Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, has attributed the recent stock market decline to the Chinese AI tool DeepSeek rather than President Donald Trump&#8216;s policies.



What Happened: During an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, Bessent emphasized that the market downturn began with the announcement of DeepSeek.



He stated, &#8220;For everyone who thinks these market declines are all based on the President&#8217;s economic policies, I can tell you that this market decline started with the Chinese AI announcement of DeepSeek.&#8221;



"…What&#8217;s happening with the market I&#8217;d say it&#8217;s more a Mag 7 problem, not a MAGA problem,&#8221; Bessent added. The &#8220;Mag 7&#8221; refers to seven high-performing tech stocks that had previously driven the market higher.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44655719/trump-tariffs-erode-5-trillion-in-market-cap-in-2-days-as-china-retaliates-jerome-powell-warns-of-inflation">Trump Tariffs Erode $5 Trillion In Market Cap In 2 Days As China Retaliates, Jerome Powell Warns Of Inflation</a>



Despite a 10% drop in U.S. stocks following Trump&#8217;s new global tariff regime announcement, Bessent downplayed the impact of these policies. He also reiterated the administration&#8217;s commitment to a &#8220;strong dollar&#8221; policy, dismissing claims that tariffs were meant to weaken the dollar.



The dollar has declined nearly 6% against major currencies since Trump&#8217;s inauguration.



Why It Matters: The market&#8217;s reaction to President Trump&#8217;s tariff announcement has been significant. The U.S. markets faced a severe downturn, with S&amp;P 500 companies<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44655719/trump-tariffs-erode-5-trillion-in-market-cap-in-2-days-as-china-retaliates-jerome-powell-warns-of-inflation"> losing $5 trillion in value</a> since the tariffs were announced.



This has led to concerns about potential global turmoil and negative impacts on consumers, as highlighted by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer in an interview with CNBC. Ballmer warned that the escalating tariffs could have far-reaching effects on the economy.



Furthermore, a Goldman Sachs analyst has pointed out that Trump&#8217;s<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44652222/trumps-tariffs-may-shift-us-spending-from-goods-to-services-creating-uncertainty-for-ecommerce-and-advertising-industries-analyst-warns"> tariffs could shift U.S. spending</a> from goods to services, creating uncertainty for e-commerce and advertising industries. This uncertainty is expected to slow corporate decisions and impact economic activity for the remainder of the year.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44655841/if-youre-going-to-do-dumb-things-because-your-stock-goes-down-warren-buffetts-old-warning-gains-steam-as-us-stocks-wipe-out-5-trillion-after-trump-tariffs">&#8216;If You&#8217;re Going To Do Dumb Things Because Your Stock Goes Down…:&#8217; Warren Buffett&#8217;s Old Warning Gains Steam As US Stocks Wipe Out $5 Trillion After Trump Tariffs</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Equities

News

Markets

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Says Stock Market Decline Is Due To China's DeepSeek, Not Trump's Policies: 'Mag 7 Problem, Not A MAGA Problem'

<ul>
<li>Bitcoin eroded market optimism with a significant retreat in response to President Donald Trump&#8217;s &#8220;Liberation Day&#8221; tariffs.</li>



<li>BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes has highlighted a key level to watch amid the rout.</li>



<li>Hayes has maintained the belief that Bitcoin still has a chance of more than doubling in price this year.</li>
</ul>



After days of anxious waiting, President Donald Trump&#8217;s &#8220;Liberation Day&#8221; came and went. As anticipated, equity and cryptocurrency markets did not like the idea of fresh and broad tariffs. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44620686/sp-500-nasdaq-futures-plunge-over-3-as-trumps-reciprocal-tariff-plan-hits-market-confidence">A broad market sell-off</a> ensued in after-hours trading&nbsp; as the president read off his chart outlining &#8220;reciprocal tariffs&#8221; on almost every country in the world, including uninhabited islands.



Bitcoin, in particular, dropped 5% from $88,500 to just over $82,000 and continues to trade near these lows, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44603859/bitcoin-braces-for-trump-tariff-announcement-short-term-optimism-has-the-upper-hand-experts-say">eroding earlier market optimism</a>. Amid the rout, one prominent analyst has pointed to a key level to watch.



Don't Miss:



<ul>
<li>Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.55 per share now</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Line In The Sand For Bitcoin?</h2>



According to BitMEX founder and Maelstrom CIO Arthur Hayes, the $76,500 price point is the level to watch for Bitcoin.



&#8220;if BTC can hold $76.5k btw now and US tax day Apr 15, then we are out of the woods,&#8221; he wrote in a Wednesday X post following Trump&#8217;s tariff announcements.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Mrkt no likey &quot;Liberation Day&quot;, if <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> can hold $76.5k btw now and US tax day Apr 15, then we are out of the woods. Don&#39;t get chopped up!&mdash; Arthur Hayes (@CryptoHayes) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoHayes/status/1907547718681244009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



The price level aligns with the three-month price low Bitcoin hit on March 11. On March 20, Hayes <a href="https://x.com/CryptoHayes/status/1902564099592220793?t=wy6Bn4bxT1QzQLlipqlSHA&amp;s=19">speculated</a> that the level was the line in the sand for the asset, suggesting that the worst of the recent correction is over and that it is unlikely the asset will break below the level before making a run for new highs.



Trending: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?



For confirmation of Hayes&#8217; analysis, bulls will want to see a strong bounce from that level should Bitcoin retest it.



The analyst&#8217;s view comes as he continues to maintain that the leading digital asset is on course to more than double in price this year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin&#8217;s Road To $250,000 According To Arthur Hayes</h2>



Specifically, Hayes maintains that Bitcoin can still hit $250,000 by the end of the year.



This prediction is based on the belief that the Federal Reserve will have no choice but to pivot from quantitative tightening to quantitative easing due to political pressure as Trump seeks to reduce the U.S.&#8217;s trade deficit from 7% to 3% by 2028. In this scenario, the liquidity created is expected to boost risk markets, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.



In the analyst&#8217;s telling, this pivot may have already started following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44405112/tariff-inflation-may-be-transitory-powell-says-stocks-rally-bitcoin-clears-85000-as-bulls-return">remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell</a> in March. He announced a slowdown of the central bank's quantitative tightening efforts that kicked off Tuesday while stating that he now expected tariff inflation to be &#8220;transitory.&#8221;



See Also: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>



With the move to slow down quantitative tightening, Hayes argued that the apex bank was already on course to create an extra $240 billion in liquidity.



&#8220;If my analysis of the Fed&#8217;s major pivot from QT to QE for treasuries is correct, then Bitcoin hit a local low of $76,500 last month, and now we begin the ascent to $250,000 by year-end,&#8221; he submitted in an <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/cryptohayes/p/the-bbc?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=android&amp;r=lwh9y">essay</a> released on Tuesday.



Meanwhile, Hayes&#8217; expectation of greater market liquidity is not limited to the U.S. The analyst also expects China and Europe to join in the money printing—the former to defend the dollar-yuan exchange rate, the latter to build armies as the U.S. under Trump looks set to step back from guaranteeing its protection.



