Brandes U.S. Small-Mid Cap Value ETF (BATS: BSMC)

Ultime notizie per Brandes U.S. Small-Mid Cap Value ETF (BATS:BSMC)

Brandes U.S. Small-Mid Cap Value ETF

Industrials

Healthcare

Technology

Financial Services

Consumer Defensive

Basic Materials

Consumer Cyclical

Energy

Communication Services

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80 percent of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes, measured at the time of purchase, in securities of U.S. companies with small- and mid-market capitalizations. Small and mid-capitalization companies are defined as issuers with market capitalizations based on total outstanding shares in the range of those included in the Russell 2500 Index measured at its most recent reconstitution date.

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

Edgewell Personal Care Co

Premier Inc Cl A

Embraer S.a. Sponsored Adr

Levi Strauss & Co. Class A

Amdocs Ltd.

Ipg Photonics Corp.

Elanco Animal Health Inc.

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

Textron Inc.

Netgear Inc

Innovex International Inc

Unifirst Corp/ma

National Presto Industries, Inc.

Molson Coors Brewing Co. Class B

Chesapeake Energy Corp

Brandes US Small-Mid Cap Value ETF

Equities

News

Guidance

Small Cap

Legal

Movers

BSMC

NTGR

Le azioni NETGEAR salgono del 25% nel pre-market odierno grazie a nuove previsioni e a un accordo con TP-Link.

Perché le azioni NETGEAR stanno volando durante il pre-market?

Cryptocurrency Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) is outpacing the S&amp;P 500 during the ongoing market panic, according to Jamie Coutts, chief crypto analyst at Real Vision.
What Happened:&nbsp;Coutts noted Bitcoin&#8217;s&nbsp;relatively lower level of correction, despite its typical volatility, compared to its historical price fluctuations.
In a post on X on Saturday, Coutts stated, &#8220;BTC with 2.5x the volatility&nbsp;of the S&amp;P&nbsp;500 experienced a drawdown of&nbsp;28% vs. the S&amp;P&nbsp;500's 19%. That is a&nbsp;massive OUTPERFORMANCE.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Folks dont understand what is happening with Bitcoin during this risk-asset panic. BTC with 2.5x the volatility of the S&amp;P500 experienced a drawdown of 28% vs. the SPX 19%. That is a massive OUTPERFORMANCE. When I ran a similar analysis in 2023, I demonstrated that each bear… <a href="https://t.co/DfitG7ZUe5">pic.twitter.com/DfitG7ZUe5</a>
&mdash; Jamie Coutts CMT (@Jamie1Coutts) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jamie1Coutts/status/1910474830048354589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
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He suggested that this could be an indication of Bitcoin&#8217;s resilience and the growing instability&nbsp;of the fiat system and&nbsp;its asset markets. According to Coutts, Bitcoin is reflecting this deterioration.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44552659/bitcoin-set-for-april-price-surge-as-fed-signals-monetary-easing">Bitcoin Set for April Price Surge as Fed Signals Monetary Easing</a>
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $83,227, further solidifying its position as a strong contender in the financial market.
Why It Matters: Coutts&#8217; analysis points towards an increasing importance of Bitcoin in the global financial landscape. He anticipates that Bitcoin&#8217;s role&nbsp;as a global settlement layer&nbsp;and collateral asset will speed up. 
&#8220;What&nbsp;is happening right now is&nbsp;epic. Things are breaking&#8230;&nbsp;this time it will be&nbsp;nation states,&#8221; he said, hinting at the potential for a significant shift in the global economic order.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44348215/bitcoin-whale-takes-332-million-short-position-heres-where-it-gets-liquidated" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Whale Takes $332 Million Short Position, Here's Where It Gets Liquidated</a>
Shutterstock: Yalcin Sonat

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

Cryptocurrency

Markets

$BTC

Bitcoin Outperforms S&P 500 Amid Market Turmoil, Says This Analyst

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto">Cryptocurrency is still riding</a> a wave of volatility, but that's never been a deal-breaker for young investors. Even as prices fluctuate and regulators weigh in, interest in crypto remains strong — especially among Gen Z. Coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana continue to make headlines, and despite the ups and downs, many younger investors are keeping them in their portfolios as long-term plays rather than short-term wins.
A new <a href="https://business.yougov.com/content/51507-us-investment-trends-report-2025">report</a> from YouGov shows that Gen Z is more likely than any other generation to invest in 2025, even though they're aware of the risks. In fact, 84% of Gen Z investors say they see crypto as risky, but nearly 65% still plan to invest in it this year. That tells us something important: Gen Z isn't avoiding risk — they're trying to manage it more intelligently.
Unlike older generations, who tend to stick with more traditional strategies like long-term index funds or working with financial advisors, Gen Z is more DIY in their approach. They're turning to platforms that offer fractional shares, low-fee trades and educational tools that help them understand what they're buying. They're also more open to exploring alternative assets — from crypto and ETFs to things like digital collectibles and real estate crowdfunding.
So why crypto, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/24/12/42470479/financial-advisor-calls-stocks-dinosaur-bones-but-likes-some-etfs">even when the risk </a>is clear? For many younger investors, it's about potential. Crypto represents a chance to grow wealth in a system that feels outside the status quo. It also fits into a larger trend of digital-first investing, where convenience, access, and values (like decentralization or tech innovation) play a more significant role than traditional performance metrics alone.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/24/12/42470479/financial-advisor-calls-stocks-dinosaur-bones-but-likes-some-etfs">Financial advisors like Tyrone Ross Jr.</a> are seeing that shift firsthand. Ross encourages younger investors to prioritize education over hype, especially when it comes to volatile assets like Bitcoin. He's less concerned about whether Bitcoin hits $100K or more and more focused on helping people invest intentionally — without getting caught in high fees or short-term thinking.
The bottom line? Gen Z is leaning in — not just into crypto but into investing as a whole. They're cautious, curious and more informed than ever. And while their portfolios might look a little different from their parents', their goals are familiar: build wealth, stay flexible and make decisions that align with their values.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/asset-sales/25/04/44771660/deal-dispatch-harley-davidson-prada-versace-fashionable-price">Deal Dispatch: Harley-Davidson To Wipe Out? Plus, Prada&#8217;s Versace Purchase Garners A Fashionable Price</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Financial Advisors

Gen Z And Crypto: How Younger Generations Are Weighing Risk In Investing

These large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMMT#NASDAQ">SMMT</a>) stock upped 33.87% last week following director related stock transactions.</li>
<li>Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HMY#NYSE">HMY</a>) stock escalated 32%, probably as gold and silver gained amid macro uncertainty.</li>
<li>AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AU#NYSE">AU</a>) shares surged 27.54% following the sharp rise in gold price amid macro uncertainty.</li>
<li>Carvana Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVNA#NYSE">CVNA</a>) shares increased 26.84% following President Trump&#8217;s decision to implement a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44720006/markets-take-off-as-trump-announces-90-day-tariff-pause-for-non-retaliating-nations-slaps-china-with-125-duty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for all countries except China</a>.</li>
<li>Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>) shares grew 26.57% following President Trump&#8217;s decision to implement a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44720006/markets-take-off-as-trump-announces-90-day-tariff-pause-for-non-retaliating-nations-slaps-china-with-125-duty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for all countries except China</a>.</li>
<li>Newmont (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEM#NYSE">NEM</a>) stock was up 24.42%. UBS analyst Daniel Major upgraded the company from Neutral to Buy and raised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/nem/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $50 to $60</a>.</li>
<li>Broadcom Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) stock surged 24.37% on a pullback after China exempted a tariff levy on some semiconductor stocks and a 90-day tariff pause on reciprocal tariffs.</li>
<li>Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFI#NYSE">GFI</a>) stock rose 23.17% following the sharp rise in gold price amid macro uncertainty.</li>
<li>Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KGC#NYSE">KGC</a>) shares upped 21.97% following the sharp rise in gold price amid macro uncertainty.</li>
<li>Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEG#NASDAQ">CEG</a>) stock increased 21.81%. Citigroup analyst Ryan Levine upgraded the company from Neutral to Buy and lowered the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ceg/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $334 to $232</a>.</li>
</ol>
Image via Shutterstock

Large Cap

Trading Ideas

AVGO

CVNA

HOOD

SMMT

Gold Related Large-Cap Stocks Outperformed In One Of The Most Volatile Weeks (Apr 7-Apr 11): Are These In Your Portfolio?

