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Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya sparked debate on social media by polling followers about launching another Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), with 70.7% of 55,458 respondents voting &#8220;no&#8221; amid warnings about his troubled SPAC track record.
What Happened: The former Facebook executive&#8217;s X poll, posted Tuesday, drew immediate scrutiny through the platform&#8217;s Community Notes feature. Users added context highlighting that his COVID-era SPACs have delivered &#8220;horrible returns, often more than -70% since their peak,&#8221; according to community-contributed information.
Palihapitiya, dubbed the &#8220;SPAC King&#8221; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41038801/spac-king-chamath-palihapitiya-forecasts-how-ai-will-transform-healthcare-sector-its-not-all-roses-b">during the 2020-2021 market boom</a>, acknowledged the community feedback with characteristic bravado, posting: &#8220;This is trending in the right direction! And someone helped with disclosure! No crying in the casino!!&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">This is trending in the right direction! And someone helped with disclosure! No crying in the casino!!
&mdash; Chamath Palihapitiya (@chamath) <a href="https://twitter.com/chamath/status/1935534117816602729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
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However, Palihapitiya&#8217;s SPAC empire has left investors with massive losses. According to Sigma <a href="https://sigma.world/news/aibc-forex-chamath-palihapitiyas-spac-empire-crumbles-leaving-investors-in-shambles/">reporting</a>, investors who put $100 into each of his SPACs at their December 2021 peak would face a 73% loss. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46011509/bill-ackman-calls-for-northrops-b-2-bombers-boeings-gbu-57s-to-help-israel-finish-the-job-in-gaza-pave-way-for-trumps-nobel-peace-prize">Bill Ackman Calls For Northrop&#8217;s B-2 Bombers, Boeing&#8217;s GBU-57s To Help Israel &#8216;Finish The Job&#8217; In Gaza, Pave Way For Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Nobel Peace Prize&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Two of Palihapitiya&#8217;s most prominent SPACs, Clover and Akili Inc., now have enterprise values near zero, while Virgin Galactic stands at just $100 million, according to Sigma. 
His portfolio includes Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPCE#NYSE">SPCE</a>), SoFi Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOFI#NASDAQ">SOFI</a>), Opendoor Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OPEN#NASDAQ">OPEN</a>), and Clover Health Investments Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLOV#NASDAQ">CLOV</a>).
In September 2022, Palihapitiya closed two SPACs worth $1.6 billion after failing to find suitable acquisition targets among more than 100 companies evaluated. The closures came as rising interest rates and inflation decimated the SPAC market, forcing other notable sponsors like Bill Ackman to wind down their blank-check companies, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/spac-king-chamath-palihapitiya-shuttering-two-spacs-after-failing-to-find-deals-11663674342">according</a> to The Wall Street Journal.
Despite the losses, Social Capital Holdings Inc. generated approximately $750 million in profits from SPAC transactions, according to the WSJ report. 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/46010921/palantirs-head-of-defense-says-xi-jinping-is-decoupling-from-us-warns-america-risks-losing-leverage-if-china-tech-shift-goes-unchecked" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palantir's Head Of Defense Says ‘Xi Jinping Is Decoupling From Us' — Warns America Risks Losing Leverage If China Tech Shift Goes Unchecked</a></li>
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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.
Photo Courtesy: Kathy Hutchins on Shutterstock.com

Markets

CLOV

OPEN

SOFI

SPCE

Chamath Palihapitiya Asks If He Should Launch Another SPAC—70% Say No, Users Warn of Past Failures: 'No Crying In The Casino!'

Health insurance companies have raised concerns that tariffs could lead to higher premiums for enrollees in the individual and small group markets next year.
What Happened: Health insurers are informing states about the potential rise in premiums for individual and small group market enrollees in the coming year, <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/18/tariffs-health-insurance-premium-hikes">Axios</a> reported. This is due to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which are expected to raise the costs of prescription drugs, medical devices, and other medical products and services.
 According to Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at Georgetown&#8217;s Center on Health Insurance Reforms, the Trump administration&#8217;s trade policy, potential Medicaid cuts, and the expected end of enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act coverage are creating a &#8220;perfect storm&#8221; of factors driving up prices.
Some health insurers have explicitly attributed a portion of their planned premium increases for next year to the impact of tariffs. For example, Independent Health Benefits Corporation informed New York regulators that 3% of its projected 38.4% premium increase for individual market enrollees is directly due to tariffs. 
Likewise, UnitedHealthcare of Oregon indicated that close to 3% of its proposed 19.8% premium hike for small group enrollees stems from uncertainty related to tariffs.
SEE ALSO: <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46009956/jack-ma-says-you-need-a-good-boss-before-30-but-once-you-turn-50-you-need-to-take-a-different-approa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jack Ma Says You Need A Good Boss Before 30, But Once You Turn 50 You Need To Take A Different Approach To Life: Here&#8217;s What The Alibaba-Founder Meant</a>
Why It Matters: This development comes on the heels on Senate Republicans recently unveiling President Trump&#8217;s<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45967060/senate-republicans-unveil-trump-tax-and-health-plan-with-5-trillion-debt-ceiling-hike-tighter-medicaid-rules-in-the-big-beautiful-bill"> tax and health plan</a>, which includes a $5 trillion debt ceiling hike and stricter Medicaid eligibility requirements. This, coupled with the tariffs, could significantly impact the health insurance landscape in the U.S.
Notably, billionaire investor, Mark Cuban <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/45992387/mark-cuban-floats-bold-healthcare-plan-zero-premiums-to-insurance-companies-with-a-cash-pay-revoluti">proposed </a>a bold healthcare plan aimed at eliminating traditional insurance premiums and introducing transparent pricing. Cuban&#8217;s proposal, made amid growing frustration with insurance clawbacks and escalating costs, could potentially revolutionize the U.S. healthcare system
Insurers must submit their proposed 2026 ACA marketplace plan rates to federal regulators by July 16, with the rates set to be published by August 1. This will offer greater insight into how much concern tariffs are causing among health insurers. 
On a year-to-date basis, iShares US Healthcare ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYH#NYSE">IYH</a>) declined 4.77% and Healthcare Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLV#NYSE">XLV</a>) fell 3.18%.
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<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/45954557/ozempic-patent-expires-in-canada-after-novo-nordisk-fails-to-pay-450-fee-its-the-second-largest-semaglutide-market-in-the-world-says-sandoz-ceo-richard-saynor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ozempic Patent Expires In Canada After Novo Nordisk Fails To Pay $450 Fee: &#8216;It&#8217;s The Second-Largest Semaglutide Market In The World,&#8217; Says Sandoz CEO Richard Saynor (UPDATED) &#8211; Sandoz Group (OTC:SDZNY</a></li>
</ul>
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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.

