La catena delle opzioni mostra i dati chiave delle opzioni azionarie di Gr. Sarantis a vari prezzi di esercizio e date di scadenza. I trader utilizzano queste informazioni per analizzare potenziali operazioni e valutare il sentiment del mercato per Gr. Sarantis..

Gr. Sarantis (OTC:SRTSF) Azioni, Catena delle Opzioni

Gr. Sarantis SA is a consumer products manufacturer that offers cosmetics, including aftershave lotions and deodorants with brands such as Adidas and C-THRU; household products including food packaging, cleaning, and shoe care products of such brands as Sanitas and Camel; and health & care products & para pharmaceutical products including vitamins and food supplements, pregnancy and ovulation tests, and sun care products, and luxury cosmetics, including fragrance, treatment, and makeup products under its brands and various other brands. It operates in segments: Beauty / Skin Care / Sun Care, Personal Care, Home Care Solutions, Private Label, Strategic Partnerships and Other Sales. The geographical segments are Greece, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Czech, Hungary, Slovakia, and others.

Gr. Sarantis SA

Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit filed by three swing state voters. The plaintiffs allege that Musk failed to fulfill his promise of payment&nbsp;for signing a petition from&nbsp;his political action committee, America PAC.
What Happened: The lawsuit claims that Musk had committed to paying voters in seven states&nbsp;for signing a petition and&nbsp;referring others to do the&nbsp;same, in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. 
The plaintiffs assert that&nbsp;America PAC&nbsp;did not meet its contractual obligations by failing to fully compensate the petition-signers.
The lawsuit, lodged in a federal court in Pennsylvania, anticipates the inclusion of more than &#8220;100 class members&#8221;, with the total amount owed exceeding $5 million, <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/05/16/elon-musk-america-pac-lawsuit-petition-signature-payments-2024-presidential-election/">reports</a> Fortune.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">For every person you refer who is a swing state voter, you get $47! Easy money. <a href="https://t.co/5jCNuXIaui">https://t.co/5jCNuXIaui</a>
&mdash; Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1843133043961381178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
&#8220;This&nbsp;case is about a broken&nbsp;promise: Elon Musk promised supporters&nbsp;that they would be paid&nbsp;for signing a petition and&nbsp;referring others to do the&nbsp;same,&#8221; stated Shannon Liss-Riordan, the plaintiffs&#8217; representative.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45484920/more-than-a-feud-elon-musk-bill-gates-spat-sheds-light-on-competing-views-of-efficiency">More Than a Feud: Elon Musk-Bill Gates Spat Sheds Light on Competing Views of Efficiency</a>
America PAC, which Musk established in May 2024, raised over $200 million for Donald Trump&#8217;s presidential campaign. A similar lawsuit was filed in April by a Pennsylvania man who alleged that he was owed $20,000 for gathering signatures.
Despite these allegations, America PAC spokesperson Andrew Romeo has denied any misconduct, asserting that the PAC is committed to compensating for every legitimate petition signature.
Why It Matters: This lawsuit against Musk and America PAC could potentially tarnish their reputations and raise questions about their ethical practices. It also highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by political action committees in their fundraising and campaign efforts. 
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for future PAC operations and campaign strategies.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/05/45483236/shaq-rolls-up-in-a-cybertruck-elon-musk-has-this-one-word-response">Shaq Rolls Up In A Cybertruck — Elon Musk Has This One-Word Response</a>
Image: Shutterstock

News

Politics

TSLA

Elon Musk's PAC Promised $100 Per Signature—Now It's Facing a Lawsuit

In a recent conversation, Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) CEO Jensen Huang expressed his belief in the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster students&#8217; career prospects and job performance.
What Happened: Huang suggested that if he were a student today, he would utilize the capabilities of generative AI to enhance his career opportunities.
Huang stressed the significance of learning to engage with AI, likening it to the skill of posing insightful questions. He further underscored the necessity for proficiency in directing AI to provide effective assistance.
During the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ARBJQn6QkM">interview</a>, Huang said that AI can be perceived as an intelligent child that requires precise and succinct instructions to produce a beneficial response. He referred to Kelly Daniel, Lazarus AI prompt director, who recommended structuring instructions&nbsp;into a list or steps&nbsp;for improved comprehension.
"The first thing I would do is to learn AI. Learning how to interact with AI is not unlike being someone who's really good at asking questions. Prompting AI is very similar. You can't just randomly ask a bunch of questions. Asking AI to be an assistant to you requires some expertise and artistry of how to prompt it," he said. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44450770/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huangs-joke-sparks-concerns-over-rapid-depreciation-of-ai-chips">Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang&#8217;s Joke Sparks Concerns Over Rapid Depreciation Of AI Chips</a>
Despite only 11% of young Americans regularly using AI, Huang is confident that AI proficiencies will continue to be pertinent in the future. 
"If I were a student today, irrespective of whether it's for math or science or chemistry or biology — doesn't matter what field of science I'm going into or what profession — I'm going to ask myself, ‘How can I use AI to do my job better?'" he added.
He urged students to investigate how AI can be leveraged to augment their job performance, irrespective of their academic discipline or career.
Why It Matters: Huang&#8217;s comments underscore the growing recognition of AI as a critical tool in the modern workplace. 
With AI technologies becoming increasingly integrated into various industries, the ability to effectively interact with and utilize AI could be a significant advantage for students entering the workforce. 
Furthermore, Huang&#8217;s analogy of AI as a &#8220;smart child&#8221; highlights the importance of clear communication in eliciting useful responses from AI systems. This insight could help shape educational strategies for teaching AI interaction skills.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41869577/nvidias-huang-sees-ai-employees-on-the-horizon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia's Huang Sees AI Employees On The Horizon</a>
Image: Shutterstock/jamesonwu1972

Success Stories

Tech

NVDA

If I Were A Student Today, Here's How I'd Use AI To Do My Job Better, Says Nvidia CEO

Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey took a swing at the media in a recent segment of &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYIv3ZMnMeI">The Dave Ramsey Show</a>,&#8221; claiming news outlets are more focused on pushing fear than accurately reporting economic recovery.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;All the Losses Have Been Completely Recovered&#8217;</h2>
Ramsey emphasized that the market had returned to its earlier levels. &#8220;We&#8217;re about even from the first of the year now,&#8221; he said, arguing that this key point is being overlooked by the media. &#8220;All the losses have been completely recovered from Jan. 1.&#8221;
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<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>
<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>
</ul>
Ramsey pointed to the stock market's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45355655/magnificent-seven-gain-700b-after-us-china-slash-tariffs-gold-crashes-whats-driving-markets-monday">rapid rebound</a> following news that the Trump administration had reached an agreement with China on tariffs. &#8220;As of this moment, the stock market is shooting through the roof,&#8221; Ramsey said. &#8220;Huge rebound in the last two days.&#8221;
Just weeks ago, he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45204651/dave-ramsey-explains-how-to-build-wealth-in-the-current-economy-this-is-not-the-first-time-the-stock-market-has-gone-down">reminded listeners</a>, media headlines warned that Trump&#8217;s tariff negotiations would ruin the economy. &#8220;Y&#8217;all remember that we were all going to die about a month ago? That the world was coming to an end?&#8221; he asked sarcastically.
&#8220;See if you find one positive news story about it going up,&#8221; Ramsey challenged. &#8220;You won&#8217;t find one.&#8221;
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">&#8216;They Just Want You Addicted to Fear&#8217;</h2>
Ramsey accused the media of thriving on fear-based narratives. &#8220;They really don&#8217;t report the news. They&#8217;re just in the fear porn business,&#8221; he said. &#8220;If the tornado isn&#8217;t going to kill you, you&#8217;re going to lose all your retirement. Or there&#8217;s going to be a hurricane, or an earthquake, or all of the immigrants are going to kill you. Something&#8217;s going to kill you. That&#8217;s all they do over and over and over.&#8221;
He recalled how, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the stock market dropped sharply but fully recovered in just 54 days—a milestone he says went unreported. &#8220;Not one news outlet reported that America&#8217;s economy is so vibrant, so strong,&#8221; Ramsey said.
See Also: Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-ym?v=123">Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quit Freaking Out and Stay in Your Mutual Funds&#8217;</h2>
Ramsey advised investors to stop reacting emotionally to short-term market fluctuations. &#8220;Quit buying and selling your stock. Just get in your mutual funds and stay in and ride. This is how people build wealth,&#8221; he said.
He warned against the emotional pull of headlines and clickbait. &#8220;You&#8217;re not going to find a report. If you do, it&#8217;s one in a bazillion.&#8221;
Co-host Ken Coleman highlighted the difference between the economy and the stock market. &#8220;That&#8217;s a speculative game,&#8221; the guest said. &#8220;What we&#8217;re seeing on Wall Street is not the same as the health of the American economy.&#8221;
Ramsey wrapped up with a memorable analogy. &#8220;In a given week, it&#8217;s a four-year-old having a temper tantrum in the cereal aisle because the Froot Loops aren&#8217;t right there. In a given decade, the stock market&#8217;s a wise old woman.&#8221;
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a></li>
<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

'The Stock Market Is Shooting Through The Roof,' Says Dave Ramsey. But Claims The Media's Silent—'They Want You Addicted To Fear'

In a recent public statement, Grimes, a renowned Canadian musician and former partner of Elon Musk, has expressed skepticism about the ability of Meta Platforms Inc&#8217;s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to effectively lead the metaverse.
What Happened: Grimes, whose legal name is Claire Boucher, took to X in 2022, to voice her doubts about Zuckerberg&#8217;s capability to manage the virtual world. She further mocked Zuckerberg&#8217;s metaverse avatar, referring to it as &#8220;bad art.&#8221;
Her remarks came in the wake of Zuckerberg&#8217;s conversation with Joe Rogan. Zuckerberg, a strong proponent of the metaverse, has characterized it as a &#8220;massive opportunity&#8221; with the potential to&nbsp;&#8220;unlock hundreds of billions of&nbsp;dollars.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">If zuck "oversees the Metaverse" it is dead and people who care about art and culture are building something else. also this is bad art The quality of this image alone speaks to how wildly under qualified he is to build alternate reality, literally every indie game looks better <a href="https://t.co/n8Cuv4f0uJ">https://t.co/n8Cuv4f0uJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/0G46MlWIP2">pic.twitter.com/0G46MlWIP2</a>
&mdash; 
</blockquote></div></figure>

Elon Musk's Ex-Girlfriend Grimes Questions Mark Zuckerberg's Aptitude For Metaverse Leadership, Says Zuckerberg Is 'Wildly Under Qualified'

Robert Kiyosaki predicts a significant surge in Bitcoin&#8216;s (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) value, attributing it to a potential collapse <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44550875/robert-kiyosaki-thinks-saving-in-cash-is-a-bad-idea-heres-why">of the central bank system</a>.
What Happened: In a post on X on Saturday, Kiyosaki, the author of the best-selling book &#8220;Rich Dad Poor Dad,&#8221; expressed his belief that gold, silver, and Bitcoin will continue to appreciate in value. 
He attributed this to what he describes as the impending crash of the &#8220;Marxist Central Bank system.&#8221; Kiyosaki further predicted that Bitcoin&#8217;s value would climb to $250,000 within the year, urging his followers to buy more and hold onto their existing assets.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Q: Why will gold, silver, and Bitcoin continue to grow in value? A: The Marxist Central Bank system is crashing…. Many going bankrupt. Keep HODLing. I am and buying more Bitcoin. I predict Bitcoin climbs to $250 k this year. Buy more. Do not sell.
&mdash; Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1923760378237841626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
While Kiyosaki&#8217;s views are not universally shared, they reflect a growing sentiment among some investors that traditional banking systems are becoming increasingly unstable. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45186165/robert-kiyosakis-stern-warning-tariffs-wont-protect-you-tariffs-only-increase-inflation-as-jobs-are-lost-and-wages-come-down">Robert Kiyosaki&#8217;s Stern Warning: &#8216;Tariffs Won&#8217;t Protect You, Tariffs Only Increase Inflation As Jobs Are Lost And Wages Come Down&#8217;</a>
This belief has led to a surge in interest in alternative assets like cryptocurrencies, which are seen as a hedge against potential economic downturns.
Why It Matters: Kiyosaki&#8217;s prediction comes at a time when cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, are gaining mainstream acceptance as a legitimate asset class. His views underscore the increasing concern among investors about the stability of traditional banking systems, and the potential for alternative assets like Bitcoin to provide a hedge against economic uncertainty.
While Kiyosaki&#8217;s prediction of a $250,000 Bitcoin is certainly bold, it reflects a broader trend of increasing investor interest in cryptocurrencies. 
As traditional banking systems face growing scrutiny, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are likely to continue attracting attention as potential hedges against economic instability.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44886845/robert-kiyosaki-says-millions-could-be-out-of-work-heres-his-game-plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Kiyosaki Says Millions Could Be Out of Work — Here's His Game Plan</a>
Image: Shutterstock/creativeneko

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Bitcoin To Reach $250,000: 'Buy More. Do Not Sell.'

