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First Republic Bank offers private banking and wealth management services to high-net-worth clients. Services are offered in the San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles markets. The bank was founded in 1985.

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Investor and author Robert Kiyosaki has criticized the U.S. Federal Reserve and commended Michael Saylor, co-founder and executive chairman of MicroStrategy Inc. for his aggressive <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869188/robert-kiyosaki-rings-alarm-bells-over-soaring-us-debt-the-dollar-is-trash">Bitcoin acquisition strategy</a>.
What Happened: Kiyosaki, known for his pro-cryptocurrency stance, took to social media X to voice his skepticism about the Fed's policies and inflation management. 
He labeled the central bank&#8217;s decisions as detrimental to the economy and suggested that Saylor&#8217;s Bitcoin strategy offers a viable hedge against these issues.
"Michael Saylor's bold Bitcoin purchasing strategy is not just investment; it's a fight against the Fed's reckless policies," Kiyosaki wrote in the post. 
The author has long been an advocate for Bitcoin and other alternative assets, frequently advising followers to invest in assets like gold, silver, and cryptocurrencies to protect themselves from what he sees as the erosion of purchasing power.
Saylor's MicroStrategy is recognized as one of the largest institutional Bitcoin holders, having spent billions acquiring the cryptocurrency. Saylor maintains that Bitcoin is the ultimate store of value in a world grappling with rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41869087/kiyosaki-aims-to-own-100-bitcoins-by-2025-i-wish-bitcoin-was-back-to-10-a-coin-but-wishing-has-never-made-poor-people-richer">Kiyosaki Aims To Own 100 Bitcoins By 2025: &#8216;I Wish Bitcoin Was Back To $10 A Coin, But Wishing Has Never Made Poor People Richer&#8217;</a>
In his post Kiyosaki also praised President-elect Donald Trump and his position on Bitcoin. Kiyosaki highlighted his work with Trump and shared his belief that Trump could become the first "Bitcoin President," a reflection of Trump's supportive attitude toward cryptocurrency.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">BIG MOUTH no BALLS: Why dooes a certain loudmouth who sells gold…criticize MICHAEL SAYLOR for using his company MICROSTRATEGY's treasury and credit to buy Billions in BITCOIN….Making himself, his company, and investors like me….RICHER….buying billions in BITCOIN. Would Mr.…
&mdash; Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1860158537936113938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
He wrote, &#8220;Let's make America and the world richer again with Bitcoin.&#8221;
Kiyosaki continued to criticize fiat currencies, describing them as tools of government control. 
Why It Matters: His statements reflect a broader sentiment within the crypto community that views Bitcoin as a decentralized alternative to traditional financial systems.
The debate over Bitcoin as a safeguard against inflation has intensified as governments worldwide grapple with economic challenges. Both Kiyosaki and Saylor remain prominent figures in this discourse, influencing retail and institutional investors alike.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41305328/robert-kiyosaki-predicts-stock-market-crash-says-invest-in-gold-silver-and-bitcoin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Stock Market Crash, Says Invest In Gold, Silver, And Bitcoin</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image: Shutterstock

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

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Robert Kiyosaki: 'Trump Will Make America Richer Again By Being The First Bitcoin President'

These mid-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Lemonade, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMND#NYSE">LMND</a>) shares jumped 47.99% after the company&#8217;s Investor Day event. Several analysts raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/lmnd/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACHR#NYSE">ACHR</a>) shares escalated 46.96%.&nbsp;Needham analyst&nbsp;initiated coverage&nbsp;on Archer Aviation with a Buy rating and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/achr/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a price target of&nbsp;$11</a>.</li>
<li>C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AI#NYSE">AI</a>) stock zoomed 43.98% after the company announced a strategic alliance with Microsoft Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)&nbsp;and expanded <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42095812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its partnership&nbsp;with&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42095812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Capgemini</a>.</li>
<li>Oklo Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKLO#NYSE">OKLO</a>) stock rocketed 40%. The stock may have gained in response to its acquisition target Atomic Alchemy which signed an MOU with Zeno Power to provide fuel for commercial radioisotope power systems.</li>
<li>Applied Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APLD#NASDAQ">APLD</a>) stock increased 36.24%.</li>
<li>Unity Software Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/U#NYSE">U</a>) shares rose 35.70%.</li>
<li>Nebius Group N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NBIS#NASDAQ">NBIS</a>) shares were up 33.47% &nbsp;after the company announced an expansion to its AI infrastructure in the U.S. with the Kansas City GPU <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42059918" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cluster and three new offices</a>.</li>
<li>NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMR#NYSE">SMR</a>) stock surged 31.29%.</li>
<li>Hims &amp; Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>) shares jumped 31.11%. The company launched meal replacement bars and shakes to enhance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42118299" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personalized weight loss plans</a>.</li>
</ol>
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/42154387/target-alibaba-and-temu-parent-pdd-are-among-top-10-large-cap-losers-last-week-nov-18-nov-22-are-the-others-in-your-portfolio">Target, Alibaba And Temu Parent PDD Are Among Top 10 Large-Cap Losers Last Week (Nov 18-Nov 22): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/42154355/super-micro-computer-snowflake-and-microstrategy-are-among-top-10-large-cap-gainers-last-week-nov-18-nov-22-are-the-others-in-your-portfolio">Super Micro Computer, Snowflake And MicroStrategy Are Among Top 10 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Nov 18-Nov 22): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>
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APLD

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

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LMND

MSFT

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Applied Digital And Hims & Hers Health Are Among Top 9 Mid-Cap Gainers Last Week (Nov 18-Nov 22): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

The TON Society acts as the primary organization driving support for the TON community, dedicated to providing developers, builders, and enthusiasts with the resources and opportunities needed to foster collaboration and growth within the ecosystem.
At a recent event, TON announced several significant updates, including improvements to Telegram's applications and the launch of Society DAO, a governance initiative introduced by the TON Foundation.
Benzinga recently caught up with Jack Booth, co-founder of the TON Society, to discuss the organization's efforts to amplify community goals, initiatives like the Open League, Hackers League bootcamps, and more. Here's an excerpt of the conversation.
What makes Telegram uniquely effective for onboarding new users to crypto?
The massive user base, for one. And the ability to create a Telegram mini app for two. So, Telegram mini-apps open in one tab from a Telegram channel. And that provides a totally unique experience because you don&#8217;t need to download a new app.
You normally don&#8217;t need to go through a registration process even to get started. And that is like a 10x better experience than having to go through like, you know, before you&#8217;d start using a crypto application, go through KYC, fund the account, send money from your bank account. Normally most projects on TON are free to get started, free to start using. And so that means it&#8217;s very easy to understand and begin to learn about the crypto application.
How does TON Society support and amplify the TON community's goals?
We are responsible for community engagement. So, our main metric is reach on the community&#8217;s projects and activities as well as getting people to engage in what the ecosystem is up to. So as part of that, we run all of the community channels. So, we see ourselves as almost as an ecosystem journalist reporting on the main stories of the ecosystem as they happen and also running all of the events.
We also run Hackers League as well, which is a more developer-focused event series. We&#8217;re doing this concurrently, so it&#8217;s just a crazy amount of work that we&#8217;ve put into this event plus the boot camps, 20 boot camps we&#8217;ve run over six weeks, each of them three days long over a weekend.
So, starting mid-October until mid-November, we&#8217;ve got these 20 boot camps happening all over the world. And it&#8217;s all in a way of bringing the community together to connect, help them understand how to build their projects, help them get in touch with core members who can help them reach the right people, get the right funding, get access to the right resources. And so, we provide a very important role, I believe, in the ecosystem.
Could you share more about the Open League and how it incentivizes community engagement?
The Open League is a competition between projects where the Open League this season will actually pay airdrops to the users of the projects. And in that way, that pushes people to go, oh, you know what, I want to participate in the Open League. And because we make it a big structure that all projects in the TON ecosystem can plug into, now everyone in the TON community knows about it. They know how to get involved, and there&#8217;s incentives involved. So now we&#8217;re incentivizing people to not only just get involved in the projects, but also to share those projects, to post about them.
It&#8217;s like a flywheel effect of like, projects come in, then they go into the Open League, then they get users, then those users get paid, then those users bring other users in. And so, it&#8217;s like a nice kind of flywheel effect, bringing more people in. In a competitive way, where we&#8217;re not like specifically supporting particular tokens over other tokens. It&#8217;s all fair and transparent.
What is the purpose of The Hackers League bootcamps, and what impact have they had globally?
The purpose is to get people from pitch stage all the way to prize-winning and hopefully fully funded VC-funded startup. This year, we closed $2.1 million of committed capital from different VCs, Mexi Ventures, KUKON Ventures, Gate Ventures, Kinetic Capital, TON Ventures. So, the idea is really to provide a platform that can actually deliver on that promise. You come with a pitch, you meet a load of community members in your boot camp, you do your pitch at the end of the boot camp, and then you apply with that pitch to the hackathon, and then your application gets reviewed and provided to all of these VCs who can then say if you win or not.
So, it&#8217;s a really proven model, like we did in the summer. It was fantastic. We got 1,000 applicants to the hackathon. The Hackers League is like an offline element, which is the three-day boot camps, and then the online hackathon, which all of the applications feed into. So, the one in the summer was 14 of those people from the boot camp actually became winners of the hackathon.
And now they are building projects on TON today.
Are there particular regions or demographics TON Society is focusing on to drive adoption?
Yes, the super app regions. So anywhere where there&#8217;s already an existing super app, we found to be very receptive to the vision of TON. Because they already use super apps.
They have super apps in their lives. There are also a lot of developers that are already building super app applications that are familiar with that type of experience of building within another app. And so, it just makes sense to focus there, where those people have already developed use cases and use, use cases that are valuable for them. So yeah, those are the places. Southeast Asia, CIS, Eastern Europe.
What key metrics or milestones does TON Society use to assess the success of initiatives like The Open League and Hackers League?
Well, there&#8217;s a big variation in different things. Like Open League is based on users, like acquiring new users into TON blockchains and activate wallets. Hackers League is based on applicants to the hackathon.
Generally, TON society is responsible for reach for all of the ecosystem. So, we want to provide different platforms that all the projects can plug into. They get them reach, get them discovered, get people seeing them.
Are there any upcoming programs or initiatives TON Society is planning to support TON's growth?
Yes, there is the TON Teleport launch. So, TON Teleport is a decentralized Bitcoin bridge. It uses the validators of TON network to actually secure the third-party keys.
And so, no one has access to the keys. And it&#8217;s a very secure bridge, extremely secure bridge to take Bitcoin over to TON and mint a wrapped asset called, we&#8217;re calling TG Bitcoin, Bitcoin in Telegram. There&#8217;s going to be a big testing period and then we&#8217;ll launch sometime in Q1. So, with Society DAO, we want to build a way where the community can debate on whatever&#8217;s going on within the ecosystem.
And that would look like a platform that people can come, share their opinion, achieve consensus of community opinion. And when you achieve consensus of community opinion, that can be used to create proposals, on-chain blockchain proposals. In governance generally, there&#8217;s a lot of things that happens before you actually get to a Bill passed, right? A lot of debate in parliaments and Congress and all those types of stuff. In order to actually get to a Bill, it&#8217;s gone through 26 different steps in the case of the UK government. So, we don&#8217;t actually have that in blockchain in general because the debates are so mixed up. There&#8217;s no signal or the noise of what exactly is the community opinion. And so, we want to build a platform that allows us to find consensus in community opinion. And that&#8217;s what we&#8217;re working on.

