Cloudflare Option Alert: Aug 15 $180 Calls at the Bid: 450 vs 1244 OI; Earnings 7/31 After Close 

Cloudflare Option Alert: Aug 15 $180 Calls at the Bid: 450 @ $19.35 vs 1244 OI; Earnings 7/31 After Close Ref=$187.8

Cloudflare Option Alert: Jan, 2027 $165 Calls at the Ask: 160 vs 2423 OI; Earnings 7/31 After Close 

Cloudflare Option Alert: Jan, 2027 $165 Calls at the Ask: 160 @ $59.05 vs 2423 OI; Earnings 7/31 After Close Ref=$180.7268

Cloudflare (NYSE:NET) Stock

CLOUDFLARE INC - CLASS A

Cloudflare

Cloudflare is a software company based in San Francisco, California, that offers security and web performance offerings by utilizing a distributed, serverless content delivery network, or CDN. The firm's edge computing platform, Workers, leverages this network by providing clients the ability to deploy, and execute code without maintaining servers.

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

Politics

TSLA

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

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44124166/affordable-childcare-act-could-give-parents-up-to-12k-but-can-it-pass-a-divided-congress">Child care</a> costs can drain a paycheck, but at Cakes Body, those bills are now handled by the company itself. The women-led brand, founded by twin sisters Casey Sarai and Taylor Capuano, announced it will cover up to $3,000 per month in day care for each employee with children too young for school,<a href="https://www.inc.com/kaylawebster/this-women-led-startup-just-paid-its-employees-child-care-bills/91212055"> Inc.</a> reports.
The benefit totals $36,000 annually per employee and applies to both men and women on the team. So far, six of the company's 30 employees are enrolled. This move comes as Cakes Body nears $150 million in annual revenue after going viral on TikTok and gaining national attention through &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/05/45472538/mark-cuban-bids-farewell-to-shark-tank-how-to-watch-finale-and-whats-next-for-hit-show">Shark Tank</a>,&#8221; Inc. says.
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Federal data from the<a href="https://blog.dol.gov/2024/11/19/new-data-childcare-costs-remain-an-almost-prohibitive-expense"> Department of Labor</a> shows child care in the U.S. ranges from $6,552 to $15,600 per year, depending on location. According to Inc., Cakes Body more than doubles that value to remove the financial pressure from its employees entirely.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Founders Used Their Own Lives as a Blueprint for Change</h2>
At her last corporate job, almost all of Capuano's paycheck went to day care. Sarai has two children of her own and said the two built Cakes Body to support working women and solve problems that companies often ignore. The sisters run the company remotely, with Sarai in Los Angeles and Capuano in New York, Inc. says. Their team spans the U.S.
Cakes Body offers the benefit despite the fact that the current U.S. employer tax credit caps at $3,500 per year. Sarai told Inc. that the sisters plan to advocate for higher tax advantages to make similar support easier for other companies to offer.
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
Their goal is to normalize child care support in the workplace instead of treating it as an optional perk. "It became clear that if we wanted a workplace culture that truly supported us as whole humans, we'd have to build it ourselves," Capuano told Inc. "This support should be the norm."
"The Cakes Childcare Credit is designed to support all parents—mothers and fathers alike—reflecting our belief that caregiving responsibilities shouldn't automatically fall on women or lead anyone to step back from their careers," Sarai told Inc.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Viral Growth, Shark Tank Buzz, and a Culture Built on Recovery</h2>
Cakes Body became widely known after a TikTok campaign promoting its reusable silicone nipple covers took off. The exposure led to an appearance on "Shark Tank," where Emma Grede, co-founder of Good American and founding partner of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43789704/kim-kardashians-skims-joins-forces-with-nike-to-redefine-fitness-fashion-stock-gains">Skims</a>, offered $300,000 for 10% of the business Inc. reports.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
According to<a href="https://cakesbody.com/pages/about-cakes"> Cakes Body</a>, the company operates with a mission to combine product innovation with purpose, which includes supporting breast cancer research. To date, the company has donated over $1 million to breast health causes and is currently partnered with Dr. Laura van't Veer through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
In addition to child care, Inc. says Cakes Body gives employees two paid days off every quarter and offers a "quiet period" from mid-December to mid-January where no emails or calls are expected.
Sarai told Inc. that these rhythms help employees recover and return focused, making the team stronger over time. The company sees these investments as essential to long-term performance and culture.
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

News

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

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

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

Cryptocurrency

Markets

$BTC

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

Whether you're on a flight or managing your finances, it's usually recommended that you put on your oxygen mask before helping someone else with theirs. You have to help yourself and put yourself in a good financial position before you can help others, but not everyone follows this advice.
A husband recently posted on Reddit that his wife wants to <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/DaveRamsey/comments/1lyir2c/wife_wants_to_send_money_we_dont_have_to_her/">send $500 to her Thai family each month</a>. Those regular money transfers come as the couple continues to fall behind on bills.&nbsp;
"Honestly, we&#8217;ve been short every month for at least six months, and we&#8217;ve been making up the shortfall by cashing things out, like a credit card rewards savings account from our credit union and a small investment/stocks account my wife had. But we&#8217;ve cashed all that out now, and there is nothing left to cash out," the husband explained.
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The couple is $300 to $400 short on their bills each month, so stopping those $500 monthly payments can help the couple avoid falling deeper into debt. Redditors debated in the comments whether the wife should be sending $500 to her family each month.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Have The Wife Pay For It</h2>
One Redditor suggested that the wife pick up a part-time job or a side hustle that allows her to bring in an additional $500 per month. Those extra earnings will make it more feasible for the couple to make monthly payments to her parents.&nbsp;
She may not even have to earn an extra $500 per month. Earning enough to cover the current $300 to $400 gap can be a good starting point. Even if the couple stops paying $500 per month to the parents, they're still operating on a narrow margin.
While it can be productive to have this conversation, the husband should make sure he is also looking for ways to increase his earnings. That way, the couple can put themselves in a better financial position to cover the $500 monthly payments and get out of debt.
Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cut Down Your Lifestyle</h2>
Multiple Redditors suggested that the couple cut down their lifestyles to reduce their monthly expenses. Downsizing, getting rid of monthly subscriptions, and creating a budget are some of the ways that the couple can lower their costs.
The husband added more context to his original post and mentioned that his wife wants to upgrade their lifestyle. This goal isn't feasible at the moment, given that the couple is falling behind on their bills. She also wants to eat healthy, high-quality food.&nbsp;
You can cut costs, but income growth seems more important in this case. The wife wants a high-paying remote job but only has working experience in restaurants and retail. You can still get a remote job with that experience, but it may not be a high-paying one. She will have to gain experience and build her career before she can land a remote job that pays well.
See Also: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Establish The Root Cause And Reach An Agreement</h2>
This entire conversation may sound ridiculous to an American family. The parents are expected to support themselves in retirement and not ask their children for any money. That way, the adult child doesn't have the additional financial burden of giving money to their parents.
Asian communities are raised differently. It's expected that the child will take care of the parents financially after becoming an adult. The wife may feel like she is falling short of this obligation if she isn't sending $500 per month.
A non-American left a comment on Reddit and raised a bunch of questions that can help the couple find a middle ground with those $500 monthly money transfers.
"Do the parents need the money to survive? Can you go with a minimum amount until you get back on your feet? Does she have other siblings who can contribute as well? (It doesn&#8217;t matter if she is the only one outside of Thailand; every sibling who is working needs to contribute as well)," the Redditor asked.
Bringing the monthly contribution down to $200 or $300 can make it more feasible for the couple to support themselves and the wife's parents. The husband should communicate with the wife and her parents about the current financial situation and what can be done to make the monthly contributions more feasible.&nbsp;
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

She Sends $500 To Her Family Every Month—But They're Behind On Bills. Is She Wrong?

