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The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests primarily in dividend-paying U.S.-listed equity securities of small capitalization companies. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80 percent of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in (i) small-capitalization companies and (ii) dividend-paying securities (i.e., equity securities that have paid a dividend in the prior 12 calendar months). The Fund defines a small-capitalization company as an issuer whose market capitalization at the time of purchase is within the range of the market capitalizations of the companies included in the Russell 2000 Index. The equity securities held by the Fund may include common stocks of U.S. companies, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) (i.e., receipts evidencing ownership of foreign equity securities), and real estate investment trusts (REITs).

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For 20 years, one Redditor dedicated themselves to a frugal lifestyle, prioritizing financial security over luxury. Now, at 51 and facing a cancer diagnosis, they wonder: Was it all worth it?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Lifetime of Sacrifices</h2>
In a now-viral <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1j1bsyv/i_have_been_frugal_the_last_20_years_and_now_i_am/">post</a> on the r/Frugal subreddit, user Bib_fortune shared their dilemma. Thanks to decades of careful budgeting, they own their home outright and have solid savings and investments. But their frugality came at a cost: driving old, unreliable cars and skipping out on the finer things in life. Meanwhile, their sister—who struggles with money—has always enjoyed new cars, expensive clothes, and a seemingly lavish lifestyle.
&#8220;I always thought my life choices were the right ones, thinking of the future&#8230; until I was diagnosed with cancer four months ago,&#8221; they wrote.
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Now, with an uncertain prognosis, they're questioning whether their sacrifices were worth it. &#8220;If I die in three years, my sister will be rewarded with my estate (don&#8217;t get me wrong, I love my sister, but [it] is not my life goal to support her lifestyle).&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Should They Finally Indulge?</h2>
One thing on their mind is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/12/42427200/amazon-autos-buy-your-next-car-online-its-just-a-click-away">buying a brand-new car</a>—something they've never done. But they worry that splurging now might be for the wrong reasons. &#8220;I am considering buying a brand-new car&#8230; but at the same time, I think I would be doing it for the wrong reasons.&#8221;
Redditors quickly chimed in with advice, and the overwhelming consensus was that this was exactly what they'd been saving for.
&#8220;<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44408726/got-laid-off-so-i-went-all-in-on-living-frugally-redditor-shares-how-they-saved-big-and-why-these-tips-may-be-more-important-than-ever">Frugality has its rewards</a>. One is deciding when and how to spend it,&#8221; one user responded. &#8220;Your cancer may not take you that fast, but you have time to enjoy yourself. Go for it.&#8221;
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Another echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/42771996/this-is-unhinged-a-reddit-user-asks-others-for-extreme-acts-of-frugality-they-witnessed-and-the-replies-are-shockingly-entertaining">key to frugality</a> isn't just saving but also knowing when to enjoy what you've saved. &#8220;I think this is [what] people miss about being frugal. I just spent ~$1000 in Key West for my 40th. I regret nothing. Had I spent $1000 at a casino? I would have regretted it.&#8221;
Many urged the OP to take a balanced approach. &#8220;I don't think you have to overhaul your entire life. Just get the things you like, e.g., a nice car, a trip somewhere, and some nice clothes, etc.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Money For?</h2>
This post sparked a larger discussion about the purpose of money. Many Redditors shared their own experiences of learning to balance financial responsibility with enjoying life.
One user reflected on how frugality allowed them to live stress-free: &#8220;So many people with luxury things <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43947512/dave-ramsey-baffled-by-family-living-paycheck-to-paycheck-on-600000-a-year-why-do-you-need-18000-a-month-to-run-your-household">live &#8216;paycheck to paycheck&#8217;</a> and have panic attacks in their BMW while wearing that expensive watch. Peace and safety are priceless and you now have the luxury to do anything you want within reason.&#8221;
Another pointed out the importance of intentional spending: &#8220;I do and have a lot of things that die-hard frugal people would never consider frugal, but it's really about being intentional with my money.&#8221;
Some encouraged the OP to shift focus from material goods to meaningful experiences. &#8220;Where is one place that you have always wanted to go? Or something that you always wanted to do? Instead of a car, how about an experience?&#8221;
Others reminded them that life is unpredictable. &#8220;Nothing is promised to us &#8230; and how to balance saving for the future and spending for now is something we just have to make our best guess at.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next?</h2>
While many agreed that the OP deserved to enjoy the fruits of their labor, they also emphasized responsible enjoyment. &#8220;Maybe instead of a new car, finance one 2-3 years old with lower mileage,&#8221; one suggested.
Another recommended focusing on comfort, especially during treatment. &#8220;Spend your money as you see fit. Enjoy a new car. Focus on making yourself comfortable for your journey ahead.&#8221;
The Redditor clarified that they don't have a terminal diagnosis—yet. &#8220;I have been through surgery and chemo, but the odds of recurrence are high&#8230;&#8221;
With that in mind, users suggested they reassess their will to ensure their money goes where they want it to. If she doesn&#8217;t want her sister to inherit everything, she can donate to charity or set up a scholarship.
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'If I Die…'—A Redditor Lived Frugally For 20 Years To Secure Their Future. Now, A Cancer Diagnosis Is Making Them Question Everything

Mark Cuban may have sold most of his stake in the Dallas Mavericks, but back when he was running things day to day, he had some intense moments. In a 2024 &#8220;Club Shay Shay&#8221; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DAVdTTgGcU">interview</a>, Cuban reflected on one of those raw moments when he lit into his team after a lackluster performance.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Calling Out the Team</h2>
Cuban, known for his hands-on approach as an owner, recalled a game where he felt the players weren't putting in the effort. He unleashed on the players in the locker room.
"I walked into the locker room and I started pointing at different guys—&#8217;Yo, did you get your paycheck this week? Yeah? Did you get your paycheck this week?&#8217;" Cuban recounted. "And I went around to all of them. &#8216;You get your paycheck this week?&#8217; They all said yes. I said, &#8216;Then motherf&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A; play like you got your paycheck because you all aren&#8217;t doing s&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;"
Despite his best efforts to fire up the team, Cuban admitted that they lost that game.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Passionate, Involved Owner</h2>
Cuban bought the Mavericks in 2000 for $285 million after seeing empty seats at the team's home opener and thinking, &#8220;We&#8217;re undefeated. We should have a good team. And I&#8217;m like, &#8216;I can do better than this,'&#8221; Cuban recalled on the &#8220;Life in Seven Songs&#8221; <a href="https://www.lifeinsevensongs.com/turns-out-mark-cuban-is-an-emotional-guy/">podcast</a>. He quickly became one of the NBA's most engaged owners, often sitting courtside, arguing with referees, and making bold moves to improve the franchise.
His efforts paid off. Under Cuban's ownership, the Mavericks won their first NBA championship in 2011, led by Dirk Nowitzki. He also revolutionized the way NBA teams invested in facilities, player care, and fan experiences.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Selling the Mavericks and Rewarding Loyalty</h2>
In December 2023, Cuban <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/01/42803678/mark-cuban-on-selling-dallas-mavericks-stake-i-didnt-want-my-kids-feeling-the-pressure-of-walking-into-my-spot">sold the majority stake</a> of the team to casino billionaire Miriam Adelson and her son-in-law, Patrick Dumont, in a deal valuing the franchise at $3.5 billion. He retained a 27% stake.
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Part of his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/10/41302910/why-mark-cuban-stepped-back-from-mavericks-ownership-his-kids-dont-need-all-that-abuse">motivation for selling</a> was to be more with his family.
"There's a lot of pressure for them," Cuban said about his kids, who were aged 15, 18 and 21 at the time. "When you're having a bad season, your kids are on social media. I just don't want them to put up with all that abuse."
However, before walking away from the owner's chair, Cuban made sure to take care of the people who helped build the team. He <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42341972/mark-cuban-hands-out-35m-in-bonuses-to-mavericks-employees-it-was-life-changing-money">handed out $35 million in bonuses</a> to long-serving Mavericks employees, describing it as "life-changing money" for those who had been with him for 20 years or more.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Legacy Beyond Basketball</h2>
Even though Cuban is no longer the face of the Mavericks, his impact on NBA ownership, player experience, and franchise management will last for years. He continues focusing on business ventures, including Cost Plus Drugs, a company aiming to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43435413/mark-cubans-cost-plus-marketplace-now-sells-over-6000-medicines-saving-customers-between-40-60-by-cutting-out-the-middle-man">lower prescription medication prices</a>, and potential casino development in Texas.
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Mark Cuban Recalls How He Went Off On Mavericks Players—'Did You Get Your Paycheck? Because You All Aren't Doing S***'

