Crescent Biopharma (NASDAQ:CBIO) Stock

Crescent Biopharma

Crescent Biopharma Inc is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics to treat solid tumors, led by CR-001, a proprietary anti-PD-1/anti-VEGF bispecific antibody. Crescent believes CR-001 has the potential to deliver improved clinical efficacy and safety over pembrolizumab. CR-001 is a new molecular entity designed to replicate the functional properties of ivonescimab, a cooperative bispecific anti-PD-1/anti-VEGF antibody in development by Akeso Biopharma and Summit Therapeutics that delivered improved efficacy in a head-to-head Phase 3 clinical trial versus Keytruda in non-small cell lung cancer. Crescent is advancing its second and third programs, CR-002 and CR-003, which are antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) against validated oncology targets.

Crescent Biopharma Inc

"The purest NBA guy" is how Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal described former Lakers teammate Mark Madsen on Fox Sports' "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81L2xNPdlf0">Fair Game</a>" in 2019.&nbsp;
He then quietly bought Madsen a custom $1,000 suit and arranged a discount on a pickup truck so the Stanford graduate could fit in among million-dollar wardrobes and luxury rides in the Lakers locker room.
The impromptu spree kicked off one of basketball's endearing mentor-rookie stories and still resonates in Berkeley two decades later.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-peter-thiel-turned-his-roth-ira-into-5-billion-and-why-accredited-investors-are-now-eyeing-this-smartphone-disruptor">invest with $1,000 at just $0.30/share.</a></li>
<li>Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>. </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Rookie Pay To NBA Polish</h2>
According to <a href="https://hoopshype.com/player/mark-madsen/salary/">Hoopshype</a>, Madsen went 29th overall in the 2000 draft and signed a three-year contract worth more than $2.2 million, according to the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jul-06-sp-48591-story.html">Los Angeles Times </a>at the time. That sum barely covered rent in Los Angeles, let alone the four-figure suits most veterans wore. So O'Neal asked the team tailor to cap an outfit at $1,000 and slipped the bill under Madsen's locker.
"He's the purest guy I've ever met in the NBA. I had to protect that," O'Neal said, adding that party invitations for the rookie were off-limits. Instead, he sealed the makeover by steering Madsen to a trusted car dealership, where a modest pickup came at a discount "because rookies need reliable, not flashy."
Trending: Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-company-may-have-found-a-way-to-treat-cancer-by-tricking-the-bodys-immune-system-and-early-studies-show-some-promise-find-out-how-you-can-invest-in-the-future-of-cancer-treatment">Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mentor Magic and Championship Runs</h2>
The gesture cemented a bond as O'Neal and Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to league titles in 2001 and 2002. In 2001 alone, Los Angeles posted a 15–1 postseason, one of the most dominant runs in NBA history, according to <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2001.html">Basketball-Reference</a>.
Madsen <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/madsema01.html">averaged</a> just 2.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, but his sideline dance during the 2002 parade still loops on arena jumbotrons.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Hardwood to Head Coach</h2>
After retiring, Madsen joined Utah Valley and then the Lakers as an assistant. In April 2023, he became head coach at the University of California. In his first season, Cal improved by 10 wins to finish with 13, despite grueling cross-country trips, <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/45027724/acc-report-cards-grades-2024-2025">ESPN reported</a>.&nbsp;
According to the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/college/article/cal-men-earn-1st-acc-win-beat-virginia-behind-20017104.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a>, momentum peaked in January when Cal beat Virginia 75-61 for its first ACC win. "This is the opening of a new chapter," Madsen said afterward. He added Cal "is going to be a powerhouse in the ACC."
See Also: Tired of Grid Failures and Charging Deserts? This Startup Has a Solar Fix and $25M+ in Sales — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/meet-the-company-seeking-to-give-americans-energy-independence-and-learn-how-you-can-become-an-early-investor">Now Raising at $3/Share</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Extending the Legacy</h2>
O'Neal, meanwhile, has extended that mentorship beyond teammates. In February, Clark County, Nevada, commissioners approved plans for a $24 million <a href="https://www.shaqfuradio.com/2025/02/19/shaqs-vegas-youth-center-moving-ahead/">Shaquille O'Neal Youth Development Complex</a> in Las Vegas.&nbsp;
Groundbreaking is set for late March or early April. The facility will include a regulation gym, STEAM classrooms and free meals, aiming to guide 1,000 local youths toward college and careers each year.
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

Shaquille O'Neal Called Mark Madsen 'The Purest NBA Guy' — Then Got Him A $1,000 Custom Suit And Discounted Truck To Fit In On Rookie Pay

&#8220;How hard would it actually be for a millionaire to start from 0 again?&#8221; That was the question posed on Reddit&#8217;s <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/1ljgcus/how_hard_would_it_actually_be_for_a_millionaire/">r/NoStupidQuestions</a> recently. The scenario: no money, no contacts, no LinkedIn. Just experience and mindset. Would it be enough?
The post resonated widely and sparked hundreds of thoughtful responses from users across all walks of life.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Connections Matter More Than Grit</h2>
Most agreed that without connections, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44440238/can-you-guess-how-much-you-need-to-build-generational-wealth-some-say-its-less-than-what-it-takes-to-feel-rich">rebuilding wealth</a> would be extremely difficult, even for someone who had done it before. &#8220;Zero dollars, pretty easy for many of them. Zero rich friends and contacts, they&#8217;re probably f&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;ed,&#8221; one user said without embellishing.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-peter-thiel-turned-his-roth-ira-into-5-billion-and-why-accredited-investors-are-now-eyeing-this-smartphone-disruptor">invest with $1,000 at just $0.30/share.</a></li>
<li>Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>. </li>
</ul>
Another top commenter wrote, &#8220;The biggest assets are your contact list and your reputation. If I know people, I can ask them for work, get credit, find buyers. Without that, you&#8217;re just another person.&#8221;
One Redditor argued that while a rich person might crash on a friend's guest bed, poor people often have no such help. &#8220;I was homeless for a brief but awful period&#8230; Within a month, I had exhausted all my options and was about to sleep on the sidewalk.&#8221;
Many pointed out that millionaire status often comes from owning a home and maxing out retirement accounts, not from running a successful company. &#8220;Millionaire at this point means HCOL homeowner,&#8221; one person said, referring to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45685741/the-cost-of-living-crisis-hits-hard-in-these-8-cities-where-you-need-to-earn-at-least-100k-to-live-c">high-cost-of-living areas</a>. Another added, &#8220;I&#8217;m technically a millionaire—about $1.6M net worth. If I had to produce $1M in cash&#8230; I&#8217;d be permanently worse off.&#8221;
People who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/04/38359250/invest-for-the-decades-not-the-years">took decades to save and invest</a> wouldn&#8217;t have the time or energy to start over. &#8220;It took me 25 years with a high-paying job that let me save near 50%. I&#8217;d be dead before I could do it again,&#8221; one commenter said.
Trending: Tired of Grid Failures and Charging Deserts? This Startup Has a Solar Fix and $25M+ in Sales — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/meet-the-company-seeking-to-give-americans-energy-independence-and-learn-how-you-can-become-an-early-investor">Now Raising at $3/Share</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Luck And Timing Play A Huge Role</h2>
Plenty of people stressed the importance of good fortune. To them, most millionaires did not start from zero. They had family support, education and safety nets. As someone noted, luck is a huge factor. Right place, right time, right idea. Without that, it&#8217;s just wishful thinking.
Even Mark Cuban, quoted by several Redditors, has said he believes he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44657251/mark-cuban-said-billionaires-who-claim-they-could-do-it-all-again-are-lying-their-a-off-youve-got-to-have-luck-and-timing-to-get-rich">could become a millionaire again but not a billionaire</a>. Becoming a billionaire often comes down to being in the right place at the right time and taking big risks that happened to pay off, more than it does to effort or ability.
One person, who supposedly went bust at 23, losing all of their $1.5 million and recouping their wealth by 30, and more so, said, &#8220;Ask any multimillionaire and they'll all tell you the same: The first million was the hardest to earn. What made it uniquely difficult is what they had to learn along the way. Everything after that is mostly copy and paste, while remembering past mistakes.&#8221;
In the end, while millionaire experience might help someone avoid common mistakes, it&#8217;s no substitute for capital, connections, and safety nets.&nbsp;
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-company-may-have-found-a-way-to-treat-cancer-by-tricking-the-bodys-immune-system-and-early-studies-show-some-promise-find-out-how-you-can-invest-in-the-future-of-cancer-treatment">Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</a></li>
<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Someone Asked, 'How Hard Would It Actually Be For A Millionaire To Start From 0 Again?' No Access To Old Networks, No LinkedIn, Nothing

