Oil markets defied all expectations Monday, crashing more than 7% to $68 a barrel even as Iran launched a barrage of missiles at U.S. military installations in Qatar in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian nuclear <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/iran">facilities over the weekend.</a>



Instead of triggering a surge in crude prices, typical of an escalating Middle East conflict, the attack seemed to confirm what markets have already priced in: this was a symbolic, controlled response, not the start of a full-blown war.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Iran Strikes US Bases, But Oil Plunges As Markets Shrug Off Threat</h3>



On Monday at around 1:00 p.m. ET, Iran's military declared the missile launches under the operation name &#8220;Annunciation of Victory&#8221;, targeting Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest U.S. base in the region. 



Qatar temporarily closed its airspace amid the strikes, and flight-tracking services confirmed nearby UAE airspace closures as well.



But according to U.S. officials cited by Reuters, no missiles hit the base directly, and no casualties or damage were reported. 



The <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/06/23/world/iran-trump-israel-news">New York Times</a> confirmed that Iran had notified both Qatari and U.S. officials in advance, an unusual move likely intended to limit escalation and avoid fatalities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chart: Oil Just Had Its Worst Day Since December 2022</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="528" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23152117/image-342-1024x528.png" alt="" class="wp-image-958665" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23152117/image-342-1024x528.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23152117/image-342-300x155.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23152117/image-342-768x396.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23152117/image-342-1536x792.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23152117/image-342-2048x1056.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Markets See Symbolism, Not Escalation</h3>



The initial response from markets was decisive: West Texas Intermediate crude – as tracked by the United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) – dropped more than 7%, marking its steepest daily fall since April 8 and pushing oil prices below levels seen before the Israel-Iran conflict erupted.



The market interpreted the attack as largely symbolic—matching the number of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear targets, but carefully calibrated to avoid serious damage. 



As reported by The Kobeissi Letter on X, a popular financial newsletter and media platform, Iran&#8217;s move was "calculated and de-escalatory," designed to satisfy domestic political pressure in Iran while avoiding direct military confrontation with the U.S.



"This is a textbook buy-the-rumor, sell-the-news event," Kobeissi said, adding that the retreat in oil prices reflects fading war risk and a potential opening for diplomacy. 



"The market is saying we are nowhere near World War 3."



<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">Iran&#39;s response has begun: After US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran just attacked US military bases in Qatar and Iraq. Meanwhile, oil prices just CRASHED over -6% on the news. Why? Markets are saying EVERYTHING you need to know. Let us explain. (a thread) <a href="https://t.co/TUny5gJcmt">pic.twitter.com/TUny5gJcmt</a>&mdash; The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1937203434559799743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Diplomacy Back On The Table?</h2>



The Trump administration anticipated a response from Tehran following the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, a senior White House official told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-us-strikes-06-23-25-intl-hnk#cmc9dokci001f3b70mnambkp5">CNN</a> on Monday.



According to the official, President Donald Trump does not currently seek further military engagement in the region, signaling a preference for containment over escalation. However, the administration remains prepared to act if necessary.



This positioning from both sides has reinforced the belief that, for now, the worst has been avoided. 



With the S&amp;P 500 trading less than 2% below record highs and oil back under $70, markets appear to be dialing down the energy shock premium—at least for now.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/bonds/25/06/46057446/us-bonds-traild-sp-500-5-straight-years-iran-shock-snap-streak">US Bonds Trailed S&amp;P 500 For 5 Straight Years — Will Iran Shock Snap The Streak? </a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Anton Watman/Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Macro Economic Events

Commodities

Global

Econ #s

Economics

Analyst Ratings

ETFs

Oil Was Supposed To Soar On Iran Strikes—It Just Crashed Instead

With President Donald Trump's stunning decision to directly involve U.S. forces in Israel's conflict with Iran, the geopolitical environment stands on fragile ground. Cynically, though, this development may provide an upward catalyst for CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>). A cybersecurity specialist, CrowdStrike has been thrust into the spotlight amid an anticipated retaliatory response by Iran. As such, a clear incentive exists among government and private institutions to bolster digital defenses, thus lifting CRWD stock.



On Saturday night, Trump declared <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043305/donald-trump-announces-spectacular-military-success-as-us-strikes-key-iranian-nuclear-sites">successful strikes on three crucial Iranian nuclear sites</a>, labeling the operation a "spectacular military success." During an address to the nation, the president stated that U.S. forces' main objective was to destroy Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity, criticizing its government as the "world's number one state sponsor of terror."



However, the contentious decision to bomb Iran has <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/06/20/nx-s1-5439184/maga-divide-trump-strike-iran">divided</a> Trump's support among his otherwise fiercely loyal base. On one hand, political supporters praised the decision to attack a longtime adversary and for supporting Israel. On the other end, notable proponents, such as former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, have argued that Trump is turning his back on his America First principles.



Worryingly, the U.S. could be sucked into another protracted military campaign in the Middle East, a matter that is deeply <a href="https://time.com/6590408/us-biden-middle-east-war/">unpopular</a> for the American public. What's more, Iran is likely to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-attacks-retaliation-targets-mideast-wars-63ccbe43d83cf3cc7faf3fc4b37e6333">retaliate</a>, which may threaten servicemembers stationed in the region. Perhaps most distressingly, Iran could activate sleeper cells to launch <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/u-s-officials-iran-threatened-terror-attacks-inside-u-s-242058821681">terror</a> attacks in the U.S.



Among the asymmetric warfare tools of Iran is its capacity to initiate cyberattacks. Last year, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>, NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) subsidiary Google confirmed that the Islamic nation's Revolutionary Guard <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40387430/google-confirms-iranian-hackers-linked-to-revolutionary-guard-targeted-trump-biden-and-harris-campai">launched a series of cyberattacks</a> targeting the political campaigns of Trump, former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris.



With the threat level elevated, both government agencies and private enterprises have every incentive to bolster their digital defenses. By logical deduction, the accelerated demand could lift CRWD stock.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Using Statistical Data To Pinpoint A Strategy For CRWD Stock</h2>



As compelling as the fundamental narrative may be for CRWD stock, it still lacks in the area of specificity. For traders (particularly those who focus on options), they live in the world of probabilities. It's not so much about the "why" of an investment but rather the "how" — as in, how much, how fast and how likely.



Since all options expire, an underlying thesis must be accurate in terms of magnitude (y-axis) and in time (x-axis). To address this challenge, it's important to conduct statistical analysis, which sounds easier said than done. At first glance, it's a straightforward process: merely take the desired outcome and divide it by the total frequencies of events in the given dataset.



However, the above approach only calculates odds across the dataset's distribution, which is a derivative probability. What most traders are looking for is the conditional probability: the odds of an outcome materializing over a specific subset of the underlying data. Colloquially, conditional probabilities are akin to situational batting averages, such as when there are runners in scoring position (RISP) as opposed to a simple average over an entire season.



To implement conditional frameworks requires that the measurement metric governing the data speak a unified language. This is the reason why market breadth — or sequences of accumulative and distributive sessions — represents a valuable tool. As a first-order principle (meaning that it cannot be mathematically reduced), market breadth's binary nature facilitates categorization and quantification, which then lends itself to sensible probabilistic analysis.



As it relates to CRWD stock, its price action over the past two months can be converted as a "6-4-U" sequence: six up weeks, four down weeks, with a net positive trajectory across the 10-week period. While this admittedly compresses the dynamic magnitude profile of CRWD into a binary code, the benefit is that this sequence can be catalogued to determine likely forward outcomes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23144003/CRWD-stock-10wk-forecast-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-958623" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23144003/CRWD-stock-10wk-forecast-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23144003/CRWD-stock-10wk-forecast-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23144003/CRWD-stock-10wk-forecast-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23144003/CRWD-stock-10wk-forecast.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by author</figcaption></figure>



Based on past empirical data, in 61.9% of cases when the 6-4-U sequence flashes, the following week's price action results in upside, with a median return of 4.04%. Should the bulls maintain control of the market for a second week, past analogs suggest that CRWD stock could be due for a nearly 1% upside move.



Based on Friday's close of $476.30, CRWD may run close to $500 over the next two to three weeks. Given the fundamental catalyst, the security just might eclipse this psychological threshold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Optimistic But Rational Trades To Consider</h2>



Based on the market intelligence above, aggressive traders may consider the 495/500 bull call spread expiring July 11. This transaction involves buying the $495 call and simultaneously selling the $500 call, for a net debit paid of $275. Should CRWD stock rise through the short strike price ($500) at expiration, the maximum reward is $225, a payout of nearly 82%.



Those who want to add an extra week to their timeline may consider the 490/500 bull spread expiring July 18. However, the drawback here is that the spread is considerably more expensive, requiring a net debit of $515. Still, the reward if CRWD stock hits the short strike price at expiration is $485, a payout of over 94%.



In both cases, the common driver is the implied shift in sentiment regime that the 6-4-U sequence generates. As a baseline, the chance that CRWD stock rises on any given week is 55.87%, which is a strong upward bias. But the aforementioned sequence amplifies this bullish edge, further incentivizing a debit-based strategy for those already prone to risk-taking.



The opinions and views expressed in this content are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Benzinga. Benzinga is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information provided herein. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be misconstrued as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Readers are asked not to rely on the opinions or information herein, and encouraged to do their own due diligence before making investing decisions.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options/25/06/46038136/lng-stock-quiet-despite-middle-east-conflict">Options Corner: Cheniere Energy Hides In Plain Sight Despite Escalating Middle East Conflict</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Equities

Long Ideas

Options

Politics

Events

Movers

CRWD

GOOG

GOOGL

Options Corner: CrowdStrike Gains Relevance As Iran Poses Cyber Retaliation Threat

I'm usually a long-term investor. It fits my nature, inclination, and personality. The short-term trades I engage in from time to time are typically arbitrage-related. That does not mean that I don't know anything about trading.



Many years ago, I conversed with one of the greatest traders of the last 100 years. He said that when studying markets, if something can be tested, it must be tested. Since then, I have tested thousands of different ideas, thoughts, concepts, and what I thought initially were grand epiphanies, including dozens of technical indicators.



I have read thousands more tests and studies by traders, professors, and students of the markets. I have had countless conversations with value investors, arbitrage traders, floor traders, quantitative traders, private equity corporate raider types, fundamentalists, technicians, spread traders, scalpers, and everyone in between.



After talking, reading, and number crunching, I can tell you that the secret to trading success is not what you think it is. It is not a magic pattern. It is not the top-secret options strategy of the 1%. It is not the perfect algorithm. It is absolutely not a high win rate. In fact, a high win rate with small average gains is more likely to lead to a job waiting tables at Applebee&#8217;s than it is to being featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Lucky.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Matt Maley Is Trading The Market's Shifting Forces—Live Wednesday At 6 PM ET</h2>



Geopolitical tensions, energy disruptions, and inflation are creating new market dynamics. Join Matt Maley this Wednesday at 6 PM ET to learn how he's positioning for these forces as we head into July. Matt will share how he's trading the current volatility, which sectors he's focused on, and the real trade setups he's targeting to capitalize on this evolving macro environment. Reserve <a href="https://events2.benzinga.com/matt-maley-webinar-wed-june25-2025-registration/?utm_campaign=webinar062525&amp;utm_adType=sponsorad&amp;utm_ad=RD062425">your spot now</a>—this is your chance to trade with a Wall Street veteran.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Right-Sizing Your Bets And Learning To Take Small Losses</h2>



Everett Klipp was one of the best traders in the history of the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). He was often called the Babe Ruth of the CBOT. During his career, he mentored Richard Dennis, William Eckhardt, Mark Spitznagle, and hundreds of CBOT traders. He was emphatic about taking small losses and avoiding the big losses that could wipe out an account or end a career.



