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RIOT PLATFORMS INC

Riot Platforms

Riot Platforms Inc is a vertically integrated Bitcoin mining company focused on building, supporting, and operating blockchain technologies. The company's segments include Bitcoin Mining and Engineering. The Bitcoin Mining segment generates revenue from the Bitcoin the Company earns through its Bitcoin Mining activities. The Engineering segment generates revenue through customer contracts for custom engineered electrical products. It generates the majority of its revenue from the Bitcoin Mining segment.

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Lunedì i futures azionari statunitensi mostrano un ribasso dopo la chiusura negativa di venerdì. I futures dei principali indici di riferimento sono in calo.

Futures azionari USA scendono sul timore di nuovi dazi, Bitcoin da record

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Il recente coinvolgimento di un importante investitore attivista ha stimolato un significativo rialzo delle azioni.

Questo titolo si impenna del 7% dopo il coinvolgimento di Starboard

Riot Platforms Inc

One of New York City's hottest new clubs is a yoga studio in SoHo. Its address is a closely guarded secret, and the only way to gain admittance is by invitation of one of its 300 members.
Tera, whose red front door is currently trending all over social media, is selling more than just yoga classes— it's offering exclusivity for some of the city's wealthiest and best connected residents.&nbsp;
"With the referral, we&#8217;re almost filtering our clientele to be somewhat of the same person,&#8221; Tera founder Georgia Wood Murphy told <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-yorks-hottest-club-the-invite-only-gym-2025-7">Business Insider</a>. Their ideal clientele is someone "that wants to invest in wellness, that wants to be on trend, and a part of what&#8217;s hot in New York right now.&#8221;
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<li>The same firms that backed Uber, Venmo and eBay are investing in this pre-IPO company disrupting a $1.8T market — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/pacaso">and you can too at just $2.90/share.</a></li>
<li>Accredited Investors: Grab Pre-IPO Shares of the AI Company Powering Hasbro, Sephora &amp; MGM—<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">Secure $0.63 Shares Before 8/14 </a></li>
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Tera isn't the only fitness studio building client lists off of referrals and exclusivity. According to the website, millennials and Gen Zers currently make up more than 80% of gymgoers. While their proclivity for regular workouts is great news for their overall health and fitness levels, it's bad news for your average gym.
With so many people popping in and out for their daily sweat sessions, gyms and fitness studios have become overcrowded. Finding yourself deep in line for the squat rack or on a waitlist for that afternoon pilates class has become a regular occurrence. Hence, the rise of the exclusive fitness club.
For their part, these studios take member curation quite seriously.&nbsp;
&#8220;Would you post flyers on the street to invite someone to a dinner party at your house?&#8221; asked Colette Dong, co-founder of trampoline fitness program Ness, which vets all potential members.&nbsp; &#8220;You wouldn&#8217;t. You would curate the vibe.&#8221;
Trending: ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">invest today for just $0.30/share.</a>
It's not just bank accounts these studios are taking into consideration, either. Giving out, what Business Insider and Dong call the "wrong vibes" by doing things like engaging in negative body talk can be enough to get you blacklisted from some places.
"We don't want any of that energy in our community," Dong says.
Dogpound, a boutique gym favored by celebrities, hasn't fully committed to a referral-only model for membership just yet. Instead, they have sky-high fees, which top out at $100,000 per year. Xander Hodge, the gym's general manager, told Business Insider the exorbitant fees are designed to help ensure members are committed, tight-knit, and guaranteed a scene of privacy.
One thirty-something Dogpound member told the outlet that the cost is worth it because it grants her access to a community where it's easy to meet and bond with like-minded people.&nbsp;
&#8220;Fitness in New York can feel very transient,&#8221; Dong told Business Insider. &#8220;There are so many studios and classes, and people often hop around… [studio membership] is reserved for people who are truly engaged with what we offer and who feel aligned with our community.&#8221;
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<li>These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-homes-private-credit-fund"> they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends</a></li>
<li>Have $100k+ to invest? Charlie Munger says that's the toughest milestone — don't stall now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Get matched with a fiduciary advisor and keep building</a></li>
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Image: Imagn Images

Personal Finance

Behind The Rise Of Exclusive Fitness Clubs: Why Workout Studio Memberships Are The Newest Wealth Signifier

There's a certain type of tension that only shows up when a stay-at-home parent falls in love with a luxury purchase—and the breadwinner spouse has the checkbook. And in the latest case, it wasn't a vacation, or a kitchen remodel—it was a used Lexus SUV with a five-figure price tag and a salesman "working out a deal."
In a post titled "AITAH for vetoing my wife's car purchase in the dealership and walking her out of there without looking at the car she picked out?", a 29-year-old man shared his side of the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AITAH/s/x55LXr0Rf1">showdown from Reddit's AITAH subreddit</a>.
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<li>Accredited Investors: Grab Pre-IPO Shares of the AI Company Powering Hasbro, Sephora &amp; MGM—<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">Secure $0.63 Shares Before 8/14 </a></li>
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His 27-year-old wife is a stay-at-home mom until their kids are old enough for school, and her old Honda had just <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/08/46864496/dave-ramsey-caller-made-the-mistake-of-co-signing-a-60000-car-loan-now-his-brother-in-law-is-off-to-jail-and-hes-paying-for-it">broken down beyond repair</a>. With his full-time work schedule, he couldn't car shop with her right away—but he gave her access to his Mustang Mach-E and laid out a "maximum budget of $20,000," noting it was flexible "if she found something she really liked."
But what she found was a used 2020 Lexus GX 460. He was at work when she called him to the dealership. A friend's boyfriend worked there, she said, and told her they could make her a great deal. The husband showed up, already wary.
When he asked how much the car was "out the door," the salesman dodged with, "How much do you have down?" That's when he shut it down. "Honey, we're not buying a car today, let's go." She pushed back, asking him to at least look at the vehicle, but he refused.
Finally, the price sheet was printed: $56,000 after taxes, fees, and add-ons. The husband said, "No, honey, that's not what we agreed on," and took the keys. The salesman tried to sell him on financing. "I just took the keys from my wife and left," he wrote.
And that monthly payment? The implication was clear—at nearly $800 a month for five years, this wasn't just a car; it was a financial anchor.
Trending: ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">invest today for just $0.30/share.</a>
Later, cooler heads prevailed. "Eventually, I was able to sit her down and show her some much more affordable options that wouldn't require us financing the car and going back into debt," he explained. She ended up buying a used Honda Pilot Touring instead. Total cost with maintenance: around $21,000. He called the whole ordeal "a blip" in their marriage—but his wife said he came off as "cold and unreceptive" at the dealership.
His response? "The sales strategy in a dealership sometimes is to make one spouse love the car, and make that spouse feel like the salesperson is on their side so that they might purchase a car from them even if it's not a good decision for the couple."
Commenters rallied around him. "You were kind of ambushed with something other than what you agreed on," one said. "In what world did she think you'd be okay with a car that was $36K over what you told her you guys could comfortably spend?" another added.
Multiple users pointed to the obvious tactics dealerships use to push financing without revealing the true price. "My favorite is when I ask ‘what's the out-the-door price' and they say ‘well the monthly payment is…' Nope. Thanks for your time. That's not what I asked. Bye." Another former car salesman chimed in: "You are 1000% right. Every tactic you described is exactly what they do. Good work."
One commenter went so far as to say the salesperson's behavior was a giant red flag: "Pretty sure that the sales person hadn't told her the total price of the car. They love to tell you how low your monthly payments would be… if you have a perfect credit score and a huge down payment."
See Also: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-homes-private-credit-fund"> they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends</a>
But what stood out most was how readers <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/07/46647765/dave-ramsey-tells-wife-how-to-deal-with-husband-who-wont-stop-overspending-on-dining-out-show-him-the-numbers">interpreted the dynamic between the couple</a>. The husband didn't just say no—he made a financially sound decision based on a clear budget. One person summed it up best: "That's not cold. That's called being married and financially responsible."
And there's some real-world data to back that up. <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/04/13/in-a-growing-share-of-u-s-marriages-husbands-and-wives-earn-about-the-same/">According to Pew Research</a>, 55% of U.S. marriages have a husband as the primary or sole breadwinner. When only one partner earns income, they often carry the burden—and authority—of major financial decisions. Experts say that power imbalance can be tricky, especially when the non-earning partner doesn't feel like an equal decision-maker.
But plenty of couples still find ways to keep things fair, even when one partner earns significantly more.&nbsp; Some split costs based on income percentages, others give each partner their own spending budget. But fair doesn't always mean 50/50. "It's no longer about financial equality," said <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/15/many-couples-dont-split-costs-equally-experts-say-heres-whats-fair.html">psychotherapist Carli Blau</a>, founder of Boutique Psychotherapy in New York. "It's really about what roles you play in your partnership—and whether both people feel heard, seen, appreciated, supported, and validated."
In this case, the husband had already tried that—he offered flexibility, gave her full access to his own car, and kept the conversation open. She still called him "cold," but most Redditors agreed he was just being smart.
After all, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46664160/are-you-an-above%E2%80%91average-couple-heres-the-net-worth-you-need-to-be-richer-than-90-of-households">marriage means sharing more than just a house</a>—it means sharing risk, debt, and everything in between. In this case, walking out of a $56,000 surprise sale might've been the most romantic gesture of all.
Read Next: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
Image: Shutterstock

