Markets cheered Monday after Iran signaled it wants to de-escalate tensions with Israel and return to negotiations, easing geopolitical jitters that had rattled investors and sent oil prices <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/06/45940903/a-thin-strip-of-water-keeps-the-world-economy-on-edge-will-it-trigger-a-100-oil-shock">surging last week.</a>



A report from the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/a-battered-iran-signals-it-wants-to-de-escalate-hostilities-with-israel-and-negotiate-9feab4ae">Wall Street Journal</a> revealed that Iran, facing mounting economic and military pressure, has quietly told Arab intermediaries it's open to resuming talks over its nuclear program—on the condition that the United States refrains from entering the conflict.



Reports also emerged that Iran requested Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman to urge President Donald Trump to pressure Israel into agreeing to an immediate ceasefire.



The overture follows days of intense Israeli airstrikes and threats from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who remains committed to dismantling Iran&#8217;s nuclear capabilities and missile infrastructure.



Despite Netanyahu's firm stance, Tehran&#8217;s signals appear to have reignited risk sentiment, easing fears escalation of Middle East conflict and leading to a risk-on rally across global equities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stocks Rally, VIX Falls</h3>



The S&amp;P 500 jumped 1.12% to 6,043 by 10:20 a.m. ET, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.14%, or 480 points, to 42,678. 



The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 – as tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) – rose 1.49% to 21,954, bringing it within just one percentage point of its all-time high.



The CBOE Volatility Index, or VIX, tumbled 10.3% to 18.8. 



Gold prices dipped 1.2% to just under $3,400 an ounce, with investors rotating out of safe-haven assets and into equities.



Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) soared 2.7% to above $107,000, signaling improving sentiment towards crypto. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nasdaq 100 Sprints Toward Record High—Only 1% To Go</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="528" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16103612/image-246-1024x528.png" alt="" class="wp-image-950933" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16103612/image-246-1024x528.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16103612/image-246-300x155.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16103612/image-246-768x396.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16103612/image-246-1536x792.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16103612/image-246-2048x1056.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tech And Consumer Stocks Lead Gains, Energy And Defense Companies Fall</h3>



Sector-wise, tech-heavy and consumer-related sectors outperformed. 



The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) gained 1.5% to hit a record $243 per share, while the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLF#NYSE">XLF</a>) and Communications Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLC#NYSE">XLC</a>) rose 1.4% and 1.5%, respectively.



In contrast, energy and defense stocks lagged amid declining geopolitical risk. The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) tumbled 0.9%, the only S&amp;P 500 sector in the red. 



U.S. crude oil futures slid 3.4% to $70.40 per barrel, nearly erasing last Friday's 7.3% gain.



Oil explorers APA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>), Diamondback Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FANG#NASDAQ">FANG</a>), and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>) each lost over 2%, tracking crude oil&#8217;s sharp decline.



Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), a major defense contractor, fell 2.08% to $476.35.



Read now:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/06/45948662/iran-israel-tensions-fuel-oil-rally-investors-are-piling-into-energy-etfs">Iran-Israel Tensions Fuel Oil Rally, Investors Are Piling Into Energy ETFs</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

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Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Commodities

Global

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ETFs

$BTC

FANG

Wall Street Roars Back As Iran Signals De-Escalation: Nasdaq 100 Nears All-Time High

The reputation of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) as a trailblazer in electric vehicles has long rested on bold innovation and disruptive design. But the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42495127/tesla-hikes-model-s-price-by-whopping-5000-in-us">latest updates to its flagship Model S and Model X</a> cars by Elon Musk&#8216;s EV maker, announced on Friday, have landed with a thud—even among the brand's fans and industry watchers, who are voicing disappointment over what many see as minor tweaks paired with a major price hike.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Minor Changes, Major Price Hike</h3>



The 2025 Model S and Model X refreshes come with a $5,000 price increase across all configurations, pushing the Model S Plaid over the $100,000 mark and the Model X Plaid to $106,630.



For that, buyers get a handful of updates: a new Frost Blue paint color (which itself is a $2,500 option), updated wheel designs for improved aerodynamics, a front bumper camera for better visibility, dynamic ambient lighting, adaptive driving beams, and slightly improved suspension and noise cancellation.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45945298/tesla-model-3-on-fsd-mode-struck-by-train-after-getting-trapped-on-railroad-tracks-report">Tesla Model 3 On FSD Mode Struck By Train After Getting Trapped On Railroad Tracks: Report</a>



The Model S Long Range now boasts up to 410 miles of range, a modest increase from the previous 402, while the Model X gets a bit more third-row space.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;Disappointing, To Say The Least&#8217;</h3>



The response has been swift and largely negative across media platforms.



The Verge called the upgrades minor changes &#8220;that only the most dedicated Tesla fans will be sold on&#8221;, while EV news outlet InsideEVs suggested an average car buyer will struggle to spot the differences between the new and old versions of the Model S car. Tesla-focused media platform Teslarati called the changes &#8220;slim&#8221;.



Automobile news website Carscoops said the upgrade comprised minor product tweaks and large price increases. Electrek, another EV news outlet, called the update "quite a disappointing update, to say the least," highlighting that the changes are "very mild" and fail to deliver the technological leaps many expected.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">`Worst&#8217; Update In Tesla History?</h3>



On Musk&#8217;s own social-media platform X, the criticism was less restrained.



&#8220;I hate to say this, but this is the worst &#8216;update&#8217; in Tesla history,&#8221; an X account holder, who uses the name Imran Raz, wrote in a post on Friday. &#8220;This is precisely the same car with hardly any new features except for a few improvements, which is expected. I&#8217;m very disappointed with this so-called &#8216;new&#8217; model X. I&#8217;ve been waiting for this refresh for years to finally get one with a proper third row. Tesla keeps ignoring high-end customers.&#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">I hate to say this, but this is the worst "update" in Tesla history. This is precisely the same car with hardly any new features except for a few improvements, which is expected. I&#39;m very disappointed with this so-called "new" model X. I&#39;ve been waiting for this refresh for years…&mdash; Imran Raz (@Imran_Razaq) <a href="https://twitter.com/Imran_Razaq/status/1933394850843414883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



&#8220;Barely anything major new… and for an extra 5 grand? No thanks,&#8221; another user, Scott Jones, wrote. &#8220;Maybe you should copy companies that are vastly improving their EV's versus minuscule changes with the same battery power.&#8221;



On YouTube, Tesla-focused channels such as Tesla Jigsaw questioned whether the updates were enough to tempt even the most devoted fans.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Where&#8217;s The Innovation, Elon?</h3>



At a time when Tesla is striving to recover from the first quarter&#8217;s steep 13% slump in vehicle deliveries, the bad publicity isn&#8217;t helping.



The much-hyped Cybertruck model has also faced setbacks. Tesla recently announced multiple recalls due to software bugs and mechanical issues, further dampening enthusiasm for the futuristic pickup.



For years, Tesla's ability to push boundaries has set it apart in the EV space. But this latest refresh has left many asking if the company is coasting on its legacy rather than leading with new ideas. With even the most loyal fans expressing disappointment and industry experts calling out the lack of meaningful upgrades, the question for Elon Musk and Tesla is clear: Where's the innovation?



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45920502/elon-musks-tesla-files-lawsuit-alleging-ex-employee-stole-humanoid-tech-to-launch-rival">Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla Files Lawsuit Alleging Ex-Employee Stole Humanoid Tech To Launch Rival</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Tech

TSLA

Elon Musk's Latest EV Play Sparks Savage Rebuff: 'Worst in Tesla History,' 'No Thanks'

Stocks in the United States have struggled to regain their February all-time highs amid the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/05/45691310/trump-tariff-uncertainty-enters-courts-experts-say-investors-should-expect-elevated-turbulence-amid-the-bullish-gridlock">tariff uncertainty</a>. In fact, the S&amp;P 500 remains one of the worst-performing major stock indices in the developed world in 2025.



One of the fundamental shifts we've seen this year is the end of the ‘There Is No Alternative' (TINA) status of U.S. stocks, which have dominated global equities since the end of the Great Financial Crisis. This shift began when markets were emerging from the prolonged 2022 bear market.



The most notable example of this trend is Germany's DAX index, which comprises the 40 largest publicly listed companies on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Since the end of the bear market in October 2022, the DAX has returned more than 95% compared to a 42% return for the S&amp;P 500.



All signs point to this outperformance continuing.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcAyWeL98PD4PErirpnL5o3pUyfXvGEw5QKM4nIhsKySkT3XLaUGR_q-8LmJE0OsmIhoeg3Q5tjSFp2evioFp3ZBC023_xVYOnHejQq506Jp47f1GcoCYguB6cFMahiYOvhNlDIAw?key=8ofR2zLIrjVQy99jKqOxKA" alt=""/></figure>



A gain of more than 40% in less than three years is something investors across history would gladly accept, but the outperformance of European equities compared to the U.S. is stark. There is also reason to believe that European stocks will continue challenging their American counterparts for market supremacy as the U.S. continues to engage in isolationist policies, while European central banks are slashing rates and governments commit to accommodative fiscal policies. 



