Actor and filmmaker George Clooney pushed back on President Donald Trump's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/09/47919866/netflix-stock-is-volatile-following-a-truth-social-post-from-trump-whats-going-on">latest tariff threat</a> on Friday, arguing that federal tax incentives — not penalties — are the real way to keep jobs in the American film industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clooney Backs Trump On Hollywood Job Churn, But Blames Lack Of Tax Incentives</h2>



Clooney said Trump is right that movie industry jobs have been leaving California, but he blamed the lack of competitive incentives compared to other states, according to Reuters.



He spoke about this in London ahead of the annual Albies awards ceremony, which he co-founded with his wife, Amal, to honor global human rights defenders.



"We don't have proper tax incentives or rebates like you do in New York," Clooney said, adding that if Trump "wants to implement a federal incentive, that would match the kinds of incentives we get in Louisiana and New Jersey and New York, then I think that would make a big difference in helping out."



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/10/48010797/nvidia-partner-wiwynns-record-backlog-a-sign-that-ai-bubble-fears-are-unfounded-futurum-ceo-daniel-newman-says-cant-build-factories-fast-enough">Nvidia Partner WiWynn&#8217;s Record Backlog A Sign That AI Bubble Fears Are Unfounded: Futurum CEO Daniel Newman Says, &#8216;Can&#8217;t Build Factories Fast Enough…&#8217;</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump Threatens 100% Film Tariff</h2>



Trump has reiterated his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45335277/trump-calls-hollywoods-decline-a-national-security-threat-orders-a-100-tariff-on-foreign-films" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vow to impose a 100% tariff</a>&nbsp;on all films produced outside the U.S., stating that the American movie industry has been "stolen" by other countries.



In a Truth Social post this week, he said that California had been "particularly hard hit" by foreign competition, accusing Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) of failing to protect the industry.



California is home to major studios like Paramount Pictures, owned by Paramount Skydance Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PSKY">PSKY</a>), Comcast Corp's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CMCSA">CMCSA</a>) Universal Pictures, and Walt Disney Co.'s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DIS">DIS</a>) Walt Disney Studios.



It remains unclear whether the tariffs would apply to movies made for streaming services like Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NFLX">NFLX</a>) or just theatrical releases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Industry Reaction And Economic Concerns</h2>



In May, when Trump first announced plans to meet with Hollywood executives to discuss his proposal for a levy, economist Peter Schiff warned that such tariffs would <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/05/45187710/peter-schiff-says-trumps-100-tariff-on-foreign-films-pointless-without-targeting-streamingwarns-netflix-subscribers-would-bear-cost">ultimately raise costs for Netflix</a> subscribers and moviegoers.



"Trump announced a 100% tariff on movies produced outside of the U.S. But movies aren't physical goods that come across the border in a way that a tariff can be applied," Schiff said at the time. "This would be some new kind of federal excise tax on Americans who watch movies filmed abroad."



Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has previously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/04/44995039/netflix-ceo-says-streaming-company-saved-hollywood-as-stock-hits-new-all-time-highs">argued that the streaming service</a> "saved Hollywood," though he acknowledged the traditional theater model may no longer dominate.



Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings rank Netflix's growth in the 84th percentile, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highlighting its performance relative to top industry peers,</a>&nbsp;such as Disney and Paramount.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03220330/Screenshot-2025-10-04-at-7.18.20%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1098606"/></a></figure>



Read next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/05/45687166/apple-may-see-fewer-searches-in-safari-but-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-insists-ai-is-fueling-overall-query-growth-far-from-a-zero-sum-game" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple May See Fewer Searches In Safari, But Google CEO Sundar Pichai Insists AI Is Fueling Overall Query Growth: ‘Far From A Zero-Sum Game&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

News

CMCSA

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PSKY

George Clooney Fires Back At Trump's 100% Film Tariff Threat, Says Tax Incentives — Not Punishment — Will Save Hollywood Jobs

Michael from Philadelphia isn&#8217;t your average entrepreneur. He's a street vendor who operates only <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/09/47746964/more-than-half-of-gen-z-has-a-side-hustle-as-9-to-5-jobs-lose-popularity">two days a week</a> yet somehow manages to pull in $1.5 million in revenue a year. His story stunned personal finance expert Dave Ramsey and listeners of the &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5MZAiogzeg">EntreLeadership</a>&#8221; podcast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From A Folding Table To A 48-Foot Trailer</h2>



Michael started small: with just a folding table on the side of the road. &#8220;We started in bread boxes and we moved to tables,&#8221; he told Ramsey. Business grew so fast that, just before the pandemic, he upgraded to a 48-foot gooseneck trailer. Outfitted with shelves like those used in Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WMT">WMT</a>), it now serves as his mobile storefront.



Don't Miss:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Kevin O'Leary Loves ‘Wonderful Recurring Cash Flows' — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/built-by-mainstreet">These Small Industrial Assets Deliver Just That</a></li>



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



&#8220;I open all my sides and I'm good,&#8221; he said. Customers pull over, check out the products, and make purchases on the spot.