It's a common belief: when oil prices rise, the stock market takes a hit. Higher fuel costs mean more expensive shipping and manufacturing, which could shrink company profits — right?
Not necessarily. On a <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/suze-ormans-women-and-money/ask-kt-suze-anything-how-do-i-tell-my-son-that-his-girlfriend-is-sponging-off-him">recent episode</a> of the "Women &amp; Money" podcast, financial expert Suze Orman challenged this idea, telling listeners that oil and stocks don't follow a predictable pattern. "Sometimes people think there&#8217;s this inverse relationship between the stock market and oil," she said. "But history doesn&#8217;t back that up on any level."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strong Economy, Strong Oil — and Strong Stocks</h2>
In fact, oil prices and the stock market may rise together. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46265673/should-they-roll-over-a-1m-401k-to-their-financial-advisor-suze-orman-warns-against-losing-early-withdrawal-access">Orman</a> recalled 2006 and 2007, when oil prices surged and the S&amp;P 500 did, too. "The economy was roaring," she said, noting that high oil prices didn't slow the market.&nbsp;
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Why? Because rising demand for oil — used in shipping, travel, and manufacturing — can signal a booming economy. That economic strength can boost corporate earnings and lift stock prices.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Temporary Dips, Not Crashes</h2>
Orman pointed out that even when rising oil prices do cause market pullbacks, the effects are often short-lived. She recalled in 2011 that unrest in the Middle East drove <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46365707/bp-braces-for-profit-hit-as-oil-prices-decline">oil prices</a> higher and caused a brief market dip — but the downturn didn't last.
Her conclusion: there's no consistent correlation. "It all depends on what's going on," she said. "Just that simple."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What the Research Says</h2>
Some studies back up Orman's take. Research from the <a href="https://fraser.stlouisfed.org/title/economic-trends-federal-reserve-bank-cleveland-3952/economic-trends-september-2008-493059?page=15">Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland</a> in 2008 found "little correlation" between oil prices and stock prices over time. While it's a common belief that rising oil prices will drag stocks down, the data doesn't support a reliable pattern. In some periods, stocks and oil prices have moved in opposite directions; in others, they've risen together or shown no relationship at all.
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A <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-relationship-between-stocks-and-oil-prices/">Brookings analysis</a> by former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke in 2016 echoes this view. Looking at several years of data, Bernanke found that the relationship between oil prices and stock prices is highly variable — sometimes positive, sometimes negative — and often driven by external factors like global demand and investor risk sentiment. Even when accounting for those influences, the remaining correlation between oil and stocks was close to zero. However, it seems short-term correlations can emerge during periods of economic uncertainty. A <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-moves-closer-stocks-2025-trump-tariffs-roil-markets-2025-04-10/">Reuters analysis</a> from April reported that oil and U.S. equities were moving nearly in sync, with a one-month correlation reaching 0.9 — unusually high.&nbsp;
Analysts attributed the alignment to market anxiety over global growth and the economic impact of new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46410036/trumps-tariffs-are-a-500-billion-tax-on-us-businesses-that-wipe-out-his-2017-corporate-tax-break">U.S. trade tariffs</a>. In these environments, investors may react to broad economic signals that influence both oil and stock prices at once. While not the norm, these moments highlight how policy shifts and growth fears can temporarily tighten the link between oil and equities.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Different Impacts Across Industries</h2>
While oil doesn't dictate the overall market, it can have a bigger effect on certain sectors. Transportation, for example, is heavily influenced by oil prices. Fuel is a major cost for airlines, shipping firms, and delivery services. When oil gets more expensive, those companies often see tighter profit margins. Conversely, when fuel costs drop, transportation stocks can benefit.
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Oil prices can also affect consumer behavior. Higher fuel costs may lead households to spend less on other goods and services. But the flip side is also true: falling oil prices can leave consumers with more money to spend elsewhere, potentially boosting other parts of the economy.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Complicated Relationship</h2>
Ultimately, oil prices are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Corporate earnings, investor expectations, interest rates, and supply chain trends all influence <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/crowdsourcing/25/06/46157633/suze-orman-believes-the-stock-market-will-continue-climbing-without-a-shadow-of-a-doubt">stock market performance</a>. While energy costs matter — and can temporarily move in sync with stocks during periods of economic stress — they don't act in isolation. And they certainly don't guarantee a market crash.
As Orman summed it up: "That logic is just very simple, but it isn't true." Understanding the full picture means looking beyond oil.
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Image: Shutterstock

'The Economy Was Roaring' — Suze Orman Breaks Down Why High Oil Prices Don't Always Mean A Market Crash

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has voiced concern over the long-term impact of President Donald Trump&#8216;s tariffs.
What Happened: According to a report, Warren criticized the administration&#8217;s inconsistent policies and their impact on global partnerships.
In an interview with Fortune, Warren expressed her concerns, stating, &#8220;Donald Trump has done enormous damage to America's partnerships around the world.&#8221;
She further added that the repercussions of Trump&#8217;s six-month tenure would&nbsp;be felt for two generations,&nbsp;as nations may no longer view the U.S. as a reliable trading partner.
"The impact of six months of Donald Trump will be felt for two generations, as more nations blink hard at what's happening in the U.S. and conclude that we are simply not a reliable trading partner.&nbsp;That hurts us now and it will hurt our children and our grandchildren," she added during <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/07/19/elizabeth-warren-trade-tariff-trump/">the </a>interview. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46042224/donald-trump-jr-joins-mark-cuban-in-slamming-elizabeth-warren-on-healthcare-pricing">Donald Trump Jr. Joins Mark Cuban In Slamming Elizabeth Warren on Healthcare Pricing</a>
While economists are split over the potential harm of Trump&#8217;s tariff agenda, some fear it could lead to increased inflation. However, others argue that the 10% hike on imports introduced months ago has had minimal impact on inflation data. 
The Federal Open Market Committee, led by Jerome Powell, has been criticized by Trump for not reducing the base rate due to tariff concerns.
White House Spokesman Kush Desai defended the tariff actions, stating they were for the benefit of voters and have resulted in trillions in investment commitments, creating thousands of jobs and new trade deals. He argued that Warren &#8220;talks&#8221; while Trump &#8220;delivers.&#8221;
Warren countered by highlighting the increased costs families are facing due to Trump&#8217;s inconsistent tariff policies. 
She also pointed out the decline in investment in sectors like manufacturing, citing&nbsp;data from the St Louis&nbsp;Fed that showed a 5.2% decrease in&nbsp;private fixed investment in the&nbsp;manufacturing sector in Q1 2025 compared to the previous quarter.
Why It Matters: Warren&#8217;s criticism of Trump&#8217;s trade tariffs underscores the ongoing debate about the long-term impact of these policies. 
The potential damage to global partnerships, as highlighted by Warren, could have far-reaching implications for the U.S. economy and its standing in the world. The disagreement among economists about the effects of the tariffs further underscores the uncertainty surrounding these policies.
As the debate continues, the future of U.S. trade policy and its impact on global partnerships remains uncertain. 
The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the U.S. economy and its global standing.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44883756/warren-foresees-market-turmoil-if-trump-dismisses-feds-powell-if-powell-can-be-fired-by-trump-it-will-crash-markets">Warren Foresees Market Turmoil if Trump Dismisses Fed&#8217;s Powell: If Powell Can Be Fired by Trump, &#8216;It Will Crash Markets&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Bryan J. Scrafford