Interview

We Want To Build Platform That Allows Us To Find Consensus In Community Opinion, Says TON's Jack Booth

As your clients inevitably ask about portfolio positioning for Trump&#8217;s second term, new insights from the Charles Schwab Impact 2024 conference offer crucial talking points for managing expectations and avoiding common investment pitfalls, <a href="https://www.investmentnews.com/rias/expecting-small-cap-or-energy-boom-from-trump-dont-be-so-sure/258316">InvestmentNews reports</a>.
&#8220;Be really careful about extrapolation around election narratives,&#8221; warns Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab&#8217;s chief investment strategist, providing advisors with a powerful historical example: While many professionals confidently steered clients toward energy stocks during Trump&#8217;s first term, expecting sector-wide gains, energy actually plummeted over 40%, significantly underperforming all other sectors.
For advisors fielding questions about small-cap allocations—particularly given recent market enthusiasm—Sonders recommends a more nuanced client discussion. Rather than broad small-cap exposure, consider explaining to clients the stark reality that approximately 40% of Russell 2000 companies are unprofitable. Instead, suggest more selective approaches, such as funds tracking the S&amp;P SmallCap 600 Index, which applies stricter quality criteria.
When discussing Trump&#8217;s proposed policies with clients, Schwab&#8217;s chief global investment strategist Jeff Kleintop suggests framing the proposed 26% tariff rate as a negotiating position rather than a certainty. However, advisors should prepare clients for potential inflationary impacts if significant tariffs are implemented.
Fixed income discussions require particular attention, according to Kathy Jones, Schwab&#8217;s chief fixed income strategist. Consider warning clients that proposed immigration policies could reduce the labor force by 8% or more, potentially driving up labor costs and inflation. This may lead to higher-than-expected terminal rates—possibly 3.5% to 4% rather than the previously anticipated 2.75%.
Bottom line for advisors: Help clients avoid making investment decisions based on political headlines. Instead, focus client conversations on fundamental economic factors, detailed market analysis, and their long-term financial plans. Remember that during Trump&#8217;s first term, it was broader economic conditions, not policy predictions, that ultimately drove market performance.
Consider scheduling portfolio reviews with clients now to address these concerns proactively and adjust strategies as needed.

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Why Trump-Era Investment Planning Will Be Different Than Expected

These large-cap stocks were the worst performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol start="1">
<li>Target Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) tumbled 17.83% after the company reported the third-quarter earnings miss, and analysts slashed the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42117500" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Temu parent PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>) plummeted 12.22% after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42111158" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worse-than-expected financial results</a>. Analysts cut <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/pdd/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>ZTO Express (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZTO#NYSE">ZTO</a>) stock fell 8.50% after the company reported third-quarter results and cut its FY24 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42076268" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guidance for parcel volume</a>.</li>
<li>Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THC#NYSE">THC</a>) stock dipped 7.54% after Raymond James downgraded the stock <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/thc/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">from Strong Buy to Outperform</a>.</li>
<li>Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULTA#NASDAQ">ULTA</a>) fell 7.34% after Berkshire Hathaway <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42013172">cut its position</a> in the stock.</li>
<li>Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTU#NASDAQ">INTU</a>) declined 6.94% after the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42123997" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported second-quarter results</a>. Several analysts revised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/intu/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the price forecasts on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Nokia Corporation NYSE: NOK) stock decreased 6.28%. The company secured a multi-year, multi-billion USD contract extension <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42089876" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42089876" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bharti Airtel</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42089876" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> in India</a>.</li>
<li>Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) shares were down 6.16%. The company plans to issue U.S. dollars and Chinese yuan bonds to raise capital, repay existing debt, and support <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42032495" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an ongoing stock buyback initiative</a>.</li>
<li>Banco Santander (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAN#NYSE">SAN</a>) stock dipped 5.60%.</li>
<li>Incyte Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INCY#NASDAQ">INCY</a>) stock declined 5.47% after the company announced that data from its Phase 2 study evaluating MRGPRX4 (INCB000547) in cholestatic does not <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42070590" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">support further development</a>.</li>
</ol>
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INCY

INTU

Citigourp Global Markets 2% Protected Notes Linked To The Djia

ULTA

Target, Alibaba And Temu Parent PDD Are Among Top 10 Large-Cap Losers Last Week (Nov 18-Nov 22): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

These large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol start="1">
<li>Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) shares rocketed 78.42%. The company announced it submitted a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42111748" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> compliance plan to Nasdaq</a>.</li>
<li>Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNOW#NYSE">SNOW</a>) stock jumped 32.93% after the company reported better-than-expected financial results for the third quarter and raised guidance. Several analysts raised price <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42117057" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">targets following the print</a>.</li>
<li>Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WSM#NYSE">WSM</a>) stock escalated 31.63%  after the company reported better-than-expected third-quarter 2024 results, announced a new $1 billion buyback <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42091624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">program, and raised its outlook</a>. Analysts boosted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/wsm/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the price target on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYM#NASDAQ">SYM</a>) stock zoomed 31.52% after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42072077" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better-than-expected financial results</a>.</li>
<li>Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPL#NYSE">TPL</a>) stock rose 27.21%.</li>
<li>Amer Sports, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AS#NYSE">AS</a>) stock rose 25.71% after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42065028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reporting third-quarter results</a>. Multiple analysts raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/as/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their respective price targets</a>.</li>
<li>Elastic N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESTC#NYSE">ESTC</a>) shares upped 25.15% after the company reported second-quarter financial results and issued FY25<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42123410" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> guidance above estimates</a>. Several analysts boosted the price <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/estc/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">target on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) shares escalated 23.85%  after the company announced it completed its previously announced offering of its 0% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42138209" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">convertible senior notes due 2029</a>. </li>
<li>YPF Sociedad Anonima (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YPF#NYSE">YPF</a>) shares increased 23.59%, probably on continued strength after the nation received a credit upgrade from Fitch over the weekend.</li>
<li>Datadog, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>) stock gained 23.59% last week in sympathy with Snowflake, which reported better-than-expected <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/42117057">third-quarter results</a>.</li>
</ol>
Photo by JOCA_PH on Shutterstock

DDOG

ESTC

SMCI

SNOW

Super Micro Computer, Snowflake And MicroStrategy Are Among Top 10 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Nov 18-Nov 22): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

