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Upwork

Upwork Inc is a United States-based company that operates an online marketplace that enables businesses to find and work with skilled independent professionals. The company develops platform for hiring and freelancing purposes. Its products offering include Upwork Basic, Upwork Plus, Upwork Business, Upwork Enterprise, and Upwork Payroll. The business generates revenue from Talent and Clients across the USA, India, the Philippines and the rest of the world. Substantial income is derived from providing services to clients.

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Leading cryptocurrencies witnessed massive sell-offs on Sunday as President Donald Trump's tariff war pounded capital markets.
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<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 8:30 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>-7.99%</td>
<td>$93,219.10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-25.01%</td>
<td>$2,378.31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-26.69%</td>
<td>$0.2147</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
What Happened: Bitcoin was in free fall, crashing below $92,000 for the first time since January 13, before recouping to $93,000. The leading cryptocurrency lost nearly 8% of its value over the last 24 hours. 
The rest of the market was hit more severely. Ethereum plunged over 25% to a nearly 3-month low, while Dogecoin plummeted 26%.
The market has been rough after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43398182/trumps-25-tariffs-could-slaughter-canada-mexico-economies-hit-us-auto-industry-analysts-warn">Trump slapped tariffs on key trade partners</a>, a move that could disrupt key supply chains across the North American region and impact economies.
The cryptocurrency market bled profusely, encountering over $2 billion in the last 24 hours and over $1 billion getting wiped out in the last 4 hours.&nbsp;
Bitcoin's Open Interest fell 4.72% in the last 24 hours, suggesting large-scale liquidation of longs.
However, the number of traders betting on the cryptocurrency's upside rose in the last 24 hours, with 66% of Binance futures traders going long on Bitcoin.
"Fear" sentiment engulfed the market, according to the reading on the Crypto Fear &amp; Greed Index, indicating that investors could panic sell.
Top Losers (24-Hours)
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<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 8:30 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SPX6900 (SPX)</td>
<td>-25.87%</td>
<td>$0.7944</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Onyxcoin (XCN)</td>
<td>-24.66%</td>
<td>$0.02321</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Optimism (OP)</td>
<td>-23.88%</td>
<td>$1.04</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.17 trillion, collapsing by 7.92% in the last 24 hours.
Stock futures tanked Sunday night, mirroring the cryptocurrency market's decline. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures plunged 498 points, or 1.10%, as of 8:38 p.m. EDT.&nbsp; Futures tied to the S&amp;P 500 slipped 1.59%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures lost 2.15%.
Investors braced for another big week of corporate earnings, with mega tech companies like Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) set to report their financials this week.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Analyst Notes: Popular cryptocurrency market commentator Michaël van de Poppe was undeterred by the altcoin losses and predicted an upside move in the coming weeks.
&#8220;The massive bullish divergence on TOTAL3/BTC is still applied. The higher low has still been created, and the continuation on the altcoins should come in the coming weeks,&#8221; the trader remarked.
Note that &#8220;TOTAL3&#8221; corresponds to the cryptocurrency&#8217;s total market cap excluding BTC and ETH.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The massive bullish divergence on TOTAL3/BTC is still applied. The higher low has still been created and the continuation on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Altcoins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Altcoins</a> should come in the coming weeks. <a href="https://t.co/xWEDN1iw1e">pic.twitter.com/xWEDN1iw1e</a>
&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1886063021505831034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Another well-known cryptocurrency analyst, Ali Martinez, emphasized the importance of Ethereum sustaining the $2,750 support level to justify a rebound to $6,760.
As it turned out, the second-largest cryptocurrency has dropped significantly below $2,750, casting doubt on its positive sentiment.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">If this is an ascending parallel channel, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ethereum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ethereum</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> must hold the $2,750 support level to set the stage for a rebound to $6,760! <a href="https://t.co/XPeM1tQhZQ">pic.twitter.com/XPeM1tQhZQ</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1886227857707511958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Photo by Avi Rozen on Shutterstock
Read Next:    
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/06/32811591/winklevoss-twins-say-elizabeth-warren-and-gary-genslers-war-on-crypto-will-cost-democrats-">Winklevoss Twins Say Elizabeth Warren And Gary Gensler&#8217;s War On Crypto &#8216;Will Cost Democrats 2024 Election&#8217;</a></li>
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Bitcoin Crashes Below $92,000, Ethereum, Dogecoin Slump As Trump's Tariff War Spooks Investors: Analyst Reveals If ETH Can Chart $6000 Rebound

LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Indeed and Greenhouse have all introduced new AI-powered tools designed to help job seekers gauge their chances of receiving responses from potential employers.
What Happened: LinkedIn is currently testing &#8220;responsiveness insights&#8221; on select job postings, with plans to expand this feature across the platform, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-02/linkedin-indeed-launch-tools-to-help-job-seekers-narrow-their-search?srnd=homepage-asia">reported</a> Bloomberg on Sunday.
The platform is also improving its AI-powered &#8220;job match&#8221; feature. It assesses how well a candidate fits a job listing. The goal is to reduce application overload by guiding users toward roles where they have a better chance of getting a response.
Indeed is upgrading its &#8220;responsive employer&#8221; badges, which have been in place since 2018. The platform now offers more detailed insights, such as median response times, to assist job seekers in identifying companies that are more likely to respond.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43425315/openais-deep-research-promises-ai-powered-analysis-heres-what-it-can-and-cant-do">OpenAI&#8217;s &#8216;Deep Research&#8217; Promises AI-Powered Analysis — Here&#8217;s What It Can (And Can&#8217;t) Do</a>
Greenhouse is experimenting with a badge system to verify employers&#8217; commitment to respectful and communicative hiring practices. These badges aim to reward companies that uphold high standards in their recruitment processes.
These developments come as job seekers face increasing challenges in the labor market, with many experiencing long-term unemployment. The new tools are designed to improve transparency and efficiency in the hiring process, benefiting both applicants and employers.
Why It Matters: Last year, more than 14 million job seekers&#8217; applications were entirely ignored in just one quarter, the report noted, citing one hiring platform.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
The introduction of these AI tools by LinkedIn and Indeed comes at a time when the U.S. labor market is showing mixed signals.
The U.S. economy added <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/42912480/us-economy-adds-256000-payrolls-in-december-as-tight-labor-market-tops-forecasts-dollar-treasury-yields-spike">256,000 jobs in December</a>, surpassing expectations and highlighting the resilience of the labor market.
However, a December report indicated a slowdown in hiring, with private businesses adding only 122,000 jobs in the last month of 2024, marking <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/42873182/us-private-businesses-add-122000-jobs-in-december-the-labor-market-downshifted-to-a-more-modest-pace-of-growth">a decrease from November's 146,000</a>.
Image via Shutterstock
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43221770/apples-ipad-turns-15-today-heres-a-throwback-to-when-steve-jobs-explained-called-it-the-third-category-after-phones-and-notebooks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple's iPad Turns 15 Today: Here's A Throwback To When Steve Jobs Explained Called It The ‘Third Category' After Phones And Notebooks</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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14 Million Job Seekers Didn't Hear Back From Potential Employers In Just A Single Quarter Last Year: Now LinkedIn Is Moving To Change That With AI Help

The Bank of Japan policymakers expressed growing concerns about inflation risks and yen weakness during their January meeting, where they raised rates to a 17-year high of 0.5%, according to meeting summary notes released on Monday.
Several board members emphasized the need for &#8220;timely and gradual&#8221; rate increases, citing mounting price pressures and potential financial overheating. The central bank&#8217;s latest move, approved in an 8-1 vote, marks its second rate hike since exiting its decade-long stimulus <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42135336/usdjpy-awaits-potential-stimulus-impact">program in March 2024</a>.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/02/43424874/ceo-of-norways-sovereign-wealth-fund-advises-investors-to-dump-tech-stocks">CEO Of Norway&#8217;s Sovereign Wealth Fund Advises Investors To Dump Tech Stocks</a>
The yen has shown modest strength since the last rate hike decision on Jan. 24, with USD/JPY edging down 0.21% to 155.68 from 156.02. Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar Index has climbed 1.96% to 109.55, reflecting broader currency market dynamics.
BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42995151/bojs-kazuo-ueda-signals-rate-hikes-japanese-bond-yields-rise-to-14-year-high-what-the-recent-past-tells-us-about-impact-on-us-markets">maintains a hawkish stance</a>, indicating readiness for additional rate increases if wage growth continues to support consumption and stable inflation. While some members expressed optimism about a U.S. soft landing, others cautioned about risks from potential U.S. inflation resurgence and escalating trade tensions.
Real interest rates remain &#8220;significantly negative&#8221; even after the hike, according to one board member, suggesting room for further monetary tightening as Japan aims to sustainably achieve its 2% inflation target.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43423620/trumps-tariffs-fed-rate-decisions-and-americas-debt-crisis-this-week-in-economics">Trump&#8217;s Tariffs, Fed Rate Decisions, And America&#8217;s Debt Crisis: This Week In Economics</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Asia

Economics

Bank Of Japan Signals Further Rate Hikes Possible Amid Inflation, Economic Overheating Worries