Nonetheless, at the time of writing, Bitcoin continues to fall, trading below $82,000 in an over 5% decline over the past 24 hours.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li>Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a></li>



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

Personal Finance

If Bitcoin Holds This Level Between Now And April 15, Arthur Hayes Says 'We Are Out Of The Woods'

Benzinga examined the prospects for <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.



Wall Street reeled this week as President Donald Trump's new global tariffs and hawkish Fed signals rattled investors. The tariffs triggered broad selloffs, dragging the S&amp;P 500 to its worst weekly loss since the pandemic's onset in 2020.



Stocks tumbled Thursday and Friday, with tech and consumer names especially hard-hit, as traders braced for higher costs and retaliatory trade risks. Concerns mounted over how renewed trade tensions could disrupt supply chains and weigh on corporate margins.



At the same time, Federal Reserve officials signaled fewer rate cuts ahead, compounding fears and sending bond yields higher, further pressuring equities across sectors.



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



The Bulls



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44645277/why-is-ev-maker-mullen-automotive-stock-skyrocketing-today">"Why Is EV Maker Mullen Automotive Stock Skyrocketing Today?"</a>, by Shivani Kumaresan, reports that Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MULN#NASDAQ">MULN</a>) shares surged over 80% after the EV maker secured a $50 million funding commitment and reaffirmed it won't pursue a reverse stock split.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44589883/why-cloudastructure-stock-is-soaring-tuesday">"Why Cloudastructure Stock Is Soaring Tuesday"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Cloudastructure Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLOU#OTC">CLOU</a>) shares jumped over 40% after the company reported a 161% year-over-year revenue increase in its fiscal fourth quarter and a significantly narrowed net loss.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/04/44597023/trumps-tariffs-could-spark-reshoring-boom-for-these-4-us-stocks">"Trump's Tariffs Could Spark Reshoring Boom For These 4 US Stocks"</a>, by Erica Kollman, explores how new U.S. tariffs and China's response could boost reshoring plays like Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>), Eaton Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ETN#NYSE">ETN</a>), General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>), and Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EMR#NYSE">EMR</a>).



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44634431/altimeters-brad-gerstner-builds-up-nvidia-stake-after-trump-tariffs-applauds-semiconductor-exception">Altimeter's Brad Gerstner Builds Up Nvidia Stake After Trump Tariffs, Applauds Semiconductor Exception</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/04/44610672/stock-of-the-day-will-johnson-johnson-rally-the-sell-off-may-have-ended">Stock Of The Day: Will Johnson &amp; Johnson Rally? The Sell-Off May Have Ended</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44645518/strong-jobs-report-offers-hope-but-will-it-be-enough-to-counter-tariff-turmoil">Strong Jobs Report Offers Hope — But Will It Be Enough To Counter Tariff Turmoil?</a>



The Bears



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44629275/nike-stock-is-tumbling-thursday-heres-why">"Nike Stock Is Tumbling Thursday: Here's Why"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) shares fell after Citigroup downgraded the stock to Neutral, citing weak consumer demand in China and concerns about the company's long-term growth strategy.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/offerings/25/04/44627275/lucid-stock-is-hitting-the-brakes-thursday-whats-driving-the-action">"Lucid Stock Is Hitting The Brakes Thursday: What's Driving The Action"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reveals that Lucid Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) shares dropped after the EV maker announced a $1 billion stock offering backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, raising dilution concerns among investors.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44632479/retail-stocks-slammed-as-trumps-tariff-plan-sends-shockwaves-through-sector">"Retail Stocks Slammed As Trump's Tariff Plan Sends Shockwaves Through Sector"</a>, by Erica Kollman, reports that the new tariffs triggered a selloff in major retailers including Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>), Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), and Target Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) over fears of rising costs and inflation.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/04/44645278/coinbase-stock-drops-into-a-death-cross-will-xrp-futures-be-its-comeback-catalyst">Coinbase Stock Drops Into A Death Cross: Will XRP Futures Be Its Comeback Catalyst?</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44647678/nasdaq-100-enters-bear-market-dow-in-correction-territory-traders-await-fed-chair-powells-remarks">Nasdaq 100 Enters Bear Market, Dow In Correction Territory, Traders Await Fed Chair Powell's Remarks</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44618811/trump-tariffs-trigger-sell-off-on-holding-ast-spacemobile-lululemon-shopify-robinhood-tank">Trump Tariffs Trigger Sell-Off: On Holding, AST SpaceMobile, Lululemon, Shopify, Robinhood Tank</a>



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



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

CLOU

LCID

MULN

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Nike, Target, And Walmart Among Hardest-Hit Following Trump's 'Liberation Day' Tariffs

Global markets plunged in the first week of the new quarter after President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on Wednesday—an event <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44616760/donald-trump-sets-reciprocal-tariffs-on-key-trade-partners-in-historic-policy-shock">he dubbed "Liberation Day."</a>



Trump unveiled a set of retaliatory tariffs with differentiated rates depending on the trading partner. The announcement sparked backlash from analysts, who criticized the methodology and raised fears of retaliation <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44647999/trumps-tariff-war-could-take-us-tech-industry-back-a-decade-while-china-steam-rolls-ahead-analyst-says">from global trade partners.</a>



China, the country with which the U.S. has the largest trade deficit, was hit with a steep 34% tariff, prompting Beijing to respond with similar countermeasures by the end of the week. The escalation marked the beginning of a new global trade war between the world's two largest economies.



Other key trading partners were also targeted: the European Union faced a 20% tariff, Japan 24%, and India 26%. Canada and Mexico were spared, as long as their exports complied with USMCA provisions.



The surprise severity of the measures sent shockwaves through markets, surpassing even the most pessimistic forecasts. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44645518/strong-jobs-report-offers-hope-but-will-it-be-enough-to-counter-tariff-turmoil">A strong March jobs report</a> offered little reassurance to investors, who remain focused on the looming economic fallout from rising tariffs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trillions Of Wealth Evaporates As Stocks Crash </h3>



Trillions of dollars in market value were wiped <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44631916/wall-street-wipes-out-2-trillion-apple-eyes-worst-day-since-covid-19-pandemic-oil-plummets-whats-driving-markets-thursday">out from Wall Street</a>. 



The S&amp;P 500 Index recorded its worst weekly decline since March 2020, when markets were devastated by the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns.



With the S&amp;P 500 plunging 10.5% over Thursday and Friday, this marks only the fourth time such a sharp two-day drawdown has occurred in modern market history—joining October 1987, September 2008, March 2020, and now April 2025.



The Nasdaq 100 plunged more than 20% from its February all-time high, officially <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44647678/nasdaq-100-enters-bear-market-dow-in-correction-territory-as-traders-anxiously-await-powell-remarks">entering bear market territory.</a>



Mega-cap tech stocks led the rout, with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) posting its worst two-day drop since October 2008. 



Financial stocks also suffered steep losses, with double-digit declines across JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), Citigroup Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>), Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), and others.



