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VCI Global

VCI Global Ltd is a holding company. The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries are the provision of business Strategy consultancy and technology development solution consultancy. The firm organized its consulting services into three main segments: Business Strategy Consultancy; Technology Consultancy; and Others. It derives the majority of its revenue from the Business Strategy Consultancy segment which focuses on listing solutions, investor relations, and boardroom strategies consultancy. It has established a diverse local and international clientele, providing them with its services in both local and cross-border listings. Its role begins with pre-listing diagnosis and planning to the finalization of the entire listing process.

VCI Global Ltd

VITREOUS GLASS INC ORD by Vitreous Glass Inc.

Vitreous Glass Inc

If you're <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/real-estate-forecast-for-the-next-10-years">watching the housing market</a> closely, here's something to pay attention to: Builders are sitting on more unsold homes than we've seen since the Great Recession. And that's leading to something pretty rare in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate">real estate — real deals</a>.
Thanks to years of aggressive building during the post-pandemic housing boom, combined with today's higher mortgage rates and affordability challenges, some builders are sitting on a glut of "spec homes" — move-in ready properties built without a buyer lined up. 
To move these homes, they're offering major incentives: we're talking lower interest rates (thanks to mortgage rate buydowns), credits toward closing costs, and even cash for upgrades. In some areas, prices are dropping by tens of thousands of dollars, according to a Yahoo Finance <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/builders-sitting-on-a-pile-of-unsold-homes-are-slashing-prices-and-offering-mortgage-rate-deals-140058365.html">report</a>.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44861156/america-first-is-ok-but-not-america-alone-says-jamie-dimon-as-he-calls-for-us-china-engagement-amid-trade-tensions-start-with-a-phone-call">&#8216;America First Is OK, But Not America Alone,&#8217; JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Says</a>
But — and it's a big but — this isn't happening everywhere. Markets like Texas, Florida, and parts of Arizona, where <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-buy-new-construction-home">new construction homes</a> have exploded in recent years, are seeing the biggest discounts. Think of suburbs around Austin or San Antonio, where buyers have scored five-figure price cuts, plus perks like new appliances and upgraded finishes. Meanwhile, more land-constrained areas like coastal California or parts of the Midwest still have limited inventory and red-hot demand. There? Prices are holding firm.
It's a tale of two markets: one where buyers can finally flex some negotiating power, and another where bidding wars are still the norm.
Builders are walking a fine line right now — clearing out inventory while bracing for the next wave of economic uncertainty. That's why they're prioritizing flexibility. Many are shifting to spec home construction. This is not just to meet buyer demand for quick move-ins, but also to get ahead of potential tariff hikes and rising labor costs.
So what does this mean if you're house hunting in 2025? If you're in the right market — or willing to move to one — you might find a new construction home that's suddenly within reach. But don't wait too long. As inventory gets cleared out, the leverage may swing back to sellers sooner than you think.
Now Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/04/44834499/top-3-real-estate-stocks-that-may-explode-in-q2">Top 3 Real Estate Stocks That May Explode In Q2</a></li>
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Image: Shutterstock

Financial Advisors

Real Estate

Homebuilders Are Slashing Prices — But Only In Certain Markets

During the formative years of&nbsp;Netflix Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>), co-founders Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings made a bold decision to decline an acquisition proposal from Jeff Bezos, the founder of&nbsp;Amazon Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>).
What Happened: According to a recent interview, Hastings&nbsp;said that Bezos had shown interest in buying Netflix in 1998, as part of Amazon&#8217;s strategy to expand into the video market. "It never got to, like, a formal offer. It was sort of exploratory," he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ES_G88EG8Y">said</a>.&nbsp;
"We said no and then worked our a &#8212; off for 20 years," Hastings said.
While no official offer was put forth, Bezos&#8217; team suggested a price in the low eight figures, which Randolph estimated to be&nbsp;between $14 million and $16&nbsp;million, according to&nbsp;his 2019 memoir, &#8220;That Will&nbsp;Never Work.&#8221;
"When someone uses ‘low eight figures,' that means barely eight-figures. That means probably something between $14 million and $16 million," Randolph wrote in the memoir. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44780229/decoding-jeff-bezos-unique-amazon-interview-question-a-key-to-hiring-success">Decoding Jeff Bezos&#8217; Unique Amazon Interview Question: A Key To Hiring Success?</a>
Despite facing financial difficulties, the Netflix co-founders believed they were on the brink of a major breakthrough. They had successfully sourced nearly every DVD available, positioning Netflix as the top online source for DVDs. As a result, they turned down Bezos&#8217; offer.
In a twist of fate, Randolph and Hastings&nbsp;found themselves in a similar&nbsp;predicament with Blockbuster in 2000,&nbsp;but this time they were&nbsp;the ones seeking a deal. However, Blockbuster&#8217;s CEO, John Antioco, did not take their proposal seriously.
Why It Matters: Today, Netflix has grown into a global video streaming and production giant&nbsp;with a market cap of&nbsp;$411.34 billion and over 300 million subscribers worldwide. 
The decision to reject Bezos&#8217; early acquisition offer has clearly paid off, allowing Netflix to carve out its own path in the industry and become a leader in the streaming market.
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Image: Shutterstock/Daniel Avram

News

Markets

Tech

AMZN

NFLX

Jeff Bezos Once Tried to Buy Netflix, Co-Founder Says: 'We Said No and Then Worked Our A-- Off for 20 Years'

Jeffrey Epstein, the infamous&nbsp;financier, was allegedly offered a&nbsp;plea deal by federal prosecutors.&nbsp;The deal was contingent on&nbsp;Epstein providing information on President Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41703154/michael-wolff-on-donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-relationship">as claimed by Epstein&#8217;s former cellmate.</a>
What Happened Epstein&#8217;s&nbsp;ex-cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, made the&nbsp;startling claim that Epstein was&nbsp;offered the&nbsp;opportunity to plead guilty to&nbsp;a lesser charge in exchange&nbsp;for&nbsp;information that could potentially lead&nbsp;to Trump&#8217;s impeachment.
Facing serious charges such as sex trafficking of minors and sexual exploitation, Epstein allegedly disclosed the details of the deal after a meeting with federal prosecutors, as reported <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/01/18/us-news/feds-offered-jeffrey-epstein-a-deal-for-dirt-on-trump-ex-cellmate/">by</a> The New York Post.
He was quoted as saying, "They told me they'd&nbsp;let me plead out something&nbsp;small, and I'll&nbsp;do just a couple of&nbsp;years in a camp, if&nbsp;I can give them something&nbsp;on Trump to get him&nbsp;impeached."
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38630738/jeffrey-epsteins-second-black-book-is-up-for-sale-and-it-contains-the-names-of-over-200-previously-u" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeffrey Epstein's Second ‘Black Book' Is Up For Sale — And It Contains The Names Of Over 200 Previously Undisclosed People, Including Carl Icahn</a>
According to Tartaglione,&nbsp;Epstein contemplated fabricating information to&nbsp;save himself, admitting he didn&#8217;t possess&nbsp;any significant information about Trump.&nbsp;Epstein&#8217;s relationship with Trump was reportedly purely social.
&#8220;He says, but the government told me I don&#8217;t have to prove what I say about Trump, as long as Trump&#8217;s people can&#8217;t disprove it,&#8221; Tartaglione told the outlet adding that Epstein considered &#8220;making stuff up&#8221; to save his skin.
However, no other source has corroborated Tartaglione&#8217;s allegations, and representatives&nbsp;for Manhattan federal prosecutors have&nbsp;declined to comment on these&nbsp;claims. The veracity of these claims remains unconfirmed.
Why It Matters: This revelation, if true, could&nbsp;have significant implications on the political landscape. It suggests that federal prosecutors were willing to offer leniency to a person facing serious criminal charges in exchange for politically damaging information. 
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Copyright Lawrey

