help-celebs-politicians-and-ceos-detect-deepfakes/"> GeekWire</a>, the startup uses proprietary facial and voice recognition to monitor global digital content, flag unauthorized uses, and remove manipulated or infringing media, from deepfake endorsements to fake social media accounts.
Founded in 2022 by Luke Arrigoni, Rebekah Arrigoni, and serial entrepreneur Hirak Chhatbar, the company is quickly emerging as a leader in likeness protection. Loti's tech began with a focus on high-profile individuals but recently expanded to include consumer-facing tools that help anyone reclaim control over their digital presence.
The funding comes at a pivotal moment. According to<a href="https://variety.com/2025/music/news/no-fakes-act-reintroduced-in-congress-google-1236364878/"> Variety</a>, the re-introduction of the No Fakes Act, a bill designed to help artists and public figures protect their voice and likeness, has earned support from tech giants like Google and Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>).
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This tailwind in Washington is giving Loti an even stronger foothold as legal infrastructure begins to catch up with AI's rapid evolution. "They come to us to protect their likeness, their IP rights, and now increasingly to manage how they participate in the generative AI economy," said Loti CEO Luke Arrigoni, according to <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/seattle-startup-loti-lands-16m-to-help-celebs-politicians-and-ceos-detect-deepfakes/">GeekWire</a>.
The company has also formed high-level partnerships with talent agencies WME and CAA, as well as Dolphin Entertainment, whose subsidiaries like 42West, The Door, and Elle Communications now have access to Loti's suite of tools, GeekWire writes.
Khosla Ventures sees this moment as necessary. "Our thesis around Loti is simple. Generative AI enables new deepfake technology that creates new risks and challenges around fraud and trust – challenges that celebrities, influencers, and brands are not prepared for today," Jon Chu, a partner at Khosla Ventures, said in a <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250415846205/en/Loti-AI-Announces-$16.2M-Series-A-Funding-Round-Led-By-Khosla-Ventures">statement</a>. "And Loti has world-class technology paired with a category-leading product that has proven itself by protecting A-list celebrities, household name brands, and individuals and local businesses from threats.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Loti is Quietly Building Market Dominance</h2>
Loti's platform has other features beyond detection and takedown. It equips clients with the tools to govern how their likeness is handled across digital ecosystems, spanning everything from social media to streaming sites to AI datasets. The system operates as both a shield and control panel, either by initiating removals or staying ahead of misuse through active monitoring.
The startup is also facing competitive pressure, most notably from Sony-backed (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) Vermillio AI, which raised $16 million last month, according to a <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250228026074/e/nVermillio-Completes-$16-Million-Series-A-Funding-Round-Led-by-Sony-Music-and-DNS-Capital">statement</a>. But Loti isn't flinching. &#8220;We see new entrants to our space from time to time,&#8221; said Arrigoni, &#8220;but they are often deterred by the massive technical complexity of monitoring the internet for face and voices so they pivot out of our space. While I'm sure everyone has decent tech, ours is battle-hardened and bespoke to those that rely on these protections.&#8221;
Ranked No. 156 on GeekWire's list of top Pacific Northwest startups, Loti is growing fast and showing no signs of slowing down. While revenue numbers remain under wraps, the client list is reportedly "growing exponentially."
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Image: Shutterstock

AMZN

Sony Group Corporation American Depositary Shares

SONY

Khosla Ventures Leads $16.2M Series A In Loti AI, Backed By WME & CAA, To Shield Celebrities From Deepfake Threats

New Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins indicated a friendlier approach toward cryptocurrency during his tenure on Friday, highlighting the need for a clear regulatory policy to help the industry thrive in the U.S.
What Happened: During the cryptocurrency task force roundtable, Atkins emphasized the significance of blockchain technology in modernizing the financial system, predicting it to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, increase transparency, and mitigate risks.
&#8220;Market participants engaging with this technology deserve clear regulatory rules of the road,&#8221; Atkins said. &#8220;Innovation has been stifled for the last several years due to market and regulatory uncertainty that, unfortunately, the SEC has fostered.&#8221;
He expressed his enthusiasm to collaborate with market participants, President Donald Trump's administration, and Congress to create a &#8220;rational, fit-for-purpose&#8221; regulatory framework for crypto assets.
Atkins also expressed his appreciation for Commissioner Hester Peirce&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43685991/sec-crypto-task-force-head-heister-peirce-was-asked-if-trump-melania-memecoin-launches-made-her-job-difficult-this-is-what-crypto-mom-said">persistent advocacy</a> for a logical cryptocurrency policy in the U.S., saying the nickname &#8220;Crypto Mom&#8221; was well-deserved.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"></a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44971891/sec-teams-up-with-nayib-bukele-led-el-salvador-for-a-crypto-regulatory-sandbox">SEC Zooms In On Nayib Bukele-Led El Salvador&#8217;s Crypto Regulation Model</a>
Why It Matters: Atkins was sworn in as the 34th SEC chairman earlier this week, much to the delight of cryptocurrency supporters, including Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) Chairman Michael Saylor, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44962422/michael-saylor-says-newly-confirmed-sec-chair-paul-atkins-will-be-good-for-bitcoin">who viewed the leadership change</a> as &#8220;good&#8221; for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>).
Atkins' stance on cryptocurrency regulation marks a departure from his predecessor, Gary Gensler, who saw much of the crypto sector as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41287244/sec-showdown-gary-gensler-defends-crypto-policy-while-commissioner-mark-uyeda-calls-it-dis">potentially violating</a> registration requirements. 
However, his ties with the cryptocurrency industry have raised concerns. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44468393/elizabeth-warren-questions-trumps-sec-pick-paul-atkins-on-ftx-ties-conflict-of-interest-over-trump-memecoin">questioned him</a> on his involvement with the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, potentially causing a conflict of interest scenario.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>

