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

Volkswagen (OTC:VWAGY) Azioni, Catena delle Opzioni

Volkswagen is the second-largest automotive original equipment manufacturer by vehicle sales globally, selling 9.4 million vehicles in 2023. 80% of group revenue is generated by its four vehicle segments—core (Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda, and VW commercial), progressive (Audi, Lamborghini, and Bentley), sports luxury (Porsche), and Traton commercial vehicles (Traton, Scania, Navistar, MAN, and VW truck and bus). It also has a vehicle software business (Cariad), batteries, and power engineering production and financial services.

News

General

VWAGY

Volkswagen riduce a metà gli investimenti nella nuova fabbrica di batterie: ecco le implicazioni per il mercato dell&#39;elettrico.

Fabbrica Volkswagen dimezza gli investimenti: che succede?

Volkswagen AG

On Wednesday, justice reform advocates, formerly incarcerated people and their families as well as the Last Prisoner Project joined Reps. Ayanna Pressley, James E. Clyburn, Mary Gay Scanlon, Ilhan Omar and other congressional leaders to announce their joint letter urging President Biden to grant clemency to non-violent federal cannabis prisoners before his term ends. "Now is the time to use your clemency authority to rectify unjust and unnecessary criminal laws passed by Congress and draconian sentences given by judges," reads the <a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25354946/2024-11-20-letter-to-president-biden-on-clemency.pdf">letter</a>. "We urge you to use your executive clemency power to reunite families, address longstanding injustices in our legal system, and set our nation on the path toward ending mass incarceration."
Reps. Pressley, Clyburn, and Gay Scanlon led the letter signed by a total of 67 Democratic members of Congress.
"You have the support of millions of people across the country who have felt the harms of mass incarceration: young children longing to hug their grandparents, people who have taken responsibility for their mistakes, and those who simply were never given a fair chance. These are the people seeking help that only you can provide through the use of your presidential clemency power," the letter concludes.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar commented, &#8220;While cannabis is now legal in Minnesota and many states across America, thousands remain behind bars in federal prisons for the same substance – a reminder of the work still ahead. President Biden still has time to build on his initial pardons and take decisive action. He can extend clemency to every person still serving time for federal cannabis offenses, many of whom have already spent decades behind bars. In Minnesota, we&#8217;ve shown that cannabis legalization and expungement can move hand in hand. Now it&#8217;s time for federal action to match this progress.&#8221;
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Colleagues, Advocates Urge Biden to Use Clemency Power Before Leaving Office" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tTw2dJlUvfI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter <a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recent Efforts</h2>
This action aligns with Last Prisoner Project's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40805469/biden-faces-pressure-to-release-thousands-imprisoned-for-federal-cannabis-convictions">#Countdown4Clemency campaign</a>, which is focusing public pressure on Biden to use his clemency power before the end of his presidency to free those still incarcerated in federal prison for cannabis crimes so they can be reunited with their families. The nonprofit cannabis justice reform organization recently urged the president to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/11/42087262/president-biden-people-are-still-in-jail-for-marijuana-despite-your-promise-cannabis-clemency-advocates-call-for-change">#PardonPeopleNotPoultry</a> and end the incarceration of thousands for cannabis offenses now legal in many states.
LPP stressed that Biden has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40885403/biden-has-not-freed-anyone-in-prison-for-cannabis-crime-last-prisoner-project-urges-president-to" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">not released a single person</a> still incarcerated for cannabis through commutation. While his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/11/42087262/Biden%20Pardons%20Thousands%20Convicted%20Of%20Cannabis%20Possession,%20Calls%20On%20Governors%20To%20Do%20The%20Same" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">categorical pardons</a> provided record relief to thousands of people with cannabis possession convictions, this move alone does not address the estimated 3,000 people still serving time in federal prisons for cannabis offenses.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39319868/meet-the-man-who-did-prison-time-for-non-violent-cannabis-offense-and-now-advocates-for-others-i">Meet The Man Who Did Prison Time For Non-Violent Cannabis Offense And Now Advocates For Others In The Same Situation</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21061829/LPP-6519-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-658581" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21061829/LPP-6519-1024x683.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21061829/LPP-6519-300x200.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21061829/LPP-6519-768x512.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21061829/LPP-6519-1536x1024.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21061829/LPP-6519.jpg 1620w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Latino Fathers In Jail</h2>
 Mitzi Wall, whose son Jonathan Wall is incarcerated on an eight-year federal cannabis charge, said, "Earlier this year I attended the historic pardon action where Maryland Gov. Wes Moore used the pen to right history to grant clemency <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39357557/maryland-gov-to-pardon-175k-low-level-cannabis-convictions-in-the-nations-most-far-reaching-and-">to more than 175,000 cannabis possession and paraphernalia charge</a>s. Yet other Marylanders like my son, Jonathan Wall, who are incarcerated on federal cannabis charges, can only get that type of clemency relief by the president taking the pen."
Jason Ortiz, director of strategic initiatives at Last Prisoner Project, said "There are a heartbreaking number of Latino fathers incarcerated for life or near-life sentences for activity now happening legally across our nation. People like <a href="Meet The Man Serving A 40-Year Sentence For Non-Violent Cannabis Charges, Awaiting Pardon From Biden">Edwin Rubis</a> who is a father of three and has served 27 years of a 40-year sentence. President Biden has the power to reunite our families but the clock is running out."
Among those still behind bars is Ricardo Ashmeade, who is serving a 22-year sentence due to the three-strikes law championed by then-Senator Biden. His daughter, Richeda Ashmeade, has been separated from her father for 16 years. In addition to Ricardo, individuals like Rafael Hernandez-Carrillo, who is serving a life sentence for a cannabis-related offense, and David Lopez, who has faced years behind bars for court errors on his cannabis charges, exemplify the urgent need for clemency.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40885403/biden-has-not-freed-anyone-in-prison-for-cannabis-crime-last-prisoner-project-urges-president-to">Biden &#8216;Has Not Freed Anyone In Prison For Cannabis Crime&#8217;: Last Prisoner Project Urges President To Deliver On Promise</a></li>
</ul>
Photos via <a href="https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/last-prisoner-project-joins-25--congressmembers-in-joint-letter-urging-president-biden-to-invoke-clemency-powers">Last Prisoner Project</a>