Amid market turbulence, legendary investor Charlie Munger once offered his perspective, urging investors to remain steadfast and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43903504/charlie-mungers-financial-success-and-longevity-advice-my-game-in-life-was-always-to-avoid-all-standard-ways-of-failing">focused on long-term fundamentals.</a>
What Happened: Following President Donald Trump&#8216;s declaration of extensive tariffs, the S&amp;P 500 momentarily slipped into bear territory. However, Trump later instituted a 90-day halt&nbsp;on tariffs exceeding 10% for&nbsp;certain countries, while escalating duties on Chinese goods to 125%. This resulted in the S&amp;P 500 surging over 9% on the day.
Munger, the former vice-chairman of&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway, consistently asserted that significant fluctuations in stock prices are a standard aspect of investing. He once expressed to a BBC <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XlBrohrIUc">interviewer</a>,&nbsp;&#8220;I think it&#8217;s in the&nbsp;nature of long-term shareholding that&nbsp;the normal vicissitudes in markets&nbsp;means that the long-term holder&nbsp;has the quoted value of&nbsp;his stocks go down by,&nbsp;say, 50%.&#8221;
He further stressed that if investors are not prepared to withstand periodic market downturns,&nbsp;&#8220;you&#8217;re not fit to be&nbsp;a common shareholder, and you&nbsp;deserve the mediocre result you&#8217;re&nbsp;going to get compared to&nbsp;the people who can be&nbsp;more philosophical about these market&nbsp;fluctuations.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44450390/charlie-mungers-investment-wisdom-if-people-werent-so-often-wrong-we-wouldnt-be-so-rich">Charlie Munger&#8217;s Investment Wisdom: &#8216;If People Weren&#8217;t So Often Wrong, We Wouldn&#8217;t Be So Rich&#8217;</a>
During periods of market instability and volatility, Munger advised investors to stay committed and persist in purchasing stocks through downturns. He was of the belief that major drawdowns were infrequent opportunities to amass wealth.&nbsp;&#8220;When you get a lollapalooza,&nbsp;for God&#8217;s sakes, don&#8217;t hang&nbsp;by like a timid little&nbsp;rabbit,&#8221; Munger advised. &#8220;Don&#8217;t hang back.&#8221;
Why It Matters: Munger&#8217;s advice is particularly relevant in the current climate of market volatility. His philosophy of staying the course during market downturns and taking advantage of major drawdowns to build wealth could be a valuable strategy for investors navigating these uncertain times. 
His belief that&nbsp;large swings in stock prices&nbsp;are a normal part of investing serves as a reminder to investors to remain patient and committed in the face of market fluctuations.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43219503/charlie-mungers-three-investment-lessons-buy-wonderful-businesses-at-fair-prices-big-money-isnt-in-buying-or-selling-its-in-waiting-good-businesses-are-ethical-businesses" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlie Munger&#8217;s Three Investment Lessons: ‘Buy Wonderful Businesses At Fair Prices, Big Money Isn&#8217;t In Buying Or Selling-It&#8217;s In Waiting, Good Businesses Are Ethical Businesses&#8217;</a>
Shutterstock: Kent Sievers

Success Stories

Charlie Munger Says Investors Who Can't Handle Market Volatility 'Deserve the Mediocre Result'

President Donald Trump&#8216;s administration has disclosed a wellness report for a Maryland man who was erroneously deported to El Salvador. The report is part of a court-ordered daily update.
What Happened: The U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has mandated that the White House provide daily updates on the condition of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia is currently detained in El Salvador&#8217;s high-security CECOT prison following his deportation due to an &#8220;administrative error.&#8221;
Michael Kozack, a high-ranking&nbsp;official at the State Department,&nbsp;confirmed in a Saturday filing that Garcia is &#8220;alive and secure&#8221; in the prison. This information was reportedly&nbsp;based on official reporting from&nbsp;the U.S. Embassy in San&nbsp;Salvador.
According to the report <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5246445-trump-administration-says-man-mistakenly-deported-to-el-salvador-is-alive-and-secure-in-first-update/">by</a> The Hill, Garcia&#8217;s legal team has proposed that the federal government be held accountable for delaying efforts to bring their client back to the U.S. Despite the Trump administration&#8217;s stance that the president cannot be compelled to arrange Garcia&#8217;s return, the Supreme Court upheld Judge Xinis&#8217; ruling that U.S. officials must &#8220;facilitate&#8221; his return.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43420568/its-going-to-be-impossible-experts-doubt-feasibility-of-trumps-deportation-plan-experts-estimate-nearly-1-trillion-spend-in-10-yearspresident-donald-trumps-pledge-t">&#8216;It&#8217;s Going To Be Impossible&#8217;: Experts Doubt Feasibility Of Trump&#8217;s Deportation Plan — Experts Estimate Nearly $1 Trillion Spend In 10 Years</a>
The attorneys representing Garcia have submitted a proposed order requesting that the federal government formally request Garcia&#8217;s&nbsp;release to U.S. custody through&nbsp;CECOT, prepare all necessary paperwork for his return, provide personnel to accompany him during his travel, and arrange air transportation for him to return to Maryland.
Why It Matters: This incident underscores the potential consequences of administrative errors in immigration procedures. It also highlights the ongoing debate about the extent of the president&#8217;s power in such matters, with the Supreme Court ruling in this case potentially setting a precedent for future cases. 
The case also raises questions about the conditions and treatment of deportees in foreign prisons, and the role of the U.S. government in ensuring their safety.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42254953/scaramucci-on-trump-deportation-plan-were-going-to-have-a-stock-market-crash">Scaramucci on Trump Deportation Plan: &#8216;We&#8217;re Going To Have a Stock Market Crash&#8217;</a>
Shutterstock: esfera

