Braze (NASDAQ:BRZE) Stock

BRAZE INC-A

Braze

Braze Inc is a customer engagement platform that powers customer-centric interactions between consumers and brands. The company provides solutions for Retail & E-commerce, Media & Entertainment, Financial Services, and Travel & Hospitality related industries. The company offers a single, vertically integrated platform that encompasses the various functionalities, or layers, required for modern customer engagement: data ingestion, classification, orchestration, personalization, and action, all of which is supported by Sage AI by Braze, its AI engine designed to power AI functionality across all layers of this stack. It generates majority of its revenue from the United States.

Elon Musk's brain-tech company Neuralink briefly claimed it was a &#8220;small disadvantaged business&#8221; in a federal filing—just weeks before <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45634160/elon-musks-neuralink-hits-9-billion-valuation-with-new-funding">raising $650 million</a> and being valued at more than $9 billion.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Filed As Disadvantaged, Then Valued In Billions</h2>
The SDB box was checked on an April 24 federal <a href="https://search.certifications.sba.gov/profile/JGGFP357J8B8/7VRH1?page=1">filing</a> with the Small Business Administration, a time when <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43805137/elon-musk-defends-doge-initiatives-says-his-role-is-to-provide-trump-with-tech-support-if-the-bureaucracy-is-fighting-the-will-of-the-people">Musk was heading</a> the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency. Under SBA <a href="https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/small-disadvantaged-business">rules</a>, that status is supposed to apply to companies that are at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. It can result in easier access to federal contracts.
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Neuralink later said the filing was a mistake. &#8220;Neuralink has never applied for nor received a benefit from the federal government. The box on the SAM.gov was erroneously checked and has since been updated,&#8221; a company spokesperson told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/elon-musks-neuralink-says-owned-by-disadvantaged-persons-in-filing.html">CNBC</a> on July 19.
According to Neuralink's profile on SBA.gov, the company currently has no active or former SBA certifications, despite being self-registered as an SDB. The agency notes that such self-attestations are not verified by SBA.
The filing listed Jared Birchall as the contact. Birchall also runs Musk's family office.
Trending: Accredited Investors: Grab Pre-IPO Shares of the AI Company Powering Hasbro, Sephora &amp; MGM—<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">Just $0.63 Before NASDAQ Launch</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Human Trials, Bold Claims</h2>
Neuralink has implanted its brain-computer interface device <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46537319/elon-musk-says-neuralink-will-do-life-changing-good-for-billions-as-company-successfully-adds-9-bci-implants-targets-20-by-end-of-2025">into nine human patients</a>, and aims to reach 20 implants by the end of the year. The company recently completed two surgeries in a single day for the first time.
&#8220;Neuralink will do live-changing good for ultimately millions, maybe billions, of people,&#8221; Musk <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1947346507927326761">said on X</a> on July 21. &#8220;Imagine your loved one being able to walk again or your parent with dementia being able to recognize their child again.&#8221;
Co-founder DJ Seo <a href="https://x.com/djseo/status/1947343233492701396">confirmed</a> the goal: &#8220;Our goal is at least 20 before the end of 2025.&#8221;
The company is also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46020319/elon-musk-says-neuralinks-blindsight-implant-will-help-people-see-radar-infrared-like-a-superpower-ahead-of-human-trial-next-year">planning human trials</a> of its vision-restoring &#8220;Blindsight&#8221; implant in the United Arab Emirates by 2026.
See Also: 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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Criticism And Big Backers</h2>
Despite the progress, Neuralink <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/46160805/elon-musk-says-clear-path-to-restoring-hearing-with-neuralink-but-the-deaf-community-want-to-have-their-say">has faced criticism</a>, including from the deaf community, after Musk claimed the tech could help restore hearing.
Neuralink's backers include major investors like Cathie Wood's ARK Invest, Founders Fund, Sequoia Capital and Thrive Capital. The $650 million Series E round closed in June.
The company says it is building ultra-high-bandwidth brain-machine interfaces and is actively hiring engineers in San Francisco. Founded in 2016 and incorporated in Nevada, Neuralink lists its focus as biotechnology R&amp;D.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Image: Shutterstock

News

Elon Musk's Neuralink Claimed 'Small Disadvantaged Business' Status—Right Before Venture Investors Gave It A $9 Billion Valuation

A recent poll has uncovered that a significant number of Americans would willingly forsake love, betray friends, and even risk their own lives for a million-dollar windfall.
The <a href="https://studyfinds.org/would-you-leave-your-partner-for-million-dollars/">survey </a>conducted by online casino deals tracker Gamblizard disclosed that over 40% of Americans would willingly part ways with their romantic partners for a million dollars.
Almost half of the participants, 46%, confessed they would risk their lives in a deadly game akin to the popular Netflix series &#8220;Squid Game&#8221; for a $33 million reward. 
Additionally, four out of ten Americans admitted they would drive a stranger to bankruptcy to secure the same amount for themselves.
Interestingly, the survey also revealed that 60% would renounce technology and adopt an off-grid lifestyle, and 41% would abstain from sex for a million-dollar paycheck. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46159347/us-credit-card-debt-hits-1-18-trillion-as-americans-downplay-what-they-owe">US Credit Card Debt Hits $1.18 Trillion As Americans Downplay What They Owe</a>
A shocking 15% admitted they would falsely implicate a friend in a crime they didn&#8217;t commit to obtain such a sum.
On the other hand, 10% of respondents said they would decline the money if they couldn&#8217;t share it, and 21% valued access to social media more than a million dollars. 
More than half would refuse the money if it was controlled by their parents, and 38% would reconsider if their adversary also stood to gain.
Why It Matters: These findings provide a fascinating insight into human psychology, suggesting that people&#8217;s moral boundaries may fluctuate as the incentives increase. 
However, some experts caution that these responses may underestimate the actual number of people who would follow through with these choices if presented with the opportunity.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46510445/polls-most-americans-want-an-alternative-to-two-party-system-but-not-elon-musks">Polls: Most Americans Want an Alternative To Two-Party System — But Not Elon Musk&#8217;s</a>
Image: Shutterstock/ibragimova

Millions Over Morals: Survey Reveals Americans' Willingness To Sacrifice Love And Loyalty For Cash

A Reddit <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/passive_income/comments/1kqx663/started_from_300_ive_made_3k5kmonth_with_ai_music/">user</a> claims they turned AI-generated music into a lucrative passive income stream, earning over $5,000 per month — despite their dearth of formal training in music production.
The user, who posted their story to the popular <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/passive_income/">r/passive_income</a> subreddit, shared their journey from total novice to successful music creator using AI tools like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/chatgpt">ChatGPT</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36319515/want-to-generate-your-own-ai-music-microsoft-copilots-suno-extension-lets-you-do-it-for-free">Suno</a>. The story may exemplify how technology is reshaping creative industries, allowing even those without traditional skills to monetize digital content, although responses in the comments to the hustle ranged from curious to suspicious.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Zero to $5K: Getting Started</h2>
The Redditor writes that they hadn't considered music a viable income source until a music agency offered to pay them to use one of their tracks on their anime YouTube channel. Intrigued, they spent weeks researching before stumbling upon Suno AI, a platform that generates music from text prompts.
By February 2024, they began experimenting with AI-generated tracks. By December, their earnings had surpassed $5,000 a month, all without singing, mixing or signing with a record label.
These are the steps they implement:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Lyrics via ChatGPT: They generate short, emotionally resonant lyrics – under 3,000 characters – using the AI chatbot.</li>
<li>Music made by Suno: After inputting the lyrics, they select a mood and style and create multiple song versions via Suno before picking the best one.</li>
<li>Distribution: Using distribution platforms like DistroKid and TuneCore, they upload the final tracks to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.</li>
</ul>
But making the tracks is only half the battle. The real key? Marketing.
Trending: 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">The Viral Playbook: Shorts, Reels, And $5 Ads</h2>
To drive streams, the Redditor operates six faceless YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels channels, each targeting niches like K-dramas, anime and K-pop. Their strategy is to curate trending clips from Instagram, TikTok and Reddit; edit them lightly; and then pair the clips with the AI-generated tracks. They scale the posting from 2-4 shorts to 6-8 shorts daily, and boost the clips with Facebook Ads targeting low-cost countries to increase visibility on YouTube.
While some tracks "flop," others take off — sometimes unexpectedly. "One lo-fi song paired with a sad anime scene earned $1,000 in a single month," the Redditor writes. "It was uploaded to a throwaway channel."
Is AI music "cheating" the system?&nbsp;
When asked if AI-made music is &#8220;cheating,&#8221; the Redditor pushed back: &#8220;I write the lyrics with the help of ChatGPT. The music is generated in Suno based on those lyrics. These are original creations. I treat it like a startup. I build a product, distribute it everywhere, and let the system decide what catches on."
But other commentators said it was misleading to imply any real creativity had entered the process: "Insulting to call this ‘writing' music. You&#8217;re not even writing the words yourself!" a commentator responded. Another commentator, a struggling musician, had stronger words for the poster, who responded that "I&#8217;m sorry that you are having it hard. The jungle has no rules."
See Also: 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>
Several commenters pointed out that the original poster was selling a course on the practice, making them more skeptical of his claims: A redditor asks, "Why sell a course and saturate your niche field if it&#8217;s working so well? Especially if it&#8217;s scaling. This is always the question." The commenter also surmised that the poster's primary income came from the course, and not the AI music generation.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Volume Over Virality</h2>
Despite posting in a subreddit dedicated to passive income, the Redditor emphasizes that this is far from a &#8220;get-rich-quick&#8221; scheme. It's a volume game, and there's a lot of grinding involved: "This process isn't about going viral once. It's about compounding results through volume," they write.
And while their success raises a lot of ethical questions, it also underscores how AI is lowering barriers in creative fields, and that typically persistence — not perfection — is what can turn a side hustle into serious income.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.

