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Decagon, a two-year-old AI startup helping companies cut customer support costs, is in talks to raise $100 million at a $1.5 billion valuation, according to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rashishrivastava/2025/05/02/ai-startup-decagon-in-talks-to-raise-100-million-at-a-15-billion-valuation/">Forbes</a>, which cites multiple sources familiar with the deal.
Founded in 2023 by Jesse Zhang and Ashwin Sreenivas, Decagon builds customer support agents powered by artificial intelligence. These agents can <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44251055/cutting-costs-without-cutting-corners-via-ai-and-automation">handle common service tasks</a> like issuing refunds, canceling subscriptions and answering product questions. Companies including Notion, Duolingo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUOL#NASDAQ">DUOL</a>), Bilt, Substack and Rippling already use the software.
&#8220;We think AI agents can be 10x employees,&#8221; Zhang told Forbes.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Winning Bake-Offs, Cutting Costs</h2>
Decagon's rise has been driven by its performance in what insiders call "bake-offs," where companies test AI tools head-to-head. &#8220;Decagon claims they win almost every time they go up against Sierra head to head,&#8221; one investor involved in the talks told Forbes. Sierra is a newer rival that is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37147866/openais-chair-bret-taylor-dismisses-concerns-about-his-ai-chatbot-startup-competing-with-chatgpt-par">led by former Salesforce (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) co-CEO Bret Taylor</a>.
Startups are turning to these agents to handle tedious tasks that would otherwise require large outsourced teams. Forbes reported that Bilt, for example, reduced its customer support team from hundreds of contractors to just 65 after adopting Decagon. Another unnamed client reportedly cut 80% of its support staff. ClassPass, which uses Decagon to manage more than 2.5 million customer conversations, slashed its cost per reservation by 95%, according to <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/classpass-got-support-bot-par-humans">The Information</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">$200 Million in Total Funding</h2>
The potential new funding round is being led by Andreessen Horowitz and Accel, with participation from existing backers. It would bring Decagon's total funding to $200 million, following a $65 million Series B round announced in October that valued the company at $650 million.
Trending: 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-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
The company's AI agents run on top of large language models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Cohere, and are fine-tuned using company-specific data like user manuals, how-to guides and historical customer service chats. A proprietary system helps companies keep this training data fresh and relevant.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Control, Transparency, and Voice</h2>
A key selling point, according to investors, is that Decagon gives businesses clear control over how its AI responds to customers.
&#8220;You as a customer can actually see what&#8217;s happening, understand it, and change things,&#8221; investor Elad Gil told Forbes. &#8220;You have control so that it really does the things that you want it to do.&#8221;
Decagon has also started partnering with ElevenLabs to build voice-enabled agents that sound more human, pushing beyond typed chat interactions.
See Also: The team behind $6B+ in licensing deals is now building the next billion-dollar IP empire — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-ym?v=123">invest early at $2.25/share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Salesforce Enters the Arena</h2>
While Decagon has earned praise for its performance and transparency, it faces stiff competition. Salesforce recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44146057/salesforce-unveils-agentforce-2dx-ai-agents-that-work-beyond-chatbots">launched Agentforce 2dx</a>, a major update to its AI platform that allows agents to work behind the scenes, not just in chat windows. The update includes low-code and pro-code tools for building agents, real-time monitoring, and a developer edition for testing.
&#8220;We're making it easier than ever for businesses to embed agentic AI into any workflow,&#8221;&nbsp; Adam Evans, Salesforce's EVP and GM of AI Platform, said in a <a href="https://investor.salesforce.com/news/news-details/2025/Salesforce-Launches-Agentforce-2dx-with-New-Capabilities-to-Embed-Proactive-Agentic-AI-into-Any-Workflow-Create-Multimodal-Experiences-and-Extend-Digital-Labor-Throughout-the-Enterprise/default.aspx">statement</a>.
Salesforce also introduced AgentExchange, a marketplace that allows developers and partners to monetize prebuilt AI actions, templates and solutions.
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Image: Shutterstock

News

DUOL

'AI Agents Can Be 10x Employees'—AI Customer Support Chatbot Startup Founded Two Years Ago Seeks $100 Million At A $1.5 Billion Valuation

It's no surprise that money remains a major source of stress for many Americans. From rising living expenses to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/retirement">uncertainty about retirement</a>, financial anxiety continues to weigh heavily on households — and it's not just about what's happening today, but about how secure people feel about their futures.
A recent Gallup <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/660071/inflation-top-financial-problem-fewer-cite.aspx">survey</a> offers new insight into what's weighing on American households. Inflation remains the most-cited financial concern, named by 29% of respondents. That number is down from 41% in 2022 — a notable drop — but still much higher than pre-2021 levels.
It's clear that people are still feeling the aftershocks of the inflation surge, even if price increases have slowed. The survey also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45384608/u-s-households-now-need-70-more-income-to-buy-a-home-double-whammy-of-skyrocketing-prices-and-rates">found that housing costs</a> and a general lack of money tied as the second-biggest concerns, each cited by 12% of Americans.
While inflation worries have eased, broader financial anxiety has not. A record-high 53% of Americans say their financial situation is getting worse, while just 38% say it's improving. Nearly six in 10 are worried they won't have enough for retirement or to cover major medical expenses. And 57% fear they won't be able to maintain their current standard of living — a concern that's grown 15 points since 2019.
The worry is widespread but varies by income. Middle-income households are the most likely to name inflation as their top issue. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42173927/how-rich-are-you-find-out-whether-you-rank-as-upper-middle-or-lower-class-based-on-income-and-other-factors">Lower-income households</a> are more focused on making ends meet, while upper-income respondents are more concerned about investments and retirement planning.
So while inflation may no longer be dominating headlines, its impact continues to ripple through Americans' wallets and confidence. Whether these concerns grow or ease will likely depend on the direction of economic policy, especially new tariffs and their potential to push prices higher again. For now, caution and concern remain the norm.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Financial Advisors

Inflation Still Tops Americans' Financial Concerns, But New Worries Are Emerging

Justine Musk, the first wife of billionaire Elon Musk, offered her unique perspective on the journey to becoming a billionaire. She emphasized that there is no clear-cut path or strategy to amass such wealth.
What Happened: Justine Musk responded to a&nbsp;2015 Quora thread asking if sheer determination and hard work could&nbsp;lead to a billion-dollar fortune.&nbsp;Her response was a resounding &#8220;No.&#8221;
She stressed that determination alone is not enough. To attain billionaire status, one must be prepared to face extreme challenges and demonstrate high levels of risk tolerance and resilience.
Justine Musk advised shifting the focus from personal wants to understanding and catering to the needs and wants of the world. She emphasized the importance of developing unique and irreplaceable potential.
She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.quora.com/Will-I-become-a-billionaire-if-I-am-determined-to-be-one-and-put-in-all-the-necessary-work-required" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a>,&nbsp;"You're determined. So what? You&nbsp;haven't been racing naked through&nbsp;shark-infested waters yet," underlining the high level of risk and resilience required to accumulate such wealth.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/07/39657381/elon-musks-mother-recounts-time-her-children-used-to-ask-for-food-she-couldnt-afford-after-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk's Mother Recounts Time Her Children Used To Ask For Food She Couldn't Afford After Her Divorce: ‘If They Complained, I Didn't Listen'</a>
"Will you be just as determined when you wash up on some deserted island, disoriented and bloody and ragged and beaten and staring into the horizon with no sign of rescue?" she added in the post. 
"Shift your focus away from what you want a billion dollars and get deeply, intensely curious about what the world wants and needs. Ask yourself what you have the potential to offer that is so unique and compelling and helpful that no computer could replace you, no one could outsource you, no one could steal your product and make it better and then club you into oblivion (not literally). Then develop that potential. Choose one thing and become a master of it. Choose a second thing and become a master of that," she continued.
Her insights are drawn from&nbsp;her personal experience being married&nbsp;to Elon Musk, who has&nbsp;an estimated net worth of&nbsp;$12.1 billion. She pointed out that the world doesn&#8217;t simply hand over a billion dollars to someone because they desire it or feel they deserve it. Money is given in exchange for something that the world perceives as being of equal or greater value.
"The world doesn't throw a billion dollars at a person because the person wants it or works so hard they feel they deserve it. The world does not care what you want or deserve. The world gives you money in exchange for something it perceives to be of equal or greater value: something that transforms an aspect of the culture, reworks a familiar story or introduces a new one, alters the way people think about the category and make use of it in daily life. There is no roadmap, no blueprint for this; a lot of people will give you a lot of advice, and most of it will be bad, and a lot of it will be good and sound but you'll have to figure out how it doesn't apply to you because you're coming from an unexpected angle," she wrote in the post.
Elon Musk is known for&nbsp;founding PayPal and leading innovative&nbsp;companies like&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and SpaceX.
Why It Matters: Justine Musk's comments offer a rare peek&nbsp;into the mindset and challenges&nbsp;faced by billionaires. 
Her unique perspective, molded&nbsp;by her close relationship with&nbsp;one of the world's most&nbsp;successful entrepreneurs, provides valuable insights for those aiming for similar levels of success.
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Image: Shutterstock/mundissima

