Protagonist Therapeutics Azioni (NASDAQ: PTGX)

Protagonist Therapeutics (NASDAQ:PTGX) Azioni

Protagonist Therapeutics

Protagonist Therapeutics Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company having a proprietary technology platform that enables the discovery and development of novel constrained peptide-based drug candidates to address medical needs. Its pipeline products include Rusfertide (PTG-300) and JNJ-2113.

Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. - Common Stock

Protagonist Therapeutics Inc

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) chief Warren Buffett, has put to rest rumors that he is accumulating a substantial cash reserve for his successor, Greg Abel.
What Happened: Speaking at the annual shareholder meet on Saturday, Buffett denied the notion that he was holding back on investments to give Abel a chance to shine. 
&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t do anything nearly so noble as to withhold investing myself just so Greg could look good,&#8221; he humorously <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LWBphTImy4">commented</a>, prompting laughter from the audience at Berkshire&#8217;s annual shareholder meeting.
Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s cash reserve escalated to a record $348 billion in the first quarter of 2025, partially due to the sale of two-thirds of its Apple position in the previous year. Despite this, Buffett had words of praise for Apple CEO Tim Cook, who was in attendance at the meeting.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43901149/buffett-reflects-on-60-years-at-berkshire-helm-cardinal-sin-is-delaying-the-correction-of-mistakes">Buffett Reflects on 60 Years at Berkshire Helm: &#8216;Cardinal Sin Is Delaying the Correction of Mistakes&#8217;</a>
Buffett expressed his readiness to invest $20 billion, or even $100 billion, given the right opportunity. He also voiced his preference for having enough bargains to maintain Berkshire&#8217;s reserve at $50 billion, but described consistent investment to decrease the cash pile as&nbsp;the &#8220;dumbest thing in the&nbsp;world&#8221;.
The billionaire investor also suggested that he may have been overly active in the market,&nbsp;referring to his late business&nbsp;partner, Charlie Munger&#8217;s view that he did &#8220;too many things&#8221;.
Why It Matters: The speculation about Buffett&#8217;s cash reserve strategy has been a topic of interest among investors and market watchers. 
Buffett&#8217;s denial of these rumors and his comments about investment strategies provide insight into his approach to managing Berkshire&#8217;s vast resources. His willingness to invest large sums, given the right opportunity, also underscores his commitment to growth and value creation. 
However, his remarks about the potential pitfalls of consistent investment to reduce cash reserves highlight his cautious approach to financial management.
Read Next
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Buffett Dismisses Rumors Of Stockpiling Cash For Successor Greg Abel: 'I Wouldn't Do Anything Nearly So Noble Just So Greg Could Look Good'

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BRK/A

BRK/B

Warren Buffett To Suggest To Berkshire Board That Greg Abel Become CEO At Year End

A federal judge has invalidated an executive order issued by President Donald Trump that was aimed at prestigious law firm Perkins Coie.
What Happened: U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled on Friday that the executive order was a case of &#8220;unconstitutional retaliation,&#8221; thereby nullifying it and preventing any further enforcement by the Trump administration.
The executive order was a part of Trump&#8217;s broader campaign against the legal profession, specifically targeting top-tier law firms he viewed as opponents. The order aimed to revoke security clearances of lawyers, terminate federal contracts, and deny employees access to federal buildings.
Perkins Coie, which represented the campaign of Democrat Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election, was singled out due to its backing of employment policies and clients that were in opposition to the President&#8217;s views, reports <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-perkins-coie-law-firm-executive-order-206052ec8157380fb2e23010a6f88815">the</a> Associated Press.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/45027947/trumps-second-term-viewed-as-chaotic-and-scary-by-majority-of-voters">Trump&#8217;s Second Term Viewed as &#8216;Chaotic&#8217; and &#8216;Scary&#8217; by Majority of Voters</a>
Judge Howell&#8217;s ruling permanently prohibits the enforcement of the executive order. She also directed Attorney General Pam Bondi and Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, to circulate copies of her ruling to all government departments and agencies that had previously received the executive order.
Several other law firms, such as WilmerHale, Jenner &amp; Block, and Susman Godfrey, have also contested similar orders and have been successful in temporarily halting them.
Why It Matters: The ruling is a significant victory for Perkins Coie and&nbsp;other law firms that have&nbsp;been under the crosshairs of the Trump administration. 
It underscores the importance of judicial checks and balances in safeguarding the rights of individuals and organizations against executive overreach. 
The decision also sets a precedent for other law firms and organizations that may face similar executive orders in the future.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44891004/meet-the-key-five-people-who-are-shaping-trumps-economic-agenda" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meet the Key Five People Who Are Shaping Trump's Economic Agenda</a>

Politics

Judge Blocks Trump Order Targeting Law Firm Perkins Coie

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>), the global <a href="https://benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/03/44501515/cybersecurity-stocks-to-outperform-its-the-one-line-item-that-no-company-in-the-world-is-cutting-josh-brown">cybersecurity</a> powerhouse with a market capitalization nearing $120 billion, is making a high-stakes move into the world of AI security with the acquisition of Protect AI, a Seattle-based startup that's risen fast in the red-hot <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44375147/smart-puppies-are-smarter-than-ai-mark-cubans-surprising-take-on-the-future-of-artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence</a> space.
The deal, <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/palo-alto-networks-announces-intent-to-acquire-protect-ai-a-game-changing-security-for-ai-company-302439638.html">announced</a> Monday, is expected to close later this year. The transaction is valued at over $500 million, <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/palo-alto-networks-to-acquire-seattle-cybersecurity-startup-protect-ai/">GeekWire</a> reported, citing sources familiar with the transaction.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Big Names Back a Big Bet on AI Security</h2>
Protect AI, founded in 2022 by former engineering leaders from Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Oracle (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), and Amazon Web Services, helps enterprise customers secure machine learning systems by monitoring every layer of the AI pipeline, from data to deployment. It's one of the few startups solely focused on the growing threat landscape surrounding AI-based attacks.
Protect AI has attracted a notable roster of investors, including Salesforce Ventures, Samsung's Venture Investment Corp., and 01 Advisors, a VC firm co-founded by former Twitter executives.
According to<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-01/security-startup-protect-ai-valued-at-400-million-in-funding-deal"> Bloomberg</a>, the company raised a $60 million Series B round in 2024, bringing its total valuation at the time to approximately $400 million.&nbsp;
Trending: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prisma AIRS, Palo Alto's Push Into AI Risk Mitigation</h2>
Palo Alto Networks said the acquisition would be integrated into its newly launched AI-native security platform. The platform aims to defend organizations from emerging threats like model manipulation, prompt injection, training data poisoning, and supply chain vulnerabilities, risks that traditional cybersecurity tools often overlook.
Ian Swanson, CEO of Protect AI, wrote in a LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ianswanson_ai-cybersecurity-aisecurity-activity-7322599663746895872-6VDy?utm_source=social_share_send&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop_web&amp;rcm=ACoAACFfB9ABrae0tWCn0kxTT-AK_zR_u68I34M">post</a> that the company set out to &#8220;help organizations secure the most important technology of our time: AI.&#8221; He credited the company's team, investors, and growing industry urgency for helping them build what he called &#8220;category-leading solutions.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Founding Team with Deep Tech Pedigree</h2>
Protect AI was co-founded by Swanson, Badar Ahmed, and Daryan Dehghanpisheh, all of whom previously held senior positions at AI-focused startups acquired by tech giants. Swanson's previous ventures include Sometrics, which was acquired by American Express (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>) in 2011, writes GeekWire.
See Also: Donald Trump just announced a $500 billion AI infrastructure deal — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/seize-a-share-while-you-still-can-in-the-2-trillion-entertainment-market-with-elf-labs-at-just-2-25-share">here's how you can invest in the entertainment market's next big disruptor at $2.25 per share</a>.
The startup has also made strategic acquisitions of its own, snapping up Laiyer AI, SydeLabs, Rebuff, and Huntr to expand its capabilities in red-teaming large language models and securing open-source AI supply chains. According to GeekWire, Protect AI currently employs around 120 people across offices in Seattle, Berlin, and Bangalore.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strategic Moves with Long-Term Vision</h2>
The acquisition comes as cybersecurity experts warn of a widening AI threat surface. A 2024<a href="https://hiddenlayer.com/company/newsroom/hiddenlayer-ai-threat-landscape-report/"> report</a> by HiddenLayer revealed that nearly three-fourths of enterprises experienced at least one AI-related breach last year. That statistic has turned AI security from a niche concern into a boardroom priority.
Analysts expect massive growth in the space. In a 2024 report, Morgan Stanley <a href="https://www.morganstanley.com/articles/ai-cybersecurity-new-era">projected</a> the AI cybersecurity market will surge to $135 billion by 2030, reflecting a deepening need for solutions that can secure advanced machine learning environments.
This acquisition signals Palo Alto Networks' growing interest in AI-specific security as the technology becomes more embedded across sectors like software, finance, healthcare, and government.
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</ul>
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AMZN

