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Veru

Veru Inc is a biopharmaceutical company with a drug development program for the treatment of metabolic diseases, oncology, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The company is also in the late-stage development of certain drugs for the management of breast and prostate cancers. It also has a sexual health program that includes two products, ENTADFI, for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the FC2 Female Condom (Internal Condom). The company operates in a single segment and generates revenue from the USA which is the key revenue generating market, Brazil, and other regions.

Veru Inc

VERUS INTL INC by Verus International, Inc.

Verus International Inc

VerusCoin

<ul>
<li>Block CEO Jack Dorsey has offered his thoughts on how Bitcoin could fail.</li>
<li>Dorsey&#8217;s thoughts go against the current prevailing narrative.</li>
<li>The Block CEO&#8217;s statements have unsurprisingly sparked pushback.</li>
</ul>
Is Bitcoin meant to be a medium of exchange, a store of value, or maybe both? This question continues to be the subject of serious debate, especially in core Bitcoin circles.
The debate has now been rehashed by statements from Twitter co-founder and Block Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XYZ#NYSE">XYZ</a>) CEO Jack Dorsey.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Debate On Relevance</h2>
Dorsey has asserted that Bitcoin will fail if it becomes nothing more than a store of value. He said this while speaking with Haley Berkoe, product marketing manager of Block subsidiary and Bitcoin-focused development firm Spiral, on a "Presidio Bitcoin" podcast <a href="https://youtu.be/0PaV_6vjkXI?si=H_Aj15tOhYcsakmG">episode</a> last week. According to him, Bitcoin succeeds through payments.
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Dorsey&#8217;s statements come at a time when <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44628685/bitcoin-is-a-realistic-global-reserve-asset-experts-say">the leading narrative for Bitcoin</a> is that it has the potential to become a store of value on par with gold due to its limited supply. This thesis has left many unwilling to spend their coins in hopes that the asset&#8217;s value will continue to grow.
But in Dorsey&#8217;s telling, the current store of value focus presents a path to &#8220;irrelevance.&#8221;
&#8220;I think it has to be payments for it to be relevant on the every day. Otherwise, it&#8217;s just something you kind of buy and forget and only use in emergency situations or when you want to get liquid again. So I think if it doesn&#8217;t transition to payments and find that everyday use case, it just gets increasingly irrelevant. And that&#8217;s failure to me,&#8221; he told Berkoe.
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Addressing scaling and volatility concerns, Dorsey advocated for a focus on creating simple and accessible payment solutions that prioritize speed, privacy, and security. He argued that with time, greater accessibility, and a renewed focus on the ideals that birthed the cryptocurrency, the issue of volatility will also eventually be addressed.
Dorsey appeared to hold the view that Bitcoin had currently veered away from its original vision.
&#8220;There&#8217;s tons of stuff we need to do to really get back to the white paper, which is, you know, a system for electronic peer-to-peer digital cash like we have not seen that yet,&#8221; he asserted.
Dorsey's statements have unsurprisingly sparked pushback.
See Also: 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>
For example, Bitcoin Keeper Lead Developer Ben Kaufman <a href="https://x.com/_benkaufman/status/1907542073781125140?t=5SP2EfWJ5g8c0mQxgi41Lg&amp;s=19">contended</a> that contrary to Dorsey&#8217;s statements, Bitcoin was more needed as a store of value than a means of payment.
&#8220;Bitcoin has value because it is needed. It is needed to store value as governments erode the value of their currencies. It is needed for payments to circumvent financial censorship. Currency devaluation affects everyone, while payment censorship affects small groups,&#8221; he wrote.
Interestingly, &#8220;Satoshi Nakamoto,&#8221; the pseudonymous creator of the cryptocurrency, did appear to envision a future for Bitcoin as a store of value, widely quoted as <a href="https://x.com/danheld/status/1084848069470957568?t=PjCF_YWkAkCWkPR2VIcfqg&amp;s=19">saying</a>, &#8220;It might make sense just to get some in case it catches on.&#8221;
Time will tell which narrative will prevail or whether both can coexist. In the meantime, however, speculators appear to have the upper hand as the asset <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44636065/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-dump-on-tariff-news">trades like a tech stock</a>.
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</ul>

Personal Finance

Jack Dorsey Says Bitcoin Fails If It Is Not Used For Everyday Payments

The escalating trade war spearheaded by President Donald Trump is causing unease among Republicans, corporate America, and even Trump&#8217;s allies.
What Happened: The intensifying trade war has sparked concern among Republicans on Capitol Hill, corporate America, and allies of President Trump. Despite the economic implications, Republican lawmakers are currently tolerating the situation due to fear of Trump&#8217;s wrath.
Lobbyists are quietly urging lawmakers to safeguard their interests, but they too are fearful of becoming targets. Even insiders from Trump&#8217;s circle, concerned about the impact of the tariffs, are hoping for intervention from elsewhere.
An anonymous public affairs operative <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/04/trump-tariffs-fear-lobby-business-congress-00006608">told </a>Politico, &#8220;There&nbsp;is zero incentive for any&nbsp;company or brand to be&nbsp;remotely critical of this administration.&#8221; This fear is widespread across sectors, with an energy industry official expressing similar sentiments.
With Trump&#8217;s firm grip over Washington, he has faced little opposition to policies that are disrupting the global economy, damaging America&#8217;s&nbsp;relationships with its closest allies, and making deep&nbsp;unilateral cuts to the federal&nbsp;government.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44656680/trumps-10-tariff-on-most-imports-is-finally-here-taking-effect-saturday">Trump&#8217;s 10% Tariff On Most Imports Is Finally Here, Taking Effect Saturday</a>
As the Trump administration doubles down on tariffs, it&#8217;s&nbsp;unclear what the breaking point&nbsp;will be for officials and&nbsp;lobbyists representing the most-impacted constituencies.&nbsp;
Advocates for affected industries are&nbsp;trying to gauge the durability of the new tariffs, cautious about voicing strong opposition in case&nbsp;the administration decides to quickly&nbsp;scale them back.
Despite the expectation of a louder pushback after the implementation of&nbsp;a baseline tariff of 10&nbsp;percent on all imported goods&nbsp;and higher &#8220;reciprocal&#8221;&nbsp;tariffs on dozens of other&nbsp;countries, no&nbsp;major trade group has filed&nbsp;litigation as of Friday midday.
"He campaigned on this," one GOP senator said as panic stirred in the Senate hallways. "This is just the beginning."
Even on Capitol Hill,&nbsp;fear is spreading among GOP&nbsp;lawmakers as the market loses trillions of dollars. However, most Republicans are currently&nbsp;unwilling to call on Trump&nbsp;to back down.
Why It Matters: The escalating trade war is not only causing economic disruption but also creating a climate of fear among lawmakers, corporate America, and even those within Trump&#8217;s circle. The reluctance to challenge the administration&#8217;s policies, despite the potential economic fallout, underscores the extent of Trump&#8217;s influence. 
The situation also raises questions about the potential long-term impact on the global economy and America&#8217;s relationships with its allies.
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Shutterstock: Bigc Studio

News

Politics

Trump's Trade War Intensifies, Stirring Unease Among Republicans and Corporate America