U.S. stocks should never be counted out, especially with consumer sentiment picking up in Q2. However, European stocks currently have more tailwinds, and Germany appears poised to prime its markets with an influx of capital. Today, we'll examine five German companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges (or at least accessible to American investors) that possess fundamental and technical strength, hinting at more upside ahead in the second half of 2025.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Historic Summer Setup: 3 ‘Power Patterns' Triggering In The Next 75 Days</h2>



These market patterns come around just once a year – one with an astonishing 90% historical win- rate. Get the exact dates and tickers live on June 18th during the ‘Power Pattern Profits' LIVE event. Reserve Your Spot For Free <a href="https://events2.benzinga.com/power-pattern-profits-live/?utm_campaign=power-pattern-registration&amp;utm_adType=sponsorad&amp;utm_ad=RD061725&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;el=ResearchDaily">HERE</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SAP SE ADR</h2>



SAP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAP#NYSE">SAP</a>) has surged to become one of the largest enterprise software providers in the world, boasting a $341 billion market cap and annual sales revenue of more than $35 billion. The stock has already been up more than 50% in the last year but has traded flat over the previous month on heavy selling volume. However, the uptrend remains in place, and a new entry point could be about to materialize.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdBKy6nVMRW3p8ABP-iWO7RaGiQl63sHD6u5bIjWpVs165lKDheoYtqzwjYVKxYPB3xnG7DMy0wFPduNp2XvaSorX4J6bMMQPjIflqHWUvCxFwDOQd5YtrMAQzc6nntfIqruwCjfQ?key=8ofR2zLIrjVQy99jKqOxKA" alt=""/></figure>



Before President Trump&#8217;s so-called Liberation Day tariffs sent global markets into a tailspin, SAP shares had been steadily reaching new highs and riding the 50-day moving average for support. Now that those tariffs have been placed on indefinite hold, SAP has rebounded above the 50-day MA, which could once again serve as the stock's support level. With the Relative Strength Index (RSI) nearing Oversold and strong Benzinga Edge scores (97.45 for Growth, 90.23 for Momentum), keep an eye on this chart and see if support holds at the 50-day MA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fresenius Medical Care AG ADR </h2>



Fresenius (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FMS#NYSE">FMS</a>) is the world's primary provider of dialysis services and equipment for patients suffering from kidney diseases. The company generates approximately $19.5 billion in annual sales and employs over 123,000 full-time staff members. FMS shares have been a significant winner in 2025, with gains exceeding 26%. Its Benzinga Edge Growth Score of 89.82 suggests a strong foundation for further growth.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfW1GZP1W4lL3UrUfvpXaDBUTah8sj02TT55878TOVCDLO2t5jQXw0va6YVm_m2dKoweUBZDRr_tjOvQgYAbDF1qktp40nUUrv-0iyAYJFwLh0T0e-UpIk1bSMsqPvpISGpn3UDtw?key=8ofR2zLIrjVQy99jKqOxKA" alt=""/></figure>



FMS had been riding the 50-day MA for support but broke out to new highs in May following a blowout earnings report. The stock has since been consolidating in a bullish wedge pattern characterized by higher lows and lower highs. This pattern often precedes another upside move, and indicators like the 50- and 200-day MAs and the RSI confirm that the uptrend is still in place. A breakout above the wedge pattern would be the entry point signal in this scenario.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BioNTech SE ADR</h2>



BioNTech (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BNTX#NASDAQ">BNTX</a>), along with Pfizer, pioneered the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, and its shareholders were rewarded with parabolic gains in 2021. The stock briefly topped $350 per share but failed to maintain that momentum as COVID-19 faded and mRNA vaccines have struggled to make breakthroughs in other areas, such as cancer research. However, BioNTech is ready to boost its prospects by acquiring CureVac N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVAC#NASDAQ">CVAC</a>) in a $1.25 billion cash deal. The acquisition will enhance BioNTech's mRNA pipeline and provide new avenues for important oncology research.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdUf2fFpQq_Q6-pnsslWAkRjbRK2L_p_cxK5OJjxDqijeDsVvIDOxX9nfQrZ66ygT-lZz3abN1yC3m96e6CgoCc01017WYaTGMkbLDX8q6gRHQJ5OPz-jAIxSLc2M5viQB3wkxVAQ?key=8ofR2zLIrjVQy99jKqOxKA" alt=""/></figure>



Purchasing a promising contemporary like CureVac helps cement the momentum swing from the April lows. The stock has been volatile, but a support level has been forming; it recently broke an eight-day losing streak on the Friday following the acquisition announcement. The next upswing could finally take the stock back over $120 for the first time since January.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rheinmetall AG</h2>



Since we last checked in on Rheinmetall (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RNMBY#OTC">RNMBY</a>) in the wake of the White House shouting match between President Trump and Ukraine President Zelenskyy, the German-based defense manufacturer has posted its first-ever $10 billion (USD equivalent) quarter. In Q1 2025, Rheinmetall generated $10.48 billion in revenue and $755 million in profits, both records for the company. Profit margins remained strong at 7.2%, marking the eighth instance in the last 10 quarters where profit margins have exceeded 7%.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdmxVbbcdOXWWRhIzh8dl6LRvh0DBSKQmU-pe5qSO8fFSsFmgHeNLaV7-Dvth7Xb8uJZUUHG-QwfwEUfruwMy4pVa6i2mY4f85dbiv2mlbLKJWtFhIuvgN3JVnhJK3JzJh_AHKw_g?key=8ofR2zLIrjVQy99jKqOxKA" alt=""/></figure>



Germany's government is prepared to increase national defense spending, with fundamental and technical indicators pointing toward further gains. The 50-day MA has been a strong support level, and the RSI has dipped to its lowest point in weeks. A big selloff last week took shares down to the 50-day MA once again before immediately bouncing higher; this could be an ideal entry point for new investors with long-term timeframes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Siemens AG&nbsp;</h2>



If you're looking for German companies focusing on robotics, automation, and healthcare, Siemens (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMAWF#OTC">SMAWF</a>) is worth a glance. The company generates 75% of its revenue from Germany, China, and the U.S. and its profit margins have increased from under 5% in 2022 to over 12% in 2025. Margin growth isn't the only thing driving the stock up over 25% this year either.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfz3M6iXDbHBXgxC_VTxubSaxMqlwNi08W04cWfDFrTgbEOVI-_G98vf8C6tPg4rPl-P6z3I_FDdLpTRKpwsfdor5IuRPy79fQ5tBJmShnF01tVHDUO6TqFJeJuKgy9YxyToYqN?key=8ofR2zLIrjVQy99jKqOxKA" alt=""/></figure>



The stock formed a Golden Cross when the 50-day MA rose above the 200-day MA in October, sending shares from $185 to $260 in under six months. After the tariff pullback in April, the stock quickly broke back above the 50-day MA but failed to reach new all-time highs, unlike some of its German counterparts. The RSI is fading, which could signal weakening momentum; however, the 50-day MA is also a potential support level, as the overall trend still points upward.



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



Photo: Shutterstock

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SMAWF

5 Stocks To Ride The German Market Rally

Investors have flocked into energy plays in the aftermath of last week's flare-up between Israel and Iran, signaling heightened expectations that escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East will continue to lift oil prices <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities">and benefit U.S. energy firms.</a>



On Friday, a day after Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" targeting over 100 Iranian nuclear and military sites and Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israeli cities, the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) attracted $199 million in fresh capital, according to TradingView data.



That marks the largest single-day inflow since late April and the third-highest this year. 



Over the full week, XLE pulled in $470 million—its biggest weekly haul since October 2024—while also logging six consecutive sessions of gains, the longest winning streak in eight months. 



Looking at specific energy industries, the SPDR Oil &amp; Gas Exploration &amp; Production ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOP#NYSE">XOP</a>) also witnessed consistent demand throughout the week, recording five straight days of inflows. Weekly net investments hit $310 million, the second strongest week of 2025 for the fund.



Other sector-focused ETFs trailed the energy fund's inflows, with the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLB#NYSE">XLB</a>) pulling in $295 million and the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) attracting $267 million for the week.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>ETF Name</th><th>ETF Weekly Flows (Jun 9 &#8211; Jun 13)</th><th>Performance 1W</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund</td><td>+$470 million</td><td>+5.6%</td></tr><tr><td>Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund</td><td>+$295 million</td><td>-0.5%</td></tr><tr><td>Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund </td><td>+$267 million</td><td>+0.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLF#NYSE">XLF</a>)</td><td>+$259 million</td><td>-2.6%</td></tr><tr><td>Communication Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLC#NYSE">XLC</a>)</td><td>+$240 million</td><td>-1.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>)</td><td>+$217 million</td><td>+0.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLY#NYSE">XLY</a>)</td><td>+$53 million</td><td>-0.2%</td></tr><tr><td>Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLRE#NYSE">XLRE</a>)</td><td>+$4 million </td><td>0.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Industrials Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLI#NYSE">XLI</a>)</td><td>-$64 million</td><td>-1.6%</td></tr><tr><td>Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>)</td><td>-$200 million</td><td>-0.9%</td></tr><tr><td>Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLV#NYSE">XLV</a>)</td><td>-$262 million</td><td>1.3%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Data: TradingView</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Big Fear Is Iranian Oil Disruption</h3>



The renewed conflict pushed West Texas Intermediate crude to $72 per barrel by Friday, a 12% weekly gain and its strongest performance in years, as investors priced in rising supply risks.



Riding the wave of higher oil prices, the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund outperformed the S&amp;P 500 by 6% last week—its biggest weekly outperformance since September 2024 and the second largest since October 2022.



"Thus far, at least, Israel has not directly targeted Iran's oil supply, which appears to be unaffected," said Matthew Ryan, head of market strategy at Ebury, in an emailed comment. 



"The big fear for investors is that an escalation will not only raise the risk of a prolonged conflict, but it could disrupt Iranian oil production."



The Goldman Sachs commodities team sees a rising geopolitical risk premium. In one modeled scenario, they assume Iran's output drops by 1.75 million barrels per day over six months due to infrastructure damage, with core OPEC+ offsetting only half of that.



In such a case, Brent could peak just above $90 before falling back to the $60s in 2026 as Iranian supply recovers.



Yet, Goldman's Daan Struyven also warned of more extreme outcomes. If broader regional production or logistics—especially in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage that carries nearly 20% of global oil—are impacted, prices could exceed $100 per barrel.



"In that extreme tail scenario, OPEC+ may be unable to deploy enough spare capacity," Struyven said, highlighting that the oil market remains vulnerable to sudden shocks, particularly through chokepoints like Hormuz.