Paul Tudor Jones has had spectacular success during his career and has repeatedly said that the key to making big money is not playing offense but playing defense and taking small losses. The wins will take care of themselves if you put defense first.



Charles P. DiFrancesca trained hundreds of successful floor traders at the CBOT. He taught that trading was not about predicting the future. It was about managing the present, cutting losers early, and letting winners run. He believed the only real mistake a trader could make was allowing a small loss to turn into a big one.



Charlie D. died too young, but not only did he get rich, he helped a lot of young traders survive and thrive during his career. If you have never read &#8220;Charlie D., The Story of the Legendary Bond Trader&#8221; by William Falloon, order it now from Amazon. You will thank me.



If someone claimed that Ed Seykota was the best trader ever, I would find it difficult to argue with them. He made a fortune, and his entire system was built around cutting losses short and letting winners run.



That sounds trite, but it&#8217;s a lot like &#8220;Buy Low, Sell High.&#8221; Really easy to say but very difficult to practice.



Ed is interviewed in the original Trading Wizards by Jack Schwager, as are Paul Tudor Jones and other wildly successful traders. You can get it on Amazon and I would be shocked if your local library did not have a copy.



Stanley Druckenmiller has made billions in the financial markets. He is one of the true greats of trading. He is best known for some of his legendary trades, but he repeatedly emphasized taking losses quickly when a position goes against you.



He did not earn 30% a year for 30 years with no down years because he spent a lot of time hoping a trade would return to its starting point.



William O&#8217;Neill&#8217;s CANSLIM program worked as well as it did because he never let a stock plunge precipitously and wipe out his account. He used 7% stops on every trade.



While that did not transition well to mutual fund management, O&#8217;Neill and CANSLIM made a lot of money for a lot of individual investors. He made billions by hanging on when he was right, allowing powerful fundamentals to send the stock soaring, and getting out quickly when he was wrong.



As individual traders and investors, we do not have the luxury of research staff and trading desks. We do have the luxury of being independent, though, and not having to answer to anyone.



It is not that difficult to set up a system. It does not matter if you want to use trend-based entry points or reversion-based entry.



It matters that you have an approach that is the right mix of probability and payoff and that has rules you can follow.



It matters that you understand the system.



We cannot all be Jim Simons and would go broke if we tried to be.



I am pretty sure you can make money using something as simple as a combination of Williams %R or RSI along with a short-term moving average, unless you hoped and dreamed too much about positions recovering losses and hung on long after you should have closed the trade.



If you want to be profitable as a trader, learn to take small losses quickly and painlessly. If you do not, you will certainly take a large one at some point that puts you out of the game.



Editorial content from our expert contributors is intended to be information for the general public and not individualized investment advice. Editors/contributors are presenting their individual opinions and strategies, which are neither expressly nor impliedly approved or endorsed by Benzinga.



Photo: Shutterstock

Opinion

Trading Ideas

The Greatest Traders All Follow This One Simple Rule

The U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facility on June 21 has raised the specter of a new oil crisis, reviving investor fears of energy-driven inflation and testing whether the stock market can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/iran">withstand another geopolitical shock.</a>



Historical precedent offers a guide to how the S&amp;P 500 index responds to energy-driven geopolitical upheaval—and the record shows that outcomes vary sharply depending on the broader economic context.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How Did The S&amp;P 500 React To Past Oil Crises?</h3>



In the first major oil shock in October 1973, triggered by the Arab oil embargo, the S&amp;P 500 – as tracked by the Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) – plunged 11.3% within a month and was down 41% one year later. 



The second oil shock in January 1978, tied to the start of the Iranian revolution, saw a more minor short-term hit—down 6.2% over a month—but the index recovered 5.3% over 12 months.



During the first Gulf War in August 1990, the S&amp;P 500 fell 9.4% in a month but rebounded 8.6% over the following year. In contrast, the 2003 Iraq invasion saw modest gains of 0.8% in one month and a strong 35% surge over 12 months.



The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine brought an initial 3.7% gain in the S&amp;P 500, but the index declined 12.4% a year later amid inflation and interest rate concerns.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Crisis Event</th><th>Start Date</th><th>1-Month S&amp;P 500 Return</th><th>12-Month S&amp;P 500 Return</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>First Oil Shock (Arab oil embargo)</td><td>Oct 1973</td><td>-11.3%</td><td>-41.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Second Oil Shock (Iranian Revolution)</td><td>Jan 1978</td><td>-6.2%</td><td>+5.3%</td></tr><tr><td>First Gulf War</td><td>Aug 1990</td><td>-9.4%</td><td>+8.6%</td></tr><tr><td>Second Gulf War (Iraq Invasion)</td><td>Mar 2003</td><td>+0.8%</td><td>+35.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Russia-Ukraine War</td><td>Feb 2022</td><td>+3.7%</td><td>-12.4%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Real Market Damage May Come After The Oil Shock</h3>



While oil prices tend to surge during geopolitical shocks, history shows that the stock market pain often arrives later, when elevated energy costs start fueling inflation and central banks are forced to act by raising interest rates, thus reducing economic growth.



Prices peaked in January 1974 in the wake of the 1973 oil shock. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates in March of that year.



As borrowing costs rose, the S&amp;P 500 extended its decline, falling another 25% until it bottomed in October 1974. The oil shock initially triggered volatility, but the real equity damage came after monetary tightening.



A similar pattern followed the 1979 oil crisis. Oil peaked in May 1980, then fell 30% over the next three years. 



However, the S&amp;P 500 didn't bottom until July 1982, after falling 25% between November 1980 and mid-1982. This period coincided with Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker raising interest rates to a record 20%, keeping them in double-digit territory until August 1982 to crush inflation.



The 2022 Russia-Ukraine war followed the same blueprint. Oil surged to $130 per barrel in March, then slid to $80 by October. The S&amp;P 500 suffered a 20% drawdown from March to October 2022 as the Federal Reserve began lifting interest rates, then accelerated the pace of hikes through the summer.



These episodes reveal a consistent pattern: initial oil shocks may trigger a knee-jerk reaction in markets, but the most damaging effects emerge as inflation lingers, central banks raise rates, and growth weakens.



Bottom line, oil spikes alone don't always sink equities.



But when prices stay high for months, the inflationary pressure builds, forcing central banks like the Federal Reserve to respond with tighter monetary policy.



That's when the real trouble begins.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46051051/oil-prices-iran-strait-of-hormuz-risk-us-attack">Oil At $110? Goldman Flags Major Risk If Iran Disrupts Strait Of Hormuz Shipping </a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Mohamad Reza Jamei/Shutterstock

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Federal Reserve

War, Oil, And S&P 500: Here's How The Stock Market Behaves In Energy Crises

Wall Street showed unexpected resilience Monday as investors looked past a sharp escalation in the Middle East, where Iran fired missiles at U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq — just 48 hours after American strikes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/iran">targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.</a>



According to Axios, citing Israeli officials, Iran launched six ballistic missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military presence in the Middle East. Another missile was reportedly fired at a U.S. base in Iraq. 



Despite the rising geopolitical risks, U.S. equity markets held firm. By midday trading in New York, the Nasdaq 100 rose 0.7% to 21,755, the S&amp;P 500 added 0.4% to 5,990, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average inched 0.3% higher to 42,321. Small caps underperformed, with the Russell 2000 down 0.1% to 2,107.



President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with his national security team at 1 p.m. ET at the White House to assess the evolving threat landscape.



Monday's session defied expectations in energy markets. West Texas Intermediate crude fell over 5% to below $70 a barrel, on track for its worst one-day drop since early April and its lowest level in a week.



Gold rose 0.6% to $3,387 per ounce. The day&#8217;s standout gainer was the U.S. bond market, with yields falling across major maturities. 



The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) gained nearly 1%, surging to levels last seen in May 8. 



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Major Indices</td><td>Price</td><td>1-day chg. %</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>21,755.49</td><td>0.7%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>5,988.77</td><td>0.4%</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>42,321.51</td><td>0.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>2,107.04</td><td>-0.1%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated by 1:20 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>



According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The&nbsp;Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) rose 0.5% to $550.39.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) inched 0.4% up to $423.40.</li>



<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;rose 0.5% to $529.89.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) held steady at $209.28.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;Consumer Discretionary&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLY#NYSE">XLY</a>) outperformed, up 1.5%; the&nbsp;Energy&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) lagged, down 2.6%.</li>
</ul>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Monday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h1>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>) gained 3.4% despite missing earnings expectations, buoyed by stronger-than-expected forward guidance.</li>



<li>Novo Nordisk (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) said Monday it has terminated its partnership with Hims &amp; Hers Health Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>) for selling weight-loss drugs, including Wegovy. Shares of Novo fell 6%, while Hims &amp; Hers plunged 33%.</li>