The housing market continues its downturn as mortgage applications hit their lowest levels in three decades, according to data issued by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
Nick Gerli, CEO of Reventure Consulting, pointed to the reality on X, formerly Twitter, noting that current mortgage demand has fallen about 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. For sellers, the latest figures are a bad sign as they head into winter, with purchase applications down 49.7% from 2019 levels and 55.2% below 2020 numbers.
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The downturn continues despite favorable conditions that typically boost market activity. Despite<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/41820253/fed-cuts-interest-rates-to-lowest-since-february-2023-sticks-to-data-driven-path"> two Federal Reserve rate cuts – </a>one in September and another in early November – and the election&#8217;s conclusion, buyers remain hesitant to enter the market.
Behind the reluctance is historically poor homebuyer sentiment. The University of Michigan Sentiment Survey data showed that most Americans "believe that high interest rates are weighing down homebuying conditions."&nbsp;
According to Gerli, the core issue centers on housing prices. Current home valuations have reached unsustainable levels relative to inflation and income, exceeding the 2006 housing bubble peaks when adjusted for inflation. The disconnect between perceived value and listing prices drives potential buyers away.
&#8220;So buyers look for a home they think should be $350,000. And it costs $500,000,&#8221; Gerli said. &#8220;And they immediately give up. Because they know the home isn&#8217;t worth that amount.&#8221;
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Recent MBA data supports Gerli's assessment. While overall mortgage application volume showed a minimal 0.5% increase last week – the first rise in seven weeks – the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage climbed to 6.86%, up from 6.81%. Refinancing applications dropped 2% to their lowest point since May despite being 43% higher than the previous year.
Joel Kan, MBA&#8217;s deputy chief economist, notes some bright spots in specific market segments. Applications for FHA and VA loans showed respective increases of 3% and 9%, with FHA rates notably declining against the broader trend.
The regional nature of the housing market <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/10/41541572/purely-supply-demand-imbalance-5-u-s-cities-with-homes-still-under-300k">means some areas may fare better than others</a>. Gerli noted the variations in price forecasts for 2025, particularly between markets like Florida and New York.
For sellers hoping to move properties this winter, the message appears clear – price adjustments may be necessary to attract buyers in the current market environment. Market dynamics suggest a shift in buyer behavior outside of typical seasonal slowdowns, pointing to deeper structural challenges in the housing market that might require price corrections to resolve.
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Real Estate

Home Sellers, 'Start Cutting Prices Or It's Going To Be A Long Winter,' Says Reventure CEO

Top executives from the U.S. telecom industry and national security officials gathered at the White House to address concerns over a Chinese cyber-espionage campaign targeting high-ranking U.S. political figures.
What Happened: Chinese hackers managed to breach&nbsp;major U.S. telecom providers to&nbsp;spy on phone calls and&nbsp;text messages. The meeting was an opportunity for telecom executives to propose ways the government could bolster its defenses against such advanced cyber-attacks, the White House stated.
According to the report <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/23/politics/chinese-cyber-espionage-telecom-execs/index.html">by</a> CNN, the cyber-attack is seen as one of the most significant challenges to cyber and national security for the upcoming Donald Trump administration. A classified briefing for all senators has been scheduled for December 4, after Congress reconvenes from its recess next month.
&#8220;This is by far the worst telecom hack in our nation&#8217;s history,&#8221; Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, told the outlet. The full scope of the hack, its implications, and the individuals affected are still being investigated.
According to Warner, the FBI has notified fewer than 150 victims, most in the Washington area. But all of those victims have likely called or sent texts to numerous people, meaning the number of records accessed by the hackers is likely far greater. The hackers could listen to the calls of specific targets for certain periods of time, said Warner.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38909612/possible-espionage-threat-us-officials-warn-of-chinese-interference-with-undersea-internet-cables-in">Possible Espionage Threat? US Officials Warn Of Chinese Interference With Undersea Internet Cables In Pacific</a>
US broadband and internet providers&nbsp;AT&amp;T&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>),&nbsp;Verizon&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>), and&nbsp;Lumen&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUMN#NYSE">LUMN</a>) have all been victims of this hacking campaign. The hackers also targeted&nbsp;phone communications of senior figures&nbsp;from&nbsp;both the Republican and Democratic&nbsp;parties.
China has refuted the hacking allegations. However, U.S. officials continue to express concern about China&#8217;s hacking program, which, according to FBI Director Christopher Wray, is larger&nbsp;than those of all other&nbsp;major countries combined.
Why It Matters: This incident underscores the growing threat of cyber-espionage and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. 
The implications of such attacks are far-reaching, affecting not just the telecom industry but also the political landscape. 
As the investigation continues, it remains crucial for the US to strengthen its defenses against such sophisticated cyber-attacks.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Politics

LUMN

US Confronts Chinese Cyber-Espionage Threat: 'Worst Telecom Hack In Our Nation's History'

The past week has been a whirlwind of news, with artificial intelligence (AI) taking center stage. From Nvidia&#8217;s impressive Q3 earnings to Elon Musk&#8217;s bold predictions about AI, the tech world has been abuzz with exciting developments. Hollywood is also gearing up for a new era of AI, while Jim Cramer reinforces his bullish outlook on Nvidia. Meanwhile, Chinese tech giants are expanding their AI footprints in Silicon Valley. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Nvidia&#8217;s Q3 Earnings Beat Expectations
Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) continued its streak of exceeding expectations with its Q3 earnings. The tech giant reported a 94% YoY increase in revenue, reaching $35.1 billion and surpassing the Street consensus estimate of $33.12 billion. Despite supply constraints, the company&#8217;s CEO, Jensen Huang, remains optimistic about the future of AI. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/42099904/nvidia-beats-q3-revenue-eps-estimates-supply-constraints-ding-stock-huang-says-age-of-ai-is-in-full-steam">Read the full article here.</a>
Elon Musk Predicts AI Will Surpass Doctors, Lawyers
Elon Musk has made a bold prediction about the future of AI. Following a study that revealed OpenAI's ChatGPT-4 outperformed medical professionals in diagnosing illnesses, Musk believes AI will soon surpass doctors and lawyers. The study reported a 90% accuracy rate for AI, compared to 76% for doctors using ChatGPT and 74% for doctors relying on traditional resources.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42029736/elon-musk-says-ai-will-surpass-doctors-lawyers-after-chatgpt-tops-medical-diagnoses-humans-becoming-biological-backups">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42132292/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-takes-on-64b-pig-butchering-scams-targeting-people-through-dating-apps-social-media-crypto-investing-and-other-apps?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Cracks Down On $64B &#8216;Pig Butchering&#8217; Scams Involving Dating Apps, Social Media And Crypto Investing</a>
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon See AI as Hollywood&#8217;s Next Big Thing
Ben Affleck believes AI will be the next big disruptor in Hollywood. Speaking at CNBC&#8217;s Delivering Alpha Summit, Affleck downplayed fears of AI replacing human creativity, instead suggesting that the technology will reshape the costlier, less creative aspects of filmmaking.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42082240/dvds-streaming-and-now-ai-ben-affleck-and-matt-damon-unpack-hollywoods-next-investment-boom">Read the full article here.</a>
Jim Cramer Doubles Down on Nvidia
Following Nvidia&#8217;s stellar Q3 earnings report, CNBC's Jim Cramer and Wall Street analysts have reinforced their bullish outlook on the company. Cramer cited Nvidia&#8217;s high return on investment as a key reason why major tech companies &#8220;have no choice but to buy Nvidia&#8217;s chips.&#8221;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42129914/jim-cramer-doubles-down-on-nvidia-demand-is-accelerating-as-ai-customers-have-no-choice-but-to-buy-its-chips">Read the full article here.</a>
Chinese Tech Giants Expand AI Footprints in Silicon Valley
Chinese tech firms, including Alibaba (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>), ByteDance, and Meituan, are reportedly expanding their AI teams in Silicon Valley. The move is part of a broader push to attract top U.S. talent and gain an edge in the lucrative AI sector. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42053396/why-chinese-tech-giants-alibaba-bytedance-and-meituan-are-expanding-their-ai-footprints-in-silicon-valley-amid-us-efforts-to-block-progress">Read the full article here.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Tech

NVDA

Weekend Round-Up: AI Dominates Headlines With Nvidia, Elon Musk, And Hollywood's Big Names

