La catena delle opzioni mostra i dati chiave delle opzioni azionarie di Astra Energy a vari prezzi di esercizio e date di scadenza. I trader utilizzano queste informazioni per analizzare potenziali operazioni e valutare il sentiment del mercato per Astra Energy..

Astra Energy (OTC:ASRE) Azioni, Catena delle Opzioni

Astra Energy Inc is engaged in waste management industry and the electricity and power generation sectors with a focus on energy production from solar, waste conversion and clean burning fuels. The company invests in and develops renewable and clean energy projects in markets where demand is high, supply is limited and there is an opportunity to address other imminent market needs, while also cultivating a portfolio of intellectual property and licenses for renewable energy technology and generating projects to deploy that technology. Its projects include Zanzibar Clean and Renewable Energy Park, 350 Megawatt Combined Cycle Power Plant and others.

Astra Energy Inc

Voice of America, the U.S.-funded international news broadcaster, is facing a wave of terminations as nearly 600 employees <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44881570/trump-administration-to-lay-off-nearly-90-of-cfpb-employees-in-major-downsizing-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have been let go by its parent agency</a>.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) issued notices Thursday to hundreds of contractors, citing termination &#8220;for convenience,&#8221; effective May 30, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/16/voa-layoffs-trump-administration-00353694" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> Politico.
The move affects a broad range of non-permanent personnel, including editors, journalists, and visual designers — with over 50 of them holding J-1 visas that now place them at risk of deportation, the report adds.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/05/45457691/its-incredible-the-trump-administration-is-acting-like-this-isnt-a-big-deal-says-fox-host-as-la-port-volume-drops-35-and-layoffs-loom" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;It&#8217;s Incredible The Trump Administration Is Acting Like This Isn&#8217;t A Big Deal,&#8217; Says Fox Host As LA Port Volume Drops 35% And Layoffs Loom</a>
According to internal communications, affected international staff may be forced to leave the country within 30 days, many fearing persecution if returned home.
The terminations follow a directive from USAGM under the leadership of Kari Lake, who was appointed by President Donald Trump and has since clashed with VOA staff over editorial direction and independence, POLITICO adds.
Michael Abramowitz, VOA&#8217;s Director, expressed deep concern in a note to employees, stating that no clear explanation had been given for the dismissals.
He emphasized VOA&#8217;s commitment to supporting affected staff, particularly those from hostile regimes.
The terminations come on the heels of a federal court decision reversing protections that had temporarily blocked the administration&#8217;s broader efforts to overhaul USAGM.
The Trump administration&#8217;s stance is that VOA exhibits anti-Trump bias — a sentiment echoed in recent statements and an executive order that fast-tracked restructuring efforts across several agencies.
Roughly two dozen senior-level employees from VOA&#8217;s English-language and select foreign-language departments have resumed in-person duties. Critics see this as a strategy to maintain minimum statutory presence as legal battles unfold. Plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit — including White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara — vow to continue fighting what they describe as political interference in independent journalism.
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Voice of America Purge? Trump-Appointed Chief Fires 600; Reporters With J-1 Visa Face Deportation

In a Reddit <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/1kkdto1/why_in_2025_does_banking_basically_cease_over_the/">post</a> that quickly gained thousands of upvotes, one user asked a question many Americans have probably wondered but never voiced: &#8220;Why, in 2025, does banking basically cease over the weekend?&#8221;
&#8220;As the title suggests, it feels like in this day and age weekends should have no bearing on fluid movement of funds,&#8221; wrote the original poster.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">U.S. Transfers Still Stall Over the Weekend</h2>
Despite advances in technology, the U.S. banking system still relies heavily on the Automated Clearing House network, better known as ACH, a system developed in the 1970s that processes payments in batches. ACH doesn&#8217;t operate on weekends or federal holidays.
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&#8220;The real reason your bank isn't open is because no banks are open,&#8221; wrote one Redditor. &#8220;And the reason no banks are open is because the Federal Reserve&#8230; is closed on weekends.&#8221;
This pause has ripple effects. Even when you initiate a transfer on a Saturday, it often stays in &#8220;pending&#8221; status until Monday. That frustrates users like the original poster who shared: &#8220;I&#8217;ll pay my credit card electronically on Saturday and it pends the entire weekend until Monday when it &#8216;posts&#8217; and then the money doesn&#8217;t actually disappear from my bank account until TUESDAY.&#8221;
Meanwhile, people outside the U.S. are shocked this is even a problem.
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Countries Have Moved On</h2>
&#8220;In the Netherlands all <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/fintech/24/07/39933195/cash-in-a-flash-10-fintech-companies-dominating-real-time-payments">transactions are processed 24/7</a>, also between banks,&#8221; one commenter noted. Others chimed in from Australia, the U.K., Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand, all describing systems where bank transfers are instant and available every day of the week.
One Australian added, &#8220;Most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42653538/real-time-payments-and-embedded-finance-bridging-gaps-in-modern-banking">transfers are now instant</a>, literally take seconds, 24/7.&#8221;
A few U.S.-based commenters mentioned FedNow, a new payment service launched by the Federal Reserve in 2023 that allows real-time payments. However, its adoption has been slow. &#8220;FedNow is a new system that is 24/7/365, but many banks just aren&#8217;t using it yet,&#8221; said one person.
Some insiders say delays aren&#8217;t about tech limitations but business interests. &#8220;The bank holds the money for a few days, earning interest doing bank stuff, and then gives my landlord $3,000 on Tuesday,&#8221; one person wrote. &#8220;Multiply that by trillions of transactions and it's worth the banks lobbying to keep the Fed shut at the weekends.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a>
Others pointed out that fraud prevention is often used as justification for these delays. But not everyone buys that argument. &#8220;You don't need human review of the vast majority of transactions and there's no need to hold up all transactions for the tiny fraction that do,&#8221; one user argued.
From a global perspective, the U.S. banking system comes off as outdated. &#8220;Cheques don&#8217;t really exist in the U.K. or Europe anymore,&#8221; said one Redditor. &#8220;The U.S. is a dinosaur in this area.&#8221;
Whether due to inertia, lobbying, or outdated infrastructure, U.S. banks remain behind many of their global peers when it comes to the basic movement of money.
As one Redditor put it: &#8220;So basically, we're closed on Saturday because that guy is closed on Saturday and he is closed on Saturday because that other guy is closed on Saturday and that other guy is closed on Saturday because it is Saturday.&#8221;
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<li>Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.</li>
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'It Feels Backward'—Someone Asked What Many Are Thinking: 'Why Does Banking Basically Cease Over The Weekend' In 2025?

Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, dismissed concerns over the U.S.&nbsp;government debt and the inflationary&nbsp;impact of tariffs on companies&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Walmart Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>). 
What Happened: Following Moody&#8217;s Ratings downgrade of the U.S. credit rating on Friday, Bessent referred to Moody&#8217;s as a &#8220;lagging indicator.&#8221; He attributed the current fiscal state to the Biden administration&#8217;s spending&nbsp;over the past four years, which the Trump administration inherited.
Regarding the potential price increase by Walmart due to higher import taxes, Bessent disclosed a conversation with Walmart CEO&nbsp;Doug McMillon. The retailer plans to absorb some of the tariffs, as it has done in previous years. Bessent emphasized that he did not exert any pressure on Walmart, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-18/bessent-calls-moody-s-lagging-indicator-of-us-fiscal-health?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">reports </a>Bloomberg. 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45483312/peter-lynchs-market-advice-you-dont-need-a-lot-in-your-lifetime-you-only-need-a-few-good-socks-in-your-li" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Lynch&#8217;s Market Advice: &#8216;You Don&#8217;t Need A Lot In Your Lifetime, You Only Need A Few Good Stocks In Your Lifetime&#8217; (CORRECTED)</a>
Bessent also discussed the Federal Reserve&#8217;s &#8220;wait-and-see mode&#8221; concerning the potential inflationary effect of tariffs. He mentioned a mechanism for continuing talks with China following a recent tariff truce. However, he warned that other countries might face unilateral tariff rates if they fail to negotiate in good faith.
On the topic of Russia sanctions, Bessent refrained from making predictions but reiterated President Trump&#8217;s readiness to increase sanctions if Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin does not negotiate in&nbsp;good faith.
Addressing criticism over a potential&nbsp;acceptance of a 747 jet&nbsp;from Qatar, Bessent called it a distraction from a successful Mideast trip. He concluded by downplaying the significance of Moody&#8217;s downgrade, stating that Middle Eastern countries investing in the U.S. are not concerned about it.
Why It Matters: The U.S. Treasury Secretary&#8217;s dismissal of Moody&#8217;s downgrade and his comments on tariffs&#8217; impact on companies like Walmart are significant. 
They reflect the government&#8217;s stance on fiscal health and international trade negotiations. Bessent&#8217;s comments also shed light on the administration&#8217;s approach to managing potential inflationary effects of tariffs and its readiness to increase sanctions if necessary. 
His remarks on the Moody&#8217;s downgrade indicate a confidence in the U.S. economy that may influence investor sentiment.
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Image: Shutterstock/Maxim Elramsisy

Treasury Secretary Bessent Addresses Moody's Downgrade and Tariff Impact n Walmart

In the rapidly evolving world of digital currencies and blockchain innovation, few projects have managed to bridge mass appeal and Web3 utility quite like Notcoin. Launched as a simple Telegram-based clicker game, Notcoin quickly exploded into a viral movement, attracting more than 35 million users and turning casual players into blockchain participants — all with a tap.
At the heart of this phenomenon is Sergey, CTO and co-founder of Notcoin. With more than 15 years of experience in tech, Sergey plays a pivotal role in driving the platform's technical vision and strategic growth. From refining staking mechanics to crafting meaningful user journeys, he's focused on turning short-term hype into lasting adoption.
Benzinga's Bibhu Pattnaik sat down with Sergey to learn more about the mechanics behind Notcoin's success, its community-first approach, and what's next for the viral Web3 experiment.
As the co-founder of Notcoin, how did your 15 years in tech shape your approach to building Notcoin's infrastructure and user experience?
Over 15 years of building tech solutions, I've developed a broad skill set, and have learned how to swiftly navigate user interfaces, infrastructure, and business challenges. Our founding team at Open Builders, the team behind Notcoin, thrived on launching new projects rapidly, often in a hackathon-style sprint. This agility was key to surviving the demands caused by Notcoin's explosive growth, which saw us achieve 4M users in one week.
We have a very specific product design philosophy, which we hold very fast to when thinking about the form our projects take. We were tired of rigid enterprise solutions and wanted to create something simple yet meaningful, while keeping it fun.
Finally, even 15 years of experience across startups and enterprise companies can't prepare you for everything—especially a viral phenomenon like Notcoin. You have to learn quickly on the job and iterate new ideas rapidly. My experience gave me a strong foundation from which to grow, but I'm still learning more every day – it's the best part of working in crypto!
What inspired the creation of Notcoin, and how did you define its strategic vision from the outset?
We wanted to introduce people to web3 in a gentle, non-pushy way. A clicker game seemed perfect—fun, straightforward, and instantly rewarding. But we didn't stop there. We added onboarding tasks, friend systems to drive engagement, addictive game mechanics, and skins to personalize the experience. Above all, we infused it with the philosophy that underpins all Open Builders projects. The "Probably Nothing" concept was designed to defy the overwhelming expectations that often deter people from exploring crypto. We declared it "Nothing"—our white paper is blank, encouraging users to have fun with the clicker and the concept, free from pressure or speculation.
Since Notcoin launched a year and a half ago, this idea has evolved into something bigger. It continues to take inspiration with Buddhist principles and authentic crypto values, but we've grown it through new gigs, clothing, collaborations, and apps. We weave our core ideas into everything we create at Open Builders. The Notcoin project's clear expression of our values resonated more and more strongly with our community as it grew, and this resonance vindicated our philosophy, and demonstrated just how important it is to speak authentically to your core users.&nbsp;
You emphasize fun in product development — how do you balance that with deep technical challenges?
Fun is just the tip of the iceberg – beneath the surface, there is a serious tech machine. When we started, we thought our systems were solid, but they ultimately weren't enough to cater to the demand for Notcoin. Ever since, we've been continuously refining our codebase and infrastructure. Comparing our technical expertise now to a year ago, the difference is striking—more sophisticated technology, a larger engineering team, and a transformed tech stack.
While user enjoyment is our core mission, we never compromise when it comes to protecting their assets and building resilient systems.
Can you walk us through some of the core event mechanics or staking designs you&#8217;re experimenting with to encourage real adoption?
We're currently designing our staking model and want to ensure the highest APR for our most dedicated holders. But that's not the main focus. We also plan to add real-world utility for those who lock up their Notcoin long-term. Imagine freezing your $NOT for a year and unlocking real-world perks: regular BTC rewards, discounted flights, a free coffee, or even surprise gifts like Amazon gift cards. We're still exploring ideas, but we want to reward long-term belief in ways that blend crypto and everyday life.
How are you leveraging data to differentiate between short-term traders and long-term holders in Notcoin's user base?
We track on-chain behavior and segment users into three groups. Holders are users who hold 80% of their portfolio for 12 months or more, cruisers are users who hold $NOT between one and 11 months, and traders are those who hold for under a month.
We're currently designing a dedicated dashboard where loyal holders can earn benefits across the Notcoin ecosystem. These include invites to our gigs (like the exclusive Not rave that we held during TOKEN2049 in Dubai), merch, higher APR for staking, and access to close groups.
What role does community-driven growth play in your roadmap, and how do you integrate community feedback into technical decisions?
Community is everything to us. While it might not always be visible, we're constantly listening, whether it's via our feedback hub (@not_support_chat) or through contributors gathering insights from alpha groups, Telegram channels, and various Twitter threads.
While our decisions align with our broader strategic vision, the community's voice is a key driver. To give you an idea, at least a third of our core team consists of community members who were so skilled and active that we had to bring them on board.
How do you define success for Notcoin beyond the hype of exchange listings and short-term trading?
I don't think I'm the right person to judge the success of what we build – it's up to our community to define what success for Notcoin would be. Having said that, I'm thrilled to see how much people love it and the dedicated community of millions that we've managed to grow.
What have been the most surprising insights you&#8217;ve uncovered about user behavior while scaling Notcoin? What surprised me most is how users have embraced the idea and philosophy of Notcoin—just check out this website from the recent research contest:<a href="https://notcoin.my/"> </a>https://notcoin.my/. How cool is that? Here you can find more highlights from community contests, where our users' creativity is on full display.