Personal finance expert Suze Orman says she&#8217;s confident the stock market is headed higher, despite some alarming signs in the broader economy. In her recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoC3d8kt6e4">video</a>, she acknowledged that things feel unstable right now, but urged her audience to stay calm and take a long-term view.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unusual Economic Signals</h2>
&#8220;There is something going on in this economy that I really don&#8217;t like,&#8221; Orman said, citing how traditional patterns are breaking. Typically, when markets drop, investors move into bonds, causing bond prices to rise and interest rates to fall. But that hasn&#8217;t been happening. &#8220;Interest rates in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45654448/bond-market-caught-between-rate-cut-hopes-and-fed-cautionwhat-investors-can-do-now">bonds</a> went up and up and up,&#8221; she said. &#8220;That isn&#8217;t what you want to see in normal markets.&#8221;
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-peter-thiel-turned-his-roth-ira-into-5-billion-and-why-accredited-investors-are-now-eyeing-this-smartphone-disruptor">invest with $1,000 at just $0.30/share.</a></li>
<li>Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>. </li>
</ul>
Another red flag: the U.S. dollar. Orman explained that during times of global uncertainty, foreign money usually flows into the dollar, strengthening it. But instead, &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/45974992/everyone-now-hates-the-dollar-is-that-the-ultimate-buy-signal">the dollar has been getting weaker</a> and weaker and weaker.&#8221;
She suggested this could mean foreign investors are losing confidence in the U.S. &#8220;Maybe it&#8217;s that foreign countries don&#8217;t quite have the faith in us anymore that they used to. We haven&#8217;t exactly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44131125/tariff-update">been nice to them</a>.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shifting Her Own Strategy</h2>
With her own treasuries maturing, Orman said she is now choosing dividend-paying stocks instead of rolling her money back into treasuries. &#8220;Many <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-dividend-paying-stocks">dividend-paying stocks</a> right now are paying more in a dividend than the Treasury is paying in interest rates,&#8221; she said.
Trending: GoSun's Breakthrough Rooftop EV Charger Already Has 2,000+ Units Reserved — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/meet-the-company-seeking-to-give-americans-energy-independence-and-learn-how-you-can-become-an-early-investor">Become an Investor in This $41.3M Clean Energy Brand Today</a>
She emphasized the importance of dollar-cost averaging: investing smaller amounts over time. This way, if stock prices fall, investors can buy more shares. &#8220;Even if it goes down because the markets go down&#8230; [your] income is fixed in the dividend, [so] your interest rate also goes up in there,&#8221; she explained.
One example she gave was Pfizer (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), which has been trading around $24 a share with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/45601072/pfizers-7-5-dividend-income-haven-or-house-of-cards">dividend yield of about 7%</a>. &#8220;Now, is it possible that maybe they could cut the dividend? They&#8217;re not going to get rid of the dividend, as far as I&#8217;m concerned.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Staying Invested In The Future</h2>
Orman advised investors to focus on sectors that reflect the future, particularly artificial intelligence and technology. She specifically recommended ETFs like VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>). &#8220;I want you to be investing in the future, not in the past anymore,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Artificial intelligence has absolutely changed the face of money and the face of the future.&#8221;
See Also: Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-company-may-have-found-a-way-to-treat-cancer-by-tricking-the-bodys-immune-system-and-early-studies-show-some-promise-find-out-how-you-can-invest-in-the-future-of-cancer-treatment">Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</a>
Despite today's economic uncertainty, Orman remains optimistic. &#8220;Believe it or not, I have total belief that these markets are going to continue up without a shadow of a doubt,&#8221; she said. Even if she turns out to be only half right, she advised investors to act accordingly: invest 50% now and the rest later if prices fall.
&#8220;I&#8217;m still a total believer in the stock market. I think it is very, very possible you could see the [<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45932660/exclusive-sp-500-new-all-time-highs-again-2025">S&amp;P 500</a>] skyrocket. I am a total believer in dividend-paying stocks,&#8221; she said. And if you don't need the income now, she added, &#8220;it is essential that you are reinvesting those dividends.&#8221;
Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

News

Suze Orman Believes The Stock Market Will Continue Climbing 'Without A Shadow Of A Doubt'

According to a report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu utilized his son&#8217;s wedding as a smokescreen for war preparations against Iran.
What Happened: Netanyahu announced his intention to attend his son&#8217;s wedding on June 16, a move that was actually a diversion to conceal Israel&#8217;s inaugural&nbsp;attack on Iran on June&nbsp;13. 
The Prime Minister&#8217;s family was kept in the dark about his plans to call off the wedding.
The clandestine operation, codenamed &#8220;Red Wedding&#8221;, was orchestrated to create the illusion that Israel was pursuing&nbsp;a diplomatic resolution to the&nbsp;conflict with the United States. 
Simultaneously, a covert missile strike was initiated, resulting in the death of&nbsp;Iranian nuclear scientists in their&nbsp;residences.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45940786/israeli-strikes-kill-9-iranian-scientists-continuing-mossads-decade-long-targeting-of-nuclear-program">Israeli Strikes Kill 9 Iranian Scientists, Continuing Mossad&#8217;s Decade-Long Targeting of Nuclear Program</a>
As per the report <a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-iran-attack-operation-narnia-a2c38ace?mod=hp_lead_pos1">by</a> The Wall Street Journal, Netanyahu&#8217;s actions provoked a strong response from Israeli citizens. Detractors, including members of The Democrats party and journalists, accused him of being egocentric. This marked the second instance of his son&#8217;s wedding being deferred due to the war.
Subsequent to the attack, the U.S. carried out additional bombings on Iran&#8217;s nuclear facilities until a fragile ceasefire was negotiated on June 23. The condition of Iran&#8217;s nuclear apparatus and the longevity of the ceasefire are yet to be determined.
Why It Matters: This incident underscores the lengths to which political leaders may go to protect their national interests. 
The use of a personal event as a cover for military operations is a stark reminder of the complexities and deceptions that can be involved in international politics and warfare. 
The fallout from this operation and its impact on the region&#8217;s stability is yet to be fully understood.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45939689/israeli-airstrikes-damage-irans-nuclear-sites-experts-assess-impact">Israeli Airstrikes Damage Iran&#8217;s Nuclear Sites, Experts Assess Impact</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Global

Netanyahu Used Son's Wedding as Cover for War Preparations Against Iran: Report

Education

$DOGE

AMZN

CMCSA

EBAY

FOXA

PYPL

TSLA

Happy Birthday Elon Musk! 54 Things You Might Not Know About Earth's Temporary Resident

A top-ranking executive at&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc. has leveled accusations of dishonesty against Sam Altman, the leader of OpenAI. 
What Happened: The allegations pertain to claims of $100 million signing bonuses offered by Meta to lure leading AI researchers away from OpenAI. Andrew Bosworth, Meta&#8217;s Chief Technology Officer, refuted Altman&#8217;s allegations during a company-wide meeting last week. 
Bosworth stated that Altman was implying that every individual was being offered such a lucrative package, a claim he deemed as an overstatement.
Altman had earlier sparked a debate by stating on the &#8220;Uncapped&#8221; podcast that Meta had started making significant offers to several members of his team. However, he also mentioned that none of their top talents had accepted these offers.
"Sam is just being dishonest here. He's suggesting that we're doing this for every single person… Look, you guys, the market's hot. It's not that hot," Bosworth said during the meeting. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45338125/openais-sam-altman-reaches-out-o-elon-musk-amid-ongoing-social-media-spat-lets-be-friends">OpenAI&#8217;s Sam Altman Reaches Out to Elon Musk Amid Ongoing Social Media Spat: &#8216;Let&#8217;s Be Friends&#8217;</a>
Contrary to Altman&#8217;s statements, a number of OpenAI researchers have since transitioned to Meta. Lucas Beyer, one of the researchers who made the switch, confirmed his move but denied receiving a $100 million sign-on bonus.
As per the report <a href="https://www.theverge.com/command-line-newsletter/694028/meta-openai-100-million-bonus-talent-war">by </a>The Verge, Bosworth contended that Altman&#8217;s claims were missing vital context and accused him of creating a niche market for a very select group of people in senior leadership roles. 
He suggested that Altman was blowing things out of proportion because Meta was successfully attracting talent from OpenAI.
"What Sam neglects to mention is that he's countering all these offers, creating a small market for a very, very small number of people who are for senior, senior leadership roles," Bosworth added.
Why It Matters: The allegations and counter-allegations between Meta and OpenAI highlight the intense competition in the AI industry for top talent. The claims of $100 million signing bonuses, whether true or exaggerated, underscore the high stakes involved in this sector. 
The movement of researchers from OpenAI to Meta, despite Altman&#8217;s assertions, indicates a shift in the balance of power. This development could potentially impact the future trajectory of AI research and development.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44348000/elon-musk-and-sam-altman-just-agreed-on-one-thingand-no-its-not-a-business-deal">Elon Musk And Sam Altman Just Agreed On One Thing—And No, It&#8217;s Not A Business Deal</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Meta Exec Dismisses OpenAI's Sam Altman's Claims of $100 Million Signing Bonuses: 'Sam Is Just Being Dishonest Here'

