Wall Street wrapped up a shortened trading week ahead of the Easter holiday in the red, weighed down by fresh export restrictions on chips to China that sent tech <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/chipmakers">and semiconductor stocks tumbling.</a>



On Tuesday, Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) revealed it was notified by the Trump administration on April 9 that its H20 AI chip would now require an export license to be sold in China. The company warned that these tighter controls could slash its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44846329/nvidias-china-sales-face-setback-as-h20-chip-restrictions-catch-key-buyers-off-guard-reuters">earnings by $5.5 billion.</a>



Nvidia shares dropped 8.5% this week, erasing nearly half of the previous week&#8217;s gains. The broader semiconductor sector – as tracked by the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>) – followed suit, sliding 3% and logging its seventh weekly decline <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44860240/unitedhealth-slashes-2025-outlook-on-medicare-funding-reductions-stock-crashes">out of the past eight.</a>



First-quarter earnings season delivered a mixed bag. While banks and streaming giant Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) showed solid performance, UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) shocked investors by slashing its full-year guidance far below Wall Street expectations.



UnitedHealth shares plummeted 22.4% on Thursday, marking their worst one-day drop since 1998.



In trade news, Canada announced a six-month suspension of countermeasure tariffs on select U.S. goods essential for domestic manufacturing and food packaging. This move is expected to ease cross-border supply chain pressures, particularly<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44816653/canada-eases-retaliatory-tariffs-on-us-goods-as-trade-tensions-thaw-under-softer-trump-stance-stocks-react"> benefiting Michigan-based automakers.</a>



On the macro front, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell flagged inflation and growth risks stemming from trade tariffs, reiterating the Fed&#8217;s cautious stance and signaling that rate cuts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44848474/fed-chair-powell-says-tariffs-lead-to-temporary-rise-in-inflation">won&#8217;t come prematurely.</a>



This cautious tone triggered an angry response from President Donald Trump, who blasted Powell as "always too late" on rate cuts and hinted at prematurely removing him from office, despite Powell's term <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44862662/trump-pressures-fed-as-ecb-delivers-7th-straight-rate-cut">running through May 2026.</a>



Meanwhile, the European Central Bank executed its sixth consecutive rate cut, further fueling Trump's public frustration with the Fed. During an Oval Office meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Trump doubled down, declaring that Powell &#8220;will be out <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44875406/hell-be-out-if-i-ask-him-can-trumps-threat-to-oust-powell-shake-the-fed">if the President asks.&#8221;</a>



Gold continues to defy gravity, fueled by strong investor demand, heightened policy uncertainty, and persistent central bank buying.



Bullion prices – as tracked by the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>) – soared to $3,330 per ounce, marking a new all-time high and extending gains to 14 of the past 16 weeks.



Read now: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44885051/netflix-beats-wall-street-forecasts-yet-goldman-sachs-sees-limited-upside-ahead">Netflix Beats Wall Street Forecasts, Yet Goldman Sachs Sees Limited Upside Ahead</a></li>
</ul>



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Equities

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Macro Economic Events

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Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

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Trump Blasts Powell, Nvidia Tumbles On New Export Ban, Gold Defies Gravity: This Week In Markets

Investor and TV personality Kevin O'Leary, known as Mr. Wonderful, says the current tariff panic is overblown and that the real issue is a stalled negotiation between the U.S. and China. During a recent appearance on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZhBxfM_buU">Fox Business</a>, O'Leary described the situation as chaotic but fixable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mixed Messages and Missed Opportunities</h2>



&#8220;I think we have a negotiation going on that has been detailed ad nauseam. It's a little chaotic from the point of view that you don&#8217;t get a consistent message out of the administration,&#8221; O'Leary said. &#8220;That's got to get cleaned up, and that's self-inflicted. They can fix that.&#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">I think we have a negotiation going on that&#39;s been detailed at nauseum. It's a little chaotic from the point of view that you don&#39;t get a consistent message out of the administration. We&#39;ve got to figure out where China sits in trying to come into the narrative. Right now I want… <a href="https://t.co/ARk6VwsCQf">pic.twitter.com/ARk6VwsCQf</a>&mdash; Kevin O&#39;Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) <a href="https://twitter.com/kevinolearytv/status/1911831858343522776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



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The major sticking point? China. O&#8217;Leary emphasized the importance of understanding China&#8217;s position in the broader trade conversation, especially with tariffs being discussed at levels that would essentially freeze trade.



&#8220;Right now I want 400%, but that&#8217;s just bombastic. One hundred-plus percent wipes out all trade, and so there&#8217;s boats on the water waiting to bring in product,&#8221; he said.



He added that Chinese President Xi Jinping needs to respond to what he described as two olive branches offered by President Donald Trump over the weekend. &#8220;Xi at some point has to take the olive branch that&#8217;s been offered twice over the weekend by Trump and say, &#8216;Okay, let&#8217;s start talking,'&#8221; O'Leary said.



Trending: With shares starting at $1.52, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-a-10k-bet-on-health-care-originals-could-have-skyrocketed-your-portfolio">this could be your chance to invest in the future of healthcare</a>.



O&#8217;Leary also dismissed speculation that China could hit back by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/bonds/25/04/44805832/peter-schiff-counters-claims-china-wont-sell-us-treasuries-fearing-strong-currency-but-a-strong-yuan-might-suit-beijing">dumping U.S. Treasury bills</a>. &#8220;Everybody thinks, &#8216;Oh, he&#8217;s got the leverage of selling T-bills.&#8217; No, he doesn&#8217;t. He doesn&#8217;t have that leverage,&#8221; he said. &#8220;If you study FX, you know if he starts dumping T-bills, the dollar goes down, his currency goes up, and he&#8217;s virtually screwed.&#8221;



According to O'Leary, the U.S. has the upper hand. &#8220;All that stuff that&#8217;s made in the factories—almost 39% of it—is consumed by Americans. If he can&#8217;t sell the stuff, those people [in China] don&#8217;t have jobs. And that&#8217;s going to be a bad outcome for him. He knows it.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Escalation on Both Sides</h2>



Meanwhile, the trade standoff deepened after China retaliated against the United States for raising tariffs on Chinese imports to a total of 145%. In response, Beijing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44756353/xi-jinping-says-there-are-no-winners-in-tariff-war-as-china-slaps-125-tariffs-on-us-goods-urges-trump-to-immediately-correct-wrongdoings">increased its own tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%</a> and imposed restrictions on 18 American companies, mostly in defense-related industries. This adds to about 60 other U.S. firms already targeted by China over the past year.



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China's Finance Ministry criticized the latest U.S. moves, calling them a &#8220;mistake on top of a mistake&#8221; and saying they undermine global trade rules. Beijing also released a <a href="http://english.scio.gov.cn/whitepapers/2025-04/09/content_117814362_5.html">white paper</a> defending its trade practices and claiming it had fulfilled its obligations under the 2020 phase 1 trade deal, which was disrupted by the pandemic.



&#8220;The U.S. has systematically escalated economic and other forms of pressure against China,&#8221; the paper said. &#8220;Concurrently, the U.S. has promoted false narratives related to human rights, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang and the pandemic.&#8221;



The rising tensions have started to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/04/44728262/us-china-tensions-disrupt-academic-ties-leave-chinese-students-facing-visa-cancellations-political-pressure">impact other areas</a>, with China issuing travel and education warnings for its citizens visiting the U.S., including a specific alert for students considering studying in Ohio.



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News

Trump Offered An Olive Branch Twice This Weekend, Says Kevin O'Leary—It's Time For China's Xi To Take It

Mark Cuban isn't interested in patching up the healthcare system with duct tape and buzzwords. He wants to rip it open, throw it under a spotlight, and ask what a lot of Americans are already thinking: Why is this entire industry allowed to operate in complete darkness?