On Sunday, OpenAI revealed a new feature for ChatGPT called &#8220;deep research,&#8221; which autonomously plans and executes multi-step data searches.
What Happened: This feature allows users to input questions using text, images, and files like PDFs or spreadsheets. It takes five to 30 minutes to generate a response but goes beyond text generation.
The deep research feature displays a sidebar summary that outlines its research process, includes citations, and provides a reference overview.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43377716/tesla-employee-headcount-drops-after-april-layoff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Reports Over 10% Employee Reduction By Year-End Following April Layoffs</a>
However, despite its capabilities, OpenAI acknowledges that deep research can sometimes &#8220;hallucinate&#8221; or confuse authoritative information with rumors.
The tool is designed to operate at a research analyst level, but it is still refining its accuracy and reliability.
OpenAI&#8217;s deep research is available for Pro users, offering up to 100 queries per month <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42356469/openai-unveils-200-chatgpt-pro-subscription-inside-the-o1-reasoning-model-and-what-it-means-for-power-users">for a $200 fee</a>. Limited access is also available for Plus, Team, and Enterprise users.
The model powering deep research achieved a 26.6% accuracy on an AI benchmark, surpassing previous models, said OpenAI.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
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Why It Matters: Last week, OpenAI launched the o3-mini model, which promises exceptional capabilities in science, math, and coding, <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43418650/openai-launches-o3-mini-model-makes-it-free-after-deepseeks-launch">while keeping costs low</a>. This model is part of OpenAI&#8217;s reasoning series and is available on both ChatGPT and the API.
OpenAI&#8217;s latest developments also include the debut of Operator, an AI agent capable of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43186741/openai-debuts-operator-ai-agent-that-performs-web-tasks-but-early-error-has-sam-altman-scrambling-for-a-quick-fix">autonomously performing web tasks</a>. This agent integrates GPT-4o's vision capabilities with advanced reasoning through reinforcement learning.
Meanwhile, SoftBank Group Corp. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) is reportedly in talks to lead a new $40 billion funding round for OpenAI, which could <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43374528/softbank-may-lead-openais-40-billion-funding-round-at-a-300-billion-valuation-despite-deepseek-disruption-report">value the company at</a> $300 billion.
Image via Shutterstock
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43221770/apples-ipad-turns-15-today-heres-a-throwback-to-when-steve-jobs-explained-called-it-the-third-category-after-phones-and-notebooks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s iPad Turns 15 Today: Here&#8217;s A Throwback To When Steve Jobs Explained Called It The ‘Third Category&#8217; After Phones And Notebooks</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

SFTBF

SFTBY

OpenAI's 'Deep Research' Promises AI-Powered Analysis — Here's What It Can (And Can't) Do

Tesla Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) global export strategy faces mounting pressure from rising trade tensions and persistently high interest rates, according to prominent Tesla investor Gary Black.
What Happened: Black, Managing Partner at The Future Fund LLC, warned on Sunday that elevated long-term interest rates continue to weigh on auto sales across the industry, affecting major manufacturers including Tesla, General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLA#NYSE">STLA</a>), and Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>).
The warning comes as President Donald Trump implements aggressive trade measures, including 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports effective Feb. 1. These actions have sparked concerns about retaliatory measures that could disrupt global automotive trade.
According to data from Troy Teslike cited by Black, Tesla exported 323,499 vehicles in 2024, representing 18.1% of its total 1.79 million deliveries. The company&#8217;s Shanghai factory led export operations, shipping 246,910 units overseas, while U.S. facilities exported 49,747 vehicles and the Berlin plant sent 26,842 units abroad.
&#8220;That is the volume at risk if Trump&#8217;s tariffs develop into a full-scale retaliatory trade war similar to what happened globally in the 1930s,&#8221; Black said.
In the 1930s, the world experienced the Great Depression, a severe global economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the early 1940s. One of the key events that worsened the economic crisis was the rise of protectionist trade policies, most notably the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 in the United States.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Based on <a href="https://twitter.com/TroyTeslike?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@troyteslike</a> ‘s estimates, approximately 18% of <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24TSLA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$TSLA</a> ‘s 2024 deliveries (323K of 1,789K) were imported from outside the country of final demand. That is the volume at risk if Trump's tariffs develop into a full scale retaliatory trade war similar to what happened… <a href="https://t.co/YAxqDxaSdf">pic.twitter.com/YAxqDxaSdf</a>
&mdash; Gary Black (@garyblack00) <a href="https://twitter.com/garyblack00/status/1886128280790573251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Long-term interest rates remain high, keeping pressure on home and auto sales, where consumers generally borrow to finance purchases. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24TSLA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$TSLA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24GM&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$GM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24F&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$F</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24STLA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$STLA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24RIVN&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$RIVN</a> <a href="https://t.co/6qE8B74DoT">pic.twitter.com/6qE8B74DoT</a>
&mdash; Gary Black (@garyblack00) <a href="https://twitter.com/garyblack00/status/1886136847736180925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43424608/21-interest-rates-youve-got-to-be-kidding-me-kevin-oleary-slams-credit-card-debt-as-the-real-silent-killer-in-america">&#8216;21% Interest Rates?! You&#8217;ve Got To Be Kidding Me!&#8217; Kevin O&#8217;Leary Slams Credit Card Debt As &#8216;The Real Silent Killer In America&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The export concerns emerge against a backdrop of steady U.S. interest rates, with the Federal Reserve maintaining its target range at 4.25% to 4.5% after ending a series of rate cuts that began in September. Treasury yields, while declining from late-2024 peaks, remain elevated compared to levels seen when the Fed began easing policy.
The combination of trade tensions and high borrowing costs poses a dual challenge for automakers as they navigate an increasingly complex global market environment.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43425160/trump-tariffs-a-strategic-gift-to-xi-jinpings-china-says-obama-era-treasury-secretary-jobs-in-industrial-heartland-will-be-lost">Trump Tariffs A &#8216;Strategic Gift&#8217; To Xi Jinping&#8217;s China, Says Obama-Era Treasury Secretary: &#8216;Jobs In Industrial Heartland Will Be Lost&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Equities

RIVN

STLA

TSLA

Gary Black Warns Tesla's 18% Export Volume At Risk Amid Trump Tariffs: 'Full-Scale Retaliatory Trade War' Possible

Elon Musk, the lead of the Department of Government Efficiency, backed the idea of using blockchain technology on Sunday to streamline the U.S. Treasury.
What happened: The Tesla and SpaceX CEO accused the Treasury Department officials of flouting rules to sanction government payments.
"Career Treasury officials are breaking the law every hour of every day by approving payments that are fraudulent or do not match the funding laws passed by Congress," Musk wrote in an X post.
Musk cited 31 U.S.C. Section 3325, which requires government disbursing officials to obtain certification from the head of the relevant executive agency before authorizing such payments.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Yes!
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1886164124981166241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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In response, widely followed X user Mario Nawfal asked Musk whether it would be wise to place the Treasury on the blockchain to plug these holes, to which the tech titan said, &#8220;Yes.&#8221;
See Also:<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"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43325381/elon-musks-tesla-racks-up-600-million-paper-gains-on-bitcoin-in-q4">Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla Records $600 Million In Paper Gains On Bitcoin In Q4 Thanks To New Accounting Rule</a>&nbsp;
Why It Matters: The blockchain idea comes a week after reports that Musk was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43219929/musks-doge-department-reportedly-eyeing-blockchain-technology-to-slash-federal-spendingjustin-sun-pitches-tron">contemplating the use of a digital ledger</a> to support his federal spending plans at the Department of Government Efficiency, also called DOGE.&nbsp;The blockchain would be utilized to track spending, secure data, and make payments.
The development comes on the heels of reports that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43419885/musks-doge-eyes-treasury-payment-system-sparks-controversy-leading-to-officials-exit">DOGE was seeking access </a>to the payment systems of the Treasury Department.
The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, is an entity<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41927289/trump-appoints-elon-musk-and-vivek-ramaswamy-to-lead-doge-targeting-bureaucracy-and-65-trillion-federal-spending-we-will-not-go-gently"> tasked with cutting federal spending</a> and abolishing meaningless regulations. The agency was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43086309/trumps-doge-committee-faces-lawsuit-over-alleged-federal-advisory-violations-and-lack-of-transparency">hit with a barrage of lawsuits</a> shortly after Trump took office as president last month.
Price Action: At the time of writing, Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), the cryptocurrency symbolically linked to the department, was exchanging hands at $0.3308, crashing 21.72% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA.." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data from Benzinga Pro</a>. 
Image via Shutterstock
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Elon Musk Says Treasury Officials 'Breaking The Law Every Hour' By Approving Fraudulent Payments — DOGE Lead Wants A Blockchain Fix