<li><path d="M12.668 10.667C12.668 9.95614 12.668 9.46258 12.6367 9.0791C12.6137 8.79732 12.5758 8.60761 12.5244 8.46387L12.4688 8.33399C12.3148 8.03193 12.0803 7.77885 11.793 7.60254L11.666 7.53125C11.508 7.45087 11.2963 7.39395 10.9209 7.36328C10.5374 7.33197 10.0439 7.33203 9.33301 7.33203H6.5C5.78896 7.33203 5.29563 7.33195 4.91211 7.36328C4.63016 7.38632 4.44065 7.42413 4.29688 7.47559L4.16699 7.53125C3.86488 7.68518 3.61186 7.9196 3.43555 8.20703L3.36524 8.33399C3.28478 8.49198 3.22795 8.70352 3.19727 9.0791C3.16595 9.46259 3.16504 9.95611 3.16504 10.667V13.5C3.16504 14.211 3.16593 14.7044 3.19727 15.0879C3.22797 15.4636 3.28473 15.675 3.36524 15.833L3.43555 15.959C3.61186 16.2466 3.86474 16.4807 4.16699 16.6348L4.29688 16.6914C4.44063 16.7428 4.63025 16.7797 4.91211 16.8027C5.29563 16.8341 5.78896 16.835 6.5 16.835H9.33301C10.0439 16.835 10.5374 16.8341 10.9209 16.8027C11.2965 16.772 11.508 16.7152 11.666 16.6348L11.793 16.5645C12.0804 16.3881 12.3148 16.1351 12.4688 15.833L12.5244 15.7031C12.5759 15.5594 12.6137 15.3698 12.6367 15.0879C12.6681 14.7044 12.668 14.211 12.668 13.5V10.667ZM13.998 12.665C14.4528 12.6634 14.8011 12.6602 15.0879 12.6367C15.4635 12.606 15.675 12.5492 15.833 12.4688L15.959 12.3975C16.2466 12.2211 16.4808 11.9682 16.6348 11.666L16.6914 11.5361C16.7428 11.3924 16.7797 11.2026 16.8027 10.9209C16.8341 10.5374 16.835 10.0439 16.835 9.33301V6.5C16.835 5.78896 16.8341 5.29563 16.8027 4.91211C16.7797 4.63025 16.7428 4.44063 16.6914 4.29688L16.6348 4.16699C16.4807 3.86474 16.2466 3.61186 15.959 3.43555L15.833 3.36524C15.675 3.28473 15.4636 3.22797 15.0879 3.19727C14.7044 3.16593 14.211 3.16504 13.5 3.16504H10.667C9.9561 3.16504 9.46259 3.16595 9.0791 3.19727C8.79739 3.22028 8.6076 3.2572 8.46387 3.30859L8.33399 3.36524C8.03176 3.51923 7.77886 3.75343 7.60254 4.04102L7.53125 4.16699C7.4508 4.32498 7.39397 4.53655 7.36328 4.91211C7.33985 5.19893 7.33562 5.54719 7.33399 6.00195H9.33301C10.022 6.00195 10.5791 6.00131 11.0293 6.03809C11.4873 6.07551 11.8937 6.15471 12.2705 6.34668L12.4883 6.46875C12.984 6.7728 13.3878 7.20854 13.6533 7.72949L13.7197 7.87207C13.8642 8.20859 13.9292 8.56974 13.9619 8.9707C13.9987 9.42092 13.998 9.97799 13.998 10.667V12.665ZM18.165 9.33301C18.165 10.022 18.1657 10.5791 18.1289 11.0293C18.0961 11.4302 18.0311 11.7914 17.8867 12.1279L17.8203 12.2705C17.5549 12.7914 17.1509 13.2272 16.6553 13.5313L16.4365 13.6533C16.0599 13.8452 15.6541 13.9245 15.1963 13.9619C14.8593 13.9895 14.4624 13.9935 13.9951 13.9951C13.9935 14.4624 13.9895 14.8593 13.9619 15.1963C13.9292 15.597 13.864 15.9576 13.7197 16.2939L13.6533 16.4365C13.3878 16.9576 12.9841 17.3941 12.4883 17.6982L12.2705 17.8203C11.8937 18.0123 11.4873 18.0915 11.0293 18.1289C10.5791 18.1657 10.022 18.165 9.33301 18.165H6.5C5.81091 18.165 5.25395 18.1657 4.80371 18.1289C4.40306 18.0962 4.04235 18.031 3.70606 17.8867L3.56348 17.8203C3.04244 17.5548 2.60585 17.151 2.30176 16.6553L2.17969 16.4365C1.98788 16.0599 1.90851 15.6541 1.87109 15.1963C1.83431 14.746 1.83496 14.1891 1.83496 13.5V10.667C1.83496 9.978 1.83432 9.42091 1.87109 8.9707C1.90851 8.5127 1.98772 8.10625 2.17969 7.72949L2.30176 7.51172C2.60586 7.0159 3.04236 6.6122 3.56348 6.34668L3.70606 6.28027C4.04237 6.136 4.40303 6.07083 4.80371 6.03809C5.14051 6.01057 5.53708 6.00551 6.00391 6.00391C6.00551 5.53708 6.01057 5.14051 6.03809 4.80371C6.0755 4.34588 6.15483 3.94012 6.34668 3.56348L6.46875 3.34473C6.77282 2.84912 7.20856 2.44514 7.72949 2.17969L7.87207 2.11328C8.20855 1.96886 8.56979 1.90385 8.9707 1.87109C9.42091 1.83432 9.978 1.83496 10.667 1.83496H13.5C14.1891 1.83496 14.746 1.83431 15.1963 1.87109C15.6541 1.90851 16.0599 1.98788 16.4365 2.17969L16.6553 2.30176C17.151 2.60585 17.5548 3.04244 17.8203 3.56348L17.8867 3.70606C18.031 4.04235 18.0962 4.40306 18.1289 4.80371C18.1657 5.25395 18.165 5.81091 18.165 6.5V9.33301Z"></path><path d="M10.9153 1.83987L11.2942 1.88772L11.4749 1.91507C13.2633 2.24201 14.4107 4.01717 13.9749 5.78225L13.9261 5.95901L13.3987 7.6719C13.7708 7.67575 14.0961 7.68389 14.3792 7.70608C14.8737 7.74486 15.3109 7.82759 15.7015 8.03323L15.8528 8.11819C16.5966 8.56353 17.1278 9.29625 17.3167 10.1475L17.347 10.3096C17.403 10.69 17.3647 11.0832 17.2835 11.5098C17.2375 11.7517 17.1735 12.0212 17.096 12.3233L16.8255 13.3321L16.4456 14.7276C16.2076 15.6001 16.0438 16.2356 15.7366 16.7305L15.595 16.9346C15.2989 17.318 14.9197 17.628 14.4866 17.8408L14.2982 17.9258C13.6885 18.1774 12.9785 18.1651 11.9446 18.1651H7.33331C6.64422 18.1651 6.08726 18.1657 5.63702 18.1289C5.23638 18.0962 4.87565 18.031 4.53936 17.8867L4.39679 17.8203C3.87576 17.5549 3.43916 17.151 3.13507 16.6553L3.013 16.4366C2.82119 16.0599 2.74182 15.6541 2.7044 15.1963C2.66762 14.7461 2.66827 14.1891 2.66827 13.5V11.667C2.66827 10.9349 2.66214 10.4375 2.77569 10.0137L2.83722 9.81253C3.17599 8.81768 3.99001 8.05084 5.01397 7.77639L5.17706 7.73928C5.56592 7.66435 6.02595 7.66799 6.66632 7.66799C6.9429 7.66799 7.19894 7.52038 7.33624 7.2803L10.2562 2.16995L10.3118 2.08792C10.4544 1.90739 10.6824 1.81092 10.9153 1.83987ZM7.33136 14.167C7.33136 14.9841 7.33714 15.2627 7.39386 15.4746L7.42999 15.5918C7.62644 16.1686 8.09802 16.6134 8.69171 16.7725L8.87042 16.8067C9.07652 16.8323 9.38687 16.835 10.0003 16.835H11.9446C13.099 16.835 13.4838 16.8228 13.7903 16.6963L13.8997 16.6465C14.1508 16.5231 14.3716 16.3444 14.5433 16.1221L14.6155 16.0166C14.7769 15.7552 14.8968 15.3517 15.1624 14.378L15.5433 12.9824L15.8079 11.9922C15.8804 11.7102 15.9368 11.4711 15.9769 11.2608C16.0364 10.948 16.0517 10.7375 16.0394 10.5791L16.0179 10.4356C15.9156 9.97497 15.641 9.57381 15.2542 9.31253L15.0814 9.20999C14.9253 9.12785 14.6982 9.06544 14.2747 9.03225C13.8477 8.99881 13.2923 8.99807 12.5003 8.99807C12.2893 8.99807 12.0905 8.89822 11.9651 8.72854C11.8398 8.55879 11.8025 8.33942 11.8646 8.13772L12.6556 5.56741L12.7054 5.36331C12.8941 4.35953 12.216 3.37956 11.1878 3.2178L8.49054 7.93948C8.23033 8.39484 7.81431 8.72848 7.33136 8.88967V14.167ZM3.99835 13.5C3.99835 14.2111 3.99924 14.7044 4.03058 15.0879C4.06128 15.4636 4.11804 15.675 4.19854 15.833L4.26886 15.959C4.44517 16.2466 4.69805 16.4808 5.0003 16.6348L5.13019 16.6905C5.27397 16.7419 5.46337 16.7797 5.74542 16.8028C5.97772 16.8217 6.25037 16.828 6.58722 16.8311C6.41249 16.585 6.27075 16.3136 6.1712 16.0215L6.10968 15.8194C5.99614 15.3956 6.00128 14.899 6.00128 14.167V9.00296C5.79386 9.0067 5.65011 9.01339 5.53741 9.02737L5.3587 9.06057C4.76502 9.21965 4.29247 9.66448 4.09601 10.2412L4.06085 10.3584C4.00404 10.5705 3.99835 10.8493 3.99835 11.667V13.5Z"></path><path d="M12.6687 5.83304C12.6687 5.22006 12.6649 4.91019 12.6394 4.70413L12.6062 4.52542C12.4471 3.93179 12.0022 3.45922 11.4255 3.26272L11.3083 3.22757C11.0963 3.17075 10.8175 3.16507 9.99974 3.16507H8.0554C7.04558 3.16507 6.62456 3.17475 6.32982 3.26175L6.2097 3.30374C5.95005 3.41089 5.71908 3.57635 5.53392 3.78616L5.45677 3.87796C5.30475 4.0748 5.20336 4.33135 5.03392 4.91702L4.83763 5.6221L4.45677 7.01761C4.24829 7.78204 4.10326 8.31846 4.02318 8.73929C3.94374 9.15672 3.94298 9.39229 3.98119 9.56448L4.03587 9.75784C4.18618 10.1996 4.50043 10.5702 4.91771 10.7901L5.05052 10.8477C5.20009 10.9014 5.40751 10.9429 5.72533 10.9678C6.15231 11.0012 6.70771 11.002 7.49974 11.002C7.71076 11.002 7.90952 11.1018 8.0349 11.2715C8.14465 11.4201 8.18683 11.6067 8.15404 11.7862L8.13548 11.8623L7.34447 14.4326C7.01523 15.5033 7.71404 16.6081 8.81126 16.7813L11.5095 12.0606L11.5827 11.9405C11.8445 11.5461 12.2289 11.2561 12.6687 11.1094V5.83304ZM17.3318 8.33304C17.3318 8.97366 17.3364 9.43432 17.2615 9.82327L17.2234 9.98538C16.949 11.0094 16.1821 11.8233 15.1872 12.1621L14.9861 12.2237C14.5624 12.3372 14.0656 12.3321 13.3337 12.3321C13.0915 12.3321 12.8651 12.4453 12.7204 12.6348L12.6638 12.7198L9.74388 17.8301C9.61066 18.0631 9.35005 18.1935 9.08372 18.1602L8.70579 18.1123C6.75379 17.8682 5.49542 15.9213 6.07396 14.041L6.60033 12.3272C6.22861 12.3233 5.90377 12.3161 5.62083 12.294C5.18804 12.26 4.79914 12.1931 4.44701 12.0391L4.29857 11.9668C3.52688 11.5605 2.95919 10.8555 2.72533 10.0205L2.68333 9.85257C2.58769 9.42154 2.62379 8.97768 2.71654 8.49026C2.80865 8.00634 2.97082 7.41139 3.17357 6.668L3.55443 5.27249L3.74583 4.58011C3.9286 3.94171 4.10186 3.45682 4.40404 3.06546L4.53685 2.9053C4.85609 2.54372 5.25433 2.25896 5.70189 2.07425L5.93626 1.99222C6.49455 1.82612 7.15095 1.83499 8.0554 1.83499H12.6667C13.3558 1.83499 13.9128 1.83434 14.363 1.87112C14.8208 1.90854 15.2266 1.98789 15.6033 2.17972L15.821 2.30179C16.317 2.6059 16.7215 3.04226 16.987 3.56351L17.0535 3.70608C17.1977 4.04236 17.2629 4.40311 17.2956 4.80374C17.3324 5.25398 17.3318 5.81094 17.3318 6.50003V8.33304ZM13.9978 10.9961C14.3321 10.9901 14.5013 10.977 14.6413 10.9395L14.7585 10.9033C15.3353 10.7069 15.7801 10.2353 15.9392 9.64163L15.9724 9.46292C15.998 9.25682 16.0017 8.94657 16.0017 8.33304V6.50003C16.0017 5.78899 16.0008 5.29566 15.9695 4.91214C15.9464 4.6301 15.9086 4.44069 15.8572 4.2969L15.8015 4.16702C15.6475 3.86478 15.4133 3.6119 15.1257 3.43558L14.9997 3.36526C14.8418 3.28477 14.6302 3.228 14.2546 3.19729C14.0221 3.1783 13.7491 3.17109 13.4118 3.168C13.6267 3.47028 13.7914 3.81126 13.8904 4.18069L13.9275 4.34378C13.981 4.62163 13.9947 4.93582 13.9978 5.3262V10.9961Z"></path><path d="M9.75122 4.09203C9.75122 3.61482 9.21964 3.35044 8.84399 3.60277L8.77173 3.66039L6.55396 5.69262C6.05931 6.14604 5.43173 6.42255 4.7688 6.48461L4.48267 6.49828C3.52474 6.49851 2.74829 7.27565 2.74829 8.23363V11.7668C2.74829 12.7248 3.52474 13.501 4.48267 13.5012C5.24935 13.5012 5.98874 13.7889 6.55396 14.3069L8.77173 16.3401L8.84399 16.3967C9.21966 16.6493 9.75122 16.3858 9.75122 15.9084V4.09203ZM17.2483 10.0002C17.2483 8.67623 16.9128 7.43233 16.3235 6.34691L17.4924 5.71215C18.1849 6.9875 18.5784 8.4491 18.5784 10.0002C18.5783 11.5143 18.2033 12.9429 17.5413 14.1965C17.3697 14.5212 16.9675 14.6453 16.6428 14.4739C16.3182 14.3023 16.194 13.9001 16.3655 13.5754C16.9288 12.5086 17.2483 11.2927 17.2483 10.0002ZM13.9182 10.0002C13.9182 9.1174 13.6268 8.30445 13.135 7.64965L14.1985 6.85082C14.8574 7.72804 15.2483 8.81952 15.2483 10.0002L15.2336 10.3938C15.166 11.3044 14.8657 12.1515 14.3918 12.8743L14.3069 12.9797C14.0889 13.199 13.7396 13.2418 13.4709 13.0657C13.164 12.8643 13.0784 12.4528 13.2795 12.1457L13.4231 11.9084C13.6935 11.4246 13.8643 10.8776 13.9075 10.2942L13.9182 10.0002ZM13.2678 6.71801C13.5615 6.49772 13.978 6.55727 14.1985 6.85082L13.135 7.64965C12.9144 7.35599 12.9742 6.93858 13.2678 6.71801ZM16.5911 5.44555C16.9138 5.27033 17.3171 5.38949 17.4924 5.71215L16.3235 6.34691C16.1483 6.02419 16.2684 5.62081 16.5911 5.44555ZM11.0813 15.9084C11.0813 17.5226 9.22237 18.3912 7.9895 17.4202L7.87231 17.3205L5.65552 15.2873C5.33557 14.9941 4.91667 14.8313 4.48267 14.8313C2.7902 14.8311 1.41821 13.4594 1.41821 11.7668V8.23363C1.41821 6.54111 2.7902 5.16843 4.48267 5.1682L4.64478 5.16039C5.02003 5.12526 5.37552 4.96881 5.65552 4.71215L7.87231 2.67992L7.9895 2.58031C9.22237 1.60902 11.0813 2.47773 11.0813 4.09203V15.9084Z"></path><path d="M12.0303 4.11328C13.4406 2.70317 15.7275 2.70305 17.1377 4.11328C18.5474 5.52355 18.5476 7.81057 17.1377 9.2207L10.8457 15.5117C10.522 15.8354 10.2868 16.0723 10.0547 16.2627L9.82031 16.4395C9.61539 16.5794 9.39783 16.7003 9.1709 16.7998L8.94141 16.8916C8.75976 16.9582 8.57206 17.0072 8.35547 17.0518L7.59082 17.1865L5.19727 17.5859C5.05455 17.6097 4.90286 17.6358 4.77441 17.6455C4.67576 17.653 4.54196 17.6555 4.39648 17.6201L4.24707 17.5703C4.02415 17.4746 3.84119 17.3068 3.72559 17.0957L3.67969 17.0029C3.59322 16.8013 3.59553 16.6073 3.60547 16.4756C3.61519 16.3473 3.6403 16.1963 3.66406 16.0537L4.06348 13.6602C4.1638 13.0582 4.22517 12.6732 4.3584 12.3096L4.45117 12.0791C4.55073 11.8521 4.67152 11.6346 4.81152 11.4297L4.9873 11.1953C5.17772 10.9632 5.4146 10.728 5.73828 10.4043L12.0303 4.11328ZM6.67871 11.3447C6.32926 11.6942 6.14542 11.8803 6.01953 12.0332L5.90918 12.1797C5.81574 12.3165 5.73539 12.4618 5.66895 12.6133L5.60742 12.7666C5.52668 12.9869 5.48332 13.229 5.375 13.8789L4.97656 16.2725L4.97559 16.2744H4.97852L7.37207 15.875L8.08887 15.749C8.25765 15.7147 8.37336 15.6839 8.4834 15.6436L8.63672 15.5811C8.78817 15.5146 8.93356 15.4342 9.07031 15.3408L9.2168 15.2305C9.36965 15.1046 9.55583 14.9207 9.90527 14.5713L14.8926 9.58301L11.666 6.35742L6.67871 11.3447ZM16.1963 5.05371C15.3054 4.16304 13.8616 4.16305 12.9707 5.05371L12.6074 5.41602L15.833 8.64258L16.1963 8.2793C17.0869 7.38845 17.0869 5.94456 16.1963 5.05371Z"></path><path d="M4.58301 1.7832C4.72589 1.7832 4.84877 1.88437 4.87695 2.02441C4.99384 2.60873 5.22432 3.11642 5.58398 3.50391C5.94115 3.88854 6.44253 4.172 7.13281 4.28711C7.27713 4.3114 7.38267 4.43665 7.38281 4.58301C7.38281 4.7295 7.27723 4.8546 7.13281 4.87891C6.44249 4.99401 5.94116 5.27746 5.58398 5.66211C5.26908 6.00126 5.05404 6.43267 4.92676 6.92676L4.87695 7.1416C4.84891 7.28183 4.72601 7.38281 4.58301 7.38281C4.44013 7.38267 4.31709 7.28173 4.28906 7.1416C4.17212 6.55728 3.94179 6.04956 3.58203 5.66211C3.22483 5.27757 2.72347 4.99395 2.0332 4.87891C1.88897 4.85446 1.7832 4.72938 1.7832 4.58301C1.78335 4.43673 1.88902 4.3115 2.0332 4.28711C2.72366 4.17203 3.22481 3.88861 3.58203 3.50391C3.94186 3.11638 4.17214 2.60888 4.28906 2.02441L4.30371 1.97363C4.34801 1.86052 4.45804 1.78333 4.58301 1.7832Z"></path><div class="text-center"></div><path d="M6.24992 11.0417C6.65578 11.0417 7.04227 10.9587 7.39339 10.809C7.05099 11.7065 6.35374 12.9827 5.29864 13.1333C4.84303 13.1985 4.52644 13.6206 4.59153 14.0762C4.65662 14.5318 5.07873 14.8484 5.53434 14.7832C7.66169 14.4794 8.93792 12.0592 9.30742 10.1591C9.50975 9.11833 9.48792 7.98412 9.04084 7.03938C8.53525 5.97097 7.43538 5.20335 6.23748 5.20834C4.63238 5.21504 3.33325 6.5183 3.33325 8.12498C3.33325 9.73583 4.63909 11.0417 6.24992 11.0417Z"></path><path d="M13.4832 11.0417C13.889 11.0417 14.2755 10.9587 14.6267 10.809C14.2843 11.7065 13.587 12.9827 12.5319 13.1333C12.0763 13.1985 11.7597 13.6206 11.8248 14.0762C11.8899 14.5318 12.312 14.8484 12.7676 14.7832C14.8949 14.4794 16.1712 12.0592 16.5407 10.1591C16.743 9.11833 16.7212 7.98412 16.2741 7.03938C15.7685 5.97097 14.6687 5.20335 13.4708 5.20834C11.8656 5.21504 10.5665 6.5183 10.5665 8.12498C10.5665 9.73583 11.8724 11.0417 13.4832 11.0417Z"></path><div aria-hidden="true" data-edge="true" class="pointer-events-none h-px w-px"></div>Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) surged nearly 10% after CEO Elon Musk touted the "successful" weekend rollout of the company's robotaxi fleet in Austin, Texas. Read Now:</li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/46055156/sp500-oil-crisis-performance-iran">War, Oil, And S&amp;P 500: Here&#8217;s How The Stock Market Behaves In Energy Crises</a> Photo: Thapana Studio via Shutterstock </li>
</ul>