ORCL

PANW

Palo Alto Networks Acquires Protect AI For $500M+, A Startup Backed By Salesforce, Samsung, And 01 Advisors In AI Security Push

Donald Trump will share the spotlight with a massive display of American military might next month, as the U.S. Army gears up to celebrate its 250th anniversary with a full-scale parade on June 14 — coinciding <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45183970/behind-the-empty-docks-how-trumps-145-tariffs-are-gutting-u-s-supply-chains" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with the president&#8217;s 79th birthday</a>.
Set to unfold on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the &#8220;day-long festival&#8221; will feature over 6,000 troops, more than 100 military vehicles, and close to 50 aircraft, according to Army officials, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy9vzrxxjdwo" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports </a>BBC.
Trump has long advocated for a grand military parade reminiscent of France&#8217;s Bastille Day spectacle, which he attended in 2017.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45179102/keep-cutting-til-the-screaming-starts-elon-musk-reportedly-shutting-down-the-government-loan-office-that-helped-tesla-with-465-million" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Keep Cutting &#8216;Til The Screaming Starts&#8217;—Elon Musk Reportedly Shutting Down The Government Loan Office That Helped Tesla With $465 Million</a>
He initially pitched the idea in 2018, aiming to host it on Veterans Day, but later abandoned the plan due to projected costs nearing $90 million.
White House officials now confirm that planning for the upcoming celebration is in full swing.
Organizers are exploring ways to expand the event with more demonstrations, greater community participation, and larger-scale exhibits of military hardware.
Trump also reignited controversy Friday by proposing to rename Veterans Day as &#8220;Victory Day for World War I,&#8221; arguing that the U.S. deserves more recognition for its decisive role in past global conflicts.
The White House later clarified that the current Veterans Day name will remain intact, though additional commemorations for WWI and WWII victories are being encouraged.
In another proposal, Trump called for May 8 — known internationally as Victory in Europe Day — to be formally observed in the U.S. as &#8220;Victory Day for World War II.&#8221;
While his renaming efforts remain uncertain, Trump will still receive a high-profile salute. The June 14 parade is expected to be both a patriotic showcase and a symbolic nod to his legacy.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45183890/berkshire-hathaways-q1-2025-earnings-plunge-amid-tariff-concerns-operating-profit-fell-14-cash-hit-a-record" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s Q1 2025 Earnings Plunge Amid Tariff Concerns, Operating Profit Fell 14%, Cash Hit A Record</a></li>
</ul>

US Army's 250th Anniversary Parade To Coincide With Trump's 79th Birthday

Phoebe Gates, daughter of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/45056962/bill-gates-says-hes-happier-as-a-billionaire-than-if-he-were-middle-class-you-dont-need-a-billionbut-freedom-from-worry-is-a-blessing">Bill Gates</a> and Melinda French Gates, has stepped into the startup world with the launch of Phia, a browser extension and mobile app designed to make <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44359892/sustainable-style-how-ai-is-reducing-waste-in-the-fashion-world">fashion</a> shopping smarter, more sustainable, and more affordable for Gen Z consumers.
Phia, co-founded with Stanford University classmate Sophia Kianni, functions as a digital shopping assistant. The app <a href="https://phia.com/">says</a> it tracks pricing data across more than 40,000 online retailers, surfaces lower-cost alternatives, and according to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/656349/phoebe-gates-phia-shopping-app-extension">The Verge</a>, it also highlights secondhand options from platforms like The RealReal (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REAL#NASDAQ">REAL</a>), Poshmark, and Vestiaire Collective. Phia&#8217;s goal is to reduce waste while helping users make more financially and environmentally responsible purchases,<a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/phoebe-gates-launches-e-commerce-startup-heres-what-her-famous-parents-thought-of-the-idea/"> GeekWire</a> writes.
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</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">$850K in Early Funding From High-Profile Backers</h2>
Gates and Kianni, both avid resale shoppers, created the tool after growing frustrated with the lack of reliable pricing and resale discovery options online. According to The Verge, in addition to retail price comparison, Phia's &#8220;Should I Buy This?&#8221; feature evaluates whether a shopper is overpaying by using product data, market history, and resale listings.
Despite the founder's household name, Phia was not funded by the Gates family. Instead, Phoebe Gates raised capital independently, starting with $100,000 from Soma Capital and a $250,000 Stanford social entrepreneurship grant, GeekWire writes. After multiple rejections, the team secured an additional $500,000 in angel investments, bringing the total raised to $850,000.
Among Phia's early supporters are major names from fashion and media. Kris Jenner, entrepreneur and matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner brand empire, publicly confirmed her role as an investor and mentor during an appearance on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSGd9ZR6CQ0&amp;ab_channel=TheBurnoutswithPhoebe%26Sophia">The Burnouts</a>," a podcast hosted by the Phia founders. Jenner's involvement adds visibility and strategic guidance as the company targets a younger, trend-driven demographic.
Trending: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
Investor and business strategist Desiree Gruber, known for her work on "Project Runway" and as the CEO of Full Picture, also joined the funding round, she said in a LinkedIn<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/desiree-gruber-4b7a4564_phoebe-gates-and-sophia-kianni-launch-shopping-activity-7321537221025492993-16fh/"> post</a>. Her post praised the Phia founders and celebrated the launch with enthusiasm, showing her strong support for the company's mission and vision.
In addition to Jenner and Gruber, Phia's advisory circle includes media executive Joanne Bradford and Spanx founder Sara Blakely, both of whom are serving as company advisors. Bradford<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7321319756966383616/"> shared</a> on LinkedIn that she's been supporting the team behind the scenes over the past year on copy, product, and go-to-market strategy.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Technology-Driven Approach To Conscious Commerce</h2>
Phia represents a growing wave of e-commerce tools that emphasize affordability without sacrificing ethics or style. By embedding into users' regular browsing experience, the app acts as a passive advisor, alerting shoppers to resale alternatives, sale opportunities, and pricing insights without disrupting their shopping flow, according to The Verge.
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Environmental sustainability is a core component of Phia's identity. In line with Bill Gates' well-known environmental initiatives, the app encourages secondhand shopping to reduce fashion-related carbon emissions and textile waste. While Phoebe Gates has leaned on her father for personnel advice, she did not seek financial involvement. "Luckily, it never happened," Bill Gates told <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bill-gates-phoebe-gates-phia-funding-2025-4">Business Insider</a>, explaining that he preferred not to play an oversight role in the company.
Melinda French Gates encouraged her daughter to raise her own capital, describing it as a growth opportunity. Phoebe Gates told<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/style/phoebe-gates-bill-gates-resale-phia.html"> The New York Times</a> that the fundraising process was difficult but essential, adding that her mother "saw it as a real opportunity for me to, like, learn and fail."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Phia's Market Position and Growth Potential</h2>
Phia enters a crowded but evolving space alongside established price-comparison tools like Honey, Rakuten, and Capital One Shopping, The Verge writes. What sets Phia apart is its focus on fashion, its AI-driven resale discovery features, and its cultural positioning with Gen Z consumers.
The combination of venture capital, mentorship from high-profile investors, and a technology-forward product gives Phia a unique advantage in the e-commerce landscape. While still in its early stages, Phia's launch signals a broader trend toward merging climate-conscious values with consumer tech.&nbsp;
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Image: Shutterstock

REAL

Bill Gates' Daughter Launches Phia, A $850K AI-Powered Fashion App With Backing From Kris Jenner And Desiree Gruber

