VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (ARCA: SMOG)

Dernières nouvelles pour VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (ARCA:SMOG)

VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF

Utilities

Consumer Cyclical

Industrials

Technology

Other

Basic Materials

Real Estate

The fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in stocks of low carbon energy companies. Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign issuers. Low carbon energy companies refers to companies primarily engaged in alternative energy, including renewable energy, alternative fuels and related enabling technologies (such as advanced batteries). It is non-diversified.

Tesla Inc

Nextera Energy Inc

Iberdrola Sa

Enel Spa

Byd Co Ltd

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

First Solar Inc

Samsung Sdi Co Ltd

Li Auto Inc

Xpeng Inc

Owens Corning

Kingspan Group Plc

Rivian Automotive Inc

If you're still working past age 73 and wondering whether you need to take required minimum distributions, you're not alone. A recent question on the "<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/suze-ormans-women-and-money/ask-kt-suze-anything-what-do-i-do-if-i-forgot-to-start-taking-my-rmd">Women &amp; Money</a>" podcast brought this issue to light — and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/05/45708597/85000-investment-mistake-suze-orman-says-this-listener-should-exit-her-annuity-asap">Suze Orman</a> had plenty to say about it.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Listener's Dilemma: Still Working at 76</h2>
A listener named Janet wrote in with a common concern: She recently turned 76 and was told that as long as she's working full-time, she doesn't need to start RMDs. She's now considering retirement and wants to know what to do next.
Orman's answer depends on the type of retirement account Janet has.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Key Difference: Employer Plans vs. IRAs</h2>
According to Orman, the rules vary depending on whether your retirement savings are in an employer-sponsored plan or an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-open-an-ira">Individual Retirement Account</a>.
"If you&#8217;re working and the RMDs are from your employer&#8217;s plan, your 401K, 403 or [thrift savings plan], you do not have to start taking them at 73," Orman explained. These employer-sponsored accounts are exempt from RMDs until you retire — as long as you&#8217;re still employed by the company that sponsors the plan.
But the rule doesn't apply to IRAs.
"However, if you have any IRAs or you only have IRAs or whatever it may be, then that doesn&#8217;t apply," Orman said. "So if you have an SEP IRA, a simple IRA, and any of that, you have to take RMDs from the IRAs even if you are working full time."
So if Janet has money in an IRA and hasn't been taking her RMDs, she may already be behind.
Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Missed an RMD? Here's What To Do</h2>
Missing an RMD doesn't automatically result in a steep penalty, but you'll want to act quickly. Orman suggests taking the missed distribution right away and working with a CPA to file the appropriate forms with the IRS.
"The IRS may waive the penalties entirely if she can show reasonable cause," she said. But timing and documentation matter, so professional help is recommended.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can You Still Contribute While Taking RMDs?</h2>
Another question came up on the podcast: If you're still working and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44083449/does-a-younger-spouse-change-your-rmds-or-retirement-withdrawals">taking RMDs</a>, can you also contribute to a retirement account?
The answer is yes — if you have earned income, you can still contribute to certain accounts. For example, if you're self-employed, you can contribute to a SEP IRA even while taking RMDs. In fact, you may be able to contribute a sizable amount and get a tax deduction.
However, Orman cautioned that just because you can contribute doesn't mean you should. "You might be better off just paying the taxes now and then investing that money in an individual brokerage account," she said, especially if you expect higher tax rates in retirement.
See Also: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bottom Line: Know Your Account Type</h2>
The most important thing is to understand what kind of retirement accounts you hold. If your money is in a 401(k) and you're still working for the company that sponsors it, you can likely delay your RMDs. But if your savings are in an IRA, the RMD clock starts ticking at 73 — regardless of your employment status.
When in doubt, it's best to consult with a CPA or <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> who can help you navigate the rules and avoid costly mistakes.
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Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

Do You Have To Take Out Required Minimum Distributions If You're Working Full-Time? Suze Orman Breaks It Down

Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>), a competitor to Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), could potentially see a significant price surge due to a rise in whale activity, according to market intelligence firm&nbsp;Santiment.
Santiment&#8217;s <a href="https://insights.santiment.net/read/following-the-whales-watch-these-coins-8738">study</a> reveals that historically, large transactions by high-net-worth investors, often exceeding $100,000, have typically been followed by price peaks in digital assets. 
This trend was notably observed in December 2017&nbsp;when Bitcoin hit nearly $20,000&nbsp;for the first time.
While heightened whale activity could potentially indicate an upcoming price drop, Santiment asserts that this isn&#8217;t always the case. Wealthy investors often purchase during price dips, a trend that was observed during the Bitcoin crash in May 2021.
Santiment&#8217;s data suggests that Shiba Inu is currently&nbsp;in the midst of a&nbsp;rally driven by whales. The cryptocurrency saw a surge&nbsp;of 527 whale transactions on&nbsp;June 5, 2025, the highest in five months. Since then, its market value has increased by 10%.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45029372/forget-dogecoin-and-shiba-inu-crypto-analyst-sees-this-coin-surging-100">Forget Dogecoin And Shiba Inu — Crypto Analyst Sees This Coin Surging 100%</a>
As of now, SHIB is trading at $0.000012,&nbsp;a 5.5% decrease on the&nbsp;day. Whale activity is a critical factor in the cryptocurrency market, often influencing price movements significantly. 
The recent surge in whale transactions for Shiba Inu suggests that high-net-worth investors are showing increased interest in this digital asset. If this trend continues, it could potentially lead to a significant price surge for SHIB, as predicted by Santiment.
However, it&#8217;s important to note that while increased whale activity can often precede price peaks, it can also signal an impending price crash. Investors should therefore exercise caution and closely monitor market trends.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Digital Pixel

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

Cryptocurrency

News

Markets

$DOGE

$SHIB

Shiba Inu on Verge of a Breakout as Whales Make Bold Moves

In the wake of a politically motivated shooting in Minnesota, President Donald Trump has released a statement expressing his concern. The attack was directed at two Democratic lawmakers.
What Happened: President Trump referred to the Minnesota incident as a &#8220;terrible shooting&#8221;. The attack, which targeted State Lawmakers, is currently under investigation by Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI.
Democratic State Sen.&nbsp;John Hoffman&nbsp;of Champlin and Minnesota state&nbsp;representative&nbsp;Melissa Hortman&nbsp;in Brooklyn Park were identified as the victims by Minnesota Governor&nbsp;Tim Walz&nbsp;(D). Hortman and her husband tragically lost their lives in the attack, while Hoffman and his wife are receiving treatment for multiple gunshot wounds.
The assailant, who posed as a police officer during the attack, is still on the loose. The suspect had a list of other officials and exchanged gunfire with police while fleeing Hortman's home. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45829416/trump-allegedly-calling-people-to-claim-elon-musk-has-serious-drug-problem-big-time-drug-addict">Trump Allegedly Calling People To Claim Elon Musk Has Serious Drug Problem: &#8216;Big-Time Drug Addict&#8217;</a>
Authorities have advised residents to only open the door for police if they are in pairs, as the suspect could still be impersonating law enforcement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has assured that the &#8220;horrific violence will not be&nbsp;tolerated and will be prosecuted&nbsp;to the fullest extent of&nbsp;the law.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This incident marks a disturbing escalation in politically motivated violence. The attack has not only claimed lives but has also instilled fear in the community and among public officials. 
The fact that the suspect is still at large and could potentially target other officials adds to the gravity of the situation. 
The response from the authorities and the President will be crucial in ensuring public safety and restoring faith in the system.
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Trump Condemns 'Targeted Attack' On Minnesota Democratic Lawmakers: 'Terrible Shooting'