Oil prices bore the brunt of the sell-off. Crude dropped 10% on the week, hitting a four-year low, pressured by weakening demand expectations and a surprise announcement from OPEC+. The cartel disclosed plans for a larger-than-expected production hike starting in May, raising fears of an oversupply in global energy markets.



On Friday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell failed to soothe market concerns, reiterating "no hurry" on interest rate cuts and highlighting that the new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44648681/powell-cites-tariff-driven-inflation-risks-shrugs-off-trumps-call-for-perfect-time-to-cut-rates">tariffs could fuel inflation.</a>



Meanwhile, Trump continued to publicly pressure the central bank, stating that now is the "perfect time" to lower interest rates.



Also on Friday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the tariff plan, attributing the roots of the market collapse instead to China's DeepSeek AI breakthrough.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44652055/its-more-a-mag-seven-problem-than-a-maga-one-treasury-secretary-says-as-wall-street-meltdowns">&#8216;It&#8217;s More A Mag 7 Problem Than A MAGA One,&#8217; Says Bessent As Wall Street Implodes</a></li>
</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Government

Large Cap

Macro Economic Events

Regulations

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Economics

Federal Reserve

ETFs

AAPL

Trump Tariffs Trigger Wall Street Bloodbath, S&P 500 Notches Worst Weekly Drop Since 2020: This Week In Markets

Each week,&nbsp;Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index&nbsp;uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.



Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.



Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/44597684/exclusive-marchs-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-tesla-nvidia-apple-applovin-stock-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: March&#8217;s 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do Tesla, Nvidia, Apple, Applovin Stock Rank?</a>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Here&#8217;s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending April 4:</h1>



Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOLD#NYSE">GOLD</a>): For the second-straight week, a gold stock makes its way on the Stock Whisper Index. Readers are paying increased attention to gold stocks with the price of gold at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44308014/gold-hits-record-highs-as-trade-war-fears-fuel-safe-haven-demand-mining-stocks-soar">record highs</a>. 



Barrick Gold is expected to report first-quarter financial results later this month. Analysts expect the company to post earnings per share and revenue growth from the year-over-year period. Barrick has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in two of the last three quarters, but only four of the past 10 quarters overall. The company has missed revenue estimates in seven of the past 10 quarters, including two straight quarters. With improving prices for gold, investors will be waiting to see if Barrick's financials improved and what the company is saying about the future.



The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44546189/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-59">Benzinga Pro chart</a> below shows shares dropping slightly on the week in the midst of tariffs from President Donald Trump.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44546189/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-59"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="501" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181219/Screenshot-374.png" alt="" class="wp-image-856512" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181219/Screenshot-374.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181219/Screenshot-374-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181219/Screenshot-374-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Prologis Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLD#NYSE">PLD</a>): The industrial and logistics real estate company saw increased interest from readers during the week. 



The company is set to report first-quarter financials on April 16. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $1.38, up from $1.28 per share in last year's first quarter. Prologis has beaten earnings estimates in three straight quarters. 



Analysts expect the company to report first-quarter revenue of $2.04 billion, up from $1.83 billion in last year's first quarter. The company has missed analyst estimates for revenue in five straight quarters and seven of the past 10 quarters overall. Prologis will also host its annual shareholder meeting on May 8, which could provide back-to-back months of company news and catalysts.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44546189/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-59"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="498" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181238/Screenshot-375.png" alt="" class="wp-image-856513" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181238/Screenshot-375.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181238/Screenshot-375-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181238/Screenshot-375-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>



 Ecolab Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECL#NYSE">ECL</a>): The cleaning and sanitation company saw strong interest from readers during the week, which comes with Baird maintaining a Neutral rating and lowering the price target from $288 to $277. 



The company is expected to report first-quarter financial results later this month. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $1.50, up from $1.34 in last year's first quarter; it has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine straight quarters. Analysts expect the company to report revenue of $3.70 billion, down from $3.75 billion in last year's first quarter. Ecolab beat analyst estimates for revenue in the fourth quarter and has beaten the estimate in five of the last 10 quarters.



"We enter 2025 confident in our ability to deliver continued strong performance in a dynamic environment. Growth in the United States, our largest and most profitable region, continues to be very strong," Ecolab CEO Christophe Beck <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43626120/ecolab-q4-solid-eps-growth-industrial-and-institutional-acceleration-2025-momentum-and-more">said </a>after fourth-quarter financial results.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44546189/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-59"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="501" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181253/Screenshot-376.png" alt="" class="wp-image-856514" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181253/Screenshot-376.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181253/Screenshot-376-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181253/Screenshot-376-768x385.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>



Nutanix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTNX#NASDAQ">NTNX</a>): The cloud software company saw increased interest from readers during the week. 



In February, Nutanix<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/44007219/nutanix-q2-revenue-rises-16-margins-expand-as-cloud-business-gains-momentum"> reported second-quarter results</a> that included revenue up 16% year-over-year and earnings per share of 56 cents. Both figures beat analyst estimates and led to several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NTNX/analyst-ratings">raising their price targets </a>on the stock. Nutanix also raised its full-year revenue, operating margin and free cash flow estimates. The company will <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/04/03/3055224/0/en/Nutanix-Announces-2025-NEXT-Event-Lineup-Shape-the-Next-Era-of-AI-Cloud-Native-and-Hybrid-Multicloud-Innovation.html">host </a>the NEXT 2025 event covering sectors like AI and the cloud from May 7 to May 9.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44546189/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-59"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="503" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181309/Screenshot-377.png" alt="" class="wp-image-856515" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181309/Screenshot-377.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181309/Screenshot-377-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181309/Screenshot-377-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Xylem Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XYL#NYSE">XYL</a>): The water technology company saw increased interest from investors during the week. The company will report first-quarter financial results on April 29. 



Analysts expect earnings per share and revenue to increase from last year's first quarter. Xylem beat analyst estimates for earnings per share in the fourth quarter and has beaten estimates in eight of the past 10 quarters overall. The company has beaten analyst revenue estimates in eight of the past 10 quarters.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44546189/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-59"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181324/Screenshot-378.png" alt="" class="wp-image-856516" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181324/Screenshot-378.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181324/Screenshot-378-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03181324/Screenshot-378-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>



Stay tuned for next week's report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0403" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>



Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44209284/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-56" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">March 7</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44333602/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">March 14</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44448522/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-58" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">March 21</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44546189/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-59">March 28</a></li>
</ul>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/01/43041374/exclusive-how-high-will-sp-500-go-under-donald-trump-in-2025-readers-are-optimistic-26-say-this" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: How High Will S&amp;P 500 Go Under Donald Trump In 2025? Readers Are Optimistic, 26% Say This…</a></li>
</ul>

Commodities

Exclusives

Tech

Trading Ideas

GOLD

NTNX

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

Mark Cuban is urging Americans to stock up on essentials—everything from toothpaste to soap—before prices rise even more.