In a February <a href="https://hospitalogy.com/articles/2025-04-04/i-just-wanna-fck-up-healthcare/">fireside chat</a> with Hospitalogy founder Blake Madden—later revisited in April—the billionaire behind Cost Plus Drugs didn't hold back. He took aim at insurance companies, hospitals, consultants, and just about anyone profiting off the confusion. And yes, he said it: "I don't think there's a reason that health insurance should exist."



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Cuban's not looking to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43932776/mark-cuban-slams-fd-up-healthcare-system-blames-insurance-designed-deductibles-for-patient-bankruptcy">compete with insurers</a>. He just wants to make them irrelevant. "We're going to try to make it so that self-insured employers have no reason to work with insurance companies," he said. In his view, insurers approve plans that restrict access and bury costs behind layers of red tape. Worse, they don't even ask the most basic questions.



"Why is the health of our entire country based on providers who don't know their own f&#x2A;cking costs?" he asked.



Hospitals don't get a pass either. Cuban blasted their refusal to publish general ledgers or disclose what procedures and services actually cost. He called out the culture of secrecy, noting that executives are afraid of what transparency might reveal. "People don't want to do that because they're scared of what it would do for their business."



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To Cuban, that's more than just bad management—it's a moral failure. "This isn't the Dallas Mavericks," he said. "This is the health and welfare of our entire country."



And while he proudly calls himself a capitalist, he draws a line when it comes to healthcare. "You don't have to just grab every nickel that you can get when there's this at stake."



If the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44530674/mark-cuban-vows-to-revamp-us-healthcare-by-empowering-independent-pharmacies-wants-no-pharmacy-deserts">industry refuses to act on its own</a>, Cuban believes it's time for regulators to step in. Not to micromanage. Not to take over. Just to require the basics.



"You've got to open the books," he said.



He's pushing for laws that would force hospitals and insurers to disclose actual costs, margins, and spending—something he says should be standard practice in any business that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43662970/mark-cuban-says-u-s-healthcare-is-horrific-calls-for-free-medical-school-to-fix-doctor-shortages-and-soaring-costs">deals with life-and-death decisions</a>. If transparency threatens the business model, Cuban's argument is simple: maybe that business shouldn't exist in the first place.



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Mark Cuban Says Health Insurance Shouldn't Exist — 'You Don't Have to Grab Every Nickel When It's the Health of the Entire Country at Stake'

Each week, Benzinga&#8217;s Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the <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's 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do Tesla, Nvidia, Apple, Applovin Stock Rank?</a>



Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending April 17:



Equinix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EQIX#NASDAQ">EQIX</a>): The data center company saw strong interest from readers during the week. Citigroup recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/EQIX/analyst-ratings">maintained a Buy </a>rating on the stock and lowered the price target from $1,020 to $970. Mizuho also lowered the price target from $1,094 to $1,053 recently while maintaining an Outperform rating. All eyes are likely centered on the company's upcoming first-quarter earnings report on April 30. Analysts expect the company to report revenue of $2.22 billion, up from $2.13 billion in last year's first quarter. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings per share of $9.09, up from $8.86 in last year's first quarter. The company has had recent mixed results beating earnings per share in three of the last four quarters, while missing revenue estimates in four straight quarters. The stock was up around 5% over the last five trading sessions, as shown on the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0417"> Benzinga Pro chart</a> below.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href=" https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0417"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17174940/Screenshot-379.png" alt="" class="wp-image-877779" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17174940/Screenshot-379.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17174940/Screenshot-379-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17174940/Screenshot-379-768x390.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>



Prologics Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLD#NYSE">PLD</a>): The industrial and logistics REIT saw strong interest from readers during the week and rejoins the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/04/44651693/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet">Stock Whisper Index.</a> On April 16, the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44837972/prologis-beats-q1-ffo-estimate-same-store-noi-up-6-2-y-y-more">reported earnings per share </a>of $1.42 that beat a Street consensus estimate of $1.38, while revenue of $2.00 billion missed a Street consensus estimate of $2.04 billion. The company has had mixed recent results, beating earnings per share in fourth straight quarters, while missing revenue estimates from analysts in six straight quarters. Several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PLD/analyst-ratings">lowered their price targets </a>on the stock recently. While the quarterly results showed growth, management commentary said that customers were being more cautious given "policy uncertainty." The company reiterated full-year guidance, but the commentary could be something to watch going forward.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href=" https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0417"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="991" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17174955/Screenshot-380.png" alt="" class="wp-image-877780" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17174955/Screenshot-380.png 991w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17174955/Screenshot-380-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17174955/Screenshot-380-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 991px) 100vw, 991px" /></a></figure>



Alamos Gold Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGI#NYSE">AGI</a>): Gold stocks continue to be hot with Benzinga readers with Alamos taking its turn on the Stock Whisper Index with gold at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/treasuries/25/04/44857989/gold-nears-3400-mark-experts-point-to-likely-correction-amid-bull-market-rates-will-drop-like-rock">all-time highs</a>. The stock recently got several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AGI/analyst-ratings">price target increases</a> from analysts including Scotiabank and RBC Capital. Investors are preparing for the company to report first-quarter financial results on April 30. Analysts expect the company to report revenue of $357.2 million and earnings per share of 23 cents. The company has beaten revenue estimates from analysts in four straight quarters and seven of the last 10 quarters overall. On the earnings side, the company has beaten analyst estimates for EPS in seven of the last 10 quarters overall. Shares are up 98% over the last year and could have more upside from a strong earnings report and positive commentary on how the strong prices of gold are helping the company's future financials.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href=" https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0417"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="501" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175012/Screenshot-381.png" alt="" class="wp-image-877781" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175012/Screenshot-381.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175012/Screenshot-381-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175012/Screenshot-381-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>



Boston Scientific Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BSX#NYSE">BSX</a>): The medical devices company saw strong interest from readers during the week, which comes ahead of fourth-quarter financial results. The company also received <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BSX/analyst-ratings">an analyst upgrade</a> from Hold to Buy from Needham with a new price target of $113. Boston Scientific is set to report first-quarter financial results on April 23. Analysts expect the company to report revenue of $4.57 billion, up from $3.86 billion in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst revenue estimates in more than 10 straight quarters. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of 67 cents, up from 56 cents per share in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in eight straight quarters. There are some concerns about<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44652075/us-tariffs-spare-drugmakers-but-threaten-diabetes-device-industry"> how tariffs could impact </a>medical devices, but Boston Scientific has remained a strong performer in the sector. The company said 2024 was one of the best years <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/02/43494194/boston-scientific-clocks-22-jump-in-q4-sales-on-strong-heart-devices-profit-and-guidance-exceeds-expectations">in its history</a>. Investors will be looking for a strong first quarter and positive commentary to kick things off in 2025.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href=" https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0417"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="497" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175026/Screenshot-382.png" alt="" class="wp-image-877784" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175026/Screenshot-382.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175026/Screenshot-382-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175026/Screenshot-382-768x381.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>



American Express Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>): The credit card company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44862333/american-express-q1-card-spending-strong-ceo-maintains-annual-outlook-contingent-on-economic-climate">reported first-quarter</a> financial results on Thursday with earnings per share of $3.64 beating an analyst estimate of $3.47 and revenue of $16.97 billion beating an analyst estimate of $16.94 billion. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in two straight quarters and for earnings per share in four of the last five quarters. In the earnings results, the company reported strong Card Member spending and higher net interest income. The company said it is seeing steady spending and credit trends despite the macroeconomic concerns. Bank of America recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/upgrades/25/04/44768565/american-express-receives-upgrade-what-makes-this-stock-so-appealing">upgraded the stock</a> from Neutral to Buy given it high-quality customer base that could keep credit losses in check. During uncertain times, credit card spending could increase and American Express remains a stock to watch with the stock up around 16% over the last year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href=" https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0417"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175041/Screenshot-383.png" alt="" class="wp-image-877785" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175041/Screenshot-383.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175041/Screenshot-383-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17175041/Screenshot-383-768x390.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>



Stay tuned for next week&#8217;s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0417" 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/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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">March 28</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/04/44651693/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet">April 4</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>