News

iShares Trust Dow Jones US Healthcare Sector Index Fund

Brace For Higher Healthcare Premiums In 2026 As Insurers Blame Trump's Tariffs In Filings To Regulators: Report

Cheetah Mobile (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCM#NYSE">CMCM</a>) reported quarterly losses of $(0.11) per share. This is a 65.71 percent increase over losses of $(0.32) per share from the same period last year. The company reported $35.69 million in sales this quarter. This is a 35.43 percent increase over sales of $26.35 million the same period last year.

Earnings

CMCM

Cheetah Mobile Q1 EPS $(0.11) Up From $(0.32) YoY, Sales $35.69M Up From $26.35M YoY

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) has recalled more than 197,000 vehicles in the latest recall over an issue affecting the backseat occupants, where they may remain locked inside the vehicle.
What Happened: The recall affects over 197,432 Ford Mustang Mach-E models from 2021-2025, where in the event of a low battery charge, the electronic rear doors may remain locked once the driver or front passenger exits the vehicle, an NHTSA filing showed on Tuesday.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19045910/FORD-NHTSA-Recall-1024x499.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-954944" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19045910/FORD-NHTSA-Recall-1024x499.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19045910/FORD-NHTSA-Recall-300x146.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19045910/FORD-NHTSA-Recall-768x374.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19045910/FORD-NHTSA-Recall-1536x748.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19045910/FORD-NHTSA-Recall-2048x998.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Source: NHTSA
"Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module C (SOBDMC) software, free of charge," the agency said in its report.
Why It Matters: The news comes as Ford had issued a separate, large-scale recall, which affected over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45643704/ford-recalls-11-million-vehicles-for-camera-software-issue-report">1.1 million vehicles </a>over a camera software issue with models like the Bronco, Ford F-150, the Edge, as well as the Mustang Mach-E, among other models.
The company also recently issued a recall for the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45739688/ford-recalls-over-29500-f-150-lightning-pickup-trucks-over-suspension-defect">F-150 Lightning </a>EV Pickup truck over a suspension defect affecting over 29,500 vehicles. "The front upper control arm ball joint nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly,&#8221; the NHTSA said in a statement about the recall.&nbsp;
Elsewhere, the company's executive chair, Bill Ford, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/45732185/whats-going-on-with-ford-stock-monday-2">had expressed concerns</a> about the tax proposal from House Republicans, which aims to axe the $7500 federal EV credit.
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility"> following this link</a>.&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45988847/senate-republicans-axe-250-annual-fee-on-evs-100-fee-on-hybrids-in-tax-bill-proposal-report">Senate Republicans Axe $250 Annual Fee On EVs, $100 Fee On Hybrids In Tax Bill Proposal: Report</a></li>
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Photo courtesy: Tada Images / Shutterstock.com

Tech

Ford Recalls Over 197,000 Vehicles For Backseat Issue That Could 'Trap' Occupants In Emergency Situations

Galaxy Digital Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLXY#NASDAQ">GLXY</a>) shares climbed in after-hours trading Wednesday, seemingly fueled by optimism about its expansion into high-performance computing.
What happened: The digital asset and AI infrastructure company announced a 29 million share offering last month to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45643594/galaxy-digital-stock-is-moving-lower-wednesday-whats-going-on"> fund the continued expansion</a> of high-performance computing infrastructure at its Helios data center campus in West Texas.
Before this, Galaxy entered into a new agreement with AI cloud-computing provider CoreWeave Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>), committing to an additional 260 megawatts at the Helios data center.
The company was also taking strides in its core cryptocurrency business. It announced a partnership with the staking protocol Liquid Collective to help drive the institutional adoption of liquid staking.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Galaxy and <a href="https://twitter.com/liquid_col?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@liquid_col</a> are partnering to help shape the future of institutional staking—secure, liquid, and built to scale. Galaxy will provide OTC support and collateral access for LsETH, join as an Ethereum Node Operator on Liquid Collective, and collaborate on ecosystem… <a href="https://t.co/xAV4lj4UVX">https://t.co/xAV4lj4UVX</a>
&mdash; Galaxy (@galaxyhq) <a href="https://twitter.com/galaxyhq/status/1935431468425330898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Galaxy has traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and OTC markets since 2020, but the company made its debut on Nasdaq last month. The company was founded by billionaire Mike Novogratz and is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/05/45502797/galaxy-digital-stock-is-surging-monday-whats-going-on">reportedly in talks</a> with regulators regarding the tokenization of the company&#8217;s stock.
Price Action:&nbsp; Shares of Galaxy were up 6.72% in after-hours trading after closing 2.97% higher at $19.04 during Wednesday's regular trading session, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.&nbsp;Since its launch, the stock has tumbled 19%.
Meanwhile, CoreWeave shares dipped 0.29% after-hours following a decline of 1.12% in the regular session.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45988475/us-military-action-on-iran-odds-rise-on-crypto-betting-site-polymarket-as-trump-demands-unconditional-surrender">US Military Action On Iran? Odds Rise On Crypto Betting Site Polymarket As Trump Demands &#8216;Unconditional Surrender&#8217;</a></li>
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Cryptocurrency

