The man responsible for the detonation of a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning had previously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/01/42757028/tesla-cybertruck-ignites-outside-trump-international-hotel-in-las-vegas">called for a violent purge of Democrats</a>.



What Happened: 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger carried out the attack, injuring seven people before taking his own life. According to a report <a href="https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/police-to-release-more-details-at-in-las-vegas-new-years-day-explosion/">by</a> KLAS, the Las Vegas CBS affiliate, Livelsberger left behind notes on his phones and laptop found in the burned-out vehicle.



These notes revealed the Green Beret&#8217;s call to fellow service members and others dissatisfied with the country&#8217;s direction to instigate a &#8220;purge&#8221; of Washington, with Democrats as the primary target.



The note confirmed by the police <a href="https://www.8newsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2025/01/PO-003a-01-03-25-Livelsbergers-Letters-1.pdf">read</a>, &#8220;TIME TO WAKE UP! We are being led by weak and feckless leadership who only serve to enrich themselves. Military and vets move on DC starting now. Militias facilitate and augment this activity. Occupy every major road along fed buildings and the campus of fed buildings by the hundreds of thousands. Lock the highways around down with semis right after everybody gets in. Hold until the purge is complete. Try peaceful means first, but be prepared to fight to get the Dems out of the fed government and military by any means necessary. They all must go and a hard reset must occur for our country to avoid collapse.&#8221;



In another note, Livelsberger expressed his resentment towards the country&#8217;s&nbsp;wealthy and the direction of&nbsp;its culture. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42635605/exclusive-eric-trump-predicts-inflation-drop-through-energy-policies-and-spending-cuts">EXCLUSIVE: Eric Trump Predicts Inflation Drop Through Energy Policies And Spending Cuts</a>



He&nbsp;praised President-elect Donald Trump and&nbsp;Trump allies Robert F. Kennedy&nbsp;Jr. and Elon Musk, while criticizing&nbsp;President Joe Biden, Vice President&nbsp;Kamala Harris, and diversity, equity,&nbsp;and inclusion initiatives.



&#8220;Consider this last sunset of ‘24 and my actions the end of our sickness and a new chapter of health for our people. Rally around the Trump, Musk, Kennedy, and ride this wave to the highest hegemony for all Americans! We are second to no one,&#8221; he wrote.



Why It Matters: Livelsberger&#8217;s actions and messages highlight a deeply troubled individual, who resorted to violence to express his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the country. 



His call for a &#8220;purge&#8221; of Democrats and his praise for certain political figures underscore the deep political divides and heightened tensions within the nation. 



This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence that can stem from such extreme ideologies.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42714387/tech-titans-warm-up-to-donald-trump-who-says-everybody-wants-to-be-my-friend-claims-bill-gates-asked-to-come-to-mar-a-lago">Tech Titans Warm Up To Donald Trump, Who Says &#8216;Everybody Wants To Be My Friend,&#8217; Claims Bill Gates Asked To Come To Mar-a-Lago</a>

News

Politics

Trump Hotel Bomber's Chilling Messages Unearthed: 'TIME TO WAKE UP, Fight To Get Dems Out of Fed Government and Military by Any Means'

The past week was a rollercoaster ride for&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>). From leaks about the iPhone 17&#8217;s display upgrade to CEO Tim Cook&#8217;s hefty donation to Trump&#8217;s inauguration, the tech giant was in the limelight for various reasons. China&#8217;s decision to subsidize smartphones could pose a new challenge, while the halt of iPhone 14 and iPhone SE sales in the EU raised eyebrows. However, a bullish prediction for Apple&#8217;s stock offered a silver lining. Let&#8217;s delve into these stories.



iPhone 17 Display Upgrade



A new leak suggests that Apple is set to enhance the display technology in its upcoming iPhone 17 series. The Weibo-based Chinese leaker, Digital Chat Station, stated that supply chain materials support the rumors of a higher refresh rate for the standard iPhone 17. While the exact refresh rate wasn&#8217;t specified, earlier reports hint at a 120Hz ProMotion rate, previously exclusive to Pro models, being implemented.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42736353/iphone-17-to-get-display-upgrade-as-apple-finally-ditches-60hz-technology-new-leak-reiterates-possibility">Read the full article here.</a>



Tim Cook&#8217;s $1 Million Donation



Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural committee, joining the ranks of other major tech leaders like Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman. Cook&#8217;s donation follows several meetings between him and Trump during the latter&#8217;s first term and a recent dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Cook views the inauguration as an important American tradition and is contributing to the spirit of unity.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42801809/apple-ceo-tim-cook-reportedly-donates-1-million-to-trump-inauguration-joins-ranks-of-mark-zuckerberg-jeff-bezos-and-sam-altman">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/01/42759975/squid-game-season-3-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-thrilling-finale-coming-in-2025?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Squid Game Season 3: Everything You Need To Know About The Thrilling Finale Coming In 2025</a>



China&#8217;s Smartphone Subsidies



China is extending consumption subsidies to include smartphones and other electronics, potentially giving companies like Huawei an upper hand. The national trade-in program, which currently covers home appliances and vehicles, will now extend to personal devices such as phones, tablets, and smartwatches. This announcement was made during a briefing on Friday.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42780776/is-apple-ready-for-a-new-challenge-chinas-smartphone-subsidies-aim-to-boost-domestic-demand-giving-companies-like-huawei-the-upper-hand">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple Halts Sales in EU



Apple has stopped selling its iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE models across most European Union countries. This decision is a response to new EU regulations requiring USB-C ports for smartphones with wired charging capabilities. The affected iPhone models have been removed from Apple's online store in several countries.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42712752/apple-halts-iphone-14-iphone-se-sales-in-eu-heres-why">Read the full article here.</a>



Bullish Prediction for Apple Stock



Wedbush analyst Dan Ives predicts a 26% upside for Apple stock, foreseeing a &#8220;golden era of growth&#8221; for Cupertino with an AI-driven iPhone upgrade cycle. Ives believes that Apple&#8217;s iPhone sales could witness a boost thanks to AI and has raised the price target on Apple to $325.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42682230/tech-bull-predicts-26-upside-for-apple-stock-sees-golden-era-of-growth-for-cupertino-due-to-multi-year-ai-driven-iphone-upgrade-cycle">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42775636/ces-2025-preview-nvidia-amd-in-spotlight-other-trends-and-stocks-to-watch?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CES 2025 Preview: Nvidia And AMD Grab Spotlight, Other Trends And Stocks To Watch</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



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

Tech

AAPL

iPhone 17 Leak, Tim Cook's Donation To Trump Inauguration, And China's Subsidies To Homegrown Players: This Week In Appleverse

The European Union&#8216;s (EU) USB-C directive has officially come into force, mandating a universal charging port for electronic devices. The directive, effective from 2025, requires mobile <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42736387/eu-usb-c-directive-kicks-in-what-it-means-for-you-your-devices-and-the-planet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phones to feature a USB-C port</a>.