Editor&rsquo;s note: This article was originally published in July 2024. It has been updated in May 2025 to reflect current availability of the product and the evolving cultural context around cannabis.
&ldquo;Weed is fun. Let&rsquo;s face facts, it&rsquo;s fun,&rdquo; says Andrew Rea, the culinary maestro behind the wildly popular YouTube channel Binging with Babish, in an exclusive interview.
<h3>A Decade-Long Love Affair: From &lsquo;Vapor Poo&rsquo; To &lsquo;Digital&rsquo; Weed</h3>
Rea is not just a chef but a storyteller, seamlessly weaving narratives into recipes through his culinary recreations from movies, TV shows, and video games. His YouTube channel, Babish Culinary Universe, boasts more than 10 million subscribers and has become a beloved cornerstone of the online foodie community. His journey with cannabis, however, is a tale of personal discovery and therapeutic exploration.
&ldquo;When I first started smoking weed, the only options were from shady characters and college kids on bikes in New York City,&rdquo; Rea reflects with a smile. &ldquo;If you had told me about the tech and availability now&hellip; If you had told me that weed would effectively become digital, that we&rsquo;d have vaporizers that are disposable, that you would be able to walk around and smoke in a completely seamless and painless manner, and even get it delivered to your house above the letter of the law&hellip; I wouldn&rsquo;t have believed it. But that&#39;s the case now. It takes 45 minutes to order anything from my local dispensary.&rdquo;
Rea&#39;s journey with cannabis began about a decade ago, initially using it for both recreational and therapeutic purposes. &ldquo;I&#39;ve been roughly a daily user for about 10 years now, and it&rsquo;s been incredible to see the cannabis landscape change in that time.&rdquo; Battling anxiety and major depressive disorder, Rea finds solace and stability in cannabis. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s helped me manage my symptoms in some cases&hellip; and it&rsquo;s also just fun,&rdquo; he says.
Reminiscing about the early days, Rea talks about his first weed-infused culinary creations. &ldquo;I bought a vaporizer called The Magic Flight Launch Box, which looked like something a Boy Scout made,&rdquo; he laughs. &ldquo;Back then, the only way I could make edibles was by using vaporized weed &ndash; which is already decarboxylated, and spreading it on peanut butter and Graham crackers to make something called firecrackers. The vaporized weed was colloquially referred to as &lsquo;vapor poo,&rsquo;&rdquo; he adds with a humoristic tone.
<h3>The Babish THC-Infused Sugar Is Here</h3>
In 2024, Rea announced his latest cannabis venture: a collaboration with Old Pal to launch &quot;Old Pal x Babish THC-Infused Sugar&quot;. The product combines Old Pal&#39;s cannabis extracts with Rea&#39;s culinary sensibility, offering a versatile, precision-dosed THC-infused sugar designed for both novice and experienced consumers.
<img alt="Babish x Old Pal Sugar" src="https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/667f1ae6619bf342de5f3533/Babish-x-Old-Pal-Sugar/960x0.jpg?format=jpg&amp;width=1440" style="height:416px; width:624px" />
Babish x Old Pal Sugar - Courtesy of Old Pal
&ldquo;I knew I wanted to make a THC-infused sugar that didn&rsquo;t add any flavor and could be used seamlessly in any recipe,&rdquo; Rea explains. &ldquo;It took quite a while to find a partner capable of doing that at the level Old Pal could. They not only met but exceeded my expectations.&rdquo;
The result is a sugar that offers precise dosing and easy integration into a wide range of recipes. Each teaspoon contains 5 MG of THC, allowing consumers to customize their experience. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s super accurate. If you use a set amount in your recipe and then divide that recipe into serving sizes, you know exactly how much you&rsquo;re taking into your system,&rdquo; Rea explains. &ldquo;You can also just grab a tablespoon-full and put it in your coffee, and you know exactly how much you&#39;re ingesting.&rdquo;
The sugar has since rolled out in dispensaries across select states.
Rea highlights the importance of safety and convenience in cannabis edibles. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s always a horror story about eating a brownie, not feeling anything for two hours, having another one, and then feeling like one&rsquo;s gonna die,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;So, to be able to make predictable homemade edibles that are both safer... and more convenient is amazing. It&rsquo;s also one of the most pure cannabis experiences that I could imagine: it&rsquo;s the least harmful (I would imagine) for your body since you&rsquo;re not smoking it.&rdquo;
<h3>Only A High Person Could Think Of This</h3>
&ldquo;Weed let me look at the world through a new lens really, which I needed in my 20s when I was trying to make it in New York City,&rdquo; Rea reflects. &ldquo;I was thinking very inside the box, and it was very nice to take a peek outside the box thanks to cannabis here and there.&rdquo;
When asked if he was high when coming up with the idea for recreating recipes from movies, video games, TV shows, and cartoons, he candidly admits: &ldquo;I think so. If we&#39;re playing the odds here, it was nighttime in 2016... I&#39;d say I was very likely high.&rdquo;
He also emphasizes that cannabis isn&rsquo;t a cure-all: &ldquo;I recommend going to therapy first, not using weed to treat anything. It is not a fixer; it is an augmenter.&rdquo;
<h3>The Journey To Mainstream Acceptance</h3>
Rea&rsquo;s relationship with cannabis is multifaceted. He speaks about the therapeutic benefits, noting how it helps to &ldquo;round off the hard edges of the day.&rdquo; And while he uses prescription medication for his diagnosed conditions, cannabis complements his mental wellness. &ldquo;If alcohol blurs them [the hard edges], weed rounds them,&rdquo; he says.
He draws a thoughtful distinction between therapeutic and medicinal use: &ldquo;Instead of treating my existing conditions, which I use prescription medications to do, [cannabis] broadened my horizons... It gave me new perspectives and new experiences that I wouldn&#39;t have had otherwise.&rdquo;
<h3>Creative Cannabis Icons</h3>
When asked who he&#39;d most like to share a joint with, Rea doesn&#39;t hesitate: &ldquo;I want to smoke a joint with Daniels, the directors of Everything Everywhere All at Once.&rdquo;
He also dreams of sparking up with director Richard Linklater. &ldquo;He&#39;s one of my very favorite filmmakers, he filmed my favorite pot-smoking scene of all time, and he knows great music,&rdquo; he says.
<h3>The Future Of Edibles</h3>
Looking ahead, Rea continues to champion innovation in cannabis cuisine. &ldquo;I wanted to make something that definitely does the job for weed experts but also is inviting and accessible to people who have never tried cannabis before,&rdquo; he explains.
His collaboration with Old Pal marks a major step in that direction&mdash;blending culinary creativity, safety, and precise dosing in a format that&rsquo;s both fun and functional. And with growing access in multiple states and a growing audience of curious foodies, Rea&rsquo;s sugar may be just the beginning.
Read next:&nbsp;<a class="post-card-article-link" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/44992856/willy-wonka-of-weed-opens-the-doors-to-the-raw-factory-heres-what-we-saw" target="_blank">&#39;Willy Wonka Of Weed&#39; Opens The Doors To The RAW Factory: Here&#39;s What We Saw</a>
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Follow me on <a href="https://www.twitter.com/javierhasse" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/javierhasse/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>. Check out my <a href="https://elplanteo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a> or some of my other work <a href="https://benzinga.com/cannabis" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2024/07/11/binging-with-babishs-andrew-rea-talks-cannabis-launches-thc-sugar-weed-rounds-off-the-hard-edges-of-the-day/">Forbes</a> and appears here with permission.&nbsp;The article is from an external source. It does not represent Benzinga&#39;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.
Photo courtesy Old Pal

Cannabis

Entertainment

YouTube Star Babish Talks Cannabis: 'If Alcohol Blurs The Hard Edges, Weed Rounds Them... It's Not A Fixer—It's An Augmenter'