CRWV

GLXY

Galaxy Digital Shares Close 6.72% Higher After Hours — Here's What Could Be Powering The Stock

Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) is transforming warehouse workers into satellite technicians through education partnerships as Washington state emerges as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/04/44977151/jeff-bezos-space-internet-ambitions-falter-as-amazons-project-kuiper-struggles-to-increase-satellite-production-amid-launch-delays">the nation&#8217;s commercial space hub</a>.
What Happened: Three of nine March graduates from Lake Washington Institute of Technology&#8217;s aerospace manufacturing certificate program were Amazon employees, according to company spokesperson Max Gleber, <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/17/amazon-space-jobs-washington-kuiper">reported</a> Axios. The programs, developed with Amazon&#8217;s input, offer full tuition coverage for eligible Amazon workers through the company&#8217;s upskilling initiative.
&#8220;Washington state is becoming the Silicon Valley of space, and we want that to continue,&#8221; said Brian Huseman, Amazon VP of public policy and community engagement, according to the report. The Redmond-based Project Kuiper satellite internet initiative is betting on local talent to fill its expanding workforce needs.
Dezmond Hernandez exemplifies this transformation. The 24-year-old spent three years in Amazon fulfillment centers earning approximately $15 hourly before transitioning to Project Kuiper. 
While working full-time, he completed aerospace courses at LWTech and now operates the company&#8217;s space simulation lab in Redmond, testing satellites in vacuum chambers and troubleshooting systems.
&#8220;It really is life-changing,&#8221; Hernandez told sources last week. &#8220;I always had an interest in space, but I never thought I&#8217;d be working on satellites.&#8221; His salary has more than doubled since the career change.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46011509/bill-ackman-calls-for-northrops-b-2-bombers-boeings-gbu-57s-to-help-israel-finish-the-job-in-gaza-pave-way-for-trumps-nobel-peace-prize">Bill Ackman Calls For Northrop&#8217;s B-2 Bombers, Boeing&#8217;s GBU-57s To Help Israel &#8216;Finish The Job&#8217; In Gaza, Pave Way For Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Nobel Peace Prize&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The retraining effort comes as Amazon faces production challenges with Project Kuiper&#8217;s satellite constellation. The company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/04/44977151/jeff-bezos-space-internet-ambitions-falter-as-amazons-project-kuiper-struggles-to-increase-satellite-production-amid-launch-delays">must deploy over 1,600 low-Earth orbit satellites</a> by a federal deadline, competing against Elon Musk&#8216;s established Starlink network of more than 7,000 operational satellites.
Amazon has enrolled over 250,000 global employees in upskilling programs since 2012, part of broader workforce development as the company invests heavily in AI infrastructure while announcing potential job cuts in white-collar positions due to automation efficiency gains.
AMZN performs strongly on Growth and Quality metrics, with decent Momentum and Value scores. For <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">more insights like this, subscribe</a> to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings today!
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="886" height="628" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19050048/image-297.png" alt="" class="wp-image-954948" style="width:445px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19050048/image-297.png 886w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19050048/image-297-300x213.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19050048/image-297-768x544.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 886px) 100vw, 886px" /></a></figure>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/46010921/palantirs-head-of-defense-says-xi-jinping-is-decoupling-from-us-warns-america-risks-losing-leverage-if-china-tech-shift-goes-unchecked" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palantir's Head Of Defense Says ‘Xi Jinping Is Decoupling From Us' — Warns America Risks Losing Leverage If China Tech Shift Goes Unchecked</a></li>
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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.
Photo courtesy: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.com

SPACE

AMZN

Amazon Retrains Warehouse Workers For Satellite Jobs: 'It Really Is Life-Changing,' Says Project Kuiper Technician

GOOGL

Elon Musk's xAI May Face 'Clean Air Act' Lawsuit Over Alleged Pollution At Memphis Data Center

Former President Barack Obama shared his concerns on Tuesday about the state of American democracy, warning that the country may be on the brink of authoritarianism.
What Happened: Speaking in Hartford, Connecticut, with historian and Boston College professor Heather Cox Richardson, Obama said, "It is consistent with autocracies," when referring to recent political behavior under the Trump administration, <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2025-06-17/former-president-barack-obama-headlines-forum-at-the-bushnell">according to</a> Connecticut Public Radio. He emphasized that while the U.S. has not fully moved into authoritarian rule, "we are dangerously close to normalizing behavior like that."
Obama's criticism addressed not only the executive branch but also the Republican Party, citing false narratives about the 2020 election. "In 2020, one person won the election, and it wasn't the guy complaining about it. And that's just a fact, just like my inauguration had more people. I say that, by the way, not because — I don't care, but facts are important," he said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46011899/over-200-central-banks-reportedly-dump-48-billion-in-us-treasuries-amid-concerns-over-dollars-stability-the-drop-is-unusual">Over 200 Central Banks Reportedly Dump $48 Billion In US Treasuries Amid Concerns Over Dollar&#8217;s Stability: &#8216;The Drop Is Unusual&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Obama also cautioned that several leaders in one of the nation's two major parties are willing to ignore facts: "In one of our major political parties, you have a whole bunch of people who know that's not true but will pretend like it is. And that is dangerous."
"If you follow regularly what is said by those who are in charge of the federal government right now, there is a weak commitment to what we understood – and not just my generation, at least since World War II – our understanding of how a liberal democracy is supposed to work," Obama said.
"There has to be a response and pushback from civil society, from various institutions and individuals outside of government, but there also have to be people in government in both parties who say, &#8216;No, you can&#8217;t do that,'" he added.
Despite his concerns, Obama expressed hope for the country's future. "I'm still the ‘hope' guy. I guess the thing when I'm talking to young people that they need to hear the most is, it is important to be impatient with injustice and cruelty," he said.
Earlier this week, referencing the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/45878983/us-cities-brace-for-escalating-immigration-protests-los-angeles-enforces-curfew-national-guard-deployed-amid-trump-crackdown">ongoing crackdown</a> on immigrants, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45943372/obama-calls-for-dignity-in-immigration-enforcement-as-ice-crackdown-escalates">Obama called for "dignity and respect."</a> He also opposed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/45765479/barack-obama-accuses-republicans-of-trying-to-weaken-obamacare-urges-voters-to-call-their-senators-a">Republican efforts</a> to scale back major provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the "big, beautiful bill."
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/46010921/palantirs-head-of-defense-says-xi-jinping-is-decoupling-from-us-warns-america-risks-losing-leverage-if-china-tech-shift-goes-unchecked">Palantir&#8217;s Head Of Defense Says &#8216;Xi Jinping Is Decoupling From Us&#8217; — Warns America Risks Losing Leverage If China Tech Shift Goes Unchecked</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Politics