Elon Musk&#8216;s social media platform, X, is set to disrupt the financial media landscape with a reality TV show that allows viewers to invest in promising startups. The show, &#8220;Going Public,&#8221; is part of X&#8217;s original programming initiative and is scheduled to stream live on June 24.
What Happened: X&#8217;s new series &#8220;Going Public&#8221; provides viewers the chance to invest in startups featured on the show. This initiative is in line with X&#8217;s commitment to empowering smaller investors, a sentiment echoed by Brett Weitz, X&#8217;s content chief, earlier this year.
The final episode of the show, initially slated for June 13, was delayed after the news leaked online. The producers of &#8220;Going Public&#8221; expressed that they wanted to offer more to the viewers in the live finale.
As per the report <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/elon-musk-x-going-public-show-investing-startups-22478490">by</a> Barron&#8217;s, this initiative, however, might draw additional&nbsp;scrutiny for X, which has&nbsp;previously been accused of spreading misinformation on its platform. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45829875/elon-musk-reportedly-slammed-into-scott-bessent-like-a-rugby-player-after-being-called-a-fraud-trump-said-this-is-too-much">Elon Musk Reportedly Slammed Into Scott Bessent &#8216;Like A Rugby Player&#8217; After Being Called a &#8216;Fraud&#8217;, Trump Said &#8216;This Is Too Much&#8217;</a>
The show is part of X&#8217;s new programming lineup that includes a talk show by Khloé Kardashian and a business program hosted by renowned crypto investor Anthony Pompliano.
Darren Marble, co-creator of &#8220;Going Public,&#8221; described the series as a mix of &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; and &#8220;The Apprentice,&#8221; with a real-time investing element. The show&#8217;s producers have boldly claimed that they are &#8220;rewriting the rules&#8221; of financial media.
However, viewers are advised to exercise caution. Dutch Mendenhall and Amy Vaughn, founders of one of the featured startups, are currently&nbsp;under investigation by state and&nbsp;federal regulators, as per Barron&#8217;s.
Why It Matters: This move by X is a significant step in democratizing investment opportunities, allowing smaller investors to participate in startup funding. 
However, the platform&#8217;s past issues with misinformation could potentially cast a shadow over this initiative. 
The involvement of startup founders under investigation also raises concerns about the credibility of the investment opportunities presented on the show.
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Image: Shutterstock/Evolf

Elon Musk's X to Shake Up Financial Media With Reality TV Show

Plus Automation last week <a href="https://plus.ai/news-and-insights/plus-an-ai-based-virtual-driver-software-company-powering-factory-built-autonomous-trucks-to-go-public-via-merger-with-churchill-capital-corp-ix">announced</a> it would merge with special purpose acquisition company Churchill Capital Corp IX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCIX#NASDAQ">CCIX</a>) that values the startup at $1.2 billion and brings $300 million in fresh capital for its push into <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44809515/george-soros-cathie-wood-backed-autonomous-trucking-firm-kodiak-robotics-set-to-go-public-via-spac-merger-to-tap-4-trillion-market">autonomous trucking</a> by 2027.
According to Plus Automation, the merger provides the resources needed to scale its factory-integrated autonomous trucking model. After closing, the combined company will operate as PlusAI and prioritize deployment through its global original equipment manufacturer partnerships.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Advanced Virtual Driver Tech Plus Automation Preps for 2027 Launch</h2>
Plus Automation is led by a founding team of Stanford-trained PhD engineers and seasoned tech entrepreneurs, each with a history of building and scaling innovation-focused companies. CEO David Liu, now on his fourth startup, brings a consistent track record of growth across prior ventures, reinforcing investor confidence in the company's ability to execute, Plus Automation says.
Launched in 2016 from Silicon Valley, Plus Automation designed SuperDrive as an AI-based virtual driver for heavy-duty trucks. The company says that its system has already accumulated more than 5 million miles across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, forming a robust real-world dataset that underpins its neural-network engine.
In April, SuperDrive hit a crucial driver-out safety milestone, signaling readiness for commercial deployment. According to Plus Automation, public road trials are active in Texas and Sweden, with broader fleet testing slated for fall.
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Plus Automation's strategy leans heavily on factory integration rather than retrofitting existing trucks. That original equipment manufacturer-first model involves close collaboration with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45855866/hyundai-secures-one-year-rare-earth-minerals-supply-avoids-supply-chain-disruption-report">Hyundai</a>, TRATON Group, and Iveco to produce SuperDrive-enabled trucks at scale, Plus Automation says.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The $300M Capital Injection Fuels Capital-Light Rollout</h2>
Churchill Capital Corp IX, led by veteran financier Michael Klein, will provide up to $300 million from its trust account to finance Plus Automation's next growth phase. Plus Automation says that this injection is expected to fully fund the startup through its 2027 commercial launch without requiring additional equity raises.&nbsp;
The merger maintains a clean balance sheet for the combined entity and locks up existing Plus Automation shareholders for 180 to 360 days to reinforce long-term commitment. Plus Automation and its and Churchill IX's shareholders will hold one-vote shares to ensure governance alignment.&nbsp;
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Plus Automation is Transforming a $2 Trillion Industry with Physical AI</h2>
The European and U.S. trucking markets are valued at nearly $2 trillion, facing persistent shortages of around 300,000 drivers annually, the company says. Plus Automation plans to monetize via a per-mile "driver-as-a-service" model to generate high-margin recurring revenue. Physical AI solutions are gaining traction due to lighter regulations and growing demand for logistical efficiency.
Dealer interest is rising as governments across the U.S. consider easing safety rules for heavy autonomous vehicles. California's <a href="https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/california-dmv-releases-updated-autonomous-vehicle-regulations/">Department of Motor Vehicles</a> recently proposed testing heavy-duty self-driving trucks on public roads, marking an important regulatory shift.
Closing is expected in the fourth quarter, pending shareholder approvals, Plus Automation says.
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Image: Shutterstock