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

Cryptocurrency

Government

Regulations

$BTC

MSTR

SEC Chair Paul Atkins Says Crypto Deserves Clear Regulatory Rules, Praises 'Crypto Mom' Hester Peirce's Efforts

Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shares have been under pressure as the company faces falling demand for its vehicles all over the world and a brand crisis amid CEO Elon Musk's involvement in politics. The stock has lost 33% in value so far this year. Tesla's deliveries <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/02/tesla-tsla-q1-2025-vehicle-delivery-and-production-numbers.html">fell</a> 13% in the first quarter year over year, while sales in Europe <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/02/business/tesla-sales/index.html#:~:text=Tesla%20does%20not%20break%20out,grew%2028%25%20on%20the%20continent.%23">dropped</a> a whopping 49% in the first two months of the quarter.
Ross Gerber, the co-founder and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth &amp; Investment Management, said in an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcOVZf7FWEg&amp;t=97s">interview</a> with Schwab Network last month that Musk's reputation is one of the factors negatively impacting the company due to the executive's political affiliations.&nbsp;
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Gerber said that consumers need to "feel good" about buying a Tesla, but currently, concerns over political associations and the risk of negative attention are hurting customer sentiment. He said consumers do not want to be involved in the controversies related to the company, and the "fear" of how people will look at you if you are driving a Tesla car is impacting the company.
"We still own a lot of Tesla. I love the company, but the woes seem to just keep adding up, and the stock has come back to earth because the Musk positive has been offset now with Musk negative," Gerber said.
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Robo-Taxis Not Enough to Ignite Growth
Talking about Tesla's financials, Gerber said the company doesn't "look good" in terms of technicals and fundamentals, as it's going through brand and execution issues. He believes Wall Street's earnings estimates for Tesla are still high and are tied to robots and robo-taxis. Gerber called these "moonshot" projects and said Tesla needs to focus more on selling vehicles to consumers:
"The growth isn&#8217;t predicated on selling robots or robo-taxis. Its growth is predicated on selling vehicles to consumers," Gerber told Schwab Network. "So, you know, these projects in some ways like moonshots are like great opportunities for Tesla that I don&#8217;t think they should not do, but they should be addressing the vehicle market that made Tesla what it is.&#8221;
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Trump's Victory Turned Out To Be ‘Not Good At All'
Gerber said that Musk's "huge bet" on President Donald Trump initially seemed to pay off, with a widespread belief that Trump's victory would bode well for the company. However, things didn't turn out to be as expected, and the company is getting attacked "because of the CEO," he said.
&#8220;The perception at the time was like this is going to be great for Tesla, but now that he&#8217;s there, it&#8217;s like how is this good, and it turns out it&#8217;s not good at all. And now people are like burning Teslas," Gerber told Schwab Network.
Gerber said Tesla can go "meaningfully" higher if it meets Wall Street's earnings expectation of $3.80 next year. However, he doubts the company's ability to meet these estimates:
&#8220;If It doesn&#8217;t, Tesla could go meaningfully lower with a revaluation of what the [price-to-earnings ratio] should be, and maybe it should be 50, and then you&#8217;ve got some serious decline. So it&#8217;s not me who decides that, it&#8217;s the market," Gerber said.
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Ross Gerber Says Elon Musk A 'Negative' For Tesla Stock, Trump's Win Proved 'Not Good At All' For Company