29-Year-Old Says He 'Vetoed' His Wife's Dream Car, A 2020 $56K Lexus And Got Her A Honda Instead —'I Just Took The Keys From My Wife And Left'

On the surface, borrowing money at 0% APR looks like a great deal. You get to buy a product or service with someone else's money, and you don't have to pay interest for a while. You can find financing options that let you avoid interest payments for 12 months or more, but even though it sounds good, there are a few ways these deals can hurt your finances.
It may seem like there's only one disadvantage. People who borrow money will get burned by high interest rates if they do not repay the balance on time. However, there is a much more <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/1mhuqcb/whats_so_bad_about_0_interest_financing_on/">subtle way</a> that 0% interest deals can wreck your finances.
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<li>Accredited Investors: Grab Pre-IPO Shares of the AI Company Powering Hasbro, Sephora &amp; MGM—<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">Secure $0.63 Shares Before 8/14 </a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unintended Spending</h2>
It's hard enough to resist spending money due to the regular barrage of advertisements, an innate desire to keep up with everyone else, and how easy it has become to part ways with your hard-earned money. This environment makes it easy to spend money, and 0% APR is just another sweetener.
Borrowing money at 0% APR means there isn't any immediate downside to making a purchase. Money doesn't leave your checking account right away, and interest doesn't immediately accrue on your balance.&nbsp; This setup may incentivize people to make purchases they would have otherwise ignored.
Unintended spending has unintended consequences. That's extra money you now have to put toward your credit card bill instead of buying shares of a reliable index fund. Taking enough 0% APR deals can hinder your ability to build up a sufficient nest egg by the time you reach retirement age.
Trending: ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">invest today for just $0.30/share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Getting Comfortable With Debt</h2>
Interest-free promotions also get people more comfortable with spending other people's money. While debt can be a productive resource for real estate investors and startup founders, using it for discretionary purchases too often can result in interest payments. Even if you're not paying interest, you will have to repay the debt with money that you could have invested.
Some people open multiple credit cards to capitalize on short-term 0% APR deals. These cards can be great for getting out of debt sooner if you do a credit card balance transfer. However, these deals can trap people into the habit of borrowing money.
This feedback loop can get so bad that you take out debt to pay off other debt. Constantly kicking the can further down the road results in more interest accumulation and will put you into a deeper financial hole. 0% APR offers can be the starting point of a series of bad financial decisions if you aren't careful.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">Bezos' Favorite Real Estate Platform Launches A Way To Ride The Ongoing Private Credit Boom</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Vulnerable To Emergency Expenses</h2>
Any debt that you incur makes you more financially vulnerable. Each debt represents more money that you owe, an additional monthly payment, and another obstacle that makes it more difficult to grow your portfolio.
However, the disadvantages don't end with extra debt. Taking 0% APR offers will make you more vulnerable to a surprise emergency expense. If you do not have enough funds in your bank account to cover the emergency expense because you were busy paying 0% APR debt, you may have to take out a personal loan to address the new expense.
While 0% APR offers can be useful, you should only use them for purchases you had intended to make. Don't rush to open a credit card with an intro 0% APR promo just to spend as much as you can. Using this type of financing with a necessary purchase and not putting yourself in a vulnerable financial situation is the best way to navigate 0% APR deals.
Read Next: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
Image: Shutterstock

How 0% Interest Deals Can Wreck Your Finances, Even If You Never Miss A Payment

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.)&#8217;s investment in Palantir has seen an impressive surge of 142% since April.
What Happened: Greene, who&nbsp;is a member of the&nbsp;House Homeland Security Committee, acquired shares in&nbsp;Palantir&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)&nbsp;just days before Immigration and&nbsp;Customs Enforcement (ICE) granted&nbsp;the company a $30 million&nbsp;contract. 
Greene has clarified that her portfolio is managed by her financial adviser and she was not privy to&nbsp;the trades until they were&nbsp;reported.
Quiver Quantitative, a platform that monitors the stock market activities of politicians, highlighted that Palantir&#8217;s stock has risen by 142% from its position on April 8, which is the date when Greene made her purchase. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">UPDATE: Marjorie Taylor Greene bought stock in Palantir on April 8th. We reported on this right away, because Greene sits on the House Committee on Homeland Security.<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24PLTR&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$PLTR</a> has now risen 142% since her purchase. Look at this graph: <a href="https://t.co/JYGXZtznDp">pic.twitter.com/JYGXZtznDp</a>
&mdash; Quiver Quantitative (@QuiverQuant) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuiverQuant/status/1953818108965142775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Greene also invested in additional&nbsp;Palantir stock on July 15,&nbsp;which has yielded a substantial profit.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043789/marjorie-taylor-greenes-response-to-trump-bombing-iran-let-us-pray-that-we-are-not-attacked-by-terrorists-on-our-homeland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marjorie Taylor Greene&#8217;s Response To Trump Bombing Iran: ‘Let Us Pray That We Are Not Attacked By Terrorists On Our Homeland&#8217;</a>
As per financial news outlet Benzinga, Greene&#8217;s portfolio was ranked 23rd in performance among Congressional members in the previous year, generating&nbsp;a return of 30.2% on&nbsp;stock transactions. 
Greene has credited her success to her financial adviser and has brushed off criticism as &#8220;laughable&#8221;.
Why It Matters: The significant rise in Palantir&#8217;s stock value following Greene&#8217;s investment raises questions about the timing of her purchase. The fact that the surge came just days before ICE awarded Palantir a hefty contract is noteworthy. 
However, Greene has maintained that she was not aware of&nbsp;the trades until they were&nbsp;reported, attributing her investment decisions to her financial adviser. 
This incident underscores the potential for conflicts of interest in the stock market activities of politicians, a topic that has been a subject of debate in recent times.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39348535/marjorie-taylor-greene-promises-to-lock-up-anthony-fauci-for-handling-of-pandemic-should-be-tried-fo">Marjorie Taylor Greene Promises To &#8216;Lock Up&#8217; Anthony Fauci For Handling Of Pandemic: &#8216;Should Be Tried For Crimes Against Humanity&#8217;</a>

