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URBAN-GRO INC

Urban-gro

Urban-gro Inc is an integrated professional services and construction design-build firm. Its business focuses predominantly on providing fee-based knowledge-based services as well as the value-added reselling of equipment. The company offers value-added architectural, engineering, systems procurement and integration, and construction design-build solutions to customers operating in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and industrial and other commercial (Commercial) sectors. It derives revenue predominately from the sale of equipment systems, services, construction design-build, and other various immaterial contracts with customers.

Meta Platforms Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>),&nbsp;under the leadership of CEO&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg, is on a relentless pursuit for artificial intelligence (AI) specialists, with remuneration packages that outstrip those of professional sports stars and Fortune 500 CEOs.
What Happened: As per a&nbsp;report, Meta&#8217;s recruitment drive is focused on assembling an elite AI team for its Superintelligence Labs. The social media giant is allegedly offering premier AI researchers compensation packages that can reach&nbsp;up to $300 million over&nbsp;a four-year period, with first-year earnings surpassing $100 million.
This assertive hiring approach is a countermeasure to competition from rivals like OpenAI, Google, and DeepSeek. A notable recruitment is ex-Apple executive Ruoming Pang, who&nbsp;was enticed to join Meta with a compensation&nbsp;package reportedly exceeding $200 million, reports <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/07/11/how-much-ai-salary-meta-zuckerberg-200-million-compensation/">the </a>Fortune. 
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed Meta&#8217;s aggressive offers on the &#8220;Uncapped&#8221; <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/17/sam-altman-says-meta-tried-and-failed-to-poach-openais-talent-with-100m-offers/">podcast</a>, revealing that Meta has been making &#8220;giant offers&#8221; to many on their team, including $100 million signing bonuses.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46157544/meta-exec-dismisses-openais-sam-altmans-claims-of-100-million-signing-bonuses-sam-is-just-being-dishonest-here">Meta Exec Dismisses OpenAI&#8217;s Sam Altman&#8217;s Claims of $100 Million Signing Bonuses: &#8216;Sam Is Just Being Dishonest Here&#8217;</a>
These generous offers have revolutionized tech compensation and amplified the global competition for AI dominance. They have also led OpenAI&#8217;s leadership to reconsider&nbsp;their own compensation strategies and&nbsp;express concern over the impact&nbsp;on company culture.
Zuckerberg&#8217;s&nbsp;personal involvement in the recruitment&nbsp;process has been widely reported.&nbsp;He has been directly reaching&nbsp;out to top AI talent,&nbsp;hosting potential hires, and making&nbsp;offers that have caught competitors off guard.
Why It Matters: Meta&#8217;s aggressive recruitment strategy underscores the increasing importance of AI in shaping the future of tech companies. The escalating competition for AI talent among tech giants like Meta, OpenAI, and Google signifies the high stakes involved in gaining AI supremacy. 
This trend is not only reshaping tech compensation but also&nbsp;intensifying the global race for&nbsp;AI dominance. 
As companies reassess their compensation strategies to attract and retain top AI talent, the impact on company culture and the broader tech industry will be significant.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45338125/openais-sam-altman-reaches-out-o-elon-musk-amid-ongoing-social-media-spat-lets-be-friends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI's Sam Altman Reaches Out to Elon Musk Amid Ongoing Social Media Spat: ‘Let's Be Friends'</a>
Image: Shutterstock/El editorial

Tech

Mark Zuckerberg Poaches Sam Altman's Talent With Multimillion-Dollar Offers To Build Meta's AI Team