Politics

Ex-Cellmate Says Epstein Was Offered Plea Deal for Information on Trump: 'Give Them Something on Trump To Get Him Impeached'

<ul>
<li>Chinese officials are arguing for cryptocurrency regulations to deal with seized assets.</li>
<li>Despite a trading ban, Chinese local governments have reportedly been selling seized crypto assets through private companies.</li>
<li>While mainland China continues to uphold its cryptocurrency ban, Hong Kong is pushing to become a cryptocurrency hub.</li>
</ul>
Once the leading cryptocurrency trading and mining hub, China has long ceded its dominance to the U.S. following a series of suppressive regulatory measures, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23087129/chinas-new-crypto-ban-is-10-days-old-but-panic-sellers-send-bitcoin-to-40-900">a blanket ban in 2021</a>.
Now, nearly four years later, the Asian economic giant may be considering a potential softening of its treatment of cryptocurrencies, but not for the reasons many would have anticipated.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Judicial Recognition</h2>
According to a Reuters <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-debates-how-handle-criminal-crypto-cache-2025-04-15/?utm_source=reddit.com#:~:text=But%20local%20governments%20have%20been,court%20documents%20seen%20by%20Reuters.">report</a>, Chinese law enforcement officials, lawyers and financial industry participants are pushing for some judicial recognition of cryptocurrencies as assets in a potential landmark shift for the country&#8217;s cryptocurrency industry.
The calls come as the country sees a spike in cryptocurrency asset seizures from criminal cases. The lack of clear rules on how to handle these seizures is raising corruption concerns.
So far, Chinese local governments have been selling these seized cryptocurrencies for cash through private firms to shore up their coffers amid an economic slowdown. Specifically, the assets are sold for U.S. dollars in foreign markets and converted into yuan by local banks before being transferred to local government accounts holding public funds.
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
Using this method, a local technology company, Jiafenxiang, has sold over 3 billion yuan, or about $41 million, worth of cryptocurrency assets on behalf of three local governments, Xuzhou, Hua&#8217;an, and Taizhou, since 2018.
But most officials argue that current methods are inconsistent and opaque, with at least one expert arguing that the sales go against the country&#8217;s ban on crypto trading. In a January <a href="https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=MzAxNDQwNzcyMA==&amp;mid=2651048531&amp;idx=1&amp;sn=1c3ae30bfa1e490f55fab0c0c883d68d">seminar</a> on the issue, officials reportedly suggested everything from establishing clear guidelines to a strategic reserve <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44184474/trump-announced-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-to-allow-buying-additional-btc-peter-schiff-doesnt-think-so-but-heres-what-the-order-says">like the Trump administration</a>, all of which could be a boon for the industry by paving the way for greater adoption.
Nonetheless, the amount of cryptocurrency assets the Chinese government holds is debatable. While Bitbo Treasuries <a href="https://treasuries.bitbo.io/countries/">suggests</a> that the country has 194,000 BTC worth over $16 billion, most of which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/22/11/29582013/china-holds-6-billion-worth-of-crypto-could-kill-crypto-markets-if-it-wishes-analyst">were seized from the PlusToken scam</a>, Bitcoin investment firm River <a href="https://river.com/learn/who-owns-the-most-bitcoin/">indicates</a> that the government only holds 15,000 BTC worth about $1.4 billion.
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
The disparity comes as some analysts <a href="https://x.com/ki_young_ju/status/1882328830649799039?t=yLO3EB6HMMEK3-ljETwTzg&amp;s=19">suggest</a> that China has since disposed of Bitcoin assets seized from the PlusToken Ponzi scheme. According to conflicting data, China is either the country with the second largest or 14th largest Bitcoin holdings.
While mainland China continues to uphold its cryptocurrency ban, Hong Kong is pushing to become a cryptocurrency hub. The special administrative region of China <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38219730/hong-kong-poised-to-approve-spot-bitcoin-and-spot-ether-etfs-report">has approved several spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42560364/hong-kong-approves-four-new-crypto-exchanges-positioning-itself-as-a-key-hub-expert-says">issued licenses to several cryptocurrency exchanges</a>.
Whether the mainland will eventually follow a similar path, especially as the U.S. seeks to take the lead in the sector under Trump, remains to be seen. But legal recognition of the assets could be a good start.
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Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

China Set To Give Crypto Legal Recognition? Dumping of Seized Assets To Navigate Economic Slowdown Sparks Debates

These mid-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Webull Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BULL#NASDAQ">BULL</a>) shares escalated 119.05%. The stock debuted on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44876727" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nasdaq earlier last week</a>.</li>
<li>Hertz Global Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HTZ#NASDAQ">HTZ</a>) shares skyrocketed 99.03% after Bill Ackman&#8217;s Pershing Square Capital Management filed an amended 13F showing that the firm purchased 12.71 million shares of the rental car company as of Dec. 31, representing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44853443" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a stake of approximately 4.1%</a>.</li>
<li>Metsera, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTSR#NASDAQ">MTSR</a>) stock is jumping 49.62% after Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) discontinued <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44790653" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the development of danuglipron</a>.</li>
<li>Vista Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VIST#NYSE">VIST</a>) shares surged 35.52% after the company announced it acquired Petronas E&amp;P Argentina through a mixed transaction consisting of $900 million in cash, $300 million in deferred payments, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44848713" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approximately 7.3 million ADS units</a>.</li>
<li>Certara, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CERT#NASDAQ">CERT</a>) stock upped 34.63% after the company issued a year-over-year increase in its first-quarter revenue guidance and announced a $100 million share repurchase program. Additionally, the company announced it launched a non-animal navigator solution to help drug developers <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44798103" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduce reliance on animal testing.</a></li>
<li>Sibanye-Stillwater (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBSW#NYSE">SBSW</a>) shares 27.76%, probably amid a rally in the value of the commodity past the price of $3300 and towards an all-time high.</li>
<li>Banco Macro (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMA#NYSE">BMA</a>) stock increased 27.71%.</li>
</ol>
Photo by via Shutterstock