Politics

White House Updates Status On Mistaken Deportation To El Salvador

The past week was a whirlwind of news in the business world, with major developments from Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), Harley-Davidson Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOG#NYSE">HOG</a>), and Volkswagen AG (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VWAGY#OTC">VWAGY</a>). From Elon Musk&#8217;s stern warning to Tesla&#8217;s attackers to Harley-Davidson&#8217;s boardroom turmoil, there was no shortage of headlines. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories.
Musk Warns Tesla Attackers
Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to social media platform X to address the recent wave of vandalism targeted at Tesla properties, cars, and superchargers across the U.S. &#8220;Those who financed the attacks against Tesla will go to prison,&#8221; Musk stated.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44706944/elon-musk-warns-those-who-financed-tesla-attacks-will-go-to-prison">Read the full article here.</a>
Harley-Davidson Boardroom Drama
A director representing Harley-Davidson&#8217;s significant shareholder has resigned from the company&#8217;s board, leveling serious accusations against CEO Jochen Zeitz and other leaders amid ongoing financial challenges for the motorcycle manufacturer.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44727511/harley-davidson-boardroom-turmoil-director-resigns-demands-ceo-jochen-zeitz-step-down-over-cultural-depletion-and-brand-decline">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44729157/michigan-auto-groups-criticize-trump-for-not-halting-auto-tariffs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan Auto Groups Criticize Donald Trump For Not Halting Auto Tariffs, Say Employees And Supply Chain Will Continue To Endure Uncertainty</a>
Tesla Unveils New Cybertruck Trim
Tesla has introduced a new trim for its Cybertruck. The new trim is RWD (rear-wheel drive) and offers a range of over 362 miles on a single charge. The Cybertruck Long Range RWD is retailing in the U.S. for $69,990 and $62,490 with the federal EV credit.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44755221/tesla-unveils-new-cybertruck-long-range-trim-with-a-362-mile-range-and-reduced-features">Read the full article here.</a>
US EV Sales Rise
The sales figures for Q1 2025 for EVs showcase a growth in U.S. EV sales for several manufacturers. According to a report by Cox Automotive, EV sales in the US have grown by over 10% year-on-year, with over 294,250 EVs sold in Q1 2025.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44755934/us-q1-ev-sales-data-shows-106-yoy-growth-tesla-experiences-decline-but-still-dominates-domestic-ev-sales">Read the full article here.</a>
Volkswagen&#8217;s EV Boom In Europe
Volkswagen witnessed a robust uptick in its electric vehicle (EV) business across Europe during the first quarter of 2025. The company delivered 939,800 vehicles across Europe between January and March, marking a 3.7% year-over-year growth.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44733931/volkswagen-sees-ev-boom-in-europe-while-audi-battles-recall-woes-amid-tariff-turbulence">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44738776/versace-goes-prada-capris-big-exit-sparks-fashion-power-shift" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Versace Goes Prada: Capri&#8217;s Big Exit Sparks Fashion Power Shift</a></li>
</ul>
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/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Tech

TSLA

VWAGY

Musk's Warning, Harley-Davidson's Boardroom Drama, Tesla's New Trim, EV Sales Surge, And More: This Week In Mobility

President Donald Trump's tariffs against America's trading partners and the subsequent retaliatory measures from China and Europe resulted in major losses for investors across the globe, with no end to volatility in sight. Trade tensions may ease amid expected deals between key countries, but prudent investors are rethinking their long-term strategies.
Dividend stocks have gained significance in this period of market turbulence because of their strong history. A March <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/documents/research/research-sp500-dividend-aristocrats.pdf">report</a> from S&amp;P Global showed that dividends have accounted for about 31% of the total S&amp;P 500 returns since 1926.
Don't Miss:
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<li>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"> this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a></li>
<li>‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a></li>
</ul>
A few weeks ago, a dividend investor<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/dividends/comments/1jic07f/retired_in_2021/"> shared</a> his income report and portfolio details on r/Dividends — a Reddit community with over 700,000 followers. The portfolio screenshots shared by the investor showed he was making about $9,250 per month, or $111,100 annually, in dividends. His total portfolio yield was about 2.3%.&nbsp;
"Dividends and interest cover 60% of expenses. Decent growth without huge volatility," he said.
The investor, 58, said he was a software engineer in Silicon Valley and retired in 2021. He said his goal is to cover his expenses of $15,000 per month with dividends by 2030.&nbsp;
"YOLO'd tech stocks in my IRA," the investor said, referring to the social media slang for taking a bold, high-risk approach.
Trending: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.55 per share now</a>.
Let's take a look at some of the key holdings in the investor's portfolio.
iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF&nbsp;
The iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHV#NASDAQ">SHV</a>) gives investors exposure to US Treasury bonds with remaining maturities of one year or less. SHV is suitable for investors looking for low-risk funds to preserve capital and earn income.&nbsp; The investor said SHV accounted for about 5% of his total portfolio.
iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF
iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGG#NYSE">AGG</a>) was another key bond ETF in the investor's portfolio.&nbsp; The fund tracks an index composed of investment-grade US bonds.
See Also: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
&nbsp;Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF
The investor earning about $9,000 in monthly dividends had Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) in his portfolio. Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index and provides exposure to some of the top dividend stocks trading in the U.S., including Verizon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>), Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>), Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) and Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>).&nbsp;
iShares Core S&amp;P 500 ETF
The investor making $9,000 a month in dividends said about 60% of his portfolio was allocated to the iShares Core S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVV#NYSE">IVV</a>). The fund tracks the S&amp;P 500 Index and yields about 1.2%. It provides investors exposure to some of the biggest companies in the world, including Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>, GOOGL)), among others.
Read Next:
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<li>Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a></li>
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

AAPL

AMZN

GOOG

MSFT

NVDA

SCHD

Software Engineer Making $9,000 a Month in Dividends Shares Portfolio, Says He 'YOLO'd Tech Stocks in IRA'

This past weekend saw a flurry of activity in the tech world, with major developments in AI and legal battles making headlines. From Elon Musk&#8217;s ongoing legal tussle with OpenAI to China&#8217;s ambitious AI funding, the tech landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the weekend&#8217;s top stories.
Ex-OpenAI Staffers Rally Behind Musk
A group of 12 former OpenAI employees has come forward to support Musk in his legal fight against the AI startup&#8217;s shift to a for-profit model. The ex-staffers, who were part of OpenAI from 2018 to 2024, have asked a California district court to allow them to voice their concerns about the company&#8217;s transformation.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44777287/ex-openai-staffers-support-musks-legal-battle-against-companys-profit-shift">Read the full article here.</a>
China&#8217;s $8.2 Billion Bet on AI
China has unveiled a 60 billion yuan (US$8.2 billion) government-backed fund aimed at kick-starting early-stage AI projects. The move is seen as a part of China&#8217;s strategy to lead the global AI race and comes amidst escalating trade tensions with the U.S. and a nationwide push for tech self-sufficiency.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44757498/chinas-bold-bet-on-an-82-billion-national-fund-targets-ai-startups-in-the-race-for-global-tech-leadership">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44728787/tesla-to-make-saudi-arabia-debut-amid-infrastructure-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla Starts Selling In Saudi Arabia Amid Declining Sales In Europe: Charging Network, Low Demand Could Be A Concern</a>
Record-Breaking Seed Round for New AI Startup
Mira Murati, the former CTO of ChatGPT-parent OpenAI, is reportedly seeking a whopping $2 billion seed round for her new AI venture, Thinking Machines Lab. The amount is double what Murati was targeting just under two months ago.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44756971/former-openai-cto-mira-murati-targets-record-breaking-2-billion-seed-round-for-new-ai-startup">Read the full article here.</a>
Amazon&#8217;s AI Investments: A &#8216;Once-In-A-Lifetime Reinvention&#8217;
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) CEO Andy Jassy has shed light on the company&#8217;s AI strategy in his annual letter to shareholders. Jassy highlighted the company&#8217;s focus on generative AI as a transformative force, with the potential to &#8220;reinvent virtually every customer experience.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/04/44746436/amazon-ceo-justifies-large-ai-investments-as-once-in-a-lifetime-reinvention-of-everything-we-know">Read the full article here.</a>
Amazon&#8217;s AI Milestone
Amazon has announced the release of a new speech-based AI model called Amazon Nova Sonic. The system integrates both speech comprehension and voice generation within one unified architecture, removing the need for multiple standalone models to manage each task separately.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44695622/amazon-touts-ai-milestone-says-new-model-outshines-gpt-4o-in-real-time-speech">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44777482/trump-tariff-wars-chinas-new-rule-to-exempt-nvidia-qualcomm-and-others-from-levies-but-these-chip-compani" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Tariff Wars: China&#8217;s New Rule To Exempt Nvidia, Qualcomm And Others From Levies, But These Chip Companies Will Be Hit With 125% Tariffs</a></li>
</ul>
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>

