U.S. stocks were little changed on Tuesday as investors stayed cautious following a series of letters from the White House to major trading partners, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs">outlining sweeping new tariffs. </a>



The real market action unfolded in commodities, with copper surging 10% after President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper imports starting today.



The industrial metal jumped to $5.52 per pound, hitting a new all-time high and marking its biggest one-day gain since October 2008.



During a Cabinet meeting, Trump stated: "Some letters are at a 60%, 70% rate.&#8221; He said to be announcing new tariff measures on pharmaceuticals — possibly a 200% tariff.



He added that trade relations with China have been "very fair" recently, noting a strong working relationship.



While Trump reiterated openness to trade negotiations, he emphasized that the U.S. will not extend the August deadline for reciprocal tariffs to take effect.



Commenting on the European Union, Trump said: "The EU has been speaking to us. President von der Leyen has been very nice lately, but they've treated us badly until recently. We're probably two days away from sending the EU letter. A letter is a deal."



At 1:40 p.m. ET, the S&amp;P 500 was flat at 6,220, the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.1% to 22,710, while small caps led the way with the Russell 2000 rising 0.9%.



Energy stocks outperformed as oil prices climbed 1.4% for a second straight session, topping $68 — a two-week high.



Treasury yields also moved higher, with the 10-year rising five basis points to 4.43% and the 30-year yield climbing to 4.96%.



The U.S. dollar remained steady, while gold fell 0.8% to $3,308 per ounce. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) traded around $109,125.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Performance In Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Major Indices</td><td>Price</td><td>% change</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>2,233.89</td><td>0.9%</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>22,710.77</td><td>0.1%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>6,229.74</td><td>0.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>44,254.05</td><td>-0.3%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated by 1:45 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>



According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The&nbsp;Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) flattened at $570.48.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) inched 0.3% lower to $442.54.</li>



<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;eased 0.1% to $533.50.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) rose 0.9% to $221.73.</li>



<li>The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) outperformed, up 2.8%; the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) lagged, down 1.3%.</li>
</ul>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h1>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RUN#NASDAQ">RUN</a>) dropped 12%, while Enphase Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENPH#NASDAQ">ENPH</a>) fell 4.5% and First Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>) declined 6% after President Trump signed an order slashing tax credits for wind and solar energy.</li>



<li>Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCX#NYSE">FCX</a>) jumped 4.4%, benefiting from a sharp spike in copper prices following the newly announced tariffs.</li>



<li>Fair Isaac Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FICO#NYSE">FICO</a>) sank 15% after Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, announced Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will now allow lenders to adopt the VantageScore 4.0 credit scoring model.</li>



<li>Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) rallied 7.5% after Citigroup raised its price target on the stock from $21 to $24.</li>



<li>JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) declined 3.5% — its worst session since April — after HSBC downgraded the bank from Hold to Reduce and lifted its price target from $237 to $259.</li>



<li>Datadog Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>) fell 4.3% to $145.81 after Guggenheim downgraded the stock from Neutral to Sell, setting a price target of $105.</li>



<li>Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>) surged 7.4% after JPMorgan increased its price target from $40 to $42 while maintaining a Neutral rating.</li>



<li>Other oil and gas majors advanced amid rising crude prices: Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/07/46304047/energy-etfs-in-focus-after-exxon-flags-1-5-billion-profit-hit">rose</a> 2.8%, Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) gained 3.5%, and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>) climbed 4.3%. </li>
</ul>



Read Now:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46296421/goldman-sachs-raises-sp500-forecast-6900">S&amp;P 500 Near 7,000? Inside Goldman&#8217;s New Gravity-Defying Forecast</a></li>
</ul>



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INTC

Copper Rallies To Record Highs After Trump's 50% Tariff Bombshell: What's Moving Markets Tuesday?

Wall Street may already be sitting near record highs, but Goldman Sachs believes the rally still has legs—thanks to lower yields, mega-cap momentum and the Fed's return to cutting rates, the bank now sees the S&amp;P 500 hitting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/expert-ideas">6,900 in the next 12 months.</a>



In a new note Monday, David J. Kostin, chief U.S. equity strategist at Goldman Sachs, said he expects the S&amp;P 500 – as tracked by the Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) – to climb to 6,400 in three months, a gain of 3%, 6,600 by year-end, up 6%, and 6,900 within 12 months, an 11% increase.



That's a significant boost from their previous targets of 5,900, 6,100 and 6,500, respectively—and well above the median consensus forecast of 5,975.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why The Upgrade? Think Fed Cuts And Big Tech</h3>



Goldman's forecast shift is built on three key assumptions: earlier and deeper Fed cuts, lower bond yields and the staying power of mega-cap earnings.



The bank now expects the Federal Reserve to cut rates three times within one year, starting in September, followed by two more in 2026. Their rates team sees the 10-year Treasury yield ending 2025 at 4.2%, down from a prior estimate of 4.5%.



According to Goldman, "every 50 basis point decline in real yields is associated with a roughly 3% increase" in the S&amp;P 500's forward price-to-earnings ratio.



Strong first-quarter results from mega-cap names also gave Goldman more confidence that tech leaders can "sustain current investor expectations for their long-term growth."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Market Breadth Still Narrow, But That May Change</h2>



Despite the record highs, most stocks still lag behind. 



Goldman said the "median constituent remains more than 10 percent below its 52-week high," pointing to extremely narrow market breadth.



The Invesco S&amp;P 500 Equal-Weight ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RSP#NYSE">RSP</a>) still trades 3% below its record highs hit in late November 2024. 



But rather than a correction, Goldman sees a potential shift in leadership. "We believe a ‘catch up' is more likely than a ‘catch down'" as laggards start to recover in the coming months.



Notably, the recent rally has been unusually sharp: since the April low, the S&amp;P 500 is up 25%, ranking above the 99th percentile of three-month returns in the past 50 years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Earnings Steady For Now, But Tariffs Cloud Outlook</h3>



Goldman is sticking with its earnings growth forecasts of 7% for both 2025 and 2026. Still, Kostin indicated uncertainty tied to the evolving tariff landscape, which could pressure margins.



"The shifting tariff landscape creates large uncertainty around our earnings forecasts," he said, though large-cap firms appear buffered by inventory and cost strategies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3 Investment Plays for the Second Half of 2025</h3>



Goldman is positioning for a rally that broadens beyond mega-caps. The firm outlined three key trade ideas:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Balanced sector exposure, with overweights in Software &amp; Services, Materials, Utilities, Media &amp; Entertainment and Real Estate.</li>



<li>Alternative asset managers, which lagged despite recovering capital markets.</li>



<li>Companies with high floating-rate debt, which should benefit from lower rates.</li>
</ol>



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46280221/vice-stocks-beat-esg-trump-2025">Guns, Booze, And Gambling Stocks Are Crushing ESG In Trump&#8217;s America </a></li>
</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Analyst Color

Analyst Ratings

S&P 500 Near 7,000? Inside Goldman's New Gravity-Defying Forecast

Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/nvidia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trading close</a> to its 52-week high of $161 on Tuesday. The stock has seen a notable increase this year, rising almost 18% year-to-date and gaining over 64% in market value in the last three months. 



This performance surpasses the broader market, as the S&amp;P 500 and NASDAQ Composite indexes have generated approximately 6% in returns year-to-date.



In May, Nvidia reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46177736/what-is-going-on-with-nvidia-stock" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-quarter revenue</a> of $44.1 billion, a 69% increase year-over-year and a 12% sequential rise. This figure exceeded the Street consensus estimate of $43.2 billion, despite a new export ban impacting sales of its chips to China, one of its significant markets.



Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/06/45845825/ai-momentum-powers-nvidia-arm-and-chip-supply-chain-in-bofa-recap" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI Momentum Powers Nvidia, Arm And Chip Supply Chain In BofA Recap</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recent Key Events Impacting Valuation</h2>



Several recent events have influenced Nvidia&#8217;s valuation. On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled the &#8220;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46291393/micron-stock-soars-42-in-2025-but-ceo-warns-of-demand-pull-ins" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Beautiful Bill</a>,&#8221; which would raise the semiconductor investment tax credit from 25% to 30% through 2026, giving chipmakers more substantial incentives to expand U.S. manufacturing.



He also created the United States Investment Accelerator within the Commerce Department by executive order, shifting control of the CHIPS Act program directly under the White House.



Although Trump previously criticized the $39 billion in grants and $75 billion in loans under the CHIPS and Science Act, he now backs pro-chip policies through this bill, which has cleared the Senate and is awaiting a House vote.



Also in July, OpenAI <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46290622/openai-sticks-with-nvidia-chatgpt-maker-says-no-plans-to-use-googles-ai-chips-at-scale" rel="noreferrer noopener">confirmed it will</a> continue using Nvidia AI chips at scale, rejecting Alphabet&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google&#8217;s tensor processing units (TPUs) despite a recent cloud deal with Google Cloud. Nvidia, in turn, reaffirmed its partnership with OpenAI, highlighting its role as the core hardware provider for OpenAI&#8217;s AI models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Supply Chain And Export Controls</h2>



Reportedly, contract chipmaker and key Nvidia supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46283410/taiwan-semiconductor-shifts-focus-100-billion-usa-expansion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accelerated its U.S. expansion</a>. This move is a response to Washington&#8217;s chip tariff policies, leading TSM to delay the construction of its second plant in Japan to prioritize its growing American footprint.



In March, TSM Chairman C.C. Wei announced an additional $100 billion U.S. investment, building on the $65 billion disclosed in April 2024. This expanded investment aims to boost domestic chipmaking to support major clients like Nvidia and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and reduce reliance on overseas production.