Read now: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/06/45940903/a-thin-strip-of-water-keeps-the-world-economy-on-edge-will-it-trigger-a-100-oil-shock">A Thin Strip Of Water Keeps The World Economy On Edge: Will It Trigger A $100 Oil Shock? </a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

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Analyst Ratings

XLRE

Iran-Israel Tensions Fuel Oil Rally, Investors Are Piling Into Energy ETFs

Economist Jon Faust, a former senior advisor to Fed Chair Jerome Powell, believes that the equations surrounding a rate cut are now fundamentally altered as tensions flare in the Middle East.



What Happened: Faust, an economist who has advised former chairs Ben Bernanke and Janet Yellen before Powell, said that he believes the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could be the biggest external risk facing the Federal Reserve this year, during his interview <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-situation-in-the-middle-east-is-a-major-wild-card-for-the-fed-former-powell-advisor-says-0378ab73">with</a> MarketWatch late last week.



Israel-Iran tensions are a &#8220;major wild card&#8221; that could rattle business and consumer confidence and potentially tip the U.S. economy into a slowdown, Faust said, adding that the extent to which the conflict &#8220;yields a large rise in oil prices and a further shock to uncertainty, and thereby confidence, is the sort of thing that would tip a slowdown.&#8221;



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/45922984/trump-numbskull-fed-powell-inflation-interest-rates-israel-iran-oil">Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Numbskull&#8217; Insult Comes Back To Bite—In Record Time</a>



A Fellow at the Center for Financial Economics at Johns Hopkins University, Faust believes that while a rate cut in December is possible, he wouldn&#8217;t bet on it.



&#8220;I'd put the odds at 50/50,&#8221; he says, noting the Fed will &#8220;cut when the data support it, and not until then.&#8221; 



With the Fed&#8217;s latest Summary of Economic Projections due this week, involving an update to the so-called dot plot, Faust warns against reading too much into it, saying that &#8220;an equal case could be made for zero, one or two cuts this year.&#8221;



Why It Matters: This comes amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45913481/trump-rips-jerome-powell-over-rates-but-supreme-court-shields-fed-from-firing">growing attacks on Powell</a> by President Donald Trump for not cutting rates fast enough and blaming him for higher U.S. government debt costs, going as far as to calling him a &#8220;numbskull.&#8221;



Several prominent economists, too, have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/45906982/dollar-hits-27-month-lows-the-fed-should-cut-next-week-economist-says">joined in on this chorus</a> over the past week, with economist Neil Dutta of Renaissance Macro saying that the &#8220;Fed policy is too tight,&#8221; and that he expects the central bank to act. 



Read More: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45944099/trump-tax-plan-targets-unfair-foreign-levies-risks-capital-war-say-experts">Trump Tax Plan Targets &#8216;Unfair&#8217; Foreign Levies, Risks &#8216;Capital War,&#8217; Say Experts</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: Domenico Fornas / Shutterstock.com

Economics

Rate Cut Odds '50/50' Amid Israel-Iran Conflict, Says Jerome Powell's Ex-Advisor Jon Faust

Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) and Marvell Technology Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) are flexing serious silicon muscle as demand surges for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductors">custom AI ASIC chips</a> — next-gen application-specific integrated circuits designed to outpace off-the-shelf GPUs from Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ASIC Arms Race: Custom Chips Are The New Gold</h2>



According to JPMorgan analyst Harlan Sur, both companies have now secured 2nm design wins for AI accelerators powering hyperscalers like Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google, Meta Platform Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>). 



With the total ASIC market poised to hit $30 billion in 2025 and growing at a 30% clip, Broadcom and Marvell are not just playing catch-up — they're building the racetrack.



This boom is driven by the hyperscalers' appetite for AI compute power with better performance, lower power, and reduced silicon costs. As AI models swell past 100 billion transistors per chip, these tech giants are leaning on ASIC veterans like Broadcom and Marvell to bring their custom accelerators to life &#8211; and fast.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options/25/06/45893665/mrvl-stock-trade-agreement-sleeper-options-opportunity">Options Corner: Why The Latest U.S.-China Trade Agreement Makes Marvell A Sleeper Opportunity</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Broadcom Leads the Charge, Marvell Fights From Behind</h2>



Broadcom, the market leader with 55%-60% share, is already clocking in major wins: from Meta's MTIA 2nm to Google's TPU v8. JPMorgan expects Broadcom's AI revenue to hit $31 billion next fiscal year — a 60% jump. The stock, up nearly 36% in the past year, is still rated Overweight by JPMorgan, with a bullish $283.33 average price target from Citigroup, Barclays and Susquehanna.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href=" https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0616"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="628" height="486" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16085605/Screenshot-2025-06-16-at-6.25.27-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-950734" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16085605/Screenshot-2025-06-16-at-6.25.27-PM.png 628w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16085605/Screenshot-2025-06-16-at-6.25.27-PM-300x232.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 628px) 100vw, 628px" /></a></figure>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0616" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chart created using Benzinga Pro</a>



Technically too, AVGO is a buy across key longer-term averages.



Marvell, trailing with a 15% share, has momentum too. It's already ramping up production for Amazon's Tranium 2 and Google's Axion CPU and has landed design wins for 2nm next-gen chips at AWS and Microsoft. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0616"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="628" height="486" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16085638/Screenshot-2025-06-16-at-6.25.40-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-950737" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16085638/Screenshot-2025-06-16-at-6.25.40-PM.png 628w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/16085638/Screenshot-2025-06-16-at-6.25.40-PM-300x232.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 628px) 100vw, 628px" /></a></figure>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0616" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chart created using Benzinga Pro</a>



Yet despite its potential, the stock tells a different story — down 41% year-to-date and trading below its 200-day average. Analyst sentiment remains bullish, with Loop Capital and China Renaissance setting targets as high as $90 and $110, respectively, but the near-term setup looks shakier.



So who wins this silicon sprint? 



Broadcom has the scale, the pipeline, and the technical tailwinds. Marvell may be a promising underdog &#8211; but right now, it's Broadcom that's doing the heavy lifting.



Read Next: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45790867/how-nvidias-10-ripple-effect-could-lift-adobe-salesforce-servicenow">How Nvidia&#8217;s $10 Ripple Effect Could Lift Adobe, Salesforce, ServiceNow</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Long Ideas

AMZN

AVGO

GOOG

GOOGL

MRVL

MSFT

NVDA

Broadcom, Marvell Ride The $30B ASIC Wave – But Only One Looks Ready For Takeoff

Ark Invest&#8217;s Cathie Wood is raising questions over an unusual discrepancy in Chinese automaker BYD Company Ltd.'s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDF#OTC">BYDDF</a>) reported delivery data, citing a roughly 20% gap between the company's vehicle deliveries and corresponding registration figures.



What Happened: On Sunday, Wood, who is a prominent Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) investor, posted on X with just a &#8220;?&#8221; while quoting a post by Akaash TK, a research associate at Ark. In his post, Akaash highlighted significant discrepancies in the sales and delivery figures being cited by the Chinese EV giant, with a gap that goes as high as 20%.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45942949/white-house-orders-scrutiny-of-spacex-contracts-even-as-trump-musk-relationship-warms-report">White House Orders Scrutiny Of SpaceX Contracts Even As Trump-Musk Relationship Warms: Report</a>



&#8220;A 20% gap between BYD&#8217;s delivery numbers and likely registrations from Jan–Apr. Inventory build or something else?&#8221; he asks, referring to the significant differences between the number of vehicles that the company has claimed to have delivered and those that have been registered from January through April 2025.



Akaash questions whether this is an inventory build, referring to a potential rise in inventory in anticipation of a spike in demand, or something else altogether.



BYD did not immediately respond to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a>'s request for comment.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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">? <a href="https://t.co/u9cUhvSgWx">https://t.co/u9cUhvSgWx</a>&mdash; Cathie Wood (@CathieDWood) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathieDWood/status/1934274389886796025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Why It Matters: This comes amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/05/45611701/chinese-regulators-will-meet-tesla-rival-byd-other-companies-to-discuss-zero-mile-used-cars-report">growing concerns regarding</a> &#8220;Zero Mile&#8221; used cars in Chinese markets, a practice wherein cars with zero mileage are sold as used cars, primarily to boost sales and clear inventory. 



A few weeks ago, this prompted Chinese regulators to meet with the country&#8217;s automakers, including BYD, to address these concerns.



China&#8217;s Commerce Ministry was prompted to act following Great Wall Motor Company&#8217;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GWLLF#OTC">GWLLF</a>) Chairman Wei Jianjun&#8217;s comments on the matter in recent weeks.



Jianjun said that at least 3,000 to 4,000 vendors on Chinese used car markets were selling such brand new cars, with no mileage, as used cars at discounted prices, according to a report by Reuters.



Price Action: Shares of BYD were down 3.07% on Friday, trading at $16.86 per share in the OTC markets.



Read More:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45943372/obama-calls-for-dignity-in-immigration-enforcement-as-ice-crackdown-escalates">Obama Calls For Dignity In Immigration Enforcement As ICE Crackdown Escalates</a></li>
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Photo by Cobalt S-Elino via Shutterstock

News

Markets

BYDDF

GWLLF

Cathie Wood Flags BYD's 20% Delivery-to-Registrations Gap Amid Concerns Over Zero-Mileage Used Car Sales Practices

U.S. stock futures were trading higher on Monday following Friday&#8217;s sharp declines. Futures of major benchmark indices were higher in premarket.



Iran <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45940864/trump-threatens-iran-with-unprecedented-us-military-action-in-case-of-attack-if-we-are-attacked-in-any-way-us-armed-forces-will-come-down-on-you-at-levels-never-seen-before">retaliated against Israel's Operation</a> "Rising Lion," which began on Thursday, following which President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran. He stated that any attack on U.S. forces or land would be met with an unprecedented military response in a Truth Social post.