Exclusives

Trading Ideas

EQIX

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

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h2>



<ul>
<li>Willow Tree Credit Partners seeks to sell a minority stake and is soliciting potential buyers, according <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-15/private-credit-firm-willow-tree-is-said-to-explore-stake-sale?sref=TBDibEcD">to</a> Bloomberg. The New York-based firm has about $5 billion in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/asset-management">assets under management</a>.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Bloomberg also <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-16/partners-group-said-to-weigh-options-for-telepass-stake-in-italy?sref=TBDibEcD">reports</a> that Zurich-based Partners Group is divesting a 49% stake in Italian toll road business Telepass. It first purchased the stake in 2021. Italy's Benetton family maintains control with a 51% stake.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Updates From The Block</h2>



<ul>
<li>GeneDx (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WSG#NASDAQ">WSG</a>) agreed to acquire Fabric Genomics, a pioneer in AI-powered genomic interpretation, for $33 million in cash . Upon achieving certain milestones, the total price tag <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44843916/genedx-eyes-global-genomic-leadership-with-fabric-genomics-buyout-for-up-to-51-million">could potentially reach $51 million</a>.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Axios broke the news that a New Zealand-based metaverse company called Futureverse <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/16/candy-digital-futureverse-mlb-nft">acquired</a> NFT startup Candy Digital. Major League Baseball, Netflix and DC Comics are among Candy Digital&#8217;s partners. That wasn&#8217;t the only metaverse deal this past week.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Infinite Reality, which boasts a $15-billion valuation, agreed to buy agentic AI company Touchcast for $500 million. Last month, Infinitie Reality acquired digital music innovator Napster <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44546940/deal-dispatch-bezos-backed-crop-company-wilts-tech-startup-nabs-napster-for-207-million">for $207 million</a>.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Lyft, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LYFT#NASDAQ">LYFT</a>) announced that it purchased a taxi app from BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility for €175 million <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44841871/lyft-expands-to-europe-with-e175m-freenow-acquisition-targets-bookings-by-e1b-annually">($197 million) in cash</a>.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Off The Block</h2>



<ul>
<li>Onsemi (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>) terminated its efforts to acquire Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALGM#NASDAQ">ALGM</a>). In early March, Allegro received a proposal from Onsemi, or ON Semiconductor Corporation, for $35.10 per share, with an implied <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/b44157898/onsemi-proposes-to-acquire-allegro-microsystems-for-35-10-per-share-in-cash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enterprise value of $6.9 billion</a>.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Paychex (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PAYX#NASDAQ">PAYX</a>) closed its $4.1-billion acquisition of payroll and HR software firm Paycor HCM. The deal was first <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42855388/paychex-buys-paycor-41-billion-deal-to-strengthen-ai-driven-hr-solutions">announced in January</a>.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>TPG completed its $2.2-billion take-private buyout of Altus Power, the largest owner of commercial-scale solar in the U.S. Approximately 40% of the company&#8217;s stock is already committed to the deal. Altus Power expects the transaction to officially close <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43537313/why-altus-power-stock-is-gaining-today">within the second quarter</a>.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bankruptcy On The Block</h2>



<ul>
<li>Consolidated Burger Holdings, a Burger King franchisee operating 57 locations across Florida and Georgia, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company, based in Destin, Florida, cited financial struggles worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, including reduced foot traffic and declining revenue, while costs like rent and debt service remained high. Its restaurants include sites in cities like Valdosta, Tallahassee, West Palm Beach, and Naples, with four located inside Walmart stores.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>The House Committee on Energy and Commerce is investigating 23andMe&#8216;s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, raising concerns about the security of its sensitive genetic data. Lawmakers fear the company&#8217;s genetic database could be compromised as its assets are <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44456578/why-dna-test-provider-23andmes-stock-is-plunging-today">now up for sale</a>. In a letter to interim CEO Joe Selsavage, three Republican congressmen requested answers about the company&#8217;s data and privacy practices by May 1. The inquiry follows similar concerns from the FTC and the House Oversight Committee. Once valued at $6 billion, 23andMe has struggled to maintain revenue and expand into research and therapeutics.</li>
</ul>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/asset-sales/25/04/44771660/deal-dispatch-harley-davidson-prada-versace-fashionable-price">Check out last week&#8217;s edition of the Deal Dispatch</a>.



Now Read:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44876137/grant-cardone-explains-the-art-of-negotiating-it-takes-4-things-to-make-a-deal">Grant Cardone Explains The Art Of Negotiating: &#8216;It Takes 4 Things To Make A Deal&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Asset Sales

ALGM

GRPN

LYFT

PAYX

Deal Dispatch: Metaverse Mergers, 23andMe Under Investigation, Burger King Franchise Goes Bankrupt

From the halls of Congress to the streets of New York, cannabis news bloomed in every direction this week. Slovenia introduced what may become Europe's most progressive medical cannabis law. U.S. lawmakers filed new federal reform legislation. Trulieve and Curaleaf took diverging paths in Florida. And Governor Ron DeSantis faces questions over whether public funds were funneled into anti-cannabis campaigns.



Elsewhere, Weedmaps dropped a custom sneaker collab, Swatch&#8217;s 4/20-friendly watch returned to the spotlight and a massive new cancer study delivered groundbreaking validation for medical cannabis. Avicanna posted record earnings, Minnesota crossed a regulatory milestone and Blue Violets made delivery history in New Jersey.



Here's everything you need to know.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Business And Financial Moves</h3>



Avicanna Reports Record Year



Avicanna Inc. (TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVCN#TSX">AVCN</a>) (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVCNF#OTCQX">AVCNF</a>) reported audited financial results for 2024, including $25.5 million in revenue—a 52% increase over 2023—and gross profits of $12.9 million, up 94%. Consolidated gross margins improved to 51%, while adjusted EBITDA losses narrowed by 68% to $1.4 million. The company also repaid $1.3 million in debt.



CEO Aras Azadian called 2024 "our most successful year to date," citing clinical innovation, international expansion, and commercial growth in Canada and abroad.



Key 2024 milestones include:



<ul>
<li>A real-world evidence study in Canada evaluating cannabis for conditions like pain, sleep, anxiety and epilepsy</li>



<li>A completed study at The Hospital for Sick Children assessing CBD topical creams for wound healing</li>



<li>Drug approval in Colombia for Trunerox, targeting rare epileptic disorders</li>



<li>First delivery of CBD/CBG topicals to a multinational pharmaceutical company</li>



<li>Two new U.S. patents for topical and oral cannabinoid delivery technologies</li>
</ul>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44802163/why-cannabis-focused-biopharma-co-avicanna-traded-up-26-today">Read the full story here</a>.



Tilray Plans Reverse Stock Split



Tilray Brands (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLRY#NASDAQ">TLRY</a>) will hold a special shareholder meeting on June 10 to vote on a proposed reverse stock split ranging from 1-for-10 to 1-for-20. CEO Irwin Simon said the move aims to maintain Nasdaq compliance, reduce costs by more than $1 million per year, and attract institutional investors. The company recently reported over $248 million in cash and trimmed debt by $76 million.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/44871447/why-cannabis-co-tilray-tlry-is-trading-down-today">Read more on Benzinga</a>



Safe Harbor and FundCanna Join Forces



SHF Holdings, d/b/a Safe Harbor Financial (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHFS#NASDAQ">SHFS</a>), announced a strategic partnership with FundCanna to provide cannabis operators with streamlined access to capital and compliant banking services. The agreement enables mutual referrals and onboarding of FundCanna-approved clients into Safe Harbor-managed accounts.



"This partnership delivers a practical, scalable solution that puts the financial needs of cannabis operators first," said Safe Harbor CEO Terry Mendez.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Politics, Policy And Regulation</h3>



Congress Reintroduces STATES 2.0 Act



A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers reintroduced the STATES 2.0 Act, which would shield legal cannabis activity from federal interference. The bill would also legalize interstate commerce, normalize IRS treatment of cannabis businesses and establish a framework for federal oversight and testing.