Cyberhaven, a data-loss prevention startup, has confirmed a security breach involving its&nbsp;Google Chrome&nbsp;browser extension. Hackers managed to release a malicious update capable of stealing user <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42712841/google-chrome-users-beware-this-holiday-season-cyber-security-firms-browser-extension-hijacked-by-attackers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passwords and session tokens</a>.



President-elect&nbsp;Donald Trump has sought a &#8220;political resolution&#8221; of the TikTok ban, urging the Supreme Court to&nbsp;postpone a&nbsp;law that threatens to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42712643/trump-asks-supreme-court-to-delay-tiktok-ban-as-he-pursues-a-political-resolution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">block the social media app</a>.



Venezuela's Supreme Court has levied a $10 million fine against&nbsp;ByteDance-owned&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;for its alleged failure to curb the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42758430/tiktok-fined-10-million-in-venezuela-as-supreme-court-blames-platform-for-failing-to-prevent-deadly-viral-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spread of&nbsp;hazardous viral challenges</a>.



Streaming &amp; Music Platforms



Explicit content has been discovered in&nbsp;Spotify Technology S.A.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>) search results, sparking user outrage over apparent moderation loopholes. A Reddit user shared a screenshot showing a pornographic video appearing in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42716915/spotify-users-discover-adult-content-hidden-in-search-results-sparking-outrage-over-moderation-loopholes" rel="noreferrer noopener">search results for British rapper&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42716915/spotify-users-discover-adult-content-hidden-in-search-results-sparking-outrage-over-moderation-loopholes" rel="noreferrer noopener">M.I.A</a>.



Netflix, Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) Squid Game&nbsp;is back in the spotlight&nbsp;with its second season, and fans are buzzing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/01/42759975/squid-game-season-3-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-thrilling-finale-coming-in-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">about the third and final season</a>.



Smartphones



Samsung Electronics Co.&#8217;s&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) Galaxy S25 Slim, identified as model SM-S937, is reportedly not launching&nbsp;alongside the rest&nbsp;of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42717053/galaxy-s25-slim-delayed-samsungs-sleek-new-model-wont-reportedly-be-part-of-the-first-wave-in-early-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">the&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42717053/galaxy-s25-slim-delayed-samsungs-sleek-new-model-wont-reportedly-be-part-of-the-first-wave-in-early-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">S25</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42717053/galaxy-s25-slim-delayed-samsungs-sleek-new-model-wont-reportedly-be-part-of-the-first-wave-in-early-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;series in early 2025</a>.



Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has stopped selling its&nbsp;iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus,&nbsp;and third-generation iPhone SE models across <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42712752/apple-halts-iphone-14-iphone-se-sales-in-eu-heres-why" rel="noreferrer noopener">most EU countries</a>.



A new leak reiterates that&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;is reportedly set to&nbsp;improve the display technology&nbsp;in its upcoming&nbsp;iPhone 17&nbsp;series. Over the weekend, Weibo-based Chinese leaker&nbsp;Digital Chat Station&nbsp;said that supply chain materials support the rumors of a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42736353/iphone-17-to-get-display-upgrade-as-apple-finally-ditches-60hz-technology-new-leak-reiterates-possibility" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher refresh rate for the standard iPhone 17</a>.



Apple is offering discounts of up to 500 yuan ($68.50) on its&nbsp;iPhone 16&nbsp;models in China as it&nbsp;faces increasing competition&nbsp;from&nbsp;Huawei Technologies. Apple has launched a rare promotional event in China, set <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/42759147/apple-discounts-iphone-16-prices-in-china-by-up-to-68-5-as-it-battles-huaweis-resurgence-in-the-country" rel="noreferrer noopener">to run from Jan. 4 to Jan. 7, 2025</a>.



Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42739523/apple-amazon-samsung-and-nintendo-what-tech-marvels-are-these-giants-cooking-in-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple, Amazon, Samsung, And Nintendo: What Tech Marvels Are These Giants Cooking In 2025</a>



Technology &amp; Artificial Intelligence (AI)



Amid a surge in demand for AI chip package substrates,&nbsp;Ibiden Co.,&nbsp;a significant supplier for&nbsp;Nvidia Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), is evaluating the possibility of hastening its production capacity expansion. This move comes as the company aims to keep pace with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42718022/days-after-key-nvidia-supplier-warned-of-ai-spending-slowdown-another-nvda-partner-considers-accelerating-expansion-to-meet-growing-demand" rel="noreferrer noopener">the growing needs of the AI industry</a>.



Cathie Wood, CEO and CIO of&nbsp;Ark Invest&nbsp;shared her optimistic outlook for 2025, highlighting advancements in robotics, energy storage, artificial intelligence, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42758213/cathie-woods-ark-invest-predicts-explosive-growth-in-2025-innovation-is-going-to-scale-dramatically-as-the-economy-begins-to-get-rid-of-regulations-under-this-new-administration" rel="noreferrer noopener">blockchain technology, and multiomics</a>.



Encode, a nonprofit organization, has joined forces with&nbsp;Elon Musk in a legal effort to prevent&nbsp;OpenAI&nbsp;from transitioning into a for-profit entity. This move comes as Encode files a request to submit an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42712824/elon-musks-legal-battle-against-openais-for-profit-transition-joined-by-non-profit-encode" rel="noreferrer noopener">amicus brief in support of Musk's injunction</a>.



Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)-backed OpenAI has revealed its plans to evolve into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). The company aims to balance shareholder and stakeholder interests <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42712683/openai-lays-out-its-for-profit-transition-plans-says-it-must-evolve-to-advance-its-agi-mission" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">while maintaining its public benefit mission</a>.



Image: Shutterstock

MSFT

NFLX

NVDA

SPOT

SSNLF

Consumer Tech News (Dec 30-Jan 3): Apple Stops Selling iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone SE, Trump Seeks A 'Political Resolution' Of TikTok Ban & More

The week was filled with stories that kept the business world buzzing. From Elon Musk&#8217;s controversial involvement in German politics to the surge in natural gas prices due to freezing US temperatures, there was no shortage of news. Let&#8217;s dive into the key stories that shaped the weekend.