Entertainment

TSLA

Elon Musk's Ex-Wife Spills the Truth About Becoming a Billionaire

It's become a tradition for a man to buy an engagement ring for a woman right before proposing to her. The engagement ring has become a way to symbolize marriage, but financial guru Vincent Chan says <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@vincentchanco/video/7502412320723782945?lang=en">engagement rings don't have to be expensive</a>.&nbsp;
Jewelry companies charge high markups for rings and have created a narrative that diamonds are hard to find. Chan breaks that myth in a recent TikTok video while sharing strategies that can help you save money.
"You can get them for 85% cheaper," he explains.
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Want to find a stunning engagement ring that doesn't burn a hole through your wallet? Chan recommends the following tactics.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Round Down</h2>
Chan starts his recommendations by encouraging people to round down on the diamond weight, as measured in carats. He states that a 2.0 carat diamond costs 48% more than a 1.9 carat diamond. It's a big discount, but the diamonds don't even look that different. A 1.9 carat diamond could easily pass as a 2.0 carat diamond.
Carat is only one component that influences a diamond's price. Cut, color, and clarity are the other three factors. Skimping a little on carats doesn't necessarily mean the diamond will look ugly. Some 1.9 carat diamonds look better than 2.0 carat diamonds and cost a lot less.&nbsp;
Higher carat diamonds are more expensive due to their rarity and the amount of time it takes to cut larger stones. A slightly lower carat diamond can still make your future wife happy with the engagement ring while saving a fortune.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get A Lab-Grown Diamond</h2>
Chan also recommends getting a lab-grown diamond instead of a mined diamond. You can cut the price by 85% going this route, but you aren't getting an inferior product. Chan states that lab-grown diamonds are chemically and structurally identical to mined diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds have other benefits. They are more eco-friendly, which can be a great selling point for a spouse who is interested in preserving the environment. Furthermore, it's far more ethical to get a lab-grown diamond over a mined diamond.&nbsp;
Brutal working conditions, child labor, and low wages are some of the setbacks of mined diamonds. Meanwhile, lab-grown diamonds allow couples to avoid those setbacks while having a similar product at a much lower price.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ignore The Three-Months Salary Rule</h2>
The three-month salary rule states that you should buy an engagement ring that is three months' salary. For instance, if someone earns $120,000 per year, this rule would expect them to spend $30,000 on an engagement ring.
That's quite expensive, especially if the groom is shortly laid off from work or endures a significant surprise expense. Chan points out that the three months salary rule was a marketing stunt from the 1930s and shouldn't hold any weight in your decision.
Chan suggests a more practical approach where you choose a number that won't delay your other big financial goals. He also encourages people to budget based on what they save instead of what they expect to earn. It's more important to build financial security for your family than it is to overpay for an engagement ring.
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Personal Finance

Vincent Chan Reveals 3 Tactics To Save On An Engagement Ring: ''You Can Get Them For 85% Cheaper'

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Collective millennial wealth has jumped by more than $12 trillion dollars over the last five years</li>
<li>Yet many millennials still feel that financial security is out of their reach</li>
<li>Experts say that the death of the middle class is to blame for the phenomenon, keeping the generation in a break-even cycle instead of allowing them to get ahead</li>
</ul>
New data from the <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/distribute/table/#quarter:138;series:Net%20worth;demographic:generation;population:all;units:levels">Federal Reserve</a> shows that millennials are now worth a collective $16.26 trillion, up from just $4.54 trillion just five years ago.
Yet despite this massive financial growth, and findings that millennials are in better financial condition than previous generations were at the same point, many millennials still feel that financial security is out of reach, according to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/12/millennials-struggle-financially-despite-higher-earnings.html">CNBC</a>.
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A study from <a href="https://www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/millennials-financial-condition-study/">Lending Tree</a> found that millennials between the ages of 26 and 41 have a median net worth of just under $85,000. Adjusted for inflation, Gen Xers in the same age range had a median net worth of $78,000 and Baby Boomers had a net worth of just $58,000. However, a 2024 study by <a href="https://www.edelmanfinancialengines.com/wealth-in-america/2024/">Edelman Financial Engines</a> found that only 12% of Americans considered themselves wealthy.&nbsp;
So, where is the disconnect between the increase in generational wealth and the decrease in financial security coming from?&nbsp;
According to Freddie Smith, an economics content creator who spoke to CNBC, the death of the middle class is the root of the problem. "​​We're living in two separate economies," he said. "The middle class, unfortunately, is dead for millennials and Gen Zers. Or, best-case scenario, the goalpost has just moved and it's still obtainable, but you have to make over six figures to have that middle-class life."&nbsp;
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Rachel Schnider, CEO of fintech company Canary, agrees. "Over the course of the year, [most Americans] might make enough money to pay for basic living expenses and cover their bills, but if one major thing happens then they can get behind."
Many millennials are living at a break-even point. As costs rise for things like housing and insurance, and inflation continues to trend upward, the one-time markers of the American Dream continue to slip farther and farther out of reach.
"It's a lot harder for young people today to save up for markers of the American Dream than it was for previous generations," Joanne Hsu, director of the University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers, told CNBC.&nbsp;
That financial squeeze isn't just having an economic impact on the generation, it's also having an emotional one. With money being so tight, many millennials feel they are unable to make long-term plans, experts told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/27/net-worth-of-millennials-has-jumped-why-some-call-it-phantom-wealth.html">CNBC</a>. "People often feel a lot of shame and distress when their financial lives are not going smoothly," Schneider said. "And yet, a lot of what they're experiencing is not the result of anything that they have done or could have done differently."
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'The Middle Class Is Dead,' Why So Many Millennials Feel Stuck, Despite Making More Than Previous Generations

When is a good time to move out of the house? The answer varies for everyone, but some people stay home longer to save money. A couple finds themselves in this situation and currently <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/MiddleClassFinance/comments/1khy2ox/live_in_a_private_space_on_parents_property_while/">lives in a private space</a> on one of the parents' properties.&nbsp;
The spouse who posted about it on Reddit makes close to $100,000 per year. The couple is maxing out their retirement accounts and is saving money to buy a house.
"We're aiming to save $200,000 or more," the Redditor stated.&nbsp;
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However, the couple is deciding if they want to save enough to pay off 50% of the property or make a cash purchase by living with the parents for a little longer. It is a private space, which is more accommodating than most set-ups, but is it still a good idea to drag it out? Redditors shared their thoughts in the comments.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Personal Finance Is Personal</h2>
The benefits of free housing are undeniable. You can save money without having to worry about a mortgage. However, it can get more difficult when you want to start a family with a partner, and that's where the personal element of personal finance comes into play.
"You are the only person that knows your parents and your partner. If you think you can live with them and not cause a rift between either the relationship with your parents, your partner, or with your parents and your partner then go for it," one of the top commenters stated.&nbsp;
However, the individual also mentioned that housing prices can continue to go up while the couple waits. It's unlikely that they will go up higher than the amount that the couple will save each year by not moving out right away, but it is a factor to consider.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Everyone Should Be On The Same Page</h2>
It's a significant decision to move out of the house or stay put, and it gets more important when you throw in a partner. One commenter emphasized the importance of making sure everyone is on the same page before making a decision.
"If you get along with your parents, your spouse gets along with them, and everybody agrees on what is expected then this is the best approach."
Right now, it seems like everyone is on the same page. The couple and parents should regularly monitor the situation to see if it still works for everyone.&nbsp;
If you agree on responsibilities, when the parents get to hang out with the couple, when the couple gets private time, and other details, it's easier to make it work.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Living At Home Offers A Lot Of Flexibility</h2>
Living at home is quite beneficial if you can make it work. Not only will you save money, but the responsibilities may also be split up between the couple and the parents. For instance, it's easier to perform tasks like laundry, grocery store visits, and cleaning if there are four people involved instead of two people.&nbsp;
"Living at home and keeping my costs low is what gave me the flexibility to choose my path in life," one commenter explained.
This arrangement can make homeownership more feasible. Right now, the couple and parents seem to agree. The Redditor may want to re-explore this conversation if things are no longer working out or when the couple hits their target of $200,000 in savings.
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A Redditor Asks If It Makes More Sense To Live With Their Parents For A Few Years Or Move Out Sooner: 'We're Aiming To Save $200,000 Or More'