Meanwhile, the U.S. is drafting <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/07/46266218/us-plans-to-restrict-ai-chip-exports-to-malaysia-thailand-to-curb-diversion-to-china" rel="noreferrer noopener">new export controls</a> to prevent Nvidia AI chips from reaching China via third-party routes, specifically through Malaysia and Thailand. This marks the first formal step in Trump&#8217;s overhaul of prior AI chip export rules, though key security questions remain unresolved.



These U.S. sanctions had previously compelled Nvidia to halt H20 chip exports to China on April 9, resulting in a $4.5 billion first-quarter charge for Nvidia, attributed to excess inventory and purchase commitments. Consequently, Nvidia projected its second-quarter revenue at $45 billion, approximately $780 million below estimates, citing an $8 billion impact from lost H20 sales due to these export restrictions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Analyst Projections</h2>



Thirty-seven analysts have set a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus price forecast</a> of $179.17 for Nvidia. Loop Capital issued the highest forecast at $250 on June 25, 2025, while Seaport Global gave the lowest at $100 on April 30, 2025. The latest ratings from Citigroup (July 7), Mizuho (July 3), and Loop Capital (June 25) average a forecast of $208.33, suggesting a potential upside of 30.65% for Nvidia based on those recent views.



NVDA Price Action: NVDA stock is trading higher by 0.82% to $159.59 premarket at last check Tuesday.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/reiteration/25/07/46281768/telecom-stocks-are-no-longer-one-size-fits-all-analyst-says-heres-which-company-stands-out" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Telecom Stocks Are No Longer One-Size-Fits-All, Analyst Says — Here&#8217;s Which Company Stands Out</a></li>
</ul>



Image by Jack Hong via Shutterstock

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Nvidia Outpaces Market With AI-Powered Growth, Nears Record Highs

Quantum computing firm&nbsp;IonQ Inc. &nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IONQ#NYSE">IONQ</a>) saw a price target hike from Benchmark after the company successfully raised $1 billion through an equity offering at $55.49 per share, a notable 25% premium to the closing price last Thursday.



What Happened: The equity offering is likely to bring IonQ&#8217;s pro-forma cash to an estimated $1.68 billion, accelerating the company&#8217;s commercialization efforts. Benchmark analyst David Williams has reiterated a Buy rating on IonQ shares and increased his price target from $50 to $55, expressing confidence in IonQ&#8217;s potential in the quantum computing market, <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/ionq-stock-offering-buy-rating-be632dc5?">reported </a>Barrons.



The price target was raised following a fireside chat between Benchmark analysts and IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi and CFO Thomas Kramer, which strengthened the firm's optimistic view of the company.



Williams highlighted IonQ&#8217;s unique approach, which includes &#8220;positioning itself as a leader in both quantum computing and the increasingly critical field of quantum networking.&#8221; He also noted the company&#8217;s plans to gradually scale up its quantum machines, expressing confidence in its technical roadmap.



The company&#8217;s CEO, Niccolo de Masi, has underscored IonQ&#8217;s focus on quantum networking as a more feasible approach to constructing larger quantum computers. 



IonQ is widely seen as having the most commercially focused and differentiated business model and market strategy in the quantum computing space. The company has set bold targets, aiming to expand from 256 physical qubits in 2026 to 2 million physical qubits and 80,000 logical qubits by 2030. Williams says its highly commercial and differentiated strategy positions the company well as the industry evolves.



SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46272105/jack-dorsey-unveils-bitchat-a-decentralized-bluetooth-powered-server-free-messaging-service" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jack Dorsey Unveils &#8216;Bitchat,&#8217; A Decentralized, Bluetooth-Powered, Server-Free Messaging Service</a>



Why It Matters: The quantum computing industry is gaining significant investor attention due to its long-term economic potential, with IonQ being a standout frontrunner, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/initiation/25/07/46229237/cash-rich-ionq-to-capture-20-of-quantum-market-by-2035-analyst">according to</a> Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Troy Jensen. Despite its nascent stage, the industry is seeing substantial stock valuations, with IonQ expected to capture 20% of the quantum market by 2035.



IonQ&#8217;s stock has been on a surge, with the company&#8217;s commitment to building a quantum ecosystem in Texas, following the passage of the Texas Quantum Initiative,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46175752/ionq-stock-is-surging-monday-whats-driving-the-rally">driving the rally</a>.



Additionally, the company&#8217;s recent scientific achievements—such as advancements in protein folding and particle physics in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense—highlight the company&#8217;s growing potential in the quantum computing space.



Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings show that IonQ stock had a strong price trend over the short, medium and long term. Its momentum ranking was strong at 9the 9th percentile, whereas its value ranking was poor at the 3rd percentile; the details of other metrics are available <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">here</a>.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/initiation/25/07/46232263/d-wave-surges-1326-whats-driving-quantum-computings-newest-star">D-Wave Surges 1,326%: What&#8217;s Driving Quantum Computing&#8217;s Newest Star? </a></li>
</ul>



Image via Shutterstock



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

IONQ

This Quantum Computing Stock Just Raised $1 Billion — And Analyst Says It's Only Getting Started

In the wake of&nbsp;Elon Musk&#8216;s political aspirations, traders who bet against&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) are projected to earn approximately $1.4 billion due to a resultant drop in the company&#8217;s stock.



What Happened: Elon Musk's plan to launch a new U.S. political party has sparked doubts about his focus on Tesla's future. Coupled with his ongoing public clash with President Donald Trump over the tax-cut and spending bill, this led to nearly a 7% drop in Tesla's shares during early trading on Monday, according to a Reuters. 



With the shares valued at $296, those who bet against the electric vehicle maker are poised to make around $1.4 billion, according to data from analytics firm Ortex. This follows a $4 billion profit made by short sellers on June 5, after Tesla&#8217;s largest single-day market value drop, also due to the Musk-Trump social media spat.



By the close of trading, Tesla&#8217;s shares had dropped 6.8% to $293.94, marking a total loss of 22.5% year-to-date.



SEE ALSO: <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46288500/elon-musk-may-be-callous-insensitive-and-extremely-cruel-but-black-swan-author-nassim-taleb-is-prayi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk May Be Callous, Insensitive And &#8216;Extremely Cruel&#8217; But &#8216;Black Swan&#8217; Author Nassim Taleb Is Praying For His Safety Amid Rift With Trump</a>



Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s political ambitions have been a point of concern for investors, with some suggesting that the lack of an<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46273662/no-plan-b-teslas-musk-premium-is-on-thin-ice"> alternative CEO </a>could be detrimental to Tesla&#8217;s future. The company&#8217;s shares have been on a downward trajectory, with profits and deliveries hitting multi-quarter lows, leading to investor unease.



Notably, veteran investors and analysts, including Ross Gerber and Dan Ives, have criticized Musk&#8217;s return to politics and questioned the Tesla Board of Directors as the company&#8217;s stock was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46288776/ross-gerber-slams-joke-tesla-board-as-elon-musk-returns-to-politics-dan-ives-says-musk-cannot-start-own-political-party-and-remain-ceo">on a declining</a> spree on Monday.



President Donald Trump has also expressed<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266957/trump-calls-america-party-a-train-wreck-blasts-elon-musk-for-going-completely-off-the-rails-president-says-system-not-designed-for-a-third-player"> his discontent </a>with Musk&#8217;s political plans, describing them as a &#8220;train wreck&#8221; and suggesting that the U.S. system is not designed for third-party disruption.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46290046/beijing-rejects-elon-musk-as-a-geopolitical-asset-lukewarm-response-to-chinese-diplomatic-overreach-trump-feud-reportedly-diminishes-musks-value">Beijing Rejects Elon Musk As A &#8216;Geopolitical Asset&#8217;: Lukewarm Response To Chinese Diplomatic Overreach, Trump Feud Reportedly Diminishes Musk&#8217;s Value</a> </li>
</ul>



Image via Shutterstock



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

TSLA

Tesla Short Sellers To Earn Nearly $1.4 Billion In Profits Amid Elon Musk's Political Ambitions: Report

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/s-p-500-index">The S&amp;P 500</a> is on fire this July, just as it has been every year since 2015. But behind the celebratory green candles and fresh highs lurks a much murkier picture.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">S&amp;P 500 has traded above its upper Bollinger Band for the past 8 days &#x1f6a8; The last time it did that was in July 2024 and then <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SPY&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SPY</a> promptly corrected by 10% &#x1f4c9;&#x1f4c9; <a href="https://t.co/p3ysYAiMk4">pic.twitter.com/p3ysYAiMk4</a>&mdash; Barchart (@Barchart) <a href="https://twitter.com/Barchart/status/1942409054984233316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



For the past eight trading sessions, the S&amp;P 500 has closed above its upper Bollinger Band, <a href="https://x.com/Barchart/status/1942409054984233316?s=31" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as noted by</a> Barcharts on X—a technical sign that the index is overheating. The last time this happened? July 2024, right before a swift 10% correction. While history doesn't always repeat itself, it often rhymes, and some traders are beginning to hear the echo.



Investors in the S&amp;P 500 tracking SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) and the iShares Core S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVV#NYSE">IVV</a>) might want to remain wary of their holdings.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45840999/sp-500s-steady-climb-to-6000-just-killed-the-vix-what-this-volatility-crash-means-for-the-next-market-move">S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Steady Climb To 6000 Just Killed The VIX – What This Volatility Crash Means For The Next Market Move</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Market Breadth Is Flashing Red</h2>



Even more concerning: market breadth is flashing red. According to Barchart, the <a href="https://x.com/Barchart/status/1942444639794966694">gap</a> between the index's strength and that of its average constituent is near the widest it's been this century. In plain terms, a handful of mega-cap stocks &#8211; think Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) &#8211; are doing the heavy lifting while the majority of the S&amp;P 500 is lagging far behind.