His best-selling item? A five-gallon bucket of laundry detergent priced at $40. According to Michael, that's the equivalent of seven bottles of Costco (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COST">COST</a>) detergent, which would cost $175. &#8220;So yours is one-seventh of the cost,&#8221; Ramsey replied. &#8220;That's a bargain.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Keeping It Lean And Smart</h2>



Michael doesn't have employees. He doesn't rent a storefront. He pays just $300 a month to operate from a high-traffic parking lot. And he's been doing it there for 13 years.



&#8220;We lived in our business for 10 years,&#8221; he said, referring to a warehouse he and his family used as both a residence and base of operations. In March 2023, they finally bought a home with 20% down, all thanks to the business.



Trending: Backed by $300M+ in Assets and Microsoft's Climate Fund, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/farmland-lp">Farmland LP</a> Opens Vital Farmland III to Accredited Investors



He also adapts to the seasons. Around holidays like Mother's Day and Valentine's Day, he pivots to gift baskets filled with clearance items such as Victoria's Secret perfume and teddy bears. These seasonal products sell for $60 but cost just $18 to make.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why He Called Ramsey</h2>



Michael phoned into the show to ask Ramsey if he should pay $500 upfront for a new, custom-made light-up sign that would sit 15 feet high on his trailer. &#8220;I'm only getting a lot of my regular customers. I'm not getting new customers,&#8221; he explained.



The total cost would be $5,000. The signmaker requested a small deposit and would deliver the sign in two months. Ramsey couldn't believe Michael was even asking. &#8220;Dude, you made a million dollars. Why are you calling me? Buy a sign.&#8221;



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Model Of Grit And Resourcefulness</h2>



Michael&#8217;s resourcefulness and work ethic impressed Ramsey so much that he declared, &#8220;Michael, you are what makes America great.&#8221;



&#8220;Anybody out there <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/08/46961905/jobless-claims-august-fed-interest-rates-labor-market-inflation">that's unemployed</a> after you heard that story, I have no mercy for you,&#8221; he added. &#8220;He sells laundry detergent off a folding table and turns it into a million-dollar-a-year business.&#8221;



At one point in the conversation, Ramsey was so taken aback by Michael's creativity and determination that he exclaimed, &#8220;You're a freaking genius. I love this.&#8221;



As for marketing, Michael plans to brand himself as a solution to rising prices: &#8220;The way to beat inflation is to see Michael,&#8221; he joked.



And Ramsey agreed. &#8220;I think you're the antidote to inflation.&#8221;



Read Next: Have $100k+ to invest? Charlie Munger says that's the toughest milestone — don't stall now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Get matched with a fiduciary advisor and keep building</a>



Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

COST

'You're A Freaking Genius'—A Street Vendor Who Earns $1.5 Million Selling Cleaning Supplies In Just Two Days A Week Wows Dave Ramsey

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



Wall Street climbed to fresh record highs this week, as rising expectations for imminent Fed rate cuts countered fears surrounding the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Tech and AI-related names — led by Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA">NVDA</a>) — continued to power gains, supporting broader market strength.



With the shutdown delaying key economic releases (including the jobs report), market participants leaned heavily on sentiment and forward rate expectations. Despite the political and fiscal uncertainty, investors remained sanguine, seemingly placing more weight on the prospect of easier monetary policy.



Looking ahead, markets will focus on how long the shutdown endures, whether delayed data will validate or undercut expectations for rate cuts, and whether the Fed will reinforce its independence amid political pressures.



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







The Bulls



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/10/48003763/intel-stock-rallies-50-over-the-last-month-governments-stake-nearly-doubles-to-16-billion">"Intel stock rallies 50% over the last month — government's stake nearly doubles to $16 billion"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTC">INTC</a>) surged roughly 50% in the past month while the U.S. government's roughly 10% stake — acquired earlier this year — has increased in value to about $16 billion, bolstering investor confidence.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/10/48006353/rumble-stock-jumps-on-strategic-partnership-with-perplexity?utm_source=chatgpt.com">"Rumble stock jumps on strategic partnership with Perplexity"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Rumble Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RUM">RUM</a>) rallied after announcing a strategic partnership with Perplexity, which will integrate Perplexity's AI-powered tools into Rumble.com, launch a subscription bundle, and promote Perplexity's new "Comet" browser across the Rumble ecosystem.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/10/48019438/trending-quantum-stocks-rigetti-and-d-wave-are-popping?utm_source=chatgpt.com">"Trending quantum stocks — Rigetti and D-Wave are popping"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that Rigetti Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RGTI">RGTI</a>) and D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/QBTS">QBTS</a>) led a surge in quantum stocks after gaining traction on social media — Rigetti scored ~$5.7 million in new purchase orders for its Novera systems, and analysts at B. Riley raised targets — while sector peers IonQ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/IONQ">IONQ</a>) and Quantum Computing (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/QUBT">QUBT</a>) also rallied.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/10/48025504/iren-stock-hits-all-time-high-still-a-picasso-at-a-garage-sale">IREN Stock Hits All-Time High — Still A ‘Picasso At A Garage Sale'</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/previews/25/10/47979965/magnificent-7-set-to-power-stocks-higher-in-q4-market-expert-says-stick-with-whats-working">Magnificent 7 Set To Power Stocks Higher In Q4, Market Expert Says: ‘Stick With What's Working'</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/09/47956357/nike-stock-jumps-on-q1-earnings-beat-we-still-have-work-ahead">Nike Stock Jumps On Q1 Earnings Beat: ‘We Still Have Work Ahead'</a>