The U.S.&nbsp; is at risk of a financial crisis similar to the 2022 U.K. meltdown, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers warned.
&#8220;I would have said a &#8216;Liz Truss moment&#8217; was very unlikely in the U.S. if you had asked me three months ago," Summers said in an April 22 interview with BBC Radio, according to&nbsp; <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/larry-summers-us-economy-donald-trump-tariffs-stocks-bonds-gold-2025-4">Business Insider</a>.&nbsp; &#8220;Now I think we&#8217;re on a path towards having an episode like that. I think it will be very costly for our economy — and for the global economy.&#8221;
Summers' comparison pointed to Truss's brief term as British prime minister, when her unfunded tax cut proposals triggered market chaos, a bond yield spike, and ultimately her resignation just 44 days into her tenure—the shortest in British history.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gold Rush, Policy Shocks, and Familiar Warnings</h2>
According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/golds-record-run-gains-further-traction-market-conquers-3500oz-2025-04-22/">Reuters</a>, gold touched $3,500.05 per ounce on April 22, rising 31% since January. Investors turned heavily toward safe-haven assets amid fears of spiraling economic instability.
Summers told the BBC that the U.S. financial system is exhibiting signs similar to emerging market economies under duress.&nbsp;
&#8220;Stocks go down, bonds go down, the currency goes down, gold starts to be hoarded, that&#8217;s the pattern we&#8217;re seeing in the U.S.,&#8221; he said. Summers warned that the endpoint remains uncertain but urged caution given the current trajectory.
Economic conditions have remained volatile. In April, the dollar index weakened, boosting gold's appeal, although it later rebounded slightly amid signs of easing U.S.-China trade tensions.
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Adding to the market unease, President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 145% tariff on Chinese goods earlier in April. The decision sparked a sharp sell-off across Wall Street, deepening fears of a prolonged trade war.&nbsp;
Following the announcement, Summers<a href="https://x.com/LHSummers/status/1907607829231317473"> posted on X</a>, stating, &#8220;Never before has an hour of Presidential rhetoric cost so many people so much,&#8221; estimating the loss from the new tariff policy could reach $30 trillion, roughly $300,000 per American family.
Trump's actions toward the Federal Reserve also contributed to market anxiety. In an April 21 <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114376239725335883">Truth Social post</a>, he sharply criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell, calling him a &#8220;major loser&#8221; and &#8220;Mr. Too Late&#8221; for not cutting interest rates sooner.&nbsp;
While tensions between the White House and the Fed intensified, Trump clarified during a May 4<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/video/trump-says-he-doesn-t-plan-to-remove-fed-chair-powell-238879813740"> interview on NBC</a> that he had no plans to remove Powell before his term ends in 2026. "Why would I do that?" he said. "I get to replace the person in another period of time."
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Gold Hits $3,500 As Larry Summers Says U.S. Market Is 'On A Path' To Crisis Like UK's 2022 Meltdown

Grant Cardone, an entrepreneur known for his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43036312/grab-the-money-while-you-can-grant-cardones-unconventional-advice-for-those-eligible-for-social-security">outspoken views</a> on money and real estate, recently pitched the idea of eliminating property taxes for people aged 65 and over.&nbsp;
Cardone framed his proposal as a way to provide financial relief to a generation that may face increasing economic pressure as they age.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Push for Senior Tax Relief</h2>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">NO PROPERTY TAXES FOR 65 and OVER- this would give relief to strained social security and ensure the elderly can never have their homes taken away. Similar to the Homestead Act passed in 1862 which protects residence from creditors. Trump Will Propose This! would you support…
&mdash; Grant Cardone (@GrantCardone) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantCardone/status/1918455661316436367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;NO PROPERTY TAXES FOR 65 and OVER – this would give relief to strained social security and ensure the elderly can never have their homes taken away,&#8221; Cardone <a href="https://x.com/GrantCardone/status/1918455661316436367">wrote on X</a>. He compared the proposal to the Homestead Act of 1862, which he claims protected residences from creditors, though the act primarily focused on land distribution rather than asset protection.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Raising the Retirement Age</h2>
Cardone told <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/social-security/grant-cardone-why-i-predict-new-social-security-retirement-age-will-be-73/">GOBankingRates</a> in 2024, "The money is going to run out. Social Security cannot support [retirees]. It's been a busted system my whole life," so he has been vocal about his concerns over the sustainability of Social Security.
He predicted that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43248147/the-money-is-going-to-run-out-grant-cardone-predicts-retirement-age-will-be-raised-to-at-least-73-because-social-security-is-busted">retirement age could soon rise to 73</a>, arguing that people should be prepared to work longer if they want financial security. According to Cardone, the combination of rising life expectancies, inflation, and market volatility means retirees will need more resources to maintain their standard of living.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Adding to the Debate</h2>
The proposal sparked a wide range of reactions online. One commenter <a href="https://x.com/IPAYToN_S/status/1918460794553155807">wrote</a> under Cardone&#8217;s post, &#8220;How about just no property taxes? If you own the land, you shouldn't owe dues to the govt. If so, you don't really own it, you're just renting.&#8221; Another <a href="https://x.com/chrisantonelliX/status/1918456205888094700">added</a>, &#8220;Yes 100%… once you retire and you have worked hard you should be able to just enjoy it.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Focusing on Financial Independence</h2>
He also emphasizes the importance of building financial independence outside of government programs, a consistent theme in his public messaging. Cardone believes that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/45061911/kevin-oleary-urges-americans-to-rethink-retirement-goals-says-social-security-alone-wont-cut-it-throw-out-your-plan-for-freedom-at-55-or-even-65">relying solely on Social Security</a> is a risky strategy and advises younger generations to plan as if these benefits won&#8217;t be available when they retire.&nbsp;
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"If you're under 30 years old, you should think that the Social Security program <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42273289/suze-orman-slams-social-security-fearmongering-you-really-think-washington-is-going-to-do-nothing-and-cut-benefits-by-25-cmon">will be broke</a> by the time you get there," he said in a separate <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/social-security/grant-cardone-depending-on-social-security-is-bordering-on-irresponsibility/">GOBankingRates</a> interview, encouraging people to focus on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-earn-passive-income-in-real-estate-with-1000">building passive income streams through real estate</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Challenges to Implementation</h2>
Cardone's proposal has sparked plenty of debate, but making it a reality could prove to be too difficult, if not impossible. Property taxes are usually <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/07/39704915/rising-property-taxes-see-how-these-states-are-tackling-surging-home-values">handled at the state level</a>, not by the federal government, which means this kind of sweeping change would face significant hurdles.
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Grant Cardone Proposes 'No Property Taxes For 65 And Over'—Says It Would Provide Relief To Social Security And Protect Seniors' Homes

If you've ever been confused by 401(k)s, you're not alone. A 2024 <a href="https://www.beyondfinance.com/newsroom/almost-half-of-americans-dont-know-what-a-401k-is-beyond-finance-poll-finds/">poll by Beyond Finance</a> found nearly 43% of Americans don't even know what a 401(k) is. 
But <a href="https://youtu.be/Y324f44rQuk?si=QRsxQ2o7_9h_q2_-">one caller to "The Dave Ramsey Show</a>" wasn't just dealing with confusion — she was dating someone who called the whole thing a scam.
The 30-year-old woman phoned in to get advice about her boyfriend, a 32-year-old recent U.S. citizen originally from Albania. She explained she's a dedicated saver with a 401(k) and a Roth IRA — but when she brought up retirement planning to her boyfriend, his response stopped her cold.
"All that matters is working and making money now," she recalled him saying, before adding: "401(k)s are a scam."
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That's when Dave Ramsey jumped in. "What he's saying is basically, ‘I'm immature and I don't want to think about the future,'" he said. Co-host Ken Coleman agreed, calling it a fear-based reaction that might stem from growing up hand-to-mouth in an unstable environment. "But it's still a broken, stupid, and immature viewpoint," Ramsey added. "Regardless of how he got there."
And Ramsey didn't stop there.
"You get to live with someone who's going to do no planning for the future — which guarantees your future sucks," he warned. "That has to be solved relationally. You either walk him out of that… or walk away from him."
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Coleman jumped in with a gentler angle, comparing the boyfriend's resistance to learning to ride a bike. "He's scared, and he doesn't understand it. You don't throw him into the Tour de France," he said. "You put training wheels on. You walk beside him. But you've got to teach it if this relationship is going to be permanent."
Ramsey, though, brought it back to culture shock — and hard reality. "I hate banks," he said bluntly. "But the idea that your money isn't safe in a U.S. bank? That's absurd." He compared it to people from Latin American countries who, after growing up around unstable banks, distrust the U.S. system. "That's not marriage material," he said. "You're marrying someone who hasn't adapted to the culture they live in."
He didn't glamorize the future either. "I meet 57-year-old Americans who have no vision, who drank their future on Friday nights and now gripe that opportunity passed them by. You don't want to be married to that guy 25 years from now."
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And then came the classic Ramsey finale: "I'll be your old ugly Uncle Dave and say: don't marry this guy. He ain't worth it."
Despite the skepticism, 401(k)s remain one of the most common and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset">effective retirement tools</a> available to American workers. These employer-sponsored plans allow individuals to invest pre-tax income, often with a company match, into diversified funds that grow over time.&nbsp;
While they're not perfect — and no investment is without risk — 401(k)s are backed by federal regulations and protected under the E<a href="https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/retirement/erisa">mployee Retirement Income Security Act</a>. For anyone hoping to retire with more than just regrets, the real scam may be ignoring them altogether.
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30-Year-Old Says Her Boyfriend Thinks 401(k)s Are a 'Scam' — Dave Ramsey Warns: 'You Don't Want to Be Married to That Guy 25 Years From Now'