Cannabis

67 Lawmakers Urge Biden To Grant Clemency To People Still In Jail For Cannabis Offenses

Innocan Pharma Corporation (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INNPF#OTC">INNPF</a>), an Israel-based <a href="http://benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabinoids-focused</a> pharmaceutical company, reported a 174% year-over-year revenue growth, reaching $24 million for the first nine months of 2024. Quarterly revenues rose 111% YoY to $8.6 million, driven by robust sales from its subsidiary, BI Sky Global Ltd.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Q3 2024 Financial Highlights</h4>
<ul>
<li>Revenue was $8.6 million for the third quarter, up 111% year-over-year, and $24 million for the nine-month period, up 174% year-over-year.</li>
<li>Net income was $0.3 million, an increase of $2.1 million compared to a net loss of $1.8 million in Q3 2023.</li>
<li>Adjusted EBITDA was not stated in the press release.</li>
<li>Gross profit was $7.8 million for the third quarter, up 112% year-over-year.</li>
</ul>
Gross profit surged 183% YoY for the nine-month period, totaling $21.8 million, while Q3 gross profit grew 112% to $7.8 million. Operating profit turned positive, reaching $0.4 million, reversing a $1.2 million loss in Q3 2023.&nbsp;
Net profit also improved significantly, increasing by $2.1 million to $0.3 million for the quarter.
<ul>
<li>Get Benzinga&#8217;s exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter <a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe">here</a>. If you&#8217;re serious about the business, you can&#8217;t afford to miss out.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Management Commentary</h3>
Iris Bincovich, Innocan's CEO, attributed the strong performance to the company's dual focus on pharmaceutical innovation and wellness. She highlighted the company's progress in developing LPT-CBD, a proprietary non-opioid chronic pain management solution targeting both human and animal care. "Innocan is bringing strong value for shareholders," Bincovich <a href="https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/innocan-pharma-reports-third-quarter-2024-financial-results-849241974.html">said</a>, emphasizing the company's commitment to addressing chronic pain.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/24/11/42049450/can-trumps-return-save-the-cannabis-sector-debt-mounts-as-giants-face-post-election-reckoning">Can Trump&#8217;s Return Save The Cannabis Sector? Debt Mounts As Giants Face Post-Election Reckoning</a>
Roni Kamhi, of BI Sky Global and COO of Innocan Pharma, highlighted the company&#8217;s consistent growth. &#8220;We are pleased to report nine consecutive quarters of continuous revenue growth,&#8221; he stated. He credited new product launches and enhanced brand awareness for the success.
Innocan's financial gains underscore its strategic focus on innovation and market expansion, positioning the company as a rising player in the pharmaceutical sector. The company's results signal ongoing growth potential amid increasing demand for non-opioid pain management solutions.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/42039385/enveric-biosciences-trims-losses-eyes-key-drug-approval-for-difficult-to-treat-mental-health-disorders">Enveric Biosciences Trims Losses, Eyes Key Drug Approval For Difficult-To-Treat Mental Health Disorders</a></li>
</ul>

Earnings

INNPF

Cannabinoid Leader Innocan Pharma's Q3: 174% YoY Revenue Growth

Last week was the 13F filings deadline at the SEC.
All stripes of money managers, from freshly minted mutual fund managers to hedge fund pros and patrician blue blood family offices, must send the Securities and Exchange Commission a list of every stock they owned at the end of the third quarter.
A simple comparison of this quarter&#8217;s filing to the last one shows what the best and brightest of Wall Street have been buying and selling recently.
The financial media and instant experts of the Internet have been all over the place in the last week, telling us what Warren Buffett, Cathie Wood, Michael Burry, Bill Ackman, and many other celebrity investors have been doing with their money recently.
It is undoubtedly a fun topic and occasionally interesting, but knowing what multi-gazillionaires are doing with their cash is not very useful for those of us still working to cobble together the first billion.
One of the most critical pieces of information from the quarterly filings is that most people who get paid to manage America&#8217;s money are mediocre at best.
What most do not realize is that this mediocrity is mostly intentional.
To be great, you must be different.
As Sir John Templeton pointed out, you cannot be great if you do what everyone else does.
Being different on Wall Street can get you fired.
Being a portfolio manager is a perfect job.
The easiest way to keep that job is to do what everybody else is doing.
That way, if something goes wrong, it is the market&#8217;s fault.
If you try to be great and something goes wrong, it is your fault.
The unemployment line beckons.
The trick to making money from the acts of idea piracy I perform every quarter is to dig deep and find those investors who dare to be different and are not managing so much money that mediocre is the best they can achieve.
One of the finest examples of that small handful of investors worthy of being raided is Glenn Greenberg of Brave Warriors Advisors.
The tale of Glenn Greenberg&#8217;s investing career is not a rags-to-riches tale by any stretch of the imagination.
His mother was the great-granddaughter of the founder of the Gimbels chain of department stores in New York.
While Gimbels closed in 1986, it was a major player in the retail industry for 144 years and is best known today (especially this time of year) for its role in &#8220;A Miracle on 34th Street.&#8221;
His father is Hall of Fame slugger Hank Greenberg, one of the greatest power hitters of all time. He helped lead the Detroit Tigers to two World Series titles.
Like many of the best investors, Glenn Greenberg did not take a traditional route to Wall Street. He got a degree in English from Yale University and followed that with a Master of Arts in Literature from New York University.
Then he went to Columbia and procured an MBA.
After completing his MBA in 1971, Greenberg joined Morgan Guaranty Trust&#8217;s Pension group as an analyst and portfolio manager, where he worked for five years. In 1978, he moved to Central-National Gottesman, collaborating with Arthur Ross and Edgar Wachenheim, two successful off-the-radar screen investors.
In 1984, Greenberg went out on his own with Chieftain Capital until 2010 when he outperformed the S&amp;P 500 by 50% annually.
He and his partner parted company, and Greenberg founded Brave Warrior Advisors.
The outperformance has continued at Brave Warrior as Greenberg has outperformed the indexes by a wide margin.
Greenberg uses a value-oriented philosophy and takes a handful of positions in companies he considers excellent businesses that can be purchased at attractive prices.
Like most fund managers, Greenberg holds stocks for years, not just months.
Idea pirates who owned the top ten stocks in the Brave Warrior Portfolio have done very well.
Greenberg was only adding shares of a handful of his holdings in the past quarter.
The largest addition was a new position in Ryanair Holdings (Ticker: RYAAY), the Dublin-based discount airline.
Ryanair is known for its high operating efficiency and strong market position. The airline currently offers over 3,600 flights to destinations in 340 cities worldwide.
Ryanair has ambitious growth plans and is targeting a 50% growth in passenger numbers by the end of the decade, supported by its growing fleet of fuel-efficient aircraft.
The airline&#8217;s strong balance sheet will allow it to manage the ebbs and flows of the global economy and air travel.
Coupled with its history of consistent profitability and a shareholder-friendly approach to capital returns, the company&#8217;s growth plans and strong balance sheet create the opportunity for massive long-term gains for patient, aggressive investors.
Brave Warrior was also buying more TD Synnex Corp (Ticker: SNX) shares. Synnex is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem, with over 150,000 customers in over 100 countries worldwide.
Synnex distributes products from over 2,500 vendors, including many in fast-growing marketplace segments like cloud, cybersecurity, big data/analytics, AI, IoT, mobility, and everything as a service.
Whoever the biggest winner in technology is going forward, there is a good chance Synnex will sell a significant percentage of the gear and equipment needed to reach their goals.
The firm&#8217;s third largest purchase is one of my favorite companies in one of my favorite industries.
We are not done using oil and gas.
We are not even close to being done.
We will need enormous amounts of both, especially natural gas, to fund the future of industry and technology.
It will all move through pipelines, terminals, processing centers, and other infrastructure.
Oil and gas companies will pay a fee to move their products through that infrastructure.
Much of that infrastructure is owned by MPLX (Ticker: MPLX), a publicly traded MLP.
They collect the fees and pay them out to shareholders as dividends.
The shares currently yield right around 7.5%.
The value of the assets they own and the cash they produce should increase over time.
A few years ago, I had a friend tell me they did not want to buy MLPs like MPLX because they hated dealing with K-1 forms at tax time.
Since then, he would have collected more than half the dividend purchase price, and the stock has almost tripled.
It would have been more profitable to pay the accountant.
Stealing ideas from Glenn Greenberg and his team may not be the most exciting thing you have ever done with your portfolio.
There is a good chance it could be the most profitable.