The Bears



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/entertainment/25/09/47948618/draftkings-stock-sinks-despite-major-nbcuniversal-sports-advertising-partnership?utm_source=chatgpt.com">"DraftKings stock sinks despite major NBCUniversal sports advertising partnership"</a>, by Akanksha Bakshi, reports that DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DKNG">DKNG</a>) announced a multi-year exclusive sports advertising and integration deal with NBCUniversal covering major leagues and events — yet the stock dropped over 10% as investors mulled the maneuver against stiff competitive pressures in the online gaming industry.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/10/47967651/netflix-stock-slides-as-musk-calls-on-followers-to-cancel-subscriptions?utm_source=chatgpt.com">"Netflix stock slides as Musk calls on followers to ‘cancel' subscriptions"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NFLX">NFLX</a>) shares dropped after Elon Musk urged his followers on X to cancel their Netflix subscriptions, citing content objections and positioning the call as a protest for "the health of your kids."



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/10/48018068/palantir-and-anduril-under-fire-over-armys-high-risk-battlefield-tech?utm_source=chatgpt.com">"Palantir and Anduril under fire over Army's ‘high risk' battlefield tech"</a>, by Anusuya Lahiri, reports that a U.S. Army internal memo flagged fundamental security vulnerabilities in the NGC2 battlefield communications prototype co-developed by Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PLTR">PLTR</a>) and Anduril, warning the system should be considered "very high risk" due to gaps in user access control, software integrity, and data logging.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/10/48007507/applied-materials-stock-is-sliding-after-hours-heres-why">Applied Materials Stock Is Sliding After Hours: Here's Why</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/entertainment/25/10/47975604/disneys-17-million-monthly-loss-how-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-impacts-streaming-revenue">Disney's $17 Million Monthly Loss: How Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Impacts Streaming Revenue</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/10/48025536/shiller-pe-ratio-2025-ai-boom-not-a-bubble">The Last Time This Signal Flashed, Stocks Cratered — It's Back Now</a>







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



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Markets

AMAT

DKNG

INTC

IONQ

IREN

NVDA

PLTR

QBTS

QUBT

RGTI

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Intel, Rumble, DraftKings — And Markets Shrug Off The Shutdown

Each week, Benzinga&#8217;s Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.



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



Read Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/10/47974588/exclusive-septembers-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-apple-palantir-opendoor-tesla-rank"> EXCLUSIVE: September&#8217;s 10 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do Apple, Palantir, Opendoor, Tesla Rank?</a>



Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending October 3:



Nokia Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NOK">NOK</a>): The telecom equipment company saw interest surge during the week among Benzinga readers. Formally known as one of the largest phone companies, Nokia has changed over the years. The company recently signed a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/10/47990493/nokia-teams-up-with-hpe-to-prepare-for-6g-future">global licensing deal </a>with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to expand the company's networking capabilities for the shift from 5G to 6G. Nokia said its customers will benefit from the deal, which improves the company's AI-driven automation. Nokia also recently partnered with Super Micro Computer to expand AI and cloud infrastructure. The increased interest in Nokia also comes ahead of third quarter earnings, set for Oct. 23. Analysts expect earnings per share of 6 cents per share and revenue of $5.39 billion for the quarter. Nokia has had mixed results in recent quarters with earnings missing analyst estimates in three of the last four quarters and revenue beating estimates in two of the last three quarters.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent100325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="504" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174605/Screenshot-590.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1098575" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174605/Screenshot-590.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174605/Screenshot-590-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174605/Screenshot-590-768x388.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AA">AA</a>): The aluminum company saw increased interest from readers, which comes after the company reported a company update. Alcoa <a href="https://news.alcoa.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/Alcoa-Announces-Closure-of-Kwinana-Refinery-Also-Updates-Third-Quarter-2025-Outlook/default.aspx">announced </a>it will permanently close the Kwinana Refinery and take an $890 million charge. The company updated that its 2025 total spending for asset retirement obligations and environmental reserves will be $20 million higher than originally expected, totaling $260 million. The 2026 total is expected to be around $300 million. Alcoa is set to report third-quarter financial results on Oct. 22. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in four of the last five quarters and beaten analyst estimates for revenue in four of the last six quarters.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent100325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="510" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174620/Screenshot-591.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1098576" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174620/Screenshot-591.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174620/Screenshot-591-300x153.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174620/Screenshot-591-768x392.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>



Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HWM">HWM</a>): The aerospace company saw strong interest from readers during the week, which comes with shares trading near all-time highs. The company announced it will report third-quarter financial results on Oct. 30. Analysts are expecting earnings and revenue to grow on a year-over-year basis. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in 10 straight quarters and beaten revenue estimates in eight of the last 10 quarters overall. With consistent growth and analyst beats, the stock is likely one to watch ahead of quarterly results.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent100325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="993" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174635/Screenshot-592.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1098577" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174635/Screenshot-592.png 993w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174635/Screenshot-592-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174635/Screenshot-592-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 993px) 100vw, 993px" /></a></figure>



TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SNX">SNX</a>): The IT company gained interest from readers after a recent quarterly beat and acquisition. TD SYNNEX completed its acquisition of Gateway Computer, a deal that it says will boost its global footprint. The company said it expects the deal to help it book new business in Japan. Gateway Computer will also begin using the TD SYNNEX global footprint for business expansion. The company beat analyst estimates for both earnings per share and revenue in the third quarter, reported on Sept 25. The company has beaten analyst estimates for each earnings per share and revenue in four of the last five quarters. Multiple analysts<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/price-target/25/09/47893844/td-synnex-analysts-boost-their-forecasts-following-upbeat-q3-results"> raised their price targets </a>for the stock after the earnings beat.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent100325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="506" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174650/Screenshot-593.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1098578" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174650/Screenshot-593.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174650/Screenshot-593-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174650/Screenshot-593-768x390.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Cloudflare Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NET">NET</a>): The software company may have attracted new readers and investors after its recent announcement. Cloudflare said it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/09/47873086/cloudflare-unveils-net-dollar-stablecoin-to-power-agentic-web">plans to launch </a>a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin called "NET Dollar." The stablecoin would be used to enable secure payments for AI agents to make transactions. The company said this will help with "agentic web," helping software agents to act on a user's behalf to make purchases, handle subscriptions and access data. Cloudflare highlighted that the token could help support microtransactions at scale. Given growing interest in AI and stablecoins, Cloudflare's latest endeavor could be one to watch.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent100325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174704/Screenshot-594.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1098579" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174704/Screenshot-594.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174704/Screenshot-594-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/03174704/Screenshot-594-768x388.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>



Stay tuned for next week&#8217;s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent100325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>



Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/09/47538258/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-81" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">September 5</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/09/47656308/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-82" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">September 12</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/09/47779296/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-83" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">September 19</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/09/47904964/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-84">September 26</a></li>
</ul>



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46236448/exclusive-2025s-first-half-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-nvidia-tesla-apple-stock-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: 2025's First Half Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do Nvidia, Tesla, Apple Stock Rank?</a></li>
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Exclusives

Trading Ideas

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

Wall Street soared to fresh record highs at the end of the week, brushing aside the 21st U.S. government shutdown in history and a missing jobs report, as investors doubled down on bets for interest rate cuts and cheered strong gains in pharmaceutical and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech">AI-driven tech stocks.</a>



PFE is trading in a tight range. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PFE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Check the full analysis here.</a>



The S&amp;P 500, Nasdaq 100, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Russell 2000 all reached record highs on Friday, as traders largely ignored the budget impasse in Washington and focused instead on corporate optimism and monetary easing.



The Bureau of Labor Statistics failed to publish its monthly jobs report on Friday due to the shutdown, but markets leaned heavily on private data pointing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/10/48018419/shutdown-jobs-report-delay-federal-reserve-interest-rate-outlook">to labor market softening.</a>



The ADP Employment Report showed the largest private-sector job loss in over two years, while the ISM Services PMI recorded its fourth consecutive month of contraction in its employment component.



These signs reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could lower again its benchmark rate to 3.75%-4% at its October meeting, further fueling risk appetite.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/10/48016326/big-tech-ai-spending-shifts-to-debt">Amazon, Meta Beware: The AI Spending Boom Is Pushing Tech Firms Into A Debt Spiral</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Health Care Stocks Notch Best Rally In Years</h2>



Healthcare stocks were among the top performers. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PFE">PFE</a>) soared after striking a landmark deal with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/10/47982920/healthcare-stocks-trump-pfizer-deal-what-includes-why-it-matters">President Donald Trump&#8216;s administration.</a>



The agreement commits Pfizer to apply most-favored-nation pricing — aligning U.S. Medicaid drug prices with the lowest prices paid by other developed nations. In exchange, the company will avoid tariffs on branded drugs for three years.



Additionally, Pfizer pledged a $70 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and will participate in TrumpRx.gov, a new government-backed drug discount platform.



The deal is seen as a possible template for the rest of the pharmaceutical industry. Shares of Eli Lilly &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LLY">LLY</a>), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TMO">TMO</a>), Merck &amp; Co. Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRK">MRK</a>) and Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMGN">AMGN</a>) all logged double-digit gains over the week.



The AI-driven tech rally rolled on, with NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA">NVDA</a>) hitting a staggering $4.6 trillion market capitalization, driving the total value of the so-called Magnificent Seven tech giants to $21 trillion.



Risk appetite spilled into speculative assets as well. Bitcoin climbed above $121,000, nearing its August highs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Automakers Diverge</h2>



Shares of Michigan automakers saw a mixed performance. General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GM">GM</a>) fell 3% despite EV sales doubling from 2024, Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/F">F</a>) rose 5% and Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/STLA">STLA</a>) surged 14% as sales rose after eight quarters of declines.



GM, Ford and Stellantis reported year-over-year sales growth of 8%, 8.2% and 6%, respectively, in the latest quarter.



