Ultime notizie per Xometry (NASDAQ:XMTR) Azioni

XOMETRY INC-A

Xometry

Xometry Inc is engaged in providing AI-enabled manufacturing equipment. Its buyers include engineers, product designers, procurement and supply chain personnel, inventors, and business owners. The manufacturing processes offered by the company include CNC Machining, Injection Molding, Urethane Casting, 3D Printing, and Die Casting. The company is organized into two segments referred to as the U.S. and the International. The majority of its revenue is derived from the U.S. segment.

Xometry Inc

OpenAI's latest experimental AI model reportedly gave a near-gold performance on the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), but its premature announcement drew criticism for eclipsing the student competitors the contest was meant to honor.
What Happened: On Saturday, OpenAI's Alexander Wei revealed on X, formerly Twitter, that the company's new large language model (LLM) solved 5 out of 6 IMO problems under authentic exam conditions—matching the performance of gold medalists in what's widely considered the most prestigious and difficult high school math competition globally.
"This is an LLM doing math and not a specific formal math system; it is part of our main push towards general intelligence," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted on X, calling the achievement a decade-long dream come true.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46262476/trump-wall-street-interest-rates-powell-fed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump And Wall Street Want Rate Cuts—The Data Says: Keep Waiting</a>
<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">we achieved gold medal level performance on the 2025 IMO competition with a general-purpose reasoning system! to emphasize, this is an LLM doing math and not a specific formal math system; it is part of our main push towards general intelligence. when we first started openai,… <a href="https://t.co/X46rspI4l6">https://t.co/X46rspI4l6</a>
&mdash; Sam Altman (@sama) <a href="https://twitter.com/sama/status/1946569252296929727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
However, the announcement stirred backlash among the math and AI communities. Thang Luong, a lead AI researcher at 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 DeepMind, replied to a report that the IMO had asked AI companies to delay announcements until after the closing ceremony to allow young human competitors to be recognized without being overshadowed.
Luong added that without an official evaluation from IMO's private marking rubric, OpenAI's claim of "gold-level" performance was inaccurate. "With one point deducted, it is a Silver, not Gold," he said.
<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">Yes, there is an official marking guideline from the IMO organizers which is not available externally. Without the evaluation based on that guideline, no medal claim can be made. With one point deducted, it is a Silver, not Gold. <a href="https://t.co/0X665z0Pmn">https://t.co/0X665z0Pmn</a>
&mdash; Thang Luong (@lmthang) <a href="https://twitter.com/lmthang/status/1946960256439058844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Elon Musk, whose AI venture xAI earlier this month launched Grok 4, also commented, comparing OpenAI&#8217;s feat to when AI beat humans at chess and Go. He said math competitions will soon be "trivial" for AI.
<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">Human-level math competitions will soon be trivial for AI, just as human-level chess/Go/etc became trivial for AI. In 1997, a mainframe was needed to beat Kasparov at chess. Now, your phone can beat Magnus Carlsen.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1947055118475755537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It's Important: The incident highlights growing tensions around AI's rapid progress and the ethics of showcasing machine achievements in human-centered spaces.
It also underscores how quickly general-purpose AI is encroaching on elite intellectual tasks once thought immune to automation.
Last week, ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46460054/cathie-wood-says-ai-is-hurting-entry-level-jobs-offers-advice-to-jobseekers-here-is-her-advice-for-those-joining-the-workforce">concerns about rising unemployment</a> among new college graduates, pointing to AI&#8217;s disruptive impact on entry-level roles.
Citing Wall Street Journal data, she noted that recent grad unemployment has risen from 4% to over 6%.
Earlier, Craig Shapiro also warned that AI could <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46093421/ai-will-disrupt-25-of-us-jobs-by-2030-and-the-fed-cant-save-them-economist-warns">disrupt 25% of all jobs by 2030</a> — a challenge he believes the Federal Reserve has little ability to address.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/esg/25/06/45739698/bill-gates-commits-majority-of-200-billion-foundation-budget-to-africa-over-next-20-years-amid-trumps-massive-usaid-cuts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Gates Commits Majority Of $200 Billion Foundation Budget To Africa Over Next 20 Years Amid Trump's Massive USAID Cuts</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image Via Shutterstock

News

GOOG

GOOGL

OpenAI's New AI Model Solves 5 Out Of 6 Problems On The World's Toughest Math Olympiad—But Critics Say It Stole The Spotlight From Student Geniuses

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon says a coffee table chat with Jeff Bezos in late 1999 almost pulled him away from Wall Street, but not quite.
What Happened: Dimon recalls hitting it off with the Amazon founder and has "been friends ever since," yet the idea of running the then‑fledgling e‑commerce firm was "just a bridge too far."
During an episode of the Acquired podcast last Wednesday, Dimon said Bezos was hunting for a company president when they met in Seattle. "I'd never wear a suit again&#8230; I'd live on a houseboat," he joked, adding that uprooting his young family and abandoning finance felt like an alternate‑universe script.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="The Jamie Dimon Interview: How JP Morgan Became an $800 Billion Bank" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AR_1IPhzAtU?start=1256&#038;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>
</div>
</figure>
The banker had reason to hesitate. Amazon's market cap sat near $5 billion at the end of 2000, a far cry from today's $2.4 trillion giant. After flying home, Dimon "got serious" about his job hunt, fielding offers from unnamed global investment banks, insurance titan AIG via a call from Hank Greenberg and even Home Depot's founders, though he admitted he had never stepped foot in one of their stores.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46511459/nyu-professor-warns-companies-against-moving-cash-into-bitcoin-unless-youre-strategy-paypal-or-a-meme-stock-this-is-a-bad-idea">NYU Professor Warns Companies Against Moving Cash Into Bitcoin — Unless You&#8217;re Strategy, PayPal, Or A Meme Stock: &#8216;This Is A Bad Idea&#8217;</a>
The call that stuck came from a headhunter pitching Chicago's troubled Bank One. Analyst Mike Mayo famously warned that "even Hercules couldn't fix it," yet Dimon saw a chance to rebuild in his natural habitat. He invested $60 million, which was half his net worth into Bank One stock on day one, vowing to "go down with the ship or up with the ship."
Why It Matters: Dimon, over the course of the same podcast, revealed his investment mantra of "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/07/46508954/what-jpmorgans-ceo-learned-from-first-stock-jamie-dimons-billion%E2%80%91dollar-philosophy-dont-blow-up">don't blow up</a>". It is a guiding principle that has shaped the risk culture at JPMorgan Chase, influencing its approach to financial management and decision-making.
In a separate interview, Jamie Dimon told a crowd at New York's Radio City Music Hall that he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46488893/at-14-jamie-dimon-owned-his-first-stock-watched-a-45-market-crash-only-to-learn-this-investment-lesson-history-does-rhyme">bought his first stock</a> at 14 in 1972 only to watch the market plunge 45% within two years. The jolt that, he said, taught him to "always factor the invisible risks."
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/entrepreneurship/25/07/46510620/kevin-oleary-advocates-entrepreneurship-over-consulting-to-students-why-would-anybody-burn-all-those-hours-while-someone-else-makes-money">Kevin O&#8217;Leary Advocates Entrepreneurship Over Consulting to Students: &#8216;Why Would Anybody Burn All Those Hours While Someone Else Makes Money?&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

Management

Jamie Dimon Reveals A Coffee Table Chat With Jeff Bezos In 1999 That Almost Made Him 'Never Wear A Suit Again…Live On A Houseboat'