Opinion

MPLX

RYAAY

C-Suite Buys of the Week: November 21st, 2024

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), an outspoken&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40590258/gop-congress-member-nancy-mace-they-havent-done-anything-slams-dnc-cannabis-inaction-calls-out-r">supporter of cannabis legalization</a> despite pushback from many in her party, has now become a single-gender bathroom warrior.
Mace&nbsp;introduced a resolution&nbsp;Monday to prohibit lawmakers and House employees from &#8220;using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex.&#8221; 
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Mace said the move is meant to ban transgender women from using female bathrooms at the U.S. Capitol. Make that just one woman, at least for now: Delaware Congresswoman-elect, Sarah McBride, who will soon take her seat as the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41763854/sarah-mcbride-becomes-the-first-openly-transgender-us-congresswoman">first openly&nbsp;transgender person</a><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/sarah-mcbride-first-transgender-congress-delaware-rcna177878">&nbsp;</a>in Congress.
&#8220;I'm absolutely 100% gonna stand in the way of any man who wants to be in a women's restroom, in our locker rooms, in our changing rooms. I will be there fighting you every step of the way,&#8221; said Mace, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40590258/gop-congress-member-nancy-mace-they-havent-done-anything-slams-dnc-cannabis-inaction-calls-out-r">recently blasted</a> both the Dems and GOP for dragging their feet on cannabis reform.
Mace said she would like to see her bathroom bill incorporated into the House rules package for the next Congress, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/nancy-mace-defends-anti-trans-bathroom-bill-says-absolutely-targets-sa-rcna180805">reported</a> NBC News. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Marjorie Taylor Greene Puts On Her Boxing Gloves</h2>
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/nancy-mace-defends-anti-trans-bathroom-bill-says-absolutely-targets-sa-rcna180805">said</a> Mace's legislation "doesn't go far enough." She indicated that she&#8217;d fight a transgender woman if she tried to barge into the woman's bathroom. Asked about the remark she purportedly made at a private House GOP conference meeting, Taylor Greene <a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/11/19/congress/mtg-threatens-to-fight-transgender-woman-00190344">said</a> "It&#8217;s pretty aggressive for biological men to be invading our spaces."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ms. McBride Responds</h2>
In an X&nbsp;post on Monday, McBride said, &#8220;Every day Americans go to work with people who have life journeys different than their own and engage with them respectfully, I hope members of Congress can muster that same kindness.&#8221; She added that she&#8217;s not in Congress to &#8220;fight about bathrooms. I'm here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families.&#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">Every day Americans go to work with people who have life journeys different than their own and engage with them respectfully, I hope members of Congress can muster that same kindness.
&mdash; Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahEMcBride/status/1858671704718868652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">House Speaker Speaks</h2>
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) issued&nbsp;<a href="https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1484">a statement</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday seeking to ban transgender women from women's restrooms and transgender men from men's restrooms throughout the Capitol and House office buildings.&nbsp;
&#8220;All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings &#8211; such as restrooms, changing rooms, and lockers &#8211; are reserved for individuals of that biological sex,&#8221; Johnson wrote. &#8220;Women deserve women-only spaces.&#8221;
It&#8217;s not clear if the House policy will go into effect immediately or how it will be enforced, in view of the fact that there are transgender staffers and visitors in the Capitol complex on a daily basis.
Read Next:
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Photo: El Planteo

Government

Politics

GOP Bathroom Battle: Cannabis Advocate Nancy Mace Will 'Stand In The Way Of Any Man' Who Tries To Get Into Women's Room