Investors can choose from a wide range of assets. Stocks and crypto are two of the most liquid investments that can produce higher returns, but that's not the investment renowned New York Times bestselling author Scott Galloway praised in a recent podcast interview.
He views real estate as one of the top investments due to its tax advantages and cash flow. While some people don't like real estate's relative illiquidity, Galloway views it as a strength.
"It's a form of forced savings," the NYU professor and finance expert stated.
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</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Real Estate Offers Tremendous Leverage</h2>
Not only does real estate act as a form of forced savings, but it also offers tremendous leverage. You can buy a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41320015/guess-what-percent-of-households-have-over-1-million-you-might-be-shocked-by-the-number-of-milli">$1 million</a> property with a $200,000 down payment if you put 20% down. If you have a good credit score and a low debt-to-income ratio, you might even get away with a 3% down payment.
Very few investment opportunities allow you to put down $30,000 to gain ownership of $1 million worth of assets. You have to contend with mortgage payments for up to 30 years, but if you earn rental income from the property, you break even while building up equity.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Investment Properties Can Also Lower Your Tax Bill</h2>
Real estate is one of the most tax-advantaged assets available. Investors can write depreciation off their expenses, and Section 179 allows investors to use accelerated depreciation to keep tax bills low. Some investors buy multiple properties each year and use Section 179 to defer income taxes continuously.&nbsp;
While Section 179 would result in significant capital gains if you sold the property, rules like the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1031-exchanges-are-here-to-stay">1031 exchange</a> and step-up basis can help investors avoid taxes on their gains. You save money on taxes, and the lack of liquidity turns real estate into a store of value. In that regard, real estate is similar to gold as a hedge against inflation.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Building a Real Estate Portfolio</h2>
Real estate investors have access to plenty of leverage, but you still have to make monthly mortgage payments. Furthermore, you will need a good credit score and enough money for a down payment.
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Putting more money down will reduce how much you pay in interest, while if you make the 3% minimum down payment, you can get started sooner.&nbsp;
It's good to brush up on the basics of real estate before rushing to make investments. Savvy investors often use a property's cap rate to gauge its potential returns. Higher cap rates come with higher potential returns and elevated risks. You can arrive at this calculation if you divide a property's net operating income by its market value.
It's best to focus on increasing your income and minimizing your expenses before you get started with real estate. Earning more money will make it easier to get started, but savvy investors can also raise money through crowdfunding.&nbsp;
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</ul>

Scott Galloway Says This Is The Best Investment for Lowering Your Tax Bill: 'It's a Form of Forced Savings'

<ul>
<li>Losses in crypto security incidents in Q1 nearly doubled compared to Q1 2024.</li>
<li>A continued dominance of so-called access control attacks has raised concerns.</li>
<li>Behind Q1&#8217;s alarming hack numbers, there was at least one positive trend.</li>
</ul>
The cryptocurrency industry is no stranger to hacks and scams, but Q1 was particularly rough, and that might be putting it mildly.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bad Actors Make A Killing</h2>
$2 billion.
That&#8217;s how much was lost in crypto security incidents in Q1, according to a Tuesday security <a href="https://hacken.io/insights/q1-2025-security-report/">report</a> from Web3 security outfit Hacken. For context, the figure represents a 96% increase over what the industry lost in Q1 2024 and is almost equivalent to the $2.25 billion lost in the whole of 2024.
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Of the $2 billion lost in Q1, over $1.6 billion was lost to so-called access control exploits, over $300 million was lost to rug pulls, over $96 million was lost to phishing scams, and over $29 million was lost to smart contract vulnerabilities.
The dominance of access control exploits is significant as a variation of it has led to the largest exploits for three consecutive quarters.&nbsp;
Access control exploits see bad actors target the infrastructure surrounding a project, like its website front-end, to gain access and steal user funds. In the past three quarters, it has proved particularly effective in targeting Safe multi-sig crypto wallets, which are thought to provide additional security by eliminating a single point of failure.
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As highlighted by Hacken, access control exploits targeting Safe multi-sigs were behind the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39846707/wazirx-declares-230m-hack-a-force-majeure-event-pledges-full-investigation">$235 million WazirX exploit</a> in Q3 2024, the $55 million Radiant Capital exploit in Q4 2024, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43886224/bybit-founder-confirms-1-4-billion-ethereum-hack-blames-masked-transaction">the infamous $1.5 billion Bybit hack</a> in Q1, the largest in the quarter by far and the largest exploit in history.
According to Hacken, the trend highlighted a failure to secure the surrounding infrastructure around these multi-sigs as much as the smart contracts behind the wallet. Security practices suggested by the firm included implementing human-readable signing to allow signers to see clearly the details of the transaction they are consenting to, securing off-chain components like web interfaces, and promoting operational discipline among signers.
Meanwhile, in addition to this access control exploit concern, Hacken highlighted that bad actors displayed new money laundering tricks in Q1.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hackers Moving Away From Mixers?</h2>
Typically, when funds are stolen in the cryptocurrency space, they are funneled through mixers to obscure their origins, but bad actors may now be turning to a very different venue: trading platforms.
In this approach, bad actors open large leveraged bets with their loot while hedging against that bet elsewhere with clean capital. They then let the leveraged position get liquidated while retaining the profits from the hedged position.
&#8220;By sacrificing the origin wallet and creating a loss event on-chain, the attacker distances themselves from the stolen capital while retaining its economic value,&#8221; the report wrote.
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Another approach these malicious actors are exploring is staging sandwich attacks to reframe stolen funds as profits from DeFi arbitrage.
Still, behind Q1&#8217;s alarming hack numbers and the growing sophistication in how bad actors launder their loot, the cryptocurrency industry was able to largely maintain one positive trend.
Specifically, the industry did not see a significant rise in decentralized finance exploits in line with a steady decline in the previous four quarters. According to Hacken, this suggested that protocol design is maturing.
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$2B Lost In 90 Days: How Losses In Crypto Security Incidents In Q1 2025 Increased 96% Y/Y

Investing in dividend-paying <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44565770/30-year-old-with-65k-in-stocks-sparks-debate-focusing-mostly-on-etfs-but-now-betting-on-bonds-small-caps-and-international-plays">stocks</a> is a widespread strategy for those pursuing a regular income and long-term wealth growth.
Many investors, especially those looking for stability, prefer <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44551261/early-retiree-making-17000-a-year-in-dividends-shares-top-7-stock-picks-says-ive-zero-regrets">dividends</a> because they generate regular payouts, often perceived as a safer choice than growth-focused assets. While dividend stocks may not always offer huge returns, they can act as a reliable income stream, particularly during market downturns or job loss.
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<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>
For young investors, building a dividend portfolio early can compound significantly in the long run. A 23-year-old investor recently turned to Reddit for advice on his $75,000 portfolio, sparking a debate on the best strategy.
The investor has built an impressive portfolio generating $1,828 in annual dividend income. His holdings include a combination of dividend stocks, ETFs, and alternative assets like crypto and gold.
Investing $1,000 per week, the poster shared that he believes in sacrificing when you&#8217;re young for the life you want to live later: &#8220;My motto is &#8216;Work hard now so you can live life to its fullest when it&#8217;s harder.&#8217; The idea is to have additional income so that even if your job pays worse down the line, you&#8217;re not fu&#8211;ed. I&#8217;ve already made close to $15,000 in investments. The rest was money I invested over a few years. So $60,000.&#8221;
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>
The 23-year-old&#8217;s strategy leans heavily on dividends, but besides sharing his picks, he&#8217;s also asked the members of the online discussion board for the best approach on optimizing his portfolio further. The r/Dividends community has jumped to the comment section to share its insights and suggestions, which circled around investing in growth-focused assets rather than dividends for now and shifting to dividends down the road.
Still, many commenters congratulated the young investor on his picks, so let&#8217;s dive deeper into those.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">23-Year-Old With $75,000 Portfolio and $1.828 Dividend Income Shares Top 6 Picks</h2>
Citizens Financial Group
Citizens Financial Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CFG#NYSE">CFG</a>) is a regional bank providing various retail and commercial banking products and services. Investors love CFG for its steady income and its position in the financial sector. The company pays investors around 4,06% in annual dividends.
JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF
JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JEPI#NYSE">JEPI</a>)​ is an exchange-traded fund that generates a higher regular income for investors while maintaining possibilities for capital appreciation. Delivering approximately 7.62% in annual dividends, JEPI invests in S&amp;P 500 stocks with low volatility and uses options strategies to yield revenue.
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JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF
JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JEPQ#NASDAQ">JEPQ</a>)​ focuses on producing income and capital appreciation by investing in U.S. large-cap growth stocks, mainly those included in the NASDAQ-100 Index. Like JEPI, it employs options strategies to boost the yield and pays investors around 11.14% in dividends per year.
Invesco QQQ Trust
Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) tracks the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index, which includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies on the exchange. Many people choose QQQ for its exposure to innovative tech and growth enterprises. Compared to JEPI and JEPQ, QQQ generates a lower dividend yield, around 0.63% per year.
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) concentrates on high-quality, high-dividend-paying U.S. stocks with a record of constant payouts. Generating approximately 3.73% in dividend yield annually, investors pick SCHD for its focus on dividend growth and quality companies.
SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust
SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) tracks the performance of the S&amp;P 500 Index and provides broad market exposure with average dividends, which is a perfect choice for long-term growth. SPY pays investors around 1.22% in annual dividends.
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<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>