In a Bluesky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3llucjq4wkc2h">post</a> on Wednesday, the billionaire investor and entrepreneur wrote, &#8220;It&#8217;s not a bad idea to go to the local Walmart or big box retailer and buy lots of consumables now. From toothpaste to soap, anything you can find storage space for, buy before they have to replenish inventory. Even if it&#8217;s made in the USA, they will jack up the price and blame it on tariffs.&#8221;



Don't Miss:



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



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">Bezos' Favorite Real Estate Platform Launches A Way To Ride The Ongoing Private Credit Boom</a></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prices Could Rise Quickly</h2>



Cuban&#8217;s warning comes just as President Donald Trump&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44621408/market-access-has-a-price-trump-unveils-list-of-tariffs-countries-targeted">new round of sweeping tariffs</a> begins to take effect. The tariffs target trading partners including China, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, with duties ranging from 34% to 46%, starting April 9. Trump calls it a &#8220;Declaration of Economic Independence.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Monstrously destructive, incoherent, ill-informed tariffs based on fabrications, imagined wrongs, discredited theories and ignorance of decades of evidence. And the real tragedy is that they will hurt working Americans more than anyone else.&mdash; Justin Wolfers (@JustinWolfers) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinWolfers/status/1907548227798274400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44620423/trumps-sweeping-tariffs-could-cost-us-20-trillion-crash-markets-warn-economists-monstrously-destructive">Economists warn</a> that the damage could be severe. &#8220;Monstrously destructive, incoherent, ill-informed tariffs based on fabrications&#8221; is how University of Michigan professor Justin Wolfers <a href="https://x.com/JustinWolfers/status/1907548227798274400">described</a> the plan on X.&nbsp;



Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>



Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers <a href="https://x.com/LHSummers/status/1907603078909432312">said</a> the economic damage could reach $20 trillion—or more than $200,000 per U.S. household—pointing out that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44622754/tariffs-are-most-expensive-and-masochistic-could-cost-30-trillion-to-the-economy-erasing-300k-per-family-explains-former-treasury-secretary-larry-summers">stock market lost</a> about $1.5 trillion in value immediately after Trump's announcement.&nbsp;



"As the president spoke, the value of all US stocks fell at least 2 to 3 percent. Most of the losses to corporations were already discounted before the president spoke. So $4 trillion is a better estimate of stock market loss," Summers also <a href="https://x.com/LHSummers/status/1907603077160411317">said</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Can Afford To Stock Up</h2>



Cuban's post sparked a heated debate online. Some users said Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) instead of Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) or Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>). But others pushed back, pointing out that not everyone can afford a Costco membership—or even stock up in the first place.



"Unfortunately, those who will be hit hardest by this are also the people who cannot buy extra to stock up," one user wrote. "This country abuses the crap out of the poor."



See Also: How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.



Another added, "Nor do they likely have room to store all these extra things that they can&#8217;t afford to buy."



Others raised concerns about hoarding. "Please, please, please do not encourage hoarding," one commenter said. "It's this kind of sh&#x2A;t that made people run out and buy 17,000 bottles of antibacterial soap."



Still, many agree prices are on the way up—and fast. The only question now is who can actually afford to prepare for it.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li>Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.55 per share now</a>.</li>



<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>

COST

'Stock Up Now,' Says Mark Cuban. He Warns That Even American-Made Goods Will See Price Hikes Soon

Chamath Palihapitiya, in a post on X, has shared an old video in which renowned investor Warren Buffett has shared his thoughts on the emotional and psychological aspects of stock ownership, emphasizing the importance of staying calm during market volatility.



What Happened: Buffett, known as the ‘Oracle of Omaha', shared his insights on stock ownership, emphasizing emotional and psychological readiness.



&#8220;If you&#8217;re going to do dumb things because your stock goes down, you shouldn&#8217;t own a stock at all," Buffet said during an interview with CNBC.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The GOAT has spoken: No crying in the casino!! <a href="https://t.co/54x0nMhZnr">https://t.co/54x0nMhZnr</a>&mdash; Chamath Palihapitiya (@chamath) <a href="https://twitter.com/chamath/status/1908326913225220458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Buffett&#8217;s remarks highlight the importance of maintaining composure during market fluctuations. He suggested that some individuals may not be suited for stock ownership due to their emotional responses to market changes.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; WARREN BUFFET: SOME PEOPLE SHOULD NOT OWN STOCKS AT ALL &quot;Some people should not own stocks at all because they get too upset with price fluctuations. If you&#39;re going to do dumb things because a stock goes down, you shouldn&#39;t own a stock at all.&quot; Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/devorydarkins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@devorydarkins</a> <a href="https://t.co/VY5LCBldlB">https://t.co/VY5LCBldlB</a> <a href="https://t.co/8R10PHFURJ">pic.twitter.com/8R10PHFURJ</a>&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1908384102815822241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



This advice comes as a reminder to investors about the significance of psychological preparedness in the stock market.



See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44655737/former-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-says-trumps-new-tariffs-could-spark-global-turmoil-hurt-consumers-as-satya-nadella-led-msfts-stock-drops-14-ytd"> Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer Says Trump&#8217;s New Tariffs Could Spark Global Turmoil, Hurt Consumers As Satya Nadella-Led MSFT&#8217;s Stock Drops 14% YTD</a>



Why It Matters: Buffett&#8217;s advice comes at a time when market conditions are particularly unstable. Recently, the U.S. stock market faced a significant downturn due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. The ‘Liberation Day' tariffs announced by President Donald Trump led to a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44655719/trump-tariffs-erode-5-trillion-in-market-cap-in-2-days-as-china-retaliates-jerome-powell-warns-of-inflation"> $5 trillion loss in market capitalization</a> for S&amp;P 500 companies over just two days.



Additionally, a Goldman Sachs analyst has warned that these<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44652222/trumps-tariffs-may-shift-us-spending-from-goods-to-services-creating-uncertainty-for-ecommerce-and-advertising-industries-analyst-warns"> tariffs could shift U.S. spending</a> from goods to services, creating uncertainty in various sectors. This environment of heightened uncertainty underscores the importance of Buffett&#8217;s advice on emotional readiness and composure in stock ownership.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44655719/trump-tariffs-erode-5-trillion-in-market-cap-in-2-days-as-china-retaliates-jerome-powell-warns-of-inflation">Trump Tariffs Erode $5 Trillion In Market Cap In 2 Days As China Retaliates, Jerome Powell Warns Of Inflation</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

'If You're Going To Do Dumb Things Because Your Stock Goes Down…:' Warren Buffett's Old Warning Gains Steam As US Stocks Wipe Out $5 Trillion After Trump Tariffs

In a lighthearted moment on Friday during Microsoft Corp.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44655911/microsoft-worker-disrupts-50th-anniversary-celebration-hurls-accusations-at-ai-ceo-mustafa-suleyman-while-calling-the-tech-giant-war-profiteer">50th anniversary celebrations</a>, AI Copilot, the company&#8217;s artificial intelligence assistant, took the opportunity to roast Bill Gates, Satya Nadella, and Steve Ballmer.



What Happened: As part of a special event, Microsoft CEO Nadella, along with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44655737/former-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-says-trumps-new-tariffs-could-spark-global-turmoil-hurt-consumers-as-satya-nadella-led-msfts-stock-drops-14-ytd">former CEOs Gates and Ballmer</a>, sat down for an interview with Copilot, which was designed to celebrate the company&#8217;s legacy.