In a world where work is increasingly mobile, digital, and privacy-conscious, INAIR is redefining how we engage with technology through the lens of augmented reality. As CEO of INAIR—the AR glasses brand under Beijing Duoping Future Technology Co., Ltd.—Kurt Huang is leading the charge to create next-generation, all-in-one AR computing solutions that are portable, efficient, and deeply intuitive. 
Since its founding, INAIR has launched two generations of AR hardware that have received both critical acclaim and commercial success on platforms like JD.com and Tmall. Under Kurt&#8217;s leadership, the company is not only delivering sleek and high-performance AR devices but also pushing the boundaries of how immersive hardware can empower people to work more freely and securely.
With a founding team drawn from top internet and tech firms, and with deep expertise in AR software, hardware, and product development, INAIR is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the global race toward a more connected, productive future.
Benzinga's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/bibhu-pattnaik">Bibhu Pattnaik</a> spoke with Huang, who shared his vision for the future of AR in the workplace, what distinguishes INAIR in the growing wearables market, and how the company is redefining the next generation of computing. Here's an excerpt from the interaction. 
What inspired the creation of INAIR, and how did your past experience in AI and system architecture shape its foundation?
We founded INAIR stemming deep insight into the evolution of technology and user needs. During my graduate studies in computer science at Tsinghua University, I focused on distributed systems and heterogeneous computing architecture. I also had stints at Broadcom and Intel where I led the development of multiple generations of chip platforms, overseeing hardware, software, and system-level R&amp;D. In 2016, as AR technology began to mature, I saw the huge potential for practical applications of this technology. That&#8217;s when I began focusing solely on the AR industry.&nbsp;
As the XR (extended reality) market later emerged and fell into the trap of prioritizing extreme displays over interaction, I saw how devices pursued ever-more impressive display specs at the expense of comfort and wearability, or they piled on AI features while neglecting seamless contextual use. This droves us to rethink the entire technology stack using a full-stack mindset. We built a proprietary distributed rendering engine and spatial-awareness algorithms for industry-leading real-time rendering. By deeply integrating cross-device heterogeneous computing (collaboration between phone, PC, and cloud) with natural interaction protocols (gaze, touch, and voice), we ultimately created the world's first Spatial Native Operating System – INAIR OS.
The essence of INAIR is to let technology evolve from being "used" to being "forgotten."
In a rapidly evolving AR landscape, what distinguishes INAIR's Spatial Computer from other solutions on the market?
We are at a turning point in the AR industry, moving from flashy tech demonstrations to deeply integrated real-world scenarios. INAIR is different in three main ways: a focus on different scenarios, system re-architecture, and ecosystem elevation.
Early AR glasses often relied on enterprise (B2B) customers to survive. After 2022, AR glasses saw success in consumer entertainment and video-watching scenarios. But by 2024-2025, differentiation and user experience improvements in entertainment had reached a plateau. We believe AR's next frontier is mobile productivity, providing a lightweight, powerful solution for work on the go, not just entertainment.
Many competing AR devices have app ecosystems that don't work across platforms, prohibiting data transfer. We addressed this with what we call a Spatial Native Architecture to reconstruct the tech stack. We adopted a modular design. The glasses themselves weigh just 77 grams, making them comfortable for all-day wear. They feature a continuously adjustable electrochromic tint (privacy mode) that users love. The compute unit (the "pod") is about the size of a computer mouse, yet packs extremely powerful performance.
We developed our own INAIR OS, which is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac ecosystems. Data flows seamlessly across devices. We also include a built-in AI agent that proactively predicts user needs and understands context to provide intelligent responses and assistance.
The entire user interface is in 3D. Users interact naturally using gaze, touch (via our Touchboard accessory), and voice. This depth in interaction makes the experience much more intuitive than traditional 2D screens.
What were some of the key technological or design challenges you faced during the development of INAIR, and how did your team overcome them?
Developing INAIR meant tackling three seemingly contradictory challenges: making the device extremely light but extremely powerful; making interaction very natural yet very precise; and keeping the technology cutting-edge butbroadly accessible.
Demand for lightweight design is paramount as users seem to notice every gram. High-performance computing, however, naturally brings high power consumption, heat, and weight. We had to innovate across the full spectrum, from materials to chip design. For example, out of hundreds of materials, we selected a magnesium-aluminum alloy that allowed us to shave 1.5 grams of weight – a significant achievement at this scale. We also used a modular (split) design, separating the display glasses from the compute pod, enabling the glasses to stay light and comfortable.
Traditional AR devices rely on voice commands or handheld controllers, prohibitive for quick input – especially in a work environment. We realized that for productivity use cases, a keyboard is essential. Therefore, we designed a custom accessory called the INAIR Touchboard. It combines a full-size keyboard with spatial interaction capabilities. This ensures instant, continuous productivity with a natural feel.
One of INAIR's standout features is its seamless integration with Android apps and PC systems—how important was this interoperability in your product vision?
Interoperability is the soul of our product. Our lives are already filled with smartphones, laptops, tablets and other tech devices. Nobody wants to add AR glasses that just create more hassle. The real value comes from seamless integration.
For example, imagine you're on a business trip and get a message from your boss on your phone. With our glasses, you could instantly stream your office computer, open the needed document, and send the file – all without fumbling between devices. This kind of effortless, seamless connectivity is exactly what users need. That's why from day one, we made it a top priority to break down barriers between the Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac ecosystems.
INAIR's native remote streaming technology promises a new kind of productivity—can you elaborate on how this enhances the user experience?
Our remote streaming technology is essentially a "spatial decoupling" of compute power that lets you tap into the most suitable hardware from anywhere. Here's an example: you can leave your laptop at the office or home and travel with only the INAIR glasses and the mouse-sized compute pod. Using our proprietary INAIR OS, the glasses can wirelessly connect to your laptop thousands of miles away, bringing your desktop into the AR space in front of you. At the same time, the local compute pod handles lighter tasks like video conferencing. If you pair a Bluetooth keyboard, you have a full input setup, often with a more seamless experience than if you were using the laptop alone.
What's truly revolutionary is the way this changes ownership of computing power. In the future, you could leave your top-tier GPU at home, and write code on a beach wearing our glasses, with heavy lifting done in the cloud. INAIR is turning "computing freedom" into a basic right for the modern digital nomad.
How has user feedback influenced product iterations, and what insights have surprised or challenged your initial assumptions?
Users are increasingly hungry for immersive 3D experiences. From movies to apps, flat 2D content just doesn't satisfy them anymore. They want to use mature AR hardware (like glasses) to consume and interact with 3D content. For example, spatial videos shot on an iPhone can now be watched on INAIR, and those old 2D photos sitting in your photo album can be converted into 3D views with a single click.
Users aren't happy with just "it works". They expect "imperceptible switching" between tasks and devices. This means we have to constantly improve latency and responsiveness.
Today's large AI models are powerful, but they're often not user-friendly. Many AI apps (like DeepSeek or ChatGPT) just present a simple text box, and different apps each have their own AI assistant, leading to siloed experiences. INAIR's approach is to bake AI capability into the system layer so that you get a unified, intuitive experience no matter what software you're using.
As spatial computing gains traction, how do you see INAIR contributing to or redefining this new computing paradigm?
Our mission is to bring AI+AR technology paradigm shift to mobile productivity. And expect to create a future where work is no longer confined by screens or locations, empowering everyone to collaborate effortlessly in a seamless blend of the physical and digital worlds.
With global expansion on the horizon, what markets are you most focused on?
The North American and European markets are at the core of our global strategy. This decision is based on INAIR&#8217;s own technological layout, scenario adaptability, and long-term market insights.
Users in North America and Europe are highly receptive to cutting-edge technologies, especially the demand of the combination of "lightweight, portable computing" and "high performance." People in these regions have strong needs for working from home and flexible work setups, and they aspire to a liberated, location-independent way of working. This vision aligns closely with INAIR's philosophy.