The cannabis industry saw major developments this week across regulation, corporate earnings and consumer trends. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced a federal cannabis strategy while France moved to ban raw flower in medical cannabis sales. Uruguay made an unexpected regulatory appointment and Spain's top medical cannabis advocacy group shut down in protest of restrictive policies.
On the business side, High Tide reported record revenue but faced margin concerns, while SNDL reached break-even free cash flow despite weakness in its liquor segment. Charlotte's Web continued its mainstream retail expansion, while Agrify doubled down on THC beverages. Edible Brands launched Edibles.com, bringing its consumer trust into the hemp industry and Poseidon-backed Herb Haus prepared to open a social equity dispensary in New Jersey.
Consumer trends continued to shift, with three in four young adults now substituting cannabis for alcohol at least weekly. Meanwhile, Curaleaf and Fab 5 Freddy teamed up to train 175 new cannabis workers and Ted Cruz and Elon Musk stirred conversation with jokes about smoking weed on air.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regulatory And Policy Updates</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CDC Unveils Federal Cannabis Strategy</h3>
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a cannabis strategic plan, outlining a public health approach to cannabis use in the U.S., as first reported by <a href="https://www.greenstate.com/news/cdc-cannabis-strategic-plan/">Green State&#8217;s Rachelle Gordon</a>. The plan highlights concerns over rising THC potency and increased cannabis consumption, while also acknowledging potential benefits.
The strategy focuses on monitoring trends, expanding research, supporting healthcare providers and increasing public awareness. The CDC will also examine cannabis use in key populations, including pregnant women, adolescents and workers in safety-sensitive jobs. While largely focused on risk management, the plan represents a shift toward a more research-driven federal stance on cannabis.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">France Proposes Medical Cannabis Rules, Excludes Raw Flower</h3>
France submitted its proposed medical cannabis regulations to the European Commission, favoring single-use cartridges while banning raw flower sales. The government argues that restricting flower will prevent overlap with recreational use, though critics note that Germany and the Netherlands allow vaporized flower for medical patients.
The regulation would allow tamper-proof cannabis cartridges for fast-acting relief while tightening controls on cultivation, import and distribution. The move places France among the most restrictive medical cannabis markets in Europe, contrasting with broader reforms elsewhere.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Uruguay Names New Cannabis Regulator In Unexpected Move</h3>
Uruguay appointed Martín Rodríguez as the new director of the Institute for Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA) after Daniel Radío declined the position, reported <a href="https://elplanteo.com/ircca-uruguay-nuevo-director/">El Planteo</a>. Rodríguez, who led IRCCA from 2015 to 2019, is seen as an industry insider with a track record in cannabis regulation.
The appointment shifts control to the ruling Frente Amplio party, raising speculation over potential regulatory changes. Uruguay's legal cannabis market has cut illicit trade by 50% and the new leadership could shape its next phase.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spain's Leading Medical Cannabis Group Shuts Down</h3>
After a decade of advocacy, Spain's Observatorio Español del Cannabis Medicinal (OECM) announced its closure. Founder Carola Pérez blamed government inaction and restrictive policies, particularly the refusal to legalize raw flower or full-spectrum oils for patients.
While Spain grants cultivation licenses for export, domestic patients are limited to expensive pharmaceuticals like Sativex and Epidiolex. The OECM's closure is seen as a setback for patient access, even as the country finalizes long-awaited medical cannabis regulations.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference Returns To Chicago</h2>
The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is set to return to Chicago on June 8 to June 10, 2025, bringing together top investors, executives and industry leaders. The event will feature exclusive networking opportunities, market insights and discussions on the future of cannabis investing and business strategy. Attendees will hear directly from some of the most influential voices shaping the cannabis landscape. For more details and registration, visit <a href="https://www.bzcannabis.com/">bzcannabis.com</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Market And Earnings Updates</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">High Tide Reports Record Revenue But Faces Margin Pressure</h3>
High Tide (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HITI#NASDAQ">HITI</a>) reported CA$142.46 million ($99.76 million) in first-quarter revenue, an 11% increase year-over-year. The company now has 5.66 million Cabana Club members, including 85,500 paying Elite members, up 13% quarter-over-quarter.
Despite revenue growth, gross margins fell to 24.9%, the lowest in company history, prompting Beacon Securities to lower its 12-month price target from CA$6.25 to CA$5.75 despite maintaining a &#8220;Buy&#8221; rating. Management expects margins to stabilize as the company expands its Canna Cabana store count, with plans to open between 20 and 30 locations in 2025.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SNDL Achieves Break-Even Free Cash Flow Amid Cannabis Growth</h3>
SNDL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNDL#NASDAQ">SNDL</a>) posted fourth-quarter revenue of CA$257.68 million, up 3.7% year-over-year, exceeding analysts&#8217; estimates of CA$248.10 million. Full-year revenue reached CA$920.4 million, a 1.3% increase from 2023.
The company's cannabis operations saw a 42.4% sales jump, driven by provincial board and business-to-business distribution. However, SNDL's liquor retail segment struggled, with sales down 3.4% year-over-year. Same-store sales in the cannabis segment rose 6.3% in the quarter and 3.5% for the year.
Despite a fourth-quarter operating loss of CA$76.1 million, SNDL achieved positive free cash flow of CA$11.6 million in the quarter and CA$8.9 million for the full year. CEO Zach George noted that the company exceeded its commitment to reaching break-even free cash flow while continuing to invest in expansion.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Industry And Business Developments</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Edible Brands Enters The Hemp Market With Edibles.com</h3>
Edible Brands, the parent company of Edible Arrangements, launched Edibles.com, an e-commerce marketplace focused on hemp-derived products. The platform, led by former Theory Wellness CMO Thomas Winstanley, aims to bring Edible Brands&#8217; reputation for quality to the fast-growing hemp industry.
The platform launched in Texas on March 20 and plans rapid expansion into Florida and Georgia. Select products will be available for nationwide shipping where legally permitted.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Poseidon Backs New Jersey Social Equity Dispensary</h3>
Poseidon Investment Management has financed Herb Haus, a social equity dispensary in Carlstadt, New Jersey. The dispensary is strategically located near MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Sports Complex, aiming to serve a high-traffic customer base.
Founder Joe Kanegieser secured a social equity license and was selected for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority&#8217;s Cannabis Equity Grant Program. With New Jersey's cannabis sales growing 25% in 2024, Herb Haus is positioned for success in the state's expanding market.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Consumer Trends And Cultural Shifts</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Young Adults Increasingly Replacing Alcohol With Cannabis</h3>
A Bloomberg Intelligence report found that 74% of consumers aged 18-24 substitute cannabis for alcohol at least weekly. The trend is reshaping the beverage industry, with major cannabis operators like Trulieve and Curaleaf expanding THC-infused drink offerings.
A YouGov poll reinforced the shift, showing that a majority of Americans now believe regular alcohol consumption is more harmful than cannabis use.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fab 5 Freddy, B-Noble And Curaleaf Support Free Cannabis Job Training</h3>
Curaleaf (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURLF#OTC">CURLF</a>) partnered with Green Book Academy and B-Noble to train 175 aspiring cannabis workers free of charge. The program provided hands-on training, resume workshops and industry networking. Hip-hop legend Fab 5 Freddy made a surprise appearance, emphasizing the importance of education in cannabis career development.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Elon Musk And Ted Cruz Joke About Smoking Weed On Air</h3>
During a recent podcast, Ted Cruz and Elon Musk joked about smoking cannabis live, referencing Musk's infamous 2018 interview with Joe Rogan. The exchange, reported on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/03/44427511/elon-musk-ted-cruz-joke-about-cannabis-on-podcast-should-i-pull-out-a-joint-to-boost-ratings">Benzinga</a>, reignited conversations about cannabis normalization in politics and business.
With 4/20 approaching, industry watchers are speculating whether Musk will once again make headlines around the topic.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Grassland Movie Spotlights Cannabis Incarceration</h3>
Grassland, a new social justice drama, is now available for pre-order on Apple TV. Starring Mía Maestro, Quincy Isaiah, Jeff Kober and Ravi Cabot-Conyers, the film explores the human impact of cannabis incarceration in the U.S. during the 2008 economic recession.
The story follows a single mother running an illegal cannabis business to support her family, only to face potential exposure when her son befriends the new neighbors—including a police officer. The film's official trailer has just dropped, offering a gripping look at the challenges of cannabis criminalization.
Stay tuned for more <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis news</a> on Benzinga.