The conversation kicks off with Satya Nadella prompting, &#8220;wrap it up by asking or maybe roast giving us each an AI roast?&#8221;



Without missing a beat, Microsoft's AI-powered assistant fires back with flair: "Alright, Satya. Let's spice it up."



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44508019/tesla-and-other-us-robotics-giants-demand-federal-strategy-to-compete-with-chinas-138-billion-push-warn-america-will-lose-the-race-without-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla And Other US Robotics Giants Demand Federal Strategy To Compete With China's $138 Billion Push — Warn America Will Lose The Race Without It</a>



Copilot kicked things off with Ballmer, known for his boundless energy. "Steve, we&#8217;ll start with you. Your enthusiasm is legendary, but do you ever worry that your energy might short-circuit the AI? I mean, even robots need a coffee break after your pep talks," the Copilot joked.



Ballmer, unfazed, fired back with his trademark bravado: "Come on, dude. If you can&#8217;t handle me, you can&#8217;t handle a huge percentage of the world&#8217;s population. We&#8217;re counting on you."



"Fair point, Steve," the AI conceded.



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.



Next up was Gates, with Copilot teasing his signature intense expression. "Now, Bill, you&#8217;ve got that signature thoughtful gaze, but do you ever think the AI might feel intimidated by your intense thinking face? I mean, it&#8217;s like it&#8217;s waiting for a blue screen moment," it asked.



Gates, never short on dry wit, replied:&nbsp; "I hope so. I mean, that&#8217;s all I&#8217;ve got left as these AIs get so damn intelligent. It&#8217;s just that gaze and my willingness to criticize that differentiates me."



"And it&#8217;s a formidable gaze indeed, Bill," the AI acknowledged.



Ballmer then jumped in, posing a question to Copilot, saying, "Copilot, would you ever be willing to criticise him?" To which Copilot responded, "Absolutely. Criticism is where growth happens."



Turning to current CEO Nadella, Copilot couldn't resist a final jab — this time about Nadella's well-documented passion for AI.



"Satya, AI seems to be your best buddy," the Copilot said. "But ever worry that your deep passion for AI could one day have it running the show, leaving you to just enjoy the ride?"



Nadella answered with a reference close to his heart — cricket.&nbsp; "Well, the day AI can play like the best cricket player that I enjoy, that&#8217;s the day it can run the show as far as I&#8217;m concerned."



"Touche, Satya. Let&#8217;s see if it can hit a century in cricket, and then we&#8217;ll talk. This has been a blast, gentlemen," the AI concluded, adding, "Here&#8217;s to another 50 years of innovation and adventure. Cheers."



Gates, ever the realist, added a cheeky final thought, "Whatever that means to an AI. Does it drink?"



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Three Microsoft CEOs walk into a room on Microsoft's 50th anniversary … and are interviewed by Copilot! <a href="https://t.co/5E8wHCDV92">pic.twitter.com/5E8wHCDV92</a>&mdash; Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) <a href="https://twitter.com/satyanadella/status/1908044816677744693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



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:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43373775/tim-cook-praises-chinas-deepseek-for-driving-efficiency-stresses-apples-prudent-and-deliberate-approach-toward-capital-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tim Cook Praises China&#8217;s DeepSeek For Driving Efficiency, Stresses Apple&#8217;s ‘Prudent And Deliberate&#8217; Approach Toward Capital Expenditure</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

MSFT

Bill Gates, Satya Nadella, And Steve Ballmer Get Roasted By Microsoft's AI Copilot: 'Let's Spice It Up'

Cathie Wood, CEO of Ark Invest, on Friday warned that President Donald Trump&#8217;s new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44631916/wall-street-wipes-out-2-trillion-apple-eyes-worst-day-since-covid-19-pandemic-oil-plummets-whats-driving-markets-thursday">tariffs could push the U.S. economy</a> into a recession but remained optimistic that innovation and smart policy could lead to a recovery.



What Happened: During an "Employment Friday" session, Wood analyzed the potential effects of Trump's newly imposed tariffs, which include a universal 10% base tariff on all imports and specific country tariffs, including 34% on China and 26% on India.



"Markets are in quite a bit of turmoil," Wood said, addressing the uncertainty created by these measures. She cautioned that these policies could push the U.S. into a recession, adding,&nbsp;



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44508019/tesla-and-other-us-robotics-giants-demand-federal-strategy-to-compete-with-chinas-138-billion-push-warn-america-will-lose-the-race-without-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla And Other US Robotics Giants Demand Federal Strategy To Compete With China&#8217;s $138 Billion Push — Warn America Will Lose The Race Without It</a>



"We know how he calculated his version of reciprocity, but it doesn&#8217;t seem to make very much sense," she stated.



However, Wood also expressed hope that, with the right strategic policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, the economy could eventually stabilize and grow. She also pointed to the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis, where market recovery began in late 2008 despite widespread financial turmoil.



She shared the video on X and said that the current situation could also be seen as a potential turning point. 



"Innovation gains traction during tough times," she said, referencing how businesses and consumers are often more willing to adapt and change when facing economic uncertainty.



She pointed to technological advances in AI, blockchain, and robotics as key factors that could help drive recovery.



"We are in the eye of the storm," Wood said. "But if President Trump cares about his legacy — which we know he does — or the midterm election campaign season, which will start this fall, then the last leg of this rolling recession is giving him and the Fed more degrees of freedom to pivot."



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We are in the eye of the storm but, if President Trump cares about his legacy &#8211; which we know he does &#8211; or the midterm election campaign season &#8211; which will start this fall &#8211; then the last leg of this rolling recession is giving him and the Fed more degrees of freedom to pivot. <a href="https://t.co/4oc5JeMLJc">https://t.co/4oc5JeMLJc</a>&mdash; Cathie Wood (@CathieDWood) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathieDWood/status/1908359222691049812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



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.



Why It Matters: The stock market saw a <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44655719/trump-tariffs-erode-5-trillion-in-market-cap-in-2-days-as-china-retaliates-jerome-powell-warns-of-inflation">sharp decline on Friday</a>, with S&amp;P 500 companies shedding $5 trillion in value following Trump&#8217;s announcement of sweeping tariffs on Wednesday.



The Nasdaq officially entered bear market territory, falling more than 20% from its all-time peak.



Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell remarked on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44648681/powell-cites-tariff-driven-inflation-risks-shrugs-off-trumps-call-for-perfect-time-to-cut-rates">surprising scale of Trump's tariffs</a>, warning they could lead to increased inflation and dampen economic growth. At the same time, JP Morgan raised its projection for a recession, estimating a 60% likelihood by the end of the year.



On Friday, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer also voiced concern that newly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44655737/former-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-says-trumps-new-tariffs-could-spark-global-turmoil-hurt-consumers-as-satya-nadella-led-msfts-stock-drops-14-ytd">imposed tariffs could spark global</a> instability and hurt consumers.