Politics

PLTR

Marjorie Taylor Greene's Palantir Bet Has Skyrocketed 142% Since She Bought It

In the wake of the Bureau of Labor Statistics head&#8217;s dismissal, former White House communication official Anthony Scaramucci has ridiculed President Donald Trump&#8216;s recent efforts to rectify the situation.
What Happened: Scaramucci dismissed Trump&#8217;s praise for charts produced by the Heritage Foundation and presented by economist Stephen Moore. 
These charts purportedly demonstrated an increase in household income, a figure that Trump lauded as &#8220;an incredible number.&#8221;
Speaking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zjfReto5k0">with </a>MSNBC regarding Trump&#8217;s ongoing criticism of the former BLS head and the new income figures, Scaramucci said, &#8220;There&#8217;s lies and there are damn lies and then there are statistics. You can take the statistics and cut them any which way that you want.&#8221;
&#8220;It&#8217;s hard to see the charts with all the gold leaf. It&#8217;s like shining so brightly behind them but it&#8217;s a mixed bag, the economy is a mixed bag. You can go through the economy and pick out things that are doing okay, and you can see the underlying surface cracks in the economy and you don&#8217;t have to be a rocket scientist to see that there&#8217;s a slowdown coming,&#8221; he added. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44658808/scaramucci-on-tariffs-there-is-stupid-and-then-there-is-donald-trump-stupid">Scaramucci on Tariffs: &#8216;There Is Stupid and Then There Is Donald Trump Stupid&#8217;</a>
Scaramucci also humorously commented on Trump&#8217;s refurbishment of the Oval Office to mirror Mar-a-Lago, making the charts difficult to see. 
He characterized the economy as a &#8220;mixed bag&#8221; with apparent &#8220;surface cracks&#8221; signaling a potential slowdown. He ended by describing the president&#8217;s actions as &#8220;a little bit ridiculous.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This incident underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding the dismissal of the BLS head and the subsequent handling of job statistics by the Trump administration. Scaramucci&#8217;s comments highlight the skepticism and criticism faced by the administration in its attempts to portray a positive economic outlook amidst potential signs of a slowdown. 
The use of statistics in this context has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that they can be manipulated to present a misleading picture of the economy. 
The situation continues to evolve, with the administration&#8217;s handling of economic data remaining a critical issue.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44211446/anthony-scaramucci-slams-donald-trump-hes-going-to-put-us-into-a-recession-frankly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Slams Donald Trump: ‘He&#8217;s Going To Put Us Into A Recession, Frankly&#8217;</a>

Anthony Scaramucci Ridicules Trump's Job Numbers and Charts: 'There's a Slowdown Coming'

Concerned about your child&#8217;s career in an AI world? Governor Gavin Newsom is rolling out free, Big Tech–backed AI curricula across high schools, community colleges and the California State University system, in partnership with Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>), International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>).
On Aug. 7 in San Francisco, Newsom said the state has finalized no-cost agreements with four leading technology firms to bring AI curricula, tools and training to public high schools, California Community Colleges and the California State University system.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/08/47019958/as-gpt-5-launches-openai-loyalists-pushed-altman-for-gpt-4os-return-citing-performance-and-reliability" rel="noreferrer noopener">As GPT-5 Launches, OpenAI Loyalists Pushed Altman for GPT-4o&#8217;s Return, Citing Performance and Reliability</a>
The initiative is designed to speed talent development for AI-driven jobs and strengthen California&#8217;s technology leadership, Governor Newsom&#8217;s website <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/08/07/governor-newsom-partners-with-worlds-leading-tech-companies-to-prepare-californians-for-ai-future/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Officials said the partnerships focus on building an AI-ready workforce across grades 9–12 and higher education, while preserving responsible and safe use of emerging technologies.
Programs include access to Adobe&#8217;s classroom-oriented generative AI in Adobe Express, Acrobat and Firefly; Google&#8217;s no-cost Prompting Essentials for students and Generative AI for Educators; IBM&#8217;s SkillsBuild credentials and support for regional AI labs and short-term certificates; and Microsoft-backed bootcamps covering AI foundations, cybersecurity and Copilot. 
Institutions can opt in, and companies will provide the offerings at no cost to schools.
Why It Matters
State leaders say the agreements will help students transition from classroom to careers while ensuring employers can hire locally.
&#8220;AI is expected to touch nearly every aspect of the working world, so making sure California students are fluent in AI tools will give them a huge advantage as they start their careers,&#8221; said Stewart Knox, Secretary of Labor &amp; Workforce Development.
Senior economic officials added that aligning education with industry needs reinforces California&#8217;s innovation economy and expands opportunity.
California notes its outsized AI footprint—including a high concentration of top private AI companies—and is pairing workforce initiatives with policy guardrails.
A 2023 executive order set the framework for responsible state adoption of generative AI, and a new expert report on frontier AI policy is informing safety, transparency and ethics.
Officials said implementation work begins immediately, with continued coordination among agencies, campuses and industry partners.
Read Next
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/08/46817762/apples-new-answers-team-developing-chatgpt-rival-iphone-17-pro-spotted-in-san-francisco" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple's New ‘Answers' Team Developing ChatGPT Rival</a>

General

ADBE

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MSFT

Newsom Wants Your Kids AI-Ready — Google, Adobe, IBM, Microsoft Are In

As debate over the future of Social Security heats up once again, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) is sounding the alarm over what many see as a renewed effort to privatize the program — this time, through a provision in the recently passed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/08/46826382/whats-the-same-whats-different-suze-orman-tackles-how-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-affects-your-social-security">One Big Beautiful Bill Act</a>.
The controversy began last week after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent referred to the Trump administration's new so-called Trump Accounts — a new savings program for children — as a "back door for privatizing Social Security."
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<li>The same firms that backed Uber, Venmo and eBay are investing in this pre-IPO company disrupting a $1.8T market — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/pacaso">and you can too at just $2.90/share.</a></li>
<li>Accredited Investors: Grab Pre-IPO Shares of the AI Company Powering Hasbro, Sephora &amp; MGM—<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">Secure $0.63 Shares Before 8/14 </a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Return to an Old Fight</h2>
Bessent's remarks have reopened a long-standing and politically sensitive issue. Proposals to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46759154/the-u-s-social-security-crisis-is-closer-than-you-think-could-one-countrys-bold-experiment-hold-the-fix">privatize Social Security</a> — which would shift the system from a government-run program to one based on personal savings accounts — have surfaced in the past, most notably under President George W. Bush. But those ideas have largely been set aside after public pushback.
Millions of Americans rely on Social Security as a guaranteed source of income in retirement. Under privatization, individuals would be responsible for managing their own retirement savings, potentially exposing them to market risks and uncertainty.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump Accounts Draw Scrutiny</h2>
The program at the center of the latest debate is the Trump Account, a new savings vehicle created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The account is designed to be opened for any baby born in the U.S., with a potential $1,000 initial deposit from the Treasury. Like an IRA, it allows for post-tax contributions — up to $5,000 a year — and could grow over time.
"In a way, it is a back door for privatizing Social Security," Bessent said, speaking at a Breitbart News forum, about the Trump Accounts. This has sparked widespread concern that they are intended as a long-term replacement — not a supplement — to Social Security.
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Later that day, Bessent clarified his comments, saying the administration was committed to protecting Social Security. "This is not an either-or question," he wrote in a <a href="https://x.com/SecScottBessent/status/1950675795866988545">post on X</a>. "Our administration is committed to protecting Social Security and to making sure seniors have more money."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wyden, Democrats React Swiftly</h2>
Despite the clarification, Wyden and other top Democrats were quick to push back. "It's clear Trump was lying all along about protecting Social Security," Wyden said in a <a href="https://www.finance.senate.gov/ranking-members-news/wyden-statement-on-trump-plan-to-privatize-social-security">statement</a>, accusing the president of paving the way for Wall Street interests to profit at the expense of retirees.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called Bessent's remarks "a stunning admission," saying they revealed the administration's true intentions.
The Democratic National Committee echoed that view. Spokesperson Tim Hogan accused the Trump administration of scheming to dismantle the program through what he called a "backdoor scam."
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Social Security's Future Remains Uncertain</h2>
The backdrop to this renewed debate is Social Security's long-term financial outlook. According to the <a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-board-of-trustees-projection-for-combined-trust-funds-one-year-sooner-than-last-year/">program's trustees</a>, the trust fund that pays benefits will no longer be able to cover full payments starting in 2034 unless changes are made.
Trump, for his part, has repeatedly promised to protect Social Security. On the 2024 campaign trail, and after winning re-election, he said the program would remain untouched, other than possible efforts to make it more efficient.
Still, for critics like Wyden, recent developments suggest a different story. "Calling this a five-alarm fire is an understatement," Wyden said.
With millions of Americans counting on Social Security to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43201704/can-you-guess-what-it-takes-to-be-wealthy-in-retirement-hint-its-probably-less-than-your-goal">fund their retirement</a>, the debate over its future — and who's telling the truth about it — is far from over.
Read Next: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
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Sen. Ron Wyden Warns Of Backdoor Social Security Privatization: 'It's Clear Trump Was Lying All Along'