A group of Yale University alumni publicly appealed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, urging him to reevaluate his position within the Donald Trump administration.
What Happened: An open letter dated Wednesday, signed by 140 Yale Class of 1984 alumni, alleged that the Trump administration is steering the U.S. toward an &#8220;authoritarian state, undermining democratic values in the process, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/25/yale-treasury-scott-bessent-trump-fascism-us.html">according</a> to CNBC.
The alumni implored Bessent, a member of the class, to &#8220;stand&nbsp;up for what you know&nbsp;to be right&#8221; and to reflect on his role in &#8220;enabling the descent of America&nbsp;into fascism.&#8221;
The letter cited Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, as having significant access to Americans&#8217; private data, as well as the violation of immigration laws through the &#8220;illegal seizure and incarceration&#8221; of people.
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In a response issued to CNBC, Bessent expressed disappointment in his classmates, criticizing their lack of engagement in the political process. 
&#8220;It is equal parts odd and sad that a group of people, most of whom I have never met, feel they have standing in my life choices due to a tenuous overlap from 40 years ago,&#8221; Bessent added.
He defended his role in the Trump administration, describing it as the &#8220;honor&#8221; of his lifetime. &#8220;President Trump is the man in the arena. And the American people elected him—not these critics.&#8221;
Why It Matters: DOGE, an entity<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41927289/trump-appoints-elon-musk-and-vivek-ramaswamy-to-lead-doge-targeting-bureaucracy-and-65-trillion-federal-spending-we-will-not-go-gently" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;tasked with cutting federal spending</a>&nbsp;and abolishing excess regulations, has faced allegations of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44859945/whistleblower-alleges-doge-involved-in-major-cybersecurity-breach-at-us-labor-agency">collecting and combining sensitive personal data</a> from government systems, including the Treasury Department.
Moreover, the administration has faced c<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44779739/oops-hes-alive-and-secure-trump-administration-updates-status-on-mistaken-deportation-to-el-salvador">riticism for its deportation policy</a> after a Maryland resident was mistakenly sent to El Salvador due to &#8220;administrative error.&#8221; The Supreme Court backed a lower court ruling for officials to assist in the return of the person.
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Image: Shutterstock/Maxim Elramsisy

Yale Classmates Urge Bessent To Reconsider Trump White House Role — Treasury Secretary Calls It an 'Honor'

In a bold move to redefine the sales landscape, Artisan, a San Francisco-based <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44777981/openai-and-andreessen-horowitz-lead-43m-round-for-cybersecurity-startup-taking-on-ai-scammers-deepfakes-and-voice-spoofs">startup</a>, has secured a $25 million Series A funding round.
The round was led by Glade Brook Capital, with participation from notable investors including Y Combinator, HubSpot Ventures (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUBS#NYSE">HUBS</a>), Oliver Jung, Day One Ventures, BOND, Soma Capital, and Sequoia Scout, according to<a href="https://www.artisan.co/blog/artisan-series-a"> Artisan</a>.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Artisan's Origins and Founding Mission</h2>
Founded in 2023 by Jaspar Carmichael-Jack and Sam Stallings, Artisan aims to revolutionize the workplace by replacing repetitive tasks with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44522899/anthropic-ceo-says-ai-could-write-90-of-code-in-3-to-6-months-warns-every-industry-will-be-affected">AI</a> employees, known as &#8220;Artisans.&#8221;
According to the<a href="https://www.artisan.co/ai-sales-agent"> startup&#8217;s page</a>, their first product, Ava, is an AI Business Development Representative that automates the entire outbound sales process. Ava identifies leads, conducts research, crafts personalized messages, and schedules meetings across multiple channels, including email and LinkedIn.
Ava is powered by a multi-agent system and a real-time context engine that monitors the web for buying signals such as job changes, new funding, or leadership moves. This allows her to engage prospects at the optimal time with tailored messages. According to <a href="https://www.artisan.co/blog/artisan-series-a">Artisan</a>, companies like SumUp have reported receiving eight to 15 positive replies per week from hard-to-reach small and medium-sized businesses without increasing their sales staff.​
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Ava&#8217;s capabilities extend to managing email deliverability with a suite of tools designed to optimize every aspect of email campaigns. This includes email warm-up procedures and placement tests to ensure that emails reach their intended recipients. By automating these processes, Ava allows businesses to scale their outbound sales efforts effortlessly, freeing up valuable time and resources that can be redirected toward other important areas. ​
Artisan&#8217;s approach differs from traditional AI integrations by offering fully autonomous AI employees that take over specific job functions. The company believes that AI employees should be held to the same standards as human workers: they must perform their tasks effectively or not at all. This philosophy has driven the development of Ava from a supervised tool to an independent agent capable of managing complex outbound strategies and optimizing for pipeline impact.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next for Artisan</h2>
​The recent funding will be used to accelerate research and development, expand the AI workforce, and enhance the Artisan Sales platform. The startup plans to introduce two new AI employees later this year: Aaron, an Inbound SDR Artisan who will qualify and route inbound leads, and Aria, a Meeting Assistant Artisan responsible for scheduling, reminders, and post-call summaries.
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Artisan&#8217;s provocative &#8220;Stop Hiring Humans&#8221; marketing campaign has sparked conversations about the role of AI in the workplace. While the campaign was designed to attract attention, CEO Carmichael-Jack clarified in a <a href="https://www.artisan.co/blog/stop-hiring-humans">blog</a> that the company&#8217;s goal is not to eliminate human workers but to free them from mundane tasks so they can focus on more creative and strategic work.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Scaling Human Talent Alongside AI Innovation</h2>
​With a growing team of 35 employees and plans to hire 22 more, Artisan is set to lead the charge in transforming the workplace through AI, according to<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/09/artisan-the-stop-hiring-humans-ai-agent-startup-raises-25m-and-is-still-hiring-humans/"> TechCrunch</a>.
The company&#8217;s approach and strong investor backing suggest a promising future for AI-driven automation in business operations.
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Image: Shutterstock