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is reportedly preparing to launch its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46008877/apples-foldable-iphone-may-arrive-in-2026-with-premium-pricing-sleek-design-in-focus">first foldable iPhone</a> by 2026, and Wall Street analysts say a Chinese glassmaker could reap the biggest rewards.
What Happened: According to a July 14 report from Citigroup, Chinese firm Lens Technology is positioned to become a "key beneficiary" of Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/20/if-apple-makes-a-foldable-phone-analysts-say-this-stock-will-benefit.html">reported</a> CNBC on Sunday.
The analysts estimate that Apple's foldable device could account for 5% of Lens Tech's revenue in 2026 and 12% by 2027.
Lens Tech, which just raised over $600 million in a high-profile Hong Kong IPO, is expected to supply ultra-thin cover glass for Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/07/46383701/apple-undergoing-major-management-overhaul-but-ceo-tim-cook-to-stay-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Undergoing Major Management Overhaul, But CEO Tim Cook To Stay On</a>
The company did not name Apple, but disclosed in its prospectus that its largest customer is a Nasdaq-listed U.S. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/21/01/10978750/this-day-in-market-history-jobs-and-wozniak-incorporate-apple-computer-corp">firm founded in 1976</a>, the report said.
U.S. hedge fund manager Steve Cohen has also taken notice, increasing his stake in Lens Tech to 8.41% following the IPO, according to exchange filings.
Why It&#8217;s Important: While Apple has yet to confirm the product, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said that the device is likely to use Samsung Electronics Co.'s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) Display's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46407880/apples-foldable-iphone-to-use-samsungs-crease-free-display-tech-says-top-supply-chain-analyst-what-we-know">crease-free OLED panels</a> and could debut as early as late 2026.
Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman also reported that Apple's foldable phone will be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/07/46510551/apples-first-foldable-iphone-a-game-changer-or-just-catching-up">priced around $2,000</a>, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold.
The global foldable smartphone market is growing rapidly, especially in China, where brands like Huawei Technologies, Honor and Vivo dominate. Apple's entry — even without radical innovation — could drive mainstream adoption thanks to its powerful brand and global reach.
For Lens Tech, the foldable iPhone could be a catalyst for long-term revenue growth and international expansion. The company plans to use 30% of its IPO proceeds to scale up foldable display production, including facilities in Vietnam and Thailand, the report said.
UBS also issued a buy rating on Lens Tech and expects its earnings to grow 20% annually through 2027, fueled not only by Apple but also AI glasses and robotics.
Lens Tech currently trades on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen exchanges.
Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings show that AAPL maintains strong upward momentum over the short and medium term, though its long-term trend points downward. The stock scores high on quality, but its value rating lags. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Additional performance insights are available here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20225631/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-8.24.02%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992893" /></a></figure>
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487059/trump-white-house-to-crack-down-on-woke-ai-with-executive-order-targeting-political-bias-in-government-contracted-chatbots-and-models-report">Trump White House To Crack Down On &#8216;Woke AI&#8217; With Executive Order Targeting Political Bias In Government-Contracted Chatbots And Models: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

AAPL

SSNLF

Apple's Foldable iPhone Could Arrive By 2026 — This Chinese Glassmaker Tipped As Key Supplier Will Be A Big Winner, Say Wall Street Analysts

Bitcoin consolidated, while other leading coins edged higher alongside stock futures on Sunday.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Cryptocurrency</th>
<th>Gains +/-</th>
<th>Price (Recorded at 10:20 p.m. ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>-0.13%</td>
<td>$117,776.52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+3.23%</td>
<td>$3,726.58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+6.24%</td>
<td>$0.2706</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
What Happened: Bitcoin hit the upper reaches of $118,000, then plummeted to an intraday low of $116,550 overnight. Trading volume rose 28% to $60 billion in the last 24 hours.
A transfer of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46510203/1-billion-bitcoin-transfer-triggers-massive-liquidations-this-is-where-it-was-offloaded">nearly $1 billion in BTC</a> created a flutter in the cryptocurrency market, leading to increased volatility and speculation of more sell pressure.
Meanwhile, Ethereum continued the charge, breaking $3,800 for the first time since mid-December.
Bitcoin's dominance fell to 60.1%, while Ethereum's market share increased to 11.6%, its highest since January.
Cryptocurrency liquidations hit $370 million in the last 24 hours, with&nbsp; $206 million in downside bets wiped out. Bitcoin accounted for
Bitcoin's open interest rose slightly by 0.38% in the last 24 hours. "Greed" sentiment prevailed in the market, according to the Crypto Fear &amp; Greed Index.
Top Gainers (24 Hours)
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Cryptocurrency</th>
<th>Gains +/-</th>
<th>Price (Recorded at 10:20 p.m. ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Hedera (HBAR)</td>
<td>+23.26%</td>
<td>$0.2898</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethena (ENA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+12.40%</td>
<td>$0.4927</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>dogwifhat (WIF)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+11.24%</td>
<td>$1.21 </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.90 trillion, following a modest 0.84% increase in the last 24 hours.
Stock futures were slightly higher overnight on Sunday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures rose 47 points, or 0.10%, as of 9:37 p.m. EDT.&nbsp; Futures tied to the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.11%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures added 0.18%.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reiterated Aug. 1 as the "hard deadline" for tariffs but added that the administration is willing to negotiate even after that date.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Howard Lutnick says next two weeks will be &quot;for the record books&quot; with tariff deals" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k7hAr6C-yGY?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>
</div>
</figure>
Investors will also look out for the big-ticket earnings this week, including those of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>).&nbsp;
Stocks ascended to record levels on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 229.71 points, or 0.52%, to end at 44,254.78. The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.54% to close at a new record of 6,297.36. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 0.57%, also experiencing a record close of 20,885.65.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Analyst Notes: Cryptocurrency commentator Bitbull underlined Bitcoin's consolidation after hitting record highs.
"This is actually a good thing as alts are rallying during this. But I think BTC another leg up will start within 2-3 weeks," BitBull said. "This will pump BTC above $130,000 and will also mark the local top."
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> is going through a consolidation phase after a new ATH. This is actually a good thing as alts are rallying during this. But I think BTC another leg up will start within 2-3 weeks. This will pump BTC above $130K and will also mark the local top. After that, there&#39;ll be a… <a href="https://t.co/0AmPN40b6E">pic.twitter.com/0AmPN40b6E</a>
&mdash; BitBull (@AkaBull_) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkaBull_/status/1946848682898493572?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Widely followed cryptocurrency analyst and trader Michaël van de Poppe stated that the altcoin bull market is "confirmed," highlighting a bearish divergence in Bitcoin dominance.
"The Bitcoin dominance has a strong bearish divergence confirmed, as it broke south of 65%," the analyst remarked. "The second half of the year is the best period of the year for altcoins, which means that this is the time to maximize your returns."
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Altcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Altcoin</a> bull market is confirmed. The Bitcoin dominance has a strong bearish divergence confirmed, as it broke south of 65%. The second half of the year is the best period of the year for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Altcoins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Altcoins</a>, which means that this is the time to maximize your returns. <a href="https://t.co/JJveFF8tzz">pic.twitter.com/JJveFF8tzz</a>
&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1946983945079324909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Read Next:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46510518/trump-family-crypto-business-nabs-26-million-profit-from-quarter-billion-ethereum-stake">Trump Family Crypto Business Nabs $26 Million Profit From Quarter-Billion Ethereum Stake</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

TSLA

Bitcoin Flat As $1 Billion Whale Move Sparks Speculation, Ethereum, Dogecoin Spike: Analyst Says BTC's Next Leg Up Will Pump It Above $130,000

