Becton, Dickinson And Co. Agrees To Pay $175 Million Civil Penalty



The Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday announced it had <a href="https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024-201">settled charges</a> against Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BDX#NYSE">BDX</a>), known as BD, for repeatedly misleading investors about risks associated with its continued sales of its Alaris infusion pump and for overstating its income by failing to record the costs of fixing multiple software flaws with the pump. BD agreed to pay a $175 million civil penalty.



Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42598651/mystery-drone-sightings-all-over-the-country-trump-says-what-to-know-about-investigations-lawmakers-reactions">&#8216;Mystery Drone&#8217; Sightings Spark Investigations, Politicians Respond: &#8216;Shoot Them Down,&#8217; Trump Says</a>



"BD repeatedly painted a misleading picture of its Alaris infusion pump for investors and then doubled down by keeping them in the dark when the device's issues came to a head with the FDA in late 2019," said Sanjay Wadhwa, Acting Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement.&nbsp;



"Public companies have a fundamental duty to accurately disclose material business risks and should expect to be held accountable when they fall short in that regard," Wadhwa added.&nbsp;



The SEC's order finds that BD violated antifraud, reporting, internal accounting controls, books and records and disclosure controls provisions of the federal securities laws. BD agreed to cease and desist from further violations of these provisions, to retain an independent compliance consultant to review and make recommendations concerning its disclosure controls and procedures and to the $175 million civil penalty, without admitting or denying the SEC's findings.&nbsp;



Express Fails To Disclose CEO's Full Executive Compensation&nbsp;



The SEC announced on Tuesday that it has settled charges against fashion retailer Express, Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXPRQ#OTC">EXPRQ</a>) for failing to disclose executive compensation it paid to its now former CEO with Express agreeing to a cease-and-desist order, without admitting or denying the SEC's findings.



According to the SEC's order, Express failed to disclose $979,269 worth of perks and personal benefits provided to its CEO for fiscal years 2019, 2020, and 2021. As a result, Express understated the "All Other Compensation" portion of its CEO's compensation by an average of 94% over the three years. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year.&nbsp;



"Public companies have a duty to comply with their disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation, including perks and personal benefits, so that investors can make educated investment decisions," said Sanjay Wadhwa, Acting Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement.&nbsp;



"Here, although Express fell short in carrying out its obligation, the Commission declined to impose a civil penalty based, in part, on the company's self-report, cooperation with the staff's investigation, and remedial efforts," Wadhwa added. 



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42564443/santa-came-early-with-rate-cut-but-federal-reserve-brings-coal-next-year-experts-weigh-in-on-rate-cut-feds-2025-projections">&#8216;Santa Came Early&#8217; But Fed Brings &#8216;Coal Next Year&#8217;: Experts Weigh In On Interest Rate Cut, 2025 Projections</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Yildiray Yücel Kamanmaz from Pixabay

News

Legal

EXPRQ

Financial Crime Weekly: Becton, Dickinson And Co. Pays $175 Million Penalty, Express Fails To Disclose CEO's Full Compensation

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas"> many investors&#8217; favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here&#8217;s a look at some of our top stories.



Major averages jumped on Friday but still logged weekly losses, with the Dow down 2.3%, the S&amp;P 500 falling 2%, and the Nasdaq losing 1.8%. 



The Federal Reserve&#8217;s widely anticipated 25-basis-point rate cut on Wednesday was overshadowed by its revised 2025 inflation forecasts and Jerome Powell&#8216;s cautious stance, dampening hopes for deeper cuts next year. Powell emphasized a "new phase" of monetary policy after a 100-basis-point reduction in 2024, signaling <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/12/42629219/fed-cuts-interest-rates-but-powell-spoils-santa-claus-rally-dollar-surges-to-over-2-year-high-bitcoin-sinks-below-100000-this-week-in-the-market">only gradual easing in 2025</a>.



Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), which had reached a record $108,388 before the Fed meeting, fell below $100,000 as markets absorbed the news.



Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#8217;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bulls</h3>



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42525257/analyst-hikes-teslas-price-target-to-515-musk-expresses-hope-for-stock-to-touch-69042">Elon Musk Hopes TSLA Stock Will Reach $690 As Analysts Raise Price Target Despite Technical Indicators Flashing Warning Signals</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/anan-ashraf">Anan Ashraf</a>, reports Elon Musk's optimism about Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) reaching $690, as analysts upgraded the stock with $515 price targets, citing potential benefits from Musk's alignment with Donald Trump's pro-autonomous vehicle policies.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42602503/dave-portnoy-says-he-owns-15-million-bitcoin-13-million-xrp-bet-it-and-set-it-not-trading">Dave Portnoy Says He Owns $1.5 Million Bitcoin, $1.3 Million XRP: &#8216;Bet It And Set It, Not Trading&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a> , reveals that Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, holds $1.5 million in Bitcoin and $1.3 million in XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>), emphasizing a long-term investment strategy rather than active trading, following insights from a recent conversation with Michael Saylor.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42516826/nvidia-and-5-other-stocks-are-analysts-top-semiconductor-picks-for-2025-sees-2-ai-trends">Nvidia And 5 Other Stocks Are Analyst&#8217;s Top Semiconductor Picks For 2025, Sees 2 AI Trends</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/hayden-buckfire">Hayden Buckfire</a>, highlights a Bank of America analyst naming NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), and Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) as top AI-driven semiconductor picks for 2025, alongside Lam Research Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>), ON Semiconductor Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>), and Cadence Design Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDNS#NASDAQ">CDNS</a>).