Large Cap

Bonds

Treasuries

HIMS

TSLA

Stocks Rise, Oil Tumbles Despite Iran's Strikes On US Bases: What's Driving Markets Monday?

Fears of a major oil supply shock are mounting as tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for nearly 20% of global crude shipments, with Wall Street racing to assess the potential price impact after the U.S. struck <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46047021/iran-threatens-strait-of-hormuz-after-us-bombs-its-nuclear-sites-shipping-traffic-plunges">Iran over the weekend.</a>



What Happened: Goldman Sachs on Monday flagged a scenario where Brent oil could soar to $110 per barrel if Iran shuts down the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the American strikes on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/travel/25/06/46045416/us-issues-worldwide-caution-after-strikes-on-irans-nuclear-sites-state-department-warns-of-airspace-closures-travel-chaos-and-rising-threats-to-americans-abroad">three of its nuclear sites</a>. 



Commodity analyst Daan Struyven said in a note that the geopolitical risk premium in oil prices — as broadly tracked by the United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) — could "jump to record levels" if the strait is blocked.



The mere risk of a closure has already added an estimated $12 geopolitical premium to oil crude pricing, with Brent rising to just under $80 per barrel.



Goldman Sachs modeled two key disruption scenarios going forward:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>If Iranian oil supply drops by 1.75 million barrels per day, that alone could push Brent prices to around $90 per barrel.</li>



<li>In a more severe case, oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are cut by 50% for one month and stay down 10% for another 11 months. That scenario could cause Brent crude to spike briefly to $110 per barrel before moderating.</li>
</ul>



Goldman estimates that the risk premium embedded in oil's price structure would peak at just over $25 per barrel in this scenario. 



Some mitigation measures are assumed, including the release of U.S. strategic reserves—2 million barrels per day in the first month and 1 million barrels per day in the second—as well as 2.6 million barrels per day of bypass capacity from Saudi and UAE pipelines.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How Likely Is A Disruption In The Strait of Hormuz? And Why It Matters?</h3>



Currently, oil tankers are still passing through the strait, according to vessel tracking data. Yet, the market is pricing a notable chance that Iran may order the closure of Hormuz. 



Prediction platform Polymarket assigns a 31% chance that Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz before July. 



The Strait of Hormuz is crucial to global oil markets. In 2024, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the UAE exported 13.2 million barrels per day of oil through the strait. China was the largest buyer, importing 5 million barrels daily via the route.



&#8220;While the events in the Middle East remain fluid, we think that the economic incentives, including for the US and China, to try to prevent a sustained and very large disruption of the Strait of Hormuz would be strong,&#8221; Struyven said. 