Obama Warns America Is 'Dangerously Close' To Autocracy, Calls For Civic Resistance: 'I'm Still The Hope Guy'

Legal

Global

Reuters Cites EU Commission Website Saying Mars Has Not Offered Remedies To EU Antitrust Regulators Reviewing Its $36B Kellanova Deal

The State Department has restarted foreign student visa processing after a month-long suspension, implementing new screening requirements that mandate applicants provide access to their social media accounts for government review.
What Happened: The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday it is resuming student visa applications suspended in May, but all applicants must now unlock their social media accounts for consular officer examination, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/us-resumes-visas-foreign-students-demands-access-social-122997822?ref=biztoc.com">reported</a> ABC News. 
Officials will review posts and messages for content deemed hostile to the American government, culture, institutions, or founding principles.
Students refusing to make their accounts public or allow review face potential rejection, with officials viewing refusal as an attempt to hide online activity. The Trump administration had <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/05/45635231/trump-administration-freezes-student-visa-appointments-will-step-up-social-media-surveillance-of-applicants">temporarily halted scheduling of new F, M, and J visa </a>interviews while preparing expanded social media vetting procedures.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44183893/marco-rubio-led-state-department-to-revoke-visas-of-foreign-students-with-pro-hamas-views-in-ai-powered-sweeping-surveillance-effort-report">AI-driven &#8220;Catch and Revoke&#8221; initiative</a> in March targeting foreign students with &#8220;pro-Hamas&#8221; views. The program analyzes social media activity, past arrests, and media reports to determine visa revocations. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/46011237/trump-was-confronted-at-g7-by-canadas-indigenous-honor-guard-who-said-he-was-filled-with-rage-but-delivered-a-message-of-peace">Trump Was Confronted At G7 By Canada&#8217;s Indigenous Honor Guard Who Said He Was &#8216;Filled With Rage,&#8217; But Delivered A Message Of &#8216;Peace&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: International students face mounting scrutiny beyond social media vetting. The administration has frozen Harvard University&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/45827473/donald-trumps-federal-funding-freeze-for-harvard-university-is-having-a-ripple-effect-on-the-cambrid">federal funding and moved to block foreign student enrollment</a> at the institution, which relies on international students for 27% of its enrollment and significant tuition revenue.
The policy shift affects international education&#8217;s $44 billion annual economic contribution and 378,000 supported jobs nationwide. Over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/06/45947119/harvard-to-ask-judge-to-extend-block-on-trumps-foreign-student-ban-citing-retaliation-and-free-speech-violations">1,500 student visas have been revoked across 222 schools</a>, creating institutional uncertainty for universities dependent on foreign enrollment.
Investor Kevin O&#8217;Leary, who teaches at Harvard Business School, defended international students as &#8220;extraordinary individuals&#8221; worth investing in, calling them <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45671848/kevin-oleary-says-international-students-are-extraordinary-individuals-he-adds-they-dont-hate-america-and-i-want-to-invest-in-them">&#8220;the smartest students in the world&#8221; who &#8220;don&#8217;t hate America</a>.&#8221; 
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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.

US Restarts Student Visas With Mandatory Social Media Access Amid Marco Rubio's AI-Driven 'Catch And Revoke' Initiative Targeting Foreign Applicants

<h3>Companies Reporting Before The Bell</h3>
• 111 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YI#NASDAQ">YI</a>) is likely to report earnings for its first quarter. 
• Addex Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADXN#NASDAQ">ADXN</a>) is expected to report earnings for its first quarter. 
• Cheetah Mobile (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCM#NYSE">CMCM</a>) is estimated to report earnings for its first quarter. 
<h3>Companies Reporting After The Bell</h3>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ADXN