HUBS

Glade Brook Leads $25M Bet On Artisan, The AI Startup Backed By Y Combinator, HubSpot, And Sequoia To Replace Human Sales Teams

By Javier Hasse via <a href="https://elplanteo.com/carmelo-anthony-manu-ginobili/">El Planteo</a>
The conversation was about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis</a>—until it wasn't.
During an <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2025/04/24/carmelo-anthonys-cannabis-mission-comes-home-i-know-the-door-i-hold-open/">exclusive interview</a> about the launch of STAYME7O and Grand National in New York, <a href="https://elplanteo.com/carmelo-anthony-manu-ginobili/">Carmelo Anthony</a> was asked something different. Something personal. Something about respect.
The subject? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/03/31399138/exclusive-allen-iverson-magic-johnson-isiah-thomas-and-al-harrington-praise-manu-ginobili">Manu Ginobili</a>.
&#8220;Legendary. Legendary. One of the greatest—not NBA players—one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game,&#8221; said Anthony without missing a beat.
The praise is weighty, but earned. Ginobili, a four-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs and Olympic gold medalist with Argentina, didn't just play the game. He changed it.
And Carmelo knows. He faced him—Olympics, Playoffs, the biggest stages. Ginobili always brought it, with that southpaw craftiness and fearless energy few could match.
And Melo's not the only one singing his praises.
<a href="https://elplanteo.com/allen-iverson-al-harrington-cannabis/">Allen Iverson</a> called Ginobili "one of the greatest shooting guards to ever play the game." <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/41011619/it-takes-a-village-to-build-generational-wealth-nbas-al-harrington-on-his-full-circle-moment-and">Al Harrington</a> credited him with reshaping the NBA with Euro-style swagger. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/03/31383033/isiah-thomas-from-nba-champ-to-business-mogul-hemp-cars-cbd-drinks-champagne-producer">Isiah Thomas</a> spoke about family ties—his cousin Willie Scott played in Argentina—and how he used to tell stories about a skinny lefty doing magic down there.
<a href="https://elplanteo.com/entrevista-con-magic-johnson-cbd-jane-fonda-y-toni-braxton/">Magic Johnson</a> didn't hold back either: "One of the most unstoppable offensive forces we've seen in the NBA."
Magic would know—he played exhibition games in Argentina. He remembers the passion. He remembers the fans. He remembers the energy.
"I think he opened up the door for many other pros to play out of Argentina and come into the NBA," Johnson said. "He helped the country of Argentina because he dominated and he won NBA championships."
Ginobili's influence isn't about stats—it's about spark. The lefty drives. The no-look passes. The clutch moments. The quiet revolution.
For Carmelo Anthony—one of the NBA's most prolific scorers—calling Manu Ginobili one of the greatest isn't just respect. It's recognition. A nod from one icon to another.
No exaggeration. No script. Just facts.
&#8220;Legendary. Legendary.&#8221;
Sometimes, that's all that needs to be said.
Photo: Pointblakeperiod
This article is from an external unpaid contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#8217;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Cannabis

Carmelo Anthony Calls Manu Ginobili 'Legendary,' Joins Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson In Praise

