Each trading day features hundreds of headlines and press releases on Benzinga Pro, a source for traders to see the latest news on the overall market&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent123124&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and individual tickers.</a>



Here is a look at the most-searched stocks on Benzinga Pro for December 2024. Current prices and year-to-date performance are based on Dec. 31 and do not include dividends. Data for the month of November was not tracked.



<ol>
<li>Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)</li>
</ol>



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $403.84</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $138.80 to $488.54</li>



<li>Year-to-Date Return: +62.6%</li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/10/41150827/exclusive-top-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-september-2024-where-do-tesla-nvidia-apple">September</a>/<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/11/41718416/exclusive-top-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-october-2024-where-do-tesla-nvidia-apple-d">October </a>Ranking: 3rd/1st</li>
</ul>



2. Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) 



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $30.48</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $17.25 to $122.90</li>



<li>Year-to-Date Return: +6.8%</li>



<li>September/October Ranking: 7th/5th</li>
</ul>



3. NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $134.29</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $47.32 to $152.89</li>



<li>Year-to-Date Return: +178.8%</li>



<li>September/October Ranking: 1st/2nd</li>
</ul>



4. SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $586.08</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $466.44 to $609.07</li>



<li>Year-to-Date Return: +24.0%</li>



<li>September/October Ranking: 2nd/4th</li>
</ul>



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/12/42726598/dow-jones-2024-scoreboard-top-5-winners-losers-and-how-amazon-nvidia-could-reshape-2025">Dow Jones 2024 Scoreboard: Top 5 Winners, Losers — And How Amazon, Nvidia Could Reshape 2025</a>



5. SoundHound AI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOUN#NASDAQ">SOUN</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $19.84</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $1.62 to $24.98</li>



<li>Year-to-Date Return: +853.9%</li>



<li>September/October Ranking: Not in Top 20/Not in Top 20</li>
</ul>



6. Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $75.63</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $15.67 to $77.98</li>



<li>Year-to-Date Return: +356.2%</li>



<li>September/October Ranking: 12th/14th</li>
</ul>



7. Quantum Computing (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QUBT#NASDAQ">QUBT</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $16.55</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $0.35 to $27.15</li>



<li>Year-to-Date Return: +1,759.6%</li>



<li>September/October Ranking: Not in Top 20/Not in Top 20</li>
</ul>



8. Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $15.26</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $0.66 to $19.35</li>



<li>Year-to-Date Return: +1,558.7%</li>



<li>September/October Ranking: Not in Top 20/Not in Top 20</li>
</ul>



9. MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>)



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $289.62</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $43.89 to $542.99</li>



<li>Year-to-Date Return: +322.7%</li>



<li>September/October Ranking: Not in Top 20/16th</li>
</ul>



10. Nukkleus Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NUKK#NASDAQ">NUKK</a>)



<ol>
<li></li>
</ol>



<ul>
<li>Current Price: $36.67</li>



<li>52-Week Range: $1.30 to $78.32</li>



<li>Year-to-Date Return: +58.6%</li>



<li>September/October Ranking: Not in Top 20/Not in Top 20</li>
</ul>



Honorable Mentions:&nbsp;The following stocks were the 11th&nbsp;to 20th&nbsp;most-searched tickers on&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent090324&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;in December 2024.



<ol start="11">
<li>Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>)</li>



<li>CleanSpark Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLSK#NASDAQ">CLSK</a>)</li>



<li>Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)</li>



<li>Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>)</li>



<li>SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAES#NASDAQ">LAES</a>)</li>



<li>Micron Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>)</li>



<li>D-Wave Quantum (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QBTS#NYSE">QBTS</a>)</li>



<li>Dell Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>)</li>



<li>Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>)</li>



<li>Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)</li>
</ol>



Why It's Important: Tesla ranked as the most-searched ticker on Benzinga Pro for another month, taking the crown for the month of December. The stock is regularly one of the most-searched tickers on the site each month.



Super Micro Computer climbed up the leaderboard for the month, ranking second in December. The surge in interest came with shares down significantly in the month.



Nvidia ranked third for the month of December, its lowest ranking in several months of tracking.



Several companies made their first appearance on the list of most-searched tickers with the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42380768/quantum-computing-stocks-roundup-d-wave-rigetti-ionq-lead-the-charge-with-explosive-growth"> theme of quantum computing </a>stocks showing through in the monthly rankings. Quantum Computing, Rigetti and D-Wave Quantum all ranked among the top 20 searched tickers for the month of December.



Other newcomers to the top 10 included SoundHound AI, a popular AI play and short squeeze candidate. The stock has been highlighted several times in the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/12/42628286/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-including-qubt-qbts"> Benzinga Stock Whisper Index</a> and company executives have been interviewed by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42628373/exclusive-soundhound-ai-ceo-on-882-growth-were-just-getting-started">Benzinga recently.</a>



MicroStrategy, who is one of the largest holders of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) ranked ninth in the list, gaining from a 16th place ranking in September. The stock continues to be a proxy for Bitcoin, but with the rise of Bitcoin ETFs will be an interesting case study to watch in 2025 for investor appetite with more ways for investors to get exposure to the leading cryptocurrency.



Nukkleus was another newcomer to the top 10 and will be worth watching to see if this is a one-month inclusion or start of investor momentum.



On the ETF front, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust ranked fourth for the month and continues to be one of the most-watched ETFs. The Invesco QQQ Trust ETF, which tracks the Nasdaq 100 fell to 20th for the month after ranking 15th in October and sixth in September.



Trump Media &amp; Technology Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>), which ranked third in October, fell out of the top 20 stocks. This could show that the stock gained momentum around the 2024 election and the move may have been short-lived. With President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in January, it will be worth monitoring to see if the stock gains in price and interest among Benzinga readers.



Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) was one of the bigger surprises in December. The stock is regularly ranked among the top 10 most-searched tickers and ranked eighth in October. The stock fell out of the top 20, ranking 25th in December.



Overall the month of December saw four of the same top 10 tickers from October and eight of the top 20 tickers from October.



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/10/41584466/these-10-stocks-were-the-best-s-p-500-performers-in-2017-when-trump-was-president-will-history-r">These 10 Stocks Were The Best S&amp;P 500 Performers In 2017 When Trump Was President: Will History Repeat Itself?</a></li>
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Exclusives

Trading Ideas

$BTC

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RGTI

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TSLA

EXCLUSIVE: Top 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro In December 2024 — Where Do Tesla, Nvidia, Quantum Computing Stock Rank?