NYU finance professor Aswath Damodaran is urging caution regarding corporate Bitcoin holdings, which have gained traction in recent years, with just four notable exceptions. 
Check out the current price of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSTR stock here.</a>
What Happened: On Saturday, in a post on X, Damodaran said that while the strategy has gained traction thanks to Strategy Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) outsized bets and Michael Saylor's cult-like status, it's fundamentally flawed for most firms.
&#8220;In the last few years, Strategy has become a Bitcoin SPAC, with investors attributing savant-like status to Michael Saylor,&#8221; he says, noting that this has led more companies to shift their cash holdings into Bitcoin, which he views as &#8220;a bad idea, but there are four carveouts.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/07/46405500/stock-of-the-day-breakout-time-for-microstrategy">Stock Of The Day – Breakout Time For MicroStrategy?</a>
The renowned valuation expert outlines the exceptions for when, if ever, Bitcoin should be included on a corporate balance sheet. The first is companies whose leadership is especially skilled in trading the digital currency, &#8220;much better at timing trades than the average investor.&#8221;
However, Damodaran warns that &#8220;the peril is that perception is not always reality,&#8221; highlighting the risks of misplacing trust in a CEO&#8217;s trading acumen in volatile markets like crypto. 
The second exception includes firms that use Bitcoin for day-to-day operations. &#8220;The bitcoin holdings should be proportional to bitcoin transactions, and operate more like working capital than investing bet,&#8221; he says, pointing to PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>) and Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>).
<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">In the last few years, MicroStrategy has become a Bitcoin SPAC, with investors attributing savant-like status to Michael Saylor. Its success has led some to push companies to shift their cash into bitcoin. As a general principle, this is a bad idea, but there are four carveouts.… <a href="https://t.co/SVnRGIlDX8">pic.twitter.com/SVnRGIlDX8</a>
&mdash; Aswath Damodaran (@AswathDamodaran) <a href="https://twitter.com/AswathDamodaran/status/1946276968930193724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Third is companies operating in countries with failed fiat currencies could justify bitcoin exposure, &#8220;where bitcoin is less volatile and more likely to hold its value than the domestic currency.&#8221;
And finally, the fourth exception involves firms with failing business models that have since turned into &#8220;meme stocks,&#8221; such as AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMC#NYSE">AMC</a>) and GameStop Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>), at which point he says, &#8220;The stock becomes a pure trading play.&#8221;
Damodaran concludes with a further warning that even with these exceptions, companies will require guardrails, such as &#8220;buy-in from shareholders, transparency and disclosure on bitcoin holdings/trades and clearer accounting rules,&#8221; he says.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Stocks / ETFs</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year-To-Date Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+41.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-13.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+63.21%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMC#NYSE">AMC</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-11.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">GameStop Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-24.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+20.43%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Why It Matters: Several other prominent experts have warned against this model in recent months, including veteran short-seller James Chanos, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/07/46188290/james-chanos-shreds-michael-saylors-strategy-model-of-multiple-of-nav-valuation-famed-short-seller-says-it-is-absurd">pushed back against</a> Strategy&#8217;s claims that its valuations should reflect not just the net asset value (NAVs) of its Bitcoin holdings, but a multiple on its unrealized gains. 
This was just weeks after making <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45465049/jim-chanos-goes-long-bitcoin-short-microstrategy-in-arbitrage-bet-against-retail-speculation">an arbitrage bet</a> on this by going long on Bitcoin and short on Microstrategy. &#8220;We&#8217;re buying Bitcoin, selling MicroStrategy stock—an arbitrage play, buying for $1, selling for $2.50,&#8221; he said.
Others, such as Tom Lee, the head of research at Fundstrat Global Advisors, have come out in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/46089976/tom-lee-says-microstrategy-could-outpace-bitcoin-gains-goes-up-a-lot-more-as-btc-rallies">support of this model</a>, especially MSTR.
Lee says that it makes sense that &#8220;as Bitcoin goes up, MicroStrategy very likely goes up a lot more,&#8221; citing the latter&#8217;s innovative financing approach, which allows it to issue convertible debt at &#8220;almost no interest cost&#8221; to purchase additional Bitcoin.
This &#8220;very novel strategy,&#8221; he says, has led to the company&#8217;s premium valuation mechanism, justifying its trading above its net asset value.
Price Action: Shares of Strategy were down 6.23% on Friday, trading at $423.22, and are up 1.42% after hours. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="149" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20221216/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-7.42.04-AM-1024x149.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992852" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20221216/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-7.42.04-AM-1024x149.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20221216/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-7.42.04-AM-300x44.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20221216/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-7.42.04-AM-768x112.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20221216/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-7.42.04-AM.png 1526w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
According to Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings, Strategy&#8217;s shares score high on Momentum, but poorly on other fronts, with a favorable price trend in the short, medium and long terms. How does it compare with other Bitcoin treasury stocks? Click <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">here</a> to find out.
Read More: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46485331/trump-plans-executive-order-to-add-crypto-to-401k-menus-8-7-trillion-retirement-market-poised-for-bitcoin-ethereum-and-takeover-funds-report">Trump Plans Executive Order To Add Crypto To 401(k) Menus—$8.7 Trillion Retirement Market Poised For Bitcoin, Ethereum And Takeover Funds: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Large Cap

Short Sellers

COIN

IBIT

MSTR

PYPL

NYU Professor Warns Companies Against Moving Cash Into Bitcoin — Unless You're Strategy, PayPal, Or A Meme Stock: 'This Is A Bad Idea'

As Hollywood's summer box office heats up, Warner Bros. Discovery&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/22/12/30116813/its-a-bird-its-a-plane-its-a-superhero-movie-franchise-rebrand-that-could-help-this-stock">&#8220;Superman&#8221; has crossed</a> $400 million globally, while Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) owned Universal's "Jurassic World Rebirth" is racing toward the $650 million mark.
What Happened: After two weekends in theaters, Superman has generated $406 million worldwide, including $235 million from North America and $171.8 million internationally, <a href="https://variety.com/2025/film/box-office/box-office-superman-jurassic-world-rebirth-milestones-1236465453/">reported</a> Variety on Sunday.
While domestic performance has held steady, overseas turnout has underwhelmed, with just $45.2 million added in the film's second weekend abroad.
The reboot, starring David Corenswet, is a pivotal launch for DC Studios' new cinematic era, which includes upcoming spinoffs like "Supergirl" and "Clayface," as well as a new "Wonder Woman" in development.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46507658/microsoft-ends-china-based-tech-support-for-pentagon-projects-amid-national-security-backlash">Microsoft Ends China-Based Tech Support For Pentagon Projects Amid National Security Backlash</a>
Meanwhile, Jurassic World Rebirth continues its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/entertainment/25/07/46277528/dinosaurs-dominate-box-office-jurassic-world-rebirth-comcast">box office dominance</a>, pulling in $40.2 million from 82 international markets over the weekend.
The film's total now stands at $647 million globally, including $371 million from overseas territories. The dinosaur reboot, led by Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali, is among only three Hollywood films this year to surpass the $600 million threshold.
Other newcomers included Paramount Global Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NASDAQ">PARA</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARAA#NASDAQ">PARAA</a>) "Smurfs" musical, which debuted to $36 million worldwide, and Sony Group Corp's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) slasher sequel "I Know What You Did Last Summer," which opened to $24.6 million globally.
Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) "F1: The Movie," starring Brad Pitt, crossed $450 million in global earnings, the report added.
Why It&#8217;s Important: The new Superman movie is directed by James Gunn, who was first drawn to DC Studios in 2018 after Marvel fired him over resurfaced tweets, despite his acclaimed work directing the &#8220;Guardians of the Galaxy&#8221; films, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/18/movies/superman-james-gunn-dc-studios-interview.html#:~:text=Best%20known%20for%20directing%20Marvel's,the%20filmmaker%20over%20resurfaced%20tweets.">reported</a> the New York Times.
Previously, actor Dean Cain, best known for portraying Superman in the 1990s TV series "Lois &amp; Clark," <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/entertainment/25/07/46357567/superman-an-immigrant-superhero-actor-says-warner-bros-film-is-woke-issues-box-office-warning">criticized Gunn&#8217;s superhero movie</a>, labeling it as &#8220;woke.&#8221;
The new Superman, Corenswet, replaced Henry Cavill, whose Superman films were <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/22/12/30116813/its-a-bird-its-a-plane-its-a-superhero-movie-franchise-rebrand-that-could-help-this-stock">major box office successes</a>, with "Man of Steel," "Justice League" and "Batman vs. Superman" collectively grossing over $2.2 billion worldwide.
The biggest hit was Batman vs. Superman, earning $874 million globally.
Price Action: Warner Bros. shares have climbed 21.20% over the past month. On Friday, the stock dipped 0.70% during regular hours and edged down another 0.24% in after-hours trading, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0717">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings indicate that WBD shows steady upward momentum across short, medium, and long-term periods. While it performs well on momentum, its growth score remains comparatively lower. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">More detailed performance data can be found here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20215628/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-7.24.41%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992841" /></a></figure>
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45396297/cathie-wood-dumps-palantir-as-stock-touches-peak-prices-bails-on-soaring-flying-taxi-maker-archer-aviation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cathie Wood Dumps Palantir As Stock Touches Peak Prices, Bails On Soaring Flying-Taxi Maker Archer Aviation</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: John B Hewitt / Shutterstock

Entertainment

Tech

Media

CMCSA

PARA

PARAA

Sony Group Corporation American Depositary Shares

SONY

'Superman' Flies Past $400 Million But Falters Overseas, While 'Jurassic World Rebirth' Charges Toward $650 Million In A Red-Hot Summer Box Office Battle