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42547442/microsof-scoops-up-485000-nvidia-ai-chips-twice-as-many-as-its-closest-rival-meta-report">Microsoft Scoops Up 485,000 Nvidia AI Chips, Twice As Many As Its Closest Rival Meta: Report</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/12/42599673/amazon-has-20000-rivian-electric-delivery-vans-in-fleet-heres-what-could-be-next-for-both-companies">Amazon Has 20,000 Rivian Electric Delivery Vans In Fleet: Here&#8217;s What Could Be Next For Both Companies</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/12/42535298/joby-clears-faa-tail-test-stock-flies-higher">Joby Clears FAA Tail Test, Stock Flies Higher</a>



The Bears



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42522048/jim-cramer-warns-nvidias-vicious-and-fast-reversal-is-coming-amid-174-surge-this-year-and-china-antitrust-probe">Jim Cramer Warns Nvidia&#8217;s &#8216;Vicious&#8217; And &#8216;Fast&#8217; Reversal Is Coming Amid 174% Surge This Year And China Antitrust Probe</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/kaustubh-bagalkote">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>, features Jim Cramer's caution about NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) facing a sharp correction after its 174% YTD gain, amid heightened regulatory scrutiny from China over its Mellanox Technologies acquisition.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42568740/dogecoin-bull-says-he-had-to-sell-as-meme-king-plunges-to-5-week-low-but-derivative-traders-remain-bullish">Dogecoin Bull Says He &#8216;Had To Sell&#8217; As Meme King Plunges To 5-Week Low But Derivative Traders Remain Bullish</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/aniket-verma">Aniket Verma</a>, reports on Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) dropping amid Federal Reserve concerns, with early adopter Glauber Contessoto selling some holdings.



&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42517567/cvs-cigna-unitedhealth-shares-slide-as-trump-targets-drug-middleman">CVS, Cigna, UnitedHealth Shares Slide As Trump Targets Drug &#8216;Middleman&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/adam-eckert">Adam Eckert</a>, reports that shares of CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), and UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) dropped after Trump vowed to eliminate Pharmacy Benefit Managers, citing their role in inflating drug prices and contributing to industry inefficiencies.



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



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42559347/trump-administration-could-ban-amazons-top-selling-routers-linked-to-chinese-cyberattacks-report">Trump Administration Could Ban Amazon&#8217;s Top-Selling Routers Linked To Chinese Cyberattacks: Report</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42529095/bitcoin-crash-could-trigger-stock-market-decline-in-2025-warns-expert-im-very-worried-that-people-overextended-themselves">Bitcoin Crash Could Trigger Stock Market Decline In 2025, Warns Expert: &#8216;I&#8217;m Very Worried That People Overextended Themselves&#8217;</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/12/42536470/costco-warns-that-tariffs-raise-prices-trump-team-says-trade-policies-will-make-life-affordable">Costco Warns That Tariffs Raise Prices, Trump Team Says Trade Policies Will &#8216;Make Life Affordable&#8217;</a>



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

Equities

Long Ideas

Short Ideas

Commodities

Trading Ideas

$BTC

$DOGE

$XRP

AVGO

CDNS

LRCX

MRVL

NVDA

TSLA

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Broadcom, UnitedHealth, Bitcoin And Dogecoin Bull 'Had To Sell' After Price Plunge

In a world where hunger kills more people each year than malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS combined, Elon Musk's bold proposition in October 2021 sparked an unusual yet critical conversation.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39668044/labor-economist-says-if-elon-musk-paid-for-social-security-on-his-salary-for-an-entire-year-it-w">tech billionaire, known for electrifying industries</a> and aiming for Mars, turned his attention back to Earth when David Beasley, head of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), pleaded for billionaires to step up now "on a one-time basis."



Beasley declared on CNN that "$6 billion to help 42 million people that are literally going to die if we don't reach them. It's not complicated."&nbsp;



Don't Miss:



<ul>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>



<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>



Musk, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/12/42496960/elon-musk-tried-to-create-a-new-intergalactic-media-empire-called-thud-he-offered-2-million-to-onion-editors-and-poached-staff-away">never one to shy away</a> from a public challenge, fired back on X (formerly Twitter): "If WFP can describe on this Twitter thread exactly how $6B will solve world hunger, I will sell Tesla stock right now and do it."



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">If WFP can describe on this Twitter thread exactly how $6B will solve world hunger, I will sell Tesla stock right now and do it.&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1454808104256737289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



The audacious response was classic Musk – direct and laced with a demand for transparency. He stipulated that the WFP's plan must include open-source accounting, ensuring the world could scrutinize every dollar.&nbsp;



See Also: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>



In a separate post on X, tagging Musk, Beasley clarified that while the funds wouldn't end hunger entirely, they could prevent famine for millions on the brink of starvation. Rising to Musk's challenge, the WFP presented a comprehensive plan to use $6.6 billion to provide urgent relief to 42 million people across 43 nations.



In the document shared by Beasley, the WFP explained exactly how the money would be allocated. The largest portion –$3.5 billion – was designated for purchasing and delivering food directly to those in need. Another $2 billion was set aside for cash and food vouchers, including transaction fees, to be distributed in areas where local markets could still function.



To ensure the aid was effective, $700 million would go toward managing new food programs tailored to each country&#8217;s unique conditions, prioritizing the most vulnerable populations. To maintain transparency and efficiency, the final $400 million was earmarked for operations management, administration, accountability and supply chain coordination.



Trending: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>



"The world is on fire," Beasley wrote on X, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for swift, decisive action to combat the growing crisis.