Now Read



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/06/46030895/the-palantir-effect-momentum-stocks-are-making-a-killing-like-never-before">The Palantir Effect: Momentum Stocks Are Making A Killing Like Never Before </a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Specialty ETFs

Oil At $110? Goldman Flags Major Risk If Iran Disrupts Strait Of Hormuz Shipping

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) has officially launched the Robotaxi in Austin as the self-driving taxi race in the U.S. shifts into gear.



What Happened: The rollout, which was a small-scale event with over 10 Tesla Model Y Robotaxis, took place in Austin's South Congress neighborhood on Sunday.



The event was invite-only and Tesla created a dedicated app for the riders, who were mostly social media influencers, to book rides similar to other ride-hailing apps like Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</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"><a href="https://t.co/tRCmk3p8CR">pic.twitter.com/tRCmk3p8CR</a>&mdash; Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SawyerMerritt/status/1936928673711436104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Tesla also had safety monitors seated in the front seat during the rides. The safety monitors were Tesla employees overseeing the operations, though there were no confirmations about how much control they had, given that the Robotaxi was operating on Unsupervised FSD.



The EV giant&#8217;s CEO, Elon Musk, took to social media to hail the launch on the social media platform X on Sunday. Musk called the launch a "culmination of a decade of hard work" in his post and shared that both the AI Chip, as well as the software team responsible for the Robotaxi, "were built from scratch within Tesla."



<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">Super congratulations to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_AI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tesla_AI</a> software &amp; chip design teams on a successful <a href="https://twitter.com/robotaxi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Robotaxi</a> launch!! Culmination of a decade of hard work. Both the AI chip and software teams were built from scratch within Tesla.&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1936876178356490546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Why It Matters: The launch comes in as Tesla has been teasing the company's arrival in the self-driving taxis sector to take on players like Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Waymo as well as Amazon.com Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) Zoox.



While Waymo had announced its expansion <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45988738/tesla-robotaxi-rival-waymo-expands-services-in-california-amid-us-autonomous-vehicle-push">into more parts</a> of California and the company is also conducting trials in other parts of the U.S., Zoox <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46011055/amazon-backed-zoox-launches-california-robotaxi-plant-tesla-rival-targets-10000-vehicles-a-year">set up a second production facility</a> in California, which could help the company scale its Robotaxi operations.



Tesla, meanwhile, has been under the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46041090/tesla-faces-safety-questions-from-regulators-ahead-of-robotaxi-launch-in-austin">scrutiny of safety regulators</a> in the U.S. as the NHTSA has been reviewing the company's responses to the questions posed by the agency over FSD's performance in poor weather conditions.



Musk had previously also stated that Tesla <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46019450/elon-musk-says-tesla-works-closely-with-xai-you-can-either-be-a-spectator">is working closely </a>with the billionaire's AI venture, xAI, to collaborate and develop robotics as well as autonomous driving.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="195" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22235721/TSLA-JUN-23-2025-1024x195.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-957409" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22235721/TSLA-JUN-23-2025-1024x195.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22235721/TSLA-JUN-23-2025-300x57.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22235721/TSLA-JUN-23-2025-768x147.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22235721/TSLA-JUN-23-2025-1536x293.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22235721/TSLA-JUN-23-2025.jpg 1546w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Tesla scores well on Momentum, Quality and Growth metrics, but offers poor Value. For more such insights, sign up for<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"> Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings</a> today!



Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility"> following this link.</a>



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46020870/elon-musks-tesla-to-expand-model-y-lineup-with-new-6-seater-version-report">Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla To Expand Model Y Lineup With New 6-Seater Version: Report</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

Tech

AMZN

UBER

Tesla Launches Robotaxi In Austin: Elon Musk Calls It A 'Culmination Of A Decade Of Hard Work'

U.S. stock futures dipped into the red after a brief rise Monday morning, as tensions continue to flare in the Middle East, following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46042703/iran-calls-us-bombing-of-nuclear-sites-very-very-dangerous-for-everybody">American airstrikes</a> on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.



Investors are on the edge, with potential for further escalation in the crisis, following Iran&#8217;s parliament voting on Sunday to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46044009/us-iran-tensions-escalate-as-iran-threatens-hormuz-closure-potentially-rattling-global-oil-markets">authorize the closure</a> of the Strait of Hormuz. 



The 10-year Treasury bond yielded 4.397%, and the two-year bond was at 3.927%. The CME Group&#8217;s FedWatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tool</a>‘s projections show markets pricing an 85.5% likelihood of the Federal Reserve keeping the current interest rates unchanged in its next FOMC meeting in late July.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Futures</td><td>Change (+/-)</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>-0.24%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>-0.19%</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>-0.22%</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>-0.55%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), which tracks the S&amp;P 500, and the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which tracks the Nasdaq 100 index, were both trading lower in pre-market by 0.13% and 0.23%, respectively, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;idm7up&#x2A;_gcl_au&#x2A;OTU0MzA1MzE4LjE3NDcwMTIxNDM.&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;ZGVsZXRlZA..&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;czE3NTA2NjM1NzckbzIzNCRnMSR0MTc1MDY2NzQzNCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.">Benzinga Pro</a> data.



Cues From Last Session:



The S&amp;P 500 ended down 0.22% on Friday, with a mixed sector-wise performance. Tech, healthcare, materials, and communications led the decline, while energy, consumer staples, and utilities rose higher, with energy leading the way, up 1.02% during the day.



The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat during the day, up just 0.08% or 35 points, ending the week at 42,206.82 points, following a volatile session.



Drywall and insulation contractor, GMS Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GMS#NYSE">GMS</a>), rallied 23.77% during the day, after becoming an acquisition target of building products company, QXO Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QXO#NYSE">QXO</a>), which was followed by a string of hikes in the stock&#8217;s price targets, with the high end now at $105, representing a 5% upside from current levels.



The Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey posted a 4% decline, compared to an analyst consensus of a 2% decline, while the U.S. Leading Economic Indicators release reported a 0.1% decline, in line with forecasts.



The Dow Jones index ended 35.16 points or 0.083% up at 42,206.82, whereas the S&amp;P 500 index fell 0.22% to 5,967.84. Nasdaq Composite declined 0.51% to 19,447.41, and the small-cap gauge, Russell 2000, tumbled 0.17% to end the week at 2,109.27.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Index</td><td>Performance (+/-)</td><td>Value</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq Composite</td><td>-0.51%</td><td>19,447.41</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>-0.22%</td><td>5,967.84</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>-0.08%</td><td>42,206.82</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>-0.51%</td><td>19,447.41</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Insights From Analysts:



As tensions continued to flare between Israel, the U.S., and Iran, leading analysts remain optimistic regarding the market at the start of the new week.



Leading tech analyst, Dan Ives, shared on Sunday, in a post on X, that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46045276/dan-ives-says-iran-threat-is-in-rear-view-mirror-calls-it-positive-for-the-middle-east-and-the-tech-sector">the Iran threat</a> was now in the &#8220;rear-view&#8221; for the markets. He added that the events that took place over the weekend will be seen as &#8220;a positive&#8221; for growth and stability in the Middle East. 



<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 market will view this Iran threat as now gone and that is a positive for growth in the broader Middle East and ultimately the tech sector. It will take some time for this conflict to settle, but the market will view the worst is now in the rear-view mirror. Expect stocks up&mdash; Dan Ives (@DivesTech) <a href="https://twitter.com/DivesTech/status/1936772081804292391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Meanwhile, Iran has vowed to respond to the strikes, declaring it "reserves all options" in the face of U.S. aggression.



Chartered Market Technician, Ryan Detrick, however, cautioned of a pullback in the markets, often seen in late-June or early-July in a post-election year.



&#8220;The headlines are the headlines, but don&#8217;t forget that late June/early July tends to be weak in a post-election year,&#8221; he said on X.



<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 headlines are the headlines, but don&#39;t forget that late June/early July tends to be weak in a post-election year. <a href="https://t.co/pnRULgmhRY">pic.twitter.com/pnRULgmhRY</a>&mdash; Ryan Detrick, CMT (@RyanDetrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDetrick/status/1936932156653056070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Upcoming Economic Data:



Here&#8217;s what investors will be focused on, when markets open on Monday,



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>S&amp;P Flash U.S. Services PMI, along with the S&amp;P Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI, is set to be released at 9:45 AM ET on Monday. </li>



<li>The Existing Home Sales data is set to be unveiled by 10:00 AM.</li>
</ul>



Stocks In Focus:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>), a financial data provider, is set to release its third quarter results by 9 AM on Monday morning, before markets open. The stock is up 0.04% pre-market. </li>



<li>Commercial Metas Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMC#NYSE">CMC</a>) will be announcing its third quarter results by 11:00 AM, and the stock is up 6.20% pre-market. </li>



<li>KB Home (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBH#NYSE">KBH</a>), a homebuilding company, is scheduled to announce its second quarter figures after markets close on Monday. The stock is down 0.44% pre-market. </li>



<li>PACS Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PACS#NYSE">PACS</a>), an operator of skilled-nursing care facilities, is expected to announce its quarterly results after markets close.</li>
</ul>



Commodities, Gold, And Global Equity Markets:



Crude oil futures are up 0.49% in the early New York session, with prices hovering around $74.19 per barrel, well below the day&#8217;s high of $77.13.



Gold Spot US Dollar was down 0.06%, trading at $3,366.61 per ounce. Its last record high stood at $3,500.33 per ounce. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) spot was up 0.35% at the 99.268 level.



Asian markets were mixed on Monday, with China&#8217;s Shanghai and Shenzhen indices up, while Japan&#8217;s Nikkei 225, the KOSPI, and India&#8217;s Nifty 50 ended the day lower.



Photo: Shutterstock

News

Pre-Market Outlook

PACS

US Stocks Likely To Open Lower As Iran Vows Retaliation After US Strike: 'Worst Is Now In The Rear-View Mirror,' Says Top Analyst (UPDATED)

The State Department issued a Worldwide Caution Security alert on Sunday, advising U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution as the Israel-Iran conflict disrupts regional travel and threatens American interests globally.



What Happened: The escalation follows Saturday&#8217;s U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which President Donald Trump described as having &#8220;totally obliterated&#8221; key sites. 



Ben Gurion Airport remains closed with no scheduled commercial flights operating. The State Department has initiated assisted departure flights for U.S. citizens and permanent residents from Israel, directing travelers to complete crisis intake forms at mytravel.state.gov. 



Land crossings to Jordan operate with extended delays, while Egypt&#8217;s Taba crossing remains open 24 hours daily.



Iranian airspace closure forces departures through Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Turkey. U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit on Iranian passports and face potential questioning at checkpoints, as Iran doesn&#8217;t recognize dual citizenship.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043789/marjorie-taylor-greenes-response-to-trump-bombing-iran-let-us-pray-that-we-are-not-attacked-by-terrorists-on-our-homeland">Marjorie Taylor Greene&#8217;s Response To Trump Bombing Iran: &#8216;Let Us Pray That We Are Not Attacked By Terrorists On Our Homeland&#8217;</a>



Why It Matters: Iran&#8217;s parliament voted Sunday to authorize the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the world&#8217;s most critical oil shipping chokepoint, handling <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46044009/us-iran-tensions-escalate-as-iran-threatens-hormuz-closure-potentially-rattling-global-oil-markets">roughly 20% of global petroleum liquids</a> transit. While largely symbolic, the vote grants Iran&#8217;s Supreme National Security Council authority to proceed with the measure.



Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043406/us-vs-iran-irans-foreign-minister-heads-to-moscow-accuses-us-of-derailing-nuclear-talks">traveled to Moscow for a meeting</a> with Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing Washington of derailing nuclear negotiations. Tehran condemned U.S. actions as crossing &#8220;a very big red line&#8221; while asserting its right to defend &#8220;by all means necessary.&#8221;



The Swiss Protecting Power office in Tehran remains closed, leaving Americans in Iran without consular assistance during the crisis.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/46045060/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-fall-as-us-involvement-in-iran-israel-war-threatens-oil-prices-spike-arthur-hayes-says-weakness-shall-pass-and-btc-will-show-its-safe-haven-status">Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Fall As US Involvement In Iran-Israel War Threatens Oil Prices Spike: Arthur Hayes Says &#8216;Weakness Shall Pass&#8217; And BTC Will Show Its Safe Haven Status</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: danielo on Shutterstock.com

US Issues Worldwide Caution After Strikes On Iran's Nuclear Sites: State Department Warns Of Airspace Closures, Travel Chaos And Rising Threats To Americans Abroad

The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed a slight improvement in the overall market sentiment, while the index remained in the &#8220;Neutral&#8221; zone on Friday.



U.S. stocks settled mixed on Friday, with the S&amp;P 500 falling for the third straight session amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict. For the week, the S&amp;P 500 fell around 0.2%, while the 30-stock Dow gained 0.02%.



Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>) reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results. Accenture plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) shares fell around 7% on Friday following the release of its third-quarter results.



On the economic front, the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index came in unchanged at -4.0 in June, versus market estimates of -1.



Most sectors on the S&amp;P 500 closed on a negative note, with health care, materials and communication services stocks recording the biggest losses on Friday. However, energy and consumer staples stocks bucked the overall market trend, closing the session higher.



The Dow Jones closed higher by over 35 points to 42,206.82 on Friday. The S&amp;P 500 fell 0.22% to 5,967.84, while the Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.51% at 19,447.41 during Friday's session.



Investors are awaiting earnings results from FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>), Commercial Metals Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMC#NYSE">CMC</a>) and KB Home (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBH#NYSE">KBH</a>) today.



What is CNN Business Fear &amp; Greed Index?



At a current reading of 55.4, the index remained in the &#8220;Neutral&#8221; zone on Friday, versus a prior reading of 55.1.



The Fear &amp; Greed Index is a measure of the current market sentiment. It is based on the premise that higher fear exerts pressure on stock prices, while higher greed has the opposite effect. The index is calculated based on seven equal-weighted indicators. The index ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 represents maximum fear and 100 signals maximum greediness.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/06/46023851/top-2-tech-stocks-that-could-sink-your-portfolio-in-june">Top 2 Tech Stocks That Could Sink Your Portfolio In June</a> </li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

S&P 500 Falls For Third Day Amid Iran-Israel Conflict: Investor Sentiment Improves Slightly, But Fear & Greed Index Remains In 'Neutral' Zone

Leading cryptocurrencies slid on Sunday as investors feared a larger conflict following the U.S.'s involvement in the Iran-Israel war.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Cryptocurrency</th><th>Gains +/-</th><th>Price (Recorded at 8:35 p.m. ET)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>-1.95%</td><td>$100,965.74</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-2.33%</td><td>$2,244.24</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-3.23%</td><td>$0.1520</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



What Happened: Bitcoin plunged below $99,000 late in the afternoon, but an overnight spike helped pare some of the losses.



Ethereum tumbled to an intraday low of $2,116.68, a level not seen since early May.



The two blue-chip coins recorded a sharp jump in trading volumes, indicating strong selling pressure.



Nearly $657 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, with $524 million in longs wiped out.



Bitcoin&#8217;s Open Interest fell 1.44% in the last 24 hours, broadly matching the decline in the spot price.



The market sentiment improved from "Fear" to "Neutral" in the last 24 hours, according to the Crypto Fear &amp; Greed Index.



Top Gainers (24 Hours)



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Cryptocurrency</th><th>Gains +/-</th><th>Price (Recorded at 8:35 p.m. ET)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Hyperliquid (HYPE)</td><td>+4.57%</td><td>$35.43</td></tr><tr><td>Kaia (KAIA) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+3.72%</td><td>$0.1884</td></tr><tr><td>Fartcoin (FARTCOIN)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+3.33%</td><td>$0.9338 </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.09 trillion, following a decline of 2.19% in the last 24 hours.



Stock market futures edged lower overnight Sunday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures fell 179 points, or 0.42%, as of 8:38 p.m. EDT.&nbsp; Futures tied to the S&amp;P 500 slid 0.42%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures lost 0.55%.



The market felt jittery as the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043305/donald-trump-announces-spectacular-military-success-as-us-strikes-key-iranian-nuclear-sites">U.S. joined the war against Iran</a>, executing precision strikes on the nuclear facilities in the Middle Eastern country.&nbsp;



In response, Iran&#8217;s parliament<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46044009/us-iran-tensions-escalate-as-iran-threatens-hormuz-closure-potentially-rattling-global-oil-markets"> voted to authorize</a> the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most sensitive oil shipping chokepoint, sending oil prices spiking. The U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 0.92% to $75.86 a barrel, marking a five-month high.



See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>



Analyst Notes: In a note to Benzinga, the co-founder and COO of Bitcoin IRA said, "The biggest fear for the U.S. economy remains the geopolitical choke point of the Strait of Hormuz, where retaliation could skyrocket oil prices and cause significant economic uncertainty.



He said that this could boost Bitcoin's appeal, as the coin represents a "freedom from fiat currency and the economic constraints" that come with traditional monetary systems



Arthur Hayes, co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX and Chief Investment Officer at Maelstrom Fund, noted Bitcoin's dip below $100,000 and anticipated more central bank money printing and government spending in the future.



"This weakness shall pass and BTC will leave no doubt as to its safe haven status," he added.



<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">Do you hear that? … it's the sound of the money printers revving up to do their patriotic duty. This weakness shall pass and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> will leave no doubt as to its safe haven status. <a href="https://t.co/PTfZaAXFp7">pic.twitter.com/PTfZaAXFp7</a>&mdash; Arthur Hayes (@CryptoHayes) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoHayes/status/1936854369980346588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Read Next:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/46025230/why-a-public-healthcare-firm-wants-to-hold-more-bitcoin-than-most-countries">Why A Public Healthcare Firm Wants To Hold More Bitcoin Than Most Countries</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Fall As US Involvement In Iran-Israel War Threatens Oil Prices Spike: Arthur Hayes Says 'Weakness Shall Pass' And BTC Will Show Its Safe Haven Status

Over the weekend, ChatGPT-parent OpenAI pulled all public materials related to its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45602719/openais-acquisition-of-jony-ives-startup-poses-threat-to-apples-dominance">$6.5 billion acquisition</a> of Jony Ive's AI hardware startup, IO Products.



What Happened: The takedown followed a trademark lawsuit filed by IYO Inc., a separate AI device company, which claims the &#8220;IO&#8221; branding infringes on its intellectual property, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-22/jony-ive-deal-removed-from-openai-site-over-trademark-suit">reported</a> Bloomberg.



A spokesperson for OpenAI confirmed the removal to the publication and said it was due to the ongoing legal matter. Ive's representative called the suit "an utterly baseless complaint," adding, "We'll fight it vigorously."



Earlier, the publication reported that a judge was weighing a preliminary injunction that could bar OpenAI from using the IO name during the legal proceedings.



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/06/45888833/mcdonalds-just-got-hammered-by-weight-loss-drugs-twice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McDonald's Just Got Hammered By Weight-Loss Drugs — Twice</a>



Why It's Important: The $6.5 billion acquisition marked OpenAI's most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/05/45550033/openai-teams-up-with-iphone-designer-jony-ive-as-chatgpt-maker-makes-push-into-hardware-apple-shares-slide">ambitious push into AI hardware</a>. Ive, the former chief design officer at Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), is renowned for designing iconic products like the iPhone and MacBook.



Following the acquisition announcement in May, Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, said that OpenAI poses the first major competitive <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45599511/apple-faces-first-serious-threat-in-20-years-as-openai-acquires-iphone-makers-former-design-chief-jo">threat to Apple in 20 years</a>.



According to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings, Apple's stock shows a negative price trend across short, medium and long-term periods. While the company scores well on quality metrics, its growth and momentum are weak and its valuation appears significantly low. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">For more information, click here</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22215933/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-7.25.41%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-957340"/></a></figure>



Read More:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45988475/us-military-action-on-iran-odds-rise-on-crypto-betting-site-polymarket-as-trump-demands-unconditional-surrender" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Military Action On Iran? Odds Rise On Crypto Betting Site Polymarket As Trump Demands ‘Unconditional Surrender&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Svet foto / Shutterstock.com

AAPL

OpenAI Scrubs Jony Ive Deal From Website After Trademark Lawsuit Threatens $6.5 Billion IO Products Acquisition

Tech bull Dan Ives believes that the markets, particularly the tech sector, will interpret the recent events in Iran as a turning point.



What Happened: On Sunday, in a post on X, Ives framed the events that took place over the weekend as &#8220;a positive&#8221; for stability and growth in the Middle East, along with that of the tech sector.



&#8220;The market will view this Iran threat as now gone, and that is a positive for growth in the broader Middle East and ultimately the tech sector,&#8221; Ives said, referring to the events that took place over the weekend, with the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46042703/iran-calls-us-bombing-of-nuclear-sites-very-very-dangerous-for-everybody">U.S. launching airstrikes</a> on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46044123/global-tensions-trigger-cryptocurrency-crash-bitcoin-xrp-and-dogecoin-at-2-month-lows">Global Tensions Trigger Cryptocurrency Crash: Bitcoin, XRP, And Dogecoin At 2-Month Lows</a>



He, however, acknowledges that it would take some time for the conflict to settle, while adding that when it comes to the markets, the &#8220;worst is now in the rear-view mirror,&#8221; he says, &#8220;expect stocks up.&#8221;



With this, Ives gives a clear signal that the markets that have been jittery over flaring tensions in the region could witness a turnaround this week.



<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 market will view this Iran threat as now gone and that is a positive for growth in the broader Middle East and ultimately the tech sector. It will take some time for this conflict to settle, but the market will view the worst is now in the rear-view mirror. Expect stocks up&mdash; Dan Ives (@DivesTech) <a href="https://twitter.com/DivesTech/status/1936772081804292391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Why It Matters: Ives&#8217; sentiments echo those of veteran investor Steve Eisman, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46014941/the-big-short-investor-steve-eisman-says-iran-crisis-could-be-extremely-positive-for-markets-calls-regime-a-death-cult-close-to-nuclear-weapons">stated last week</a> that the crisis in Iran may ultimately prove &#8220;extremely positive&#8221; for global markets and geopolitical stability. 