In a 2017 interview, former Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/16/12/8845840/the-team-that-built-the-iphone-who-were-they-and-where-are-they-now">executives</a> recalled how building the first iPhone felt like "Fight Club"—total secrecy, intense pressure and a once-in-a-lifetime mission.
What Happened: More than a decade after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/01/30336631/the-iphone-was-unveiled-16-years-ago-heres-how-much-1-000-invested-in-apple-stock-after-the-debut-is">iPhone's launch</a>, key members of Apple's original team—including Scott Forstall, Tony Fadell, and Greg Christie—opened up about the secretive, high-stakes process of inventing one of the world's most iconic devices in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
The project was code-named Project Purple and secrecy was paramount. "We put a poster up on the wall," said Forstall, referring to the poster of Brad Pitt and Edward Norton&#8217;s movie Fight Club. The first rule of Project Purple was you don't talk about Project Purple.
The team operated in complete isolation, even from other Apple employees. Hardware and software teams were often siloed and most of the company had no idea what was being built.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45830549/pierre-ferragu-takes-apple-to-task-for-dismissing-the-ai-revolution-has-its-head-in-the-sand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pierre Ferragu Takes Apple To Task For Dismissing The AI Revolution: ‘Has Its Head In The Sand'</a>
"Not one person knew what iPhone was gonna look like right before that keynote. People thought they knew that Apple was doing the phone, but nobody knew what they were going to see that day," Christie recalled.
It wasn't just secret—it was grueling. "168 hours a week for two weeks," Forstall said, describing the round-the-clock sprint that ultimately nailed the iPhone's core interface.
Fadell also described the early prototype process as "a rollercoaster ride," with the first attempts at an iPod-like phone quickly abandoned.
The iPhone's breakthrough moment came when the then CEO Steve Jobs asked whether the company's multitouch technology—originally meant for a tablet—could be shrunk down for a phone.&nbsp;
The team mocked up a prototype the size of a ping-pong table. "It was like a Big Mac," Fadell said.
One of the hardest challenges? The keyboard. Forstall froze all other UI work until the software keyboard was fixed. The team built dozens of versions, he said. One engineer's predictive typing system ended up forming the foundation of the keyboard we still use today.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Apple's Secret iPhone Launch Team: The Event That Began It All" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xxBc1c3uAJw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It's Important: Apple first introduced the iPhone on Jan. 9, 2007, during the Macworld event in San Francisco, presenting it as a device that merged a mobile phone, a widescreen iPod and an internet communicator.
The company revealed plans to launch the iPhone in the U.S. in June 2007, followed by a rollout in Europe later that year and in Asia in 2008.
Priced at $499 and $599 in the U.S., the iPhone officially <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/20/10/18058216/heres-how-much-investing-1-000-in-apple-the-day-the-first-iphone-debuted-would-be-worth-today">hit the market on June 29</a>, 2007, marking a pivotal moment in the company&#8217;s product history.
Last month, Apple posted fiscal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45152493/apple-reports-strong-q2-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-installed-base-hits-all-time-high-across-all-segments-100-billion-buyback-and-more">second-quarter revenue</a> of $95.36 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $94.53 billion. Revenue from iPhone sales came in at $46.84 billion, up from $45.96 billion in the same quarter last year.
However, the company is currently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46068152/whats-next-for-apple-chamath-palihapitiya-fires-back-dont-think-they-have-any-chance-of-anything-dismisses-glasses-and-ai-hopes">facing doubts about its ability</a> to stay ahead in the AI race, especially when compared to more agile startups and rivals like Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>).
Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings indicate a persistent decline in Apple&#8217;s performance across short, medium and long-term timeframes. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Additional performance insights can be found here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27021053/Screenshot-2025-06-27-at-11.36.13%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-964353" /></a></figure>
Photo Courtesy: rnkadsgn on Shutterstock.com
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45489038/us-stocks-likely-to-open-lower-after-moodys-downgrade-bear-market-isnt-fully-recovered-yet-but-it-is-close-says-expert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Stocks Likely To Open Lower After Moody's Downgrade: ‘Bear Market Isn't Fully Recovered Yet, But It Is Close,' Says Expert</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Tech

AAPL

GOOG

GOOGL

Steve Jobs Took Secrecy To Fight Club Levels For This Critical Mission At Apple — 'People Thought They Knew…But Nobody Knew'

Global financier and longtime Trump associate Gentry Beach is reportedly negotiating for control of the Rubaya coltan mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Trump administration-backed initiative, accompanied by support from a consortium including the Swiss trading house Mercuria, shows the current preference for the US engagement with Africa through <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/rumors/25/05/45607960/dr-congo-to-finalize-minerals-deal-with-washington-in-june">high-stakes investment deals</a> rather than traditional diplomacy.
The US views these deals as a means to mitigate China's strategic dominance in Africa's mineral supply chains. "When the US stepped in, they wanted to frame their approach to a peace settlement differently than in the past," said one regional participant, quoted anonymously <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/91a66fc6-28e7-4320-a537-eeb8fac34f0d">by</a> the Financial Times. "They were looking at what the business and economic side of the deal would be that allows this region to prosper, so we don't get back into this all over."
The US-led negotiations aim to broker a peace deal between the DRC and neighboring Rwanda, whose backing of the M23 rebel group has fueled violence in eastern Congo. The talks include a proposed ceasefire and militia disarmament, with a draft agreement endorsed last week by the foreign ministers of both countries.
As reported by the Financial Times, the Rubaya mine is central to these efforts, potentially requiring over $500 million in investment, and is envisioned as a future legal export hub via a new smelter in Rwanda.
Beach, a former Morgan Stanley investment banker, a seasoned hedge fund manager, and a finance co-chair of Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, is the distinctive name in the Rubaya deal. Notably, he has previous experience in the region, having participated in a 2004 mining venture with the late NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo. Although Beach is close friends with Donald Trump Jr., the Trump family has no direct involvement in the Rubaya project, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Rubaya is among the most lucrative coltan deposits in the world. Coltan (short for columbite-tantalite) yields tantalum and niobium, critical elements in smartphones, aircraft engines, and missile components. In 2023, the DRC supplied roughly 40% of global coltan, according to the US Geological Survey. The mine has been a focal point in eastern Congo's decades-long conflict and was recently seized by M23 rebels, who have taxed its production.
Beyond coltan, the region is also rich in copper, cobalt, and gold, all of which are important to global clean energy supply chains. Recent initiatives include those of Blackwater founder Erik Prince, who was connected to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44885311/blackwater-founder-reaches-a-security-deal-with-dr-congo">security deal</a> involving copper assets in the Katanga region.
Price Watch: iShares MSCI Global Metals &amp; Mining Producers ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PICK#BATS">PICK</a>) is up 8.09% year-to-date.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/06/46138446/investors-seek-gold-alternative-platinum-hits-1400-as-supply-deficit-deepens">Investors Seek Gold Alternative &#8211; Platinum Hits $1,400 As Supply Deficit Deepens</a>
Image: Shutterstock/rarrarorro