Elon Musk&#8216;s rocket manufacturing company SpaceX has completed 134 launches in 2024, setting a new milestone.



What Happened: For the entirety of 2023, SpaceX&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40916098/elon-musks-spacex-launches-90th-mission-in-2024-with-over-a-third-of-launch-target-still-to-go" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">only completed 96 launches</a>, not including two test flights of the company's Starship launch vehicle.



SpaceX was initially looking to complete 144 launches this year or an average of 12 times per month.



However, SpaceX VP of Launch&nbsp;Kiko Dontchev&nbsp;said in November that the company will&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41767169/spacex-completes-400th-successful-falcon-launch-to-date-but-will-miss-target-of-144-launches-in-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">not make its goal of 144 launches this year</a>&nbsp;but is still targeting 30 more launches, or one launch every two days, for the rest of the year.



As of the end of 2024, the company has completed 134 launches, excluding four Starship test flights. A majority of the launches were conducted by the company&#8217;s Falcon 9 launch vehicle and merely two on the company&#8217;s Falcon Heavy launch vehicle, one in the first half of the year and one in the second.



SpaceX&#8217;s first launch this year was on Jan. 2. Falcon 9 then launched 21 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.



The company has launched every month since, with the most launches completed in November and the least in July, owing to a two-week pause in operations mid-month. The last launch of the year was conducted on Tuesday when the company&#8217;s Falcon 9 launched 21 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Florida.



The company also completed four test flights of its ambitious Starship launch vehicle this year &#8211; in March, June, October, and the latest in November.



Landmark Missions:



In September, SpaceX launched the Polaris Dawn mission to space. The five-day Polaris Dawn mission included a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40830436/spacex-completes-1st-ever-spacewalk-by-a-commercial-company-as-part-of-polaris-dawn-mission">spacewalk carried out by private astronauts</a> including billionaire and Shift4 Payments CEO&nbsp;Jared Isaacman.



While space agency NASA routinely conducts extravehicular activities with government astronauts, no commercial player or civilians attempted it before, making Polaris a landmark mission for SpaceX and commercial spaceflight companies.



Yet another significant achievement for the company this year was when it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/24/11/42105704/spacex-ceo-elon-musk-reveals-technical-glitch-that-led-company-to-drop-key-objective-of-starships-6th-test-flight">caught the Starship launch vehicle&#8217;s booster back at Starbase </a>with the metal arms of the launch tower, in a demonstration of the vehicle&#8217;s reusability, during its third flight test in October.



Accidents And Operational Pauses: 



The year, however, was not without accidents.



SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket with 20 Starlink satellites from California on July 11. However, the Starlink satellites were deployed in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39766325/starlink-satellites-from-thursdays-launch-will-fully-demise-in-earths-atmosphere-says-elon-musks-spa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lower-than-intended orbit&nbsp;</a>owing to an issue with the rocket&#8217;s second-stage engine. The Starlink satellites were demised and the company's launch operations were subsequently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41088324/spacexs-falcon-9-rocket-grounded-3rd-time-in-3-months-launch-put-on-hold-as-company-hunts-for-root-c">placed on hold </a>until July 27.



In late August, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded the Falcon after a rocket booster that supported a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/starlink" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starlink mission</a>&nbsp;failed to land upright on a droneship at sea and exploded upon returning to Earth. However, the FAA gave the green light for the company to resume launch operations two days later.



Earlier this month, Reuters also reported that SpaceX lost ground control for at least an hour during the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40787779/spacex-launches-polaris-dawn-crew-to-space-with-aim-of-first-ever-private-spacewalk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polaris Dawn mission</a>&nbsp;in September. The SpaceX mission control was unable to command its Dragon spacecraft in orbit during the outage but the vehicle remained safe and maintained some communication with the ground with the help of the company's Starlink satellite network, the report said.



Reuters could not determine the exact time and duration of the outage. However, as per two of the agency's sources, it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42546578/spacex-lost-ground-control-on-dragon-spacecraft-during-polaris-dawn-mission-due-to-power-outage-at-california-facility-report">happened before the planned spacewalk</a> and lasted at least an hour.&nbsp;



Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>



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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

News

SPACE

Tech

SpaceX Hits New Milestone In 2024 With 134 Launches

U.S. stock markets, including the Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange, will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1, in observance of New Year's Day.



U.S. bond markets closed early on Tuesday, Dec. 31, with trading ending at 2 p.m. ET. Bond markets will remain closed on New Year's Day and resume operations on Thursday, Jan. 2.



The next scheduled market closure will be on Thursday, Jan. 9, as the nation observes a day of mourning following the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. Markets will remain closed for the day.



Most banks, following&nbsp;the Federal Reserve banking holidays,&nbsp;will close on New Year&#8217;s Day.&nbsp;



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42746085/the-only-2025-market-prediction-youll-need">The Only 2025 Market Prediction You&#8217;ll Need</a>



Various retailers, grocery stores, and pharmacies will be open on New Year&#8217;s Day, albeit with adjusted hours.



Albertsons Companies, encompassing&nbsp;ACME, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Randalls, Safeway,&nbsp;Shaw's, Tom Thumb, and Vons, will operate on shortened hours. 



Kroger family stores will keep their regular hours. However, Costco and Sam&#8217;s Club will be closed on New Year&#8217;s Day, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/30/business/open-closed-new-years-eve-day/index.html">reports</a> CNN.



Pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens&nbsp;will be open, though some&nbsp;may operate on limited hours. Most banks, following&nbsp;the Federal Reserve banking holidays,&nbsp;will close on New Year&#8217;s Day.&nbsp;The New York Stock Exchange&nbsp;and Nasdaq will also cease trading on New Year&#8217;s Day.