Read Now:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/10/47975777/sp-500-enters-its-best-quarter-of-the-year-5-stocks-to-watch-october">S&amp;P 500 Enters Its Best Quarter Of The Year: 5 Stocks To Watch This Month</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Equities

Health Care

Movers

AMGN

STLA

Wall Street Hits Record Highs As Rate Cut Bets Offset Shutdown: This Week In Markets

Renowned investor and "Shark Tank" personality Kevin O'Leary said Wednesday that artificial intelligence data centers and Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) mining are &#8220;competing&#8221; for scarce electricity in North America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">O&#8217;Leary Says US Doesn&#8217;t Have Much Power</h2>



During an interview with Moneywise, O&#8217;Leary weighed in on the power situation in the region, noting that there isn&#8217;t much left on U.S. grids.



&#8220;Because of the insatiable demand for AI data centers, we&#8217;ve got a bit of a problem going on here. There is no power on the grid anymore,&#8221; O'Leary, also known as "Mr. Wonderful," said.



He added that setting AI data centers and Bitcoin mining operations risks raising local power rates, which regulators avoid.



&#8220;There&#8217;s a lot going on here because you&#8217;ve got two competing forces,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary said, highlighting a power struggle between Bitcoin miners and high-performance AI data centers.



See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/10/47996342/canaan-stock-surges-on-us-order-for-50000-bitcoin-mining-machines">Canaan Stock Surges On US Order For 50,000 Bitcoin Mining Machines</a>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI Projected To Leave Bitcoin Mining Behind</h2>



The Electric Power Research Institute projects that U.S. data center electricity consumption could reach up to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/08/47432632/as-ai-and-crypto-mining-converge-energy-pressures-spark-global-shift-in-hashrate-and-regulation">9%</a> of total electricity generation by 2030, more than double its current consumption.



Moreover, analysts estimate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40599343/amazon-microsoft-and-other-us-tech-giants-compete-with-bitcoin-miners-over-scarce-energy-s">20% of Bitcoin miner power capacity </a>will shift to AI and high-performance computing by the end of 2027.



As a result, several Bitcoin miners are increasingly allocating energy for AI data centers, repurposing their existing power infrastructure and selling or leasing capacity to AI firms.



CoreWeave Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;CRWV), which started as an Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) mining company, has pivoted to AI cloud services, securing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47671169/nvidia-deal-sends-coreweave-stock-higher-skeptics-see-90-downside">key partnerships</a> with Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA">NVDA</a>) and OpenAI.



Price Action: At the time of writing, BTC was exchanging hands at $120,330.57, up 1.16% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.



Global X Data Center &amp; Digital Infrastructure (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DTCR">DTCR</a>), an ETF that tracks the performance of companies that operate data centers, closed up 1.44% at $21.12&nbsp;during Thursday&#8217;s regular session. Shares have surged 27% year-to-date.



Similarly, Grayscale Bitcoin Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MNRS">MNRS</a>), which provides exposure to Bitcoin Miners, &nbsp;closed 3.39% higher at $42.89. Year-to-date, the ETF was up 60%. Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings&nbsp;delivers real-time stock alerts, trade ideas and professional investing tools to help you profit in any market.&nbsp;Visit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">the platform</a> now.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Kevin O'Leary on Green Bitcoin, AI, &amp; Prenups &#x7C; 2025 Money Moves (feat. @kevinoleary)" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z7vGU9FAzUc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/10/47968429/openai-taps-samsung-and-sk-hynix-for-massive-ai-data-push-including-new-korea-data-center">OpenAI Taps Samsung And SK Hynix For Massive AI Data Push, Including New Korea Data Center</a></li>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>



Photo courtesy: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

DTCR

MNRS

'Shark Tank' Star Kevin O'Leary Says Bitcoin Mining, AI Data Centers Are Locked In A 'Power Struggle' Amid Scarce Electricity In US

President Donald Trump once again floated the idea of issuing rebate checks to Americans funded by the hundreds of billions of dollars in tariff revenue imposed by his administration. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;A Dividend&#8217; To The People of America</h2>



On Thursday, Trump said the government has already taken in hundreds of billions of dollars from tariffs imposed on foreign nations since April. &#8220;They're just starting to kick in,&#8221; he said, adding that &#8220;ultimately, your tariffs are going to be over a trillion dollars a year,&#8221; in an interview with One America News Network.



When asked about what he intends to do with all this money, Trump said that his priority is paying down the nation&#8217;s massive debt. 



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/09/47909507/trumps-100-drug-tariff-will-hit-americans-economist-says-buyers-eat-the-cost-not-foreign-firms">Trump&#8217;s 100% Drug Tariff Will Hit Americans, Economist Says Buyers &#8216;Eat The Cost,&#8217; Not Foreign Firms</a>



&#8220;Number one, we're paying down debt,&#8221; he said, while adding that the $37 trillion national debt is &#8220;very little, relatively speaking&#8221; because tariff collections are reaching unprecedented levels, according to a <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/10/02/us-news/trump-considering-2000-tariff-dividend-for-americans/">report</a> by the New York Post. 



&#8220;With that being said, we'll pay back debt, but we also might make a distribution to the people,&#8221; Trump said. He described the plan as &#8220;a dividend to the people of America.&#8221; 



&#8220;We're thinking maybe $1,000 to $2,000 – it would be great,&#8221; Trump said, amid a government shutdown, after the Senate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/10/47973464/government-shutdown-market-impact-investor-what-it-means-fed-economy">failed to pass</a> a continuing resolution late Tuesday.