Markets

PICK

Trump Ally Eyes $500 Million Deal in Peace Plan for DR Congo

Celebrity investor <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/46064693/is-ai-going-to-replace-ceos-or-just-make-them-10-times-richer-kevin-oleary-says-itll-make-everyone-richer-if-they-learn-how-to-use-it">Kevin O'Leary</a> says the window to buy TikTok with its current Chinese-owned algorithm has officially closed. As a new 90-day deadline ticks down, O'Leary is sounding the alarm: TikTok's future in the U.S. hangs in the balance, and at the heart of it is a much bigger issue — who truly owns your personal data?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why the Sale Keeps Getting Delayed</h2>
TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, is under pressure from a U.S. law enacted last year that requires it to sell its TikTok assets in the U.S. or face a nationwide ban. The law was upheld by the Supreme Court, but enforcement has been repeatedly delayed. Most recently, President Donald Trump granted a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45988862/trump-extends-tiktok-divestment-deadline-again-says-xi-will-ultimately-approve-the-deal-amid-stalled-us-spinoff-talks">90-day extension</a> until September, marking the third postponement.
Don't Miss:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-peter-thiel-turned-his-roth-ira-into-5-billion-and-why-accredited-investors-are-now-eyeing-this-smartphone-disruptor">invest with $1,000 at just $0.30/share.</a></li>
<li>Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-company-may-have-found-a-way-to-treat-cancer-by-tricking-the-bodys-immune-system-and-early-studies-show-some-promise-find-out-how-you-can-invest-in-the-future-of-cancer-treatment">Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential.</a></li>
</ul>
While TikTok has continued to operate, critics say these delays are avoiding a key national security concern: the possibility that the Chinese government could access American user data. Beijing denies this, but many U.S. lawmakers remain skeptical.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">O'Leary: "The Deal Is Dead"</h2>
According to O'Leary, a new sale involving TikTok's existing algorithm is no longer on the table. "We know that we can&#8217;t buy the algorithm," he said in a video he <a href="https://x.com/kevinolearytv/status/1936233691967054333">posted to X</a>. "So we're gonna have to rewrite this whole thing."
O'Leary is part of a group led by billionaire Frank McCourt and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian proposing a new version of TikTok — one without Chinese-owned code. Their goal? Create a U.S.-based platform that puts data ownership in the hands of users, not corporations.
The alternative, O'Leary warns, is a legal minefield. "Every mothers' group and state attorney general is suing social media," he said. "All stemming from the fact that the platform owns the data and the customer doesn&#8217;t."
Trending: Tired of Grid Failures and Charging Deserts? This Startup Has a Solar Fix and $25M+ in Sales — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/meet-the-company-seeking-to-give-americans-energy-independence-and-learn-how-you-can-become-an-early-investor">Now Raising at $3/Share</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">"Chinese Honey" and the Battle Over AI Chips</h2>
O'Leary also tied the TikTok debate to the broader issue of U.S. technology exports, especially AI chips made by companies like Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>).
He used a bee analogy to explain: The chip is the queen bee, and software developers are the honeybees building AI — or "honey" — on that chip. O'Leary argued there will soon be only two types of AI: "American honey" and "Chinese honey."
"If you want the world running on Chinese honey, stop shipping American queen bee chips," he said. His point: limiting chip exports could backfire by encouraging foreign adversaries to build their own alternatives — like TikTok.
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Legal Deadline With Real Consequences</h2>
Unless Congress acts or a new buyer is found, TikTok could be pulled from U.S. app stores after the September deadline. O'Leary believes this is likely the "last extension."
As lawmakers debate national security, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/45922827/the-dollar-is-crumbling-and-hedge-fund-analyst-says-a-new-global-trade-is-brewing">global trade</a>, and personal privacy, the clock keeps ticking.
One thing is clear: TikTok's fate is tied not just to politics, but to a fundamental question about the future of the internet — who controls the data, and who gets to decide?
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.

NVDA

Kevin O'Leary Says TikTok Deal Is Dead — And U.S. Law Must Finally Decide Who Owns Your Data

Each week, Benzinga&#8217;s Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.
Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.
Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45750724/exclusive-mays-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-apple-palantir-coreweave-nvidia-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: May's 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do Apple, Palantir, CoreWeave, Nvidia Rank?</a>
Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending June 27:
Prologis (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLD#NYSE">PLD</a>): The logistics real estate company saw increased interest from readers during the week. The company was recently named to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46144750/44-public-companies-make-times-most-influential-list-coinbase-ufc-nintendo-netflix-and-more-stocks-investors-can-buy">TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list</a> in the "Leaders" category. Investors may be gearing up for second quarter financial results, which are set for July 16. The company has beaten funds from operation estimates from analysts in four straight quarters, while revenue has missed analyst estimates in six straight quarters. Prologis could be fitting several themes for investors with a dividend payment and operating in the growing logistics REIT market. The stock was nearly flat on the week, as seen on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0627">Benzinga Pro chart </a>below and shares are up only 1.3% year-to-date in 2025.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0627"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="498" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172832/Screenshot-471.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965471" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172832/Screenshot-471.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172832/Screenshot-471-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172832/Screenshot-471-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
Global-E Online (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLBE#NASDAQ">GLBE</a>): The ecommerce solutions company saw strong interest from readers during the week with the stock price up 6%. The company<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45410991/global-e-q1-sales-up-30-gmv-soars-34-extends-strategic-partnership-with-shopify"> reported first-quarter financial results</a> in May with sales beating analyst estimates. The company saw 30% year-over-year sales growth and gross merchandise value also rose 34% year-over-year in the quarter. Global-E Online also reported growth in its Adjusted EBITDA with the operating loss narrowing. The company reiterated its full year guidance after the quarter. Along with financial results, Global-E Online also announced a new three-year strategic partnership with Shopify, extending an existing long-term partnership for first-party and third-party solutions.
"We had another quarter of strong results,&nbsp;demonstrating our ability to grow fast even within macroeconomic turbulent times with Q1 results coming in at or above the midpoints across our guidance," founder and CEO&nbsp;Amir Schlachet&nbsp;said. &nbsp;
Schlachet said the company's pipeline is very active and the company is seeing increased interest in its services.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0627"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="993" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172847/Screenshot-472.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965472" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172847/Screenshot-472.png 993w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172847/Screenshot-472-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172847/Screenshot-472-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 993px) 100vw, 993px" /></a></figure>
Agilent Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/A#NYSE">A</a>): The life sciences and diagnostics company saw increased interest from investors during the week, which comes after the company reported quarterly financial results <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45669099/agilent-braces-for-potential-us-eu-tariff-hike-maintains-annual-outlook">last month</a>. Agilent reported 6% year-over-year sales growth, which beat analyst estimates. The company beat revenue estimates from analysts for a fourth straight quarter and ninth time out of the last 10 quarters. The company's earnings per share also beat analyst estimates, which kept a streak of more than 10 straight quarters beating estimates in place. Agilent reaffirmed earnings per share guidance for the full year and raised its full-year sales guidance, saying that it will be able to mitigate most of the impacts of tariffs.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0627"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172902/Screenshot-473.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965473" style="width:920px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172902/Screenshot-473.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172902/Screenshot-473-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172902/Screenshot-473-768x385.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AA#NYSE">AA</a>): Investors showed increased interest in the metals company ahead of its July 16 second-quarter financial results. Analyss expect the company to report earnings per share of 57 cents and revenue of $2.96 billion. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in four straight quarters and seven of the last 10 quarters overall. Revenue has been more mixed with a miss in the last quarter and five beats and five misses over the last 10 quarters. Investors are likely looking to hear more on the impact of tariffs for the company. Alcoa reported $20 million in additional costs in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44853254/alcoa-shares-gain-after-mixed-q1-results-eps-beat-revenues-miss">the first quarter</a> due to the impact of tariffs on Canadian aluminum imports. The forecast for the second quarter impact from tariffs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44858454/alcoa-warns-tariffs-could-cost-425-million-annually-this-is-the-most-material-impact-says-ceo">was $90 million.</a>
&#8220;This is the most material impact to Alcoa, as approximately 70% of our aluminum produced in Canada is destined for U.S. customers,&#8221; Alcoa CEO William Oplinger said.
He estimated the annual cost of the 25% tariff could reach as high as $425 million.
Investors will likely want to hear that these numbers have not gone up and that higher metals prices and demand could help offset some of the increased costs.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0627"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="504" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172921/Screenshot-474.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965474" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172921/Screenshot-474.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172921/Screenshot-474-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172921/Screenshot-474-768x389.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
Comfort Systems USA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIX#NYSE">FIX</a>): The HVAC and electrical company saw increased interest from investors with shares at all-time highs. While most investors may not be familiar with the company, Comfort Systems has shown consistent growth and has a history of beating analyst estimates. Second quarter financial results are expected in June. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $4.78, up from $3.74 in last year's second quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in more than 10 straight quarters. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $1.97 billion, up from $1.54 billion in last year's second quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates in two straight quarters and nine of the last 10 quarters overall. Analysts have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FIX/analyst-ratings">raised price targets</a> on the stock in recent months and the new quarterly results could see more analyst action.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0627"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="506" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172936/Screenshot-475.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965476" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172936/Screenshot-475.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172936/Screenshot-475-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/27172936/Screenshot-475-768x389.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Stay tuned for next week&#8217;s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0627" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/05/45710022/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-67" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May 30</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45827517/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-68" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 6</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45938888/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-69" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 13</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46043300/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-70">June 20</a></li>
</ul>
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45932660/exclusive-sp-500-new-all-time-highs-again-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: S&amp;P 500 To Hit New All-Time Highs Again In 2025? Majority Say Yes, 27% Predict This Range</a></li>
</ul>