Block, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XYZ#NYSE">XYZ</a>) shares are soaring in overnight trading on Sunday ahead of the S&amp;P 500 debut of the Jack Dorsey-founded fintech company.
What happened: Block was <a href="https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/XYZ/">up</a> 8.31% as of this writing on the Robinhood trading platform.&nbsp;
The company's inclusion in the coveted S&amp;P 500 index, seen as the barometer of the U.S. stock market, will become effective July 23, according to a press release shared Friday.
<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">As Dogecoin <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24DOGE&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$DOGE</a> overcomes the $0.20 resistance barrier, the next key hurdle to watch is $0.36! <a href="https://t.co/bs1oQER1Xt">pic.twitter.com/bs1oQER1Xt</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1946056080922181806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46486386/tom-lee-says-michael-saylor-led-strategys-35x-surge-wasnt-just-bitcoin-treasury-moves-far-more-significant-than-token-price-gain">Tom Lee Says Michael Saylor-Led Strategy&#8217;s 35x Surge Wasn&#8217;t Just Bitcoin — Treasury Moves &#8216;Far More Significant&#8217; Than Token Price Gain</a>
Why It Matters: Block, formerly known as Square, was founded in 2009 and specializes in point-of-sale systems and payment solutions. It gradually expanded its portfolio, placing a special focus on cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>).
Today, its offerings include the &#8216;Bitcoin-only&#8217; Cash App <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45763806/jack-dorsey-touts-bitcoin-only-cash-app-says-blocks-wallet-improving-rapidly">digital wallet service</a>, the self-custody Bitcoin wallet Bitkey, the Bitcoin mining product suite Proto and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46272105/jack-dorsey-unveils-bitchat-a-decentralized-bluetooth-powered-server-free-messaging-service">Bluetooth-powered</a> messaging service Bitchat.
The firm announced a new strategy, effective April 2024, wherein it would allocate 10% of its monthly Bitcoin-related gross profit to purchase additional Bitcoins. It holds a total of 8,584 BTC, worth over $1 billion, as of this writing, <a href="https://bitcointreasuries.net/">according</a> to Bitcoin Treasuries.
Price Action:  Shares of Block closed 2.95% higher at $72.82  during Friday&#8217;s regular trading session. The stock has risen 81% over the last month. According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>. Year-to-date, the coin has lost over 14%.
The stock exhibited a very high growth score—a measure of the stock&#8217;s combined historical expansion in earnings and revenue across multiple periods. How does it compare with&nbsp;Coinbase Global Inc.&nbsp;COIN&nbsp;and other cryptocurrency-related stocks? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings</a>&nbsp;and find out.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="442" height="193" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20213736/image-260.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992836" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20213736/image-260.png 442w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20213736/image-260-300x131.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px" /></a></figure>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46510203/1-billion-bitcoin-transfer-triggers-massive-liquidations-this-is-where-it-was-offloaded">$1 Billion Bitcoin Transfer Triggers Massive Liquidations — This Is Where It Was Offloaded</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Frederic Legrand &#8211; COMEO on Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

BTOG

Jack Dorsey's Block, With Over $1 Billion In Bitcoin Holdings, Set To Join S&P 500 — Shares Pop 8% In Overnight Trading

As concerns about the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45720416/6-in-10-americans-fear-social-security-will-vanish-before-they-retire-as-2033-insolvency-clock-ticks-louder">future of Social Security</a> grow, a new bipartisan proposal aims to secure the program's finances without reducing a single benefit. But while the plan from Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) promises a bold solution, some experts aren't convinced it will be fast — or risk-free — enough to solve the looming shortfall.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's the Plan?</h2>
Cassidy and Kaine outlined their proposal last week in a Washington Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/07/08/new-trust-fund-social-security/">op-ed</a>, describing a new $1.5 trillion investment fund separate from the current Social Security Trust Fund. The new fund would be structured as a sovereign wealth fund, similar to those used by other countries or the U.S. government's own Thrift Savings Plan.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – Many are rushing to grab <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.30/share</a></li>
<li>Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a></li>
</ul>
Instead of relying only on payroll taxes and low-return government bonds, this fund would be invested in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets.&nbsp;
The goal? Generate higher long-term returns to help close the projected funding gap without cutting benefits.
According to the senators, the fund would be given 75 years to grow. During that time, the U.S. Treasury would continue to pay Social Security benefits and would later be repaid by the fund once it matures.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why the Urgency?</h2>
Social Security's trust funds are expected to run out of money by 2033 or 2034, according to <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/trsum/">recent government reports</a>. Once that happens, the program will only be able to pay about 77% of promised benefits, unless Congress acts.
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
The core issue is that the system is paying out more than it's taking in — largely due to an aging population and slower growth in the workforce. Currently, all Social Security funds are invested in special U.S. Treasury bonds, which are stable but have relatively low returns.
The senators argue their proposal could delay or even prevent a crisis, while maintaining current benefits for retirees and future beneficiaries alike. "Waiting until the Social Security Trust Fund is on the eve of crisis would have difficult and preventable consequences," Cassidy and Kaine wrote.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Skepticism from Experts</h2>
While the plan is ambitious and avoids the politically unpopular idea of cutting benefits, not everyone is convinced it's practical.
"This kind of plan might have made more sense decades ago," Teresa Ghilarducci, labor economist and professor of economics and policy analysis at the New School for Social Research, told <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/two-senators-have-a-new-proposal-to-fix-social-security-11768951">Investopedia</a>. She pointed out that similar strategies by pension systems have failed in the past when market conditions changed.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
Others raised concerns about borrowing the initial $1.5 trillion investment. "Borrowing funds in the way the proposal suggests would likely raise interest rates and slow growth," Brookings Retirement Security Project Director Gopi Shah Goda told Investopedia.&nbsp;
Goda argued that the plan avoids harder conversations about modernizing the program.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will It Move Forward?</h2>
The bipartisan nature of the plan gives it a potential advantage. "Kaine has a solid reputation as a bipartisan negotiator," Mary Beth Franklin, a certified financial planner, said to Investopedia. "Cassidy has an in-depth knowledge of Social Security program details."&nbsp;
Still, reaching a final agreement in Congress is no easy task. While there's broad agreement that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45608058/trump-says-hell-fix-social-security-but-these-4-changes-are-completely-out-of-his-hands">Social Security needs reform</a>, there's little consensus on how to do it.
"I think both sides understand that it&#8217;s in their best interest to find the pathway forward," said Stony Brook University economics and public policy professor Stephanie Kelton. "There is no financial reason there should ever be cuts to Social Security."
For now, Cassidy and Kaine's plan is one of the few bipartisan efforts on the table. Whether it gains traction — or runs out of time — remains to be seen.
Read Next: 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 $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

Senators' $1.5 Trillion Plan Promises To Save Social Security Without Cutting A Single Benefit — But Will It Really Work?

When most people contribute to their 401(k) plans, they think about saving up for retirement. However, a few people also use this retirement account as a credit line to cover various expenses. You can take out a loan against a 401(k), but just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should.&nbsp;
A car owner currently has an auto loan with a 12.6% interest rate. Borrowing against the 401(k) plan only results in a 9.5% interest rate for a 36-month term. A lower interest rate will help the borrower save money. It may seem like a good move on the surface, but once he <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/1lz0l0a/is_it_really_that_bad_to_borrow_against_your_401k/">shared his situation with Reddit</a>, a different picture emerged.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-accredited-investor-offer">Accredited investors can claim pre-IPO shares of Mode Mobile for just $0.30</a>—with up to 120% bonus shares—before this Uber-style disruption hits the public markets</li>
<li>Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Borrowing Against A 401(k) Plan Can Enable Bad Habits</h2>
Borrowing against a 401(k) can set you back since you'll have to pay a new debt. While the 401(k) can be used to get rid of a higher-interest auto loan, it can enable bad financial habits. Viewing debt as the solution to getting out of debt will result in more fees and interest accumulation. Relying on debt to get out of debt can also keep you in an endless cycle of interest payments.
If the car owner doesn't borrow against their 401(k) plan and doesn't like the high interest rates, they can find other ways to pay off the debt faster. Temporarily picking up a side hustle, asking for a raise, and looking for more promising career opportunities can boost your earnings and get you out of debt faster.
It's more comfortable and easier to take out an additional loan to pay off an auto loan. People take a similar approach when they default to personal loans to pay off credit card debt and then use a home equity loan to cover the personal loan in the future. Taking actions that increase your income will do you better in the long run than borrowing against a 401(k) plan.
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Credit Card Balance Transfer May Work</h2>
If the car owner can pay off the debt quickly, a credit card balance transfer is another great option. Not every auto lender will let you use your credit card, but if you can pull it off, you can end up with 0% APR for the next 12 to 24 months, depending on your credit card.
This isn't completely free since credit cards charge a 3% to 5% fee for the transfer. For instance, if you owe $10,000 on your auto loan and put it on a balance transfer credit card, you can expect a $300 to $500 fee. Make sure you check your credit card's fees to see how much you'll be charged for the transfer.
The only downside with a credit card balance transfer is that these financial products are notorious for their high interest rates. Balance transfers are optimal for people who can pay off the debt quickly. The original poster was grateful for the idea and thanked the commenter who suggested it.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Consider Lowering Your 401(k) Contributions</h2>
One commenter suggested that the Redditor temporarily reduce their 401(k) contributions to accelerate paying off the auto loan instead of borrowing against the 401(k) plan.
"Borrowing from retirement is a lot of risk and potentially very expensive. Conventional wisdom would be to leave it alone and separate it from any present-day financial decisions," the commenter suggested.
Some people responded by saying that this strategy will reduce the Redditor's long-term gains if the stock market has a strong year. Others recommended following this advice, but contributing up to the employer's match as a minimum.
It's also worth noting that some 401(k) providers prohibit you from making any additional contributions to your retirement account while you are paying off a 401(k) loan. If that rule is in place for the Redditor's provider, then it makes even less sense to borrow money against the 401(k) plan.
Read Next: 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 $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

This Car Owner Considers Borrowing From Their 401(k) To Make Car Payments—Is It A Smart Move?