This kind of narrow leadership can keep indexes afloat for a while, but it's hardly a foundation for sustainable gains. When only a few names are driving performance, the risk of a pullback increases if even one of them falters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Wild Card</h2>



Still, seasonal strength remains a wildcard. The S&amp;P has finished green every July since 2015 &#8211; a rare and powerful trend that bulls are betting on to continue. That momentum, combined with AI hype and rate-cut hopes, has kept sentiment buoyant.



But cracks are forming. The question now is whether July's bullish streak can overpower technical warning signs and deteriorating internals &#8211; or whether investors are partying on a weakening floor.



For now, the S&amp;P 500's scoreboard looks impressive. Just don't forget to check who's actually playing and who's missing the game entirely.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46246574/datadogs-sp-500-debut-could-spark-a-sizzling-rally">Datadog&#8217;s S&amp;P 500 Debut Could Spark A Sizzling Rally</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Technicals

MSFT

Another July, Another S&P 500 Rally - But Something's Seriously Off This Time

Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) strengthened its partnership with OpenAI after the ChatGPT maker confirmed it has no plans to deploy Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) in-house artificial intelligence chips at scale, despite recent cloud collaboration between the rivals.



What Happened: &#8220;We&#8217;re proud to partner with OpenAI and continue powering the foundation of their work,&#8221; Nvidia wrote on X Monday, citing a Reuters report that OpenAI rejected Google&#8217;s tensor processing units (TPUs) for large-scale deployment.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We're proud to partner with <a href="https://twitter.com/OpenAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OpenAI</a> and continue powering the foundation of their work. <a href="https://t.co/CWgsn1uAIk">pic.twitter.com/CWgsn1uAIk</a>&mdash; NVIDIA (@nvidia) <a href="https://twitter.com/nvidia/status/1942270425607569562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



OpenAI spokesperson confirmed to Reuters on Sunday that the AI lab is conducting early testing with some Google TPUs but has no active plans to use them at scale. The company continues relying on Nvidia&#8217;s graphics processing units (GPUs) and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) AI chips to meet growing computational demands.



The statement comes two days after Reuters reported OpenAI signed a cloud services deal with Google Cloud in May, marking a rare partnership between direct AI competitors. 



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/hedge-funds/25/07/46290114/bill-ackman-bets-over-60-of-pershing-squares-portfolio-in-these-4-stocks-uber-hhh-and-more">Bill Ackman Bets Over 60% Of Pershing Square&#8217;s Portfolio In These 4 Stocks: UBER, HHH And More</a>



Why It Matters: The agreement provides OpenAI access to Google&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/05/32645037/nvidia-vulnerable-to-in-house-ai-chip-production-by-google-meta-microsoft-amazon">infrastructure to support training and deployment</a> of models like ChatGPT, reducing reliance on Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) Azure.



Google has expanded external availability of its TPUs, historically reserved for internal use, winning customers including Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and AI startups Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41615800/googles-cost-advantage-with-custom-chips-only-nvidia-tops-it-says-analyst">custom chips offer Google a cost advantage</a> second only to Nvidia in performance, according to D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/biotech/25/07/46289610/palantir-co-founder-joe-lonsdale-wants-a-fda-overhaul-with-special-forces-style-ai-team-because-china-is-racing-to-outpace-us-in-biotech">Palantir Co-Founder Joe Lonsdale Wants A FDA Overhaul With Special Forces-Style AI Team Because China Is Racing To Outpace US In Biotech</a></li>
</ul>



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



Photo courtesy: Jack Hong / Shutterstock.com

Markets

CRWV

OpenAI Sticks With Nvidia: ChatGPT Maker Says No Plans To Use Google's AI Chips At Scale

U.S. stock futures were fluctuating on Tuesday after trimming gains from their records on Monday. Futures of major benchmark indices were trading mixed.



President Donald Trump announced sweeping <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46281204/wall-street-today-trump-tariffs-japan-south-korea-stocks-drop">25% tariffs</a> on all imports from Japan and South Korea, and sent letters to a total of 14 countries, all posted on his Truth Social account, starting Aug. 1. 



Japan&#8217;s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has since voiced his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46288472/japans-prime-minister-criticizes-trumps-tariff-decision-shigeru-ishiba-calls-move-truly-regrettable">dissatisfaction with Trump's decision</a> to impose 25% tariffs on goods imported from the country, calling it "truly regrettable." 



The 10-year Treasury bond yielded 4.41% and the two-year bond was at 3.90%. The CME Group's FedWatch <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">tool</a>&#8216;s projections show markets pricing a 95.3% likelihood of the Federal Reserve keeping the current interest rates unchanged in its July meeting. 



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Futures</td><td>Change (+/-)</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>-0.10%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>0.08%</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>0.21%</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>0.32%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, were higher in premarket on Tuesday. The SPY was up 0.11% at $621.36, while the QQQ advanced 0.26% to $553.47, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.



Cues From Last Session:



On Monday, consumer staples and utilities stocks defied a broader market downturn, closing higher, while most sectors on the S&amp;P 500 finished in negative territory.



Consumer discretionary, materials, and energy stocks recorded the most significant losses, as U.S. stocks settled lower overall.



In corporate news, Cogent Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COGT#NASDAQ">COGT</a>) announced positive topline results from Part 2 of the SUMMIT trial of bezuclastinib for non-advanced systemic mastocytosis, demonstrating clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements across primary and all key secondary endpoints.



Conversely, Core Scientific Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>) shares experienced a decline of around 18% after CoreWeave revealed its intentions to acquire the company in an all-stock deal.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Index</td><td>Performance (+/-)</td><td>Value</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq Composite</td><td>0.92%</td><td>20,412.52</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>0.79%</td><td>6,229.98</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>0.94%</td><td>44,406.36</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>1.55%</td><td>2,214.23</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Insights From Analysts:



BlackRock shifted its investment focus from traditional macro anchors to &#8220;mega forces&#8221; like AI, believing these will be &#8220;durable drivers of returns in both the near and long term.&#8221;



This tactical change comes as long-term macro stability wanes, yet the firm sees no need to reduce risk. Instead, they view AI-related investments as a &#8220;new anchor for returns,&#8221; bolstered by &#8220;immutable economic laws&#8221; that limit rapid global change.



This strategy keeps BlackRock &#8220;risk on&#8221; and overweight U.S. equities, anticipating solid corporate earnings despite potential growth dents from tariffs or caution.



Louis Navellier of Navellier &amp; Associates said that tariffs are roiling markets again.



&#8220;Tariffs are back on the front burner as the July 9th deadline is upon us. Rumors abound on pending agreements, along with threats if trading partners aren&#8217;t responsive in a timely fashion. But after the first 90-day delay, expectations are that nothing particularly painful will persist for long, and that the saber rattling will continue,&#8221; he said.



Navellier also highlighted that since the date for actual tariff increases has been pushed to Aug. 1st, &#8220;For now, we&#8217;re seeing some modest hedging taking place today, which isn&#8217;t particularly painful given the recent new all-time highs in stocks.&#8221;



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-trade-futures">How to Trade Futures</a>



Upcoming Economic Data



Here&#8217;s what investors will keep an eye on Tuesday:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>June&#8217;s NFIB optimism index data will be out by 6:00 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>May&#8217;s consumer credit data will be released by 3:00 p.m. ET.</li>
</ul>



Stocks In Focus:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Optical Cable Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OCC#NASDAQ">OCC</a>) surged 35.64% after announcing the strategic collaboration with Lightera, including an investment by Lightera resulting in a 7.24% ownership stake in OCC. This partnership aims to expand product offerings and integrated cabling solutions, particularly for the data center and enterprise sectors, with OCC handling sales.</li>



<li>BioSig Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BSGM#NASDAQ">BSGM</a>) jumped 27.27% following its merger with Streamex, securing up to $1.1 billion in growth financing to become a major public holder of gold bullion and tokenize the $142 trillion commodities market on the blockchain via Streamex&#8217;s RWA platform powered by Solana.</li>



<li>Thumzup Media Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TZUP#NASDAQ">TZUP</a>) rose 4.12% after completing a registered direct public offering, raising approximately $6.04 million net by selling non-voting Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, with proceeds allocated for general corporate purposes and ad-tech operations.</li>



<li>Helius Medical Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSDT#NASDAQ">HSDT</a>) dropped 10.69% after reports that it plans to sell up to $25 million in common stock.</li>



<li>Penguin Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PENG#NASDAQ">PENG</a>) rose 2.01% in premarket on Tuesday as analysts expect it to report earnings of 33 cents per share on the revenue of $328.81 million after the closing bell.</li>



<li>Saratoga Investment Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAR#NYSE">SAR</a>) was up 0.23% as it is expected to report earnings after market close. Analysts estimate earnings of 93 cents per share on revenue of $32.29 million.</li>



<li>Kura Sushi USA Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRUS#NASDAQ">KRUS</a>) advanced 1.62% as analysts expect it to report a quarterly loss of 1 cent per share on revenue of $71.83 million after the closing bell.</li>



<li>Merit Medical Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMSI#NASDAQ">MMSI</a>) gained 0.97% after naming Martha Aronson as President and CEO and said it sees preliminary second-quarter revenue of $380 million to $384 million.</li>



<li>Ascentage Pharma Group International ADR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPG#NASDAQ">AAPG</a>) was 0.29% above the flatline after naming Dr. Veet Misra as Chief Financial Officer and Eric Huang as Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Development and Finance.</li>
</ul>



Commodities, Gold, And Global Equity Markets:



Crude oil futures were trading lower in the early New York session by 0.77% to hover around $67.41 per barrel.