Interview

At Notcoin We Want To Reward Long-Term Belief In Ways That Blend Crypto And Everyday Life, Says Sergey

Bill Gates and Elon Musk, two of the world&#8217;s richest individuals, have publicly disagreed over their differing views on philanthropy and efficiency.
What Happened: Gates intends to boost his foundation&#8217;s charitable contributions&nbsp;to public health and education&nbsp;in the coming two decades. Conversely, Musk has leveraged&nbsp;the White House DOGE office&nbsp;to drastically curtail US foreign aid expenditure and disband&nbsp;the US Agency for International&nbsp;Development, which he has termed a &#8220;criminal organization.&#8221;
Gates&#8217; strategy entails a long-term plan, whereas Musk&#8217;s method aligns with the tech industry&#8217;s fast-paced, disruptive ethos. Gates recently revealed plans to dissolve the Gates Foundation within the next 20 years,&nbsp;but contrary to reducing expenditure, he plans to augment it. 
As per the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-bill-gates-leadership-lesson-international-aid-doge-2025-5">by </a>Insider, the foundation is set&nbsp;to distribute $9 billion in&nbsp;2026 and aims to&nbsp;double the $100 billion it&nbsp;has donated since its inception in 2000, with a target of donating an additional&nbsp;$200 billion to public health&nbsp;and education causes by December&nbsp;31, 2045.
In contrast, DOGE, under Musk&#8217;s stewardship, has drastically reduced funding to USAID, leading to significant disruptions and a reduction of&nbsp;more than 80% of USAID&#8217;s&nbsp;contractual commitments. This has left organizations globally that depended on US funding scrambling to fulfill their missions.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43581817/bill-gates-says-this-simple-trait-is-the-secret-to-his-success">Bill Gates Says This Simple Trait Is the Secret to His Success</a>
The divergent approaches of Gates and Musk to &#8220;efficiency&#8221; are clear. Musk&#8217;s strategy with DOGE embodies the lean, do-more-with-less ethos of tech startups, while the Gates Foundation aims to deliver humanitarian aid using a data-driven approach and expertise from organizations working directly with those in need.
The disagreement between the two billionaires extends to their views on philanthropy. Gates has criticized Musk for his role in slashing the USAID budget, while Musk has previously dismissed most philanthropy as &#8220;bullshit.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This public disagreement between two influential figures highlights the ongoing debate about the role of philanthropy and efficiency in addressing global challenges. 
Their contrasting approaches reflect broader discussions within the tech industry and philanthropic sector about the best ways to allocate resources and achieve impact. 
This debate will likely continue to shape the future of philanthropy and international aid.
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Image: Shutterstock/Alexandros Michailidis

Success Stories

More Than a Feud: Elon Musk-Bill Gates Spat Sheds Light on Competing Views of Efficiency

Last week, gold and silver prices dropped after the U.S. and China agreed to temporarily reduce most tariffs on each other&#8217;s goods. This could be driving a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45429569" rel="noreferrer noopener">rotation out of safe-haven assets</a>.
Most gold mining stocks were among the top ten large-cap worst performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) shares dipped 23.31%  in reaction to a media report on a possible investigation <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45443695" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for criminal Medicare fraud</a>.</li>
<li>Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FI#NYSE">FI</a>) shares were down 9.46%.</li>
<li>Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGI#NYSE">AGI</a>) shares declined 9.43%.</li>
<li>Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEM#NYSE">AEM</a>) stock fell 9.27%.</li>
<li>AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AU#NYSE">AU</a>) stock dived 9.06%.</li>
<li>Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KGC#NYSE">KGC</a>) stock fell 8.96%.</li>
<li>Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPM#NYSE">WPM</a>) shares decreased 8.48%</li>
<li>Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFI#NYSE">GFI</a>) shares were down 8.47%.</li>
<li>Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/B#NYSE">B</a>) stock decreased 8.38%.</li>
<li>Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGLD#NASDAQ">RGLD</a>) stock dived 7.20%.</li>
</ol>
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Gold Mining Stocks Were Among Top 10 Large-Cap Losers Last Week (May 12-May 16): Are These In Your Portfolio?

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45184119/google-microsoft-meta-and-mclaren-back-mombaks-30m-amazon-reforestation-push-targeting-600m-in-carbon-credit-deals-by-2025">Google</a> is launching a major AI initiative that could shape the next generation of artificial intelligence startups. The AI Futures Fund promises direct investment, access to Google's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45314987/google-deploys-on-device-gemini-ai-to-fight-online-scams-blocks-millions-of-fraud-pages-in-real-time">Gemini</a> AI models, and deep technical mentorship for founders pushing the edge of innovation.
In a<a href="https://blog.google/technology/google-labs/ai-futures-fund/"> blog post</a> published Monday, Google outlined its intent to work closely with ambitious early-stage companies. The fund will offer hands-on support from Google's research and engineering teams, alongside go-to-market specialists and cloud credits to scale AI development.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gemini-Powered Startups Get The Google Advantage</h2>
The AI Futures Fund will focus on helping founders build transformative products powered by Gemini, Google&#8217;s flagship AI model suite. According to AI Futures Fund&#8217;s<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmv3YKZtCr_HyQdtMWfUCjUUmxPuPTL9lV29Gs4k8d3P1iwg/viewform"> application page</a>, startups will be granted early access to the models and receive technical guidance directly from Google's in-house experts.
In addition to access and expertise, Google is sweetening the deal with cloud credits. These can be used to build, deploy, and scale high-performance AI systems on Google Cloud, according to the startup&#8217;s<a href="https://labs.google/aifuturesfund"> website</a>. With many generative AI models requiring expensive infrastructure to train and operate, these credits give early-stage companies a head start.
According to<a href="https://siliconangle.com/2025/05/12/googles-new-ai-futures-fund-turns-tap-startup-founders/"> SiliconANGLE</a>, Google aims to deepen its exposure to emerging AI startups and technologies through the AI Futures Fund, giving the company early insight into innovation while strengthening its position in a competitive field already shaped by rivals like Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), and OpenAI.
The fund will complement Google's previous $3 billion in combined investments in generative AI company Anthropic, where it holds a significant ownership stake and cloud partnership, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/12/google-launches-ai-startup-fund-offering-access-to-new-models.html">CNBC</a> reports. This tie-in positions Google to shape the trajectory of multiple leading-edge players simultaneously.
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Google Doubles Down On Global AI Ecosystem Building</h2>
The AI Futures Fund is only the latest in a series of moves by Google to position itself as a key player in AI ecosystem growth. The company<a href="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/google-org/google-generative-ai-accelerator-nonprofits/"> announced</a> in March 2024 a $20 million nonprofit accelerator through Google.org focused on generative AI, followed by an<a href="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/public-policy/google-united-nations-general-assembly-2024/"> introduction</a> in September of a $120 million Global AI Opportunity fund.
The giant also <a href="https://startup.google.com/programs/founders-funds/">launched</a> the Google for Startups Founders Funds in 2020. According to the company's website, the program has provided over $58 million in equity-free cash awards and support to more than 600 founders from diverse backgrounds since its inception.
The program expanded its focus to include AI startups in the U.S., with plans to extend support to international founders shortly, according to a<a href="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/entrepreneurs/2024-google-for-startups-founders-funds/"> blog post</a>. This expansion aims to empower diverse entrepreneurs leveraging AI technology to solve real-world problems and drive innovation.
This broader commitment to inclusion in AI development has been echoed at the highest levels of the company. During his keynote at the United Nations' Summit of the Future in September, Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized Google's mission to ensure broad, equitable access to AI. "Just as the internet and mobile devices expanded opportunities for people around the world, now AI is poised to accelerate progress at unprecedented scale," Pichai said, according to a blog post from Google.&nbsp;
See Also: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Building The Next Generation Of AI Giants</h2>
At its core, the AI Futures Fund aims to surface the most daring AI ideas and accelerate their journey from concept to product. According to the application page, Google wants to "enable groundbreaking 0-to-1 products and features" by working closely with founders across all stages of growth.
Applications for the fund are now open, and the founders selected will enter Google's ecosystem with a toolkit that includes capital, exclusive model access, technical guidance, and go-to-market alignment, as detailed on the company&#8217;s website.
As investors search for the next wave of AI breakthroughs, and startups look for the resources to stay ahead, the AI Futures Fund could prove to be one of the most strategically important moves in Google's recent history.
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Image: Shutterstock