Personal Finance

Redditor Claims AI-Generated Tracks Are Earning Them $5K A Month In Passive Income

Memecoin Shiba Inu&nbsp;(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) is expected to outperform&nbsp;Dogecoin&nbsp;(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) in the forthcoming bull cycle, as per analysts&#8217; predictions.
What Happened:&nbsp;Analysts, including Kevin Capital, a&nbsp;prominent Dogecoin observer, and a Finder report, indicate that SHIB could potentially eclipse&nbsp;DOGE as early as 2026&nbsp;or during the 2028–2029 cycle.
SHIB might surpass DOGE intensifying the rivalry between these two community-backed digital assets. Currently, DOGE has a market capitalization of $35.69 billion, while SHIB stands at $8.27 billion.
Under a&nbsp;scenario where SHIB grows three&nbsp;times faster than DOGE, price&nbsp;projections show a significant gap. 
If DOGE&#8217;s price increases&nbsp;1,000% to $2.61, SHIB would&nbsp;need to surge 3,000% from&nbsp;its current $0.00001404 to $0.000435,&nbsp;pushing&nbsp;its market cap to $256.32&nbsp;billion.
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>
Despite these optimistic predictions, SHIB faces several hurdles. It has yet to gain&nbsp;institutional adoption, with no asset&nbsp;managers filing for a SHIB&nbsp;spot ETF. 
The project&#8217;s&nbsp;anonymous development team raises questions&nbsp;about long-term governance and accountability,&nbsp;which are essential for sustained price growth.
Investors are urged to treat these projections with caution,&nbsp;as the 3x growth assumption&nbsp;relies on unverified catalysts such&nbsp;as broader market conditions, technological&nbsp;advancements, or regulatory changes. 
Meme coins are notoriously volatile, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43420393/analyst-forecasts-mammoth-200-surge-for-this-dogecoin-and-shiba-inu-competitor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Analyst Forecasts Mammoth 200% Surge for This Dogecoin and Shiba Inu Competitor</a>
Image: Shutterstock/CryptoFX

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

Cryptocurrency

Markets

$DOGE

$SHIB

Shiba Inu Could Surge 3,000% and Overtake Dogecoin by 2026, Say Analysts

Six seasoned Wall Street professionals have divulged their investment strategies if they were to receive a hypothetical windfall of $10,000.
Despite the market reaching record highs since April, these experts believe there are still numerous investment opportunities to be explored. 
They advise a diversified approach, encompassing tech stocks, value stocks, and international stocks, reports <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-to-invest-10000-right-now-stock-market-advice-recommendations-2025-7">the </a>Insider. 
One of the experts, Santos, would allocate $7,000 to developed-market ex-US stocks and the remaining $3,000 to emerging-market stocks. 
She anticipates a significant shift for international equities, considering the high valuations on US stocks.
Bannister, another expert, pinpointed three areas of opportunity:&nbsp;value stocks, small-caps, and international&nbsp;stocks. He recently invested in these areas himself.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/bonds/25/05/45600819/global-bond-turmoil-a-shift-in-financial-markets-amid-rising-us-deficits">Global Bond Turmoil: A Shift in Financial Markets Amid Rising US Deficits</a>
Smith&nbsp;advocates for a broad market index for diversification. He proposes investing&nbsp;50-60% of the money into&nbsp;an equal-weight S&amp;P 500 fund and the remaining 40-50%&nbsp;into a more concentrated cap-weighted&nbsp;index like the tech-heavy Nasdaq&nbsp;100.
Kantrowitz&nbsp;advises&nbsp;investing in large-cap profitable leaders&nbsp;within their industries, while&nbsp;DeSpirito&nbsp;would divide&nbsp;his investment between large-cap growth&nbsp;companies, dividend stocks, and value&nbsp;stocks.
Lastly,&nbsp;Castleton&nbsp;recommended a three-pronged approach in equities: 60%&nbsp;into large-cap stocks with a&nbsp;bias toward tech, 20% into ex-US stocks, and 20% into mid-cap stocks.
These strategies offer a glimpse into the thought processes of Wall Street veterans when it comes to investing. Despite the market&#8217;s recent highs, they believe there are still opportunities for profit. 
Their recommendations highlight the importance of diversification and the potential of international stocks, value stocks, and tech stocks. 
These insights could prove valuable for investors looking to make the most of their own portfolios.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45607859/us-long-bond-slump-threatens-revival-of-60-40-investment-strategy">US Long Bond Slump Threatens Revival Of 60/40 Investment Strategy</a>

Got $10,000? Here's Where 6 Wall Street Titans Say You Should Invest

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride in the world of business and finance. From Elon Musk&#8216;s ambitious valuation for Tesla Inc. to skepticism over Tesla&#8217;s robotaxi, the week was filled with intriguing stories. Let&#8217;s dive into the top five stories that made headlines.
Elon Musk&#8217;s Trillion-Dollar Dream
Despite a decline in sales and revenue in the second quarter, Tesla CEO Elon Musk believes a $20 trillion valuation for the electric vehicle giant is achievable. Musk&#8217;s optimism comes amidst dwindling sales across multiple markets.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46626447/elon-musk-says-20-trillion-valuation-possible-for-tesla-even-as-second-quarter-earnings-show-sales-r">Read the full article here.</a>
Skepticism Over Tesla&#8217;s Robotaxi
Gary Black, The Future Fund LLC's managing director, expressed doubts about the hype surrounding Tesla&#8217;s second supervised robotaxi test in San Francisco. Black questioned the scalability of Tesla&#8217;s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology on a national level.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46646636/gary-black-questions-tesla-robotaxi-hype-ahead-of-bay-area-launch-fsd-is-not-fully-autonomous-so-cant-be-scaled-nationally">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46623210/elon-musk-slams-trump-for-axing-subsidies-on-renewable-energy-says-spacex-won-nasa-contracts-by-doing-a-better-job-for-less-money" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Slams Trump For Axing Subsidies On Renewable Energy, Says SpaceX Won NASA Contracts ‘By Doing A Better Job For Less Money'</a>
Trump&#8217;s Trade Deal: A Tax On Americans?
Economist Justin Wolfers criticized President Donald Trump's new trade agreement with Japan, arguing that it essentially results in a tax increase for American consumers. Wolfers expressed skepticism about the potential benefits for US auto companies.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46622277/trumps-trade-deal-with-japan-a-tax-on-americans-economist-says-not-remotely-optimistic-us-auto-companies-will-gain-as-toyota-and-honda-stocks-rally">Read the full article here.</a>
GM&#8217;s EV Push
General Motors Co.&nbsp;announced that Chevrolet is now the second-largest electric vehicle brand in the U.S., with Cadillac ranking fifth in luxury EV sales. The company is making a $4 billion factory push to offset Trump tariffs.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46564633/gm-says-chevy-is-now-the-no-2-ev-brand-in-us-4-billion-factory-push-to-offset-trump-tariffs">Read the full article here.</a>
BYD&#8217;s Sales Slip
Chinese EV giant&nbsp;BYD Co. Ltd.&nbsp;reported an 8% year-over-year slip in Chinese sales during June. The slip in sales comes as rivals like Xiaomi Corp and Xpeng Inc. gain in sales.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/07/46514949/tesla-rival-byds-domestic-sales-slip-8-in-june-analysts-slash-annual-delivery-projections-amid-ev-price-war-scrutiny">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46624776/gary-black-slams-tesla-over-disaster-second-quarter-earnings-says-he-would-pass-on-tsla-stock-calls-robotaxi-launch-kabuki-theater" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gary Black Slams Tesla Over ‘Disaster' Second Quarter Earnings, Says He Would Pass On TSLA Stock, Calls Robotaxi Launch ‘Kabuki Theater'</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo Courtesy: Frederic Legrand &#8211; COMEO On Shutterstock.com

Tech

Elon Musk's Trillion-Dollar Dream, Tesla's Robotaxi Hype, Trump's Trade Deal And GM's EV Push: This Week In Mobility