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has demanded that&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google&nbsp;divest its Chrome browser to dismantle its monopoly on online search. This move is part of broader efforts to restore <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42105079/googles-unlawful-behavior-stifles-market-entry-for-rivals-doj-says-alphabet-must-sell-chrome-to-end-search-monopoly" rel="noreferrer noopener">competition in the search market</a>.
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Elon Musk's&nbsp;SpaceX may encounter obstacles in their attempts&nbsp;to block the National Labor <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42054405/amazon-and-spacexs-efforts-to-block-nlrb-cases-in-jeopardy-as-appeals-court-raises-key-legal-concerns" rel="noreferrer noopener">Relations&nbsp;Board or&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42054405/amazon-and-spacexs-efforts-to-block-nlrb-cases-in-jeopardy-as-appeals-court-raises-key-legal-concerns" rel="noreferrer noopener">NLRB&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42054405/amazon-and-spacexs-efforts-to-block-nlrb-cases-in-jeopardy-as-appeals-court-raises-key-legal-concerns" rel="noreferrer noopener">cases</a>.
Prominent venture capitalist&nbsp;David Sacks&nbsp;has predicted a high&nbsp;likelihood of legal action&nbsp;or a breakup of&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google&nbsp;in the next U.S. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42058073/google-should-be-broken-up-vc-david-sacks-foresees-high-odds-of-antitrust-lawsuit-or-breakup-under-donald-trumps-administration" rel="noreferrer noopener">administration under&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42058073/google-should-be-broken-up-vc-david-sacks-foresees-high-odds-of-antitrust-lawsuit-or-breakup-under-donald-trumps-administration" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump</a>.
A Chinese state-backed company,&nbsp;Spacesail, is preparing&nbsp;to launch a satellite service&nbsp;in Brazil, posing a challenge to&nbsp;Elon Musk‘s&nbsp;SpaceX<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42111283/elon-musks-starlink-faces-new-competition-as-chinese-satellite-firm-spacesail-enters-brazilian-market" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;operated satellite service, Starlink</a>.
Gaming
Sony Group Corp.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) is reportedly in discussions to acquire Kadokawa Corporation, the Japanese media powerhouse known for its extensive portfolio of anime, manga, and video games, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42068231/sony-in-talks-to-acquire-elden-ring-publisher-kadokawa-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">the&nbsp;global hit Elden Ring</a>.
Sony has released a significant update for its PlayStation Portal handheld device, introducing cloud streaming for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42098642/play-ps5-games-without-a-console-playstation-portal-adds-cloud-streaming" rel="noreferrer noopener">PlayStation Plus Premium members</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42098643/kadokawa-ceo-confirms-sonys-buyout-interest-no-decision-has-been-made" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kadokawa CEO Confirms Sony&#8217;s Buyout Interest: &#8216;No Decision Has Been Made&#8217;</a>
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) has unveiled its upcoming additions to Xbox Game Pass for the second half of November, featuring high-profile <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/11/42072274/xbox-game-pass-brings-big-titles-in-late-november-including-stalker-microsoft-flight-simulator-2024" rel="noreferrer noopener">launches and exciting&nbsp;indie gems</a>.
Microsoft launched a long-awaited feature for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members, allowing them to stream select games they already own <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42118521/xbox-cloud-gaming-now-lets-you-stream-owned-games-heres-how-it-works" rel="noreferrer noopener">via Xbox Cloud&nbsp;Gaming</a>.
Roblox Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBLX#NYSE">RBLX</a>) announced new tools today designed to enhance safety for its young user base, which includes a significant number of children. These updates allow parents to remotely manage their child&#8217;s account, view their <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42043036/roblox-enhances-parental-controls-theres-always-more-to-be-done" rel="noreferrer noopener">friends list, and set&nbsp;limits on playtime</a>.
Technology
China's leading tech firms,&nbsp;Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) ByteDance, and&nbsp;Meituan are reportedly expanding <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42053396/why-chinese-tech-giants-alibaba-bytedance-and-meituan-are-expanding-their-ai-footprints-in-silicon-valley-amid-us-efforts-to-block-progress" rel="noreferrer noopener">their AI teams in Silicon Valley</a>.
Google announced its AI assistant&nbsp;Gemini&nbsp;is now available for download on&nbsp;Apple Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/42042074/googles-gemini-app-brings-free-flowing-ai-to-apple-iphone" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhone&nbsp;as an app</a>.&nbsp;
Alphabet&#8216;s lucrative agreement to pay&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;over&nbsp;$20 billion a year&nbsp;to make its search engine the default on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42083150/googles-20b-search-deal-with-apple-faces-collapse-after-antitrust-ruling-what-it-could-means-for-both-tech-giants" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhones</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42083150/googles-20b-search-deal-with-apple-faces-collapse-after-antitrust-ruling-what-it-could-means-for-both-tech-giants" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;is now under threat</a>.
Google Gemini&nbsp;AI chatbot came under scrutiny after reportedly telling a user, &#8220;You are a stain on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42055794/googles-gemini-chatbot-draws-scrutiny-after-hostile-interaction-with-user-heres-what-the-search-giant-has-to-say" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe. Please d&#x2A;e."</a>
NVIDIA Corporation&#8216;s(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) Blackwell AI chips are experiencing overheating problems when connected&nbsp;to server racks designed to&nbsp;hold up to 72 chips,&nbsp;reported&nbsp;The Information, citing Nvidia employees working on the problem and customers <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42028342/blackwell-backfires-nvidias-ai-chips-struggle-with-server-overheating-impacting-meta-microsoft-and-musks-xai-data-centers" rel="noreferrer noopener">and&nbsp;suppliers familiar with the situation</a>.
The development of a new artificial intelligence-based version of&nbsp;Amazon.com‘s&nbsp;voice assistant Alexa is reportedly facing significant challenges<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42055771/amazons-ai-powered-alexa-upgrade-faces-latency-compatibility-concerns-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">, according to internal memos</a>.
Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42079954/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-defends-bings-rise-against-googles-search-dominance-says-openais-partnership-with-apple-is-incremental-for-even-us" rel="noreferrer noopener">Satya Nadella Defends Bing&#8217;s Rise Against Google&#8217;s Search Dominance — Says OpenAI&#8217;s Partnership With Apple Is &#8216;Incremental&#8217; For Microsoft</a>
Smartphone
Google and&nbsp;Apple have long been discussing integrating Gemini into the iOS ecosystem. However, the timeline for this integration<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/42030331/heres-when-google-gemini-could-be-integrated-with-apple-intelligence" rel="noreferrer noopener"> may not happen until next year</a>.
Apple&nbsp;is preparing to urge a federal judge&nbsp;to dismiss the U.S. Department&nbsp;of Justice's case accusing the company of unlawfully <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42086154/apple-to-argue-for-dismissal-of-doj-antitrust-case-over-alleged-us-smartphone-market-domination" rel="noreferrer noopener">monopolizing the smartphone market</a>.
Huawei&nbsp;Technologies Co., Ltd. is set to initiate mass production of its latest AI chip, the Ascend 910C, in early 2025, despite facing significant <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42105518/huawei-to-reportedly-take-on-nvidia-with-mass-production-of-new-ai-chips-by-2025-amid-us-restrictions" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurdles due to U.S. trade restrictions</a>.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Elon Musk&nbsp;has predicted that AI will surpass doctors and lawyers after a study revealed&nbsp;OpenAI's ChatGPT-4&nbsp;outperformed medical <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42029736/elon-musk-says-ai-will-surpass-doctors-lawyers-after-chatgpt-tops-medical-diagnoses-humans-becoming-biological-backups" rel="noreferrer noopener">professionals in diagnosing illnesses</a>.
OpenAI&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Sam Altman&nbsp;has been appointed as a co-chair of the transition team&nbsp;for San Francisco's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/42054127/sam-altman-co-chairs-san-francisco-mayors-transition-team-as-daniel-lurie-prepares-to-tackles-key-city-challenges" rel="noreferrer noopener">newly elected&nbsp;mayor,&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/42054127/sam-altman-co-chairs-san-francisco-mayors-transition-team-as-daniel-lurie-prepares-to-tackles-key-city-challenges" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daniel Lurie</a>.
Perplexity AI&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Aravind Srinivas&nbsp;has jumped into the&nbsp;Alphabet Google&nbsp;antitrust conversation by asking his followers on&nbsp;X&nbsp;if his AI startup should<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42084064/perplexity-ceo-asks-if-ai-startup-should-acquire-google-chrome-following-dojs-antitrust-push-against-search-giant" rel="noreferrer noopener"> acquire the Google Chrome browser</a>.

AAPL

AMZN

GOOG

RBLX

Sony Group Corporation American Depositary Shares

SONY

Consumer Tech News (Nov 18-Nov 22): US DOJ Demands Google To Divest Chrome Browser, Gemini AI Available On Apple & More

General Motors (GM) has announced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41493900/meta-ceo-zuckerberg-dismisses-workers-making-over-six-figures-for-taking-advantage-of-company-food-d">layoffs </a>affecting about 1,000 employees worldwide. The move is part of GM's effort to trim costs and tighten up operations as it tries to navigate tough economic challenges.
According to the Detroit Free Press, 507 affected people worked at the Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan – a hub for GM's innovation and tech development. Spokesperson Kevin Kelly said in a statement to Detroit Free Press that the layoffs are part of GM's plan to streamline operations and move faster toward their goals.
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A big part of GM's focus right now is on electric vehicles (EVs), but they've hit a few bumps in the road. Cox Automotive reported that EV sales in the U.S. made up 8.9% of all vehicle sales in Q3 2024. Regarding market share, GM holds 9.8%, a far cry from Tesla's commanding 48.2%.&nbsp;
To keep things in check, GM has scaled back its 2024 EV production goals from 300,000 units to somewhere between 200,000 and 250,000 units. CFO Paul Jacobson explained during a Deutsche Bank investor event that this will help them avoid overproduction and keep inventory balanced with demand.
There's also the potential loss of federal EV tax incentives, which doesn't make things easier. The $7,500 tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at boosting EV sales, might be rolled back under proposed Republican tax reforms.&nbsp;
Reuters noted this could put the U.S. even further behind countries like China, where EVs make up 47.9% of sales. Despite potential challenges for automakers like GM, Ford, Rivian and even Tesla, CEO <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41234093/elon-musk-warns-america-is-spiraling-towards-bankruptcy-trump-taps-him-as-cost-cutter-with-a-salary">Elon Musk</a> supports the move.&nbsp;
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During Tesla&#8217;s Q2 2024 earnings call, Musk told Wells Fargo equity analyst Colin Langan he isn't concerned about an IRA cut&#8217;s impact. He believes Tesla's strength lies beyond EVs. &#8220;There might be some impact, but it would devastate competitors and only slightly affect Tesla,&#8221; Musk said. &#8220;Long term, it likely benefits Tesla. The value of Tesla overwhelmingly is autonomy.&#8221;
He added, &#8220;If you don't believe Tesla will solve autonomy, sell the stock. If you do, buy it. Everything else is just noise.&#8221;
Despite these challenges, GM is showing it's not all bad news. The company's Q3 2024 profits were up 10.5% from last year. According to the Detroit Free Press, Paul Jacobson credited part of this success to cost-cutting efforts and capital investments during the earnings call.&nbsp;
During an <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2021/10/27/gm-can-absolutely-catch-tesla-by-2025-ceo-mary-barra-says.html">interview </a>with CNBC, Mary Barra, GM&#8217;s CEO, confidently claimed in 2021 that GM would surpass Tesla in the U.S. EV sales by 2025. Highlighting GM&#8217;s innovation, she stated customers are &#8220;wowed&#8221; by their vehicles and emphasized the company's commitment to achieving the No. 1 market share in electric vehicles through consistent progress and rollouts.
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GM Slashes Workforce In Anticipation Of Economic Challenges – What's Next For The Auto Giant?