AMZN

MSFT

Google's AI Futures Fund Gives Startups VIP Access To DeepMind Models, Backing From Sundar Pichai, And Cloud Credits Worth Millions

Ivanka Trump made an unexpected visit to the Philadelphia Eagles locker room on Friday. The visit seemed to be aimed at meeting cornerback Eli Ricks, who had previously complimented her.
What Happened: Ivanka Trump was seen in&nbsp;the Philadelphia Eagles&#8217; locker room, apparently in search of&nbsp;Eli Ricks, the player who&nbsp;had referred to her as&nbsp;&#8220;beautiful&#8221; during the team&#8217;s White&nbsp;House visit in April.
Ricks had initially posted on X,&nbsp;&#8220;Donald trump daughter is beautiful,&#8221;&nbsp;on April 29, to which Ivanka responded with a post stating, &#8220;Missed you today,&#8221; along with&nbsp;a photo of a note&nbsp;to Ricks that read,&nbsp;&#8220;stopped by to say hi!&nbsp;Sorry to miss you! Go&nbsp;Birds!&#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">Missed you today <a href="https://twitter.com/eliasricks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eliasricks</a> ! &#x1f609;&#x1f602; <a href="https://t.co/FCwieXiP8k">https://t.co/FCwieXiP8k</a> <a href="https://t.co/4fTVEbm6NC">pic.twitter.com/4fTVEbm6NC</a>
&mdash; Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1923484687944569138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
During her visit, Ivanka also posted videos and photos of her son Theo playing catch on the Eagles&#8217; practice field. Ricks, who&nbsp;joined the Eagles in 2023&nbsp;as an undrafted free agent, has participated in 23 games for the team since his joining.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37193915/judge-calls-out-ivanka-trump-in-new-york-civil-fraud-case-says-her-memory-recall-was-suspect" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Judge Calls Out Ivanka Trump In New York Civil Fraud Case, Says Her Memory Recall Was &#8216;Suspect&#8217;</a>
This visit by Ivanka Trump to the Eagles&#8217; locker room is a unique event, as it is not common for high-profile figures to make such personal visits to sports teams. The interaction between Ivanka and Ricks has been a topic of interest since their exchange on social media. 
The visit also highlights the personal interest of Ivanka in the team, as evidenced by her son&#8217;s participation in a catch game on the practice field. 
This event could potentially influence the public perception of the Eagles and their players, and it will be interesting to see if there are any further developments in this story.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37301314/ivanka-trump-is-now-on-tiktok-even-though-her-father-tried-to-ban-it-in-the-us">Ivanka Trump Is Now On TikTok — Even Though Her Father Tried To Ban It In The US</a>

Entertainment

Sports

Ivanka Trump Drops by Eagles Locker Room, Responds to Player Who Called Her 'Beautiful': 'Stopped By To Say Hi! Sorry To Miss You! Go Birds!'

Klarna is backpedaling after cutting hundreds of human jobs and replacing them with artificial intelligence. The Swedish buy-now-pay-later company now says real people are essential to customer service and plans to bring them back—but in a gig-style setup.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From All-In on AI to Human Reboot</h2>
Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski, once eager to make the company OpenAI&#8217;s &#8220;favorite guinea pig,&#8221; is now rethinking that approach. &#8220;From a brand perspective, a company perspective, I just think it's so critical that you are clear to your customer that there will be always a human if you want,&#8221; he told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-08/klarna-turns-from-ai-to-real-person-customer-service">Bloomberg</a>.
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The company previously laid off workers and paused hiring, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43679965/klarnas-ceo-says-ai-can-already-do-all-the-jobs-that-we-as-humans-do-and-hes-proving-it-by-shrinking-his-workforce-by-22">touting its AI chatbot</a> as capable of doing the work of 700 support agents. That strategy helped save $10 million on marketing and contributed to Klarna&#8217;s push for efficiency after its valuation plunged from $45.6 billion to $6.7 billion in 2022. But now, Klarna is shifting again.
The new plan is apparently to hire remote <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44144291/the-worlds-largest-call-center-company-will-use-ai-to-scrub-indian-accents-to-create-more-intimacy-increase-customer-satisfaction">customer service agents</a> who can log in and out as needed, similar to Uber drivers. The company is targeting students, rural populations, and even existing users to fill these roles. &#8220;There are tons of Klarna users that are very passionate about our company and would enjoy working for us,&#8221; Siemiatkowski told Bloomberg.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reality Check for AI</h2>
This change comes after increasing signs that AI can't fully handle human-facing tasks. Siemiatkowski admitted to Bloomberg that Klarna went too far. &#8220;As cost unfortunately seems to have been a too predominant evaluation factor when organizing this, what you end up having is lower quality,&#8221; he said.
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
Investor Chamath Palihapitiya <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45371290/chamath-palihapitiya-questions-ai-funding-after-swedish-bnpl-firm-klarna-rolls-back-ai-bets-startups-could-pivot-to-simply-use-ai-for-narrow-use-cases">called Klarna's move a warning</a> for the tech sector. He <a href="https://x.com/chamath/status/1922096736308490416">wrote on X</a> that the company&#8217;s shift could force many startups to pivot to simply &#8220;use AI for narrow use cases&#8221; and warned that replacing humans with &#8220;probabilistic code&#8221; is &#8220;fraught with edge cases.&#8221;
Klarna&#8217;s approach now blends AI with human support, rather than relying entirely on automation. As spokesperson Clare Nordstrom told <a href="https://www.customerexperiencedive.com/news/klarna-reinvests-human-talent-customer-service-AI-chatbot/747586/">CX Dive</a>: &#8220;AI gives us speed. Talent gives us empathy. Together, we can deliver service that&#8217;s fast when it should be, and empathetic and personal when it needs to be.&#8221;
Klarna says it&#8217;s committed to this hybrid model going forward, but the workforce will still shrink over time due to natural attrition. The company expects to drop from 3,000 employees to around 2,500 within a year as tech continues to evolve.
For Klarna, it's less about reversing course entirely and more about acknowledging that humans still matter, just on different terms.
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After Firing 700 Humans For AI, Klarna Now Wants Them Back—'Tons Of Klarna Users Would Enjoy Working For Us,' Says CEO