Microsoft Corp. co‑founder Bill Gates waited 13 years and paid roughly $133,000 in storage penalties to reclaim the Porsche 959 he bought in 1988, a car U.S. customs impounded because it failed to meet federal safety and emissions rules.
What Happened: The twin‑turbo, 200‑mph supercar was then the fastest street‑legal production vehicle in the world, one of just 292 built. According to a 2023 <a href="https://news.dupontregistry.com/porsche/bill-gates-americas-richest-porsche-959/">report</a> by Dupoint Registry, when the silver "Komfort" coupe arrived at the Port of Seattle, Customs officials refused entry because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Environmental Protection Agency had never crash‑tested or certified the model.
Destruction was an option, but officers instead placed the Porsche in a bonded warehouse and levied a $28 daily fee plus a $500 annual bond to keep the title alive. Gates quietly wrote checks for 4,745 consecutive days, a total that reached about $133,580 before lawmakers intervened.
In August 1999, Congress finally added the "Show or Display" clause to the federal code, letting collectors import rare, non‑compliant cars if they drive them fewer than 2,500 miles a year. Two years later, Customs released Gates's 959, and Washington state finally issued plates.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46622661/howard-lutnick-says-tiktok-is-going-dark-unless-beijing-agrees-to-hand-it-over-cant-have-chinese-controlon-100-million-american-phones">Howard Lutnick Says TikTok Is &#8216;Going Dark&#8217; Unless Beijing Agrees To Hand It Over: &#8216;Can&#8217;t Have Chinese Control…On 100 Million American Phones&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The drawn‑out saga turned the 959 into a celebrity of its own. Hagerty analysts now <a href="https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools/porsche/959/1988/1988-porsche-959-komfort">value</a> pristine examples at well north of $1.4 million, making Gates's perseverance a lucrative bet. Gates's standoff also reshaped U.S. import policy. A report by CarBuzz <a href="https://carbuzz.com/features/us-show-or-display-law-bill-gates-porsche-959/">credits</a> the 959 case with inspiring the loophole that now lets American enthusiasts legally register everything from McLaren F1s to Bugatti EB110s.
The billionaire whose net worth tops $124 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index likes to stay frugal in general, but does enjoy the occasional super luxury splurge.
He <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/01/36664032/bill-gates-spent-over-30-million-on-a-book-in-the-1990s-but-he-wears-a-cheap-24-casio-watch">paid $30.8 million in 1994</a> for Leonardo da Vinci's "Codex Leicester" and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/23/11/35592870/bill-gates-flew-economy-class-for-10-years-after-becoming-a-billionaire-now-he-owns-multiple-jets-he">owns Gulfstream G650ER jets</a> and a fleet of luxury cars, yet he still sports an unassuming watch and happily eats McDonald's. The contrast shows how the Microsoft co‑founder prizes intellectual treasure and convenience while keeping many personal tastes down‑to‑earth.
Photo courtesy: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46622277/trumps-trade-deal-with-japan-a-tax-on-americans-economist-says-not-remotely-optimistic-us-auto-companies-will-gain-as-toyota-and-honda-stocks-rally">Trump&#8217;s Trade Deal With Japan A Tax On Americans — Economist Says, &#8216;Not Remotely Optimistic&#8217; US Auto Companies Will Gain As Toyota And Honda Stocks Rally</a></li>
</ul>

Legal

Bill Gates Once Paid $28 A Day For 4,745 Days To Keep His Seized Porsche 959 Alive — The 13 Year Standoff Eventually Got Lawmakers To Bend

These ten large-cap stocks were top performers last week. Are they a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">part of your portfolio</a>?
1. Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MEDP#NASDAQ">MEDP</a>) gained over 137.10% in the last week after the company reported second-quarter earnings per share of $3.10, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46550726/medspace-stock-is-trading-higher-tuesday-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beating the consensus estimate of $2.97.</a>
2. ICON plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICLR#NASDAQ">ICLR</a>) increased 30.28% last weekl after the company reported better-than-expected&nbsp;second-quarter&nbsp;financial results and raised its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46612555/icon-stock-up-after-q2-results-signal-growing-confidence-in-biopharma-recovery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiscal 2025 sales&nbsp;guidance.</a>
3. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WST#NYSE">WST</a>) jumped 24.96% this week after the injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems company delivered a robust beat on its&nbsp;second-quarter 2025&nbsp;earnings and revenue, while also significantly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46604599/west-pharma-lifts-outlook-on-surging-glp-1-demand-stock-soars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raising its full-year guidance</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/07/46648142/palantir-nvidia-tempus-ai-could-be-pharma-etf-darlings-that-dont-make-pills" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palantir, Nvidia &amp; Tempus AI Could Be Pharma ETF Darlings That Don&#8217;t Make Pills</a>
4. Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIX#NYSE">FIX</a>) gained 24.46% the last week after the company reported better-than-expected Q2 financial results and raised its quarterly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/b46616670/comfort-systems-usa-reports-second-quarter-2025-results" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dividend from $0.45 to $0.50 per share.</a>
5. IQVIA Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IQV#NYSE">IQV</a>) jumped 23.5% this week after&nbsp;the company reported better-than-expected Q2 financial results and issued FY25 sales<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/b46539884/iqvia-reports-second-quarter-2025-results" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> guidance above estimates.</a>
6. Astera Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALAB#NASDAQ">ALAB</a>) increased 10.18% this week. Jefferies analyst Blayne Curtis maintains Astera Labs with a Buy rating and raises the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46520572/galaxy-digital-blaize-holdings-verizon-and-other-big-stocks-moving-higher-on-monday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from&nbsp;$95&nbsp;to&nbsp;$130.</a>
7. TE Connectivity plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEL#NYSE">TEL</a>)&nbsp;shares gained 16.72% after the company reported better-than-expected third-quarter<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/07/46583497/markets-today-trade-deals-trump-japan-eu-wall-street-stocks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> adjusted EPS and sales.</a>
8. Baker Hughes Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKR#NASDAQ">BKR</a>) increased 14.98% after the company reported<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/g46560108/baker-hughes-company-announces-second-quarter-2025-results" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> better-than-expected Q2 financial results.</a>
9. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMO#NYSE">TMO</a>) stock gained 16.72% after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/b46566528/thermo-fisher-scientific-reports-second-quarter-2025-results" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better-than-expected Q2 financial results.</a> Baird maintained an Outperform rating on the stock and raised its price target from $553 to $567. Also, Barclays raised its price target on the stock from $450 to $490.
10. Deckers Outdoor Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DECK#NYSE">DECK</a>) stock gained 12.15% this week after it reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46635898/deckers-outdoor-wholesale-drives-q1-beat-tariff-pressure-worries-analysts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better-than-expected Q1 financial results.</a>
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Thermo Fisher, Baker Hughes And IQVIA Holdings Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (July 21-July 25): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

The week was abuzz with major developments in the tech world, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). From Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) appointing a new chief scientist to China&#8217;s push for a global AI body, and from OpenAI&#8217;s cautionary advice to AI startups to Tesla&#8217;s shareholder proposal on AI investment, and finally, Walmart&#8217;s AI overhaul, the weekend was indeed a rollercoaster ride for tech enthusiasts.
Meta&#8217;s New Chief Scientist
Meta has officially appointed former OpenAI researcher, Shengjia Zhao, as Chief Scientist of its newly formed Superintelligence Labs. The announcement was made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Threads, emphasizing Zhao&#8217;s pivotal role in constructing the company&#8217;s new AI unit.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46647034/mark-zuckerberg-names-openai-veteran-shengjia-zhao-as-chief-scientist-of-meta-superintelligence-labs">Read the full article here.</a>
Global AI Body
Meanwhile, China, amid escalating tensions with the US over tech exports, is advocating for the creation of a global organization to foster international collaboration in AI. The proposal was made by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46647539/china-pushes-for-global-ai-body-amid-rising-tensions-with-us-over-tech-exports-report">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46571093/elon-musk-wants-50-million-ai-brains-nvidia-still-sets-the-standard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Wants 50 Million AI Brains—Nvidia Still Sets The Standard</a>
OpenAI Chairman&#8217;s Warning
On the other hand, Bret Taylor, chairman of OpenAI, has issued a warning to AI entrepreneurs about the financial strain of developing new AI models. Taylor, who has previously worked with tech giants like Google and Facebook, underscored the significant costs involved in training new AI models.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46647201/openai-chairman-says-only-tech-giants-can-afford-new-ai-models-startups-should-focus-on-applications">Read the full article here.</a>
Tesla&#8217;s Proposed Investment In xAI
In other news, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) announced that it has received several shareholder proposals regarding the company&#8217;s potential investment in Elon Musk&#8217;s AI startup, xAI. The statement was shared on X, acknowledging the growing shareholder interest in the proposed investment in Grok&#8217;s parent company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46646932/elon-musks-tesla-to-include-shareholder-proposal-on-xai-investment-in-proxy-after-receiving-multiple-requests">Read the full article here.</a>
Walmart&#8217;s AI Agent Strategy
Finally, Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) is overhauling its AI agent strategy to enhance the user experience. The company is consolidating its numerous AI agents into four unified "super agents," each designed for a specific group: customers, employees, engineers, and sellers or suppliers.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46632116/walmarts-bold-ai-overhaul-could-drive-efficiency-margins-and-market-edge">Read the full article here.</a>
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