CCIX

Self-Driving Truck Startup Plus Goes Public In $1.2B SPAC Merger, Backed By Wall Street Titan Michael Klein And Hyundai

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), the leading cryptocurrency globally, has recorded a 656% surge in its ongoing cycle.
As per data analytics company Glassnode, Bitcoin saw a rise of 1,076% from 2015 to 2018, a gain of 1,007% from 2018 to 2022, and in the current cycle that commenced in 2022, Bitcoin has already ascended 656%.
Even with Bitcoin&#8217;s considerably larger market capitalization today, pegged at $2.08 trillion, its performance in this cycle is nearly on par with the previous ones. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Despite much larger market cap today, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> current cycle&#39;s performance isn&#39;t far off from past ones: &#x1f535;2015–18: +1076% &#x1f7e2;2018–22: +1007% &#x26ab;&#xFE0F;2022+: +656% This suggests that demand growth is keeping pace with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTC</a>&#39;s maturation &#8211; an impressive sign of sustained investor appetite. <a href="https://t.co/gbwJNBcxPX">pic.twitter.com/gbwJNBcxPX</a>
&mdash; glassnode (@glassnode) <a href="https://twitter.com/glassnode/status/1933796558660624409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
This implies that the growth in demand is matching Bitcoin&#8217;s maturation, indicating a consistent investor interest.
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>
Glassnode highlights a unique dual aspect in the current Bitcoin cycle. There is a simultaneous occurrence of increased long-term holder (LTH) spending volumes and a larger volume of coins aging into maturity. This new market structure, where LTH wealth seems more resilient than in previous cycles, is likely influenced by the advent of U.S. Spot Bitcoin ETFs and increased institutional participation.
Bitcoin&#8217;s price has seen some volatility, dropping to a low of $100,377 on June 5, then rallying to a high of $110,651 on June 9, before profit-taking took place. 
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $105,061, maintaining above the psychologically significant $100,000 mark, which signifies strong investor confidence.
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$BTC

Bitcoin's Current Cycle Sees A 656% Surge, Matching Market Maturation Pace

With U.S.–China trade tensions and Middle East unrest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">rocking global markets</a>, Latin America's stock exchanges &#8211; especially Brazil's Bovespa and Mexico's IPC &#8211; are hitting record highs as investors seek lower‑correlation havens. Brazil and Mexico's markets are shining as havens from Trump's tariff threats and Middle East chaos.
Here are three NYSE‑listed Latin American stocks offering compelling diversification, stable income, and macro resilience.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44991625/exclusive-these-emerging-markets-are-the-calm-in-the-tariff-storm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: These Emerging Markets Are The Calm In The Tariff Storm</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Vale SA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VALE#NYSE">VALE</a>)</h2>
Forward P/E Ratio: 5.66x
Dividend Yield (FWD): 14.44%
Why It's Hot: Brazil's mining titan is a commodity kingpin, fueled by iron ore and nickel demand for EVs and global infrastructure. With a dirt-cheap P/E of 5.66x &#8211; half the materials sector's 11x &#8211; Vale's a screaming value play. Its 14.44% dividend yield, backed by $7.8 billion in 2024 free cash flow, is a cash cow for income seekers. Analysts rate it Overweight, with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VALE/analyst-ratings">$14.08 consensus price target </a>(almost 50% upside from current levels).
Why Now: Vale's global client base makes it resilient during U.S.-China trade spats, and its high yield cushions against Middle East-driven volatility.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Ambev SA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABEV#NYSE">ABEV</a>)</h2>
Forward P/E Ratio: 13.53x
Dividend Yield (FWD): 6.23%
Why It's Hot: Latin America's beer giant, Ambev, is a defensive powerhouse, brewing steady profits regardless of global chaos. Its 6.23% dividend yield and 13.53x P/E &#8211; below the consumer staples sector's 17x &#8211; offer value and income. Fourth quarter revenue hit $4.2 billion (+8.3% YoY), with 20.1% operating margins reflecting efficiency. Moreover, there&#8217;s looming revenue growth potential for 2025, driven by Brazil's growing middle class and premium brands like Brahma.
Why Now: Ambev's stable cash flows thrive in risk-off markets, making it a safer bet as trade talks falter and Iran tensions spike.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Cemex SAB de CV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CX#NYSE">CX</a>)</h3>
Forward P/E Ratio: 10.56x
Dividend Yield (FWD): 1.21%
Why It's Hot: Mexico's cement leader, Cemex, is riding a wave of infrastructure demand in Mexico and the U.S., boosted by General Motors Co&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) $4 billion U.S. plant investment. Its 10.56x P/E is a bargain compared to the construction sector's 15x. After slashing debt by 20% in 2024, Cemex generated $1.1 billion in free cash flow, supporting a reinstated 1.18% TTM dividend yiekd. Trading at $6.70 on Friday with a $7.42 target (10.75% upside), Cemex is a growth-value hybrid.
Why Now: Cemex's U.S.-Mexico exposure dodges China tariffs, and its cash flow stability counters Middle East market jitters.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why These Stocks Shine In 2025</h2>
Income and Value: Vale's 14.44% yield, Ambev's 6.23%, and Cemex's low P/E offer income and upside amid volatility.
Diversified Resilience: Vale's commodities, Ambev's staples, and Cemex's infrastructure span cyclical and defensive sectors, balancing risk.
Trade War Insulation: With minimal exposure to U.S.-China tariffs, these stocks thrive as Bovespa and IPC hit all-time highs.
With U.S.-China talks teetering and Iran-Israel tensions flaring, these Latin American stocks could just be offering diversification and value. 
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Latin America's Hot Stocks: 3 NYSE Picks To Dodge Trade Wars, Mideast Mayhem