Kevin O&#8217;Leary, the famed investor and star of &#8220;Shark Tank,&#8221; urged students at Harvard to forgo the traditional consulting route and instead establish their own businesses.
What Happened: In his role as&nbsp;an Executive Fellow at the&nbsp;prestigious Ivy League school, O&#8217;Leary expressed his belief that dedicating two years to a consulting firm could result in a mediocre career. 
He suggested that consultants are often viewed as indecisive, which could hinder their professional growth.
O&#8217;Leary, who is also the founder of the $4.2 billion company, SoftKey Software Products, is committed to motivating his students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. He acknowledged that his teaching method involves revealing some hard truths about the consulting sector.
"Look, if you want to drift into hell on Earth, stay 24 months in a consulting firm and you are tainted meat for the rest of your life. No one's going to hire you to make a decision because you never have made one," O'Leary <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/07/18/millionaire-shark-tank-investor-kevin-oleary-harvard-consulting-mediocrity-entrepreneurship-gen-z-career-advice-unemployment/">told </a>Fortune. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41198968/kevin-oleary-told-student-to-pick-business-over-fianc-e-shes-easier-to-replace">Kevin O&#8217;Leary Told Student To Pick Business Over Fiancée: &#8216;She&#8217;s Easier To Replace&#8217;</a>
"Why would anybody burn all those hours while someone else makes money, and you do nothing of consequence? I respect all the consulting firms that are out there, but I'm going to do my best to keep people from going into that," he added. 
Despite the appealing starting salaries ranging from $250,000 to $350,000, O&#8217;Leary cautioned that consultants frequently work long hours without creating anything of their own. He went on to say that consultants are unlikely to attain financial independence while working for someone else.
O&#8217;Leary&#8217;s advice comes at a time when many students are grappling with career decisions. His emphasis on entrepreneurship over consulting reflects a broader trend in the business world, where innovation and self-starting are increasingly valued. 
His course, The Founder Mindset, could potentially shape the next generation of entrepreneurs, steering them away from traditional career paths and towards creating their own ventures.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37193748/shark-tanks-kevin-oleary-outraged-over-fine-against-donald-trump-in-ny-civil-fraud-case-its-appallin">Shark Tank&#8217;s Kevin O&#8217;Leary Outraged Over Fine Against Donald Trump In NY Civil Fraud Case: &#8216;It&#8217;s Appalling. It&#8217;s Unjust &#8230; It&#8217;s Un-American&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Vivvi Smak

Entrepreneurship

Success Stories

General

Kevin O'Leary Advocates Entrepreneurship Over Consulting to Students: 'Why Would Anybody Burn All Those Hours While Someone Else Makes Money?'

Warren Buffett imparted his unique viewpoint on success, underscoring the significance of love and respect over the accumulation of wealth.
What Happened:&nbsp;Buffett, while interacting with students at Georgia Tech, expressed that the ultimate yardstick of success is not wealth, but the love and respect one garners from others.
In his biography &#8220;The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life,&#8221; Buffett&#8217;s insights suggest that the real measure of a successful life is the love one receives from those they hold dear. He pointed out that numerous affluent individuals receive public acclaim, but lack genuine love and respect from others.
Buffett&#8217;s viewpoint challenges the traditional definition of success, which frequently highlights personal accomplishment and wealth accumulation. 
He contends that a concentration on caring for others, rather than oneself, leads to greater success in areas that truly count, such as&nbsp;trust, respect, loyalty, and meaningful&nbsp;impact.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44065860/warren-buffetts-unconventional-career-advice-dont-save-your-passion-for-later-its-like-saving-up-sex-for-your-old-age">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Unconventional Career Advice: &#8216;Don&#8217;t Save Your Passion For Later, It&#8217;s Like Saving Up Sex For Your Old Age&#8217;</a>
Buffett&#8217;s message is especially relevant in the current climate of division and widespread burnout. He proposes that a leader&#8217;s legacy is not determined by their professional accomplishments, but by how they treat others.
Buffett&#8217;s philosophy of success, centered around love and respect, provides a fresh perspective in a world often ruled by self-interest and competition.
Why It Matters:&nbsp;Buffett&#8217;s unconventional perspective on success is a timely reminder of the importance of empathy and respect in a world often driven by materialistic pursuits. 
His philosophy underscores the significance of human connections and the value of earning love and respect from others. 
This approach, centered around love and respect, offers a refreshing perspective in a world often dominated by self-interest and competition. 
It serves as a reminder that success is not just about wealth accumulation, but also about the positive impact one can have on others.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42803589/warren-buffetts-advice-for-overpriced-stocks-zip-up-your-wallet-take-a-vacation-and-come-back-in-a-few-years-to-buy-stocks-at-cheap-prices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett's Advice for Overpriced Stocks: ‘Zip up Your Wallet, Take a Vacation, and Come Back in a Few Years To Buy Stocks at Cheap Prices'</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Forget 'Wealth': Warren Buffett Says This Word Is the True Measure of Success

Elon Musk has announced his return to a grueling work schedule, indicating a shift back to &#8220;wartime CEO&#8221; mode.
What Happened:&nbsp;Musk, in a post on X, revealed his intent to resume working seven&nbsp;days a week and sleeping&nbsp;in his office, especially when his children are not around. 
This revelation came as a response to a quote tweet from a user named SMX, who referred to Musk&#8217;s previous statements about his intense work ethic.
<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">Back to working 7 days a week and sleeping in the office if my little kids are away <a href="https://t.co/77cc6sRCFZ">https://t.co/77cc6sRCFZ</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1946839030177632475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/08/28486691/heres-the-terrible-habit-elon-musk-wants-to-cut-from-his-morning-routine-3">Elon Musk Trying To Quit This &#8216;Terrible Habit&#8217; When It Comes To His Morning Routine</a></figcaption></figure>
The post has garnered significant attention, with over 8.6 million views. It echoes Musk&#8217;s past work habits, which have often been characterized by long hours and personal sacrifices.
Why It Matters:&nbsp;Musk&#8217;s return to his &#8216;wartime CEO&#8217; mode could signal a period of intense focus and drive at Tesla. In the past, such phases have coincided with significant developments and breakthroughs at the company. 
However, they have also raised concerns about Musk&#8217;s personal well-being and the sustainability of such a demanding work schedule.
Despite the lack of specific context around the tweet, it&#8217;s clear that Musk&#8217;s commitment to his work remains unwavering. 
As the leader of one of the most innovative companies in the world, his work habits continue to draw both admiration and concern.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45602416/elon-musk-commits-to-intense-focus-on-x-xai-and-tesla-back-to-spending-24-7-at-work-sleeping-in-conference-server-factory-rooms">Elon Musk Commits To Intense Focus on X/xAI and Tesla: &#8216;Back To Spending 24/7 at Work, Sleeping in Conference/Server/Factory Rooms&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Alessia Pierdomenico

Elon Musk Returns To Intense Work Schedule: 'Back To Working 7 Days a Week and Sleeping in the Office'