A woman who called into &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L81C702G2K4">The Ramsey Show</a>&#8221; recently shared a shocking story about her in-laws, saying her 80-something-year-old mother-in-law had drained nearly $750,000 from a retirement account and given it to an internet scammer.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Money Vanished Almost Instantly</h2>
&#8220;My father-in-law went to the hospital about a year ago,&#8221; the caller said. &#8220;He decided to go ahead and give my mother-in-law access to her <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-ira-accounts">retirement account</a>, thinking that he didn&#8217;t have much longer. She drained that within about a week, giving it to some <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45810362/scammers-exploit-tariff-confusion-to-dupe-online-shoppers-into-paying-for-packages-that-never-arrive-bbb-warns-heres-how-to-spot-the-red-flags">online scammer</a>.&#8221;
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The caller said her in-laws had been married for 60 years and built up a nest egg of roughly $3.5 to $4 million. Her father-in-law had always managed the finances and kept them debt-free. But once his health started to decline, things unraveled.
The woman said the family later discovered that her mother-in-law had been giving money away for years. They believe she is involved in delusional, one-sided online relationships, calling it a possible mental illness. &#8220;She&#8217;s involved in a one-way romantic relationship with this person she&#8217;s never met,&#8221; the caller said. &#8220;She&#8217;s got multiple Facebook profiles, same picture, different name, doing the same thing all over the country.&#8221;
Despite being visited by the FBI and local police, the mother-in-law still believes her relationship is real.
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Family Ties Don't Always Mean Emotional Closeness</h2>
The caller expressed deep concern that her mother-in-law will blow through the rest of their joint assets after her father-in-law passes, potentially leaving the family on the hook for her care. &#8220;My husband and I—I&#8217;m in my late 40s, he&#8217;s in his mid-50s—we&#8217;re <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46200580/kevin-oleary-says-if-you-got-a-bonus-dont-blow-it-pay-off-your-debt-kill-your-credit-cards-and-chase-freedom-by-living-debt-free">going to be debt-free</a> in the next two years,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to go into debt to take care of somebody else who&#8230; I don&#8217;t even like her like that.&#8221;
John Delony and Jade Warshaw, who hosted the show that day, advised the caller that she and her husband had no legal or moral obligation to rescue someone who continued to make reckless choices.
&#8220;There are times where you feel the need to swoop in&#8230; but those are choices,&#8221; Warshaw said. &#8220;It&#8217;s not your responsibility.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a>
Delony recommended pursuing conservatorship through the courts, though he warned it would be difficult and possibly met with resistance. &#8220;You&#8217;re just throwing a Hail Mary pass, hoping somebody catches it,&#8221; he said. She&#8217;d have to prove she&#8217;s a harm to herself.
The caller said her husband had talked to his father about giving financial power of attorney to one of the sons, but they have no proof that anything was filed. She suspects embarrassment is stopping him. &#8220;I think there&#8217;s a part of him that&#8217;s very embarrassed about this,&#8221; she said. &#8220;We&#8217;re just finding out about this, and it&#8217;s been going on to a certain degree for 60 years.&#8221;
Delony emphasized the urgency. &#8220;Your husband and his brothers are faced with: Do we watch our mom burn her life to the ground, or do we go down swinging?&#8221;
Read Next: Over the last five years, the price of gold has increased by approximately 83% — Investors like Bill O&#8217;Reilly and Rudy Giuliani are using this platform to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/american-hartford-gold">create customized gold IRAs to help shield their savings from inflation and economic turbulence.&nbsp;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

Dave Ramsey Caller Says Her 80-Year-Old Mother-In-Law Is A Serial Cheater Who's Given Away Almost $1M To Internet Scammers

In the face of an ongoing power struggle within the Trump administration, the position of Attorney General Pam Bondi remains unthreatened, says Ty Cobb, a former White House lawyer.
What Happened: FBI Director Kash Patel&nbsp;and Deputy FBI Director Dan&nbsp;Bongino were contemplating resignation if Bondi continues her tenure as attorney general. This development comes in the wake of a controversy related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Bondi, Patel, and Bongino had&nbsp;all pledged to disclose vital documents associated with Epstein, a deceased financier and a convicted sex offender. 
However, a memo from&nbsp;the Department of Justice and&nbsp;FBI revealed&nbsp;that Epstein did not have&nbsp;the much-anticipated &#8220;client list&#8221; that many, including Trump supporters, believed he possessed.
The memo&#8217;s findings triggered a strong backlash from Trump&#8217;s supporters. Cobb, who served during Trump&#8217;s first administration, mentioned on CNN that President Donald Trump would certainly favor Bondi over Patel or Bongino.
"I think Patel clearly has gotten the message because he sort of silently sat on the sidelines and rallied behind the team concept that the White House and the Justice Department are trying to sell," Cobb said. 
"And I think what you'll see is that Bongino has to come back from the weekend, and say, ‘Gee, sorry I had a bad day.&#8217;"
As per Cobb, if Bongino fails to express regret, &#8220;he&#8217;s gone.&#8221; He further underscored that Bondi&#8217;s position is secure, asserting, &#8220;Bondi&#8217;s not going.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46264647/elon-musk-renews-demand-for-jeffrey-epstein-files-release-weeks-after-alleging-trump-is-named-in-them">Elon Musk Renews Demand for Jeffrey Epstein Files Release, Weeks After Alleging Trump Is Named in Them</a>
"And for a specific reason, which is Bondi, like Hegseth, is very senior to the other people in their departments who are screwing up. And while they've both been a huge embarrassment and done some just astonishing things, and for the history of the country, if he terminates one of them, he picked them,&#8221; Cobb said. 
&#8220;And he put him in those senior positions, and it'll be a huge embarrassment to him. So, the further down the pecking order you go, if you're Trump, in his thinking, if somebody leaves that's further down, if it's not the top dog, it's not as big a reflection on him," he further added. 
Why It Matters: The power struggle within the Trump administration and the controversy surrounding the Epstein case have put the spotlight on key figures like Bondi, Patel, and Bongino. 
The assurance from Cobb, a former insider, about Bondi&#8217;s secure position, provides a glimpse into the dynamics of the administration. The potential resignations of Patel and Bongino could lead to significant shifts in the administration&#8217;s power structure. 
The fallout from the Epstein case continues to have repercussions, influencing public opinion and the administration&#8217;s internal politics.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43077007/jeffrey-epstein-allegedly-offered-plea-deal-in-exchange-for-trump-info-if-i-can-give-them-something-on-trump-to-get-him-impeached" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeffrey Epstein Allegedly Offered Plea Deal In Exchange For Trump Info: ‘If I Can Give Them Something On Trump To Get Him Impeached'</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Joshua Sukoff