Cannabis

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This Week In Cannabis: The CDC's Federal Weed Strategy, Edible Arrangements' New Biz, Global News, Earnings, Musk And More

Three months after saying that a one-size-fits-all federal minimum wage &#8220;wouldn't work,&#8221; President Donald Trump has rolled back a key wage rule <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44277188/a-poverty-sentence-heres-why-some-say-losing-a-federal-job-is-worse-than-being-fired-in-the-private-sector">affecting federal contractors</a>. The move cancels an executive order from then-President Joe Biden that required contractors to pay their workers at least $17.75 per hour.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump&#8217;s Take on Federal Wages</h2>
Back on Dec. 8, during an <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/trump-says-he-would-consider-raising-the-federal-minimum-wage-226490437864">appearance</a> on NBC News&#8217; &#8220;Meet the Press,&#8221; Trump said, "It would be nice to have just a minimum wage for the whole country, but it wouldn't work because you have places where it's very inexpensive to live." He argued that a federal minimum wage could have &#8220;very little effect&#8221; in some areas due to lower living costs.
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His comments fueled debate over whether the U.S. should have a federal wage floor at all. But as of 2023, only about 1.1% of American workers actually earn the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43234188/bernie-sanders-the-7-25-federal-minimum-wage-is-shameful-in-2025-america">federal minimum of $7.25 an hour</a>, according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/minimum-wage/2023/">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. The vast majority earn more, thanks to higher state minimums and market conditions.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Biden&#8217;s $17.75 Minimum Wage for Contractors Repealed</h2>
On March 15, Trump formally repealed Biden's 2021 order that had gradually raised the minimum wage for federal contract workers to $17.75 per hour by this past January. That order replaced an earlier rule from President Barack Obama, who had bumped the contractor minimum to $10.10 in 2014 with periodic increases.
Biden's order also removed an exemption for seasonal recreational businesses on federal land—a carveout Trump had supported during his first term. With the repeal, many federal contractors will now fall back to the Obama-era rate of $13.30 or to the base federal minimum of $7.25 per hour, unless higher state minimum wages apply.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Millions of Workers Could See Pay Changes</h2>
According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-nixes-1775-minimum-wage-federal-contractors-adopted-by-biden-2025-03-20/">Reuters</a>, roughly 20% of the U.S. workforce is employed by companies with federal contracts. Critics of Biden&#8217;s rule, including some Republicans and business groups, said the $17.75 wage made it harder for small businesses to compete and didn't fit low-cost areas.
But advocates say the change could hurt low-wage workers. &#8220;The federal minimum wage has become largely irrelevant,&#8221; Chad Gammon, a certified financial planner, told <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/trump-federal-minimum-wage-doesnt-work-what-happen-to-earnings-if-eliminated/">GOBankingRates</a>. He pointed out that the federal rate hasn't budged since 2009. Others warn the rollback may reduce worker protections.
The repeal also wipes out Biden-era rules that favored federal contractors who stayed neutral in union drives or joined registered apprenticeship programs. Trump didn't give a&nbsp; reason for the changes, but they align with his stated goal of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43701025/analyst-optimistic-about-banks-trumps-pro-business-agenda-should-drive-customer-acitivity">trimming regulations</a> he sees as unnecessary or burdensome.
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Trump Said 3 Months Ago Federal Minimum Wages Don't Work—Now He's Slashed Biden's $17.75 Minimum For Federal Contractors To State Minimums

Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has voiced his shock over the recent trade of Luka Dončić to the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44067809/mark-cuban-shares-two-things-hed-do-at-12-to-succeed-and-they-work-for-everyone"> Los Angeles Lakers</a>.
What Happened: Cuban, currently a minority owner of the Mavericks, expressed his astonishment over the team&#8217;s decision to trade their 26-year-old superstar, Luka Dončić. 
This disclosure was made during an episode of&nbsp;the &#8220;Your Mom&#8217;s House&#8221; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUwmA0lOWwM">podcast</a>.
The Mavericks&#8217; move to trade Dončić for the older and more injury-prone Anthony Davis, along with Max Christie and a future first-round draft pick, has left fans and analysts puzzled. 
The trade has significantly bolstered the Lakers&#8217; position in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks are grappling with injuries and are in danger of missing the postseason.
Cuban disclosed that he had no sway over the decision, stating,&nbsp;&#8220;If I had any influence&#8230;&#8221;&nbsp;before trailing off. He further clarified that he no longer oversees basketball operations and that his voice holds no weight under the new ownership.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43581429/mark-cubans-400k-bet-on-teen-founder-comes-with-an-unexpected-invitation-i-want-my-daughters-to-meet-you-and-learn-from-you" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban&#8217;s $400K Bet On Teen Founder Comes With An Unexpected Invitation: ‘I Want My Daughters To Meet You, And Learn From You&#8217;</a>
&#8220;The majority owner, Patrick Dumont decided that he was comfortable with Nico Harrison, which is his choice. You can&#8217;t totally argue with him because we went to the Finals, but yeah it was his choice and he made his choice. I&#8217;m just a fan now. When I originally sold the team, that&#8217;s what was supposed to happen, and initially it was. And then over time it was &#8216;OK in Nico we trust,&#8217; so here we are,&#8221; Cuban said. 
The former majority owner also shared his reaction upon hearing about the trade, stating,&nbsp;&#8220;I was just as dumbfounded as everybody else. It&#8217;s just brutal, it&#8217;s painful not matter how you look at it. It&#8217;s like talking about a pet dying, I&#8217;m in mourning kind of, still. But they paid me to buy the circus, so I just look at my bank account and feel better.&#8221;&nbsp;
Despite his disagreement with the decision, Cuban recognized that it was not his call to make.
Why It Matters: While Cuban may feel blindsided by the situation, his past actions as majority owner, including appointing Nico Harrison as the team&#8217;s general manager and selling his majority stake to Patrick Dumont and Miriam Adelson, have played a part in shaping&nbsp;the current state of the&nbsp;Mavericks.
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Sports

Mark Cuban Stunned By Dončić Trade: 'I Was Just As Dumbfounded As Everybody Else'

The power outage at London&#8217;s Heathrow Airport resulted in substantial flight disruptions, potentially causing airlines <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44431360/londons-heathrow-airport-shuts-down-due-to-major-power-outage-caused-by-a-fire-over-1300-flights-expected-to-be-impacted">to lose millions of dollars</a>.
What Happened: The outage forced LHR to close, resulting in flight cancellations and diversions. This left thousands of passengers stranded, with some finding themselves in cities like Tokyo, Mumbai, and Dallas.
Although the airport announced that flights would resume later on Friday, reorganizing airline networks continues to be a significant hurdle.&nbsp;
According to the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/heathrow-airport-power-outage-ccould-cost-airlines-millions-2025-3">by</a> Insider, Ronan Murphy, a director at Alton Aviation Consultancy, estimates that airlines could face losses ranging from $80 to $100 million due to the costs of rerouting passengers and providing accommodations.
&#8220;If you think about load factor, let&#8217;s say 75% full on average, that&#8217;s 220,000 people, give or take, that are affected. That could be $100 million-plus of revenue for one day,&#8221; Murphy told the outlet.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42152136/debt-piles-up-and-losses-mount-spirit-airlines-finally-files-for-bankruptcy-after-struggling-to-stay-afloat">Debt Piles Up And Losses Mount – Spirit Airlines Finally Files For Bankruptcy After Struggling To Stay Afloat</a>
&#8220;I think it&#8217;s a good thing it&#8217;s sort of pre-Easter in a bit of a March lull moment. If this is the&nbsp;middle of July, it would be an absolute disaster. You could have another 300 or 400 flights,&#8221; he said. 
As Heathrow reopens, airlines such as&nbsp;United Airlines&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>) and&nbsp;British Airways&nbsp;are striving to mitigate the impact and restart operations.&nbsp;British Airways CEO Sean Doyle&nbsp;referred to the situation as &#8220;unprecedented.&#8221;
Heathrow, ranked as the world&#8217;s fifth-busiest airport, had around 1,300 flights scheduled for&nbsp;Friday, with a capacity of&nbsp;290,930 seats. The&nbsp;New York-JFK to London Heathrow&nbsp;route, one of the world&#8217;s busiest, is expected to be among the most affected.
Why It Matters: The power outage at Heathrow Airport underscores the vulnerability of global airline networks to unexpected disruptions. Despite the significant interruption, travel expert Mike Arnot remains hopeful, noting that large airlines usually&nbsp;have spare capacity and can&nbsp;utilize their alliance partners to manage such situations. 
However, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for robust contingency plans in the aviation industry, particularly at high-traffic airports like Heathrow.
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Image: Shutterstock