Equities

Mid Cap

Movers

BULL

CERT

MTSR

SBSW

VIST

ZLAB

Hertz Global And Webull Stocks Are Among Top Mid-Cap Gainers Last Week (Apr 14-Apr 18): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) CEO Jensen Huang continued his high-level tour in China with a meeting in Shanghai on Friday, following discussions with central government <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44858727/jensen-huang-in-china-for-talks-as-us-tightens-nvidia-chip-restrictions-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">officials in Beijing a day earlier</a>.
The visit comes amid tightening U.S. restrictions on chip exports to China, which have created headwinds for American semiconductor firms.
Huang&#8217;s two-day itinerary included a sit-down with He Lifeng, China&#8217;s vice-premier overseeing trade relations with the U.S., in a move widely interpreted by Chinese media as a sign of Nvidia&#8217;s long-term commitment to the region, South China Morning Post <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3307168/nvidia-boss-jensen-huang-meets-shanghai-mayor-wake-new-us-export-controls-chips" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44855538/cathie-woods-crypto-shuffle-pours-5-2-million-into-newly-listed-solana-staking-fund-dumps-bitcoin-etf-and-buys-robinhood-dip" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cathie Wood&#8217;s Crypto Shuffle: Pours $5.2 Million Into Newly Listed Solana Staking Fund, Dumps Bitcoin ETF And Buys Robinhood Dip</a>
On Friday, Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng welcomed Huang, highlighting the city&#8217;s investor-friendly policies and industrial strength.
Huang, in turn, called Shanghai a vital part of Nvidia&#8217;s global research and development footprint, citing the city&#8217;s market scale, sophisticated client base, and mature tech ecosystem as core advantages, the report adds.
Huang emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, advocating for stronger global cooperation to harness its benefits.
He reiterated Nvidia&#8217;s intention to maintain robust ties with Chinese partners and encouraged cross-border collaboration to drive innovation and prosperity.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment for Nvidia.
The company&#8217;s stock has slipped nearly 25% over the last quarter. Meanwhile, the U.S. government recently announced that Nvidia would require a special license to export its H20 chips—products specifically tailored for China under prior export rules.
The new restriction could cost the company an estimated $5.5 billion in lost sales, South China Morning Post adds.
Chinese tech companies, which rely heavily on GPUs like Nvidia&#8217;s for AI training, have been ramping up infrastructure to support domestic AI development.
After the unveiling of a low-cost AI model by local startup DeepSeek, China has doubled down on building national computing hubs to compete globally.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44868280/us-listed-chinese-stocks-face-250-billion-forced-selling-risk-as-delisting-fears-emerge-what-investors-need-to-know" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US-Listed Chinese Stocks Face $250 Billion Forced Selling Risk As Delisting Fears Emerge: What Investors Need To Know</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/jamesonwu1972

General

NVDA

Nvidia's Jensen Huang Meets Shanghai Mayor Amid Fresh US Chip Curbs

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lost four key staffers in one day, causing a significant upheaval within the Pentagon.
What Happened: Hegseth&#8217;s Chief of Staff Joe Kasper is set to leave his position in the coming days. Kasper will, however, remain within the agency. Three other Defense aides, who were previously put on leave due to an ongoing leak investigation, were terminated on Friday.
These include senior advisor Dan Caldwell, Deputy Chief of Staff Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll, the chief of staff to the deputy secretary of Defense. Carroll and Selnick are reportedly planning to sue for wrongful termination, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/18/defense-secretary-chief-of-staff-joe-kasper-departure-00299508">reports</a> Politico.
The Pentagon has been grappling with a series of leaks recently, including the disclosure of military plans and intelligence gathering activities. This upheaval comes amidst a scandal involving Hegseth and a group chat&nbsp;on Signal, an encrypted messaging&nbsp;app, where he&nbsp;shared forthcoming plans for airstrikes&nbsp;on Houthi rebel targets in&nbsp;Yemen.
One senior Pentagon official told&nbsp;the outlet that Kasper had clashed&nbsp;with the aides who were fired, indicating a personality clash. Another defense official described the situation as a &#8220;complete meltdown&#8221; reflecting on Hegseth&#8217;s leadership. A third official predicted more chaos to come.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41866424/pentagon-officials-weigh-responses-to-possible-illegal-orders-under-trump">Pentagon Officials Weigh Responses To Possible Illegal Orders Under Trump</a>
"There is a complete meltdown in the building, and this is really reflecting on the secretary's leadership," the other senior defense official said. "Pete Hegseth has surrounded himself with some people who don't have his interests at heart."
Hegseth was confirmed by the&nbsp;Senate by a narrow margin after facing&nbsp;allegations of rape, smelling of&nbsp;alcohol while working as a&nbsp;Fox News host, and adultery, all of which he denied.
Why It Matters: The sudden departure of four key staffers from the Pentagon, including the Chief of Staff, is a significant event that could potentially disrupt the functioning of the Defense Department. The ongoing leak investigation and the scandal involving Hegseth&#8217;s sharing of sensitive military plans have already put the Pentagon under a spotlight. 
The loss of these staffers, coupled with the potential legal action from the terminated aides, could further escalate the situation. 
The turmoil within the Pentagon could also have implications for national security, given the department&#8217;s crucial role in defense and intelligence. The situation warrants close monitoring in the coming days.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44755181/pentagon-slashes-5-1-billion-in-accenture-deloitte-booz-allen-contracts-thats-a-lot-of-consulting">Pentagon Slashes $5.1 Billion In Accenture, Deloitte, Booz Allen Contracts: &#8216;That&#8217;s A Lot Of Consulting&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Jeremy Christensen

'There Is Complete Meltdown in the Building': Defense Secretary Loses Four Key Staffers in a Single Day