Earnings Scheduled For June 19, 2025

SpaceX's Starship 36 rocket exploded during a pre-flight static fire test at the company's headquarters in Starbase, Texas.
What Happened: "Starship preparing for the tenth flight test experienced a major anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase," the company said in a post on the social media platform X on Wednesday.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">ANOMALY! Just before Ship 36 was set to Static Fire, it blew up at SpaceX Masseys! Live on X and YT:<a href="https://t.co/GPjZIX1Zyd">https://t.co/GPjZIX1Zyd</a> <a href="https://t.co/CfZhDeSGae">pic.twitter.com/CfZhDeSGae</a>
&mdash; NSF &#8211; NASASpaceflight.com (@NASASpaceflight) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1935548909805601020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Footage from the test shows the rocket bolted to the stand for the static fire test. The rocket then exploded, briefly turning the screen white before getting engulfed in a violent ball of flames, indicating the severity of the incident.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">On Wednesday, June 18 at approximately 11 p.m. CT, the Starship preparing for the tenth flight test experienced a major anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase. A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted…
&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1935572705941880971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
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SpaceX says the company is working with local officials to &#8220;safe&#8221; the test site and has asked people not to approach the area as "safing operations continue."
Why It Matters: The failure at the test comes as SpaceX had been working on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/45943559/spacex-ax-4-launch-set-after-june-19-following-propellant-leak-delay">Ax-4 launch</a> to the International Space Station, set to carry over 4 astronauts to orbit. The launch had been delayed, citing a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/45878837/spacexs-ax-4-astronaut-mission-to-iss-delayed-over-propellant-leak-new-launch-date-yet-to-be-announced">propellant leak</a> and will now take place no earlier than June 19, the company said.
SpaceX has been a major player in the private space exploration sector and received a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/06/45876953/cathie-woods-ark-invest-projects-2-5-trillion-valuation-for-elon-musks-spacex-by-2030-7x-growth-through-mars-starlink-optimus">$2.5 trillion valuation</a> projection from ARK Invest's Cathie Wood.
Elsewhere, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk had earlier sounded out alarms over the International Space Station's safety, calling for it to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/45923417/elon-musk-sounds-alarm-over-international-space-station-says-it-should-be-de-orbited-within-2-years">be de-orbited </a>within the next two years.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility"> following this link.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Elon Musk's SpaceX Suffers Major Setback As Starship Rocket Explodes In Static Fire Test

Economist Peter Schiff issued warnings about America&#8217;s economic trajectory during Wednesday&#8217;s Federal Reserve meeting, predicting the central bank&#8217;s decade-long policies will trigger an unavoidable crisis worse than 2008.
What Happened: The Federal Open Market Committee kept interest rates unchanged at 4.25%-4.50% for the fourth consecutive meeting, while projecting two rate cuts in 2025. However, Schiff <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/top-economist-warns-america-heading-toward-economic-disaster-fed-cant-fix?ref=biztoc.com">told</a> Fox Business that Fed Chair Jerome Powell &#8220;basically admitted that they have no idea what&#8217;s going to happen.&#8221;
The Fed&#8217;s updated projections show Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation rising to 3.0% in 2025, up from March&#8217;s 2.7% forecast, while real GDP growth was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46004338/no-rate-cuts-yet-fed-flags-slower-growth-sticky-inflation">downgraded to 1.4% from 1.7%</a>. Unemployment is expected to reach 4.5% in 2025.
Schiff argued these forecasts dramatically underestimate the severity of coming problems. &#8220;All of the inflation chickens that the Fed has been releasing for more than a decade are coming home to roost,&#8221; he said, attributing inflation pressures to years of artificially low rates rather than tariffs.
The economist predicted stagflation, combining recession with &#8220;much higher inflation happening at the same time,&#8221; potentially escalating to hyperinflation. He warned of a &#8220;global exodus out of U.S. stocks, out of U.S. bonds&#8221; as foreign investors retreat from American assets.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/46010921/palantirs-head-of-defense-says-xi-jinping-is-decoupling-from-us-warns-america-risks-losing-leverage-if-china-tech-shift-goes-unchecked">Palantir&#8217;s Head Of Defense Says &#8216;Xi Jinping Is Decoupling From Us&#8217; — Warns America Risks Losing Leverage If China Tech Shift Goes Unchecked</a>
Why It Matters: Schiff&#8217;s warnings align with growing economic concerns about America&#8217;s economic foundations. Nobel laureate Paul Krugman recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45583737/paul-krugman-warns-of-emerging-market-style-crisis-in-us-housing-crash-dollar-plunge-and-stagflation-ahead">warned of an &#8220;emerging-market-type crisis&#8221;</a> featuring sudden capital flight, housing crashes, and dollar devaluation.
Concerns about America&#8217;s fiscal sustainability are mounting across Wall Street. Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk recently warned the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/45988656/elon-musk-warns-us-faces-de-facto-bankruptcy-if-37-trillion-debt-not-tackled-peter-schiff-says-we-are-already-bankrupt">U.S. faces &#8220;de facto bankruptcy&#8221;</a> as federal debt surpasses $37 trillion, with interest payments consuming 25% of tax revenue. JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. CEO Jamie Dimon has warned of potential bond market disruption.
The economist insisted that lower rates won&#8217;t solve America&#8217;s problems because cheap money caused them. &#8220;The solution involves much higher interest rates,&#8221; Schiff said, acknowledging this would trigger widespread bankruptcies, defaults, and &#8220;a protracted recession, probably a much worse financial crisis than 2008.&#8221;
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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.
Image via Shutterstock

Economics

Federal Reserve

Peter Schiff Predicts 'Worse Financial Crisis Than 2008' As Fed Holds Rates: 'The Solution Involves Much Higher Interest Rates' As Years of Easy Money Trigger Stagflation And Investor Exodus

Gorilla Tech Gr (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GRRR#NASDAQ">GRRR</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.23 per share. This is a 41.03 percent decrease over earnings of $0.39 per share from the same period last year. The company reported $18.26 million in sales this quarter. This is a 109.01 percent increase over sales of $8.74 million the same period last year.