Elon Musk Accused of Meddling in German Elections



Tesla Inc. CEO Musk has been accused by the German government of attempting to influence the upcoming federal elections. Musk&#8217;s endorsements of the far-right party, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), have been deemed &#8220;intrusive and presumptuous&#8221; by Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's largest opposition party.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42732904/elon-musk-blasted-as-intrusive-and-presumptuous-for-trying-to-influence-german-elections-toward-far-right-party">Read the full article here.</a>



US Freeze Drives Natural Gas Prices Up



An arctic blast across the US has led to a surge in heating demand, resulting in volatile conditions in energy markets. Natural gas futures saw a significant bounce back, with February contracts climbing by over 2%. The National Weather Center (NWC) predicts continued heavy coastal rains and higher-elevation snow for much of the northwestern U.S.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/01/42769181/natural-gas-prices-surge-as-arctic-blast-freezes-us-3-stocks-on-the-move">Read the full article here.</a>



Mortgage Rates Hit Six-Month High



The new year has brought little relief for prospective US homebuyers as mortgage rates have soared to their highest level in six months. The average interest rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages climbed to 6.97% in the week ending Dec. 27, 2024, marking the steepest rates since early July.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/42764583/mortgage-rates-soar-to-697-applications-crash-jobless-claims-fall-thursdays-econ-data">Read the full article here.</a>



El-Erian Highlights Economic Disparity in the US



Influential economist Mohamed El-Erian pointed out the stark contrast between US "economic exceptionalism" and the struggles of lower-income households in what he calls a "K economy." El-Erian highlighted the growing economic disparity in the United States, noting the significant and increasing challenges faced by lower-income households.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42735416/el-erian-warns-of-hidden-crisis-in-exceptional-us-economy-as-lower-income-households-face-considerable-challenges">Read the full article here.</a>



El-Erian Cautions Federal Reserve Against Overly Restrictive Policies



El-Erian has raised concerns over the Federal Reserve's potential policy direction for 2025. El-Erian emphasized the importance of the Fed avoiding an overly restrictive stance in the coming year, cautioning that excessively stringent monetary policies could jeopardize the US economy&#8217;s resilience.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42738682/mohamed-el-erian-warns-federal-reserve-needs-to-refrain-from-being-overly-restrictive-in-2025">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42779711/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-lift-as-traders-anticipate-golden-crypto-era-under-trump-top-analyst-says-2025-will-see-bull-market-peak?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Lift As Traders Anticipate &#8216;Golden Crypto Era&#8217; Under Trump</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



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

Economics

TSLA

Elon Musk's German Election 'Meddling,' Natural Gas Price Surge, And More: This Week In Economics

The past week has been a whirlwind of political news. From Senator Bernie Sanders backing President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s proposal for a credit card interest rate cap to the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, the news cycle has been nothing short of eventful. Let&#8217;s delve into the top stories of the week.



Bernie Sanders Supports Trump&#8217;s Credit Cap Proposal



Senator Bernie Sanders announced his intention to introduce legislation supporting President-elect Trump&#8217;s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10%. This comes as credit card defaults hit their highest levels since the 2008 financial crisis. Major credit card companies such as Visa Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>), Mastercard Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MA#NYSE">MA</a>), and American Express Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>) saw their stocks decline.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42737402/bernie-sanders-supports-trumps-credit-card-interest-rate-cap-at-10-amid-highest-defaults-since-2008-visa-and-mastercard-trade-in-the-red">Read the full article here.</a>



Jimmy Carter&#8217;s Passing Mourned by Biden and Trump



President Joe Biden and President-elect Trump expressed their condolences over the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. Biden paid tribute to Carter&#8217;s extraordinary contributions over six decades, referring to him as a dear friend of the nation and the world.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42716729/jimmy-carter-to-receive-state-funeral-trump-calls-him-truly-a-good-man-biden-mourns-loss-of-extraordinary-leader">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump Accuses Black Celebrities of Paid Endorsements



Trump accused several Black celebrities of receiving payments for endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris earlier this year. Trump voiced his allegations on Truth Social, claiming that Democrats paid significant sums to secure endorsements from celebrities such as Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Al Sharpton.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42716303/donald-trump-claims-black-celebrities-were-paid-for-kamala-harris-endorsements">Read the full article here.</a>



Billionaires&#8217; Influence in Trump&#8217;s White House Warned by Robert Reich



Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich warned of a network of powerful billionaires, including venture capitalist Peter Thiel and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, exerting unparalleled influence over the U.S. government in Trump&#8217;s second term. Reich refers to this as a "billionaire brain trust" poised to shape key aspects of policy and governance.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42722137/elon-musk-peter-thiel-and-billionaires-influence-in-trumps-white-house-former-labor-secretary-robert-reichs-warning">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump&#8217;s Response to NOLA Attack



Trump used the deadly New Orleans attack to call for a crackdown on immigration and to criticize the FBI, the Department of Justice, and other agencies. Despite the attacker being born and raised in the U.S., Trump referred to the incident as a good reason to tighten immigration policies.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42776979/trump-calls-fbi-doj-incompetent-and-corrupt-us-a-laughing-stock-biden-calls-nola-attack-despicable-expresses-sympathy-for-victims-families">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42779624/bernie-sanders-says-elon-musk-wrong-on-tech-guest-worker-program-h1-b-visa-purpose-is-to-replace-good-paying-american-jobs?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bernie Sanders Says Elon Musk Wrong On Tech Guest Worker Program: H1-B Visa Purpose Is To &#8216;Replace Good-Paying American Jobs&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Flickr



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

Sanders Backs Trump's Credit Cap, Carter's Passing, Trump's Response To NOLA Attack And More: This Week In Politics

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas"> many investors&#8217; favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here&#8217;s a look at some of our top stories.



The Nasdaq and S&amp;P 500 ended a five-day losing streak on Friday, but the week closed with the S&amp;P down 0.48%, the Dow losing 0.60%, and the Nasdaq dropping 0.51%.