The 10-year Treasury bond yielded 4.43% and the two-year bond was at 3.97%. The CME Group's FedWatch <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">tool</a>&#8216;s projections show markets pricing a 99.8% likelihood of the Federal Reserve keeping the current interest rates unchanged in its June meeting. 



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Futures</td><td>Change (+/-)</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>0.39%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>0.45%</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>0.55%</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>0.86%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, rose in premarket on Friday. The SPY was up 0.38% at $599.25, while the QQQ advanced 0.45% to $529.34, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pr</a>o data.



Cues From Last Session:



S&amp;P 500&#8217;s sectors closed in the red on Friday, as financial, information technology, and materials stocks experienced the most significant declines. However, energy stocks defied the broader market trend, ending the session higher.



This came as U.S. stocks settled lower, with the Dow Jones index plummeting over 700 points during the trading day following Israel's unexpected airstrike on Iranian nuclear sites.



Meanwhile, RH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RH#NYSE">RH</a>) shares saw a gain of approximately 7% on Friday. This boost came after the company announced stronger-than-anticipated first-quarter adjusted EPS results and confirmed its commitment to its current FY25 guidance, despite ongoing uncertainties from tariffs and macroeconomic events.



On the economic front, the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index rose to 60.5 in June, up from 52.2 in the preceding two months, also surpassing market expectations of 53.5.



The Dow Jones index ended 770 points or 1.79% lower at 42,197.79, whereas the S&amp;P 500 index fell 1.13% to 5,976.97. Nasdaq Composite declined 1.30% to 19,406.83, and the small-cap gauge, Russell 2000, tumbled 1.85% to end at 2,100.51.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Index</td><td>Performance (+/-)</td><td>Value</td></tr><tr><td>Nasdaq Composite</td><td>-1.30%</td><td>19,406.83</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>-1.13%</td><td>5,976.97</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>-1.79%</td><td>42,197.79</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>-1.85%</td><td>2,100.51</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Insights From Analysts:



As major U.S. equity benchmarks fell on Friday due to heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, LPL Financial&#8217;s analysis of 25 wars over seven decades suggests long-term gains for the S&amp;P 500 index.



Jeff Buchbinder, Chief Equity Strategist at LPL, noted, &#8220;Assuming no imminent recession, which is LPL Research's base-case scenario, history shows that markets are roughly flat over the next month following these geopolitical and economic shocks, but frequently move higher over the following three, six, and 12-month periods. In the case of an event near a recession, such as Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and 9/11, stocks have almost always moved lower in the subsequent 3, 6, and 12 months.&#8221;



Ed Yardeni from Yardeni Research said,&#8221; The S&amp;P 500 is now in the middle of the Middle East,&#8221; and advised investors to buy the dip.



&#8220;We anticipated this development in last Thursday&#8217;s QuickTakes and recommended using any selloff in the stock market as a buying opportunity,&#8221; he said.



Conversely, Louis Navellier of Navellier &amp; Associates highlighted a significant market concern: &#8220;The primary fear is that the fighting spreads to other countries and U.S. military bases in the region.&#8221;



Meanwhile, Nigam Arora from The Arora Report maintained that the &#8220;Israel Iran war is not a risk.&#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">Stock futures are mostly unchanged this Sunday evening. Right or wrong, so far investors are believing Israel Iran war is not a risk. See the chart. What to do now and 360 degree analysis in the Morning Capsule. <a href="https://t.co/tvFOS2xaD3">https://t.co/tvFOS2xaD3</a><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24msft&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$msft</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24meta&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$meta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24amzn&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$amzn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24tsla&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$tsla</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24nvda&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$nvda</a>… <a href="https://t.co/ytHkowyRNz">pic.twitter.com/ytHkowyRNz</a>&mdash; Nigam Arora (@TheAroraReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAroraReport/status/1934393320920248401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



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



Upcoming Economic Data



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



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>On Monday, June&#8217;s Empire State manufacturing survey will be released by 8:30 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>On Tuesday, May&#8217;s U.S. retail sales and import price index will be out by 8:30 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>May&#8217;s industrial production and capacity utilization will be announced by 9:15 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>April Business inventories data and June&#8217;s home builder confidence index data will be released at 10:00 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>On Wednesday, May&#8217;s housing starts data, building permits data and the initial jobless claims data for the latest week will be out by 8:3 a.m. ET.</li>



<li>The Federal Open Market Committee will announce its interest-rate decision at 2:00 p.m. ET.</li>



<li>Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell will address a press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET.</li>



<li>On Thursday, markets will remain closed on account of the Juneteenth holiday.</li>



<li>On Friday, June&#8217;s Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey will be out by 8:30 a.m. and May&#8217;s U.S. leading economic indicators will be released by 10:00 a.m. ET.</li>
</ul>



Stocks In Focus:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Renew Energy Global PLC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RNW#NASDAQ">RNW</a>) rose 1.62% in premarket on Monday as analysts expect it to report quarterly earnings of 96 cents per share on revenue of $351.85 million, before the opening bell.</li>



<li>Lennar Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>) was up 0.63% ahead of its earnings, which are supposed to be released after the closing bell. Analysts expect earnings of $1.94 per share on revenue of $8.16 billion.</li>



<li>PowerFleet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIOT#NASDAQ">AIOT</a>) jumped 6.29% as analysts expect it to report a quarterly loss of 2 cents per share on the revenue of $103.59 million, before the opening bell.</li>



<li>Digital Turbine Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APPS#NASDAQ">APPS</a>) advanced on its earnings, which are supposed to be released after the closing bell. Analysts expect earnings of 4 cents per share on revenue of $116.64 million.</li>



<li>Johnson Controls International PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JCI#NYSE">JCI</a>) gained 1.30% after it reported a $9 billion increase to its share repurchase program.</li>



<li>Unusual Machines Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UMAC#NYSE">UMAC</a>) was 1.89% higher after the company agreed to acquire Rotor Lab in an all-stock deal valued at $7 million on Friday. The company also announced the termination of the definitive agreement to acquire Aloft.</li>



<li>Urogen Pharma Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/URGN#NASDAQ">URGN</a>) edged up by 3.74% after the FDA approved ZUSDURI for intravesical solution as the first and only medication for recurrent low-grade intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.</li>
</ul>



Commodities, Gold, And Global Equity Markets:



Crude oil futures were trading lower in the early New York session by 0.53% to hover around $70.91 per barrel.



Gold Spot US Dollar rose 0.41% to hover around $3,418.45 per ounce. Its last record high stood at $3,500.33 per ounce. The U.S. Dollar Index spot was lower by 0.22% at the 97.9660 level.



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



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/forex/25/06/45943600/is-us-dollar-losing-its-edge-de-dollarization-and-fading-exceptionalism-raise-alarms">Is US Dollar Losing Its Edge? De-Dollarization And Fading Exceptionalism Raise Alarms</a></li>
</ul>



Photo courtesy: godongphoto / Shutterstock.com

AIOT

APPS

UMAC

URGN

US Stocks Likely To Rebound After Sharp Decline Amid Israel-Iran Conflict: S&P 500 Historically Moves Higher After Wars, Says Expert

Palmer Luckey, the founder of defense technology startup&nbsp;Anduril Industries, has reportedly backed a cryptocurrency-friendly banking startup that aims to revolutionize the financial sector.



What Happened: Luckey is backing a budding&nbsp;financial firm that aims to&nbsp;provide &#8220;stability&#8221; to Silicon Valley,&nbsp;The New York Post&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2025/06/13/business/andurils-palmer-luckey-plots-erebor-digital-bank-startup-sources/">reported</a> on Friday, citing insiders. The firm&#8217;s main objective is to assist tech entrepreneurs in growing their businesses, rather than focusing on maximizing returns on deposits.



Luckey is said to be partnering on the bank startup with tech investor and Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) co-founder Joe Lonsdale



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42049664/paul-tudor-jones-boosts-bitcoin-holdings-potentially-making-btc-his-largest-non-options-investment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Tudor Jones Boosts Bitcoin Holdings, Potentially Making BTC His Largest Non-Options Investment</a>



The startup, currently named &#8220;Erebor,&#8221; is a reference to&nbsp;the mountain where the dragon&nbsp;Smaug keeps his gold in J.R.R. Tolkien&#8217;s 1937 novel &#8220;The Hobbit.&#8221; However, insiders have hinted that the name might not be final and could be subject to change.



In addition to cash, Erebor plans to accept deposits in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stablecoin">stablecoins</a>, a form of digital currency whose value is tethered to a fiat currency, such as the U.S. dollar. The project is in its early stages, and the plans have not been finalized, according to the report.



Benzinga didn&#8217;t immediately hear back from Anduril and Lonsdale's venture firm, 8VC, on the matter.



Why It Matters: This comes just days after Luckey confirmed plans for Anduril&#8217;s initial public offering. 



During an interview, Luckey emphasized that Anduril is being run <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/ipos/25/06/45877601/anduril-ceo-palmer-luckey-confirms-ipo-plans-to-compete-for-trillion-dollar-defense-contracts-we-are-definitely-going-to-be-a-publicly-traded">&#8220;to be the shape of a publicly traded company,</a>&#8221; highlighting the need for public status to compete for substantial defense contracts



The public listing plans come as Anduril <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/06/45810158/anduril-raises-2-5-billion-at-30-5-billion-valuation-doubling-in-a-year-as-defense-contracts-grow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reaches new valuation heights</a>. The company recently raised $2.5 billion in fresh capital, catapulting its valuation to $30.5 billion. According to Forbes, his net worth was <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/palmer-luckey/">estimated </a>to be $3.6 billion as of this writing.