On Sunday, renowned economist and Obama-era Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers criticized President Trump&#8217;s recent tariff impositions, describing them as a &#8220;bully strategy&#8221; that could have far-reaching negative impacts.
What Happened: In a series of posts on X, Summers voiced his disapproval of Trump&#8217;s tariffs, stating they are a &#8220;strategic gift to Xi Jinping.&#8221; He warned that the tariffs could lead to price increases for oil, food, and cars, possibly necessitating a response from the Federal Reserve in the form of raised interest rates.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">.<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>&#39;s tariffs are a bully strategy. Bullying doesn't win over time on the playground or in the international arena. This self-inflicted supply shock is a strategic gift to Xi Jinping. 1/4
&mdash; Lawrence H. Summers (@LHSummers) <a href="https://twitter.com/LHSummers/status/1886047350797557899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Summers further predicted job losses in the industrial heartland as American producers struggle with higher input costs. He also expressed concerns over the potential loss of trust from Canada and Mexico, and the subsequent economic and security risks.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Jobs in the industrial heartland will be lost as American producers can't compete due to higher input costs. Canada and Mexico will lose trust in us and retaliate as their economies suffer. Immigration and drug risks will increase. 3/4
&mdash; Lawrence H. Summers (@LHSummers) <a href="https://twitter.com/LHSummers/status/1886047354769330194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Summers summarised the thread by saying, &#8220;Xi Jinping is given an excuse for his economic failures and a more open door to all our allies as we prove our unreliability by bullying.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43424894/mark-cuban-said-if-he-had-enough-money-to-buy-fox-news-hed-buy-it-in-a-heartbeat-estimates-it-could-turn-around-for-15b-20b">Mark Cuban Said If He Had Enough Money To Buy Fox News, He&#8217;d &#8216;Buy It In A Heartbeat&#8217; &#8211; Estimates It Could Turn Around For $15B-$20B</a>
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s tariffs, which include a 25% duty on all imports from Mexico and most goods from Canada, excluding energy-related items, and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods imported into the United States, have been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43423288/trumps-tariffs-are-here-heres-what-will-get-more-expensive-from-canada-china-and-mexico">met with warnings from economists</a> about potential negative impacts on American businesses and consumers.
Canada has already <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43423087/canada-retaliates-against-trumps-tariffs-with-countermeasures-25-tariffs-on-107-billion-of-us-made-goods">announced plans</a> to impose tariffs on American goods in retaliation. This move comes in response to Trump&#8217;s executive order imposing a 25% tariff on most U.S. imports from Canada.
Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci also expressed his concerns over the tariffs, urging elected officials to take a stand against what he termed as the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43423724/scaramucci-warns-against-trumps-tariffs-urges-lawmakers-to-take-stand-crazy-nonsense">&#8220;crazy nonsense&#8221;</a> of Trump&#8217;s new tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico.
Photo via Shutterstock
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

General

Trump Tariffs A 'Strategic Gift' To Xi Jinping's China, Says Obama-Era Treasury Secretary: 'Jobs In Industrial Heartland Will Be Lost'

Billionaire entrepreneur <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43281034/im-in-mark-cuban-asked-how-can-i-solve-working-class-problems-and-one-answer-kept-coming-up">Mark Cuban</a> has expressed passing interest in purchasing Fox News, stating that if he had money to buy the network, he would do so "in a heartbeat."&nbsp; While discussing the baby boomer generation with Wired, Cuban explained that owning the network would be a key way to reach what he refers to as the "Fox News generation."&nbsp;
In the interview, Cuban broke down the financial realities of such a purchase. The market capitalization of Fox Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOX#NASDAQ">FOX</a>, FOXA)) at the time of the interview (in September) sat around $15.6 billion–the corporation's value has increased by over 30% since then.&nbsp;
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At the time, Cuban estimated that acquiring the network would require paying at least a 50% premium, bringing the price up to around $22 billion. He also said that changes would need to be made to the network, and that might require another $2 billion. While he said some things could be sold off, he estimated that the total net cost could range between $15 billion and $20 billion.
"I don't have $15 or $20 billion in cash sitting around," Cuban admitted, emphasizing that even with his substantial fortune, such an acquisition is out of reach for him. Cuban's current networth is estimated at $5.7 billion.&nbsp;
Cuban has previously used the term &#8220;Fox News generation&#8221; to describe how his own generation—baby boomers—have shifted in their views over time. In an earlier interview with The New York Times, he stated how the generation known for &#8220;sex, drugs, and rock and roll&#8221; had become one that, in his view, condemns movements like Black Lives Matter and is heavily influenced by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/01/42896754/from-23-5-million-florida-home-to-nyc-engaged-fox-news-host-sean-hannity-to-bridge-the-distance">Fox News</a>.
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During his interview with Wired, he said the boomer generation is a disappointment. When asked if there was an ‘antidote' to counterbalance the negative views Cuban perceives from this generation, he was blunt: "You buy Fox News."
In addition to discussing Fox News, Cuban also entertained the idea of buying X, the social-media platform formerly known as Twitter. When asked whether he would consider purchasing the company from current owner <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/01/43335267/some-employees-survive-but-a-whole-lot-dont-says-elon-musks-biographer-about-his-demon-mode-in-which-hes-coldly-brutal-to-people">Elon Musk</a>, Cuban responded positively but noted that Musk is unlikely to sell.
"There's no reason for him to sell it," Cuban said. When the interviewer jokingly suggested convincing Musk that selling was his own idea, Cuban admitted, "I wouldn't know how to do that."
See Also: According to Juniper Research, the total value of B2B cross-border payments stored on the blockchain is projected to exceed $4.4 trillion — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/web3-enabler-future-of-enterprise-transactions">Join the first company to bring blockchain payments to Salesforce early with just $100.</a>
While Cuban's remarks about buying Fox News and X were speculative, they highlight his interest in media influence and control. His statements suggest that he sees ownership as a powerful tool for shaping public discourse, particularly among older audiences who heavily consume cable news. However, without the necessary capital, such a move remains purely hypothetical.
For now, Fox News remains under the control of Rupert Murdoch's media empire, and Musk continues to hold ownership of X. Whether Cuban—or any other <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42716098/musk-to-arnault-heres-a-look-at-2024s-billionaire-boom-and-bust-who-gained-and-who-lost">billionaire</a>—will step in to shake up the media landscape remains to be seen.
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Mark Cuban Said If He Had Enough Money To Buy Fox News, He'd 'Buy It In A Heartbeat' - Estimates It Could Turn Around For $15B-$20B

You may not have heard of Nicolai Tangen, but his name carries immense weight in the world of investing. He's the CEO of Norway's sovereign wealth fund, a financial juggernaut that is worth nearly $2 trillion. It is the largest of its kind in the world and as you might imagine, investor's ears perk up whenever he speaks. His latest advice might come as quite a surprise. Nicolai thinks you should dump tech stocks.
That advice seems even more curious when you consider that the fund he's responsible for managing owns $173 billion in Magnificent Seven stocks. The Magnificent Seven's current makeup is a who's who of big tech. It includes companies like Google, Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43256560/nvidia-faces-investor-panic-as-chinas-deepseek-emerges-but-top-analyst-predicts-higher-ai-infrastructure-demand-despite-market-jitters-the-market-is-overreacting-to-deepseeks-success"> Nivida</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>). More to the point, Mag Seven stocks powered a major stock market boom in 2024. So, why is he telling investors to be cautious?
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Tangen made his comments at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which hosts most of the world's wealthiest families, investors, and business moguls. Speaking to Bloomberg, Tangen said, "The best thing to do is always to do the opposite of everybody else. What will that be today? Well, if you were to do the opposite of everybody else, it would be to sell the US tech stocks, buy China, sell private credit, just buy stuff that is out of fashion."
Simply put, Tangen is telling investors to do the opposite of what he's done to build wealth for Norges Bank Investment Management. Like many big funds, it has been riding the profit wave the Magnificent Seven has generated since the emergence of AI. According to Bloomberg, Norges Bank's six largest investments are Magnificent Seven stocks. That's in addition to $5.6 billion in Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shares.
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As recently as last summer, Norge Bank's semi-annual report was touting the growth of its tech portfolio, which was up almost 28% at the time. With that said, there is more than just a contrarian streak behind Tangen's warning on the Magnificent Seven. Like any wise investor, he's riding the tech wave while also keeping a watchful eye out for signs of a bubble that could pop.
Although tech has been booming, there is a high degree of interconnectivity between the top companies in the Magnificent Seven. They are almost all involved in a race to improve AI or provide services for AI's advancement. That interlinks their fates with chip and semiconductor makers like Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43221806/nvidia-amd-broadcom-smci-tsmc-and-other-tech-giants-lead-monday-pre-market-selloff-as-nasdaq-100-futures-plummet-over-650-points-amid-reports-of-chinese-ai-startup-deepseek-overtaking-chatgpt"> </a>Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>). That's great for these companies as they explode in value, but it ties a lot of the stock market's wealth into one single sector.
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According to Fortune Magazine, the Magnificent Seven accounts for nearly 33% of the S&amp;P 500's total value. The profit they generated represents 75% of the S&amp;P 500's growth in earnings for 2024. It's not hard to see why Tangen is concerned when you consider the flip side of that coin. Hundreds of billions of dollars in investor wealth will disappear very quickly the next time there is a major market correction or a sector-wide downturn.
Tangen sees that risk very clearly. During an interview with the Financial Times Unhedged podcast, Tangen warned, "The concentration is absolutely worrying. It means that there is a risk in the stock market which we have never seen before. So, there are very few companies tied into them, and they are getting bigger and bigger and more and more important."
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CEO Of Norway's Sovereign Wealth Fund Advises Investors To Dump Tech Stocks