This comes despite warnings by several prominent experts, who continue to reiterate that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/09/47909507/trumps-100-drug-tariff-will-hit-americans-economist-says-buyers-eat-the-cost-not-foreign-firms">it is consumers</a> who &#8220;eat the cost&#8221; of the tariffs, and not foreign firms. So, in essence, the tariffs are paid by American importers and consumers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Experts Criticize Tariff Rebate Plan</h2>



Trump has floated this idea several times in the past, having said in late July that his administration was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46653477/trump-mulls-little-rebate-for-americans-funded-by-tariff-revenue-but-heres-the-big-thing-he-wants-to-do-first">planning a rebate</a>, aimed at &#8220;people of a certain income&nbsp;level.&#8221;



The plan has been criticized by several prominent experts, with investor Kevin O&#8217;Leary saying that tariff revenue should go towards paying down <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/08/46818066/kevin-oleary-rejects-trumps-tariff-rebate-plan-says-taxpayers-want-to-see-the-national-debt-paid-down">the nation&#8217;s debt</a>. &#8220;No. I tell you the idea I like — and I think every taxpayer likes better than this idea — use any excess capital to reduce the national debt,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary said in July. 



Last week, economist Peter Schiff <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/09/47787580/peter-schiff-slams-republicans-for-wanting-to-gift-tariff-revenue-back-to-taxpayers-calls-it-one-of-the-dumbest-ideas">pushed back against</a> this idea of returning tariff revenue back to consumers, calling it &#8220;One of the dumbest ideas.&#8221; He added that &#8220;If Republicans want taxpayers to have the tariff revenue, then don't impose tariffs on them in the first place.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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">One of the dumbest ideas offered by Republicans is to &quot;gift&quot; the tariff revenue back to taxpayers. If Republicans want taxpayers to have the tariff revenue, then don&#39;t impose tariffs on them in the first place. That&#39;s a much simpler, more effective, and honest solution.&mdash; Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterSchiff/status/1967961698096255191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/09/47882000/trumps-new-tariff-barrage-targets-drugs-trucks-cabinets-president-says-move-will-protect-manufacturers-from-unfair-outside-competition">Trump&#8217;s New Tariff Barrage Targets Drugs, Trucks, Cabinets: President Says Move Will Protect Manufacturers From &#8216;Unfair Outside Competition&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Photo Courtesy: Joey Sussman on Shutterstock.com

Government

Trump Plans $1,000-$2,000 Tariff Rebate Checks For Americans: President Calls It A 'Dividend To The People'

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Thursday blasted President Donald Trump's new university compact, a proposal that would give colleges priority for federal grants if they adopt sweeping policy changes. Newsom said the offer weaponizes Washington's purse strings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Newsom Threatens State Funding Over Proposed Compact</h2>



"IF ANY CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY SIGNS THIS RADICAL AGREEMENT, THEY'LL LOSE BILLIONS IN STATE FUNDING — INCLUDING CAL GRANTS — INSTANTLY. CALIFORNIA WILL NOT BANKROLL SCHOOLS THAT SELL OUT THEIR STUDENTS, PROFESSORS, RESEARCHERS, AND SURRENDER ACADEMIC FREEDOM," Newsom said in a public statement.



According to an Associated Press <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-political-agenda-colleges-federal-money-756407729a3b16c7bb51564d5056084c">report</a>, the "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education" was sent to nine universities, including the University of Southern California and officials have indicated more schools could be invited later. Signers would get preferred access to "substantial" grants and other partnerships, while non-signers would still be eligible for federal money, officials said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump&#8217;s Compact Promises Preferential Federal Grants</h2>



Under the 10-point memo, universities would pledge to foster "a vibrant marketplace of ideas," freeze tuition for five years and limit foreign undergraduate enrollment to 15%, among other steps. The document also urges institutional neutrality and changes to units viewed as hostile to conservative viewpoints.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/10/48009672/trump-in-talks-to-appear-on-cbs-60-minutes-just-months-after-securing-eye-watering-16-million-settlement-report">Trump in Talks To Appear On CBS&#8217; 60 Minutes Just Months After Securing Eye-Watering $16 Million Settlement: Report</a>



The White House casts the plan as voluntary and aimed at elevating standards and viewpoint diversity. But, as per the AP report, critics across higher education, including Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, call it political coercion that intrudes on academic freedom and governance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Court Ruling And Broader Funding Leverage</h2>



Newsom's pushback comes as Trump has increasingly used <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/education/25/09/47492021/trump-admin-freeze-on-2-2-billion-harvard-grants-undone-by-federal-judge-antisemitism-was-used-as-a-smokescreen">federal funding as leverage</a> to prod universities to adopt his administration's priorities.



Separately, a Reuters report states that a federal judge on Sept. 22 ordered the Trump administration to restore more than $500 million in research funding it paused for the University of California, Los Angeles, ruling that termination notices lacked sufficient justification. UCLA said the decision also triggered the reinstatement of hundreds of grants across UC campuses.



Trump, this week, also revealed that his administration has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/education/25/10/47961795/trump-announces-500-million-tentative-deal-with-harvard-to-end-bitter-feud-their-sins-are-forgiven">reached a preliminary agreement</a> with Harvard University, potentially bringing an end to the long-standing conflict between the two parties.