The past week has been a whirlwind of tech news, with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) making headlines on multiple fronts. From analyst predictions about the company&#8217;s future to its upcoming ventures, there&#8217;s a lot to unpack. Meanwhile, Huawei Technologies Co. is gearing up to challenge Apple in China with its advanced chip, and Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) lucrative deal with Apple is under threat due to an antitrust ruling. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Apple&#8217;s Future: Smaller, Yet Profitable Ventures
Mark Gurman, a renowned analyst, advised investors this week not to anticipate another product like Apple&#8217;s iPhone. Instead, he suggested that the company&#8217;s future lies in a series of smaller, profitable ventures. The iPhone remains Apple&#8217;s core product, driving over half of the company&#8217;s revenue and forming the foundation of its ecosystem.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41894509/apples-next-big-bet-think-smaller-says-analyst-there-will-never-be-another-iphone">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s Smart Camera: A New Venture in 2026
Apple reportedly plans to enter the smart home IP camera market in 2026, aiming for tens of millions of annual shipments, according to Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF Securities. The device will integrate with Apple products, targeting a share of the 30–40 million units shipped globally each year.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41891237/apples-smart-camera-coming-in-2026-cupertino-eyeing-tens-of-millions-in-annual-shipments-says-top-supply-chain-analyst">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42132292/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-takes-on-64b-pig-butchering-scams-targeting-people-through-dating-apps-social-media-crypto-investing-and-other-apps?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Cracks Down On $64B &#8216;Pig Butchering&#8217; Scams Involving Dating Apps, Social Media And Crypto Investing</a>
Huawei&#8217;s Advanced Chip: A Challenge to Apple in China
Huawei Technologies Co. is set to release its most advanced domestically made chip in the Mate 70 series, amid ongoing U.S. sanctions. The launch comes as Huawei continues to increase its market share in China, where it has seen a rise in consumer demand.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42132104/huawei-to-launch-mate-70-smartphone-with-advanced-homegrown-chip-challenging-apple-in-china-amid-us-sanctions-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s AI-Powered Siri: A Competitor to OpenAI and Google Gemini
Apple is reportedly developing a conversational AI-powered Siri to compete with OpenAI&#8217;s ChatGPT and Google's Gemini Live voice assistant. The new version of Siri will allow back-and-forth interactions with quicker and more advanced responses.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/42129847/apple-prepares-to-take-on-openais-chatgpt-google-gemini-live-with-llm-siri-in-2025-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Google&#8217;s Antitrust Ruling: A Threat to Apple&#8217;s Revenue
Google&#8217;s agreement to pay Apple over $20 billion a year to make its search engine the default on iPhones is now under threat. An antitrust lawsuit against Google's parent company revealed that these payments accounted for 17.5% of Apple&#8217;s operating income in 2020.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42083150/googles-20b-search-deal-with-apple-faces-collapse-after-antitrust-ruling-what-it-could-means-for-both-tech-giants">Read the full article here.</a>
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</ul>
Photo courtesy: Unsplash
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

GOOGL

Apple's Future Ventures, Huawei's New Chip, And Google's Antitrust Woes: This Week In Appleverse

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride in the financial world. From the surge in small-cap stocks to the potential impact of President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s DOGE initiative, there&#8217;s a lot to unpack. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories of the week.
Small-Cap Stocks Soar
U.S. small-cap stocks have been the star performers this November, following a well-established seasonal trend. The Russell 2000 index, a benchmark for small-cap equities, has seen an impressive 8% rise this month, setting the stage for a strong December. This aligns with the historical trend of small caps excelling in the final two months of the year, often leading to the so-called &#8220;Santa Rally&#8221;.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42124676/november-small-cap-surge-could-carry-into-decembers-santa-rally-historical-trends-suggest">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s DOGE Initiative
President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s appointed DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) could potentially save $50–100 billion annually, according to Congressional Budget Office analyses. However, Mario Georgiou, CFA, and executive director, head of investments at InCred Global Wealth U.K., suggests that the scale of potential savings is expected to be modest compared to total federal outlays of approximately $6.7 trillion in 2024.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42131911/donald-trump-appointed-doge-to-have-marginal-impact-saving-50-100-billion-says-analyst-as-elon-musk-aims-to-target-500-billion-plus-in-federal-expenditures">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42097545/feds-bowman-warns-on-inflation-risks-signals-neutral-rate-may-be-closer?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fed&#8217;s Bowman Warns On Inflation, Says Neutral Interest Rates May Be Closer &#8216;Than We Currently Think&#8217;</a>
Alarm Bells for US Auto Loans
ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood has raised concerns about the state of auto loans in America. She notes that 90-day delinquency rates have now surpassed levels seen during the 2009 financial crisis. This comes despite continued investor confidence in auto-backed securities.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42080723/cathie-wood-sounds-alarm-on-us-auto-loans-as-90-day-delinquency-rates-surpass-2009-levels">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Picks Treasury Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen hedge fund executive Scott Bessent as the U.S. Treasury Secretary. Bessent, founder of Key Square Group, was a leading candidate, competing with former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and private equity executive Marc Rowan.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42150805/trump-picks-hedge-fund-exec-scott-bessent-as-treasury-secretary-what-president-elects-choice-means-for-americas-economic-future">Read the full article here.</a>
US Business Activity Hits 31-Month High
The U.S. private sector activity posted its fastest pace of expansion in more than two and a half years in November. This was driven by exceptional growth in the services sector, which continues to far exceed even the most optimistic forecasts by economists.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42141413/us-business-activity-soars-to-31-month-highs-in-november-small-caps-rally-dow-tops-44000">Read the full article here.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Economics

Small-Cap Surge, Trump's DOGE Initiative, Auto Loan Alarms, And Treasury Secretary Pick: This Week In Economics

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) has amassed a staggering <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42143260/warren-buffett-claims-to-not-time-the-market-but-his-cash-horde-tells-a-different-story">$325 billion cash reserve,</a> its largest ever, and nearly double the previous year's balance. This coincides with a record high in Warren Buffett's favored valuation metric: the stock market&#8217;s value relative to the U.S. economy. While this may seem like Buffett is predicting an imminent market downturn, his strategy is more nuanced and insightful.
What Happened: Nir Kaissar, founder of Unison Advisors, said in an opinion <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-11-21/buffett-s-325-billion-cash-hoard-is-an-early-warning-signal">piece</a> for Bloomberg that Buffett readily admits he cannot forecast short-term market movements or crashes. Instead, he focuses on long-term returns, adjusting Berkshire's asset allocation accordingly.
Kaissar explains this approach as allocating assets based on expected returns rather than speculating on market timing. This principle has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41867250/warren-buffetts-apple-stake-reduction-spurs-97b-cash-surge-analysts-speculate-this-could-be-the-reason-behind-berkshire-hathaways-massive-cash-pile">consistently shaped Buffett's decisions</a>.
Berkshire's cash allocation has fluctuated dramatically, from 1% in 1994 to 28% today. &#8220;The record shows Buffett consistently raising Berkshire's cash allocation as stock valuations rise during booms — and expected returns consequently decline — and drawing down cash as opportunities arise,&#8221; Kaissar said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42088394/economist-gordon-johnson-slams-federal-reserve-for-asset-owner-centric-policies-says-fed-needs-to-focus-on-the-real-economy-over-stock-markets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gordon Johnson Slams Federal Reserve For Asset-Owner Centric Policies, Says Jerome Powell Needs To Focus On ‘Real Economy&#8217;: ‘…The Stock Market Will Be Fine&#8217;</a>
He added that during the 1990s internet bubble, Buffett increased cash holdings as valuations soared but deployed capital as opportunities emerged. Similarly, leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, Buffett boosted cash reserves, only to invest strategically during the downturn, including a well-timed Goldman Sachs stake.
Buffett's approach hinges on a fundamental principle: valuations and future returns are inversely related. When assets are overvalued, expected returns decline, justifying higher cash reserves.
Today, the market-to-GDP ratio is at unprecedented levels, signaling potentially lower future returns. With cash yields comparable to those during past booms, Berkshire's significant cash reserve reflects Buffett's strategy of preparing for opportunities in an uncertain market.
Why It Matters: The surge in Berkshire&#8217;s cash reserve has sparked speculation about Buffett&#8217;s motives. Some analysts believe it could be a sign of an impending market downturn, while others suggest it may be part of a larger strategy, such as an acquisition plan or<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42137295/as-mstrs-michael-saylor-says-warren-buffett-is-destroying-berkshire-capital-analyst-suggests-overpricedhot-stock-market-could-be-the-reason-oracle-of-omaha-is-sitting-on-325b-cash"> a buyback plan</a> in case of a succession.
Jeff Muscatello, a research analyst at Berkshire investor Douglass Winthrop, suggested that the impending management transition could be a factor in Buffett's decision to cash out. "The nearing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/41869558/warren-buffetts-apple-stake-reduction-spurs-97b-cash-surge-analysts-speculate-this-could-be-the-reas">inevitable management transition makes</a> it an opportune time to clear the decks for the next generation," he said.
MicroStrategy Inc. co-founder Michael Saylor also weighed in. Saylor said <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42084722/warren-buffett-destroy-not-investing-in-bitcoin-says-microstrategys-michael-saylor">Buffett was destroying billions </a>of dollars in capital by not utilizing the huge hordes of cash at their disposal to invest in Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>). "I'd&nbsp;want to bet you&nbsp;that if I had an&nbsp;hour alone with Buffett in&nbsp;a calm environment, I'd&nbsp;walk out and he would&nbsp;say this Bitcoin thing is a&nbsp;pretty good idea," he said.
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Image via Flickr
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.