Gold Spot US Dollar fell 0.31% to hover around $3,326.03 per ounce. Its last record high stood at $3,500.33 per ounce. The U.S. Dollar Index spot was lower by 0.18% at the 97.3020 level.



Asian markets ended higher on Monday as South Korea's Kospi, India's S&amp;P BSE Sensex, Hong Kong's Hang Seng, Australia's ASX 200, Japan's Nikkei 225, and China&#8217;s CSI 300 indices rose. European markets were also higher in early trade.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46269226/stocks-just-hit-rare-golden-cross-for-1st-time-since-2023-heres-what-it-means-for-investors">Stocks Just Hit Rare Golden Cross For 1st Time Since 2023 — Here&#8217;s What It Means For Investors</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: godongphoto / Shutterstock.com

AAPG

BSGM

COGT

CORZ

HSDT

KRUS

MMSI

PENG

TZUP

US Stocks Likely To Open Mixed As Trump Issues Tariff Letters: Experts Peg AI Investments As 'Durable Drivers Of Returns'

The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed a decline in the overall market sentiment, while the index remained in the &#8220;Extreme Greed&#8221; zone on Monday.



U.S. stocks settled lower on Monday, with the Dow Jones index falling more than 400 points during the session after President Donald Trump officially announced sweeping 25% tariffs on all imports from Japan and South Korea, starting Aug. 1. The new tariffs apply to all goods from the two Asian economies and are in addition to any existing sector-specific duties.



Cogent Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COGT#NASDAQ">COGT</a>) announced topline results from Part 2 of the SUMMIT trial of bezuclastinib for non-advanced systemic mastocytosis, showing clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements across the primary and all key secondary endpoints. Core Scientific Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>) shares fell around 18% on Monday after CoreWeave announced plans to acquire the company in an all-stock deal.



Most sectors on the S&amp;P 500 closed on a negative note, with consumer discretionary, materials and energy stocks recording the biggest losses on Monday. However, consumer staples and utilities stocks bucked the overall market trend, closing the session higher.



The Dow Jones closed lower by 422 points to 44,406.36 on Monday. The S&amp;P 500 fell 0.79% to 6,229.98, while the Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.92% to 20,412.52 during Monday's session.



Investors are awaiting earnings results from Penguin Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PENG#NASDAQ">PENG</a>), Saratoga Investment Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAR#NYSE">SAR</a>) and Kura Sushi USA Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRUS#NASDAQ">KRUS</a>) today.



What is CNN Business Fear &amp; Greed Index?



At a current reading of 75.1, the index remained in the &#8220;Extreme Greed&#8221; zone on Monday, versus a prior reading of 78.5.



The Fear &amp; Greed Index is a measure of the current market sentiment. It is based on the premise that higher fear exerts pressure on stock prices, while higher greed has the opposite effect. The index is calculated based on seven equal-weighted indicators. The index ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 represents maximum fear and 100 signals maximum greediness.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/price-target/25/07/46271576/5-stock-picks-last-week-from-wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts-8">5 Stock Picks Last Week From Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts</a> </li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Pre-Market Outlook

Trump Tariffs Sink Dow Over 400 Points: Investor Sentiment Declines, But Fear & Greed Index Remains In 'Extreme Greed' Zone

Leading cryptocurrencies fell Monday as President Donald Trump&#8216;s fresh tariffs on Japan and South Korea spurred risk-off sentiment. 



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Cryptocurrency</th><th>Gains +/-</th><th>Price (Recorded at 9:20 p.m. ET)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>-0.36%</td><td>$108,488.50</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-0.28%</td><td>$2,552.85</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-1.41%</td><td>$0.1685</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



What Happened: Bitcoin slipped to an intraday low of $107,527.06 but recovered to $108,000 by late evening. Trading volume rose 18% in the last 24 hours, signaling high selling pressure.



Ethereum wobbled around $2,500, reaching an intraday low of $2,517.90 in the afternoon.



Bitcoin's market dominance increased to 64.5%, while the shares of Ethereum and other altcoins declined.



In the past 24 hours, 76,424 traders were liquidated, with total liquidations at $164.05 million. More than $115 million in bullish longs were wiped out.



Meanwhile, more than 60% of Binance derivatives traders with open BTC positions were short as of this writing.



The "Greed" sentiment weakened from 73 to 65 in the last 24 hours, according to the Crypto Fear &amp; Greed Index.



Top Gainers (24 Hours)



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Cryptocurrency</th><th>Gains +/-</th><th>Price (Recorded at 9:20 p.m. ET)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>XDC Network (XDC)</td><td>+5.79%</td><td>$0.06688</td></tr><tr><td>AB (AB)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+3.42%</td><td>$0.00841</td></tr><tr><td>GateToken (GT)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+2.51%</td><td>$15.56 </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.35 trillion, sliding 0.40% in the last 24 hours.



Stocks tumbled at the start of a new trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 422.17 points, or 0.94%, to end at 44,406.36. The S&amp;P 500 fell&nbsp; 0.79% to close at 6,229.98, while the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite lost 0.92%, ending at 20,412.52.



Trump announced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46281204/wall-street-today-trump-tariffs-japan-south-korea-stocks-drop">sweeping 25% tariffs</a> on all imports from Japan and South Korea, starting Aug. 1. The hike comes after a 90-day negotiation window, set on April 9, expired without a deal.



See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>



Analyst Notes: Widely followed cryptocurrency analyst and trader Ali Martinez cited historical cycles to suggest that Bitcoin's next market top is six months away.



"If this bull cycle mirrors the last two, we could be 6 months away from the next market top."



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">If this bull cycle mirrors the last two, we could be 6 months away from the next market top! <a href="https://t.co/Yr6lXtUYVg">pic.twitter.com/Yr6lXtUYVg</a>&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1942103788208148571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



On-chain analytics firm CryptoQuant drew attention to Bitcoin's bounce above the 365-day Simple Moving Average, a level that has historically served as strong support.



"Historically, as long as MVRV stays above its SMA365, the uptrend tends to continue," CryptoQuant added.



MVRV, a shorthand for Market Value to Realized Value, is a ratio used to assess the value of a cryptocurrency by comparing its current market value to its realized value.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Bitcoin MVRV Bounces off 365-Day Average: Trend Still Alive? "Historically, as long as MVRV stays above its SMA365, the uptrend tends to continue. MVRV &gt; SMA365 → Bull trend intact." – By <a href="https://twitter.com/burak_kesmeci?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@burak_kesmeci</a> <a href="https://t.co/iwxEQ9t3OH">pic.twitter.com/iwxEQ9t3OH</a>&mdash; CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/cryptoquant_com/status/1942109256167084357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Photo Courtesy: PeopleImages.com &#8211; Yuri A on Shutterstock.com



Read Next:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46272572/scottie-pippen-is-watching-bitcoin-xrp-dogecoin-and-what-else">Scottie Pippen Is Watching Bitcoin, XRP, Dogecoin&#8230;And What Else?</a></li>
</ul>

Cryptocurrency

$DOGE

$ETH

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Dip On Macro Jitters From Trump's Japan, South Korea Tariffs: Analyst Says BTC 6 Months Away From Top If History Repeats

Japan&#8217;s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has voiced his dissatisfaction with the U.S. decision to impose a 25% tariff on Japanese imports, a move initiated by President Donald Trump.



What Happened: Ishiba expressed disappointment over U.S. President Donald Trump&#8216;s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Japan, as <a href="https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250708/p2g/00m/0na/017000c">reported</a> by The Daily Mainichi on Tuesday. During a government meeting, Ishiba remarked that the tariff decision is &#8220;truly regrettable.&#8221; He noted that the tariff was lower than initially threatened and that the deadline for reaching a potential agreement has been extended.



Ishiba emphasized that his administration will focus on bilateral discussions to achieve a mutually advantageous agreement. The Japanese government aims to continue negotiations with the United States to resolve the tariff issue.



See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/g46264472/an-ex-cia-advisors-presentation-suggests-u-s-could-enter-post-debt-era-without-raising-taxes-thank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">An Ex-CIA Advisor&#8217;s Presentation Suggests U.S. Could Enter &#8220;Post-Debt Era&#8221; Without Raising Taxes—Thanks to Overlooked Federal Asset </a>



Why It Matters: The imposition of these tariffs by Trump has sent shockwaves through global markets, with significant repercussions. On Monday,  Wall Street <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46281204/wall-street-today-trump-tariffs-japan-south-korea-stocks-drop">experienced a notable slump</a>, and the U.S. dollar surged following the announcement of the tariffs. These tariffs, which affect all imports from Japan and South Korea, are set to begin on August 1 and are in addition to any existing sector-specific duties.



At the time of writing, the Nikkei was seen trading 0.2% higher at 39,679.09. 



The dollar index, which measures the greenback&#8217;s strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.517% to 97.467, touching a one-week high, reported Reuters. Japanese yen edged up 0.07% to 146.11 against the dollar.



Photo Courtesy: NINA IMAGES on Shutterstock.com



Check This Out:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Lawmakers Made Huge Investments This Year. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>



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/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Japan's Prime Minister Criticizes Trump's Tariff Decision: Shigeru Ishiba Calls Move 'Truly Regrettable'

Dave Portnoy, the founder and CEO of Barstool Sports, just announced a bold bet on Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), following a pullback in the company&#8217;s shares early this week.



Check out the current price of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TSLA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TSLA stock here.</a>



What Happened: On Monday, in a post on X, Portnoy stated that he had purchased $10 million worth of Tesla shares, in anticipation of a 10% bounce in under two weeks.