Turns out, a lot of people feel anxious on Sundays. According to a 2023 <a href="https://www.ciphr.com/infographics/causes-of-stress-at-work-2023-survey-results">survey</a> by HR software provider Ciphr, nearly half of senior managers in the UK report experiencing the &#8216;Sunday scaries&#8217; multiple times a year.&nbsp;
On the other hand, HubSpot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUBS#NYSE">HUBS</a>) CEO Yamini Rangan says she doesn't get the Sunday scaries. In fact, she skips right over them by turning Sundays into a full workday.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Different Kind of Sunday</h2>
"I'm not scared of Sundays,&#8221; Rangan said on the recent episode of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IvTK4syq-4">&#8220;Grit&#8221; podcast</a>. &#8220;I enjoy it because it's my time. I get to decide what I'm learning, what I'm doing, what I'm thinking, what I'm writing. It is completely my schedule.&#8221;
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<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>
<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>
Her version of a day off? Saturday. She completely disconnects from work after Friday night and doesn't pick it back up until Sunday morning. No emails, no messages, not even from the board. That one-day break is non-negotiable.
Then comes Sunday, which for her is anything but restful. She turns it into a dedicated workday: reading, thinking, planning, and writing. It&#8217;s her time to prepare for the week ahead with focus and intention, without interruptions. "It is completely my schedule," she said. By the time most people are still winding down their weekend, she's already scheduled a full set of Monday morning emails, often timed to hit inboxes at 5 a.m.
This rhythm, she says, keeps her balanced. It&#8217;s her way of eliminating the dread many feel about Mondays—by turning Sunday into a day of action instead of anxiety.
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">Work Stress Isn't Rare, But Her Solution Is</h2>
Rangan's approach may sound intense, but she's not alone in working this way. A recent survey by HR software firm Ciphr shows that stress and anxiety about the workweek are widespread among senior managers. Nearly half – 47% – of the 265 UK senior managers polled said they felt the Sunday scaries multiple times over the past year. About 13% felt them multiple times a month, and 5% said they felt them every week.
Only 8% of respondents said they had never experienced the Sunday scaries.
The top three causes of stress among senior leaders were high inflation and rising prices (34%), the <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">cost-of-living crisis</a> (33%) and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38397890/how-i-escaped-the-corporate-rat-race-and-saved-myself-from-burnout-using-these-10-easy-stress-buster">burnout</a> (27%).
Workload and to-do lists (24%), economic downturn (23%) and unfinished work tasks (21%) are also some of the reasons.&nbsp;
Rangan, who leads a company with more than 9,000 employees and billions in revenue, says the key to avoiding burnout is to find a rhythm that works and stick to it.
&#8220;Peak performance requires peak rest,&#8221; she said. So she made a rule: &#8220;I&#8217;ve said to people that I will not respond on Saturday.&#8221; Even when board members send emails, Rangan says she holds firm to her Saturday boundary and doesn't reply.&nbsp;
See Also: Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-ym?v=123">Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000.</a>
When Rangan took over as CEO in 2021, it wasn't under normal circumstances. HubSpot co-founder and then-CEO Brian Halligan was injured in a snowmobile accident and suddenly out of commission. Rangan, who joined as chief customer officer in 2020, stepped in.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">HubSpot CEO Brian Halligan Injured In Snowmobile Accident <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24HUBS&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$HUBS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24TWTR&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$TWTR</a> <a href="https://t.co/mWOM87yno2">https://t.co/mWOM87yno2</a>
&mdash; JasonRaznick (@JasonRaznick) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonRaznick/status/1366492771062808593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
&#8220;He said, &#8216;Remember I told you if I ever got hit by a bus, you&#8217;d have to run it? I need you to run it.'&#8221;
Rangan accepted the interim CEO role, thinking Halligan would eventually return. He didn't. Six months later, the board made her appointment permanent.
Since then, she's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45304277/hubspot-beats-estimates-raises-guidance-shares-sink-the-details">guided</a> the customer relationship management and marketing automation platform through pandemic growth, a sudden market slowdown, and the rise of AI. Each year, she says, requires reinvention.
"Every year I&#8217;ve been CEO, I&#8217;ve had to reinvent what I&#8217;m doing and my mental constructs," she said. &#8220;Every year, there&#8217;s something completely different we&#8217;re trying to drive.&#8221;
Rangan's no stranger to pressure. She grew up in a 350-square-foot home in a small Indian town. She came to the U.S. with $300 and worked her way up through engineering and sales. Even now, she says, she often feels &#8220;behind.&#8221;
&#8220;I&#8217;ve embraced that discomfort," she said. "If I&#8217;m not learning, I&#8217;m behind.&#8221;
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.</li>
<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

HUBS

'I'm Not Scared Of Sundays,' Says HubSpot CEO, Who Beats The Sunday Scaries By Simply Working Through The Weekend

Voice of America, the U.S.-funded international news broadcaster, is facing a wave of terminations as nearly 600 employees <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44881570/trump-administration-to-lay-off-nearly-90-of-cfpb-employees-in-major-downsizing-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have been let go by its parent agency</a>.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) issued notices Thursday to hundreds of contractors, citing termination &#8220;for convenience,&#8221; effective May 30, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/16/voa-layoffs-trump-administration-00353694" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> Politico.
The move affects a broad range of non-permanent personnel, including editors, journalists, and visual designers — with over 50 of them holding J-1 visas that now place them at risk of deportation, the report adds.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/05/45457691/its-incredible-the-trump-administration-is-acting-like-this-isnt-a-big-deal-says-fox-host-as-la-port-volume-drops-35-and-layoffs-loom" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;It&#8217;s Incredible The Trump Administration Is Acting Like This Isn&#8217;t A Big Deal,&#8217; Says Fox Host As LA Port Volume Drops 35% And Layoffs Loom</a>
According to internal communications, affected international staff may be forced to leave the country within 30 days, many fearing persecution if returned home.
The terminations follow a directive from USAGM under the leadership of Kari Lake, who was appointed by President Donald Trump and has since clashed with VOA staff over editorial direction and independence, POLITICO adds.
Michael Abramowitz, VOA&#8217;s Director, expressed deep concern in a note to employees, stating that no clear explanation had been given for the dismissals.
He emphasized VOA&#8217;s commitment to supporting affected staff, particularly those from hostile regimes.
The terminations come on the heels of a federal court decision reversing protections that had temporarily blocked the administration&#8217;s broader efforts to overhaul USAGM.
The Trump administration&#8217;s stance is that VOA exhibits anti-Trump bias — a sentiment echoed in recent statements and an executive order that fast-tracked restructuring efforts across several agencies.
Roughly two dozen senior-level employees from VOA&#8217;s English-language and select foreign-language departments have resumed in-person duties. Critics see this as a strategy to maintain minimum statutory presence as legal battles unfold. Plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit — including White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara — vow to continue fighting what they describe as political interference in independent journalism.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><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">Moody&#8217;s Downgrades US Credit Rating Over Debt, Deficit Concerns</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/DCStockPhotography

Equities

Markets

General

Voice of America Purge? Trump-Appointed Chief Fires 600; Reporters With J-1 Visa Face Deportation

In a Reddit <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/1kkdto1/why_in_2025_does_banking_basically_cease_over_the/">post</a> that quickly gained thousands of upvotes, one user asked a question many Americans have probably wondered but never voiced: &#8220;Why, in 2025, does banking basically cease over the weekend?&#8221;
&#8220;As the title suggests, it feels like in this day and age weekends should have no bearing on fluid movement of funds,&#8221; wrote the original poster.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">U.S. Transfers Still Stall Over the Weekend</h2>
Despite advances in technology, the U.S. banking system still relies heavily on the Automated Clearing House network, better known as ACH, a system developed in the 1970s that processes payments in batches. ACH doesn&#8217;t operate on weekends or federal holidays.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<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>
<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>
</ul>
&#8220;The real reason your bank isn't open is because no banks are open,&#8221; wrote one Redditor. &#8220;And the reason no banks are open is because the Federal Reserve&#8230; is closed on weekends.&#8221;
This pause has ripple effects. Even when you initiate a transfer on a Saturday, it often stays in &#8220;pending&#8221; status until Monday. That frustrates users like the original poster who shared: &#8220;I&#8217;ll pay my credit card electronically on Saturday and it pends the entire weekend until Monday when it &#8216;posts&#8217; and then the money doesn&#8217;t actually disappear from my bank account until TUESDAY.&#8221;
Meanwhile, people outside the U.S. are shocked this is even a problem.
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">Other Countries Have Moved On</h2>
&#8220;In the Netherlands all <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/fintech/24/07/39933195/cash-in-a-flash-10-fintech-companies-dominating-real-time-payments">transactions are processed 24/7</a>, also between banks,&#8221; one commenter noted. Others chimed in from Australia, the U.K., Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand, all describing systems where bank transfers are instant and available every day of the week.
One Australian added, &#8220;Most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42653538/real-time-payments-and-embedded-finance-bridging-gaps-in-modern-banking">transfers are now instant</a>, literally take seconds, 24/7.&#8221;
A few U.S.-based commenters mentioned FedNow, a new payment service launched by the Federal Reserve in 2023 that allows real-time payments. However, its adoption has been slow. &#8220;FedNow is a new system that is 24/7/365, but many banks just aren&#8217;t using it yet,&#8221; said one person.
Some insiders say delays aren&#8217;t about tech limitations but business interests. &#8220;The bank holds the money for a few days, earning interest doing bank stuff, and then gives my landlord $3,000 on Tuesday,&#8221; one person wrote. &#8220;Multiply that by trillions of transactions and it's worth the banks lobbying to keep the Fed shut at the weekends.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a>
Others pointed out that fraud prevention is often used as justification for these delays. But not everyone buys that argument. &#8220;You don't need human review of the vast majority of transactions and there's no need to hold up all transactions for the tiny fraction that do,&#8221; one user argued.
From a global perspective, the U.S. banking system comes off as outdated. &#8220;Cheques don&#8217;t really exist in the U.K. or Europe anymore,&#8221; said one Redditor. &#8220;The U.S. is a dinosaur in this area.&#8221;
Whether due to inertia, lobbying, or outdated infrastructure, U.S. banks remain behind many of their global peers when it comes to the basic movement of money.
As one Redditor put it: &#8220;So basically, we're closed on Saturday because that guy is closed on Saturday and he is closed on Saturday because that other guy is closed on Saturday and that other guy is closed on Saturday because it is Saturday.&#8221;
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a></li>
<li>Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.</li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