Eisman refers to the Middle-Eastern state as a &#8220;death cult,&#8221; while adding that getting rid of such a death cult anywhere in the world &#8220;is a very positive thing.&#8221;



Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman similarly commended the strikes, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043708/us-airstrike-on-iran-draws-varied-reactions-from-business-leaders-bill-ackman-says-thank-you-to-our-great-military">thanking the U.S. military</a> for its &#8220;superb execution on ridding Iran&nbsp;of its nuclear threat.&#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">The most escalatory thing that Iran can do is not to bomb U.S. military bases in the Middle East. It's to close the Strait of Hormuz. And if that happens, Oil goes above $100 in the blink of an eye. Iran is no military match for the United States. But they can wreak havoc…&mdash; Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpencerHakimian/status/1936575501747007866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



However, there are others, such as the founder of Tolou Capital Management, Spencer Hakimian, who warns of potential escalations by Iran, such as closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy vein, which could disrupt the global economy by sending energy prices higher.



Read More: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46044108/outrage-mounts-over-trumps-appointment-of-22-year-old-to-terrorism-unit-amid-iran-crisis">Outrage Mounts Over Trump&#8217;s Appointment of 22-Year-Old to Terrorism Unit Amid Iran Crisis</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: rarrarorro on Shutterstock.com

Dan Ives Says Iran Threat Is 'In Rear-View Mirror' — Calls It 'Positive' For The Middle East And The Tech Sector

In the wake of President Donald Trump&#8216;s disclosure of U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has called on Americans to pray for protection from potential terrorist attacks.



What Happened: In a post on X, she urged Americans to &#8220;unite&nbsp;and pray for the safety&nbsp;of our U.S. troops and&nbsp;Americans in the Middle East.&#8221; Greene also called for prayers for the U.S. to avoid terrorist attacks, citing the open border over the past four years and the entry of over 2 million &#8220;gotaways.&#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">Let us join together and pray for the safety of our U.S. troops and Americans in the Middle East. &#x1f64f; Let us pray that we are not attacked by terrorists on our homeland after our border was open for the past 4 years and over 2 Million gotaways came in.&#x1f64f; Let us pray for peace.…&mdash; Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene&#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; (@RepMTG) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMTG/status/1936595045215527336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



The President&#8217;s announcement, made&nbsp;at 7:50 pm on Saturday, detailed the successful strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, namely Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. He applauded &#8220;our great American Warriors&#8221; and expressed hopes for peace.



Greene, a staunch Trump ally, has been an outspoken critic of U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. She has consistently voted against pro-Israel bills in the House and has publicly voiced her dissatisfaction with the hawkish faction of the GOP.



Als<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043305/donald-trump-announces-spectacular-military-success-as-us-strikes-key-iranian-nuclear-sites">o Read: Donald Trump Announces &#8216;Spectacular Military Success&#8217; As US Strikes Key Iranian Nuclear Sites</a>



Greene had earlier campaigned against foreign wars and expressed her disapproval of bombing foreign nations on behalf of others, particularly those possessing&nbsp;their own nuclear weapons and&nbsp;significant military power.



Why It Matters: Greene&#8217;s response to Trump&#8217;s announcement underscores her long-standing stance against U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts. Her call for prayers highlights the potential risks associated with such military actions, including the threat of retaliatory terrorist attacks. 



Her reference to the open border and the entry of &#8220;gotaways&#8221; suggests a link between immigration policy and national security, a contentious issue that continues to divide lawmakers. 



The response also reflects the ongoing debate within the GOP about the U.S.&#8217;s role in international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46042298/trump-publicly-contradicts-dni-gabbards-claim-that-iran-lacks-nuclear-capabilities-shes-wrong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Publicly Contradicts DNI Gabbard's Claim That Iran Lacks Nuclear Capabilities: ‘She's Wrong'</a>



Image: Shutterstock/lev radin

Marjorie Taylor Greene's Response To Trump Bombing Iran: 'Let Us Pray That We Are Not Attacked By Terrorists On Our Homeland'

In the holiday-shortened week, these ten large-cap stocks were top performers. Are they a part of your portfolio?



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRCL#NYSE">CRCL</a>) stock gained 125.53% last week after the U.S. Senate passed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46034000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the GENIUS Act</a>, which aims to regulate stablecoins. Seaport Global, which initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CRCL/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$235 price forecast</a>, also supported the rally.</li>



<li>Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) stock soared 27.93% last week after it launched its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46004688" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coinbase Payments stablecoin stack</a> and secured a crypto license in the EU.</li>



<li>AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>) stock upped 24.43% after the company announced a partnership with Vodafone Idea to bring satellite broadband to smartphones in India. ASTS is also set to join the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46033050" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russell 1000 Index on June 27</a>.</li>



<li>CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) stock jumped 23.23% last week after BofA Securities downgraded the stock to Neutral but raised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CRWV/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast to $185</a>.</li>



<li>Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYM#NASDAQ">SYM</a>) stock upped 21.39% last week.</li>



<li>Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>) stock gained 19.75% after launching AI-powered <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45983296" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ad features</a> and gaining visibility as the second most cited source in Google's AI summaries.</li>



<li>QXO, Inc.'s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QXO#NYSE">QXO</a>) stock gained 18.36% last week after it proposed to acquire GMS <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46009046" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for $95.20 per share in cash</a>.</li>



<li>Jabil Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBL#NYSE">JBL</a>) stock upped 15.14% after reporting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45972232" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strong Q3 earnings and revenue</a>, prompting several analysts to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/JBL/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raise their price forecast</a>.</li>



<li>Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRDO#NASDAQ">CRDO</a>) stock jumped 15.03% last week. The stock has been gaining since June 2, when it reported better-than-expected Q4 results and received analyst upgrades.</li>



<li>Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) stock jumped 13.79% after a public spat between Elon Musk and Donald Trump spurred speculation around Rocket Lab's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46002335" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential role in Trump's Golden Dome</a> missile defense system, highlighting its position in national security space tech.</li>
</ol>



Read Next:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46043303/consumer-tech-news-june-16-june-20-fed-holds-rates-trump-eyes-iran-moves-apple-taps-ai-accenture-shifts-strategy">Consumer Tech News (June 16-June 20): Fed Holds Rates, Trump Eyes Iran Moves, Apple Taps AI, Accenture Shifts Strategy</a>



Photo by Primakov via Shutterstock

ASTS

COIN

CRCL

CRDO

CRWV

RDDT

RKLB

AST SpaceMobile And Coinbase Global Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (June 16-20): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

The tech world was abuzz over the week with a variety of stories, each more intriguing than the last. From potential acquisitions to massive data leaks, the weekend was anything but dull. Here&#8217;s a quick roundup of the top stories that shaped the tech landscape over the weekend.



Apple Considers Acquisition of Perplexity AI



Top executives at&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)&nbsp;have reportedly been discussing the potential acquisition of Perplexity AI. Adrian Perica, Apple&#8217;s head of M&amp;A, has been floating the idea with senior leaders, including services chief Eddy Cue, according to Bloomberg.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46041473/apple-eyes-perplexity-ai-acquisition-while-facing-shareholder-lawsuit-over-exaggerated-ai-progress-report">Read the full article here.</a>



Massive Data Leak Exposes Billions of Login Records



A massive data leak has exposed over 16 billion login credentials tied to platforms like Apple, Google, and Facebook. This marks one of the most extensive exposures of personal data in history, according to cybersecurity researchers.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46016990/apple-google-and-facebook-among-services-exposed-in-massive-leak-of-more-than-16-billion-login-records">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45990957/trump-mobile-plans-to-launch-499-t-1-phone-made-in-the-usa-but-expert-says-you-dont-have-the-employe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Mobile Plans To Launch $499 &#8216;T-1 Phone&#8217; Made In The USA: But Expert Says &#8216;You Don&#8217;t Have The Employees That Can Do It&#8217;</a>



Apple to Use AI for Speeding Up Custom Chip Design



Apple is reportedly exploring the use of generative artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of its custom chips. This was revealed by Johny Srouji, Apple&#8217;s senior vice president of hardware technologies, during a speech in Belgium last month.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46010207/apple-hardware-executive-says-iphone-maker-plans-to-use-ai-for-speeding-up-custom-chip-design-high-potential-in-getting-more-design-work-in-less-time">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple Avoids $300 Million Patent Penalty



Apple has managed to dodge a $300 million patent infringement penalty after a federal appeals court ruled that faulty jury instructions violated the tech giant&#8217;s constitutional rights in its dispute with patent licensing firm Optis Cellular Technology.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/06/45989818/apple-dodges-300-million-patent-penalty-as-appeals-court-cites-jury-instruction-errors-in-lte-dispute-with-optis">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple Extends iOS 26 Feature to Third-Party Apps



Apple is reportedly extending one of iOS 26&#8217;s new features—animated album art on the lock screen—to third-party music and audio apps. This breaks its exclusive tie to Apple Music.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45942472/apple-opens-ios-26-lock-screen-animation-to-spotify-and-other-third-party-music-apps-report">Read the full article here.</a>



Photo courtesy: jamesteohart / Shutterstock.com



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

Apple's Potential AI Acquisition, Massive Data Leak, And More: This Week In Appleverse

The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.25%–4.50% for the sixth straight meeting, with Chair Jerome Powell signaling no near-term cuts despite <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/46011739/jerome-powell-led-fed-has-left-interest-rate-unchanged-what-does-it-mean-for-savings-mortgages-credit-cards-and-your-bank-account" rel="noreferrer noopener">mounting pressure from the White House.</a>



Meanwhile, global uncertainty ticked higher as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed the U.S. remains open to negotiations with Iran, even as President Donald Trump weighs potential military action—<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/46017426/trump-gives-iran-2-weeks-to-strike-a-deal-or-face-us-military-action" rel="noreferrer noopener">promising a decision "within the next two weeks."</a>



Amid these macro headlines, the consumer tech sector pressed on with notable developments.



Also Read:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44873349/openai-and-softbanks-stargate-considers-major-uk-investment-to-fuel-ai-growth" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI And SoftBank's Stargate Considers Major UK Investment To Fuel AI Growth</a>



Earnings Results



Accenture (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $3.49 per share, topping&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/06/46024923/accenture-new-bookings-fall-in-q3-but-it-raises-profit-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">the&nbsp;analyst consensus estimate of $3.31</a>.



Accenture announced a&nbsp;strategic overhaul of its growth model, effective September 1, 2025, with a sharpened focus on AI.



Technology



Nvidia&nbsp;Corporation&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)&nbsp;venture capital arm,&nbsp;NVentures, has joined a $650 million funding round for&nbsp;TerraPower, a nuclear energy company founded by&nbsp;Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)&nbsp;co-founder&nbsp;Bill Gates.



Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is reportedly looking to harness the power of generative artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of the&nbsp;custom chips that power&nbsp;its devices, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46010207/apple-hardware-executive-says-iphone-maker-plans-to-use-ai-for-speeding-up-custom-chip-design-high-potential-in-getting-more-design-work-in-less-time" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to senior executive&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46010207/apple-hardware-executive-says-iphone-maker-plans-to-use-ai-for-speeding-up-custom-chip-design-high-potential-in-getting-more-design-work-in-less-time" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johny Srouji</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46010207/apple-hardware-executive-says-iphone-maker-plans-to-use-ai-for-speeding-up-custom-chip-design-high-potential-in-getting-more-design-work-in-less-time" rel="noreferrer noopener">.</a>



Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>) announced a&nbsp;$60 billion plan&nbsp;to expand U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturing, marking what the company says is the largest investment in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45998624/texas-instruments-announces-60-billion-us-semiconductor-manufacturing-boost" rel="noreferrer noopener">foundational chip production in the nation's history.</a>



Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>)&nbsp;cloud unit is set to launch its second data center in South Korea to capitalize <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46032308/alibaba-expands-ai-cloud-footprint-in-south-korea-with-new-data-hub-launching-in-june" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the generative AI frenzy.</a>



Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)&nbsp;is reportedly in discussions to hire&nbsp;Nat Friedman, former CEO of&nbsp;GitHub, to support <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46010604/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-reportedly-looking-to-hire-former-github-ceo-nat-friedman-and-investor-daniel-gross-as-part-of-aggressive-ai-expansion-strategy" rel="noreferrer noopener">its artificial intelligence efforts</a>.