The Trump administration has reactivated the Alien Registration Act, a World War II-era law that requires all non-citizens in the U.S. to register with the government and provide fingerprints. This law has been inactive for the past 75 years.
What Happened: The enforcement of the Alien Registration Act commenced in April. Law enforcement agencies in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, Montana, Texas, and the District of Columbia have charged individuals with &#8220;failure to register&#8221; under the act, a charge unfamiliar to many federal public defenders.
As per the report <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/14/trump-administration-alien-registration-act-00403535">by</a> Politico, the majority&nbsp;of those charged were already&nbsp;in jail and undergoing deportation proceedings.
The law, established in 1940, was a response to public concerns about the loyalty of immigrants to the U.S. Non-compliance with the registration requirement is a &#8220;petty offense&#8221; attracting a maximum penalty&nbsp;of six months imprisonment or&nbsp;a $1,000 fine. 
The revival of this law by the Trump administration could place undocumented immigrants in a precarious situation. If they register, they are required to provide detailed&nbsp;information to the federal government, including their method and time of entry into the country. 
However,&nbsp;knowingly refusing to register is&nbsp;also a crime, punishable by&nbsp;arrest or prosecution.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45488790/poll-shows-trumps-approval-rating-underwater-on-nearly-everything-from-economy-to-abortion">Poll Shows Trump&#8217;s Approval Rating Underwater on Nearly Everything From Economy to Abortion</a>
The Department of Homeland Security&nbsp;(DHS) has indicated that one objective&nbsp;of the registration regime is&nbsp;to encourage undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country, a strategy it refers to as &#8220;mass self-deportation&#8221;. 
This action, coupled with the administration&#8217;s&nbsp;invocation of the Alien Enemies&nbsp;Act and a more aggressive&nbsp;approach to immigration raids, is part of a broader campaign promise to implement&nbsp;the largest deportation program in&nbsp;U.S. history.
The&nbsp;DHS estimates that up to&nbsp;3.2 million immigrants are currently&nbsp;unregistered and&nbsp;affected by the new enforcement&nbsp;regime. 
The administration has introduced a new seven-page form for non-citizens to use for registration. Since the enforcement of the registration requirement began in April, 47,000 undocumented immigrants have&nbsp;registered using the new form.
Why It Matters: The enforcement of this dormant law marks a significant shift in the Trump administration&#8217;s approach to immigration. 
It underscores the administration&#8217;s commitment to its campaign promise of implementing&nbsp;the largest deportation program in&nbsp;U.S. history. The impact of this move on the lives of millions of undocumented immigrants remains to be seen.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44779739/oops-hes-alive-and-secure-trump-administration-updates-status-on-mistaken-deportation-to-el-salvador">White House Updates Status On Mistaken Deportation To El Salvador</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Artiom Photo

Politics

Trump Administration Enforces Long-Dormant World War II-Era Alien Registration Act

Some millionaires show off their wealth, but most of them live ordinary lives. They have practiced frugality and smart money habits for so long that their wealth has compounded to the seven-figure milestone.
A 40-year-old couple recently crossed the $1 million milestone despite looking like ordinary people, and they shared the details on Reddit. They don't drive luxury cars, live in a mansion, or do anything that you would expect from the stereotypical millionaire. After mentioning their financials, the couple shared <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/DaveRamsey/comments/1l4r9vf/40_year_old_bs_millionaire/">how they reached the milestone</a> and what others can do to achieve the same feat.&nbsp;
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"We are by far one of the smallest homes on our street," the wife explained.
There's a lot to unpack in that statement and some of the other insights from the post.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get Out Of Debt First</h2>
It's possible to build wealth once you get out of debt. The wife explains that she went into the marriage without any debt, and they worked together to pay off the husband's car and student loans after their first year of marriage.&nbsp;
Getting rid of debt allows you to focus on building wealth without worrying about interest accumulation. While some debt is good, such as a mortgage with a record-low interest rate, it's important to get rid of bad debt that isn't tied to assets, especially credit card debt.
The couple prioritized getting out of debt right away. This objective forces you to review your finances, get rid of unnecessary expenses, and look for ways to make additional income.
Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Save And Invest Regularly</h2>
The couple didn't stop once they became debt-free. The wife explained that they aggressively saved and invested their money after the husband was debt-free. They have been married for 13 years, so they have been diligently saving and investing for 12 years.&nbsp;
Assuming they invested in stocks, the couple got to enjoy more than a decade of compounding growth. They even set up their 7-year-old son for college with a 529 savings plan.&nbsp;
The couple didn't go deep into credit card debt or invite bad money habits into their lives after getting out of debt. Some people get out of debt and then go right back into debt. Building financial discipline and recognizing the effort it takes to become debt-free can ensure that you don't end up falling into debt again.
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Live Below Your Means</h2>
Living below your means is a common strategy that can help you have a $1 million net worth earlier than your peers. The 40-year-old couple encouraged people to avoid lifestyle creep, but they went into detail about the measures they took to live within their means.
They have modest cars. One of them is a 2018 model, and the other car is a 2021 model. Both were used cars that the couple paid for with cash. Getting the latest car, taking out a lease, or buying luxury cars will add more expenses to your budget and limit your ability to grow wealth.
The couple also lives in a 1,800 square foot home that they say is one of the smallest homes on their street. They could afford a larger home, but opting for a smaller property reduces the monthly mortgage payments and other housing costs.&nbsp;
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<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-peter-thiel-turned-his-roth-ira-into-5-billion-and-why-accredited-investors-are-now-eyeing-this-smartphone-disruptor">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.30/share!</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

A 40-Year-Old Couple With $1 Million Explains How They Reached The Milestone: 'We Are By Far One Of The Smallest Homes On Our Street'

A social media account that tracks pizza shop activity near the Pentagon reportedly forecast Israel&#8217;s military strikes against Iran.
What Happened: The Pentagon Pizza Report, a social media account that keeps tabs on&nbsp;real-time foot traffic at pizza&nbsp;shops in the vicinity of the Pentagon, suggested that officials were working late hours at the government building, potentially hinting at an impending conflict. 
The account reported increased activity at four local pizza outlets hours before Israel launched Operation Rising Lion.
The report states that the strikes occurred late Thursday evening. The account kept posting updates about the nearest and second-nearest Domino&#8217;s to the Pentagon before and after the airstrikes.&nbsp;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">With about an hour left before close, the 2nd closest Dominos to the Pentagon (about 8 min drive) is experiencing EXTREMELY high levels of traffic compared to a normal Thursday at about 11:00pm ET. <a href="https://t.co/TnItUDysyq">pic.twitter.com/TnItUDysyq</a>
&mdash; Pentagon Pizza Report (@PenPizzaReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/PenPizzaReport/status/1933359798122119612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
A post at 8:57 p.m.&nbsp;reported a spike in traffic at one of the outlets.
Not just Domino&#8217;s, the account also monitored activity at&nbsp;Freddie&#8217;s Beach Bar and District&nbsp;Pizza Palace in the area.&nbsp;It reported&nbsp;&#8220;high levels of traffic&#8221; compared&nbsp;to a typical Thursday.&nbsp;The Pentagon Pizza Report has&nbsp;a following of over 50,000 and its posts garner nearly millions of views.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45933856/iran-fires-ballistic-missiles-at-israel-tel-aviv-struck">Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles At Israel, Tel Aviv Struck</a>
Post the event, the account shifted its focus to pizza shops near the White House, informing followers about another significant increase in activity at the closest Domino&#8217;s.
Why It Matters: This unusual method of predicting significant international events highlights the potential of unconventional data sources in forecasting geopolitical events. 
The Pentagon Pizza Report, through its tracking of pizza shop activity, was able to anticipate a major military operation hours before it was initiated. This incident underscores the importance of diverse data points in understanding and predicting global events. 
The account&#8217;s large following and the millions of views its posts attract also indicate the public&#8217;s interest in such unconventional sources of information.
While this method may not replace traditional intelligence gathering, it certainly adds a new dimension to the field. 
The Pentagon Pizza Report&#8217;s success in predicting &#8220;Operation Rising Lion&#8221; could inspire similar initiatives that leverage unconventional data sources to predict major events.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Rawpixel.com