Equities

Markets

General

$BTC

Is Warren Buffett Preparing For A Market Downturn With Berkshire Hathaway's $325B Cash Pile? Analyst Says Internet Bubble And 2008 Crash May Have Lessons

Kevin O'Leary is warning about how expensive <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/07/39792500/kevin-oleary-believes-america-is-the-biggest-business-in-america-and-wants-executives-in-cabinet-tha">running a business in America</a> is becoming. In a recent Fox Business segment, O'Leary discussed how complicated rules and taxes are making it harder for companies across industries.
He also expressed hope that leaders like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy could bring about change by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-reduce-taxable-income-for-high-earners">simplifying taxes</a> and reducing<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42084945/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-backs-doge-initiative-how-blockchain-could-transform-government-efficiency"> unnecessary regulations</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">If Elon and Vivek are able to simplify tax and deregulate the economy by just 30%, the cost savings would be huge. The cost I have to spend each year just to remain compliant increases about 20% per year. I've never seen cost escalation like I have in the past five years. <a href="https://t.co/0HcTRfpNeq">pic.twitter.com/0HcTRfpNeq</a>
&mdash; Kevin O&#39;Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) <a href="https://twitter.com/kevinolearytv/status/1858624028568703280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"If they just solved for simplifying tax and deregulated the economy, just say 30%, pulled some of that regulation out," O'Leary said. According to O'Leary, the costs associated with staying compliant – like paying auditors, consultants and lawyers – are going up by about 20% yearly. "The cost that I have to spend each year just to remain compliant goes up at about 20% a year between all the consultants, the auditors, the lawyers and the changing rules of regulation," he shared.
O'Leary explained that he operates across all 11 sectors of the economy and has never seen such an escalation in costs as he has in the last five years. He&#8217;s not alone either; many other business leaders share his concerns. He mentioned that if you spoke to the CEOs of the S&amp;P 500 companies, they would tell you these regulatory costs are among the most rapidly growing expenses they face.
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&#8220;There&#8217;s lots of room for efficiency, lots of room for action on that,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary said. By <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41291074/dimon-calls-out-red-tape-says-its-deeply-frustrating-america-isnt-solving-its-problems">pulling back on the red tape</a>, businesses could save money and use it for other purposes, such as expanding their operations, hiring more staff or lowering consumer prices.
O&#8217;Leary hopes that by bringing in business-minded leadership – people like Elon Musk, who has already shown his ability to cut through inefficiencies at Twitter or Vivek Ramaswamy, known for his straightforward approach – the U.S. could reduce these burdens and give companies some much-needed breathing room.
However, not everyone is convinced that Musk and Ramaswamy are the right leaders for this challenge. Critics argue that while Musk&#8217;s methods at Twitter have been effective in certain areas, they have also been controversial and have led to disruptions. Some doubt whether his approach would translate well to government-level regulation involving a different scale and set of complexities.&nbsp;
Similarly, while appealing, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/42038767/im-one-of-you-how-anti-woke-warrior-vivek-ramaswamy-became-a-billionaire-at-only-38">Ramaswamy&#8217;s straightforward approach</a> may lack the nuance required to navigate the intricacies of federal regulations. There are concerns that oversimplification could lead to unintended consequences, potentially creating more issues than solutions.
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Image Via Shutterstock

Costs Have Escalated Drastically, Warns Kevin O'Leary, Hopeful Elon And Vivek Can 'Simplify Tax And Deregulate The Economy'

Elon Musk sparked confusion online yet again – this time with his take on Argentina's new import tax cuts. Recently, Argentina&#8217;s President-elect Javier Milei announced a major policy change to reduce taxes on imports.&nbsp;
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As part of his economic reform plan, Milei wants to make imported goods more affordable. Starting in December, he will raise the tax-free limit on international purchases from $1,000 to $3,000. Personal imports will also get a tariff exemption of up to $400. This move is meant to open up the economy and make things easier for shoppers in Argentina.&nbsp;
Elon Musk seemed to think so. In response to a tweet discussing Milei&#8217;s idea, he expressed his support for the tax cut by simply saying, &#8220;Good move.&#8221;&nbsp;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Good move <a href="https://t.co/lrIevpBU3l">https://t.co/lrIevpBU3l</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1857698387371397241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The tweet caught a lot of attention as many people quickly called Musk out for what they saw as mixed signals – supporting a policy in Argentina that seems opposite to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42042411/inflation-could-surge-to-3-if-trump-applies-universal-tariffs-goldman-sachs">U.S. import tariffs promoted by Donald Trump</a>, whom Musk has also publicly supported.
For instance, one user tweeted, &#8220;You supported the presidential campaign of the guy advocating for the largest tariff hike in modern U.S. history, lmao.&#8221; Another wrote, &#8220;Import taxes = tariffs. You support cutting them elsewhere and raising them here? Shameful hypocrisy.&#8221; Alex Cole added to the discourse, writing, &#8220;So removing tariffs is a good move and Donald Trump adding tariffs is also a good move? Bizarro world.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Different Countries, Different Needs?</h2>
Not everyone saw it as straight-up hypocrisy. Some X users argued that Musk's take could be valid if viewed in the context of Argentina's economy compared to the U.S.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36597688/argentinas-inflation-was-around-200-in-2023-and-it-could-get-worse-in-2024-new-leadership-says-it-wi">Argentina is dealing with hyperinflation</a> and a major recession, so reducing import taxes might be a much-needed lifeline to help people afford basic goods. Dan Victor, a CFA, commented, &#8220;It&#8217;s different for the world&#8217;s largest economy compared to one suffering from a deep recession and hyperinflation.&#8221;
Another user pointed out that different countries might use different tools for different reasons. &#8220;Start by studying comparative economic policy. Then, once you understand that two completely different countries/economies implementing different policies is normal, this should make a little more sense.&#8221;
While some felt Musk was inconsistent, others believed his opinion could make sense given the drastically different economic situations of Argentina and the United States. The U.S. has a massive, stable economy, whereas Argentina is struggling to stabilize itself amid economic turmoil.
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'Bizarro World' – People Are Really Confused By Elon Musk Praising Argentina's Javier Milei Slashing Import Taxes

Satellite images have reportedly revealed that Russia has supplied North Korea with over one million barrels of oil since March, violating United Nations sanctions that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41561980/zelensky-sounds-alarm-on-potential-north-korean-involvement-in-ukraine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restrict oil sales to North Korea</a>.
These transfers are part of a broader arrangement in which North Korea sends weapons, artillery shells, and even troops to aid Russia&#8217;s war in Ukraine, the BBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr4pr0gyyzo" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
The oil deliveries, tracked by the UK-based Open Source Centre, are seen as a direct quid pro quo for North Korea&#8217;s military support, with the oil serving to fuel Pyongyang&#8217;s own operations and provide stability amid ongoing sanctions.
According to satellite imagery analyzed by UK-based non-profit research group the Open Source Centre and shared exclusively with the BBC, North Korean oil tankers have made 43 trips to Russia&#8217;s Far East, with vessels arriving empty and leaving full.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42115069/warren-buffett-is-set-to-collect-776-million-in-coca-cola-dividends-but-daughter-says-his-wife-buys-him-the-soda-on-sale" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett Is Set To Collect $776 Million In Coca-Cola Dividends – But Daughter Says His Wife Buys Him The Soda &#8216;On Sale&#8217;</a>
Despite UN sanctions capping the amount of oil North Korea can receive at 500,000 barrels per year, Russia&#8217;s illicit shipments have far exceeded this limit, with experts estimating more than a million barrels have been supplied since March.
The BBC added that these transfers not only breach UN sanctions but also involve ships that are themselves under sanction, some of which should have been impounded upon entering Russian waters, citing Go Myong-hyun, a senior research fellow at South Korea&#8217;s Institute for National Security Strategy.
The situation marks a new level of contempt for international regulations, as Russia has actively circumvented the UN panel responsible for monitoring such violations, disbanding it through its veto at the Security Council in March.
Experts worry this cooperation between two autocratic regimes may lead to even more dangerous collaborations, potentially involving military technology transfers that could further destabilize the region, the BBC adds.
While the oil deliveries provide crucial fuel for North Korea&#8217;s military, which relies on oil for its missile launchers and munitions factories, concerns are growing over the potential for more military technology exchanges, particularly in satellite and ballistic missile advancements. 
Both the US and South Korea are closely monitoring the evolving ties between Russia and North Korea, with the possibility of these exchanges further threatening global security.
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Image: Shutterstock

Media

Satellite Images Reveal North Korea Reportedly Receiving Illicit Oil from Russia

Elon Musk on Saturday shared a cryptic tweet on X, hinting at a significant turning point in human history.
What Happened: Musk&nbsp;responded to a post on X by Bojan Tunguz, which referred to an unspecified event as &#8220;one of the major inflection&nbsp;points of human history.&#8221; Musk&#8217;s reply was enigmatic, stating, &#8220;I knew if I brought&nbsp;a sink they would have&nbsp;to let that sink in.&nbsp;How could they not?&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I knew if I brought a sink they would have to let that sink in. How could they not? <a href="https://t.co/voEVBMC7Ht">https://t.co/voEVBMC7Ht</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1860199022121943545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The Tesla and SpaceX CEO&#8217;s post on X has left his followers intrigued, as they attempt to decipher the meaning behind his cryptic words.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42152684/musk-tweet-sparks-dogecoin-surge-fuels-speculation-on-x-payments">Musk Tweet Sparks Dogecoin Surge, Fuels Speculation On X Payments</a>
Why It Matters: Musk is known for his cryptic tweets, which often lead to widespread speculation. His recent tweet, which suggests a significant turning point in human history, has sparked a flurry of theories among his followers.
While the exact meaning behind Musk&#8217;s tweet remains unclear, it underscores his reputation as a thought leader in the tech industry, known for pushing boundaries and challenging conventional thinking.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42152586/judge-rejects-sec-bid-to-penalize-musk-over-missed-deposition">Judge Rejects SEC Bid to Penalize Musk Over Missed Deposition</a>

"I Knew If I Bought a Sink": What Does Elon Musk's Cryptic Tweet Mean?