Markets

Heathrow Power Outage May Lead To Millions in Losses for Airlines

During a high-level meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump hosted UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, marking a significant step in strengthening economic relations between <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44272280/3-stocks-investing-650-billion-in-the-u-s-should-you-invest" rel="noreferrer noopener">the United States and the United Arab Emirates.</a>
Sheikh Tahnoon, visiting Washington at the direction of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, was accompanied by an extensive delegation, including heads of major UAE Sovereign Wealth Funds and corporations, per a <a target="_blank" href="https://ae.usembassy.gov/thanks-to-president-trump-uae-announces-significant-investments-in-u-s-economy/#:~:text=Following%20the%20meeting%2C%20the%20UAE,%2C%20energy%2C%20and%20American%20manufacturing." rel="noreferrer noopener">statement </a>from the U.S. Embassy &amp; Consulate in the United Arab Emirates.
The key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework, signaling the UAE's commitment to substantially increasing its investments in the U.S. economy.
These investments will focus on critical sectors such as artificial intelligence infrastructure, energy, semiconductors, and American manufacturing.
This landmark agreement aims to bolster U.S. leadership in technology and infrastructure, with the UAE committing to invest significantly in the next-generation data centers, energy solutions, and advanced technology development.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44438885/charlie-munger-told-a-20-year-old-that-getting-rich-through-investing-is-damn-near-impossible-and-you-might-need-10-million-in-the-bank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlie Munger Told a 20-Year-Old That Getting Rich Through Investing Is &#8216;Damn Near Impossible&#8217; — And You Might Need $10 Million in the Bank</a>
In addition to the broader framework, several UAE-based companies made significant announcements. For instance, Abu Dhabi-based MGX, BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)
, and Global Infrastructure Partners welcomed NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and xAI into the AI Infrastructure Partnership, aimed at mobilizing up to $100 billion for data center and energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, XRG, owned by ADNOC, committed to supporting U.S. natural gas production with a major investment in a LNG export facility in Texas.
Sheikh Tahnoon also <a target="_blank" href="https://www.uae-embassy.org/news/tahnoon-bin-zayed-meets-donald-trump-discusses-strategic-partnership-prospects" rel="noreferrer noopener">praised </a>President Trump for his leadership, which he believes has stimulated foreign direct investment and fostered robust economic partnerships between the two nations.
As part of his official visit to the U.S., Sheikh Tahnoon met with Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, to discuss areas of economic and financial cooperation between the UAE and the U.S. and explore ways to strengthen them to serve the interests of both countries.
Both parties expressed their commitment to further strengthen the strategic partnership, particularly in advanced technology, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
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Equities

General

MSFT

NVDA

UAE Pledges $1.4 Trillion Investment In US Tech, Energy, And Manufacturing: Trump And Sheikh Tahnoon Strengthen Strategic Ties

President Donald Trump recently took to his social media handle about falling egg prices, claiming they are &#8216;WAY DOWN&#8217; from the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44147801/egg-prices-hit-record-4-95-per-dozen-agriculture-secretary-blames-overregulation-for-skyrocketing-cost" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> &#8220;Biden inspired prices&#8221; just weeks ago</a>.
In a <a target="_blank" href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114198370343993836" rel="noreferrer noopener">post </a>on&nbsp;Truth Social, he added, &#8220;Groceries and Gasoline are down, also.&#8221;
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has announced plans to import millions of eggs from Turkey and South Korea in an effort to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44147801/egg-prices-hit-record-4-95-per-dozen-agriculture-secretary-blames-overregulation-for-skyrocketing-cost" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alleviate the rising cost of eggs in the U.S.</a>
BBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c743g135vj9o" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports </a>that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed that the U.S. is negotiating with other countries for egg supplies, with officials expecting the short-term importation to reach &#8220;hundreds of millions of eggs.&#8221;
The bird flu crisis, which started in 2022, has caused severe disruptions to the egg supply, contributing to a 65% surge in egg prices over the past year. Prices are projected to rise another 41% in 2025, BBC adds.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44226602/walmart-ceo-says-consumers-changing-spending-due-to-inflation-egg-prices-the-money-runs-out-before-the-month-is-gone-people-are-buying-smaller-pack-sizes" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walmart CEO Says Consumers Changing Spending Due To Inflation, Egg Prices: &#8216;The Money Runs Out Before The Month Is Gone … People Are Buying Smaller Pack Sizes&#8217;</a>
To combat the crisis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled a $1 billion plan aimed at addressing the bird flu outbreak.
The plan includes measures such as $500 million for biosecurity efforts, $100 million for vaccine research, and $400 million for farmer relief programs.
Rollins told&nbsp;reporters at the White House that the U.S. will return to sourcing eggs domestically once the egg-laying industry is fully restocked, BBC notes.
The administration&#8217;s plan also includes free consulting services for commercial egg farms to help prevent future outbreaks. While some countries, including Poland and Lithuania, have also been contacted for possible egg exports, the goal is to restore U.S. egg production to full capacity as soon as possible.
As the bird flu continues to affect the poultry industry, the administration aims to stabilize egg prices while addressing the ongoing supply shortages.
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</ul>

Trump Claims Egg Prices Are 'WAY DOWN' As US Plans Imports From Turkey and South Korea

Wall Street is buzzing with increasing speculation about a recession, as economists identify several indicators suggesting an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44448437/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-tesla-nvidia-fedex-and-the-market-digests-the-feds-rate-decision">impending economic downturn</a>.
What Happened: According to a report, Goldman Sachs&nbsp;has raised its likelihood of a recession in&nbsp;the next 12 months from&nbsp;15% to 20%. A March survey by&nbsp;Bank of America&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) showed that 55% of fund managers perceive&nbsp;a global recession triggered by&nbsp;a trade war as the&nbsp;primary&nbsp;tail risk for the market.
Consumer expectations of a recession in the upcoming year have also risen to a nine-month peak, according to the latest Consumer Confidence Survey by the Conference Board, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/recession-2025-warning-economy-outlook-growth-slowdown-debt-stocks-rates-2025-3">reports</a> Insider.
Economist David Rosenberg foresees a downturn in the next few months, highlighting several warning signs of a faltering economy.
Rosenberg points out several alarming signs including US households battling to keep up with inflation, an increased debt load, struggling small- and mid-cap stocks, and declining corporate earnings guidance. 
Rosenberg stated, &#8220;If the past is prescient, the recession which nobody believes will rear its ugly head will materialize as early as July.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44211421/us-economy-teetering-recession-may-be-looming-as-bond-market-reacts-to-trump-policies">US Economy Teetering? Recession May Be Looming As Bond Market Reacts To Trump Policies</a>
Households are increasingly unable to handle emergency expenses, with&nbsp;the latest Survey of Consumer&nbsp;Expectations from the New York&nbsp;Fed indicating that only 63% of US households could manage a sudden $2,000 bill. 
This is the lowest percentage since Q4 2015, as per an analysis by&nbsp;Apollo Global Management&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APO#NYSE">APO</a>). Moreover, total household debt increased by $93 billion in Q4, hitting a record $18 trillion. 
Small- and mid-cap stocks are also struggling, with the iShares S&amp;P Small-cap 600 Value ETF down 16% from its November peak and the S&amp;P MidCap 400 down 13% from its November high.
Companies like&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>),&nbsp;Target&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>), and&nbsp;FedEx&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) have reduced their guidance for the year, with approximately 70% of companies attributing potential negative outlooks this year to&nbsp;uncertainty around new policies and&nbsp;tariffs.
Finally, bond investors are factoring in a higher risk of companies defaulting&nbsp;in the coming years. Credit&nbsp;spreads have significantly increased in the past month, indicating investors&#8217; anticipation of a higher risk of corporate borrowers struggling to repay debt.
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Mid Cap