Global

Intel Clues Hidden in Pizza Orders? Pentagon Orders Surged Just Before Israel Hit Iran

As gold teases all-time highs, peaking at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/guidance/25/06/45928561/gold-biggest-boom-in-decades-and-investors-are-still-missing-out">$3,446 an ounce on Friday</a> and logging its best half-year rise in more than 40 year, investors are scrambling into ETFs to join the party. Yet as several gold ETFs have tracked the metal&#8217;s rocket-like run, a more fundamental question is rising to the surface: Are these ETFs designed for the type of crisis driving gold&#8217;s rise?
That is, can your gold ETF really save you when it counts?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When Safe-Haven Investing Gets Technical</h2>
Gold&#8217;s rally this year has been fueled by a powerful combination of Middle East tensions, U.S. fiscal instability, and weakening dollar. But in the midst of all the macro upheaval, investors in ETFs might be overlooking an important nuance: the structural strength of their gold holdings.
On the surface, highly traded ETFs such as the SPDR Gold Shares (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), iShares Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IAU#NYSE">IAU</a>), abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SGOL#NYSE">SGOL</a>), and SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLDM#NYSE">GLDM</a>) appear to be identical. They all aim to track the price of gold, have low expense ratios, and are traded with lots of liquidity. However, beneath the surface, the distinctions might prove fatal in an actual crisis situation.
Consider storage, for instance. GLD holds much of its gold in the <a href="https://www.spdrgoldshares.com/media/GLD/file/GLD-8K-Nov30-2022.pdf?">vaults </a>of HSBC in London, subject to UK law. SGOL <a href="https://www.onegold.com/etfs/sgol?">holds </a>its bullion in Zurich and London, and IAU has <a href="https://www.ishares.com/us/literature/prospectus/p-ishares-gold-trust-prospectus-12-31.pdf?">vaults </a>in New York, Toronto, and London. During times of peace, this is a small asterisk. During wartime, or during sanctions, sovereign freezes, or bank disruptions, geography of the vault can be the weak spot or secret advantage of an ETF.
Also, not all ETFs have the same redemption rights. GLD permits large institutions to trade shares for real bullion, but individual investors can&#8217;t. SGOL has more transparency in auditing and bar listings, and while GLDM is less expensive, it&#8217;s less accommodating in redemption and verification.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Liquidity Vs. Ownership</h2>
And then there&#8217;s the derivative problem. Certain &#8220;gold&#8221; ETFs don&#8217;t own any physical gold at all, opting for futures or swap contracts instead, subjecting investors to counterparty risk, particularly in times of market stress. Invesco DB Precious Metals Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DBP#NYSE">DBP</a>) and ProShares Ultra Gold (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UGL#NYSE">UGL</a>) are examples of such speculative funds, constructed more for short-term tactical use than long-term crisis protection.
To investors leveraging gold as a hedge against monetary breakdown, this makes all the difference. A futures-backed gold ETF can track price beautifully, until liquidity evaporates or the roll cost is unsustainable.
Global central banks are voting with their vaults. They've bought over 1,000 tonnes of gold in the last year, according to the World Gold Council, cited in a Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-03/gold-market-s-record-breaking-rally-powered-by-central-bank-buying?sref=TBDibEcD">report</a>, and now hold bullion equivalent to 18% of outstanding U.S. public debt—up from 13% a decade ago.
That&#8217;s had a long shadow over Treasuries and the dollar, and might drive more institutional money into physical gold exposure. If it does, ETFs that stockpile actual bullion, not promises to deliver bullion, might be the next best thing.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Know Your Gold</h2>
As gold charges toward $3,500, and possibly even $4,000 by mid-2026, according to Goldman <a href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/market/commodities/gold-prices-today-down-two-factors-may-hold-it-up-19605598.htm">projections</a>, ETF investors need to peer past the shiny charts.
Price is only part of the equation. In a time of geopolitical uncertainty, structural transparency, redemption rights, and vault geography may be what distinguishes gold ETFs that glitter from those that merely shine.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>ETF</th>
<th>Structure</th>
<th>Storage Location</th>
<th>Redeemable for Gold?</th>
<th>Expense Ratio</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>GLD</th>
<th>Physical</th>
<th>HSBC vault, London (U.K.); New York (U.S.A.); Zurich (Switzerland)</th>
<th>Yes (institutions only)</th>
<th>0.40%</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>IAU</th>
<th>Physical</th>
<th>New York (U.S.A.), Toronto (Canada), Zurich (Switzerland) vaults</th>
<th>Yes (institutions)</th>
<th>0.25%</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>SGOL</th>
<th>Physical</th>
<th>Zurich (Switzerland), London (U.K.)</th>
<th>Yes</th>
<th>0.17%</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>GLDM</th>
<th>Physical</th>
<th>London (U.K.) —smaller bars</th>
<th>Limited</th>
<th>0.10%</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>UGL</th>
<th>Derivatives</th>
<th>N/A (futures-based)</th>
<th>No</th>
<th>0.95%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Key Gold-Backed ETFs – At a Glance </figcaption></figure>

Specialty ETFs

Commodities

ETFs

GLDM

SGOL

Are Gold ETFs Really A Hedge During A Geopolitical Crisis? Here's What To Check Before Investing

In a move that has sparked bipartisan criticism, President Donald Trump has proposed a 51% reduction in the budget of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The proposal, staunchly defended by HUD Secretary Scott Turner, is being scrutinized for its potential implications for millions of Americans.
What Happened: According to a report, Turner justified the proposed $45 billion cut to HUD&#8217;s funding before the House subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development this week. The budget cut forms a part of Trump&#8217;s strategy to eliminate $163 billion in federal spending.
Turner was grilled by both Democrats and Republicans about the agency&#8217;s plans to continue serving&nbsp;older, disabled, and low-income Americans,&nbsp;as well as those recovering from disasters or experiencing homelessness. 
Turner clarified,&nbsp;&#8220;The goal here is not&nbsp;to serve less Americans. The&nbsp;goal here is to serve&nbsp;Americans better.&#8221;
Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio) questioned the agency&#8217;s ability to assist disaster victims if it slashes funding for the Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery program. Turner assured Joyce that HUD &#8220;will not allow disaster recovery and those that need assistance in disaster recovery to be lost on us.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42716239/where-to-invest-here-are-the-top-10-us-housing-market-hot-spots-for-2025">Where To Invest? Here Are The Top 10 US Housing Market Hot Spots For 2025</a>
Democratic lawmakers voiced their apprehensions about the proposed cuts to homelessness services, including the elimination of the Housing for Persons with AIDS program, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-wants-slash-housing-funds-in-half-even-republicans-questioning-2025-6">reports</a> Insider. Turner countered that the agency isn&#8217;t merely cutting funding but is &#8220;going to be more effective and more efficient.&#8221;
Despite the president&#8217;s budget proposal, the final decision on the federal budget rests with Congress.&nbsp;Government funding is set to&nbsp;expire in September.
Why It Matters: The proposed budget cut to HUD is a significant part of Trump&#8217;s broader plan to reduce federal spending. 
However, the bipartisan concern it has raised underscores the potential impact on vulnerable sections of the American population. The final decision will be crucial in determining the future of housing and urban development in the country.
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Image: Shutterstock/Mark Van Scyoc