TSLA

Meta's New Chief Scientist, Tesla's Investment In xAI, Global AI Body And More: This Week In AI

These ten large-cap stocks were the worst performers last week. Are they a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" rel="noreferrer noopener">part of your portfolio</a>?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Liberty Broadband Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LBRDK#NASDAQ">LBRDK</a>) stock lost 20.50% last week following a second quarter<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46629864/charter-stock-slides-despite-revenue-beat-mobile-gains-offset-by-internet-video-subscriber-losses" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> earnings miss from </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46629864/charter-stock-slides-despite-revenue-beat-mobile-gains-offset-by-internet-video-subscriber-losses" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charter Communications, Inc.</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46629864/charter-stock-slides-despite-revenue-beat-mobile-gains-offset-by-internet-video-subscriber-losses" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHTR#NASDAQ">CHTR</a>)</a></li>
<li>STMicroelectronics (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STM#NYSE">STM</a>) shares lost 19.78% last week after the company missed second-quarter earnings estimates and issued third-quarter revenue guidance with a midpoint below estimates.</li>
<li>Charter Communications shares lost 19.77% this week after the company&#8217;s second-quarter earnings per share of $9.18 missed the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst consensus estimate of $9.80.</a> Also, the company said it expects a capex of approximately $11.5 billion (prior view $12 billion) versus $11.27 billion in fiscal 2024. </li>
<li>Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>) shares lost 15.31% this week after the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46581788/texas-instruments-is-trading-lower-wednesday-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported second-quarter earnings results. </a>Also, multiple analysts lowered the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TXN/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> price forecast on the stock.</a></li>
<li>Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FI#NYSE">FI</a>) stock lost 14.89% last week after it reported second-quarter financial results. Additionally, the company announced it had entered into an equity purchase agreement to acquire part of TD&#8217;s merchant processing<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46572182/fiserv-stock-tumbles-as-outlook-softens-despite-deal-with-td" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> business in Canada</a>.</li>
<li>Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRCL#NYSE">CRCL</a>) stock lost 15.06% last week after Compass Point downgraded the stock from Neutral to Sell and lowered its price target from $205 to $130.</li>
<li>Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) decreased 12.81% last week after the company reported worse-than-expected second-quarter sales results. Also, multiple analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/restaurants/25/07/46606785/chipotle-mexican-grill-q2-sales-decline-june-july-boost-keeps-analysts-bullish" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lowered the price forecast on the stock.</a></li>
<li>Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THC#NYSE">THC</a>) stock slumped 12.88% last week as Baird analyst Michael Ha maintained a Neutral rating on it, lowering the price forecast from $195 to $167 after the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/b46539441/tenet-reports-strong-second-quarter-2025-results-raises-2025-financial-outlook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported second-quarter results</a>. Shares of health insurers traded lower in sympathy with Molina Healthcare Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOH#NYSE">MOH</a>), which issued soft guidance. The sector may also be under pressure after UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) said it has now begun complying with the DOJ&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/07/46605691/unitedhealth-under-federal-scrutiny-reaffirms-integrity-of-its-medicare-operations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formal criminal and civil requests.</a></li>
<li>Teck Resources Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TECK#NYSE">TECK</a>) lost 13.73% last week after the company missed second-quarter sales estimates and cut 2025 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/g46593291/teck-reports-unaudited-second-quarter-results-for-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">copper production outlook</a>. Also, multiple analysts lowered the price forecast on the stock.</li>
<li>EQT Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EQT#NYSE">EQT</a>) stock fell 9.31% this week after the company reported mixed second-quarter results, with quarterly earnings of 45 cents per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of 41 cents. Quarterly revenue came in at $1.59 billion, which missed the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46560251/eqt-reports-mixed-q2-results-eps-beat-revenues-miss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Street consensus estimate of $1.79 billion.</a></li>
</ol>
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Chipotle Mexican Grill, Charter, And Fiserv Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (July 21-July 25): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Every day, about 11,000 baby boomers <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retirement-medicare-401k-what-to-know-peak-65/">hit retirement age</a> in the U.S., and the wave of 401(k) withdrawals is starting to gain momentum. That has many younger investors wondering: who's left holding the bag?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wealth Transfer Or Wealth Drain?</h2>
On Reddit's <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/stocks/comments/1lz23yi/are_millenials_and_gen_x_going_to_be_the_all_time/">r/stocks</a>, one investor sparked a major debate with this post: &#8220;With ~11k Boomers retiring daily, and the 401k spigot about to go on full blast, can&#8217;t help but think how this transfer of wealth unfolds.&#8221;
They raised a concern about whether there will be enough new investment inflows from younger generations to match the outflows from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/07/46509130/a-potential-investor-reached-out-to-small-business-owners-asking-what-are-the-best-boring-businesses-to-buy-from-retiring-boomers">boomers selling off their assets</a>. &#8220;Ultimately, Millennials and Gen X &#8230; could be the remaining bag holders,&#8221; the poster suggested. At least, as they say, &#8220;those who were lucky enough to invest meaningfully in 401(k)s and taxable accounts.&#8221;
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But not everyone agrees with that framing.
&#8220;They&#8217;ve been retiring since 2011,&#8221; one person pointed out. &#8220;The stock market has done just fine so far.&#8221;
Another echoed that sentiment, saying, &#8220;There will always be people retiring. The Baby Boomers started retiring 17 years ago&#8230; Why are you so convinced [the market crash] is going to happen now, when nearly all of the Boomers that were capable of retiring already did?&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wealth Inequality And Inheritance</h2>
Several commenters emphasized that it's not boomers broadly driving the market, it's wealthy boomers. &#8220;Most 401(k) holders &#8230; are also the richest ones,&#8221; one person explained. &#8220;The ones being forced to liquidate and sell don&#8217;t have 401(k)s of a meaningful size. We&#8217;re fine unless the rich people are screwed.&#8221;
Trending: 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>
Then there&#8217;s the question of where that money goes once boomers start drawing it down or pass it on. Some believe it simply recirculates. &#8220;All money comes back to the market one way or another,&#8221; one commenter wrote.
And inheritance is another piece of the puzzle. &#8220;Who do you think is going to inherit all that wealth?&#8221; one investor asked. Others noted that wealthy boomers often advise their kids to stay invested: &#8220;One even told his daughter, never sell this stock, just collect the dividends.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Healthcare, Housing, And The Real Risks</h2>
But not all that wealth will be passed down. Nursing homes and healthcare costs are taking a bigger bite out of retirement savings than many expect.
&#8220;We spent $350K for my <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39712732/i-gave-up-my-inheritance-to-cover-my-moms-nursing-home-expenses-and-didnt-tell-my-wife-am-i-in-t">mom&#8217;s nursing home</a> in a 4.5-year period,&#8221; one person shared. Another added, &#8220;Boomers are spending that money. You need to find out how to harness it.&#8221;
The housing market is another looming issue. Some fear that when boomers pass away and their high-value homes hit the market, younger generations won't be able to afford them. &#8220;Mark my words, one day there will be a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/45882885/market-crashing-before-our-eyes-buyers-are-backing-out-of-deals-in-record-numbers-amid-relentlessly">massive crash in the housing market</a>,&#8221; one investor warned.
See Also: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.
Still, many commenters argued that structural market shifts, not demographic trends, are the real drivers. &#8220;Markets are not the same anymore,&#8221; one wrote, pointing to algorithmic trading, tech-driven investing, and persistent foreign inflows.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Younger Generations Are Still Investing</h2>
Despite these worries, younger Americans are investing more than ever. &#8220;Millennials are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38360903/millennials-think-theyll-retire-at-51-with-500-000-or-less-saved-but-gen-z-is-far-more-realistic">saving for retirement</a> earlier than any previous generation and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40821463/why-gen-z-could-be-way-ahead-in-retirement-savings-with-this-golden-egg-account">Gen Z even earlier</a>,&#8221; one person noted.
For now, there's no clear consensus on whether millennials and Gen X will get stuck holding the bag. But one Redditor may have put it best: &#8220;This has been a claim made every 10 years or so since 401(k)s have been a thing. I wouldn't worry about it.&#8221;
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

With 11K Baby Boomers Retiring Daily And 401(k) Withdrawals Ramping Up, Are Millennials And Gen X About To Be The Ultimate Bag Holders?