MKFG

NNDM

Israeli Court Validates Nano Dimension's Strategic Decisions And Board Structure, Confirms Desktop Metal And Markforged Acquisition Plans As Two Murchinson Nominees Join Board

Dave Ramsey is famously vocal about his hatred of car payments. He's said it repeatedly across his TikToks, books and radio show: car payments will keep you broke. His reasoning? They're the biggest monthly expense most people take on for something that loses value faster than almost anything else you own.
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<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/cd-valet-growth">CD Popularity Soars: Over 50 Million Americans Embrace Safe Savings with 5–10% Annual Growth</a></li>
</ul>
Ramsey didn&#8217;t hold back in one of his more memorable TikToks: "I guarantee you'll be broke your whole life as long as you stay in car payments because it's the most expensive thing you buy that goes down in value." Cars, he points out, depreciate fast – losing up to 60% of their value in the first five years.
In another video, he points out that the average car payment in the U.S. is $507 a month for 84 months. Ramsey highlights what this money could do if you stop "screwing around with car payments." From age 30 to 70, that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42026823/this-is-how-you-get-wealthy-dave-ramsey-details-how-one-move-could-make-you-5-million-by-retirement">$507 invested monthly</a> would grow to $5.6 million.&nbsp;
Ramsey also draws on data from his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41146426/can-you-guess-the-top-5-careers-of-millionaires-according-to-dave-ramsey-spoiler-alert-theyre-no">extensive interviews with millionaires</a>, who he says are overwhelmingly against car loans. According to his research, 90% of millionaires haven't had a car payment in decades. Instead, they drive paid-off vehicles – typically four years old with around 41,000 miles.&nbsp;
He argues that the millionaires everyone envies skip payments, buy used cars outright and invest<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40583428/you-cant-earn-your-way-out-of-stupidity-dave-ramsey-on-why-60k-earning-teachers-often-become-mil"> the difference</a>.
See Also: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bezos-landlord-100-dollars">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a>
In TikTok, he contrasts a home as "the most expensive thing people buy that goes up in value." The average annual rate of home price appreciation currently stands at 5.37%. This rate challenges Ramsey's frequently referenced "5-year rule," which advises buying a home only if you plan to stay there for at least five years. The current appreciation rate suggests that even shorter periods of homeownership could still lead to financial gains.
While Ramsey's point is compelling – there's no denying that car payments can eat into your ability to save and invest – it might be a little extreme to suggest that a car payment guarantees lifelong financial struggles. For many, a car isn't just a luxury … it's a necessity. Living without one simply isn't an option, depending on where you live or what you do for work. In these cases, the question isn't if you should have a car payment but how to manage it wisely.
Financial experts often recommend that your total transportation costs, including car payments, insurance and gas, shouldn't exceed 10% of your monthly income. By sticking to this guideline, you can balance the need for a reliable vehicle without derailing your financial goals.
While it's true that cars lose value rapidly – unlike appreciating assets such as homes – finding a balance is key. Ramsey's focus on avoiding car payments might work for some, but life often requires flexibility. Financing a car with a low-interest rate could make sense in certain situations, especially if it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/can-you-guess-how-many-americans-successfully-retire-with-1-million-saved">prevents draining your savings</a>. Despite Ramsey&#8217;s guarantee, not everyone with a car payment will stay broke forever.&nbsp;
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<li><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.</li>
<li>Studies show 50% of consumers think Financial Advisors cost much more than they do —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/money-pickle"> to debunk this, this company provides matching for free and a complimentary first call with the matched advisor.</a></li>
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Personal Finance

Dave Ramsey Guarantees If You Have A Car Payment, 'You Will Be Broke Your Whole Life' – Here's How He Says You Can Become Rich

University Of California Merced Extension is launching a cannabis workforce <a href="https://themercedfocus.org/classes-for-cannabis-uc-merced-extension-launching-weed-workforce-training/">training program</a>, opening new opportunities in the Central Valley&#8217;s growing cannabis sector. The program, developed in collaboration with Ventura-based Green Flower, offers three online, 9-week courses tailored to prepare individuals for key roles in the industry.
The certificates available include Retail Specialist, Cultivation Specialist and Extraction and Product Development Specialist.
"It really was an opportunity that we felt we could meet," <a href="https://themercedfocus.org/classes-for-cannabis-uc-merced-extension-launching-weed-workforce-training/">said</a> Michael Pierick, who is UC Merced Extension's director of strategic initiatives, to The Merced Focus.
That&#8217;s because the program addresses a regional gap in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/cannabis-education">cannabis education</a>, with Merced County's industry still emerging compared to urban hubs like Sacramento and the Bay Area. 
By offering these certifications, UC Merced aims to equip participants with the skills needed to thrive in a &#8220;very competitive and very complex&#8221; industry as depicted by Max Simon, CEO of Green Flower.
Classes are led by Green Flower facilitators and the curriculum includes essential aspects of cannabis operations, from retail management to cultivation and product development.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39653122/u-s-jobs-surge-in-june-can-cannabis-keep-up-salaries-might-tempt-you-to-switch-careers">U.S. Jobs Surge In June, Can Cannabis Keep Up? Salaries Might Tempt You To Switch Careers</a>
Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cannabis Industry Job Demand</h3>
The legal cannabis industry<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38183087/cannabis-industry-has-created-nearly-half-a-million-full-time-jobs-new-report-reveals-which-stat"> added 22,952</a> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38183087/cannabis-industry-has-created-nearly-half-a-million-full-time-jobs-new-report-reveals-which-stat">jobs</a> in the U.S. in the past year, a 5.4% increase compared with 2022, bringing total employment to 440,445. 
This growth reflects the industry&#8217;s evolution, with 2024 marking a &#8220;turning point&#8221; for hiring and investment in talent. 
Michigan and Missouri led job growth, each adding over 10,000 jobs, while states like California and Colorado saw losses. Emerging markets in Ohio, New York, New Jersey and Maryland show significant potential, with New York adding 2,050 jobs and New Jersey 4,870.
As for salaries, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39653122/u-s-jobs-surge-in-june-can-cannabis-keep-up-salaries-might-tempt-you-to-switch-careers">Vangst 2024 Salary Guide</a> reports a 4.7% increase in top cannabis salaries over the past year, with Directors of Cultivation earning between $90,000 and $140,000 annually and Budtenders earning $14 to $22 per hour.
<ul>
<li>Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40804667/cannabis-hiring-platform-vangst-predicts-1m-full-time-marijuana-jobs-by-2029-announces-acquisiti">Cannabis Hiring Platform Vangst Predicts 1M Full-Time Marijuana Jobs By 2029, Announces Acquisition Of GreenForce Staffing Agency</a></li>
</ul>
Cover: UC Merced