Photo Courtesy: Sheila Fitzgerald on Shutterstock.com



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/10/48010216/kamala-harris-says-project-2025-was-trumps-blueprint-to-seize-unchecked-power-and-now-hes-implementing-it-in-front-of-our-eyes">Kamala Harris Says Project 2025 Was Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Blueprint To Seize Unchecked Power&#8217; And Now He&#8217;s Implementing It In &#8216;Front Of Our Eyes&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Politics

Gavin Newsom Says He'll Cut 'Billions In State Funding' To 'Sell Out' Universities That Sign Trump's 'Radical Agreement'

When markets hit new all-time highs and every asset class seems to be joining the party, it can be challenging to stick to your plan.



There's always that innate human instinct to stick around for another 5% or 10% upside, even when your original objectives have been met and your rational brain is screaming to sell.



There&#8217;s a trick to knowing when to sell and when to hold for more upside. Think of your stocks as you would your car or household appliances. They may work fine for a long time, even if mechanical problems are brewing under the surface. That's why you look for problems before they occur through regular maintenance.



Stocks can also generate gains over long periods despite fundamental red flags or bearish technical indicators.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Chris Capre Is Positioning For Fast Trades In The Shutdown</h2>



Most traders react to volatility after it happens. Chris Capre is preparing in advance, with trades designed to close in just 1 to 5 days. This Sunday, he'll show you how to use shutdown-driven swings to your advantage with short-term option spreads and risk-managed entries. Don't miss it. <a href="https://events2.benzinga.com/registration-chris-capre-webinar-sun-oct5-2025=100525-webinar&amp;utm_adType=sponsorad&amp;utm_ad=RD100325"> Join the Free Session</a>



Today, we'll look at five winning stocks from the last few months that are starting to show signs of getting overextended, indicating that it may be time to hit the cash register on your gains.



SoundHound AI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOUN">SOUN</a>) has been a beneficiary of the AI gold rush; however, its stock has been highly volatile for a company with a $6.5 billion market capitalization. The company develops and sells Voice AI systems, which specialize in speech recognition and natural language processing. The original technology was conceived for a music discovery app, but SoundHound quickly pivoted once AI became a prominent investment theme. And now, its stock is up more than 250% over the last 12 months. Despite substantial stock gains and steady revenue growth, the company remains unprofitable; its Q2 2025 earnings release revealed a larger EPS loss than analysts had anticipated.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="404" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-1024x404.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1096238" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-1024x404.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-300x118.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-768x303.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61.png 1306w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



If SoundHound can continue executing its acquisition strategy and growing revenue, achieving profitability is likely. But for right now, the stock is looking frothy, and more than 30% of the float has been sold short. The daily chart is also showing signs of a breakdown; a bearish MACD cross is forming, and the previous two instances resulted in multi-week drawdowns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Micron Technology Inc.</h2>



Another massive AI winner is Micron Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MU">MU</a>), which sells high-scale memory chips to data centers. AI data centers require energy and compute at a constantly growing rate, so companies like Micron continue to see revenue expand as hyperscalers become increasingly hungry. The company has posted three consecutive top and bottom-line earnings beats, with the most recent positive report coming on September 23 for fiscal Q4. The $11.3 billion revenue figure for Q4 was the largest in the company&#8217;s history.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="404" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-1024x404.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1096239" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-1024x404.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-300x118.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-768x303.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61.png 1306w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



So why in the name of John Bogle would you want to sell a winner like Micron? Because multiple technical signals indicate a potential profit-taking opportunity following a 50% gain in just over a month. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has once again drifted into Overbought territory, and the stock is hinting at fading upward momentum. The company's next earnings report isn't until December, so a lack of catalysts could continue weakening the trend. No shame in taking profits here following a massively successful year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dlocal Ltd. Inc.&nbsp;</h2>



Dlocal (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DLO">DLO</a>) is a fintech startup focused on simplifying global payments, with most of its operations (and revenue) coming from Latin American countries. The company doesn't post eye-popping revenue numbers like Micron, but it is a profitable enterprise with consistent sales growth over the past few years. However, the nature of its business makes it a volatile stock, and outsized gains are often followed by steep declines. With the company facing an earnings headwind from the Argentinian currency devaluation, it might be a good time to head for the exit.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1307" height="524" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1096241"/></figure>



The chart certainly backs up this theory. The stock has seen more sellers than buyers over the last few sessions, and August's 50% boost has flattened out. A dreaded double top appears to be forming as the price struggles to break the $16 mark. Examining the MACD for confirmation, we can also observe a bearish cross that drives momentum further downward. The stock is still up 25% over the last three months, so taking profits now would still lock in a significant gain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ACM Research Inc.&nbsp;</h2>



ACM Research (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ACMR">ACMR</a>) jumped 11% in a single day earlier this week, reaching a new yearly high and quickly approaching the all-time high the stock set back in February 2021. The semiconductor equipment manufacturer now earns more than $780 million in annual sales, and its most recent earnings release showed an upside earnings surprise north of 30%. So why is ACMR a stock to consider selling right now? The earnings surprises are actually beginning to slow, and the company missed on revenue in Q3 for the first time since 2023.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="411" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-1024x411.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1096242" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-1024x411.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-300x120.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61-768x308.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61.png 1307w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