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Markets

US Stock Markets Closed Today: Trading Resumes Jan. 2 After New Year's Break

As the global debt approaches $102 trillion, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42701155/made-in-china-paid-in-america-what-trumps-new-tariffs-mean-for-the-us-economy">the United States and China</a> are the top contributors to the increasing debt. According to data from the IMF and Visual Capitalist, in one year, the global debt will have risen by $5 trillion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The United States: A Growing Debt Mountain</h2>



The U.S. accounts for the largest portion of the global debt at 34.6%. Major contributing factors include an aging population, defense spending triggered by geopolitical tensions and rising health care costs.&nbsp;



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Net interest payments on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42642808/americas-fatal-flaw-is-its-sharply-increasing-addiction-to-government-debt-says-expert-and-the-mother-of-all-bubbles-is-ready-to-pop">national debt</a> exceeded $892 billion in the 2024 fiscal year. The IMF projects that by 2034, annual interest payments in the U.S. will hit $1.7 trillion and cumulative interest costs over the next decade will reach upward of $12.9 trillion.&nbsp;



The IMF wrote that these pressures require major fiscal adjustments – like spending cuts and increased taxes – to stabilize debt levels. They suggest that without intervention, the United States' debt burden could greatly strain <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41564246/from-10-trillion-to-35-trillion-how-government-spending-has-spiraled-out-of-control">government budgets</a> and economic growth.&nbsp;



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">China: Accelerating Debt Growth</h2>



China is the second-largest contributor to global government debt at 16.1%. In 2024, China's debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 90.1%. Projections show that this number could reach 111.1% by 2029. Increases to China's debt are driven by ongoing stimulus measures to support its economy amid external pressures, like potential tariffs from the U.S.&nbsp;



China has been able to mitigate some of its debt risks despite the challenges it faces. However, the IMF warns that current fiscal efforts may not be enough to stabilize or reduce debt levels in the future.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rising Risks and Global Implications</h2>



Global public debt is expected to exceed 100% of global GDP by 2029. Aging populations, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40624190/aon-predicts-9-increase-in-employer-health-care-costs-for-2025-heres-whats-fueling-the-spike">rising health care costs</a> and higher defense spending in major countries like the U.S., China, Brazil and France drive this growth. The IMF's October 2024 Fiscal Monitor also warns about "hidden debt" from state-owned enterprises and other liabilities, which could increase global public debt beyond current estimates.



Trending: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>



In the U.S., experts are raising concerns about the potential impact of high debt on the dollar. The Bipartisan Policy Center says rising debt could hurt the dollar's role as the world's main reserve currency. If investors lose confidence in the U.S.'s ability to manage its debt, it could weaken America's economic power globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Addressing the Debt Challenge</h2>



Experts say governments need to create policies that lower debt while still protecting the most vulnerable. The IMF recommends reforming entitlement programs, increasing taxes in wealthier countries and improving how taxes are collected in developing nations. These measures aim to reduce debt without significantly slowing economic growth.



As debt levels keep rising, governments face growing pressure to take action. Without real changes, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42075235/feds-schmid-rising-us-national-debt-could-push-interest-rates-higher">increasing debt</a> could harm long-term economic stability worldwide.



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a></li>
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Personal Finance

$102 Trillion Global Debt: The U.S. And China Lead The Charge – What You Need To Know

In a significant development, the gas transit from Russia to Europe via Ukraine has been terminated after operating for five decades. This move comes as Ukraine declines to support any transit that contributes to Moscow&#8217;s war efforts.



What Happened: Both Russia and Ukraine announced the cessation of gas flow on Wednesday. This follows the expiration of a crucial transit deal. The halt will compel central European countries, which have depended on these flows, to seek more costly gas alternatives. This will further strain supplies as the region&#8217;s winter storage rapidly depletes.



The transit route accounted for a small 5% of Europe&#8217;s gas needs. However, its closure comes at a time when countries are still grappling with an energy crisis sparked by Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine. Gas prices have seen a 50% surge year-on-year, and the impending supply cutoff has further escalated these prices, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-01/russia-and-ukraine-end-five-decades-of-gas-transit-to-europe?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">reports </a>Bloomberg. 



The stoppage in gas transit will result in a loss of approximately $6 billion a year in revenue for Russia, according to Bloomberg&#8217;s estimates. Ukraine will also suffer a loss in transit fees and will lose its strategic position as a provider&nbsp;of affordable energy for Western&nbsp;allies.



Central European customers of Russia&#8217;s Gazprom PJSC (MCX: GAZP) have managed to secure alternative supplies, albeit at a higher cost. Slovakia&#8217;s largest gas utility, Slovensky Plynarensky Priemysel AS, will shell out an additional €90 million ($93 million) annually to ensure stable imports through different routes.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42743937/natural-gas-prices-spike-as-bone-chilling-arctic-blast-approaches">Natural Gas Prices Spike As &#8216;Bone-Chilling&#8217; Arctic Blast Approaches</a>



On New Year&#8217;s Day, Gazprom halted supplies after the five-year transit deal expired. The company cited a lack of &#8220;technical and legal opportunities&#8221; for shipments amid Ukraine&#8217;s &#8220;repeated and explicit refusal&#8221; to extend these agreements. 



This was confirmed by Ukraine&#8217;s Energy Ministry, which stated that Russian flows across its territory ceased as of 7 a.m. local time.



Why It Matters: The termination of gas transit from Russia to Europe via Ukraine marks a significant shift in the energy landscape. It underscores the geopolitical tensions and their impact on the global energy market. 



This development is likely to exacerbate the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, further escalating gas prices and straining supplies. It also highlights the economic implications for both Russia and Ukraine, with significant revenue losses anticipated. 



Furthermore, it underscores the strategic importance of Ukraine as a provider of affordable energy for Western allies, a position it now stands to lose.



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This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Global

Russia and Ukraine Halt Gas Transit: What It Means for Global Energy Markets

Warren Buffett&#8216;s Berkshire Hathaway has made a significant investment in VeriSign Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRSN#NASDAQ">VRSN</a>), purchasing $74 million worth of shares. 



What Happened: The conglomerate acquired approximately 377,736 shares during trading sessions leading up to Dec. 24, according to <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/12/30/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-verisign-stock-dot-com/">Fortune</a> on Tuesday. This move comes despite a 2% decline in VeriSign&#8217;s stock during a booming year for tech stocks, data from <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a> revealed.



During the same period, the S&amp;P 500 has risen 25% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq has gained 30%.



Founded in 1995, VeriSign was a key player during the dotcom boom, primarily known for domain name registration. It plays a crucial role in Internet infrastructure by supporting DNS queries and maintaining two of the Internet&#8217;s 13 root servers. Despite its essential functions, the company&#8217;s stock has underperformed, down 1.38% year to date, compared to the S&amp;P 500&#8217;s 25% rise and the Nasdaq&#8217;s 30% increase.