Elizabeth Warren Sounds Alarm on Tariffs: 'The Impact of Six Months of Donald Trump Will Be Felt for Two Generations'

Recent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/economy">shifts in the economy</a> are leading many investors to reassess their financial routines. Whether it's changes in prices, policy, or market behavior, there's a growing sense that staying on autopilot may not be enough.
A new <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250715889147/en/Majority-of-Americans-feel-unprepared-for-shifting-financial-concerns-Equitable-survey-finds">survey</a> from Equitable asked 1,000 U.S. adults how they're feeling about their finances. Less than half (42%) reported feeling prepared to manage changing financial conditions. About two-thirds expressed concern that today's economic environment could interfere with achieving <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/long-term-investments-vs-short-term">long-term financial goals</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Investors Are Doing Differently</h2>
In response, 50% of respondents said they plan to cut back on discretionary spending. A similar number plan to increase savings or reassess their investment mix. Among those working with a financial advisor, 54% said they're planning to adjust their portfolios compared to 36% of those without one.
The presence of professional advice seems to affect confidence and behavior. Nearly 60% of those <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/questions-to-ask-a-financial-advisor">with a financial advisor</a> reported feeling prepared for current conditions, compared to only 30% of those without one. And when it comes to financial guidance, 80% of respondents with an advisor turn to them first. Those without advisors most often consult family and friends (57%), followed by financial media (32%) and social platforms (25%).
The survey also showed a preference for financial products that offer some level of protection. Among respondents invested in the stock market, nearly two-thirds said they would be willing to trade some upside potential for downside protection.
Even with a mix of concerns, from tariffs and inflation to broader market swings, the responses suggest that many are staying active in managing their finances. They're seeking clarity, taking action where possible, and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-diversify-your-portfolio"> rebalancing plans to align</a> with a financial landscape that continues to evolve.
Photo: Shutterstock

Financial Advisors

Why More Investors Are Thinking About Risk

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says the United States can't afford a sequel to its 5G debacle as the world races toward artificial intelligence and 6G.
What Happened: "We lost the 5G wave. We lost it through technology, through policy, through bad strategic thinking," Huang told the Memos to the President podcast from the Special Competitive Studies Project earlier this week. "We simply cannot allow that to happen again."
Huang blamed a scattershot industrial plan that let rival nations corner radio‑gear supply chains while U.S. firms fixated on short‑term gains. "We lost the telecommunications industry," he added, warning that bureaucratic delays and fragmented spectrum rules pushed developers overseas.
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&#8220;The first job of leadership of a computing platform, which AI is also [a part of]&#8230; is to win all developers. The first job of any platform is to win all developers,&#8221; shares Huang.
Shifting the narrative to AI leadership, Huang laid out a blunt two‑point plan. "We need to have a policy that enables us to win all developers," he says. The Nvidia chief highlights that half the world's AI coders live in China and that America must entice them to build on U.S. hardware and cloud platforms rather than rivals' stacks.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/reiteration/25/07/46453723/why-nvidias-china-comeback-could-propel-its-stock-to-new-heights">Why Nvidia&#8217;s China Comeback Could Propel Its Stock To New Heights</a>
The second part of his plan is to take the American tech stack and turn it into the global standard. &#8220;Just as the American dollar is the global standard by which every country builds on, we should want the American tech stack to be the tech stack that&#8230; the AI stack that everyone builds on," he told host Ylli Bajraktari.
Huang said a wider diffusion of U.S. tools and not export bans will keep Washington ahead. "The more your technology is everywhere, the more developers you'll have."
Why It Matters: Huang has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46407517/nvidia-resumes-h20-shipments-to-china-as-jensen-huang-meets-trump-beijing-officials-fully-compliant-rtx-pro-aims-to-bridge-ai-cold-war?">spent months</a> urging Washington to relax chip curbs while promoting an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44430106/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-ciscos-chuck-robbins-tout-ais-global-impact-trump-wants-to-prote">American stack</a> from silicon to software. Defiance ETFs CEO Sylvia Jablonski, speaking to Benzinga earlier this year, shared that a standardized stack could speed 6G rollouts and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/03/44420961/exclusive-why-defiance-etf-ceo-sees-big-gains-ahead-during-nvidias-6g-revolution">spark a new wave</a> of telecom ETF bets.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have pressed Huang on Chinese sales, but he insists <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46397545/nvidias-jensen-huang-china-doesnt-need-us-chips">global reach</a> is mission‑critical to beat Beijing in AI. For a nation still smarting from 5G, Huang's memo is to win the developers to set the rules.
Photo Courtesy: glen photo on Shutterstock.com
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46459771/nvidia-now-bigger-than-china-and-japan-in-this-global-stock-index-4-trillion-chip-giants-contribution-crushes-entire-nations-historic-is-an-understatement">Nvidia Now Bigger Than China And Japan In This Global Stock Index: $4 Trillion Chip Giant&#8217;s Contribution Crushes Entire Nations — &#8216;Historic Is An Understatement&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Tech

Jensen Huang Says America 'Lost' The 5G Race Through Technology, Policy And Bad Strategic Thinking: 'Cannot Allow That To Happen' With AI And 6G

A Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) transfer of nearly $1 billion has caused a stir in the cryptocurrency market. 
What Happened: The transfer, which originated from&nbsp;Coinbase, was sent to an unidentified wallet, leading to speculation about potential institutional accumulation or a significant holder&#8217;s long-term cold storage.
According to the Whale <a href="https://whale-alert.io/transaction/bitcoin/287e831e628cef64ec8faefa844bc96f40e41670f0dda4c6b601b3748d5f2f9f">Alert</a>, 7,743 BTC, valued around $916.25 million, was moved from Coinbase to a new wallet. The transaction occurred when&nbsp;Bitcoin was trading at $118,329.11.&nbsp;This event is&nbsp;part of a larger trend&nbsp;of increased&nbsp;whale activity in the Bitcoin&nbsp;market.
As per <a href="https://app.intotheblock.com/coin/BTC/deep-dive?group=all&amp;chart=all">data</a> from IntoTheBlock confirms a significant increase in large transactions over the past two weeks, suggesting a resurgence of significant holders in the ecosystem.
Adding&nbsp;to the intrigue, a Bitcoin whale&nbsp;dormant for 14 years has&nbsp;reemerged, moving&nbsp;billions of dollars&#8217; worth of&nbsp;BTC in a matter of hours.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45335892/decade-old-bitcoin-whale-emerges-transfers-207-51-million-btc-with-nearly-112000-profit">Decade-Old Bitcoin Whale Emerges, Transfers $207.51 Million BTC With Nearly 112,000% Profit</a>
Lookonchain tracked these transactions, totaling $8.7 billion,&nbsp;distributed across unknown wallets in&nbsp;a series of high-value transfers.&nbsp;This surge in&nbsp;whale activity has coincided with&nbsp;concerns of a potential Bitcoin&nbsp;price correction, with prices dipping below $117,000 earlier in the week.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The Satoshi-era Bitcoin OG has moved 40,192 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a>, worth $4.77B, to a single wallet. So far, he has already sent 40,009 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a>, valued at $4.69B, to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GalaxyDigital?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GalaxyDigital</a>. Address: bc1qs4nzm0je7wqfyfmqr4ht4upyzy57vc95nf4au0 Data <a href="https://twitter.com/nansen_ai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nansen_ai</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q56Cs7sIK5">pic.twitter.com/Q56Cs7sIK5</a>
&mdash; Onchain Lens (@OnchainLens) <a href="https://twitter.com/OnchainLens/status/1945661588914278418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Moreover,&nbsp;the same long-dormant whale recently&nbsp;transferred 9,000 BTC ($1.06 billion)&nbsp;to&nbsp;Galaxy Digital. This move, along with another large transfer, has led to increased market volatility and speculation of more sell pressure.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">This Bitcoin OG with 80,009 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a>($9.46B) transferred another 7,843 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a>($927M) to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GalaxyDigital?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GalaxyDigital</a>, for a total of 16,843 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> ($2B). Galaxy Digital is depositing <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> to exchanges, and 2,000 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a>($236M) has been directly deposited to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bybit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bybit</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Binance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Binance</a>.<a href="https://t.co/Sm9UBYboIN">https://t.co/Sm9UBYboIN</a> <a href="https://t.co/rwxHtrV0DQ">pic.twitter.com/rwxHtrV0DQ</a>
&mdash; Lookonchain (@lookonchain) <a href="https://twitter.com/lookonchain/status/1944959737742946600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: The recent spike in whale activity, coupled with the significant Bitcoin transfer, has led to increased speculation and volatility in the cryptocurrency market. 
The resurgence of a long-dormant Bitcoin whale and the transfer of&nbsp;billions of dollars&#8217; worth of&nbsp;BTC in a short span has added to the uncertainty. 
The impact of these activities on the Bitcoin price and the overall market dynamics remains to be seen.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44348215/bitcoin-whale-takes-332-million-short-position-heres-where-it-gets-liquidated" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Whale Takes $332 Million Short Position, Here's Where It Gets Liquidated</a>
Shutterstock/Shutterstock AI

$1 Billion Bitcoin Transfer Triggers Massive Liquidations — This Is Where It Was Offloaded

Making fewer mistakes on your financial journey can help you build wealth faster. While some mistakes are worse than others, financial guru Humphrey Yang recently revealed a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@humphreytalks/video/7525864009241726238?lang=en">‘poor financial decision'</a> that can cost you millions.
This decision often stems from fear and not wanting to take risks. While it may be scary to take a risk in the moment, these same risks can set you up for long-term wealth. Yang identifies the mistake and shares what you can do to strengthen your finances.
Don't Miss:
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<li>$100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't Let Your Cash Sit On The Sidelines</h2>
Yang mentions that letting money sit in cash is one of the worst mistakes you can make. While there are benefits to establishing a small emergency fund, being afraid to invest money can result in significant losses.
Although you will retain the same paper money if you avoid stocks and real estate, your purchasing power will go down. Yang says that keeping $1 million in the bank for 30 years would have been a terrible idea. However, he also mentions that if someone invested the same $1 million into an S&amp;P 500 fund that averaged an 8% annualized return, they would end up with more than $10 million.
Yang also mentioned that if you averaged a 3.5% return during that stretch via bonds and CDs, you would have ended up with $2.8 million. The one caveat with this return is that interest income is treated as ordinary income, which results in higher taxes. On the other hand, you'll get better tax rates with long-term capital gains on an S&amp;P 500 fund, and you only pay taxes on that fund when you sell shares.
Trending: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Purchasing Power Goes Down Each Year</h2>
Money loses value each year due to inflation. Yang mentioned that inflation growth has averaged 2.52% per year since 1995. It's the main reason why everything feels like it's getting more expensive. When the government prints more money, the amount of goods does not change.
Therefore, you have more money chasing the same number of goods and services. Yang provides an example of buying an iPhone at an auction. If everyone suddenly had more money to bid with, the iPhone would end up selling at a higher price.
This trend doesn't look like it will stop. The government currently has a large debt that regularly accrues interest. Those interest payments require more money printing, which increases inflation. Any government spending also boosts inflation.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Counter Inflation</h2>
The cost of products and services will continue to go up over time as federal debt and government spending increase. However, there are ways you can counter inflation. Yang mentions taking your money and putting it into an S&amp;P 500 fund.&nbsp;
This general concept is the key to keeping inflation in check when it comes to your finances. Investing in stocks, real estate, and commodities can help you ride the current instead of getting left behind.&nbsp;
These assets have fixed supplies. Printing more money will not increase the amount of gold in the world, but more dollars chasing the same amount of gold will lead to higher gold prices. That's why gold and other commodities are considered valuable inflation hedges.
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Humphrey Yang Reveals A 'Poor Financial Decision' That Can Cost You Millions

These ten large-cap stocks were top performers last week. Are they a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" rel="noreferrer noopener">part of your portfolio</a>?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JOBY#NYSE">JOBY</a>) has gained over 47.9% in the last week after the company announced that it's expanding its manufacturing capacity at its facilities in California and Ohio and adding aircraft <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/node/46414345" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to its fleet</a>. The firm also said that it has made  significant progress with Federal Aviation Administration certification and successful<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46479829/archer-aviation-stock-is-soaring-thursday-whats-piloting-the-action" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> piloted test flights in Dubai</a>.</li>
<li>MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MP#NYSE">MP</a>) has jumped 36.72% this week after the company entered into a long-term partnership under which it will provide Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) with rare earth magnets made from 100% recycled materials, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46414833/mp-materials-stock-surges-on-500-million-partnership-with-apple" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manufactured in the U.S</a>. The firm also commenced a $500 million underwritten <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46456315/mp-materials-stock-is-sliding-after-hours-heres-why" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public offering of its common stock</a>.</li>
<li>NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMR#NYSE">SMR</a>) gained 30.25% this week after the U.S. Department of Energy announced the start of a new pilot program to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear reactors and strengthen domestic <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46472632/trump-wants-to-make-nuclear-great-again-like-its-1955" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supply chains for nuclear fuel</a>.</li>
<li>Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) shares soared 31.26% this week after Citigroup analyst Jason Gursky maintained a Buy and raised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RKLB/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $33 to $50.</a></li>
<li>AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>) stock gained 28.20% in the last week. The company said in an exchange filing that its subsidiary secured <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46403836/whats-behind-the-recent-rally-in-ast-spacemobile-stock" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a $550 million credit agreement</a>.</li>
<li>Unity Software Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/U#NYSE">U</a>) shares increased 28% this week after UBS raised its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/u/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast on the stock from $22 to $33</a>. Also, Wedbush raised its price forecast on the stock from $31.5 to $39.</li>
<li>Freedom Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRHC#NASDAQ">FRHC</a>) shares rose 2.56% this week.</li>
<li>Oklo Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKLO#NYSE">OKLO</a>) shares gained 24% this week after the company completed the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission&#8217;s pre-application readiness assessment for Phase 1 of its combined license <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46470370/oklo-stock-is-trading-higher-thursday-whats-going-on-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">application for the Aurora Powerhouse</a>. Also, Cantor Fitzgerald initiates coverage on Oklo with an Overweight rating and price forecast of $73.</li>
<li>Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AUR#NASDAQ">AUR</a>) shares gained 14.55% this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRCL#NYSE">CRCL</a>) shares gained 18.23% this week amid ongoing volatility after the U.S. House passed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46448360/circle-internet-group-crcl-shares-rally-as-trumps-intervention-revives-key-stablecoin-bill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the motion to reconsider the crypto rule</a>.</li>
</ol>
Photo by JLStock via Shutterstock