'It Feels Backward'—Someone Asked What Many Are Thinking: 'Why Does Banking Basically Cease Over The Weekend' In 2025?

Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, dismissed concerns over the U.S.&nbsp;government debt and the inflationary&nbsp;impact of tariffs on companies&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Walmart Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>). 
What Happened: Following Moody&#8217;s Ratings downgrade of the U.S. credit rating on Friday, Bessent referred to Moody&#8217;s as a &#8220;lagging indicator.&#8221; He attributed the current fiscal state to the Biden administration&#8217;s spending&nbsp;over the past four years, which the Trump administration inherited.
Regarding the potential price increase by Walmart due to higher import taxes, Bessent disclosed a conversation with Walmart CEO&nbsp;Doug McMillon. The retailer plans to absorb some of the tariffs, as it has done in previous years. Bessent emphasized that he did not exert any pressure on Walmart, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-18/bessent-calls-moody-s-lagging-indicator-of-us-fiscal-health?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">reports </a>Bloomberg. 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45483312/peter-lynchs-market-advice-you-dont-need-a-lot-in-your-lifetime-you-only-need-a-few-good-socks-in-your-li" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Lynch&#8217;s Market Advice: &#8216;You Don&#8217;t Need A Lot In Your Lifetime, You Only Need A Few Good Stocks In Your Lifetime&#8217; (CORRECTED)</a>
Bessent also discussed the Federal Reserve&#8217;s &#8220;wait-and-see mode&#8221; concerning the potential inflationary effect of tariffs. He mentioned a mechanism for continuing talks with China following a recent tariff truce. However, he warned that other countries might face unilateral tariff rates if they fail to negotiate in good faith.
On the topic of Russia sanctions, Bessent refrained from making predictions but reiterated President Trump&#8217;s readiness to increase sanctions if Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin does not negotiate in&nbsp;good faith.
Addressing criticism over a potential&nbsp;acceptance of a 747 jet&nbsp;from Qatar, Bessent called it a distraction from a successful Mideast trip. He concluded by downplaying the significance of Moody&#8217;s downgrade, stating that Middle Eastern countries investing in the U.S. are not concerned about it.
Why It Matters: The U.S. Treasury Secretary&#8217;s dismissal of Moody&#8217;s downgrade and his comments on tariffs&#8217; impact on companies like Walmart are significant. 
They reflect the government&#8217;s stance on fiscal health and international trade negotiations. Bessent&#8217;s comments also shed light on the administration&#8217;s approach to managing potential inflationary effects of tariffs and its readiness to increase sanctions if necessary. 
His remarks on the Moody&#8217;s downgrade indicate a confidence in the U.S. economy that may influence investor sentiment.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45484675/trumps-tariff-challenge-amid-rising-price-concerns-president-tells-walmart-to-eat-the-tariffs">Trump&#8217;s Tariff Challenge: Amid Rising Price Concerns, President Tells Walmart to &#8216;Eat the Tariffs&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Maxim Elramsisy

Treasury Secretary Bessent Addresses Moody's Downgrade and Tariff Impact n Walmart

In the rapidly evolving world of digital currencies and blockchain innovation, few projects have managed to bridge mass appeal and Web3 utility quite like Notcoin. Launched as a simple Telegram-based clicker game, Notcoin quickly exploded into a viral movement, attracting more than 35 million users and turning casual players into blockchain participants — all with a tap.
At the heart of this phenomenon is Sergey, CTO and co-founder of Notcoin. With more than 15 years of experience in tech, Sergey plays a pivotal role in driving the platform's technical vision and strategic growth. From refining staking mechanics to crafting meaningful user journeys, he's focused on turning short-term hype into lasting adoption.
Benzinga's Bibhu Pattnaik sat down with Sergey to learn more about the mechanics behind Notcoin's success, its community-first approach, and what's next for the viral Web3 experiment.
As the co-founder of Notcoin, how did your 15 years in tech shape your approach to building Notcoin's infrastructure and user experience?
Over 15 years of building tech solutions, I've developed a broad skill set, and have learned how to swiftly navigate user interfaces, infrastructure, and business challenges. Our founding team at Open Builders, the team behind Notcoin, thrived on launching new projects rapidly, often in a hackathon-style sprint. This agility was key to surviving the demands caused by Notcoin's explosive growth, which saw us achieve 4M users in one week.
We have a very specific product design philosophy, which we hold very fast to when thinking about the form our projects take. We were tired of rigid enterprise solutions and wanted to create something simple yet meaningful, while keeping it fun.
Finally, even 15 years of experience across startups and enterprise companies can't prepare you for everything—especially a viral phenomenon like Notcoin. You have to learn quickly on the job and iterate new ideas rapidly. My experience gave me a strong foundation from which to grow, but I'm still learning more every day – it's the best part of working in crypto!
What inspired the creation of Notcoin, and how did you define its strategic vision from the outset?
We wanted to introduce people to web3 in a gentle, non-pushy way. A clicker game seemed perfect—fun, straightforward, and instantly rewarding. But we didn't stop there. We added onboarding tasks, friend systems to drive engagement, addictive game mechanics, and skins to personalize the experience. Above all, we infused it with the philosophy that underpins all Open Builders projects. The "Probably Nothing" concept was designed to defy the overwhelming expectations that often deter people from exploring crypto. We declared it "Nothing"—our white paper is blank, encouraging users to have fun with the clicker and the concept, free from pressure or speculation.
Since Notcoin launched a year and a half ago, this idea has evolved into something bigger. It continues to take inspiration with Buddhist principles and authentic crypto values, but we've grown it through new gigs, clothing, collaborations, and apps. We weave our core ideas into everything we create at Open Builders. The Notcoin project's clear expression of our values resonated more and more strongly with our community as it grew, and this resonance vindicated our philosophy, and demonstrated just how important it is to speak authentically to your core users.&nbsp;
You emphasize fun in product development — how do you balance that with deep technical challenges?
Fun is just the tip of the iceberg – beneath the surface, there is a serious tech machine. When we started, we thought our systems were solid, but they ultimately weren't enough to cater to the demand for Notcoin. Ever since, we've been continuously refining our codebase and infrastructure. Comparing our technical expertise now to a year ago, the difference is striking—more sophisticated technology, a larger engineering team, and a transformed tech stack.
While user enjoyment is our core mission, we never compromise when it comes to protecting their assets and building resilient systems.
Can you walk us through some of the core event mechanics or staking designs you&#8217;re experimenting with to encourage real adoption?
We're currently designing our staking model and want to ensure the highest APR for our most dedicated holders. But that's not the main focus. We also plan to add real-world utility for those who lock up their Notcoin long-term. Imagine freezing your $NOT for a year and unlocking real-world perks: regular BTC rewards, discounted flights, a free coffee, or even surprise gifts like Amazon gift cards. We're still exploring ideas, but we want to reward long-term belief in ways that blend crypto and everyday life.
How are you leveraging data to differentiate between short-term traders and long-term holders in Notcoin's user base?
We track on-chain behavior and segment users into three groups. Holders are users who hold 80% of their portfolio for 12 months or more, cruisers are users who hold $NOT between one and 11 months, and traders are those who hold for under a month.
We're currently designing a dedicated dashboard where loyal holders can earn benefits across the Notcoin ecosystem. These include invites to our gigs (like the exclusive Not rave that we held during TOKEN2049 in Dubai), merch, higher APR for staking, and access to close groups.
What role does community-driven growth play in your roadmap, and how do you integrate community feedback into technical decisions?
Community is everything to us. While it might not always be visible, we're constantly listening, whether it's via our feedback hub (@not_support_chat) or through contributors gathering insights from alpha groups, Telegram channels, and various Twitter threads.
While our decisions align with our broader strategic vision, the community's voice is a key driver. To give you an idea, at least a third of our core team consists of community members who were so skilled and active that we had to bring them on board.
How do you define success for Notcoin beyond the hype of exchange listings and short-term trading?
I don't think I'm the right person to judge the success of what we build – it's up to our community to define what success for Notcoin would be. Having said that, I'm thrilled to see how much people love it and the dedicated community of millions that we've managed to grow.
What have been the most surprising insights you&#8217;ve uncovered about user behavior while scaling Notcoin? What surprised me most is how users have embraced the idea and philosophy of Notcoin—just check out this website from the recent research contest:<a href="https://notcoin.my/"> </a>https://notcoin.my/. How cool is that? Here you can find more highlights from community contests, where our users' creativity is on full display.