Renowned hedge fund manager Michael Burry has made a substantial alteration to his portfolio, maintaining only one bullish position.
What Happened: The recent SEC filings indicate that Burry&#8217;s Scion Asset Management has adopted a predominantly bearish outlook. The firm has established a significant&nbsp;position in put options against&nbsp;Nvidia&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), suggesting a pessimistic view on the chipmaker&#8217;s stock.
The <a href="https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1649339">filings </a>also reveal that Scion has switched its previously bullish stance on Chinese equities, purchasing&nbsp;bearish put options on major&nbsp;Chinese firms, including Alibaba&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>)&nbsp;and Baidu&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>).
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45483312/peter-lynchs-market-advice-you-dont-need-a-lot-in-your-lifetime-you-only-need-a-few-good-socks-in-your-li" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Lynch&#8217;s Market Advice: &#8216;You Don&#8217;t Need A Lot In Your Lifetime, You Only Need A Few Good Stocks In Your Lifetime&#8217; (CORRECTED)</a>
Notably, Scion&#8217;s sole&nbsp;remaining long position is in&nbsp;Estee Lauder&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EL#NYSE">EL</a>), a cosmetics giant based in New York. This single bullish position underscores Burry&#8217;s prudent market strategy, as the cosmetics sector is frequently deemed recession-proof.
This is the second time&nbsp;in recent years that Burry&nbsp;has made significant changes to Scion&#8217;s portfolio. In 2023, he significantly cut the firm&#8217;s&nbsp;holdings, only to later admit&nbsp;his error and make new, focused investments.
Why It Matters: Michael Burry&#8217;s portfolio adjustments are closely watched by investors due to his reputation for predicting the 2007 housing market crash. His latest move to a largely bearish stance, particularly against Nvidia and major Chinese companies, could signal his anticipation of a downturn in these sectors. 
Furthermore, his sole bullish position in Estee Lauder suggests that he views the cosmetics industry as a safe haven amidst potential market volatility. 
This shift in strategy may influence other investors to reassess their own portfolios and market outlooks.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/25/01/42933234/michael-burrys-hedge-fund-could-soar-if-china-cuts-interest-rates-in-2025">Michael Burry&#8217;s Hedge Fund Could Soar if China Cuts Interest Rates in 2025</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Sorbis

BABA

BIDU

NVDA

Michael Burry Makes Major Portfolio Shift, Holding Only One Asset He Deems 'Recession-Proof'

These mid-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FL#NYSE">FL</a>) shares rocketed 98.58% after Dick's Sporting Goods Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DKS#NYSE">DKS</a>) agreed to acquire the company at equity value of around $2.4 billion. Also, the company issued <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45435748" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preliminary first-quarter results</a>. Several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/fl/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised the price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Archer Aviation Inc.'s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACHR#NYSE">ACHR</a>) stock jumped 50.96% after the company reported better-than-expected EPS results and announced an exclusive partnership that will make it the official air taxi provider of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45443360" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games</a>.  </li>
<li>DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DBRG#NYSE">DBRG</a>) shares increased 38.63%. Traders circulate an unconfirmed takeover rumor that 26North is in talks to acquire the company.</li>
<li>NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMR#NYSE">SMR</a>) stock escalated 38.51%  following the release <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45383335" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">of its first-quarter earnings</a>.</li>
<li>Diginex Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DGNX#NASDAQ">DGNX</a>) stock jumped 38.37%.</li>
<li>ImmunityBio, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBRX#NASDAQ">IBRX</a>) shares rose 37.20% after the company reported<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45343007" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> better-than-expected results</a>.</li>
<li>Oklo Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKLO#NYSE">OKLO</a>) stock increased 34.28% after the company reported a year-over-year <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45472603" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase in first-quarter results</a>.</li>
<li>Intuitive Machines, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUNR#NASDAQ">LUNR</a>) shares grew 33.77% after the company issued FY25 sales guidance with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45400804" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its midpoint above estimates</a>.</li>
</ol>
Photo via Shutterstock

Mid Cap

ACHR

DBRG

DGNX

IBRX

LUNR

OKLO

Foot Locker And Archer Aviation Are Among Top 8 Mid-Cap Gainers Last Week (May 12-May 16): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Financial guru Ramit Sethi hasn't been afraid to talk about politics. He's been very critical of Trump's tariffs, and that has caused some people to tell him to <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ramit.sethi/video/7489842192853519662?lang=en">knock it off</a>. It seems like when any celebrity or influencer talks about politics, people who don't like the person's opinions want the political talk to tone down.
It makes sense for some industries more than others to discuss politics, and finance is one of them. You don't have to bring politics into every conversation, but it makes sense to discuss politics when talking about finance. Sethi concisely explains why.
"Money is political," he said in a recent TikTok.&nbsp;
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Sethi explains money's role in politics and why it's important to bring politics to the forefront of financial conversations.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Healthcare, Housing, and College Are Expensive Because Of Politics</h2>
Sethi starts by explaining how politics influence the prices of critical investments and services. Some people need healthcare services to live, but higher costs can price them out. Medical bills are one of the big reasons why people file for bankruptcy, so political issues around healthcare affect personal finances.
Sethi makes the same claims about housing and college tuition. Politicians can shorten the maximum mortgage term length or prevent big investment firms from gobbling up single-family homes, but they aren't. Trump didn't do that during his first term, and neither did Biden.&nbsp;
"That's a political choice that America made to keep your housing expensive," Sethi states.
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The same logic applies to colleges. College tuition soared when student loans were introduced. Tighter guardrails around student loans can make college more affordable for everyone. Talking about these issues invites debate and allows people to discuss constructive solutions that can improve people's finances.
Money and politics are intertwined.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Politics Impact The Stock Market</h2>
Sethi also explained how politics affects the stock market. This is a big deal for finance since people put their money into the stock market for retirement. Tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and fiscal policies are some of the forces that affect stock prices.
People want to know how to navigate the stock market and what to monitor. They look at earnings reports and industrial trends to gauge which stocks are worth buying. Politics also affect the stock market, and investors want to stay informed.&nbsp;
Later in the video, he claims that Trump inherited a great economy from Biden, which recovered better than any developed country. Sethi asserts that Trump messed up the economy and gaslighted his supporters into believing that the economy was horrible under Biden.
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sethi Goes Off On Trump's Tariffs</h2>
Sethi then went off on Trump's tariffs, calling them a tax on the poor and middle class. Tariffs make most products more expensive since many products are made overseas. Companies that exclusively do all of their manufacturing in America can do well with tariffs, but these companies may also rely on overseas materials to create their products.
Furthermore, it's possible that American companies that are unaffected by tariffs raise prices on their products and services because they can. Sethi then stated that he believes in a theory that Trump is using tariffs so that companies can pay him to make exceptions.
"[He's] basically setting up a structure for him to receive bribes," Sethi suggested in the video.
Tariffs are political policies that have significant ramifications on people's finances. That's why it makes sense for financial influencers to discuss politics. It's hard to talk about personal finance without bringing up big political issues that affect people's wallets.
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Personal Finance

Ramit Sethi Explains Why He Won't Stop Talking About Politics: 'Money Is Political'