Dave Ramsey recently <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu3BNkFoa2E">took a call</a> on &#8220;The Ramsey Show&#8221; from a 26-year-old listener worried about the stock market dipping. Ramsey, known for his no-panic approach to investing, quickly put things in perspective.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;Not Even Close&#8217; to a Crash</h2>
&#8220;There&#8217;s nothing to indicate that this is a crash. Nothing,&#8221; Ramsey said. &#8220;The U.S. economy is not imploding and falling in. Not even close.&#8221;
He told the caller that the current market situation is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44921683/this-volatile-market-is-made-for-nickel-and-diming-these-names">more about volatility</a> and uncertainty, not a sign of an economic collapse. Ramsey was direct when pointing fingers at the source of the market&#8217;s anxiety.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump and Market Volatility</h2>
&#8220;The stock market does not like an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/04/45029647/experts-say-new-tariffs-could-spark-higher-prices-and-shortages-within-weeks">unpredictable environment</a>, and this is unpredictable as crud right now,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Because people don&#8217;t know what&#8217;s going to happen exactly, because I think Trump makes it up every morning.&#8221;
Ramsey explained that this unpredictability is fueling short-term swings, but it doesn&#8217;t change the long-term strength of the economy or the stock market&#8217;s overall growth pattern.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Long-Term View Still Wins</h2>
He reminded listeners that the S&amp;P 500 had strong years in 2023 and 2024, with returns of around 23% to 26% each year. A small 6% to 8% drop in the market now, he said, is hardly a crisis when looking at the bigger picture.
&#8220;When in doubt, zoom out,&#8221; Ramsey&#8217;s co-host, George Kamel, advised. He encouraged investors to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/25/03/44524295/exclusive-advisorshares-portfolio-manager-says-market-nervous-in-2025-encourages-investors-to-have-long-term">focus on long-term trends</a> rather than day-to-day headlines: &#8220;Time in the market beats timing the market.&#8221;
Trending: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Personal Example of Patience</h2>
Ramsey also shared a personal example: he has about $5 million sitting in an S&amp;P 500 account intended for a real estate purchase. While the account has temporarily dropped by about $200,000, he said he has not &#8220;lost&#8221; anything because he hasn&#8217;t sold.
&#8220;If you sell, you take the loss. I didn&#8217;t lose anything. I&#8217;m just sitting here watching with great amusement the roller coaster ride,&#8221; he said.
Instead of pulling money out, Ramsey said he&#8217;s &#8220;scratching around for some extra money to throw in right now&#8221; because he sees it as a chance to buy stocks on sale.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Keep Investing Through the Ups and Downs</h2>
He wrapped up with a precise message: &#8220;We&#8217;re going to invest when it&#8217;s up and we&#8217;re going to invest when it&#8217;s down. We&#8217;re going to invest and we&#8217;re going to invest. And then we&#8217;re going to look up and we&#8217;re going to be worth millions of dollars. This is how we do it.&#8221;
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Dave Ramsey Says The Stock Market Is 'Unpredictable As Crud Right Now,' Claiming Trump 'Makes It Up Every Morning' And Fuels The Chaos

At the annual shareholder meeting of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) on Saturday, Warren Buffett has voiced his criticism of the present administration&#8217;s trade policy, labeling the imposition of punitive tariffs on global trade as a severe mistake.
What Happened: During the session, Buffett expressed his discontent with the current aggressive trade policy, without directly mentioning President Donald Trump.
Addressing the gathering, Buffett <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LWBphTImy4">said</a>, emphasized, &#8220;Trade should not be a weapon,&#8221; and cautioned against provoking billions of people worldwide with punitive tariffs. 
"Trade should not be a weapon. The United States won. I mean, we have become an incredibly important country, starting from nothing 250 years ago There's not been anything like it," Buffett said. 
"It's a big mistake, in my view, when you have seven and a half billion people that don't like you very well, and you got 300 million that are crowing in some way about how well they've done &#8211; I don't think it's right, and I don't think it's wise," he added.
His remarks were made following the White House&#8217;s recent introduction of the highest import levies in decades, which has caused considerable market instability.
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"I do think that the more prosperous the rest of the world becomes, it won't be at the our expense, the more prosperous we'll become, and the safer we'll feel, and your children will feel someday," Buffett said.
The esteemed investor also underscored the significance of global prosperity, asserting that a prosperous world would not come at the cost of the United States, but rather enhance its safety and prosperity.
In its first-quarter earnings report Berkshire Hathaway noted that tariffs and other geopolitical events have generated &#8220;considerable uncertainty&#8221; for the conglomerate. 
The company also disclosed that it has been operating defensively, selling stocks for 10 consecutive quarters, resulting in a record cash reserve of $347 billion at the end of March.
Why It Matters: Buffett&#8217;s comments come at a time when the world is grappling with the economic impacts of the current administration&#8217;s hardline trade policy. The policy has been marked by the imposition of high tariffs, leading to significant market volatility and uncertainty. 
This has prompted companies like Berkshire Hathaway to adopt a defensive stance, selling stocks and amassing cash reserves. Buffett&#8217;s criticism of the policy underscores the potential risks and challenges it poses to global trade and prosperity. 
His remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balanced and cooperative approach to global trade, for the benefit of all nations involved.
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Earnings

Warren Buffett Warns Tariffs Could Backfire on Economy, Says, 'Trade Should Not Be A Weapon. It's A Big Mistake, I Don't Think It's Wise'

Brazilian startup Mombak has secured $30 million in a Series A funding round led by Union Square Ventures, with participation from existing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44911292/insane-mark-cuban-thinks-us-investors-will-start-exporting-talent-and-funding-startups-abroad-to-cut-costs">investors</a> Kaszek, Bain Capital, and AXA IM Alts, as well as new backers Lowercarbon Capital and Copa Investimentos.
This funding will support Mombak&#8217;s mission to restore degraded farmland in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43137590/microsoft-invests-in-carbon-credits-to-restore-amazon-rainforest-faces-challenges-from-data-center-growth-trumps-fossil-fuel-focus">Amazon rainforest</a> using native species and generate carbon credits for companies seeking to offset their greenhouse gas emissions, according to<a href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/brazil-reforestation-startup-mombak-raises-30-million-usv-led-round-2025-04-29/"> Reuters</a>.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mombak&#8217;s Ambitious Growth</h2>
Since its founding in 2021 by Gabriel Silva, former CFO of Nubank, and Peter Fernandez, former CEO of 99, Mombak has planted 5 million native trees across 45,000 acres, an area three times the size of Manhattan, Reuters writes. The company aims to reach 8 million trees planted by June.
&#8220;We are moving from startup to scale-up,&#8221; co-founder Gabriel Silva told Reuters. &#8220;We decided it was time to have a new capital round to invest in this new phase: taking our initial business and doing it in a much larger scale.&#8221;
Mombak&#8217;s approach involves acquiring or partnering with owners of degraded Amazon land to restore native vegetation, generating carbon credits that companies can purchase to offset their emissions. This model not only helps in carbon sequestration but also contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem restoration in the Amazon.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Carbon Credit Demand Soars with Big Tech Support</h2>
According to Reuters, Mombak has already signed $150 million worth of carbon removal offtake contracts and expects that number to quadruple within the next year. Major companies such as Google, Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and McLaren Racing have already committed to purchasing credits from Mombak, a sign that big tech is taking nature-based carbon removal seriously,<a href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/google-buys-carbon-removal-credits-brazil-startup-joining-microsoft-2024-09-19/"> Reuters</a> writes.
Google recently agreed to buy 50,000 metric tons of carbon credits from Mombak by 2030, marking its first carbon removal partnership in South America. Microsoft, ahead of the curve, also signed a contract in 2023 to purchase up to 1.5 million carbon credits from Mombak. Meta has also pledged support through its participation in the Symbiosis Coalition, a group that includes Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce, which committed to contracting up to 20 million tons of nature-based carbon removal credits by 2030, according to Reuters.
McLaren Racing, the iconic Formula 1 team, joined this growing list of partners by purchasing credits from the startup as part of its mission to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, Mombak <a href="https://mombak.com/news/mclaren-buys-carbon-credits-in-quest-for-net-zero/">announced</a>. These partnerships signal growing industry confidence in the scalability and quality of Mombak's carbon removal strategy.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Public and Private Capital Fuel Climate Restoration</h2>
In addition to private equity and venture funding, Mombak recently secured $17.8 million through a joint commitment from Santander Brasil and Brazilian state development bank BNDES, Reuters<a href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/santander-bndes-back-mombak-reforestation-drawing-brazil-climate-fund-2025-04-07/"> writes</a>. This makes Mombak the first reforestation project to receive support from Brazil's $2 billion New Climate Fund, launched in 2023 to advance climate-focused initiatives.
Andy Weissman, managing partner at Union Square Ventures, emphasized the importance of this work, stating, "We believe that carbon removal will be one of the defining industries of the 21st century. We're proud to support Mombak's mission to turn the Amazon into a global engine for climate restoration."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Road Ahead</h2>
With over $200 million raised since its founding, Mombak stands at the intersection of environmental impact and economic innovation. The company's commitment to large-scale reforestation, combined with demand from global corporations, positions it to lead a new wave of climate restoration rooted in natural solutions.
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Image: Shutterstock