Elon Musk's Legal Battle, China's Ambitions, Amazon's 'Once-In-A-Lifetime' Investments, And More: This Week In AI

Right now, we're witnessing one of those rare moments where the crowd's emotions and the market's performance are completely out of sync.
According to the <a href="https://alternative.me/crypto/fear-and-greed-index/">Crypto Fear and Greed Index</a>, we are currently in Extreme Fear. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 0 representing extreme fear and 100 representing extreme greed. On Feb. 28, the reading hit a low of 15—levels that haven't been seen since 2022. This suggests that market participants are more fearful now than they've been in over two years.
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But here's where things get interesting.
Bitcoin is currently trading at $77,042—about 15% higher than it was five months ago, just before the U.S. election. While that's a respectable gain, it's important to note that Bitcoin is still roughly 30% below its all-time high. So despite not being at peak levels, the asset has shown relative strength and resilience. Even so, broader sentiment paints a much different picture—one that feels more like a bear market than a market holding up well.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="518" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11075103/IMG_6932-1024x518.png" alt="" class="wp-image-867763" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11075103/IMG_6932-1024x518.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11075103/IMG_6932-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11075103/IMG_6932-768x389.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11075103/IMG_6932-1536x778.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11075103/IMG_6932.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Source: TradingView User NoticeTrades)
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
That disconnect is exactly what traders and investors should be paying attention to.
Fear and Greed metrics are designed to reflect crowd psychology. They aggregate data like volatility, volume, social media trends, and dominance to present a daily snapshot of emotional sentiment in the crypto space. When prices fall, fear tends to spike. When prices rise, greed usually takes over.
But when you see fear climbing while price holds above certain levels—that's a signal. It suggests that the average investor is nervous, overleveraged, or emotionally worn out from prior volatility. It may also indicate that the market is no longer being driven by the retail crowd, but rather by institutions and long-term holders with more strategic risk profiles.
This is why understanding market structure and volatility is crucial. Sentiment alone can't tell you where price is going—but the divergence between sentiment and price can provide powerful context. When fear is extreme but price is climbing, that can set the stage for explosive continuation moves—especially once that fear begins to unwind.
See Also: Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a>
On the flip side, it can also mean the average investor is overexposed and unprepared for volatility. This often results in poor decision-making—panic selling, FOMO chasing, or freezing up entirely.
So what's the takeaway?
Don't just follow what people are feeling—watch what the market is doing. Use tools like the Fear and Greed Index not as a guide for prediction, but as a lens for understanding where the crowd's head is at. The best opportunities often lie in those emotional disconnects—when the market says one thing, and the crowd feels another.
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What the Crowd Is Feeling Vs. What Bitcoin Is Doing: A Look at Sentiment and Price

The past week in the world of cryptocurrency was nothing short of eventful. The market saw significant fluctuations, largely influenced by President Donald Trump&#8217;s tariff announcements. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) soared to new heights, only to tumble shortly after. Meanwhile, Ripple (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>) made headlines with a bold acquisition and a promising forecast.
Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories.
Bitcoin Soars Amid Tariff Announcements
Bitcoin reached a staggering $82,000 this week, following a short squeeze that liquidated $75 million in bearish bets within an hour. This surge came after President Trump announced a 125% tariff on China while pausing reciprocal tariffs on 75 other countries for 90 days.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44720127/bitcoin-hits-82000-as-president-trump-announces-90-day-pause-on-reciprocal-tariffs-for-all-countries-but-china">Read the full article here.</a>
Crypto Market Cap Drops Following Tariff Announcement
Following President Trump&#8217;s sweeping tariff announcement, the cryptocurrency market cap dropped 2.80% in 24 hours to $2.54 trillion. This came after Trump imposed a 145% duty on Chinese imports and a 10% universal tariff on most other goods.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44754189/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-tumble-as-trump-ups-china-tariffs-scraps-irs-rule-in-nod-to-crypto-voters-rising-yuan-could-boost-altcoins-says-analyst">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44772891/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-rally-and-could-be-in-for-a-very-fun-weekend-if-one-key-level-flips" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Rally And &#8216;Could Be In For A Very Fun Weekend&#8217; If One Key Level Flips</a>
XRP To Overtake Ethereum By 2028, Predicts Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered has forecasted that XRP&#8217;s market capitalization will surpass Ethereum&#8217;s by the end of 2028. This bold prediction was made by Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, who highlighted XRP&#8217;s growing role in cross-border payments.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44683138/xrp-will-overtake-ethereum-by-2028-standard-chartered">Read the full article here.</a>
Ripple Acquires Prime Broker Hidden Road
Ripple, the blockchain firm behind XRP, has agreed to acquire prime brokerage firm Hidden Road in a deal valued at $1.25 billion. This acquisition marks Ripple&#8217;s most significant move yet to expand its offerings for institutional clients, according to CEO Brad Garlinghouse.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44692019/ripple-acquires-prime-broker-hidden-road-for-1-25-billion">Read the full article here.</a>
Bitcoin May Decouple From Stocks Amid Tariff-Fueled Recession
Bitcoin may have become increasingly correlated with stocks amid escalating trade war concerns, but one analyst predicts a deteriorating economic environment will eventually decouple the apex cryptocurrency from the risk-on sector. Michael Terpin, CEO of Transform Ventures, believes the ongoing tariff wars could trigger a recession, disrupting supply chains and causing job losses.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44730016/bitcoin-will-decouple-with-stocks-in-case-of-a-tariff-fueled-recession-says-analyst-lower-interest-rates-and-massive-money-printing">Read the full article here.</a>
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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/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

$XRP

Bitcoin's Wild Ride, Ripple's Big Move, Tariff Plunge, And More: This Week In Crypto