President Donald Trump&#8216;s administration reviewed contracts held by SpaceX with the federal government and found that the majority of these contracts are indispensable to the Defense Department and NASA.
What Happened As per a&nbsp;report&nbsp;by the Wall Street Journal, the review was initiated in early June following President Trump&#8217;s public contemplation of cutting ties with Elon Musk&#8216;s businesses. 
The objective was to identify potential wastage in the multibillion-dollar agreements SpaceX has with the government. However, the review emphasized SpaceX&#8217;s dominance as a premier&nbsp;rocket launcher and a major&nbsp;provider of satellite-internet.
As per the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/trump-aides-discussed-ending-some-spacex-contracts-but-found-most-were-vital-d1cf9ab5?mod=hp_lead_pos1">report</a>, an official from the White House clarified that the review was not exclusive to SpaceX but included a variety&nbsp;of companies with lucrative government&nbsp;contracts. 
The review process involved the creation of &#8220;scorecards&#8221; that detailed&nbsp;the value of the SpaceX&nbsp;contracts and evaluated whether a competitor could perform the same job more effectively.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266380/ex-trump-lawyer-sent-this-message-to-elon-musk-after-feud-with-donald-trump-erupted">Ex-Trump Lawyer Sent This Message To Elon Musk After Feud With Donald Trump Erupted</a>
Despite the initial intention to terminate SpaceX contracts, the&nbsp;White House and agency officials,&nbsp;including those at the Pentagon,&nbsp;concluded&nbsp;that most of the deals&nbsp;were vital to the missions&nbsp;of the Defense Department and&nbsp;NASA. 
However,&nbsp;some SpaceX contracts could face&nbsp;continued scrutiny, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Why It Matters: The review process underscored the government&#8217;s heavy reliance on SpaceX&#8217;s sophisticated technology, with&nbsp;limited alternatives for many rocket&nbsp;launches and low-Earth-orbit satellite services. 
This situation continues to give SpaceX, and Musk himself, an outsized role in space.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/05/45710494/elon-musk-denies-ketamine-allegations-if-this-bs-from-nyt-were-true-it-would-have-been-extremely-obvious">Elon Musk Denies Ketamine Allegations: &#8216;If This BS From NYT Were True, It Would Have Been Extremely Obvious&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Findaview

Politics

Trump Administration's Attempt To Cut Elon Musk's SpaceX Contracts Thwarted by Vital Role in Defense and NASA

"Buy now, pay later"users may hurt their credit if they don't pay back those loans on time. Credit score overseer Fair Isaac (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FICO#NASDAQ">FICO</a>) announced new scoring models last month that will evaluate BNPL usage when determining credit worthiness. The program, scheduled to roll out this fall may help some folks gain access to better loan terms but failing to pay on time is going to hurt.
The processing services let retailers provide installment loans at the point of sale so buyers can spread out payments. The loans may have no interest or service fees, potentially encouraging customers to overspend. Not surprisingly, a Bankrate <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/buy-now-pay-later-survey/">survey</a> released in May showed that about &#8220;half of buy now, pay later users have experienced issues like overspending and missing payments.&#8221;
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-accredited-investor-offer">Accredited investors can claim pre-IPO shares of Mode Mobile for just $0.30</a>—with up to 120% bonus shares—before this Uber-style disruption hits the public markets</li>
<li>$100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.</li>
</ul>
FICO will include BNPL data on upgraded Score 10 and Score 10 T credit models. It wants the new data to provide lenders with "greater visibility into consumers' repayment behaviors, enabling a more comprehensive view of their credit readiness." FICO Vice President and General Manager of B2B Scores Julie May emphasized the impact on young buyers, noting it will "more accurately evaluate credit readiness, especially for consumers whose first credit experience is through BNPL products."
Using FICO's Score 10 to roll out the initiative has raised some eyebrows because it won't be included in Score 8, currently the most widely used credit scoring product. In fact, FICO modeling is now up to Score 16 but, like the iPhone, older versions remain broadly popular due to long credit cycles and the need for lenders to invest, train and incorporate newer processes.
Trending: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a>
Credit agencies have gathered BNPL loan activity for several years now. But this is a largely <a href="https://www.keystonelaw.com/keynotes/how-is-the-government-planning-to-regulate-bnpl-lending#:~:text=BNPL%20currently%20fits%20a%20regulatory,Financial%20Conduct%20Authority%20(FCA).">unregulated</a> industry and not all payment processors report these transactions. So, a substantial chunk of U.S. lending activity may be missing from current data. FICO's new models will try to fill these gaps but there could be unintended consequences because, according to the survey, nearly one-third of Americans have used the service.
Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/23/economy/fico-scores-buy-now-pay-later-bnpl">told</a> CNN that young folks with limited credit histories are frequent users, and those most vulnerable to credit downgrades. Given survey results, new models may amplify negative credit scores of those overspending and missing payments. Of course, it's hoped this credit activity will boost scores if debts are paid on time and in full.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>&nbsp;
FICO promises to aggregate multiple BNPL loans, but dangers abound if old school installment loan scoring seeps into the new models. Its common knowledge that borrowing up to your credit card limit is bad for your score because it signals financial stress. Now consider a young buyer who takes multiple BNPL loans at the same time. With traditional scoring, it looks like the customer is maxing out multiple short-term credit lines, raising all sorts of red flags.
Rossman believes that customers who pay their debts promptly should be fine under the new rules, but hedges his bets despite FICO assurances. "Things like frequent opening and closing of accounts would be disastrous for your credit score," he told CNN. "With Buy Now, Pay Later, you're doing that every few weeks or even every few days."
Read Next: 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 $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

FICO

FICO To Roll Out New Scores to Reflect Your "Buy Now, Pay Later" Habits, Impacting Millions of Americans' Credit

In a move that marks its entry into the foldable smartphone market,&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is set to launch a device that bears a striking resemblance to the Galaxy Z Fold line by Samsung Electronics Co. 
This is a significant shift for Apple, which is typically known for its innovative and groundbreaking technology.
Bloomberg&#8217;s&nbsp;Mark Gurman,&nbsp;in his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-07-20/apple-s-2026-foldable-iphone-samsung-comparison-m5-ipad-pro-dual-front-cameras?srnd=undefined">latest</a> &#8220;Power On" report revealed that, Apple&#8217;s first foldable iPhone, slated for release&nbsp;at the end of next&nbsp;year, will not be a technological breakthrough. 
Instead, it will utilize&nbsp;many of the same core&nbsp;components as its competitors,&nbsp;including foldable OLED screens sourced&nbsp;from Samsung Display.
Despite the lack of innovation, Apple&#8217;s unrivaled marketing prowess and a loyal customer base could potentially catapult it to the top of the foldable smartphone market within months of the device&#8217;s launch. 
The foldable iPhone is expected to retail at a minimum of $2,000, which could significantly boost iPhone revenue, even if unit sales are not astronomical.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/07/46383701/apple-undergoing-major-management-overhaul-but-ceo-tim-cook-to-stay-on">Apple Undergoing Major Management Overhaul, But CEO Tim Cook To Stay On</a>
Apple is also reportedly working on addressing some of the common issues associated with foldable devices, such as improving the visibility of the inner display crease and enhancing the hinge mechanism. 
The company&#8217;s entry into the foldable smartphone market could potentially transform this&nbsp;niche product into a global&nbsp;sensation.
The foldable smartphone market has been growing in popularity, particularly in China, where local&nbsp;brands like Xiaomi, Honor, Huawei,&nbsp;and Vivo have all launched&nbsp;their own versions. 
Apple&#8217;s entry into this market could potentially drive a turnaround in its fortunes in the region, given the local consumers&#8217;&nbsp;preference for the book-style form&nbsp;factor that Apple&#8217;s foldable iPhone will feature.
While Apple&#8217;s foldable iPhone may not revolutionize the category immediately, its brand power, marketing strength, and engineering refinements could potentially transform this niche product into a mainstream hit, further solidifying Apple&#8217;s position in the global smartphone market.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/45852024/apples-liquid-glass-interface-set-to-revolutionize-ios-26-hints-at-20th-anniversary-iphone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple's Liquid Glass Interface Set To Revolutionize iOS 26, Hints At 20th Anniversary iPhone</a>
Image: Shutterstock/seveniwe

Apple's First Foldable iPhone: A Game-Changer or Just Catching Up?