Markets

Get Certified And Jump In: Online Cannabis Program Trains Future Workers

WIIM

Rumble shares are trading higher after CEO Chris Pavlovski on social media suggested an upcoming development regarding a 'Big creator.'

Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>) is up 10% on the day and closing in on its all-time high as new Solana spot ETF filings indicate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40470226/solana-etf-approval-in-2024-has-only-a-6-chance-a-snowballs-chance-in-hell-etf-analyst-say">continued institutional interest.</a>
What Happened: Eleanor Terrett of Fox Business on Thursday tweeted that the SEC is reportedly engaging with issuers interested in launching a Solana spot ETF, with progress being made on S-1 applications, citing <a href="https://x.com/EleanorTerrett/status/1859611713579999366">sources</a> familiar with the matter.
Issuers like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39598039/vanecks-solana-etf-proposal-dependent-on-trumps-presidential-win-matthew-sigel-confirms">VanEck</a>, 21Shares and Canary Funds have already filed S-1s, while Bitwise recently announced its intent to do so. 
Exchanges like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39679535/solana-jumps-5-5-as-cboe-files-application-with-sec-to-list-vaneck-21shares-spot-etfs">Cboe Global Markets</a> (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBOE#BATS">CBOE</a>) are expected to submit 19b4 filings on behalf of these issuers soon, a key step in seeking SEC approval to list these ETFs.
Once filed, the SEC has 240 days to approve or deny the products. However, the filing of the 19b4's does not guarantee an approval by the SEC.
While prior 19b4 filings for similar products were <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40454074/solana-a-security-sec-concerns-reportedly-led-to-pause-in-etf-filing-process">withdrawn</a>, industry optimism is growing due to increased SEC engagement and the potential for a more <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42098407/donald-trump-reportedly-eyeing-the-first-crypto-focused-role-in-the-white-house">pro-crypto regulatory stance </a>under the incoming administration. 
A decision on a Solana ETF could come as early as 2025 and be made by the successor of current SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42120607/gary-gensler-to-step-down-as-sec-chair-on-trumps-inauguration-day">announced his resignation</a> effective January 20, 2025.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42046709/raoul-pal-bullish-on-solana-and-memes-dogecoin-does-nothing-does-nothing-and-then-explodes">Raoul Pal Bullish On Solana And Memes: &#8216;Dogecoin Does Nothing, Does Nothing And Then Explodes&#8217;</a>
Trader Notes: Crypto trader Cold Blooded Shiller emphasized that Solana has climbed 35% since his initial recommendation during its consolidation phase. 
After five months of sideways price action within a high-timeframe range, the recent rally has renewed <a href="https://x.com/ColdBloodShill/status/1859613566447354322">his</a> optimism for a $500 price target.
Veteran trader Jacob Canfield pointed out that Solana's current levels are nearing its all-time highs, praising its resilience. 
Despite being declared "dead" numerous times, Solana has surged from $8 to its current levels, proving skeptics wrong.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SOL&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SOL</a> &#8211; All time highs are so close you can almost taste them. What a run from $8 and being declared &quot;dead&#39; about 5,000 times. <a href="https://t.co/fmHyRpk10c">pic.twitter.com/fmHyRpk10c</a>
&mdash; Jacob Canfield (@JacobCanfield) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobCanfield/status/1859616013853044899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
DefiLlama data highlights Solana's growing momentum, with its total value locked (TVL) reaching $8.6 billion—the highest since November 2021. Revenue is also at an all-time high, hitting $5.9 million.
Price Action: Solana is up 10% on the day, trading around $256 at the time of writing. It has reached a new all-time high market capitalization of over $120 billion.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41951937/solana-rallies-13-in-7-days-bullish-as-long-as-200-holds-says-veteran-trader">Solana Rallies 13% In 7 Days: &#8216;Bullish As Long As $200 Holds,&#8217; Says Veteran Trader</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

$SOL

CBOE

Solana Soars 10%, Reaches New All-Time High Market Cap: What Is Going On?

Social Media

Movers

Trading Ideas

Rumble Shares Move Higher, CEO Chris Pavlovski Posts On X 'Get ready for next week, the new era on Rumble starts to take shape.

Big creator incoming.'