President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) following the company&#8217;s warnings about potential price hikes due to tariffs.
What Happened: On Saturday, Trump used his Truth Social platform to voice his criticism of Walmart&#8217;s tariff-related price increase warnings. The President urged both Walmart and China to &#8220;EAT THE TARIFFS,&#8221; and avoid passing the costs onto consumers.
&#8220;Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain. Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, "EAT THE TARIFFS," and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I'll be watching, and so will your customers!!!&#8221; Trump wrote in the <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114523638623110397">post</a>. 
Last week John David Rainey, Walmart&#8217;s CFO, had commented <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/17/trump-tells-walmart-to-eat-the-tariffs.html">in</a> a CNBC interview about the unprecedented speed and magnitude of the price increases due to tariffs, creating a challenging environment for the retail giant.
While acknowledging the progress made by the Trump administration on tariffs, Rainey stated that they were still too high. Despite a 90-day reprieve that reduced&nbsp;duties on Chinese imports to&nbsp;30%, Walmart, which imports goods from several countries including China, is feeling the financial strain.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45185792/young-americans-express-discontent-over-trumps-china-tariffs">Young Americans Express Discontent Over Trump&#8217;s China Tariffs</a>
"We have not seen price increases at this magnitude, in the speed in which they're coming at us before, and so it makes for a challenging environment," Rainey mentioned. 
Walmart is committed to maintaining competitive prices and plans to&nbsp;absorb some of the tariff-related&nbsp;costs. Rainey also anticipates that suppliers will bear some of the higher costs.
In response to Trump&#8217;s post, Walmart reaffirmed its commitment to keeping&nbsp;prices as low as possible, despite&nbsp;the reality of small retail&nbsp;margins.
Walmart joins a growing list of companies, including Microsoft and Mattel, warning of price increases due to tariffs. Some of these companies have already implemented price hikes on certain products.
Why It Matters: The escalating trade tensions and the resultant tariffs are putting pressure on retailers like Walmart, forcing them to navigate between maintaining competitive prices and managing increased costs. 
The public exchange between Trump and Walmart highlights the ongoing challenges faced by global retailers amidst fluctuating trade policies. 
The situation warrants close monitoring as it could potentially impact consumer spending and the broader retail industry.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45184120/warren-buffett-warns-tariffs-could-backfire-on-economy-says-trade-should-not-be-a-weapon-its-a-big-mistake-i-dont-think-its-wise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett Warns Tariffs Could Backfire on Economy, Says, ‘Trade Should Not Be A Weapon. It's A Big Mistake, I Don't Think It's Wise'</a>
Image: Shutterstock/ZikG

Trump's Tariff Challenge: Amid Rising Price Concerns, President Tells Walmart to 'Eat the Tariffs'

A recent call to the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcwYsdkbvrc">The Ramsey Show</a>" revealed a couple trying to make all the right financial moves: no debt, a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/06/39417929/is-suze-orman-right-use-a-roth-ira-as-a-backup-emergency-fund-can-you-really-have-your-cake-and-">six-month emergency fund</a>, and a combined post-deduction income of $145,000. Their plan? Live on one income and invest the other.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ramsey Steers Away</h2>
"Of that $145,000 that is take-home, $85,000 is mine and $60,000 is hers," the caller said. "So invest 60% of our take-home income. Is that overkill?"
The couple, both recent college grads, are renting and have big plans. The wife eventually wants to stay home with future kids. Until then, they want to go <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/high-return-investments">all in on investing</a> to build wealth quickly.
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</ul>
But Dave Ramsey wasn't on board.
Instead of celebrating the couple&#8217;s intensity, Ramsey redirected the conversation to real estate. "Very, very few people that we have studied or that we know of and have tracked with that became wealthy used that plan," he said of long-term renting while investing aggressively.
Ramsey emphasized that rent will keep going up. "When the largest line item is rent and it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44818878/why-is-the-system-rigged-why-even-try-one-renter-asks-as-wages-stay-flat-and-rents-soar-while-landlo">goes up every single year</a>, your largest item is out of your control," he said. "When you fix it by buying and then you pay that house off … you have a net worth of a million and a half."
He urged the caller to save for a down payment instead of investing so much. "I would save a maximum of 15% of my household income into retirement," Ramsey said. "I would <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-use-hsa-for-retirement">stop the HSA</a> … and then I&#8217;d see how fast I can build up a fat, juicy down payment."
Trending: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.30/share!</a>
Ramsey also chimed in with a cultural observation. "Guys can live under a bridge, 100%," he joked. His co-host, Ken Coleman, added, "When she becomes a stay-at-home mama, I promise you this … she&#8217;s gonna want a house."
Even Ramsey admitted he might be out of touch. "I forget ‘cause I&#8217;ve gotten old and I&#8217;ve been doing this so long," he said.
Buying a home can offer <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-long-to-build-wealth-in-real-estate">long-term financial benefits</a> that renting typically doesn't. While renting may seem more flexible in the short run, homeownership locks in housing costs and allows for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-calculate-home-equity">equity growth</a>, which can result in significantly greater wealth over time.
In the end, Ramsey praised the caller's mindset but offered a course correction: focus less on extreme investing and more on stability. "You&#8217;re actually paying attention, you&#8217;re planning, you&#8217;re thinking," he said. "You&#8217;re going to win."
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</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Is 60% Of $145,000 Take-Home Too Much To Invest? A Dave Ramsey Caller Asks. He Replies, 'Look, Guys Can Live Under A Bridge, But…

The cryptocurrency market is witnessing a significant downturn, with Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) being notably impacted. 
As per a&nbsp;report, the market has seen liquidations worth $298 million in cryptocurrencies, with Shiba Inu&#8217;s value declining by 5.81%.
The downturn for Shiba Inu commenced at&nbsp;the start of the week,&nbsp;with a promising price surge abruptly halted&nbsp;on May 12 due to&nbsp;a slump in the wider&nbsp;cryptocurrency market. Since May 11,&nbsp;SHIB has recorded losses on&nbsp;five out of six days&nbsp;as investors cashed in during rallies.
<a href="https://app.intotheblock.com/coin/SHIB/deep-dive?group=all&amp;chart=all">Data</a> from IntoTheBlock reveals that a staggering 25.74 trillion SHIB are presently held by 34,170 addresses within the narrow price bracket of&nbsp;$0.000014 and $0.000015, where SHIB&nbsp;is currently trading. This suggests that a significant portion of SHIB is held at a critical level.
The prevailing market conditions imply that&nbsp;the 25.74 trillion SHIB held&nbsp;within this range could be &#8220;stuck,&#8221; as the holders might be either breaking even or incurring losses, waiting for market trends to dictate their subsequent actions. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45185999/shiba-inus-shibarium-is-booming-heres-whats-driving-the-54-transaction-surge">Shiba Inu&#8217;s Shibarium Is Booming — Here&#8217;s What&#8217;s Driving the 54% Transaction Surge</a>
This consolidation zone could potentially serve&nbsp;as a support level if&nbsp;holders within this range opt to hold onto their assets in anticipation of a price recovery.
With SHIB clinging to the lower end&nbsp;of the $0.000014 to $0.000015&nbsp;range, the focus is now on whether it can bounce back or break. As it stands, the dog-themed coin, along with trillions of tokens, is trapped in a state of uncertainty.
The current situation of Shiba Inu highlights the volatility and unpredictability inherent in the cryptocurrency market. The significant amount of SHIB held at a decisive level underscores the uncertainty faced by investors. 
The future of SHIB and similar cryptocurrencies will largely depend on market trends and investor sentiment, making it crucial for investors to closely monitor these factors.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