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42716882/dogecoin-could-surge-7185-in-2025-top-analyst-delivers-bold-forecast-is-23-in-the-cards-for-the-good-boy?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogecoin Could Surge 7185% In 2025, Top Analyst Delivers Bold Forecast: Is $23 In The Cards For The Good Boy?</a>



Berkshire Hathaway, which first invested in VeriSign over a decade ago, has increased its holdings to over 13 million shares, valued at approximately $2.6 billion, making it the largest shareholder. According to the report, VeriSign&#8217;s high-profit margins may be a factor in this investment decision. The company ranks fifth in profit margin among S&amp;P 500 companies and third in operating margin among major U.S. companies.



Despite its stock lagging behind major indices, VeriSign&#8217;s essential role in internet infrastructure and its impressive profit margins make it an attractive investment for Buffett&#8217;s firm. 



As per<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com"> Benzinga Pro</a> data, VeriSign has a consensus price target of $243.67 based on the ratings of three analysts. As per the most-recent analyst rating by Baird has set an average price target of $216.67 with an implied 3.67% upside for the company.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VRSN/analyst-ratings"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31085221/Screenshot-2024-12-31-at-7.22.14%E2%80%AFPM-1024x405.png" alt="" class="wp-image-713381"/></a></figure>



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/stock-split/24/12/42716205/peter-lynchs-timeless-investment-rules-you-can-always-lose-what-you-have-invested-even-if-a-stock-is-cheap?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Lynch Shares Timeless Investment Rules: &#8216;You Can Always Lose What You Have Invested, Even If A Stock Is Cheap&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



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



Image via Shutterstock

Equities

General

VRSN

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Makes Bold $74 Million Bet On This Forgotten Darling Of Dotcom Boom

The S&amp;P 500 wrapped another remarkably prosperous year on Tuesday, notching a second consecutive year of 20% gains and more than<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/12/42746036/is-spy-losing-its-spark-the-sp-500s-risk-conundrum"> 50 record highs.&nbsp;</a>



All three major indices ended Tuesday in the red, with the S&amp;P 500 down 0.43%, the Nasdaq down 0.9% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average ending the session 0.07% lower, according to data from<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw"> Benzinga Pro</a>.&nbsp;



Despite losing some steam in December, the S&amp;P 500 finished the year 23.5% higher, bolstered by strong corporate profits and artificial intelligence investment and enthusiasm.&nbsp;



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42743937/natural-gas-prices-spike-as-bone-chilling-arctic-blast-approaches">Natural Gas Prices Spike As &#8216;Bone-Chilling&#8217; Arctic Blast Approaches</a>



Experts expect double-digit gains to continue through 2025, with analysts' price targets for the S&amp;P 500 ranging from 6,000 to 7,100.&nbsp;



Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial, noted the average top-down Wall Street strategist price target for the S&amp;P 500 has climbed to 6,614 at year's end, up from 5,548 in October. He highlighted this as the highest quarterly rate of change since the data series began in 1999, reflecting the overwhelming optimism of market participants.&nbsp;



The LPL Research target range for the S&amp;P 500 at the end of 2025 is between 6,275 and 6,375.



Analysts also anticipate the S&amp;P 500 to report double-digit earnings growth in calendar year 2025 with an estimated earnings growth rate of 14.8%, according to <a href="https://insight.factset.com/sp-500-cy-2025-earnings-preview-analysts-expect-earnings-growth-of-15">data from</a> Factset.&nbsp;



The average EPS estimate for the S&amp;P 500 next year is $269, with the range of forecasts spanning from $254 to $282, according to LPL Research. The firm's own estimate is for an EPS of $260 for the S&amp;P 500 in 2025.  



The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) ended Tuesday's session down 0.36%, but closed out 2024 with gains of 23.31% on the year.  



Turnquist said that LPL Research expects stocks to move modestly higher in 2025, but cautioned that gains could be offset by "excessively" bullish sentiment and stretched valuations.



"Positive surprises that drove stocks higher in the last year may be more difficult to come by in the year ahead," Turnquist said. 



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42734220/bill-ackman-sends-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-stocks-soaring-trump-likes-big-deals">Bill Ackman Sends Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Stocks Soaring: &#8216;Trump Likes Big Deals&#8217;</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Market Summary

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

ETFs

S&P 500 Ends 2024 23% Higher, Experts See Double-Digit Growth For 2025

Nippon Steel (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NPSCY#OTC">NPSCY</a>) proposed granting the U.S. government veto power over reductions in U.S. Steel Corp&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>) production capacity in a bid to secure approval from President Joe Biden for its $14.9 billion acquisition of the American steelmaker.



The Washington Post, which first reported this story, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/12/31/nippon-us-steel-biden-union/">noted</a> the proposal is aimed at mollifying the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which warned last week that Japan-based Nippon Steel's takeover of U.S. Steel could lead to a decline in domestic steel output that would pose "risks to the national security of the United States."



Biden, who faces a Jan. 7 deadline to make a decision, opposed the deal, aligning with United Steelworkers Union President David McCall, who criticized Nippon Steel's bid as harmful to workers and questioned its commitment to unionized operations. Despite internal White House debates, Biden's stance diverges from advisers who favor the acquisition.



Nippon Steel's latest offer includes a 10-year commitment to maintaining production capacity at mills in six states, requiring significant investment beyond its $2.7 billion pledge for operations in Pennsylvania and Indiana. It also includes a two-year guarantee for a mostly idle steel mill in Granite City, Illinois. The company also has promised no layoffs or closures of unionized facilities until at least September 2026.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/currency-etfs/24/12/42750554/golds-shine-fades-as-bitcoin-etfs-rise-the-new-safe-haven-champion">Gold&#8217;s Shine Fades As Bitcoin ETFs Rise: The New Safe-Haven Champion?</a>



Nevertheless, union opposition remains strong. McCall accused Nippon Steel of planning to shift work to nonunionized facilities. He has also raised concerns about the company's history of undercutting U.S. markets by selling steel below cost. Nippon Steel rebutted these claims, alleging McCall has leveraged political ties with Biden to oppose the transaction.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Divide Among Workers</h1>



The sale has created a divide within the steelworkers' union. While leadership opposes the deal, rank-and-file members at aging mills slated for modernization have expressed support. The company's revised "national security agreement" includes legally binding commitments aimed at easing concerns. But that has not swayed McCall, who dismissed the proposal as unenforceable.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">X, NPSCY Price Action</h1>



U.S. Steel shares closed up 9.54% at $33.99 and Nippon Steel shares closed up 1.77% at $6.90 on Tuesday.