While Musk didn't directly donate $6 billion to the WFP but he contributed $5.7 billion in Tesla stock to his Musk Foundation later that year. According to reports, the exact allocation of these funds remains opaque, leaving critics and supporters alike to speculate on their impact. Meanwhile, the hunger crisis deepened.&nbsp;



According to The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 report, 733 million people – roughly one in eleven globally – face hunger. This number has hovered at alarming levels for three years straight, highlighting the scale of the challenge. Despite billions in aid and efforts from governments and NGOs, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42531924/elon-musk-had-a-food-budget-of-30-a-month-his-diet-was-mostly-hot-dogs-and-oranges-in-america-its-pretty-easy-to-keep-yourself-alive">systemic issues fueling hunger</a> remain deeply entrenched.



Although Beasley may think billionaires are the ticket to solving the crisis, the reality is far more complex. While billionaires like Musk can make significant contributions, world hunger isn't a problem money alone can solve. The crisis stems from a tangled web of causes – conflict, climate change, economic inequality and broken supply chains – that demand systemic solutions.&nbsp;



Read Next:



<ul>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.</li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – 'I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'

In a December meeting that will be remembered for its seismic impact on markets, the Federal Reserve delivered a widely anticipated 25-basis-point interest rate cut Wednesday, bringing the target <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/24/12/42561549/fed-slashes-interest-rates-by-0-25-as-predicted-december-dot-plot-flags-only-2-potential-cuts-in-2025">range to 4.25%-4.5%.</a>



Yet, it wasn't the rate cut itself that shocked Wall Street: it was the Fed&#8217;s revised economic forecasts and Chair Jerome Powell's stance that crushed expectations for deeper rate cuts in 2025.



In its December economic forecasts, the Fed raised inflation projections for 2025, signaling that only two rate cuts might be on the table for the year. This marked a dramatic shift from the expectations that had fueled investor optimism in recent weeks.



Powell cemented this hawkish tone during the press conference, stating that after a 100-basis-point reduction in 2024, the Fed would enter a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42563299/feds-powell-shocks-markets-its-a-new-phase-were-significantly-closer-to-neutral">&#8220;new phase&#8221; of monetary policy</a>. With rates nearing neutral levels, Powell emphasized the importance of a cautious approach, erasing any lingering hopes for aggressive easing.



In true Grinch fashion, Powell's message drained investor hopes for a Santa Claus Rally, a seasonal market trend that sees equities showing strong gains in the second half of December.



The S&amp;P 500 — as tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) — tumbled 3%, recording its worst single-day drop since September 2022, while the U.S. Dollar Index surged to a two-year high as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/24/12/42564807/powell-triggers-market-carnage-vix-spikes-58-stocks-plummet-dollar-hits-2-year-highs-bitcoin-nosedives">investors recalibrated their expectations</a>.



Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) demonstrated significant sensitivity to macroeconomic developments, dropping below $100,000 after reaching a record high of $108,388 one day prior to the Federal Reserve meeting.



Friday brought a brief reprieve as the Fed's preferred inflation gauge for November came <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42619788/market-volatility-halts-on-soft-inflation-data-yet-traders-remain-wary-of-fighting-the-fed-10-etfs-moving-friday">in lower than expected.</a> Yet the Fed's sting has left lingering wounds that only sustained progress in disinflation can heal.



The focus now shifts to 2025. Investors are bracing for the fiscal policies of the incoming Trump administration, the potential for a government shutdown and the broader implications of Fed monetary policy.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">ChargePoint-GM Collaboration</h1>



ChargePoint Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHPT#NYSE">CHPT</a>) and General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) partnered to deploy ultra-fast EV charging ports at key locations across the U.S. This strategic move aims to enhance electric vehicle infrastructure and accelerate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42553394/chargepoint-inks-pact-with-general-motors-eyes-installing-ultra-fast-charging-ports-at-key-locations">EV adoption nationwide</a>.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Palantir Defies Gravity</h1>



Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)&#8217;s stock surged Friday after securing a key U.S. Army deal and joining the Nasdaq-100 index. The stock's year-to-date <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/12/42620067/palantir-defies-gravity-army-deal-nasdaq-100-spotlight-fuel-rally">gains now top 340%.</a>



Read Now: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42623343/exclusive-weight-loss-market-experts-scoop-up-novo-nordisk-stock-after-worst-drop-since-2002-following-drug-trial-miss">EXCLUSIVE: Weight-Loss Market Experts Scoop Up Novo Nordisk Stock After Worst Drop Since 2002 Following Drug Trial Miss</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Cryptocurrency

Large Cap

Federal Reserve

CHPT

PLTR

Fed Cuts Interest Rates, But Powell Spoils Santa Claus Rally; Dollar Surges To Over 2-Year High, Bitcoin Sinks Below $100,000: This Week In The Market

The ability for college athletes to be paid for their name, image and likeness in a blockbuster 2021 NCAA agreement has changed NCAA Football forever and will see one player get paid in Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) in 2025, following other professional<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/24/11/41918833/nfl-player-mocked-for-taking-salary-in-bitcoin-russell-okung-may-have-the-last-laugh-as-btc-soars"> athletes into cryptocurrency</a>.



What Happened: Since the approval of NIL deals, top <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ncaa-football">NCAA Football players</a> have been able to earn thousands and millions of dollars on deals.



USC recruit Matai Tagoa'i announced he will be paid in Bitcoin for a portion of his NIL payments starting next year, as reported by On3.



The deal comes through a partnership with Strike, a Bitcoin payments app. USC NIL collective House of Victory helped facilitate the deal.