Major players in the digital asset industry are vying for positions on President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42098407/donald-trump-reportedly-eyeing-the-first-crypto-focused-role-in-the-white-house">promised crypto advisory council.</a>
According to Reuters, companies such as Ripple (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>), Kraken and Circle (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDC</a>) are among those seeking representation on the council, which Trump pledged to establish as part of his crypto-friendly administration. 
The transition team is currently deliberating on the council&#8217;s structure, staffing and composition.
David Bailey, CEO of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) Magazine, who arranged Trump&#8217;s speech at a July bitcoin conference, told Reuters, &#8220;It&#8217;s being fleshed out, but I anticipate the leading executives from America&#8217;s bitcoin and crypto firms to be represented.&#8221; 
Bailey added, &#8220;People are eager to advise and give input.&#8221;
The council is expected to be housed under the White House&#8217;s National Economic Council or a separate White House apparatus. 
Its responsibilities may include advising on digital asset policy, collaborating with Congress on crypto legislation, establishing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42121376/strategic-bitcoin-reserve-wouldnt-require-new-taxpayer-dollars-says-sen-cynthia-lummis">Trump&#8217;s promised bitcoin reserve</a>, and coordinating between regulatory agencies.
Some notable figures have already engaged with the incoming administration. 
Coinbase (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">COIN</a>) CEO Brian Armstrong recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42052797/trump-and-coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-reportedly-in-talks-over-cabinet-appointments">met with Trump</a>, though the details of their discussion remain undisclosed. 
Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire has publicly expressed interest in joining <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42114875/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-stands-out-as-candidate-for-donald-trumps-reported-crypto-czar-position-cardano-co-founder-says">the council.</a>
The industry&#8217;s enthusiasm for a crypto-friendly Trump administration has contributed to Bitcoin&#8217;s recent surge toward the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42120005/bitcoin-close-to-100000-could-it-happen-today" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$100,000 milestone</a>.
Trump&#8217;s campaign promises included becoming a &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41770352/bitcoins-future-under-president-elect-donald-trump-a-look-at-his-crypto-policies">crypto president</a>&#8221; and ending the Biden administration&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/11/41996491/18-republican-states-sue-bidens-sec-over-harsh-crypto-crackdown">regulatory crackdown</a> on crypto companies.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/42119493/rumble-eyes-buying-bitcoin-could-it-be-the-next-microstrategy">Rumble CEO Considers Bitcoin Investment, Engages Michael Saylor As Shares Rally</a>
Why It Matters: The formation of this council is not without controversy. 
Some consumer groups have cautioned against allowing the crypto industry to write its own rules. 
Nathan McCauley, CEO of Anchorage Digital, defended the approach, telling Reuters, &#8220;It&#8217;s absolutely the wise choice to put together a council of people who… understand how both the industry ought to be regulated and how to situate the industry to be a strategic asset.&#8221;
The news comes on the same day SEC Chair Gary Gensler <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42120607/gary-gensler-to-step-down-as-sec-chair-on-trumps-inauguration-day">announced his resignation</a> on Jan. 20, 2025.
Gensler has repeatedly described the cryptocurrency as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/12/36358607/crypto-wild-west-hurts-investors-sec-chair-says-bankruptcy-court-queues-are-crowded" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"Wild West,&#8221;</a> drawing the ire of industry participants over a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41993524/gary-gensler-hints-at-ending-his-stint-as-sec-chair-defends-crypto-regulation-agenda" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stringent regulatory approach</a>.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/11/41949068/bitcoin-could-reach-1-million-by-2037-economist-says-buy-of-a-lifetime-opportunity">Bitcoin Could Reach $1 Million By 2037, Economist Says: ‘Buy Of A Lifetime' Opportunity</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

$BTC

$COIN

$USDC

$XRP

Trump's Planned Crypto Council May Oversee Bitcoin Reserve: Report

MKZR

MacKenzie Realty Capital Q1 EPS $(0.61), Net Revenues $5M

A 2,000-year-old Egyptian mug, known as a Bes mug, was used to consume a potent concoction of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/psychedelics">psychedelic substances</a>, alcohol and human bodily fluids, according to new research. The <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-78721-8">study</a>, published in Scientific Reports, utilized advanced chemical and DNA analysis to uncover the complex composition of the mug&#8217;s last contents.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Mug And Its Mythical Connection</h4>
The artifact, housed at the Tampa Museum of Art, features the head of Bes, an Egyptian deity linked to protection, fertility and joy. During the Ptolemaic period (330–30 BCE), Bes also took on mystical and oracular roles, often associated with transformative rituals.
Researchers analyzed residues scraped from the inner walls of the mug and identified psychoactive substances such as Peganum harmala (Syrian rue) and Nymphaea caerulea (blue water lily). Syrian rue contains alkaloids like harmine and harmaline, known for inducing dream-like visions, while blue water lily is linked to mild sedative and euphoric effects.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Ritual And Symbolism</h4>
Researchers said the mug was used in fertility-related rituals reenacting Egyptian myths. &#8220;These substances reveal the sophistication of ancient Egyptian ritual practices,&#8221; <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/ancient-egyptians-drank-cocktail-psychedelic-body-fluid-alcohol-1987914">said</a> study author Enrico Greco to Newsweek. &#8220;Their use highlights a deliberate attempt to connect with the divine through physical and spiritual transformation.&#8221;
In addition to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/02/25568274/entheogens-and-plant-medicine-an-introduction">psychoactive plants</a>, the mixture contained fermented alcoholic liquids, honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice and grapes. Unexpectedly, the analysis also revealed proteins from human bodily fluids such as blood, vaginal mucus and breast milk, which Greco described as &#8220;highly symbolic elements emphasizing themes of life, fertility, and regeneration.&#8221;
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Advanced Analysis Techniques</h4>
&#8220;This is the first comprehensive scientific analysis of a Bes mug&#8217;s organic residues,&#8221; explained Davide Tanasi, lead author from the University of South Florida. &#8220;For the first time, we were able to identify all the chemical signatures of the components of the liquid concoction.&#8221;
The study underscores the Egyptians&#8217; advanced understanding of natural resources and their effects on the human mind. &#8220;The identified substances likely induced dream-like visions, heightened meditative states, and possibly euphoria,&#8221; said Greco.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Expanding Understanding Of Egyptian Rituals</h4>
The Bes mug was not merely decorative or utilitarian but played a critical role in complex ceremonial practices. The findings provide tangible evidence of how ancient Egyptians used psychotropic substances to achieve altered states of consciousness in rituals involving fertility, prophecy, and spiritual transformation.
&#8220;This study reveals that Bes mugs were more than decorative—they were integral to mystical and ritualistic practices,&#8221; Greco concluded.
Cover image made with AI