Exclusives

Trading Ideas

GLBE

Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) is the top performer in the S&amp;P 500 for June, surging 43% and reaching its highest level since<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/06/46131195/cathie-woods-thursday-crypto-moves-ark-unloads-nearly-25-million-in-coinbase-block-stocks"> its 2021 IPO. </a>
The rally follows the stock's inclusion in the index at the end of May and is supported by positive regulatory updates and new product launches. Coinbase's momentum began in April and marks its third consecutive monthly gain.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46130084/cathie-woods-alpha-surge-250-million-circle-windfall-big-amd-buys?utm_source=articleShare">Cathie Wood&#8217;s Alpha Surge: $250 Million Circle Windfall, Big AMD Buys</a>
What To Know: Analysts credit Coinbase's strength to its S&amp;P 500 inclusion, the Senate's passage of the GENIUS Act and the strong performance of Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRCL#NASDAQ">CRCL</a>), according to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/27/coinbase-is-best-performing-stock-in-sp-500-in-june-and-may-move-higher.html">CNBC</a>.&nbsp;
Coinbase benefits from a revenue-sharing agreement with Circle, allowing it to capture all revenue from USDC (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDC</a>) held on its platform and nearly half of other USDC revenues—without incurring Circle's operating costs.
Coinbase has expanded its crypto services, launching a crypto-backed credit card with American Express, partnering with Shopify for stablecoin payments and collaborating with JPMorgan on a deposit token using its Base blockchain.&nbsp;
What Else: Coinbase <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46123211/whats-going-on-with-coinbase-global-stock-thursday">shares surged further</a> on Thursday after the company announced the upcoming launch of US-regulated perpetual-style futures for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and Ether, (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)&nbsp; set to begin July 21.&nbsp;
This marks a major milestone, as such products have been largely unavailable to US traders, who have typically relied on offshore exchanges.&nbsp;
Coinbase's move aims to capture a significant share of this market by providing a domestic, regulated alternative.&nbsp;
The announcement coincided with Bernstein raising its price target on Coinbase stock from $310 to $510, citing rapid growth in derivatives and strong non-trading revenues from staking and the Base blockchain.&nbsp;
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46117473/sofi-stock-gets-supercharged-with-return-to-crypto?utm_source=articleShare">SoFi Stock Gets Supercharged With Return To Crypto</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock&nbsp;

Equities

Fintech news covering the emerging Financial Technology services sector

Fintech

Movers

$BTC

$ETH

$USDC

COIN

CRCL

Coinbase Stock Is S&P 500's Best Performer For June: How It Got There

Billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates has suggested that playing sports could be a major factor in the success of women in the C-suite.
What Happened: At the Power of Women&#8217;s Sports Summit, French Gates highlighted the correlation between women in leadership positions and their participation in sports. She noted that women who played sports, especially those who didn&#8217;t mind failing, were more likely to end up in the C-suite, <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/06/27/billionaire-philanthropist-melinda-french-gates-no1-skill-that-gen-alpha-girls-high-school-ceo-career-advice/">reported</a> Fortune.
&#8220;The only correlation they can find of women in the C suite, the CEO spot, it that they all played sport—or the majority played sport,&#8221; French Gates said.
She added, &#8220;And the thesis is (we don't know why that is) they didn't mind failing. You step out of bounds playing soccer, you go right back to it. You lose the tennis match sometimes. You learn to fail and that failing is okay.&#8221;
She added that playing sports helps in developing qualities such as resilience and self-confidence, which are crucial for success in the boardroom. This view was supported by tennis legend&nbsp;Billie Jean King&nbsp;and research from EY, which revealed that 94%&nbsp;of women in the C-suite are former athletes.
SEE ALSO: <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46132007/amazon-google-not-far-behind-but-dan-ives-says-microsoft-clearly-leading-in-these-segments-600-price" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon, Google Not Far Behind, But Dan Ives Says Microsoft &#8216;Clearly Leading&#8217; In These Segments — $600 Price Target Is &#8216;Probably&#8217; Conservative</a>
Why It Matters: CEOs often credit their sports backgrounds for developing key leadership skills like confidence, teamwork, and discipline. A McKinsey report supports this view, highlighting overlaps between executive and athletic traits such as time management, resilience, and a growth mindset.
The insights shared by Gates and King come at a time when the corporate world is witnessing a shift in attitudes and work culture, especially with the upcoming Gen Z workforce. Gen Z, which is set to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46129668/gen-zs-gig-economy-mindset-prioritizing-flexibility-skill-development-and-work-life-balance-in-corporate-america"> make up</a> 30% of the workforce by 2030, prioritizes work-life balance, flexibility, and skill development.
Moreover, top banker Jamie Dimon&#8217;s call for an overhaul of the U.S. education system and underlines the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/education/25/06/46007465/jamie-dimon-sounds-alarm-on-skills-gap-calls-for-overhaul-of-us-education-system">need for schools</a> to adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing workforce. The emphasis on sports as a platform for developing crucial life skills could potentially align with these evolving educational and corporate trends.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46125266/thank-you-elon-musks-longtime-aide-reportedly-fired-days-after-public-praise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Thank You, Elon:&#8217; Musk&#8217;s Longtime Aide Reportedly Fired Days After Public Praise</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Melinda French Gates Reveals The No. 1 Skill Women Need To Reach The C-Suite: 'You Learn To Fail And That Failing Is...'

Following a series of sobering near-miss incidents in U.S. airports, most recently when a Southwest Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) plane came close to departing from a taxiway in Orlando, air carriers are focusing now on what could be the most priceless upgrade since in-flight Wi-Fi: cockpit alerts that scream at pilots before they undertake something disastrous.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/06/46151058/jpmorgans-new-etf-smashes-records-with-2-billion-kick-off">JPMorgan&#8217;s New ETF Smashes Records With $2 Billion Kick Off</a>
At the forefront of this air safety upgrade is Honeywell (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HON#NASDAQ">HON</a>), which has created a Runway Awareness and Advisory System (RAAS) that&#8217;s now in use across almost all of Southwest&#8217;s 800-strong Boeing 737 fleet, according to WSJ. And although this upgrade is, first and foremost, about ensuring passengers and crew are safe, it also represents a possible investment opportunity few are discussing: a boost in demand for avionics and safety technology, and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">ETFs that contain them</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wake-Up Call In The Cockpit</h2>
Honeywell&#8217;s system provides real-time voice and text alerts when pilots make hazardous maneuvers, such as turning onto an incorrect runway, landing too rapidly, or trying to take off from a taxiway. 
It&#8217;s not only Southwest becoming serious about safety. Other airlines such as Alaska Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALK#NYSE">ALK</a>) are bringing the system on board as well, with Airbus and Boeing (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) allegedly working on their own in-house alert systems. With the FAA considering new proposals to mandate safety alerts on new planes, and potentially retrofits in the future, this might be only the start.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The ETF Angle: Follow The Beep</h2>
A number of large ETFs already provide exposure to aviation safety vendors such as Honeywell, and if the industry experiences an upgrade supercycle, these funds could be winners:
iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>): Top holding is Honeywell, followed by Boeing and Raytheon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>). Traces defense and aerospace production companies, including safety systems and avionics.
Up 29% YTD, ITA may experience additional tailwinds if cockpit safety standards become an international standard.
SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>): Equal-weighted, providing more widespread exposure to mid-cap stocks that might include specialty avionics providers.
Comprises participants on next-gen safety software, hardware, and even autonomous flight system development.
Global X Future Analytics Tech ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIQ#NASDAQ">AIQ</a>): Not aerospace-focused, but exposed to companies embedding AI in safety and risk-reduction systems. 
As cockpit notifications become more sophisticated with AI-based pattern recognition, funds such as AIQ might soon be cleared for takeoff.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Now?</h2>
Let&#8217;s link the dots:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Increasing pilot shortages translate into more dependence on safety technology.</li>
<li>Busy airports and tighter flight schedules raise the margin for error.</li>
<li>High-profile accidents (such as the Air Canada near-miss at San Francisco or the 2006 Comair crash) are spurring regulators and carriers into action.</li>
<li>Public perception: Airlines are keen to demonstrate that they&#8217;re spending money on safety amid growing concern.</li>
</ul>
In short, the cockpit alert boom is not merely a safety tale, it&#8217;s a story about tech adoption, and in the markets, that&#8217;s where the actual jet fuel resides.
For the moment, cockpit warnings might be barking alarms within aircraft, but shareholders might find themselves tuning in as well. Aviation safety technology is taking to the skies quietly, and the ETFs that have exposure to it could be up next for a smooth ride.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/06/46151686/nvidia-just-became-the-worlds-most-valuable-stock-is-it-time-for-a-semiconductor-etf-rethink">Nvidia Just Became The World&#8217;s Most Valuable Stock; Is It Time For A Semiconductor ETF Rethink?</a></li>
</ul>

Sector ETFs

ETFs

iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

Runway Ready: Can Aviation Safety Tech Be The Next Frontier For Aerospace ETFs?