Rising Treasury yields, including a 30-year high of 4.8%, raised borrowing cost concerns and drove record December outflows from the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>), as markets carried weak momentum <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42796485/goodbye-santa-rally-tesla-falters-on-deliveries-investors-flee-bonds-ahead-of-trumps-second-term-this-week-in-the-market">into the new year.</a>



Meanwhile, the U.S. manufacturing sector showed signs of stabilization in December, with the ISM Manufacturing PMI climbing to 49.3%, its highest since April 2024, though still marking the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/42790042/us-manufacturing-activity-tops-expectations-in-december-rises-to-9-month-highs">ninth consecutive month of contraction.</a>



Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#8217;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bulls</h3>



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42751367/netflix-posts-record-debut-with-squid-game-season-2-heres-how-many-people-watched-show">Netflix Posts Record Debut With &#8216;Squid Game&#8217; Season 2: Here&#8217;s How Many People Watched Show</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>, highlights Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) achieving 68 million views for &#8220;Squid Game&#8221; Season 2 in its first week, setting a company record, alongside NFL Christmas Day games driving additional subscriber engagement.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42758813/shytoshi-kusama-clears-the-air-on-shiba-inu-role-memecoin-rivalry-our-drive-was-to-overtake-dogecoin">Shytoshi Kusama Clears The Air On Shiba Inu Role, Memecoin Rivalry: &#8216;Our Drive Was To Overtake Dogecoin&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/aniket-verma">Aniket Verma</a>, features Shytoshi Kusama clarifying that Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) was founded by Ryoshi, not him, and sharing the project's early vision to surpass Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>).



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42734220/bill-ackman-sends-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-stocks-soaring-trump-likes-big-deals">Bill Ackman Sends Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Stocks Soaring: &#8216;Trump Likes Big Deals&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/erica-kollmann">Erica Kollmann</a>, discusses Bill Ackman's bullish view on Fannie Mae (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FNMA#OTC">FNMA</a>) and Freddie Mac (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FMCC#OTC">FMCC</a>) stocks, citing their potential for large gains as conservatorship could end under Donald Trump's administration, with Ackman highlighting asymmetric upside for investors.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42709387/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet">Benzinga&#8217;s &#8216;Stock Whisper&#8217; Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don&#8217;t Talk About Yet</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/01/42769181/natural-gas-prices-surge-as-arctic-blast-freezes-us-3-stocks-on-the-move">Natural Gas Prices Surge As Arctic Blast Freezes US: 3 Stocks On The Move</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42777529/goldman-sachs-adds-3-stocks-to-conviction-list-flags-5-market-trends-to-monitor-in-2025">Goldman Sachs Adds 3 Stocks To &#8216;Conviction List,&#8217; Flags 5 Market Trends To Monitor In 2025</a>



The Bears



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42777950/teslas-first-sales-drop-splits-wall-street-2025-will-be-the-prove-it-year">Tesla&#8217;s First Sales Drop Splits Wall Street: &#8216;2025 Will Be The Prove It Year&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>, highlights Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) facing mixed analyst reactions after missing Q4 delivery estimates, with Wedbush's Daniel Ives forecasting a 20%-30% growth rebound in 2025, while Ross Gerber criticized reliance on discounts to boost sales.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42735744/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-predicts-doom-for-michael-saylors-microstrategy-as-stock-dips-below-300-in-after-hours-trading">Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli Predicts Liquidation Doom For MicroStrategy Amid Fall Below $300, Says Bitcoin Will Hit $250K Without Michael Saylor</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/aniket-verma">Aniket Verma</a>, features Martin Shkreli's warning of potential liquidation for MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) as its stock fell below $300, predicting Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) could hit $250,000 without the influence of its co-founder Michael Saylor.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42699274/boeing-engineers-leave-struggling-planemaker-for-space-companies-report">Boeing Engineers Leave Struggling Planemaker For Space Companies: Report</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/anan-ashraf">Anan Ashraf</a>, highlights talent migration from Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) to firms like SpaceX and Blue Origin as engineer tenures drop, potentially delaying new aircraft development, though Boeing says its voluntary attrition rate remains low with competitive pay and benefits.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/42790373/apple-iphones-lose-ground-in-china-as-subsidies-boost-huawei-domestic-rivals">Apple iPhones Lose Ground In China As Subsidies Boost Huawei, Domestic Rivals</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/travel/25/01/42791291/jetblue-fined-2-million-for-chronic-flight-delays-delta-united-rank-among-most-on-time-airlines">JetBlue Fined $2 Million For &#8216;Chronic Flight Delays&#8217;: Delta, United Rank Among Most On-Time Airlines</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/22/10/29205954/paul-tudor-jones-correctly-predicted-the-1987-stock-market-crash-heres-what-the-billion">Paul Tudor Jones Correctly Predicted The 1987 Stock Market Crash: Here&#8217;s What The Billionaire Hedge Fund Manager Says Is Coming Next</a>



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



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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Netflix, MicroStrategy — And Shiba Inu Strives To Outpace Dogecoin In Crypto

<h1 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h1>



Vera Bradley Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRA#NASDAQ">VRA</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42439021/vera-bradley-reports-30-sales-drop-in-q3-amid-business-model-transition-stock-slips">sales are down</a>. 



The handbag brand&#8217;s largest shareholder, Fund 1 Investments LLC, isn&#8217;t happy about it. A Dec. 30 <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241230656224/en/Fund-1-Sends-Letter-to-Vera-Bradley%E2%80%99s-Board-of-Directors-Highlighting-the-Opportunity-for-Value-Enhancing-Strategic-Alternatives">letter</a> to the board referred to co-founder Barbara Bradley Baekgaard&#8216;s designs as &#8220;iconic&#8221; and &#8220;synonymous with innovation and disruption for decades." 



But after the compliments came the critique: Fund 1 takes issue with Vera Bradley&#8217;s questionable capital allocation, poor operational performance and a failed brand turnaround, all compounded by tough macroeconomic conditions for fashion brands. What's the solution, according to Fund 1? A "strategic alternatives process" to explore selling the company to a larger organization or taking it private.



Also for sale, as of this week:



<ul>
<li>Imagination Technologies Group Limited, a British semiconductor and software design company owned by private equity firm Canyon Bridge Capital Partners, is up for sale. Lazard is shopping it around, according to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-03/chipmaker-imagination-s-owners-tap-lazard-to-search-for-buyer?srnd=phx-deals">Bloomberg</a>. </li>



<li>Skin care startup Minimalist is considering a $350 million deal, TechCrunch <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/03/hindustan-unilever-minimalist-acquisition/?guccounter=1">reported</a>. On the buy side is Hindustan Unilever Ltd., which recently purchased Oziva and Wellbeing Nutrition. Hindustan Unilever's skincare offerings include Dove and Pond's. Jaipur-based Minimalist reported an 89% revenue growth to $40.8 million in fiscal year 2024.</li>
</ul>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Off The Block</h1>



SouthState Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSB#NYSE">SSB</a>) has finalized its $2 billion stock acquisition of Texas-based Independent Bank Group, potentially signaling a wave of regional bank mergers. Key drivers include regional bank stock price growth, lower interest rates improving deposit profitability, and anticipated deregulation under Trump&#8217;s administration.