Recession Fears Escalate as Economists Identify Warning Signs: 'Will Materialize as Early as July'

Warren Buffett has made his annual March Madness bracket challenge for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) employees <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44211240/warren-buffett-on-debt-and-donald-trumps-money-moves-trump-never-went-right">easier to win this year</a>.
What Happened: The grand prize of $1 million is up for grabs for those who can accurately predict the&nbsp;winners of 30 out of&nbsp;the 32 first-round games of&nbsp;the NCAA&#8217;s March Madness men&#8217;s&nbsp;basketball tournament.
This year&#8217;s challenge offers a more attainable goal compared to last year, when employees had to perfectly predict the outcomes of all 32 first-round games.
Buffett, now 94 years old,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/sports/march-madness-tournament-bracket-warren-buffett-05f94416">told</a> The Wall Street Journal, "I'm getting older. I want to give away a million dollars to somebody while I'm still around as chairman."
Additionally, the challenge includes a $250,000 prize for the employee who predicts the most correct outcomes, should the grand prize go unclaimed. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42803589/warren-buffetts-advice-for-overpriced-stocks-zip-up-your-wallet-take-a-vacation-and-come-back-in-a-few-years-to-buy-stocks-at-cheap-prices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett's Advice for Overpriced Stocks: ‘Zip up Your Wallet, Take a Vacation, and Come Back in a Few Years To Buy Stocks at Cheap Prices'</a>
"You'd like to think one of them had a chance of winning every four years. That's what we've been kind of fumbling our way toward," he added. 
In 2016, Buffett offered a $1 million annual prize for an employee&#8217;s lifetime if they could perfect the&nbsp;bracket for the first two&nbsp;rounds. However, the grand prize remained unclaimed.
Why It Matters: Despite the eased conditions, winning the challenge is still a daunting task. The NCAA estimates the odds of accurately predicting every game&#8217;s outcome at a staggering 1 in 9.2 quintillion. 
Nonetheless, the revised rules have certainly increased the chances for Berkshire Hathaway employees to walk away with a significant cash prize, reflecting Buffett&#8217;s desire to reward his staff while he still holds the chairman&#8217;s position.
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Management

Warren Buffett Eases Conditions for $1 Million March Madness Challenge: 'I Want To Give Away a Million Dollars to Somebody While I'm Still Around'

NBA legend&nbsp;Shaquille O&#8217;Neal&nbsp;reportedly made a $250,000 &#8220;accidental&#8221; investment in tech giant&nbsp;Google, which has now grown exponentially, contributing significantly to his current net worth.
What Happened: O&#8217;Neal, better known as Shaq, invested $250,000 in Google, which he later described as an &#8220;accident.&#8221; This investment has played a substantial role in boosting his estimated net worth of $500 million. 
While his NBA career earnings form a part of his wealth, his post-career investments account for a significant portion.
According to a report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/shaq-google-investment-regrets-not-buying-more-2020-3">by </a>Insider, in the book A-List Angels: How a Band of Actors, Artists, and Athletes Hacked Silicon Valley, author Zack O&#8217;Malley Greenburg recounted his conversations with Shaquille O&#8217;Neal about his investment strategy, including his early decision to invest in Google.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44348122/i-blew-200m-on-cars-and-partiesnow-im-back-as-a-millionaire-with-shaqs-25b-brand-says-former-nba-superstar-allen-iverson">&#8216;I Blew $200M On Cars And Parties—Now I&#8217;m Back As A Millionaire With Shaq&#8217;s $2.5B Brand,&#8217; Says Former NBA Superstar Allen Iverson</a>
Shaq made the investment in Google during the company&#8217;s early days and only realized the success of his investment upon reading about it in a newspaper. &#8220;The newspaper told me how much I made and I couldn&#8217;t believe it,&#8221; O&#8217;Neal said.
Greenburg recounts that Shaq was playing with some children at a restaurant when he happened to meet their father, who was a prominent investor.
&#8220;He said, &#8216;Shaq, I like you, I got something for you. It was presented to me, I knew it was gonna hit,&#8221; O&#8217;Neal said.
&#8220;And I said, &#8216;Wow, I&#8217;ll try it.&#8217; My only regret is that I wish I would have bought more,&#8221; he added
Although the exact timing of O&#8217;Neal&#8217;s investment is not known, if he had invested $250,000 and held onto all&nbsp;his shares, they would have&nbsp;been worth approximately $16.5 million on the date of Google&#8217;s 20th anniversary of its initial public offering.
Why It Matters: Shaq&#8217;s investment story serves as a testament to the potential of tech investments. His &#8220;accidental&#8221; investment in Google, one of the world&#8217;s largest tech companies, has yielded significant returns, demonstrating the power of strategic investment, even if unintentional. 
This incident also underscores the importance of diversification, as O&#8217;Neal&#8217;s wealth is not solely reliant on his NBA career earnings but is significantly bolstered by his savvy post-career investments.
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Shaq Accidentally Invested $250,000 In This Company, Now Its Value Is Skyrocketing: 'My Only Regret, I Wish I Would Have Bought More'

Elon Musk posted a controversial statement on social media, claiming that transgender individuals, particularly those undergoing hormone treatments, are more likely to be violent due to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44447891/donald-trump-white-houses-elon-musk-ev-company-cheerleading-sparks-ethics-firestormeven-as-stock-tanks-and-teslatakedown-protests-grow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8220;extreme emotional volatility.&#8221;</a>
His comments appeared to be in response to recent attacks on Tesla, Inc.(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), suggesting that transgender individuals <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44394560/elon-musks-tesla-targeted-with-arson-attacks-in-las-vegas-kansas-city-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">could be responsible for the incidents</a>.
&#8220;What are the statistics on trans violence? The probability of a trans person being violent appears to be vastly higher than non-trans,&#8221; Musk <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1902738447124545797" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">posted</a> on X.
The post came on the same day that Musk&#8217;s estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who is trans, criticized him in an <a href="https://www.teenvogue.com/story/vivian-jenna-wilson-elon-musk-trans-youth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview</a> with Teen Vogue. In the interview, Wilson called Musk a &#8220;pathetic man-child&#8221; and expressed deep frustration with her father.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44447947/big-short-investor-danny-moses-warns-of-economic-risks-from-elon-musks-doge-induced-federal-job-cuts" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Big Short Investor Danny Moses Warns Of Economic Risks From Elon Musk&#8217;s DOGE-Induced Federal Job Cuts</a>
&#8220;I haven&#8217;t talked to him since 2020. That was almost half a decade ago at this point,&#8221; Wilson said.
Wilson also condemned Musk&#8217;s controversial actions, including his performance of what she described as a &#8220;Nazi salute&#8221; during Donald Trump&#8217;s inauguration — a gesture Musk has denied was intentional.
She expressed further concern about the growing hostility toward marginalized groups under the second Trump administration.
&#8220;Obviously, it&#8217;s not just trans people that are affected by the current administration,&#8221; Wilson said, highlighting her contributions for&nbsp;&#8220;more advocacy on that front, since the current administration has kind of been like a wrecking ball in that regard.&#8221;
Recent efforts to remove LGBTQ+ identities, race, and immigration status from communications about sex trafficking, are in the limelight, with experts warning that these changes would endanger vulnerable populations, especially minors, The Guardian <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2025/mar/21/anti-trafficking-race-lgbt-immigration-demographics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
A Pew Research Center <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/02/26/most-lgbtq-adults-expect-trumps-policies-to-affect-gay-lesbian-bisexual-and-trans-people-negatively/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey</a> revealed that 78% of LGBTQ+ adults expect the second Trump administration to negatively impact the transgender community.
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Image: Shutterstock