Benzinga examined the prospects for <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
Wall Street surged this week as easing geopolitics and a potential pause in U.S.-China tariffs lifted sentiment. The S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs, boosted significantly by Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), whose stock jumped by about 10% to record its highest valuation — $3.8 trillion — overtaking Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) as the world's most valuable company
The tech rally reflected strong earnings from Nvidia's AI-centric chip business and supplier Micron (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), while broader market gains were bolstered by renewed risk appetite in equities.
Next week, investors will track the June jobs report, rhetoric on tariffs — including the July 8 "Liberation Day" deadline — and upcoming July 4 tax‑and‑spending legislative actions that could influence rates and yields.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.

The Bulls
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46081553/nvidias-jensen-huang-sparks-quantum-stock-frenzy">"Nvidia's Big Moment Is Back—Stock Soared 500% The Last Time This Happened"</a>, by Piero Cingari, reports that Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) is forming a bullish golden cross — a 50-day moving average crossing above the 200‑day — after recovering from earlier tariff-induced weakness, which historically has preceded massive rallies, with gains as high as 800%, fueled by easing U.S.-China trade tensions and strong earnings.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/06/46104401/micron-q3-earnings-revenue-eps-beat-estimates-data-center-revenue-guidance-ai-demand">"Micron Q3 earnings: Revenue, EPS beat estimates as data center revenue doubles, strong guidance on rising AI‑driven demand"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) delivered a strong Q3 with $9.3 billion in revenue (beating $8.87 billion estimates) and $1.91 adjusted EPS (versus $1.60 expected); data-center revenue more than doubled, and the company forecast Q4 revenue of $10.7 billion and EPS of $2.50 amid surging AI memory demand.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46098312/palantir-stock-hits-all-time-high-whats-going-on">"Palantir stock hits all‑time high: what's going on?"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) shares reached record highs — up roughly 500% over the past year and 93% year-to-date — driven by strong momentum (Benzinga Pro momentum score of 99), surging AI and government contracts including a $795 million U.S. Army deal, and positive Wall Street sentiment such as Loop Capital's raised price target.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/06/46084802/blackberry-stock-climbs-after-better-than-expected-q1-report-details">BlackBerry Stock Climbs After Better-Than-Expected Q1 Report: Details</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/06/46120819/platinum-miners-forecasts-stocks">Platinum's Biggest Rally In 40 Years: These 6 Mining Stocks Could Be Top Gainers</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46129177/pony-ai-stock-pops-on-report-uber-is-in-talks-with-travis-kalanick-to-invest-in-potential-deal">Pony AI Stock Pops On Report Uber Is In Talks With Travis Kalanick To Invest In Potential Deal</a>

The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/06/46080036/hims-crashes-on-novo-glp-1-fallout-buy-the-dip-or-bail">"HIMS crashes on Novo GLP‑1 fallout: buy‑the‑dip or bail?"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Hims &amp; Hers Health Inc. (NYSE: HIMS) shares plunged 34% after Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) ended their partnership over claims of unapproved Wegovy compounding, with analysts warning that legal risk and lofty valuation may outweigh oversold technicals.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/46116103/altimmune-stock-sinks-after-mid-stage-data-from-fatty-liver-candidate">"Altimmune stock sinks after mid‑stage data from fatty liver candidate"</a>, by Vandana Singh, reports that Altimmune Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALT#NASDAQ">ALT</a>) shares plunged after its Phase 2b trial showed pemvidutide resolved MASH in over half of treated patients (59.1% at 1.2 mg and 52.1% at 1.8 mg) with significant liver‑fat reduction, but missed the fibrosis endpoint — prompting broad investor concern.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/46055895/ast-spacemobile-stock-downgraded-rocket-lab-prepares-electron-launch-space-stock-countdown">"AST SpaceMobile stock downgraded, Rocket Lab prepares Electron launch: Space stock countdown"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>) was downgraded by Scotiabank to Sector Perform with a $45.40 target, even as Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) gears up for another Electron launch — factors highlighting heightened volatility in space stocks.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/06/46083155/aerovironment-stock-sinks-despite-better-than-expected-q4-report-heres-why">AeroVironment Stock Sinks Despite Better-Than-Expected Q4 Report: Here's Why</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/06/46128371/concentrix-stock-slips-after-mixed-q2-results-details">Concentrix Stock Slips After Mixed Q2 Results: Details</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46118143/unity-software-stock-is-sliding-today-whats-going-on">Unity Software Stock Is Sliding Today: What's Going On?</a>

Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

ASTS

AVAV

CNXC

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

MSFT

PLTR

PONY

RKLB

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Nvidia, Micron, HIMS — And Markets Soar On Mideast And Tariff Relief

Warren Buffett has donated a staggering $6 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) shares to the Gates Foundation and four family charities. This is Buffett&#8217;s largest annual donation since he began his philanthropic journey almost two decades ago.
What Happened: According <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/warren-buffett-donates-record-6-billion-berkshire-shares-2025-06-28/">to</a> a Reuters report, the 94-year-old business magnate donated approximately 12.36 million Berkshire Class B shares to the Gates Foundation and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, as well as three charities led by his children.
This latest contribution brings Buffett&#8217;s total charitable giving to well over $60 billion. The Oracle of Omaha still retains 13.8% of Berkshire&#8217;s stock, making him the world&#8217;s fifth-richest person with a net worth of $152 billion, as per Forbes.
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46132007/amazon-google-not-far-behind-but-dan-ives-says-microsoft-clearly-leading-in-these-segments-600-price">Amazon, Google Not Far Behind, But Dan Ives Says Microsoft &#8216;Clearly Leading&#8217; In These Segments — $600 Price Target Is &#8216;Probably&#8217; Conservative</a>
Buffett, who has been giving away his fortune since 2006, has no plans to sell any of his Berkshire shares. Last year, he amended his will, designating 99.5% of his remaining fortune to a charitable trust to be managed by his children after his death. The trust will have around a decade to distribute the funds and must reach unanimous decisions on their allocation.
Why It Matters: Despite his philanthropic efforts, Buffett&#8217;s wealth has continued to surge. In March, he was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44479393/warren-buffett-top-wealth-gainer-elon-musk-top-wealth-loser-in-2025-heres-how-much-billionaires-have-added-lost">recognized as the top wealth gainer</a> among the world&#8217;s richest people, due to Berkshire Hathaway stock&#8217;s strong performance. 
Despite his immense <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44779863/warren-buffetts-son-sold-his-berkshire-stock-inheritance-to-buy-something-infinitely-more-valuable-than-the-500-million-it-would-be-worth-today">wealth</a>, the latest donation testifies to Buffett's commitment to his philanthropic endeavors.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46156475/dave-ramsey-has-blunt-advice-on-how-much-to-spend-to-keep-a-pet-dog-alive-ive-seen-people-spend-tens-of-thousands-of-dollars">Dave Ramsey Has Blunt Advice On How Much To Spend To Keep A Pet Dog Alive: &#8216;I&#8217;ve Seen People Spend Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars…&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: mark reinstein / Shutterstock.com

Warren Buffett Donates $6 Billion In Berkshire Stock To Gates Foundation And Other Charities, His Biggest Gift In 20+ Years: Here's How Much He's Given Away So Far