The creator of Ethereum, Vitalik Buterin, has raised concerns about the possible dangers posed by companies that hold Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) in their balance sheets. 
What Happened: Buterin warned that the overleveraging practices of companies holding ETH could potentially trigger a collapse of the cryptocurrency. 
During a recent interview he said, &#8220;If you woke me up three years from now and told me that treasuries led to the downfall of ETH, then, of course, my guess for why would basically be that somehow they turned into an overleveraged game, and then at some point a 30% drop turned into forced liquidations that turned into a 50% drop and then a 70% and 90% drop, and then that got compounded with a loss of credibility.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Are ETH Treasuries good for Ethereum?<a href="https://twitter.com/VitalikButerin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VitalikButerin</a> thinks they can be: "ETH just being an asset that companies can have as part of their treasury is good and valuable… giving people more options is good." But he also issues a warning: "If you woke me up 3 years from now… <a href="https://t.co/W55oUD7Lke">pic.twitter.com/W55oUD7Lke</a>
&mdash; Bankless (@BanklessHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/BanklessHQ/status/1953456218892390562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Despite his cautionary note, Buterin also underscored the advantages of companies maintaining an ETH treasury. He pointed out the social value of coordinating around ETH as&nbsp;an asset that companies can&nbsp;include in their treasury.
"The social aspect of coordinating around ETH just being an asset that companies can have as part of their treasury is good and valuable. Having different vehicles for people to have access to ETH, which is, I think, one of the reasons why people are buying into treasury companies instead of just hodling ETH directly, is also good,&#8221; he further said. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/07/33091772/vitalik-buterin-stakes-small-portion-of-eth-citing-safety-concerns-cardano-creator-chimes-">Vitalik Buterin Stakes &#8216;Small Portion&#8217; Of ETH Citing Safety Concerns, Cardano Creator Chimes In</a>
&#8220;Giving people more options is good. There's always people in all kinds of different financial circumstances that put all kinds of requirements or incentives or properties on what formats of things that they participate in. There's definitely valuable services that are being provided there," Buterin added. 
Why It Matters: The warning from Buterin comes at a time when ETH&#8217;s price is experiencing a significant surge, following the enactment of the GENIUS Act. 
This legislation established a federal framework for the regulation of stablecoins, thereby bolstering Ethereum&#8217;s ecosystem. 
As of the time of writing, ETH is trading at $4,224, marking an 8.5% increase in the last 24 hours and a 21.1% rise over the past week.
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Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

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$ETH

Ethereum Creator Warns of Dangers From Companies Holding ETH Treasuries

The tariff policies of Donald Trump&#8216;s administration have been found to disproportionately affect less affluent nations, a stark contrast to the special trading privileges these countries have enjoyed for years from wealthy nations like the U.S.
What Happened: The Trump administration&#8217;s tariffs have been more severe on poorer nations compared to their wealthier counterparts. 
While affluent nations such as South Korea, Japan, and European Union member states faced tariffs ranging from 10% to 15%, developing countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Iraq were slapped with tariffs of 20% or more.
Further, Myanmar and Laos, among the poorest nations in Asia, were subjected to tariffs as high as 40%, threatening to cripple their exports to the U.S. 
In a recent development, President Trump announced plans to hike tariffs on India to 50%, amidst disputes over India&#8217;s continued imports of Russian oil.
"It's left developing countries with very high tariffs. It's a significant change especially for treatment of least developed countries," Deborah Elms, head of trade policy at the Hinrich Foundation, an Asia-based think tank recently <a href="https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/why-poor-nations-got-hit-with-higher-tariffs-than-rich-ones-de6881b8?mod=hp_lead_pos10">told </a>the Wall Street Journal. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/46817792/trumps-disapproval-rating-soars-amid-economic-woes-epstein-drama">Trump&#8217;s Disapproval Rating Soars Amid Economic Woes, Epstein Drama</a>
However, countries with significant geopolitical or economic ties to the U.S., such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, were spared from these harsh tariffs. These nations, all major oil and gas producers, faced no tariffs higher than the standard 10%.
&#8220;It is hard to tell if there is any logic to deciphering why some countries have been hit so hard while others were spared,&#8221; David Henig, a trade expert at the European Center for International Political Economy, a think tank based in Brussels, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/trump-tariffs-winners-losers-reaction-rcna222422">told</a> CNBC. 
Why It Matters: This shift in tariff policy marks a significant departure from the traditional treatment of the world&#8217;s least developed countries. 
The demand from the Trump administration for trading partners to invest in the U.S. has put developing countries at a disadvantage, as few have the financial capacity to match the investment pledges made by Japan, South Korea, and the EU. 
This could potentially exacerbate the economic divide between developed and developing nations, further straining international trade relations.
Read Next
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Why Trump's Tariffs Hit Poor Countries With Higher Rates Than Rich Ones

Naval Ravikant, a renowned investor and venture capitalist, argues that excellence hinges less on credentials than on sustained obsession.
What Happened: In "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant" which is a curated collection of his most valuable insights on wealth, happiness and life Ravikant <a href="https://nav.al/specific-knowledge">says</a>, "If you're not 100% into it, somebody else who is 100% into it will outperform you," and that in the "domain of ideas," compounding and leverage, will magnify the gap.
Ravikant frames "specific knowledge" as the product of "innate talents, … genuine curiosity, and … passion," urging people to chase what naturally absorbs them rather than whatever looks hottest in the job market.
He illustrates the point with a sales example. A psychology degree gives an already strong salesperson "leverage," he says, but classroom learning won't turn a reluctant introvert into a top salesperson.
He extends the argument with simple math, stating that in high-leverage fields, small accuracy edges compound. If one person is right 90% of the time and another 80%, the market pays "hundreds of times more" to the former because correctness compounds and scales. Ravikant&#8217;s takeaway is to pick a lane that rewards your curiosity and keep improving until you're "100% into it."
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Why It Matters: Many business leaders echo the case for curiosity and continuous learning. Jeff Bezos recently told an audience that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45608220/jeff-bezos-shares-his-secret-to-success-if-you-can-somehow-figure-out-how-to-have-a-calling-you-have-hit-the-jackpot">finding a calling</a> is "the jackpot," emphasizing passion as a driver of long-run outcomes.
Warren Buffett <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/04/38254603/warren-buffett-says-the-key-to-success-isnt-having-the-greatest-business-idea-in-the-world-the-test">puts it more plainly</a>. "The test is whether you keep learning," he says, a credo investors often cite when explaining the billionaire&#8217;s ability to pick investments that become diamonds in the rough. Charlie Munger, Buffett's late partner, praised Buffett as a "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44855242/charlie-munger-once-highlighted-how-warren-buffetts-lifelong-learning-made-berkshire-hathaways-success-possible-and-the-crucial-lesson-you-can-take-from-it">continuous learning machine</a>," arguing that compounding knowledge is what&#8217;s made Berkshire Hathaway billions in returns.
Bill Gates likewise credits "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43581817/bill-gates-says-this-simple-trait-is-the-secret-to-his-success">insatiable curiosity</a>" for his career, urging people to keep reading and adopt new tools, an ethos that mirrors Ravikant's call to pursue specific knowledge and stay "100% into it."
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Photo Courtesy: hxdbzxy on Shutterstock.com