Hookipa Pharma (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOK#NASDAQ">HOOK</a>) is acquiring Poolbeg Pharma in an all-stock deal. Hookipa shareholders retain rights to milestone payments from Gilead&#8217;s hepatitis B partnership and proceeds from the HB-200 program. 



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42726550/stanley-druckenmiller-loaded-up-on-regional-banks-ahead-of-trumps-election-win">Stanley Druckenmiller Loaded Up On Regional Banks Ahead Of Trump&#8217;s Win</a>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Bankruptcy Block</h1>



Mitch Modell, the ex-CEO of the Modell's sporting goods chain, wants to revive bankrupt retailers Party City and Big Lots. He plans to raise $1 billion and keep 33,000 jobs afloat. He also wishes to name his 20-something sons, Matthew and Maxwell, as co-presidents, according to the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/30/business/former-modells-owner-wants-to-save-bankrupt-retailers-party-city-big-lots-our-goal-is-to-save-33k-jobs/">New York Post</a>.



Modell, known for the catchy "Gotta go to Mo's" jingle, had his eureka moment at none other than Mar-a-Lago, where he decided the struggling chains needed a sporting goods flair. His vision includes ditching Big Lots' bulky furniture and sprucing up Party City with sportswear and footwear — because nothing says "Happy Birthday" like a new pair of sneakers.



To keep prices low, Modell plans to tap factories in China, Mexico and India, courtesy of Source One Global. He's also enlisted other former CEOs, such as Larry Meyer (Forever 21) and Demos Parneros (Barnes &amp; Noble) to help evaluate the deal.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Notes From The Block</h1>



In 2025, the incoming Trump administration is expected to be friendlier to media conglomerates looking to conduct mergers, compared to the Biden administration. "The overwhelming mood is positive from an M&amp;A perspective," Christopher Vollmer, managing director at MediaLink, told <a href="https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/media-mergers-acquisitions-2025-deals-1236263982/">Variety</a>. "People are looking to kick off M&amp;A activity in the first quarter of 2025."



But people forget that Trump wasn&#8217;t exactly cordial to dealmakers the last time he was in office. The previous&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;administration, from 2016 to 2020, blocked and sued or threatened to block a lot of big deals. 



If you recall:



<ul>
<li>AT&amp;T (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>) and Time Warner <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/17/11/10748659/at-t-resists-doj-order-to-divest-time-warners-cnn-for-merger-approval">failed to ink a deal</a>. Regulators argued that it could increase prices for consumers and disadvantage rival distributors.</li>



<li>Sinclair Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBGI#NASDAQ">SBGI</a>) and Tribune Media faced resistance due to concerns about consolidation in the broadcast industry. Sinclair <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/11/41805370/jim-cramer-hopes-m-a-to-come-back-bigly-under-trump-administration">paid a hefty fee</a> for whiffing.</li>



<li>Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) and Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>), had they merged, could have affected U.S. national security, a federal <a href="https://www.investors.com/news/technology/broadcom-buyout-of-qualcomm-looking-doubtful-after-federal-probe/">probe</a> showed.</li>



<li>DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DKNG#NASDAQ">DKNG</a>) and FanDuel: A merger of the two largest daily fantasy sports platforms was blocked to preserve competition in the industry.</li>
</ul>



The Department of Justice also mandated divestitures in major transactions. For example:



<ul>
<li>Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>) had to divest Celgene&#8217;s Otezla treatment to resolve concerns about reduced competition in the market for psoriasis drugs.</li>



<li>Harris Corp. was required to sell parts of its military communications business to proceed with its merger with L3 Technologies, creating the company L3Harris Technologies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>)</li>
</ul>



These interventions reflected the DOJ's focus on preventing market dominance. Should M&amp;A volume under Trump be comparable to the last four years, deal pros can&#8217;t blame anyone but themselves. 



Now Read:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42746253/bring-it-on-angry-birds-producer-namit-malhotra-ready-for-cinema-ai-era">&#8216;Bring It On&#8217;: Angry Birds Producer Namit Malhotra Is Ready For The AI Era Of Cinema</a></li>
</ul>

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Deal Dispatch: Vera Bradley Is A Mixed Bag, Modell's Ex-CEO Explores Party City

As we step into the new year, the tech world continues to be abuzz with artificial intelligence (AI) developments. From&nbsp;Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)&nbsp;announcing a whopping $80 billion investment in AI data centers to the ongoing legal tussle between Elon Musk and OpenAI, the past week has been nothing short of eventful. Here&#8217;s a quick roundup of the top stories you might have missed.



Microsoft&#8217;s $80 Billion AI Investment



Microsoft is set to pump approximately $80 billion into the development of AI data centers in fiscal 2025. This move comes in the wake of the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI in 2022, which has spurred companies to integrate AI into their offerings. The increasing demand for AI&#8217;s computing power necessitates specialized data centers, allowing tech firms to connect thousands of chips in clusters.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42801720/microsoft-to-invest-80-billion-in-ai-data-centers-for-fiscal-2025">Read the full article here.</a>



Microsoft&#8217;s Copilot Plus Targets Mini PCs



In another Microsoft-related development, the tech giant is expanding its AI hardware strategy with a new wave of compact desktop computers featuring dedicated Copilot capabilities. Asus has emerged as the first major manufacturer to unveil a Copilot Plus-compatible mini PC, signaling Microsoft&#8217;s push to expand its AI features beyond laptops.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42781607/microsofts-copilot-plus-set-to-expand-to-mini-pcs-at-ces-as-windows-maker-looks-to-take-on-apples-mac-mini">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42779998/6th-circuit-strikes-down-fcc-net-neutrality-rules-in-blow-to-biden-administrations-internet-regulation-agenda?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biden-Era Net Neutrality Rules Overturned By Federal Appeals Court: What It Means For Net Freedom</a>



Musk vs OpenAI: Geoffrey Hinton Weighs In



The ongoing battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman over the new course of OpenAI has seen Geoffrey Hinton, the &#8220;Godfather of AI,&#8221; taking sides. Musk&#8217;s legal attempt to block OpenAI&#8217;s transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit structure is far from over.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/01/42778778/elon-musk-gets-support-from-godfather-of-ai-geoffrey-hinton-in-battle-against-openai">Read the full article here.</a>