MSFT

Google, Microsoft, Meta, And McLaren Back Mombak's $30M Amazon Reforestation Push, Targeting $600M In Carbon Credit Deals By 2025

As <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/45026616/trumps-trade-war-causes-sharp-decline-in-us-imports-from-china">U.S. ports</a> begin to empty and retailers brace for impact, experts warn that we are just beginning to feel the ripple effects of President Donald Trump's new 145% tariffs on Chinese goods. While social media buzz paints an exaggerated picture of ghost ports, the underlying supply chain disruption is very real — and it could soon hit home for American consumers.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Slow Ships, Sudden Shock</h2>
Tariffs don't grind global trade to a halt overnight. Freight ships from China typically take several weeks to reach U.S. ports. But already, the effects of paused or canceled shipments are being seen, particularly at major hubs like the Port of Los Angeles.
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Gene Seroka, executive director of the port, told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/04/29/port-of-las-gene-seroka-on-tariff-impact-retailers-have-about-5-7-weeks-of-full-inventories-left.html">CNBC</a> that shipments from China have "essentially ceased," and the port expects a 35% decline in cargo arriving next week.
Seroka added that large retailers have just five to seven weeks of inventory left before supply issues start to surface. &#8220;Until some accord or framework can be reached with China, the volume coming out of there, save a couple of different commodities, will be very light at best,&#8221; he said.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Chain Reaction Through the Economy</h2>
According to <a href="https://fortune.com/article/trump-tariffs-empty-shelves-trucking-ports/">Fortune</a>, the slowdown will unfold in stages. In early May, consumers may begin noticing delays and product shortages. By mid-May, the trucking industry could feel the crunch as fewer goods arrive to be transported — resulting in layoffs. <a href="https://www.apolloacademy.com/probability-of-vtrr-90/">Apollo Global Management</a> forecasts that this could spiral into a full-blown recession by mid-summer.
Products expected to be hit hardest include fast fashion, children's toys, and back-to-school supplies. That's because the U.S. imports much of its apparel and low-cost consumer goods from China, and retail shelves are replenished months in advance.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fact vs. Fiction at the Ports</h2>
Despite widely shared videos showing empty container yards, not all U.S. ports are equally impacted. The <a href="https://www.nwseaportalliance.com/newsroom/nwsa-q1-2025-teu-volumes-19">Northwest Seaport Alliance</a> reports that the Port of Seattle saw a 20% increase in cargo traffic over the first four months of 2025, compared with the same time last year.
Port Commissioner Ryan Calkins acknowledged the threat of tariffs but urged calm. "There is no reason to panic," he said. "We have a diverse global economy." Still, he cautioned that if the tariffs continue, holiday shopping later in the year could be affected, especially for items like clothing and electronics.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Retailers and Officials Scramble</h2>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/45037102/walmart-home-depot-target-push-chinese-suppliers-to-resume-shipments-agree-to-absorb-tariffs-report">Major retailers</a> like Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), and Home Depot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>) have already tried to front-load shipments ahead of the tariff hike. According to Fortune, this led to record import activity at some ports earlier in the year. But experts warn that these stockpiles are only a temporary buffer. Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation, <a href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/import-cargo-levels-to-drop-sharply-amid-new-tariffs-and-uncertainty">said</a> that companies "will pull back and rely on built-up inventories, at least long enough to see what will happen next."
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Unfortunately, what's next remains unclear. The U.S. and China have offered conflicting reports about the status of trade negotiations. In the meantime, supply chain gaps are growing, cancellations of transpacific shipping routes are increasing, and uncertainty looms large.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Bottom Line</h2>
While viral videos may not always tell the full story, the impact of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/45058018/trumps-145-china-tariffs-spark-seller-backlash-as-amazon-prime-day-2025-faces-pullouts-and-discount-cuts-report">Trump's 145% tariffs</a> on China is already rippling through U.S. supply chains. Consumers may not feel the pain immediately, but signs point to a summer of higher prices, fewer choices, and tough decisions for businesses and shoppers alike.
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Behind The Empty Docks: How Trump's 145% Tariffs Are Gutting U.S. Supply Chains

In the first quarter of&nbsp;2025,&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) reported a significant drop in its operating earnings announced on Saturday. The company has raised concerns about the potential impact of tariffs on future profits.
What Happened: The conglomerate&#8217;s operating earnings, which include its&nbsp;fully owned insurance and railroad&nbsp;businesses, fell 14% to $9.64&nbsp;billion in&nbsp;the first three months of&nbsp;the year. This is a significant drop from the $11.22 billion reported in the first quarter of 2024.
According to the Berkshire <a href="https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/qtrly/1stqtr25.pdf">report</a>, the decline was largely&nbsp;driven by a 48.6% plunge&nbsp;in insurance-underwriting profit, which&nbsp;came in at $1.34 billion&nbsp;for the first quarter, down&nbsp;from $2.60 billion a year&nbsp;prior. Berkshire attributed this to the Southern California wildfires, which&nbsp;led to a $1.1 billion&nbsp;loss in Q1.
The company also suffered an approximate $713 million loss related to foreign exchange due to the dollar losing value in the first quarter. This is in stark contrast to the same period last year when it benefited from a $597 million forex gain.
"Our periodic operating results may be affected in future periods by impacts of ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical events, as well as changes in industry or company-specific factors or events. The pace of changes in these events, including international trade policies and tariffs, has accelerated in 2025. Considerable uncertainty remains as to the ultimate outcome of these events," Berkshire said in the earnings report.
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"The amount of investment gains, losses in any given quarter is usually meaningless and delivers figures for net earnings per share that can be extremely misleading to investors who have little or no knowledge of accounting rules," Berkshire's statement read.
Berkshire also expressed concerns over President Donald Trump&#8216;s tariffs and other geopolitical risks, stating that it&#8217;s unable to predict any potential impact from tariffs at this time. The company&#8217;s cash reserves also increased to a record $347 billion during the first quarter, up from around $334 billion at the end of 2024.
Why It Matters: The steep drop in Berkshire&#8217;s earnings is a cause for concern among investors, given the company&#8217;s wide-ranging portfolio of businesses. The decline in insurance-underwriting profit, in particular, highlights the risks associated with the company&#8217;s insurance operations.
The company&#8217;s concerns over tariffs and geopolitical risks also underscore the uncertainty facing global businesses. The increase in cash reserves, however, suggests that Berkshire is well-positioned to weather potential economic headwinds.
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Equities

Berkshire Hathaway's Q1 2025 Earnings Plunge Amid Tariff Concerns, Operating Profit Fell 14%, Cash Hit A Record