ACMR's nearly 200% YTD gain has been buoyed by strong support along the 50-day simple moving average (SMA). The price dipping to the 50-day SMA has previously been a buying signal. However, we are now seeing the opposite scenario, where the price soars well above the support line and begins to look overextended. The RSI confirms these worries as it ticks above the Overbought threshold, so a return to the $30 level would not be surprising over the next few weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Axcelis Technologies Inc.&nbsp;</h2>



Another AI-related company that reported significant gains in Q3 is&nbsp;Axcelis Technologies&nbsp; (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ACLS">ACLS</a>), which makes cleaning equipment for semiconductor manufacturers. A highly lucrative business, Axcelis earned more than $1 billion in total sales last year. However, it&#8217;s no longer as lucrative as it once was. Despite beating analysts' projections on EPS and revenue in every quarter for the previous five years, the overall numbers are declining. Axcelis's Q1 2025 revenue fell under $200 million for the first time since Q3 2021, and its Q2 2025 revenue represented a YOY decline of more than 20%.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1307" height="524" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02094318/image-61.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1096240"/></figure>



Revenue hits haven't led to stock drawdowns yet, though. The stock has increased by more than 30% over the last three months and has been trading in a tight uptrend, as indicated by the trendlines above. However, the stock has now extended past the upper bound of the range, and technical signals on the RSI and MACD indicate a potential pullback.



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



Image: Shutterstock&nbsp;

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In a recent podcast, Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA">NVDA</a>) CEO Jensen Huang compared Elon Musk&#8216;s brain to the company&#8217;s chips, praising Musk&#8217;s unique abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Huang likens Musk's Mind To A Supercomputer</h2>



Huang made the comparison on the &#8220;BG2 podcast,&#8221; hosted by&nbsp;Lex Fridman&nbsp;and&nbsp;John Carmack, on Friday, where he discussed Musk&#8217;s ability to retain vast amounts of information in his head. This unique capability, according to Huang, enables Musk to undertake complex tasks across his multiple companies.



&#8220;The way his brain works, the way he keeps scores of information in his head, it&#8217;s quite unique,&#8221; Huang said, comparing Musk to an Nvidia chip. &#8220;He&#8217;s the ultimate GPU.&#8221;



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="NVIDIA: OpenAI, Future of Compute, and the American Dream &#x7C; BG2 w/ Bill Gurley and Brad Gerstner" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pE6sw_E9Gh0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Musk is involved in the operations of at least five companies, working on technologies ranging from robots and&nbsp;self-driving cars to AI companions.&nbsp;He is also developing Colossus II, which he described as &#8220;the world&#8217;s first Gigawatt AI training cluster.&#8221;



Huang acknowledges the complexity of this project but believes that Musk&#8217;s ability to manage the interdependencies of these systems in his head gives him an edge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Huang Backs Musk's Bold AI Plans With Nvidia Power</h2>



Huang is confident in Musk&#8217;s ability to succeed, especially given that Musk&#8217;s companies are major customers of Nvidia, with the Colossus II project alone comprising&nbsp;at least 200,000 Nvidia GPUs.



Meanwhile, Musk&#8217;s ambitious plans for AI development, including his goal to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46571093/elon-musk-wants-50-million-ai-brains-nvidia-still-sets-the-standard">have the</a> equivalent of 50 million Nvidia H100 GPUs online within the next five years, highlight the continued importance of Nvidia&#8217;s technology in the AI industry.



&#8220;I would not be surprised if he gets to a gigawatt before anybody else does,&#8221; said Huang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Previous Praises For Musk&#8217;s Work Ethics</h2>



This isn&#8217;t the first time Huang has publicly acknowledged Musk&#8217;s exceptional work ethic and capabilities. In an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/08/46845154/jensen-huang-once-said-theres-hard-work-and-then-theres-insanely-hard-work-now-elon-musk-calls-it-hardcore">interview</a>&nbsp;from 2023, Huang shared insights into his own daily routine, which Musk later praised as &#8220;hardcore.&#8221; This recent comparison of Musk to a supercomputer further highlights the admiration Huang has for Musk&#8217;s unique abilities.



Despite his admiration for Musk, Huang has made it clear that he is very different from Musk. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44705770/nvidias-jensen-huang-doesnt-want-to-be-elon-musk-reveals-his-biographer-he-hates-science-fiction">biography</a>&nbsp;released earlier this year, Huang revealed that he dislikes science fiction and prefers to focus on building the hardware that tech leaders like Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman need.



In a latest development, Elon Musk has reached a new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/10/47986447/elon-musk-becomes-first-person-worth-500-billion-tesla-ceos-wealth-is-now-larger-than-palantir-alibaba">historic feat</a>, becoming the world's first individual with a net worth of $500 billion, fueled by Tesla Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TSLA">TSLA</a>) stock surge, rising valuation of SpaceX, and the increasing worth of his AI company, xAI Holdings.



Price Action: On a year-to-date basis, Nvidia stock surged 35.38%, while Tesla climbed 21.14%, respectively as per data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro.</a>



Read Next:&nbsp;



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</ul>



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



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