Tech

Interview

INAIR Is Turning 'Computing Freedom' Into a Basic Right for the Modern Digital Nomad, Says CEO Kurt Huang

In a fast-evolving landscape where tech giants race to outdo each other with feature-heavy AI and AR glasses, Shenzhen-based startup Even Realities is taking a bold, minimalist stance. Founded in 2023 by industry veteran Will Wang, Even Realities focuses on what truly matters: comfort, simplicity, and essential functionality. The company&#8217;s debut product, Even G1, is a lightweight digital eyewear that forgoes cameras and onboard audio, instead offering intuitive, heads-up information like notifications and translations—blending effortlessly into daily life.
At the helm is Will Wang, CEO &amp; Founder of Even Realities, whose deep experience spans Apple, Anker, Oppo, and JMGO. A driving force behind the development of the iPhone, Apple Watch, and revolutionary smart projectors, Will brings a rare combination of design vision and manufacturing expertise. Now, with Even Realities, he is blending traditional eyewear craftsmanship with cutting-edge consumer tech to deliver a new standard in digital eyewear—one that is elegant, practical, and ready for real-world use.
In this interview with Benzinga, Will shares his journey, vision, and why he believes less can truly be more in the future of wearable technology.
What key leadership lessons have you carried from Apple to Even Realities?
Many Chinese companies tend to follow a competition-driven approach. They identify a successful product in the market—like the iPhone—and aim to build a cheaper or more powerful version of it, setting it as their benchmark. From my experience at Apple, the key is to focus on the fundamentals: understanding why people truly need the product, rather than simply reacting to what's already out there.
In the smart eyewear industry, for instance, many companies look at Meta as the market leader and try to replicate or improve upon what they're doing. However, the real question is: is that the right approach for the customer? Instead of just focusing on competition, it's crucial to define your own product by going back to the fundamentals—identifying what truly solves the customer's needs and delivering an experience that meets those needs in the best possible way.
What inspired you to merge traditional eyewear with advanced tech?
When it comes to smart glasses, the foundation should be a great pair of traditional eyewear—something people actually want to wear daily. If the glasses aren't comfortable, stylish, or practical without being powered on, they won't succeed. Many earlier attempts, like Google Glass, failed because they ignored these fundamentals—people didn't feel comfortable or natural wearing them.
Some newer products, like Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, are closer, but they still have limitations. Ray-Ban focuses on sunglasses, not everyday prescription wear, and features like built-in cameras raise privacy concerns. For smart glasses to truly work, they must look and feel like regular eyewear—while quietly adding useful tech features.
How is innovating in eyewear different from your work in smart projectors?
The core technology behind our smart glasses is deeply rooted in optical display systems—similar to those used in projectors. What we're essentially building is a miniaturized projector, using micro projectors and waveguide displays to create a private, high-resolution visual experience that only the wearer can see. This concept draws heavily from our previous experience in designing smart projectors, and much of the knowledge around optical design, supply chain management, and component engineering has carried over.
What sets this apart, though, is the challenge of miniaturization. With projectors for home use, there's more flexibility—size and weight aren&#8217;t critical. But with wearable tech, especially something that sits on your face, every millimetre and every gram makes a difference. That pushed us to refine the technology down to its smallest, lightest, and most efficient form—without sacrificing display sharpness or performance.
This is where our experience really paid off, allowing us to develop what we believe is one of the most advanced and compact micro-display technologies in the market today—enabling a product that feels natural to wear while still delivering a powerful visual experience.
How does your design approach at Even Realities differ from Apple or Oppo?
While Google was among the first to introduce the concept with Google Glass, they didn't fully respect the fundamentals of the traditional eyewear industry. They reimagined glasses through a tech-first lens but overlooked key elements like design, fit, and the importance of prescription integration.
Eyewear has centuries of history, and experienced designers know which shapes suit different face types. That knowledge can&#8217;t be ignored if you want people to actually wear your product. For most users, glasses are first and foremost a prescription tool—so if you&#8217;re adding a display, it must coexist seamlessly with prescription lenses. That's an area where earlier attempts fell short, and it's something we've worked hard to get right.
Which user segments are you targeting first, and why?
Right now we actually have two user groups.&nbsp;One is still the tech enthusiasts. Obviously, they like new tech and they see new tech products coming out with the state-of-the-art technology. They are the first ones to get it and to try it out.
But the second, actually bigger audience for us that are purchasing our product, they are actually top working professionals. They could be company executives.&nbsp;They could be doctors. They could be lawyers. They could be professors, college professors.&nbsp;They are actually more and more people like them using our product. Because at the end of the day, this is actually not a gadget for fun. It&#8217;s actually a working tool.
There&#8217;s one feature that got added a couple months ago based on requests from the people. With our glasses, you actually can turn the transcription down and then you actually can see the subtitle.
How are you leveraging your supply chain and design experience to scale?
A successful hardware business depends heavily on supply chain management—something often overlooked. My background is in mechanical engineering and operations research, and I started my career managing supply chains at Apple. One key lesson is choosing the right vendors at the right stage of growth—there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
Strategic, long-term relationships with key vendors are crucial, especially for innovation. When we developed our first product, we faced major challenges with light pass-through in lenses. Most were below 80%, while top-quality lenses like Zeiss or Essilor exceed 98%. We aimed to match that level, despite adding multiple functional layers. By carefully selecting materials, coatings, and optical designs, we solved the issue—layer by layer.
When did you launch the product, and what's the current market value, expansion plan, and break-even outlook?
The company was founded in September 2023, and we launched our product in August last year. Thanks to a strong team of industry veterans from Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft, we went from concept to market quickly. Since launch, demand has exceeded expectations—driven in part by influential users who've become unofficial ambassadors.
Sales have been strong across Europe and North America, with recent expansion into Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore. Most sales come directly from our website, while offline retail is focused on top-tier optician shops—about 300 across Europe.
We&#8217;re committed to staying ahead in innovation, with a strong product roadmap. A new version is coming later this year, followed by a third-generation release next year. Our goal is to bridge the gap between the digital and real world, addressing the imbalance many feel with current tech.
And we think making a pair of smart eyewear, that&#8217;s the perfect way to regain the balance for physical and digital. To help you keep your eyes still on the real world while still being able to absorb the information digitally. So that comes giving them even realities. To find the balance point for physical and digital realities and make both realities even.

Will Wang: With Even Realities Eyewear We Try To Find the Balance Point for Physical and Digital Realities, and Make Both Realities Even

The Trump administration has intensified its critique of Europe's digital regulations, asserting that they pose a risk to free speech <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45466937/us-targets-european-digital-rules-in-free-speech-campaign-defending-american-big-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and American commercial interests</a>.
The Trump administration forged a preliminary deal with the United Arab Emirates involving importing 500,000 of&nbsp;Nvidia Inc.'s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45441791/nvidia-scores-big-as-trump-brokers-major-ai-export-pact-with-uae-and-us-tech-giants" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advanced AI chips&nbsp;annually</a>.
Senate Minority Leader&nbsp;Chuck Schumer&nbsp;(D-N.Y.) warned that President&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8217;s&nbsp;support for exporting sensitive U.S. artificial intelligence chip&nbsp;technology to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45459318/chuck-schumer-blasts-trump-for-backing-ai-chip-sales-to-saudi-arabia-uae-warns-deal-risks-us-tech-secrets-falling-into-chinas-hands" rel="noreferrer noopener">Persian Gulf allies&nbsp;could benefit China</a>.
Automobiles &amp; EV
Future Fund LLC&#8216;s&nbsp;Gary Black&nbsp;believes&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) as well as&nbsp;Uber Technologies Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) will benefit from increased EV adoption as well as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45341220/top-bull-gary-black-shares-why-he-is-holding-on-to-uber-and-tsla-our-investment-thesis-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth in Autonomous Driving</a>.
Uber announced it has partnered with peer-to-peer car-sharing company&nbsp;Turo&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TURO#NYSE">TURO</a>) to upgrade the&nbsp;Uber Rent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/05/45450623/whats-going-on-with-uber-stock-on-thursday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experience for users in the U.S</a>.
Future Fund LLC&#8217;s managing director,&nbsp;Gary Black,&nbsp;has shared his thoughts on&nbsp;Pony AI&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PONY#NASDAQ">PONY</a>)&nbsp;stock as the Chinese AV company gears up for the quarterly results slated <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45345942/gary-black-weighs-in-on-pony-ais-growth-ahead-of-earnings-report-a-recently-announced-partnership-with-uber" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to be released next Tuesday</a>.
Tesla has touted the company&#8217;s FSD (Full Self-Driving) technology ahead of next month&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45342188/elon-musks-tesla-teases-fsd-capabilities-ahead-of-june-robotaxi-event" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robotaxi launch in Austin, Texas</a>.
Tesla battery supplier&nbsp;Contemporary Amperex Technologies Co. Ltd., plans to raise over $4 billion through a stock listing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45343633/tesla-battery-supplier-catl-to-raise-4-billion-through-hong-kong-listing-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">on Hong Kong&#8217;s stock exchange</a>.
Technology &amp; Telecommunications
Cisco (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>) reported quarterly earnings of 96 cents per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of 92 cents and revenue of $14.15 billion, which beat the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45422303/cisco-shares-climb-after-q3-eps-revenue-beat-estimates-details" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Street estimate of $14.08 billion</a>.
Samsung Electronics Co. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>)&nbsp;launched the&nbsp;Galaxy S25 Edge, a 5.8 mm-thin, 163-gram smartphone, just four months after unveiling <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45366293/samsung-unveils-ultra-thin-galaxy-s25-edge-in-surprise-launch-amid-slowing-demand-and-tariff-uncertainty-apple-reportedly-plans-to-catch-up-in-september" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the rest of the S25 series</a>.
Nvidia is reportedly expanding its research footprint in China with a new Shanghai-based R&amp;D center, signaling a strategic push to retain AI dominance in the region <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/05/45460918/jensen-huang-led-nvidia-plans-new-shanghai-research-hub-to-stay-competitive-in-china-as-us-export-curbs-threaten-ai-chip-sales-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amid tightening U.S. export restrictions</a>.
Broadcom Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) announced significant advancements&nbsp;in its co-packaged optics (CPO) technology on Thursday, with the launch of its third-generation 200G per lane <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/05/45448759/broadcom-unveils-next-gen-optical-chip-tech-to-power-ai-data-centers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(200G/lane) CPO product line</a>.
Sony&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) launched on Thursday an upgrade&nbsp;for its wireless noise-cancelling <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/05/45469713/sonys-new-wh-1000xm6-headphones-use-ai-to-adapt-sound-in-real-time-heres-whats-new" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">headphones,&nbsp;called the WH-1000XM6</a>.
Smartphones
Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is reportedly developing a new artificial intelligence-powered <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45367075/apple-reportedly-leans-on-ai-to-solve-iphone-battery-woes-in-ios-19-update-ahead-of-thinner-iphone-17-launch-this-fall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">battery optimization tool for</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45367075/apple-reportedly-leans-on-ai-to-solve-iphone-battery-woes-in-ios-19-update-ahead-of-thinner-iphone-17-launch-this-fall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;iOS 19</a>.
Apple has reassured the Indian government of its commitment to continue&nbsp;using India as a major&nbsp;manufacturing base. This assurance comes despite Trump's recent remarks, with government sources emphasizing that there is "no change" <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45462006/no-change-in-apples-production-plans-says-india-despite-trumps-little-problem-with-ceo-tim-cook-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">in Apple's investment plans in India</a>.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45339953/apple-exec-says-iphone-users-are-ditching-google-search-now-chamath-palihaptiya-urges-the-tech-giant-to-stop-waiting-for-data-and-start-fighting-models-like-chatgpt" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45339953/apple-exec-says-iphone-users-are-ditching-google-search-now-chamath-palihaptiya-urges-the-tech-giant-to-stop-waiting-for-data-and-start-fighting-models-like-chatgpt" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Executive Says iPhone Users Are Ditching Google — Now Chamath Palihaptiya Urges The Search Giant To Stop Waiting For Data And Start Fighting Models Like ChatGPT</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Hepha1st0s