$SHIB

25.74 Trillion Shiba Inu Stuck, As SHIB Trapped In Uncertainty Amid Market Downturn

Decagon, a two-year-old AI startup helping companies cut customer support costs, is in talks to raise $100 million at a $1.5 billion valuation, according to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rashishrivastava/2025/05/02/ai-startup-decagon-in-talks-to-raise-100-million-at-a-15-billion-valuation/">Forbes</a>, which cites multiple sources familiar with the deal.
Founded in 2023 by Jesse Zhang and Ashwin Sreenivas, Decagon builds customer support agents powered by artificial intelligence. These agents can <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44251055/cutting-costs-without-cutting-corners-via-ai-and-automation">handle common service tasks</a> like issuing refunds, canceling subscriptions and answering product questions. Companies including Notion, Duolingo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUOL#NASDAQ">DUOL</a>), Bilt, Substack and Rippling already use the software.
&#8220;We think AI agents can be 10x employees,&#8221; Zhang told Forbes.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Winning Bake-Offs, Cutting Costs</h2>
Decagon's rise has been driven by its performance in what insiders call "bake-offs," where companies test AI tools head-to-head. &#8220;Decagon claims they win almost every time they go up against Sierra head to head,&#8221; one investor involved in the talks told Forbes. Sierra is a newer rival that is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37147866/openais-chair-bret-taylor-dismisses-concerns-about-his-ai-chatbot-startup-competing-with-chatgpt-par">led by former Salesforce (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) co-CEO Bret Taylor</a>.
Startups are turning to these agents to handle tedious tasks that would otherwise require large outsourced teams. Forbes reported that Bilt, for example, reduced its customer support team from hundreds of contractors to just 65 after adopting Decagon. Another unnamed client reportedly cut 80% of its support staff. ClassPass, which uses Decagon to manage more than 2.5 million customer conversations, slashed its cost per reservation by 95%, according to <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/classpass-got-support-bot-par-humans">The Information</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">$200 Million in Total Funding</h2>
The potential new funding round is being led by Andreessen Horowitz and Accel, with participation from existing backers. It would bring Decagon's total funding to $200 million, following a $65 million Series B round announced in October that valued the company at $650 million.
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
The company's AI agents run on top of large language models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Cohere, and are fine-tuned using company-specific data like user manuals, how-to guides and historical customer service chats. A proprietary system helps companies keep this training data fresh and relevant.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Control, Transparency, and Voice</h2>
A key selling point, according to investors, is that Decagon gives businesses clear control over how its AI responds to customers.
&#8220;You as a customer can actually see what&#8217;s happening, understand it, and change things,&#8221; investor Elad Gil told Forbes. &#8220;You have control so that it really does the things that you want it to do.&#8221;
Decagon has also started partnering with ElevenLabs to build voice-enabled agents that sound more human, pushing beyond typed chat interactions.
See Also: The team behind $6B+ in licensing deals is now building the next billion-dollar IP empire — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-ym?v=123">invest early at $2.25/share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Salesforce Enters the Arena</h2>
While Decagon has earned praise for its performance and transparency, it faces stiff competition. Salesforce recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44146057/salesforce-unveils-agentforce-2dx-ai-agents-that-work-beyond-chatbots">launched Agentforce 2dx</a>, a major update to its AI platform that allows agents to work behind the scenes, not just in chat windows. The update includes low-code and pro-code tools for building agents, real-time monitoring, and a developer edition for testing.
&#8220;We're making it easier than ever for businesses to embed agentic AI into any workflow,&#8221;&nbsp; Adam Evans, Salesforce's EVP and GM of AI Platform, said in a <a href="https://investor.salesforce.com/news/news-details/2025/Salesforce-Launches-Agentforce-2dx-with-New-Capabilities-to-Embed-Proactive-Agentic-AI-into-Any-Workflow-Create-Multimodal-Experiences-and-Extend-Digital-Labor-Throughout-the-Enterprise/default.aspx">statement</a>.
Salesforce also introduced AgentExchange, a marketplace that allows developers and partners to monetize prebuilt AI actions, templates and solutions.
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Image: Shutterstock

DUOL

'AI Agents Can Be 10x Employees'—AI Customer Support Chatbot Startup Founded Two Years Ago Seeks $100 Million At A $1.5 Billion Valuation

It's no surprise that money remains a major source of stress for many Americans. From rising living expenses to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/retirement">uncertainty about retirement</a>, financial anxiety continues to weigh heavily on households — and it's not just about what's happening today, but about how secure people feel about their futures.
A recent Gallup <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/660071/inflation-top-financial-problem-fewer-cite.aspx">survey</a> offers new insight into what's weighing on American households. Inflation remains the most-cited financial concern, named by 29% of respondents. That number is down from 41% in 2022 — a notable drop — but still much higher than pre-2021 levels.
It's clear that people are still feeling the aftershocks of the inflation surge, even if price increases have slowed. The survey also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45384608/u-s-households-now-need-70-more-income-to-buy-a-home-double-whammy-of-skyrocketing-prices-and-rates">found that housing costs</a> and a general lack of money tied as the second-biggest concerns, each cited by 12% of Americans.
While inflation worries have eased, broader financial anxiety has not. A record-high 53% of Americans say their financial situation is getting worse, while just 38% say it's improving. Nearly six in 10 are worried they won't have enough for retirement or to cover major medical expenses. And 57% fear they won't be able to maintain their current standard of living — a concern that's grown 15 points since 2019.
The worry is widespread but varies by income. Middle-income households are the most likely to name inflation as their top issue. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42173927/how-rich-are-you-find-out-whether-you-rank-as-upper-middle-or-lower-class-based-on-income-and-other-factors">Lower-income households</a> are more focused on making ends meet, while upper-income respondents are more concerned about investments and retirement planning.
So while inflation may no longer be dominating headlines, its impact continues to ripple through Americans' wallets and confidence. Whether these concerns grow or ease will likely depend on the direction of economic policy, especially new tariffs and their potential to push prices higher again. For now, caution and concern remain the norm.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Financial Advisors