TSLA

Elon Musk Suggests Trans People at Fault for Tesla Attacks as Estranged Trans Daughter Calls Him 'Pathetic'

Former White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci, has suggested that the EU should counter President Donald Trump&#8216;s tariff strategy by reducing their own <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44211446/anthony-scaramucci-slams-donald-trump-hes-going-to-put-us-into-a-recession-frankly">tariffs on U.S. imports to zero</a>.
What Happened: In a recent podcast, Scaramucci put forth this strategy. Rather than retaliating against&nbsp;Trump&#8217;s 25% tariffs on EU&nbsp;steel and aluminium imports with their own tariffs, Scaramucci proposed that the EU should &#8220;outgame&#8221; Trump by playing his game and reducing their tariffs to zero.
Scaramucci, who served as Trump&#8217;s spokesman for a brief period in 2017, urged ministers and officials in Brussels to consider this alternative approach. He drew parallels with Ronald Reagan&#8216;s 1981 strategy of eliminating Pershing missiles in West Germany if the Soviet Union reciprocated in East Germany.
&#8220;I would caution ministers and people in Brussels. If you want to outgame Trump, play his game, lower your tariffs. Ronald Reagan in 1981 went with a zero option. He said he would zero-out the Pershing missiles in West Germany if the Soviet Union did the same thing in East Germany, and so play his game. Cut your tariffs to zero,&#8221; he <a href="https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-the-pat-kenny-show/anthony-scaramucci-on-trump-tariffs-and-much-more">said</a> in the interview. 
Speaking about Trump&#8217;s potential efforts to&nbsp;bring back taxes&nbsp;and jobs created by US&nbsp;tech and pharma multinationals in Ireland, Scaramucci expressed doubt about Trump&#8217;s ability to dismantle Ireland&#8217;s FDI sector, which provides employment to 300,000 people.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44348205/scaramucci-sees-trouble-ahead-for-musk-trump-relationship-everyone-flames-out-with-trump">Scaramucci Sees Trouble Ahead for Musk-Trump Relationship: &#8216;Everyone Flames Out With Trump&#8217;</a>
&#8220;He was opining about the genius of your country with the tax engineering to get the multinationals over here, but he didn&#8217;t say, hey, and I&#8217;m going to fix it. Hey, I&#8217;m going to change it,&#8221; Scaramucci added.
While acknowledging that Trump has previously lauded Ireland&#8217;s success in&nbsp;attracting US firms with its&nbsp;low corporation tax, Scaramucci expressed skepticism that Trump could significantly impact this, even with a proposed 15% corporate tax rate.
Scaramucci concluded by stating that Trump lacks a mechanism to disrupt Ireland&#8217;s corporation tax regime, despite any potential threats he may have made to Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Why It Matters: Scaramucci&#8217;s proposed strategy could potentially change the dynamics of the ongoing tariff war between the EU and the US. By adopting a zero-tariff approach, the EU could potentially &#8220;outgame&#8221; Trump and force a reconsideration of the current US tariff strategy. 
This could have significant implications for international trade and economic relations between the two regions.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44211446/anthony-scaramucci-slams-donald-trump-hes-going-to-put-us-into-a-recession-frankly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Slams Donald Trump: ‘He's Going To Put Us Into A Recession, Frankly'</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Scaramucci Slams Trump, Advises EU to Counter Levies With Zero-Tariff Strategy

In the face of ongoing market disruption in 2025, Wall Street&#8217;s diversification-focused professionals are witnessing a change in investment trends. 
What Happened: With the tariff war in full swing, investors are shifting their focus from American equities to alternative assets such as gold, corporate debt, and a Treasury index that has seen a nearly 3% rise this year. 
As reported <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-21/wall-street-s-bear-market-in-diversification-is-finally-easing?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">by</a> Bloomberg, the trading landscape is undergoing a transformation, marking a much-anticipated return to normalcy for proponents of diversification strategies.
Despite the promotion of cross-asset products by some of the industry&#8217;s leading minds, the steady rise in US shares since the financial crisis has largely overshadowed these strategies.
Currently, the S&amp;P 500 is mired&nbsp;in a correction, ending another&nbsp;week of uncertainty with a 0.5% increase. However, previously dormant investment vehicles, ranging&nbsp;from leveraged quant portfolios to&nbsp;options-hedged products, are gaining momentum. An exchange-traded fund (ETF) that diversifies bets across&nbsp;asset classes, including commodities and&nbsp;bonds, has surged over 5% since the start of the year, outperforming the S&amp;P 500 by approximately 9 percentage points.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42497093/stock-market-predictions-for-2025-a-mixed-bag-of-expectations">Stock Market Predictions for 2025: A Mixed Bag Of Expectations</a>
Meb Faber, founder of Cambria Funds, commented,&nbsp;"It feels a long time&nbsp;coming." His global asset-allocation ETF (GAA) has risen 3% this year, potentially marking its best performance relative to the S&amp;P 500 since its inception. 
However, the continuation of this trend remains uncertain. US stocks have lagged behind&nbsp;the global portfolio in Cambria's&nbsp;model twice since the global&nbsp;financial crisis, only to bounce back amidst improving economic sentiment, reports the outlet. 
Given the stretched valuations of US equities and an uncertain growth outlook, investors are being encouraged to explore a broad range of strategies, including&nbsp;both bullish and bearish equity&nbsp;wagers.&nbsp;Pete Hecht, head of the&nbsp;North America portfolio solutions group&nbsp;at AQR Capital Management, advised,&nbsp;"I would say investors need&nbsp;to lean on diversification even&nbsp;more than normal."
Why It Matters: The shift towards diversification strategies and alternative assets reflects an evolving investment landscape. As traditional equities continue to face uncertainty, investors are seeking more balanced portfolios to mitigate risk. 
This trend could potentially reshape Wall Street&#8217;s approach to investment, emphasizing the importance of diversification in an increasingly volatile market.
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Bear Market in Diversification Eases as Investors Seek Alternative Assets

Dave Portnoy is pulling no punches when it comes to his opinion on career politicians. The Barstool Sports founder recently voiced his frustration, saying that lawmakers who have never worked in the private sector are out of touch with reality.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Portnoy's Take on Politicians Without Private-Sector Experience</h2>
Portnoy took to X to express his belief that politicians should be required to have real-world job experience before holding office. "I firmly believe it should be illegal for any politician to never have 1 job in the private sector. Going directly from college to politics is fake life," he <a href="https://x.com/stoolpresidente/status/1902071296923402587">wrote</a>.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I firmly believe it should be illegal for any politician to never have 1 job in the private sector. Going directly from college to politics is fake life. <a href="https://t.co/sskV8bjHBS">pic.twitter.com/sskV8bjHBS</a>
&mdash; Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) <a href="https://twitter.com/stoolpresidente/status/1902071296923402587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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His post included a clip of Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaking on "The View," where the senate minority leader criticized those who oppose government regulations and taxes. "And you know what their attitude is? I made my money all by myself. How dare your government take my money from me?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43850974/its-an-american-duty-to-not-pay-our-taxes-robert-kiyosaki-proudly-says-hes-1-2-billion-in-debt-because-it-legally-leaves-him-tax-free"> I don't want to pay taxes</a>. Or, I built my company with my bare hands. How dare your government tell me how I should treat my customers, my, the land and water that I own, or my employees." He went on to say that this group of people seeks to "decimate the entire federal government" to benefit the wealthiest Americans.
"They hate government. Government's a barrier to people, a barrier to stop them from doing things. They want to destroy it. We are not letting them do it, and we're united," Schumer said.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Portnoy Reveals Government Job Offer</h2>
Interestingly, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44303325/how-do-you-run-tesla-when-youre-working-on-doge-24-7-dave-portnoy-says-he-was-offered-a-government-job-but-hed-have-to-give-up-barstool-2">Portnoy revealed recently</a> that he was recently approached about a potential government role but turned it down. "I got a call, I don't know, a couple of months ago… and it was like, ‘Hey, would you have any interest, Dave, in joining the Department of Commerce, the Commerce Secretary under Lupnick [sic], or the guy working under him?'" he shared.
However, there was a catch—he would have had to step away from running Barstool Sports. "A caveat of joining the government is somebody would have to run Barstool. You can't run Barstool and work for the government," he explained. Portnoy said officials told him to let them know if he was interested, but they never followed up.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where Should the Line Be Drawn?</h2>
Portnoy's remarks raise an ongoing debate about the intersection of business and politics. Should politicians be required to have private-sector experience? And should business leaders be allowed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44283540/elon-musks-father-warned-in-november-that-if-elon-had-to-step-away-from-his-companies-for-government-duties-it-could-be-a-big-concern">hold government positions while running major companies</a>?
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Dave Portnoy Slams Career Politicians Who Never Had A Real Job—'Going From College Straight To Politics Is Fake Life'