JEPI

JEPQ

SCHD

23-Year-Old Investor With $75K Portfolio, $1.8K Dividend Income Reveals Top Assets – Asks 'What I Should Look At Or Add To?' Reddit Debates

It's finally spring, and for the first time in a while, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/housing-market">housing market</a> is starting to show signs of life. After a long stretch of minimal activity, more "For Sale" signs are cropping up across the country. Inventory is climbing, which is good news for buyers who've been waiting for more choices—but the big question is: will people actually take the plunge?
Even with more homes on the market, buying isn't exactly easy right now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mortgage-rates">Mortgage rates</a> are still hovering around 6.65% for a 30-year fixed loan, which, while slightly better than earlier in the year, remains high by historical standards, according to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/04/03/nx-s1-5349453/spring-home-buying-mortgage-rates">NPR</a>. And home prices haven't cooled much either.
Over the past five years, the median price of a home has surged by about 47%, making affordability a major concern for many would-be buyers. Still, there are reasons for optimism. In February, the number of existing homes for sale was up 17% compared to the same time last year, and March saw a 10% increase in new listings, according to NPR.
The so-called "lock-in effect"—where homeowners with ultra-low mortgage rates felt trapped in their current homes—may be easing as life events, job changes, or simple restlessness nudge people to move. Realtor.com <a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/march-2025-data/">data</a> shows that sellers are getting more flexible, with more than 17% of listings featuring price reductions in March—the highest level for any March since 2016.
But it's not all smooth sailing. Pending home sales—homes under contract—were actually down 5.2% in March compared to a year ago, suggesting many buyers are still hesitant. That hesitation is especially evident in competitive markets, where buyers like one couple in Connecticut have found themselves outbid even after offering well above asking. Others decide to sit tight, are worried about job stability, or are just burned out from the hunt.
Meanwhile, new rules around how agents are paid have added another layer of complexity. Buyers now have to sign an agreement outlining their agent's compensation before they can even tour homes, and sellers are no longer automatically covering the buyer's agent commission. While many agents say the change hasn't had a huge effect yet, the added negotiations aren't exactly making the process easier, according to NPR.
So while more homes are finally hitting the market, uncertainty still hangs over this spring season—leaving buyers and sellers alike wondering if this will be the moment when things finally start moving again.
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Photo: K303/Shutterstock

Financial Advisors

Real Estate

More Homes Hit The Market, But Pending Sales Dip As Buyers Hesitate

Entrepreneur and investor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mark-cuban" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban</a>&nbsp;is one of the most well-known figures in the business and sports worlds. Cuban is also pretty open to sharing advice and tips on how to make money and potentially become a millionaire.
In 2022, Cuban shared four rules to making money and becoming a millionaire in an interview with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gq.com/video/watch/first-million-gq-sports-my-first-million-mark-cuban" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GQ</a>, as shared by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/18/mark-cuban-simple-rules-for-making-money-becoming-millionaire.html?utm_term=Autofeed&amp;utm_medium=Social&amp;utm_content=Intl&amp;utm_source=Facebook&amp;fbclid=IwAR1Yxtyqv6lCRGMyPrVM7QBr4u994gI7NdBtOohtDFtIubCUpbncTQKZ0jU#Echobox=1674052744" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNBC</a>.&nbsp;
&#8220;If you want to be a millionaire, you can do it, but there&#8217;s a couple things you have to be able to accomplish,&#8221; Cuban said.
Rule 1: &#8220;Find something you can be good at. Then, be great at it.&#8221; Cuban&#8217;s first rule is possibly the most important. He advises that people need to focus on their strengths and develop those skills as their focus area. This could be a certain vocation, a sport, or creating content. A passion for something can often translate into putting in the necessary work and effort to be successful.
Rule 2: &#8220;Know how to sell.&#8221; CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/13/mark-cuban-used-a-14-second-pitch-to-make-money-at-his-first-sales-job.html">reported</a> that Cuban sold trash bags door-to-door when he was 12 years old to earn money to buy sneakers. Cuban bought the trash bags for $3 and sold them for $6. Part of Cuban&#8217;s sales pitch was the offer to be available by phone whenever someone needed the trash bags. He also offered to deliver them in his wagon.
You may not be a billionaire like Mark Cuban, but you can uncover hidden gems in the stock market using our proprietary data and pattern recognition — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44546189/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-59">check out five stocks flying under the radar that deserve your attention.</a>
Rule 3: &#8220;Be curious and always learning.&#8221; Finding something a person is good at and becoming great is a key step. Another key step might be continuing to learn and getting better at the subject or skill. Cuban has preached over the years that people should be willing to continue learning and striving to improve.
Rule 4: &#8220;When you walk into a room, you (need to know) your s&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A; better than anyone else in the room.&#8221;
Cuban said this is the important step before starting your own company and being able to &#8220;control your own destiny.&#8221;
Cuban has often shared that great leaders and businessmen often fail several times before making it. It doesn&#8217;t matter how many times you fail, he says. Being right only once can make a difference in life.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/03/44522293/shark-tank-poll-reveals-most-polarizing-star-is-it-mark-cuban">&#8216;Shark Tank&#8217; Poll Reveals Most Polarizing Star — Is It Mark Cuban?</a></li>
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This article was previously published by Benzinga and has been updated. 
Image: Shutterstock

Education

Entrepreneurship

Success Stories

Startups

Small Business

Mark Cuban Reveals 4 Rules To Becoming A Millionaire: 'Find Something You Can Be Good At. Then...'

The S&amp;P400 index, which tracks the top mid-cap stocks, fell 9.1% last week and 4.8% last Friday. However, these mid-cap stocks emerged as winners. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORT#NASDAQ">CORT</a>) shares surged 36.28% after the company disclosed that the ROSELLA Phase 3 trial of relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer met its primary endpoint of improved progression-free survival, as assessed by blinded <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44569564" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">independent central review (PFS-BICR)</a>.</li>
<li>Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COOP#NASDAQ">COOP</a>) stock escalated 28.44% after the company announced Rocket Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKT#NYSE">RKT</a>) will acquire it in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44565671" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a $9.4 billion all-stock deal</a>.</li>
<li>Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRRM#NASDAQ">VRRM</a>) shares rose 10.90%.</li>
<li>Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GT#NASDAQ">GT</a>) stock rose 10.35% after Deutsche Bank upgraded it from Hold to Buy <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/gt/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and announced a $13 price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRGS#NASDAQ">PRGS</a>) stock upped 9.30% after the company reported better-than-expected <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44570749" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-quarter financial results</a>.</li>
<li>Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LW#NYSE">LW</a>) stock rose 9.24% after the company reported better-than-expected third-quarter financial results and issued <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44629158" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FY25 sales guidance above estimates</a>.</li>
<li>Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CELH#NASDAQ">CELH</a>) stock rose 5.62%.</li>
<li>Loar Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOAR#NYSE">LOAR</a>) shares increased 5.26% after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44560215" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">company reported quarterly results</a>.</li>
<li>PVH Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PVH#NYSE">PVH</a>) shares gained 4.68% last week following strong <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44572437" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Q4 financial results</a> and the announcement of plans to enter into a $500 million accelerated share repurchase program.</li>
</ol>
Photo by Sorbis via Shutterstock

Mid Cap

Movers

Trading Ideas

CELH

COOP

CORT

LOAR

PRGS

VRRM

How Some Mid Cap Stocks Outshone The S&P 400's Dramatic Drop Last Week (Mar 31-Apr 4)