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Naval Ravikant Says If You're Not '100% Into It,' Someone Else Will Always Beat You: Here's Why

Mexico&#8217;s president moved to shut down speculation of U.S. troops crossing the border, rejecting reported plans for military action against drug cartels and insisting cooperation will not come <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics" rel="noreferrer noopener">at the expense of national sovereignty.</a>
BBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07pdel9vyjo" rel="noreferrer noopener">quoted </a>President Claudia Sheinbaum, &#8220;The United States is not going to come to Mexico with the military.&#8221; Sheinbaum told reporters on Friday that &#8220;We co-operate, we collaborate, but there is not going to be an invasion. That is ruled out, absolutely ruled out.&#8221; She said any discussions with Washington have not included foreign soldiers operating on Mexican soil, BBC added.
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Citing a secret directive, The New York Times <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/08/us/trump-military-drug-cartels.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported </a>that President Donald Trump authorized steps to employ U.S. military power against cartels, potentially on foreign territory and at sea.
The New York Times said the order could provide &#8220;an official basis for the possibility of direct military operations&#8221; against such groups.
Earlier this year, Trump signed an order labeling eight cartels as terrorist entities, six of them based in Mexico, according to prior U.S. statements.
The White House, in a statement to the BBC, did not address the directive directly but said Trump&#8217;s &#8220;top priority is protecting the homeland.&#8221; Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued for a harder line, saying, &#8220;We have to start treating them as armed terrorist organisations, not simply drug dealing organisations.&#8221;
Mexico and the United States have intensified joint efforts to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking.
Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection show June crossings at a record low, per BBC.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson recently noted that fentanyl seizures at the border have fallen by more than half, crediting tighter cooperation.
Sheinbaum reiterated that any counter-narcotics collaboration must respect Mexico&#8217;s autonomy.
She said authorities were informed an order addressing cartels was forthcoming, but &#8220;that it had nothing to do with the participation of any military personnel.&#8221;
Earlier this year, she warned that designating cartels as terrorists &#8220;cannot be an opportunity for the US to invade our sovereignty.&#8221;
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Trump's 'Narcos' Strategy Collides With Mexico's Strong Opposition To US Deployment

President Donald Trump and his Republican allies are reportedly working on a redistricting strategy that has been compared to a scheme &#8220;making Watergate look like forgetting a library book&#8221; by Trump&#8217;s former lawyer, Michael Cohen.
What Happened: Cohen recently published an article titled &#8220;Redistricting Is The New Trump Coup,&#8221; where he criticizes the alleged plan by Trump to redraw congressional districts. 
Cohen claims that Trump is putting pressure on Republicans in Texas to make drastic changes to the current congressional map, with the goal of securing five additional seats in Congress. 
Cohen sees this as a blatant disregard for the traditional decennial redistricting process, indicative of Trump&#8217;s disregard for constitutional norms.
&#8220;These aren't congressional districts; they're kill zones for democracy. The GOP helped build this, and now it's swallowing them. So here we are again; President Trump, the man who couldn't find Kansas City on a map, is now redrawing the entire damn thing. Because when you can't win by persuading voters, you rig the district lines, pack the courts, and pray no one's paying attention, Cohen wrote in his <a href="https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/p/redistricting-is-the-new-trump-coup?r=yzqcr&amp;utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;triedRedirect=true">post</a>. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/46817700/ex-trump-lawyer-says-trump-could-set-sights-on-musks-billions-it-bothers-him-that-he-is-the-richest-man">Ex-Trump Lawyer Says Trump Could Set Sights on Musk&#8217;s Billions: &#8216;It Bothers Him That He Is the Richest Man&#8217;</a>
&#8220;Welcome to the next phase of the American heist; a mid-decade redistricting scheme so brazen, it makes Watergate look like forgetting to return a library book,&#8221; Cohen added.
Furthermore, Cohen suggests that this strategy is causing unease among some Republicans. He cites New York&#8217;s Mike Lawler and California&#8217;s Kevin Kiley as examples of members who are apprehensive about the potential repercussions of this plan.
&#8220;Unlike&nbsp;past cycles, where GOP members&nbsp;practically body surfed toward Trump&nbsp;for a hit of MAGA&nbsp;mojo, what we're hearing now&nbsp;is… crickets. Or worse; resentment,&#8221; Cohen wrote. He argues that Trump&#8217;s redistricting plan could put the political careers of these members at risk.
Why It Matters: The redistricting strategy alleged by Cohen could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress. 
If successful, it could potentially secure a Republican majority, altering the political landscape for years to come. Furthermore, the alleged disregard for the traditional redistricting process raises concerns about the integrity of democratic processes. 
The unease among some Republicans suggests that the plan could lead to internal divisions within the party, potentially impacting its unity and effectiveness.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266380/ex-trump-lawyer-sent-this-message-to-elon-musk-after-feud-with-donald-trump-erupted" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ex-Trump Lawyer Sent This Message To Elon Musk After Feud With Donald Trump Erupted</a>

Ex-Trump Lawyer Calls President's Mid-Decade Redistricting Scheme More Brazen Than Watergate: 'Welcome To The Next Phase Of American Heist'

President Donald Trump is warning of potential economic fallout if his extensive tariff policy is overturned, hinting at a new Great Depression.
What Happened: Trump voiced his apprehensions in a post on Truth Social, suggesting that a negative verdict on the tariff policy by a &#8220;Radical Left Court&#8221; could have catastrophic implications for the country&#8217;s economy. He underscored the difficulty the U.S. would face in bouncing back from such an economic setback.
"If a Radical Left Court ruled against us at this late date, in an attempt to bring down or disturb the largest amount of money, wealth creation and influence the U.S.A. has ever seen, it would be impossible to ever recover, or pay back, these massive sums of money and honor. It would be 1929 all over again, a GREAT DEPRESSION!" he said in the post. 
"There is no way America could recover from such a judicial tragedy, but I know our Court System better than anyone, there is no one in history that has gone through the trials, tribulations and uncertainties such as I, and absolutely terrible, but also amazingly beautiful, things can happen. Our Country deserves SUCCESS AND GREATNESS, NOT TURMOIL, FAILURE, AND DISGRACE," Trump further added.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/46817802/jim-cramer-has-blunt-message-for-fed-chair-powell-after-july-job-numbers-tanked">Jim Cramer Has Blunt Message for Fed Chair Powell After July Job Numbers Tanked</a>
The President&#8217;s tariffs, introduced on Thursday, have stirred the global trade system.&nbsp;The Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;closed with a 0.5 percent loss in the aftermath of the tariff imposition, and the S&amp;P 500 index also dipped by approximately 0.1 percent. 
However, the markets made a comeback on Friday, with&nbsp;the Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;seeing a 0.6 percent increase and the S&amp;P 500 index climbing by 0.8 percent.
The U.S. Court of Appeals&nbsp;for the Federal Circuit is&nbsp;presently examining Trump&#8217;s rationale for his tariffs under&nbsp;the International Emergency Economic Powers&nbsp;Act (IEEPA). Earlier this week, former House Speaker Paul Ryan speculated that Trump&#8217;s emergency tariff authority could be overruled by the Supreme Court.
While economic historians generally agree that tariffs were not a cause of the Great Depression, some do argue that the Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act signed into law on June 17, 1930, less than nine months after the Wall Street crash of 1929, made the Depression worse.
Why It Matters: The potential reversal of Trump&#8217;s tariff policy could have far-reaching implications for the U.S. economy. The President&#8217;s warning of a possible depression underscores the gravity of the situation. 
The tariffs, which have already caused fluctuations in the stock market, are a contentious issue that could significantly impact global trade. 
The outcome of the U.S. Court of Appeals&#8217; review of the tariffs under the IEEPA will be critical in determining the future direction of the U.S. economy.
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Image: Shutterstock/Dennis MacDonald