This week, on multiple occasions, Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/46131597/bill-gates-says-he-knows-for-a-fact-that-more-children-will-die-due-to-us-health-aid-cuts-and-hes-taking-the-proof-to-congress">expressed concern</a> over the future of global health, warning that recent cuts to funding for Gavi could undo decades of progress in saving children&#8217;s lives through vaccinations.
What Happened: In a post titled "A perilous time for the world's poorest children," <a href="https://www.gatesnotes.com/home/home-page-topic/reader/a-perilous-time-for-the-worlds-poorest-children">on</a> Gates Notes, Gates decried the Donald Trump government&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44498936/moderna-novavax-shares-are-sliding-wednesday-whats-going-on">decision to pull funding</a> from Gavi, the vaccine alliance that has helped vaccinate over a billion children.
He warned that the cuts could lead to a reversal in progress, with more children dying from preventable diseases. Gates noted that 2025 could be the first year since the 1990s when child mortality rates increase, instead of continuing to decline.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46087132/elizabeth-warren-says-the-tax-break-for-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-is-so-bountiful-under-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-that-35-copay-from-each-american-wont-still" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elizabeth Warren Says The Tax Break For Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Is So Bountiful Under Trump&#8217;s ‘Big Beautiful Bill&#8217; That $35 Copay From Each American Won&#8217;t Still Match It</a>
He stated, &#8220;All the progress we've made is at risk,&#8221; referencing the vital role Gavi plays in providing affordable vaccines to low-income countries.
Gates also highlighted how the funding cuts could undermine efforts to eradicate diseases like polio and malaria, emphasizing that &#8220;the life could have been saved by a vaccine that costs just 30 cents.&#8221;
Why It&#8217;s Important: On Tuesday, the Gates Foundation announced a pledge of $1.6 billion over the next five years to Gavi.
Earlier this month, Gates, who chairs the Gates Foundation, committed to channeling the majority of its planned <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/esg/25/06/45739698/bill-gates-commits-majority-of-200-billion-foundation-budget-to-africa-over-next-20-years-amid-trumps-massive-usaid-cuts">$200 billion investment</a> over the next two decades into Africa.
The Trump administration had earlier signaled its intention to reduce its annual contribution of approximately $300 million to Gavi.
The Microsoft co-founder has previously also aimed at Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk and Trump for supporting sudden cuts to USAID funding, cautioning that these cuts could halt the supply of essential food and medicine, potentially causing a resurgence of diseases such as measles, HIV, and polio — with the world's most vulnerable <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45286464/bill-gates-commits-99-of-his-remaining-fortune-to-gates-foundation-set-to-wind-down-in-20-years-somebody-should-give-more-money-than-i-did">children bearing the brunt</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45396297/cathie-wood-dumps-palantir-as-stock-touches-peak-prices-bails-on-soaring-flying-taxi-maker-archer-aviation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cathie Wood Dumps Palantir As Stock Touches Peak Prices, Bails On Soaring Flying-Taxi Maker Archer Aviation</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com

Health Care

Bill Gates Warns Of 'Perilous' Times After Trump Administration Pulls Funding From Gavi, A Group That Has Paid For Over A Billion Children's Vaccinations: 'All The Progress We've Made Is At Risk'

Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) Siri is far behind OpenAI's ChatGPT, according to a comparison conducted by Deepwater Asset Management, receiving an "F" while ChatGPT has scored an "A."
What Happened: On Friday, Deepwater Asset Management's managing partner, Gene Munster, shared the results of the test <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44429160/apple-stock-down-over-12-this-year-now-tim-cook-is-reportedly-betting-on-vision-pros-mike-rockwell-to-fix-siri-after-losing-confidence-in-ai-boss-john-giannandrea">comparing Siri</a> and ChatGPT.
The comparison involved 50 real-world questions, assessing each AI assistant's ability to understand, respond, and handle follow-up questions. Siri received an "F," while ChatGPT through Siri earned a "B," and ChatGPT alone scored the highest with an "A."
The test showed that Siri is still more of a voice-activated search tool than a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45851232/apples-lack-of-new-ai-features-at-wwdc-is-startling-expert-says">true AI assistant</a>. Despite its integration with iOS, Siri struggles with reasoning, follow-up questions, and delivering concise, helpful answers.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45830549/pierre-ferragu-takes-apple-to-task-for-dismissing-the-ai-revolution-has-its-head-in-the-sand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pierre Ferragu Takes Apple To Task For Dismissing The AI Revolution: ‘Has Its Head In The Sand'</a>
It also took 5 to 10 seconds for Siri to hand off requests to ChatGPT, causing delays that are not ideal for today's fast-paced environment.
In contrast, ChatGPT provides more accurate, fluid, and human-like responses, mimicking natural conversation with ease. The test emphasized that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/05/45486193/why-is-apple-still-behind-on-ai-expert-dissects-reasons-behind-iphone-maker-lagging-likes-of-microsoft-and-amazon-despite-poaching-googles-ai-chief">Apple's Siri has been stuck in the past</a>, and for it to stay competitive, a major overhaul is required.
&#8220;It has to be more than a voice for web search. Siri needs to think, converse, and assist like an intelligent partner,&#8221; the test concluded.&nbsp;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We tested Siri vs. ChatGPT. Siri got an "F", ChatGPT an "A", underscoring whats at stake for next years new Siri.<a href="https://t.co/M1wudSgwnX">https://t.co/M1wudSgwnX</a>
&mdash; Gene Munster (@munster_gene) <a href="https://twitter.com/munster_gene/status/1938625233365135774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It&#8217;s Important: Apple's upgraded Siri, first unveiled at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39245542/dont-miss-apples-wwdc-2024-keynote-how-and-where-to-watch-on-june-10">WWDC 2024</a> and originally slated for spring 2025, will now launch a year later in spring 2026.
Earlier this week, BofA analyst Wamsi Mohan kept a &#8216;Buy&#8217; rating on the Apple stock with a $235 price target, citing reports that Apple may <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46041473/apple-eyes-perplexity-ai-acquisition-while-facing-shareholder-lawsuit-over-exaggerated-ai-progress-report">acquire, or partner with</a> Perplexity AI to strengthen its AI search capabilities, enhance Siri, reduce reliance on Alphbaet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google and expand into the search advertising market.
On the other hand, Chamath Palihapitiya has criticized Apple on the All-In podcast, saying that the company's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46068152/whats-next-for-apple-chamath-palihapitiya-fires-back-dont-think-they-have-any-chance-of-anything-dismisses-glasses-and-ai-hopes">dependence on iPhone sales</a> and incremental updates shows it has little chance of delivering major innovations, while noting its culture may stifle bold ideas.
However, others on the panel argued Apple's shift to recurring revenue has been successful, even if moving into AI could prove to be more challenging.
Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings indicate that Apple is showing a persistent decline over the short, medium, and long term. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Additional performance insights can be found here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28040434/Screenshot-2025-06-28-at-7.52.27%E2%80%AFAM-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965658" /></a></figure>
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45489038/us-stocks-likely-to-open-lower-after-moodys-downgrade-bear-market-isnt-fully-recovered-yet-but-it-is-close-says-expert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Stocks Likely To Open Lower After Moody's Downgrade: ‘Bear Market Isn't Fully Recovered Yet, But It Is Close,' Says Expert</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Siri Gets 'F' While OpenAI's ChatGPT Scores An 'A:' Gene Munster Says Here's What Apple Needs To Fix Before 2026 Launch To Stay Relevant In AI