Read Next:&nbsp;



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45942372/anthony-scaramucci-welcomes-philippe-laffonts-bitcoin-advocacy-after-billionaire-hedge-fund-manager-says-apex-crypto-has-become-central-to-investment-portfolios">Anthony Scaramucci Welcomes Philippe Laffont&#8217;s Bitcoin Advocacy After Billionaire Hedge Fund Manager Says Apex Crypto Has Become &#8216;Central&#8217; To Investment Portfolios</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>



Photo Courtesy: Paopano on Shutterstock

Cryptocurrency

PLTR

Anduril Founder Palmer Luckey, Palantir Co-Founder Joe Lonsdale To Invest In Crypto-Friendly Startup Bank: Report

On Sunday, Taiwan added Chinese tech giants Huawei Technologies and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) to its strategic export control list, signaling escalating efforts to restrict Beijing's access to advanced chip technologies.



What Happened: Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs updated its strategic high-tech commodities entity list on June 10, adding 601 entities—including Huawei and SMIC—alongside organizations from Russia, Iran and Myanmar, reported Reuters.



The ministry cited "the prevention of arms proliferation and other national security considerations" as the reason behind this development.



The updated list was published on the ministry's trade administration website and includes references to terrorist groups like the Taliban and al-Qaeda.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/news/25/05/45380785/analyzing-nvidia-in-comparison-to-competitors-in-semiconductors-amp-semiconductor-equipment-industr">Analyzing NVIDIA In Comparison To Competitors In Semiconductors &amp; Semiconductor Equipment Industry</a>



&#8220;Manufacturers must comply with export control regulations, fulfil their verification obligations and carefully assess transaction risks,&#8221; the statement read.



Why It's Important: Taiwan is home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>), the world's largest contract chipmaker and a key supplier to global firms like Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>).



Adding Huawei and SMIC to the blacklist reflects growing concerns over Chinese firms allegedly stealing intellectual property and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44531802/chinas-top-chipmaker-smic-under-scrutiny-for-allegedly-targeting-taiwans-engineers-through-secret-samoan-front-company">poaching chip talent</a> from Taiwan.



Both companies are at the center of China's ambitions to build a self-reliant semiconductor supply chain amid sweeping U.S. export restrictions. The move aligns with Washington's efforts to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44494896/us-adds-50-chinese-entities-to-export-restriction-list-curtailing-access-to-nvidia-amd-chips">choke off China's access to high-end chips</a> and AI technologies, especially those involving U.S.-origin tools and software.



Earlier this week, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced the company will <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45918580/nvidia-drops-china-from-guidance-after-2-5-billion-q1-revenue-hit-ceo-jensen-huang-says-hes-not-">exclude China from future revenue</a> and profit forecasts due to U.S. export restrictions.



Nvidia had to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45644145/nvidia-stock-is-bullish-ahead-of-q1-earnings-but-will-h20-chip-woes-dampen-the-party">halt shipments of its China-specific</a> H20 AI chips, leading to a $2.5 billion revenue loss in the first quarter. While the company anticipated a $5.5 billion hit from excess inventory, it ended up recording a $4.5 billion charge.



Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings indicate that Nvidia continues to show robust upward momentum across short, medium and long-term timeframes. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound'">Additional performance metrics can be accessed here</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound'"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/15222222/Screenshot-2025-06-16-at-7.50.47%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-950070"/></a></figure>



Read More:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/04/44735140/most-people-dont-have-the-balls-to-do-it-says-mark-cuban-praising-musk-for-going-all-in-with-his-own-money-f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘Most People Don&#8217;t Have The B&#x2A;&#x2A;ls To Do It,&#8217; Says Mark Cuban, Praising Musk For Going ‘All In&#8217; With His Own Money For His Startups</a></li>
</ul>



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



Image Via Shutterstock

Media

Taiwan Blacklists Huawei And SMIC, Citing National Security — Manufacturers Must Carefully Assess 'Transaction Risks' As US-Led Chip War With China Intensifies

Leading cryptocurrencies consolidated on Sunday as the Iran-Israel war kept financial markets on edge.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Cryptocurrency</th><th>Gains +/-</th><th>Price (Recorded at 8:45 p.m. ET)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>+0.12%</td><td>$105,599.99</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+0.36%</td><td>$2,546.20</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-1.66%</td><td>$0.1752</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



What Happened: Bitcoin spiked above $106,000 in the wee hours before retreating to the $105,000 region.



Ethereum dipped below $2,500 late afternoon but quickly reversed, continuing its movement around the $2,540-$2,550.



The two assets have plateaued in June following last month's rally, with BTC up 0.53% and ETH up 0.92%.&nbsp;



Over $218 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, with long liquidations accounting for $161 million. That said, over $250 million in shorts risked liquidation if BTC rallied to $107,000.



Bitcoin&#8217;s Open Interest rose 0.18%, matching the trajectory in spot price. The majority of Binance traders continued to be bearish on Bitcoin, according to the long/short ratio.



The market sentiment remained in "Greed," according to the Crypto Fear &amp; Greed Index.



Top Gainers (24 Hours)



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Cryptocurrency</th><th>Gains +/-</th><th>Price (Recorded at 8:45 p.m. ET)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Jito (JTO)</td><td>+11.96%</td><td>$2.20</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin Cash (BCH) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+6.65%</td><td>$462.29</td></tr><tr><td>Solana (SOL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+5.33%</td><td>$152.99 </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.28 trillion, following a modest spike of 0.24% in the last 24 hours.



Stock futures inched higher overnight Sunday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures rose 32 points, or 0.08%, as of 8:49 p.m. EDT.&nbsp; Futures tied to the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.13%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures added 0.19%.



Investors have been on edge as tensions between regional adversaries<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45939689/israeli-airstrikes-damage-irans-nuclear-sites-experts-assess-impact"> Iran and Israel escalate</a>, risking a full-scale conflict that may bring in other major nations.



President Donald Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114687664442020232">stated </a>on his Truth Social platform that he will help broker a truce between the two countries and that there will be "peace" soon.



Meanwhile, oil prices continued to shoot up, with the U.S. West Texas Intermediate rising 0.92% to $73.25 a barrel.&nbsp;



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



Analyst Notes: Widely followed cryptocurrency analyst Ali Martinez highlighted Bitcoin's consolidation within an ascending triangle.&nbsp;



"A 4-hour close above $106,100 or below $104,800 will likely define the direction of the next breakout," Martinez predicted.



The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/trading-ascending-triangle-pattern">ascending triangle pattern</a> is a bullish continuation pattern, indicating a potential upward price breakout



<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"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> is consolidating within an ascending triangle. A 4-hour close above $106,100 or below $104,800 will likely define the direction of the next breakout. <a href="https://t.co/OlknLsluEK">pic.twitter.com/OlknLsluEK</a>&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1934248537644024192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Another well-known market commentator, Michaël van de Poppe, noticed Ethereum's failed breakout attempt and predicted another leg down before pushing upward.



"I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if we see a test at the region of $2,400 taking place before we reverse back upwards," the analyst said. "Ultimately, the trend has reversed upwards on Ethereum, indicating that we&#8217;re in the game for buying the dips."



<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">A clear pullback taking place on the markets for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> as the breakout failed and liquidity on the long side has been taken. As the chart shows; after the pullback a test at $2,600 failed to break through. What happens next? Next we&#39;ll see a case where the markets are heading… <a href="https://t.co/OZRyCsSzNS">pic.twitter.com/OZRyCsSzNS</a>&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1934181383439626350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



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



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45939432/bitcoins-current-cycle-sees-a-656-surge-matching-market-maturation-pace">Bitcoin&#8217;s Current Cycle Sees A 656% Surge, Matching Market Maturation Pace</a></li>
</ul>



Photo Courtesy: Wirestock Creators on Shutterstock.com

Movers

$DOGE

$ETH

Bitcoin, Ethereum Consolidate, Dogecoin Dips As Iran-Israel Conflict Rages On: These Levels Will Define Direction Of BTC's Next Breakout, Says Analyst

The recent airstrikes by Israel in Iran are not expected to have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, according to leading economists.



What Happened:  Although potential risks remain, the U.S. economy&#8217;s current outlook appears relatively stable, MarketWatch <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-israels-airstrikes-in-iran-are-expected-to-have-minimal-impact-on-the-u-s-economy-6032a70c">reported</a>. &#8220;I think the risk to the U.S. economy is relatively small,&#8221; stated David Seif, chief economist for developed markets at Nomura. &#8220;Recession risks are higher, but only by a tiny bit,&#8221; he added.



Stephen Stanley, chief economist at Santander U.S. Capital Markets, shared a similar sentiment, stating, &#8220;The fallout to the U.S. is pretty limited.&#8221;



Analysts at Lazard Geopolitical Advisory cautioned that if Iran feels its legitimacy is under threat, it may exploit its strategic position near the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments—potentially triggering major economic disruption.



Despite these potential risks, the U.S. economy&#8217;s vulnerability to the conflict is primarily through the price of oil, particularly if it crosses $120 per barrel. Economists believe that an oil-price run-up is unlikely if the conflict remains localized between Israel and Iran.



Additionally, the U.S. economy&#8217;s dependence on overseas oil is less significant today than it was a decade ago. This means that while U.S. consumers may face higher gasoline prices, it may not have a clear negative impact on the macroeconomy.



SEE ALSO: <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45939400/trump-administration-enforces-long-dormant-world-war-ii-era-alien-registration-act" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Administration Enforces Long-Dormant World War II-Era Alien Registration Act &#8211; Benzinga</a>



Why It Matters: The recent conflict between Israel and Iran has had a notable impact on the global financial markets. The Dow Jones index fell over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45943193/dow-dips-over-700-points-amid-isreal-iran-conflict-investor-sentiment-declines-but-fear-index-remains-in-greed-zone">700 points</a> on Friday following Israel&#8217;s surprise airstrike on Iranian nuclear sites. Despite this, the CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45943193/dow-dips-over-700-points-amid-isreal-iran-conflict-investor-sentiment-declines-but-fear-index-remains-in-greed-zone">decline </a>in overall market sentiment, remaining in the &#8220;Greed&#8221; zone.



Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has warned Iran of unprecedented <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45940864/trump-threatens-iran-with-unprecedented-us-military-action-in-case-of-attack-if-we-are-attacked-in-any-way-us-armed-forces-will-come-down-on-you-at-levels-never-seen-before">US military action </a>in case of an attack on US forces or land. Trump clarified that the US had no involvement in Israel&#8217;s recent attack on Iran and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution between the two nations.



Israel&#8217;s recent airstrikes in Iran have also resulted in the death of nine<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45940786/israeli-strikes-kill-9-iranian-scientists-continuing-mossads-decade-long-targeting-of-nuclear-program"> Iranian scientists</a>, adding to the series of successful operations by Israel aimed at Iran&#8217;s nuclear experts. This incident follows a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45940786/israeli-strikes-kill-9-iranian-scientists-continuing-mossads-decade-long-targeting-of-nuclear-program">decade-long</a> targeting of Iran&#8217;s nuclear program by the Mossad.



The NASDAQ Composite declined 1.30%, while the S&amp;P 500 fell 1.13% on Friday.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45941425/a-dave-ramsey-caller-says-he-inherited-a-fortune-from-a-family-friend-who-turned-out-to-be-his-father" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Dave Ramsey Caller Says He Inherited A Fortune From A &#8216;Family Friend&#8217; Who Turned Out To Be His Father. &#8216;It&#8217;s Been A Wild Week For Me&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Image via Shutterstock



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

US Economy To Face 'Pretty Limited' Impact From Israel-Iran Airstrikes, With Only A 'Tiny Bit' Recession Risk, Say Economists

Elon Musk has drawn criticism for attributing the murder of a Minnesota lawmaker to the &#8220;far left,&#8221; a claim that was even refuted by his own AI chatbot, Grok.



What Happened: Musk faced a backlash on social media after he shared a user&#8217;s claim that the assassination of Democratic State Rep. Melissa Hortman and other recent political attacks were committed by &#8220;the left.&#8221;



Contrary to Musk&#8217;s claim, preliminary evidence indicates that the alleged shooter, Vance Luther Boelter, was targeting individuals frequently characterized as &#8220;far left&#8221; by critics.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The far left is murderously violent <a href="https://t.co/P9rVtCtdBv">https://t.co/P9rVtCtdBv</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1933950533813068181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



A list of targets was reportedly found in his car, comprising top Minnesota Democrats and abortion providers and advocates.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/entertainment/25/06/45939469/elon-musks-x-to-shake-up-financial-media-with-reality-tv-show">Elon Musk&#8217;s X to Shake Up Financial Media With Reality TV Show</a>



Musk&#8217;s post was met with widespread derision. Neera Tanden, a former senior aide in the Biden administration, echoed President Donald Trump&#8216;s sentiment that Musk had &#8220;just went CRAZY.&#8221;



Interestingly, Musk&#8217;s AI bot Grok, a product of his company xAI, contradicted his claim, stating, &#8220;The claim that &#8216;the left&#8217;&nbsp;is murderously violent isn&#8217;t backed&nbsp;by evidence. No&nbsp;side is inherently violent; generalizations&nbsp;oversimplify a complex issue.&#8221;



Social media users found amusement in Musk&#8217;s own AI debunking his statement. &#8220;Watching Grok&nbsp;debunk lies in real time&nbsp;is&nbsp;the only thing that keeps&nbsp;me on this app,&#8221; one user remarked.



Why It Matters: This incident underscores the influence and responsibility of high-profile figures like Musk in shaping public discourse. 



It also highlights the potential of AI technology, such as Grok, in fact-checking and combating misinformation in real time. 



The irony of Musk&#8217;s own AI refuting his claim has not been lost on observers, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing debate about the role of AI in moderating online content.



Read Next



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Image: Shutterstock

Elon Musk Criticized for Linking Minnesota Assassination to 'Far Left'

Among the top mid-cap stocks that gained last week, most were energy stocks, driven by a spike in oil prices fueled by the Middle East conflict.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Oklo Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKLO#NYSE">OKLO</a>) stock rose 26.59% after the company was issued a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45909275">Notice of Intent</a> to Award by the Defense Logistics Agency Energy to provide clean power through its Aurora powerhouse for a U.S. Air Force site. It also raised $400 million via an equity offering, and several analysts increased their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/OKLO/analyst-ratings">price forecasts on the stock</a>.</li>



<li>Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BHC#NYSE">BHC</a>) stock increased 25.63% last week.</li>



<li>Quantum Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QUBT#NASDAQ">QUBT</a>) stock climbed 21.75% last week after Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) CEO Jensen Huang <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45889749">commented that quantum computers</a> will soon solve real-world problems beyond classical computing, boosting interest in quantum-linked stocks.</li>



<li>Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIG#NYSE">RIG</a>) stock gained 20.29% last week due to rising oil prices amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.</li>



<li>MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MP#NYSE">MP</a>) stock rose 18.87% last week after reports that the Trump administration <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/45846703">plans to invoke Cold War-era</a> powers to accelerate rare earth projects.</li>



<li>Sasol Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSL#NYSE">SSL</a>) stock increased 18.48% last week.</li>



<li>Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAR#NYSE">DAR</a>) gained rose 17.11% last week.</li>



<li>Civitas Resources, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIVI#NYSE">CIVI</a>) stock increased 16.77% last week following energy sector momentum driven by surging oil prices and Middle East instability.</li>



<li>PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PBF#NYSE">PBF</a>) stock rose 15.41% last week after energy stocks rallied amid rising crude prices and geopolitical conflict.</li>



<li>CVR Energy, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVI#NYSE">CVI</a>) stock gained 14.83% last week after the strength of the oil market lifted energy shares broadly.</li>
</ol>



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/45940507/oracle-ast-spacemobile-and-halliburton-are-among-top-10-large-cap-gainers-last-week-june-9-13-are-the-others-in-your-portfolio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oracle, AST SpaceMobile And Halliburton Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (June 9-13): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/45940506/applovin-chewy-and-carvana-are-among-top-11-large-cap-losers-last-week-june-9-13-are-the-others-in-your-portfolio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AppLovin, Chewy And Carvana Are Among Top 11 Large Cap Losers Last Week (June 9-13): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>



Photo via Shutterstock

Mid Cap

CIVI

OKLO

QUBT

Oklo, Quantum Computing And Transocean Are Among Top 10 Mid Cap Gainers Last Week (June 9-13): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

The S&amp;P Steel Index is gaining in 2025, buoyed by a combination of tariff leverage, robust balance sheets, and strong returns on capital.



Year to date, the S&amp;P Steel Sub-Industry Index is up 8.40% as of June 12, as the US steel sector stabilizes. It has room to grow over the short term after President Trump's decision to double US steel tariff imports from 25% to 50% as of June 4, 2025, following a new executive order.



But tariffs aren&#8217;t the only reason steel stocks are rising.



The trade policy shift, announced in late May during a rally at a U.S. Steel factory near Pittsburgh, immediately sent steel stocks soaring, with Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLF#NYSE">CLF</a>) rising 26% in a single day following the announcement, while Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLD#NASDAQ">STLD</a>) and Nucor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NUE#NYSE">NUE</a>) saw gains of 10-11%. "The tariffs effectively raise the price floor for steel in the U.S. market by making imported steel significantly more expensive," said Tracy Shuchart, senior economist at NinjaTrader in New York City. "According to market data, benchmark steel prices have already increased from $725 per metric ton before the tariff announcement to $875 per metric ton currently."



It&#8217;s not only tariffs that are supporting steel industry gains.



"Steel's rally is a mix of short-term catalysts and long-term structural forces," said Dan Buckley, chief analyst at DayTrading.com. "US tariffs are boosting expectations for domestic producers, while sustained federal spending on infrastructure and reshoring is aiding durable demand."



"Add in supply chain restocking, auto sector recovery, and disciplined capital returns from top players like Nucor and Steel Dynamics, and the sector is showing a more stable profile," Buckley added.



The tariff portion of that equation may not have a long shelf life, so investors should proceed cautiously. Talks between the U.S. and Mexico are already underway to curb the 50% tariff figure.



"For example, the two countries are exploring a quota system that would allow a specific amount of Mexican steel to enter the U.S. duty-free or at lower rates, with only excess amounts subject to the full 50% levy," Shuchart noted. "This negotiation explains why some steel stocks like Nucor fell 6.1% on June 11, as investors reacted to the possibility of tariff exemptions. The European Union has also strongly opposed the increased tariffs, warning of potential countermeasures."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Benzinga Exclusive: Master Trader Reveals ‘Power Patterns' Behind 100% Gains</h2>



For the last decade, these three "Power Patterns" have delivered winning trades during the summer &#8211; one an astonishing 90% of the time. Now they're firing up again over the next 75 days. Want a 30-year veteran trader to show you how to play them? See <a href="https://events2.benzinga.com/power-pattern-profits-live/?utm_campaign=power-pattern-registration&amp;utm_adType=sponsorad&amp;utm_ad=RD061625&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;el=ResearchDaily">HERE</a> How a Master Trader Plays These "Power Patterns"



Investors should factor in other supportive steel sector impactors also driving industry stocks forward. Shuchart points to infrastructure investment, where ongoing and planned infrastructure projects drive demand for steel products across the United States.



Domestic construction activity is up, too, and in high-growth areas.