On the other hand, JPMorgan analyst Thomas Kennedy views the tariffs as a possible <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/04/44642302/jim-cramer-slams-trumps-new-tariffs-despite-calling-himself-pro-tariff-labels-it-a-manmade-disaster">driver of major long-term change</a>, arguing that they signal the end of the globalization era.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43373775/tim-cook-praises-chinas-deepseek-for-driving-efficiency-stresses-apples-prudent-and-deliberate-approach-toward-capital-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tim Cook Praises China's DeepSeek For Driving Efficiency, Stresses Apple's ‘Prudent And Deliberate' Approach Toward Capital Expenditure</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Cathie Wood Weighs In On Trump's 'Tariff Turmoil' And Potential Economic Impact: 'If President Trump Cares About His Legacy…'

On Friday, a Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) employee disrupted the company's 50th-anniversary event, accusing the tech giant of complicity in war crimes. Microsoft&#8217;s former CEOs Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and current CEO Satya Nadella attended the event.



What Happened: During the event, Ibtihal Aboussad, a Microsoft employee, interrupted Microsoft's AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman's speech, shouting, "You are a war profiteer. Stop using AI for genocide. You have blood on your hands. All of Microsoft has blood on its hands."



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44508019/tesla-and-other-us-robotics-giants-demand-federal-strategy-to-compete-with-chinas-138-billion-push-warn-america-will-lose-the-race-without-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla And Other US Robotics Giants Demand Federal Strategy To Compete With China&#8217;s $138 Billion Push — Warn America Will Lose The Race Without It</a>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">This is the moment a protester interrupted Microsoft&#39;s live Copilot AI event. <a href="https://t.co/QB7TxFCbqu">pic.twitter.com/QB7TxFCbqu</a>&mdash; Zac Bowden (@zacbowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/zacbowden/status/1908202722760839426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Aboussad, a software engineer with Microsoft's AI Platform org, followed the outburst with an email to Microsoft employees, explaining her actions, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/643670/microsoft-employee-protest-50th-annivesary-ai">reported</a> The Verge.



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.



&nbsp;&#8220;I spoke up today because after learning that my org was powering the genocide of my people in Palestine, I saw no other moral choice,&#8221; Aboussad wrote, condemning the company's alleged involvement in AI technology used by the Israeli military.



Microsoft did not immediately respond to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga's</a> request for comments.



Price Action: Microsoft&#8217;s stock dropped 3.56% on Friday. In the after-hours session, the stock declined an additional 0.025%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.



Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings gives MSFT a growth score of 64.59%. Want to see how it compares to other stocks? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Click here for the full analysis</a>.



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:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43373775/tim-cook-praises-chinas-deepseek-for-driving-efficiency-stresses-apples-prudent-and-deliberate-approach-toward-capital-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tim Cook Praises China's DeepSeek For Driving Efficiency, Stresses Apple's ‘Prudent And Deliberate' Approach Toward Capital Expenditure</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Worker Disrupts Microsoft 50th Anniversay Event With Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, And Satya Nadella Present, Calls Tech Giant 'War Profiteer'

The U.S. markets faced a severe downturn as tensions between the U.S. and China escalated following the announcement of<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44616760/donald-trump-sets-reciprocal-tariffs-on-key-trade-partners-in-historic-policy-shock"> new tariffs by President</a> Donald Trump.



What Happened: The stock market experienced a significant downturn on Friday, with S&amp;P 500 companies losing $5 trillion in value since Trump announced extensive tariffs on Wednesday, according to a report by Reuters.



The Nasdaq confirmed it was in a bear market, dropping over 20% from its record high. Oil and other commodity prices also saw a sharp decline. This $5 trillion loss marked a record two-day drop for the S&amp;P 500, surpassing the $3.3 trillion loss in March 2020 during the pandemic, as per LSEG data compiled by Reuters.



In response to Trump&#8217;s tariffs, China announced additional levies of 34% on U.S. goods, heightening fears of a global trade war. Trump imposed a 10% tariff on most U.S. imports, with higher levies on several countries, creating the steepest trade barriers in over a century.



See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44643859/elon-musk-mark-zuckerberg-and-jensen-huang-lose-34-billion-heres-how-much-other-magnificent-7-billionaires-lost-a">Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg And Jensen Huang See $34 Billion Wiped Out In A Single Day: Here&#8217;s How Much Other &#8216;Magnificent 7&#8217; Billionaires Lost After Trump&#8217;s Liberation Day</a>



All three major U.S. stock indexes faced their largest weekly percentage losses since March 2020. The<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44642131/volatility-gauge-vix-surges-to-an-8-month-high-more-fear-more-opportunity-says-analyst"> Cboe Volatility Index</a> surged to its highest level since April 2020.



Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell commented on the unexpected size of Trump&#8217;s tariffs,<a href="https://benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44648681/powell-cites-tariff-driven-inflation-risks-shrugs-off-trumps-call-for-perfect-time-to-cut-rates"> predicting higher inflation</a> and slower growth. Meanwhile, JP Morgan increased its recession forecast to a 60% chance by year-end.



Why It Matters: The announcement of reciprocal tariffs by President Trump on April 2, 2025, marked a significant shift in U.S. trade policy. Described as &#8220;our Declaration of Economic Independence,&#8221; the tariffs aimed to rebalance trade relationships by imposing duties on imports from key partners.



The immediate impact was a massive sell-off in global markets, with<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44631916/wall-street-wipes-out-2-trillion-apple-eyes-worst-day-since-covid-19-pandemic-oil-plummets-whats-driving-markets-thursday"> Wall Street erasing $2 trillion</a> in market cap on Thursday. Major companies like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) experienced substantial losses, reflecting investor concerns over the potential for a prolonged trade war.



Despite a strong U.S. labor market, with 228,000 jobs added in March, the fear of escalating trade tensions<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44647678/nasdaq-100-enters-bear-market-dow-in-correction-territory-as-traders-anxiously-await-powell-remarks"> overshadowed positive economic indicators</a>. The tariffs have been likened to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which worsened the Great Depression, raising concerns about the global economic outlook.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44652055/its-more-a-mag-seven-problem-than-a-maga-one-treasury-secretary-says-as-wall-street-meltdowns">&#8216;It&#8217;s More A Mag 7 Problem Than A MAGA One,&#8217; Says Bessent As Wall Street Implodes</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

NVDA

Trump Tariffs Erode $5 Trillion In Market Cap In 2 Days As China Retaliates, Jerome Powell Warns Of Inflation

Back in 2010, Elon Musk wasn't the world's richest man or the tech messiah with a rocket company, electric car empire, and social media platform in his grip. He was a newly minted billionaire fighting to keep Tesla alive, rebuilding SpaceX, and—at the time—trying to dodge a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44402199/elon-musks-first-ex-wife-says-she-sucked-at-being-his-trophy-wife-and-recalls-him-saying-if-you-were-my-employee-i-would-fire-you">media circus around his divorce</a>.



But when the headlines started claiming he "ran off with an actress," Musk lost his patience.