Psychedelics

Study Reveals Psychedelic Ritual Cocktail In Ancient Egyptian Mug

XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>) is up 8% over the past 24 hours, gaining momentum as news of SEC Chairman <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42120607/gary-gensler-to-step-down-as-sec-chair-on-trumps-inauguration-day">Gary Gensler stepping down</a> sends bullish signals across the market.
What Happened: Gensler announced his resignation effective January 20, 2025, which has been interpreted as a positive development for Ripple.
XRP's price surged 8% on Thursday, contributing to a 51% gain over the past week and a remarkable 120.2% increase over the past month.
This development is seen as a turning point for Ripple and its associated cryptocurrency, XRP, amid its ongoing legal battles with the SEC.
Statistics: CryptoQuant Korea observed a significant rise in XRP deposits on Binance, primarily driven by retail traders. 
This <a href="https://x.com/CryptoQuant_KR/status/1859383038028943864">marks</a> the end of an 18-month trend of consistent withdrawals. 
The 30-day moving average revealed a net inflow of 470 transactions, the highest influx in nearly two years.
Trader Notes: Crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez described Gensler's resignation as "the best thing that could happen to Ripple" and set a price target of $2 for XRP.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">‘<a href="https://twitter.com/GaryGensler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GaryGensler</a> leaving the <a href="https://twitter.com/SECGov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECGov</a> is the best thing that could happen to <a href="https://twitter.com/Ripple?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ripple</a>. Now, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24XRP&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$XRP</a> targets $2! <a href="https://t.co/YEDiZtrnB1">https://t.co/YEDiZtrnB1</a> <a href="https://t.co/LLE4n0MC8z">pic.twitter.com/LLE4n0MC8z</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1859661298931466612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
DonAlt praised XRP's price action, <a href="https://x.com/CryptoDonAlt/status/1859663970296267126">expressing</a> confidence in a breakout above $0.70 resistance, with a forecasted next stop at $1.6. In a lighter tone, he joked, "ETH flips BTC, XRP flips ETH, everything implodes."
CrediBULL Crypto predicted XRP would achieve a new all-time high "quicker than most expect," projecting outperformance against Bitcoin and Ethereum.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I think <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24XRP&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$XRP</a> is probably going to make new ATH a lot quicker than most are expecting- and I think it&#39;s going to vastly outperform both <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> from current levels while doing it. XRP/ETH just reclaimed and retested a 4 year long range, with the first target being ~250%… <a href="https://t.co/fLYlH2GEYB">pic.twitter.com/fLYlH2GEYB</a>
&mdash; CrediBULL Crypto (@CredibleCrypto) <a href="https://twitter.com/CredibleCrypto/status/1859581839637446946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42011875/solana-ripple-litecoin-etfs-may-be-on-the-table-under-trump-administration-industry-experts-think">Solana, Ripple, Litecoin ETFs May Be On The Table Under Trump Administration, Industry Experts Say</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

XRP Price Up 8%: What Is Going On With Ripple?

Summit Materials Confirms Receipt Of Non-Binding Acquisition Proposal And Initial Discussions With Interested Party, Names Morgan Stanley And Evercore As Advisors

Nintendo ADR&#8216;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) Pokémon TCG Pocket, a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobile-gaming"> mobile game</a> that combines the collectible card game experience with a free-to-play model, has made waves with its<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming"> pricing structure. </a>
Gamer and Reddit user Weens4Life has shared how they spent $1,500 to complete the Genetic Apex set—a task that involved opening 1,741 booster packs to obtain all the cards, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-tcg-pocket-player-reveals-exactly-how-long-it-takes-to-complete-the-first-set-after-spending-1500">according </a>to IGN.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42046762/the-game-awards-2024-nominees-are-here-dlc-and-remakes-make-the-list">The Game Awards 2024 Nominees Are Here: DLC And Remakes Make The List</a>
The set, which contains 286 cards, includes 226 base cards and 60 alternate art &#8220;secret&#8221; cards that are much harder to get. While completing the base set of 226 cards cost about $200, collecting the alternate art cards was far more expensive. Weens4Life spent between $500 and $700 just to collect the final three alternate art cards.
&#8220;It was worth it to me,&#8221;said Weens4Life. But he added: &#8220;For future packs I will only be collecting the base set though.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Free-To-Play Grind</h3>
While the game is free to play, the rewards are not easy to come by. In the beginning, players receive many booster packs, but the amount drops off quickly. Eventually, players can only earn two packs per day during lulls between events. For players who want to progress faster, spending money is almost necessary.
Weens4Life used the Wonder Pick feature to get more cards, but this method offers only a 20% chance to pull a desired card, making it an unreliable choice. 
They ended up opening 8,582 packs, which included 129 Slowpoke cards and nine rare Mewtwo cards. Despite the large number of packs, they never pulled a "god pack," a rare event where players get a full set of the most coveted cards in one go.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Future Sets And Continuous Content</h3>
Creatures Inc., the developer behind Pokémon TCG Pocket, plans to keep the game fresh with more card sets. The company has confirmed that a smaller card drop is coming in December, followed by a full set in January. 
This means that players who completed Genetic Apex will face another round of card collecting, and those still working through the set will have new cards to chase.
In its first three weeks, the game earned $120 million and had 30 million downloads<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/41725114/pok-mon-tcg-pocket-earns-12-million-in-four-days-fueled-by-u-s-downloads"> after just nine days. </a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42118521/xbox-cloud-gaming-now-lets-you-stream-owned-games-heres-how-it-works">Xbox Cloud Gaming Now Lets You Stream Owned Games: Here&#8217;s How It Works</a></li>
</ul>
Image credits: Shutterstock.

Gaming

NTDOY

How Much Does It Really Cost To Complete Pokémon TCG's First Set?