Equities

Large Cap

AAPL

AVGO

CSCO

NVDA

PONY

Sony Group Corporation American Depositary Shares

SONY

SSNLF

TURO

UBER

Consumer Tech News (May 12-May16): Trump's Europe Critique Intensifies, UAE Gets Nvidia AI Chips, Apple To Stay In India & More

Audio recordings from then-President Joe Biden's 2024 interview with special counsel Robert Hur have surfaced publicly for the first time, reigniting debates over Biden's cognitive state <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/05/45479078/moodys-downgrades-us-credit-rating-over-debt-deficit-concerns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">during his final year in office</a>.
The details, published by Axios <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/16/biden-hur-tape-special-counsel-audio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on </a>Friday, include moments where Biden pauses for extended periods and appears to struggle <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/10/35153213/president-joe-biden-reportedly-interviewed-by-special-counsel-over-classified-document-probe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with recalling specific dates and details</a>.
The audio release follows over a year after the transcript was made public as part of the classified documents investigation. Despite the transcript already being available, the audio adds new fuel to political narratives around the president's mental fitness, Politico reports.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45185750/dont-piss-down-my-back-and-tell-me-its-raining-says-dave-portnoy-this-is-trumps-market-not-bidens" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Don&#8217;t Piss Down My Back And Tell Me It&#8217;s Raining,&#8217; Says Dave Portnoy—&#8217;This Is Trump&#8217;s Market, Not Biden&#8217;s&#8217;</a>
With the release coinciding with the upcoming publication of the book "Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," which scrutinizes Biden's alleged decline, Republicans have seized on the audio to reignite claims of a cover-up. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) called the incident the "coverup of the century" and referenced Biden's past access to nuclear codes, Politico adds.
Conservative advocacy groups like Judicial Watch and the Heritage Foundation had previously filed FOIA lawsuits demanding access to the audio.
While the Biden administration had signaled willingness to release the recordings, control over the files remained with the Department of Justice.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump distanced himself from the release process, saying the matter was "up to Pam and the group," referring to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Robert Hur concluded his investigation without recommending charges against Biden, noting that the president's recollections were incomplete but not criminal.
Biden previously insisted he did nothing wrong and dismissed criticism of his memory.
His case drew comparisons to Trump's separate classified documents case, which ended after Trump regained office and prosecutors dropped the charges, the report adds.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/05/45482435/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-65" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga&#8217;s &#8216;Stock Whisper&#8217; Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don&#8217;t Talk About Yet</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/Jonah Elkowitz

Politics

Markets

General

'Coverup of the Century'? Biden Interview Tape Adds Fire to GOP Claims

Thirteen years after Facebook's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/05/32461106/if-you-invested-1-000-in-facebook-stock-at-ipo-11-years-ago-heres-how-much-youd-have-now">IPO, its journey from</a> a Harvard University dorm room to a $1.6 trillion behemoth underscores just how far it has come, especially when compared to early rival Orkut, which Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google shut down in 2014.
What Happened: Facebook, now Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), went public on May 18, 2012, pricing shares at $38 each and raising over $16 billion.
The IPO valued the company at $104 billion, the largest ever at the time for a newly listed U.S. firm. The debut was rocky, but over the years, Facebook scaled rapidly through product innovation, strategic acquisitions like Instagram and a dominant ad business.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45160454/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-targets-1-4-trillion-revenue-from-generative-ai-by-2035-court-filing-reveals">Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Targets $1.4 Trillion Revenue From Generative AI By 2035, Court Filing Reveals</a>
While Facebook soared, Orkut—a social media site launched just weeks before Facebook in January 2004 by a Turkish Google engineer named Orkut Büyükkökten—failed to gain global traction. Google officially shut it down in 2014.
Google officially shut down Orkut on Sept. 30, 2014, primarily because of its declining user base and slower growth compared to emerging social media giants like Facebook.
Despite enjoying strong popularity in countries such as India and Brazil, Orkut failed to achieve widespread adoption in key markets like the U.S.
On the other hand, Facebook succeeded where early social networks like Friendster, MySpace and Orkut failed by growing slowly, building reliable technology, learning from others' mistakes and mastering PR.
Subscribe to the <a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a> to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Rather than chasing fast expansion, the Mark Zuckerberg-led Facebook <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38860816/mark-zuckerberg-recalls-his-childhood-and-facebooks-early-days-shares-top-8-memories-on-his-40th-bir">started with elite colleges</a>, focused on user experience, and gradually scaled up, all while maintaining a clean interface and robust infrastructure.
It smartly incorporated competitors' best features (like with TikTok), built a powerful ad model based on user targeting and used public relations to manage controversies and user trust—an approach that helped transform it into a $1.6 trillion global tech giant.
Previously, Zuckerberg also acknowledged that Facebook wasn&#8217;t built on a groundbreaking concept, but rather evolved from existing ideas in the social networking space.
"It's not like they had a lack of talent. I mean, we were like a ragtag group of children, and they had serious engineers and serious infrastructure."
So <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40391576/mark-zuckerberg-explains-why-facebook-beat-google-microsoft-and-yahoo-who-were-fumbling-around-we-we">why did Facebook succeed</a> where tech giants stumbled?
"Large companies are slow. They lack conviction," Zuckerberg explained, suggesting that corporate hesitation held them back from fully embracing social networking.
"The reason is, people doubt new ideas before they come to fruition," he added. "The narrative with social networking was like, ‘Ah, it's just this college kid thing.'"
Why It's Important: Over the years, Facebook has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/18/10/12440084/why-facebooks-recent-hack-is-much-worse-than-cambridge-analytica">faced multiple controversies</a>, from privacy scandals like Beacon and Cambridge Analytica to criticism over misinformation and data practices.
Still, the company adapted, eventually <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/10/41163360/if-you-invested-1-000-in-facebook-stock-when-mark-zuckerberg-changed-name-to-meta-heres-how-muc">rebranding as Meta in 2021</a> to reflect its metaverse ambitions.
Over the past five years, Meta shares have soared 205.33%, with a 36.06% gain over the last 12 months. Year-to-date, the stock is up 7.45%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Meta currently has a consensus price target of $704.19 based on ratings from 43 analysts. The highest target, $935, was issued by Tigress Financial on Feb. 11, 2025, while the lowest, $525, came from Scotiabank on April 21, 2025.
The three latest analyst ratings by RBC Capital, Morgan Stanley and JMP Securities indicate an average price target of $713.33, suggesting an 11.22% potential upside.
Meta holds a growth score of 76.06% in the Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Click here to see how it compares to other top tech stocks</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/16021646/Screenshot-2025-05-16-at-11.46.41%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-917464" /></a></figure>
Photo Courtesy: Koshiro K On Shutterstock.com
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45421526/mark-zuckerberg-once-set-up-a-facebook-account-for-brooklyn-nine-nine-star-andy-samberg-then-persona">Mark Zuckerberg Once Set Up A Facebook Account For Brooklyn Nine-Nine Star Andy Samberg, Then Personally Played Tech Support When Things Went A Bit Haywire</a>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with&nbsp;the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was&nbsp;reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