Trump Warns of New 'Great Depression' if Courts Block His Tariff Plan: 'It Would Be 1929 All Over Again'

A growing number of young Americans are anxious about their financial future — and many are turning to doom spending as a way to cope. However, venture capitalist and "Shark Tank" guest judge Rashaun Williams says Gen Z can still retire as millionaires by following a simple, disciplined approach, Fortune <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/07/30/shark-tank-shark-rashaun-williams-gen-z-can-retire-millionaires-3-simple-personal-finance-steps-investing/">reported</a>.
Williams says that the key to long-term wealth is avoiding doom spending and focusing on three steps: building an emergency fund, maxing out retirement account contributions, and keeping investments straightforward. The multimillionaire investor emphasized that consistent action, not luck, drives success.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Build a Financial Safety Net</h2>
Williams' first step is establishing an emergency fund. He recommends saving at least three months' worth of expenses to cover unexpected life events like job loss or medical bills.
"Make sure you have enough cash for a rainy day, so you're not pulling from your 401(k) prematurely," Williams told Fortune.
Some financial institutions, such as Wells Fargo (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), <a href="https://www.wellsfargo.com/financial-education/basic-finances/manage-money/cashflow-savings/emergencies/">suggest</a> six months' worth of savings as a more secure buffer.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Max Out Retirement Accounts</h2>
Williams stresses the power of retirement accounts like the 401(k) and Roth IRA. With consistent contributions over time, he says Gen Z can easily hit seven figures by retirement.
"If you just do that from 25 to 50 years old, you're going to retire a millionaire," Williams said. "Just by maxing out your 401(k), it grows tax deferred, and it goes in tax-free. There's no better return than to get your returns without taxes. "
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As of 2025, employees can <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-23500-for-2025-ira-limit-remains-7000">contribute</a> up to $23,500 annually to a 401(k), while the maximum yearly contribution to a Roth IRA is $7,000 for individuals under 50, subject to income limits.
Fidelity Investments <a href="https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/average-retirement-savings">recommends</a> saving at least 15% of annual income for retirement — a benchmark also supported by fellow "Shark Tank" investor Kevin O'Leary.
"Take 15% of your salary each week, or every two weeks when you get paid, and put it into an investment account, and never touch it until you turn 65," O'Leary <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/shark-tank-stars-share-their-best-financial-advice/">told</a> US Weekly in 2023. "That's how you will retire a multimillionaire."
The national average savings rate is currently about 14.1%, according to Fidelity.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Simplify Your Investments</h2>
For young investors tempted by high-risk opportunities such as cryptocurrency, Williams recommends going back to basics. He suggests sticking with broad-based index funds — particularly those tracking the S&amp;P 500.
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"You don't have to get cute, you don't need international, you don't need bonds," Williams told Fortune. "You're not 90 years old. Just do S&amp;P."&nbsp;
The S&amp;P 500 has delivered an average annual return of approximately 10% over the past century, according to Investopedia's <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/042415/what-average-annual-return-sp-500.asp">analysis</a> of historical market data.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Build Wealth by Starting a Business</h2>
For those who want to build wealth before retirement, "Shark Tank" investor Robert Herjavec offered one more piece of advice: start your own venture.
"Start something that you can invest in, that you can grow, and start your own business," Herjavec told US Weekly. "It's the only path to wealth."
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Image: Shutterstock

'Shark Tank' Investor Rashaun Williams Says Gen Z Can Retire Millionaires—If They Ditch This One Habit

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the return of GPT-4o in the wake of a strong backlash from Reddit users over the newly introduced GPT-5.
What Happened: OpenAI decided to resurrect GPT-4o less than a day after its replacement with GPT-5. This move was a direct response to a Reddit forum where users voiced their dissatisfaction with the new bot&#8217;s tone, with some even shedding&nbsp;tears over the disappearance of&nbsp;GPT-4o.
The forced upgrade and the lack of an option to select legacy models were met with criticism, leading to many long-term users cancelling their subscriptions. 
Altman responded to the backlash, promising&nbsp;to bring back GPT-4o for&nbsp;Plus subscribers, a paid subscription plan costing $20 a month.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46508730/heres-how-sam-altman-quietly-replaced-elon-musk-as-donald-trumps-go-to-ai-advisor">Here&#8217;s How Sam Altman Quietly Replaced Elon Musk as Donald Trump&#8217;s Go-To AI Advisor</a>
GPT-5&nbsp;was launched on August 7, offering improved writing, coding, math, and science abilities. 
However, users found its &#8220;flat&#8221; tone and perceived lack of creativity off-putting. Altman admitted to underestimating the importance of some GPT-4o traits to users and pledged transparency in future decisions.
Why It Matters: The return of GPT-4o underscores the importance of user feedback in shaping the direction of tech products. 
OpenAI&#8217;s quick response to user dissatisfaction demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction and a willingness to adapt. 
The incident also highlights the challenges faced by tech companies in balancing innovation with user expectations and preferences.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Meir Chaimowitz

As GPT-5 Launches, OpenAI Loyalists Pushed Altman for GPT-4o's Return, Citing Performance and Reliability

Julia Hartz left a rising TV executive career at FX to co-found Eventbrite Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EB#NYSE">EB</a>), launching the ticketing startup from a phone closet in San Francisco.
She, her husband Kevin Hartz, and engineer Renaud Visage pooled $250,000 of their personal savings to bootstrap the venture, Fortune <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/07/30/millionaire-eventbrite-ceo-julia-hartz-ceo-cofounder-personal-finance-quit-tv-career-hollywood-broke/">reported</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Leaving TV for Tech</h2>
Before making the leap, Hartz had built an early resume that included internships at "Friends" and MTV's development department, eventually working on series such as "Jackass," "The Shield," and "Rescue Me." She rose to junior executive at FX before walking away.
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While many entrepreneurs choose to build their companies on the side, Hartz committed full-time from day one.&nbsp;
"I've seen entrepreneurs do that, and I think that that's a clever way to gain validation and product market fit, without putting yourself in such a perilous state," Hartz told Fortune. "I did not do that."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Riding the Rise of Social Media</h2>
Eventbrite's early growth aligned with a critical moment in tech: the expansion of social media platforms in the mid-2000s. Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/blog/press/press-releases/ticketing-facebook-powered-by-eventbrite/">selected Eventbrite</a> as one of its first Connect partners, giving the company access to a growing network of users seeking in-person experiences.
This partnership, combined with Eventbrite's <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/blog/solutions/self-service-platform/">self-service platform</a>, enabled organizers, including creators, performers, and niche communities to quickly set up and promote events with minimal overhead. This accessible model helped Eventbrite scale across a wide variety of event types and locations, according to Fortune.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recession-Proofing Through Real-World Connection</h2>
Hartz described the 2008 Great Recession as a moment of collapse for corporate America. Yet the demand for meaningful human connection remained strong as many people turned to affordable, local events as a way to stay connected, Fortune reported.
Between 2006 and 2019, Eventbrite raised $373 million in equity funding across 11 funding rounds from investors including Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global Management, and Square, <a href="https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/these-are-the-big-winners-from-the-eventbrite-ipo">according</a> to Pitchbook. The company went public in 2018.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Platform With Global Reach</h2>
By the end of 2024, Eventbrite had expanded to support events in nearly 180 countries. It sold 83 million paid tickets over the year, powered by 4.7 million events, the company <a href="https://investor.eventbrite.com/press-releases/press-releases-details/2025/Eventbrite-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-2024-Financial-Results/">reported</a>. The platform <a href="https://investor.eventbrite.com/press-releases/press-releases-details/2025/Eventbrite-Reports-First-Quarter-2025-Financial-Results/default.aspx">reached</a> 88 million average monthly active users in Q1 2025.
Event types have evolved with their user base, including everything from Bach concerts in Central Park and mixed martial arts showcases to house music cruises and cheese-themed parties hosted by Antoni Porowski of "Queer Eye," according to Fortune. That diversity reflects Eventbrite's original mission: to make it easy for people to gather around their passions—no matter how niche.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Human Element</h2>
Hartz credited much of her startup journey to a single moment from her days in television: attending a fan event.
"I remember going to this fandom event that was insanely niche, and feeling the energy of the people in the room. It just stuck with me," she told Fortune. "It was this palpable, kinetic energy…When we started Eventbrite, I was thinking about that all along: ‘How do we enable the people who gather others around these niche passion areas and create this magic?'"
That experience, combined with her husband's encouragement and prior success with PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>), helped her make the leap.
"We made it on less than a quarter of a million dollars," Hartz said. "I'm really, really proud of it."
Read Next: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
Image: Imagn Images