When it comes to personal finance, few things spark more debate than credit card usage. However, it seems that for Kevin O&#8217;Leary, the &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; investor and businessman, the issue couldn't be more obvious—<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38299693/heres-the-gravest-error-you-can-make-with-credit-cards-like-owing-money-to-loan-sharks">credit card debt is a financial trap</a>. O&#8217;Leary's recent <a href="https://x.com/kevinolearytv/status/1883537883501310043">remarks</a> about the dangers of overspending and credit card debt struck a chord with many—and for good reason.
O&#8217;Leary's advice is to simply track your spending. &#8220;Take a piece of paper, you don&#8217;t need a computer, write down the money you made in 90 days and how much you spent during that same period," <a href="https://x.com/kevinolearytv/status/1883537883501310043">he said in an interview</a> with local Fox morning show "Good Day New York" earlier this week.&nbsp;
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Most people are shocked to find they're spending more than they're earning. And where does that excess spending end up? On credit cards. With interest rates hovering around 21%, carrying a balance is like pouring money down the drain. O'Leary calls it "the silent killer" of American finances, and he's not exaggerating.
Credit card balances, which now <a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc">total</a> $1.17 trillion outstanding, increased by $24 billion during the third quarter alone and are 8.1% higher than they were a year earlier. These figures underline just how deeply entrenched credit card debt has become in American households.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mark Cuban's Take</h2>
O&#8217;Leary isn't the only one sounding the alarm. Billionaire and fellow &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; star <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/39092288/if-you-use-your-credit-card-you-do-not-want-to-be-rich-warns-mark-cuban-on-the-dave-ramsey-show">Mark Cuban shares a similar sentiment</a>. In a chat with financial guru Dave Ramsey on "The Ramsey Show" last May, Cuban didn't hold back, saying, &#8220;If you use your credit cards, you do not want to be rich.&#8221; His solution is to pay off all your credit cards and burn them.
Cuban broke it down like this: if your credit card interest rate is 15% to 20%, paying it off is like earning that percentage back. In his view, there's no better return on investment. Ramsey, who's built a career on helping people get out of debt, wholeheartedly agreed. He highlighted a Forbes survey that found 75% of wealthy people prioritize staying out of debt. &#8220;Life is better without credit cards,&#8221; Ramsey added, emphasizing that financial freedom starts with ditching high-interest debt.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Credit Cards Aren't Always the Villain</h2>
Not everyone agrees with the no-credit-card approach. For many Americans, responsibly using credit cards is a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-credit-cards-to-build-credit">way to build a credit history</a>, which is crucial for securing loans for big-ticket items like homes. Colin Palfrey, chief marketing officer at personal finance management company Crediful, points out, &#8220;For many average Americans, buying a home is a major part of their wealth-building plans, and not being able to establish a credit history will make it harder to get good rates.&#8221;
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'21% Interest Rates?! You've Got To Be Kidding Me!' Kevin O'Leary Slams Credit Card Debt As 'The Real Silent Killer In America'

The Trump administration has rescinded Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 300,000 Venezuelans in the United States, leaving them vulnerable to deportation in the coming months, according to government documents <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/02/us/politics/trump-venezuela-temporary-protected-status.html">obtained</a> by The New York Times and reported Sunday.
The news comes one day after President Donald Trump's <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113929394841474581">Saturday post</a> on Truth Social announcing that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had met with Trump administration official Richard Grenell and agreed to take back people who entered the U.S. illegally. The <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/senior-trump-official-travels-to-venezuela-for-talks-on-migrants/">meeting in Caracas</a> also led to the release of six US detainees held in Venezuela.
The NYT report underscores Trump's crackdown on the TPS program, which he began during his first term (2017-2021) though his efforts at the time were blocked by federal courts. TPS is normally available to people whose home country experienced a natural disaster, armed conflict or other extraordinary events.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>, Homeland Security Secretary, said TPS was no longer necessary because it did not serve the national interest of the United States. according to the administration. 
"After reviewing country conditions and considering whether permitting Venezuelan nationals covered by the 2023 designation is contrary to the national interest of the United States, in consultation with the appropriate U.S. government agencies, the secretary of homeland security has determined that Venezuela no longer continues to meet the conditions for the 2023 designation," the administration's notice states, per the NY Times.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump Administration Moving Quickly</h2>
In past TPS terminations, such as for El Salvador and Haiti, the affected individuals were granted at least 12 to 18 months before their status expired. This time, however, the administration is moving more swiftly. Venezuelans who received TPS 2023 will lose their protected status just 60 days after the termination notice is published.
Republican critics have long argued that TPS had evolved into a de facto permanent immigration program, rather than the temporary relief it was originally intended to provide.
More than 300,000 Venezuelans now hold TPS while another 250,000 have protections that extend through September. While the latter group is not immediately affected, the recent Trump administration decision suggests their status could also be in jeopardy.
At the time of this writing, there was no response as yet from the Maduro government in Venezuela. 
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300,000 Venezuelans Lose Protected Immigration Status: Trump Official Says Program Is 'Contrary To The National Interest'

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is reportedly facing challenges in the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR), suggesting a potential decline in its product innovation prowess. This comes despite the company posting record-high quarterly revenue.
Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman in his <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-02-02/apple-aapl-ai-and-ar-struggles-show-it-has-lost-some-of-its-product-edge?srnd=undefined&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">latest</a> weekly &#8220;Power On&#8221; revealed that Apple&#8217;s ventures in AI and AR are trailing behind competitors such as Samsung Electronics Co., Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s Google (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), and various Chinese phone manufacturers. Despite efforts to position Apple Intelligence as a leading AI solution, the platform lags years behind its rivals.
Apple&#8217;s venture into AR has been equally challenging. The Vision Pro headset, despite its impressive engineering, has not resonated with consumers who prefer a lightweight pair of glasses &#8211; a product that Apple currently does not offer.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43219433/apples-augmented-reality-gamble-faces-challenges-as-rivals-surge-ahead-in-ai-and-design">Apple&#8217;s Augmented Reality Gamble Faces Challenges As Rivals Surge Ahead In AI and Design</a>
Apple&#8217;s struggles also extend to its flagship product, the iPhone, which hasn&#8217;t&nbsp;seen a major upgrade since&nbsp;2020. While Apple&#8217;s fundamentals remain strong and it continues to generate substantial revenue, these hurdles indicate a potential loss in its product development edge.
Apple&#8217;s difficulties in AI and AR could have significant implications for its future innovation capabilities. The company&#8217;s inability to keep pace with competitors in these emerging fields could impact its market position and profitability in the long run. 
Furthermore, the lack of major upgrades to the iPhone, its most important product, may also affect its market share and consumer loyalty. 
As such, these challenges underscore the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in the fast-paced tech industry.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock

AAPL

Apple's Struggles in AI and AR Indicate a Loss in Product Edge

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has put forth an idea that could potentially shake up the dominance of tech giants in the social media space. Cuban shared his strategy on the social news network Bluesky.
What Happened: Cuban&#8217;s proposition is straightforward: dedicate 20 minutes each day to encourage friends, family, and businesses to join Bluesky. 
The platform currently has 1.5 million daily users, significantly less than its competitor X, which boasts 18 million. Despite this, Cuban views Bluesky, a decentralized platform, as the &#8220;last, best chance&#8221; for the majority to reclaim power over social media.
Since the November election, Cuban has been actively using Bluesky, gathering a following of 869,000. 
He has lauded the platform as a &#8220;less hateful world&#8221; compared to X. At the CES event in Las Vegas, Cuban urged the audience to join him on Bluesky, criticizing X for its content and lack of effective features.
However, Cuban is not advocating for a complete shift from X, but rather the growth of Bluesky as a platform that can&#8217;t be monopolized by a few. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43219136/cuban-on-musk-i-have-no-problem-throwing-elon-under-the-bus-but-ill-save-it-for-when-its-truly-deserved">Cuban on Musk: &#8216;I Have No Problem Throwing Elon Under the Bus, but I&#8217;ll Save It for When It&#8217;s Truly Deserved&#8217;</a>
He asserts that there&#8217;s no downside to creating a profile on Bluesky, particularly as the platform expands and the influence of other social media platforms begins to wane.
In a <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:y5xyloyy7s4a2bwfeimj7r3b/post/3lf46sttalc2m?ref_src=embed&amp;ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.inc.com%252Fbill-murphy-jr%252Fmark-cuban-just-suggested-a-20-minute-daily-habit-to-destabilize-elon-musk-mark-zuckerberg-and-president-trump%252F91104367">post </a>in the platform, Cuban said, &#8220;Is it worth 20 MINS a day to proactively recruit and bring your friends, neighbors, relatives, businesses, anyone who is or could be a user, to @bsky.app? If Bluesky ends up with more users than the others, you destabilize musk, zuck, trump."
Why It Matters: Cuban&#8217;s endorsement of Bluesky comes at a time when the power dynamics of social media are under scrutiny. His strategy could potentially disrupt the status quo, challenging the dominance of tech giants in the social media landscape. 
By advocating for a decentralized platform, Cuban is promoting a more democratic approach to social media, where power is not concentrated in the hands of a few. 
This could usher in a new era of social media, where users have more control over their online experiences.
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Mark Cuban Suggests 20-Minute Daily Habit to 'Destabilize' Musk, Zuckerberg, and Even President Trump