GOOG

GOOGL

Facebook Vs. Orkut: One Became Meta With A $1.6 Trillion Market Cap, The Other Was Shut Down By Google: Here's Why

The past weekend was a whirlwind of news in the tech and auto industries. From&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) showcasing its Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities to&nbsp;Uber&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) doubling down on its autonomy upside, there was no shortage of developments.
Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories.
Tesla Teases FSD Capabilities Ahead Of Robotaxi Event
Tesla is building anticipation for its upcoming Robotaxi event in Austin, Texas, by flaunting its FSD technology. A video surfaced over the weekend showing a Tesla vehicle skillfully navigating through traffic near Los Angeles&#8217;s LAX airport using Supervised FSD.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45342188/elon-musks-tesla-teases-fsd-capabilities-ahead-of-june-robotaxi-event">Read the full article here.</a>
Gary Black Doubles Down On Uber&#8217;s Autonomy Upside
Gary Black, a fund manager and long-term Tesla bull, has reaffirmed his belief in Uber&#8217;s potential in the autonomous vehicle sector. In a lengthy post, Black reflected on his past views on Tesla and the EV industry, asserting that his predictions have been validated over the years.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45339797/gary-black-doubles-down-on-ubers-autonomy-upside-reflects-on-tesla-debates-i-was-right-on-volume-pr-and-robotaxis">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/05/45481170/as-tesla-stock-witnesses-nearly-45-surge-in-one-month-elon-musk-asks-minnesota-governor-tim-walz-hows-your-day-br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">As Tesla Stock Witnesses Nearly 45% Surge In One Month, Elon Musk Asks Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, &#8216;How&#8217;s Your Day Bro?&#8217;</a>
Ross Gerber Praises Waymo&#8217;s Self-Driving Taxis
Investor Ross Gerber has lauded&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) subsidiary Waymo&#8217;s self-driving technology, stating that it performs better than human drivers. This could spell increased competition for ride-sharing and autonomous vehicle rivals.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45341851/ross-gerber-calls-waymos-self-driving-taxis-better-than-human-says-theyre-tough-competition-for-uber-and-tesla">Read the full article here.</a>
Bezos-Backed Slate&#8217;s 100,000 EV Orders Challenge Cybertruck Hype
The Slate electric pickup truck, backed by Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, has racked up 100,000 orders, posing a potential challenge to Elon Musk and Tesla&#8217;s Cybertruck. Early demand suggests that the Slate EV pickup truck could be a hit.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45381497/jeff-bezos-backed-slate-hit-100k-ev-reservations-in-2-weeks-how-it-compares-to-cybertruck-launch">Read the full article here.</a>
Republicans Target EV Perks With New Bill
House Republicans have introduced legislation to eliminate the electric vehicle tax credit and repeal fuel efficiency rules. This could disrupt billions in automaker investments and has sparked industry concerns about abrupt policy changes.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45366272/republicans-target-ev-perks-with-new-bill-ford-tesla-rivian-face-fallout-as-200-billion-in-battery-belt-investments-hang-in-balance">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/news/global/25/05/45478121/why-a-danish-company-is-telling-elon-musk-thanks-for-the-ride-and-returning-its-tesla-fleet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why A Danish Company Is Telling Elon Musk &#8216;Thanks For The Ride&#8217; — And Returning Its Tesla Fleet</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Media

Elon Musk's Tesla Teases FSD Capabilities, Jeff Bezos-Backed Slate's 100,000 EV Orders Challenge Cybertruck Hype And More: This Week In Mobility

Many people rely on Reddit to navigate confusing financial and government systems — and the r/SocialSecurity subreddit is no exception. One <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SocialSecurity/comments/1kfu1mx/my_mom_48_swears_she_was_told_she_cannot_live/">recent post</a> drew attention for highlighting a common but complicated concern: how Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, benefits may be affected if a recipient moves in with family.
A user wrote about their mother, 48, who recently began receiving <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45354988/suze-orman-taking-your-social-security-payments-at-62-is-wrong-heres-why">Social Security benefits</a> after a successful disability claim. "She's permanently disabled due to a back injury from a car accident in 2008," the post explained. "My mom swears she was told she cannot live with anyone who has income or she will lose or have her benefits reduced."
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The poster added that the home is under their father's name — the mother's legally separated spouse — and that the poster and their father pay half the mortgage. The mother is hesitant to move in, fearing that Social Security will "look up who owns the house and question why she&#8217;s living at her ex-husband's house," according to the post. "She's so paranoid, but is this true?"
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding the Confusion Around SSI</h2>
The confusion likely stems from how the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45338754/trumps-new-social-security-commissioner-says-hes-fundamentally-a-doge-person-what-that-could-mean-for-your-benefits">Social Security Administration</a> treats SSI versus Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. Several Reddit users pointed this out in the comments.
"If she's on SSI, the rules are indeed very strict," one commenter explained. "If SSDI, it doesn't matter where she lives or what her assets are."
The distinction is important. SSDI is based on work history and is not income-tested, meaning living with someone who has income — even a family member — usually doesn't affect your benefits. SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program for people with limited income and assets. In SSI cases, help with housing can reduce the benefit amount.
Trending: 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-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Living Arrangements Can Affect SSI</h2>
According to the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-living-arrangements.htm">SSA</a>, your living situation can directly impact your SSI benefit. If someone else — like a child or other family member — provides free shelter or pays your rent, your monthly SSI payment may be reduced by up to one-third of the federal benefit rate.
However, there are ways to avoid this reduction. Many Reddit commenters recommended creating a formal rental agreement.
"Do a legal lease," one user advised. "She rents a room and pays. There should be proof of her paying rent. Having a receipt." Several others chimed in to say they use this approach with their own parents who receive SSI.
The SSA's own guidance confirms this approach. As long as an SSI recipient pays their fair share of household expenses — rent, utilities, etc. — they can still receive the full benefit amount.
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Policy Changes in 2024</h2>
One key change that may help ease concerns: as of Sept. 30, the SSA has updated how it treats meals provided by others. If someone pays for your food but not your shelter, your SSI will no longer be reduced. However, if someone pays for both your food and shelter, your benefit may still be reduced.
This nuance is likely why the original poster's mother is so worried — and why clear, personalized advice is often needed.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bottom Line</h2>
If you or a loved one receives SSI and is considering moving in with a family member, it's essential to understand the SSA's rules on household contributions. A written lease and proof of payment can make all the difference. SSDI recipients generally have more flexibility, but with SSI, even small changes in living arrangements can impact benefits.
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<li>‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest today for just $0.30/share with a $1000 minimum.</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

'They'll Take Away My Benefits If I Move In With You': Why One Disabled Mom Fears Living With Her Adult Child