In today's job market, mastering AI skills might seem like the golden ticket to getting hired. But at tech consultancy Accenture (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>), CEO Julie Sweet relies on a surprisingly simple question to spot top talent. And no, it has nothing to do with AI expertise.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The One Question That Separates Hires From Rejects</h2>
In a recent interview on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuctzvVhYJo">"In Good Company" podcas</a>t with Norges Bank Investment Management CEO Nicolai Tangen, Sweet shared her go-to interview question: "What have you learned in the last six months?"
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Her reasoning is straightforward. If a candidate struggles to answer, it's an instant red flag. "A lot of the time people ask me, ‘How do I know if someone's a learner?' And it's a very simple way to know," Sweet explained.&nbsp;
"If someone can't answer that question—and by the way, we don't care if it's, ‘I learned to bake a cake'—then we know that they're not a learner."
Her response highlights a fundamental shift in hiring strategies. Companies no longer just want employees with a strong resume; they want dynamic, adaptable thinkers who actively seek out new knowledge.
Trending: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $100.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI Is Reshaping How Companies Hire</h2>
Sweet's focus on learning isn't just a quirky interview technique—it reflects a broader transformation happening across industries. The rise of generative AI has upended job descriptions, forcing companies to rethink the qualities they value in employees.
Sweet<a href="https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2025/01/14/global-ceos-anxious-over-ai-adoption/"> recently shared</a> that she had met with 30 CEOs across various regions, including Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the U.S., discussing AI's growing role in business. She noted that while some companies are ready to implement AI solutions, others are still exploring its potential.&nbsp;
But rather than prioritizing technical know-how, she believes the best employees are those who can quickly adapt to AI-driven changes.
See Also: 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>
LinkedIn Chief Operating Officer Daniel Shapero echoed this sentiment last June in an interview with <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/06/26/ai-workplace-relationship-economy-linkedin-karin-kimbrough/">Fortune</a>. His approach? He asks candidates how they've used AI in their daily work to gauge their willingness to experiment with new technology.
"What that demonstrates is, if you're comfortable using AI, then you're more likely to be someone that helps their organization become more AI-centric," Shapero explained.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Era for HR Departments</h2>
As companies scramble to keep up with technological advances, HR departments are becoming more crucial than ever. Sweet believes HR is now one of the most important fields to be in because, aside from AI, talent development is at the top of every CEO's agenda.
"I think the best thing to be right now, one of the best fields to be in, is HR," Julie Sweet told &nbsp; <a href="https://fortune.com/europe/2025/04/01/accenture-ceo-julie-sweet-new-hires-learned-last-6-months/">Fortune</a> last week. "Because right after gen AI on CEOs' agendas is talent, and how you train talent has to completely change."
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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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Accenture Boss Julie Sweet's Simple Question Determines Who Gets Hired—And It's Not About AI Skills

Last week, shares across several sectors, mainly technology, fell as investors reacted to macro and supply chain uncertainty amid President Trump&#8217;s sweeping Liberation Day tariffs and retaliatory responses from major trading nations. The S&amp;P 500 index fell about 9.1%.
These large-cap stocks were the worst performers. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) shares dipped 26.81%.</li>
<li>Microchip Technology Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCHP#NASDAQ">MCHP</a>) shares dived 25.63%.</li>
<li>Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MFG#NYSE">MFG</a>) stock declined 25.18%.</li>
<li>Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VG#NYSE">VG</a>) stock was down 24.82%. UBS initiated coverage of the company with a Buy rating and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/vg/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced a price forecast of $14</a>.</li>
<li>Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDC#NASDAQ">WDC</a>) shares plummeted 24.82%.</li>
<li>GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEHC#NASDAQ">GEHC</a>) stock fell 24.37%</li>
<li>Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCX#NYSE">FCX</a>) shares decreased 24.13%</li>
<li>Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) stock tumbled 22.98%.</li>
<li>Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>) stock fell 22.62%. Stride Bank announced a payments program partnership with the company, through which it will become a new card <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44586154" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issuing partner for the Affirm CardTM</a>.</li>
<li>Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>) shares were down 22.39%.</li>
</ol>
Image via Shutterstock

Equities

Large Cap

AFRM

DELL

GEHC

MCHP

S&P500 Fell 9.1% Last Week And These Large Cap Stocks Were Obliterated (Mar 31-Apr 4)

The S&amp;P 500 index fell about 9.1% last week (Mar 31-Apr 4), making it one of the worst performances for the benchmark. These large-cap stocks defied the index. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) stock gained 19.55% last week on reports that Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google is looking to rent Nvidia's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) Blackwell Chips from the company.</li>
<li>Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKT#NYSE">RKT</a>) shares surged 18.19% after Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods upgraded the stock from Underperform to Market Perform and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44612611" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised its price forecast from $12 to $14</a>.</li>
<li>GameStop Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>) upped 8.10% last week after it raised $1.5 billion in a private offering and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44638041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryan Cohen increasing his stake</a> in the company.</li>
<li>Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) stock upped 7.58%. Shares of consumer staples stocks gained as tariff uncertainty may be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44641614" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">driving a shift toward defensive stocks</a>.</li>
<li>Molina Healthcare Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOH#NYSE">MOH</a>) shares increased 7.39%. The company recently reported that it has 1.75 million shares sold short, which is 4.16% of all regular shares <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44634528" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">available for trading</a>.</li>
<li>Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPC#NASDAQ">PPC</a>) stock rose 5.63%.</li>
<li>Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROST#NASDAQ">ROST</a>) shares were up 3.90%. Citigroup analyst Paul Lejuez upgraded the company from Neutral to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/rost/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Buy and announced $146 price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>) stock gained 3.72% last week.</li>
<li>TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TJX#NYSE">TJX</a>) shares increased 3.34%. Citigroup analyst Paul Lejuez upgraded the company from Neutral to Buy and raised the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/tjx/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> price forecast from $128 to $140</a>.</li>
<li>NVR, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVR#NYSE">NVR</a>) shares increased 3.19% amid a drop in Treasury yields.</li>
</ol>
Image via Shutterstock

CRWV

GOOG

GOOGL

NVDA

ROST

In One Of The Worst Week, These Large Cap Stocks Emerged As Winners (Mar 31-Apr 4): Are These In Your Portfolio?

President Donald Trump's tariff hike sent shockwaves through global markets. While billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg saw their fortunes plummet, Warren Buffett <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44345565/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-sold-134-billion-in-stocks-in-2024-timing-it-perfectly-as-recession-fears-mount-the-internet-is-in-awe">remained resilient</a> and in the green despite the chaos.
What Happened: On April 2, President Trump announced an aggressive new round of tariffs on goods imported from over 100 countries, including a 54% tariff on Chinese goods and 20% on EU imports.
The announcement sent global markets into a tailspin, resulting in a massive one-day loss for some of the world's wealthiest individuals, particularly in the tech industry.
Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and SpaceX, saw his net worth drop by $19.9 billion, bringing his year-to-date losses to a staggering $130 billion, bringing him down to $302 billion.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44212384/bill-ackman-clashes-with-david-sacks-over-ukraine-strategy-asks-if-us-should-let-russia-take-the-rest-of-eastern-europe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Ackman Clashes With David Sacks Over Ukraine Strategy, Asks If US Should Let Russia ‘Take The Rest Of Eastern Europe&#8217;</a>
Amazon.com, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) Jeff Bezos and Meta Platforms, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) Mark Zuckerberg also faced significant setbacks, with Bezos losing $7.59 billion and Zuckerberg's wealth dropping by $9.44 billion.
Year-to-date, Bezos has lost $45.2 billion, while Zuckerberg is down $28.1 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/">Index</a>.
Meanwhile, luxury goods mogul Bernard Arnault, the chairman of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LVMHF#OTC">LVMHF</a>), saw his net worth fall by $5.23 billion as shares in his conglomerate tumbled in Paris, exacerbating his year-to-date losses.
Larry Ellison, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Steve Ballmer, and Bill Gates have also seen major losses, with each shedding tens of billions in wealth.
However, Buffett, the "Oracle of Omaha," stood out for weathering the storm. Buffett&#8217;s net worth dropped by $10.7 billion, but his year-to-date change remained in the green, with a $12.7 billion gain.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It's Important: The 92-year-old billionaire's conservative approach to investing has allowed him to remain relatively unscathed compared to other tech giants.
In 2024, Berkshire Hathaway offloaded a staggering $134 billion worth of stocks, while barely deploying any of the proceeds.
The company halted buybacks entirely in the second half of the year, allowing its cash pile to swell to a <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/02/43904932/warren-buffett-favors-5-treasury-bills-over-buybacks-as-berkshire-hathaways-cash-pile-surges-the-rate-of-change-thats-most-telling-says-lawrence-mcdonald">record-breaking $334 billion</a> by year-end. At the time, critics questioned Buffett's caution, especially as the S&amp;P 500 notched back-to-back years of 20%+ gains.
Buffett also trimmed Berkshire's massive Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) stake from 49% to just 23% of the portfolio and also pared down holdings in Bank of America — a move that came just weeks before markets began to unravel.
Though Buffett has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44122159/warren-buffett-calls-tariffs-an-act-of-war-warns-they-function-as-a-tax-on-goods-amid-market-turmoil">sharply criticized tariffs</a> — once calling them "an act of war" and likening them to a hidden tax on consumers — he remains steadfastly optimistic about the future of American business.
Reaffirming his long-term confidence, he previously stated, "A majority of any money I manage will always be in the United States."
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44212386/stock-futures-drop-as-reverse-trump-trade-takes-holdpeter-schiff-says-market-shift-long-overdue-and-will-likely-continue-for-a-decade" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stock Futures Drop As ‘Reverse Trump Trade&#8217; Takes Hold—Peter Schiff Says Market Shift ‘Long Overdue&#8217; And Will Likely Continue For A Decade</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tech