Interview

At Notcoin We Want To Reward Long-Term Belief In Ways That Blend Crypto And Everyday Life, Says Sergey

Bill Gates and Elon Musk, two of the world&#8217;s richest individuals, have publicly disagreed over their differing views on philanthropy and efficiency.
What Happened: Gates intends to boost his foundation&#8217;s charitable contributions&nbsp;to public health and education&nbsp;in the coming two decades. Conversely, Musk has leveraged&nbsp;the White House DOGE office&nbsp;to drastically curtail US foreign aid expenditure and disband&nbsp;the US Agency for International&nbsp;Development, which he has termed a &#8220;criminal organization.&#8221;
Gates&#8217; strategy entails a long-term plan, whereas Musk&#8217;s method aligns with the tech industry&#8217;s fast-paced, disruptive ethos. Gates recently revealed plans to dissolve the Gates Foundation within the next 20 years,&nbsp;but contrary to reducing expenditure, he plans to augment it. 
As per the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-bill-gates-leadership-lesson-international-aid-doge-2025-5">by </a>Insider, the foundation is set&nbsp;to distribute $9 billion in&nbsp;2026 and aims to&nbsp;double the $100 billion it&nbsp;has donated since its inception in 2000, with a target of donating an additional&nbsp;$200 billion to public health&nbsp;and education causes by December&nbsp;31, 2045.
In contrast, DOGE, under Musk&#8217;s stewardship, has drastically reduced funding to USAID, leading to significant disruptions and a reduction of&nbsp;more than 80% of USAID&#8217;s&nbsp;contractual commitments. This has left organizations globally that depended on US funding scrambling to fulfill their missions.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43581817/bill-gates-says-this-simple-trait-is-the-secret-to-his-success">Bill Gates Says This Simple Trait Is the Secret to His Success</a>
The divergent approaches of Gates and Musk to &#8220;efficiency&#8221; are clear. Musk&#8217;s strategy with DOGE embodies the lean, do-more-with-less ethos of tech startups, while the Gates Foundation aims to deliver humanitarian aid using a data-driven approach and expertise from organizations working directly with those in need.
The disagreement between the two billionaires extends to their views on philanthropy. Gates has criticized Musk for his role in slashing the USAID budget, while Musk has previously dismissed most philanthropy as &#8220;bullshit.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This public disagreement between two influential figures highlights the ongoing debate about the role of philanthropy and efficiency in addressing global challenges. 
Their contrasting approaches reflect broader discussions within the tech industry and philanthropic sector about the best ways to allocate resources and achieve impact. 
This debate will likely continue to shape the future of philanthropy and international aid.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43423004/bill-gates-early-departure-from-harvard-not-surprising-says-former-professor-i-just-wish-id-invested-in-him" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Gates' Early Departure From Harvard: Not Surprising, Says Former Professor: ‘I Just Wish I'd Invested In Him'</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Alexandros Michailidis

More Than a Feud: Elon Musk-Bill Gates Spat Sheds Light on Competing Views of Efficiency

Last week, gold and silver prices dropped after the U.S. and China agreed to temporarily reduce most tariffs on each other&#8217;s goods. This could be driving a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45429569" rel="noreferrer noopener">rotation out of safe-haven assets</a>.
Most gold mining stocks were among the top ten large-cap worst performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) shares dipped 23.31%  in reaction to a media report on a possible investigation <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45443695" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for criminal Medicare fraud</a>.</li>
<li>Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FI#NYSE">FI</a>) shares were down 9.46%.</li>
<li>Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGI#NYSE">AGI</a>) shares declined 9.43%.</li>
<li>Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEM#NYSE">AEM</a>) stock fell 9.27%.</li>
<li>AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AU#NYSE">AU</a>) stock dived 9.06%.</li>
<li>Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KGC#NYSE">KGC</a>) stock fell 8.96%.</li>
<li>Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPM#NYSE">WPM</a>) shares decreased 8.48%</li>
<li>Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFI#NYSE">GFI</a>) shares were down 8.47%.</li>
<li>Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/B#NYSE">B</a>) stock decreased 8.38%.</li>
<li>Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGLD#NASDAQ">RGLD</a>) stock dived 7.20%.</li>
</ol>
Image Via Shutterstock

Large Cap

Commodities

Movers

RGLD

Gold Mining Stocks Were Among Top 10 Large-Cap Losers Last Week (May 12-May 16): Are These In Your Portfolio?