Each week,&nbsp;Benzinga&#8217;s Stock Whisper Index&nbsp;uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.
Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/05/45171636/exclusive-aprils-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-tesla-apple-palantir-nvidia-stocks-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: April&#8217;s 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do Tesla, Apple, Palantir, Nvidia Stocks Rank?</a>
Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending May 2:
 Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPM#NYSE">WPM</a>): Precious metal and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44903750/gold-price-soars-to-record-highs-eyes-best-2-month-rally-since-2011-on-blockbuster-etf-buying">gold stocks</a> continue to see increase interest from Benzinga readers and this week's article highlights Wheaton Precious Metals. The company's stock is near 52-week highs, but could head higher with continued record highs for gold and upcoming financial results from the company. Analysts expect the company to report first-quarter earnings per share of 50 cents on May 8. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in four of the last five quarters. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $436.5 million, up from $296.8 million in last year's first quarter. The company has missed analyst estimates for revenue in three straight quarters and seven of the last 10 quarters overall. A turnaround in revenue and another beat in earnings per share could strengthen the bullish case for the stock. Several analysts have upgraded the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WPM/analyst-ratings">stock&#8217;s price targets</a> ahead of earnings.
Wheaton Precious Metals shares were down slightly on the week, as seen on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0502">Benzinga Pro chart </a>below, while shares are up over 50% in the last year.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0502"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="501" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173903/Screenshot-393.png" alt="" class="wp-image-900087" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173903/Screenshot-393.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173903/Screenshot-393-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173903/Screenshot-393-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>
Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUK#NYSE">DUK</a>): The utility company saw increased interest from investors during the week, which could be related to the company's size, its industry or its dividend yield. The interest is also likely coming with the company set to report first-quarter financial results on May 6. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $1.61, up from $1.44 in last year's first quarter. The company has missed earnings per share estimates in six of the last 10 quarters. Analysts expect the company to report revenue of $8.06 billion, up from $7.67 billion in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in four straight quarters and eight of the last 10 quarters overall. With the stock trading near 52-week highs, investors will likely be expecting a double beat and not a mixed quarter like many of the previous ones have been.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0502"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="993" height="508" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173918/Screenshot-394.png" alt="" class="wp-image-900088" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173918/Screenshot-394.png 993w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173918/Screenshot-394-300x153.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173918/Screenshot-394-768x393.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 993px) 100vw, 993px" /></a></figure>
Nutanix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTNX#NASDAQ">NTNX</a>): The software company continues to see strong interest from readers and after several weeks of consideration as a stock to highlight makes this week's list. The company is scheduled to report third-quarter financial results on May 28, which is several weeks away. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share and revenue in each of the last eight straight quarters. Investors may be paying attention ahead of the financial results in a company that has shown impressive growth.
"During our second quarter we delivered outperformance across our guided metrics. Our results are benefitting from the strength of the Nutanix Cloud Platform," Nutanix CEO Rajiv Ramaswami <a href="https://ir.nutanix.com/news-releases/news-release-details/nutanix-reports-second-quarter-fiscal-2025-financial-results">said </a>after second-quarter results.
The CEO said the company was working on delivering sustainable, profitable growth and also highlighted a new revolving credit facility and the issuance of convertible notes to help with future growth.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0502"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="508" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173932/Screenshot-395.png" alt="" class="wp-image-900089" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173932/Screenshot-395.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173932/Screenshot-395-300x153.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173932/Screenshot-395-768x392.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
MercadoLibre Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MELI#NASDAQ">MELI</a>): The Latin American e-commerce giant saw increased interest during the week, which could be related to comments made by the company's CEO. MercadoLibre CEO Marcos Galperin said Latin America companies could be winners in a U.S.-China trade war. Galperin said Mexico and other countries could benefit, comments that could make the e-commerce company more attractive to investors. MercadoLibre is set to report first-quarter financial results on May 7. Analysts expect the company to report first-quarter earnings per share of $8.30, up from $6.78 in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in three of the last four quarters and eight of the last 10 quarters overall. Analyst expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $5.51 billion, up from $4.33 billion in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in more than 10 straight quarters. Another strong quarter could see shares continue to trade near 52-week highs.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0502"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="993" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173947/Screenshot-396.png" alt="" class="wp-image-900090" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173947/Screenshot-396.png 993w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173947/Screenshot-396-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02173947/Screenshot-396-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 993px) 100vw, 993px" /></a></figure>
Cheniere Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LNG#NYSE">LNG</a>): The natural gas company saw strong interest from readers during the week, which comes as analysts have provided mixed commentary ahead of first-quarter financial results. Some analysts raised price targets, while others lowered<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LNG/analyst-ratings"> their price targets</a> ahead of Q1 results set for May 8. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $2.70 versus $2.13 in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in three straight quarters and eight of the last 10 quarters overall. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $4.91 billion, up from $4.25 billion in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates in seven of the last 10 quarters overall. Another strong quarter and investors looking for energy stocks that could benefit from the current White House administration could make the stock a winner.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0502"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02174000/Screenshot-397.png" alt="" class="wp-image-900091" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02174000/Screenshot-397.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02174000/Screenshot-397-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02174000/Screenshot-397-768x389.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
Stay tuned for next week&#8217;s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0502" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/04/44651693/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">April 4</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/44883576/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-61" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">April 18</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/45029510/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-62">April 25 </a></li>
</ul>
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Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

As <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/04/45059231/mark-zuckerberg-says-theres-going-to-have-to-be-a-reckoning-about-college-degrees-and-whether-theyre-truly-worth-it-anymore">tuition costs climb</a> and artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce, a growing number of young Americans are questioning whether a college degree still offers a meaningful return on their investment. For Gen Z and millennials, the traditional value of higher education is under scrutiny — especially in an economy where degrees no longer guarantee job security or career growth.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Generational Divide in College Value</h2>
A recent <a href="https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/news/college-degree-value-generational-divide">survey</a> by Indeed found that 51% of Gen Z professionals consider their college degree a waste of money, compared to 41% of millennials and just 20% of baby boomers. For many younger graduates, the cost of education, combined with student loan burdens and an uncertain job market, has made them question whether college was the right path.
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<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a></li>
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According to the <a href="https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college">Education Data Initiative</a>, the average cost of a bachelor's degree has doubled over the past 25 years, now exceeding $38,000. Meanwhile, student loan debt in the U.S. is nearing $2 trillion. These financial strains are shifting how young professionals view their degrees: nearly four in 10 say student debt has slowed their career growth more than their diploma has helped it.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI Adds to the Uncertainty</h2>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/45093311/not-everyone-needs-a-thousand-ai-engineers-but-for-those-who-do-zuckerberg-says-meta-will-gladly-build-it-for-a-price">Artificial intelligence</a> has introduced another layer of doubt for recent grads. About one-third of college-educated workers believe AI has already made their degree irrelevant, according to Indeed — a figure that climbs to 45% among Gen Zers.
Yet some experts argue this fear may be overstated. "AI is not going to take your job," Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/25/magazine/ted-sarandos-netflix-interview.html">The New York Times</a> last year. "The person who uses AI well might take your job."&nbsp;
Similarly, Kyle M.K., a career expert at Indeed, told <a href="https://fortune.com/article/college-degree-waste-of-money-gen-z-millennial-indeed-study-ai-obsolete/">Fortune</a> that while some technical roles are more exposed to automation, areas like nursing and creative strategy remain relatively insulated.
The key, he says, is adaptability: "AI won't invalidate a solid education, but it will reward those who keep upgrading their toolkit."
Trending: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Degrees Without Distinction?</h2>
Even as more young people earn degrees, the job market doesn't always reflect that value. Researchers suggest the "college wage premium" — the extra income typically earned by degree holders — has plateaued. And with more graduates than ever before, competition for skilled jobs has intensified.
This shift may explain why 68% of Gen Zers say they could do their current job without a degree, compared to just 49% of baby boomers. Employers seem to agree — more than half of U.S. job postings on Indeed now omit education requirements entirely.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Beyond the Paycheck: Other Forms of Value</h2>
Despite skepticism about the financial return of college, some still find personal or professional value in the experience. Christine Cruzvergara of Handshake told Fortune that higher education helps students build networks, discover career paths, and develop long-term leadership and problem-solving skills.
Nico Maggioli, a design graduate from Syracuse University, echoed this sentiment. He told Indeed that the mindset he gained — learning how to think like a designer — matters more today than mastering specific technical skills, many of which AI can now handle.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Future: Skills Over School Names</h2>
Experts increasingly recommend that students and workers focus on building adaptable skills rather than <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/42932626/billionaire-mark-cuban-on-college-costs-pick-the-cheapest-school-you-can-find-its-about-learning-not-prestige">chasing degrees for prestige</a> alone.&nbsp;
Francisco Marmolejo, higher education president at the Qatar Foundation, told Indeed, "A big advantage of generative AI is that educational institutions will have more time to prepare students on the humanistic side. More effective efforts can and should be dedicated to making sure that all students become competent in much more valued skills for the future of work, such as analytical skills, teamwork, and critical thinking.&#8221;
For Gen Z and younger generations, college may not be obsolete, but its value depends more than ever on how well it prepares graduates for a rapidly changing world.
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Image: Shutterstock

Earnings Beats

Is College Still Worth It? Gen Z And Millennials Are Losing Faith As AI Disrupts The Job Market