GRRR

UPDATE: Gorilla Tech Gr Q1 Adj. EPS $0.23 Down From $0.39 YoY, Sales $18.26M Up From $8.74M YoY

More than 200 Central banks and foreign entities have withdrawn a substantial amount of U.S. Treasuries from the New York Federal Reserve, signaling potential concerns over the stability of the U.S. dollar.
What Happened: The New York Fed&#8217;s custody holdings of U.S. Treasuries and other assets have seen a significant decline. The holdings dropped by $17 billion last week and have plummeted by $48 billion since late March, coinciding with the onset of the trade tensions sparked by President Donald Trump&#8216;s tariffs, <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/06/18/central-banks-have-dumped-48-billion-in-treasuries-as-foreign-wealth-officials-divorce-the-dollar/">reported </a>Fortune
Bank of America&#8216;s managing director and U.S. rates strategist, Meghan Swiber and fellow strategist, Katie Craig, expressed significant concern over the withdrawal of foreign private investors from the Treasury securities market. Swiber and Craig commented, &#8220;This drop is unusual.&#8221;
Typically, the cash generated from the sale of U.S. debt is placed in the New York Fed&#8217;s reverse repurchase facility, where it is exchanged for Treasuries as collateral. However, that trend has recently reversed, with foreign participation in the facility declining by $15 billion since late March. This points to a notable reduction in U.S. assets held by foreigners at the Fed — roughly $63 billion in just over two months.
Swider told Fortune, "We're of the view that deficits are going to continue to climb higher in the coming years, and what we struggle with is, ‘Who is going to help support that higher level of supply?&#8221;
As per Torsten Sløk, chief economist at Apollo Global Management, foreign buyers constitute about 30% of the U.S. Treasury market, and any decrease in their participation could compel the Treasury to offer higher yields to attract buyers, affecting interest rates across the economy, reported Fortune. 
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<li>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45989307/senate-passes-genius-act-coinbases-brian-armstrong-calls-it-big-milestone-scott-bessent-says-passage-could-drive-stablecoins-into-a-3-7-trillion-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senate Passes GENIUS Act—Coinbase&#8217;s Brian Armstrong Calls It &#8216;Big Milestone,&#8217; Scott Bessent Says Passage Could Drive Stablecoins Into A $3.7 Trillion Market &#8211; Benzinga</a></li>
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Why It Matters: The recent withdrawal of U.S. Treasuries by central banks and foreign entities adds to the growing concerns about the stability of the U.S. dollar and the potential impact on the global economy. This trend has been accompanied by a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/treasuries/25/06/45960637/treasury-yields-near-5-after-soft-foreign-demand-a-red-flag-for-stocks">rise in Treasury yields</a>, which could signal a weakening of foreign demand for U.S. debt, further exacerbating the situation.
These developments are particularly noteworthy given the historical relationship between the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields. However, this pattern has seen a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/treasuries/25/06/45739830/us-dollar-decouples-with-10-year-treasuries-as-trade-tensions-change-long-standing-relationships-between-asset-classes">significant divergence</a> since April 2025, potentially indicating a shift in global confidence in U.S. assets.
As the U.S. dollar&#8217;s status as the world&#8217;s reserve currency and the confidence in the U.S. government&#8217;s ability to meet its financial obligations are called into question, the U.S. may face increased borrowing costs, potentially impacting various sectors of the economy.
On a year-to-date basis, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) fell 1.05%, while iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IEF#NASDAQ">IEF</a>) climbed 2.21%. 
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Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

iShares Trust Barclays 7-10 Year Treasury Bond Fund

iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

Over 200 Central Banks Reportedly Dump $48 Billion In US Treasuries Amid Concerns Over Dollar's Stability: 'The Drop Is Unusual'

The Federal Reserve bumped its median forecast for core inflation, which has left analysts divided as some believe that the central bank is overplaying the inflation story, while others say the impact of inflation cannot be overstated.
What Happened: Despite acknowledging that inflation data was &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46006680/powell-holds-line-on-interest-rates-blames-tariff-uncertainty-for-delay-in-cuts">encouraging</a>,&#8221; Jerome Powell noted during his press conference on Wednesday that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46004338/no-rate-cuts-yet-fed-flags-slower-growth-sticky-inflation">inflation median forecast</a> has risen from 2.5% forecast in December, 2.8% in March, to 3.1% now. &#8220;That&#8217;s due to the effects of the tariffs.&#8221; 
Jeffrey Buchbinder, the chief equity strategist, and Jeffrey Roach, the chief economist at LPL Financial, said in their note that &#8220;Inflation&#8217;s importance to financial markets cannot be overstated.&#8221;
They explained, &#8220;Higher inflation can constrain economic growth, tighten financial conditions, drive interest rates higher, and even restrain stock valuations,&#8221; adding that it also &#8220;dampens the present value of future earnings and, historically, correlates with lower stock valuations.&#8221;
However, Jamie Cox, the managing partner at Harris Financial Group, said, &#8220;The Fed continues to overplay the inflation story and isn&#8217;t paying attention to burgeoning demand weakness.&#8221;
&#8220;Concerns from the Fed around deteriorating economic conditions and rising inflation remain roughly balanced and potentially keeping Fed policy changes in the abyss for the foreseeable future,&#8221; said Charlie Ripley, senior investment strategist for Allianz Investment Management.
Northlight Asset Management CIO, Chris Zaccarelli, on the other hand, explained that the Fed was waiting to see if tariffs increase inflation or the jobs market starts to falter, and whichever part of their dual mandate is impacted first will likely guide whichever direction they take, &#8220;although the bias is still toward cutting rates (or at least keeping rates unchanged; not raising rates).&#8221;
Meanwhile, Eric Teal, CIO at Commercia Bank, said that &#8220;The economy is less rate sensitive, and we believe a significant amount of easing would be required to impact consumer behavior.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45993387/trumps-tariffs-trigger-layoffs-monopoly-maker-hasbro-slashes-jobs-these-companies-are-cutting-to">Trump&#8217;s Tariffs Trigger Layoffs: Monopoly Maker Hasbro Slashes Jobs — These Companies Are Cutting Too</a>
Why It Matters: Craig Shapiro, a macro strategist at Bear Traps Report, said in an X post after the conference that &#8220;Powell wasn&#8217;t as dovish as I would have thought.&#8221;
He was skeptical of even two rate cuts by the end of the year, saying, &#8220;Frankly it&#8217;s not even clear to me that he (Powell)is a 2 cuts guy for 2025.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Powell wasn&#39;t as dovish as I would have thought. Frankly it&#39;s not even clear to me that he is a 2 cuts guy for 2025 The Fed sees an economy that has begun to slow with deteriorating labor market momentum and says that still elevated policy uncertainty from tariffs primarily… <a href="https://t.co/sLEOVtGpD7">https://t.co/sLEOVtGpD7</a>
&mdash; Craig Shapiro (@ces921) <a href="https://twitter.com/ces921/status/1935426398069690823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Price Action: Major benchmark indices closed mixed after Wednesday&#8217;s announcement of holding the interest rate steady at 4.25%-2.75%.
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, declined slightly on Wednesday. The SPY was down 0.015% at $597.44, while the QQQ was 0.017% lower at $528.99, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
During the market close on Thursday, the futures of the S&amp;P 500, Dow Jones, and the Nasdaq 100 indices were trading lower.
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Photo courtesy: Domenico Fornas / Shutterstock.com