A rare technical signal is drawing attention on Wall Street, pointing to possible gains for U.S. stocks even as tariff concerns from major <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/45027002/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-netflix-novavax-intel-and-the-market-begins-to-bounce-back" rel="noreferrer noopener">companies raise risks for the economy</a>.
According to &nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, the S&amp;P 500&nbsp;– as tracked by the&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust, (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) has gained over 5% in the past five trading sessions, driven by strong buying momentum across sectors. Tesla, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&nbsp;stock surged 10% to $285.50 Friday afternoon, heading to its best weekly performance of 2025 with a 24% gain.
Particularly, over the last three trading days, more than 70% of stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) posted daily gains — a clear sign of widespread market participation.
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The last time a similarly strong buying streak extended to four consecutive days was during the rebound of April 2020, following the pandemic-driven crash.
Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group LLC, highlighted the significance of this rare &#8220;breadth thrust,&#8221; noting that the S&amp;P 500 finished higher one year later in 27 of the past 28 similar instances.
A breadth thrust occurs when a large percentage of stocks rally together over several sessions, indicating broad-based investor enthusiasm rather than isolated leadership among a few mega-cap names. Historically, such patterns have preceded the start of major bull markets.
Detrick <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ryandetrick/status/1915749234411794697?s=46&amp;t=ULQgdjrI963eH_sS6HFNXw" rel="noreferrer noopener">posted </a>on X, previously called the Twitter, &#8220;Yet another rare and potentially bullish trigger from this week.&#8221;
While technical indicators point to optimism, economic challenges persist. Executives from companies including American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>), PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>), and Procter &amp; Gamble Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) warned that ongoing tariff uncertainty <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/earnings-beats/25/04/45018137/pepsico-posts-in-line-results-guidance-reflects-tariff-costs-analysts-say" rel="noreferrer noopener">complicates planning and may pressure consumer sentiment.</a>
Meanwhile, auto groups representing General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), Volkswagen, and Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TM#NYSE">TM</a>) urged policymakers to reconsider tariffs on car parts, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44963985/automakers-are-struggling-with-tariffs-and-ev-competition-say-analysts" rel="noreferrer noopener">citing potential price increases for consumers.</a>
On the contrary, leaders from firms, including 3M Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMM#NYSE">MMM</a>) CEO William Brown, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44921668/3m-stock-surges-after-q1-beat-as-2025-outlook-flags-tariff-pressure" rel="noreferrer noopener">emphasized strategic flexibility </a>to maintain international trade ties, while others, like Steel Dynamics&#8217; Mark Millett, expressed support for certain tariffs, The Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/company-earnings-tariffs-outlooks-2025-2ff68cd7" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Despite macroeconomic headwinds, the breadth thrust suggests underlying resilience in U.S. equities.
Investors may consider prominent names like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), or broader exposure via the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>).
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Image: Shutterstock/15 April

Macro Economic Events

AAPL

Wall Street Bets On Bulls, Not Tariffs, As Rare 'Breadth Thrust' Lifts Stocks

At 72, Nancy Neff is not slowing down — instead, she's crisscrossing Europe, taking lace-making classes in Belgium and planning a train trip to Paris for an antique lace auction. Her retirement looks more like a travel documentary than a quiet life at home, all made possible by a decision she made decades ago: start saving early and live below her means.
According to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retire-as-millionaire-boomer-travels-world-frugal-living-budgeting-2025-4">Business Insider</a>, Neff, a Connecticut native, retired with over $1 million in savings. She built her wealth through a long career in academia and computer programming, eventually earning a six-figure salary. But even early in her career, Neff was contributing about 25% of her income to her 401(k). She also followed a conservative investment strategy — opting for diversified mutual funds over market speculation — which helped her ride out multiple recessions.
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"I was very concerned about being an impoverished old lady trying to live on her own and not having anything beyond Social Security," Neff told BI. "I kind of went overboard and saved more than I needed to."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Living Large Without Spending Big</h2>
Neff's travel-heavy lifestyle might sound expensive, but she still lives frugally. She chooses budget transportation, camps when she can, and avoids luxury accommodations. She cuts her own hair, shops secondhand, and sticks to a food budget. "I don't really need a marble bathtub," she said. For her, retirement is about meaningful experiences, not flashy luxuries.
Her <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/25/04/44941777/social-security-payments-could-face-interruptions-in-may-warns-former-commissioner-martin-omalley-never-hoped-i-was-wrong-so-much-in-my-life">Social Security checks</a> — just a few thousand dollars a month — don't fund her travels. Instead, her well-padded retirement savings and Medicare coverage allow her to afford essentials while keeping her travel dreams alive.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Minority Experience in Retirement</h2>
While Neff's story is inspiring, it's not the norm. According to the Federal Reserve Bank's Survey of Consumer Finances, only about 40% of American millionaires are over age 65. And AARP reports that one in five Americans over 50 doesn't have adequate retirement savings. Many rely primarily on Social Security, which averages about $1,976 per month for retirees, depending on work history.
Data from United Way's <a href="https://www.unitedforalice.org/news-and-stories-article/7095908E">United for ALICE</a> program shows that 42% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck or below the federal poverty line, making <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/04/44894328/study-says-you-need-1-26-million-to-retire-heres-why-the-math-says-otherwise">comfortable retirements</a> like Neff's out of reach for many.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Americans Are Retiring Abroad</h2>
Neff isn't alone in her decision to spend retirement overseas. According to the Social Security Administration, over 450,000 retired U.S. workers were receiving benefits while living abroad as of December 2022 — many of them in Europe. Mexico and Canada are also popular destinations for retired U.S. citizens.
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Retiring abroad can offer a lower cost of living, access to public healthcare in some countries, and a slower pace of life. But retirees should also be prepared for challenges, including culture shock, language barriers, and navigating foreign residency rules.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Advice From Someone Who's Done It</h2>
Despite the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43710578/your-benefits-have-been-suspended-some-americans-abroad-suddenly-lose-access-to-their-social-security-benefits">challenges of retiring abroad</a>, Neff says careful planning made it possible. She doesn't support family or friends financially and kept her expenses low long before retirement. She also advises sticking to the basics: save consistently, don't try to beat the market, and make smart decisions early.
"I've been very lucky — I had enough wits, I was sharp enough to be able to get a degree and work at a challenging job," she said. "But my advice is not just contingent on being lucky."
Whether at home or abroad, Neff's story shows what's possible with a little planning — and a lot of patience.
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Image: Shutterstock