President-elect Donald Trump is preparing a sweeping plan to reshape the Department of Justice (DOJ) and direct the department to investigate claims that the 2020 election was rigged against him when he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42027218/could-trumps-housing-plans-reshape-the-real-estate-market">assumes office in January</a>.
What Happened: According to a report, Trump plans to dismiss Special Counsel Jack Smith and other DOJ employees who investigated allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 election, despite the lack of evidence supporting such claims.
The proposed changes come as Trump continues to challenge the legitimacy of President Joe Biden's victory. Trump's plans, aimed at targeting investigations into unfounded voter fraud claims, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/11/22/trump-jack-smith-prosecutors-firing-justice-department-investigation/?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=wp_main">reports</a> The Washington Post.
Smith, who has been leading federal investigations into Trump's alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents, could see his tenure cut short under a second Trump administration. 
According to the report, Smith&nbsp;has already announced that&nbsp;he would resign from the department before Trump begins his second term, ending the election interference and classified documents cases against the president-elect.
Trump's legal troubles include multiple indictments, with some stemming from Smith's probes.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/41869001/heres-how-trumps-policies-might-shape-the-markets-future">Here&#8217;s How Trump&#8217;s Policies Might Shape The Market&#8217;s Future</a>
"President Trump campaigned on firing rogue bureaucrats who have engaged in the illegal weaponization of our American justice system, and the American people can expect he will deliver on that promise," press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.
The former president's proposed DOJ overhaul also involves investigating claims of election fraud that have been repeatedly debunked by courts and bipartisan officials. 
Why It Matters: Legal experts warn that using the DOJ to pursue baseless allegations risks undermining the department's credibility and its independence. Critics argue such actions could set a dangerous precedent by politicizing federal investigations to serve partisan interests.
Trump has made challenging the 2020 election results a central theme of his campaign. His rhetoric continues to resonate with supporters, while drawing criticism from opponents and legal scholars.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/40001426/trump-aims-to-make-us-crypto-capital-of-the-planet-well-get-it-done" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Aims To Make US ‘Crypto Capital Of The Planet': ‘We'll Get It Done'</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image: Shutterstock

Trump Plans DOJ Overhaul Including Firing of Jack Smith's Team

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Russell Vought, co-author of the conservative policy agenda Project 2025, as director of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42024583/world-bank-worries-over-budget-cuts-after-24b-mishap-trump-win" rel="noreferrer noopener">Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in his second term.</a>
Vought previously served as OMB&#8217;s deputy director during Trump&#8217;s first term. But his influence extends beyond OMB. He wrote the chapter on the Executive Office of the President in Project 2025, a conservative policy framework developed by The Heritage Foundation, The Hill <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5005710-trump-picks-project-2025-author-russell-vought-to-lead-budget-office/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
&#8220;He did an excellent job serving in this role in my First Term &#8211; We cut four Regulations for every new Regulation, and it was a Great Success!&#8221; Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113529338208908362" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a> in a post on Truth Social on Friday. &#8220;We will restore fiscal sanity to our Nation.&#8221;
Trump praised Vought&#8217;s experience in public policy, describing him as an aggressive cost-cutter and deregulator who would help advance the &#8220;America First&#8221; agenda across federal agencies.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42152586/judge-rejects-sec-bid-to-penalize-musk-over-missed-deposition" rel="noreferrer noopener">Judge Rejects SEC Bid to Penalize Musk Over Missed Deposition</a>
The president-elect emphasized Vought&#8217;s knowledge of dismantling the so-called &#8220;Deep State&#8221; and restoring self-governance to the American people, alongside a promise to restore fiscal discipline.
In response to the selection, Vought <a href="https://x.com/russvought/status/1860121532758204758?prefetchTimestamp=1732383856583" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">posted</a> on X, &#8220;There is unfinished business on behalf of the American people, and it&#8217;s an honor of a lifetime to get the call again.&#8221;
Project 2025, which includes input from scholars and policy experts, proposes sweeping changes such as reshaping the executive branch and reducing the size and funding of certain government agencies.
While Trump previously distanced himself from Project 2025 during his campaign, citing its controversial elements, his decision to appoint Vought as OMB director signals a strong alignment with its conservative priorities. The project has faced significant backlash from Democrats, who argue it threatens American democratic institutions.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/42152450/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-coinbase-microstrategy-nvidia-e-l-f-beauty-and-dogecoin-millionaire-predicts-2025-meme-kings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Coinbase, MicroStrategy, Nvidia, e.l.f. Beauty &#8211; And Dogecoin Millionaire Predicts 2025 Meme Kings</a></li>
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Image: Wikimedia Commons

Trump Picks Project 2025 Co-Author Russell Vought for OMB

Regional banks' Q4 results show NII pressure likely to persist in 2024

ClearBridge Sustainability Leaders Strategy Q4 2023 Portfolio Manager Commentary

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
Last week, I wrote how 2024 would be <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/5-a-rated-stocks-buy-in-2024">all about earnings</a>. Corporate fortunes are diverging, interest rates are stabilizing, and 2024 is shaping up to be a year when company performance matters more than big-picture macroeconomic stories.



We&rsquo;re already seeing these effects. Last Wednesday, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/tsm-stock-quote/">TSM</a>) announced that its December revenues had handily beat expectations. The news would send Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/nvda-stock-quote/">NVDA</a>) up 2% and Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/amd-stock-quote/">AMD</a>) down 2%. It turns out AI chips are booming, but consumer electronics are not.



Similar trends are emerging in everything from streaming services to uranium miners. We&rsquo;re no longer in a &ldquo;rising tide&rdquo; environment where every company moves in the same direction. And that means investors need to keep a close eye on corporate performance. 



To separate these winning firms from the laggards, InvestorPlace analyst Louis Navellier has long used earnings revisions as a key metric. Companies with rising Wall Street forecasts tend to perform better even after the forecasts have been publicly announced, while those with declining revisions tend to underperform long after the news. These insights have long been incorporated in his proven <a href="https://navelliergrowth.investorplace.com/portfolio-grader">Portfolio Grader</a> system and have helped Louis uncover the top-performing stock on the S&amp;P 500 every year for 12 years running. 



In 2023, we saw this effect play out in black and white (or red and green). An investor who bought the 10 companies with the highest upward revisions in the S&amp;P 500 would have walked away with a 25.5% gain. That included companies like chipmaker Qualcomm (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/qcom-stock-quote/">QCOM</a>) and cruise liner Carnival (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ccl-stock-quote/">CCL</a>). The former saw its 2023 earnings growth revised from 3.3% to 19.6% in Q4 2022&hellip; and subsequently saw shares rise 35% over the following 12 months. The latter would jump 130% over the same period! 



Meanwhile, those buying the bottom-10 companies would have fared far worse. Among these firms were Mohawk Industries (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/mhk-stock-quote/">MHK</a>) and United Parcel Service (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ups-stock-quote/">UPS</a>), which essentially ended the year flat. Those buying the bottom-30 firms by earnings revisions would have also landed companies like Signature Bank (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/sbny-stock-quote/">SBNY</a>) and First Republic Bank (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/frcb-stock-quote/">FRCB</a>), two now-bankrupt firms. 



<h2>How to Invest for 2024</h2>



We&rsquo;ll see even more of these divergences this year. As I wrote here last week, investors are <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/5-a-rated-stocks-buy-in-2024">running out of patience with startups</a> like QuantumScape (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/qs-stock-quote/">QS</a>). Competitors like BYD (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/byddy-stock-quote/">BYDDY</a>) are racing ahead, and startups are finding it harder than before to raise cheap capital.



That means investors will need to keep a close eye on earnings revisions in 2024. To get you started, the writers and analysts at InvestorPlace.com, our free news site, write this week on five companies that look set to succeed in the coming year.



<h2>5 Surging Growth Stocks to Buy: Duolingo (DUOL)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_1668567226-300x169.jpg" alt="DUOL stock: A phone displaying the duolingo logo in front of a computer screen displaying the duolingo site"><div>Source: dennizn / Shutterstock</div></div>


A-rated language-learning app Duolingo (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/duol-stock-quote/">DUOL</a>) has one of the highest upward earnings revisions in the Russell 3000 index. Over the last quarter, the Pittsburgh-based tech firm has seen its 2024 earnings estimates rise from 15 cents to 82 cents, a fivefold increase.