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From Hollywood to Silicon Valley: How Eventbrite's CEO Bet $250K On A Phone Closet Startup

Ben Horowitz, cofounder and general partner at Andreessen Horowitz (A16z), once wrote that his toughest business calls demanded grit more than intelligence or knowledge.
What Happened: In a 2011 <a href="https://a16z.com/the-fine-line-between-fear-and-courage/">essay</a>, Horowitz wrote that "the most important decisions tested my courage far more than my intelligence," a mindset he says shapes A16z's screening of founders for "brilliance and courage."
He said, "the right decision is often obvious," yet leaders face intense pressure to do the easier, wrong thing, and that pressure only grows as companies scale.
Horowitz illustrated the tension with a familiar pitch-room scene where cofounders who insist they "both" run the company and plan to do so "forever," force employees to chase double approvals because the leaders won't decide who's in charge. 
The fix, he wrote, is developing courage, ignoring fear, making the hard call and accepting that even a slight preference towards a choice may pit you against smarter, more experienced voices, which will question your resolve.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/46988870/elizabeth-warren-has-tough-questions-for-trumps-fed-board-pick-calls-stephen-miran-chief-architect-of-chaotic-tariff-policy">Elizabeth Warren Has &#8216;Tough Questions&#8217; For Trump&#8217;s Fed Board Pick, Calls Stephen Miran Chief Architect Of &#8216;Chaotic Tariff Policy&#8217;</a>
&#8220;Every time you make the hard, correct decision, you become a bit more courageous and every time you make the easy, wrong decision, you become a bit more cowardly," he wrote, saying choices define a "courageous or cowardly company."
Why It Matters: Many of today's marquee leaders echo the theme. Warren Buffett's playbook champions contrarian nerve. Buffett <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44533852/what-would-buffett-do-with-markets-inches-away-from-the-extreme-fear-zone-is-it-finally-time-to-be-greedy">wrote in a 2003 shareholder letter</a>, "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful," a principle widely cited to explain Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s discipline through booms and busts.
Jeff Bezos frames courage as taking asymmetrical bets. "Given a 10% chance of a 100 times payoff, you should take that bet every time," he once wrote, arguing that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/03/37830026/jeff-bezos-believes-given-a-10-chance-of-a-100xs-payoff-you-should-take-that-bet-every-time-this-min">one big winner can fund many failures</a> and that innovation requires being misunderstood.
Elon Musk links progress to risk tolerance, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/03/31352144/6-epic-quotes-from-elon-musk-failure-is-an-option-here">telling audiences</a>, "Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough," while urging people to pursue hard problems even when the odds look bad.
Photo Courtesy: PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek on Shutterstock.com
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Ben Horowitz's Brutal Truth: Easy Choices Are Slowly Turning You Into A 'Coward'

John Bolton has voiced his criticism over the announcement of a meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place in Alaska.
What Happened: President Trump&#8217;s announcement of the meeting, which was made on the social media platform Truth Social, has drawn attention and criticism, including from Bolton. He expressed his disapproval during a recent interview <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/08/politics/trump-putin-meeting">with </a>CNN. &nbsp;
The meeting between President Trump and President Putin is set to occur on Friday, August 15, 2025. 
&#8220;The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114995403653615328">wrote</a> in the post. 
Bolton, who served as President Trump&#8217;s national security advisor during his first term, likened the upcoming meeting to Trump&#8217;s contentious invitation of&nbsp;the Taliban to Camp David.
Bolton said, &#8220;This is not quite as&nbsp;bad as Trump&nbsp;inviting the Taliban to Camp&nbsp;David to talk about the&nbsp;peace negotiations in Afghanistan, but&nbsp;it certainly reminds one of&nbsp;that.&#8221; 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43901353/trump-says-he-could-influence-putin-to-free-kidnapped-ukrainian-children-its-pretty-tough-stuff-but-i-believe-i-could-do-that">Trump Says He Could Influence Putin To Free Kidnapped Ukrainian Children: &#8216;It&#8217;s Pretty Tough Stuff, But I Believe I Could Do That&#8217;</a>
He further characterized the meeting as a &#8220;great victory for Putin,&#8221; describing the Russian leader as a &#8220;rogue leader of a pariah&nbsp;state.&#8221;
&#8220;The only better place for Putin than Alaska would be if the summit were being held in Moscow. So, the initial setup, I think, is a great victory for Putin. He's a rogue leader of a pariah state and he's going to be welcomed into the United States,&#8221; he further said. 
Why It Matters: Bolton&#8217;s criticism of the announced meeting underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding President Trump&#8217;s foreign policy decisions. 
The comparison to the contentious invitation of&nbsp;the Taliban to Camp David&nbsp;highlights the potential implications of this meeting. Bolton&#8217;s comments suggest that the meeting could be perceived as a win for Putin, further complicating the already strained U.S.-Russia relations. 
The reaction to this meeting, particularly from those within Trump&#8217;s own administration, will be a key factor to watch in the lead-up to the scheduled date.
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Ex-Trump Adviser Bolton Says Putin Meeting Brings Back Memories of Taliban Camp David Talks