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45184119/google-microsoft-meta-and-mclaren-back-mombaks-30m-amazon-reforestation-push-targeting-600m-in-carbon-credit-deals-by-2025">Google</a> is launching a major AI initiative that could shape the next generation of artificial intelligence startups. The AI Futures Fund promises direct investment, access to Google's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45314987/google-deploys-on-device-gemini-ai-to-fight-online-scams-blocks-millions-of-fraud-pages-in-real-time">Gemini</a> AI models, and deep technical mentorship for founders pushing the edge of innovation.
In a<a href="https://blog.google/technology/google-labs/ai-futures-fund/"> blog post</a> published Monday, Google outlined its intent to work closely with ambitious early-stage companies. The fund will offer hands-on support from Google's research and engineering teams, alongside go-to-market specialists and cloud credits to scale AI development.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<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>
<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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gemini-Powered Startups Get The Google Advantage</h2>
The AI Futures Fund will focus on helping founders build transformative products powered by Gemini, Google&#8217;s flagship AI model suite. According to AI Futures Fund&#8217;s<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmv3YKZtCr_HyQdtMWfUCjUUmxPuPTL9lV29Gs4k8d3P1iwg/viewform"> application page</a>, startups will be granted early access to the models and receive technical guidance directly from Google's in-house experts.
In addition to access and expertise, Google is sweetening the deal with cloud credits. These can be used to build, deploy, and scale high-performance AI systems on Google Cloud, according to the startup&#8217;s<a href="https://labs.google/aifuturesfund"> website</a>. With many generative AI models requiring expensive infrastructure to train and operate, these credits give early-stage companies a head start.
According to<a href="https://siliconangle.com/2025/05/12/googles-new-ai-futures-fund-turns-tap-startup-founders/"> SiliconANGLE</a>, Google aims to deepen its exposure to emerging AI startups and technologies through the AI Futures Fund, giving the company early insight into innovation while strengthening its position in a competitive field already shaped by rivals like Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), and OpenAI.
The fund will complement Google's previous $3 billion in combined investments in generative AI company Anthropic, where it holds a significant ownership stake and cloud partnership, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/12/google-launches-ai-startup-fund-offering-access-to-new-models.html">CNBC</a> reports. This tie-in positions Google to shape the trajectory of multiple leading-edge players simultaneously.
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">Google Doubles Down On Global AI Ecosystem Building</h2>
The AI Futures Fund is only the latest in a series of moves by Google to position itself as a key player in AI ecosystem growth. The company<a href="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/google-org/google-generative-ai-accelerator-nonprofits/"> announced</a> in March 2024 a $20 million nonprofit accelerator through Google.org focused on generative AI, followed by an<a href="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/public-policy/google-united-nations-general-assembly-2024/"> introduction</a> in September of a $120 million Global AI Opportunity fund.
The giant also <a href="https://startup.google.com/programs/founders-funds/">launched</a> the Google for Startups Founders Funds in 2020. According to the company's website, the program has provided over $58 million in equity-free cash awards and support to more than 600 founders from diverse backgrounds since its inception.
The program expanded its focus to include AI startups in the U.S., with plans to extend support to international founders shortly, according to a<a href="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/entrepreneurs/2024-google-for-startups-founders-funds/"> blog post</a>. This expansion aims to empower diverse entrepreneurs leveraging AI technology to solve real-world problems and drive innovation.
This broader commitment to inclusion in AI development has been echoed at the highest levels of the company. During his keynote at the United Nations' Summit of the Future in September, Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized Google's mission to ensure broad, equitable access to AI. "Just as the internet and mobile devices expanded opportunities for people around the world, now AI is poised to accelerate progress at unprecedented scale," Pichai said, according to a blog post from Google.&nbsp;
See Also: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Building The Next Generation Of AI Giants</h2>
At its core, the AI Futures Fund aims to surface the most daring AI ideas and accelerate their journey from concept to product. According to the application page, Google wants to "enable groundbreaking 0-to-1 products and features" by working closely with founders across all stages of growth.
Applications for the fund are now open, and the founders selected will enter Google's ecosystem with a toolkit that includes capital, exclusive model access, technical guidance, and go-to-market alignment, as detailed on the company&#8217;s website.
As investors search for the next wave of AI breakthroughs, and startups look for the resources to stay ahead, the AI Futures Fund could prove to be one of the most strategically important moves in Google's recent history.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a></li>
<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

AMZN

MSFT

Google's AI Futures Fund Gives Startups VIP Access To DeepMind Models, Backing From Sundar Pichai, And Cloud Credits Worth Millions

Ivanka Trump made an unexpected visit to the Philadelphia Eagles locker room on Friday. The visit seemed to be aimed at meeting cornerback Eli Ricks, who had previously complimented her.
What Happened: Ivanka Trump was seen in&nbsp;the Philadelphia Eagles&#8217; locker room, apparently in search of&nbsp;Eli Ricks, the player who&nbsp;had referred to her as&nbsp;&#8220;beautiful&#8221; during the team&#8217;s White&nbsp;House visit in April.
Ricks had initially posted on X,&nbsp;&#8220;Donald trump daughter is beautiful,&#8221;&nbsp;on April 29, to which Ivanka responded with a post stating, &#8220;Missed you today,&#8221; along with&nbsp;a photo of a note&nbsp;to Ricks that read,&nbsp;&#8220;stopped by to say hi!&nbsp;Sorry to miss you! Go&nbsp;Birds!&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Missed you today <a href="https://twitter.com/eliasricks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eliasricks</a> ! &#x1f609;&#x1f602; <a href="https://t.co/FCwieXiP8k">https://t.co/FCwieXiP8k</a> <a href="https://t.co/4fTVEbm6NC">pic.twitter.com/4fTVEbm6NC</a>
&mdash; Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1923484687944569138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
During her visit, Ivanka also posted videos and photos of her son Theo playing catch on the Eagles&#8217; practice field. Ricks, who&nbsp;joined the Eagles in 2023&nbsp;as an undrafted free agent, has participated in 23 games for the team since his joining.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37193915/judge-calls-out-ivanka-trump-in-new-york-civil-fraud-case-says-her-memory-recall-was-suspect" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Judge Calls Out Ivanka Trump In New York Civil Fraud Case, Says Her Memory Recall Was &#8216;Suspect&#8217;</a>
This visit by Ivanka Trump to the Eagles&#8217; locker room is a unique event, as it is not common for high-profile figures to make such personal visits to sports teams. The interaction between Ivanka and Ricks has been a topic of interest since their exchange on social media. 
The visit also highlights the personal interest of Ivanka in the team, as evidenced by her son&#8217;s participation in a catch game on the practice field. 
This event could potentially influence the public perception of the Eagles and their players, and it will be interesting to see if there are any further developments in this story.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37301314/ivanka-trump-is-now-on-tiktok-even-though-her-father-tried-to-ban-it-in-the-us">Ivanka Trump Is Now On TikTok — Even Though Her Father Tried To Ban It In The US</a>

Entertainment

Sports

Ivanka Trump Drops by Eagles Locker Room, Responds to Player Who Called Her 'Beautiful': 'Stopped By To Say Hi! Sorry To Miss You! Go Birds!'