Equities

Large Cap

Movers

General

AAPL

ASTS

CRCL

FRHC

JOBY

OKLO

RKLB

Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile And Circle Internet Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (July 14-July 18): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

The way you think about money and accumulating wealth will impact your ability to achieve long-term financial goals. While there are many ways to think about money, financial guru Grant Cardone recently laid out the difference that separates the rich from everyone else.
"The wealthy invest in assets that can NOT be consumed," he said in a <a href="https://x.com/GrantCardone/status/1944276576201273471">recent X post</a>.
He went further, explaining that others buy things to consume, such as cars, houses, and non-essential items that take up space in their homes. Here's how you can use this insight to build wealth.
Don't Miss:
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<li>Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monitor What You Buy</h2>
It's okay to buy some things that don't count as investments, but you should invest more money than you spend on discretionary items. Cardone is an advocate for pouring most of your earnings into assets during your early years so they can compound faster in the long run.
He also believes professional athletes should invest most of the money they make instead of spending the funds to live a lavish lifestyle. This advice doesn't only apply to athletes. Eventually, you won't be able to earn as much as you're currently earning, especially if you are at the peak of your career. When that point arrives, you will have to live in your investments.
Cardone identified cryptocurrencies, stocks, real estate, and art as assets. Putting your money into investments you understand the most is a more effective use of your capital than luxury items that don't count as tax write-offs.
Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Set Investment Goals</h2>
It's hard to set an investment goal around achieving a set return each year. For instance, if you aspire to earn a 10% return on your investments this year, a lot of it is out of your control. You can invest in stocks that have a better chance of beating the market, but there are many variables that you cannot control.
Instead of setting goals around a specific return or portfolio size, focus on increasing how much you invest in assets each month. If you currently invest $1,000 into the stock market each month, map out how you can invest $2,000 each month.
Having this goal can sprout new ideas, such as picking up a side hustle, asking for a raise, job hopping, or learning high-paying skills. Many people know that you can do those things to increase your income. However, if you raise your investment goals and have a strong motivation to achieve your objective, it's easier to stay disciplined and take the necessary actions that result in a higher income.
See Also: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Delay Non-Essential Purchases</h2>
We need the essentials, such as food, water, and housing. However, there are a bunch of non-essential purchases people make that can derail their path to wealth, especially if excessive spending becomes a bad habit.
As you sharpen your mindset and discipline, one method you can use is delaying non-essential purchases. If you see something that you want to buy, challenge yourself to avoid the purchase and wait 30 days before making a decision. It's common to forget about the item that you were set to impulsively purchase less than a month ago. However, if you're still thinking about that item 30 days later, it may make sense to buy it as long as you're putting money into your portfolio.
Discipline is like a muscle. As you say no to impulsive purchases, you get better at it. This habit can help you save money that you can direct into your portfolio. Taking a long-term perspective and thinking about your nest egg can help you avoid non-essential purchases.&nbsp;
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Grant Cardone Just Explained The Top Mindset Shift That Separates The Rich From Everyone Else

Shareef O&#8217;Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O&#8217;Neal, says LeBron James his his favorite NBA player, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44780032/shaqs-financial-wisdom-its-not-what-you-make-its-what-you-keep-and-whats-in-his-wallet-might-surprise-you">placing his father in third place</a>.
What Happened: Shareef O&#8217;Neal disclosed his top NBA players at the 2025 ESPYS, with LeBron James leading the list, followed by Kobe Bryant, and then his father, Shaquille O&#8217;Neal.
Speaking <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/shaqs-son-shareef-oneal-jokes-dad-isnt-his-favorite-nba-player-excl/">with</a> Us Weekly, Shareef mentioned that his father was aware of his choices and was not disturbed by them.
He recalled instances where Shaquille would stay after games so Shareef could meet his favorite players, even when he attended his father&#8217;s games wearing a LeBron jersey.
"He doesn't mind. There would be times when he'd play against Kobe or LeBron, and he'd wait after so we could meet them. I would go to his games in a LeBron jersey. So, it's funny," Shareef said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/04/45027895/why-shaq-wont-share-his-500-million-fortune-with-his-kids-we-aint-rich-im-rich-im-not-going-to-hand-it-to-you-you-gotta-earn-it">Why Shaq Won&#8217;t Share His $500 Million Fortune With His Kids: &#8216;We Ain&#8217;t Rich. I&#8217;m Rich. I&#8217;m Not Going to Hand It to You, You Gotta Earn It&#8217;</a>
Shaquille O&#8217;Neal had the opportunity to play alongside both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant during his NBA career. He was teammates with&nbsp;Bryant on the Lakers for&nbsp;eight seasons, during which they&nbsp;won three consecutive NBA championships. 
He also had a brief stint with James on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Shareef&#8217;s selection of favorite players showcases his personal preferences and experiences, rather than simply following in his father&#8217;s footsteps. 
It also underscores the significant impact and influence that players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have had on the younger generation of basketball enthusiasts, even those born into basketball royalty.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/03/44348149/shaq-once-spent-1-million-in-a-day-on-luxury-then-realized-taxes-took-a-huge-cut">Shaq Once Spent $1 Million in a Day on Luxury, Then Realized Taxes Took a Huge Cut</a>
Image: Shutterstock/lev radin