Benzinga examined the prospects for <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
U.S. markets rebounded this week, fully recovering losses incurred since President Donald Trump's April 2 tariff escalation. The S&amp;P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq each rose by more than 1.3%, with Friday marking the S&amp;P 500's ninth consecutive daily gain — the longest streak since 2004.
The rally was fueled by a stronger-than-expected April jobs report, with 177,000 jobs added, surpassing forecasts of 135,000. Unemployment remained at 4.2%, and sectors like healthcare and transportation led job growth. However, Q1 GDP contracted by 0.3%, the largest drop since 2022, largely due to a surge in imports ahead of tariff implementations.
Corporate earnings contributed to market optimism. Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) exceeded Wall Street estimates, with Microsoft posting its best weekly performance in years. Despite these gains, concerns linger about the long-term economic impact of tariffs, as businesses face uncertainty and potential cost increases.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
The Bulls
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/05/45136276/mounjaro-maker-eli-lilly-clocks-45-jump-in-q1-revenue-cuts-2025-profit-outlook-but-not-due-to-tariffs">"Mounjaro maker Eli Lilly clocks 45% jump in Q1 revenue, cuts 2025 profit outlook but not due to tariffs"</a>, by Vandana Singh, reports that Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) posted a 45% year-over-year revenue increase to $12.73 billion in Q1 2025, driven by strong sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound, but lowered its 2025 EPS forecast to $20.78-$22.28 due to a $1.57 billion charge related to acquired in-process R&amp;D, clarifying that the guidance does not account for potential future tariff changes.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/05/45137383/microsoft-rallies-after-crushing-q3-earnings-goldman-sachs-lifts-target-to-480">"Microsoft rallies after crushing Q3 earnings, Goldman Sachs lifts target to $480"</a>, by Piero Cingari, reports that Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) beat Q3 estimates with $70.07 billion in revenue and $3.46 EPS, driven by a 35% surge in Azure revenue — 16 points of which came from AI services — prompting Goldman Sachs analyst Kash Rangan to raise the price target to $480.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/45038400/plug-power-rallies-as-new-financing-cost-cuts-boost-confidence-in-turnaround-plan">"Plug Power rallies as new financing, cost cuts boost confidence in turnaround plan"</a>, by Anusuya Lahiri, reports that Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLUG#NASDAQ">PLUG</a>) shares rose after the company secured a $525 million debt facility and implemented cost-cutting measures expected to yield over $200 million in annual savings, signaling progress toward profitability.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/45120603/amazon-stock-is-rising-after-the-bell-whats-driving-the-action">Amazon Stock Is Rising After The Bell: What's Driving The Action?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/45120458/bloom-energy-reports-better-than-expected-q1-results-details">Bloom Energy Reports Better-Than-Expected Q1 Results: Details</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/45066479/rare-bullish-signal-just-flashed-on-wall-street-will-it-power-sp-500-to-6000">Rare Bullish Signal Just Flashed On Wall Street: Will It Power S&amp;P 500 To 6,000?</a>
The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/05/45175831/apple-stock-faces-tariff-related-headwinds-4-analysts-break-down-q2-results-whats-next">"Apple stock faces tariff-related headwinds: 4 analysts break down Q2 results, what's next"</a>, by Chris Katje, reports that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) exceeded Q2 expectations with $95.4 billion in revenue and $1.65 EPS, but analysts from Needham, Goldman Sachs and Bank of America warn that escalating U.S.-China tariffs — projected to cost Apple $900 million in the June quarter — pose ongoing risks to product margins and earnings.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/45084597/starbucks-misses-q2-earnings-estimates-ceo-says-optimism-has-turned-into-confidence-i-see-more-opportunity-than-i-imagined">"Starbucks Misses Q2 Earnings Estimates, CEO Says Optimism Has Turned Into Confidence: ‘I See More Opportunity Than I Imagined'"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>) posted Q2 revenue of $8.76 billion and adjusted EPS of 41 cents — both below analyst expectations — while CEO Brian Niccol expressed confidence in the company's "Back to Starbucks" turnaround plan, highlighting operational improvements and customer experience enhancements.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/45106948/norwegian-cruise-line-tumbles-after-earnings-miss-still-confident-in-2025-guidance">"Norwegian Cruise Line Tumbles After Earnings Miss, Still Confident In 2025 Guidance"</a>, by Akanksha Bakshi, reports that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCLH#NYSE">NCLH</a>) shares fell after the company missed Q1 2025 revenue and earnings estimates, citing a 2.9% revenue decline to $2.13 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.07, but reaffirmed its full-year guidance of $2.05 EPS and $2.72 billion in adjusted EBITDA, despite softening forward bookings amid macroeconomic headwinds.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45152870/bigbear-ai-shares-slide-after-worse-than-expected-q1-report">BigBear.ai Shares Slide After Worse-Than-Expected Q1 Report</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/04/45072193/stock-of-the-day-abbvies-rally-looks-stretched-could-a-reversal-be-next">Stock Of The Day: AbbVie's Rally Looks Stretched — Could A Reversal Be Next?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/45086922/whats-going-on-with-restaurant-chain-owner-brinkers-stock-today">Why Did Chili's Restaurant Parent Brinker International Stock Tumble On Tuesday?</a>
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.
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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Lilly, Microsoft, Starbucks — And Markets Fully Recover Tariff Chaos Losses

A valuation metric, which Berkshire Hathaway chair Warren Buffett once called the "single best measure of where valuations stand," is now signaling that U.S. equities could be trading at relatively attractive levels.
What Happened: Known as the &#8220;Buffett Indicator,&#8221; the ratio compares the total value of publicly traded U.S. companies, tracked by the Wilshire 5000 Index, to the country's gross domestic product.
The measure currently sits at around 180%, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-02/warren-buffett-s-favorite-valuation-indicator-flashes-buy-signal">reported</a> Bloomberg, roughly the same level seen after last year's rapid unwinding of the Japanese yen carry trade, which triggered a sharp selloff. That downturn ultimately set the stage for a strong S&amp;P 500 rally in late 2024.
The indicator soared to record highs last year, echoing past market bubbles, including the dot-com era in 2000. Its recent dip comes as the S&amp;P 500 has rebounded 12% from April lows, though it remains down nearly 9% from February's record.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900955/berkshire-hathaways-q4-profits-soar-71-warren-buffett-says-his-firm-has-paid-more-taxes-than-tech-titans-in-trillions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkshire Hathaway Q4 Profits Soar 71%, Buffett Says Firm Pays More Taxes Than ‘Tech Titans' With Market Value in ‘Trillions'</a>
"This is a crucial indicator because it helps traders know when to deploy capital and buy stocks," said Adam Sarhan, CEO of 50 Park Investments. "There are reasons to still be concerned about the global trade war, but if [Donald] Trump isn't playing hardball with tariffs, people are going to buy, buy, buy with valuations much more reasonably priced now."
Why It's Important: In a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42332905/warren-buffett-labeled-it-playing-with-fire-when-the-indicator-named-after-him-reached-140-cut-to-today-and-its-over-200-is-a-downturn-looming">Fortune article from 2001,</a> Buffett characterized this level as "playing with fire," alluding to the dotcom bubble.
"Nearly two years ago the ratio rose to an unprecedented level," Buffett wrote.
"That should have been a very strong warning signal."
Some critics of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43622036/warren-buffett-indicator-tops-205-amid-skyrocketing-sp-500-valuations-as-this-billionaire-dot-com-crash-predictor-sounds-alarm">Buffett Indicator</a> argue that it overlooks certain important factors like elevated interest rates. Others caution that valuation metrics alone are unreliable for market timing, as assets can remain overvalued or undervalued for extended periods before adjusting, the report said.
Many traders are closely watching Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting on Saturday for any hints that Buffett has begun tapping into the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43903272/buffetts-assures-berkshire-hathaway-shareholders-amid-skyrocketing-cash-reserves">firm's record $321 billion cash reserve</a> to scoop up discounted stocks, the report added.
Wall Street continued its rally this week, completely recovering the losses triggered by the Trump administration's April 2 tariff announcement. Mega-cap tech giants — including Microsoft Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NYSE">MSFT</a>), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) — all beat Wall Street estimates, with Microsoft posting its strongest weekly performance in years. 
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 Trust ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) was up 1.48% on Friday, while the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, was up 1.48%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;138z7gr&#x2A;_gcl_au&#x2A;MjA5Njc0MjY1My4xNzQwODM2NTUw&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;R1MxLjEuMTc0NDY0ODA3Mi4yLjAuMTc0NDY0ODA3NS4wLjAuMA..&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTc0NTgyOTMzMy4xLjEuMTc0NTgyOTYyMy4wLjAuMA..">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
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Photo: Photo Agency / Shutterstock