AAPL

AMZN

LVMHF

TSLA

Warren Buffett Stands Tall In 2025 As Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos And Mark Zuckerberg Bleed Billions In Net Worth: 'Oracle Of Omaha' Emerges As Lone Gainer Among Top Billionaires Amid Market Rout

The White House is set to hold a meeting with key officials to discuss the future of&nbsp;TikTok, as the app faces an April 5 deadline to secure a non-Chinese <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/04/44599624/tiktok-clock-ticks-louder-as-deadline-approaches-trump-to-consider-final-proposal-as-private-equity-firms-bid-for-platform" rel="noreferrer noopener">buyer or&nbsp;face a potential U.S. ban</a>.
China announced a series of retaliatory measures on Friday in response to President&nbsp;Donald Trump‘s tariffs on Chinese goods, escalating the trade conflict <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44647999/trumps-tariff-war-could-take-us-tech-industry-back-a-decade-while-china-steam-rolls-ahead-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">between the two&nbsp;largest global economies</a>.&nbsp;
President&nbsp;Donald Trump‘s 25% tariffs on auto imports have sent shockwaves through the integrated North American automotive supply chain, prompting&nbsp;divergent responses from major manufacturers&nbsp;as United Auto <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44642355/trumps-25-auto-tariffs-spark-stellantis-layoffs-gm-expansion-uaws-shawn-fain-calls-job-cuts-completely-unnecessary" rel="noreferrer noopener">Workers leadership criticizes job cuts</a>.
Gaming &amp; Smartphones
Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>)&nbsp;announced key details surrounding the&nbsp;Switch 2&nbsp;during Nintendo Direct, revealing a June 5<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/25/04/44609298/nintendo-switch-2-price-release-date-specs-new-games-revealed" rel="noreferrer noopener"> launch date and a $450 price tag</a>.
The standard console will be accompanied by a $500 bundle that includes a digital copy of&nbsp;Mario Kart World, the first installment in the beloved franchise built exclusively for the new hardware.
Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has officially released&nbsp;iOS 18.4,&nbsp;iPadOS 18.4,&nbsp;macOS 15.4, and&nbsp;VisionOS 2.4, bringing a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44579491/ios-18-4-is-now-live-with-new-emojis-apple-news-food-and-priority-ai-notifications-alongside-vision-pro-updates-what-you-need-to-know" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">range of new features to its devices</a>.
Social Media &amp; Auto
YouTube&nbsp;star&nbsp;Jimmy Donalson, popularly known as&nbsp;MrBeast, pulled a dark yet humorous April Fool&#8217;s prank that involved burning 20 million trees and blinding 1,000 kids, but it was all in jest and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44601201/mrbeast-drops-dark-april-fools-joke-about-burning-20-million-trees-and-blinding-1000-kids-but-its-all-a-callback-to-his-philanthropic-work" rel="noreferrer noopener">reference to his past charitable efforts</a>.
Ford (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) announced it will extend employee pricing to all car shoppers, a move that coincides with the implementation of new 25% U.S. tariffs on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44641009/ford-launches-from-america-for-america-discount-program-as-tariffs-threaten-vehicle-price-surge" rel="noreferrer noopener">imported vehicles and auto parts</a>.
Technology
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee is set to hold a hearing next week to examine&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg-led&nbsp;Meta Platforms, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) alleged efforts to establish a presence in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/04/44620411/mark-zuckerberg-led-meta-set-to-face-truth-at-senate-hearing-over-china-operations-and-communist-party-censorship-efforts" rel="noreferrer noopener">China and its ties to censorship tools</a>.
Meta is reportedly gearing up to release an over $1,000 version of its smart glasses to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44599475/meta-is-planning-to-drop-1000-smart-glasses-to-disrupt-apples-ar-ambitions-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">further challenge&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44599475/meta-is-planning-to-drop-1000-smart-glasses-to-disrupt-apples-ar-ambitions-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44599475/meta-is-planning-to-drop-1000-smart-glasses-to-disrupt-apples-ar-ambitions-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">AR ambitions</a>.
At Intel&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) Vision 2025 conference, the company revealed that it had entered the &#8220;risk production&#8221; phase for its<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44600131/intels-stock-plummeted-50-in-past-12-months-now-the-lip-bu-tan-led-company-is-betting-on-18a-chip-breakthrough-were-freezing-it" rel="noreferrer noopener"> 18A process node,&nbsp;reported&nbsp;Tom&#8217;s Hardware</a>.
Intel&#8217;s Lip-Bu Tan&nbsp;made bold promises about the company&#8217;s future during his first public speech as CEO on Monday, highlighting a&nbsp;major cultural overhaul&nbsp;and signaling potential support from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44577045/intels-new-ceo-lip-bu-tan-says-trump-administration-ready-to-help-beleagured-chipmaker-warns-bureaucracy-kills-innovation" rel="noreferrer noopener">the&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44577045/intels-new-ceo-lip-bu-tan-says-trump-administration-ready-to-help-beleagured-chipmaker-warns-bureaucracy-kills-innovation" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44577045/intels-new-ceo-lip-bu-tan-says-trump-administration-ready-to-help-beleagured-chipmaker-warns-bureaucracy-kills-innovation" rel="noreferrer noopener">administration.</a>
Microsoft Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) has paused discussions and postponed the development of sites in Indonesia, the U.K., Australia, Illinois, North Dakota and Wisconsin, Bloomberg&nbsp;reported, citing unnamed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44645946/microsoft-halts-data-center-expansions-due-to-semiconductor-tariff-concerns-ai-overcapacity-fears" rel="noreferrer noopener">sources familiar with the matter</a>.
Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s&nbsp;Google&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) removed the mailing list for the&nbsp;Bitcoin&nbsp;developer group&nbsp;Bitcoindev, citing "policy violations," prompting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44643317/google-removes-bitcoin-developer-mailing-list-for-policy-violations-jack-dorsey-calls-out-sundar-pichai-for-censorship" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jack Dorsey</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44643317/google-removes-bitcoin-developer-mailing-list-for-policy-violations-jack-dorsey-calls-out-sundar-pichai-for-censorship" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;to call out the company's approach</a>.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) is reportedly set to acquire a 20% stake in a new joint venture with&nbsp;Intel, aimed at addressing the&nbsp;U.S. chipmaker&#8217;s ongoing struggles, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44640394/tsmc-to-take-20-stake-in-joint-venture-with-intel-amid-us-chipmakers-struggles-with-188-billion-net-loss-in-2024-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">including its $18.8 billion net loss in 2024</a>.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Sentient, a San Francisco-based AI development lab backed by&nbsp;Peter Thiel&#8217;s Founder's Fund, has unveiled its open-source AI search framework, positioning its work <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44620834/peter-thiel-backed-nonprofit-sentient-aims-to-be-americas-deepseek-takes-aim-at-closed-ai-systems" rel="noreferrer noopener">as a response to China&#8217;s&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44620834/peter-thiel-backed-nonprofit-sentient-aims-to-be-americas-deepseek-takes-aim-at-closed-ai-systems" rel="noreferrer noopener">DeepSeek</a>.
OpenAI&nbsp;has finalized a record-setting $40 billion funding round, boosting the company&#8217;s valuation to $300 billion, with major investments from&nbsp;SoftBank Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>),&nbsp;Microsoft, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44580172/openai-finalizes-historic-40-billion-funding-round-valuing-company-at-300-billion-with-backing-from-softbank-and-microsoft" rel="noreferrer noopener">and other key backers</a>.
OpenAI&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Sam Altman&nbsp;announced that the company plans to release its new open-weight language model with reasoning capabilities in the coming months. This decision might have been driven by the&nbsp;impressive success of&nbsp;DeepSeek's R1&nbsp;model and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44577187/sam-altman-led-openai-releases-open-weight-ai-model-with-reasoning-capabilities-as-deepseek-and-meta-taste-success" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing popularity of&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44577187/sam-altman-led-openai-releases-open-weight-ai-model-with-reasoning-capabilities-as-deepseek-and-meta-taste-success" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta's&nbsp;Llama</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44577187/sam-altman-led-openai-releases-open-weight-ai-model-with-reasoning-capabilities-as-deepseek-and-meta-taste-success" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;models</a>.
Last week, in a direct response to growing speculation online,&nbsp;Perplexity&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Aravind Srinivas&nbsp;took to&nbsp;Reddit Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>)&nbsp;to deny rumors that the AI search company is facing financial trouble<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44557415/perplexity-ceo-aravind-srinivas-shuts-down-financial-rumors-on-reddit-says-ai-search-startup-has-no-plans-of-ipoing-before-2028" rel="noreferrer noopener"> or preparing for an imminent IPO</a>.
As industry giants like&nbsp;Microsoft and OpenAI throw their weight behind a rising AI protocol,&nbsp;Alphabet&#8217;s CEO has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44554189/openai-and-microsoft-back-mcp-standard-in-major-shift-toward-interoperable-ai-agents-that-can-think-click-and-navigate-the-web-but-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-appears-to-be-mulling-over-it-in-shakespearean-fashion-to-mcp-or-not-to-mcp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offered a cryptic but telling response</a>.
Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/03/44553924/tesla-bull-pierre-ferragu-predicts-113-combined-market-cap-of-elon-musks-ai-startup-xai-and-x-will-look-tiny-in-few-years-so-much-potential" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Bull Pierre Ferragu Predicts $113 Billion Combined Market Cap Of Elon Musk&#8217;s AI Startup xAI And X Will Look &#8216;Tiny&#8217; In Few Years: &#8216;So Much Potential&#8217;</a>
Shutterstock: Bigc Studio