Wall Street ended the week on a high, with tech-driven indices hitting fresh records as strong corporate earnings, robust economic data, and breakthrough trade <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/07/46643937/trade-deals-wall-street-trump-fed-attack" rel="noreferrer noopener">deals lifted investor sentiment.</a>
The U.S. finalized new trade agreements with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan—Tokyo's pact being the most notable, cutting tariffs on Japanese autos <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/07/46648088/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-t-mobile-lendingtree-molina-healthcare-and-trade-deal-optimism-boosts-markets" rel="noreferrer noopener">and goods from 25% to 15%.</a>
In return, Japan committed $550 billion in investments and expanded access to U.S.-made products.
A U.S.-EU trade deal is reportedly nearing completion and could mirror the Japan agreement, with tariff relief expected before the August 1 deadline.
Also :&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46612914/bitcoin-could-go-to-300000-before-great-depression-crisis-traders-argue?tblci=GiAIRlI0k8093O7NDun8A3VPr6xAR70_aoZJ6XnLiAtCAyCN1Vcoz7Dpifi1v-7FATDviEo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Could Go To $300,000 Before ‘Great Depression' Crisis, Traders Argue – Benzinga</a>
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to bolster America's artificial intelligence leadership by facilitating the export of full-stack AI systems to trusted allies.
The White House said the move aims to advance both economic competitiveness and national security.
Earnings:
Alphabet Inc. (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>) &nbsp;reported second-quarter revenue of $96.43 billion, beating analyst<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46587283/alphabet-q2-earnings-revenue-eps-beat-estimates-google-parent-raises-capex-outlook-due-to-strong-and-growing-cloud-demand" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;estimates of $93.72 billion.</a>
The Google parent reported second-quarter earnings of $2.31 per share, beating estimates of $2.16 per share.
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) reported second-quarter revenue of $22.5 billion, down 12% year-over-year. The revenue missed a Street <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46587882/tesla-q2-earnings-highlights-revenue-and-earnings-fall-short-new-models-still-set-for-2025-2026" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of $22.8 billion.</a>
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) reported quarterly earnings of&nbsp;$2.80&nbsp;per share, which beat the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46587952/ibm-shares-slide-after-q2-results-eps-beat-revenues-beat" rel="noreferrer noopener">Street consensus estimate of&nbsp;$2.64. </a>Quarterly revenue came in at&nbsp;$16.977 billion, which beat the consensus estimate of&nbsp;$16.576 billion.
General Motors Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>): &nbsp;registered second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.53, beating the&nbsp;analyst consensus estimate of $2.40. Quarterly sales of $47.12 billion outpaced<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46542820/general-motors-faces-tariffs-heat-margins-shrink" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the Street view of $45.57 billion.</a>
Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) reported second-quarter revenue of $12.86 billion, beating <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46617195/intel-q2-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-miss-chipmaker-sees-clear-opportunities-to-enhance-competitive-position" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst&nbsp;estimates of $11.91 billion</a>. The chipmaker reported a second-quarter adjusted loss of 10 cents per share, missing analyst estimates for earnings of one cent per share.
SAP SE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAP#NYSE">SAP</a>) reported quarterly adjusted earnings of $1.70,&nbsp;which beat the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46559325/sap-reports-better-than-expected-q2-results-details" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of&nbsp;$1.47</a>. Quarterly revenue of $10.23 billion beat the&nbsp;$9.11 billion Street estimate.
Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) reported second quarter net sales of $18.16 billion, marginally missing the Street estimate of $18.63 billion, while adjusted earnings per share of $7.29 topped the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46546336/missile-wins-cant-offset-margin-collapse-lockheed-martin-tumbles-after-q2-report" rel="noreferrer noopener"> consensus forecast of $6.63.</a>
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) reported second-quarter earnings of&nbsp;$2.84&nbsp;per share, which beat the analyst<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46587855/t-mobile-stock-climbs-after-q2-results-crushed-growth-records" rel="noreferrer noopener"> consensus estimate of&nbsp;$2.68.</a>&nbsp;Quarterly revenue came in at $21.13 billion,&nbsp;which beat the Street estimate of&nbsp;$20.98 billion&nbsp;and is up from revenue of&nbsp;$19.77 billion&nbsp;from the same period last year.
Technology:
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) is investigating whether a leak from its early alert system for cybersecurity companies allowed Chinese hackers to exploit flaws in its&nbsp;SharePoint&nbsp;service before <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46647734/microsoft-probes-possible-breach-of-its-cyber-threat-notification-system-after-suspected-chinese-hack-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">they were patched.</a>
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is facing mounting pressure from investors as concerns intensify over its lagging generative AI (GenAI) strategy, a key driver of growth <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/reiteration/25/07/46636565/apple-faces-existential-threat-if-it-fails-to-act-on-genai" rel="noreferrer noopener">across the tech sector.</a>
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) advanced AI processors worth over $1 billion were reportedly smuggled to China after the U.S. government's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46600247/nvidia-ai-chips-worth-1-billion-flood-chinas-black-market-after-trumps-export-curbs-its-like-a-seafood-market" rel="noreferrer noopener">efforts to restrict chip exports</a>.
Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) launched an&nbsp;upgraded version&nbsp;of its third-generation&nbsp;Qwen3 family&nbsp;of large language models (LLMs), enhancing its AI capabilities in math and coding to outperform top models from OpenAI <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46566307/alibabas-upgraded-qwen3-outperforms-openai-deepseek" rel="noreferrer noopener">and DeepSeek in key benchmarks.</a>
Jeff Bezos, founder and executive chairman of Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), has offloaded $1.5 billion worth of company stock just days ahead of the e-commerce giant&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46623965/jeff-bezos-offloads-1-5-billion-in-amazon-stock-ahead-of-q2-earnings-report-plans-to-sell-more" rel="noreferrer noopener">upcoming Q2 earnings report.</a>
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded its 14-month investigation into&nbsp;Alphabet&#8217;s&nbsp;self-driving company,&nbsp;Waymo. The investigation was initiated due to a series of minor collisions and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46647825/alphabets-waymo-cleared-as-nhtsa-closes-14-month-robotaxi-safety-probe" rel="noreferrer noopener"> unexpected vehicle behavior.</a>
Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) is facing legal scrutiny over its&nbsp;$61 billion acquisition of&nbsp;VMware, as European Union judges assess a challenge to the deal's approval filed by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/25/07/46634755/broadcoms-61-billion-vmware-deal-faces-eu-court-challenge-could-regulatory-blowback-hit-growth" rel="noreferrer noopener">a cloud computing group.</a>
Artificial Intelligence
A new plan to make the U.S. the powerhouse in the artificial intelligence sector and win the global AI race could make several tech <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46580004/trumps-ai-action-plan-to-unleash-4th-industrial-revolution-dan-ives-picks-6-stock-winners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giants stand out, according to tech analyst Dan Ives</a>.
Here are Ives' picks and why he thinks the push into AI is so important now.
Amid growing concerns about the financial burden of developing new AI models,&nbsp;Bret Taylor, chairman of&nbsp;OpenAI, has issued a cautionary <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46647201/openai-chairman-says-only-tech-giants-can-afford-new-ai-models-startups-should-focus-on-applications" rel="noreferrer noopener">note to AI entrepreneurs.</a>
Taylor, who has a background with tech giants like Google and Facebook, highlighted the substantial costs involved in training new AI models.
Chinese Premier&nbsp;Li Qiang&nbsp;has proposed the establishment of a global organization to promote international cooperation in the field <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46647539/china-pushes-for-global-ai-body-amid-rising-tensions-with-us-over-tech-exports-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">of artificial intelligence (AI).</a>
Premier Li made this proposal during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Reuters reported on Friday.
Automobiles:
Pony AI Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PONY#NASDAQ">PONY</a>)&nbsp;launched 24/7&nbsp;Robotaxi operations on&nbsp;Friday in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, significantly expanding its service hours in two of<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46625780/pony-ai-kicks-off-24-7-robotaxi-service-in-guangzhou-and-shenzhen" rel="noreferrer noopener"> China's most dynamic economic hubs</a>.
This shift marks a key milestone in the company's Chinese expansion, increasing availability from 15 hours daily to full round-the-clock access. Pony.ai also extended its Robotaxi testing in Beijing to 24 hours a day.
Tesla is offering a range of incentives and discounts on all the vehicles in its lineup as sales continue to plummet.
The offers were shared by influencer&nbsp;Sawyer Merritt&nbsp;on X on Thursday, detailing the incentives the company<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46625917/elon-musk-led-tesla-announces-new-offers-incentives-on-entire-lineup-amid-sluggish-us-sales" rel="noreferrer noopener"> offers on all its models.</a>
Tesla said that it has received multiple shareholder proposals concerning the company&#8217;s&nbsp;potential investment&nbsp;in&nbsp;Elon Musk&#8217;s&nbsp;artificial intelligence startup,&nbsp;xAI.
In a statement shared on&nbsp;X, Tesla acknowledged growing shareholder interest in the proposed investment in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46646932/elon-musks-tesla-to-include-shareholder-proposal-on-xai-investment-in-proxy-after-receiving-multiple-requests" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grok&#8217;s</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46646932/elon-musks-tesla-to-include-shareholder-proposal-on-xai-investment-in-proxy-after-receiving-multiple-requests" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;parent company.</a>
Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>)&nbsp;Interim CEO,&nbsp;Marc Winterhoff, hailed Chinese electric vehicles and Robotaxis, saying he was &#8220;impressed by how much they came of age,&#8221;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46571454/tesla-rival-lucids-ceo-hails-chinese-evs-reiterates-commitment-to-us-robotaxi-operations-with-uber" rel="noreferrer noopener"> amid&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46571454/tesla-rival-lucids-ceo-hails-chinese-evs-reiterates-commitment-to-us-robotaxi-operations-with-uber" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uber Technologies, Inc.</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>).
AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AN#NYSE">AN</a>)&nbsp;is benefiting from a broader trend of robust consumer spending in the automotive sector,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46633103/autonation-expands-financing-program-strengthening-its-cash-flow" rel="noreferrer noopener"> propelling its stock upward. </a>The company reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $5.46 on Friday, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $4.60.
Quarterly sales of $6.974 billion outpaced the Street view of $6.769 billion.
Read Next:
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AAPL