Donald Trump family&#8217;s primary cryptocurrency venture,&nbsp;World Liberty Financial (WLF), has&nbsp;seen its Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) investment balloon to a staggering $251 million, leading to a paper profit of $26 million.
What Happened: WLF has been consistently amassing ETH. The firm&#8217;s most recent acquisition was 861 ETH on July 18, which cost $3 million in USDC. 
This purchase has increased WLF&#8217;s&nbsp;total ETH holdings to 70,143,&nbsp;currently valued at an estimated $251 million, and has generated&nbsp;over $23 million in unrealized&nbsp;profits.
On-chain analytics platform Lookonchain disclosed&nbsp;that between November 29, 2024,&nbsp;and March 5, 2025, WLF invested approximately $214.9 million to secure&nbsp;66,275 ETH at an average&nbsp;price of $3,243 each. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">From Nov 29, 2024 to Mar 5, 2025, Trump&#39;s World Liberty(<a href="https://twitter.com/worldlibertyfi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@worldlibertyfi</a>) bought 66,275 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a>($214.9M) at an average price of $3,243. Today, as <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> broke above their average cost, they spent 5M <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24USDC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$USDC</a> to buy another 1,531 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> at $3,266.<a href="https://t.co/RfPIxC1uO9">https://t.co/RfPIxC1uO9</a> <a href="https://t.co/42oliKQzol">pic.twitter.com/42oliKQzol</a>
&mdash; Lookonchain (@lookonchain) <a href="https://twitter.com/lookonchain/status/1945526361587859457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The&nbsp;company continued its buying trend, procuring additional ETH on July 16 and 18, raising its total holdings to over 70,000 ETH.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45939551/trump-made-57-4-million-from-family-crypto-firm-plus-big-bucks-from-branded-guitars-sneakers-and-watches">Trump Made $57.4 Million From Family Crypto Firm — Plus Big Bucks From Branded Guitars, Sneakers and Watches</a>
With the price of Ethereum surging by&nbsp;8.5% in the last 24&nbsp;hours and trading around $3,629,&nbsp;WLF&#8217;s&nbsp;investment in the asset currently&nbsp;indicates a paper profit of roughly&nbsp;$26 million, having acquired its&nbsp;entire stash for about $3,249&nbsp;per coin.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Trump&#39;s World Liberty(<a href="https://twitter.com/worldlibertyfi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@worldlibertyfi</a>) spent 3M <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24USDC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$USDC</a> to buy 861 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> again 3 hours ago! World Liberty has bought a total of 70,143 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a>($251M) at an average price of $3,249, with an unrealized profit of $23M+.<a href="https://t.co/kaRan1WMwF">https://t.co/kaRan1WMwF</a><a href="https://t.co/8Rr7IVTaxC">https://t.co/8Rr7IVTaxC</a> <a href="https://t.co/nsfbpgoRI1">pic.twitter.com/nsfbpgoRI1</a>
&mdash; Lookonchain (@lookonchain) <a href="https://twitter.com/lookonchain/status/1946019412588572770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
ETH is also attracting attention from other companies.&nbsp;Nasdaq-listed SharpLink Gaming recently became&nbsp;the largest corporate holder of&nbsp;the token. 
Additionally, two newly created wallets have accumulated 206,415 ETH&nbsp;from the Kraken and FalconX&nbsp;exchanges within the last 10&nbsp;days.
<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">ETH just broke above $3600! Recently, 2 newly created wallets have accumulated 206,415 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a>($745M). 0x35fb has withdrawn 103,274 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a>($372.8M) from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kraken?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kraken</a> in the past 9 days. 0x9684 has withdrawn 103,141 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a>($372.3M) from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FalconX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FalconX</a> in the past 7 days.<a href="https://t.co/5e6AQjMOwt">https://t.co/5e6AQjMOwt</a>… <a href="https://t.co/pfyh7H1MXP">pic.twitter.com/pfyh7H1MXP</a>
&mdash; Lookonchain (@lookonchain) <a href="https://twitter.com/lookonchain/status/1946025847946895757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: The success of WLF&#8217;s Ethereum investment underscores the growing interest and confidence in cryptocurrencies among traditional investors and corporations. 
The company&#8217;s significant holdings and substantial paper profits highlight the potential of digital assets as a lucrative investment avenue. 
The recent surge in Ethereum&#8217;s price, coupled with the increasing corporate interest, suggests a positive outlook for the cryptocurrency market.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42499633/exclusive-eric-trump-declares-bitcoin-the-future-details-tax-free-crypto-goals-for-trump-presidency">EXCLUSIVE: Eric Trump Declares Bitcoin The Future, Details Tax-Free Crypto Goals For Trump Presidency</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Victor Sanchez G

Markets

Trump Family Crypto Business Nabs $26 Million Profit From Quarter-Billion Ethereum Stake

When Katie, from Los Angeles, called into "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03sMSYx3lFM">The Ramsey Show</a>," she was looking for guidance — and a way out. The 39-year-old stay-at-home mom said she had recently discovered her family was in serious financial trouble, buried under $4.5 million in debt.&nbsp;
As she explained her story to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46279015/dave-ramsey-encourages-parents-to-get-honest-about-what-they-can-afford-for-their-childrens-college-education-no-student-loans">Dave Ramsey</a> and Rachel Cruze, they responded with both concern and straight advice — with Ramsey urging her to demand a clear path forward from her husband.
"It&#8217;s okay for you to require of him, for your peace of mind as his wife, that he show you what the clear path is and exactly what the steps are to get out," Ramsey said.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-accredited-investor-offer">Accredited investors can claim pre-IPO shares of Mode Mobile for just $0.30</a>—with up to 120% bonus shares—before this Uber-style disruption hits the public markets</li>
<li>Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Shocking Wake-Up Call</h2>
Katie said her husband, a business owner, had been managing the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45828307/want-to-be-in-the-top-5-of-households-heres-exactly-how-much-you-need-and-its-much-lower-than-youd-guess">household finances</a> on his own. That changed when she received a call warning her of a foreclosure notice. It turned out her husband had taken out a second mortgage on their home to buy a warehouse for his business — a move she hadn't known about.
Thinking she could resolve the issue quickly, Katie cashed out a 401(k) to bring the house out of foreclosure. But the deeper she dug, the worse the picture became. From unpaid payroll to IRS debt and six-figure credit card balances, the situation revealed a pattern of financial mismanagement.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breaking Down the Debt</h2>
Ramsey and Cruze walked Katie through the numbers to get a better picture. The couple owed:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>$880,000 on their home (including a second mortgage)</li>
<li>$3.3 million on a business warehouse</li>
<li>$120,000 in credit card debt</li>
<li>$115,000 in loans from her parents</li>
<li>$100,000 in delinquent property taxes</li>
<li>$140,000 on vehicles</li>
</ul>
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
The warehouse was on the market, and Katie estimated it could sell for around $4.2 million. Their home was worth about $1.1 million. But other debts were still looming, and the business itself was not generating enough to stay afloat.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ramsey: Optimism Isn't a Plan</h2>
Katie said her husband was optimistic they could keep pushing forward. Ramsey acknowledged that entrepreneurs often need to be optimists — especially in tough regulatory states like California — but said optimism alone can't solve financial trouble.&nbsp;
"You need to hear him articulate a detailed tactical strategy overall, but the tactical implementation of what items are we doing to make this thing profitable?" Ramsey told Katie. "Because all you're describing to me are signs of death of the business."
He emphasized that it wasn't enough for her husband to believe things would eventually turn around. "If I grip my teeth and keep doing the same thing, it ain't going to get better," he said. "It's going to keep doing the same thing."
Cruze added that the couple needed a timeline — a point at which they would stop trying to rescue the business and consider shutting it down.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hard Conversations and Harder Decisions</h2>
Ramsey pointed out that Katie's instincts seemed solid and encouraged her to trust them. He also reflected on his own past <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46115112/ai-panic-feels-like-2008-global-financial-crisis-all-over-again-shapiro-says-as-retail-sales-plunge-4">financial crisis</a>, sharing that he once found himself $4 million in debt with a failing business — and ended up filing for bankruptcy.
His takeaway: communication and partnership in financial decisions are crucial, especially in marriage. "Your spouse needs to be involved in all major decisions that affect the household, and that includes the running of the business," he said.
If Katie and her husband are going to climb out of their financial crisis, Ramsey said, it will take transparency, strategy, and action — not just hope.
Read Next: 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 $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

'He Needs To Show You A Clear Path Out' — Dave Ramsey Reacts To Couple's $4.5M Debt, Including 3 Mortgages