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Consumer Tech News (Mar 31-Apr 4): China Plans Retaliation Against Trump's Tariffs Change, Meta To Release $1,000 Version Of Its Smart Glasses & More

A stock portfolio with many holdings can minimize risk and give you access to many opportunities. However, one Redditor is wondering if two holdings are all they need and <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/dividends/comments/1jo8l2z/thinking_of_going_50_voo_50_schd_too_simple/">posted in the Dividends subreddit</a> for some feedback.&nbsp;
"I'm seriously considering streamlining my entire portfolio," the Redditor stated at the start of the post.
Instead of picking a bunch of stocks, the Redditor has settled on two positions: the Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) and the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>). The Redditor is also considering a 45/45 split, with the remaining 10% going into the Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHG#NYSE">SCHG</a>).
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<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ETFs Simplify Investing</h2>
Several commenters agreed with the ETF-focused approach and shared that they also heavily invest in funds. The top commenter puts 50% into SCHD and the remaining 50% into SCHG. One of the top replies to that comment came from someone who puts 60% into SCHD and 40% into SCHG.
The comment got plenty of traction from Redditors who agreed. One commenter replied to the top comment saying, "This is exactly my portfolio in Roth. Not too much going on but that's all I need. Tired of gambling on single stocks."
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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">No Such Thing As Too Simple</h2>
One commenter stated that there is no such thing as having a portfolio that is too simple. While you can have a portfolio that isn't diverse enough, you can buy shares in a single ETF and instantly have a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44461718/high-income-earner-with-3000-monthly-to-invest-faces-big-decision-i-definitely-want-to-diversify-beyond-ai-and-dividends">diversified portfolio</a>.
The commenter said that VOO has plenty of growth. Investors don't have to beat the market. Most people can reach their long-term financial goals if they match market returns instead of taking high risks just for the hope of outperforming an index like the S&amp;P 500.
Some commenters said that this simple approach was a good one. The Redditor received encouraging comments telling them to keep up the good work. Another commenter mentioned that a more complex portfolio doesn't necessarily generate a higher return.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Knowing The Redditor's Age and Goals Would Help</h2>
While most of the commenters praised the Redditor's decision, one commenter said that knowing the original poster's age and time horizon would have been better. The commenter also said it would be optimal to know the age of each person who has committed to sticking with a few ETFs.
The commenter makes a good point, as each person's investment preferences are different. Some people have higher risk tolerances and gravitate toward ETFs that give exposure to big tech companies. Others accumulate shares in less risky, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44589415/desperate-investor-with-50k-seeks-the-highest-possible-dollar-amount-of-a-dividend-payment-what-fund-would-you-buy-reddit-erupts">high-yield ETFs</a> as they get closer to retirement.
Assessing someone's financial goals can help them decide which combination of ETFs is right for them. However, you don't need a ton of stocks. A good growth fund may be all you need.
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<li>Have $200K saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/have-200k-saved-heres-how-to-turn-it-into-lasting-wealth"> Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth</a></li>
<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
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SCHG

A Redditor Only Wants to Hold Two Stocks: 'I'm Seriously Considering Streamlining My Entire Portfolio'

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride for the auto industry, with major headlines revolving around&nbsp;Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>),&nbsp;Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>),&nbsp;General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), and&nbsp;Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>). From Tesla&#8217;s anticipated first-quarter delivery figures to the impact of Trump&#8217;s tariffs on Detroit automakers, there&#8217;s a lot to unpack. Let&#8217;s dive in.
Tesla&#8217;s Q1 Deliveries: A Potential Miss?
The first quarter delivery numbers from Tesla are eagerly awaited, especially in light of recent boycotts and reported sales dips in certain European regions. Analysts are predicting around 377,000 deliveries, but traders at Kalshi are less optimistic, forecasting a miss.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/previews/25/04/44593138/tesla-q1-deliveries-preview-analysts-forecast-377k-but-kalshi-traders-predict-a-miss">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Tariffs Worry Detroit Automakers
Executives at&nbsp;Ford&nbsp;and&nbsp;GM&nbsp;are working to reassure their employees amidst the challenges posed by President Trump&#8217;s 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/03/44574393/ford-gm-executives-address-trump-tariffs-in-internal-memos-aimed-to-reassure-employees-report">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/24/01/36615986/top-10-bestselling-electric-vehicles-in-u-s-2023-where-do-tesla-ford-general-motors-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 10 Bestselling Electric Vehicles In U.S. 2023: Where Do Tesla, Ford, General Motors Rank?</a>
Rivian CEO Calls For More Affordable EVs In The US
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe expressed his concern at the Nvidia GTC conference about the US lagging behind China in EV market share. He emphasized the need for more EVs priced under $50,000 in the US market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/44598035/rivian-ceo-says-us-needs-more-under-50k-evs-to-catch-up-to-china-you-have-to-have-the-plumbing-right">Read the full article here.</a>
Tesla&#8217;s Sales Dip In 2025: A Result Of Musk Backlash?
Market experts are bracing for a potential downturn in Tesla&#8217;s sales this year, with the brand&#8217;s recent struggles being a major concern. Tesla&#8217;s Q1 deliveries have already seen a 13% decrease, the lowest in nearly three years.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44646680/tesla-to-face-steeper-sales-dip-in-2025-amid-growing-backlash-against-elon-musk-report">Read the full article here.</a>
XPeng&#8217;s Record Q1 EV Sales In China
Chinese electric vehicle company&nbsp;XPeng Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>)&nbsp;reported a record surge in its Q1 EV sales. In March alone, XPeng delivered 33,205 Smart EVs, marking a 268% growth and surpassing 30,000 units for the fifth consecutive month.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44582215/chinas-xpeng-clocks-record-q1-ev-sales-deliveries-surge-3-6x">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44635878/tesla-shares-are-falling-today-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Shares Are Falling Today: What&#8217;s Going On?</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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XPEV