&#8220;Update – I bought the 10 milly $tsla hoping for 10% bounce in 2 weeks or less,&#8221; Portnoy posted on X, tagging the move as a #crazyelon play, a reference to CEO Elon Musk&#8217;s erratic behaviors that have since become a defining trait of the stock&#8217;s volatility in recent years.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46268414/as-elon-musks-rift-with-donald-trump-deepens-former-google-executive-says-maga-and-tech-world-cant-thrive-without-each-other">As Elon Musk&#8217;s Rift With Donald Trump Deepens, Former Google Executive Says MAGA And Tech World Can&#8217;t Thrive Without Each Other</a>



In the video accompanying the post, Portnoy detailed his thought process behind the high-stakes trade. &#8220;I'm looking at Tesla. It's down seven and a half percent,&#8221; he says, likely sitting in front of his trading screen, while pondering &#8220;Do I put $10 million into Tesla right now, hope to make 10%, that's a million bucks?&#8221;



Portnoy says that he aims to make 10% or &#8220;a million bucks&#8221; in under two weeks with this investment, which he then plans to take to the Saratoga Race Course in New York.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Update &#8211; I bought the 10 milly <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24tsla&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$tsla</a> hoping for 10% bounce in 2 weeks or less. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/crazyelon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#crazyelon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ddtg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ddtg</a> <a href="https://t.co/zFqVNMwpKy">pic.twitter.com/zFqVNMwpKy</a>&mdash; Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) <a href="https://twitter.com/stoolpresidente/status/1942233926216323220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Why It Matters: Tesla shares witnessed a pullback on Monday, down 6.79%, trading at $293.94 per share, following the escalating feud between Musk and President Donald Trump, and the former&#8217;s decision to form a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46265725/elon-musk-announces-formation-of-america-party-emerges-in-wake-of-donald-trumps-historic-spending-bill">new political entity</a>, dubbed the &#8220;America Party.&#8221;



Several experts, investors and analysts have hit out at Musk&#8217;s decision, with investment firm Azoria Partners <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46268694/elon-musks-america-party-plans-conflict-with-his-full-time-responsibilities-as-tesla-ceo-says-former-doge-advisor">delaying the listing</a> of its Azoria Tesla Convexity ETF as a result of this.



Azoria&#8217;s CEO, James Fishback, who once hailed the EV giant as the &#8220;most compelling investment,&#8221; believes Musk&#8217;s latest political pivot will result in &#8220;conflict with his full-time responsibilities as CEO of Tesla.&#8221;



&#8220;Unlike his work with SpaceX or xAI, which complement Tesla&#8217;s R&amp;D efforts in AI, automation, and engineering, a political party not only fails to complement Tesla&#8217;s mission, it actively undermines it,&#8221; Fishback said.



Wedbush Securities senior analyst&nbsp;Dan Ives echoed similar views, saying that Musk&#8217;s move was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46267326/elon-musks-america-party-is-a-move-in-the-opposite-direction-says-dan-ives-analyst-gary-black-says-difficult-to-predict-impact-on-tesla-brand-short-term">&#8220;exactly the opposite direction&#8221;</a>&nbsp;of what most Tesla investors would have wanted, especially during what he refers to as a &#8220;crucial period for Tesla.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="149" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07215856/Screenshot-2025-07-08-at-7.28.39-AM-1024x149.png" alt="" class="wp-image-975626" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07215856/Screenshot-2025-07-08-at-7.28.39-AM-1024x149.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07215856/Screenshot-2025-07-08-at-7.28.39-AM-300x44.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07215856/Screenshot-2025-07-08-at-7.28.39-AM-768x112.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07215856/Screenshot-2025-07-08-at-7.28.39-AM.png 1528w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



According to Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings, Tesla shares score well on Growth, ranked in the 90th percentile, and have a strong price trend in the medium and long terms, but is unfavorable in the short run. Click <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">here</a> for deeper insights on the stock. 



Photo Courtesy: Tada Images On Shutterstock.com



Read More: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/07/46281860/elons-america-party-etf-a-what-if-fund-of-musk-linked-stocks-like-tesla-nvidia">Elon&#8217;s America Party ETF: A What-If Fund Of Musk-Linked Stocks Like Tesla, Nvidia</a></li>
</ul>

Politics

Dave Portnoy Drops $10 Million On Tesla: 'Hoping For 10% Bounce In 2 Weeks Or Less' From #CrazyElon Bet

Correction: The current prime minister of Japan is Shigeru Ishiba, not Fumio Kishida. 



The U.S. dollar is notching its strongest one-day gain against the Japanese yen in nearly two months as traders react to President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs targeting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46281204/wall-street-today-trump-tariffs-japan-south-korea-stocks-drop">multiple U.S. trading partners.</a>



Starting Aug. 1, all goods imported from Japan and other Asian trading partners will face a 25% tariff, Trump announced Monday, citing persistent trade imbalances and unfair practices.



The move follows a 90-day pause for negotiations that fell short of providing a better outcome than the &#8220;Liberation Day&#8221; duties on April 2. And now, the fallout is landing hard.



The dollar surged past 146 yen, gaining 1.2% on the day—its sharpest move since May 12. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Markets Shake As White House Sends Tariff Letters To Trading Partners</h3>



In an official letter to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump stated that the new tariffs aim to address what he called "years of Japan&#8217;s tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers."



He also warned that any retaliatory tariffs would be met with proportional increases by the U.S. and said transshipped goods would face higher rates. 



He also offered an out: Japanese companies that move production to the U.S. won't face tariffs — and he promised quick approvals for those who do.



According to International Trade Statistics data, U.S. imports from Japan totaled $152.07 billion in 2024, with vehicles accounting for $51.27 billion and machinery, including nuclear reactors and boilers, adding another $36.05 billion.



The White House stated that the tariff levels could be revised based on bilateral trade relationships, with the goal of reducing trade deficits and protecting U.S. national security.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">More Countries Face Tariff Hikes</h3>



South Korea will also face a 25% tariff starting in August under the same terms as Japan. The dollar gained 0.9% against the Korean won in the session, reinforcing the greenback's strength amid heightened global tensions.



Several other countries were also named in the tariff list, including:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Malaysia: 25% tariff</li>



<li>South Africa: 30% tariff;</li>



<li>Kazakhstan: 25% tariff,</li>



<li>Laos and Myanmar: 40% tariffs</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ETFs Took A Beating</h3>



Country-focused ETFs sold off hard on Monday: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWJ#NYSE">EWJ</a>) dropped 2.3%, marking its worst session since April 10. That's a sharp reversal after a 25% rally off spring lows.</li>



<li>The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWY#NYSE">EWY</a>) plunged 3.5%, also its worst day since early April.</li>



<li>The iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWM#NYSE">EWM</a>) fell 2%.</li>



<li>The iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EZA#NYSE">EZA</a>) dropped 2%.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next?</h3>



The White House said tariffs could still be adjusted — higher or lower — depending on "the strength of the relationship" with each country.



Investors are now watching closely to see how Japan, South Korea, and others respond — and whether the European Union, facing a similar deadline this week, becomes the next target in Trump's escalating trade war.



Meanwhile, the message from markets is clear: tariffs are back in play, and traders are bracing for more volatility ahead.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46280221/vice-stocks-beat-esg-trump-2025">Guns, Booze, And Gambling Stocks Are Crushing ESG In Trump&#8217;s America</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Asia

Emerging Markets

Emerging Market ETFs

Trump's Surprise Tariffs Just Crushed Japan's Stocks, Yen And More (CORRECTED)

Ready or not, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> may have found himself staring down a political disruptor unlike any other—and it's not Joe Biden. It's Elon Musk, the billionaire technologist <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46265725/elon-musk-announces-formation-of-america-party-emerges-in-wake-of-donald-trumps-historic-spending-bill">whose new America Party is already sparking</a> curiosity, confusion, and quiet panic across the Republican establishment. And while Musk insists it's a movement rooted in reform, innovation, and common sense, its most immediate consequence might be shaking the ground beneath Trump's feet.



In a political landscape where Trump has long dominated headlines, rallies, and voter loyalty, Musk&#8217;s entry is uniquely volatile. He's not a conventional challenger. He doesn't need party backing, donor networks or decades of political grooming. The tech billionaire has something arguably more powerful: a direct line to millions via social media, an empire of tech-savvy followers, and a reputation for flipping the script, often overnight. The America Party, still in its infancy, may not be a threat today. But its potential trajectory? That's what could keep Team Trump up at night.



From siphoning off key voter blocs to fracturing fundraising dynamics, the America Party has the tools to reshape 2026's political battlefield. In this story, we'll break down eight specific ways Musk's fledgling movement could become Trump's biggest headache yet—and why it might be time to rethink the GOP's grip on the future.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Splitting The Republican Electorate</h3>



The America Party has the potential to siphon off Republican voters, especially in closely contested races during the 2026 midterm elections. Musk's message to appeal to the "80% in the center" and his disapproval of what he describes as the Republican-Democrat "uniparty" indicate an approach aimed at attracting dissatisfied conservatives and centrists. Historical examples, such as Ralph Nader's Green Party campaign in 2000, demonstrate that even modest third-party support (Nader secured 2.7% nationwide) can determine tight races, possibly costing Republicans seats and reducing Trump's influence in Congress.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Weaponizing His Wealth</h3>



Musk has vowed to financially support primary opponents running against Republican lawmakers who backed Trump's legislation, which the Tesla and SpaceX CEO argues will increase the national debt by $5 trillion.



With his estimated $361 billion fortune and a record of spending $277 million during the 2024 elections (including $239 million via America PAC), the world&#8217;s richest person has the resources to help oust Republicans loyal to Trump, particularly those who voted for the bill. This effort could fracture party cohesion and diminish Trump's authority within the GOP.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Using X As A Political Weapon</h3>



As the owner of X, the outspoken entrepreneur controls a powerful communication platform that shapes right-leaning political dialogue. He can elevate critiques of Trump, boost America Party candidates, or highlight opposition to Trump's initiatives, such as the projected deficit hike.