Inflation Still Tops Americans' Financial Concerns, But New Worries Are Emerging

Justine Musk, the first wife of billionaire Elon Musk, offered her unique perspective on the journey to becoming a billionaire. She emphasized that there is no clear-cut path or strategy to amass such wealth.
What Happened: Justine Musk responded to a&nbsp;2015 Quora thread asking if sheer determination and hard work could&nbsp;lead to a billion-dollar fortune.&nbsp;Her response was a resounding &#8220;No.&#8221;
She stressed that determination alone is not enough. To attain billionaire status, one must be prepared to face extreme challenges and demonstrate high levels of risk tolerance and resilience.
Justine Musk advised shifting the focus from personal wants to understanding and catering to the needs and wants of the world. She emphasized the importance of developing unique and irreplaceable potential.
She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.quora.com/Will-I-become-a-billionaire-if-I-am-determined-to-be-one-and-put-in-all-the-necessary-work-required" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a>,&nbsp;"You're determined. So what? You&nbsp;haven't been racing naked through&nbsp;shark-infested waters yet," underlining the high level of risk and resilience required to accumulate such wealth.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/07/39657381/elon-musks-mother-recounts-time-her-children-used-to-ask-for-food-she-couldnt-afford-after-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk's Mother Recounts Time Her Children Used To Ask For Food She Couldn't Afford After Her Divorce: ‘If They Complained, I Didn't Listen'</a>
"Will you be just as determined when you wash up on some deserted island, disoriented and bloody and ragged and beaten and staring into the horizon with no sign of rescue?" she added in the post. 
"Shift your focus away from what you want a billion dollars and get deeply, intensely curious about what the world wants and needs. Ask yourself what you have the potential to offer that is so unique and compelling and helpful that no computer could replace you, no one could outsource you, no one could steal your product and make it better and then club you into oblivion (not literally). Then develop that potential. Choose one thing and become a master of it. Choose a second thing and become a master of that," she continued.
Her insights are drawn from&nbsp;her personal experience being married&nbsp;to Elon Musk, who has&nbsp;an estimated net worth of&nbsp;$12.1 billion. She pointed out that the world doesn&#8217;t simply hand over a billion dollars to someone because they desire it or feel they deserve it. Money is given in exchange for something that the world perceives as being of equal or greater value.
"The world doesn't throw a billion dollars at a person because the person wants it or works so hard they feel they deserve it. The world does not care what you want or deserve. The world gives you money in exchange for something it perceives to be of equal or greater value: something that transforms an aspect of the culture, reworks a familiar story or introduces a new one, alters the way people think about the category and make use of it in daily life. There is no roadmap, no blueprint for this; a lot of people will give you a lot of advice, and most of it will be bad, and a lot of it will be good and sound but you'll have to figure out how it doesn't apply to you because you're coming from an unexpected angle," she wrote in the post.
Elon Musk is known for&nbsp;founding PayPal and leading innovative&nbsp;companies like&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and SpaceX.
Why It Matters: Justine Musk's comments offer a rare peek&nbsp;into the mindset and challenges&nbsp;faced by billionaires. 
Her unique perspective, molded&nbsp;by her close relationship with&nbsp;one of the world's most&nbsp;successful entrepreneurs, provides valuable insights for those aiming for similar levels of success.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/mundissima

TSLA

Elon Musk's Ex-Wife Spills the Truth About Becoming a Billionaire

It's become a tradition for a man to buy an engagement ring for a woman right before proposing to her. The engagement ring has become a way to symbolize marriage, but financial guru Vincent Chan says <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@vincentchanco/video/7502412320723782945?lang=en">engagement rings don't have to be expensive</a>.&nbsp;
Jewelry companies charge high markups for rings and have created a narrative that diamonds are hard to find. Chan breaks that myth in a recent TikTok video while sharing strategies that can help you save money.
"You can get them for 85% cheaper," he explains.
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Want to find a stunning engagement ring that doesn't burn a hole through your wallet? Chan recommends the following tactics.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Round Down</h2>
Chan starts his recommendations by encouraging people to round down on the diamond weight, as measured in carats. He states that a 2.0 carat diamond costs 48% more than a 1.9 carat diamond. It's a big discount, but the diamonds don't even look that different. A 1.9 carat diamond could easily pass as a 2.0 carat diamond.
Carat is only one component that influences a diamond's price. Cut, color, and clarity are the other three factors. Skimping a little on carats doesn't necessarily mean the diamond will look ugly. Some 1.9 carat diamonds look better than 2.0 carat diamonds and cost a lot less.&nbsp;
Higher carat diamonds are more expensive due to their rarity and the amount of time it takes to cut larger stones. A slightly lower carat diamond can still make your future wife happy with the engagement ring while saving a fortune.
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get A Lab-Grown Diamond</h2>
Chan also recommends getting a lab-grown diamond instead of a mined diamond. You can cut the price by 85% going this route, but you aren't getting an inferior product. Chan states that lab-grown diamonds are chemically and structurally identical to mined diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds have other benefits. They are more eco-friendly, which can be a great selling point for a spouse who is interested in preserving the environment. Furthermore, it's far more ethical to get a lab-grown diamond over a mined diamond.&nbsp;
Brutal working conditions, child labor, and low wages are some of the setbacks of mined diamonds. Meanwhile, lab-grown diamonds allow couples to avoid those setbacks while having a similar product at a much lower price.
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ignore The Three-Months Salary Rule</h2>
The three-month salary rule states that you should buy an engagement ring that is three months' salary. For instance, if someone earns $120,000 per year, this rule would expect them to spend $30,000 on an engagement ring.
That's quite expensive, especially if the groom is shortly laid off from work or endures a significant surprise expense. Chan points out that the three months salary rule was a marketing stunt from the 1930s and shouldn't hold any weight in your decision.
Chan suggests a more practical approach where you choose a number that won't delay your other big financial goals. He also encourages people to budget based on what they save instead of what they expect to earn. It's more important to build financial security for your family than it is to overpay for an engagement ring.
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Image: Shutterstock

Vincent Chan Reveals 3 Tactics To Save On An Engagement Ring: ''You Can Get Them For 85% Cheaper'

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Collective millennial wealth has jumped by more than $12 trillion dollars over the last five years</li>
<li>Yet many millennials still feel that financial security is out of their reach</li>
<li>Experts say that the death of the middle class is to blame for the phenomenon, keeping the generation in a break-even cycle instead of allowing them to get ahead</li>
</ul>
New data from the <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/distribute/table/#quarter:138;series:Net%20worth;demographic:generation;population:all;units:levels">Federal Reserve</a> shows that millennials are now worth a collective $16.26 trillion, up from just $4.54 trillion just five years ago.
Yet despite this massive financial growth, and findings that millennials are in better financial condition than previous generations were at the same point, many millennials still feel that financial security is out of reach, according to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/12/millennials-struggle-financially-despite-higher-earnings.html">CNBC</a>.
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A study from <a href="https://www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/millennials-financial-condition-study/">Lending Tree</a> found that millennials between the ages of 26 and 41 have a median net worth of just under $85,000. Adjusted for inflation, Gen Xers in the same age range had a median net worth of $78,000 and Baby Boomers had a net worth of just $58,000. However, a 2024 study by <a href="https://www.edelmanfinancialengines.com/wealth-in-america/2024/">Edelman Financial Engines</a> found that only 12% of Americans considered themselves wealthy.&nbsp;
So, where is the disconnect between the increase in generational wealth and the decrease in financial security coming from?&nbsp;
According to Freddie Smith, an economics content creator who spoke to CNBC, the death of the middle class is the root of the problem. "​​We're living in two separate economies," he said. "The middle class, unfortunately, is dead for millennials and Gen Zers. Or, best-case scenario, the goalpost has just moved and it's still obtainable, but you have to make over six figures to have that middle-class life."&nbsp;
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
Rachel Schnider, CEO of fintech company Canary, agrees. "Over the course of the year, [most Americans] might make enough money to pay for basic living expenses and cover their bills, but if one major thing happens then they can get behind."
Many millennials are living at a break-even point. As costs rise for things like housing and insurance, and inflation continues to trend upward, the one-time markers of the American Dream continue to slip farther and farther out of reach.
"It's a lot harder for young people today to save up for markers of the American Dream than it was for previous generations," Joanne Hsu, director of the University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers, told CNBC.&nbsp;
That financial squeeze isn't just having an economic impact on the generation, it's also having an emotional one. With money being so tight, many millennials feel they are unable to make long-term plans, experts told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/27/net-worth-of-millennials-has-jumped-why-some-call-it-phantom-wealth.html">CNBC</a>. "People often feel a lot of shame and distress when their financial lives are not going smoothly," Schneider said. "And yet, a lot of what they're experiencing is not the result of anything that they have done or could have done differently."
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Image: Shutterstock

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