Polls indicate that Tesla CEO Elon Musk&#8216;s &#8220;America Party&#8221; is not resonating with the American public.
What Happened: Polls conducted in early to mid-July have identified a common pattern. Although a significant portion of Americans are in favor of a third political party, enthusiasm wanes when the party is linked to Musk.
According to YouGov <a href="https://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/52559-what-republicans-think-of-musk-and-trump">poll</a>, while 45% of Americans are supportive of a third party, a mere 11% would consider joining one initiated by Musk. 
A CNN <a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/26000904/cnn-poll-conducted-by-ssrs.pdf">poll </a>also reflected these results, indicating that 63% of Americans are in favor of a third party, a number that falls to 25% when Musk is the party&#8217;s leader. 
The polls, which included over 1,000 respondents, suggest that the reluctance towards a Musk-led party may be primarily driven by independent and Democratic-leaning voters.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266380/ex-trump-lawyer-sent-this-message-to-elon-musk-after-feud-with-donald-trump-erupted">Ex-Trump Lawyer Sent This Message To Elon Musk After Feud With Donald Trump Erupted</a>
Musk, who is currently the wealthiest individual globally, initially proposed the idea of a third party in response to his objections to&nbsp;the &#8220;Big Beautiful Bill,&#8221; a&nbsp;crucial piece of legislation in President Donald Trump&#8216;s domestic agenda. 
However, despite two weeks passing since his announcement,&nbsp;Musk has yet to take&nbsp;any formal steps towards establishing the party.
Why It Matters: The lukewarm response to Musk&#8217;s proposed &#8216;America Party&#8217; underscores the challenges that third parties face in the United States, where the political landscape is dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties. 
The data from these polls suggest that while there is a desire for more political options, the public may be hesitant to support a party led by a figure primarily known for his business ventures, such as Tesla Inc.
This development could potentially influence Musk&#8217;s future political ambitions and the public&#8217;s perception of business leaders in politics.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266046/anthony-scaramucci-wants-to-discuss-new-party-with-musk-mark-cuban-offers-ballot-access-aid">Anthony Scaramucci Wants &#8216;To Discuss&#8217; New Party With Musk, Mark Cuban Offers Ballot Access Aid</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Joshua Sukoff

Polls: Most Americans Want an Alternative To Two-Party System — But Not Elon Musk's

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44124166/affordable-childcare-act-could-give-parents-up-to-12k-but-can-it-pass-a-divided-congress">Child care</a> costs can drain a paycheck, but at Cakes Body, those bills are now handled by the company itself. The women-led brand, founded by twin sisters Casey Sarai and Taylor Capuano, announced it will cover up to $3,000 per month in day care for each employee with children too young for school,<a href="https://www.inc.com/kaylawebster/this-women-led-startup-just-paid-its-employees-child-care-bills/91212055"> Inc.</a> reports.
The benefit totals $36,000 annually per employee and applies to both men and women on the team. So far, six of the company's 30 employees are enrolled. This move comes as Cakes Body nears $150 million in annual revenue after going viral on TikTok and gaining national attention through &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/05/45472538/mark-cuban-bids-farewell-to-shark-tank-how-to-watch-finale-and-whats-next-for-hit-show">Shark Tank</a>,&#8221; Inc. says.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – Many are rushing to grab <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.30/share</a></li>
<li>Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a></li>
</ul>
Federal data from the<a href="https://blog.dol.gov/2024/11/19/new-data-childcare-costs-remain-an-almost-prohibitive-expense"> Department of Labor</a> shows child care in the U.S. ranges from $6,552 to $15,600 per year, depending on location. According to Inc., Cakes Body more than doubles that value to remove the financial pressure from its employees entirely.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Founders Used Their Own Lives as a Blueprint for Change</h2>
At her last corporate job, almost all of Capuano's paycheck went to day care. Sarai has two children of her own and said the two built Cakes Body to support working women and solve problems that companies often ignore. The sisters run the company remotely, with Sarai in Los Angeles and Capuano in New York, Inc. says. Their team spans the U.S.
Cakes Body offers the benefit despite the fact that the current U.S. employer tax credit caps at $3,500 per year. Sarai told Inc. that the sisters plan to advocate for higher tax advantages to make similar support easier for other companies to offer.
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
Their goal is to normalize child care support in the workplace instead of treating it as an optional perk. "It became clear that if we wanted a workplace culture that truly supported us as whole humans, we'd have to build it ourselves," Capuano told Inc. "This support should be the norm."
"The Cakes Childcare Credit is designed to support all parents—mothers and fathers alike—reflecting our belief that caregiving responsibilities shouldn't automatically fall on women or lead anyone to step back from their careers," Sarai told Inc.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Viral Growth, Shark Tank Buzz, and a Culture Built on Recovery</h2>
Cakes Body became widely known after a TikTok campaign promoting its reusable silicone nipple covers took off. The exposure led to an appearance on "Shark Tank," where Emma Grede, co-founder of Good American and founding partner of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43789704/kim-kardashians-skims-joins-forces-with-nike-to-redefine-fitness-fashion-stock-gains">Skims</a>, offered $300,000 for 10% of the business Inc. reports.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
According to<a href="https://cakesbody.com/pages/about-cakes"> Cakes Body</a>, the company operates with a mission to combine product innovation with purpose, which includes supporting breast cancer research. To date, the company has donated over $1 million to breast health causes and is currently partnered with Dr. Laura van't Veer through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
In addition to child care, Inc. says Cakes Body gives employees two paid days off every quarter and offers a "quiet period" from mid-December to mid-January where no emails or calls are expected.
Sarai told Inc. that these rhythms help employees recover and return focused, making the team stronger over time. The company sees these investments as essential to long-term performance and culture.
Read Next: 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 $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

She Once Gave Up Her Entire Salary For Child Care—Now Her $100M Startup Covers It For Every Employee

In a recent prediction by analytics platform Glassnode, Bitcoin&#8216;s (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) value could potentially surge by roughly 15%, reaching a staggering $136,000, if current demand continues. However, there is a possible hitch to this prediction.
What Happened: Glassnode&#8217;s&nbsp;short-term holder (STH) cost basis&nbsp;model indicates that Bitcoin&#8217;s next significant resistance level is just shy of $140,000. This model, which calculates&nbsp;the average price at which&nbsp;short-term Bitcoin holders bought their coins, can be utilized to identify&nbsp;potential entry and exit points.
Despite Glassnode&#8217;s optimistic <a href="https://insights.glassnode.com/the-week-onchain-week-28-2025/">outlook</a> for Bitcoin&#8217;s value, the firm also cautions of a possible near-term peak as short-term holders sit on substantial unrealized profits. 
&#8220;Short-term&nbsp;holders, being the more price-sensitive&nbsp;cohort, are now seeing their&nbsp;unrealized profit reaching marginally overheated&nbsp;levels, making the incentive for&nbsp;them to sell and take&nbsp;profit increasingly likely,&#8221; Glassnode noted.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46508809/dogecoin-set-to-soar-2600-and-hit-1-trillion-market-cap-says-this-crypto-analyst">Dogecoin Set To Soar 2,600% and Hit $1 Trillion Market Cap, Says This Crypto Analyst</a>
Currently, 95% of Bitcoin&#8217;s short-term holder supply is profitable, which is&nbsp;seven percentage points above the&nbsp;long-term mean of 88%. If this metric starts to stabilize or fall&nbsp;below the 88% level, it&nbsp;could indicate a&nbsp;weakening demand or distribution taking&nbsp;place.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $118,257.
Why It Matters: This prediction by Glassnode is significant as it provides a potential outlook for Bitcoin&#8217;s value based on current demand and the behavior of short-term holders. The firm&#8217;s STH cost basis model offers a valuable tool for investors to identify potential investment opportunities. 
However, the warning of a possible near-term peak due to unrealized profits of short-term holders also serves as a cautionary note for investors. 
The current profitability of Bitcoin&#8217;s short-term holder supply, if it begins to stabilize or drop, could signal a shift in demand, impacting Bitcoin&#8217;s value.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45335892/decade-old-bitcoin-whale-emerges-transfers-207-51-million-btc-with-nearly-112000-profit">Decade-Old Bitcoin Whale Emerges, Transfers $207.51 Million BTC With Nearly 112,000% Profit</a>
Image: Shutterstock/ CKA

Bitcoin Could Explode to $136,000 if This Happens, Says Analytics Firm

Press Releases

The Italian Trade Agency's Machines Italia Project Leverages Xometry's Extensive Thomas Platform To Elevate Visibility Of Italian Manufacturers With Physical Operations Across North America

Comments

Xometry

Notizie

Ultime notizie per Xometry (NASDAQ:XMTR) Azioni

Le persone guardano anche

Notizie

PARTNER/COLLABORATORE

BENZINGA NEL MONDO