Nvidia&#8217;s Billion-Dollar Investment Spree



NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) invested $1 billion across 50 startup funding rounds in 2024, consolidating its position in the AI segment. The company&#8217;s investment surge represents a 15% increase from its $872 million spending in 2023.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/42758502/nvidias-investments-in-elon-musks-xai-perplexity-openai-and-other-startups-crossed-1-billion-mark-in-2024">Read the full article here.</a>



Nvidia Supplier Considers Expansion Amid AI Demand



Ibiden Co., a significant supplier for Nvidia, is contemplating accelerating its production capacity expansion to meet the growing demand for AI chip package substrates. The company is currently building a new substrate factory in Gifu, Japan, which is expected to commence operations at 25% capacity by late 2025.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42718022/days-after-key-nvidia-supplier-warned-of-ai-spending-slowdown-another-nvda-partner-considers-accelerating-expansion-to-meet-growing-demand">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42779753/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-replaces-global-affairs-chief-nick-clegg-with-republican-joel-kaplan-ahead-of-trump-inauguration?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Replaces Global Affairs Chief Nick Clegg With Republican Joel Kaplan Ahead Of Trump Inauguration</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



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

Microsoft's $80 Billion Investment Outlay, Musk's Battle With OpenAI, And Nvidia's Billion-Dollar Bet: This Week In Artificial Intelligence

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/41750727/kevin-oleary-supports-elon-musks-2-trillion-plan-to-slash-government-spending-with-trumps-backing-it">Elon Musk </a>doesn't shy away from big ideas or bold predictions, but his latest warning is a wake-up call for America.&nbsp;



During a recent appearance on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qZl_5xHoBw">The Joe Rogan Experience</a>, Musk pulled no punches when discussing the U.S. economy. His verdict? The country is heading toward financial collapse if drastic action isn't taken.



"We're drowning in debt," Musk said, referring to the $36.14 trillion the U.S. owes, as reported by the Treasury Department. He explained that interest payments alone comprise 23% of all federal revenue. "If this keeps up, the entire government budget will go to paying interest. That means no money for Social Security, no Medicare, nothing. America would be toast."



Don't Miss:



<ul>
<li>The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a></li>



<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>



Musk's warning hit a nerve and for good reason. Interest payments on the debt are already skyrocketing. In 2024, the government spent over $1 trillion on interest – a staggering figure compared to $4.92 trillion in total revenue.&nbsp;



The Congressional Budget Office predicts those payments will keep climbing, potentially outpacing Medicare and defense spending within a decade.



Musk didn't stop at identifying the problem; he proposed a solution: cutting federal spending by 30%. However, not everyone thinks that's realistic. Marc Goldwein, an expert from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, quickly critiqued Musk's suggestion.&nbsp;



"Cuts of that magnitude would be borderline impossible without touching programs like Social Security or causing severe economic pain," Goldwein said. He added that most of the federal budget is tied to mandatory spending, leaving little room for discretionary cuts.



Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>



Ever the skeptic, Joe Rogan asked Musk how this would impact everyday Americans. Musk didn't sugarcoat it. "It means inflation will spike, jobs will disappear and systems we rely on will collapse," he said. "This isn't some far-off possibility – it's already starting to happen."



Experts are divided on Musk's approach but agree the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41720492/anthony-scaramucci-predicts-u-s-will-tackle-debt-crisis-bitcoin-value-will-triple-and-reve"> debt crisis</a> is serious. According to the Peterson Foundation, unchecked debt could lead to higher interest rates, slower economic growth and lower household incomes.&nbsp;



"This isn't just about government budgets," their recent report stated. "It's about the economic future of every American family."



Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned Congress that the U.S. could hit its debt ceiling as early as January 2025. In a letter reported by The Associated Press, Yellen urged Congress to take immediate action to protect credit and the full faith of the USA.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a></li>



<li>‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a></li>
</ul>

There Won't Be Money For Social Security': Elon Musk Tells Joe Rogan About Looming Bankruptcy And $1.1 Trillion Interest

Each trading day features hundreds of headlines and press releases on Benzinga Pro, a source for traders to see the latest news on the overall market <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent010325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and individual tickers.</a>



Here is a look at the most-searched stocks on Benzinga Pro for 2024. Current prices and year-to-date performance are based on Dec. 31 and do not include dividends. Data for the month of November was not tracked.



1. NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $134.29</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $47.32 to $152.89</li>



<li>2024 Return: +178.8%</li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/10/41150827/exclusive-top-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-september-2024-where-do-tesla-nvidia-apple">September</a>/<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/11/41718416/exclusive-top-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-october-2024-where-do-tesla-nvidia-apple-d">October</a>/<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/01/42755273/exclusive-top-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-december-2024-where-do-tesla-nvidia-quantum-computing-stock-rank">December </a>Ranks: 1st/2nd/3rd</li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/exclusives/24/07/39603613/exclusive-top-10-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-first-half-2024-where-do-nvidia-tesla-pala">First Half 2024 Rank</a>: 1st</li>
</ul>



2. Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $403.84</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $138.80 to $488.54</li>



<li>2024 Return: +62.5%</li>



<li>September/October/December Ranks: 3rd/1st/1st</li>



<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 3rd</li>
</ul>



3. SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $586.08</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $466.44 to $609.07</li>



<li>2024 Return: +24.0%</li>



<li>September/October/December Ranks: 2nd/4th/4th</li>



<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 2nd</li>
</ul>



4. Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $30.48</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $17.25 to $122.90</li>



<li>2024 Return: +6.8%</li>



<li>September/October/December Ranks: 7th/5th/2nd</li>



<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 5th</li>
</ul>



5. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $250.42</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $164.08 to $260.09</li>



<li>2024 Return: +34.9%</li>



<li>September/October/December Ranks: 4th/8th/Not in Top 20</li>



<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 4th</li>
</ul>



6. Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $120.79</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $117.91 to $227.30</li>



<li>2024 Return: -12.8%</li>



<li>September/October/December Ranks: Not in Top 20/7th/13th</li>



<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 6th</li>
</ul>



7. Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $75.63</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $15.67 to $77.98</li>



<li>2024 Return: +356.2%</li>



<li>September/October/December Ranks: 12th/14th/6th</li>



<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 10th</li>
</ul>



8. Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $511.23</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $395.35 to $539.15</li>



<li>2024 Return: +27.0%</li>



<li>September/October/December Ranks: 6th/15th/20th</li>



<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 9th</li>
</ul>



9. Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $219.39</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $144.05 to $233.00</li>



<li>2024 Return: +46.3%</li>



<li>September/October/December Ranks: Not in Top 20/11th/Not in Top 20</li>



<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 12th</li>
</ul>



10. GameStop Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $31.34</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $9.95 to $64.83</li>



<li>2024 Return: +88.0%</li>



<li>September/October/December Ranks: Not in Top 20/Not in Top 20/Not in Top 20</li>



<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 7th</li>
</ul>



Did You Know?



Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent010325">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a>



Honorable Mentions:&nbsp;The following stocks were the 11th&nbsp;to 20th&nbsp;most-searched tickers on&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent090324&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;in 2024 and their ranking in the first half of 2024.



11. Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>): 11th



12. MARA Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>): 8th



13. Trump Media &amp; Technology Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>): Not in Top 20



14. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>): 14th



15. SoundHound AI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOUN#NASDAQ">SOUN</a>): 13th



16. Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>): 17th



17. Boeing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>): 18th



18. Micron Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>): Not in Top 20



19. MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>): Not in Top 20



20. Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>): Not in Top 20



Why It's Important: Nvidia takes the crown as the most-searched ticker on Benzinga Pro in 2024, which comes as the stock often ranked in the top three on a monthly basis. With a gain of over 170% in 2024, Nvidia was one of the top performing S&amp;P 500 stocks. Nvidia also briefly became the most valuable company in the world multiple times in 2024.



Tesla ranked second for searches, which isn't a huge surprise given the company's loyal fan base and the stock ranking among the top three most months, including multiple months in first month.



The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust, which is the largest ETF, ranked third for the year, which comes after the ETF ranked second in the first half of 2024 and was passed by Tesla to end the year. The ETF has often been a top performer on Benzinga Pro searches over the years.



Super Micro Computer ranked fourth for the year as it was one of the most widely followed stories of a soaring stock that later attracted short reports and concerns for fraud and accounting irregularities.



Apple ranked fifth, but the stock could move down the list in 2025 if trends hold. Apple was ranked outside of the top 20 in the month of December, which is rather unusual for the world's most valuable company.



Palantir rose in the second half of 2024 for Benzinga Pro searches going from 10th in the first half of the year to end the year ranked seventh. A huge gain in the company's share price likely contributed.



Another top storyline in 2024 was the return of Roaring Kitty, aka Keith Gill, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/05/38793704/who-is-roaring-kitty-why-does-his-return-to-social-media-matter-for-gamestop-stock">to social media</a>, which sent shares of GameStop soaring in several months of 2024. The stock ranked seventh for searches in the first half. While the stock has not been as popular in the later months of 2024, GameStop ended the year as the 10th most-searched ticker and shares were up 88%.



A soaring price of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) in 2024 helped lead to several crypto related stocks soar in interest in the later half of 2024 and overall on the year. Bitcoin hit new all-time highs after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41778425/bitcoins-all-time-high-a-groundbreaking-milestone-and-strong-post-election-rally-coming-ex">the 2024 election </a>and hit the $100,000 milestone in December 2024. MARA Holdings, Coinbase and MicroStrategy all ranked among the top 20 searched tickers for the year.



Trump Media &amp; Technology, which is a media company co-founded by President-elect Donald Trump, ranked 13th on the year. The stock saw a surge in price and huge interest as the 2024 election neared before shares fell and interest minimized after his win.



Overall, the 2024 year saw nine of the top 10 most-searched tickers in the first six months of 2024 remain the most-searched tickers for the year with Amazon.com moving into the top 10 and MARA moving down to 12th place.



Of the top 20 most-searched tickers for the full year, 16 were among the 20 most-searched tickers for the first half of the year.



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/10/41584466/these-10-stocks-were-the-best-s-p-500-performers-in-2017-when-trump-was-president-will-history-r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These 10 Stocks Were The Best S&amp;P 500 Performers In 2017 When Trump Was President: Will History Repeat Itself?</a></li>
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EXCLUSIVE: Top 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro In 2024 — Where Do Tesla, Nvidia, GameStop, Trump Media Stocks Rank?

With the start of the new year, investors bid farewell to the Santa Claus Rally, as the U.S. stock market extended its weak momentum into January, logging five consecutive losing sessions, the longest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/42780825/sp-500-falls-for-5th-straight-session-tesla-tumbles-greed-index-remains-in-fear-zone">negative streak since April.</a>



Just weeks before Donald Trump's second presidential term begins, a sense of uncertainty looms large as investors await clarity on policies that could reshape the American economy and beyond.



The bond market is flashing warning signs that could ripple across the economy. Treasury yields have continued their sharp ascent, with the 30-year yield hitting 4.8%, its highest level in over a year. Rising yields are often seen as a harbinger of higher borrowing costs and potential inflationary pressures, and investors are taking notice.



Reflecting this unease, a widely tracked long-dated Treasury exchange traded fund — the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) — saw record <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/42777236/investors-dump-long-dated-treasury-etf-at-record-pace-ahead-of-trumps-white-house-return">monthly outflows in December</a>, a signal of how bond investors are bracing for volatility ahead of Trump's return to the Oval Office.



Higher bond yields typically challenge the stock market, as they make debt financing more expensive for companies while reducing the relative attractiveness of equities.



At the individual company level, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) suffered its worst weekly performance since late October after reporting 2024 deliveries that were 1% lower than the previous year, marking the first year-over-year decline in the company's history. Analysts view 2025 as a pivotal year for the EV leader to address concerns over demand, competition <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42777950/teslas-first-sales-drop-splits-wall-street-2025-will-be-the-prove-it-year">and its growth trajectory.</a>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Biden Blocks Takeover</h1>



President Joe Biden blocked the $14.9 billion takeover of United States Steel Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>) by Japan&#8217;s Nippon Steel Corp, citing national security concerns. Following the decision, U.S. Steel shares plummeted on Friday, reflecting investor disappointment over the collapsed deal and the uncertainty surrounding <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/42787508/biden-blocks-14-9b-us-steel-takeover-shares-plunge">the company's future.</a>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Squid Game Mania</h1>



Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>)&#8217;s &#8220;Squid Game&#8221; Season 2 shattered debut records, drawing over 100 million <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42751367/netflix-posts-record-debut-with-squid-game-season-2-heres-how-many-people-watched-show">global viewers within days.</a>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Ford Sales Surge</h1>



Automaker Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) reported a 9% increase in total U.S. sales last quarter, driven by strong demand for electric vehicles <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/42791032/ford-shifts-into-high-gear-q4-total-us-sales-surge-9">and popular truck models.</a>



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</ul>



This image was created using artificial intelligence.