Retirement planning has become a breeding ground for fearmongering. Financial experts and news headlines often leave you convinced you'll need a dragon's hoard of gold to survive your golden years. But let's take a breath – what if you <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42018132/can-you-guess-what-percent-of-people-have-1-million-saved-spoiler-alert-its-far-lower-than-most-statistics-lead-you-to-believe">actually have $1 million saved</a> by the time you hit 65? Are you doomed to rationing instant ramen or is that number better than they're letting on? Spoiler: You're probably better off than you think.
Here's the real breakdown of how long that $1 million could stretch – and some practical tips to make it last even longer.
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How Far Can $1 Million Take You?
The simple answer? It depends. However, using some averages, $1 million could last 18-30 years. Here's the math:
Average Annual Expenses: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), households led by someone 65 or older spent around $60,087 per year in 2023.
Social Security to the Rescue: The average Social Security benefit as of 2024 is $1,907 per month or $22,884 per year. That means Social Security will cover about a third of your annual expenses.
Net Draw from Savings: Subtracting Social Security, your retirement fund needs to cover about $37,203 annually.
Years of Cushion: Divide $1 million by $37,203 and you've got nearly 27 years of living expenses or 26.88 to be exact.
If you control your spending and account for investment growth (hello, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/38618728/suze-orman-calls-the-4-retirement-rule-very-dangerous-in-todays-challenging-economic-climate">4% rule</a>), your savings could even stretch to 30+ years.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a>&nbsp;
What Could Shorten (or Stretch) Your Nest Egg?
The longevity of $1 million depends on key variables:
• Where You Live: Retiring in a high-cost state like California might burn through your funds faster than a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39616687/the-surprising-retirement-hotspots-growing-fastest-in-america-none-in-florida-but-even-hotter">budget-friendly haven</a> like Mississippi.
• Health care Costs: Healthcare expenses for a retired couple average $315,000 over retirement, according to Fidelity. That's not pocket change.
• Inflation: Even modest inflation can erode purchasing power over time. That $60,000 budget today? It might feel like $80,000 in 15 years.
• Spending Habits: Are you splurging on cruises every year or enjoying simpler pleasures like gardening and book clubs?
Trending: The average 401(k) balance soars to a record-breaking high – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/average-401k-balances-soars-to-record-high">Here's how to know if your nest egg is keeping pace.</a>
Strategies to Stretch $1 Million Further
1. Delay Social Security: If you <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38439971/should-you-begin-collecting-social-security-at-62-67-or-70-the-right-answer-may-depend-on-your-b">wait until age 70 to claim</a>, your monthly benefit could increase by up to 32%, which is thousands more annually.
2. Retire in a Cheaper Location: Consider downsizing or relocating to a state or country with a lower cost of living.
3. Stick to the 4% Rule: This guideline suggests withdrawing 4% of your savings annually (adjusted for inflation) to make your money last 30+ years.
4. Budget Like a Pro: Track your spending and cut unnecessary expenses. Small tweaks – like reducing dining out – can make a big difference over time.
5. Plan for Healthcare: Consider long-term care insurance or health savings accounts (HSAs) to offset hefty medical bills.
Trending: 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>
Live Your Dream Retirement
While $1 million might not buy you a yacht and a mansion, it can fund a comfortable, fulfilling retirement – especially with a little planning and a lot of common sense. Your retirement years aren't about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43011673/dave-ramsey-says-stop-trying-to-keep-up-with-the-joneses-theyre-broke-warns-people-are-fake-rich-average-household-debt-is-175075">outspending the Joneses</a> but about living life on your terms.
The key is to prepare. With smart financial choices, a dash of frugality and an honest look at your needs, $1 million could take you further than you ever imagined. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Consulting a financial advisor</a> can also help you maximize what you've saved.&nbsp;
Retirement should be about enjoying yourself, not worrying about every dollar spent. So plan well and enjoy the ride. You've earned it.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/planning-your-retirement-new-changes-to-social-security-in-2025-could-affect-you">Planning Your Retirement? New Changes To Social Security In 2025 Could Affect You</a></li>
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Personal Finance

Do You Know How Long $1 Million Will Last If You Retire At 65? Here's A Hint – Longer Than You're Led To Think!

In a recent cybersecurity incident, customer data at one of America&#8217;s largest banks was compromised, as per a government filing.
What Happened: TD Bank, the 10th-largest bank in the US by total assets, disclosed in a <a href="https://www.mass.gov/doc/2025-110-td-bank-na/download">report </a>that a former employee had unauthorized access to and shared sensitive customer data from August to December 2022.
The breached data potentially includes names, contact information, birth dates, account numbers, and transactional data. While the exact number of affected customers remains undisclosed,&nbsp;at least eight customers in&nbsp;Massachusetts have been confirmed to be impacted.
The bank has since terminated the employee responsible for the breach and is currently conducting an investigation in conjunction with law enforcement. TD Bank&#8217;s corporate security team is also participating in the probe.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43219362/bank-of-americas-sensitive-customer-data-compromised-in-third-party-hack-is-your-account-safe">Bank of America&#8217;s Sensitive Customer Data Compromised in Third-Party Hack &#8211; Is Your Account Safe?</a>
As a remedial measure, TD Bank is providing the affected customers with&nbsp;a complimentary membership to an&nbsp;online fraud prevention and detection&nbsp;service. The bank is also assisting in&nbsp;the process of closing and&nbsp;opening accounts for enhanced security.
TD Bank customers, depending on their state of residence, have the option to&nbsp;place a security freeze on&nbsp;their credit reports with the&nbsp;three major US consumer reporting&nbsp;agencies.
Why It Matters: This incident underscores the growing concern over cybersecurity in the banking sector. Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, pose a significant risk to the security of sensitive customer data. 
Banks must continually enhance their cybersecurity measures to prevent such incidents and protect their customers&#8217; information. 
This breach at TD Bank serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust internal controls and stringent employee access policies.
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Image: Shutterstock

TD Bank Confirms Data Breach: Account Numbers and Sensitive Customer Info Exposed

Antero Midstream Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AM#NYSE">AM</a>) owns, operates, and develops midstream energy assets in the Appalachian Basin. It operates in two segments, Gathering and Processing, and Water Handling.
It is scheduled to report its Q4 2024 earnings on Feb. 12. Wall Street analysts expect the company to post EPS of $0.27, up from $0.24 in the year-ago period. According to data from Benzinga Pro, quarterly revenue is expected to be $272.58 million, up from $260.17 million last year.
The 52-week range of Antero Midstream stock price is $11.58 to $16.86.
Antero Midstream dividend yield is 5.75%. It paid $0.90 per share in dividends during the last 12 months.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Latest On Antero Midstream</h2>
On Oct. 30, 2024, the company announced its Q3 2024 earnings, posting adjusted EPS of $0.23, in line with expectations, while the revenues of $269.87 million missed the consensus estimate of $272.175 million, as reported by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41636807/antero-midstream-q3-2024-adj-eps-0-23-inline-sales-269-870m-miss-272-175m-estimate">Benzinga</a>.
Paul Rady, chairman and CEO said, &#8220;During the third quarter, Antero Midstream generated $40 million of Free Cash Flow after dividends, which was an increase of 32% from last year.&nbsp; This represents the ninth consecutive quarter of generating Free Cash Flow after dividends and brings the year-to-date total to almost $160 million.&#8221;
Trending: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-y2">Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Can You Earn $100 Per Month As An Antero Midstream Investor?</h2>
If you want to make $100 per month — $1,200 annually — from Antero Midstream dividends, your investment value needs to be approximately $20,870, which is around 1,334 shares at $15.64 each.&nbsp;
Understanding the dividend yield calculations: When making an estimate, you need two key variables — the desired annual income ($1,200) and the dividend yield (5.75% in this case). So, $1,200 / 0.0575 = $20,870 to generate an income of $100 per month.
You can calculate the dividend yield by dividing the annual dividend payments by the current price of the stock.
The dividend yield can change over time. This is the outcome of fluctuating stock prices and dividend payments on a rolling basis.
See Also: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=stockmarket-yahoo"> this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>
For instance, assume a stock that pays $2 as an annual dividend is priced at $50. Its dividend yield would be $2/$50 = 4%. If the stock price rises to $60, the dividend yield drops to 3.33% ($2/$60). A drop in stock price to $40 will have an inverse effect and increase the dividend yield to 5% ($2/$40).
In summary, income-focused investors may find Antero Midstream stock an attractive option for making a steady income of $100 per month by owning 1,334 shares of stock.&nbsp;
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43219742/how-exxon-mobil-idacorp-and-amcor-can-put-cash-in-your-pocket">article by Benzinga</a> for three more stocks offering high dividend yields.&nbsp;
Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today.<a href="https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=ben&amp;utm_content=y2_5MilNestEgg"> SmartAsset&#8217;s free tool matches you up with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost</a> to decide which one is right for you.
A 9% Return In Just 3 Months
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/equitymultiple-yf">EquityMultiple's ‘Alpine Note — Basecamp Series'</a> is turning heads and opening wallets. This short-term note investment offers investors a 9% rate of return (APY) with just a 3 month term and $5K minimum. The Basecamp rate is at a significant spread to t-bills. This healthy rate of return won't last long. With the Fed poised to cut interest rates in the near future, now could be the time to lock in a favorable rate of return with a flexible, relatively liquid investment option.&nbsp;
What's more, Alpine Note — Basecamp can be rolled into another Alpine Note for compounding returns, or into another of EquityMultiple's rigorously vetted real estate investments, which also carry a minimum investment of just $5K.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/equitymultiple-yf"> Basecamp is exclusively open to new investors on the EquityMultiple platform.</a>
Looking for fractional real estate investment opportunities? The<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/alternative-investments/real-estate"> Benzinga Real Estate Screener</a> features the latest offerings.