Tech

Media

Warren Buffett's Favorite 'Single Best Measure' For Equities Flashes Buying Signal As US Stocks Rebound

A new study made public last month suggests that left-handed CEOs, including tech giants like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg, may possess an edge in driving innovation and outperforming their competitors.
What Happened: Research by accounting professors Long Chen and June Woo Park at the Costello College of Business analyzed &#8220;7 % of S&amp;P 500 firm CEOs.&#8221;
They found that companies led by left-handed CEOs showed significantly higher innovation output, including more patents and citations.&nbsp;
&#8220;Left-handed CEOs are likely to hire more foreign employees, who tend to generate more innovation outputs than domestic employees,&#8221; the study read.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45183052/nvidia-boss-jensen-huangs-total-compensation-hits-50m-after-first-raise-in-10-years">Nvidia Boss Jensen Huang&#8217;s Total Compensation Hits $50M After First Raise In 10 Years</a>
The study, which also looked at how these CEOs approached talent acquisition, found that left-handed leaders were more likely to recruit from a global pool of tech talent.
&#8220;Using patent and citation data from the Bureau van Dijk's Orbis patent database for the period 1992–2015, we find that firms managed by left-handed CEOs tend to exhibit greater success in innovation,&#8221; the study stated.
One key finding was that patents under left-handed leadership were not just more numerous—they were also more original, often representing breakthroughs rather than tweaks to existing technologies.
The research further suggested that firms led by left-handed CEOs enjoyed better financial performance, with higher return on assets and stronger stock returns.
Why It&#8217;s Important: Jobs, Gates, and Zuckerberg belong to the roughly 10% of the population that is left-handed.&nbsp;
Apple co-founder <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41263396/legendary-apple-co-founder-steve-jobs-once-said-being-the-richest-man-in-the-cemetery-doesnt-matter">Jobs passed away from cancer</a> on Oct. 5 at the age of 56. Jobs was ousted from Apple in 1985. He made his return to Apple in 1996 and remained in the position until 2011, when he resigned.
Gates, who is the co-founder of Microsoft, currently has a net worth of $168 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/william-h-gates/">Index</a>. He stepped down as Microsoft CEO in 2000.
Zuckerberg, who is currently heading Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook, is the third richest person in the world today. He has a net worth of $211 billion.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Alexandros Michailidis On Shutterstock.com

Are Left-Handed CEOs Like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates And Mark Zuckerberg Wired For Innovation? New Research Says They Lead More Creative, Profitable Companies

According to Bill Eigen, a portfolio manager at JPMorgan Asset Management, markets are significantly reactive to President Donald Trump's social media posts.&nbsp;
What Happened: Speaking to CNBC Friday morning ahead of the April jobs report, Eigen said economic data is quickly taking a back seat.
"We're one Truth Social post away from being up or down 5% every day," Eigen said, describing the current market environment as "fun," but filled with turbulence.
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Don&#039;t see anything that&#039;s going to make the deficit better going forward: JPMorgan&#039;s Bill Eigen" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fgzvAQY8h1o?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900955/berkshire-hathaways-q4-profits-soar-71-warren-buffett-says-his-firm-has-paid-more-taxes-than-tech-titans-in-trillions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkshire Hathaway Q4 Profits Soar 71%, Buffett Says Firm Pays More Taxes Than ‘Tech Titans' With Market Value in ‘Trillions'</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/plus500-futures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>
Why It's Important: Trump's posts in the last few months back up Eigen's statement, <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/05/02/markets-swings-truth-social-posts-jpmorgan-potfolio-manager/">noted</a> Fortune. Markets surged after he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44946516/goldman-sachs-ceo-says-trumps-90-day-tariff-pause-increased-the-level-of-uncertainty-triggered-market-repricing">announced a 90-day tariff grace period</a> to negotiate trade deals.
Conversely, they <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44940900/us-futures-dollar-jump-amid-trumps-latest-comments-on-fed-nikkei-rebounds-to-three-week-high">tumbled when he posted</a> that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's removal "couldn't come fast enough."
Before his inauguration, Trump moved currency markets by threatening tariffs on Canada and Mexico, causing the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso to fall.
A February JPMorgan study found Trump is posting fewer market-moving messages than during his first term, but momentum is building. About 10% of his recent posts have led to noticeable market shifts, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, the U.S. labor market <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45164558/us-adds-177000-jobs-in-april-topping-forecasts-as-economy-navigates-tariff-impact">remained resilient in April</a>, with job growth exceeding expectations despite pressure from trade tariffs affecting various sectors.
According to data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonfarm payrolls rose by 177,000, down slightly from March's revised figure of 185,000.
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 Trust ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) was up 1.48% on Friday, while the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, was up 1.48%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;138z7gr&#x2A;_gcl_au&#x2A;MjA5Njc0MjY1My4xNzQwODM2NTUw&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;R1MxLjEuMTc0NDY0ODA3Mi4yLjAuMTc0NDY0ODA3NS4wLjAuMA..&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTc0NTgyOTMzMy4xLjEuMTc0NTgyOTYyMy4wLjAuMA..">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image Via Shutterstock

Donald Trump's Social Media Posts Move Markets More Than Jobs Data, Says JPMorgan Portfolio Manager: 'We're One Truth Social Post Away From Being Up Or Down 5% Every Day'

Ken Griffin, founder of hedge‑fund giant Citadel LLC, told Stanford business students that career growth hinges on surrounding oneself with sharper minds, not basking as "the smartest person in the room."
What Happened: In a "View From the Top" interview posted this week, Griffin recalled college days cold‑calling Bear Stearns traders for tips on convertible bonds and said that habit still guides him.
"If you're the smartest person in the room, you have so screwed up your Stanford MBA," he warned, adding, "You don't want to be the smartest person in the room." Griffin praised Citadel's brain trust, noting a Europe‑based employee who cracked "a tough math problem" overnight after others were stumped.
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Griffin, 56, built Citadel from a Harvard dorm‑room trading venture in 1990 into a multistrategy powerhouse managing about $65 billion in investment capital and employing more than 3,100 people. Forbes <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/ken-griffin/">pegs his net worth</a> at $42.5 billion, making him one of America's richest financiers.
See also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/05/45166556/jeff-bezos-says-the-hardest-thing-was-landing-amazons-first-million-says-he-warned-potential-backers-of-a-70-chance-theyd-lose-their-money"> Jeff Bezos Says The &#8216;Hardest Thing&#8217; Was Landing Amazon&#8217;s First Million, Says He Warned Potential Backers Of A &#8216;70% Chance&#8217; They&#8217;d Lose Their Money</a>
He told students their first job choice should be "a learning environment," stressing that lessons flow from colleagues, clients, even rivals. American business culture, he said, is "generationally kind and generous," and executives have a duty to pass knowledge forward. "It's part of the magic of America that we share insights across generations," Griffin said.
Citadel's own culture of constant learning has paid off: its flagship Wellington fund gained 1.3 percent in April despite volatile markets, reveals a WSJ <a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/citadel-sidesteps-aprils-market-swoons-to-post-gains-across-its-funds-6cf7969e">report</a>, lifting year‑to‑date returns back into positive territory. Griffin urged the future MBAs to replicate that edge by seeking rooms where they can keep asking, "Explain this — what do you think about that?"
Why It Matters: Griffin recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44972192/gop-megadonor-ken-griffin-urges-investors-to-tread-water-and-not-drown-amid-nonsensical-trade-policies-we-put-that-brand-at-risk">voiced his apprehensions</a> about the current market conditions, where he indicated that the market is shrinking too rapidly to generate substantial returns, stating, "There are no great opportunities." A notable backer of Trump, Griffin is among several affluent individuals who have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44660599/stanley-druckenmiller-on-x-i-do-not-support-tariffs-exceeding-10-as-trump-digs-heels-on-trade-policy">expressed doubts</a> about the reasoning and execution of the recent tariffs.
Citadel largely avoided market turmoil, with its flagship fund down just 0.9% in Q1, compared to the S&amp;P 500&#8217;s decline of over 4%. Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) gained 1.25% over the past month while SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) rose 1.31% during the same period.
Image via Shutterstock
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Management

Citadel Kingpin Ken Griffin Warns Being 'Smartest In The Room' Means You've 'Screwed Up' Your MBA

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