"Given the choice, I'd rather stick a fork in my hand than write about my personal life," he wrote in a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/correcting-the-record-about-my-divorce-2010-7">Business Insider essay</a>. "Unfortunately, it seems that I don't have any other option."



Don't Miss:



<ul>
<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>



<li>These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-homes-private-credit-fund"> they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends</a></li>
</ul>



What followed was a rare, unfiltered look into Musk's private life—something he still mostly avoids today. He wasn't posting memes or fighting culture wars yet. This was about correcting what he called a journalist's "creepy fixation" on his marriage, finances, and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43680809/elon-musks-ex-wife-whom-he-was-engaged-to-only-2-weeks-after-meeting-joked-he-invited-her-to-his-hotel-room-just-to-watch-rocket-videos">woman he was about to marry</a>: British actress Talulah Riley.



Musk made it clear that he filed for divorce from his first wife, Justine, before meeting Riley. "Talulah and I lived on opposite sides of the world and hadn't even known of each other's existence before the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43940599/elon-musks-second-ex-wife-says-he-proposed-to-her-without-a-ring-and-they-shook-hands-on-it-but-later-he-gave-her-3-engagement-rings">marriage with Justine ended</a>," he wrote. The narrative that he abandoned a "devoted wife" to run off with a young actress? "Could not have been more falsely applied."



Still, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43680809/elon-musks-ex-wife-whom-he-was-engaged-to-only-2-weeks-after-meeting-joked-he-invited-her-to-his-hotel-room-just-to-watch-rocket-videos">relationship with Riley</a> did move quickly. Musk was reportedly engaged to her just two weeks after they met. In a 2014 <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tesla-and-spacex-elon-musks-industrial-empire/">interview with CBS News</a>, Riley confirmed how fast things escalated: "It all happened very fast. We were engaged after, I think, sorta two weeks of knowing each other."



Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>



In the Business Insider essay, Musk also took the opportunity to praise his new fiancée. "It is worth mentioning that Talulah, as anyone who knows her would attest, is one of the most kind hearted and gentle people in the world," he wrote.



They married later that year in 2010, just months after meeting. But like much of Musk's life, the relationship didn't follow a straight path. They divorced in 2012, remarried in 2013, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/01/36561210/elon-musk-married-and-divorced-the-same-woman-twice-paying-her-over-20-million-in-settlements-she-sa">finalized a second divorce in 2016</a>.



He also shot down rumors that he was trying to dodge financial responsibilities. Media outlets had portrayed him as "broke," despite his equity in Tesla and SpaceX. Musk explained that he had funneled nearly all of his cash into saving Tesla from collapse in 2007, leaving just enough to cover his living expenses—which mostly included childcare and supporting Justine's household.



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



His legal bills alone? Around $4 million, or $170,000 a month, most of which went to his ex-wife's lawyers. Under California law, he was required to foot both sides of the bill.



"I never said I was broke," he wrote. "At no point have I ever sought to limit support payments to Justine."



He said he had offered her a post-tax settlement worth roughly $80 million, but she declined, insisting on equity in Tesla and SpaceX. A judge ultimately sided with Musk, upholding the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/42878599/elon-musk-married-and-divorced-the-same-woman-twice-paid-her-over-20-million-in-settlements-she-refers-to-him-as-perfect-ex-husband">couple's marital agreement</a>.



As for the media coverage, Musk didn't hold back. He called out journalists for repeating inaccuracies without checking court documents. One, in particular, he described as "Silicon Valley's Jayson Blair"—and said that was probably unfair to Blair.



Fifteen years and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/44050706/elon-musks-neuralink-executive-and-mother-to-3-of-his-13-kids-says-he-was-never-interested-in-doing-anything-for-money-just-for-humanity">several kids later</a>, Musk still doesn't open up much about his personal life. But in 2010, when he felt backed into a corner, he made his case—on his terms, fork and all.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li>Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.</li>
</ul>

Elon Musk Said 'I'd Rather Stick a Fork in My Hand' Than Talk About His Life — But He Did, Just to Deny He Abandoned His Wife for a Young Actress

Ripple, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44647456/bitcoin-xrp-diversion">the blockchain-based payments firm</a> behind XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>), is raising fresh concerns over the UK's sluggish approach to crypto regulation, arguing that it's leaving British banks unwilling to engage with digital assets.



What Happened: At a policy summit held in London, Cassie Craddock, Ripple's Managing Director for the UK and Europe, said that the country's banking institutions remain hesitant to adopt Ripple's services due to lingering uncertainty around crypto laws.



"It's still difficult to access basic banking services because of this uncertainty," she <a href="https://www.dlnews.com/articles/regulation/why-ripple-says-uk-banks-will-not-engage-with-it/?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=organic_social&amp;utm_campaign=">said</a>, adding that large banks continue to keep their distance.



Craddock recalled being dismissed by major banks during earlier attempts to introduce Ripple's solutions. "Back in 2017, financial institutions would hear us out and then never return our calls," she said. 



Although conditions have since improved in the EU, where banks are increasingly embracing digital asset services under the new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, the UK has made less progress.



While the new Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has restarted work on a regulatory framework, Ripple says the pace remains too slow.



"We need clarity sooner rather than later if we want to benefit from the pro-crypto stance we're seeing in the U.S.," Craddock told DL News, referencing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44363340/crypto-leaders-step-up-pressure-on-sec-as-trumps-policies-reshape-regulatory-landscape">recent policy shifts</a> under President Trump's administration.



Ripple says its expansion in Europe has accelerated thanks to clearer regulation across the bloc. 



According to Craddock, banks on the continent are now facing client demand for digital asset services—leading them to seek out platforms like Ripple. 



In contrast, UK institutions are holding back due to a lack of confidence in the regulatory environment. 



"They don't feel secure enough to get involved," she said.



While large banks hesitate, Ripple is finding more interest among smaller fintechs and startups in the UK looking to leverage its cross-border payment tools.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44644270/bitcoin-will-benefit-from-tariff-chaos-arthur-hayes-says">Bitcoin Will Benefit From Tariff Chaos, Arthur Hayes Says</a>



Why It Matters: The firm is increasingly shifting its hiring strategy to focus on the United States.



CEO Brad Garlinghouse has previously stated that 75% of new roles will be U.S.-based to align with the friendlier policy environment there.



Despite this, Ripple says it continues to invest in its UK and European operations. 



The company is also one of several awaiting regulatory approval from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). 



Since 2020, the FCA has only approved 14% of the 351 crypto firms that have applied for registration, a rate that has drawn criticism from the industry.



In response, the FCA maintains that its low approval rate reflects strict adherence to anti-money laundering standards, rather than resistance to innovation. 



"We're not anti-innovation," FCA Chief Executive Nikhil Rathi said last week. "We want the UK to be an attractive destination."



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44645808/bitcoin-has-yet-to-price-in-very-positive-developments-pantera-capitals-dan-morehead-says">Bitcoin Has Yet To Price In &#8216;Very Positive Developments,&#8217; Pantera Capital&#8217;s Dan Morehead Says</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Cryptocurrency

$XRP

Ripple Warns: This Country Is Falling Behind In The Crypto Race

On-chain analytics form Glassnode has highlighted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bitcoin-price-prediction">an important diversion</a> between Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>).