As Marc Guberti notes in a recent update for InvestorPlace.com, much of this has to do with Duolingo&rsquo;s <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/the-3-hottest-growth-stocks-to-watch-in-2024">expansion into new services</a>, which is keeping user growth high. He notes how the app grew daily active users by 63% last quarter and has raised its full-year guidance as a result.



Josh Enomoto also notes how Duolingo has been aggressively <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/duolingo-layoffs-2024-what-to-know-about-the-latest-duol-job-cuts/">using AI to reduce workforce expenses and create new content</a>. The company is now using artificial intelligence to help create work &ldquo;dramatically faster&rdquo; than before.



Of course, Duolingo isn&rsquo;t for everyone. As Guberti warns, the company&rsquo;s high growth means shares trade at a significant premium at 119 times forward earnings. But the numbers are clear: Duolingo remains a high-growth company that&rsquo;s transitioning itself from negative to positive earnings. If it continues to maintain such growth, history tells us that Duolingo has plenty of upside ahead.



<h2>2. Spotify (SPOT)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/spot1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Spotify (SPOT) logo is on the screen of a smartphone with headphones plugged in."><div>Source: Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock.com</div></div>


A-rated Spotify (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/spot-stock-quote/">SPOT</a>) gets a special mention in Louis Navellier&rsquo;s Market360 this week. The online streaming service has been accumulating new subscribers <a href="https://investorplace.com/market360/2024/01/7-a-rated-consumer-discretionary-stocks-to-buy-for-the-new-year">at an astonishing rate</a>, and earnings have been revised up as a result. During the fourth quarter, Wall Street analysts moved their fiscal year 2024 earnings estimates from 37 cents per share to $2.10 &ndash; one of the highest revisions on the market.



Here&rsquo;s more from Louis and his team:




Spotify currently has 574 million monthly average users &ndash; up 26% from a year ago. Of those, 226 million are premium users, providing Spotify with most of its revenue. In the third quarter, Spotify generated $2.91 billion from its premium members, and only $447 million through advertising directed at its free users.



The trick will be for Spotify to continue to convert free users to premium members. As it does that, the profits will continue to rise.




At InvestorPlace.com, Muslim Farooque agrees. He picks Walt Disney (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/dis-stock-quote/">DIS</a>), Netflix (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/nflx-stock-quote/">NFLX</a>), and Spotify as his top <a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/12/3-stocks-to-play-the-rise-of-the-subscription-economy/">3 Stocks to Play the Rise of the Subscription Economy</a>. 



Streaming services can only succeed if they have a critical mass of content. And as the leading firm in music and podcast streaming, Spotify likely will have the easiest time expanding its user base while monetizing existing customers.



<h2>3. GitLab (GTLB)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/gtlb1600-300x169.png" alt="In this photo illustration the GitLab (GTLB) logo seen displayed on a smartphone screen."><div>Source: rafapress / Shutterstock.com</div></div>


In December, at InvestorPlace.com, Yiannis Zourmpanos noted how software development and IT operations (DevOps) platform company GitLab (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/gtlb-stock-quote/">GTLB</a>) was expanding its business with high-value customers. He believes this disruptive tech stock <a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/12/3-disruptive-tech-stocks-set-to-soar-by-2025/">is set to soar by 2025</a>:




A substantial 37% year-over-year growth, from 638 customers to 874, suggests GitLab&rsquo;s lead in attracting and retaining larger enterprises&hellip; GitLab&rsquo;s consistently high dollar-based net retention rate was 128% in Q3. This reflects the company&rsquo;s success in expanding revenue within its existing customer base.




The numbers suggest the same outcome. Over the past three months, analysts have revised their forward earnings estimates from 16 cents to 35 cents, more than doubling initial forecasts. In short, GitLab is bringing AI to software development and deployment, and renewed focus on AI-enhanced productivity tools has put the San Francisco-based firm&rsquo;s growth into high gear.



Analyst Luke Lango rightly agrees. In a <a href="https://investorplace.com/earlystageinvestor/special-reports/our-top-10-investment-themes-for-2024">special report</a> for Early Stage Investor (subscription required) he calls GitLab one of the Top 5 &ldquo;highest-quality AI software applications&rdquo; to buy for 2024, and says that shares have &ldquo;likely upside into and beyond 2025.&rdquo; Though few outside the industry have ever heard of GitLab, that matters little for a firm growing earnings at such a rapid clip.



<h2>4. SoFi (SOFI)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ipoe-sofi-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="the Social Finance (SoFi stock) logo is displayed on a smartphone."><div>Source: rafapress / Shutterstock.com</div></div>


This week, Louis&rsquo; team also highlights SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/sofi-stock-quote/">SOFI</a>) as a company where <a href="https://investorplace.com/market360/2024/01/why-wall-street-may-soon-turn-back-to-bullish-on-sofi-stock">Wall Street May Soon Turn Back to Bullish</a>. The New Year&rsquo;s selloff has pushed SoFi&rsquo;s shares back into the $8 range, and a potentially strong earnings release due on Jan. 29 could send shares higher:




The next big event for SOFI stock is just a few weeks away. That would be the release of the company&rsquo;s Q4/full year 2023 results, post-market on Jan. 29&hellip;



Much suggests that SoFi will crush it again with results this quarter, as it did last quarter. With the student loan moratorium lifted and SoFi&rsquo;s non-student lending operations growing, the company is likely to report its first profitable quarter.




The online banking firm has seen a strong upward revision in earnings. Over the past quarter, analysts have doubled their 2024 earnings per share estimates from 3 cents to 6 cents. 2025 earnings expectations are now as high as 23 cents.



That&rsquo;s because banks (and fintechs) tend to benefit when rates are elevated, since they can earn higher risk-free interest on customer deposits. SoFi also lacks a corporate-lending business, which tend to see fewer benefits of rising rates.



Analysts expect SoFi&rsquo;s net interest income (the profits generated from this lending activity) to more than double this fiscal year to $1.3 billion, eclipsing the revenues earned from other activities.



<h2>5. DraftKings (DKNG)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/draftkings-300x169.jpg" alt="DraftKings (DKNG) logo, magnified, on its app."><div>Source: Lori Butcher/Shutterstock.com</div></div>


Finally, Faisal Humayun hones in on DraftKings (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/dkng-stock-quote/">DKNG</a>) this week at InvestorPlace.com as a stock <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/7-stocks-primed-to-explode-your-net-worth-by-2030">Primed to Explode Your Net Worth by 2030</a>. The firm has a strong business, Humayun says, and is supported by industry tailwinds:




DraftKings has surged by 183% in the last 12 months. The rally from deeply oversold levels is likely to sustain with profitability on the horizon. Further, with a big addressable market for online sports betting (OSB) and iGaming, I believe that DKNG stock will continue to create value.




Essentially, DraftKings is rising on a wave of gambling legalizations. U.S. governors are seeing how states like New York are plugging funding gaps with new gaming tax revenues. And everyone wants a piece.



Since October, analysts have revised their next-year earnings estimates for DraftKings from negative 50 cents to negative 26 cents, a 50% improvement. And 2025 figures are up even more; Wall Street now expects DraftKings to earn a positive 80 cents per share by the end of the year.



Together, the numbers suggest that DraftKings still has more room to run. Humayun expects margins to continue expanding for the <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/3-stocks-that-will-surge-higher-on-margin-expansion-and-cash-flow-upside">next 12 to 24 months</a>. If that&rsquo;s the case, shares have at least another 22% upside from here.



<h2>Beating the Market</h2>



Wall Street analysts are generally quite good at their work. Many have million-dollar research budgets at their disposal, and top analysts often know corporate bosses on a personal level.



Louis and I are former Wall Streeters, and we&rsquo;ve both seen this &ldquo;old boys club&rdquo; in action. It&rsquo;s no surprise to either of us how powerful earnings revisions can be.



But Wall Street analysts also can make mistakes. In January 2023, analysts had just slashed their expectations for Facebook parent Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/meta-stock-quote/">META</a>). As a group, Wall Street expected Meta&rsquo;s earnings to decline 12.5% the following year.



But they were wrong. Meta would instead see a resurgence in the ad industry and the rise of generative AI. Earnings would instead rise 60% for 2023, sending shares up 145%. 2023 also saw other surprises, including resurgences in U.S. chipmaking and homebuilders. Intel (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/intc-stock-quote/">INTC</a>) and PulteGroup (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/phm-stock-quote/">PHM</a>) would see similarly unexpected turnarounds. No matter how skilled analysts are, some things are exceedingly difficult to predict.



So, what if you could beat Wall Street at its own game?



To do that, Louis has teamed up with earnings season expert Landon Swan reveal a <a href="https://secure.tradesmith.com/?cid=MKT783727&amp;eid=MKT788044">revolutionary AI program with the power to predict the future earnings of more than 500 companies</a> with uncanny accuracy. <a href="https://secure.tradesmith.com/?cid=MKT783727&amp;eid=MKT788044">Full details here.</a>



On the date of publication, Thomas Yeung did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com<a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/qLNxCn5X66u64BEvHJ7Oly?domain=investorplace.com" target="_blank"> Publishing Guidelines</a>.
<div>Tom Yeung is a market analyst and portfolio manager of the Omnia Portfolio, the highest-tier subscription at InvestorPlace. He is the former editor of Tom Yeung&rsquo;s Profit &amp; Protection, a free e-letter about investing to profit in good times and protecting gains during the bad.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/5-surging-growth-stocks-to-buy-for-2024/">5 Surging Growth Stocks to Buy for 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

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