"Despite higher interest rates, commercial construction remains relatively robust, supporting demand for structural steel," Shuchart said. "Additionally, key steel-consuming industries like automotive and machinery manufacturing have shown surprising resilience in 2025, and the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure requires significant steel inputs, creating a new demand source for the industry.&#8221;



With a strong tailwind from U.S. government policy and solid fundamentals from the steel sector in place, which steel stocks make the most sense for investors right now? These three steel plays could add a profitable element to your portfolio.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nucor</h2>



Trading at $121 per share and 4.4% over the past month, Charlotte, N.C.-based Nucor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NUE#NYSE">NUE</a>), a steel products manufacturer, also offers a sturdy 1.82% dividend yield.



"Despite recent volatility due to potential Mexico tariff negotiations, Nucor remains the premier U.S. steel producer with industry-leading margins, a strong balance sheet, and consistent dividend growth," Shuchar said. "Its EAF production model provides cost flexibility, and its diverse product mix offers exposure to multiple end markets."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Steel Dynamics</h2>



At $133 per share and with a 1.50% dividend yield, Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLD#NASDAQ">STLD</a>) is up a healthy 16.7% year to date. However, the stock (like Nucor) is down moderately this week after the US-Mexico tariff negotiations went public. Wall Street is buzzing over those talks, which could center on reducing or even removing the 50% tariffs to a lower amount based on historical trade volumes.



Yet there's a lot to like about Steel Dynamics, which, like Nucor, offers investors operational efficiency and one of the lowest production cost structures in the industry. "The company has been expanding its value-added product portfolio, which should support margins even if base steel prices moderate," Shuchar said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ArcelorMittal</h2>



Buckley is bullish on the Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MT#NYSE">MT</a>), which engages in steelmaking and mining activity. "MT adds global diversification" to the manufacturing section of an investment portfolio," Buckley said. MT shares are up 30.6% year to date at $30 per share with a 1.55% dividend yield.



MT could also benefit from Nippon Steel's purchase of US Steel. Under an agreement inked in October 2024, ArcelorMittal is set up to purchase Nippon's 50% share in a joint venture deal for $1. In addition, MT will deep-six $1 billion of joint venture shareholder loans in an agreement that JP Morgan analyst Dominic O'Kane called a "major positive" for ArcelorMittal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Look for Solid Fundamentals with Steel Stocks</h2>



Don't hit any "buy" buttons on steel stocks until you grasp a company's underlying fundamentals, even if the tariff wars seem to be working out in your favor.



Buckley said investors should prioritize key factors with steel companies. In his view, the best steel investments combine:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Cost-efficient production.</li>



<li>Strong returns on capital.</li>



<li>Strong balance sheets (i.e., low net debt, high-interest coverage, ample cash reserves, stable working capital, prudent capital expenditure discipline).</li>



<li>Quality net margins (i.e., a ~5% net margin is a solid baseline for this sector, and a 7- 10% range is excellent).</li>
</ul>



"Industry companies with high-margin, value-added products and sustainable dividend growth are best, rather than chasing commodity pricing volatility compared to the overall market," Buckley said. "Overall, steel stocks are less about chasing trends and more about aligning with the economic security playbook we're seeing as a geopolitical theme."



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



Photo: Shutterstock

STLD

3 Steel Stocks To Get You Through The Market's Troubles

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride for the crypto industry, with Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) making headlines, the SEC appointing a crypto insider, and the Coinbase CEO predicting the end of the fiat era. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories:



Coinbase&#8217;s S&amp;P 500 Debut: Coinbase made history in May by becoming the first cryptocurrency exchange to be included in the S&amp;P 500 index. This significant milestone signals a growing acceptance of the crypto industry in mainstream markets and positions Coinbase among America&#8217;s largest and most influential companies.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45932447/coinbase-sp-500-debut-new-products-offset-pressure">Read the full article here.</a>



SEC&#8217;s Crypto-Savvy Leadership: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced Jamie Selway as its new Director of the Division of Trading and Markets. Selway, a recognized figure in market structure and digital assets, will assume his new position on June 17, 2025. This move signals a significant shift towards engaging crypto-savvy leadership at the regulatory helm.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45932185/sec-crypto-jamie-selway-head-division-trading-markets">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45925124/ripple-ceo-projects-xrp-could-handle-14-of-swifts-cross-border-payment-volume-within-five-years" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ripple CEO Projects XRP Could Handle 14% Of SWIFT&#8217;s Cross-Border Payment Volume Within Five Years &#8211; Benzinga</a>



End of Fiat Era: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong predicted that Bitcoin may emerge as the world&#8217;s new reserve currency. He cited mounting global deficits and rising economic uncertainty as catalysts for a shift away from fiat systems.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45926431/people-will-flee-to-bitcoin-coinbase-ceo-sees-end-of-fiat-era-coming">Read the full article here.</a>



Warren&#8217;s Warning to Zuckerberg: Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal raised concerns over Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) CEO Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s potential stablecoin revival plans, citing them as a &#8220;national security threat&#8221;.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45923283/elizabeth-warren-slams-mark-zuckerberg-over-reported-stablecoin-ambitions-citing-national-security-threat-meta-says-no-such-plans">Read the full article here.</a>



Crypto Credit Card: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong unveiled a cryptocurrency credit card that offers cashback rewards in Bitcoin. The card, powered by American Express Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>), offers users up to 4% in Bitcoin rewards for every purchase.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45919626/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-teases-crypto-credit-card-powered-by-american-express-bitcoin-cashbacks-offered-but-heres-the-catch">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45933322/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-weekend-rally-100k-lows" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Drop Further — Traders Eye Weekend Rally Before Retest Of $100K Lows &#8211; Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC) Common units of fractional undivided beneficial interest (A</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/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

COIN

Coinbase's S&P 500 Debut, SEC's Crypto-Savvy Leadership And More: This Week In Crypto

As we wrap up another eventful week, let&#8217;s take a look at the top stories that made headlines. From Mark Cuban endorsing a progressive deficit reduction plan to the World Economic Forum&#8217;s sobering gender equality forecast, there&#8217;s a lot to unpack. We also saw President Trump green-lighting a major steel merger and Elon Musk predicting a future without jobs. Here&#8217;s a quick rundown of these stories.



Mark Cuban Backs Ro Khanna&#8217;s Deficit Reduction Plan



Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has shown support for Rep. Ro Khanna&#8217;s (D-Calif.) &#8220;Progressive Deficit Reduction Plan.&#8221; The plan aims to cut the U.S. deficit by $12 trillion over the next decade, with a significant portion of the cuts coming from spending reductions. The plan was unveiled on June 10, 2025, and seeks to lower the deficit-to-GDP ratio to 3% by 2034, a figure well below the historical average of 3.8%.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/45900891/mark-cuban-backs-ro-khannas-12-trillion-progressive-deficit-reduction-plan-targeting-medicare-fraud-and-military-spending">Read the full article here.</a>



Gender Equality 123 Years Away, Says World Economic Forum



The World Economic Forum&#8217;s 2025 Global Gender Gap Index indicates that achieving global gender parity is still a distant goal. The report shows that only 68.8% of the gender gap has been closed across 148 economies, a mere 0.3 percentage point improvement from last year. At the current rate, it will take 123 years to reach full gender equality.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45922274/world-economic-forum-says-gender-equality-is-123-years-away-un-projects-7-trillion-boost-to-global-economy-if-gap-closes">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/45919422/trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill-is-the-largest-redistribution-from-poor-to-rich-in-american-history-says-economist-justin-wolfers-amid-tax-cuts-spending-s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s &#8216;One Big, Beautiful Bill&#8217; Is &#8216;The Largest Redistribution From Poor To Rich In American History,&#8217; Says Economist Justin Wolfers Amid Tax Cuts, Spending Slashes And Tariffs &#8211; Benzinga</a>



Trump Approves Nippon Steel&#8217;s Acquisition of US Steel



President Donald Trump has approved Nippon Steel&#8217;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NPSCY#OTC">NPSCY</a>) $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>). The approval comes after an 18-month process marked by union resistance and dual national security assessments. The merger is contingent upon an agreement with the Treasury Department to address national security concerns.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45938248/trump-approves-nippon-steels-14-9-billion-bid-for-us-steel">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump&#8217;s Tax Plan Could Threaten Rural Healthcare



Health advocates and rural hospitals warn that President Trump&#8217;s proposed tax cuts and spending bill could jeopardize critical medical services in small towns across the country. The legislation, which seeks to extend the 2017 tax cuts, could result in a significant reduction in Medicaid funding and impose stricter requirements for recipients.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/45930856/trumps-tax-plan-could-leave-millions-uninsured-hit-rural-america-hard">Read the full article here.</a>



Elon Musk Predicts A Future Without Jobs



Elon Musk, at the Viva Technology Conference in Paris, predicted a future where artificial intelligence could eliminate the need for most human jobs. He gave an 80% probability that AI advances will lead to a situation where humans will not need to work and will have all they need.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45930142/there-will-be-universal-high-income-elon-musk-predicts-with-80-certainty-that-none-of-us-will-have-jobs-but-bill-gates-says-its-too-soon">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/45922984/trump-numbskull-fed-powell-inflation-interest-rates-israel-iran-oil" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Numbskull&#8217; Insult Comes Back To Bite—In Record Time</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/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

NPSCY

Mark Cuban Backs Ro Khanna's Fiscal Plan, Gender Equality Forecasts, And Musk's Jobless Future Prediction: This Week In Economics

U.S. markets ended a choppy week on a cautious note, as modest gains through Thursday reversed sharply on Friday after escalating tensions between Israel and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45922022/trump-issues-stark-warning-to-iran-to-make-a-deal-after-israels-strikes-on-nuclear-sites-just-do-it-before-its-too-late">Iran rattled investor sentiment.</a>



Major equity indices, which had been hovering near all-time highs, pulled back as geopolitical risks surged back to the forefront.