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Goodbye Santa Rally, Tesla Falters On Deliveries, Investors Flee Bonds Ahead Of Trump's Second Term: This Week In The Market

Boston Dynamics, the robotics firm famous for its viral videos of humanoid Atlas and doglike Spot robots, has laid off 45 employees, which accounts for about 5% of its workforce. A company spokesperson confirmed to the Boston Globe that the layoffs impacted nearly every department.&nbsp;



The company, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41426233/hyundais-boston-dynamics-partners-with-toyota-research-institute-to-challenge-teslas-optimus-humanoi">owned by Hyundai Motor Group</a>, has grown its workforce nearly fourfold since 2021. CEO Robert Playter told employees that while the company's future looks good, they needed to make these cuts to save money and focus on making a profit. He pointed out that Spot, Stretch and their work on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/05/38616232/lex-fridman-wowed-by-boston-dynamics-new-robotic-innovation-compares-its-atlas-robot-to-teslas-optim">Atlas are still doing well</a>, but they must manage their money better to keep growing.&nbsp;



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<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
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"We are also burning through cash at a rate that exceeds our commercial progress to date and we need to streamline our operations and production processes to support sustainable growth," the note sent to employees said. "Today is about making a very difficult short-term decision in service of our longer-term strategy and profitability goals."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Viral Videos to Real-World Applications</h2>



Boston Dynamics has impressed millions of people online with videos showing robots doing amazing things, like Spot opening doors or Atlas doing flips. But making money from these robots has been challenging. Spot became commercially available in 2019 and Stretch, a robot designed to automate warehouses, was launched in 2022. The company is also working on a version of Atlas for factories.



See Also: The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a>



In spite of these developments, competition is intensifying. Boston Dynamics is under pressure to develop and commercialize rapidly as competitors like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37475260/amazon-unveils-humanoid-robot-digit-at-warehouse-a-glimpse-into-automated-workspaces">Agility Robotics</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39246781/elon-musk-thinks-humanoid-robots-will-one-day-exceed-human-population-from-nvidias-project-gr00t-to">Tesla</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37399976/nvidia-microsoft-back-figure-ai-with-675m-investment-for-humanoid-robots-integration">Figure AI have raised billions</a> to bring their own humanoid robots to market.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Spot Finds New Jobs</h2>



Spot, the $75,000 robot dog, has proved versatile across various industries. It's being used to patrol places like Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, helping the Secret Service with its sensors and cameras. The New York City Fire Department also uses Spot for search-and-rescue missions, keeping human responders safe in dangerous situations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Spot even supported health care professionals by carrying iPads to talk to patients remotely and reduce PPE usage.



Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stretch Shines in Logistics</h2>



Stretch, a robot made for warehouse work, is now being used at the Otto Group's Hermes logistics center in Germany. Stretch's job is to unload heavy boxes, a tiring task that it handles well thanks to its robotic arm and special vacuum grippers. This lets human workers do other, less exhausting jobs. The Otto Group said Stretch has been very helpful and works well with their setup.



Boston Dynamics is still creating amazing robots, but making money from them is challenging and these layoffs show how hard it can be to grow a company that works on cutting-edge technology. Even so, robots like Spot and Stretch are showing how they can make a real difference in industries like health care, logistics and public safety.



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<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
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Robotics Company Boston Dynamics Lays Off Human Employees, Admitting It's 'Burning Through Cash'

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40922368/excuse-me-you-want-to-check-my-credit-nba-legend-shaq-shares-he-felt-disrespected-when-trying-to">Shaquille O'Neal</a> is one of those rare NBA stars who transcended the game. But his success wasn't just about basketball – it was about mindset.&nbsp;



In a 2022 CBS News interview, Shaq casually dropped a gem: "I didn't spend my first NBA check until I started having children. I had so much coming in, I was like, ‘NBA money over there and I'll just live off endorsement money.'"



That's right – Shaq was banking his $120 million NBA earnings while most rookies splurge on cars and mansions. Instead, he lived off deals with brands like Reebok and Pepsi. The secret? A wealthy mentor advised: "Rich people spend half, save half. Wealthy people take half of that half and then spend the rest." Shaq listened and it paid off – big time.



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<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>



<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
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Now worth $500 million, Shaq owns franchises like Papa John's and Big Chicken. He also made early bets on tech companies like Google and Ring, turning investments into gold. Oh and did we mention he's a real estate powerhouse too?



Shaq's financial wisdom didn't stop at saving; he was all about smart investments. In an October 2024 episode of Robert Mtz's ‘Creativo' podcast, he shared, "I have 40 cars and I don't know why." This self-awareness led him to diversify his portfolio beyond flashy purchases. He invested in 150 car washes and 40 health clubs, turning everyday services into revenue streams. His approach? Invest in what people need daily.



But even Shaq had his missteps. He famously turned down an early opportunity to invest in Starbucks, thinking, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41144354/shaq-missed-a-deal-of-a-lifetime-with-starbucks-says-because-growing-up-hes-never-seen-a-black-perso">"Black people don't drink coffee."</a> Reflecting on this, he admitted, "So now, every time I go to Starbucks and see Black people drinking coffee, I'm like …" followed by a facepalm. This taught him the importance of challenging assumptions in business.



Trending: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?



That said, Shaq also knows when it's time to pivot. In a 2021 episode of the Earn Your Leisure podcast, he revealed he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/12/42468734/nba-legend-shaq-owned-17-auntie-annes-franchises-but-sold-them-after-realizing-black-people-dont-like-pretzels-that-much">sold his 17 Auntie Anne's franchises</a> because, in his words, "Black people don't like pretzels that much." His decision wasn't rooted in assumptions this time but in observation and market analysis. "I wanted to switch it up," he explained, focusing on ventures with more cultural resonance and appeal.



Beyond business, Shaq emphasizes education and hard work to his children. He tells them, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40943843/we-aint-rich-im-rich-nba-legend-shaq-says-his-daughters-and-sons-dont-get-equal-treatment-my-boy">"We ain't rich; I'm rich."</a> He requires his kids to earn two degrees before considering any financial support, instilling the value of self-reliance.



Shaq's story isn't just about making money; it's about keeping it – and making it work for you. His advice might sound simple, but it's life-changing if you stick to it. Save first, spend second and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">invest like a legend</a> when opportunity knocks.



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<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>



<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
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Personal Finance

NBA Legend Shaq Says He Didn't Even Start Spending His NBA Checks Until He Had Kids – 'I Had So Much Coming In'

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