"This is a game-changer for me. By taking part of my NIL earnings in Bitcoin, I'm setting myself up for long-term financial growth. I'm grateful to Strike, House of Victory and 3Point0 Labs for helping me take this step," Tagoa'i said.



With the deal, Tagoa'i is believed to be the first college athlete to get paid NIL payments in Bitcoin.



"I'm proud to be part of this innovative collaboration that's redefining the future of college athletics and finance and hope to set an example for other young athletes."



Strike founder Jack Mallers, who has helped with other <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/07/21984141/nfls-saquon-barkley-to-take-100-of-endorsement-money-in-bitcoin">Bitcoin deals for athletes</a>, took to social media to share his excitement for the deal.



"Bitcoin is more than a new technology. Bitcoin is a cultural phenomenon. An idea and a movement that's time has come. Excited to work with @mataitagoai and more athletes around the world that want to keep the wealth they earn and inspire new generations to sue better money," Mallers tweeted.



A four-star recruit and top-100 recruit nationwide, the linebacker is expected to be a key to USC Football next season. Tagoa'i picked USC over other top schools he was considering including Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&amp;M and Washington.



USC finished with a 6-6 record in the 2024 NCAA Football season, including a 4-5 record in the Big Ten Conference, its first in the conference.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/40047361/soccer-player-bet-on-bitcoin-in-2021-with-salary-is-now-up-over-100-im-a-simple-man-i-like">Soccer Player Bet On Bitcoin In 2021 With Salary, Is Now Up Over 100%: &#8216;I&#8217;m A Simple Man, I Like Playing Football And I Like Playing With My Bitcoins&#8217;</a>



Why It's Important: Former NFL player Russell Okung previously made headlines in 2020 as he announced that half his salary would be paid in Bitcoin.



While many criticized the deal and later took shots at Okung when the price of Bitcoin went down, the former NFL player is having the last laugh now with Bitcoin<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42367065/exclusive-bitcoin-briefly-tops-100000-but-where-do-benzinga-readers-predict-it-will-finish-2024"> trading near $100,000</a> and significantly higher than when he acquired it.



The approval of NIL continues to play a big role in college sports, specifically college football and the deal between Strike and Tagoa'i could be the first of more cryptocurrency deals to come.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/07/21816797/ncaa-athletes-can-now-make-a-profit-off-their-nil-what-to-know-and-some-early-deals">NIL deals</a> have even seen one of the richest people in the world help the University of Michigan <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42201909/hail-to-the-victors-and-larry-ellison-billionaire-helps-michigan-football-land-top-recruit-bryce-underwood">land a top QB recruit, </a>as Benzinga previously shared. NIL is also the reason there was a new NCAA Football game for Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>) this season, which went on to be a top selling game for the year.



BTC Price Action: Bitcoin trades at $95,924.19 at the time of writing, versus a 52-week trading range of $38,521.89 to $108,268.45. Bitcoin is up 117% year-to-date in 2024.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/24/12/42521231/travis-hunter-wins-heisman-will-he-be-1-pick-in-2025-nfl-draft-what-betting-odds-history-show">Travis Hunter Wins Heisman, Will He Be #1 Pick In 2025 NFL Draft? What Betting Odds, History Show</a></li>
</ul>

Sports

USC Football Player Gets NIL Earnings In Bitcoin: 'Setting Myself Up For Long-Term Financial Growth'

Spotify Technology SA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>) has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42321349/drakes-legal-fight-involving-kendrick-lamar-takes-center-stage-and-so-do-their-mega-mansions">strongly denied allegations</a> from Drake that it &#8220;artificially inflated&#8221; streaming numbers for rival artist Kendrick Lamar&#8217;s track &#8220;Not Like Us.&#8221;



What Happened: In opposition papers filed, Spotify stated it &#8220;has no economic incentive&#8221; to favor Lamar&#8217;s track over Drake&#8217;s music, <a href="https://variety.com/2024/music/news/spotify-slams-drake-claim-inflated-kendrick-lamar-streams-1236256265/">reported</a> Variety.



&#8220;Marquee was purchased on behalf of the song, for €500 to promote the track in France. Marquee is a visual ad that is disclosed to users as a Sponsored Recommendation,&#8221; stated a Spotify spokesperson.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/41009103/spotifys-ai-playlist-now-available-in-us-other-countries-heres-how-it-works">Spotify&#8217;s AI Playlist Now Available In US, Other Countries: Here&#8217;s How It Works</a>



Drake&#8217;s company Frozen Moments had previously filed a petition claiming that Spotify and Universal Music Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UMGNF#OTC">UMGNF</a>) artificially boosted Lamar&#8217;s streaming numbers.



The petition alleged UMG offered Spotify a 30% discount on licensing rates in exchange for promoting &#8220;Not Like Us,&#8221; a claim both companies deny.



Earlier, Universal Music Group rejected the accusations as &#8220;offensive and untrue,&#8221; underscoring their commitment to ethical marketing practices. A UMG spokesperson stated that fan choice, not manipulation, drives streaming numbers.



Drake&#8217;s legal team responded through a statement to Variety, challenging both companies to comply with discovery requests if they have &#8220;nothing to hide.&#8221;



Why It Matters: The dispute has expanded beyond streaming numbers, with Drake filing a separate action in Texas alleging defamation and improper radio promotion practices.



Neither artist is directly signed to UMG, instead licensing their music through their own companies &#8211; Drake&#8217;s OVO and Lamar&#8217;s pgLang &#8211; to Universal labels for marketing and distribution.



Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Drake&#8217;s petition primarily targets Universal — the label responsible for distributing his music since his 2009 debut with Lil Wayne's Young Money — rather than Spotify, iHeart, or Lamar himself, the report noted.



However, the timing of the legal action, revolving around a song tied to the prolonged feud between the two artists, seems far from coincidental.



"Not Like Us" stands out as a diss track that not only climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 but also secured multiple nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards.



Price Action: Spotify&#8217;s stock rose by 1.48% on Friday, closing at $460.88. Year-to-date, the company&#8217;s shares have skyrocketed 144.11%, significantly outperforming the Nasdaq 100 index, which has gained 28.68% during the same timeframe, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro data</a>.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42522048/jim-cramer-warns-nvidias-vicious-and-fast-reversal-is-coming-amid-174-surge-this-year-and-china-antitrust-probe?itm_source=parsely-api">Jim Cramer Warns Nvidia's ‘Vicious' And ‘Fast' Reversal Is Coming Amid 174% Surge This Year And China Antitrust Probe</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Entertainment

Tech

Media

SPOT

UMGNF

Spotify Fires Back At Drake: Calls 'Artificially Inflated Streams' Allegation Over Kendrick Lamar's Hit Unfounded

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who had earlier expressed skepticism over Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) latest plan, shifted his stance after the passage of a spending package to avert a government shutdown.



What Happened: Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Musk praised Johnson's efforts saying, "The Speaker did a good job here, given the circumstances. It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces."



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The Speaker did a good job here, given the circumstances. It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces. Ball should now be in the Dem court. <a href="https://t.co/KnSwLEjvjd">https://t.co/KnSwLEjvjd</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1870236798267298044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41016869/mike-johnson-vows-no-christmas-omnibus-breaking-from-a-terrible-tradition-were-not-going-to-do-any-b">Mike Johnson Vows No Christmas Omnibus, Breaking From A &#8216;Terrible Tradition&#8217;: &#8216;We&#8217;re Not Going To Do Any Buses, OK?&#8217;</a>



Musk had previously questioned whether Johnson's plan, which involved a vote on the failed bill without a debt ceiling provision, was more aligned with Republicans or Democrats.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">So is this a Republican bill or a Democrat bill? &#x1f914; <a href="https://t.co/C54cbLGoGR">https://t.co/C54cbLGoGR</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1870210936616755632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



On Friday, the House of Representatives <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42633817/house-passes-spending-bill-to-avert-government-shutdown-sidesteps-trumps-demand-to-suspend-federal-debt-limi">passed a stopgap funding measure</a>, narrowly avoiding a government shutdown just hours before the deadline.



Following the passage of a spending package to avert a government shutdown, House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said, &#8220;House Democrats have successfully stopped extreme MAGA Republicans from shutting down the government, crashing the economy, and hurting working-class Americans all across the land.&#8221;



In response to Jeffries' comments, Musk sarcastically congratulated him on the spending bill victory. His post featured a stack of documents split into two piles—one significantly larger than the other—seemingly critiquing the complexity of legislative processes.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Congratulations on your "victory", <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJeffries?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepJeffries</a> lol <a href="https://t.co/uxtHKXOamZ">pic.twitter.com/uxtHKXOamZ</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1870241934511329359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Why It Matters: The House&#8217;s decision came after a week of intense Republican infighting.



Speaker Johnson had initially brokered a bipartisan funding deal with Democrats, but it was derailed by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42566558/house-republicans-reject-spending-bill-under-pressure-from-trump-musk-government-faces-shutdown">opposition from both</a> President-elect Donald Trump and Musk.



&#8220;Your elected representatives have heard you and now the terrible bill is dead. The voice of the people has triumphed,&#8221; the tech mogul posted on X at the time.



To avoid a government shutdown set for midnight on Friday, Republican leaders unveiled a &#8220;Plan C.&#8221;&nbsp;



This strategy involved holding separate votes on three crucial measures: a short-term funding bill to extend government operations for three months, a $100 billion disaster relief package, and a $10 billion farm aid bill.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41762294/mike-johnson-urges-calm-on-result-certification-the-election-is-too-big-to-rig">Mike Johnson Urges Calm On Result Certification: The Election Is &#8216;Too Big To Rig&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Government

Politics

Elon Musk Changes Tone, Applauds Speaker Johnson: 'It Went From A Bill That Weighed Pounds To One That Weighed Ounces'

Cryptocurrency markets saw volatile trading on Friday despite <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42606037/etf-market-hits-records-in-2024-inflows-reach-16-trillion-7-funds-top-ranking">growing interest in spot ETFs</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Gains +/-</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$97,108.38</td><td>+0.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$3,462.57</td><td>+2.6%</td></tr><tr><td>Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$190.13</td><td>-1.3%</td></tr><tr><td>XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$2.27</td><td>&nbsp;+2.5%</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$0.3152</td><td>+0.9%</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$0.00002172</td><td>+0.5%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Notable Statistics:



<ul>
<li>IntoTheBlock data shows large transaction volume increasing by 4.6% and daily active addresses falling by 0.3%. Transactions greater than $100,000 are up from 13,516 to 13,885 in a single day. Exchanges netflows are down by 312.3%.</li>



<li>Coinglass data reports 327,657 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $963.51 million.</li>
</ul>