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride for&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>). From a significant stock nosedive to urgent logistics operations, the tech giant has been in the spotlight for various reasons. The escalating U.S.-China tensions and the resulting tariffs have created a sense of panic among investors and consumers alike. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories that shaped Apple&#8217;s tumultuous week.
Apple Stock Nosedives Amid U.S.-China Tensions
According to Gene Munster, Managing Partner at Deepwater Asset Management, Apple investors have &#8220;slid into panic mode&#8221; as the company&#8217;s shares have plummeted 23% since April 2. Munster warned that the situation could worsen due to the escalating U.S.-China tensions. &#8220;It's going to get ugly with China over the next month, which will intensify the panic,&#8221; he wrote.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44706519/apple-stock-nosediving-since-liberation-day-tariffs-has-created-panic-says-gene-munster-predicts-tim-cooks-favorable-relationship-with-trump-xi-jinping-will-rescue-iphone-maker">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Airlifts iPhones to Beat Trump&#8217;s Tariffs
In late March, Apple reportedly completed an urgent logistics operation, airlifting five planeloads of iPhones and other products from manufacturing centers in India and China to the U.S. within 72 hours. This move was in response to President Donald Trump's new 10% reciprocal tariff on imports that took effect on April 5.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44706383/apple-airlifts-iphones-from-india-and-china-in-72-hour-race-to-beat-trumps-tariffs-as-stock-sinks-amid-us-china-trade-panic">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44777482/trump-tariff-wars-chinas-new-rule-to-exempt-nvidia-qualcomm-and-others-from-levies-but-these-chip-compani" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Tariff Wars: China&#8217;s New Rule To Exempt Nvidia, Qualcomm And Others From Levies, But These Chip Companies Will Be Hit With 125% Tariffs</a>
Apple Customers Rush to Stores Amid Tariff Threats
Following the announcement of higher tariffs on Chinese goods, including a 25% levy on electronics, U.S. consumers reportedly rushed to Apple stores to purchase new iPhones ahead of potential price hikes.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44679666/apple-customers-flock-to-stores-as-tariffs-threaten-to-drive-iphone-prices-up-by-45-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Plans More iPhone Production in India
To mitigate the financial impact of escalating tariffs on Chinese goods, Apple is reportedly shifting more of its iPhone production to India. This move could potentially offset the projected 30% to 40% price increase on its device.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44677880/apple-reportedly-plans-to-move-more-iphone-production-to-india-amid-trump-tariff-fearscould-this-solve-the-300-price-hike-on-550-hardware">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Analyst Slashes Price Forecast
Despite the lower tariff risk, Jefferies analyst Edison Lee downgraded Apple&#8217;s price target from $202.33 to $167.88 on Wednesday due to weak iPhone demand and AI revenue. However, he upgraded the company from Underperform to Hold.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/upgrades/25/04/44751387/apple-analyst-slashes-price-forecast-on-weak-iphone-demand-ai-revenue-despite-less-tariff-risk">Read the full article here.</a>
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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>

Apple's Stock Market Woes, Airlifting iPhones To Beat Tariffs, Moving Production To India, And More: This Week In Appleverse

The past week was a rollercoaster ride for the financial markets, with President Donald Trump&#8217;s trade decisions taking center stage. Wall Street saw a significant bounce back from session lows following Trump&#8217;s optimistic remarks about a potential China deal.
The President&#8217;s sudden pause on tariffs also led to a surge in yields, causing experts to point to bond market panic as a key factor. Amidst the turmoil, Goldman Sachs scrapped its recession call, marking a significant U-turn in the financial landscape.
Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Trump&#8217;s Optimism Boosts Wall Street
Wall Street managed to trim steep losses in afternoon trading on Thursday, following President Donald Trump&#8217;s optimistic remarks about reaching trade agreements, particularly with China. &#8220;Would love to be able to work a deal with China,&#8221; Trump told reporters at the White House. &#8220;I think we will end up working out something good for both nations."
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44748635/stocks-bounce-off-session-lows-after-trump-says-china-deal-is-going-to-work-out">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Pauses Tariffs, Yields Surge&nbsp;
President Donald Trump&#8217;s decision to pause tariffs hours after they went into effect led to a surge in yields. Experts are attributing the bond market turmoil as the major contributor to this decision. After the 10-year Treasury yields rose 34 bps from below 4.0% last week to nearly 4.34% on Wednesday, Trump&#8217;s pausing of tariffs is being linked to the spike in yields.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44729384/trump-pauses-tariffs-after-yields-surge-bond-vigilantes-hit-another-homerun-experts-point-to-bond-market-panic-for-reversal">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44726856/obama-era-economist-jason-furman-says-trump-tariffs-now-higher-more-inflationary-than-announced-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Obama-Era Economist Jason Furman Says Trump Tariffs &#8216;Now Higher &amp; More Inflationary&#8217; Than Announced: Raising China Levies Outweighs 90-Day Delay On Others</a>
Goldman Sachs Withdraws Recession Call
In a surprising move, Goldman Sachs has officially withdrawn its call for an outright U.S. recession. This decision came just hours before President Donald Trump stunned markets with a surprise announcement of a 90-day tariff pause for countries that have not retaliated against U.S. trade measures.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44723376/goldman-sachs-scraps-recession-call-after-trumps-surprise-tariff-pause-as-wall-street-marks-strongest-day-since-2008">Read the full article here.</a>
Bill Ackman Criticizes Commerce Secretary&nbsp;
Billionaire Investor Bill Ackman has criticized Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for being "indifferent" toward the stock market selloff induced by the introduction of tariffs. Ackman accused Lutnick of having a conflict of interest due to Cantor Fitzgerald LP's exposure to bond investors.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44662730/bill-ackman-slams-commerce-secretary-lutnick-for-ignoring-stock-market-crash-he-and-cantor-are-long-bonds">Read the full article here.</a>
Cathie Wood Highlights Liquidity Issues
Following a jump in the U.S. Treasury yields, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) swap spreads have widened, signaling a "serious liquidity" issue, according to Ark Invest's Cathie Wood. Experts believe that only the government and the Federal Reserve's intervention would be able to contain this crisis.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44705659/cathie-wood-points-to-serious-liquidity-issues-as-overnight-borrowing-rate-spreads-widen-on-spiking-treasury-yields-this-crisis-is-calling-out-for-some-kind-of-mar-a-lago-accord">Read the full article here.</a>
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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/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Economics

Trump's Tariff Pause Stirs Markets, Goldman Sachs Reverses Recession Call, And More: This Week In Economy

As the week winds down, the air is thick with the buzz of political discourse. The hot topic? President Donald Trump&#8217;s controversial tariff policies. From the former White House communications director to the former Vice President, key figures have voiced their concerns and predictions. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the weekend&#8217;s top stories.
Scaramucci&#8217;s Predictions
Former White House communications director, Anthony Scaramucci, has suggested that nations will retaliate against the U.S. in response to President Donald Trump&#8217;s contentious tariff impositions. According to Scaramucci, countries like China are banking on the U.S. to rein in Trump until they can &#8216;break&#8217; him. He further proposed that nations should counter the U.S. by levying their own tariffs, thereby nudging Trump's allies towards the Democratic Party.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44778667/scaramucci-foresees-global-retaliation-against-trumps-trade-policies-it-will-break-him">Read the full article here.</a>
Pence&#8217;s Concerns
Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed concerns that President Donald Trump&#8217;s sweeping tariffs could become a political flashpoint for Republicans in the midterm elections. Despite praising other early decisions in Trump&#8217;s second term, Pence labelled the tariff policy &#8220;a misstep&#8221;. He warned that if left as it is, the strategies would amount to &#8220;the largest peacetime tax hike in American history.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44728777/pence-calls-trumps-tariff-moves-misstep-cites-potential-economic-harm-to-working-families">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/04/44757196/bernie-sanders-warns-the-job-you-have-today-aint-going-to-be-here-in-10-or-15-years-as-ai-and-robotics-threaten-us-workforce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bernie Sanders Warns: &#8216;The Job You Have Today Ain&#8217;t Going To Be Here In 10 Or 15 Years,&#8217; As AI And Robotics Threaten US Workforce</a>
RFK Jr&#8217;s Health Query
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation's top health official, questioned whether society should bear the cost of healthcare for individuals who engage in unhealthy habits, such as smoking or consuming doughnuts. In an interview with CBS News, Kennedy asked, &#8220;If you&#8217;re smoking three packs of cigarettes a day, should you expect society to pay when you get sick?&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44777309/rfk-jr-asks-if-public-funded-healthcare-should-be-accessible-to-people-smoking-three-packs-a-day">Read the full article here.</a>
Automotive Tariffs
A new report published by Michigan-based Center for Automotive Research highlights how the Trump administration&#8217;s 25% tariffs on the auto sector could cost the industry over $108 billion. This comes after President Donald Trump refused to implement a halt on the 25% Tariffs on the automotive sector, much to the criticism of stakeholders in the automotive industry as well as policymakers.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44756759/new-research-shows-donald-trumps-25-tariffs-could-cost-auto-companies-108billion-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Insider Trading Allegations
Key Democratic lawmakers, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), are demanding investigations into potential insider trading related to President Donald Trump‘s market communications before he announced a 90-day tariff pause that triggered Wall Street's strongest rally since 2008.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44728524/adam-schiff-and-elizabeth-warren-call-for-investigation-into-possible-insider-trading-by-trump-allies-as-markets-surge-after-90-day-tariff-pause-it-sure-looks-like-corruption">Read the full article here.</a>
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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>