Read Next: • <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/previews/24/12/42745852/tesla-q4-delivery-preview-will-2024-stock-gains-hold-as-growth-slows">Tesla Q4 Delivery Preview: Will 2024 Stock Gains Hold As Growth Slows?</a>



Photo: Poetra.RH via Shutterstock

Government

Commodities

NPSCY

Nippon Steel Proposes Biden Government Veto Over US Steel's Production Output In Bid To Secure Acquisition

Streaming giant Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) had a Christmas to remember with strong viewership for its debut <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/24/12/42711504/lebron-james-vs-nfl-nba-star-says-christmas-is-our-day-2024-ratings-paint-a-different-picture">National Football League games </a>and the highly anticipated second season of "Squid Game."



What Happened: Released on Dec. 26, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42305013/squid-game-season-2-includes-new-games-contestant-with-a-crypto-background-revenge-factor-political-overtones">the second season</a> of "Squid Game" had 68 million views ranking first for the week for Netflix's non-English TV list and setting a new record.



The series <a href="https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/top-10-dec-23-2024">ranked</a> number one in 92 countries. It is also the most-watched show in its premiere week in Netflix history. It beat a previous record set by the first season of "Wednesday" in 2022 at 50.1 million views.



Netflix's <a href="https://www.netflix.com/tudum/top10/tv-non-english">list </a>of top shows for the week covers the period of Dec. 23 through Dec. 29 with the second season of "Squid Game" releasing on Dec. 26 and not available for the full week.



Netflix subscribers watched the second season of "Squid Game" for over 487.6 million hours in its debut week. The first season ranked third among non-English TV series with 8.1 million views.



Along with "Squid Game" posting a big win for Netflix, two Christmas Day NFL games ranked as the top watched English language shows for the week. The two NFL games are the most-streamed in league history.



Netflix movie "Carry-On" ranked number one for English-language films for a third straight week with 34.9 million views.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41391637/netflix-q3-earnings-revenue-beats-eps-tops-q4-guidance-projects-subscriber-boost-from-squid-game-nf">Netflix Q3 Earnings: Revenue Beats, EPS Tops, Q4 Guidance Projects Subscriber Boost From &#8216;Squid Game,&#8217; NFL, And Boxing</a>



Why It's Important: The second season of "Squid Game" already ranks as the seventh most popular non-English TV show in Netflix history. And it could be on its way to setting more records.



The show&#8217;s first season had 265.2 million views on Netflix and more than 1.65 billion hours watched in its first four weeks.



Netflix credits the popularity of the new season for helping the company's new multiplayer video game "Squid Game: Unleashed" become the top action game in 57 countries. In Netflix's video game push, this could be one of its biggest launches in recent history.



Investors and analysts will peruse Netflix data to see if "Squid Game" can continue its success beyond the next three weeks as it climbs the company's all-time charts.



Netflix will release a third and final "Squid Game" season in 2025, adding to the future catalysts of the streaming company.



Netflix will report fourth-quarter financial results on Jan. 21. Whether NFL and "Squid Game" viewership translated to new Netflix subscribers or if the programs were simply watched under existing accounts remains to be seen.



Netflix is also putting a focus on advertising revenue through its ad-supported plans. Investors and analysts will likely look for company commentary on how much ad revenue Netflix made from the NFL games and "Squid Game" and what this means for future events or show premieres.  



Price Action: Netflix stock was down 1% to $891.32 on Tuesday versus a 52-week trading range of $461.86 to $941.75. Netflix stock was up 90.3% in 2024.



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/12/42702484/if-you-invested-1000-in-netflix-stock-when-squid-game-was-released-heres-how-much-youd-have-today">If You Invested $1,000 In Netflix Stock When &#8216;Squid Game&#8217; Was Released, Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have Today</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Entertainment

NFLX

Netflix Posts Record Debut With 'Squid Game' Season 2: Here's How Many People Watched Show

The price of PEPE coin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">PEPE</a>) is soaring Tuesday after billionaire Elon Musk changed his name on social media platform X and his profile picture to an image of Pepe the Frog <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42739155/elon-musk-changes-his-name-to-kekius-maximus-on-x-sending-to-memecoin-skyrocketing-over-600">playing video games.</a>



While Musk's X changes sparked optimism for the meme coin, this wasn't the first time the billionaire supported Pepe the Frog memes and images on social media. Here's a look back.



What Happened: Pepe coin, based on the popular Pepe the Frog meme, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/11/41946785/if-you-invested-100-in-pepe-coin-at-launch-heres-how-much-youd-have-today">launched in mid-April 2023</a> and gained interest from the cryptocurrency community. The number of holders quickly grew thanks to the meme's built-in popularity and name recognition.



While Pepe coin's first year was memorable, the cryptocurrency&#8217;s second year<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41945111/pepe-listed-on-robinhood-coinbase-reaches-new-all-time-high-on-44-gain-traders-speculate-about-dogecoin-like-run"> included a listing</a> on Robinhood, providing more accessibility for investors to buy it. The coin hit a new all-time high in December, following many cryptocurrencies that hit new all-time highs after the 2024 presidential election.



The Pepe the Frog meme was created by artist Matt Furie. Because the meme is so well known, being used by the world's richest person and most followed account on X could help strengthen interest in the cryptocurrency.



Musk changed his <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk">name </a>to Kekius Maximus on X in late December 2024 while changing his profile picture to an image that looks to have combined Pepe the Frog with a gladiator playing video games. The move led to the creation of a new meme crypto Kekius Maximus (CRYPTO: KEKIUS), while also leading to Pepe trading up more than 11% higher over the last 24 hours at the time of writing.



Musk also <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1873985108044091822">tweeted </a>he would reach level 80 in hardcore PoE, a post related to the game Path of Exile 2 that he likes to play.



Kek is a term used in gaming culture that often translates to lol or haha, based on translations from popular games such as World of Warcraft and Starcraft. There is also the Egyptian god Kek, who has been portrayed as Pepe the Frog since the 2016 election, as <a href="https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/kek/">reported </a>by Dictionary.com.



The recent name change and profile picture change is not the first time Musk used Pepe the Frog images on X. The billionaire has shared several memes throughout 2024 involving Pepe and responded to many Pepe memes.



On March 13, 2024, Musk used a meme featuring Pepe the Frog to explain the First and Second Amendments, as reported by <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/65f1897897e6a741289a3034/">Coinmarketcap</a>. This may have been his first use of a Pepe the Frog meme by Musk on X. This could have been an entry point for investors looking to buy Pepe based on Musk's potential future support.