She Retired With $1 Million — And Now She's Traveling Europe At 72: 'I Kind Of Went Overboard And Saved More Than I Needed To'

Legendary investor Warren Buffett is likely considered a mentor and hero to many. In a new interview, Buffett discusses one of his heroes.
What Happened: Buffett had praise for former Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham in a recent interview. Graham's life of going from a housewife to the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 is a new documentary.
"If there's any story that should be told, it's her story," Buffett said in a CBS <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpFiBEsO-VM&amp;t=9s">interview</a>.
Buffett called Graham "one of a kind."
The investor said that Graham was thrown into the role of leading the Washington Post after her husband died by suicide. &nbsp;
Graham faced struggles early with an all-male Board of Directors that wanted her to stay home. Instead, Graham helped fight back against the stigma that only men can success in business.
"Becoming Katharine Graham" is now <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Katharine-Graham-George-Kunhardt/dp/B0DCCCRYKL">streaming </a>on Prime Video, the streaming platform from Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>).
Graham became known for leading the Washington Post and pushing the newspaper into questionable decisions like deciding the publish the Pentagon Papers and supporting the Watergate investigation.
Buffett said his favorite memory of Graham was her wining a Pulitzer Prize for a memoir she wrote.
"It was an honest book," Buffett said of the book, saying that noone was disappointed after reading the memoir.
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Buffett's Friendship: Buffett and Graham began an unlikely friendship in June 1973 when the investor sent Graham a letter reaching out about buying up a bunch of Washington Post stock by Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>)(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>). 
Buffet said the stock was "ridiculously cheap" at the time and he wanted to make sure she was okay with him becoming a large stakeholder.
The legendary investor said he helped reassure Graham that she was doing a great job leading the newspaper.
"She was torturing herself," Buffett said.
The new documentary shows how much former President Richard Nixon hated the newspaper and Graham. While that feud put pressure on Graham, Buffett said a 1975 strike and the idea of possibly losing the newspaper is what scare her the most.
"That tore her apart."
Buffett told CBS that Graham prevailed because of her bravery. Her push helped the Washinton Post stock price go up over 3,000% while she was publisher, making the investor a lot of money.
In the interview, Buffett said that Graham was one of his heroes for what she did under her circumstances. The investor said Graham showed unique heroism during her life.
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Image: Shutterstock

Entertainment

Education

Buffett Remembers Media Legend And Hero Katharine Graham Ahead Of Streaming Documentary: 'She Was One Of A Kind'