Jerome Powell Blames Trump Tariffs For Inflation—Analyst Claps Back, Says Fed Is 'Overplaying' The Card

Israel Defense Forces conducted a significant overnight military operation against Iran, deploying 40 fighter jets that struck dozens of military targets using over 100 munitions, according to official IDF statements. 
What Happened: The strikes targeted critical infrastructure in Tehran and other Iranian regions, marking a major escalation in regional tensions.
The operation specifically targeted an inactive nuclear reactor in Iran&#8217;s Arak region, including its reactor shielding structure essential for plutonium production. The facility, under construction since 1997 but never completed due to international intervention, was originally designed to produce weapons-grade plutonium. 
Iran had deliberately halted conversion efforts that would have prevented weaponization capabilities, using the reactor as leverage against Western powers.
Israeli forces also struck the Natanz nuclear weapons development site, which houses specialized equipment and components that accelerate Iran&#8217;s nuclear weapons program. The IDF stated the strikes were designed to undermine Iran&#8217;s nuclear weapons capabilities permanently.
Additional targets included Iranian military production facilities manufacturing ballistic missile components, air-defense systems, and missile assembly materials. Air defense batteries, missile storage sites, radars, and related military infrastructure were destroyed during the operation.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">תקיפות חיל האוויר הלילה באיראן: 40 מטוסי קרב תקפו עשרות מטרות צבאיות עם יותר מ-100 חימושים צה״ל תקף כור גרעיני שאינו פעיל במרחב אראכ שבאיראן 40 מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר תקפו במהלך הלילה, בהכוונה מודיעינית מדויקת של אגף המודיעין, עם יותר מ-100 חימושים, עשרות מטרות צבאיות בטהראן… <a href="https://t.co/llhYbkFXIF">pic.twitter.com/llhYbkFXIF</a>
&mdash; צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1935574764862492767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/46011237/trump-was-confronted-at-g7-by-canadas-indigenous-honor-guard-who-said-he-was-filled-with-rage-but-delivered-a-message-of-peace">Trump Was Confronted At G7 By Canada&#8217;s Indigenous Honor Guard Who Said He Was &#8216;Filled With Rage,&#8217; But Delivered A Message Of &#8216;Peace&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: U.S. markets responded with cautious trading as investors weighed geopolitical implications. S&amp;P 500 futures declined 0.32% to 6,014.75, while Nasdaq futures dropped 0.48% to 21,840.50. 
President Donald Trump remained noncommittal about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/06/46010350/as-trump-weighs-options-on-iran-dow-futures-slip-defense-stocks-tick-up-in-after-hours-session">potential U.S. military support for Israel</a>, telling reporters &#8220;I may do it, I may not do it&#8221; when asked about striking Iran. A White House Situation Room meeting addressed the conflict, though details remain classified.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei characterized the strikes as evidence of Israeli weakness, stating that American involvement demonstrates &#8220;that regime&#8217;s weakness and inability.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The very fact that the Zionist regime's American friends have entered the scene and are saying such things is a sign of that regime's weakness and inability.
&mdash; Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/1935367026479960399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46011509/bill-ackman-calls-for-northrops-b-2-bombers-boeings-gbu-57s-to-help-israel-finish-the-job-in-gaza-pave-way-for-trumps-nobel-peace-prize">Bill Ackman Calls For Northrop&#8217;s B-2 Bombers, Boeing&#8217;s GBU-57s To Help Israel &#8216;Finish The Job&#8217; In Gaza, Pave Way For Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Nobel Peace Prize&#8217;</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image Via Shutterstock

iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

SHLD

Israel Launches Overnight Strikes On Iran, Targeting Nuclear Site, Military Infrastructure With 40 Fighter Jets