Notable Developments:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42611171/kim-jong-uns-north-korea-linked-hackers-steal-13b-in-bitcoin-and-other-cryptocurrencies-in-2024-report">Kim Jong Un&#8217;s North Korea-Linked Hackers Steal $1.3B In Bitcoin And Other Cryptocurrencies In 2024: Report</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42623985/rattled-hawk-tuah-girl-haliey-welch-resurfaces-after-meme-coin-scandal-i-take-this-situation-extremely-seriously">Rattled &#8216;Hawk Tuah Girl&#8217; Haliey Welch Resurfaces After Meme Coin Scandal: &#8216;I Take This Situation Extremely Seriously&#8217;</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42608825/shytoshi-kusama-says-huge-news-as-shiba-inu-partners-with-chainlink-to-boost-shibarium-ecosystem-tokens">Shytoshi Kusama Shares &#8216;Huge News&#8217; As Shiba Inu Partners With Chainlink To Boost Shibarium, Ecosystem Tokens</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42609238/el-salvador-buys-bitcoin-dip-scoops-1-million-worth-of-btc-a-day-after-imf-urges-scaling-back">El Salvador Buys Bitcoin Dip, Scoops $1 Million Worth Of BTC A Day After IMF Urges Scaling Back</a></li>
</ul>



Top Gainers:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Gains +/-</td></tr><tr><td>Ethena (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">ENA</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$1.20&nbsp;</td><td>+25.7%</td></tr><tr><td>Hyperliquid (CRYPTO: HYPE)</td><td>&nbsp;$29.23</td><td>+23%</td></tr><tr><td>Virtuals Protocol (CRYPTO: VIRTUAL)</td><td>&nbsp;$2.67</td><td>+21.8%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Trader Notes: With Bitcoin prices dropping, Stockmoney Lizards explained that after recent liquidations of leveraged long positions, the crypto king's market has cleared out downside liquidity. 



The <a href="https://x.com/StockmoneyL/status/1870160524102480086">focus</a> now shifts to upside potential, with a gradual trend upwards toward the major resistance level of $100,000 being a likely scenario.



Daan Crypto Trades <a href="https://x.com/DaanCrypto/status/1870140926599016868">noted</a> Bitcoin&#8217;s green daily close and highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum for a strong weekend finish.



Altcoin Sherpa shared a chart suggesting a logical pattern for Bitcoin&#8217;s trajectory in the coming weeks.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">something like this makes sense for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> during the next few weeks <a href="https://t.co/ekvvriHIJz">pic.twitter.com/ekvvriHIJz</a>&mdash; Altcoin Sherpa (@AltcoinSherpa) <a href="https://twitter.com/AltcoinSherpa/status/1870153658954068084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Emperor reflected on a successful trading strategy since $49,000, focusing on buying dips caused by excessive leverage and selling pumps. 



While this<a href="https://x.com/EmperorBTC/status/1870120752747511973"> approach</a> yielded gains, the recent drop to $92,000 marked the first loss this season. 



Despite the setback, the last three months provided ample opportunities to double capital, even if this signifies a potential Christmas sell-off or market top.



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42612972/bitcoins-2025-outlook-suddenly-looks-uncertain-heres-why">Bitcoin&#8217;s 2025 Outlook Suddenly Looks Uncertain: Here&#8217;s Why</a></li>
</ul>

$ENA

$ETH

$SHIB

$SOL

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Recover From Day's Losses: 'If This Is The Christmas Sell Off And The Top, So Be It,' Trader Says

Bill Gates doesn't shy away from paying taxes. In fact, he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39657043/bill-gates-wants-to-pay-more-in-taxes-ive-been-disproportionately-rewarded-while-many-others-who">thinks he should be paying more – </a>a lot more. But if he feels that way, why doesn't the multibillionaire voluntarily hand over a bigger slice of his fortune to Uncle Sam?&nbsp;



It's a question critics love to ask and Gates has been clear about his stance. In a 2019 end-of-the-year GatesNotes blog post, he addressed the question: "People pay taxes as an obligation of law and citizenship, not out of charity."



Don't Miss:



<ul>
<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.</li>
</ul>



This isn't some new talking point for Gates. For years, he's publicly advocated for a fairer, more progressive tax system. Back in the 2019 blog post, he pointed out what he sees as a fundamental problem: "The U.S. government simply does not bring in enough money to meet its obligations. This isn't a value judgment; it's just a fact." And Gates believes the wealthiest Americans – including himself – should be doing more to close that gap.



It's not just lip service, either. Gates and his father were early champions of raising the federal estate tax and they supported creating a state income tax in Washington, one of the most regressive tax states in the country. The reasoning is simple: Gates doesn't believe wealth and power should be concentrated in families just because they happened to hit the jackpot a generation ago. "A dynastic system where you can pass vast wealth along to your children is not good for anyone," he's said, explaining why he and Melinda plan to give most of their fortune to charity instead of leaving it to their kids.



See Also: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partnered with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target announces the deadline to invest this year is 12/20. – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>



Still, the question persists: Why not lead by example and pay more than required? Gates has a straightforward answer. He argues that taxes aren't meant to be optional. Voluntary contributions, while noble, aren't a scalable solution to funding the public good. "If Melinda and I signed over our foundation's entire endowment to the state of California, it wouldn't be enough to fund their public schools for even one year," he wrote. For Gates, a robust tax system – designed to be fair and consistent – is the only way to address inequality and meet the government's obligations.



He's particularly critical of how the current tax system favors wealth over work. Capital gains, which comprise a large portion of income for the wealthiest Americans, are taxed at just 20%, while labor income can be taxed up to 37%. That discrepancy, Gates argues, is unfair. "I don't see any reason to favor wealth over work the way we do today," he said, suggesting that capital gains taxes should be raised to match income taxes.



Trending: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?