Amidst the controversy surrounding <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44921089/elon-musk-needs-to-bring-the-voltage-to-get-tsla-stock-out-of-stall-speed-says-analyst-as-tesla-gears-up-for-q1-earnings-call">Elon Musk</a>, it&#8217;s sometimes easy to forget that Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) has been at the forefront of clean energy adoption worldwide. It makes sense, then, that Tesla&#8217;s tech is powering the company&#8217;s first home community.
Consisting of 11 homes in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-real-estate-investment-markets-in-texas">Houston</a>,<a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/tesla-powered-homes-houston-elon-musk-donald-trump/"> Realtor.com</a> reports that the properties are attracting intense buyer interest, despite<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-targeted-by-vandalism-over-musks-right-wing-activism-2025-04-01/"> recent vandalism</a> experienced by Tesla car owners and showrooms.&nbsp;
&#8220;We have honestly had no issues with Trump and Musk backlash. In fact, I had over 150-plus people at my brokers&#8217; open. It was insane, people were very excited,&#8221; Jamie Fallon, a Houston-based real estate broker handling the homes&#8217; sales, told Realtor.com.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Solar Shingles, EV Chargers, Powerwall Battery Storage</h2>
All homes in the community feature Tesla-made products, including solar roof shingles, EV chargers, and Powerwall home battery storage. The latter has become a coveted commodity in Texas, which is not part of the national power grid but operates its own separate electrical grid. Risks And Rewards
Launching a new Tesla product, especially one as expensive as a home, could be seen as risky for the company, which has seen its stock price plummet due to Musk&#8217;s close association with President Donald Trump. However, Fallon has said buyers are more interested in power than politics.
&#8220;Who cares who is in office when you don&#8217;t have power? Houston has had a huge issue with electricity because we&#8217;re not on the national grid. So when we lose power, we&#8217;re out for five days,&#8221; she told Realtor.com. &#8220;While we are big on oil, gas, and generators, now people are seeing that they can have Tesla-powered homes at similar price points,&#8221; she added. &#8220;We are not selling sunset; we are selling power.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">High Priced</h2>
According to Realtor.com, only four of the 11 homes remain available. While the essential components that power the homes are Tesla-made, the residences themselves, located in the Oaks of Shady Acres subdivision, have been built by Utopia Homes. Two of the remaining properties still remain—a larger model priced at $544,900 and a smaller one priced at $524,000. By Houston&#8217;s standards, the houses are pricey—about $179,000 more than Houston&#8217;s median list price of $365,000.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clean Energy Home Revolution</h2>
Despite the White House&#8217;s efforts to promote<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/reinvigorating-americas-beautiful-clean-coal-industry-and-amending-executive-order-14241/"> fossil fuels</a>, Fallon believes that Tesla-type clean-energy homes are the dwellings of the future.
&#8220;What legislation we have in Washington is going to dictate it, but going toward clean energy is where I think the country is headed. I think there is a mindset shift happening,&#8221; Fallon says.
Fallon feels that the homes&#8217; integration of style and tech, particularly with<a href="https://www.tesla.com/solarroof"> Tesla&#8217;s solar singles</a>, is part of their selling point. &#8220;The next time I have to replace my roof, I&#8217;m putting Tesla shingles on it. You can&#8217;t even tell [what they are]; they look so good,&#8221; she says.
In addition to mainstream full-sized family homes, Tesla is exploring the tiny house market. The<a href="https://techbullion.com/tesla-homes-elon-musk-releasing-affordable-tiny-house-soon/"> </a>smaller homes, according to <a href="https://techbullion.com/tesla-homes-elon-musk-releasing-affordable-tiny-house-soon/">Tech Bullion</a>, also feature Tesla solar panels and Powerwall battery storage units. However, the real selling point is the price, which starts<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZAaa2EZE18"> </a>at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZAaa2EZE18">$7,000</a>.&nbsp;
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Image: Shutterstock

A New Community Of Homes Powered By Tesla Tech Is Selling Out Fast, Facing 'No Issues With Trump and Musk Backlash'

Sen. Jon Ossoff&nbsp;(D-Ga.) called for President Donald Trump&#8217;s impeachment on Friday for rewarding investors in his Official Trump (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">TRUMP</a>) meme coin with a gala dinner.
What Happened: Ossoff, a Democrat from Georgia,&nbsp;voiced his concerns&nbsp;at a town hall, contending that Trump&#8217;s act of selling access to him in exchange for payments made through his memecoin is an impeachable offense.
&#8220;He is granting audiences to people who purchase the meme coin that directly enriches him,&#8221; Ossoff said. &#8220;When the sitting president of the United States is selling access for what are effectively payments directly to him, there is no question that rises to the level of an impeachable offense.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Sen. Ossoff hosts town hall meeting in Marietta" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LF2xsYOi9H8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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</figure>
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Ossoff was not alone in raising these concerns. Fellow Democratic lawmakers Rep.&nbsp;Adam Schiff&nbsp;(D-Calif.)&nbsp;and Sen. Elizabeth Warren&nbsp;(D-Mass.) have requested that the U.S. Office of Government Ethics investigate Trump&#8217;s potential violation of federal ethics regulations over the private dinner event, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/25/trump-dinner-for-meme-coin-prompts-senators-to-demand-ethics-probe.html">reported </a>CNBC.
Why It Matters: These allegations come even as the team behind the TRUMP meme coin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45012922/trump-meme-coin-surges-15-as-organizers-clarify-participation-rules-for-gala-dinner">updated its terms and condition</a>s to indicate that Trump may not attend the gala dinner and that the event may be cancelled or rescheduled at their discretion.
The controversy began after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44959727/trump-token-price-explodes-60-following-announcement-of-private-dinner-with-donald-trump">top 220 cryptocurrency holders </a>were invited to an exclusive dinner with Trump, while the top 25 holders were promised access to a VIP reception and White House tour, as well as limited-edition commemorative non-fungible tokens. The memecoin surged as much as 65% on the announcement.
The project, 80% of whose supply is controlled by an affiliate of the Trump Organization, emphasizes that TRUMP is not a political initiative or investment opportunity but an expression of support for Trump&#8217;s ideals. 
Trump has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44555553/will-the-greatest-of-them-all-trump-memecoin-make-its-way-to-trump-media-etfs-polymarket-bettors-think-its-unlikely">promoted the meme coin</a> via his Truth Social account, deeming it &#8220;the greatest of them all&#8221;&nbsp;in March.
Price Action: At the time of writing, TRUMP was exchanging hands at $14.92, up 11.35 in the last 24 hours, and over 77% over the week, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA.." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image: Shutterstock/Phil Mistry