China is considering the restriction of certain <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42257504/trump-threatens-brics-nations-with-100-tariffs">exports to the U.S.</a> in the face of an intensifying economic offensive by President Donald Trump&#8216;s administration.
What Happened: Advisers to the Chinese government have indicated that Beijing is mulling over the implementation of voluntary export restraints (VERs). 
This tactic, previously employed by Japan in the 1980s to ward off increased import duties from the U.S., could potentially aid China in deflecting criticism regarding its &#8220;economic imbalances&#8221;, particularly in sectors such as electric vehicles and batteries.
According to a report <a href="https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/china-explores-limiting-its-own-exports-to-mollify-trump-dcd347b7?mod=hp_lead_pos1">by</a> The Wall Street Journal, despite the imposition of new tariffs by Trump, amounting to a cumulative 20%, there have been no negotiations between Beijing and Washington.
Nevertheless, concerns over China&#8217;s market-distorting practices were voiced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a conversation&nbsp;with Chinese Vice Premier He&nbsp;Lifeng last month.
"The insistence of the Trump administration on using tariffs as a tool of trade policy might make China receptive to voluntary export restraints," Doug Irwin, economics professor at Dartmouth College told the Journal.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43423781/trumps-trade-tariffs-to-close-e-commerce-loophole-favoring-chinese-online-retailers">Trump&#8217;s Trade Tariffs to Close E-Commerce Loophole Favoring Chinese Online Retailers</a>
According to advisers, China may propose&nbsp;export restraints on EVs and&nbsp;batteries in return for investment&nbsp;opportunities in the U.S. This proposition could potentially be appealing to Trump, who has demonstrated a willingness to accept&nbsp;more Chinese investment in the&nbsp;U.S.
The outlet also highlighted that while Beijing is contemplating export restraints, it has no plans to alter its manufacturing-centric policy. 
Instead, it perceives this as a negotiation tactic with the Trump administration that could assist China in enhancing its value chain.
Why It Matters: The potential implementation of VERs by China could mark a significant shift in the ongoing trade war between the two economic superpowers. 
By voluntarily limiting exports, China could potentially mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and negotiate better terms for its investments in the U.S.
This move could also signal a strategic shift in China&#8217;s approach to dealing with trade disputes, moving away from retaliatory tariffs towards more nuanced negotiation tactics. 
However, the success of this strategy will largely depend on the Trump administration&#8217;s response and willingness to negotiate.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock

Global

China Ponders Export Limitations to Quell Trump's Trade Onslaught

Joe Rogan is raising alarms about the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the evolving role of government in people's lives. In a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsqbdBiidWE">conversation</a> with Josh Waitzkin on &#8220;The Joe Rogan Experience,&#8221; he explored what the future could look like as AI begins to reshape society, work and identity.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI Could Change What It Means To Be Human</h2>
Waitzkin, a former chess prodigy and martial artist, argued that humanity is facing an unprecedented challenge. As <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/43149854/ai-ai-agents-will-create-unprecedented-opportunities-and-profound-risks-world-economic-forum-says">AI becomes more powerful</a>, people will need to adapt rapidly or risk being left behind. &#8220;We need to create the ability to reinvent ourselves, to be creative, to adapt,&#8221; he said. He compared our current position to a beginner in jiu-jitsu, completely outmatched by a skilled opponent.
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Rogan agreed and warned of a future where people become overly reliant on technology and government, losing the drive to create or push themselves. He believes we're drifting away from the democratic ideal where government is an extension of the people's will. "The government is now your provider. It's not just for the people, by the people. It's not representative of the people. It is now your provider," he said. "That's a very strange relationship to have."
He explained that this shift could result in a society where citizens no longer see themselves as active participants in shaping their future, but as passive recipients of state-controlled resources. That, Rogan argues, poses a deep psychological risk. If your rent, food, and healthcare are all provided by the state, and you never have to earn it or contribute meaningfully to your community, where does your sense of purpose come from?
Rogan emphasized that this isn't just a political concern, but a human one. It messes with identity. People need struggle, they need purpose and they need to build things. &#8220;If that's gone and now all of a sudden they just have a check, who are they?&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A &#8216;Psychological Famine&#8217; Is Coming</h2>
The two discussed the impact of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43994419/i-dont-think-were-going-to-have-a-choice-elon-musk-predicts-universal-income-will-eventually-be-high-but-fears-people-will-feel">universal basic income</a> if widespread job loss becomes a reality. Rogan worries that many people, stripped of work and purpose, won't know how to find meaning. "What do you do to give yourself meaning if you're not the type of person that seeks out difficult things?" he asked.
He described a potential scenario where millions become dependent on government checks, addicted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40914747/jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-thinks-social-media-platforms-like-tiktok-and-facebook-are-a-total-stupid-w">dopamine hits from social media</a>, and stuck in lives lacking direction. "Throughout history, the times have been very cruel to people who weren&#8217;t prepared. I worry about it almost like an intellectual famine, you know, like a psychological famine that people will be deprived of the thing that they have rested their hat upon, like their identity," Rogan said.
Waitzkin emphasized the importance of embracing change with a &#8220;beginner&#8217;s mind.&#8221; He said the pace of change will only accelerate, and people must train themselves to shift with it. &#8220;We want to be strapped to the front of the freight train as reality is unfolding and adapting to the new realities,&#8221; he said.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Older Fears Resurface: AI As Government?</h2>
In a November <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5_EdPRLHuE">episode</a> with the &#8220;Triggernometry&#8221; podcast hosts Francis Foster and Konstantin Kisin, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/41754889/joe-rogan-fears-ai-could-be-used-to-create-really-objective-government-deciding-we-dont-need-corpora">Rogan revisited one of his recurring concerns</a>: the idea of AI running governments. He floated a scenario where an objective AI makes decisions without bias, ego or emotion. "Why don't we use AI for government and have a really objective government that doesn't have greed, lust, desire or the need for power?" he asked.
But he cautioned that such objectivity could go too far. A purely rational AI might decide the biggest problem is humanity itself. That, he said, is the risk of letting a machine run things without a moral compass.
Rogan and Waitzkin believe the future will be filled with breakthroughs and disruption. AI might improve lives, but only if humans prepare themselves mentally and emotionally. Waitzkin summed it up: the ability to constantly reinvent yourself might be the most valuable skill of the 21st century.
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Joe Rogan Says There's A 'Bizarre Connection' Between The Government And The People. It's No Longer 'Just For The People, By The People'

Elon Musk has issued a public threat to Pentagon employees suspected of leaking information about an alleged briefing on sensitive materials involving a potential U.S. war with China.
What Happened: The New York Times published a story suggesting Musk was to be briefed by the Pentagon on potential military plans involving China. This information was allegedly leaked by Pentagon employees.
After the story was published, both Pentagon officials and President Donald Trump confirmed the planned meeting but denied any discussions about China. &#8220;China will not even be mentioned or discussed,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114198186465713235">stated</a> on his Truth Social platform, dismissing the media reports as &#8220;lies.&#8221;
Musk supported Trump&#8217;s statement, reposting the President&#8217;s comments and labeling the New York Times as &#8220;pure propaganda.&#8221; He also warned the alleged leakers at the Pentagon, stating, &#8220;They will be found.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The New York Times is pure propaganda. Also, I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information to NYT. They will be found. <a href="https://t.co/xANvLMOH5j">pic.twitter.com/xANvLMOH5j</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1902977556329931052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The New York Times <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44431437/trump-debunks-reports-of-elon-musks-briefing-on-us-china-war-strategy-china-will-not-even-be-mentioned">report</a> suggested that such a briefing would expand Musk&#8217;s role within the federal bureaucracy, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest given his business dealings in China and his role as a major government contractor with SpaceX.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44209536/trump-vs-musk-federal-workers-unconvinced-hell-take-action-if-they-dont-cut-elon-will-comments-show-whos-really-in-charge">Trump vs Musk? Federal Workers Unconvinced He&#8217;ll Take Action: &#8216;If They Don&#8217;t Cut, Elon will, Comments Show Who&#8217;s Really In Charge&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The controversy surrounding the alleged leak highlights the sensitive nature of information within the Pentagon and the potential implications of such leaks. 
Musk&#8217;s threat to the leakers underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential consequences for those involved.
Furthermore, the incident raises questions about Musk&#8217;s role within the government and his potential conflicts of interest. As a major government contractor and a business figure with significant ties to China, the implications of Musk being briefed on potential military plans are significant. 
This controversy may impact Musk&#8217;s role within the government and his relationship with China, potentially affecting his business interests and the operations of SpaceX.
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Image: Shutterstock