Trump's Tariffs Stir Controversy, RFK Jr Asks If Taxpayers Should Fund Unhealthy Habits, And More: This Week In Politics

Companies with a long history of paying dividends and consistently hiking them remain appealing to income-focused investors. Regency Centers, CME Group, and Trinity Industries have rewarded shareholders for years and recently announced dividend increases. These companies currently offer dividend yields of over 4%.
Regency Centers
Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REG#NASDAQ">REG</a>) is national owner, operator, and developer of shopping centers located in suburban trade areas with compelling demographics.
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The company has increased its dividends every year for the last 11 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Nov. 7, its board raised the quarterly payout by 5.2% to $0.705 per share, which is equal to an annual figure of $2.82 per share. Currently, the dividend yield stands at 4.18%.
Regency Centers' annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $1.45 billion. As per the company's Q4 2024 earnings release on Feb. 6, it posted revenues of $372.54 million and EPS of $1.09, both coming in above the Street estimates.
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CME Group
CME Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CME#NASDAQ">CME</a>) operates contract markets for the trading of futures and options on futures contracts worldwide.
CME Group has increased its dividends consecutively for the last 14 years. In its latest dividend announcement on Feb. 5, the company's board approved a 9% increase in the quarterly payout, raising it to $1.25 per share. This comes on top of the annual variable dividend of $5.80 per share, bringing the total annualized dividend to $10.80 per share. Currently, the dividend yield on the stock is 4.28%.
The company's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $6.13 billion. In its Q4 2024 earnings release on Feb. 12, it posted revenues of $1.52 billion and EPS of $2.52, both beating market expectations.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/04/44612649/12-analysts-have-this-to-say-about-cme-group">article by Benzinga</a> for 12 analysts&#8217; insights on CME Group.
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Trinity Industries
Trinity Industries (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRN#NYSE">TRN</a>) provides railcar products and services under the TrinityRail trade name in North America.
Trinity Industries has raised its dividends every year since 2011. According to its most recent dividend hike announcement on Dec. 5, the company increased the quarterly payout from $0.28 to $0.30 per share, equaling $1.20 per share annually. Currently, the dividend yield on the stock is 4.81%.
The company's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $3.08 billion. In its most recent earnings report on Feb. 20, it posted Q4 2024 revenues of $629.40 million and EPS of $0.39. Both figures came in above the consensus estimates.
Regency Centers, CME Group, and Trinity Industries are good choices for investors seeking reliable passive income. Their dividend yields of over 4% and long history of consistent hikes make them attractive to income-focused investors.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44667710/how-comcast-polaris-and-federal-agricultural-mortgage-can-put-cash-in-your-pocket">article by Benzinga</a> for three more stocks offering high dividend yields.
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Why Regency Centers, CME Group, And Trinity Industries Are Winners For Passive Income

President Donald Trump's tariffs have created sharp volatility in the markets. Most of that volatility has been downward motion, with the Nasdaq Composite suddenly down by more than 20% year-to-date. Trump has attracted the ire of many Wall Street investors, but not everyone is rushing for the exits.
One Redditor shared that they don't plan to panic sell. Instead, the investor is <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/dividends/comments/1ju8ynb/not_reacting/">hanging on to their stocks</a>.
"I see loads of posts and comments about selling holdings in the wake of Trump's tariffs. I'm going to do absolutely nothing," the Redditor stated.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Staying Focused On Fundamentals</h2>
The original poster is a dividend investor who believes their companies are financially sound. The investments also pay good dividends, and the Redditor believes that the madness will pass.
"Cool heads will win the day," the Redditor stated.
High dividends allow the Redditor to reinvest into shares at lower prices. Those stock price drops also translate into higher yields for the newly acquired shares.
When headlines like tariffs promote fear and doom, investors often rush for the exits and forget about the fundamentals. While relieving the pain of stock market losses can provide a temporary reprieve, these same investors miss out on long-term gains. For instance, the stock market suffered sharp corrections in 2018, 2020, and 2022. Equities recovered from all three of those lows.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Buying More Dividend Stocks</h2>
Many commenters agreed with the Redditor, saying that they will buy more dividend stocks as prices continue to decline. Buying the dip has been a great strategy for several years, and it looks like the standard as the market becomes more volatile.
"I'm gobbling up dividend stocks. More stability in an unstable world and I'm not retiring for 20 years," one user responded.
"I didn't sell during the 2008 housing crisis, or the COVID shutdown, and plan never to sell. Buy and hold is the way," another commenter responded.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Trade War Will Hurt Profits</h2>
While most dividend investors in the subreddit are loading up on more dividend stocks, there were some naysayers. Trade wars stand to hurt corporate profits, which can make reliable companies more vulnerable than expected. A sharp decline in demand and profit margins can prompt some companies to temporarily cut or suspend their dividends.
"Potential trade war risks and changes in the economic outlook may affect the ability of some companies to pay dividends, which I think is something to consider," one commenter responded.
Trump used tariffs in 2018 as a negotiating tool, which caused stocks to lose value. The market rally was strong in 2019, but Trump is taking a more aggressive stance in his second term. He recently imposed a 104% tariff on all Chinese goods after China retaliated against the tariffs Trump imposed on Liberation Day.&nbsp;
The 104% tariff rate is a massive change from the previous term, where blanket tariff rates <a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-tariffs-timeline-trump-xi-1eeed2865dc7b14e23d7eb8069ba41ea">never exceeded 25%</a>. Trump seems to greet any retaliation with a higher tariff rate of his own, and the swiftness of his response can lead to more carnage in the global economy in a shorter amount of time.&nbsp;
While most dividend investors want to load up on the dip, it's good to consider the bear case of tariffs as well.
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Redditor Shares Strategy For Dealing With Trump's Tariffs: 'I'm Going To Do Absolutely Nothing'