Shaq's Son Names His Favorite NBA Player — And No, It's Not His Dad

President Donald Trump has been in office for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/01/43139381/how-many-people-watched-donald-trumps-2025-inauguration-spoiler-less-than-biden-four-years-ago">nearly six months </a>of a four-year term. While Trump has more than three years left, prediction markets and polls for the 2028 presidential election are already heating up.
2028 Election Odds: Vice President J.D. Vance and California Governor Gavin Newsom <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/11/41830883/2028-election-betting-odds-where-do-j-d-vance-michelle-obama-mark-cuban-ron-desantis-kamal">continue to top </a>the prediction markets when it comes to betting for the 2028 presidential elections.
Prediction market Kalshi has markets open for the Republican and Democratic winners, but not an overall winner.
Here are the current frontrunners for the GOP nomination, with their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46168784/2028-election-poll-shows-vance-buttigieg-in-lead-where-trump-newsom-harris-rank-and-betting-odds">odds from June</a> in parentheses:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>JD Vance: 54% (41%)</li>
<li>Marco Rubio: 8% (8%)</li>
<li>Tulsi Gabbard: 5% (8%)</li>
<li>Donald Trump: 5% (7%)</li>
<li>Ron DeSantis: 4% (5%)</li>
<li>Donald Trump Jr.: 4% (5%)</li>
</ul>
The 22nd&nbsp;Amendment currently would keep Trump from serving more than two terms in the White House, but he&#8217;s included in Kalshi&#8217;s odds here.
Here are the betting odds on Kalshi for the Democrat Party nominee for the 2028 election, with odds from June in parentheses:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Gavin Newsom: 18% (15%)</li>
<li>Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: 14% (13%)</li>
<li>Pete Buttigieg: 10% (9%)</li>
<li>Wes Moore: 7% (7%)</li>
<li>Josh Shapiro: 6% (7%)</li>
<li>Kamala Harris: 4% (4%)</li>
<li>Gretchen Whitmer: 4% (3%)</li>
</ul>
Kalshi also offers betting on which party will win the election with the Democratic party the current favorite at 52%.
Polymarket has just launched its first prediction markets for the candidates in the 2028 election. The prediction market has overall odds and odds to win the Republican and Democratic party nominations. Polymarket also has betting for which party will win with the Democratic Party favored at 54%.
Here is the overall betting odds for the 2028 presidential winner from Polymarket:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>JD Vance: 27%</li>
<li>Gavin Newsom: 15%</li>
<li>Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: 10%</li>
<li>Pete Buttigieg: 8%</li>
<li>Marco Rubio: 6%</li>
<li>Ron DeSantis: 5%</li>
<li>Donald Trump: 5%</li>
<li>Kamala Harris: 4%</li>
<li>Nikki Haley: 3%</li>
<li>Gretchen Whitmer: 3%</li>
<li>Glenn Youngkin: 3%</li>
<li>Tim Walz: 2%</li>
<li>Tulsi Gabbard: 2%</li>
<li>Donald Trump Jr.: 2%</li>
</ul>
With over $90,000 in early bets on Polymarket, surprisingly enough it is Trump who is not currently constitutionally able to run for the election getting over $31,000 of the bets, followed by Vance at $25,000, Buttigieg at $11,000 and Ocasio-Cortez at $10,000.
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<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent071825">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
New 2028 Election Poll: The new betting market from Polymarket comes as a new Echelon Insights poll for the 2028 election was released, as shared by the New York Post.
In the primary poll, Democratic voters picked the following as their top candidate:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Kamala Harris: 26%</li>
<li>Pete Buttigieg: 11%</li>
<li>Gavin Newsom: 10%</li>
<li>Cory Booker: 7%</li>
<li>Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: 6%</li>
<li>Mark Cuban: 3%</li>
</ul>
The poll found that 13% of voters were unsure who their top pick would be. The poll also asked who voters would choose as their top pick if Harris doesn't run. In that poll, Newsome and Buttigieg tied for first at 12%, with Ocasio-Cortez ranking third at 9%.
The poll found the following as the top Republican candidate:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>JD Vance: 42%</li>
<li>Ron DeSantis: 9%</li>
<li>Marco Rubio: 7%</li>
<li>Nikki Haley: 6%</li>
<li>Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: 5%</li>
<li>Vivek Ramaswamy: 4%</li>
</ul>
The poll found that 16% of voters were unsure who their top Republican candidate would be.
The poll and prediction markets currently differ quite a bit with prediction markets seeming to already price in Harris not running or placing her odds of winning the election extremely low despite faring well in polls.
Vance dominates both the polls and prediction markets, although a large number of bets by dollar on Polymarket are coming in on Trump with bettors predicting he could end up being allowed to run.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46483170/voters-want-third-party-option-but-77-say-not-so-much-to-elon-musk-while-trump-approval-at-44">Voters Want Third Party Option, But 77% Say &#8216;Not So Much&#8217; To Elon Musk, While Trump Approval At 44%</a></li>
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Image: Shutterstock/Lev Radin

Sports Betting

2028 Election Odds Out From Polymarket: Vance Tops List At 27%, Trump Has 5%, Here's What Voters Say In New Poll

These ten large-cap stocks were the worst performers last week. Are they a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" rel="noreferrer noopener">part of your portfolio</a>?
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>) shares decreased 17.96% this week after the company lowered its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46468951/elevance-health-hit-by-medicaid-troubles-trims-outlook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiscal year 2025 adjusted earnings guidance</a>. The company missed earnings in the second quarter. Also, multiple analysts lowered their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ELV/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Waters Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WAT#NYSE">WAT</a>) fell 9.50% this week  after the company agreed to combine Becton, Dickinson and Company&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BDX#NYSE">BDX</a>) Biosciences &amp; Diagnostic Solutions <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/25/07/46389674/bectons-biosciences-and-diagnostics-arm-slated-to-join-waters-in-17-5-billion-merger\" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">business with Waters</a>. Also, Wells Fargo downgraded the stock from Overweight to Equal-Weight and lowered its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WAT/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $420 to $330</a>.</li>
<li>Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTRA#NASDAQ">NTRA</a>) slumped 13.19% this week.</li>
<li>Centene Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>) shares fell 10.49% this week amid a selloff in the sector following Elevance&#8217;s recent soft guidance and broader concerns <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46474212/centene-stock-hit-a-new-52-week-low-today-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">over rising medical costs</a>.</li>
<li>Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VG#NYSE">VG</a>) shares slumped 11.27% this week. The company and ENI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/E#NYSE">E</a>) of Italy announced the execution of a new Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the purchase of 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from CP2 LNG, Venture Global&#8217;s third project, for 20 years.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Schlumberger N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLB#NYSE">SLB</a>) stock slumped 8.87% this week after the company reported second-quarter financial results, issued expectations for flat-to-low single-digit revenue growth in the second half of 2025, and stated that tariffs will cost <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46492669/slb-trims-2025-capital-spending-prioritizing-efficiency-post-championx-deal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">between 20-to-40 basis points of margin</a>. Additionally, Piper Sandler lowered its price forecast <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/slb/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">from $44 to $42</a>.</li>
<li>Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PAG#NYSE">PAG</a>) shares decreased 9.79% this week after JP Morgan lowered the price target from $160 to $155 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PAG/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">while maintaining an Underweight rating</a>.</li>
<li>Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLA#NYSE">STLA</a>) stock declined 7.72% this week after the firm announced it would be pulling the plug on the development of its Hydrogen fuel cell technology, citing no potential in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46437558/stellantis-abandons-hydrogen-vehicle-plans-citing-weak-infrastructure-and-incentives-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sector in the mid-term future</a>.</li>
<li>ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) shares fell 7.39% this week after the company said it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46438500/asml-stock-plunges-nearly-8-in-wednesday-pre-market-whats-going-on">cannot confirm 2026 growth</a> outlook after strong second quarter earnings.</li>
<li>TechnipFMC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTI#NYSE">FTI</a>) stock fell 7.25% this week after BTIG analyst Greg Lewis downgraded the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/fti/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">company from Buy to Neutral</a>.</li>
</ol>
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</ul>
Photo courtesy Skorzewiak via Shutterstock