"The current federal approach to cannabis policy is not working," said Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. "The STATES 2.0 Act creates a more logical approach that protects states' rights while improving public safety."



The bill maintains FDA oversight for cannabis products, removes barriers to tax deductions under Section 280E, and instructs federal agencies to begin rulemaking within 180 days of passage. Supporters include Reps. Max Miller (R-OH), Dina Titus (D-NV) and a coalition of advocacy organizations including CPEAR, Americans for Prosperity, and the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable.



<a class="" href="https://www.marijuanamoment.net">Read more via Marijuana Moment</a>



Minnesota Finalizes Adult-Use Cannabis Rules



The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced that final adult-use rules were published in the State Register and are now in effect. With this step completed, OCM can begin issuing business licenses to qualifying applicants, including more than 600 social equity applicants already advanced through preapproval.



"We are continuing to prioritize social equity in every stage of licensing," said Jess Jackson, OCM's director of social equity. Licenses for capped categories such as cultivator and retailer will be awarded via lottery later this summer, while uncapped license types will be distributed on a rolling basis.



<a class="" href="https://cannabis.mn.gov">Details available on the OCM Rulemaking page</a>



Slovenia Unveils Progressive Medical Cannabis Law



Slovenia's Parliament introduced sweeping medical cannabis reforms that would legalize the cultivation, production and distribution of cannabis for medical and scientific use. The bill eliminates public tenders, allows open licensing for private companies and removes cannabis and THC from the country's prohibited drugs list—so long as products meet GACP, GMP and European Pharmacopeia standards.



Cannabis will be available via standard medical or veterinary prescriptions, and patient access is guaranteed through pharmacies, licensed distributors and healthcare providers.



The legislation follows a 2024 referendum in which 66.7% of voters supported cannabis cultivation and legalization for medical use. According to ICBC, the new framework would position Slovenia as having the most advanced medical cannabis law in Europe.



<a class="" href="https://internationalcbc.com/slovenian-parliament-introduces-europes-most-progressive-medical-cannabis-law">Full article via ICBC</a>



DeSantis Faces Scrutiny Over Anti-Cannabis Funding



A Miami Herald investigation revealed that the DeSantis administration steered $10 million from a legal Medicaid settlement to a charity led by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis. That charity then gave $5 million each to two organizations backing a political committee that opposed Amendment 3, the failed 2024 initiative to legalize adult-use cannabis in Florida.



The money flowed from the Hope Florida Foundation to Secure Florida's Future and Save Our Society from Drugs, which then routed millions to Keep Florida Clean, a DeSantis-aligned committee. Republican lawmakers are now demanding records and investigating whether public funds were improperly used to fight cannabis legalization.



<a class="" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article304020886.html">Full investigation by the Miami Herald</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">State Moves And Brand Power Plays</h3>



Carmelo Anthony Launches STAYME7O In New York



Carmelo Anthony has entered the New York cannabis market with STAYME7O, a premium cannabis brand launched in partnership with Grand National, the creative agency he co-founded with Jesce Horton and Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce. The product line features curated flower cultivated by Oregon-based LOWD, with an emphasis on sustainability and unique genetics.



"This isn't just about cannabis—it's about empowering our communities," Anthony said. A portion of proceeds will support NuProject and the Last Prisoner Project, continuing the brand's focus on economic equity and justice reform.



<a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/04/44801792/carmelo-anthony-enters-new-york-cannabis-market-all-about-his-product-line-and-creative-agency">Full story on Benzinga</a>



Curaleaf Turns Dispensary Into Hemp Shop



Curaleaf (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURLF#OTC">CURLF</a>) has converted one of its medical dispensaries in West Palm Beach into a hemp-focused retail store called The Hemp Company. The location will offer Farm Bill-compliant THC products from Curaleaf brands and partners like 1906 and Cann.



The move comes as Curaleaf distances itself from Florida's stalled adult-use push and signals short-term interest in the rapidly growing hemp-derived THC segment.



Trulieve Invests $19.6M To Revive Legalization Push



Trulieve (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCNNF#OTC">TCNNF</a>) contributed $19.6 million to Smart &amp; Safe Florida to support another attempt at adult-use legalization in 2026. That's in addition to the $145 million the company spent on the failed 2024 initiative.



So far, only 150,804 signatures have been verified out of the 880,062 needed to qualify for the next ballot, raising questions about whether other operators will step in to help fund the campaign.



Herbwell Cannabis Targets Manhattan's Elite



Herbwell, a national cannabis chain, is opening a luxury dispensary at 519 Madison Avenue—possibly the only one of its kind on the high-end Manhattan corridor. The shop promises a curated experience for both seasoned users and curious first-timers.



"We've built a gorgeous dispensary that fits in on Madison Avenue," said CEO Arish Halani. "One day we'll be doing collabs with the biggest brands in the world."



The brand is also planning to open a cannabis club in the building's upper floors, including a rooftop lounge overlooking Midtown, pending future regulations.



New Jersey's First E-Bike Weed Delivery



Hoboken dispensary Blue Violets has launched New Jersey's first cannabis delivery service by e-bike, in partnership with delivery tech company Priscotty. The program is live in Hoboken and parts of Jersey City and Weehawken.



"We want to reach our customers when they can't make their way to the store—but in a way that makes sense," said Lauren Thompson, co-owner of Blue Violets.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Culture And Commentary</h3>



Mike Tyson Becomes CEO Of Carma HoldCo



Boxing legend Mike Tyson has taken the reins as CEO of Carma HoldCo, the company behind TYSON 2.0, Ric Flair Drip, Evol by Future and Wooooo! Energy. The move marks Tyson's shift from brand ambassador to active executive, steering a portfolio built on cultural storytelling and celebrity power.



"This isn't just a title—it's a responsibility I take seriously," Tyson said. Under his leadership, Carma plans to double down on authenticity, community engagement and global expansion.



<a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/44871633/mike-tyson-cannabis-ceo-the-champ-now-runs-carma-holdco">Read the full story on Benzinga</a>



Weedmaps Drops 420 1's Sneaker Collab With CEEZE



In one of the most buzzworthy 4/20 drops of the year, Weedmaps and custom sneaker studio CEEZE released the limited-edition "420 1's." Each of the 420 pairs is individually numbered, housed in an acrylic box with LED lighting and linked to a microsite via QR code.



The Friends &amp; Family version even includes GPS coordinates pointing to the historic San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club. A sweepstakes is running through April 20, offering 20 pairs and one VIP trip to Spannabis.



<a class="" href="https://weedmaps.com/wm-sneakers-420-1s">Details and entry here</a>



Swatch's 4/20 Watch Gets a Second Life



Swatch's "Up In Smoke" watch from 2024 has found new life this April. With minty green hues, smoke-dial graphics and a laid-back BIOCERAMIC case, the piece fits right into the 4/20 aesthetic. Originally part of the BIG BOLD collection, the watch has quietly become a seasonal flex for cannabis aficionados.



<a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/44878425/swatchs-up-in-smoke-watch-is-the-low-key-flex-of-4-20-season">Read the full feature on Benzinga</a>



Dreka Gates, Tiffany Haddish And Chamath Sound Off



Cannabis was also front and center in this week's cultural commentary. Highlights include:



<ul>
<li>Dreka Gates, in an exclusive interview, said: "Cannabis would be a trillion-dollar industry for Black and Brown communities—if it hadn't been criminalized." <a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/39798605/dreka-gates-cannabis-would-be-a-trillion-dollar-industry-for-black-and-brown-communities-if-it-h">Read more</a></li>



<li>Tiffany Haddish remarked that "If men had period pain, weed would already be legal." <a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/39797136/tiffany-haddish-if-men-had-period-pain-weed-would-already-be-legal">Full story here</a></li>



<li>Chamath Palihapitiya criticized the industry, saying legalization "turned our kids into zombies." <a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44831042/chamath-palihapitiya-calls-for-mandate-on-insidious-marijuana-labelling-and-toxicity-says-its-turning-kids-into-zombies">His take here</a></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Science And Health</h3>



Landmark Study Confirms Cannabis Benefits for Cancer Patients



In what may be the most comprehensive review of its kind, Cancer Playbook and the Whole Health Oncology Institute published a meta-analysis of over 10,000 peer-reviewed studies on medical cannabis and cancer. The result: a 3-to-1 scientific consensus in favor of cannabis for treating cancer-related symptoms, including inflammation, metastasis, appetite loss and pain.