The week has been a rollercoaster ride for Wall Street, with a flurry of events stirring the financial markets. From a macro expert&#8217;s warning about a potential market misreading to Bill Gates&#8217; critique of Donald Trump&#8217;s tariffs, the week was packed with intriguing developments.
Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories that made headlines.
Wall Street&#8217;s &#8216;Sugar Rush&#8217;
Stephanie Pomboy, founder of MacroMavens, expressed skepticism about the recent Wall Street rally following the de-escalation of the U.S.-China trade war. She referred to the rally as a &#8220;headline sugar rush,&#8221; suggesting that the market might be misinterpreting the situation.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45369770/whos-going-to-buy-2-trillion-worth-of-paper-macro-expert-calls-wall-street-rally-a-headline-sugar-rush-as-treasury-yield-spike-signals-bigger-trouble">Read the full article here.</a>
Bill Gates Criticizes Trump&#8217;s Tariffs
Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates voiced his concerns about President Donald Trump&#8217;s tariffs and the ensuing market turmoil. Gates warned that the unpredictability of U.S. economic policies could hinder long-term business decisions.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45342962/bill-gates-slams-trumps-tariffs-we-told-china-to-make-their-own-chips-and-theyre-making-great-progress-warns-its-a-bad-time-to-inte">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/05/45432465/tom-lee-says-economists-predicting-a-recession-with-certainty-are-dead-wrong-in-my-30-years-ive-never-seen-an-economist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fundstrat&#8217;s Tom Lee Says Economists Predicting A Recession With Certainty Are &#8216;Dead Wrong&#8217;: &#8216;In My 30 Years, I&#8217;ve Never Seen&#8230;&#8217;</a>
&#8216;Liberation Day 2.0&#8217; Warning
Financial analyst Gordon Johnson sparked a conversation on social media about a potential &#8220;Liberation Day 2.0,&#8221; an event that could trigger a significant equity market downturn. Johnson&#8217;s comments came as the yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury note is nearing the critical 5% mark.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45399783/gordon-johnson-warns-of-potential-liberation-day-20-as-30-year-treasury-yields-approach-5-amid-dollar-weakness">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s $600B Saudi Deal
President Donald Trump announced a massive $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia into the United States. Trump referred to this as a &#8220;golden era&#8221; of U.S.-Middle East economic cooperation.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45390422/trump-unveils-historic-and-transformative-600-billion-saudi-deal-predicts-markets-will-go-a-lot-higher">Read the full article here.</a>
Powell Hints At Changes To Fed Strategy
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that the central bank is reconsidering its approach to inflation and employment. This comes as part of a major review underway in 2025.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45439079/powell-signals-fed-may-shift-its-inflation-strategy-after-5-year-economic-shake-up">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45463291/wall-street-poised-to-open-higher-after-sp-500s-4-day-run-sounds-like-powell-is-expecting-more-frequent-bouts-of-stagflation-cautions-expert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why Nasdaq, S&amp;P 500 Futures Are Trading Higher Friday</a>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Image via Shuttertsock

Economics

Wall Street's 'Sugar Rush,' Bill Gates On Tariffs And A $600 Billion Saudi Deal: Top Economics Updates This Week

<ul>
<li>Deep, durable and consistent reductions in TTR were sustained at two years, following a one-time dose of nex-z</li>
<li>Clinically meaningful improvements in ATTRv-PN related outcomes observed at 24 months compared to baseline, including in patients who were previously progressing on patisiran</li>
<li>Continue to observe generally favorable safety and tolerability data in the full Phase 1 cohort with no new drug-related adverse events within the follow-up period</li>
<li>Enrollment continues to progress well in MAGNITUDE-2, which is designed to measure clinical outcomes (including mNIS+7) and evaluate how a single dose of nex-z can lead to reduction in serum TTR, to potentially support a BLA submission by 2028</li>
</ul>

NTLA

Intellia Therapeutics Announced Two-Year Follow-Up Data from Ongoing Phase 1 Study of Nexiguran Ziclumeran, in Patients with Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis with Polyneuropathy;  Clinically Meaningful Improvements In ATTRv-PN Related Outcomes Observed At 24 Months Compared To Baseline, Including In Patients Who Were Previously Progressing On Patisiran

Ramit Sethi has helped millions of people improve their finances with his book, "I Will Teach You To Be Rich." Many of the strategies he shared in his book still hold value, including automatic investing.
Sethi recently shared an <a href="https://x.com/ramit/status/1921682452893798837">X post</a> that came in response to a question in an online forum. The question revolves around a piece of advice that sounded stupid at first but turned out to be life-changing.&nbsp;
He used the opportunity to tout the benefits of automatically investing 10% of your income.
"If you don't see it, you won't miss it," Sethi explained.&nbsp;
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<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.30/share!</a></li>
<li>Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">Invest before it's too late.</a></li>
</ul>
If it's not broken, you don't have to fix it. Sethi has used this approach for various personal finance strategies, including automatic investing. Here's how it can help you.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Live Below Your Means</h2>
Making automatic investments will force you to live below your means. If 10% of your paycheck disappears from your bank account before you have the chance to spend it, you won't think about it.
Keeping the money out of sight also allows your portfolio to compound over time. Some investors do not check their portfolios for several weeks, making them less prone to stressing out about volatility in the stock market.
Living below your means is also a great way to keep spending in control and stay out of bad debt. Automatic investing can also leave you with a sizable nest egg by the time you are ready to retire.
Trending: 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-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gradually Increase How Much You Automatically Invest</h2>
Using automatic investing to build wealth can give you more financial flexibility in the future. Sethi recommends investing 10% of your paycheck, but you should strive to raise this percentage by at least one point every year.
For instance, if you contribute 10% of your paycheck this year, you should aim to invest at least 11% of your paycheck next year. These gradual increments won't have substantial ramifications on your ability to cover expenses. You may end up reviewing your budget and removing unnecessary items to make this small accommodation.
However, you don't even have to stop at 11%. If you have the flexibility to go from contributing 10% of your paycheck to 15% of your paycheck in one year, then go for it. An annual 1% bump is the minimum, but feel free to invest as much as you can.
See Also: The team behind $6B+ in licensing deals is now building the next billion-dollar IP empire — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-ym?v=123">invest early at $2.25/share.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Keep Things Simple With An ETF</h2>
You can buy individual stocks, but an ETF is a lot simpler. Investors can choose from ETFs that mirror popular benchmarks like the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq Composite. While you can outperform indices by selecting good stocks, it's riskier to construct a portfolio of individual stocks.&nbsp;
Buying an ETF instead of individual stocks can also save you a lot of time. You won't feel the need to look at your portfolio and various stocks every day. Instead, you can focus on growing your income while knowing that a percentage of every paycheck is going into ETFs.&nbsp;
Investors do not have to outperform the stock market to achieve their long-term goals. Achieving market returns may be good enough if you practice effective money habits.&nbsp;
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<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.30/share!</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Ramit Sethi Explains How Automatic Investing Can Grow Your Wealth: 'If You Don't See It, You Won't Miss It'

The past week has been a whirlwind of tech news, with major developments from industry giants like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), as well as emerging players like Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>). Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that made headlines.
Apple Users Ditch Google Search: In a surprising revelation, Apple executive Eddy Cue announced a decline in search volume on the tech giant&#8217;s platform, a first in 20 years. This news was discussed on the All-In Podcast, where venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya urged Google to stop waiting for data and start fighting models like ChatGPT.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45339953/apple-exec-says-iphone-users-are-ditching-google-search-now-chamath-palihaptiya-urges-the-tech-giant-to-stop-waiting-for-data-and-start-fighting-models-like-chatgpt">Read the full article here.</a>
SMCI Rated Outperform by Raymond James: Super Micro Computer received an Outperform rating from Raymond James, thanks to its strong standing in the AI-optimized infrastructure sector and swift revenue growth. AI platforms make up about 70% of Supermicro's revenue, making it a dominant player among branded server vendors.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45399438/smci-rated-outperform-by-raymond-james-amid-dominance-in-branded-ai-server-market">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/05/45479830/mark-cuban-says-back-in-the-day-bill-gates-stole-his-girls-in-las-vegas-he-was-worth-1-million-but-gates-was-the-mega-rich-king-of-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban Says &#8216;Back In The Day&#8217; Bill Gates Stole &#8216;His Girls&#8217; In Las Vegas — He Was Worth $1 Million, But Gates Was The Mega Rich &#8216;King of Tech&#8217; &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Trump Praises Nvidia CEO at Saudi Summit: President Donald Trump singled out Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang for praise during a U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, highlighting the chipmaker's planned $500 billion investment in U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45398595/trump-praises-nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-at-saudi-summit-tim-cook-isnt-here-but-you-are-controlling-99-of-the-chip-market-thats-not-easy-to-beat">Read the full article here.</a>
Gulf Countries to Become &#8216;Largest Hyperscalers&#8217;: CNBC's Jim Cramer lauded the artificial intelligence deals announced after the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum and touted Gulf countries to be future hyperscalers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45433051/jim-cramer-says-gulf-countries-will-become-the-largest-hyperscalers-in-the-world-following-ai-deals">Read the full article here.</a>
Nvidia, Amazon, Tesla, Palantir to Benefit from Saudi Arabia&#8217;s AI Push: Analyst Daniel Ives of Wedbush highlighted that the AI Revolution has found its next major area of penetration: Saudi Arabia. He named Nvidia, Amazon, Tesla, and Palantir as the top beneficiaries of this $1 trillion push.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/05/45424189/nvidia-amazon-tesla-palantir-among-top-beneficiaries-of-1-trillion-saudi-arabia-ai-push-analyst-says">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/05/45466150/trump-decides-to-bypass-individual-trade-dealsnew-tariff-rates-to-be-set-unilaterally-and-notified-through-letter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Decides To Bypass Individual Trade Deals — New Tariff Rates To Be Set Unilaterally And Notified Through &#8216;Letters&#8217;</a>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.
 This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/navdeep-yadav" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Navdeep Yadav.</a>

SMCI

Apple Users Ditch Google Search, Trump Praises Nvidia's Jensen Huang At Saudi Summit, SMCI Stock In 'Sweet Spot' And More: This Week In Artificial Intelligence

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