Kevin O&#8217;Leary, the investor perhaps best known for his sharp takes on ABC&#8217;s &#8220;Shark Tank,&#8221; is betting big on North Dakota. And he believes the state is poised to take the top spot in America for wealth per person.
&#8220;I believe that the people of North Dakota are the Norwegians of America because their net worth per capita is going to be No. 1 in the U.S. soon,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary recently <a href="https://x.com/kevinolearytv/status/1912661740992844103">posted</a> on X. &#8220;They have so much wealth in the ground and there are only 750,000 of them!&#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 believe that the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NorthDakota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NorthDakota</a> are the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Norwegians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Norwegians</a> of America because their net worth per capita is going to be #1 in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> soon. They have so much wealth in the ground and there are only 750k of them! <a href="https://t.co/FGYhpjdye8">https://t.co/FGYhpjdye8</a>
&mdash; Kevin O&#39;Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) <a href="https://twitter.com/kevinolearytv/status/1912661740992844103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
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</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Shark Tank to Statewide Investments</h2>
O&#8217;Leary&#8217;s confidence isn't just talk. Through his Wonder Fund North Dakota, he&#8217;s managing a $45 million investment initiative focused on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-invest-in-startups">early-stage companies</a>, according to the O&#8217;Leary Ventures <a href="https://olearyventures.com/north-dakota/">website</a>. The fund is part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative and aims to unlock even more private capital for local startups.
O&#8217;Leary&#8217;s North Dakota journey began nearly a decade ago with an $80,000 investment in Fargo-based PRx Performance—one of the most successful pitches in Shark Tank history. &#8220;That really opened me up to the possibilities of what we can do in Fargo, Bismarck, and everywhere else in North Dakota,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary told <a href="https://fargoinc.com/mr-wonderful-sees-big-things-in-north-dakota/">Fargo INC!</a> in 2023.
But O&#8217;Leary says the real draw is the state's business-friendly environment. &#8220;I would never do a fund like this in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, or California,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Those states are uninvestable&#8230; North Dakota is very competitive, particularly now.&#8221;
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-in-the-midwest-why-multifamily-real-estate-is-a-winning-strategy">This investment company boasts a 33.85% internal rate of return (IRR) for its realized projects, allowing accredited investors to earn passive returns and avoid the headaches of being a landlord.</a>
He credits the state's pro-business policies, remote work advantages, and stable government as key factors in attracting capital. &#8220;This is a golden period for North Dakota, it really is,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary told Fargo INC!. &#8220;It's going to come out swinging as a competitive state. It's no longer just Texas or Florida anymore.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wonder Fund: Where the Money&#8217;s Going</h2>
The Wonder Fund is multisector but focused on tech, agriculture, agtech, land, and energy—especially projects that sequester carbon. O&#8217;Leary says the goal is not only to invest state money wisely, but also to attract 10 to 30 times more capital alongside it.
Transparency is also a major part of the strategy. The fund gives state officials real-time access to detailed data on every investment. &#8220;As a fiduciary, I feel the best thing to do is to shine a light on everything,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary said.
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Legacy Fund Connection</h2>
O&#8217;Leary&#8217;s optimism ties into the broader financial foundation being built in North Dakota. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43579036/the-worlds-largest-1-7-trillion-sovereign-wealth-fund-holds-key-lessons-for-trump-and-the-u-s-will-they-listen">Just like in Norway</a>, the state's $11 billion Legacy Fund, a sovereign wealth fund backed by oil and gas tax revenue, is designed for long-term prosperity.
With the 2024 passage of Measure No. 3, the fund became even more future-focused. Lawmakers can now access only 5% of the fund's principal during each two-year budget cycle, down from 15%. This means more of the fund can be invested long-term, with a projected $30 million boost in earnings in just the first year.
&#8220;The Legacy Fund was created to provide financial stability and deliver sustained economic benefits for North Dakotans,&#8221; said state Rep. Glenn Bosch, vice chair of the Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board.
According to the Retirement and Investment Office <a href="https://www.rio.nd.gov/news/north-dakotas-legacy-fund-sovereign-wealth-fund-designed-long-term-prosperity">website</a>, the fund has already transferred more than $1.8 billion to the general fund over the last three budget periods, helping fund infrastructure, tax relief, and other projects. Another $601 million is set to transfer in June.
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Image: Shutterstock

'People Of North Dakota Are The Norwegians Of America,' Says Kevin O'Leary—'Their Net Worth Per Capita To Be No. 1 In The US' Here's Why

These large-cap stocks were the worst performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) stock dipped 23.60% after the company reported worse-than-expected first-quarter results and cut its FY25 adjusted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44860240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPS guidance below estimates</a>.</li>
<li>Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPN#NYSE">GPN</a>) shares declined 16.55% after the company announced it had bought a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44862867" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stake in Worldpay for $6.6 billion</a>.</li>
<li>Applovin Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>) stock decreased 9.71% after Goldman Sachs analyst Eric Sheridan cut its price <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/app/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecast from $500 to $335</a>.</li>
<li>Humana Inc.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>) stock was down 8.88% on pin action after UnitedHealth Group, Inc.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) reported worse-than-expected <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44860240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-quarter results</a>.</li>
<li>DaVita Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) shares fell 8.69% in the last week.</li>
<li>Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) stock declined 8.20% amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44821791" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the FTC&#8217;s antitrust trial</a>. Several analysts lowered the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/meta/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Yum China Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YUMC#NYSE">YUMC</a>) shares dived 7.70%.</li>
<li>CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) stock was down 7.37%.</li>
<li>Burlington Stores, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BURL#NYSE">BURL</a>) shares fell 6.97% amid overall market weakness after Fed Chair Powell made remarks at the Economic Club.</li>
<li>Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) shares declined 6.46% after JP Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee cut its price forecast on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/smci/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock from $45 to $39</a>.</li>
<li>GlobalFoundries Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFS#NASDAQ">GFS</a>) shares declined 6.24% after NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) said the US government recently informed that it would need a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44856114" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">license to export chips to China</a>.</li>
</ol>
Photo via Shutterstock

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These Large Cap Tech And Healthcare Stocks Had A Poor Run In Easter Week (Apr 14-Apr 18): Are These In Your Portfolio?

In the face of economic uncertainty, President Donald Trump&#8216;s approval rating <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43756824/market-instability-looms-in-trumps-second-term-warns-paul-tudor-jones-theres-no-room-for-mistakes">stands at 45%</a> in a new Gallup poll.
What Happened: Trump&#8217;s approval rating of 45% in the first quarter of his second term compates to the 41% approval rating he garnered one quarter into his first term. The average first-quarter approval rating for U.S. presidents from 1952 to 2020 stands at 60%.
An Economist/YouGov <a href="https://d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/econtoplines_vK1VgIr.pdf">poll</a> at 42%, down 16 points from when he took office in January.
Earlier in the month, Trump declared a 10%&nbsp;baseline tax on nearly all&nbsp;imports and higher reciprocal tariffs&nbsp;on a variety of nations. The objective of these measures is to trigger&nbsp;an American financial and manufacturing&nbsp;surge.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43769836/trump-gains-trust-of-majority-on-americans-on-immigration-and-economy">Trump Gains Trust Of Majority Of Americans On Immigration, Economy</a>
Despite these economic strains, Republicans seem hopeful about Trump&#8217;s economic plan. However, less&nbsp;than half of U.S. adults&nbsp;express confidence in the president&#8217;s ability to benefit the economy, as per the Gallup poll. 
The survey also disclosed that the confidence in Trump&#8217;s economic measures echoes&nbsp;the statistics from his first&nbsp;term.
Why It Matters: The rise in Trump&#8217;s approval rating amidst economic uncertainty is noteworthy. The president&#8217;s recent tariff announcement and its potential impact on the economy have been a major talking point. Yet, the increase in approval rating suggests a significant portion of the public supports his economic measures. 
This could have far-reaching implications for future economic policies and the political landscape. The Gallup poll&#8217;s revelation that confidence in Trump&#8217;s economic measures mirrors his first term statistics further underscores this point. 
It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming months.
Read Next
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Trump's Gallup Approval Stands at 45%, Topping Same Point in First Presidency, But He's Down 16 in Economist Survey