Buybacks

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CVB Financial Corp. Authorizes 10M Share Repurchase Plan

Donald Trump's election stoked anticipation of a looser regulatory landscape, benefiting the crypto ecosystem. 
Companies like MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), long synonymous with its audacious Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) strategy, is emerging as a key player in this evolving market. 
The company, which owns more than 150,000 Bitcoin, effectively operates as a leveraged bet on the cryptocurrency. Its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/39045022/microstrategys-big-move-from-bitcoin-bet-to-russell-1000-inclusion">inclusion in equity indices</a> has quietly exposed countless institutional and retail investors to Bitcoin's wild price swings, even if they never intended to dabble in crypto.
As Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42107053/mstr-climbs-over-8-in-thursday-pre-market-as-bitcoin-approaches-98000-michael-saylors-company-has-more-than-doubled-the-investors-wealth-since-trumps-victory">rallied post-election</a> on optimism about regulatory clarity, MicroStrategy shares surged, highlighting the close correlation. 
Meanwhile, the broader crypto industry is buzzing with new ventures from Wall Street to Silicon Valley.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crypto Initiatives Gain Traction</h2>
JPMorgan Chase is currently <a href="https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/payments/payment-trends/introducing-kinexys">rebranding</a> its blockchain platform from Onyx to Kinexys, and aims to transform foreign exchange markets, according to Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, an analyst with the firm. 
Goldman Sachs is also carving out its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42047066/goldman-sachs-to-spin-out-digital-assets-platform-amid-blockchain-push">digital asset division</a> to expand private blockchain services. And BlackRock is doubling down with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39863203/blackrocks-buidl-tokenization-fund-hits-500m-in-assets-under-management">tokenized money market fund</a> on diverse blockchains, signaling a strategic shift.
These developments underline the growing institutional appetite for blockchain, from tokenized treasuries in El Salvador to cutting-edge trade finance solutions in Brazil.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/24/11/42012198/a-new-era-how-tokenization-could-reduce-frictions-and-potentially-costs-in-finance">A New Era? How Tokenization Could &#8216;Reduce Frictions And Potentially Costs&#8217; In Finance</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MicroStrategy's Big Bet: A Tailwind Or A Trap?</h2>
MicroStrategy's role as a Bitcoin proxy has drawn mixed reactions. Some view it as a savvy way to capitalize on crypto's growth; others worry about overexposure to Bitcoin's volatility. Yet, as the Leveraged MicroStrategy ETF (Defiance Daily Target 2x Long MSTR ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mstx#NASDAQ">MSTX</a>) <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/11/12/2979763/0/en/MSTX-The-First-Leveraged-MicroStrategy-ETF-Surpasses-1-Billion.html">gains inflows</a> and demand for Bitcoin ETFs surges, the company's strategy looks increasingly prescient.
Panigirtzoglou, in a Thursday analyst report, highlighted a burgeoning trend: corporate treasuries are dipping their toes into Bitcoin as a reserve asset. If this is the start of a trend, MicroStrategy is ahead of the curve.
With Bitcoin at the heart of a post-election crypto surge, MicroStrategy's bold approach positions it as both a leader and a litmus test for the future of corporate crypto adoption. Whether it rides this wave to unprecedented highs or succumbs to volatility will depend as much on regulatory clarity as on the trajectory of Bitcoin itself.
In a rapidly transforming market, one thing is clear: MicroStrategy's &#8220;leveraged bet on Bitcoin&#8221; makes it a stock to watch in this new crypto-driven era.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/ipos/24/11/42068551/nexbridge-brings-bitcoin-tech-to-us-treasury-bills-tokenized-exposure-anyone">NexBridge Brings Bitcoin Tech To US Treasury Bills: Tokenized Exposure, Anyone?</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

MSTR

MSTX

Bitcoin Boom 2.0? MicroStrategy Gains Traction As 'Leveraged Bet' On Crypto Growth

Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>) is up 20% to $258.55 over the past week, driven by broader crypto market strength. Bitcoin's rally past $98,000 and the speculation that it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42120005/bitcoin-close-to-100000-could-it-happen-today">could cross $100,000</a> have lifted sentiment for the entire crypto sector, with Solana standing out as a high-performance blockchain platform.
What To Know: Solana is known as a go-to platform for developers, surpassing several competitors in scalability and transaction efficiency. Its growth has been supported by partnerships and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-buy-solana">ecosystem developments</a>, including new DeFi protocols and NFT marketplaces launching on the network.
Additionally, Solana's improved resilience, following earlier network outages, is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/solana-price-prediction">rebuilding investor confidence</a>. The network's upgrades, such as validator optimizations, have enhanced its reliability.
The broader crypto market also plays a significant role in Solana's rally. Institutional activity, such as the $1.84 billion inflow into Bitcoin ETFs, has highlighted increasing demand for digital assets of late. Solana, often viewed as an alternative to Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), is benefiting from the bullish outlook across major cryptocurrencies.
With speculation that Solana could break $275 this month, as suggested by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42114012/bitcoin-price-hitting-100000-in-november-polymarket-traders-speculate-it-might-go-even-higher">Polymarket bettors</a>, the blockchain's combination of speed, utility and ecosystem growth is catching eyes during the broader crypto rally.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42121049/small-caps-rally-alphabet-plummets-bitcoin-flirts-with-100000-whats-driving-markets-thursday">Small Caps Rally, Alphabet Plummets, Bitcoin Flirts With $100,000: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Thursday?</a>

$ETH

Why Solana Is Up 20% Over The Past Week

Litecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ltc/usd">LTC</a>) has surged 8.9% to $89.59 over the past week, benefiting from a wave of positive sentiment sweeping the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto">cryptocurrency</a> market. 
This uptick comes as Bitcoin approaches the $100,000 milestone, which has significantly boosted investor confidence across the digital asset landscape.
What To Know: Polymarket bettors are closely watching Bitcoin's trajectory this November, with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42114012/bitcoin-price-hitting-100000-in-november-polymarket-traders-speculate-it-might-go-even-higher">79% probability of surpassing $100,000</a>. This bullish outlook on Bitcoin has a cascading effect on altcoins like Litecoin, which often mirrors Bitcoin's market movements. 
The anticipation of Bitcoin reaching new heights has attracted substantial institutional interest, further enhancing market optimism.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42116978/why-bitcoin-cash-is-up-15-this-week">Why Bitcoin Cash Is Up 15% This Week</a>
Additionally, the recent influx of $1.84 billion into U.S. Bitcoin spot ETFs over the past three days underscores growing institutional trust in cryptocurrencies. This surge in ETF inflows not only supports Bitcoin but also provides liquidity that benefits the broader crypto ecosystem, including Litecoin.
As investors seek diversification within the crypto space, Litecoin's reputation as an alternative to Bitcoin may make it an attractive option.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42120005/bitcoin-close-to-100000-could-it-happen-today">Bitcoin Close To $100,000 — Could It Happen Today?</a>

$LTC

Why Litecoin Is Moving

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