AMZN

AVGO

BABA

GOOG

GOOGL

INTC

LCID

MSFT

NVDA

PONY

TMUS

UBER

Consumer Tech News (July 21–July 25): Big Tech Earnings, Pony AI Robotaxi, Tesla Discounts And More

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride in the financial world, with Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), gold, and even Pudgy Penguins making headlines. From Jim Cramer&#8216;s Bitcoin endorsement to Peter Schiff&#8216;s golden prophecy, the market has been buzzing with activity. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories of the week.
Jim Cramer Advocates for Bitcoin
Market commentator and media personality, Jim Cramer, has expressed his concerns about the escalating U.S. national debt. In a recent CNBC segment, Cramer suggested that Bitcoin could serve as a hedge against this deficit, revealing that he is buying a lot himself.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46593175/jim-cramer-says-hes-buying-a-lot-of-bitcoin-as-protection-against-spiraling-us-debt-worried">Read the full article here.</a>
Peter Schiff&#8217;s Golden Prophecy
Long-time gold advocate and crypto critic, Peter Schiff, believes that we&#8217;re nearing &#8220;another big leg up&#8221; in gold and silver. According to Schiff, this could jolt Wall Street out of its digital daze and back into the arms of precious metals.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/07/46552248/peter-schiff-says-golds-about-to-explode-and-bitcoin-will-foot-the-bill">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46627515/bitcoin-slips-below-117000-on-whale-selling-ethereum-xrp-hold-steady" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Slips Below $117,000 On Whale Selling, Ethereum, XRP Hold Steady</a>
Pudgy Penguins Token Soars
Pudgy Penguins (PENGU), a coin related to the non-fungible token space, has seen its value skyrocket fivefold over the past month. The Solana-based coin has outperformed market heavyweights like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46564380/pudgy-penguins-token-blasts-433-in-a-month-nft-linked-crypto-dwarfs-bitcoin-dogecoin-whats-going-on">Read the full article here.</a>
UK&#8217;s Plan to Sell Seized Bitcoin
Economist Peter Schiff has praised the UK&#8217;s plan to sell almost $6.70 billion in stolen Bitcoin as a &#8220;right&#8221; approach to address their budget deficit. Schiff hopes that the US doesn&#8217;t buy it for the strategic reserve.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/07/46512096/peter-schiff-says-uks-plan-to-sell-6-7-billion-in-seized-bitcoin-could-help-budget-warns-us-against-buying">Read the full article here.</a>
Trader Warns of Local Top in August
A pseudonymous trader who accurately predicted the local bottom on major cryptocurrencies in April is now warning that August may see a local top for the crypto market.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46529190/trader-who-called-bitcoin-ethereum-solana-bottom-in-april-now-warns-local-top-likely-in-aug">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46612914/bitcoin-could-go-to-300000-before-great-depression-crisis-traders-argue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Could Go To $300,000 Before &#8216;Great Depression&#8217; Crisis, Traders Argue</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

$BTC

Bitcoin, Gold And Pudgy Penguins Stir The Market: This Week In Crypto

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban spends most of his waking hours combing through email, saying he would rather whittle his inbox toward zero than sit through "long, boring meetings."
What Happened: "I receive around 700 emails a day and use three phones (two Android and one iPhone) to manage everything," he <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-cuban-reveals-why-email-most-powerful-productivity-tool-2025-7">wrote</a> to Business Insider. "I'd rather get 700 to 1,000 emails than sit in long, boring meetings."
Cuban said his day begins with decaf coffee, a cookie and a first pass at overnight mail before driving his daughter to school and heading to the gym.
"I read and respond to emails. I work out. I read and respond to emails. I do a couple Zooms. Then I read and respond to emails. Then I eat dinner. Then I read and respond to emails," he explained. He calls the routine "boring" but insists "it's faster to just get it out of the way."
The former Shark Tank star refuses to delegate the chore. An assistant would only "slow things down," he told the outlet. Cuban uses Gmail's suggested replies for roughly "10 to 20%" of messages, adding, "I'm typically going to add some flavor somewhere."
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/07/46506231/shaquille-oneal-says-hell-invest-in-anything-mark-cuban-touches-he-could-say-i-got-a-toilet-tissue-brand-coming-out-im-doing-it">Shaquille O&#8217;Neal Says He&#8217;ll Invest in Anything Mark Cuban Touches — &#8216;He Could Say I Got a Toilet Tissue Brand Coming Out… I&#8217;m Doing It&#8217;</a>
Cuban maintains searchable archives of his inbox dating back to the 1980s CompuServe era because "everyone has email … It's fast, particularly now, with Google's auto replies."
The 66‑year‑old Dallas Mavericks owner aims to leave fewer than 20 items unread, occasionally under 10, using folders as a living to‑do list. He breaks from the screen only for "extraordinary" family events; otherwise, inbox maintenance continues through meals, workouts and travel. "I have a hard time disconnecting," he acknowledged.
Why It Matters: Cuban's email obsession aligns with advice he gave at an interview in 2023, calling meetings the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33348421/how-mark-cuban-avoids-wasting-time-at-work-things-hell-do-only-if-theres-no-other-way">primary workplace practice</a> that negatively impacts productivity. He also <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-cuban-invested-over-100-million-dollars-in-email-pitches-2024-4">told</a> Business Insider last year that he has invested "over $100 million" in startups pitched solely by email, proof, he says, that the medium gets business done on his schedule. The billionaire&#8217;s self‑styled workflow shows that even in an age of Slack and video calls, the billionaire still trusts a decades‑old tool to run his empire.
Photo Courtesy: Kathy Hutchins on Shutterstock.com
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46621426/intel-ceo-says-hes-making-hard-but-necessary-decisions-as-chipmaker-announces-massive-layoffs-project-cancellations">Intel CEO Says He&#8217;s &#8216;Making Hard But Necessary Decisions&#8217; As Chipmaker Announces Massive Layoffs, Project Cancellations</a></li>
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Mark Cuban Claims He Maintains A Searchable Archive Of His Email Inbox That Runs Back Decades, Reveals Why He Prefers It Over 'Long, Boring Meetings'

The past week has been a rollercoaster for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), with the tech giant facing regulatory scrutiny, potential innovations, and investor concerns. From the UK&#8217;s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) proposing significant changes to Apple&#8217;s mobile ecosystem to the company&#8217;s potential leap into the foldable smartphone market, the week was filled with noteworthy developments. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories.
UK Regulators Target Apple, Google Over App Store Dominance
The CMA is proposing significant changes to the mobile ecosystems of Apple and Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (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>), following an investigation into their market dominance. The CMA is considering designating Apple and Google with &#8220;strategic market status&#8221; or SMS, a status given to companies with substantial and entrenched market power in the UK's digital activities. This could lead to changes in their app stores and mobile ecosystems.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46571811/apple-google-face-sweeping-uk-antitrust-crackdown-as-competition-regulator-targets-strategic-market-status-over-app-store-control">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Likely to Avoid EU Fines with App Store Overhaul
Apple is likely to avoid daily fines from the European Union (EU) by accepting changes to its App Store rules and fees. The EU antitrust regulators are expected to approve Apple's new App Store rules and fees, which could prevent the tech giant from facing significant daily fines.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46565660/apple-set-to-dodge-over-50-million-in-daily-eu-fines-with-app-store-overhaul-opening-door-to-cheaper-developer-payments-report">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/25/07/46590707/if-you-invested-in-pudgy-penguins-token-pengu-at-2025-lows-heres-how-much-youd-have-now" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">If You Invested In Pudgy Penguins Token (PENGU) At 2025 Lows, Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have Now &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Apple&#8217;s Potential AI Surprise
As Wall Street has been rallying behind the iPhone maker to dive into the artificial intelligence (AI) race, Fundstrat's Tom Lee says that Apple could be ready to surprise investors.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46540672/apple-is-going-to-surprise-wall-street-says-tom-lee-as-iphone-maker-could-be-quietly-ready-to-pounce-on-ai">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s Foldable iPhone Could Arrive By 2026
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone by 2026, and Wall Street analysts say a Chinese glassmaker could reap the biggest rewards. According to a July 14 report from Citigroup, Chinese firm Lens Technology is positioned to become a &#8220;key beneficiary&#8221; of Apple&#8217;s entry into the foldable smartphone market.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46511545/apples-foldable-iphone-could-arrive-by-2026-this-chinese-glassmaker-tipped-as-key-supplier-will-be-a-big-winner-say-wall-street-analysts">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Faces Pressure Over AI Strategy
Apple is facing mounting pressure from investors as concerns intensify over its lagging generative AI (GenAI) strategy, a key driver of growth across the tech sector. With the company's shares down 14% year-to-date, contrasting sharply with the S&amp;P 500's 8% gain, the market is signaling a clear demand for a definitive plan to catch up with rivals like Alphabet and Meta Platforms, which have aggressively integrated AI into their offerings.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/reiteration/25/07/46636565/apple-faces-existential-threat-if-it-fails-to-act-on-genai">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46571093/elon-musk-wants-50-million-ai-brains-nvidia-still-sets-the-standard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Wants 50 Million AI Brains—Nvidia Still Sets The Standard</a>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>
Photo courtesy: jamesteohart / Shutterstock.com