ASML

streetTRACKS Dow Jones U.S. Large Cap Value Index Fund

NTRA

STLA

Schlumberger, Stellantis And ASML Holding Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (July 14-July 18): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Long gone are the days of easily spotted, plasticky fake bags perched atop folding tables on New York City's Canal Street. Instead, the modern counterfeit bag is a near-perfect replica, or "reps," to use the more cloak and dagger term you'll see in the underground market. And Gen Z's shift to replicas could pressure luxury margins long-term, T<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/luxury-counterfeits-handbags-superfakes-a490fb42">he Wall Street Journal reported recently</a>, detailing the shadowy market of "superfake" handbags.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Market Data Shows Gen Z's Reticence to Buy Luxury</h2>
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38155531/prada-gucci-louis-vuitton-brace-for-sales-slump-as-chinas-economic-turbulence-hits-luxury-market">luxury sector may be seeing its first revenue pressures</a> as Gen Z pulls back: According to the Journal, data from consulting firm Bain &amp; Co. shows younger consumers spent $5 billion less on luxury in 2023 than the previous year.
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</ul>
While the data can't definitively identify the cause, the decline suggests one or both factors: budget constraints, or a growing preference for high-quality counterfeits, according to the Journal's analysis.&nbsp;
"People are starting to realize how good these fakes are getting"
Online communities of replica handbag enthusiasts have been reacting to the article, including lurkers and buyers from the "<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/RepladiesDesigner/">Repladiesdesigner</a>" subreddit, which was specifically called out by the Journal: "It&#8217;s crazy how far &#8216;super fakes&#8217; have come and they really are just as good as the original in many cases. The difference in price makes it an easy choice for many," <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/RepladiesDesigner/comments/1lxyphy/wall_street_journal/?sort=top">one user writes</a>. "I also bought Hermes authentics in [the] past but now I&#8217;m buying high tier reps."
"It&#8217;s true that some people are just starting to realize how good these fakes are getting," writes another Repladiesdesigner member. "Honestly, with [the] right seller and the right eye, you can snag a bag that looks better than [the] original."
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
Customers use resources like the subreddit to find sellers, who then move their business off Reddit and onto encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. According to the Journal, this direct-to-consumer sales model floods shipping ports with untraceable single packages, making it much easier to evade the traditional method of bulk interception of counterfeit goods at customs.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Resellers Going High-Tech to Spot Superfakes&nbsp;</h2>
Indeed, superfake handbags are so indiscernible from their luxury counterparts that designer goods resellers like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/REAL">The RealReal</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REAL#NASDAQ">REAL</a>) have adopted forensic-level authentication methods: According to the Journal report, the company is implementing XRF technology to analyze the metal composition of bag hardware and X-ray machines to inspect internal structures. The RealReal Director of Authentication Hunter Thompson tells the Journal that counterfeiters may flawlessly replicate a bag's exterior but often overlook subtle interior details, like the way a nail head is hammered in.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
But what of the brands themselves? How are they fighting back? According to the Journal, in the case of the largest luxury brand, the answer is: meekly. LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's largest luxury conglomerate, spent $11 billion on advertising in 2023 but just $45 million on anti-counterfeiting efforts. It may be that fakes are viewed as a foot-in-the-door toward genuine purchases, but the industry should probably wise up to the reality that superfakes are becoming legitimate competitors — and luxury's pricing power may be at risk.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Image: Shutterstock

REAL

The Rise Of 'Superfakes': Why Ultra-Realistic Designer Knockoffs Are Disrupting The Luxury Industry

Jake Cuban, son of billionaire Mark Cuban, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey reminiscent of his father&#8217;s early business ventures by starting a side hustle selling candy at his school.
What Happened: Mark Cuban shared details of his son&#8217;s business activities on Kevin Hart&#8216;s Peacock talk show &#8220;Hart to Heart&#8221; a few years back.
Cuban referred to Jake as a &#8220;little mini-me,&#8221; emphasizing his son&#8217;s ability to identify and capitalize on profitable opportunities.
&#8220;He&#8217;s hustling and selling stuff all of the time,&#8221; Cuban revealed, noting that Jake is diligently managing his business. &#8220;He shows me his spreadsheet because he&#8217;s buying candy and selling it at school,&#8221; Cuban <a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/hart-to-heart/6188944115208130112/seasons/3/episodes/mark-cuban-episode-6/5acb7c01-0eff-33d1-8121-c542ab5bacb8">shared</a> with Hart.
Jake&#8217;s business acumen extends beyond selling candy. He even contemplated using DoorDash for candy delivery, and queried his father about whether the delivery cost could be included as his cost of goods sold.
Mark Cuban, who initiated his business career by&nbsp;selling garbage bags door-to-door at&nbsp;the age of 12, expressed his admiration for Jake&#8217;s initiative. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/07/46288396/mark-cuban-says-his-children-struggle-with-the-downsides-of-his-wealth-not-that-they-want-to-be-poor">Mark Cuban Says His Children Struggle With the Downsides of His Wealth: &#8216;Not That They Want To Be Poor, But It Sets An Expectation&#8217;</a>
However, he stressed that he doesn&#8217;t want his children to necessarily follow his entrepreneurial footsteps, but rather to discover their own interests and passions.
He said that his advice to them was, &#8220;Do what you want and figure out who you are. You don't need to follow in my footsteps.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This story is significant as it showcases the entrepreneurial spirit being nurtured in the next generation of the Cuban family. 
Mark Cuban&#8217;s early business ventures laid the foundation for his success, and it appears that his son Jake is following a similar path. 
However, Mark Cuban&#8217;s emphasis on his children finding their own interests and passions indicates his belief in individuality and personal growth, values that are just as important as business acumen in shaping future leaders.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Jaguar PS

Success Stories

Mark Cuban Praised His 'Hustling' Son, But Told Kids: 'Figure Out Who You Are, You Don't Need To Follow In My Footsteps'

Billionaire investor Peter Thiel once <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/10/17737269/a-huge-week-for-facebook-alums-peter-thiel-dustin-moskovitz-and-justin-rosenstein">acknowledged that selling</a> his Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), which was earlier known as Facebook, shares too early cost him billions.
What Happened: In an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored in 2024, Thiel, the PayPal Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>) co-founder and Facebook's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/05/32461106/if-you-invested-1-000-in-facebook-stock-at-ipo-11-years-ago-heres-how-much-youd-have-now">first outside investor</a>, reflected on his 2012 decision to sell most of his Facebook stake during the company's initial public offering.
He pocketed around $400 million at the time, but had he held on longer, his shares could have been worth much more.
"I think one of the things that was very hard to gauge… was just how [big tech companies] were going to scale and scale and scale," Thiel told Morgan. "The incorrect view I had back in 2012 was that it was fractal up to $100 billion… but going from $100 billion to a trillion was actually the easiest."
Thiel used the term "fractal" to describe how he viewed the difficulty of scaling businesses in successive magnitudes — from $10 million to $100 million, and up to $100 billion.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46425393/metas-metaverse-dreams-tested-by-new-bytedance-swan-goggles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta's Metaverse Dreams Tested By New ByteDance Swan Goggles</a> He believed each step would be just as hard, but misjudged the massive acceleration that can occur once a company hits a certain scale.
The billionaire investor added that as an investor, you want to find opportunities that are both "true and contrarian," and Facebook's eventual rise to over $1.5 trillion in market cap turned out to be just that — widely doubted, but easier to achieve than he imagined.
When asked if selling Facebook stock early was his biggest investing mistake, Thiel admitted, "There are all sorts of mistakes… but the biggest mistake people make is never making mistakes."
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.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="&#039;Left-Wing Zombie Establishment&#039; Billionaire Peter Thiel on Trump, Elon Musk, Technology And God" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/luTHVKFi3dc?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>
Why It's Important: Facebook began as a social networking site for college students, launched by Mark Zuckerberg and his friends in a Harvard dorm in February 2004. Two months later, the company was officially registered, and in June 2004, Thiel made the first major investment—$500,001 for a 10.2% stake—also joining the board.
Thiel remained on Facebook's board until 2022. Today, his estimated net worth is $23 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/">Index</a>, largely driven by early tech bets including Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) and PayPal.
Meta currently has a market capitalization of $1.767 trillion, making it the sixth most valuable company in the world.
The tech giant currently holds a consensus price target of $741.41, according to ratings from 42 analysts. The latest analyst updates came from Cantor Fitzgerald, Canaccord Genuity and B of A Securities have set an average price target of $817.67, suggesting a potential upside of 16.11%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
According to Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings, META continues to demonstrate a consistent upward trajectory across short, medium and long-term periods. While its growth score remains strong, its value rating is relatively weaker. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Additional performance details are available here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/17010906/Screenshot-2025-07-17-at-8.55.57%E2%80%AFAM-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-988930" /></a></figure>
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Photo Courtesy: Mark Reinstein on Shutterstock.com
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Peter Thiel Once Touched On Selling Facebook Stock Too Early — Palantir Co-Founder Says Misjudged Big Tech's 'Fractal' Path To $1 Trillion