Here's How You Can Earn $100 In Monthly Passive Income By Investing In Antero Midstream Stock

President Donald Trump authorized a military operation targeting&nbsp;a high-ranking ISIS leader and&nbsp;his associates in Somalia.
What Happened: Trump announced the successful airstrike, which resulted in the death of multiple ISIS operatives, on his Truth Social network. According to Trump, the operation successfully destroyed the caves where the terrorists were hiding, eliminating many without any civilian casualties.
The primary target of the operation&nbsp;was a senior ISIS attack&nbsp;planner, whose identity and fate have been kept confidential. The airstrikes were carried out in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, located in the Bahaya region of Somalia.
In a post on Truth social, Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113929767736564719">wrote</a>, "This morning I ordered precision Military air strikes on the Senior&nbsp;ISIS&nbsp;Attack Planner and other terrorists he recruited and led in Somalia. These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our Allies."
"The strikes destroyed the caves they live in, and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians," Trump wrote adding, "Our Military has targeted this ISIS Attack Planner for years, but Biden and his cronies wouldn't act quickly enough to get the job done. I did!"
"The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that "WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!" Trump said in the post. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43423288/trumps-tariffs-are-here-heres-what-will-get-more-expensive-from-canada-china-and-mexico">Trump&#8217;s Tariffs Are Here. Here&#8217;s What Will Get More Expensive From Canada, China, and Mexico</a>
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth&nbsp;confirmed the operation&#8217;s success, stating that it significantly degraded &#8220;ISIS's&nbsp;ability to plot and conduct&nbsp;terrorist attacks threatening US citizens,&nbsp;our partners, and innocent civilians.&#8221;
The Somali president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, was briefed about the airstrike and expressed his gratitude for the United States&#8217; unwavering support in the global fight against terrorism.
This operation is a part of a larger initiative to eradicate ISIS. Just last week, local US-allied authorities initiated an operation&nbsp;to clear out 100 hideouts&nbsp;in the Cal-Miskaad cave system.
Why It Matters: The recent airstrike is a significant step in the ongoing fight against ISIS. It not only disrupts the terrorist organization&#8217;s operations but also sends a clear message of the United States&#8217; commitment to combating global terrorism. 
The operation&#8217;s success also signifies the effectiveness of the US&#8217;s strategic partnerships in the region, particularly with the local authorities in Somalia.
Furthermore, the operation underscores the importance of maintaining a strong and proactive defense strategy. By targeting high-ranking ISIS operatives, the US is effectively weakening the organization&#8217;s leadership structure, thereby hindering its ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks.
The airstrikes also demonstrate the US&#8217;s commitment to minimizing civilian casualties in its anti-terrorism operations. This approach not only upholds the principles of humanitarian law but also helps to maintain the local population&#8217;s support, a crucial factor in the long-term success of counter-terrorism efforts.
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Image: Shutterstock

Global

Trump Unleashes Airstrikes on ISIS in Somalia: 'We Will Find You, and We Will Kill You'

China&#8217;s latest artificial intelligence breakthrough has rattled U.S. security experts, with DeepSeek&#8217;s new model demonstrating that Beijing can innovate around American restrictions and potentially reshape the global AI landscape.
The Chinese firm&#8217;s &#8220;reasoning&#8221; model, released during Trump&#8217;s inauguration, matches top U.S. systems while costing a fraction to develop. DeepSeek <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43244653/bitcoin-ethereum-solana-crash-heres-why-chinas-low-cost-ai-model-deepseek-may-be-to-blame">says it spent under $6 million using 2,000 lower-grade chips</a>, compared with Meta Platforms' (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) system requiring 16,000 premium processors.
The cost advantage signals a shift. While U.S. companies spend tens of millions training AI models, Chinese firms have found ways to create competitive systems despite export controls on advanced semiconductors.&nbsp;
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The development threatens America&#8217;s technological edge just as AI becomes critical to military superiority.
&#8220;System destruction warfare&#8221; sits at the heart of China&#8217;s military AI strategy, according to the Center for European Policy Analysis. The approach targets vulnerable links between enemy sensors and platforms, using AI to process battlefield data and identify weak points for precision strikes.
The efficiency gains in Chinese AI development carry broader implications. If good-enough models can be trained cheaply, they will proliferate globally as countries seek technological independence from U.S. systems. The rising cost-per-query may also drive development of specialized AI models optimized for specific tasks.
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&#8220;Even if the industry stays on today&#8217;s track, the widespread adoption of Chinese AI around the world could give the CCP enormous political influence,&#8221; The Economist reported last week, noting that "in the worst case, AI could be as deadly as nuclear weapons.".
Security experts warn that China&#8217;s progress demands a U.S. response beyond export controls. While restrictions on semiconductor sales have slowed Chinese advancement, Beijing&#8217;s ability to innovate around obstacles suggests a more comprehensive strategy is needed.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/01/43253190/deepseek-ai-etfs-take-a-hard-hit-amid">stakes extend beyond military applications</a>.&nbsp;
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As AI capabilities expand, the first nation to achieve superintelligence could gain decisive advantages across all domains. China&#8217;s demonstrated ability to close the AI gap while spending far less has transformed the competition into an asymmetric race where traditional U.S. technological superiority no longer guarantees victory for U.S.-based companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), and Meta.&nbsp;
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Startups

'AI Could Be As Deadly As Nuclear Weapons': How China's Advances Change The Game

A recent call to The Ramsey Show featured a lottery winner who chose to keep his $22 million windfall a secret from nearly everyone, including his teenage children. Financial expert <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43278283/36-year-old-inherits-3-5-million-and-asks-dave-ramsey-the-best-way-to-invest-it-i-buy-real-estat">Dave Ramsey</a> agreed with the decision, reinforcing the idea that managing wealth responsibly sometimes means keeping financial matters private.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Life-Changing Win – Kept Under Wraps</h2>
The caller, nearing 50 years old, revealed that he and a group of coworkers had won a multi-state lottery. After taxes, his share came out to around $22 million. Instead of making a grand announcement, he and his wife decided to keep their newfound wealth a secret. Only one sibling was aware of their winnings, and even their children remained in the dark.
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<ul>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a></li>
</ul>
When Ramsey asked why he chose this approach, the caller explained that he had done extensive research on lottery winners. A significant percentage of winners lose their fortunes within a decade, often due to poor financial management and external pressures from friends and family.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Avoiding Entitlement and Financial Strain</h2>
One major reason for the secrecy was to prevent their children from becoming financially dependent before learning how to build their own careers and futures. "We just don't want them to grow up to be waiters—you know, waiting for us to die to get our money," the caller stated.
Ramsey and his co-host, John Delony, agreed with this logic. Ramsey laughed and responded, "I love it," while Delony added that he wouldn't tell his teenage children either. The consensus was that keeping the winnings private allows the children to develop their own ambitions and work ethic rather than relying on an inheritance.
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/suze-orman-retirement-bucket">&#8216;Which Bucket Do I Draw From First?&#8217; Suze Orman Explains To 67-Year-Old The Best Order For Tapping Into Her Retirement Accounts</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Strategy for Giving Without Questions</h2>
The caller and his wife have also kept the information from extended family members. However, they have still found ways to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41555075/millennials-and-gen-z-rely-on-parents-for-financial-support-survey-finds-its-costing-them-their-">help loved ones financially</a>. When the caller bought a new roof for his mother, he credited an inheritance from a recently deceased relative rather than revealing his lottery win. This strategy helped them provide assistance without raising questions about their financial status.
Ramsey supported this approach, emphasizing that financial privacy can help avoid unnecessary complications. "I like everything you're doing, and it's not anyone else's business," he told the caller.
Trending: The average 401(k) balance soars to a record-breaking high – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/average-401k-balances-soars-to-record-high">Here's how to know if your nest egg is keeping pace.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Smart Financial Management</h2>
Despite having the means to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43201704/can-you-guess-what-it-takes-to-be-wealthy-in-retirement-hint-its-probably-less-than-your-goal">retire comfortably</a>, the caller continues to work because he enjoys his job. He and his wife had already paid off their home before winning and had recently purchased two Toyotas with cash. Even after the windfall, they saw no need to upgrade their lifestyle drastically.
Ramsey praised the caller's decisions, particularly his commitment to financial discipline and long-term planning. The caller said he had assembled a team of financial advisors to help manage his wealth wisely.
See Also: 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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Takeaway: Privacy Can Be a Smart Financial Choice</h2>
This conversation highlights the challenges that come with sudden wealth and the importance of financial discretion. By keeping their winnings private, the caller and his wife have avoided potential strains in their personal relationships while ensuring their children remain motivated to forge their own paths.
For those who come into sudden wealth, whether through a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41335504/billionaire-mark-cuban-warns-when-you-win-the-lottery-never-invest-stick-it-in-the-bank-and-live">lottery win</a>, inheritance, or another windfall, Ramsey's advice remains clear: strategic secrecy can be a tool for financial stability and family harmony.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a></li>
<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>
</ul>