Politics

Jeffrey Epstein Case: Ex-Trump White House Lawyer Says Pam Bondi Isn't Going Anywhere Amid Power Struggle

Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) CEO Warren Buffett and his former vice Chairman Charlie Munger passed on investing in Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) stock<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36137985/charlie-munger-admired-bezos-and-musk-but-passed-on-amazon-tesla-at-first-you-have-to-let-ideas-die"> over the years.</a> That hasn't stopped the two legendary investors from praising Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
In an April 2022 interview, Buffett offered his praise for Tesla and the company's accomplishments.
Former CBS journalist&nbsp;Charlie Rose&nbsp;<a href="https://charlierose.com/videos/31221" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asked&nbsp;</a>Buffett about his thoughts on Tesla and the stock's impressive gain of more than 400% in five years at the time. "That shows what America produces," Buffett said.
Buffett added all the other automotive companies have products, but Musk is finding a way to beat&nbsp;the legacy automakers. "Taking on General Motors, Ford, Toyota Motors that have all this stuff. He's got an idea, and he's winning."
Why It's Important:&nbsp;Buffett said that there are a lot of companies that produce cars, but ultimately you have to be the one who makes cars that people want.
Buffett also acknowledged during the interview that we should be doing more to fight climate change, but didn&#8217;t elaborate on the impact of electric vehicles.
"If there's a 1% chance (we can fight climate change), we should be doing something."
Buffett's comments likely ring true today with Musk being one of the top CEOs when it comes to fighting climate change with electric vehicles.
Over the last few years, Buffett was passed in wealth by Musk. While the two billionaires may not always see eye to eye on a number of topics, this interview showed the appreciation Buffett had for the iconic Tesla CEO.
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</ul>
This article was previously published by Benzinga and has been updated.
Photo: Shutterstock

Education

TSLA

Buffett Skipped Tesla But Didn't Hold Back On Praising Musk In 2022

In the escalating war for AI talent, Google (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) is pulling out all the stops, offering substantial salaries to lure top-tier professionals
What Happened: Recent data reveals that software engineers at the tech giant can earn as much as $340,000. According to reports, Google is revamping its pay structure to stay competitive. This move follows similar strategies by other tech behemoths like Meta and Microsoft, who are concentrating on weeding out low performers.
In a strategic shift in April, Google modified its employee ranking system during annual performance reviews, underscoring the value of high performance. 
As per the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-salaries-revealed-software-engineers-paid-2025-7">by</a> Insider, while Google&#8217;s salary data is kept under wraps, publicly accessible work-visa data provides a glimpse into the company&#8217;s pay structure. The data indicates that Google&#8217;s software engineers can command salaries up to $340,000.
It&#8217;s crucial to clarify that these figures represent only the base salaries and do not&nbsp;account for the equity or&nbsp;bonuses that Google employees also&nbsp;receive. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/09/34392201/google-salary-leak-reveals-mind-blowing-earnings-top-engineers-make">Google Salary Leak Reveals Mind-blowing Earnings Top Engineers Make</a>
Despite the hefty paychecks, a number of employees still consider themselves underpaid, as per a 2023 internal spreadsheet obtained by Business Insider.
Google has yet to comment on the salary data, which is based on approximately&nbsp;6,800 applications from the first&nbsp;quarter of 2025.
Why It Matters: The tech industry is currently in a fierce battle for AI talent, with companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft vying for the best professionals. Google&#8217;s decision to offer substantial salaries is a strategic move to attract and retain top talent in this highly competitive field. 
The company&#8217;s shift in its employee ranking system further emphasizes its focus on high performance and productivity. 
However, the feeling of being underpaid among some employees, despite the high salaries, underscores the challenges tech giants face in maintaining employee satisfaction and morale.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33333250/google-salary-data-leak-shows-staggering-salaries-of-engineers-managers-and-others-heres-how-much-th">Google Salary Data Leak Shows Staggering Salaries Of Engineers, Managers And Others — Here&#8217;s How Much They Earned in 2022</a>
Image: Shutterstock/Below the Sky