Tesla's Q1 Delivery Predictions, Trump Tariffs, And China's EV Dominance:  This Week In Mobility

Imagine finally finding a pharmacy that doesn't drain your bank account—only for prices to suddenly spike. That's the situation Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs might face, thanks to new tariff policies that could force the low-cost drug company to raise prices.
In a recent episode of the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkC72m9hrJw&amp;ab_channel=TaraPalmeri">Somebody's Gotta Win with Tara Palmeri" podcast</a>, Cuban didn't hold back.&nbsp;
He warned that looming tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, particularly from India, could leave his company no choice but to increase medication costs. "If we have a high tariff on drugs coming from India, we won&#8217;t have a choice but to pass those costs on to consumers,&#8221; Cuban said.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cost Plus Drugs: The Disruptor Facing a New Challenge</h2>
Launched in 2022, Cost Plus Drugs aimed to shake up the pharmaceutical industry by selling medications at a fraction of traditional retail prices. The company's <a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/mark-cuban-wants-keep-shaking-healthcare-heres-cost-plus-drugs-next-move">pricing model </a>is simple: charge the wholesale cost of the drug, add a 15% markup, a $5 labor fee per medication, and $5 for shipping.&nbsp;
That's how a <a href="https://www.costplusdrugs.com/medications/imatinib-400mg-tablet/">30-day supply of generic imatinib</a>, a chemotherapy drug, could cost just $34.70—while traditional pharmacies might charge $9,657.30. But now, the affordability that made Cost Plus Drugs a game-changer could be at risk.
Trending: This platform is reshaping how you invest in private companies —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/kingscrowd-adv"> and you can be a part of it for $0.18 per share</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Tariffs Are a Big Deal for Prescription Drugs</h2>
In April, President Donald Trump announced sweeping new <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">tariffs</a> affecting imports from 185 countries. The baseline tariff? 10%. While some industries saw exemptions, the pharmaceutical sector wasn't as lucky.&nbsp;
Drugmakers are still scrambling to understand the impact, with concerns that both branded and generic medications from India could be affected. If these tariffs take effect, <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/drug-tariffs-could-raise-cancer-treatment-cost-by-usd10-000-analysis-finds-11707125?utm_source=chatgpt.com">analysts</a> predict that the cost of certain cancer treatments could skyrocket by up to $10,000 for a 24-week course.&nbsp;
Even generic medications, which many Americans rely on, could see price hikes—potentially increasing the average pill price from 82 cents to 94 cents. That may not sound like much, but over time, the added costs could be significant, especially for people with chronic conditions.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/startengine-own">The $1.3 billion startup investment boom: How this company's explosive growth is opening doors for everyday investors with a new $500 minimum</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cuban's Bigger Concern: The Impact on Everyday Americans</h2>
Cuban's warning goes beyond just his own company. He's concerned about how tariffs function as a hidden tax on consumers—especially lower-income families who can't afford rising costs on essentials like medication, food, and clothing.&nbsp;
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/why-trump-tariffs-inflation-economic-growth-ct2nhwb3m">compares tariffs to a sales tax</a>, not inflation. Critics, including former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/15/trump-tariffs-robert-reich">argue</a> tariffs burden lower-income Americans more, functioning like a regressive consumption tax.
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Mark Cuban Says Cost Plus Drugs Faces Price Hike Threat—'Tariffs Would Force Us To Pass Costs Directly To Consumers'

The past week was a whirlwind of AI-related news, with tech giants&nbsp;Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>),&nbsp;Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>), and&nbsp;OpenAI&nbsp;making significant strides in the field. From AI roasting tech leaders to the unveiling of new AI models, the week was filled with exciting developments. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories.
Microsoft&#8217;s AI Copilot Roasts Tech Leaders
In a humorous twist during Microsoft&#8217;s 50th-anniversary celebrations, the company&#8217;s AI assistant, Copilot, took the opportunity to roast tech leaders Bill Gates, Satya Nadella, and Steve Ballmer. The event was part of a special interview designed to celebrate Microsoft&#8217;s legacy.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44656079/bill-gates-satya-nadella-and-steve-ballmer-get-roasted-by-microsofts-ai-copilot-lets-spice-it-up">Read the full article here.</a>
Alibaba Challenges DeepSeek with Qwen 3
Chinese tech giant Alibaba plans to release an upgraded version of its flagship AI model, Qwen 3, by April. This move comes as China&#8217;s tech leaders are flooding the market with affordable AI services, following the success of a robust model by domestic AI startup, DeepSeek.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44625580/alibaba-steps-up-ai-game-with-qwen-3-challenging-deepseeks-low-cost-ai-success">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/03/44402199/elon-musks-first-ex-wife-says-she-sucked-at-being-his-trophy-wife-and-recalls-him-saying-if-you-were-my-employee-i-would-fire-you" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk&#8217;s First Ex-Wife Says She &#8216;Sucked&#8217; At Being His Trophy Wife And Recalls Him Saying: &#8216;If You Were My Employee, I Would Fire You&#8217; &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Peter Thiel-Backed Sentient Takes Aim at Closed AI Systems
Sentient, a San Francisco-based AI development lab backed by Peter Thiel&#8217;s Founder's Fund, has unveiled its open-source AI search framework. The company positions its work as a response to China&#8217;s DeepSeek, claiming that its Open Deep Search (ODS) framework outperforms major closed-source competitors.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44620834/peter-thiel-backed-nonprofit-sentient-aims-to-be-americas-deepseek-takes-aim-at-closed-ai-systems">Read the full article here.</a>
Mark Cuban Sees AI as a Growth Engine
Billionaire investor Mark Cuban dismisses concerns that artificial intelligence will drive deflation. Instead, he believes that AI will be a massive driver of innovation and productivity, dubbing it the &#8220;greatest growth and productivity engine ever.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44600269/mark-cuban-argues-ais-new-sht-will-drive-growth-not-deflation">Read the full article here.</a>
OpenAI Plans to Release Open-Weight AI Model
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced plans to release a new open-weight language model with reasoning capabilities in the coming months. This move may have been influenced by the success of DeepSeek's R1 model and the growing popularity of Meta Platforms, Inc.'s Llama models.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44577187/sam-altman-led-openai-releases-open-weight-ai-model-with-reasoning-capabilities-as-deepseek-and-meta-taste-success">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/04/44645172/china-retaliates-with-34-tariff-on-all-us-imports-urges-trump-to-immediately-cancel-the-tariffs-calls-for-ne" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China Retaliates With 34% Tariff On All US Imports, Urges Trump To Immediately Cancel The Tariffs, Calls For Negotiation</a>
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>

BABA

AI Takes Center Stage With Microsoft, Alibaba's Qwen 3, And OpenAI's Open-Weight AI Model: This Week In AI

Dividend investing attracts many people due to its passive cash flow, including a Redditor from the UK. The individual is new to dividend investing and recently <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/dividends/comments/1jo629x/new_to_dividends_rate_my_uk_portfolio/">posted in the Dividends Reddit community</a>, seeking some guidance.
"I'd like your opinion on what I could do better," the Redditor said before showing everyone their portfolio. Most of the Redditor's holdings are UK-based companies since the individual doesn't want to pay withholdings taxes for the U.S. companies.
The portfolio yields 7.53% and brings in £11.33 ($14.93) per month.
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<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Portfolio</h2>
The Redditor has 17 holdings. Most of the stocks yield above 5%, and some of them yield more than 10%. The well-diversified portfolio minimizes the Redditor's risk. While one commenter said that the portfolio seems decent, another expressed doubt about one of the holdings.
The individual currently holds 81.71 shares of Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OXLC#NASDAQ">OXLC</a>). At the time of the post, it had a 19.72% yield. The cautious commenter warned that the yield might be good for a few months and wasn't a long-term play.&nbsp;
The Redditor responded to the comment by saying that the stock's net asset value will likely decrease and that it won't be a long-term fixture in the portfolio. Shares have been down by 3% over the past year, which is a good performance considering the yield.
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>
Shares were down by more than 10% year-to-date until the company announced a buyback in the middle of March. Then, the stock recovered most of its losses.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">An ETF Can Add More Diversification</h2>
The Redditor has a bunch of individual dividend stocks and may benefit greatly from a dividend ETF. It may be worth diversifying into ETFs like the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>), which offers some diversification outside of the UK. SCHD comes up frequently in the Dividends Reddit community.
ETFs make it much easier to diversify your portfolio, and you can find funds that align with your risk tolerance and long-term financial goals. Investing in ETFs makes it easier to invest in individual stocks, knowing that you already have a basket of holdings in the ETF.&nbsp;
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.55 per share now</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't Chase Yields</h2>
While high yields may look enticing now, the stocks that offer those yields may underperform the stock market in the long run. Some high-yield stocks offer more stability during market uncertainty, but it's important to avoid chasing high yields without considering the fundamentals.&nbsp;
The Redditor admitted to having OXLC as a short-term play, but dividend investing is a long-term game. Sticking with OXLC just for the yield isn't the best approach, but the Redditor may see some value in the company that goes beyond its yield.
Investors should aim to achieve the maximum return that aligns with their risk tolerance. Some stocks with lower yields may produce higher long-term returns. A stock isn't a buy just because of a high yield, and you shouldn't avoid a particular dividend stock just because it has a low yield.&nbsp;
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<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
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OXLC