The Federal Reserve left its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46004338/no-rate-cuts-yet-fed-flags-slower-growth-sticky-inflation">benchmark rate unchanged</a> at 4.25%-4.50% for a sixth straight meeting and Chair Jerome Powell signaled no near-term cuts despite mounting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45999380/trump-powell-again-markets-breathe-iran-rejects-demands">White House pressure</a>. While traders still price in two quarter-point reductions later this year, the Fed's pause keeps borrowing costs and deposit payouts locked near current levels across the economy.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What It Means For Savers?</h3>
Checking and savings: The average interest on basic checking remains 0.07%, according to the FDIC and standard savings pay just 0.38%, leaving everyday depositors with microscopic earnings. High-yield online accounts still offer about 4–4.7% according to NerdWallet, so shopping around matters more than ever.
Money markets: Traditional money-market accounts average 0.59%, but top high-yield versions also skirt the 4% line, offering a better parking spot for large cash cushions.
Certificates of deposit: The typical 12-month CD yields 1.62% as <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/cds/cd-calculator/">per</a> Forbes, yet national leaders advertise yields of more than 4%. Savers willing to open an online account or lock up funds longer can quadruple that rate.
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46010639/elizabeth-warren-says-americans-deserve-lower-interest-rates-but-trumps-reckless-tariffs-stand-in-the-way-the-fed-is-getting-boxed-out">Elizabeth Warren Says Americans &#8216;Deserve&#8217; Lower Interest Rates, But Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Reckless&#8217; Tariffs Stand In The Way: &#8216;The Fed Is Getting Boxed Out&#8217;</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What It Means For Borrowers?</h3>
Mortgages: Thirty-year fixed home-loan rates hover near 6.8% according to an AP <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-d16e61390390d6b96a75c1c98e91276f">report</a>, down slightly but still double pandemic lows. Forecasts from Realtor.com <a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/mortgage-rates-experts-predict-fed-rate-cut">suggest</a> rates will stay in the 6–7% corridor into 2026 unless growth stalls.
Personal loans: Average APRs sit at 12.65%, up three points from pre-2023 levels as per Bankrate. Analysts say meaningful relief will lag any eventual Fed cuts by months.
Credit cards: Credit-card APRs have climbed with every Fed move since 2022. The average rate sits above 21%, Investopedia <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/average-credit-card-interest-rate-5076674?">reports</a>.
Photo Courtesy: Poetra.RH On Shutterstock.com
Read next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46011509/bill-ackman-calls-for-northrops-b-2-bombers-boeings-gbu-57s-to-help-israel-finish-the-job-in-gaza-pave-way-for-trumps-nobel-peace-prize">Bill Ackman Calls For Northrop&#8217;s B-2 Bombers, Boeing&#8217;s GBU-57s To Help Israel &#8216;Finish The Job&#8217; In Gaza, Pave Way For Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Nobel Peace Prize&#8217;</a>

Personal Finance

Jerome Powell-Led Fed Has Left Interest Rate Unchanged: What Does It Mean For Savings, Mortgages, Credit Cards And Your Bank Account

111 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YI#NASDAQ">YI</a>) reported quarterly losses of $(0.20) per share. This is unchanged from the same period last year. The company reported $486.35 million in sales this quarter. This is a 0.48 percent decrease over sales of $488.68 million the same period last year.

111 Q1 Adj. EPADS $(0.20), Same YoY, Sales $486.35M Down From $488.68M YoY

President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;has reportedly given the go-ahead for potential military action against Iran, with the final decision contingent on Tehran&#8217;s response to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
What Happened:  Trump has privately authorized plans for a potential attack on Iran, but has not yet issued the final order, The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/iran-israel-conflict-news">reported</a> on Wednesday. The President is waiting to see if Iran will comply with his demands to abandon its nuclear program.
Trump has publicly acknowledged the possibility of an attack, stating, &#8220;I&nbsp;have ideas on what to&nbsp;do but I haven't made&nbsp;a final—I like to make&nbsp;the final decision one second&nbsp;before it's due.&#8221;
The Pentagon is preparing for any eventuality, ensuring maximum force protection. Trump hopes that the threat of joining Israel&#8217;s ongoing strikes on Iran will force Tehran to meet his demands. However, he acknowledged that he might still decide against a U.S. attack.
As Trump deliberates his next move, the U.S. military continues deploying forces to Europe and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran has declared it will not enter negotiations under the threat of military force and has vowed to retaliate if attacked.
Hegseth said Wednesday that the U.S. is bolstering its defenses in the Middle East—a key move given that any strike on Iran's Fordow facility could provoke retaliation from Tehran against American troops and bases in the area.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46009971/trump-cheers-incredible-stablecoin-bill-passed-by-senate-get-it-to-my-desk-asap-no-delays" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Cheers ‘Incredible' Stablecoin Bill Passed By Senate: ‘Get It To My Desk, ASAP — No Delays</a>
Why It Matters: The potential for military action against Iran comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has been escalating, with Israel launching airstrikes against Iran&#8217;s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership.
Trump&#8217;s consideration of a U.S. attack on Iran has implications for global security and geopolitical stability. The situation is further complicated by the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46010064/ayatollah-assassination-discussion-rejected-by-putin-i-do-not-even-want-to-discuss-this-possibility">rejection of discussions</a> about the potential assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei&nbsp;by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This indicates a strong stance in support of Iran&#8217;s leadership, potentially complicating any U.S. military action.
The possibility of military action against Iran has also impacted financial markets, with U.S. stock futures slipping as Trump weighs his options. The<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/06/46010350/as-trump-weighs-options-on-iran-dow-futures-slip-defense-stocks-tick-up-in-after-hours-session"> defense sector </a>is seeing a slight uptick in after-hours trading, reflecting investor uncertainty and the potential for increased defense spending.
Trump&#8217;s comments on Iran also come in the wake of Federal Reserve Chair&nbsp;Jerome Powell&#8217;s&nbsp;decision to&nbsp;keep <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46006680/powell-holds-line-on-interest-rates-blames-tariff-uncertainty-for-delay-in-cuts">interest rates </a>unchanged, citing trade and geopolitical risks as factors affecting the economic outlook.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/45993589/kevin-oleary-says-the-last-48-hours-at-the-g7-summit-prove-these-two-things-are-what-matters-most-to-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin O&#8217;Leary Says &#8216;The Last 48 Hours&#8217; At The G7 Summit Prove These Two Things Are What &#8216;Matters Most To Every Aspect Of The Economy&#8217;</a></li>
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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.

Trump Greenlights Iran Attack Plans, Awaits Tehran's Next Move For Final Order: Report

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