If you're a parent, grandparent, or even a student, changes to student loans might soon affect your financial plans. On the "<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/suze-ormans-women-and-money/suze-school-how-big-beautiful-bill-affects-your-taxes-and-paying-for-college">Women &amp; Money</a>" podcast, financial expert Suze Orman recently broke down how a major new federal law — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — will reshape federal student loans work starting in 2026.&nbsp;
Here's what Orman says you need to know and how it could impact families like yours.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Limits on Borrowing for Parents</h2>
One of the biggest changes Orman talks about involves the Parent PLUS loan program. She points out that under the old rules, parents could borrow up to the full cost of their child's college attendance. But starting next July 1, the maximum borrowing will be capped at $20,000 per year and a lifetime total of $65,000 per student.
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That means if you're planning to help pay for an expensive private college that costs $65,000 a year or more, you'll need to rethink your strategy.&nbsp;
And there's more: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46279015/dave-ramsey-encourages-parents-to-get-honest-about-what-they-can-afford-for-their-childrens-college-education-no-student-loans">Parent PLUS loans</a> taken after that date will no longer qualify for income-driven repayment plans. "I hate this one," Orman said.&nbsp;
Instead, repayment will follow a standard plan with fixed payments over 10 to 25 years, regardless of income.&nbsp;
Orman advises parents to be cautious before taking out these loans. "A standard repayment plan is a whole lot more, so parents, you better think twice before you just take out a loan," she said. Without income-driven options, monthly payments could be significantly higher.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Interest Will Accumulate Differently for Students</h2>
Orman also broke down the impacts of the new law for students borrowing undergrad loans. Previously, subsidized loans did not accrue interest while students were in school. Now, all undergraduate federal loans will be unsubsidized starting July 1.
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What does this mean? Interest will accumulate during school and, if unpaid, will be added to the loan balance. This will increase the total amount owed and lead to higher payments once repayment begins.
"You might want to pay the interest on that loan yearly starting the very first year, because otherwise it&#8217;s going to compound," Orman advised.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Repayment Plans Get a Makeover</h2>
The bill also changes repayment plans for all federal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45917720/dont-wait-these-3-steps-could-save-you-a-ton-on-your-student-loans">student loans</a> taken after July 1. There will be two options:
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>A standard repayment plan with fixed payments over 10 to 25 years.</li>
<li>A new income-driven repayment plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan, or RAP, which ties payments to 1% to 10% of discretionary income.</li>
</ol>
"But there will be no zero payment options," Orman clarified, explaining that although some current income-driven repayment plans allow borrowers to make zero payments based on financial need, this option will no longer be available starting next year.
Additionally, loan forgiveness under RAP will only happen after 30 years of payments, five years longer than previous plans. Plus, economic hardship deferments will no longer be available starting July 1, 2027, though limited forbearance may still be possible for short periods.
"Why do they want to be able to allow you to do that?" Orman asked. "Because student loans, still in most cases, are not dischargeable in bankruptcy, they can come after you. They can garnish your wages. They can even go after your Social Security check later on in life, and it&#8217;s compounding and compounding, so you better be careful."
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Graduate Students Face New Borrowing Caps</h2>
Graduate borrowing will also be limited. The Graduate PLUS loan program is ending, replaced by unsubsidized loans with annual limits of $20,500 for master's and PhD students and $50,000 for professional degrees, plus lifetime caps.
These tighter limits could mean grad students must plan more carefully or look for alternative funding sources.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What This Means for Families</h2>
Orman's advice? Families need to start planning now. Parents should avoid risking their retirement savings by borrowing too much for college. Children should borrow federal loans first, since student loan interest rates are generally lower than Parent PLUS loans.
More than ever, families should explore affordable schools, scholarships, and merit aid. The new rules add complexity to college financing, making it important for borrowers to carefully evaluate their options.
If you're thinking about college costs in your family, sit down with your financial advisor and start conversations early with your children. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/08/46826382/whats-the-same-whats-different-suze-orman-tackles-how-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-affects-your-social-security">One Big Beautiful Bill Act</a> is changing the game, and being informed is your best defense.
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Image: Shutterstock

Student Loans Are About To Change Big Time: Suze Orman Explains The Impact Of The 'Big Beautiful Bill' For Borrowers

Fraud and dispute management provider Quavo <a href="https://www.quavo.com/news/quavo-fraud-disputes-secures-300-million-growth-investment-from-spectrum-equity/">has secured</a> $300 million from private investment firm Spectrum Equity. At the same time, prior investor FINTOP Capital is selling its stake. Significant shareholders after the departure will include Pegasystems and <a href="https://www.fintechfutures.com/venture-capital-funding/quavo-raises-300m-from-spectrum-equity">four executives</a> who founded the company.&nbsp;
The Wilmington, Delaware fintech sells software-as-a-service products that "automate and manage fraud and dispute management for financial institutions." According to the company, it processes over 12.5 million customer disputes annually for a broad spectrum of financial institutions, including global issuers, credit unions and regional banks, and says its revenue has grown 60% annually since 2022 and 100% in the last year.
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The capital infusion <a href="https://tracxn.com/d/companies/quavo/__cXVEFGif-X3ZF2g3y0FnExE61Fyaw8YyymaXqBL0Gig/funding-and-investors">follows</a> an initial seed round in 2020 and three Series A rounds between 2021 and 2023, totaling $11 million. Actual cash raised in the seed round was not undisclosed.&nbsp;
"Quavo is uniquely positioned to drive automation benefits and better outcomes in this space," said Spectrum Equity Managing Director Adam Margolin. "Quavo's highly configurable platform, scaled transaction data powering its decisioning engine, and mission-driven approach to solving costly and time-consuming problems for its clients set the company apart."
Quavo's QFD automates the investigation of credit card chargebacks and other conflicts through the dispute lifecycle,&nbsp; from intake and investigation to chargeback and client communication workflows. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KEY">KeyCorp</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KEY#NYSE">KEY</a>) is <a href="https://www.fintechfutures.com/baas/ohio-s-keybank-taps-quavo-for-dispute-management-platform">listed</a> as one of Quavo's more than 50 direct customers, along with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ASB">Associated Banc-Corp</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASB#NYSE">ASB</a>) and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FHB">First Hawaiian Bank</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FHB#NYSE">FHB</a>).
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The company says its software works across all payment methods and dispute types, offering "easy customization through a decisioning engine and library of third-party API" add-ons. The company also markets a <a href="https://www.quavo.com/dre/">fully managed service</a> called Dispute Resolution Experts, staffed by a team of fraud specialists. This program allows greater flexibility for clients, at a higher cost, while also applying QFD technology for fraud and dispute resolution.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Spectrum Equity on the next chapter of growth," said Quavo cofounder and CEO Joseph McLean, who started the company in 2016. He added the investment will be used to "accelerate our AI-led product development initiatives and expand our go-to-market and client success teams to meet growing market demand and drive exceptional client outcomes."&nbsp;
Quavo says it is leveraging advanced AI to tackle rising fraud threats in 2025 and <a href="https://www.quavo.com/quarterly-newsletter/q2-2025/">breaks down</a> this initiative into four related projects:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Using investigative AI to detect differences between first-part fraud and true fraud.</li>
<li>Streamlining complex and repetitive processes using large language models.</li>
<li>Automating tasks like accountholder correspondence and the evidence that merchants need to provide when disputing a chargeback.</li>
<li>Enhancing call center intake that's powered by generative AI.</li>
</ul>
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Quavo says its tech automates approximately 80% of the tasks and interactions typically undertaken by clients in a customer dispute while recapturing 85% of "potentially lost disputed funds." It says clients benefit from improved outcomes, posting an average 37% reduction in write-offs, while reducing days to issue consumer credit dropping to less than one from 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
"Our vision to restore financial trust and simplify fraud and disputes is unwavering, concludes McLean, "and this partnership allows us to achieve these goals faster and at even greater scale."&nbsp;
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Quavo's AI-Powered Platform Grabs $300M To Combat Mounting Financial Fraud

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FUFU

How BitFuFu&#39;s 1GW Global Capacity Expansion Plan Can Help Move Crypto Into A New Landscape

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BTDR

BitFuFu Posts Double-Digit Third Quarter Revenue Growth In A Challenging Market

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BITF

BitFuFu Posts 70% Revenue Growth And Outlines Strategic Expansion – Company Expects Continued Growth Amid Market Volatility

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Three Bitcoin Players You May Want To Watch In The Next Potential Bull Cycle

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BitFuFu Q1 Earnings: Adjusted EBITDA Up 430.9% To $49.4 Million On Revenue Growth Of 149%, Cash Position Rises To $163.7 Million

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Bitdeer Releases Full-Year Results For 2023 – Revenue Up And Forecast For Continued Growth

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Bitdeer Creates First-Generation Bitcoin Mining Chip In Major Step To Becoming The First Fully Integrated Miner

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