"We expected controversy. What we found was overwhelming scientific consensus," said Ryan Castle, WHOI's head of research.



The study also incorporated patient-reported outcomes to highlight real-world effectiveness—marking a shift toward more holistic, experience-driven research models. Findings from this report were submitted to the DEA as part of the case for rescheduling cannabis.



<a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44835610/game-changing-study-confirms-medical-cannabis-helps-cancer-patients-we-found-overwhelming-scientific-consensus">Link to the full Benzinga article</a>



Israel Slaps 165% Tariffs on Canadian Cannabis



In a dramatic turn, Israel's Ministry of Economy announced it will impose tariffs of up to 165% on Canadian cannabis imports for the next four years. The decision—pending approval by the Knesset Finance Committee—carves out exceptions for select producers like Decibel (12%), Village Farms (28%), Organigram (53%) and Tilray (70%).



The move signals a potential realignment of the global cannabis trade, with implications for both exporters and Israeli medical patients.



<a class="" href="https://stratcann.com">More via StratCann</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Recommended Reads</h3>



<ul>
<li><a class="" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2025/04/14/he-sold-his-cannabis-vape-brand-for-nine-figures-now-hes-coming-for-your-cocktail/">He Sold His Cannabis Vape Brand for Nine Figures—Now He's Coming for Your Cocktail</a></li>



<li><a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/44818968/how-one-european-company-is-flooding-america-with-cannabis-seeds">How One European Company Is Flooding America With Cannabis Seeds</a></li>
</ul>



That&#8217;s it for this week. See you next Friday!

Cannabis

Politics

General

AVCNF

CURLF

SHFS

TCNNF

TLRY

TSX:AVCN

This Week In Cannabis: Carmelo's NY Launch, Federal Reform, Cancer Study, Avicanna's Growth, Tilray's Split, DeSantis Fallout, Slovenia's Big Move And More

Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) has gone from being an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence">AI crown jewel</a> to a geopolitical chess piece. And, it looks like Wall Street just got a front-row seat to a high-stakes poker game between Washington and Beijing.



After weeks of tension, the first real blow in the U.S.-China tech trade war has landed: the White House is blocking Nvidia's H20 chip sales to China. "This week were the first shots fired in the trade war in the tech world," said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.



With 145% reciprocal tariffs in play, and tech still awaiting Section 232 hits &#8211; Nvidia is now "caught in the eye of this Category 5 storm," said Ives. While the financial damage may be manageable for now, the strategic signal is deafening. America's most prized chipmaker just got walled off from the world's second-largest economy. "Nvidia is one of the most important pieces in this chess game with China&#8230;and restricting its H20 chips is an important move that will clearly spark more actions from Beijing."



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44882893/billionaire-peter-hargreaves-backed-fund-offloads-stake-in-meta-microsoft-amid-global-economic-woes">Billionaire Peter Hargreaves-Backed Fund Offloads Stake In Meta, Microsoft Amid Global Economic Woes</a>



Meanwhile, CEO Jensen Huang is reportedly in China &#8211; an eyebrow-raising detail amid rising tensions. As Ives puts it, "the Street waits for the next poker move."



While Nvidia's dominance in AI remains unchallenged, the short-term turbulence is real. The market is already "baking in a 7%-10% (or more) cut to 2025 numbers across the board," Ives says. The upcoming June quarter? A mulligan, with "minimal/no guidance expected during this earnings season."



Adding fuel to the fire: Advanced Micro Devices Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) and others are now seeing similar restrictions, a trend that's been brewing since the Biden administration but is now front and center in Trump's trade war redux. Ives doesn't mince words: "The Trump Administration knows there is one chip and company fueling the AI Revolution and it's Nvidia… and put a ‘Do Not Enter' sign in front of China."



Nvidia remains the ace in America's AI hand &#8211; but right now, it's being played in a global poker game, not an earnings report.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44883683/xi-jinpings-minister-urges-nvidia-us-firms-to-invest-more-in-china-during-meeting-with-jensen-huang-despite-chip-export-curbs">Xi Jinping&#8217;s Minister Urges Nvidia, US Firms To Invest More In China During Meeting With Jensen Huang, Despite Chip Export Curbs</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock/gguy

Analyst Color

Long Ideas

Analyst Ratings

Nvidia's 'Do Not Enter' Sign: Caught In A Category 5 Tariff Storm

In response to allegations of AI model mimicry, OpenAI has implemented stricter access protocols. 



What Happened: Developers are now required to provide government ID verification to gain access to the company&#8217;s advanced AI models. 



The OpenAI has made it mandatory for developers to provide government ID verification to access its advanced AI models. This measure is intended to prevent misuse and protect the company&#8217;s intellectual property.



A recent study by AI content detection company, Copyleaks, found that 74% of outputs from the&nbsp;Chinese model, DeepSeek-R1, were classified&nbsp;as OpenAI-written. This indicates that OpenAI&#8217;s outputs may be used to train competing AI systems, a practice known as distillation, which could potentially&nbsp;violate OpenAI&#8217;s terms of service.



As per the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-tightens-access-evidence-ai-model-mimicry-deepseek-2025-4">by </a>Insider, OpenAI has not yet commented on these findings, but has previously expressed concerns about developers intentionally violating usage policies. Earlier this year, the company stated that it was investigating indications of DeepSeek distilling their models inappropriately.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44066117/elon-musk-battles-openai-over-move-to-for-profit-model-and-experts-are-pushing-back">Elon Musk Battles OpenAI Over Move To For-Profit Model — And Experts Are Pushing Back</a>



While distillation is a common practice in AI research, unauthorized use could lead to legal complications. The debate over ownership in the AI industry is escalating, and tools&nbsp;like Copyleaks&#8217; digital fingerprinting system&nbsp;could help&nbsp;trace and verify authorship at&nbsp;the model level.



Why It Matters: OpenAI&#8217;s decision to tighten access protocols comes at a time when the AI industry is grappling with issues of ownership and intellectual property rights. The alleged misuse of OpenAI&#8217;s outputs by competing AI systems underscores the need for stricter regulations and verification processes. 



By requiring government ID verification, OpenAI aims to ensure that its advanced AI models are used responsibly and in compliance with its terms of service. 



This move could potentially set a precedent for other companies in the industry, leading to more robust measures to protect intellectual property in the AI space.



Read Next



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OpenAI's Latest Move Has Competitors Like DeepSeek on Edge

A blockbuster quarter for Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) delivered standout revenue, profit, and guidance figures that blasted past Wall Street forecasts, yet Goldman Sachs is holding the line seeing little room left for further <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44881024/netflix-unitedhealth-novo-nordisk-tesla-and-trump-media-why-these-5-stocks-are-on-investors-radars-today">upside from current levels.</a>



In a note shared Thursday, Goldman Sachs analyst Eric Sheridan said the market is likely to respond positively to the company's first-quarter 2025 results and its forward-looking commentary. Sheridan emphasized the "solid revenue performance," driven by rising subscriber growth and partial pricing impacts, along with a "materially better" operating margin and an aggressive stock buyback program that far exceeded prior assumptions.



Still, the investment bank is treading carefully on the streaming giant, sticking with a &#8216;Neutral&#8217; rating and a 12-month price target of $955—below where the stock moved in after-hours trading following the earnings release.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Revenue Hits $10.54 Billion In Q1, Powered By Global Strength</h3>



For the quarter ended March, Netflix reported $10.54 billion in total revenue, a 13% increase year-over-year—or 16% when adjusted for foreign exchange. That result beat both Goldman Sachs' estimate of $10.42 billion and the FactSet consensus of $10.50 billion.