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of violating its declared Easter ceasefire, citing continued military activities.
What Happened: Zelenskyy revealed that Russian forces were persisting in their efforts to advance and inflict damage on Ukraine, despite Moscow&#8217;s ceasefire declaration. 
He accused Russia of attempting to fabricate an &#8220;impression&#8221; of a ceasefire, with 59 instances of Russian shelling and five assaults by Russian units already reported.
&#8220;Across various frontline directions, there have already been 59 cases of Russian shelling and 5 assaults by Russian units,&#8221; Zelenskyy wrote on X.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">A report by Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi on the frontline as of 6:00 a.m. Across various frontline directions, there have already been 59 cases of Russian shelling and 5 assaults by Russian units. In the sector of the Starobilsk Operational Tactical Group, one combat engagement…
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1913807239871111169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
During a Kremlin meeting on Saturday, Russian President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin&nbsp;had proclaimed a cessation of all military operations from Saturday evening to Monday midnight, Moscow time. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43769730/ukraine-raises-alarm-over-us-russia-talks-on-war-without-kyivs-involvement">Ukraine Raises Alarm Over US-Russia Talks on War Without Kyiv&#8217;s Involvement</a>
The Russian Foreign Ministry, in a Telegram post, claimed that this decision was driven by &#8220;humanitarian motives.&#8221;
However, Zelenskyy, through&nbsp;a series of social media&nbsp;updates, voiced doubt over Russia&#8217;s ceasefire intentions, asserting that Russian attacks had not ceased. He also reiterated his demand for the&nbsp;truce to be extended to&nbsp;30 days, stating that Ukraine would respond based on&nbsp;the actual situation on the&nbsp;ground.
This development comes after US President&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8216;s statement on Friday, where he expressed hesitance to mediate&nbsp;a peace deal between the&nbsp;two sides if either party proves difficult.
Why It Matters: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has drawn international attention and concern. The skepticism expressed by Zelenskyy over Russia&#8217;s declared truce highlights the complexities and challenges in resolving this conflict. 
The Ukrainian President&#8217;s call for an extended truce underscores the urgency for a lasting solution. Meanwhile, the reluctance of the US to mediate if either party proves difficult, further complicates the path to peace. 
This situation remains fluid, with global implications hinging on the actions of the involved parties.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Tomas Ragina

Global

Ukraine's Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Violating Easter Truce: 'There Have Already Been 59 Cases of Russian Shelling'

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride in the tech and auto industry. From&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) deploying its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology at Giga Texas to autonomous trucking startup Kodiak Robotics announcing its SPAC merger, there&#8217;s a lot to catch up on.
Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories of the week.
Tesla Deploys Unsupervised FSD At Giga Texas
Tesla has started using its Unsupervised FSD technology at its Giga Texas production facility. The company&#8217;s AI handle on social media platform X demonstrated how Tesla vehicles, including the Model Y and Cybertruck, are being transported to the outbound logistics lot using this technology.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44787364/tesla-deploys-unsupervised-fsd-at-giga-texas-to-move-cars-from-factory-to-lot">Read the full article here.</a>
Kodiak Robotics Set To Go Public Via SPAC Merger
Kodiak Robotics, backed by George Soros and Cathie Wood, is set to go public via a merger with Ares Acquisition Corporation II (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AACT#NYSE">AACT</a>). The autonomous trucking startup, which has logged over 2.6 million autonomous driving miles, announced its intention to go public, valuing the company at over $2.5 billion.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44809515/george-soros-cathie-wood-backed-autonomous-trucking-firm-kodiak-robotics-set-to-go-public-via-spac-merger-to-tap-4-trillion-market">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44881982/elon-musks-tesla-accused-of-manipulating-odometers-to-dodge-warranty-repairs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla Reportedly Manipulating Odometers To Dodge Warranty Repairs</a>
Tesla Loses Market Share As US EV Sales Climb
Despite the overall growth in the US electric vehicle sector, Tesla saw a decline in its market share in the first quarter. This comes amid protests at Tesla dealerships and lower sales globally, following CEO Elon Musk&#8217;s political push.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44802015/us-electric-vehicle-sales-up-11-in-q1-as-tesla-declines-the-winners-and-losers">Read the full article here.</a>
Tesla Owners Face Rising Insurance Costs
Tesla owners are facing increased insurance payments in 2025. This comes as the electric vehicle company faces declining brand value and increased reports of vandalism and targeted attacks, following CEO Elon Musk&#8217;s continued political push.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/44829030/tesla-owners-face-new-challenge-amid-tariffs-vandalism-insurance-costs-going-up-twice-the-national-rate">Read the full article here.</a>
Rivian Delivers Fleet Vehicles To HelloFresh
Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) has signed a deal with meal kit company HelloFresh SE (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HLFFF#OTC">HLFFF</a>) to add over 70 Rivian Vans to its fleet of commercial vehicles. This is Rivian&#8217;s first non-Amazon deal after ending its exclusive partnership with Amazon.com (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>).
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44859742/rivian-delivers-70-fleet-vehicles-to-hellofresh-after-ending-exclusive-amazon-deal">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/44829030/tesla-owners-face-new-challenge-amid-tariffs-vandalism-insurance-costs-going-up-twice-the-national-rate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Owners Face New Challenge Amid Tariffs, Vandalism: Insurance Costs Going Up Twice The National Rate</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

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Tesla's FSD Deployment, Kodiak Robotics' SPAC Merger, And Rivian's New Deal: This Week In Mobility

These large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>ServiceTitan, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTAN#NASDAQ">TTAN</a>) stock jumped 22.55% &nbsp;after it announced a strategic partnership with Cobalt Service Partners to power 12 commercial access solutions brands with<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44817937" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> its business management software</a>.</li>
<li>Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMMT#NASDAQ">SMMT</a>) shares were up 22.13%.</li>
<li>YPF Sociedad Anonima (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YPF#NYSE">YPF</a>) shares increased 19.94% after HSBC analyst Liyanna Yang upgraded the stock from Reduce to Hold and raised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ypf/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from&nbsp;$21&nbsp;to&nbsp;$33</a>.</li>
<li>Eli Lilly And Co&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>)&nbsp;stock rose 16.51% after the U.S. healthcare giant reported topline Phase 3 results from the ACHIEVE-1 trial of orforglipron compared to placebo in adults with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44860903" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with&nbsp;diet and exercise alone</a>.</li>
<li>MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) shares grew 16.47%  after the company hinted it might resume purchasing Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC/USD) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44789931">after a week-long pause</a>.</li>
<li>America Movil (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMX#NYSE">AMX</a>)&nbsp;stock upped 15.88% after HSBC analyst Madhvendra Singh upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy and raised <a href="http://benzinga.com/quote/amx/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its price forecast from&nbsp;$15.5&nbsp;to&nbsp;$17.5</a>.</li>
<li>Ericsson&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ERIC#NASDAQ">ERIC</a>) shares upped 14.91% after the company reported&nbsp;first-quarter results. Additionally, the company and Bell Canada announced the successful test of AI-native link adaptation to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44823834" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boost network speed and efficiency</a>.</li>
<li>Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INSM#NASDAQ">INSM</a>) stock rose 12.10%.</li>
<li>Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FANG#NASDAQ">FANG</a>) stock surged 11.76% after Truist Securities analyst Neal Dingmann&nbsp;raised its price forecast from&nbsp;$238&nbsp;to&nbsp;$242&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/fang/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and maintained a Buy rating</a>.</li>
<li>Neurocrine Biosciences Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NBIX#NASDAQ">NBIX</a>)&nbsp;shares increased 11.75% after some <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44818760" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts upgraded the stock</a>.</li>
</ol>
Photo by DCStockPhotography via Shutterstock

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In The Holiday Shortened Easter Week, These Large-Cap Stock Were Top Performers (Apr 14-Apr 18): Are These In Your Portfolio?