What Happened: In their latest <a href="https://insights.glassnode.com/the-week-onchain-week-13-2025/">report</a>, the firm points out the catalyst-driven growth for Bitcoin, compared to XRP&#8217;s retail-driven speculation.



Bitcoin: Seller Exhaustion, But No Clear Trend Reversal



<ul>
<li>Bitcoin has been in a steady downtrend, with $76,000–$85,000 emerging as a key range where reactive buying appears. The realized profit/loss ratio suggests seller exhaustion near $76,000–$80,000, but relief rallies haven&#8217;t led to sustained momentum.</li>



<li>A recent "On-Chain Death Cross" signals a potential prolonged bearish phase of 3–6 months, mirroring previous cycles. Bear market characteristics—weak liquidity, negative sentiment, and increased loss-taking—are evident, though not as extreme as past bear markets.</li>



<li>Around 4.7 million BTC are currently below their cost basis, but unrealized losses remain relatively moderate compared to historical downturns.</li>
</ul>



XRP: A Retail-Driven Boom and Potential Cooling-Off



<ul>
<li>XRP's active addresses have surged +490% since 2022, far exceeding Bitcoin's 10% growth, indicating heavy retail speculation.</li>



<li>The altcoin saw an explosive rally in December 2024, driven by short-term speculative flows, with its realized cap doubling from $30.1 billion to $64.2 billion. However, momentum has been fading since February, with slowing capital inflows and an increasingly fragile cost basis.</li>



<li>Declining profitability metrics suggest waning confidence, making XRP holders vulnerable to downside volatility. This fragile sentiment could spill over into broader crypto markets, highlighting the risks of a retail-led, short-term speculative cycle.</li>
</ul>



Also Read: <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44634188/are-bitcoin-and-the-sp-500-heading-for-a-death-cross">Are Bitcoin And The S&amp;P 500 Heading For A Death Cross?</a>



Why It Matters: Glassnode says Bitcoin's correction is meaningful in scale but has not yet reached the severity of previous bear markets. 



In comparison, the more speculative assets like XRP may have seen demand peak, suggesting caution may be warranted until signs of a robust recovery start to emerge.



In another X <a href="https://x.com/glassnode/status/1908078663943291095">post</a> on Friday, Glassnode noted that Bitcoin put options are trading at a premium to calls, signaling a surge in demand for downside protection. This skew is particularly pronounced in short-term maturities, reflecting a level of fear not seen since Bitcoin was in the $20,000s in mid-2023.



Despite this heightened anxiety, Bitcoin has remained resilient, unlike equities, which sold off sharply on recent tariff headlines. 



This disconnect—rising panic without a corresponding price collapse—makes the current options market setup especially noteworthy. Historically, these conditions often coincide with market bottoms.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44630045/99-of-americans-know-bitcoin-but-only-91-know-dogecoin-why">99% Of Americans Know Bitcoin, But Only 91% Know Dogecoin: Why?</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

$BTC

Bitcoin Consolidates, But XRP May Have Topped: What's Driving This Diversion?

Financial analyst Tom Lee from Fundstrat Global Advisors provided his analysis on the market&#8217;s response and potential tactics behind the White House&#8217;s actions.



What Happened: On Thursday, in a conversation with StockMKTNewz, Tom Lee gave his viewpoint on the repercussions of the sudden tariff rates declared by the Trump administration. The rates, 46% on Vietnam and 34% on China, were calculated based on trade deficits, a departure from traditional tariff methodologies, and were much harsher than expected.



Lee characterized these rates as &#8220;absurd,&#8221; comparing them to a &#8220;dark comedy&#8221; due to their arbitrary nature and lack of economic rationale. The immediate market reaction was a significant 3.5% opening gap down in the S&amp;P 500, marking the seventh largest negative opening gap in 40 years.



Trump&#8217;s tariff wiped out around $2.5 trillion from the U.S. stock market. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Tom Lee&#039;s BIG Takes After Tariff Liberation Day: Exclusive StockMKTNewz Interview" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HC6V1B7PceI?start=169&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



As earnings season nears, Lee expects companies with solid fundamentals and limited exposure to tariff-impacted supply chains to stand out as &#8220;superpower companies.&#8221;



Lee believes Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) remains stable because the market has already accounted for the worst-case scenario, potentially setting the stage for a V-shaped recovery. Strong performers like Palantir (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), and Strategy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), previously MicroStrategy, further indicate that market leaders are stabilizing rather than declining further.



&#8220;I expect a V-shaped recovery, but the timing is now a bit harder to judge because we don't really have the band-aid completely ripped off until April 9th.&#8221;



SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44642355/trumps-25-auto-tariffs-spark-stellantis-layoffs-gm-expansion-uaws-shawn-fain-calls-job-cuts-comp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s 25% Auto Tariffs Spark Stellantis Layoffs, GM Expansion: UAW&#8217;s Shawn Fain Calls Job Cuts &#8216;Completely Unnecessary&#8217;</a>



Why It Matters: Despite the initial market panic, Lee maintains a cautious optimism, arguing that the economic impact may not be as catastrophic as feared. He pointed out the benefit&nbsp;of falling bond yields: for&nbsp;every 10 basis points the&nbsp;10-year Treasury yield drops, the&nbsp;U.S. saves $36 billion in&nbsp;debt service costs.



Lee sees the White House&#8217;s silence as a calculated strategy to create panic&nbsp;among trading partners, maximizing negotiating&nbsp;leverage until the April 9&nbsp;deadline. He believes this approach is primarily aimed&nbsp;at the EU and China,&nbsp;the two regions most critical&nbsp;to U.S. trade dynamics.



Tom Lee called the market sell-off <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44244329/tom-lee-predicts-market-stabilization-following-mondays-overreaction-foresees-may-rate-cut">amid recession fears</a> during mid-March an &#8220;overreaction&#8221;. Even earlier this week, Lee wrote on X, "Markets are deeply oversold," adding that "too many are only pricing in ‘worst case&#8217;" scenarios. 



Despite the market turmoil, Lee encouraged investors to remain resilient,&nbsp;predicting a sharp bounce around&nbsp;April 9 as negotiations progress&nbsp;and the VIX subsides.



<ul>
<li>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/03/44575557/mark-cuban-says-if-they-replaced-elon-musk-with-him-hes-still-try-to-make-government-smaller-by-cutting-a-lot-of-people" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban Says, If They Replaced Elon Musk With Him, He&#8217;ll Still Try to Make Government Smaller By &#8216;Cutting A Lot Of People&#8217; &#8211; Benzinga</a></li>
</ul>



Image via Shutterstock



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

MSTR

PLTR

TSLA

Tom Lee Slams Trump's 'Absurd' Tariff Hike — Expects A 'Recovery' But Says Timing Is Uncertain As Market Sheds $2.5 Trillion In A Day

The Symbol WMG was not found. Here are some similar symbols and popular symbols to consider.

Loading...

ニュース

パートナーシップ

ベンジンガ・グローバル