Gates also supports closing loopholes in the estate tax, removing caps on Medicare taxes and taxing long-held fortunes that often escape scrutiny. He's quick to point out that these changes wouldn't just be symbolic gestures – they'd help <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42396804/could-the-super-catch-up-be-your-ticket-to-a-richer-retirement-starting-in-2025-60-year-olds-can-save-an-extra-11250">create a more balanced system</a> where everyone contributes their fair share.



But Gates isn't blind to the importance of incentives. He's careful to stress that taxes shouldn't be raised so high that they discourage innovation. After all, when he and Paul Allen started Microsoft in the 1970s, the top marginal tax rate was nearly double what it is today and it didn't stop them from building one of the world's most valuable companies. In his view, there's still plenty of room to increase taxes on the wealthy without stifling entrepreneurship or economic growth.



Trending: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.



While Gates has no intention of writing unsolicited checks to the IRS, his commitment to giving back is clear. Through philanthropy, he and Melinda focus on tackling global challenges like health, education and climate change – areas where private foundations can often take risks that governments or corporations can't. As he sees it, philanthropy and fair taxation aren't mutually exclusive; they're complementary ways of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">addressing inequality and driving progress</a>.



Ultimately, Gates believes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42438799/bill-gates-predicts-ai-in-the-workforce-will-lead-to-so-much-leisure-time-but-itll-create-a-what-do-we-do-with-all-that-time-problem">real change</a> won't come from one billionaire's checkbook. It has to come from rethinking the system itself. "We've updated our tax system before to keep up with changing times," he wrote, "and we need to do it again, starting with raising taxes on people like me." For Gates, it's not about the size of his contribution – it's about creating a system where everyone pays their fair share, not out of charity, but out of obligation.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>



<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">The deadline to invest and receive your shares this year is 12/20. Join 30,000+ shareholders and invest at $0.26/share today.</a></li>
</ul>

Bill Gates Answers Why He Doesn't Just Voluntarily Pay More In Taxes – 'People Pay Taxes As An Obligation Of Law … Not Out Of Charity'

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/11/42219703/ellen-degeneres-leaves-the-u-s-what-it-means-for-her-96-million-house-flipping-hobby">Ellen DeGeneres</a> recently left America to escape politics and celebrity culture. However, she might be in shock in the idyllic English setting that she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have decided to call home.



The Cotswolds – an area of 800 square miles of rolling hills less than two hours away from London, comprising six counties – Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, as well as some parts of Somerset, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Wiltshire – in Southern England is the kind of unspoiled rural environment you expect to see Miss Marple sleuthing around. It is the setting for village fetes and vicarage tea parties. More recently, however, it&#8217;s become a haven for U.K. A-list celebrities, U.S. transplants and multi-million-pound homes.



Don't Miss:



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



<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-y2"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Ellen&#8217;s Hanging Out With In The Cotswolds</h2>



A social media post from British pub The Farmer&#8217;s Dog – which TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson owns – featured Ellen with partner de Rossi, singer James Blunt, Irish pop band The Corrs, who performed, and Aussie singer Natalie Imbruglia. Like The Hamptons, the Cotswolds is spread over a large area, but well-known pubs and restaurants can attract a glitzy gathering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">David and Victoria Beckham</h2>



One of the most well-known celeb couples in the Cotswolds is the Beckhams. The global soccer icon, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/david-beckham">David</a> and his ex-Spice Girl wife-turned-fashion mogul wife, Victoria, routinely share social media footage from their country pile. They paid around $15 million for the sprawling estate, featured heavily in the Netflix documentary Beckham. Among the amenities shown on the doc were a garden, pool, sauna, football pitch, spa, bee farm, chicken coop and tree house. You&#8217;d expect nothing less from Posh and Becks.



See Also: Unlock the hidden potential of commercial real estate —<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=unlockboost-yahoo"> This platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Simon Cowell</h2>



Pop music exec turned TV talent judge and entertainment mogul Simon Cowell went public about escaping London for his family&#8217;s safety. He sold his $57 million home in the capital&#8217;s Holland Park after being targeted by a group of criminals for burglary, having already been stolen in 2015, losing passports and more than $1.26 million worth of jewelry.



His new home in the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire has been attracting invaders of another kind – moles. The subterranean furry creatures have been digging up his garden with underground tunnels and creeping ever closer to it.



A source told The Sun newspaper earlier this year: &#8220;There are holes everywhere – like Swiss cheese.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kate Moss</h2>



Former British supermodel and agency owner Kate Moss offered The Times a look at her historic Grade II-listed home. The former catwalk queen enjoys vintage curtains made from silk chinoiserie, polished brass fixtures, reclaimed oak flooring and a vegetable garden.&nbsp;



Trending: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2">These high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% make earning passive income easier than ever.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Cotswolds Celebs</h2>



It is no secret that outspoken TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, best known for the car show Top Gear, lives in Oxfordshire. He routinely invites viewers into his estate on his Amazon Prime series, Clarkson&#8217;s Farm. According to the Guardian, he lives in a neighboring village to ex-British PM David Cameron.



Actress and former model Elizabeth Hurley was also a Cotswold resident, reportedly selling her home for $11.3 million to move away from her celebrity neighbors, according to Gloucestershire Live. She told the website:



&#8220;I previously spent 10 years in the Cotswolds, which I loved, but it was annoying bumping into people I cross the road to avoid in London.&#8221;



Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund&#8217;s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%&#x2A;</a>, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">&nbsp;</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">American Invasion</h2>



It&#8217;s not just Brit celebs who are flooding the Cotswolds. Now, Americans are moving in droves. Harry Gladwin, head of the Cotswolds at the Buying Solution, told Bloomberg that his American clients have increased by 30% in the past year and have been growing since the U.S. election.