Regulatory Pressure, Potential Innovations, AI Strategy Concerns And More: This Week In Appleverse

The past week has been a whirlwind of economic news, with President Donald Trump&#8217;s influence on the Federal Reserve and the U.S. economy taking center stage. From former Federal Reserve Chairs&#8217; warning about potential economic damage to record-setting inflows into U.S. assets, the week was filled with significant developments.
Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories of the week.
Former Fed Chairs Warn Of Economic Damage
Former Federal Reserve Chairs Ben Bernanke and Janet Yellen have expressed concern over President Trump&#8217;s pressure on current Fed chief Jerome Powell. They warned that this could lead to higher inflation and economic damage. They emphasized the importance of the central bank&#8217;s independence and urged Trump to nominate a successor for Powell who would uphold this independence.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46537558/former-fed-chairs-ben-bernanke-janet-yellen-warn-trumps-pressure-on-powell-could-le">Read the full article here.</a>
Record Inflows Into US Assets
Despite fears that President Trump&#8217;s aggressive tariff policy would deter foreign investors, the opposite has happened. Foreign investors have been buying American securities at a record pace, contributing to one of the strongest rallies in recent history. The total net capital inflows into the U.S. reached an unprecedented $1.76 trillion over the 12 months ending in May 2025
&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46521011/trump-stocks-bonds-foreign-inflows-record">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46641084/wall-street-stock-bubble-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is A Stock Market Crash Imminent? Bubble Warnings Grow Louder</a>
Japan&#8217;s Bond Market Reacts To US Trade Deal
Japan&#8217;s 10-year bond yields surged to 1.59% on Wednesday, a level not seen since 2008. This surge was a reaction to a new U.S. trade deal and political turmoil surrounding Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46587245/japan-bond-yields-trump-trade-deal">Read the full article here.</a>
Bill Ackman Supports Capital Reform
Hedge-fund billionaire&nbsp;Bill Ackman&nbsp;has voiced his support for a proposal to restructure the capital requirements of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), Federal National Mortgage Association, Fannie Mae, and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Freddie Mac. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called for sweeping changes to the bank capital framework, arguing that current rules are outdated and stifling growth.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46573123/bill-ackman-supports-capital-reform-that-could-bring-fannie-and-freddie-back-to-nyse">Read the full article here.</a>
Wall Street Predicts Moderate Inflation Hike
As the deadline for President Trump&#8217;s tariffs approaches, Wall Street analysts are predicting a more moderate increase in inflation. This is a shift from earlier fears of a significant surge. Analysts now anticipate a potential delay or a single inflation hike instead of a continuous increase.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46597344/scott-bessent-once-called-tariffs-as-dog-that-didnt-bark-now-wall-street-analysts-p">Read the full article here.</a>
Read More:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46512871/trump-says-he-doesnt-need-scott-bessents-advice-to-fire-jerome-powell-i-know-better-than-anybody-whats-good-for-the-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Says He Doesn't Need Scott Bessent's Advice To Fire Jerome Powell: ‘I Know Better Than Anybody What's Good For The Market'</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: godongphoto / Shutterstock.com

Economics

FMCC

FNMA

Trump's Economic Impact, Ackman's Support For Capital Reform And Wall Street's Tariff Predictions: This Week In Economy

The week was a whirlwind of news, with former President Donald Trump at the center of several controversial stories. From his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to the discovery of his name in the late financier Jeffrey Epstein&#8217;s files, Trump made headlines on multiple fronts. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories.
Kevin O&#8217;Leary Criticizes Trump&#8217;s Attack on the Fed
&#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; investor&nbsp;Kevin O&#8217;Leary&nbsp;warned that Donald Trump&#8217;s criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell could harm global confidence in U.S. financial markets. O&#8217;Leary expressed his concerns in a video clip from his Fox News appearance, stating that &#8220;whacking the Fed is not a good idea, period.&#8221; He added that Trump&#8217;s approach to the Fed&#8217;s role is a &#8220;weird situation.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46647787/kevin-oleary-warns-trumps-powell-criticism-threatens-us-financial-credibility-whacking-the-fed-is-not-a-good-idea">Read the full article here.</a>
FEMA Pledges $608 Million for Trump&#8217;s Migrant Detention Expansion
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to distribute $608 million to states for the construction of immigrant detention centers. This move aligns with the Trump administration&#8217;s efforts to increase capacity for detaining migrants. FEMA has initiated a &#8220;detention support grant program&#8221; to cover the expenses of states in building temporary facilities.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46647389/fema-commits-608-million-to-support-trumps-migrant-detention-expansion">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Fed Visit Sparks Rate Fight Amid $7 Trillion Debt
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/42884764/how-trump-could-impact-chinas-role-in-emerging-greenland-mining-frontier" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How Trump Could Impact China&#8217;s Role In Emerging Greenland Mining Frontier &#8211; Benzinga</a>
President Donald Trump&#8217;s visit to the Federal Reserve last Thursday escalated a dispute over interest rates amidst America&#8217;s spiraling $7.1 trillion deficit. Trump&#8217;s appearance, only the fourth ever by a sitting U.S. president at the Fed, led to a public clash with Chair Jerome Powell over the cost of the central bank&#8217;s real estate overhaul.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46633129/trumps-fed-visit-powell-interest-rates">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Name Found in Epstein Files
The Justice Department has discovered Donald Trump's name in documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump of this during a routine briefing in May. The documents reportedly contain unverified information about numerous individuals who had socialized with Epstein.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46591231/trumps-name-reportedly-found-in-epstein-files-by-justice-department-pam-bondi-says-president-was-made-aware-of-the-findings">Read the full article here.</a>
Adam Schiff Warns of Potential IRS Data Breach
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has urged Americans to treat their tax records as potentially compromised, blaming an &#8220;unprecedented&#8221; data grab orchestrated by President Donald Trump. Schiff warned, &#8220;Your personal data may have been breached. And the culprit wasn&#8217;t a hacker. It was Donald J. Trump.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46564464/adam-schiff-says-your-irs-data-may-have-been-breached-and-not-by-a-hacker-but-donald-trump-consider-this-your-warning">Read the full article here.</a>
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46647448/us-cant-meet-its-own-beef-demand-let-alone-export-so-much-to-australia-say-traders-after-trumps-boa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Can&#8217;t Meet Its Own Beef Demand, Let Alone Export &#8216;So Much&#8217; To Australia, Say Traders After Trump&#8217;s Boast: &#8216;Not Going To Be Selling Anything&#8230;&#8217;</a></li>
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Politics

Kevin O'Leary's Criticism, Trump's Fed Visit And Epstein Files: This Week In Politics

They were once the grunge-loving, MTV-watching latchkey kids. Now, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45609421/i-am-just-done-gen-x-er-wants-to-retire-at-55-but-has-no-money-saved-in-a-single-income-household-why-does-everything-have-to-be-so-hard">Generation X is approaching retirement</a> with a new label — and it's not exactly flattering.&nbsp;
Meet the "Silver Squatters," a nickname born out of a growing reality: many Gen Xers are so underprepared for retirement that they're counting on their adult children for support — even if they haven't said it out loud yet.
According to Prudential Financial's 2024 "<a href="https://news.prudential.com/latest-news/prudential-news/prudential-news-details/2024/2024-Pulse-of-the-American-Retiree-Survey/default.aspx#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20upside%20is%20that,%20with,only%20longer,%20but%20better.%E2%80%9D">Pulse of the American Retiree Survey</a>," nearly one in four 55-year-olds say they'll need financial help from family when they stop working. One in five expects they'll need help with housing. But here's the twist — almost half haven't even had the conversation with their kids yet.
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That awkward silence might be masking something bigger: a full-blown generational handoff. After years of bankrolling their children's lives, Gen Xers are now quietly preparing to reverse the roles. Whether it's moving in, cash infusions, or shared expenses, they're bracing for a retirement that won't go by the old rules.
The problem isn't <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45234639/are-you-upper-class-heres-the-net-worth-you-need-in-your-50s">just personal finance</a> — it's systemic. The typical 55-year-old has saved less than $50,000 for retirement. That's a fraction of what's needed, especially for a generation that likely won't see the full benefits of Social Security and didn't get the pensions their parents did. Many also bought homes during the 2000s boom and ended up underwater after the crash, setting back their financial trajectory.
The report explains Gen X is "the first modern generation to confront retirement without full Social Security support, and in most cases without a defined benefit pension plan."
Trending: 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>
Now they're being squeezed from all sides. As the so-called "sandwich generation," Gen Xers are often supporting both aging parents and grown kids — while still trying to keep up with mortgages, inflation, and rising health care costs. Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist at the <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/the-next-real-estate-trend-silver-squatters">National Association of Realtors</a>, says Gen X was hit hard by the financial crisis and is only now starting to bounce back.
Still, many are adapting in their own way. Nearly 1 in 5 Gen X buyers are opting for multigenerational homes, according to Lautz. Some do it to care for aging relatives. Others simply need help covering the bills. In some cases, multiple incomes in one home help everyone stay afloat. In others, the Gen Xer ends up footing the whole thing.
That mix of support and stress defines the current reality. About a third of those in the sandwich generation say caregiving has either blocked them from buying a home or paying off the one they have, <a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/sandwich-generation-survey-financial-impact-homebuying/">according to a Realtor.com study</a>. But there's a small upside: those who receive help from family are more likely to afford a home and save for retirement, according to Laura Eddy, <a href="http://realtor.com/">Realtor.com</a>'s vice president of research and insight.
See Also: 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>
Caroline Feeney, CEO of Prudential's U.S. Businesses unit, says it's time to shift the spotlight beyond just baby boomers. "We must also focus on the opportunity to help a slightly younger generation of workers enter the critical 10-year countdown to retirement," she said, pointing out that women in particular face especially uncertain futures.
In other words, Gen X isn't doomed — but the clock is ticking. And if "silver squatting" is going to be the backup plan, someone might want to give the kids a heads-up.
Read Next: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?