Klarna is backpedaling after cutting hundreds of human jobs and replacing them with artificial intelligence. The Swedish buy-now-pay-later company now says real people are essential to customer service and plans to bring them back—but in a gig-style setup.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From All-In on AI to Human Reboot</h2>
Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski, once eager to make the company OpenAI&#8217;s &#8220;favorite guinea pig,&#8221; is now rethinking that approach. &#8220;From a brand perspective, a company perspective, I just think it's so critical that you are clear to your customer that there will be always a human if you want,&#8221; he told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-08/klarna-turns-from-ai-to-real-person-customer-service">Bloomberg</a>.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<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>
<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>
The company previously laid off workers and paused hiring, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43679965/klarnas-ceo-says-ai-can-already-do-all-the-jobs-that-we-as-humans-do-and-hes-proving-it-by-shrinking-his-workforce-by-22">touting its AI chatbot</a> as capable of doing the work of 700 support agents. That strategy helped save $10 million on marketing and contributed to Klarna&#8217;s push for efficiency after its valuation plunged from $45.6 billion to $6.7 billion in 2022. But now, Klarna is shifting again.
The new plan is apparently to hire remote <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44144291/the-worlds-largest-call-center-company-will-use-ai-to-scrub-indian-accents-to-create-more-intimacy-increase-customer-satisfaction">customer service agents</a> who can log in and out as needed, similar to Uber drivers. The company is targeting students, rural populations, and even existing users to fill these roles. &#8220;There are tons of Klarna users that are very passionate about our company and would enjoy working for us,&#8221; Siemiatkowski told Bloomberg.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reality Check for AI</h2>
This change comes after increasing signs that AI can't fully handle human-facing tasks. Siemiatkowski admitted to Bloomberg that Klarna went too far. &#8220;As cost unfortunately seems to have been a too predominant evaluation factor when organizing this, what you end up having is lower quality,&#8221; he said.
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>
Investor Chamath Palihapitiya <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45371290/chamath-palihapitiya-questions-ai-funding-after-swedish-bnpl-firm-klarna-rolls-back-ai-bets-startups-could-pivot-to-simply-use-ai-for-narrow-use-cases">called Klarna's move a warning</a> for the tech sector. He <a href="https://x.com/chamath/status/1922096736308490416">wrote on X</a> that the company&#8217;s shift could force many startups to pivot to simply &#8220;use AI for narrow use cases&#8221; and warned that replacing humans with &#8220;probabilistic code&#8221; is &#8220;fraught with edge cases.&#8221;
Klarna&#8217;s approach now blends AI with human support, rather than relying entirely on automation. As spokesperson Clare Nordstrom told <a href="https://www.customerexperiencedive.com/news/klarna-reinvests-human-talent-customer-service-AI-chatbot/747586/">CX Dive</a>: &#8220;AI gives us speed. Talent gives us empathy. Together, we can deliver service that&#8217;s fast when it should be, and empathetic and personal when it needs to be.&#8221;
Klarna says it&#8217;s committed to this hybrid model going forward, but the workforce will still shrink over time due to natural attrition. The company expects to drop from 3,000 employees to around 2,500 within a year as tech continues to evolve.
For Klarna, it's less about reversing course entirely and more about acknowledging that humans still matter, just on different terms.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-ym?v=123">Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

After Firing 700 Humans For AI, Klarna Now Wants Them Back—'Tons Of Klarna Users Would Enjoy Working For Us,' Says CEO

Renowned hedge fund manager Michael Burry has made a substantial alteration to his portfolio, maintaining only one bullish position.
What Happened: The recent SEC filings indicate that Burry&#8217;s Scion Asset Management has adopted a predominantly bearish outlook. The firm has established a significant&nbsp;position in put options against&nbsp;Nvidia&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), suggesting a pessimistic view on the chipmaker&#8217;s stock.
The <a href="https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1649339">filings </a>also reveal that Scion has switched its previously bullish stance on Chinese equities, purchasing&nbsp;bearish put options on major&nbsp;Chinese firms, including Alibaba&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>)&nbsp;and Baidu&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>).
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45483312/peter-lynchs-market-advice-you-dont-need-a-lot-in-your-lifetime-you-only-need-a-few-good-socks-in-your-li" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Lynch&#8217;s Market Advice: &#8216;You Don&#8217;t Need A Lot In Your Lifetime, You Only Need A Few Good Stocks In Your Lifetime&#8217; (CORRECTED)</a>
Notably, Scion&#8217;s sole&nbsp;remaining long position is in&nbsp;Estee Lauder&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EL#NYSE">EL</a>), a cosmetics giant based in New York. This single bullish position underscores Burry&#8217;s prudent market strategy, as the cosmetics sector is frequently deemed recession-proof.
This is the second time&nbsp;in recent years that Burry&nbsp;has made significant changes to Scion&#8217;s portfolio. In 2023, he significantly cut the firm&#8217;s&nbsp;holdings, only to later admit&nbsp;his error and make new, focused investments.
Why It Matters: Michael Burry&#8217;s portfolio adjustments are closely watched by investors due to his reputation for predicting the 2007 housing market crash. His latest move to a largely bearish stance, particularly against Nvidia and major Chinese companies, could signal his anticipation of a downturn in these sectors. 
Furthermore, his sole bullish position in Estee Lauder suggests that he views the cosmetics industry as a safe haven amidst potential market volatility. 
This shift in strategy may influence other investors to reassess their own portfolios and market outlooks.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/25/01/42933234/michael-burrys-hedge-fund-could-soar-if-china-cuts-interest-rates-in-2025">Michael Burry&#8217;s Hedge Fund Could Soar if China Cuts Interest Rates in 2025</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Sorbis

BABA

BIDU

Michael Burry Makes Major Portfolio Shift, Holding Only One Asset He Deems 'Recession-Proof'

These mid-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FL#NYSE">FL</a>) shares rocketed 98.58% after Dick's Sporting Goods Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DKS#NYSE">DKS</a>) agreed to acquire the company at equity value of around $2.4 billion. Also, the company issued <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45435748" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preliminary first-quarter results</a>. Several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/fl/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised the price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Archer Aviation Inc.'s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACHR#NYSE">ACHR</a>) stock jumped 50.96% after the company reported better-than-expected EPS results and announced an exclusive partnership that will make it the official air taxi provider of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45443360" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games</a>.  </li>
<li>DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DBRG#NYSE">DBRG</a>) shares increased 38.63%. Traders circulate an unconfirmed takeover rumor that 26North is in talks to acquire the company.</li>
<li>NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMR#NYSE">SMR</a>) stock escalated 38.51%  following the release <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45383335" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">of its first-quarter earnings</a>.</li>
<li>Diginex Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DGNX#NASDAQ">DGNX</a>) stock jumped 38.37%.</li>
<li>ImmunityBio, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBRX#NASDAQ">IBRX</a>) shares rose 37.20% after the company reported<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45343007" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> better-than-expected results</a>.</li>
<li>Oklo Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKLO#NYSE">OKLO</a>) stock increased 34.28% after the company reported a year-over-year <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45472603" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase in first-quarter results</a>.</li>
<li>Intuitive Machines, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUNR#NASDAQ">LUNR</a>) shares grew 33.77% after the company issued FY25 sales guidance with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45400804" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its midpoint above estimates</a>.</li>
</ol>
Photo via Shutterstock