Trump's Plan To Cut HUD Budget by Half Faces Bipartisan Criticism on Capitol Hill

Real estate has been touted as a valuable asset for building long-term wealth, but small business expert Codie Sanchez <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez/video/7514800857137925419?lang=en">shot down the asset class as overrated</a>.&nbsp;
She explained that you shouldn't have to invest $400,000 to earn $400 in monthly cash flow until you pay off the mortgage. Sure, you can make the argument that landlords can raise rent to increase cash flow, but expenses also go up. Furthermore, many parts of the U.S. are experiencing sluggish rent growth rates, which isn't good for new real estate investors.
"Does that sound like a good trade to you?" Sanchez asked her audience.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Real Estate Is High-Risk For Low Cash Flow</h2>
After asking people if they like the idea of taking $400,000 worth of risk for $400 in monthly cash flow, she calls real estate a high-risk asset that produces low cash flow.&nbsp;
Sanchez recommends that people buy small businesses instead to boost their ROI with the same capital. She mentions that it's possible to earn $4,800 per month with a $400,000 investment once you set up the business and capitalize on growth opportunities.
The potential cash flow is higher for private equity than real estate if you know what you're doing. Sanchez has expertise in this field and regularly shares her insights with her audience.
Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sweat Equity Has A Low Ceiling With Real Estate</h2>
Sweat equity refers to putting in additional effort to increase an asset's value. For instance, you can make upgrades to a property to enhance its value. It's a key distinction between real estate and stocks since there is no way to apply sweat equity to a publicly traded corporation that you don't work for.
However, Sanchez explained that the sweat equity for private equity is much higher than real estate. While sweat equity in real estate can boost your returns by 10% to 20%, Sanchez asserts that some small business owners can double, triple, or even quintuple their returns if they apply sweat equity.&nbsp;
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Real Estate Investing Has Been Normalized</h2>
Investors can accumulate a wide range of assets, but most of the focus revolves around stocks and real estate. Buying publicly traded corporations is easy, and you'll see real estate in any neighborhood. One asset is easily accessible, while you can see clear reminders of the other asset's value everywhere you go.
There are also a lot more financial experts who talk about stock and real estate investing than there are people like Sanchez who discuss buying small businesses. Part of the reason may be that buying a small business is more difficult in the beginning. You have to know how to grow and manage a business before you can get the type of ROI Sanchez mentions in her presentation.
However, the relative lack of awareness around buying small businesses creates an opportunity for investors in the industry. Fewer investors help people buy small businesses for lower prices. There isn't as much demand that can push prices higher, such as multiple bidders targeting the same company.&nbsp;
Although stocks and real estate remain the most popular assets, venturing outside of these popular routes can lead to much higher returns.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a></li>
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Image: Shutterstock

Codie Sanchez Explains The Pitfalls Of Real Estate And How You Can Grow Your Money Faster: 'Does That Sound Like A Good Trade To You?'

Financial personality Ramit Sethi regularly talks about money. He normally offers budgeting strategies, advice on how to build wealth, and other insights. However, he took a different path in a recent TikTok video and explained why it's so important to monitor <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ramit.sethi/video/7513182477784010014?lang=en">how you think about money</a>.
"The way we talk about money is so peculiar," Sethi observed.
He proceeded to share some examples of how people talk about money and how to think of money in a more healthy way.
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</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Having A Bad Week</h2>
Sethi mentioned that some people will say they had a bad week if they spent too much money. He also proceeded to mention the "I have to get good with money" example, which is code for needing to save money to buy a single-family suburban house.
These assertions don't tell the entire story. He said it's okay to spend money if you know your numbers and determine you have room in your budget to make those expenses. Most of the language revolves around having to get better or making mistakes, but there aren&#8217;t as many healthy conversations about money.
For instance, many people claim that money is the root of all evil. This message comes from the Bible, but it's been misinterpreted by the people who pedal it. The love of money is the root of all evil, but if you don't put money on the altar, it's not evil. Instead, having more money gives you more choices and opportunities in your life.&nbsp;
Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.
Sethi encourages people to pay attention to their thoughts and what they say when talking about money. It can reveal how you feel about money, your ability to get more of it, and what changes you may have to make.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Know Your Numbers</h2>
Sethi gives this advice a lot, but it's hard to blame him. Reviewing your income, monthly investments, and expenses can help you determine if you are on the right track to your long-term financial goals.
If you don't review your bank account and credit card statements, it's easier to feel lost when it comes to money. Your language may reflect that if you simply say that you had a bad week or have to get better.
See Also: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Determine What Actions You Have To Take</h2>
It's great that you want to get better, but tracking the numbers allows you to quantify what "better" actually means.
Sethi mentions that improving your finances may mean investing 10% to 12% of each paycheck. That way, you can spend money knowing that you have already put some of each paycheck aside for your long-term wealth. Of course, you can boost this number if you want to reach your financial goals sooner. Each person has a different amount they can invest each month, but knowing your numbers is vital for your money goals.
You don't have to stay on top of your brokerage account to make regular contributions. Sethi suggests setting up automatic portfolio contributions so you never have to worry about it. Automatic transfers into your brokerage account can deduct 10% to 12% of your paycheck before you even have the opportunity to spend it.&nbsp;
Setting aside money for your investments is one step to building wealth. Paying attention to how you speak and think about money can help you determine the next actions you should take.
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Ramit Sethi Explains How Our Thoughts And Words About Money Influence Our Wealth: 'The Way We Talk About Money Is So Peculiar'

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) said Saturday morning that a Democratic state legislator and her husband were killed, and another lawmaker and his wife injured, in separate &#8220;targeted shootings&#8221; at their homes.
What Happened: According to a <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/targeted-shootings-minnesota-rcna212831">report</a> by NBC News, state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot and wounded. The suspect involved in the shootings is still at large. Both lawmakers were members of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party.
Authorities have suggested that the shooter may have been impersonating law enforcement and visited the lawmakers&#8217; homes, which are approximately eight miles apart in suburbs north of Minneapolis.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) referred to the shootings as "a stunning act of violence" in a social media post. She expressed gratitude for the law enforcement&#8217;s real-time response and offered prayers for the Hortman and Hoffman families.
Earlier on Saturday, Walz stated that he had been&nbsp;briefed about the "targeted shootings,"&nbsp;and that&nbsp;the Minnesota Department of Public&nbsp;Safety and local law enforcement&nbsp;were on the scene. The&nbsp;Brooklyn Park Police Department issued&nbsp;a shelter-in-place alert for an&nbsp;area surrounding the Edinburgh Golf&nbsp;Course Saturday morning in its&nbsp;search for the suspect.