Musk's posts — including one accusing Trump of links to Jeffrey Epstein — have already reached massive audiences (132 million views), showcasing his capacity to steer opinions and challenge Trump's narrative among the MAGA base.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Dragging Trump Into Controversy</h3>



Musk's feud with the president took a sharp turn when the controversial business titan publicly alleged that Trump's name appears in the unreleased Epstein files—a claim made via X without supporting evidence. Though Musk later deleted the post and expressed regret, the accusation stirred renewed scrutiny and political tension.



Critics argue it was a reckless move that politicized a sensitive investigation, while others view it as a strategic jab meant to destabilize Trump's image. The Justice Department has since stated there's no credible evidence of such a list, but the episode underscores how Musk's influence—and unpredictability—can inject volatility into the political arena.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Creating A New Political Identity</h3>



The America Party positions itself as a home for the "80% in the middle" —a direct challenge to the polarized political landscape dominated by Trump's populism and traditional party lines.



By appealing to disillusioned moderates, independents, and fiscally conservative voters frustrated with partisan gridlock, Musk could redefine the political center and fracture Trump's base. His messaging around government waste, free speech, and accountability resonates with voters who feel alienated by both major parties.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266957/trump-calls-america-party-a-train-wreck-blasts-elon-musk-for-going-completely-off-the-rails-president-says-system-not-designed-for-a-third-player">Trump Calls America Party A &#8216;Train Wreck,&#8217; Blasts Elon Musk For Going Completely &#8216;Off The Rails&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



If the America Party gains traction, it could reshape the narrative around what it means to be politically "mainstream" in 2026. For Trump, that shift threatens to dilute his influence, complicate coalition-building, and force a recalibration of his campaign strategy in key battleground states.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Rallying A Devoted Following</h3>



Musk enjoys considerable admiration among Republican voters, with 73% of them — and an even greater 84% of conservative Republicans — viewing him positively, according to a Pew Research Center poll.



His ability to inspire loyal supporters, akin to Trump's, provides him with the means to galvanize a rival bloc within the conservative movement. This could weaken Trump's uncontested grip on Republican leadership.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">7. Targeting Strategic Congressional Seats</h3>



Musk has suggested that the America Party will aim to secure a critical group of congressional seats capable of influencing legislative outcomes. By directing resources toward competitive districts, Musk can back candidates who oppose Trump's policies, such as the controversial tax measure, and obstruct legislation central to Trump's agenda. This calculated focus, likened to a &#8220;targeted strike&#8221; in the political arena, has the potential to disrupt Trump's control over Congress.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">8. Debunking Trump's Economic Claims</h3>



Musk's main objection centers on the bill's anticipated $3-5 trillion addition to the federal debt, which he&#8217;s called "financially ruinous" and a betrayal of conservative fiscal principles. By promoting the America Party as a more responsible economic alternative, Musk can appeal to libertarian-minded and deficit-conscious Republicans, including figures like Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), whom Musk has pledged to support. This strategy may diminish Trump's standing among voters concerned with government spending and fiscal discipline, longstanding priorities for many Republicans.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Obstacles And Political Climate</h3>



Although Musk's immense fortune, media influence, and popularity lend credibility to these tactics, dismantling the entrenched two-party system remains a steep challenge, as third-party bids rarely succeed in the U.S.&#8217;s winner-take-all framework.



Detractors on X, including Shawn Farash, caution that the America Party might unintentionally aid Democrats by fracturing the conservative vote. Furthermore, Trump's enduring popularity within the GOP — with approval ratings exceeding 40% — and his dismissal of the America Party as "laughable" indicate that he remains a formidable rival.



Musk's emphasis on debt reduction and fiscal conservatism may also struggle to gain momentum without a more comprehensive party platform, as details beyond fiscal restraint have been scarce.



The rift between Musk and Trump, fueled by disagreements over the tax bill and divergent views on federal spending, provides the America Party with a clear anti-Trump foundation. Yet the party's viability depends on whether Musk can effectively turn his financial resources and social media clout into electoral victories, all while safeguarding his business ventures, which Trump has threatened by proposing cuts to Tesla and SpaceX subsidies and contracts.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/07/46281860/elons-america-party-etf-a-what-if-fund-of-musk-linked-stocks-like-tesla-nvidia">Elon&#8217;s America Party ETF: A What-If Fund Of Musk-Linked Stocks Like Tesla, Nvidia</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

General

8 Ways Elon Musk's America Party Could Be Trump's Worst Nightmare

It's that time of the year. The pomp and circumstance of Independence Day are behind us.



The smell of something else is in the air. It's the prediction factory kicking into high gear.



The second half of the year is upon us, and the soothsayers, wizards, prognosticators, and Instant Experts of the Internet are rushing forth with their predictions for the rest of 2025.



The incense of the predictive priesthood of modern finance is beginning to rise once again. The chicken innards are being spilled, the leaves are being swirled about the cup, and the alignment of the stars is studied. The magic cards are being dealt, the lines are drawn on the chart, and pompous pontifications are being prepared.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Global Events Move Markets—Pro Helps You Move First</h2>



From surprise tariff announcements to sudden ceasefire headlines, Benzinga Pro delivers real-time alerts that move markets. With global tensions escalating, timing is everything—and seconds matter. Today, you can get filtered news, smart alerts, and our exclusive stories before other sources, all for 60% off. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register/4th-of-july-sale/?utm_campaign=bzpro-4th&amp;utm_adType=sponsorad&amp;utm_ad=RDwebpost070725" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This 4th of July sale ends today, Monday, so act now before you miss out.</a>



As Charlie Munger once opined, &#8220;People have always had this craving to have someone tell them the future. Long ago, kings would hire people to read sheep guts. There&#8217;s always been a market for people who pretend to know the future. Listening to today&#8217;s forecasters is just as crazy as when the king hired the guy to look at the sheep guts.&#8221;



Instead of predicting the market, react to what it&#8217;s already doing. 



Right now, economists are beating the government reports with great clubs of formula and truncheons of theories in hopes that the battered carcass of data will yield some accurate suggestions of what comes next for the economy and the market.



The number of jobs added last month was fantastic. That is good. Government jobs accounted for more than half of the new jobs added. That is bad.



Infomercial note: Most so-called experts, particularly online &#8220;instant experts,&#8221; rarely thoroughly review the data. The additional government jobs were in state and local governments. Federal employment shrank last month. If the idea is to cut the size of the federal government and push responsibility to the states, that is exactly what we want to see.



New unemployment claims fell and continuing claims flatlined. That&#8217;s good.



This means the Fed is less likely to hike rates in July. In fact, barring a disaster, that will not happen. That is bad.



The U.S. is the clear leader in developing Artificial Intelligence, which should lead to massive productivity improvements. That is good.



AI will replace millions of jobs. That is bad.



President Trump&#8217;s so-called &#8220;Big Beautiful Bill,&#8221; signed into law on the Fourth of July, contains provisions that should lead to corporate profit increases in the second half of the year. That is good.



It raises the deficit by billions of dollars. Maybe even trillions. That is bad.



And so it goes.



Most forecasters will pick either the good lane and be very optimistic about the world and stock prices, while others will choose to stay in the bad lane.



Anyone whose forecast is even slightly accurate will spend tons of cash advertising their brilliance to the world and become somewhat famous.



If history is any guide, they will never be right again.



The big money in the markets is not in predicting what may happen.



It is in reacting to what happens.



The best traders of all time wait for the price to confirm the hypothesis before acting.



The great ones have strict risk control and embrace small losses as the key to success.



If the price does not support the expectation, they move to the sidelines until it does.



When the price proved their assumptions correct, they piled on and made billions.



Right now, stocks are in an uptrend.



Period. Stop. End of Message.



You can hate the Fed.



You can love the Fed.



You can hate the President.



You can love the President.



You can be terrified about the future of the country or think the future is so bright you need to pick up some better sunglasses.



You can be against lowering interest rates or think it is the greatest idea in the history of the world.



What you think about any of this is irrelevant. Stocks are in an uptrend across all time frames.



As Ed Seykota, one of the early devotees of trend-following and one of the best traders of all time, once put it: The best investors have learned to embrace the fact that the fundamentals of the business and the price you pay to own it are far more important than predictions.



Peter Lynch has the greatest track record of any mutual fund manager ever, as far as I can tell. He once suggested that &#8220;If you spend 13 minutes a year on economics, you&#8217;ve wasted 10 minutes.&#8221;



This is one area where I have to be cautious: I do not just enjoy debating and discussing politics, law, and economics. I love it.



I must set aside opinions and theories when it comes to investing money.



The numbers matter much more than the theories.



Buying stocks with strong fundamentals is a market-beating strategy.



Buying companies with strong fundamentals when they are out of favor and available at a bargain price, relative to their asset value and earnings power, is a market-crushing strategy.



Traders should follow trends and ignore the news.



Investors should focus on fundamentals and valuation and ignore the news.



If history is a guide, you will make more money.



Given the results that most investors and traders have achieved by following the so-called Wall Street experts and alleged trading savants, it would be hard to do worse by following these two approaches, which have made more millionaires than everything else combined.



Examining the world through various value-based valuation price lenses, we find that stocks are in a strong uptrend across all time frames, with no signs of momentum fading.



Bonds are still in a long-term uptrend but are building a long trendless base in shorter time frames.



Depending on which economist you have been reading, we should be in the mother of all rallies in bonds or enduring the most painful yield spike in history, but neither is the case just yet.



There are not a lot of cheap stocks with excellent fundamentals at the moment. The few that exist are currently clustered around real estate and energy.