Mid Cap

ACHR

DBRG

DGNX

IBRX

LUNR

OKLO

Foot Locker And Archer Aviation Are Among Top 8 Mid-Cap Gainers Last Week (May 12-May 16): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Financial guru Ramit Sethi hasn't been afraid to talk about politics. He's been very critical of Trump's tariffs, and that has caused some people to tell him to <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ramit.sethi/video/7489842192853519662?lang=en">knock it off</a>. It seems like when any celebrity or influencer talks about politics, people who don't like the person's opinions want the political talk to tone down.
It makes sense for some industries more than others to discuss politics, and finance is one of them. You don't have to bring politics into every conversation, but it makes sense to discuss politics when talking about finance. Sethi concisely explains why.
"Money is political," he said in a recent TikTok.&nbsp;
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<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>
<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>
</ul>
Sethi explains money's role in politics and why it's important to bring politics to the forefront of financial conversations.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Healthcare, Housing, and College Are Expensive Because Of Politics</h2>
Sethi starts by explaining how politics influence the prices of critical investments and services. Some people need healthcare services to live, but higher costs can price them out. Medical bills are one of the big reasons why people file for bankruptcy, so political issues around healthcare affect personal finances.
Sethi makes the same claims about housing and college tuition. Politicians can shorten the maximum mortgage term length or prevent big investment firms from gobbling up single-family homes, but they aren't. Trump didn't do that during his first term, and neither did Biden.&nbsp;
"That's a political choice that America made to keep your housing expensive," Sethi states.
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 same logic applies to colleges. College tuition soared when student loans were introduced. Tighter guardrails around student loans can make college more affordable for everyone. Talking about these issues invites debate and allows people to discuss constructive solutions that can improve people's finances.
Money and politics are intertwined.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Politics Impact The Stock Market</h2>
Sethi also explained how politics affects the stock market. This is a big deal for finance since people put their money into the stock market for retirement. Tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and fiscal policies are some of the forces that affect stock prices.
People want to know how to navigate the stock market and what to monitor. They look at earnings reports and industrial trends to gauge which stocks are worth buying. Politics also affect the stock market, and investors want to stay informed.&nbsp;
Later in the video, he claims that Trump inherited a great economy from Biden, which recovered better than any developed country. Sethi asserts that Trump messed up the economy and gaslighted his supporters into believing that the economy was horrible under Biden.
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">Sethi Goes Off On Trump's Tariffs</h2>
Sethi then went off on Trump's tariffs, calling them a tax on the poor and middle class. Tariffs make most products more expensive since many products are made overseas. Companies that exclusively do all of their manufacturing in America can do well with tariffs, but these companies may also rely on overseas materials to create their products.
Furthermore, it's possible that American companies that are unaffected by tariffs raise prices on their products and services because they can. Sethi then stated that he believes in a theory that Trump is using tariffs so that companies can pay him to make exceptions.
"[He's] basically setting up a structure for him to receive bribes," Sethi suggested in the video.
Tariffs are political policies that have significant ramifications on people's finances. That's why it makes sense for financial influencers to discuss politics. It's hard to talk about personal finance without bringing up big political issues that affect people's wallets.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.</li>
<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

Personal Finance

Ramit Sethi Explains Why He Won't Stop Talking About Politics: 'Money Is Political'

President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) following the company&#8217;s warnings about potential price hikes due to tariffs.
What Happened: On Saturday, Trump used his Truth Social platform to voice his criticism of Walmart&#8217;s tariff-related price increase warnings. The President urged both Walmart and China to &#8220;EAT THE TARIFFS,&#8221; and avoid passing the costs onto consumers.
&#8220;Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain. Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, "EAT THE TARIFFS," and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I'll be watching, and so will your customers!!!&#8221; Trump wrote in the <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114523638623110397">post</a>. 
Last week John David Rainey, Walmart&#8217;s CFO, had commented <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/17/trump-tells-walmart-to-eat-the-tariffs.html">in</a> a CNBC interview about the unprecedented speed and magnitude of the price increases due to tariffs, creating a challenging environment for the retail giant.
While acknowledging the progress made by the Trump administration on tariffs, Rainey stated that they were still too high. Despite a 90-day reprieve that reduced&nbsp;duties on Chinese imports to&nbsp;30%, Walmart, which imports goods from several countries including China, is feeling the financial strain.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45185792/young-americans-express-discontent-over-trumps-china-tariffs">Young Americans Express Discontent Over Trump&#8217;s China Tariffs</a>
"We have not seen price increases at this magnitude, in the speed in which they're coming at us before, and so it makes for a challenging environment," Rainey mentioned. 
Walmart is committed to maintaining competitive prices and plans to&nbsp;absorb some of the tariff-related&nbsp;costs. Rainey also anticipates that suppliers will bear some of the higher costs.
In response to Trump&#8217;s post, Walmart reaffirmed its commitment to keeping&nbsp;prices as low as possible, despite&nbsp;the reality of small retail&nbsp;margins.
Walmart joins a growing list of companies, including Microsoft and Mattel, warning of price increases due to tariffs. Some of these companies have already implemented price hikes on certain products.
Why It Matters: The escalating trade tensions and the resultant tariffs are putting pressure on retailers like Walmart, forcing them to navigate between maintaining competitive prices and managing increased costs. 
The public exchange between Trump and Walmart highlights the ongoing challenges faced by global retailers amidst fluctuating trade policies. 
The situation warrants close monitoring as it could potentially impact consumer spending and the broader retail industry.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45184120/warren-buffett-warns-tariffs-could-backfire-on-economy-says-trade-should-not-be-a-weapon-its-a-big-mistake-i-dont-think-its-wise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett Warns Tariffs Could Backfire on Economy, Says, ‘Trade Should Not Be A Weapon. It's A Big Mistake, I Don't Think It's Wise'</a>
Image: Shutterstock/ZikG

Trump's Tariff Challenge: Amid Rising Price Concerns, President Tells Walmart to 'Eat the Tariffs'

A recent call to the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcwYsdkbvrc">The Ramsey Show</a>" revealed a couple trying to make all the right financial moves: no debt, a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/06/39417929/is-suze-orman-right-use-a-roth-ira-as-a-backup-emergency-fund-can-you-really-have-your-cake-and-">six-month emergency fund</a>, and a combined post-deduction income of $145,000. Their plan? Live on one income and invest the other.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ramsey Steers Away</h2>
"Of that $145,000 that is take-home, $85,000 is mine and $60,000 is hers," the caller said. "So invest 60% of our take-home income. Is that overkill?"
The couple, both recent college grads, are renting and have big plans. The wife eventually wants to stay home with future kids. Until then, they want to go <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/high-return-investments">all in on investing</a> to build wealth quickly.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<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>
<li>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>. </li>
</ul>
But Dave Ramsey wasn't on board.
Instead of celebrating the couple&#8217;s intensity, Ramsey redirected the conversation to real estate. "Very, very few people that we have studied or that we know of and have tracked with that became wealthy used that plan," he said of long-term renting while investing aggressively.
Ramsey emphasized that rent will keep going up. "When the largest line item is rent and it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44818878/why-is-the-system-rigged-why-even-try-one-renter-asks-as-wages-stay-flat-and-rents-soar-while-landlo">goes up every single year</a>, your largest item is out of your control," he said. "When you fix it by buying and then you pay that house off … you have a net worth of a million and a half."
He urged the caller to save for a down payment instead of investing so much. "I would save a maximum of 15% of my household income into retirement," Ramsey said. "I would <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-use-hsa-for-retirement">stop the HSA</a> … and then I&#8217;d see how fast I can build up a fat, juicy down payment."
Trending: 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>
Ramsey also chimed in with a cultural observation. "Guys can live under a bridge, 100%," he joked. His co-host, Ken Coleman, added, "When she becomes a stay-at-home mama, I promise you this … she&#8217;s gonna want a house."
Even Ramsey admitted he might be out of touch. "I forget ‘cause I&#8217;ve gotten old and I&#8217;ve been doing this so long," he said.
Buying a home can offer <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-long-to-build-wealth-in-real-estate">long-term financial benefits</a> that renting typically doesn't. While renting may seem more flexible in the short run, homeownership locks in housing costs and allows for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-calculate-home-equity">equity growth</a>, which can result in significantly greater wealth over time.
In the end, Ramsey praised the caller's mindset but offered a course correction: focus less on extreme investing and more on stability. "You&#8217;re actually paying attention, you&#8217;re planning, you&#8217;re thinking," he said. "You&#8217;re going to win."
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-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></li>
<li>Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-ym?v=123">Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000.</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Comments

Gr. Sarantis

Gr. Sarantis (SRTSF) Opzioni

No option chain data available. Please try again later

Notizie

PARTNER/COLLABORATORE

BENZINGA NEL MONDO