Walz: Minnesota Lawmaker and Spouse Killed In 'Politically Motivated Assassination'

Ballers, a U.S.-based startup creating upscale indoor sports and entertainment venues, has raised $20 million in a Series A round from venture firms and a star-studded roster of professional athletes. Investors include tennis legends Andre Agassi, Kim Clijsters, and Sloane Stephens, alongside NBA star Tyrese Maxey and retired NFL safety Malcolm Jenkins,<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/timcasey/2025/06/09/andre-agassi-sloane-stephens-and-other-athletes-invest-in-ballers-sports-facilities-startup/"> Forbes</a> reports.
The company's first 55,000-square-foot facility will open in Philadelphia next month at Battery, a mixed-use development built on the site of a former power plant in the city's Fishtown neighborhood. According to Forbes, the facility will include six <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44447928/microsoft-co-founder-bill-gates-calls-pickleball-a-funny-american-gamebut-hes-been-obsessed-with-it-for-50-years-and-wants-you-to-try-it-too">pickleball</a> courts, three padel courts, two squash courts, four golf simulators, a turf field, and a putting green with sand bunkers.
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Guests will also enjoy a full-service restaurant and two bars. Forbes says that the concept is designed for urban professionals, competitive players, and casual athletes seeking elevated recreation.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Founders with Deep Roots in Finance and Real Estate</h2>
Ballers was co-founded by Daniel Bassichis of Vero Capital and David Gutstadt of Good City Studio, two former <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45574763/goldman-sachs-defense-stock-golden-dome">Goldman Sachs</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) colleagues. According to Forbes, their vision connects hospitality, athleticism, and socialization to reflect a broader cultural trend toward lifestyle-driven venues.
Bassichis has worked with athletes since 2008 when he partnered with NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson to launch Admiral Capital Group, which later became Vero Capital. His experience helped draw athlete investors including FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes, Arizona Cardinals lineman Beachum, and Professional Pickleball Association standout Connor Garnett, Forbes says.
Sharp Alpha and RHC Group led the round, offering both capital and strategic backing to help Ballers expand into key U.S. markets. According to Forbes, the funding follows a $7 million raise that supported the construction of the Philadelphia venue.
Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ballers is Positioned to Lead in Pickleball, Padel, and ‘Sportainment'</h2>
Forbes says that some of Ballers' athlete-investors are taking an active role in shaping the brand's community presence. According to Bassichis, several players are blending philanthropy, lifestyle, and visibility with their capital commitments. "They're not just passive investors. They want to get involved. They want to help. They want to promote it," Bassichis said. "They want to weave in philanthropy and community into the investments."
Maxey is set to host an event at the Philadelphia venue to support low-income families and other personal causes. Stephens will host foundation-related events and plans to sell her own beauty care line through Ballers, and Garnett will lead clinics at various future club locations, according to Forbes. Beachum, also an art collector, intends to use Ballers as a platform to display curated pieces from his collection.&nbsp;
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>
In addition to athlete-led initiatives, Ballers plans to monetize access through a hybrid model. Memberships will be available for those looking to use high-end gym facilities, locker rooms, and other exclusive perks. At the same time, Forbes says that the clubs will remain accessible to the public for individual court bookings, dining, and private event rentals, creating a flexible ecosystem that appeals to both casual guests and serious athletes.
Ballers plans to open a second location in Boston's Seaport District in August, with Miami and Los Angeles venues scheduled by the middle of next year. Each site will replicate the flagship format, positioning the company firmly in the emerging ‘sportainment' category, Forbes reports.
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Ballers Sports Startup Raises $20M Backed By Andre Agassi, Sloane Stephens And NBA Star Tyrese Maxey, Launches Luxe Athletic Venues Nationwide

In a grand show of celebration, President Donald Trump is preparing to mark his 79th birthday with a massive military parade in Washington D.C., an event anticipated to draw as many as 200,000 attendees.
The parade serves a dual purpose: it&#8217;s a birthday celebration for President Trump and a formal tribute to the U.S. Army. The event is timed to coincide with Trump&#8217;s birthday and the Father&#8217;s Day weekend.
The parade, which could set the federal government back by up to $45 million, is likely to attract both supporters and critics of the Trump administration. Nationwide &#8220;No Kings&#8221; Day protests are being organized by critics, who are expecting millions to voice their disapproval of Trump&#8217;s extensive use of executive authority.
The birthday parade follows a week of intense scrutiny for the president, who recently deployed&nbsp;the National Guard and marines&nbsp;to Los Angeles in response to protests. 
This decision was met with criticism from California Gov.&nbsp;Gavin Newsom&nbsp;and other national Democrats, who labeled it as authoritarian.
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Despite the controversy and potential thunderstorms, Trump&#8217;s birthday parade has been a long time coming. The president has expressed his wish to display America&#8217;s military might since before his first inauguration, inspired by the Bastille Day celebration in Paris.
The event, put together by America250, will host&nbsp;veterans, active-duty troops, wounded warriors, and Gold Star Families, along with&nbsp;members of the general public.&nbsp;
The display will include up to 120 military vehicles, such as&nbsp;Abrams tanks, Bradley Infantry Fighting&nbsp;Vehicles, and military helicopters.
The parade, despite its celebratory intent, comes at a time of heightened tension and controversy surrounding the Trump administration. 
The president&#8217;s decision to deploy military forces in response to protests in Los Angeles has sparked nationwide criticism, with many viewing it as an overreach of executive authority. The &#8220;No Kings&#8221; Day protests planned in response to the parade further underscore the division and discord that currently characterizes the political landscape. 
As such, the parade serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debates about the balance of power in the U.S. government.
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Tanks, Helicopters, and a Parade: Inside Donald Trump's Over-the-Top 79th Birthday Bash