UK Investor Asks Reddit to Rate Their Dividend Portfolio That Yields 7.53%: 'I'd Like Your Opinion On What I Could Do Better'

The past week was a whirlwind of activity in the cryptocurrency world. From Ripple&#8217;s concerns about the UK&#8217;s crypto regulation to Circle&#8217;s renewed public listing ambitions, and the anticipated Bitcoin price surge, there was no shortage of intriguing developments.
Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories that made headlines.
Ripple Raises Concerns Over UK&#8217;s Crypto Regulation
Blockchain-based payments firm,&nbsp;Ripple, voiced concerns about the UK&#8217;s slow approach to crypto regulation. Ripple&#8217;s Managing Director for the UK and Europe, Cassie Craddock, expressed that British banks are hesitant to adopt Ripple&#8217;s services due to the uncertainty surrounding crypto laws.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44649174/ripple-warns-uk-behind-crypto">Read the full article here.</a>
Circle Eyes $5 Billion Valuation For Upcoming IPO
Circle Internet Financial, the company behind the USDC/USD stablecoin, is reportedly preparing to file for an initial public offering by late April. The crypto-focused fintech is working with&nbsp;JPMorgan Chase (JPM)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Citi&nbsp;as advisors. This marks Circle&#8217;s second major attempt to go public.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44567164/circle-eyes-5-billion-valuation-for-upcoming-initial-public-offering">Read the full article here.</a>
See More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Anthony Pompliano Praises Trump&#8217;s Tariffs As Catalyst For Crypto Innovation
Anthony Pompliano, Founder &amp; CEO of Professional Capital Management, lauded the new tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump. He argued that these tariffs highlight the inefficiencies of traditional financial systems and bolster the case for decentralized finance solutions like Bitcoin.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44625640/anthony-pompliano-praises-trumps-tariffs-as-catalyst-for-crypto-innovation">Read the full article here.</a>
Bitcoin Set for April Price Surge As Fed Signals Monetary Easing
Despite recent drops in cryptocurrency prices due to inflation concerns and tariff threats from President Donald Trump, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are projected to experience a price surge in April. This follows hints from the Federal Reserve about possible monetary easing. Arthur Hayes, a prominent crypto trader and BitMex co-founder, anticipates a Bitcoin price boom in April.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44552659/bitcoin-set-for-april-price-surge-as-fed-signals-monetary-easing">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump's Tariff Surprise Sends Recession Bets Soaring on Polymarket
Cryptocurrency bettors significantly increased their expectations of a U.S. recession after President Donald Trump's underwhelming &#8220;Liberation Day&#8221; tariff announcement. On Polymarket, the odds for the &#8220;US recession in 2025?&#8221; contract jumped from 46% to 54% within 24 hours. Just a week earlier, the probability stood at 38%.
<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44640419/recession-in-2025-crypto-betters-now-see-over-50-probability-after-trumps-sweeping-tariff-rollout">Read the full article here</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44647456/bitcoin-xrp-diversion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Consolidates, But XRP May Have Topped: What&#8217;s Driving This Diversion?</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

Ripple's Crypto Warning, Circle's IPO Ambitions, And Bitcoin's Anticipated Surge: This Week In Crypto

The past week has been a whirlwind for&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), with the tech giant facing significant challenges and predictions. From the potential impact of President Trump&#8217;s tariffs to the feasibility of manufacturing iPhones in America, there&#8217;s a lot to unpack. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories that shaped Apple&#8217;s week.
Trump&#8217;s Tariffs Could Skyrocket iPhone Prices
President Donald Trump&#8217;s recently enacted tariffs could lead to a significant price hike for Apple&#8217;s iPhones. If Apple decides to pass these costs onto consumers, we could see a price surge of 30% to 40%. This is primarily because most iPhones are manufactured in China, which is now facing a 54% tariff.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44655937/trump-tariffs-could-spike-iphone-prices-to-almost-2300-if-apple-decides-to-pass-on-the-costs-to-buyers">Read the full article here.</a>
Manufacturing iPhones in America: A Pipe Dream?
Top analyst Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of manufacturing Apple products, including iPhones, in the U.S. According to Ives, such a move would result in significantly higher costs.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44640656/apple-making-iphones-in-america-a-fantasy-that-sounds-great-behind-the-microphones-says-top-analyst-dan-ives">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44650952/china-restricts-rare-earth-exports-to-us-as-part-of-tariff-retaliation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China Restricts Rare Earth Exports To US As Part Of Tariff Retaliation: &#8216;Geopolitical Earthquake In Slow Motion,&#8217; CEO Says</a>
Apple&#8217;s Strong iPhone Upgrade Cycle Predicted
BofA Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan maintained a Buy rating on Apple, anticipating a strong iPhone upgrade cycle in fiscal 2025 and 2026. This prediction is driven by the need for the latest hardware to enable generative AI features and higher growth in Services revenue.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/04/44613270/apple-set-for-strong-iphone-upgrade-cycle-driven-by-ai-analyst-says">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s $300 Billion Rout: What Could Turn Things Around?
Following a nearly 10% drop in Apple&#8217;s stock, which resulted in a loss of about $300 billion of market cap due to new tariffs, Needham analyst Laura Martin reiterated a Buy rating with a $260 price target.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/04/44651515/apple-analyst-holds-the-line-after-300-billion-rout-what-could-turn-stock-around">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Stock Slammed by Trump Tariffs: Is a Death Cross Next?
Apple&#8217;s stock took a significant hit as President Trump&#8217;s surprise tariff announcement sent shockwaves through the tech sector. The stock slumped about 9.5% in early market trading, extending a brutal month-long slide that has already shaved off more than 13%. If this trend continues, the stock could soon make a Death Cross — a classic bearish signal.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/04/44629335/apple-stock-slammed-by-trump-tariffs-is-a-death-cross-next">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://benzinga.com/media/25/04/44655737/former-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-says-trumps-new-tariffs-could-spark-global-turmoil-hurt-consumers-as-sat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer Says Trump&#8217;s New Tariffs Could Spark Global Turmoil, Hurt Consumers As Satya Nadella-Led MSFT&#8217;s Stock Drops 14% YT</a>
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>

Tariffs, Production Fantasies, And Analyst Predictions: This Week In Appleverse

Health Care

Press Releases

Veru to Deliver Keynote Presentation on the Scientific Support for Enobosarm in Combination with GLP-1 Receptor Agonist to Preserve Muscle for Higher Quality Weight Loss at the 4th Edition of the World Obesity and Weight Management Congress

General

Veru to Present at ObesityWeek: Meta-Analysis of 4 Previous Randomized Clinical Trials that Support the Potential of Enobosarm to Optimize Weight Loss

Veru Announces Meta-analysis of Body Composition Data from Older Patients with Obesity which Supports Potential for Enobosarm to Optimize Weight Loss at ObesityWeek

Veru to Present at the 17th International Conference of the Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia, & Wasting Disorders

Veru Announces the Sale of the FC2 Female Condom® (Internal Condom) Business

Veru Announces Positive Topline Data from Phase 2b QUALITY Clinical Study: Enobosarm Preserved Lean Mass in Patients Receiving WEGOVY® (Semaglutide) for Weight Reduction

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