Since I know that most of you read this mainly for stock ideas, I will give you one safe and cheap stock that has the potential to be a massive long-term winner.



The offshore oil and gas industry is priced as if crude oil demand will be replaced by renewable and nuclear energy sometime in the near future.



That is not even close to being true.



Helix Energy Solutions (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HLX#NYSE">HLX</a>) is a specialty offshore energy services company that focuses on maximizing production from mature offshore oil and gas wells, performing well decommissioning, and supporting offshore wind and subsea infrastructure projects.



Its core segments include Well Intervention, Robotics, Shallow Water Abandonment, and Production Facilities. Helix operates a fleet of advanced vessels and remotely operated vehicles, and its business is increasingly global, with significant operations in Brazil, the North Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. The company is also playing a growing role in the energy transition, with contracts in offshore wind trenching and seabed restoration that align with its stated mission of enabling sustainable offshore energy.



The key here is that Helix&#8217;s balance sheet is in excellent shape. The company ended the quarter with $370 million in cash and a net debt position of negative $59 million. Credit agencies rate its senior unsecured notes at BB– to B+, and upcoming maturities are minimal. Leverage remains modest at roughly 2.3 times EBITDA, and interest coverage is healthy. Helix scores 8 out of 9 on the Piotroski F-score, signaling strong financial health across profitability, leverage, and efficiency metrics.



The stock is relatively inexpensive, and thanks to its strong balance sheet and focus on generating cash flow, Helix Energy is a relatively safe investment. The company has what it takes to survive until it thrives again.



When that happens, a return of several times the current stock price is not an unreasonable expectation.



I have no idea how the economy will play out or the outcome of the trade debacle, but I do know that whatever happens, it will be reflected in either trend or value and create an opportunity for us to profit by reacting to what does happen, rather than predicting what we think might occur.



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



Photo: Shutterstock

Opinion

2 Foolproof Ways To Profit In 2025's Market

As the Trump-Musk feud shows no signs of abating and Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) stock has fallen more than 20% in just six weeks, questions mount over whether the electric carmaker still deserves its spot among the elite <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46273662/no-plan-b-teslas-musk-premium-is-on-thin-ice">&#8220;Magnificent Seven&#8221; tech giants.</a>



On Monday, shares of Tesla plummeted 7.5% after Elon Musk announced his intention to form a new political faction, the &#8220;America Party.&#8221;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Broadcom Rises As Tesla Stumbles: Is Time For A Mag 7 Swap?</h3>



Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) might be gaining momentum as a potential replacement for Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) in the so-called "Magnificent Seven" – which also include Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Microsoft Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NYSE">MSFT</a>), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>). 



Tesla has dropped to the 11th-largest company in the world by market capitalization, now trailing 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>), with a valuation of $937 billion.



Broadcom, meanwhile, has climbed to a market capitalization of $1.320 trillion, making it the eighth-largest globally and seventh in the U.S., right behind Meta.



Broadcom has crushed Tesla on total return over every key period: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Year-to-date: Broadcom up 18.5% vs. Tesla down 27.5% </li>



<li>6-month: Broadcom up 18.1%, Tesla down 28.7% </li>



<li>1-year: Broadcom up 59.8%, Tesla up just 18.8% </li>



<li>3-year: Broadcom up 505.9%, Tesla up 28.8% </li>



<li>5-year: Broadcom up 876.2%, Tesla up 263.3% </li>



<li>10-year: Broadcom up 2,467.2%, Tesla up 1,468.1%</li>
</ul>



And that raises a big question: Should Broadcom replace Tesla in the market's most-watched group of U.S. mega-cap tech stocks?



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Musk's Political Drama Adds To Tesla's Slide</h3>



Until May 2025, Musk was a major ally of President Donald Trump—donating over $100 million during the 2024 Republican campaign and even leading the administration's Department of Government Efficiency.



But everything changed when Trump backed the "Big Beautiful Bill"—a sweeping tax cut and spending plan Musk publicly denounced as reckless.



In early June, Musk launched a wave of attacks on Trump via X, accusing him of "bankrupting America" and calling for the bill to be scrapped. Trump fired back on Truth Social, threatening to cut off government support for Tesla and SpaceX.



Just a month later, Musk escalated again—launching a new political movement, the America Party, aimed at breaking the two-party system. The group is already active, with Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja named as its treasurer, according to federal filings.



Now, Tesla is more than an electric car company—it&#8217;s tied to a political campaign. That's a risk many investors didn't sign up for.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The America Party is needed to fight the Republican/Democrat Uniparty <a href="https://t.co/fEqDuddOoI">https://t.co/fEqDuddOoI</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1942003079521472760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46253377/warren-buffett-trading-indicator-sp500-valuations">This Indicator Made Warren Buffett Famous — But It&#8217;s Been Wrong About The Market For Years</a></li>
</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Initiation

AMZN

AVGO

Musk Chaos Could Oust Tesla From Mag 7, Making Way For Broadcom

Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) joined the Russell 1000, and NASA announced a major streaming partnership last week. Here&#8217;s a look at recent highlights, news catalysts, and upcoming events in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/46185205/rocket-lab-breaks-records-and-stock-up-640-in-past-year-ast-spacemobile-impresses-defense-kuiper-grows">space stock sector. </a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rocket Lab</h3>



Rocket Lab joined the Russell 1000 index last Monday, reflecting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/07/46210595/650-later-rocket-lab-ceo-isnt-one-bit-worried">significant increase</a> in the company&#8217;s market capitalization. The inclusion is based on ranking among the top 1,000 companies by market cap in the Russell 3000 Index.&nbsp;



Keybanc analyst Michael Leshock on Thursday maintained an Overweight rating on Rocket Lab stock and raised the price target from $29 to $40.&nbsp;



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46223791/elon-musks-stupid-actions-will-be-teslas-nail-in-the-coffin-ross-gerber-warns?utm_source=articleShare">Elon Musk&#8217;s &#8216;Stupid&#8217; Actions Will Be Tesla&#8217;s &#8216;Nail In The Coffin,&#8217; Ross Gerber Warns</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">NASA &amp; Netflix&nbsp;</h3>



NASA and streaming giant Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) announced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/46182689/elon-musk-wants-you-to-stream-rocket-launches-heres-how-to-get-breathtaking-live-views-of-earth">a partnership</a> last Monday to stream NASA+ live programming. 



NASA and Netflix expressed a shared dedication to ushering in a &#8220;Golden Age of Innovation and Expansion,&#8221; with aims to ignite curiosity and inspire future generations.



The partnership will introduce exciting new programming, including:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Live streams of rocket launches</li>



<li>Real-time astronaut spacewalks</li>



<li>Stunning live footage of Earth from the International Space Station</li>



<li>Comprehensive coverage of space missions</li>
</ul>



&#8220;The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 calls on us to share our story of space exploration with the broadest possible audience,&#8221; NASA+ general manager Rebecca Sirmons <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-is-coming-to-netflix-this-summer/?utm_source=TWITTER&amp;utm_medium=NASA&amp;utm_campaign=NASASocial&amp;linkId=835859747">said</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Planet Labs</h3>



Shares of Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PL#NYSE">PL</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46199452/planet-labs-pl-stock-surges-on-major-defense-contracts">surged</a> last week after the satellite imaging company announced a series of major recent contract wins with global defense and intelligence agencies.



The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/b46193767/planet-secures-four-major-wins-for-ai-enabled-solutions-in-the-defense-and-intelligence-sector">agreements</a> include a €240 million contract funded by Germany, which incorporates a multi-year, eight-figure annual renewal for data and AI services.



In the U.S., the Defense Innovation Unit expanded its contract with Planet to provide AI-driven alerts for the Indo-Pacific Command.&nbsp;



The company also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/b46193767/planet-secures-four-major-wins-for-ai-enabled-solutions-in-the-defense-and-intelligence-sector">secured</a> a seven-figure expansion with the U.S. Navy for Pacific maritime surveillance and a separate seven-figure deal with NATO for persistent monitoring.



Planet Labs stock is up more than 60% year-to-date.&nbsp;



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46236537/openai-says-tokens-are-not-equity-no-partnership-with-robinhood-musk-says-ai-companys-equity-is-fake?utm_source=articleShare">OpenAI Says Tokens Are Not Equity, No Partnership With Robinhood: Musk Says AI Company&#8217;s Equity &#8216;Is Fake&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

SPACE

NFLX

RKLB

Space Stock Watch: Rocket Lab Joins Russell 1000, NASA And Netflix Announce Streaming Deal

CoreWeave Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) just made a big move — but the market didn't applaud. Shares of Core Scientific Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>) plunged nearly 21% on Monday, even as AI cloud provider CoreWeave announced it will acquire the Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) miner in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/bitcoin-miners">an all-stock deal</a>.



The twist? 



Beth Kindig, CEO and Lead Tech Analyst at I/O Fund, flagged the valuation in a post on X:



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">CoreWeave <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24CRWV&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$CRWV</a> has agreed to acquire Core Scientific <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24CORZ&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$CORZ</a> in an all-stock transaction expected to close in Q4. The exchange ratio implies a $9 billion equity valuation for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24CORZ&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$CORZ</a>, or $20.40 per share value.&mdash; Beth Kindig (@Beth_Kindig) <a href="https://twitter.com/Beth_Kindig/status/1942202259799957952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



The exchange ratio values Core Scientific at a jaw-dropping $9 billion — or $20.40 per share, a massive premium over its pre-deal price of under $11. That's a valuation level this Bitcoin mining company could have secured only during the heady crypto boom days of 2021. And markets aren't buying it.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46280108/coreweave-core-scientific-shares-move-lower-on-9-billion-all-stock-deal">CoreWeave, Core Scientific Shares Move Lower On $9 Billion All-Stock Deal</a>



CoreWeave's stock also dipped 3.9% on the news, despite its own red-hot 293% year-to-date rally. While the company touts the acquisition as a strategic play to vertically integrate and secure cheap, scalable power for its AI infrastructure, investors seem skeptical of marrying high-growth AI with high-volatility crypto mining.