Doing the wrong things with your money can ruin relationships, hurt your investments, and move you further away from your long-term financial goals. That's why financial guru Humphrey Yang recently shared three things you shouldn't do with your money.&nbsp;
Following his advice can help you <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@humphreytalks/video/7514024088457841950?lang=en">avoid a lot of heartache</a>. Getting rid of bad thoughts, habits, and actions will then free up more space to practice good money habits.
"It can get really messy," Yang stated if you do the wrong things with your money.
These are the three things Yang mentions in a recent TikTok.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lending Money To Your Friends And Family</h2>
Yang was quick to mention that you should avoid lending money to your friends and family. He makes this point clear within the first five seconds of the video and explains that lending money to friends and family can create unnecessary awkwardness and drama.
Imagine giving $10,000 to a family member who promises to pay it back but then they don't follow up on paying it back. It's going to make the relationship feel uncomfortable, especially if a friend or family member gives you a hard time when you ask for your money.
You can set a hard line and not lend a dollar to anyone. However, if you still want to give some money, you can give a much smaller amount as a gift. For instance, if a friend or family member asks for $10,000, you can give them $100 on the condition that they never ask you for money again. It may be better to set a hard stance and not give anyone any money right from the start, but each person is different.
Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/a-cure-for-osteoarthritis-powered-by-everyday-investors-cytonics-is-looking-to-beat-big-pharma-and-disrupt-a-390-billion-market"> Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saving Money At A Big Bank That Pays Little To No Interest</h2>
Having some money in the bank is good in case a random expense comes up. Then, you won't have to sell your stocks and other assets to cover an emergency.&nbsp;
However, the bank account you use plays a big role in how much interest you earn. Many big banks rely on their branding and long history to attract customers. However, many of these same financial institutions have checking and savings accounts with low or no interest.&nbsp;
If you explore your options and consider online banking, it's easier to find high-yield savings accounts that offer up to 4% APY. If you save $10,000 at 4% APY, you will earn $400 during that year. However, big banks usually have much lower rates, meaning you'll receive far less than $400 with the same $10,000 balance.
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Buying Rapidly Depreciating Assets</h2>
Yang also threw cold water on buying rapidly depreciating assets. He put cars and designer items in the spotlight as assets that quickly lose value.&nbsp;
Yang mentions that new cars lose 20% of their value the moment you drive them out of the dealership. Instead of getting a new car, you can save money with a used car that can still drive you from place to place. A car is one of the biggest expenses for most people, right behind housing. Looking in the used car market can save you well over $10,000 if you do your research.
He wraps up by encouraging people to avoid making purchases just for the sake of showing off. Designer bags fit this category, and while the bag may look nice, you can get a similar bag for a much lower price. Then, you can put the money you saved into the stock market and embark on the path toward long-term wealth.
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Humphrey Yang Reveals The Three Things That You Must Never Do With Your Money: 'It Can Get Really Messy'

Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JSPR#NASDAQ">JSPR</a>) is presenting data from the 180mg cohort of the Company's SPOTLIGHT Phase 1b/2a study of subcutaneous briquilimab in adult participants with CIndU at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Annual Congress. Briquilimab (subcutaneous) administration resulted in deep disease control at 180mg, with 12 of 12 participants (100%) enrolled in the cohort achieving a clinical response within the 8-week preliminary analysis period. The efficacy observed was rapid and durable, with 8 of 12 participants (66%) achieving clinical response by week 2, and 7 of 12 participants (58%) maintaining clinical response through week 8. Briquilimab continued to be well tolerated in the study, with no serious adverse events (SAEs) and no grade 3 or higher adverse events (AEs) reported in the 180mg cohort.

Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

JSPR

Jasper Therapeutics Reported Data from 180mg Cohort in SPOTLIGHT Study of Briquilimab in Chronic Inducible Urticaria; 11 of 12 Participants Enrolled In The 180mg Cohort Achieved A Complete Response

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/06/45870128/meta-platforms-enters-its-most-bullish-month-a-return-to-record-highs-in-sight">Meta</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) is reportedly preparing to invest more than $10 billion in Scale AI, a startup providing high-quality labeled data to companies building next-generation <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45533284/the-models-are-getting-better-but-theyre-also-more-likely-to-be-good-at-bad-stuff-tech-experts-sound-the-alarm-as-ai-charges-on">AI</a> models, including OpenAI and Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>). If finalized, the deal would rank among the largest private funding rounds in tech history,<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-08/meta-s-billion-dollar-bet-cements-scale-ai-s-role-as-backbone-of-ai-market"> Bloomberg</a> reports.
San Francisco-based, Scale AI plays a pivotal role in the artificial intelligence supply chain by powering data pipelines used to train large language models like ChatGPT and Meta's Llama. According to<a href="https://www.investors.com/news/technology/meta-stock-scale-ai-generative-ai-2025-zuckerberg/"> Investor&#8217;s Business Daily</a>, Meta's potential investment builds on its prior participation in Scale's $1 billion Series F round in 2024, which valued the firm at $18 billion.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Strategic Play To Secure AI's Most Valuable Resource</h2>
While chips and talent dominate most AI headlines, data remains the less-publicized pillar essential to building models that mimic human reasoning, Bloomberg says. Scale AI provides structured and labeled data by deploying a global network of contractors, including experts with PhDs and graduate degrees in medicine, law, and molecular biology.
The firm's high-level contributors create test scenarios and reinforce learning strategies for AI systems, ensuring that models produce accurate and context-aware responses, especially in industries such as healthcare and tax law. According to Bloomberg, as of this year, 12% of Scale's contributors involved in improving AI models held PhDs in fields such as molecular biology, while more than 40% had a master's degree, law degree, or MBA in their area of expertise.
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Scale AI expects to generate $2 billion in revenue this year, more than doubling the $870 million earned last year, Bloomberg reports. This surge reflects the broader industry's increasing need for tailored datasets as synthetic training data begins to reach its performance limits.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Meta Aligns Infrastructure With Policy Power</h2>
Meta's relationship with Scale also serves the purpose of regulatory alignment. Scale CEO Alexandr Wang has become a regular presence in Washington, advising lawmakers on AI regulation and calling for a ‘national AI data reserve.' Bloomberg reports that lawmakers on Capitol Hill have welcomed his insights, viewing Scale as a bridge between Silicon Valley innovation and federal oversight.
Investor&#8217;s Business Daily says that Scale has also expanded its role in defense AI by contributing to projects such as Meta's Defense Llama model, designed for U.S. national security applications. This aligns Meta more closely with the U.S. government, following similar partnerships between Microsoft and OpenAI.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Risks, Scrutiny, And The Road Ahead</h2>
Despite its success, Scale has faced criticism for labor practices involving overseas contractors in countries like Kenya and the Philippines, where some workers were paid relatively little and reported psychological distress from reviewing harmful online content, Bloomberg reports. According to <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/09/the-department-of-labor-just-dropped-its-investigation-into-scale-ai/">TechCrunch</a>, the U.S. Department of Labor has since closed its investigation into the company's compliance with wage regulations, but ongoing scrutiny remains a reputational concern.
According to Bloomberg, insiders say discussions between Meta and Scale are ongoing and could still shift. Regardless of a final number, Meta's expected commitment may redefine the race for control of the AI data layer, strengthening Scale AI's position at the heart of artificial intelligence's next chapter.
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