Lottery Winner Keeps $22M Secret From Kids – Dave Ramsey Agrees, Saying 'It's Not Anyone Else's Business'

Billionaire Warren Buffett has advised against using credit cards as a piggy bank. He emphasized the importance of paying off high-interest debt.
What Happened: During the Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s annual shareholder <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/brklivestream/">meeting </a>in 2021, Buffett shared his personal finance advice and suggested that people should avoid using credit cards as a &#8220;piggy bank to be raided.&#8221;
Buffett shared an anecdote about a friend who had recently come into some money. When she asked for advice on what to do with the funds, Buffett&#8217;s first question was about her credit card debt. 
He stressed the importance of paying off high-interest debt, stating, &#8220;If I owed any money at 18%, the first thing I'd do with any money I had would be to pay it off. I think people should avoid using credit cards as a piggy bank to be raided.&#8221;
&#8220;Because paying it off is gonna be way better than any investment idea that I've got. And that wasn't what she wanted to hear," he added. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42803589/warren-buffetts-advice-for-overpriced-stocks-zip-up-your-wallet-take-a-vacation-and-come-back-in-a-few-years-to-buy-stocks-at-cheap-prices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett's Advice for Overpriced Stocks: ‘Zip up Your Wallet, Take a Vacation, and Come Back in a Few Years To Buy Stocks at Cheap Prices'</a>
Buffett pointed out that&nbsp;the average credit card interest&nbsp;rate, according to WalletHub,&nbsp;is around 15% for existing&nbsp;accounts. He asserted that paying off this debt would be more beneficial than any investment idea he could offer.
Why It Matters: Statistics from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reveal that by the end of 2018, total credit card balances were around $900 billion. 
With an average debt of about $6,200 per consumer, Buffett&#8217;s advice is more pertinent than ever. The high-interest rates associated with credit card debt can significantly impact an individual&#8217;s financial health. 
Buffett&#8217;s advice underscores the importance of prudent financial management and the need to prioritize debt repayment over other financial decisions.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42714309/warren-buffetts-stock-market-advice-ignore-neighbors-whispers-on-stock-tips-focus-on-long-term-value" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett's Stock Market Advice: Ignore Neighbor's Whispers On Stock Tips, Focus On Long-Term Value</a>

Success Stories

Buffett Advises Against Using Credit Cards as a Source of Funds: 'Paying It off Is Gonna Be Way Better Than Any Investment Idea'

Changing employment preferences and blending income opportunities with personal freedom have fueled the gig economy's rapid growth. Thus, investors can explore stable gig economy stocks, DoorDash (DASH), Upwork (UPWK), and Fiverr (FVRR), which are transforming how work gets done. Read on… The gig economy market has witnessed an impressive surge in recent years, driven by the sweeping wave of digitization reshaping businesses and services. As technology bridges gaps like never before, the demand for flexible, on-demand labor skyrockets, offering businesses the agility to adapt swiftly to market needs.
Amid this backdrop, investors could consider buying fundamentally stable gig economy stocks DoorDash, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DASH/">DASH</a>), Upwork Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UPWK/">UPWK</a>) and Fiverr International Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FVRR/">FVRR</a>). These companies are actively transforming the workforce and are well-positioned to capitalize on the growth of the gig economy market.
The <a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/11/what-gig-economy-workers/">gig economy</a> is not just a trend but a revolution redefining how people work. In this dynamic ecosystem, independent contractors and freelancers take center stage, filling temporary and part-time roles. From ride-hailing apps to food delivery services, this innovative model drives productivity and employment growth globally.
In 2024 alone, the gig economy reached a staggering <a href="https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/gig-economy-market-102503">market size of $556.7 billion</a>. By 2032, this number is projected to skyrocket to $1.85 trillion. <a href="https://velocityglobal.com/resources/blog/gig-economy-statistics/">More than 59 million American</a> citizens, 36% of the U.S. workforce, have embraced freelance work, reshaping the employment landscape and breaking conventional job norms.
This exponential growth stems from multiple factors. The rise of delivery applications now connects gig workers with countless homes for food and product deliveries. Flexible working hours appeal to those juggling responsibilities while rising living costs push many to seek income beyond traditional 9-to-5 employment.
According to a report by Business Research Insights, the global gig economy market size is expected to reach $1.85 trillion in 2032, growing at a <a href="https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/gig-economy-market-102503">CAGR of 16.2%</a>.
Now, let us dive deep into the fundamentals of three gig economy stocks, starting with #3.
Stock #3: DoorDash, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DASH/">DASH</a>)
DASH operates a commerce platform connecting merchants, consumers, and independent contractors. The company operates DoorDash Marketplace and Wolt Marketplace, which offer services like customer acquisition, demand generation, order fulfillment, merchandising, payment processing, and customer support.
On November 26, 2024, DASH Canada and Walmart Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WMT/">WMT</a>) Canada <a href="https://ir.doordash.com/news/news-details/2024/Walmart-Canada-and-DoorDash-Canada-Join-Forces-To-Bring-Everyday-Low-Prices-To-More-Canadians/default.aspx">announced a collaboration</a> to provide Canadians across the country with on-demand access to grocery and general merchandise essentials. The collaboration aims to deliver affordable and convenient shopping options through the DASH app and ensure stable user growth for the company.
On October 30, 2024, DASH <a href="https://ir.doordash.com/news/news-details/2024/DoorDash-and-Lyft-Partner-to-Unlock-Exclusive-Benefits/default.aspx">announced a partnership</a> with Lyft (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/LYFT/">LYFT</a>) to offer monthly rideshare benefits for DashPass members at no additional cost and a free trial of DashPass for eligible LYFT riders. The partnership could drive customer growth for both companies and bring in new revenue streams through free trial offerings.
For the fiscal 2024 third quarter that ended September 30, DASH's revenue increased 25% year-over-year to $2.71 billion. Its <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/operatingincome.asp">income from operations</a> came in at $107 million, compared to a loss of $108 million in the previous year's quarter.
Additionally, net income attributable to DASH was reported to be $162 million compared to a net loss of $73 million in the previous year's quarter. Moreover, net income per share attributable to DASH Class A and Class B common stockholders amounted to $0.38 compared to a loss per share of $0.19 in the previous year's quarter.
Analysts expect DASH's revenue and EPS for the fiscal fourth quarter that ended December 2024 to increase 23.3% and 122.4% year-over-year to $2.84 billion and $0.94, respectively. The company topped the consensus revenue estimates in all four trailing quarters, which is impressive.
Shares of DASH have surged 58.8% over the past six months and 76.9% over the past year to close the last trading session at $170.65.
DASH <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect its sound fundamentals. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings assess stocks by 118 different factors, each with its own weighting.
DASH has an A grade for Growth and a B for Sentiment and Quality. Within the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet-services/">Internet - Services</a> industry, DASH is ranked #8 out of 24 stocks.
In addition to the POWR Rating highlighted above, you can check DASH's ratings for Stability, Momentum, and Value <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DASH/">here</a>.
Stock #2: Upwork Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UPWK/">UPWK</a>)
UPWK operates a work marketplace that connects businesses with various independent professionals and agencies. Its work marketplace provides access to talent with various skills across a range of categories like administrative support, sales and marketing, design and creative, customer service, and more.
On October 16, 2024, UPWK <a href="https://investors.upwork.com/news-releases/news-release-details/upwork-expands-ai-innovation-and-unveils-new-solutions-better">enhanced Uma's AI capabilities</a>, boosting business-freelancer collaboration and productivity. The innovation strengthens UPWK's competitive edge, attracting more users and driving growth. By delivering superior outcomes tailored to diverse needs, the company is positioned as a leader in the AI revolution.
On August 1, 2024, UPWK <a href="https://investors.upwork.com/news-releases/news-release-details/beeline-and-upwork-announce-strategic-partnership-deliver">partnered with Beeline</a>, a top technology provider, to streamline hiring and centralize contingent workforce management. The collaboration offers enterprises an end-to-end solution to source, hire, and engage highly skilled independent professionals, enhancing efficiency and positioning UPWK as a key player in workforce innovation.
For the fiscal 2024 third quarter that ended September 30, UPWK's total revenue increased 10.3% year-over-year to $193.78 million. Its non-GAAP income from operations increased 35.6% from the year-ago value to $39.96 million.
Furthermore, the company's non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS rose 35.6% and 38.1% from the prior year's quarter to $39.16 million and $0.29, respectively.
Street expects UPWK's revenue and EPS for the fiscal year that ended December 2024 to increase 10.1% and 95.8% year-over-year to $758.89 million and $1.02, respectively. Additionally, the company surpassed the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in all four trailing quarters, which is noteworthy.
UPWK's shares have surged 59.8% over the past three months to close the last trading session at $16.41.
UPWK's robust prospects are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
UPWK has a B grade for Growth, Value, and Quality. Within the Internet - Services industry, it is ranked #3 out of 24 stocks.
To access UPWK's Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment ratings, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UPWK/">click here</a>.
Stock #1: Fiverr International Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FVRR/">FVRR</a>)
Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, FVRR operates an online marketplace that enables sellers to sell their services and buyers to buy them. Its platform offers its services in various categories, including graphic and design, digital marketing, writing and translation, video and animation, music and audio, programming and tech, and more.
On December 12, 2024, FVRR <a href="https://investors.fiverr.com/news-releases/news-release-details/dynamic-matching-fiverrs-new-approach-finding-freelancers">released Dynamic Matching</a>, a new AI-assisted matching tool that transforms how businesses can find and hire freelancers. Simplifying the hiring process supports user growth and strengthens FVRR's position as a leader in freelance marketplace innovation.
For the fiscal third quarter that ended September 30, 2024, FVRR's revenue increased 7.7% year-over-year to $99.63 million. Its non-GAAP gross profit rose 6.2% from the year-ago value to $83.68 million.
Additionally, the company's non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders grew 8.7% and 16.9% from the prior year's quarter to $24.61 million and $0.69, respectively.
The consensus revenue and EPS estimates of $101.39 million and $0.68 for the fiscal fourth quarter that ended December 2024 exhibit a year-over-year rise of 10.8% and 21.4%, respectively. Moreover, the company surpassed the consensus revenue estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
FVRR's shares have surged 30.8% over the past three months and 50.5% over the past six months to close the last trading session at $32.04.
FVRR's robust fundamentals are mirrored in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of B, translating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
FVRR has a B grade for Growth, Value, and Quality. Within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry, it is ranked #9 out of 84 stocks.
<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FVRR/">Click here</a> to access FVRR's ratings for Stability, Momentum, and Sentiment.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>