<ul>
<li>A Bubblemaps report has suggested that the Official Melania Meme team is kicking holders while they are down.</li>
<li>The recent report has put the spotlight back on MELANIA and LIBRA architect Hayden Davis.</li>
<li>Bubblemaps has warned that more pain may be coming for MELANIA token holders at the hands of insiders.</li>
</ul>
From ethical to tokenomics concerns, Official Melania Meme, the Solana memecoin backed by first lady Melania Trump, just like OFFICIAL TRUMP, the Solana memecoin launched by President Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43078040/trump-coin-tanks-36-even-as-melania-trump-launches-her-own-token-top-analyst-says-his-short-is-going-very-very-well">raised several red flags when it launched</a>.
Fast-forward months and these concerns have been more or less validated as the coin trades 96% below its all-time high, and insiders continue to dump on holders.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MELANIA Team Quietly Cashing Out Millions In Community Funds</h2>
The Official Melania Meme team is kicking token holders while they are down.
On Monday, blockchain data provider Bubblemaps <a href="https://x.com/bubblemaps/status/1909304949160165530?t=y7xJ1NYwkRsCQ5gTNeMYZQ&amp;s=19">reported</a> that the token with the ticker MELANIA was facing &#8220;huge sell-offs&#8221; as the team behind the project quietly siphoned millions from the community fund.
Crypto projects typically set aside community funds for everything from ecosystem development to community incentivization programs. But Bubblemaps suggests that members of the MELANIA team appear to be using the project&#8217;s community fund as a personal piggy bank.
According to the blockchain data provider, MELANIA team members have moved 50 million tokens worth approximately $30 million from the project&#8217;s community fund. Splitting the tokens across multiple addresses, $3 million worth of tokens have made it to exchanges, with $500,000 worth of tokens confirmed sold.
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Just over a week ago, Bubblemaps <a href="https://x.com/bubblemaps/status/1905600617612968258?t=uF3QmVxO3TMSYYtw7czfkw&amp;s=19">highlighted</a> a $2 million extraction from MELANIA&#8217;s liquidity pools, with $1 million sent to exchanges. In this instance, the firm squarely pointed the finger at Hayden Davis.
Davis is widely seen as the mastermind behind MELANIA and the Argentine President Javier Milei-backed LIBRA token. According to Bubblemaps, wallets tied to Davis moved $1 million worth of MELANIA tokens via single-sided liquidity, the same tactic he infamously used <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43839293/entitied-tied-to-libra-token-creator-reportedly-removed-99-million-in-liquiditytraders-lost-over-250-million-in-scam">to extract $100 million in liquidity from LIBRA</a>.
&#8220;Hayden may have seen the recent drop in attention as a window to quietly move funds while fewer people were watching,&#8221; the blockchain data provider wrote at the time.
Davis&#8217; involvement with LIBRA has put him under significant scrutiny, with one Argentine lawyer <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44296984/libra-token-fallout-argentine-lawyer-demands-extradition-of-project-creator-from-us">seeking an Interpol red notice</a> for the controversial crypto entrepreneur&#8217;s arrest and extradition.
The recent MELANIA sales are concerning, as Bubblemaps highlights that wallets tied to the team control 92% of the token supply.
&#8220;The damage isn&#8217;t done yet,&#8221; the firm warned.
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Unsurprisingly, the recent report of Illicit MELANIA token sales has sparked mixed reactions. While some appear unsurprised, others have gone as far as asking that the first lady be made to answer for her role in the grift.
<a href="https://twitter.com/jynxbt/status/1909465356906693031?t=76s9LSSGVaaxuT_rmWc8XA&amp;s=19">https://twitter.com/jynxbt/status/1909465356906693031?t=76s9LSSGVaaxuT_rmWc8XA&amp;s=19</a>
Despite the many concerns, MELANIA still appears to have several thousand holders. Specifically, data from Solana blockchain explorer Solscan <a href="https://solscan.io/token/FUAfBo2jgks6gB4Z4LfZkqSZgzNucisEHqnNebaRxM1P">shows</a> that the token has over 245,000 holders.
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Melania Trump's Memecoin Sees Huge Sell-Offs As Team Quietly Cashes Out Millions In Community Funds

Economist and gold advocate Peter Schiff is back with sharp criticism of both Bitcoin and President Donald Trump's latest economic policies. On Monday, Schiff said the newly formed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44423999/peter-schiff-says-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-is-a-scam-to-lure-americans-into-buying-more-crypto">Strategic Bitcoin Reserve</a> has already lost more than 12% of its value since it was created on March 6. He argued that if the government had opted to invest in gold instead, the reserve would be showing a 2% gain.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin Loss, Gold Gain</h2>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">A month ago on Mar. 6th, Trump established the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. So far, the value of the Bitcoin held in that reserve has declined by over 12%. Had the U.S. sold it and added to our gold reserve, not only would we have avoided that loss, but we would now have a 2% gain.
&mdash; Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterSchiff/status/1909361122269938074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
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</figure>
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"A month ago on Mar. 6th, Trump established the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve," Schiff <a href="https://x.com/PeterSchiff/status/1909361122269938074">posted</a> on X. "So far, the value of the Bitcoin held in that reserve has declined by over 12%. Had the U.S. sold it and added to our gold reserve, not only would we have avoided that loss, but we would now have a 2% gain."
When a user pushed back, asking about the trillions lost when the U.S. sold Bitcoin years ago, Schiff replied, &#8220;That&#8217;s irrelevant, as we didn&#8217;t have a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve years ago. We can only count how much money the government gains or loses going forward of the reserve.&#8221;
Last month, Schiff warned that the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44423999/peter-schiff-says-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-is-a-scam-to-lure-americans-into-buying-more-crypto">being used to lure in</a> unsuspecting investors. &#8220;The crypto industry is using the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to scam more Americans into buying crypto. Thanks to Trump, more Americans will lose more money in crypto than in any prior speculative mania in history.&#8221; He mentioned the $TRUMP meme coin as a &#8220;perfect example,&#8221; saying it was already down over 80%.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tariffs &#8216;Dumber&#8217; Than Bitcoin Reserve</h2>
Schiff didn't stop with Bitcoin. He also took aim at Trump's new round of tariffs, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44670683/peter-schiff-says-trumps-tariffs-are-dumber-than-a-strategic-bitcoin-reserve">calling them an even worse idea</a>. &#8220;Tariffs are worse. Doing nothing would be less harmful than what Trump is doing,&#8221; Schiff <a href="https://x.com/PeterSchiff/status/1909065989179736362">said</a>.
He argued that the crypto market has been trending downward when measured in gold and <a href="https://x.com/PeterSchiff/status/1909170751669776822">warned</a> that Ethereum could fall below $1,000, a level it last saw in June 2022. At the time of writing, the price is $1,463. Despite pushback from crypto traders highlighting the technology and ecosystem growth, Schiff stuck to his stance: over the past three-and-a-half years, Bitcoin has lost more than 30% of its value in gold terms.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Nike Won't Bring Jobs Back</h2>
Schiff also weighed in on how Trump's tariffs could affect major American brands. In a post last week, he said <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44640220/peter-schiff-says-nike-wont-build-factories-in-us-they-will-sell-to-countries-like-china-a-much-better-strategy-amid-trump-tariffs">Nike won't be shifting manufacturing back</a> to the U.S. despite steep new tariffs.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Nike won&#39;t build factories in the U.S. to make sneakers. That would add more cost than the 40% tariffs. Plus, they need to stay competitive selling to customers in other countries that don&#39;t impose tariffs. The result will be fewer sneakers sold in the U.S. at much higher prices.
&mdash; Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterSchiff/status/1907812445260800264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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</figure>
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"Nike won&#8217;t build factories in the U.S. to make sneakers. That would add more cost than the 40% tariffs," he <a href="https://x.com/PeterSchiff/status/1907812445260800264">wrote</a>. &#8220;They will eventually sell more sneakers to consumers in other countries instead, as they buy what Americans can no longer afford.&#8221;
Nike's stock dropped over 17% after Trump announced the new tariffs. Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia—where Nike makes a large portion of its products—were hit with tariff increases of up to 46%.
Schiff says that higher costs and shrinking U.S. sales will force companies like Nike to look elsewhere for growth. "The result will be fewer sneakers sold in the U.S. at much higher prices," he warned.
As markets continue to react to the administration's policies, Schiff has positioned himself as a loud critic, arguing that both the Bitcoin reserve and tariff strategy are costly missteps.
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Peter Schiff Says Trump's Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Is Already Down 'Over 12%,' Claims If We'd Bought Gold Instead, We'd Be Up 2% Right Now