That's a head-turner in today's market, where Bitcoin miners have struggled with compressed margins, regulatory uncertainty, and post-halving revenue pressure. 



Core Scientific is down 12% in the past month and still negative year-to-date — yet CoreWeave's offer implies nearly double the current share price.



CoreWeave's bullish bet hinges on AI's insatiable energy appetite. Owning a Bitcoin mining company such as Core Scientific, which operates massive power-dense data centers, could give CoreWeave better control over energy infrastructure. But the question remains: Can a 2021-style crypto valuation fly in a 2025 market?



For now, the answer from investors is a resounding, "not yet."



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</ul>



Photo: PJ McDonnell via Shutterstock

Long Ideas

CoreWeave Just Valued Core Scientific Like It's 2021 Again

President Donald Trump sent markets into a tailspin Monday after officially announcing sweeping 25% tariffs on all imports from Japan and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs">South Korea, starting Aug. 1. </a>



The new tariffs apply to all goods from the two Asian economies and are in addition to any existing sector-specific duties.



The new 25% tariffs follow earlier duties set on April 2 — 24% for Japan and 25% for South Korea — after the U.S. claimed trade barriers and currency practices raised effective rates to 46% and 50%, respectively. The hike comes after a 90-day negotiation window, announced April 9, which expired without deals.



In official letters sent to both governments, Trump said the tariffs are necessary to correct "unsustainable trade deficits" caused by "years of tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers." He added that any goods transshipped to evade the duties will be charged the higher rate.



Trump emphasized the measure was moderate, saying the 25% rate is "far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit disparity." He also invited Japanese and South Korean firms to move production to the U.S., promising quick and professional regulatory approvals.



Trump stated that if trading partners were to raise their own tariffs, the U.S. would match that increase by adding the same percentage to its newly announced 25% tariff rate.



Earlier in the week, U.S. officials a separate deadline for reaching a deal with the European Union — before EU goods are subjected to duties of up to 50% — was set for Wednesday.



The tariff developments comes as the U.S. sets a separate deadline for reaching a trade agreement with the European Union. Without a deal, EU goods could face duties as high as 50%, compounding global trade concerns.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Stocks Slip, Dollar Rallies After Sweeping Tariffs</h1>



By midday trading in New York, the S&amp;P 500 dropped 0.9% to 6,220 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 1.1%, losing more than 450 points to 44,320.



The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) — also known as the market&#8217;s fear gauge — rallied 11%. Each S&amp;P 500 sector traded in the red with cyclical stocks underperforming. Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) was the worst performer in both the S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq 100.



The EV giant sank 7.4% after Elon Musk announced the launch of the America Party, a new political movement aimed at challenging both Democrats and Republicans over federal spending in Washington. 



In currency markets, the U.S. dollar index surged 0.6%, marking its strongest session in nearly three weeks, as investors fled to the greenback amid rising global uncertainty.



The greenback jumped over 1% against the Japanese yen and gained 1.2% against the South Korean won.



U.S. Treasury yields moved higher, with the 10-year bond yield climbing four basis points to 4.39%. Higher tariffs typically stoke inflation fears, which in turn can pressure bond prices and lift yields.



Gold pared earlier losses, buoyed by demand for safe-haven assets in the face of rising trade tensions.



Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) edged down 0.7% to $108,000, extending its streak to 46 consecutive sessions without breaking its all-time high of $112,000.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Major Indices</td><td>Price</td><td>Chg %</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>22,700.46</td><td>-0.7%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>6,223.21</td><td>-0.9%</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>44,321.98</td><td>-1.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>2,212.65</td><td>-1.6%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated by 1:00 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>



According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The&nbsp;Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) slumped 0.9% to $569.94.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) fell 1.1% to $443.18.</li>



<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;slipped 0.8% to $551.92.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) tumbled 1.5% to $219.79.</li>



<li>The&nbsp;Consumer&nbsp;Staples Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>) outperformed, yet down 0.4%; the&nbsp;Energy&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) lagged, down 1.5%.</li>
</ul>



Read Now:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46276421/broadcom-tesla-mag-7-switch-musk-trump-feud">Musk Chaos Could Oust Tesla From Mag 7, Making Way For Broadcom</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Wall Street Slumps, Dollar Jumps After Trump's Tariff Blitz: What's Moving Markets Monday?

After President Donald Trump signed the &#8216;Big Beautiful Bill,&#8217; which reduced incentives for solar and wind power projects, Cathie Wood&#8217;s Ark Invest is making a strong case for nuclear energy, arguing it could become the most cost-effective power source — even as solar has long held that title.



What Happened: The newly enacted bill delivers a significant blow to renewable energy, phasing out critical investment and production tax credits that have been instrumental in the expansion of wind and solar industries since 1992 and 2005, respectively.



Meanwhile, Trump clarified that the U.S. will rely on oil, gas, coal and nuclear to meet its growing energy needs, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/03/trump-one-big-beautiful-bill-oil-gas-coal-solar-wind-ira-tax-incentive-repeal.html">according</a> to a CNBC report.



Amid this, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/05/45541408/cathie-woods-ark-invest-says-nuclear-energy-could-overtake-solar-as-cheapest-power-source-heres-a-list-of-nuclear-energy-linked-etfs-to-consider">Ark Invest is championing nuclear power</a>. In a recent research note, Sam Korus, Director of Research for Autonomous Technology and Robotics at Ark, contends that despite historical cost challenges, nuclear energy&#8217;s high utilization rates fundamentally alter its cost-competitiveness.



While solar plants typically operate at capacity utilization rates in the low 20%, nuclear plants boast over 80% utilization. This key distinction, when factored in, positions nuclear to potentially outcompete solar on a cost-per-watt basis.



Korus acknowledges solar&#8217;s continued cost decline but points to substantial logistical hurdles, such as the vast land requirements (estimated at 71.4 million acres) and complex real estate negotiations, which could impede large-scale solar deployment and necessitate alternative baseload sources like nuclear.



The tax bill states that only projects commencing construction within 12 months of the bill&#8217;s enactment will receive an exception, creating an urgent 2.5-year window for completion.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46267993/lockheed-martin-tops-defense-peers-in-capital-efficiency-but-market-isnt-impressed">Lockheed Martin Tops Defense Peers In Capital Efficiency — But Market Isn&#8217;t Impressed</a>



Why It Matters: As the Trump administration, along with Ark&#8217;s research, sees nuclear energy as a potential beneficiary of the recent policy changes, here is a list of nuclear energy stocks that investors could consider.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Nuclear Energy Stocks</td><td>YTD Performance</td><td>One Year Performance</td></tr><tr><td>Oklo Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKLO#NYSE">OKLO</a>)</td><td>145.86%</td><td>623.99%</td></tr><tr><td>Nuscale Power Corp.(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMR#NYSE">SMR</a>)</td><td>102.60%</td><td>162.09%</td></tr><tr><td>Lightbridge Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LTBR#NASDAQ">LTBR</a>)</td><td>150.59%</td><td>213.24%</td></tr><tr><td>Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEU#NYSE">LEU</a>)</td><td>137.20%</td><td>347.86%</td></tr><tr><td>BWX Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BWXT#NYSE">BWXT</a>)</td><td>28.19%</td><td>49.60%</td></tr><tr><td>Constellation Energy Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEG#NASDAQ">CEG</a>)</td><td>28.56%</td><td>44.57%</td></tr><tr><td>Talen Energy Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLN#NASDAQ">TLN</a>)</td><td>34.91%</td><td>140.62%</td></tr><tr><td>Entergy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ETR#NYSE">ETR</a>)</td><td>8.65%</td><td>56.40%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Meanwhile, here is also a list of clean energy stocks, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45429266/solar-security-alert-communication-devices-discovered-in-chinese-inverters-heres-the-stocks-that-could-be-affected">solar</a> and wind power firms, that may be affected by the policy change.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Clean Energy Stocks</td><td>YTD Performance</td><td>One-Year Performance</td></tr><tr><td>First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>)</td><td>-0.77%</td><td>-18.53%</td></tr><tr><td>SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPWR#NASDAQ">SPWR</a>)</td><td>14.53%</td><td>65.32%</td></tr><tr><td>Wind Systems (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VWDRY#OTCQX">VWDRY</a>)</td><td>28.07%</td><td>-25.79%</td></tr><tr><td>NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEE#NYSE">NEE</a>)</td><td>3.17%</td><td>2.45%</td></tr><tr><td>Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLUG#NASDAQ">PLUG</a>)</td><td>-36.91%</td><td>-44.32%</td></tr><tr><td>Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLDP#NASDAQ">BLDP</a>)</td><td>-3.80%</td><td>-24.03%</td></tr><tr><td>Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLNC#NASDAQ">FLNC</a>)</td><td>-50.27%</td><td>-51.08%</td></tr><tr><td>iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICLN#NASDAQ">ICLN</a>)</td><td>19.22%</td><td>0.95%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, were lower in premarket on Monday. The SPY was down 0.28% at $623.61, while the QQQ declined 0.43% to $553.83, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.



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BLDP

BWXT

FLNC

ICLN

LTBR

OKLO

PLUG

SPWR

VWDRY

Trump's Big Beautiful Bill Slashes Solar Incentives — Cathie Wood's Ark Says Nuclear May Now Be Cheapest Option: OKLO, SMR, LTBR And Other Stocks In Focus

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