News

GOOGL

Google Software Engineers See Pay Surge Amid AI Boom, Here's How Much They Would Be Paid

A recent Reddit thread on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/povertyfinance/comments/1ltolc0/whats_something_normal_you_had_to_give_up_because/">r/povertyfinance</a> sparked a wide range of responses when one person asked a simple question: &#8220;What's something &#8216;normal&#8217; you had to give up because of money?&#8221;&nbsp;
The flood of responses painted a raw picture of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46169253/earning-45000-mo-and-under-financial-stress-this-ramsey-caller-has-2400-car-payments-3000-private-schools-and-a-massive-mortgage">financial stress</a> and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38628868/warren-buffetts-frugal-lifestyle-hacks-saved-millions-here-are-5-tips-to-follow-suit-in-your-everyda">quiet sacrifices</a> many people are making just to keep a roof over their heads.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Small Luxuries Are Often The First To Go</h2>
Takeout food and delivery apps were some of the most frequently mentioned casualties. &#8220;I absolutely refuse any form of DoorDash,&#8221; one person wrote. Another said, &#8220;We did some math a while back. With the markup and delivery fees, food was costing us almost double through Uber Eats.&#8221;
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Others noted they haven't eaten out in months. One person shared, &#8220;Now when we do get fast food like every three months, our boys actually enjoy it.&#8221;
Several commenters gave up the habit of grabbing coffee on the way to work or picking up snacks while out. &#8220;Now I think twice before spending $5, even if it's something I really want,&#8221; the original poster wrote.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Everyday Social Life Has Taken A Hit</h2>
Many people said they can no longer afford social outings or traditions they once loved. &#8220;Had to stop going to the restaurant with my sister. I loved that tradition of the two of us going to chat but it was way too expensive,&#8221; one wrote. Another added, &#8220;Same, except for me it was with friends. We agreed to try out a new restaurant once a month&#8230; yeah not anymore.&#8221;
Some have even had to step back from friendships altogether. &#8220;I only hang out with friends if I'm running errands with them,&#8221; one person also said. &#8220;I can only offer my company in a way that doesn't involve getting even coffee.&#8221;
Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">See which asset class has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 (1995-2024) – and with near-zero correlation.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Basic Self-Care Also On The Chopping Block</h2>
Haircuts and grooming were another common theme. &#8220;Haircuts. They&#8217;re a luxury to me. I just cut it myself with kitchen scissors,&#8221; said one person. Others mentioned skipping dental checkups or doctor visits, knowing they couldn't afford treatment anyway.
&#8220;I&#8217;m no longer honest with the dentist when they ask if I have any concerns, because I can&#8217;t afford to get another cap or root canal,&#8221; a commenter admitted.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">No Room For Spontaneity</h2>
Several said they missed things like casual day trips or random drives to explore nearby towns. &#8220;My wife and I just had to stop. We loved driving an hour away to explore parks and woods. Now we don&#8217;t have the money and are stuck,&#8221; one wrote.
The cost of gas alone has made what used to be simple pleasures now feel out of reach. &#8220;We can&#8217;t afford a random $60+ to do that when we feel like it,&#8221; said another.
&#8220;Vacations, a weekend trip somewhere. Now hotels and even motels want $180 to $200+ a night.&nbsp; With gas, food and room it costs $1000 for two people to take a 3-day trip anywhere,&#8221; added someone.
See Also: <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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When Even Dreams Feel Out Of Reach</h2>
A few users got deeply personal. &#8220;Gave up on my dreams,&#8221; one said plainly. Another echoed the same thought: &#8220;Hope of upward mobility.&#8221;
In one especially poignant comment, a person shared how they stopped bringing gifts to birthday parties and hoped others would understand. Others echoed the feeling of guilt and shame when unable to participate in basic social customs.
The thread wasn&#8217;t filled with pity or outrage. Mostly, it was quiet resignation.
&#8220;I'll answer this on behalf of 99% of the world population: quality of life,&#8221; one person summed up the thread.&nbsp;
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Image: Shutterstock

No Takeout, No Vacations, No Margin For Error: Cutting Back On Everything Except The Bills