Regionally, performance was mixed but generally strong. 



The U.S. and Canada segment pulled in $4.62 billion, slightly below Street estimates, while Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) outperformed at $3.41 billion versus expectations of $3.32 billion. Both Latin America and Asia-Pacific met or slightly beat consensus targets at $1.26 billion each.



The standout metric was Netflix's GAAP operating income, which reached $3.35 billion, well above Goldman's $2.95 billion estimate and the Street's $3 billion figure. That equated to an operating margin of 31.7%, far ahead of the 28.5% expected by Wall Street.



Earnings per share for the quarter came in at $6.61, a substantial beat compared to both Goldman's forecast of $5.60 and the consensus of $5.69.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Q2 Outlook: Strong Guidance Raises The Bar</h3>



The company guided second-quarter 2025 revenue to $11.04 billion, implying 15% year-over-year growth—again ahead of consensus expectations of $10.89 billion.



Even more compelling was the forward guidance on profitability. Netflix expects second-quarter operating income to hit $3.68 billion, reflecting an operating margin of 33.3%. That compares to Wall Street's forecast of just 30%. 



If achieved, it would mark a major milestone in Netflix's margin expansion story, signaling increasing operating leverage as its global user base and pricing power grow.



Projected earnings per share for the second quarter are $7.03, topping Goldman's $6.30 and Street consensus of $6.25.



For full-year 2025, Netflix reaffirmed its guidance for revenue between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion, and a full-year operating margin of 29%—in line with previous commentary and roughly in line with Wall Street forecasts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Buybacks And Margins: The Two Big Stories</h3>



The company's aggressive share buyback program was a key surprise in the earnings release. 



According to Sheridan, the level of shareholder returns far exceeded expectations, adding another bullish dimension to the company's capital return story.



Meanwhile, the dramatic margin expansion is central to the bull case. After spending years investing heavily in content and international growth, Netflix now appears to be reaping the rewards of scale.



Sheridan said investor debates heading into the next earnings call will center around the sustainability of these margin levels, the trajectory of Netflix's ad-supported tier and pricing strategy, and how second-half margins may compare to the strong first half.



Sheridan also flagged potential downside risks: slower-than-expected execution on initiatives like the ad-supported tier and password-sharing crackdowns, unexpected churn from pricing changes, and rising industry competition that could limit subscriber growth and margin expansion.



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/04/44856564/former-cable-exec-says-netflixs-1-trillion-goal-is-very-realistic-heres-why-its-not-far-fetched">Netflix&#8217;s $1 Trillion Goal &#8216;Very Realistic&#8217;, Says Former Cable Executive: &#8216;It&#8217;s Not That Hard To Get There&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Netflix Beats Wall Street Forecasts, Yet Goldman Sachs Sees Limited Upside Ahead

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has cautioned about a possible stock market collapse if President Donald Trump decides to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.



What Happened: Warren&#8217;s remarks were a reaction to Trump&#8217;s earlier social media <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114352766082542122">post</a>, in which he expressed his impatience for Powell&#8217;s &#8220;termination.&#8221;



&#8220;Too Late should have lowered Interest Rates, like the ECB, long ago, but he should certainly lower them now. Powell's termination cannot come fast enough!&#8221; Trump wrote in his post. 



During her speech&nbsp;at the New York Stock&nbsp;Exchange, Warren voiced her apprehensions about the potential repercussions on the US markets if Powell were to be dismissed. 



&#8220;I have tangled with him on a regular basis about both regulations and interest rates. But understand this: If Chairman Powell can be fired by the president of the United States, it will crash markets in the United States,&#8221; Warren said of Powell at the New York Stock Exchange. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44875406/hell-be-out-if-i-ask-him-can-trumps-threat-to-oust-powell-shake-the-fed">&#8216;He&#8217;ll Be Out&#8230; If I Ask Him&#8217;: Can Trump&#8217;s Threat To Oust Powell Shake The Fed?</a>



Warren also underscored the importance of the Federal Reserve&#8217;s independence for the stability of the US and global economy. She expressed her doubts about the legality of Trump&#8217;s potential action to remove Powell.



&#8220;If interest rates in the United States are subject to a president who just wants to wave his magic wand, this doesn&#8217;t distinguish us from any other two-bit dictatorship around the world,&#8221; she added and as quoted <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elizabeth-warren-stock-market-crash-warning-if-trump-fires-powell-2025-4">by </a>Insider. 



Trump&#8217;s disapproval of Powell, especially regarding interest-rate cuts, has been a persistent issue. However, Powell has consistently maintained that he cannot be legally dismissed by the president.



The Supreme Court is set&nbsp;to deliver a verdict later this year on the legality of Trump&#8217;s recent dismissals of&nbsp;board members of independent agencies.



Why It Matters: The potential dismissal of Powell by Trump could lead to significant instability in the US and global markets. The Federal Reserve&#8217;s independence is a critical factor in maintaining economic stability, and any threat to this independence could have far-reaching implications. 



The upcoming Supreme Court ruling on the legality of Trump&#8217;s recent dismissals of board members of independent agencies could set a precedent for the future of the Federal Reserve and its leadership.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40541128/fed-chair-powells-signal-sets-stage-for-rate-global-central-banks-hint-at-interest-rate-cuts-in-revi">Fed Chair Powell&#8217;s Signal Sets Stage For Global Rate Cuts As Central Banks Aim To Revive Economy</a>



Image: Shutterstock/Sheila Fitzgerald

Markets

Warren Foresees Market Turmoil if Trump Dismisses Fed's Powell: If Powell Can Be Fired by Trump, 'It Will Crash Markets'

In speeches and rallies, President Donald Trump paints a spirited picture of a manufacturing comeback. He wants to fill up <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44506409/steve-jobs-warned-34-years-ago-about-america-being-hollowed-out-by-foreign-manufacturing-a-concern-trump-now-echoes">half-empty factories</a>, bring jobs back from overseas and restore America's status as a &#8220;manufacturing superpower.&#8221;



But while Americans might love the idea of more factory jobs, most don't actually want to work in one.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Nostalgic Vision Meets Modern Reality</h2>



Manufacturing once dominated the U.S. job market. In 1970, more than 25% of American workers held manufacturing jobs. Today, it's only around 8%, and many of those jobs look very different than they used to.



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Despite this drop, support for manufacturing remains high. A 2024 Cato Institute <a href="https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/2024-08/Globalization%20Survey_2024.pdf">survey</a> found that 80% of Americans believe the country would be better off with more manufacturing jobs. But when asked if they personally would prefer a factory job over their current work, only 25% agreed. About 73% said no, and just 2% of respondents actually work in manufacturing today.



<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">"America would be better off if more people worked in manufacturing." • 80% of Americans agree • 20% disagree "I would be better off if I worked in a factory." • 25% of Americans agree • 73% disagree • 2% currently work in a factory &#x1f449;&#x1f3fb; <a href="https://t.co/ycnHVZ1gT1">https://t.co/ycnHVZ1gT1</a> <a href="https://t.co/4NXb0GLK5L">pic.twitter.com/4NXb0GLK5L</a>&mdash; Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) <a href="https://twitter.com/FrankLuntz/status/1911463710029488317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



So what gives? According to Carolyn Lee, executive director of the Manufacturing Institute, the jobs that still exist in modern factories are not what they used to be. &#8220;The majority of the jobs in the sector are not entry-level jobs that have no skills,&#8221; she told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/10/business/manufacturing-us-jobs-trump-tariffs/index.html">CNN</a>. These roles now require everything from certifications to software and robotics skills.



Trending: With shares starting at $1.52, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-a-10k-bet-on-health-care-originals-could-have-skyrocketed-your-portfolio">this could be your chance to invest in the future of healthcare</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tariffs Alone Won't Bring Back the Old Jobs</h2>



Trump believes sweeping tariffs will reverse the decades-long decline in factory work. In a recent social media <a href="https://x.com/TrumpDailyPosts/status/1909784713847321085">post</a>, he wrote, "I'm proud to be the president for the workers, not the outsourcers."