The&nbsp;Trump Organization&nbsp;is&nbsp;entering the wireless industry&nbsp;with plans to launch a smartphone called the &#8220;T-1 Phone,&#8221; priced at $499 and promoted as being manufactured in the U.S.—a promise experts say may <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45990957/trump-mobile-plans-to-launch-499-t-1-phone-made-in-the-usa-but-expert-says-you-dont-have-the-employees-that-can-do-it" rel="noreferrer noopener">not hold up under scrutiny.</a>



Artificial Intelligence (AI)



Softbank Group Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>)&nbsp;founder&nbsp;Masayoshi Son is spearheading an alliance with&nbsp;Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>), proposing a $1 trillion industrial complex in Arizona.



OpenAI chief executive&nbsp;Sam Altman says he &#8220;didn&#8217;t think Elon was going to abuse his power in the government to unfairly compete&#8221; but now believes he was wrong after Tesla&#8217;s founder allegedly tried to derail OpenAI&#8217;s $500 billion <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46023822/sam-altman-says-he-didnt-think-elon-musk-would-abuse-government-power-tesla-ceo-hits-back-with-scam-altman-jibe" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8220;Stargate&#8221; data-center deal.</a>



Automobiles



Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&nbsp;is reportedly working on a 6-seater <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46020870/elon-musks-tesla-to-expand-model-y-lineup-with-new-6-seater-version-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">variant of the Model Y crossover SUV.</a>



Tesla will shut down production at the Texas Gigafactory, which manufactures the Cybertruck and the Model Y, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45989148/tesla-will-shut-down-production-at-the-texas-gigafactory-over-the-4th-of-july-weekend" rel="noreferrer noopener">over the Independence Day weekend.</a>



Ford Motor Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) has recalled more than 197,000 vehicles in the latest recall over an issue affecting the backseat occupants, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46012477/ford-recalls-over-197000-vehicles-for-backseat-issue-that-could-trap-occupants-in-emergency-situations" rel="noreferrer noopener">where they may remain locked inside the vehicle.</a>



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46033875/4-uptrending-stocks-with-strong-momentum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4 Uptrending Stocks With Strong Momentum</a></li>
</ul>

Markets

General

BABA

GRRR

MSFT

NVDA

SFTBY

Consumer Tech News (June 16-June 20): Fed Holds Rates, Trump Eyes Iran Moves, Apple Taps AI, Accenture Shifts Strategy

In the holiday-shortened week, these ten large-cap stocks were the worst performers. Are they a part of your portfolio?



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>) stock fell 14.68% last week, continuing its fall after a short-sell report <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/06/45910389/short-seller-says-applovin-is-desperate-and-doomed-shares-slide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issued by Culper Research</a>.</li>



<li>First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>) stock lost 13.6% last week amid a broader decline in solar stocks after the U.S. Senate Finance Committee unveiled its version of President Trump's tax bill, which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45971345" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">slashed renewable energy incentives</a>.</li>



<li>James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JHX#NYSE">JHX</a>) stock declined 11.23%.</li>



<li>BeOne Medicines Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONC#NASDAQ">ONC</a>) stock dipped 10.65% last week.</li>



<li>GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GSK#NYSE">GSK</a>) stock dropped 10.4% last week.</li>



<li>Accenture plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) stock fell 10.3% amid a selloff following the company's Q3 financial results.</li>



<li>Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ANET#NYSE">ANET</a>) stock declined 9.94% amid a tech sector pullback driven by rising Middle East tensions between Israel and Iran.</li>



<li>Li Auto Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>) stock fell 9.91% amid China's suspension of trade-in subsidies for EVs and fuel-efficient cars in key urban markets.</li>



<li>Corpay, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPAY#NYSE">CPAY</a>) stock fell 9.64% last week amid pressure from Coinbase Global&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) announcement of its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46004688" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new stablecoin payments</a> stack, which may impact Corpay's business outlook.</li>



<li>Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MA#NYSE">MA</a>) stock lowered 9.56% last week amid a broader selloff in credit card stocks following Coinbase's launch of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46004688" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its stablecoin payments infrastructure</a>.</li>
</ol>



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46043303/consumer-tech-news-june-16-june-20-fed-holds-rates-trump-eyes-iran-moves-apple-taps-ai-accenture-shifts-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Consumer Tech News (June 16-June 20): Fed Holds Rates, Trump Eyes Iran Moves, Apple Taps AI, Accenture Shifts Strategy</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46043524/ast-spacemobile-and-coinbase-global-are-among-top-10-large-cap-gainers-last-week-june-16-20-are-the-others-in-your-portfolio">AST SpaceMobile And Coinbase Global Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (June 16-20): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>



Photo via Shutterstock

ANET

CPAY

FSLR

AppLovin, First Solar And Li Auto Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (June 16-20): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

The past week in tech has been nothing short of exciting, with major companies making bold moves and industry leaders voicing their opinions. From Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) battling with OpenAI for top talent, to YouTube&#8217;s upcoming integration of advanced AI video tools, the landscape is rapidly evolving. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has been vocal about the inflated valuations of AI startups, and Amazon&#8217;s CEO has touted the transformative potential of Generative AI. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories.



Meta&#8217;s Battle with OpenAI for Talent Meta&#8217;s billion-dollar hiring spree in AI has hit a snag, according to CTO Andrew Bosworth. OpenAI is not letting its top minds go without a fight and is actively countering Meta&#8217;s lucrative job offers. This revelation came during Bosworth&#8217;s interview with CNBC&#8217;s Closing Bell Overtime on Friday.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46041399/meta-tried-luring-openais-top-minds-with-massive-paychecks-but-sam-altman-neglected-to-mention-that-hes-countering-those-offers-says-andrew-bosworth">Read the full article here.</a>



YouTube Shorts to Feature Veo 3 AI Video Tools YouTube, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), is set to integrate Google&#8217;s latest generative AI video model, Veo 3, into YouTube Shorts. This announcement was made by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan during a keynote at the Cannes Lions Festival.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46011121/youtube-shorts-will-soon-feature-veo-3-ai-video-tools-with-audio-and-higher-quality-but-creators-may-need-a-paid-plan">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46037332/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-pull-back-after-technical-rejection-no-one-wants-to-be-long-into-the-weekend" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Pull Back After Technical Rejection &#8211; Benzinga</a>



Elon Musk&#8217;s Take on AI Startup Valuations Elon Musk has criticized the current AI startup landscape, stating that the hype has led to inflated startup prices. He referred to these startups as a &#8220;herd of unicorns&#8221; during his talk at Y Combinator&#8217;s AI Startup School.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45989519/elon-musk-blames-ai-hype-for-1-billion-startup-valutions-there-are-so-many-frickin-unicorns">Read the full article here.</a>



Meta&#8217;s AI Smart Glasses Collaboration Meta is teaming up with EssilorLuxottica to launch new AI-powered smart glasses under the Oakley and Prada brands. This follows the success of the second-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses, which were launched in 2023 through a partnership between Meta and Luxottica.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/06/45987099/meta-teams-up-with-oakley-prada-for-next-gen-ai-smart-glasses">Read the full article here.</a>



Amazon&#8217;s Embrace of Generative AI Amazon.com Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) CEO, Andy Jassy, highlighted the company&#8217;s extensive use of Generative AI in a recent blog post. Jassy described such technologies as rare and transformative, justifying Amazon&#8217;s aggressive investment.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45982631/amazon-ceo-says-generative-ai-will-reduce-total-corporate-workforce">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/46024990/a-millennial-says-the-older-i-get-and-the-further-in-my-career-i-go-the-more-i-realize-how-deadly-acc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Millennial Says, The Older I Get And The Further In My Career I Go, The More I Realize How Deadly Accurate &#8216;Office Space&#8217; Was</a>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock



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

Meta's Battle With OpenAI, Youtube Innovations, And Billion-Dollar Unicorns: This Week In AI

The past week in the world of finance and technology was nothing short of exciting. From the backing of a crypto-friendly startup bank by big names in tech to the stunning surge of Circle&#8217;s stock, there was no shortage of intriguing developments.



Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that made headlines.



Anduril And Palantir Founders Back Crypto-Friendly Startup Bank



Palmer Luckey, founder of defense technology startup&nbsp;Anduril Industries, and&nbsp;Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of&nbsp;Palantir Technologies, have reportedly invested in a cryptocurrency-friendly banking startup. The startup aims to provide stability to Silicon Valley and assist tech entrepreneurs in growing their businesses.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45944062/anduril-founder-palmer-luckey-palantir-co-founder-joe-lonsdale-to-invest-in-crypto-friendly-startup-bank-report">Read the full article here.</a>



Circle&#8217;s Stock Skyrockets By 540%



Circle Internet Group, Inc., the issuer behind the USDC, saw its stock surge by a whopping 540% since its IPO on June 5. The rally gained further momentum following the U.S. Senate&#8217;s passage of the GENIUS Act, a bill that would formally regulate dollar-backed stablecoins.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46030182/circle-stock-rockets-540-cathie-wood-says-weve-just-begun">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/06/46032425/tokens-are-a-lemon-market-heres-how-to-fix-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokens Are A Lemon Market&#8230;Here&#8217;s How To Fix It</a>



Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Remain Rangebound



Leading cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin, moved sideways as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled slower growth and hotter inflation. Bitcoin consolidated in the $104,000-$105,000 range.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/46010229/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-rangebound-as-fed-chair-jerome-powell-highlights-tariff-induced-uncertainty-analyst-says-these-2-levels-are-key-for-btc">Read the full article here.</a>



Dogecoin Could See A 60% Move



Cryptocurrency analyst Ali Martinez projected a 60% price move for Dogecoin once it breaks free from a symmetrical triangle pattern. This pattern typically indicates a period of consolidation in the market before a potential breakout or breakdown.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/46020265/dogecoin-could-see-a-60-move-if-it-breaks-out-of-this-range-says-analyst-but-what-determines-its-direction">Read the full article here.</a>



Elizabeth Warren&#8217;s Warning on Stablecoins



Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) warned that stablecoin legislation could enable billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to exploit user data and engage in unfair trade practices. She argued that the GENIUS Act has a major loophole that allows Big Tech and major retailers to issue their own stablecoins.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45965853/elizabeth-warren-says-billionaires-like-jeff-bezos-and-elon-musk-will-track-your-purchases-if-allowed-to-launch-stablecoins-and-stick-you-with-the-bill-when-it-blows-up">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/45990647/trump-financial-disclosures-reveal-barron-trumps-potential-40-million-windfall-from-crypto-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Financial Disclosures Reveal Barron Trump&#8217;s Potential $40 Million Windfall From Crypto Project</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Media

Crypto-Friendly Startup Bank, Circle's Stock Surge And More: This Week In Crypto

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

Symbol Similar to: AKOBF

Top Gaining Stocks

Notizie

PARTNER/COLLABORATORE

BENZINGA NEL MONDO