If you or someone you know is paying back <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43622327/u-s-student-loan-debt-hits-2-19-trillion-heres-why-experts-say-borrowers-shouldnt-panic-yet">federal student loans</a> under an income-driven repayment plan, especially as part of a married household, there are some important changes underway that could affect how monthly payments are calculated. These changes come as part of a broader legal battle involving the U.S. Department of Education and a national teachers union.
Here's what's happening — and what it could mean for your budget.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Are IDR Plans, and Why Do They Matter?</h2>
Income-driven repayment plans are a set of programs that base a borrower's monthly federal student loan payment on their income and family size, rather than the total amount owed. The main plans include Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR), Income-Based Repayment (IBR), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE), a newer plan introduced under the Biden administration.
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<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
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Borrowers on IDR plans may qualify for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44778031/she-was-29-months-from-erasing-247k-in-student-debt-now-her-forgiveness-is-frozen">student loan forgiveness</a> after 20 or 25 years of payments. These plans are especially useful for borrowers with high debt and relatively modest incomes.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Confusion Over Married Borrowers</h2>
A recent legal filing suggested that the Trump administration intended to change how spousal income is treated under IDR plans. According to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2025/04/12/student-loan-payments-may-skyrocket-next-month-for-married-borrowers-suggests-trump-administration/">Forbes</a>, a Department of Education official stated that, beginning in May, the government would start counting spousal income when calculating monthly payments for married borrowers — even if those borrowers file taxes separately or are separated from their spouse.
That would be a big shift. Under current law, borrowers who file taxes separately can have their payments calculated based solely on their own income. Many married borrowers choose to file separately for this reason, even though it often means losing out on tax deductions.
If the proposed change had gone into effect, many married borrowers might have faced significantly higher payments, on top of higher tax bills.
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Walk-Back and Temporary Clarity</h2>
Just days after the statement raised alarms, the Department of Education reversed course. In an <a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.278527/gov.uscourts.dcd.278527.30.2.pdf">updated court filing</a> on April 15, the agency clarified that for ICR, IBR, and PAYE plans, spousal income will not be included when a borrower files taxes separately or is legally separated.
This reversal means that, at least for now, the rules stay the same: married borrowers who file separately can still qualify for IDR payments based only on their own income. That's a relief for millions who were bracing for a sudden increase in their monthly bills.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why This Is Still a Developing Story</h2>
The situation is unfolding as part of an ongoing lawsuit brought by the American Federation of Teachers. The union sued the Department of Education in March after the agency temporarily shut down the IDR system in response to a court ruling that blocked the SAVE plan.
Although access to IDR applications has been restored, the department has yet to fully resume processing them. A hearing is scheduled soon to determine whether the court will order the department to restart full services.
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Borrowers Can Do Now</h2>
If you're a married borrower on an IDR plan or planning to apply for one, continue to monitor official updates from the Department of Education. Filing taxes separately is still a valid strategy for keeping your student loan payments lower — but keep in mind that policy changes are still possible depending on the outcome of the lawsuit.
In the meantime, stay informed, talk to a student loan advisor if needed, and consider how <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-file-your-own-taxes">different tax filing strategies</a> could impact your repayment plan.
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Married Borrowers Could See Major Changes to Student Loan Payments: What's Happening With IDR Plans

The past week has been a whirlwind in the world of artificial intelligence (AI), with major players making significant moves. OpenAI launched a new coding agent, Intel&#8217;s CEO initiated a leadership shakeup, and Nvidia faced a $17 billion hit in the AI arms race. Meanwhile, Microsoft debuted a new tool for Copilot Studio, and Nvidia received praise from President Trump for its $500 billion AI infrastructure commitment.
OpenAI Launches Codex CLI Amid Rising Competition
OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, unveiled Codex CLI, a new open-source coding agent, along with two AI reasoning models. This marks OpenAI&#8217;s most significant open-source release since 2019, amid rising competition from China&#8217;s DeepSeek and US rivals.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44881778/amid-rising-competition-from-chinas-deepseek-and-us-rivals-openai-ceo-sam-altman-launches-codex-cli-a-coding-agent-that-runs-on-your-computer">Read the full article here.</a>
Intel CEO Puts AI Front And Center With Leadership Reshuffle
Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) CEO Lip-Bu Tan has reportedly announced a significant leadership shakeup, aiming to streamline the company&#8217;s operations and put artificial intelligence at the forefront of its strategy. Key chip groups within Intel, including the data center, AI, and personal computer chip divisions, will now report directly to him.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44881183/intel-ceo-lip-bu-tan-slams-suffocating-bureaucracy-puts-ai-front-and-center-with-leadership-reshuffle-direct-oversight-to-reinvent-company-after-years-of-setbacks">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44888445/ford-reportedly-halts-vehicle-shipments-to-china-amid-rising-tariffs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ford Reportedly Halts Vehicle Shipments To China Amid Rising Tariffs</a>
Nvidia, AMD Take A $17 Billion Hit In The AI Arms Race
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>) disclosed this week that the U.S. government has imposed new license requirements for selling their AI-focused chips to China, Hong Kong, Macau, and D5 countries. This has resulted in a $5.5 billion inventory charge for Nvidia and an $800 million hit for AMD.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44868970/nvidia-amd-take-a-17-billion-hit-in-the-ai-arms-race-while-broadcom-remains-shielded-says-analyst">Read the full article here.</a>
Microsoft Debuts Computer Use Tool For Copilot Studio
Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) announced a research preview of &#8220;Computer Use,&#8221; a new tool within Copilot Studio that enables AI agents to perform tasks on desktop and web applications by interacting directly. The tool allows agents to click buttons, type into fields, and navigate menus—even in environments where no APIs exist.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44831264/microsoft-debuts-computer-use-tool-for-copilot-studio-ceo-satya-nadella-says-anyone-can-build-agents-that-take-action-on-the-ui-across-desktop-and-web-apps">Read the full article here.</a>
Jensen Huang Praised By Trump For Nvidia&#8217;s $500 Billion AI Infrastructure Commitment
President Donald Trump credited his tariff policies for driving Jensen Huang-led Nvidia's massive $500 billion commitment to build artificial intelligence infrastructure in the U.S. "The reason they did it is because of the election on Nov. 5 and because of a thing called tariffs," Trump said.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44805507/jensen-huang-praised-by-trump-nvidia-wouldnt-be-doing-500-billion-ai-infrastructure-commitment-without-tariffs">Read the full article here.</a>
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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>

INTC

MSFT

OpenAI's Codex CLI, Intel's Reshuffle, And Nvidia's $500B Commitment: This Week In Artificial Intelligence