The past week was a rollercoaster ride for the tech and auto sectors. Tesla Inc. faced a few bumps on the road, while Uber Technologies Inc. geared up for the future. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories.
Tesla&#8217;s Cybertruck Bet Falters
Elon Musk&#8217;s dream of a top-selling electric pickup seems to be fading as the Cybertruck continues to see declining demand. A recent report shows Tesla falling to third place in the electric pickup sector, facing weakened demand for several vehicles across multiple regions.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46475391/tesla-cybertruck-bet-not-paying-off-ford-gm-outsell-ev-giant">Read the full article here.</a>
Tesla Announces New Offers Amid Sluggish US Sales
As the EV giant grapples with lackluster sales figures in the U.S., Tesla has announced a set of new offers on various vehicles in its lineup. This comes in the wake of the Trump administration axing EV incentives.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46487092/as-trump-axes-ev-incentives-elon-musks-tesla-announces-new-offers-amid-sluggish-us-sales">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/04/38417196/ford-q1-earnings-highlights-automaker-beats-street-estimates-guidance-improves-ev-revenue-falls-84" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ford Q1 Earnings Highlights: Automaker Beats Street Estimates, Guidance Improves, EV Revenue Falls 84%</a>
Uber Could Benefit Most From Autonomous Driving Tech
Gary Black, Managing Director of The Future Fund LLC, believes that Uber can benefit from the rapid advancement in autonomous driving technology. He suggests that Tesla could undercut other ride-hailing companies by mastering unsupervised autonomy.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46485120/gary-black-thinks-uber-benefits-most-as-autonomous-driving-technology-develops-says-tesla-could-undercut-other-ride-hailing-companies-by-mastering-unsupervised-autonomy">Read the full article here.</a>
Tesla Files For Model 3+ Trim in China
Amid a surge in sales, Tesla has filed for a new trim level for the Model 3 sedan in China. This comes as the EV giant&#8217;s sales rebound in the country following a poor start to July.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/07/46460445/elon-musk-led-tesla-files-for-model-3-trim-in-china-with-500-mile-range-amid-surge-in-sales-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Uber Partners With Lucid, Nuro For $300M AV Push
Uber announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Lucid Group Inc and self-driving software maker Nuro. The partnership aims to add more than 20,000 autonomous vehicles (AVs) to the Uber platform over the next six years.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46496272/uber-partners-with-lucid-nuro-for-300m-push-into-self-driving-future">Read the full article here.</a>
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tesla's Cybertruck Struggles, Uber's Autonomous Drive And More: This Week In Mobility

As retirement approaches, many people take stock of their financial needs — including whether or not their car will last the next chapter of life. One soon-to-retire driver, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/retirement/comments/1lscnv4/should_i_replace_the_car_before_i_retire/">posting to Reddit</a>, asked a simple but important question: Should I replace my 2016 Buick LaCrosse with 138,000 miles before retirement to avoid costly repairs later?
With retirement just over a month away, the driver explained they'll be living on a defined benefit pension and deferred compensation, with Social Security kicking in at 62. They weren't looking for anything brand new — just a one- to two-year-old used car with low mileage.
Here's what fellow <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46202739/i-will-never-work-again-what-retirees-who-gave-up-work-completely-say-about-life-now">retirees</a>, financial experts, and auto professionals say about making this kind of decision.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Some Retirees Say: Keep the Car</h2>
In response to the Reddit post, the majority of commenters offered the same advice: keep driving the Buick until it no longer makes financial sense to repair it. One user suggested, "Drive your current car till it dies a death that costs more than it&#8217;s worth. Then look for another used low mileage car."
Others shared their own strategies. One retiree said they bought a new RAV4 for cash about a year after retiring and passed down their older Honda to their son. They emphasized the peace of mind that comes from owning a reliable vehicle with minimal maintenance costs — and no monthly payments.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Financial Experts: Avoid Large Purchases on a Fixed Income</h2>
Buying a car during retirement can strain limited budgets. "Most retired workers are just barely getting by on SS and some savings, maybe even an IRA, and 401(K)," Chris Pyle, a JustAnswer auto expert, told <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/reasons-you-should-not-buy-a-car-when-you-retire/">GoBankingRates</a>.
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
The cost of new cars — plus insurance, maintenance, and interest if financing is involved — can quickly become burdensome. Even used cars are expensive in today's market. "It's a bad time to buy cars anyway, and new cars are often quite expensive even in good times," Scott Lieberman, founder of Touchdown Money, told GoBankingRates. "The cost usually isn't worth it."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Alternatives and Strategies</h2>
If your current car is running well, some commenters suggest creating a "car fund" — setting aside money monthly toward a future <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45485580/someone-asks-why-do-people-still-equate-luxury-cars-with-being-rich-when-its-common-knowledge-anyone-can-finance-or-lease-a-luxury-car">vehicle purchase</a>. This way, you're prepared if a major repair becomes unavoidable, and you may be able to pay cash when the time comes.
Others point out that retirees often need fewer vehicles, and alternative transportation like ride-shares or public transit can be more economical — and eco-friendly. "If you're retired, there's a good chance that you won't need an additional vehicle during your golden years," Lieberman said.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's the Best Move?</h2>
Ultimately, the Reddit poster decided to keep the Buick for now, noting it's in "great shape." That mirrors the consensus from both the online community and financial experts: unless a new car is a necessity — and you can afford it without putting stress on your <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46266572/heres-how-much-you-should-have-saved-for-retirement-by-40-50-or-60-are-you-ahead-of-the-curve-or-falling-behind">retirement income</a> — it's often wiser to hold onto your current vehicle.
It's not just about money. It's about peace of mind — and ensuring that your golden years aren't weighed down by unexpected expenses.
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Date	Put/Call	Strike Price	Exp Date	DTE	Trade Vol	Day Vol	Vol / OI	OI	Trade Type	Sentiment
09:48 AMJul 16, 2025	CALL	$180.00	Aug 15, 2025	25	451	450	36	1244	TRADE	BULLISH
03:32 PMJul 11, 2025	CALL	$165.00	Jan 15, 2027	543	542	160	22	2423	TRADE	BULLISH

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