You may not be a billionaire like Elon Musk, but you can uncover hidden gems in the stock market using our proprietary data and pattern recognition — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42490690/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet">check out five stocks flying under the radar that deserve your attention.</a>



Investing $1000 in PEPE Coin:&nbsp;Pepe coin traded at a high of $0.000009332 on March 13, 2024. A $1,000 investment at the time could have bought 107,158,165.45 PEPE.



Based on a current price of $0.00002047 for PEPE at the time of writing, the $1,000 investment would be worth $2,193.53 today. This represents a potential gain of 119.4% over the last nine months.



For comparison, the same $1,000 invested in Musk's favorite cryptocurrency Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) or the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), which tracks the S&amp;P 500, would not have performed as well.



The $1,000 invested in Dogecoin would be worth $1,829.74 today, up 83% over the same period. The $1,000 invested in the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust would be worth $1,129.76 today, up 13.0% over the same period.



Benzinga <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42370333/happy-birthday-dogecoin-if-you-invested-100-in-meme-crypto-when-elon-musk-first-tweeted-about-it-heres-how-much-youd-have-today">previously shared how</a> investing in Dogecoin in April 2019 or July 2020 when Musk famously mentioned Dogecoin in comments and made his first meme post could have turned into substantial profits.



There is no guarantee that Musk will make a complete switch away from Doge memes to Pepe memes and keep the momentum in the cryptocurrency going, but the crypto sector will likely be closely watching in 2025.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42620853/elon-musk-is-so-rich-he-could-buy-every-mlb-nba-nfl-nhl-team-and-still-have-cash-left-over">Elon Musk Is So Rich He Could Buy Every MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL Team And Still Have Cash Left Over</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Cryptocurrency

Social Media

Education

$DOGE

$PEPE

If You Invested $1,000 In Pepe Coin When Elon Musk Shared A Meme Earlier This Year, Here's How Much You'd Have Today

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) disclosed recent purchases of several stocks on Christmas Eve, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/members/marjorie-taylor-greene">Benzinga Government Trades.</a>



Here's a look at what the far-right politician bought.



What Happened: Greene has been an active trader of stocks while in Congress, based on her disclosures over the years.



After going several years without disclosing any trades, Greene <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38611874/marjorie-taylor-greene-reveals-new-stock-trades-after-2-year-gap-berkshire-hathway-goldman-sachs">disclosed several purchases</a> in May. She also made<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/11/41754747/is-marjorie-taylor-greene-betting-on-trump-victory-buys-apple-meta-tesla-stocks-ahead-of-2024-electi"> multiple transactions</a> later in September, October and November.



Greene recently disclosed multiple stock purchases that happened on Dec. 24. Here are the trades that she made, with each valued between $1,000 and $15,000:



<ul>
<li>Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>)</li>



<li>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)</li>



<li>Applied Materials (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>)</li>



<li>Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>)</li>



<li>Duke Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUK#NYSE">DUK</a>)</li>



<li>Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>)</li>



<li>Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>)</li>



<li>Johnson and Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>)</li>



<li>Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)</li>



<li>Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)</li>



<li>Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NSC#NYSE">NSC</a>)</li>



<li>NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)</li>



<li>ServiceNow (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>)</li>



<li>The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>)</li>
</ul>



Of these stocks bought in the latest disclosures, Eli Lilly, Gilead and Norfolk Southern are new buys for Greene over the last two years.



The rest of the stocks are already owned by Greene with her adding to her position. Several of the stocks, like Hershey have been bought four times by Greene in 2024.



Did You Know?



<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent123124">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>



Why It's Important: The trading activity of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/congress-trading">members of Congress </a>continues to be a hot-button item closely monitored by retail investors and the public.



President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42538504/biden-endorses-ban-of-congressional-stock-trading-nobody-in-the-congress-should-be-able-to-make-money-in-the-stock-market-while-in-office">endorsed a ban</a>, suggesting Congress members shouldn&#8217;t be able to trade stocks and options while in office.



&#8220;Nobody in the Congress should be able to make money in the stock market while they&#8217;re in the Congress,&#8221; Biden said in an interview with political advisor&nbsp;Faiz Shakir.



There have been numerous calls to vote for Congress members to vote for a ban on Congressional trading, but a vote has not happened. Representative&nbsp;Ro Khanna&nbsp;(D-Calif.)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/05/39096827/exclusive-khanna-says-shameful-congress-members-profited-from-stocks-calls-for-trading-ban-makin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previously told Benzinga&nbsp;</a>that he will continue to advocate for a vote to ban the practice.



Congressional committee assignments can create conflicts of interest when trades are disclosed. Greene serves on the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, which could give her information on government contracts for technology companies.



Greene's latest stock purchases in November and the new disclosures show a continued bet on technology stocks going forward. Chip stocks and technology companies were among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/10/41584466/these-10-stocks-were-the-best-s-p-500-performers-in-2017-when-trump-was-president-will-history-r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the best performing&nbsp;</a>in the S&amp;P 500 in 2017, Trump&#8217;s first year in the White House previously.



Tech giants Meta and Microsoft remain popular for Greene in 2024 with multiple purchases made. A pending ban of TikTok could benefit Meta in 2025.



Greene is also positioning her portfolio with several healthcare names like Eli Lilly, Gilead and Johnson and Johnson.



A deal between Mondelez International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>) and Hershey could benefit Greene if the chocolate company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/ma/24/12/42496403/deal-dispatch-hershey-monelez-houlihan-intevac-onion-infowars">approves an acquisition</a>.



While Greene has been actively buying stocks over the last several months, she has not reported selling her shares of Trump Media &amp; Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>), the Trump co-founded media company that completed a SPAC merger earlier this year.



Greene <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/41031499/marjorie-taylor-greene-stays-loyal-to-trump-keeps-djt-stock-buys-into-warren-buffetts-berkshire-in-l">disclosed buying</a>&nbsp;Digital World Acquisition&nbsp;shares back in October 2021, the SPAC that took&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;media company public in March 2024.



The transaction was done with shares trading between $67.96 to $118.80. A tweet from UnusualWhales pins the purchase price at $94.20, meaning Greene is down significantly on her $15,000 to $50,000 purchase in the Trump-linked stock. Shares of DJT trade at $39.13 at the time of writing.