Gen X Is Nearing Retirement With Empty Wallets And A New Nickname — 'Silver Squatters' As 1 In 5 Plan to Lean On Their Kids For Housing

If someone making over $200,000 a year told you they only had $50 a week left to spend, you'd probably assume there was a Porsche in the driveway or a private school tuition buried in the budget. But one couple insists it's not lavish living—it's just life.
A <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/MiddleClassFinance/comments/1em1owd/upper_middle_class_200k_family_income_but_money/?share_id=M1gvr31miNqa_Og3Oun8N&amp;utm_content=1&amp;utm_medium=ios_app&amp;utm_name=ioscss&amp;utm_source=share&amp;utm_term=1">post in r/MiddleClassFinance</a> detailed the situation: a household income of $210,000 between a husband and wife living in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. They own a $320,000 home with a $2,000 mortgage. No debt. No splurging. Just a laser focus on saving.
They're contributing 12% of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45825806/is-your-retirement-nest-egg-above-average-heres-what-people-have-in-their-401k-and-ira-at-each-age">both salaries to Roth 401(k)s</a>, putting $14,000 annually into Roth IRAs, sending $7,000 to a health savings account, allocating 10% of income to an employee stock purchase plan, dropping $420 a week on daycare, and stashing away $3,000 a year for college. After groceries and utilities, they said they're left with just around $50 each per week in spending money.
"Am I over-saving, being cheap, or is this just what upper middle class should look like?" they asked.
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Reddit didn't hesitate to answer.
"You're saving a lot lol—that's the reason why," one commenter replied bluntly.
Another was far less amused: "I always see these f&#x2A;&#x2A;ing articles about ‘Families making $200K living paycheck to paycheck!' It's the dumbest clickbait bulls&#x2A;&#x2A;t If you can afford to save a bunch of money toward retirement, you aren't living paycheck to paycheck—you're being smart."
Many users pointed out the difference between feeling broke and actually being broke. "Money isn't actually tight for you," one person said. "You just feel tight because your cash flow is mostly tied up in your savings rate and daycare."
"You're living like a pauper in order to save at a rate that is overkill," another added. "Sure, more is better—but at what cost?"
To be fair, the couple wasn't pretending to be broke. They emphasized they were looking for feedback—not sympathy. Still, the post drew pushback for the title alone: "Upper middle class &#8211; 200k family income but money feels tight."
Trending: 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 <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/16/are-you-in-the-american-middle-class/">Pew Research report published in September 2024</a>, middle-income households are defined as earning two-thirds to double the U.S. median household income. That range currently falls between $56,600 and $169,800 for a family of three. Anything above that is considered upper income.
At $210,000, this couple is well above that line. And in Minnesota, the gap is even wider.
The median household income in Minnesota is $86,372, and according to a report by <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/how-much-you-need-to-earn-to-be-upper-middle-class-in-every-state/">GoBankingRates using U.S. Census Bureau data</a>, the upper-middle class range there starts at $134,357 and tops out at $172,744. Minnesota also ranks 38th in affordability for reaching upper-middle class status—meaning it's not exactly cheap, but it's far from the priciest.
By any national or state-level metric, this couple is not middle class. They're <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45234639/are-you-upper-class-heres-the-net-worth-you-need-in-your-50s">upper income</a>, with savings to match.
But that doesn't mean they're swimming in luxury. Their tight budget is self-imposed—driven by discipline, not scarcity. It's a strategy with trade-offs. As <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41305175/nba-legend-shaq-says-you-should-save-75-of-your-paycheck-its-not-about-how-much-you-make-its-abo">Shaquille O'Neal once said</a>, "It's not about how much money you make. It's about how much you keep."
And in this case, they're keeping plenty. It just doesn't leave much room for anything else.
Whether that's responsible or restrictive depends on your perspective—and apparently, how many Reddit tabs you've got open.
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Image: Shutterstock

31-Year-Old Couple Making $210K Has Only $100 Left to Spend Each Week — Now They're Asking 'Is This Really What Upper Middle Class Looks Like?'

Millions of low-income American families are set to lose critical food assistance under a new law signed recently by President Donald Trump, as wealthy individuals and major corporations <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46508677/six-in-10-believe-trumps-new-tax-and-spending-bill-will-benefit-wealthy-hurt-low-income-groups">receive fresh tax breaks</a>.&nbsp;
The sweeping policy overhaul, part of what Republicans dubbed &#8220;One Big Beautiful Bill Act,&#8221; is facing backlash for what critics say are cruel tradeoffs.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Small-Town Grocers And Families Brace For Impact</h2>
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/financing/25/07/46215083/how-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-impacts-snap-medicaid-taxes-and-student-loans">cuts</a> to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are projected to affect 22.3 million households, with an average loss of $146 per month in benefits, according to research by the <a href="https://www.urban.org/research/publication/how-senate-budget-reconciliation-snap-proposals-will-affect-families-every-us">Urban Institute</a>. The law also imposes stricter work requirements and new eligibility rules that could disqualify many people, including veterans, older adults and working parents—if they fail to meet documentation or hour thresholds.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The richest Americans who are doing phenomenally well? Rewarded with tax breaks. The largest corporations enjoying record-breaking profits? Tax breaks.   American families in need? Trump and Congressional Republicans cut nutrition support to 22.3 million of them. Disgusting. <a href="https://t.co/jBGaDFgxE0">pic.twitter.com/jBGaDFgxE0</a>
&mdash; Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1946627859981742085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
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&#8220;The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45783272/bernie-sanders-says-there-is-a-new-breed-of-uber-capitalists-who-really-believe-they-are-superior-human-beings">richest Americans</a> who are doing phenomenally well? Rewarded with tax breaks,&#8221; Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) <a href="https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/1946627859981742085">wrote on X</a> recently. &#8220;The largest corporations enjoying record-breaking profits? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46258994/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-hands-5-billion-win-to-big-pharma-report">Tax breaks</a>. American families in need? Trump and Congressional Republicans cut nutrition support to 22.3 million of them. Disgusting.&#8221;
Critics argue that the policy disproportionately hurts low-income communities, especially in rural areas that often supported Trump in the last presidential election. In many small towns, SNAP recipients make up the majority of customers for independent grocery stores, which now fear closure or layoffs.
&#8220;I lean pretty heavily right most of the time,&#8221; Spence Udall, the mayor of conservative St. Johns, Arizona, which has just one grocery store, told <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/19/trump-snap-food-cuts-rural-grocers-megabill-00463048">Politico</a>. &#8220;But one of the things that I do lean to the left on is we're a pretty wealthy country, we can help people out.&#8221;
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Grocers like RF Buche, who operates the only store on South Dakota&#8217;s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, say the impact could be devastating. &#8220;I&#8217;d just as soon cut a leg off than have my customers out in the poorest county of the United States go without food,&#8221; Buche told Politico. He estimates that 60% to 80% of his shoppers rely on SNAP, which makes up nearly half his revenue.
A study by the <a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/mar/how-cuts-medicaid-snap-could-trigger-job-loss-state-revenue">Commonwealth Fund</a> warns that the SNAP cuts will trigger thousands of job losses across agriculture, grocery retail and food processing sectors. That ripple effect could be especially harsh in rural areas, where small stores double as community hubs and economic anchors.
As the legislation rolls out, grocery store owners, food bank operators, and families across the U.S. are bracing for a sharp decline in food access. As Sanders put it: &#8220;This bill wipes out nutrition assistance for millions of hungry kids at a time when we have the highest rate of childhood poverty of nearly any major nation on earth.&#8221;
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<li>How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.</li>
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