Elon Musk Warns Pentagon Leakers Following Exposé on Alleged Secret China War Briefing: 'They Will Be Found'

Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has an odd way of dealing with constructive feedback that involves <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42250885/gen-zers-are-being-fired-just-months-after-getting-hired-employers-cite-lack-of-motivation-poor-communication-and-unprofessional-behavior">a &#8220;pressure test.&#8221;</a>
What To Know: According to a Business Insider<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/metas-cto-andrew-bosworth-explains-giving-mark-zuckerberg-feedback-2024-3"> report</a>, citing a March 2024 interview with Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth on &#8220;Lenny&#8217;s Podcast,&#8221; when you give Zuckerberg feedback, he sits back, listens and then disagrees with you.
&#8220;He&#8217;ll most often tell you that you&#8217;re wrong,&#8221; Bosworth reportedly said on the podcast.
That&#8217;s when it gets really weird. After Zuckerberg disagrees with the constructive criticism you give him, he will start bringing it up in unrelated meetings, asking other team members what they think about the feedback, the Meta exec said.
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Bosworth called the process a &#8220;pressure test&#8221; that involves understanding several different perspectives in search of details that he may have failed to consider. After he gathers other perspectives, he will then start making changes based on the feedback that he initially shut down. 
&#8220;Over the course of the next like week or two, you&#8217;ll just see shifts,&#8221; Bosworth said, calling Zuckerberg&#8217;s approach &#8220;uncanny.&#8221;
It doesn&#8217;t matter what the feedback entails or what it&#8217;s in regards to. It could be feedback on one of the company&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/09/34964097/watch-mark-zuckerberg-unveils-metas-ai-smart-glasses-that-can-decode-anything-youre-looking">products</a> or processes or even just about something he said in a morning meeting. Zuckerberg still uses the same approach to dealing with the constructive criticism, the Meta CTO said.
As it turns out, the process works and is actually very satisfying, according to Bosworth. In order to lead a company, you need to have high levels of conviction in decision making and Zuckerberg has stronger willpower than anyone he&#8217;s ever met, he said. 
&#8220;It really works. It&#8217;s very effective. But you do have to like take the long view on it,&#8221; Bosworth said. 
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Some elements of this story were previously reported by Benzinga and it has been updated.
Photo: Shutterstock.

Entertainment

How Mark Zuckerberg's 'Pressure Test' Tactic Turns Criticism Into Innovation

Each week,&nbsp;Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index&nbsp;uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the&nbsp;<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/25/03/44124338/exclusive-februarys-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-tesla-palantir-alibaba-nvidia-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: February's 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro – Where Do Tesla, Palantir, Alibaba, Nvidia Rank?</a>
Here&#8217;s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending March 21:
Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LULU#NASDAQ">LULU</a>): The apparel company saw strong interest from readers, which comes before the company's fourth-quarter financial results on Thursday March 27. Analysts expect the company to report revenue of $3.57 billion, up from $3.21 billion in last year's fourth quarter. Lululemon has beaten revenue estimates in nine of the last 10 quarters. Analysts expect the company to report fourth-quarter earnings per share of $5.84, up from $5.29 in last year's fourth quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine of the last 10 quarters overall. Analysts have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LULU/analyst-ratings">cut price targets</a> ahead of the quarter and investors remain cautious on the Canadian company with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43442219/why-beer-tequila-avocados-cars-iphone-prices-could-rise-trumps-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-china-to-hurt-several-sectors">concerns about tariffs. </a>Analysts and investors will be watching the earnings report closely to see if there are comments on tariffs and also if the company's international sales continue to grow. International revenue was up 33% year-over-year in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/buybacks/24/12/42352166/lululemon-q3-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-1b-buyback-increase-continued-momentum-across-international-markets">the third quarter.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175547/Screenshot-361.png" alt="" class="wp-image-836784" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175547/Screenshot-361.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175547/Screenshot-361-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175547/Screenshot-361-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
GE Aerospace (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>): The aerospace company saw shares trade higher on the week, helped possibly by some <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/03/44277627/ge-aerospace-doubles-down-on-us-manufacturing-with-1b-investment-details">recent contract awards</a>. GE Aerospace recently announced a US Air Force contract worth up to $5 billion for engines used on the F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. The company also recently announced plans to invest $1 billion in its U.S. manufacturing facilities to strengthen production, which could signal increased orders and growth opportunities.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="504" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175601/Screenshot-362.png" alt="" class="wp-image-836785" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175601/Screenshot-362.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175601/Screenshot-362-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175601/Screenshot-362-768x388.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
Monolithic Power Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPWR#NASDAQ">MPWR</a>): The chipmaker saw strong interest during the week, which comes after the company hosted its analyst day and updated its guidance on Thursday. The company is <a href="https://www.monolithicpower.com/en/about-mps/investor-relations/press-releases.html?pressrelease=446">guiding </a>for first-quarter revenue to be in a range of $630 million to $640 million, up from a prior range of $610 million to $630 million. Analysts expect the company to post first-quarter revenue of $578.1 million. Analysts<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MPWR/analyst-ratings"> recently remained bullish</a> on the company with Buy ratings maintained. Shares were down on the week with a sharp drop during the week, before moving back up on Thursday and Friday.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="498" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175614/Screenshot-363.png" alt="" class="wp-image-836786" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175614/Screenshot-363.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175614/Screenshot-363-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175614/Screenshot-363-768x383.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>): The advertising tech company was one of the top-performing stocks in 2024 and shares are up over 300%<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/reiteration/25/03/44385398/applovin-the-best-performing-tech-stock-in-2024-is-down-40-over-the-past-month-whats-going-on"> in the last year</a>. Readers showed strong interest in the stock, which gained on the week and in recent weeks has posted gains after several short reports<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43981217/applovin-stock-drops-on-multiple-short-reports-allegations-of-copying-meta-creating-smoke-and-mirrors-game"> sent shares lower</a>. Strong fourth-quarter results helped the stock in February before shares dropped from the short reports. Needham analyst Bernie McTernan <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/03/44361420/applovin-taps-into-retail-ad-market-but-growth-hinges-on-big-brand-adoption-analyst">reiterated a Hold rating</a> on the stock recently. McTernan researched APP's expansion beyond mobile gaming ads into other industries like ecommerce, apparel, and furniture.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175631/Screenshot-364.png" alt="" class="wp-image-836788" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175631/Screenshot-364.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175631/Screenshot-364-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175631/Screenshot-364-768x388.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>): The aerospace company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43900861/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-54">returns to the</a> Stock Whisper Index for the week. The company presented at a Bank of America conference where the CEO said they expect to see F-35 production static or increasing in the second half of the decade. The CEO also said they expect to see service volumes increase year-over-year over the next five to eight years. Howmet reported fourth-quarter financial results that topped analyst estimates in February and saw analysts raise <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HWM/analyst-ratings">their price targets</a> on the stock.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="497" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175644/Screenshot-365.png" alt="" class="wp-image-836789" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175644/Screenshot-365.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175644/Screenshot-365-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21175644/Screenshot-365-768x381.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>
Stay tuned for next week's report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/44053760/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-55" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">February 28</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44209284/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-56">March 7</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44333602/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet">March 14 </a></li>
</ul>
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