Companies with a long history of paying dividends and consistently hiking them remain appealing to income-focused investors. HP, Altria, and Terreno Realty have rewarded shareholders for years and recently announced dividend increases. These companies currently offer dividend yields of around 3-7%.
HP
HP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HPQ#NYSE">HPQ</a>) provides personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and other related technologies in the U.S. and internationally.
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HP has raised its dividends every year for the last nine years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Nov. 26, the company's board increased the quarterly payout by 5% to $0.2894, which is equal to an annual figure of $1.16 per share. Currently, the dividend yield stands at 4.82%.
The company&#8217;s annual revenue as of Jan. 31 stood at $53.88 billion. In the company&#8217;s Q1 2025 earnings report on Feb. 27, it posted revenues of $13.50 billion, above the consensus estimate of $13.36 billion, and EPS of $0.74, matching expectations.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/short-sellers/25/04/44760391/how-is-the-market-feeling-about-hp">article by Benzinga</a> to learn how the market is feeling about HP.
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
Altria
Altria Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the U.S.
Altria Group has increased its dividends 59 times in the past 55 years. According to its most recent dividend hike announcement on Aug. 22, the company raised the quarterly payout by 4.1% to $1.02 per share, equal to an annual figure of $4.08 per share. More recently, in its dividend announcement on Feb. 27, the company maintained the payout at the same level. The current dividend yield on the stock is 7.14%.
Altria Group&#8217;s annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $20.44 billion. In its most recent earnings report on Jan. 30, the company posted Q4 2024 revenues of $5.97 billion and EPS of $1.29. Both figures beat the consensus estimates.
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
Terreno Realty
Terreno Realty Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRNO#NYSE">TRNO</a>) acquires, owns and operates industrial real estate in six major coastal U.S. markets: Los Angeles, Northern New Jersey/New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Miami and Washington, D.C.
The company has raised its dividends consecutively for the last 11 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Aug. 7, the board increased the quarterly payout by 8.9% to $0.49 per share, equaling an annual figure of $1.96 per share. More recently, in its dividend announcement on Feb. 5, the payout remained unchanged. Currently, the dividend yield is 3.52%.
Terreno Realty's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $382.62 million. As per the company's Q4 2024 earnings release on Feb. 5, it generated revenues of $99.64 million and an EPS of $0.63, both above consensus estimates.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/04/44822487/expert-outlook-terreno-realty-through-the-eyes-of-10-analysts">article by Benzinga</a> for 10 analysts&#8217; insights on Terreno Realty.
HP, Altria, and Terreno Realty are good choices for investors seeking reliable passive income. Their dividend yields of around 3% to 7% and long history of consistent hikes make them attractive to income-focused investors.
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Image: Shutterstock

TRNO

Why HP, Altria, And Terreno Realty Are Winners For Passive Income

The past week was a rollercoaster ride for the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>), and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) moved sideways amid tariff uncertainties. The OM token of Layer-1 blockchain MANTRA saw a dramatic crash, wiping out billions of dollars. Meanwhile, Michael Saylor hinted at a resumption of Bitcoin buying, and President Trump lashed out at Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Cathie Wood also made significant crypto trades.
Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin: A Sideways Dance
Cryptocurrency markets traded sideways on Monday, with traders keeping a close eye on the ongoing tariff uncertainty. Despite the lack of clear direction, one trader advised against going long on one of these cryptocurrencies.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44800348/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-go-sideways-but-this-trader-says-you-shouldnt-long-one-of-them">Read the full article here.</a>
OM Token&#8217;s Dramatic Crash
The OM token of Layer-1 blockchain MANTRA crashed by nearly 90% on Sunday, erasing a whopping $4.6 billion from the coin&#8217;s market capitalization. The sudden plunge left investors reeling, with the CEO promising to fix the situation.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44781876/om-tokens-90-crash-leaves-holders-reeling-with-lossesmantra-blames-reckless-liquidations-but-are-big-players-involved">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44884378/ethereums-2024-gains-erased-in-q1-2025-as-solana-reigns-supreme-in-dex-space-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ethereum&#8217;s 2024 Gains Erased In Q1 2025 as Solana Reigns Supreme in DEX Space: Report</a>
Michael Saylor&#8217;s Bitcoin Tease
Michael Saylor, co-founder and executive chairman of Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), hinted at a resumption of Bitcoin (BTC/USD) buying after a week&#8217;s pause. His cryptic post, &#8220;No Tariffs on Orange Dots,&#8221; left many speculating about the company&#8217;s next move.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44784106/michael-saylor-teases-bitcoin-purchases-after-a-two-week-halt-with-no-tariffs-on-orange-dots">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Attack on Fed Chair Powell
President Donald Trump criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for his reluctance to cut interest rates. Despite Trump&#8217;s tirade, market participants, as tracked by Polymarket, are overwhelmingly betting on no change in the Fed&#8217;s policy stance for its upcoming May 7 meeting.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44861571/donald-trump-blasts-too-late-and-wrong-fed-chair-powell-but-polymarket-traders-doubt-his-termination-will-come-fast-enough">Read the full article here.</a>
Cathie Wood&#8217;s Crypto Shuffle
Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest made significant trades, notably acquiring shares in Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>), ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTC#NYSE">BTC</a>), and 3iQ Solana Staking ETF. The move signals a reshuffling of the firm&#8217;s crypto portfolio.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44855538/cathie-woods-crypto-shuffle-pours-5-2-million-into-newly-listed-solana-staking-fund-dumps-bitcoin-etf-and-buys-robinhood-dip">Read the full article here.</a>
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

$XRP

HOOD

Bitcoin's Sideways Dance, OM Token Crash, Saylor's Bitcoin Tease, And Cathie Wood's Crypto Shuffle: This Week In Crypto

The past week has been a rollercoaster for&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>). From tariff exemptions to stock nosedives and innovative tech rumors, the tech giant has been in the spotlight. Here&#8217;s a quick summary of the week&#8217;s key events.
Apple&#8217;s iPhone Stockpile and Supply Chain Disruptions
Top analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has warned that Apple&#8217;s supply chain could face significant disruptions due to looming chip tariffs, despite the company&#8217;s temporary exemption on Chinese-made electronics. The exemption, granted by former President Donald Trump, includes iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and AirTags.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44781528/apples-preemptive-iphone-stockpile-could-disrupt-supply-chain-amid-looming-semiconductor-tariffs-warns-top-analyst-says-this-may-be-cupertinos-best-option-beyond-white-house-talks">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s Stock Panic Amid &#8216;Liberation Day&#8217; Tariffs
Apple&#8217;s shares have dropped 23% since April 2, leading to a state of panic among investors, according to Gene Munster, Managing Partner at Deepwater Asset Management. The situation could worsen due to escalating U.S.-China tensions.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44706519/apple-stock-nosediving-since-liberation-day-tariffs-has-created-panic-says-gene-munster-predicts-tim-cooks-favorable-relationship-with-trump-xi-jinping-will-rescue-iphone-maker">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44856587/former-google-ceo-predicts-that-ais-sprint-toward-super-intelligence-could-put-a-smartest-human-in-every-pocket-by-2031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt Predicts AI Sprint Toward Super Intelligence Could Put &#8216;Smartest Human&#8217; In Every Pocket In 6 Years</a>
Tim Cook&#8217;s Dialogue Secures Tariff Exemption
Apple CEO Tim Cook&#8217;s recent conversation with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reportedly led to the exemption of Apple&#8217;s China-produced electronic products from import duties. The dialogue centered on the potential impact of tariffs on iPhone prices.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44882019/apple-ceo-tim-cooks-dialogue-with-commerce-secretary-lutnick-secured-tariff-exemption-for-iphones-and-electronics-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Rumors of Apple&#8217;s Foldable iPhone
As Apple&#8217;s stock continues to slide, rumors about a foldable iPhone are gaining momentum. The tech giant has reportedly been working on this innovative device for several years, and it could be launched as early as 2026.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44850406/apples-foldable-iphone-rumors-gain-steam-as-stock-slides-could-a-2000-device-spark-a-comeback">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s On-Device AI Data Analysis Plans
Apple plans to analyze data on customers&#8217; devices to enhance its artificial intelligence platform. This move aims to safeguard user information while keeping Apple competitive in the AI race.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44819954/apple-plans-on-device-ai-data-analysis-to-boost-privacy-catch-up-in-ai-race">Read the full article here.</a>
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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>