&#8220;The Cotswolds seems to be a mecca for Americans who want the &#8216;London lite&#8217; lifestyle with great schooling,&#8221; Gladwin said, adding that his American clients aren&#8217;t afraid of a big historical renovation project either.



Many artisanal stores and restaurants have opened to cater to new, well-heeled American clientele. Some Americans have even opened their businesses, such as D&#8217;Ambrosi Fine Foods, which opened in the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold during the pandemic. It flies the U.S. flag outside and is owned by Americans Jesse and Andrew D&#8217;Ambrosi (as seen on Top Chef), Cotswold&#8217;s transplants. They cater to a growing contingent of U.S. expats and, as such, go big on July Fourth and Thanksgiving.&nbsp;



&#8220;This year, we&#8217;ve had a 40% increase in orders for our Thanksgiving menu, which includes a rather extraordinary smoked and glazed turkey and the meanest dark chocolate pecan pie in the land,&#8221; owner Jesse said. &#8220;It seems to hit the ticket for those craving a taste of home."



Ellen should feel right at home.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li>Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=stockmarket-yahoo"> this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a></li>



<li>During market downturns, investors are learning that unlike equities, these<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2"> high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% are protected by resilient assets, buffering against losses.</a></li>
</ul>

Markets

Celebrities Like Ellen DeGeneres, David Beckham And Simon Cowell Have Turned England's Idyllic Cotswolds Into A-list Mecca

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42510681/mark-cuban-says-hed-take-bananas-over-bitcoin-because-he-could-eat-the-bananas-calls-crypto-so-complicated-for-99-of-people">Mark Cuban</a>, the billionaire entrepreneur and longtime investor on Shark Tank, has spoken about his financial losses on the show. Despite investing nearly $20 million in various startups, Cuban admitted during a 2022 appearance on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_8wm30tLyc">Full Send Podcast</a> that he hasn't made a profit from his Shark Tank investments.



Cuban was candid when asked if he was financially "up" overall. "Oh no, I've gotten beat," he said. Among his losses was Breathometer, a smartphone Breathalyzer startup Cuban labeled his biggest failure. The company earned backing from all five sharks, including Cuban, Lori Greiner and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41519655/kevin-oleary-warns-never-let-a-man-control-your-financial-destiny-he-says-divorce-your-husband-and-y">Kevin O'Leary</a>, making it a standout deal.



Don't Miss:



<ul>
<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"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a></li>



<li>It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a></li>
</ul>



"It was a great idea and actually a decent product," Cuban recalled during the podcast. However, he noted that the company's founder, Charles Michael Yim, spent more time on lavish trips to Bora Bora and Vegas than on improving the product. Cuban even texted Yim, urging him to focus on the business, but Yim dismissed it as "networking." Ultimately, Cuban revealed, "Next thing you know, all the money's gone."



Breathometer's troubles didn't end with poor management. In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) determined that the product's blood alcohol readings were often inaccurate. This led to a settlement that required the company to issue refunds for devices sold between 2013 and 2015.



See Also: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partnered with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target announces the deadline to invest this year is 12/20. – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Than Just Profits</h2>



Cuban's lack of financial success on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42322110/from-kevin-oleary-to-kendra-scott-the-surprising-things-shark-tank-stars-refuse-to-buy">Shark Tank</a> may surprise fans, but for him, the show has always been about more than making money. "I did 99.99 percent [of it] just because it teaches kids about the power of entrepreneurship," Cuban shared on the Full Send Podcast. He believes Shark Tank demonstrates that the American dream is still alive, inspiring people of all ages to take risks and start businesses.



"If we can inspire young entrepreneurs to come out and do something … that's huge," Cuban said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cuban's Final Season on Shark Tank</h2>



After 14 seasons of the show, Shark Tank is ending. Cuban said he is stepping away to spend more time with his family. "I've missed [time with my kids] for so long. Now they're teenagers, I just don't want to miss any more of that time," Cuban explained in an interview with Good Morning America.



Trending: Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.



Reflecting on his favorite investments, Cuban pointed to Dude Wipes, a line of personal hygiene products that has grown into a $100 million business. "They're killing it. They're taking over the toilet paper category," he said.



Cuban also acknowledged a missed opportunity with Spikeball, a backyard sports game with significant popularity. "Every time I see it, it just reminds me I missed out," he admitted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lessons for Entrepreneurs</h2>



For small business owners and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/12/42369492/how-a-teen-coder-built-a-payments-empire-local-businesses-took-a-chance-on-me-now-we-processed-4-billion-in-2023">aspiring entrepreneurs</a>, Cuban's experiences offer valuable insights. While he has faced his share of failures, he remains optimistic about today&#8217;s opportunities. "The economy now is wide-open to businesses," he said on Good Morning America. "There's been more businesses formed every year now than ever before, so the opportunity is there."



Ultimately, Cuban's journey shows that even the most successful investors face setbacks – but those setbacks don't define them. He says, "You only need to be right once."



Read Next:



<ul>
<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">The deadline to invest and receive your shares this year is 12/20. Join 30,000+ shareholders and invest at $0.26/share today.</a></li>



<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>

Startups

Mark Cuban Admits: 'I've Gotten Beat' After Losing $20 Million On Shark Tank Startups

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

FIXX Page Not Found - Benzinga

Symbol Similar to: FIXX

Top Gaining Stocks

Notizie

PARTNER/COLLABORATORE

BENZINGA NEL MONDO