Kevin O&#8217;Leary, the famous investor from &#8220;Shark Tank,&#8221; has shared a smart method to break the addictive cycle of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/45737262/kevin-oleary-loves-credit-card-companies-because-americans-cant-stop-paying-crazy-23-interest-mr-won">credit card spending</a>, urging people to look closely at the long-term financial cost of their impulsive purchases.
What Happened: In his book, "Cold Hard Truth on Men, Women and Money," which was originally published in 2012, O&#8217;Leary spoke about how many people are trapped in a &#8220;credit card trance,&#8221; spending money they don't have, <a href="https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/shark-tanks-kevin-oleary-has-big-money-warning-for-all-americans">reported</a> The Street.
According to O&#8217;Leary, when people buy items on credit, they often fail to consider the true cost of those purchases, particularly the interest paid over time.
He encouraged readers to ask themselves before each purchase: &#8220;Will the interest I pay on this item outlive my interest in this item?&#8221; If the answer is yes, O&#8217;Leary advised against making the purchase.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46133145/apple-opens-eu-app-store-to-external-payments-to-avoid-fines-under-digital-markets-act-but-adds-new-fees" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Opens EU App Store To External Payments To Avoid Fines Under Digital Markets Act, But Adds New Fees</a>
The investor also warned that using credit cards for emotional relief, or &#8220;retail therapy,&#8221; is a dangerous habit. "I love money because, employed properly, it's a source of creative energy," he wrote in his book. "Stuff, on the other hand, merely uses up energy by killing money."
Why It&#8217;s Important: O'Leary has often described consumer debt as "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43424608/21-interest-rates-youve-got-to-be-kidding-me-kevin-oleary-slams-credit-card-debt-as-the-real-silent-killer-in-america">the silent killer</a>." Back in February, he told Graham Stephan on his podcast that he avoids debt entirely, paying for everything with cash.
He's not alone in warning about the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/39092288/if-you-use-your-credit-card-you-do-not-want-to-be-rich-warns-mark-cuban-on-the-dave-ramsey-show">dangers of credit cards</a>. Mark Cuban, another billionaire from Shark Tank, earlier told Dave Ramsey on The Ramsey Show that using credit cards is a barrier to building wealth. &#8220;If you use your credit cards, you do not want to be rich.&#8221;
Earlier this year, in March, Synchrony Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYF#NYSE">SYF</a>), the biggest private-label credit card issuer in the U.S., said that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/03/44482518/major-credit-card-provider-warns-us-consumers-are-spending-less">persistent inflation is pushing consumers</a> to cut back on spending.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/06/46132025/nikes-vomero-18-quietly-became-a-100-million-franchise-in-90-days-as-ceo-says-its-time-to-turn-the-page-investor-gary-black-cheers-10-after-hours-rally" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nike&#8217;s Vomero 18 Quietly Became A $100 Million Franchise In 90 Days As CEO Says It&#8217;s ‘Time To Turn The Page&#8217; — Investor Gary Black Cheers 10% After-Hours Rally</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Kevin O'Leary Has A Trick To Break The Credit Card Trance: Here's What He Wants You To Look Closely At

Elon Musk&#8216;s Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) failed to dismiss a lawsuit over a fatal car crash involving its Model S. The judge&#8217;s decision paves the way for a potential trial.
What Happened: A federal judge in Miami, Beth Bloom, ruled that the estate of Naibel Benavides Leon and her former boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, can proceed with their claims against Tesla for design defects and failure to warn, according to a report by Reuters on Friday.
The lawsuit is related to an April 2019 incident where a Tesla Model S, equipped with Autopilot, crashed into the victims&#8217; parked Chevrolet Tahoe in Key Largo, Florida.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46105919/byd-beats-tesla-in-europe-never-been-such-a-product-offensive-done">BYD Beats Tesla In Europe: Never Been &#8216;Such A Product Offensive Done&#8217;</a>
The judge&#8217;s decision also allows the plaintiffs to seek punitive damages. The trial is scheduled for July 14.
Why It Matters: Tesla, based in Austin, Texas, has long been under scrutiny for the safety of its self-driving technology. The company has repeatedly emphasized that its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/02/25681053/tesla-sued-over-alleged-suspension-failure-in-fatal-florida-crash-that-killed-2-last-year">autopilot features</a> are meant for &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44458804/elon-musk-10-years-ago-called-autonomous-driving-a-solved-problem-said-we-will-be-there-in-a-few-years">fully attentive</a>&#8221; drivers and do not make its vehicles autonomous.
Earlier this month, Tesla faced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46041090/tesla-faces-safety-questions-from-regulators-ahead-of-robotaxi-launch-in-austin">safety questions from regulators</a> as it prepared to launch its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. The regulators were particularly concerned about the performance of Tesla&#8217;s self-driving technology in challenging weather conditions.
In a separate incident, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Tesla in New Jersey over a 2024 crash involving a Model S that claimed three lives. The lawsuit alleges that the crash was due to the car&#8217;s &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46068107/elon-musks-tesla-faces-wrongful-death-lawsuit-over-model-s-crash-which-claimed-3-lives-plaintiffs-call-cars-design-defective-and-unreasonably-dangerous">defective and unreasonably dangerous design</a>.&#8221;
Price in Action: Tesla closed at $323.63, down 0.66% for the day. A slight dip of 0.28% was seen in after-hours trading, amounting to $322.71, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings indicates Tesla stock has Momentum in the 78th percentile. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-3/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Find out</a> the stock value of other automotive companies.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-3/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="872" height="162" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28023256/Screenshot-2025-06-28-115351.png" alt="" class="wp-image-965619" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28023256/Screenshot-2025-06-28-115351.png 872w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28023256/Screenshot-2025-06-28-115351-300x56.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/28023256/Screenshot-2025-06-28-115351-768x143.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 872px) 100vw, 872px" /></a></figure>
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46132977/microsoft-windows-blue-screen-of-death-is-retiring-after-40-years-heres-what-will-replace-it">Microsoft Windows Blue Screen Of Death Is Retiring After 40 Years, Here&#8217;s What Will Replace It</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

Elon Musk's Tesla Loses Bid To Dismiss Fatal Crash Lawsuit, Trial Set for July

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sánchez <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46087635/bernie-sanders-slams-jeff-bezos-lavish-wedding-plans-demands-end-to-oligarchy-amazon-founder-pays-1-1-tax-takes-500-million-yacht-to-venice-while-kids-go-hungry">tied the kno</a>t on Friday in a luxurious wedding that cost an estimated $50 million.
The three-day celebration took place in Venice, drawing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/46136092/jeff-bezos-lauren-sanchez-wedding-draws-star-studded-guest-list-to-venice-here-are-the-celebs-who-showed-up-so-far">numerous A-list celebrities</a> and spotlighting extravagant details like foam parties, custom-designed goodie bags and high-end fashion.
Foam Party On Bezos' $500 Million Yacht
The festivities began with an unconventional foam party on Bezos' $500 million super yacht. The yacht was anchored near Croatia's Unije Island, where the couple celebrated Sánchez's son Evan Whitesell's 19th birthday, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jun/27/jeff-in-venice-seven-takeaways-from-the-bezos-sanchez-wedding">reported</a> The Guardian.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46087132/elizabeth-warren-says-the-tax-break-for-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-is-so-bountiful-under-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-that-35-copay-from-each-american-wont-still" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elizabeth Warren Says The Tax Break For Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Is So Bountiful Under Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill' That $35 Copay From Each American Won't Still Match It</a>
A Charitable Wedding Invitation
For a couple with a fortune worth billions, Bezos and Sánchez asked guests for something a little unusual: no gifts. Instead, they encouraged guests to make donations on their behalf to charitable causes, including Venice International University and lagoon restoration efforts, the report said.
Exclusive Goodie Bags For Guests
Each guest was given a specially curated goodie bag, which included sweet treats from a renowned Venetian pastry shop, Rosa Salva and colorful Murano glassware from Laguna~B.
Thunderstorms And Public Protests
The celebrations weren't without their hiccups. On Thursday night, a freak thunderstorm disrupted one of the welcoming events at the Madonna dell'Orto cloisters, soaking guests and cutting the event short.
Additionally, public <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/entertainment/25/06/46062022/protests-rock-jeff-bezos-gondola-want-to-rent-venice-for-a-wedding-pay-more-tax">protests against the couple's lavish wedding</a> took place, with activists voicing opposition to the extravagant celebration, the report added.
Fashion Choices And Iconic Looks
Sánchez was seen arriving at the ceremony dressed in what appeared to be an Audrey Hepburn-inspired look, with a headscarf and sunglasses.
As per the report, speculations were that she would wear a Dolce &amp; Gabbana dress, as she has been a long-time fan of the Italian brand.
Art And Culture For The Elite
For some of the guests, including Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) co-founder Bill Gates, the celebration also included a cultural experience. Gates, with an art collection valued at $127 million, visited the Gallerie dell&#8217;Accademia, home to works like Titian's Pietà, during some downtime before the ceremony, the report said.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45396297/cathie-wood-dumps-palantir-as-stock-touches-peak-prices-bails-on-soaring-flying-taxi-maker-archer-aviation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cathie Wood Dumps Palantir As Stock Touches Peak Prices, Bails On Soaring Flying-Taxi Maker Archer Aviation</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Entertainment

Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez Get Married In A $50 Million Wedding In Venice: From Foam Party On His $500 Million Yatch To Goodie Bags, Here's What We Know

Comments

Crescent Biopharma

Notizie

PARTENAIRE / CONTRIBUTEUR

BENZINGA MONDIAL