But many economists say the plan oversimplifies the issue. U.S. manufacturing output has actually increased over the last 40 years, even as jobs declined—thanks to automation and improved productivity. American factories now produce more high-value goods with fewer workers.



The push to onshore production also faces a major labor problem. There simply aren't enough Americans willing—or trained—to fill these roles. In February, the U.S. had <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.t01.htm">482,000</a> open manufacturing jobs, and projections show 1.9 million may go unfilled by 2033, <a href="https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Digital_Skills_Report_April_2024.pdf">according</a> to Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute.



&#8220;The skills U.S. workers have are mismatched for manufacturing right now,&#8221; Olaf Groth, a professor at UC Berkeley, told CNN. &#8220;What we need to do is lift the majority of American labor from mid-skilled to high-skilled.&#8221;



See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">High Costs, Uncertain Results</h2>



Trump's supporters argue that tariffs will help revive old factory towns. But the costs are high. Tariffs raise the price of imported goods, which hits lower-income families the hardest. A <a href="https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/current-events/us-tariffs">note</a> from JPMorgan Chase summed it up: "At the end of the day, tariffs are a tax on imports… the tax incidence nearly always falls on domestic sellers and consumers, not foreign producers."



Trump&#8217;s steel and aluminum tariffs during his first term are a case in point. They raised costs for U.S. manufacturers and consumers alike. In 2018, the Peterson Institute <a href="https://www.piie.com/blogs/trade-and-investment-policy-watch/steel-profits-gain-steel-users-pay-under-trumps">estimated</a> it cost about $650,000 to save a single job in the steel industry.



There's also no guarantee that jobs would come back <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44660218/commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick-says-army-of-workers-will-build-iphones-in-the-us-but-trumps-tariffs-could-reportedly-push-iphone-16-pro-maxs-prices-to-2300">at the scale envisioned</a>. As Lee noted, new factories may open, but they'll need fewer people. Robots and machines will do most of the manual work. And many Americans just aren't interested. The Cato survey confirms that.



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Image: Shutterstock

80% Of Americans Say The Country Would Be Better Off With More Manufacturing Jobs—But Only 25% Want One Themselves

Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) has pulled back to levels not seen since 2018, yet key players from whales to traders remain defiant about the coin&#8217;s future prospects.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Market Cap</td><td>24-Hour Trend</td><td>7-Day Trend</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td><td>$1,582</td><td>$193.5 billion</td><td>-0.3% </td><td>+4.5% </td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>$84,853</td><td>$1.68 trillion</td><td>+0.6% </td><td>+6.7%</td></tr><tr><td>XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$2.08</td><td>$121.5 billion</td><td>-2.0% </td><td>+5.5% </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Trader Notes: In an X <a href="https://x.com/CrypNuevo/status/1912557361283113036">post</a> on Wednesday, trader CrypNuevo highlighted that Ethereum's current range mirrors historical accumulation zones. 



With Bitcoin holding its one-week 50-day moving average and BTC dominance not yet peaking, he's placing some of his largest spot buys in this range.



Crypto Caesar emphasized the importance of this support zone, calling it a potential millionaire-making moment. He urged traders not to sit idle, saying the next big move is likely just &#8220;a few clicks away.&#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"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> &#8211; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ethereum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ethereum</a> is testing support. I'm still bullish. This is not the time to do nothing. In times like this millionaires are being made. You are just a few clicks away. <a href="https://t.co/aSmNh8fB3v">pic.twitter.com/aSmNh8fB3v</a>&mdash; Crypto Caesar (@CryptoCaesarTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoCaesarTA/status/1912453098540253238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Niels, another prominent trader, <a href="https://x.com/Web3Niels/status/1912798313679630767">acknowledged</a> ETH's underperformance this cycle despite ETF approvals, major upgrades, and institutional interest. 



He believes the two catalysts that could send ETH to $10,000 are: a return of Fed quantitative easing and approval of ETH spot ETFs with staking enabled.



Statistics: Ethereum ETF flows remain negative, according to trader Ted Pillows, who suggests staking might be the only lever left to revive bullish momentum.



<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"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> ETF inflows remain in the red. Ethereum staking might be the only factor capable of reversing the trend. You agree? <a href="https://t.co/xZMsacmU3Z">pic.twitter.com/xZMsacmU3Z</a>&mdash; Ted (@TedPillows) <a href="https://twitter.com/TedPillows/status/1912777752484229314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



CryptoGoos <a href="https://x.com/crypto_goos/status/1912506515023446323">pointed </a>out a curious divergence: whales are buying heavily—possibly anticipating a move retail hasn't yet seen.



Coinglass data shows a 4.6% spike in open interest, with $27.8 million in liquidations over 24 hours. Notably, short liquidations ($14.5M) are outpacing longs, suggesting the market could be bracing for a squeeze.



IntoTheBlock data reveals a 2.2% increase in large transaction volume and a 4% bump in daily active addresses. Exchange netflows dropped 127.6%, signaling potential accumulation off exchanges.



Community News: Crypto YouTuber Crypto Rover <a href="https://x.com/rovercrc/status/1912869406549660008">reminded</a> his followers that BlackRock now owns $2 billion in ETH, arguing that such a move from the world's largest asset manager isn&#8217;t made lightly.



In a post on April 17, analytics firm Santiment&#8217;s marketing director Brian Quinlivan <a href="https://insights.santiment.net/read/ethereum-s-network-costs-hit-historically-low-milestone-8619?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=post&amp;utm_campaign=twitter_eth_low_fee_milestone_b_041625/&amp;fpr=twitter">noted</a> that Ethereum gas fees are at five-year lows, indicating a lack of on-chain activity.



Historically, these conditions have preceded price rebounds, making current entry levels appealing for long-term investors. Low fees usually signal a bottom, Quinlivan said and they often precede strong upside moves.



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44858748/millennium-managements-bitcoin-and-ethereum-etfs-purchased-in-q4-suffer-22-7-million-loss-amid-crypto-slump">Millennium Management&#8217;s Bitcoin And Ethereum ETFs Purchased In Q4 Suffer $22.7 Million Loss Amid Crypto Slump</a></li>
</ul>

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$ETH

$XRP

Ethereum Price Plunges To 2018 Levels: What Is Going On?

Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) may be gearing up for a major move, as its Layer-2 roadmap comes into focus and key technical indicators <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/dogecoin-doge-price-prediction">flash bullish signals</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Market Cap</td><td>24-Hour Trend</td><td>7-Day Trend</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$0.1550</td><td>$23 billion</td><td>+0.3%&nbsp;</td><td>+0.06%&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td><td>$0.00001175</td><td>$6.9 billion</td><td>-0.6%&nbsp;</td><td>-1.1%&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Pepe (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">PEPE</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$0.057194</td><td>$3 billion</td><td>+0.3%&nbsp;</td><td>+7.3%&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Trader Notes: Trader Tardigrade <a href="https://x.com/TATrader_Alan/status/1912770190636642465">noted</a> Dogecoin has flipped from a downtrend to an uptrend on the 4-hour chart, breaking a key trendline. 



The RSI is now approaching 50 and inching closer to bullish momentum.



In another X post, Tardigrade questions a "93-day Doge Bull Run?"



<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">Are you ready for a 93-day <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24Doge&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$Doge</a> Bull Run?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dogecoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dogecoin</a> <a href="https://t.co/85T96AwHEv">pic.twitter.com/85T96AwHEv</a>&mdash; Trader Tardigrade (@TATrader_Alan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TATrader_Alan/status/1912850798390002135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Javon Marks <a href="https://x.com/JavonTM1/status/1912867110507651470">highlighted</a> a strong bullish divergence on the charts, signaling that bearish pressure is fading. 



He sees the potential for a 150%+ move toward $0.40.