The S&amp;P 500 – as tracked by the Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) – ended 1.1% lower for the week, falling below the 6,000-point threshold. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Oil's Back In Focus—And Gold Is Eyeing New Highs</h3>



Late Thursday, Israel launched &#8220;Operation Rising Lion,&#8221; a sweeping aerial campaign targeting approximately 100 Iranian nuclear and military installations, reportedly killing several high-ranking officials. Iran responded by launching over 100 drones toward Israeli territory and vowed severe retaliation, raising fears of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45933856/iran-fires-ballistic-missiles-at-israel-tel-aviv-struck">broader regional escalation.</a>



Oil markets reacted swiftly: West Texas Intermediate crude surged past $70 a barrel, capping a double-digit percentage gain for the week — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/06/45924154/the-120-oil-shock-just-became-a-real-risk-are-we-back-in-2022">its strongest in years.</a>



On the economic front, the much-feared tariff-driven inflation failed to materialize in May, with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/45881899/inflation-resumes-climb-in-may-but-tariffs-have-yet-to-hit-consumers">consumer</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/45902987/producer-inflation-rises-less-than-forecasts-in-may-jobless-claims-signal-labor-market-cracks">producer</a> price reports generally coming in broadly below expectations.



Under normal circumstances, such data would have bolstered hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts and likely sparked a rally on Wall Street. But the rally failed to materialize as soaring energy prices clouded the disinflation narrative.



Sector-wise, energy stocks led the weekly gains, buoyed by the oil rally, while financials underperformed. Oracle Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/price-target/25/06/45924707/oracle-to-rally-around-11-here-are-10-top-analyst-forecasts-for-friday">delivered a standout performance</a> – climbing by over 20% on its best weekly return since 2001 – following stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings and upbeat guidance.



Currency markets were also in motion. The U.S. dollar came under renewed pressure, with a key index tracking the greenback falling to its lowest level <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/45906982/dollar-hits-27-month-lows-the-fed-should-cut-next-week-economist-says">in over three years.</a> 



Investors appeared increasingly uneasy about the long-term trajectory of U.S. fiscal policy, particularly as President Donald Trump's sweeping "One Big, Beautiful Bill" heads to the Senate.



Safe-haven demand for precious metals remained robust. Gold extended its powerful 2025 rally, supported by both geopolitical instability and persistent worries over the U.S. debt burden. The precious metal is on track to deliver its strongest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/guidance/25/06/45928561/gold-biggest-boom-in-decades-and-investors-are-still-missing-out">first-half performance since 1982.</a>



Silver also inched higher, hitting the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/06/45847216/silver-supercycle-you-never-have-enough-of-it-hedge-fund-analyst-says-as-50-level-looms">highest levels since 2012</a>.&nbsp;



All eyes now turn to the Federal Reserve's policy meeting next week. While no change to interest rates is expected, markets will scrutinize any shifts in the Fed's economic projections. In March, policymakers forecast 2025 GDP growth at 1.7% — down from 2.1% in December — and a 2.7% average inflation rate, revised upward from 2.5%.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/45922827/the-dollar-is-crumbling-and-hedge-fund-analyst-says-a-new-global-trade-is-brewing">The Dollar Is Crumbling, And Hedge Fund Analyst Says A New Global Trade Is Brewing </a></li>
</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Large Cap

Macro Economic Events

ORCL

Soft Inflation Data Meets Middle East Turmoil: This Week In Markets

As the week wraps up, the political landscape has been buzzing with noteworthy stories. From President Donald Trump&#8217;s ongoing feud with Federal Reserve Chief Jerome Powell to the unprecedented involvement of U.S. Marines in civilian detainment in Los Angeles, the week has been anything but quiet. Adding to the mix, big tech companies are reportedly funding Trump&#8217;s military parade, while his approval ratings hit a second-term low. Lastly, the much-anticipated &#8216;Trump Card&#8217; visa program has started accepting applications. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.



Trump&#8217;s War Of Words With Jerome Powell Continues



President Trump has once again voiced his dissatisfaction with Federal Reserve Chief Jerome Powell&#8217;s stance on rates, blaming him for increased U.S. debt costs. Trump referred to Powell as &#8220;one numbskull&#8221; and expressed his frustration over Powell&#8217;s refusal to lower rates. Despite the criticism, Trump stated he has no plans to fire Powell.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45913481/trump-rips-jerome-powell-over-rates-but-supreme-court-shields-fed-from-firing">Read the full article here.</a>



Unprecedented Military Involvement In Civilian Detainment



In a first-of-its-kind incident, U.S. Marines detained a civilian in Los Angeles amidst ongoing immigration protests. The incident, which took place at the Wilshire Federal Building, marks the first known instance of active-duty troops, deployed by President Trump, detaining a civilian in the city.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45938132/us-marines-detain-civilian-in-los-angeles-amid-immigration-protests-first-known-incident-of-its-kind-report">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45922410/trump-extends-50-steel-tariffs-to-home-appliances-like-fridges-dishwashers-starting-june-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Extends 50% Steel Tariffs To Home Appliances Like Fridges, Dishwashers Starting June 23</a>



Big Tech Companies Funding Trump&#8217;s Military Parade



President Trump&#8217;s upcoming military parade, set to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, may be receiving financial support from big tech companies. This event, coinciding with Trump&#8217;s birthday, comes a year before the planned semiquincentennial celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45934225/big-tech-companies-helped-fund-trumps-inauguration-now-they-could-be-funding-his-military-birthday-parade">Read the full article here.</a>



Trump&#8217;s Approval Rating Hits Second-Term Low



A recent poll from Quinnipiac University reveals a significant drop in President Trump&#8217;s approval rating, with only 38% of respondents expressing approval of his performance. This marks the lowest point of his second term, with a sustained decline from 46% in January.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45920411/trumps-approval-rating-hits-second-term-low-amid-ukraine-and-israel-conflicts">Read the full article here.</a>



The &#8216;Trump Card&#8217; Visa Program Now Open for Applications



President Trump&#8217;s new visa program, offering a pathway to U.S. citizenship for foreign nationals ready to pay $5 million, has officially opened for applications. The program, showcased on the newly launched TrumpCard.gov website, has already seen a flurry of global investors signing up.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45898900/pay-5-million-get-the-trump-card-new-visa-program-now-accepting-applications">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/45922984/trump-numbskull-fed-powell-inflation-interest-rates-israel-iran-oil" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Numbskull&#8217; Insult Comes Back To Bite—In Record Time</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/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>



Photo courtesy: Joey Sussman / Shutterstock.com

Politics

Trump's Tussle With Powell, Big Tech's Parade Funding, Trump Card Visa And More: This Week In Politics

This week was a rollercoaster ride in the tech world, with significant developments from industry giants Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>). From strategic investments and leadership changes to financial strategy revisions and potential acquisitions, the tech titans have been busy. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.



Meta&#8217;s $29 Billion AI Investment



Meta has strategically invested in Scale AI, pushing the company&#8217;s valuation to over $29 billion. This move is part of a broader partnership aimed at accelerating AI development. Scale AI&#8217;s founder and CEO, Alexandr Wang, will join Meta to support its internal AI initiatives while continuing to serve on Scale&#8217;s board.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45919069/meta-invests-in-scale-ai-at-29-billion-valuation-taps-ceo-alexandr-wang-to-drive-internal-ai-push-as-part-of-deepening-partnership">Read the full article here.</a>



Nvidia&#8217;s China Conundrum



Nvidia has revised its financial strategy following a $2.5 billion revenue shortfall in Q1 2025, attributed to U.S. export controls blocking AI chip sales to China. CEO Jensen Huang stated that the company would no longer include China in its revenue or profit forecasts due to the ongoing U.S. export restrictions.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45918580/nvidia-drops-china-from-guidance-after-2-5-billion-q1-revenue-hit-ceo-jensen-huang-says-hes-not-counting-on-us-lifting-export-controls-but-if-it-happens-it-will-be-a-great-bonus">Read the full article here.</a>



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/06/g45937091/in-ncla-amicus-win-supreme-court-revives-innocent-familys-suit-over-fbis-wrong-house-raid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In NCLA Amicus Win, Supreme Court Revives Innocent Family&#8217;s Suit over FBI&#8217;s Wrong-House Raid &#8211; Benzinga</a>



Nvidia CEO Disagrees With AI Job Wipeout Predictions



In a rebuttal to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei&#8217;s warnings about AI wiping out entry-level white-collar jobs, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed his disagreement, stating that open development would create new work rather than trigger a wipeout.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45905624/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-claps-back-at-anthropics-dario-amodei-says-i-pretty-much-disagree-with-almost-everything-he-said-about-ai-wiping-out-jobs">Read the full article here.</a>



Apple&#8217;s Potential AI Acquisition



Following Apple&#8217;s WWDC 2025, Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities suggested that Apple might need to pursue a merger or acquisition with an AI platform like Perplexity to remain competitive in AI and meet growing consumer demands. This move would be similar to Apple&#8217;s 2014 acquisition of Beats.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45899111/apple-may-end-up-acquiring-perplexity-like-it-did-with-beats-in-2014-says-dan-ives-consumers-need-reasons-to-upgrade-as-iphone-maker-falls-way-behind-in-ai-race">Read the full article here.</a>



Wikipedia Pauses AI Experiment



Wikipedia has halted its AI-generated summaries experiment following backlash from its editor community, who argued that the feature would harm the platform&#8217;s credibility. The Wikimedia Foundation had planned to test AI-generated summaries on Wikipedia articles to make content more accessible.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45897696/wikipedia-halts-ai-summaries-after-editors-warn-of-irreversible-harm-say-no-need-to-one-up-with-google">Read the full article here.</a>



Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/45919422/trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill-is-the-largest-redistribution-from-poor-to-rich-in-american-h" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s &#8216;One Big, Beautiful Bill&#8217; Is &#8216;The Largest Redistribution From Poor To Rich In American History,&#8217; Says Economist Justin Wolfers Amid Tax Cuts, Spending Slashes And Tariffs</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/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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