AAPL

Apple's Week Of Tariffs, iPhone Stockpile, Stock Slides, And More: This Week In Appleverse

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride for investors, with significant developments in the global financial markets. From the looming threat of delisting for US-listed Chinese stocks to China&#8217;s drastic cut in US oil imports, the escalating trade tensions between the US and China have been a major driving force.
Meanwhile, President Trump&#8217;s proposed tariffs continue to stir debate, and his recent threats against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell have added another layer of uncertainty. Amid all this, Charles Schwab has some advice for investors.
Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
US-Listed Chinese Stocks Face Delisting Threat
Investors holding US-listed Chinese stocks such as&nbsp;Alibaba Group Holding Ltd,&nbsp;JD.com Inc. could soon face serious liquidity risks. The threat of delisting due to geopolitical and regulatory frictions between Washington and Beijing is mounting.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44868280/us-listed-chinese-stocks-face-250-billion-forced-selling-risk-as-delisting-fears-emerge-what-investors-need-to-know">Read the full article here.</a>
China Slashes US Oil Imports
As US-China trade tensions continue to escalate, Chinese refiners have cut their U.S. oil imports by roughly 90% since 2023, according to Vortexa Ltd. data. Meanwhile, imports of Canadian crude have reached record highs.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44860334/china-cuts-us-oil-purchases-by-90-boosts-imports-from-canada-to-new-heights">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/general/education/25/04/44834411/warren-buffetts-2003-plan-to-fix-the-trade-deficit-without-a-war-deserves-a-second-look-as-us-china-tariff-war-continues" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett&#8217;s 2003 Plan To Fix The Trade Deficit Without A War Deserves A Second Look As US-China Tariff War Continues</a>
Trump Tariffs May Not Ignite Inflation
Despite fears that President Trump&#8217;s proposed tariffs could reignite inflation, Yardeni Research President Ed Yardeni suggests the reality may be far less alarming. He believes investors and consumers might be overstating the inflationary consequences of what he dubbed Trump&#8217;s &#8220;Nitro Tariffs,&#8221; or TNT.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44828850/trump-tariffs-may-not-ignite-inflation-after-all-says-yardeni">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Threat To Oust Powell
During an official Oval Office meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President Trump reignited his push against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. He warned that he could remove Powell if rate cuts don&#8217;t come soon.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44875406/hell-be-out-if-i-ask-him-can-trumps-threat-to-oust-powell-shake-the-fed">Read the full article here.</a>
Charles Schwab&#8217;s Advice for Investors
As the bond market reels from spiking yields and surging volatility, analysts at Charles Schwab suggest that investors prioritize &#8216;low volatility, high quality&#8217; investments. They believe that the significant yield fluctuations in bond markets are fueled by an unprecedented level of uncertainty.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44808935/charles-schwab-tells-investors-to-prioritize-low-volatility-high-quality-investments-amid-century-high-tariff-turmoil">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44834505/scott-bessent-affirms-china-wont-weaponize-us-treasuries-as-it-would-weaken-their-currency-affecting-exports-we-d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scott Bessent Says China Won&#8217;t &#8216;Weaponize&#8217; US Treasuries, Citing Risk To RMB And Exports: &#8216;We Do Buybacks&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Economics

Chinese Stocks Face Delisting Threat, Tariff Concerns, Trump's Threat To Oust Powell, And More: This Week In Economics

The past week was filled with significant developments, from President Trump&#8217;s stance on China tariffs and Russia-Ukraine peace talks, to House Democrats raising concerns about Elon Musk&#8217;s DOGE. Additionally, the IRS saw a leadership change influenced by Musk, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) warned about potential market turmoil.
Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Trump Hesitates on Escalating China Tariffs
President Donald Trump indicated his reluctance to increase tariffs on China, hinting at potential trade stagnation. He also suggested that Beijing has been making attempts to negotiate a deal. Trump refrained from giving direct answers about his personal communications with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but emphasized his good relationship with Xi.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44886711/trump-expresses-reluctance-to-escalate-china-tariffs-hints-at-trade-deal">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Administration Sets Ultimatum for Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have given a deadline for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine peace talks. They expressed their frustration over the lack of progress in the peace process and stated that the U.S. would abandon its efforts if significant progress is not made soon.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44888482/trump-set-ultimatum-for-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-not-going-to-continue-with-this-endeavour-for-weeks-and-months-says-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44874992/medicare-company-connected-to-ramaswamy-vance-and-thiel-now-worth-1-5-billion-how-chapter-is-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medicare Company Connected To Ramaswamy, Vance And Thiel Now Worth $1.5 Billion: How &#8216;Chapter&#8217; Is Changing The Game</a>
Musk&#8217;s DOGE Under Fire
House Democrats have raised concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), alleging it is building a cross-agency master database that could compromise privacy and national security. Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA) has requested an investigation into DOGE.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44888379/elon-musks-doge-under-fire-house-democrats-say-agency-is-building-unlawful-master-database-of-sensitive-us-data">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Reverses Musk-Influenced IRS Interim Head Appointment
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is undergoing a leadership change after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent raised concerns to President Trump about the appointment of the agency's interim head. The appointment was influenced by Elon Musk and bypassed Bessent, who oversees the tax agency.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44888301/trump-reverses-elon-musk-influenced-irs-interim-head-appointment-following-scott-bessents-objection-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Warren Warns of Market Turmoil
Sen. Warren has warned about a potential stock market collapse if President Donald Trump decides to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Her remarks were in response to Trump's social media post expressing his impatience for Powell's "termination."
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44883756/warren-foresees-market-turmoil-if-trump-dismisses-feds-powell-if-powell-can-be-fired-by-trump-it-will-crash-markets">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44875406/hell-be-out-if-i-ask-him-can-trumps-threat-to-oust-powell-shake-the-fed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;He&#8217;ll Be Out&#8230; If I Ask Him&#8217;: Can Trump&#8217;s Threat To Oust Powell Shake The Fed?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
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>

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