Statistics: In an X <a href="https://x.com/ali_charts/status/1912052774310719551">post</a> on Tuesday 15, crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez noted whales have accumulated more than 800 million DOGE in the last 48 hours.



Coinglass data shows Dogecoin liquidations in the past 24 hours at $4.35 million, with $2.51 million in long liquidations. DOGE derivatives data volume expanded by 12.6%.



Community News: The Dogecoin Foundation recently unveiled plans for integrating Layer-2 networks, aiming to supercharge DOGE's utility. 



Foundation director Timothy Stebbing <a href="https://x.com/tjstebbing/status/1912627688998838489">emphasized</a> that while Dogecoin's Layer-1 should remain lean and optimized for speed and security, real innovation—including smart contracts, tokenization and identity—will thrive on L2s.



He called this "a new era" for the meme coin, noting that progress always brings both opportunities and risks—and that it's up to the community to harness the good while fending off scams.



Read Next:&nbsp;



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<li><a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44846673/meme-coin-market-is-very-much-alive-can-dogecoin-shiba-inu-fartcoin-bounce-back">Meme Coin Market Is &#8216;Very Much Alive&#8217;: Can Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Fartcoin Bounce Back?</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

$DOGE

$PEPE

$SHIB

A 93-Day Dogecoin Bull Spring May Be About To Begin

As <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44856008/china-dismisses-trumps-tariff-numbers-game-files-wto-complaint-talks-can-only-proceed-based-on-mutual-respect">US-China trade tensions</a> continue to escalate, Chinese refiners have cut their U.S. oil imports, while imports of Canadian crude have reached record highs



What happened: Imports of U.S. oil by China have plunged roughly 90% since 2023, falling from a peak of 29 million barrels per month to just 3 million, according to Vortexa Ltd. data, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-16/china-pivots-from-us-to-canada-for-more-oil-as-trade-war-worsens">reported</a> Bloomberg. In March, China imported 7.3 million barrels of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44855903/scott-bessent-warns-of-serious-risk-to-anyone-buying-iran-oil-crude-moves-up-us-futures-and-nikkei-post-modest-gains">crude</a> from Canada's Vancouver port.



This figure is expected to rise even more this month. This shift follows the completion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX) in late 2023, which added 590,000 barrels per day of export capacity and gave Alberta's landlocked oil sands direct access to Asian markets.



Why it matters: China's shift to Canadian oil highlights the larger impact of the<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44831287/trump-administration-imposes-up-to-245-tariff-on-chinese-imports-amid-intensifying-trade-battle"> current trade conflict</a> between the Donald Trump administration and Team Xi Jinping. For investors, the emergence of Canada as a key supplier to China signals a structural shift in North American oil fundamentals, with implications for companies such as Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Cenovus Energy Inc., and U.S. majors like Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) and Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>).



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44858847/nancy-pelosi-called-us-china-trade-a-job-loserold-remarks-reemerge-amid-trump-tariff-push">Nancy Pelosi Called US-China Trade &#8220;A Job Loser:&#8221; Old Remarks Reemerge Amid Trump Tariff Push</a>



This move is also strategically significant for China's refineries, which gain from the comparatively inexpensive and dense oil available from Canada's oilsands. Wenran Jiang, president of the Canada-China Energy &amp; Environment Forum, stated, "Given the trade war, it's unlikely for China to import more <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/buybacks/25/04/44853647/northern-oil-and-gas-stock-climbs-on-q1-hedging-results-shareholder-return-update-what-you-need-to-know">US oil</a>."



Oil prices witnessed a rally on early Thursday, with Brent Crude Oil up 0.85%, now trading at $66.42 per barrel, and the WTI Futures up by 1.06%.



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44856114/nvidia-says-it-follows-us-government-instructions-on-what-it-can-sell-and-where-amid-trade-war-escalation-with-china">Nvidia Says It Follows US Government Instructions On What It Can Sell And Where Amid Trade War Escalation With China</a>



Image via Shutterstock

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China Slashes US Oil Imports By 90% Amid Trump Tariffs, Turns To Canada Instead

Former Google chief executive Eric&nbsp;Schmidt sketched an aggressive road&nbsp;map for artificial intelligence progress, warning that machines will match — and soon eclipse — elite human talent across most creative and technical fields.



What Happened: Speaking at the AI&nbsp;+&nbsp;Biotechnology Summit, co‑hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), Schmidt predicted "the vast majority of programmers" will be supplanted within 12&nbsp;months as generative models crank out production‑ready code in any language. Over the same span, he expects AI systems to reach the level of "the tippy‑top of graduate math programs," leveraging formal proof languages such as Lean, to out‑reason human savants.



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Dr. Eric Schmidt" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L5jhEYofpaQ?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>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Two Years: Self‑Improving AI</h3>



Schmidt reveals that by 2027, research labs such as OpenAI and Anthropic could see 20% of their research code written autonomously, a feedback loop Schmidt called "recursive self‑improvement." Pairing that capability with advanced reasoning, he said, lays the groundwork for broader disruption of business and government workflows.



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44856114/nvidia-says-it-follows-us-government-instructions-on-what-it-can-sell-and-where-amid-trade-war-escalation-with-china">Nvidia Says It Follows US Government Instructions On What It Can Sell And Where Amid Trade War Escalation With China</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Three To Five Years: Artificial General Intelligence</h3>



Schmidt subscribes to what he dubbed the "San&nbsp;Francisco consensus": between 2028 and 2030, a single model will rival the best mathematician, physicist, writer, or artist. That milestone — artificial general intelligence — would put a "smartest human" in every pocket, able to design homes, negotiate contracts, or draft policy with minimal oversight.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Six Years: Super‑Intelligence</h3>



Extend the scaling curves, Schmidt argued, and "artificial super‑intelligence" emerges by 2031 — machines smarter than the sum of humanity, operating largely outside human guidance. Realizing that the future will hinge on massive computing power, he cautioned, and society still lacks language, let alone policy, for managing intellect "that's largely free."



Schmidt rejected the notion that everyone will be unemployed, but stressed the window to prepare for AI's cascading impact is closing fast: "The foundation is being locked in. We're not going to stop it."



Why It Matters: Schmidt had <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44185833/former-google-ceo-eric-schmidt-warn-of-nuclear-level-risks-in-global-superintelligent-ai-race-what-begins-as-a-push-for-a-superweapon">earlier warned</a> that an unchecked race for super‑intelligence could mirror a nuclear arms sprint. In a March&nbsp;7 white paper with Alexandr&nbsp;Wang and Dan&nbsp;Hendrycks, he urged the U.S. to pursue "Mutual&nbsp;Assured&nbsp;AI&nbsp;Malfunction" safeguards and non‑proliferation pacts to prevent destabilizing, Cold‑War‑style escalation.



xAI founder Elon Musk, meanwhile, strikes a middle course: he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37987626/is-superintelligence-safe-elon-musk-backtracks-on-ai-warnings">pegs a 10‑20% chance</a> that super-intelligent AI ends humanity but still expects machines to outthink us by 2029 and create "abundance," abandoning his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36070359/larry-page-disliked-elon-musks-love-for-humanity-over-ai-powered-digital-life-forms-and-that-soured">2023 pause proposal</a>. Palantir's Peter Thiel is more <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/08/40475377/palantir-co-founder-peter-thiel-says-ai-could-take-15-20-years-to-become-super-dominant-calls-this-t">skeptical</a>, arguing true AGI could take 15‑20 years and calling near‑term super‑dominance a distant "holy grail."



Photo Courtesy: Frederic Legrand &#8211; COMEO on Shutterstock.com



Read next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/04/44854679/time-100-most-influential-people-includes-elon-musk-mark-zuckerberg-alex-karp-and-more-public-company-ceos">Time 100 Most Influential People Includes Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Alex Karp And More Public Company CEOs</a>

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt Predicts AI Sprint Toward Super Intelligence Could Put 'Smartest Human' In Every Pocket In 6 Years

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