Kimbal Musk, Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) board member and brother of CEO Elon Musk, has gone public with sharp criticism of President Donald Trump&#8217;s trade policies, calling tariffs a &#8220;structural, permanent tax on the American consumer&#8221; and accusing Trump of celebrating economic self-sabotage.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kimbal Questions U.S. Strategy of Self-Inflicted Economic Harm</h2>
&#8220;Mmm.. Celebrating causing China&#8217;s stock market to go down, by causing our own stock market to go down? Maybe this is why Trump brought back the R word.&#8221; Kimbal <a href="https://x.com/kimbal/status/1909304585019105540">posted</a> on X, in response to a message from Trump touting the impact of U.S. tariffs.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Mmm.. Celebrating causing China&#39;s stock market to go down, by causing our own stock market to go down? Maybe this is why Trump brought back the R word. <a href="https://t.co/uTBXwDry74">https://t.co/uTBXwDry74</a>
&mdash; 
</blockquote></div></figure>

Elon Musk's Brother Kimbal Blasts Trump: 'Celebrating Causing China's Stock Market To Go Down, By Causing Our Own Stock Market To Go Down?'

Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) has begun testing an artificial intelligence–powered search engine that enables subscribers to find movies and TV shows based on their emotions, preferences, or specific situations.
What Happened: The feature, powered by OpenAI technology, is currently available to select users in Australia and New Zealand using iOS devices. Netflix says the test will expand to additional markets, including the U.S., in the coming weeks, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-11/netflix-tests-new-ai-search-engine-to-recommend-shows-movies">reported</a> Bloomberg.
The streaming giant has long used machine learning and AI to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39822614/disney-develops-tech-to-rival-netflix-and-boost-streaming-profits-report">power its recommendation</a> algorithm, but this new tool marks a significant expansion in user-facing AI features.&nbsp;
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Unlike the current search tool, which relies on basic inputs like actor names or genres, the&nbsp;
Subscribers must opt in to test the new tool, a departure from Netflix's usual practice of quietly rolling out new features, the report noted.
Why It Matters: Netflix&#8217;s viewership <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44662003/netflix-seen-as-safe-bet-amid-market-volatility-says-analyststrong-value-digital-model-make-it-recession-ready">jumped by almost 8%</a> in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting solid gains in both subscriber count and revenue.
Although the stock trades at a premium, analysts believe the current consensus forecasts are modest, justifying a $1,000 price target based on a 33x multiple of projected 2026 earnings.
Last year, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/39026759/netflixs-ted-sarandos-dismisses-ai-threat-to-writers-actors-directors-ai-is-not-going-to-take-your-j">AI is unlikely to take over</a> the creative roles of writers, actors, and directors within the entertainment industry.&nbsp;
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
&#8220;I don't believe that an AI program is going to write a better screenplay than a great writer, or is going to replace a great performance, or that we won't be able to tell the difference,&#8221; he stated.
The streaming company has previously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/23/07/33424040/netflix-faces-backlash-an-exploration-into-its-controversial-900-000-ai-job-offer-amid-a-surprising">drawn criticism after posting</a> a machine learning product manager position with a striking annual salary range of $300,000 to $900,000.
Price Action: So far this year, Netflix shares are up 3.56%, while they&#8217;ve surged 47.44% over the past 12 months, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Benzinga Edge's Stock Rankings award Netflix a strong growth score of 69.69%. Want to see how it compares to other stocks? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Click here for the full breakdown</a>.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Despite aggressive cost-cutting by the Department of Government Efficiency, federal spending has reportedly climbed by $154 billion since President Donald Trump returned to office,
What Happened: Government spending is significantly higher under Trump's second term compared to the same period in 2024 under President Joe Biden, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-doge-government-spending-increases-5903992d?mod=politics_lead_pos4">according</a> to the analysis by the Wall Street Journal, citing the Treasury Department&#8217;s daily financial statements.
The increase—$154 billion—comes even as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44759007/did-elon-musk-just-lower-doges-1-trillion-savings-target-to-150-billion-in-a-second-revision-since-jan">touts $150 billion in cost savings</a> through job cuts, contract terminations, and the rollback of diversity and aid programs.
&#8220;I&#8217;m excited to announce that we anticipate savings in &#8217;26 from reduction of waste and fraud by $150 billion,&#8221; Musk said during Thursday&#8217;s cabinet meeting, referring to the period from October 2025 to September 2026.
Most of the spending increase is driven by mandatory obligations like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and ballooning interest payments on the national debt.
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Social Security costs alone are up $32.7 billion, fueled by 1.3 million new beneficiaries and a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment.
Medicare and Medicaid spending has risen another $29 billion since Jan. 20 due to enrollment growth and rising healthcare costs.
Meanwhile, interest payments on the national debt have soared by $25.5 billion, a result of higher interest rates and increasing federal borrowing.
Musk, who has warned that interest costs could eventually consume the entire federal budget, has made trimming government inefficiencies a top DOGE priority—but the numbers so far suggest minimal bottom-line impact, the report said.
"I think the net effect of DOGE on federal spending, at least insofar as we can track it in the daily Treasury statement, has been pretty small," said Don Schneider, deputy head of U.S. policy at Piper Sandler, according to the report.
"It will take time for those savings to accumulate, but it will also be dependent on the administration prevailing in court over some of these actions."
Why It Matters: The data complicates the administration's messaging around fiscal responsibility. While Musk and DOGE have aggressively cut thousands of federal jobs, ended diversity programs, and sought to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44156631/elon-musks-doge-team-has-door-slammed-on-it-at-africa-aid-agency-amid-raging-turf-war">scale back foreign aid</a>, these efforts have been met with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43768756/privacy-concerns-emerge-as-elon-musks-doge-team-seeks-access-to-taxpayer-data">legal setbacks and limited short-term</a> savings.
Litigation over the firing of 25,000 probationary employees is ongoing, and some of those <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/02/43579276/elon-musk-plans-reinstatement-of-doge-employee-fired-over-social-media-posts">workers have been reinstated</a>. Foreign aid cuts were temporarily blocked by the Supreme Court in March, and spending has since rebounded to near-2024 levels.
DOGE has seen small wins—like a $4 billion drop in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44271318/us-department-of-education-to-slash-nearly-2000-jobs-as-trump-moves-closer-to-shutting-it-down">Education Department spending</a> and cost delays at the TSA—but these have yet to materially shift overall expenditures.
In fact, federal salary payments are $2.8 billion higher than a year ago, partly due to a 2% raise approved under Biden and ongoing payments to employees who accepted buyouts.
Bank of America (BofA) Securities previously suggested that DOGE may be exaggerating its reported savings from canceled or renegotiated contracts. As of March 30, DOGE claimed it had saved around $24.8 billion—up from $21.6 billion the previous week—through these efforts.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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