$TRUMP

Trump's Memecoin Dinner Event Sparks Impeachment Call From Democratic Senator, Says POTUS Is Selling Access To Those Who Enrich Him

Economist and gold advocate Peter Schiff is warning about what could come after Jerome Powell&#8217;s term as Federal Reserve chair ends. In a post that has sparked a debate on X, Schiff said he expects President Donald Trump to pick someone extremely dovish to replace Powell.
&#8220;Trump will likely nominate the most dovish replacement to ever chair the Fed,&#8221; Schiff <a href="https://x.com/PeterSchiff/status/1913599454369694092">wrote</a> on Saturday. &#8220;His nominee will be a loyal soldier willing to sacrifice the dollar and create as much inflation as needed to monetize exploding debt to keep interest rates artificially low.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Schiff Doubles Down on Gold, Not Bitcoin</h2>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">When Powell&#39;s term expires, Trump will likely nominate the most dovish replacement to ever chair the Fed. His nominee will be a loyal soldier willing to sacrifice the dollar and create as much inflation as needed to monetize exploding debt to keep interest rates artificially low.
&mdash; Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterSchiff/status/1913599454369694092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
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As usual, Schiff used the opportunity to draw a line between traditional assets and digital currencies. When a user replied, &#8220;Bitcoin wins again,&#8221; Schiff was quick to shut it down: &#8220;Not this time. Bitcoin&#8217;s days of winning are likely over.&#8221;
Another commenter joked that if Schiff were nominated for Fed chair, he&#8217;d dump all dollars and Bitcoin to buy gold. Schiff clarified, &#8220;I dump Treasuries, not dollars. I&#8217;d withdraw dollars from circulation, removing all the excess liquidity.&#8221;
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">Warren Says Firing Powell Would &#8216;Crash Markets&#8217;</h2>
On the other side of the conversation, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) warned that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44883756/warren-foresees-market-turmoil-if-trump-dismisses-feds-powell-if-powell-can-be-fired-by-trump-it-will-crash-markets">if Trump removes Powell</a> from his position, it could have severe consequences.
"I have tangled with him on a regular basis about both regulations and interest rates. But understand this: If Chairman Powell can be fired by the president of the United States, it will crash markets in the United States," Warren said during a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GApxUtKDnEM">CNBC interview</a> last week.
Trump had recently taken to social media to criticize Powell, <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114352766082542122">writing</a>, &#8220;Too Late should have lowered Interest Rates, like the [European Central Bank], long ago, but he should certainly lower them now. Powell&#8217;s termination cannot come fast enough!&#8221;
Warren also emphasized the importance of the Fed&#8217;s independence, saying that if a president can manipulate interest rates, it makes the U.S. no different from &#8220;any other two-bit dictatorship.&#8221;
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<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44904179/wall-street-sinks-dollar-slides-as-trump-ramps-up-fed-attacks-whats-driving-markets-monday">Markets slumped</a> to start the post-Easter trading week, following another Truth Social <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114376239725335883">post</a> from Trump in which he demanded immediate interest rate cuts and referred to Powell as &#8220;Mr. Too Late,&#8221; accusing him of political bias and blaming him for misjudging inflation.
Trump wrote that there&#8217;s &#8220;virtually no inflation&#8221; and warned of an economic slowdown unless Powell acts &#8220;NOW.&#8221; However, Trump on Tuesday told reporters in the Oval Office <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44940900/us-futures-dollar-jump-amid-trumps-latest-comments-on-fed-nikkei-rebounds-to-three-week-high">he had &#8220;no intention&#8221; of firing Powell</a>, adding that he &#8220;never did.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dollar Confidence Wavers as Tariffs Kick In</h2>
Concerns over the future of the dollar aren&#8217;t just coming from Schiff. In early April, Deutsche Bank <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44756751/full-spectrum-collapse-top-bank-rings-alarm-over-simultaneous-fall-of-us-assets">warned of a possible crisis</a> of confidence in the U.S. dollar.
&#8220;There is a risk that major shifts in capital flow allocations take over from currency fundamentals and that FX moves become disorderly,&#8221; Deutsche Bank strategist George Saravelos said.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44623918/global-markets-rattle-under-tariff-shock-asia-sinks-europe-tumbles-dollar-weakens-oil-tanks-global-markets-today-while-us-slept">dollar fell sharply</a> after Trump announced new tariffs, raising fears about recession risks. Saravelos noted that a rapid dollar decline could hurt central banks worldwide, adding, &#8220;The last thing the ECB wants is an externally imposed disinflationary shock from a loss in dollar confidence and a sharp appreciation in the euro on top of tariffs.&#8221;
The global financial system may be entering a new phase, as Saravelos put it: &#8220;We are in the midst of dramatic regime change in markets.&#8221;
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