<hr />
DASH shares were unchanged in premarket trading Friday. Year-to-date, DASH has gained 1.73%, versus a -0.25% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Aanchal Sugandh</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Aanchal-Sugandh_Headshot.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Aanchal's passion for financial markets drives her work as an investment analyst and journalist. She earned her bachelor's degree in finance and is pursuing the CFA program.

She is proficient at assessing the long-term prospects of stocks with her fundamental analysis skills. Her goal is to help investors build portfolios with sustainable returns.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=aanchal-sugandh">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/dash-upwk-fvrr-wmt-lyft-3-gig-economy-stocks-transforming-the-workforce/>3 Gig Economy Stocks Transforming the Workforce</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

3 Gig Economy Stocks Transforming the Workforce

Jefferies raised the firm's price target on Upwork (UPWK) to $20 from $19 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. A combination of second half weight...

Upwork price target raised to $20 from $19 at Jefferies

With the surge in online businesses, the domain registration market is flourishing. Against this backdrop, does VeriSign's (VRSN) exclusive control over .com and .net domains make it a compelling and secure investment opportunity? Read on… The increasing digitization of businesses, the growth of internet-connected devices, and the rising importance of online branding have all contributed to the growth of the domain name market in recent years. As more businesses recognize the necessity of a robust online presence, the demand for domain names continues to rise.
Amid this thriving environment, VeriSign, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/VRSN/">VRSN</a>) stands out with its exclusive rights to manage .com and .net domain names. As the sole administrator of .com domains, VRSN controls a critical piece of internet infrastructure, solidifying its position as a highly valuable asset in the digital world.
Apart from that, the company also operates a directory for .name and .cc; and back-end systems for .edu, domain names, having established a monopoly in the domain name market.
By the end of the third quarter of 2024, VRSN reported a total of 169.6 million .com and .net domain name registrations in its domain name base. During this period, the company processed <a href="https://investor.verisign.com/news-releases/news-release-details/verisign-reports-third-quarter-2024-results">9.3 million new domain registrations</a> for .com and .net. Additionally, the final renewal rate for .com and .net domains stood at 72.7%.
VRSN's efforts resonate not only in its offerings but also in its stock performance. The stock climbed 9% over the past three months and delivered a gain of 16.4% over the past six months, closing the last trading session at $206.96.
Now, let us delve deeper into the factors that could shape VRSN's performance in the near future.
Stable Historical Growth
Over the past three years, VRSN has demonstrated consistent growth across key financial metrics. Its revenue grew at a CAGR of 5.7%, while EBITDA rose at a 6.7% CAGR. Moreover, operational income (EBIT) expanded at a CAGR of 7.4%, Additionally, VRSN's net income and EPS grew at a CAGR of 12% and 16.6%, respectively.
Strong Financials
For the fiscal 2024 third quarter that ended September 30, VRSN's revenues increased 3.8% year-over-year to $390.60 million. Its operating income grew 5.9% from the prior year's quarter to $269.30 million.
Moreover, the company's net income and EPS rose 6.8% and 13.1% year-over-year to $201.30 million and $2.07, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, VRSN's cash and cash equivalents amounted to $267.30 million compared to $240.10 million on December 31, 2023.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect VRSN's revenue and EPS for the fiscal year that ended December 2024 to increase 4.3% and 1.7% year-over-year to $1.56 billion and $8.03, respectively. Moreover, the company exceeded the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in each of the four trailing quarters, which is noteworthy.
For the full fiscal year ending December 2025, VRSN's revenue and EPS are expected to rise 3.5% and 8.1% from the previous year, reaching $1.61 billion and $8.68, respectively.
High Profitability
VRSN's trailing-12-month <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gross_profit_margin.asp">gross profit margin</a> of 87.58% is 72.4% higher than the industry average of 50.82%. Its trailing-12-month EBITDA margin stands at 70.62%, 576.9% higher than the industry average of 10.43%.
In addition, the company boasts a trailing-12-month net income margin of 55.69%, which is significantly higher than the sector average of 3.79%. Also, the stock's trailing-12-month levered FCF margin of 47.21% outperforms the industry average of 11.39% by 314.4%.
POWR Ratings Reflects Optimism
VRSN's sound fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of B, which equates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by taking into account 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
VRSN has an A grade for Quality, supported by profitability measures that exceed industry benchmarks. Its B grade for Sentiment is in line with the optimistic analyst estimates.
Within the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet-services/">Internet - Services</a> industry, VRSN is ranked #10 out of 24 stocks. Beyond what is stated above, we have also given VRSN grades for Stability, Momentum, Growth, and Value. Get all VRSN ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/VRSN/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
Having established a monopoly in the domain name market and owning exclusive rights to manage the highly demanded .com and .net domain names, VRSN stands out as a titan in the industry. As companies increasingly tidy up their online presence, the growth of the company seems to only go up from here.
Considering VRSN's high profitability, strong financials, optimistic analyst estimates, and strategic market position, now might be the ideal time to consider adding VRSN to one's investment portfolio.
How Does VeriSign, Inc. (VRSN) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
Although VRSN's near-term outlook appears sound, it may be worthwhile to explore its industry peers, who also exhibit even stronger POWR Ratings. So, consider these A (Strong Buy) and B (Buy) rated stocks from the Internet - Services industry:
Upwork Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UPWK/">UPWK</a>)
Similarweb Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SMWB/">SMWB</a>)
Liquidity Services, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/LQDT/">LQDT</a>)
To explore more A or B-rated Internet - Services stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet-services/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>

<hr />
VRSN shares were unchanged in premarket trading Thursday. Year-to-date, VRSN has declined 0.00%, versus a 0.00% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Aanchal Sugandh</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Aanchal-Sugandh_Headshot.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Aanchal's passion for financial markets drives her work as an investment analyst and journalist. She earned her bachelor's degree in finance and is pursuing the CFA program.

She is proficient at assessing the long-term prospects of stocks with her fundamental analysis skills. Her goal is to help investors build portfolios with sustainable returns.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=aanchal-sugandh">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/vrsn-upwk-smwb-lqdt-does-verisigns-domain-monopoly-make-it-a-safe-bet-for/>Does Verisign's Domain Monopoly Make It a Safe Bet for Investors?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Does Verisign's Domain Monopoly Make It a Safe Bet for Investors?

5 Growth Stocks For 2025

Liberty Park Capital Q4 2024 Letter To Partners

Analyst Bernie McTernan of Needham maintained a Buy rating on Upwork (UPWK – Research Report), retaining the price target of $17.00. Bernie McTerna...

Upwork's Growth Potential Amid AI Advancements and Macroeconomic Challenges

BRPHF

CGNX

DASH

FSLR

FVRR

GTLS

INOD

INOQ

KNSL

LQDT

LWLG

LYFT

MELI

NVEE

SMWB

SOFI

SOUN

SOUNW

STNE

THRY

TTAN

UPWK

VRSN

XMTR

Press Releases

Upwork Confirms Receipt and Comments on Shareholder Letter

Analyst Ratings

Upwork Study Finds Companies That Integrate Distributed Work, Flexible Talent Strategies, and Advanced Technology Achieve Better Financial Outcomes

Upwork to Report Third Quarter Financial Results on November 6, 2024

Upwork Expands AI Innovation and Unveils New Solutions for Better Work Outcomes with Upwork Updates Fall 2024 Release

Upwork Announces Organizational Changes to Drive Continued Profitable Growth and Provides Preliminary Third Quarter 2024 Results Above Financial Guidance

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