Previous disclosures by Greene have shown buys of Tesla and Berkshire Hathaway stock. Greene's portfolio currently consists of investments tied to some of the richest people in the world including Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Jensen Huang. Her portfolio also has exposure to Trump via his media company.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/01/36459015/10-best-stock-traders-in-congress-in-2023-spoiler-nancy-pelosi-is-back-on-the-list">10 Best Stock Traders In Congress In 2023 (Spoiler: Nancy Pelosi Has Reentered The Chat)</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Politics

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AMZN

GILD

MDLZ

MSFT

Marjorie Taylor Greene Went Christmas Shopping For Stocks, Here's What She Bought Before Holiday

Cryptocurrency markets are trading relatively flat on New Year&#8217;s Eve, with Bitcoin exchange netflows significantly lower.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Gains +/-</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td> $93,826</td><td>-0.5%</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td><td> $3,354</td><td>-1.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td><td> $195.05</td><td>+0.8%</td></tr><tr><td>XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td><td> $2.09</td><td>+0.4%</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td><td> $0.3184</td><td>+0.2%</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td><td> $0.00002124</td><td>-1.1%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Notable Statistics:



<ul>
<li>IntoTheBlock data shows large transaction volume increasing by 48.2% and daily active addresses falling by 0.07%. Transactions greater than $100,000 are up from 7,678 to 10,479 in a single day. Exchanges netflows are down by 3,927.1%.</li>



<li>Coinglass data reports 85,767 traders were liquidated for $236.02 million.</li>
</ul>



Notable Developments:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42740586/bitcoin-surges-above-95500-in-2024-closing-day-whats-next">Bitcoin Surges Above $95,500 In 2024 Closing Day: What&#8217;s Next?</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42738817/new-year-new-strategy-buy-crypto-like-you-buy-fine-wine-in-2025-experts-share-resolutions">New Year, New Strategy: Buy Crypto Like You Buy Fine Wine In 2025 — Experts Share Resolutions</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42741117/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-a-stablecoin-integration-x-would-great-feature">Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Says A Stablecoin Integration On X Would Be &#8216;A Great Feature&#8217;</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42740881/can-bitcoin-as-legal-tender-reshape-a-nations-economy-lessons-from-el-salvador">Can Bitcoin as Legal Tender Reshape a Nation&#8217;s Economy? Lessons from El Salvador</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42739155/elon-musk-changes-his-name-to-kekius-maximus-on-x-sending-to-memecoin-skyrocketing-over-600">Elon Musk Changes His Name To &#8216;Kekius Maximus&#8217; On X, Sending This Memecoin Skyrocketing Over 600%</a></li>
</ul>



Top Gainers:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Gains +/-</td></tr><tr><td>Virtuals Protocol (CRYPTO: VIRTUAL)</td><td> $4.00</td><td>+16.6%</td></tr><tr><td>Pepe (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">PEPE</a>)</td><td> $0.00002043</td><td>+11.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Mantra (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/om/usd">OM</a>)</td><td> $3.83</td><td>+8.0%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Trader Notes: With Bitcoin prices relatively flat, CoinDesk analyst James Van Straten stated that this scenario is just as in the prior three cycles when Bitcoin saw corrections at this point after the halving.



<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">This cycle as with the previous three cycles for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> all saw corrections at this point after the halving. Note how the corrections are starting later and finishing later. Maybe, to do with elongated cycles. All is well. <a href="https://t.co/SwNQ1rH4ur">pic.twitter.com/SwNQ1rH4ur</a>&mdash; James Van Straten (@btcjvs) <a href="https://twitter.com/btcjvs/status/1874069329568031044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Crypto trader Jelle predicts Bitcoin preparing for a larger move ahead.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> has printed the &#39;fuck all of you&#39; pattern! This pattern reduces leverage in the system, preparing for a larger move ahead. &#x1f9d8;&#x1f3fc;&#x200d;&#x2642;&#xfe0f; <a href="https://t.co/Qph5ZJbxEE">pic.twitter.com/Qph5ZJbxEE</a>&mdash; Jelle (@CryptoJelleNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoJelleNL/status/1874013126045426023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



More Crypto Online <a href="https://x.com/Morecryptoonl/status/1874100766257943011">noted</a> that Bitcoin&#8217;s price has moved upward as anticipated, with further short-term upside likely. However, the overall corrective pattern to the downside appears incomplete. The current movement aligns with the &#8220;yellow scenario,&#8221; and a break above $97,450 would further confirm this trajectory.



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42745169/bitcoin-reserves-spot-etfs-ai-agents-key-trends-to-watch-in-crypto-in-2025">Bitcoin Reserves, Spot ETFs, AI Agents: Key Trends To Watch In Crypto In 2025</a>v</li>
</ul>

$ETH

$SHIB

$SOL

$XRP

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Trade Sideways On New Year's Eve

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/12/42661676/barbara-corcoran-refuses-first-class-luxury-id-rather-sit-in-coach-and-gift-my-family-3-plane-tickets-with-the-savings">Barbara Corcoran's</a> rise to business stardom didn't come without a few dramatic twists, including a memorable breakup that became a cornerstone of her success story. The self-proclaimed "Queen of New York Real Estate" often shares the tale of how her ex-boyfriend, Ramone Simone, left her both personally and professionally – but not before giving her $1,000 to start the business that would eventually make her a household name.



In a December 2024 conversation on the Sprouht podcast, Corcoran reflected on the pivotal moment when Simone announced he was leaving her. After seven years together, he revealed he was marrying her secretary. "I was out. She was in," Corcoran recalled. "She was younger and prettier than me." Simone had been her business partner, owning 51% of the real estate company they had built together in the early 1970s. The breakup was devastating for Corcoran, but it also became the catalyst for her success.



Don't Miss:



<ul>
<li>During market downturns, investors are learning that unlike equities, these<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2"> high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% are protected by resilient assets, buffering against losses.</a></li>



<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>



This wasn't the first time Corcoran shared the story. On Steven Bartlett's The Diary of a CEO podcast in 2022, she recounted how Simone's decision to leave – and his 51% stake in the business – meant she had to start over. His parting comment at that time? "You'll never succeed without me." The words were a gut punch but also fueled Corcoran's ambitions. At the time, she says she hated him, but in hindsight, she sees the breakup as the defining moment that drove her to launch The Corcoran Group.



After parting ways with Simone, Corcoran didn't just rebuild – she soared. Her first big move was placing an ad in The New York Times to announce her new business. The ad paid off, attracting clients and establishing Corcoran as a real estate force in New York City. She even took an office two floors above Simone's in some strategic (and satisfying) positioning.



Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-y2"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>



Corcoran grew The Corcoran Group into one of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39796586/forget-about-florida-barbara-corcoran-says-theres-always-a-cheap-house-to-buy-but-not-in-florida">most successful real estate firms</a> in the country. In 2001, she sold the company for $66 million, cementing her status as a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/10/41407194/planning-to-buy-a-house-shark-tanks-barbara-corcorans-advice-is-to-get-out-there-now?utm_campaign=partner_feed&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=partner_feed&amp;utm_content=real_estate">self-made business mogul</a>. Looking back, she now says, "Thank God," for Simone's departure, recognizing it as the moment that allowed her to claim independence and drive her to greater heights.



From heartbreak to boardrooms, Corcoran's story is a master class in resilience and reinvention. What started as a $1,000 loan became a billion-dollar empire – and the ultimate revenge against anyone who doubted her.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li>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/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2">These high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% make earning passive income easier than ever.</a></li>



<li>This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=byerscta100">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a></li>
</ul>

Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran Says Ex-Boyfriend Left Her For 'Younger And Prettier' Secretary After Giving Her $1,000 To Start A Business

Elon Musk isn't just a man of the world – he's actively building worlds, whether it's on Mars or in your driveway. The billionaire entrepreneur and richest man in the world may be best known for Tesla, SpaceX and his Twitter antics, but his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/38594265/elon-musks-ex-wife-said-she-lived-a-dream-lifestyle-while-married-but-all-she-wanted-was-the-lov">first ex-wife, Justine Musk</a>, offers a more personal look at what makes Musk tick. Her stories paint a picture of a man who doesn't just dream big – he demands big.



"He would call very insistently," Justine said in Ashlee Vance's biography Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX and the Quest for a Fantastic Future, as reported by CNBC in 2018. "You always knew it was Elon because the phone would never stop ringing."&nbsp;



Don't Miss:



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<li>The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a></li>



<li>‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a></li>
</ul>



Musk, who fathered five children with Justine before their divorce in 2008, has always been known for his intensity. And for her, it was impossible to miss. "I do think of him as the Terminator. He locks his gaze on to something and says, ‘It shall be mine.'"



That determination didn't stop at building rockets or electric cars – it showed up in even the smallest of victories. While attending Queen's University in Canada, Justine and Musk took the same abnormal psychology class. After an exam, she scored a solid 97. Musk? He got a 98 – but even that wasn't good enough for him. "He went back to the professor and talked his way into the two points he'd lost," Justine said, securing a perfect 100. "It felt like we were always competing."



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>



This <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41253713/elon-musks-ex-wife-and-mother-to-5-kids-claims-he-pushed-her-to-sign-away-financial-rights-he-sa">relentless drive</a> was something Musk had nurtured from an early age. At 17, he left South Africa and moved to Canada to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38319479/elon-musk-thinks-college-is-basically-for-fun-and-to-prove-that-you-can-do-your-chores-says-degr">attend Queen's University</a>. There, his dormmate Navaid Farooq quickly recognized Musk's laser focus, whether it was on strategy games or schoolwork.



"When Elon gets into something, he develops just this different level of interest in it than other people," Farooq told Vance. One example? The hours they spent playing Civilization, a popular strategy game. "Elon could lose himself for hours on end," Farooq said. It wasn't just about winning – it was about mastery.



Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>



Farooq and Justine weren't the only ones to witness this all-consuming intensity. Musk himself admitted to it in a 2018 interview with journalist Kara Swisher. He described working 120-hour weeks to ramp up Tesla Model 3 production, saying, "Some weeks … I would just sort of sleep for a few hours, work, sleep for a few hours, work, seven days a week."



Love him or hate him, Musk's approach to life is undeniably all-in. Whether it's turning a 98 into a perfect 100 or <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37943652/elon-musk-says-almost-anyone-afford-a-100-000-ticket-to-mars-by-working-and-saving-but-57-of-peo">transforming entire industries</a>, his motto could easily be: "It shall be mine." As polarizing as he may be, Musk's sheer refusal to accept limits has built him into one of our time&#8217;s most influential – and intense – figures.



Read Next:



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<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>



<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>

Elon Musk's Ex-Wife And Mother Of 5 Kids Says He Won't Take No For An Answer – He Locks His Gaze On To Something And Says, It Shall Be Mine

Despite a 30% decline over the last 30 days, Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) continues to see rising burn rates, prompting traders to focus on its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42715583/shiba-inu-burn-rate-soars-dogecoin-whales-on-a-buying-spree-and-more-this-week-in-crypto#:~:text=Shiba%20Inu%20Burn%20Rate%20Skyrockets,potential%20price%20rebound%20or%20reversal.">critical support levels</a>.    



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Market Cap</td><td>24-Hour Trend</td><td>7-Day Trend</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td><td>$0.00002116&nbsp;</td><td>$12.5 billion</td><td>-2.1%</td><td>-5.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td><td>$0.319</td><td>$47 billion</td><td>-0.5%</td><td>-0.7%</td></tr><tr><td>Pepe (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">PEPE</a>)</td><td>$0.00001958</td><td>$8.2 billion</td><td>+5.6%</td><td>+7.3%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Trader Notes: Crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez highlighted SHIB's significant support zone between $0.0000215 and $0.0000193. 



A trader responding to the post suggested that if these levels hold, SHIB could see a potential bounce.



However, the ongoing bearish momentum increases the risk of breaking below this range. 



The trader recommended patience and strategic entries for those considering positions.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShibaInu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShibaInu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SHIB&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SHIB</a> most significant support zone is between $0.0000215 and $0.0000193! <a href="https://t.co/wgaEbvI96K">pic.twitter.com/wgaEbvI96K</a>&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1874006326591853020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Benzinga's technical analysis shows SHIB's RSI at 20, signaling oversold conditions and indicating a potential buy signal.



Statistics: According to Shibburn, 1.72 million SHIB were burned in the last 24 hours, with approximately 1 million SHIB burned in a single transaction six hours ago, pushing the burn rate up by 243.3%.



IntoTheBlock data shows a 1.6% decline in SHIB whale transactions, while daily active addresses remained steady at 15.5 billion. Daily transactions on Shibarium rose from 4.6 million to 4.7 million, reflecting consistent activity on the network.



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42692745/shiba-inu-burn-rate-spikes-2227-whats-going-on">Shiba Inu Burn Rate Spikes 2,227%: What&#8217;s Going On?</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

'Dogecoin Killer' Shiba Inu Burn Rate Surges 243%: What Is Going On?

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