President Donald Trump&#8216;s former lawyer Alan Dershowitz has asserted that he is aware of the identities on the purported client list of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/social-media/25/05/45710915/elon-musk-once-asked-why-epstein-maxwell-client-list-hasnt-leaked-heres-how-he-responded-to-x-user-who-suggested-he-was-a-client">late financier Jeffrey Epstein.</a>
What Happened: Statements from Dershowitz&#8217;s March appearance&nbsp;on The Sean Spicer Show&nbsp;have come to light again. 
Last week in a post on X, Spicer shared Dershowitz&#8217;s&nbsp;comments, &#8220;I&nbsp;know the names of the&nbsp;individuals. I know why they're&nbsp;being suppressed. I know who's&nbsp;suppressing them. But I&#8217;m bound by confidentiality.&#8221;
<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">&#x1f6a8;<a href="https://twitter.com/AlanDersh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlanDersh</a> said he saw the entire Epstein list while proving his innocence: &quot;Documents are being suppressed to protect individuals. I know the names of the individuals. I know why they&#39;re being suppressed. I know who&#39;s suppressing them. But I&#39;m bound by confidentiality.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/2bx7SwozN3">pic.twitter.com/2bx7SwozN3</a>
&mdash; Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) <a href="https://twitter.com/seanspicer/status/1943322536189509719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Epstein, who committed suicide in 2019, has been the center of conspiracy theories that suggest he provided underage girls for sex to a list of prominent individuals. 
Dershowitz, renowned for representing high-profile clients like Epstein and Donald Trump, was a member of Epstein&#8217;s defense team during the financier&#8217;s investigations for soliciting sex from minors.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46264647/elon-musk-renews-demand-for-jeffrey-epstein-files-release-weeks-after-alleging-trump-is-named-in-them">Elon Musk Renews Demand for Jeffrey Epstein Files Release, Weeks After Alleging Trump Is Named in Them</a>
Earlier this year, the Trump administration hinted at revealing documents and names linked to Epstein&#8217;s inner circle, but later withdrew, sparking outrage among&nbsp;many in the MAGA movement.
Despite a recent government memo stating&nbsp;no new evidence has been&nbsp;found in relation to the Epstein case, Sigrid McCawley, representing several Epstein victims, demanded that those involved in Epstein&#8217;s crimes be brought to justice.
"Epstein could not have run this operation without the help of many people. He needed a lawyer who would, you know, cover things up for him. He needed an accountant who would funnel money in certain ways," McCawley said in a statement.
Why It Matters: The alleged client list of Epstein has been a subject of intense speculation and controversy. The list is believed to contain names of high-profile individuals who were part of Epstein&#8217;s inner circle. 
Dershowitz&#8217;s claim of knowledge about the list and the individuals on it adds a new layer to the ongoing investigations and discussions around Epstein&#8217;s activities.
The Trump administration&#8217;s earlier indication of releasing related documents and names, and its subsequent retraction, has added to the intrigue and public demand for transparency. 
The call by McCawley for those connected to Epstein&#8217;s crimes to be held accountable underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/a katz

Ex-Trump Lawyer Dershowitz Claims Knowledge of Epstein Client List: 'I Know the Names, But I'm Bound by Confidentiality'

The United States has announced sweeping new tariffs on imports from both Mexico and the European Union, citing unresolved trade imbalances and ongoing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46380544/amid-trump-tariffs-us-customs-duty-collection-exceeds-100-billion-in-a-fiscal-year-for-the-first-time-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">issues with narcotics trafficking.</a>
In two <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114840265771030416">letters </a>dated July 11, 2025, President Donald Trump notified the leaders of both regions that 30% tariffs would be levied on their goods beginning August 1, 2025. These <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114840270617633946">letters </a>were posted in the President&#8217;s social media handle Truth Social. 
The tariffs—outlined in direct correspondence with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—reflect a broad policy shift that places economic pressure on allies to address long-standing U.S. concerns over trade deficits, narcotics trafficking, and market access.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46381861/us-stocks-to-buy-in-q3-2025-wall-street" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Bank Of America Loves These 8 Stocks For Third Quarter—And Says To Dump These 2 Fast</a>
Trump emphasized that the 30% tariff on Mexican imports was partly a response to the country's continued failure to dismantle powerful drug cartels.
The White House warned that if Mexico attempts to sidestep the tariffs through transshipment or imposes retaliatory tariffs, those actions will trigger additional penalties.
However, Trump offered tariff exemptions to firms that relocate production to the United States, promising a fast-tracked approval process.
The European Union's letter criticized the bloc for its &#8220;non-reciprocal&#8221; trade policies and tariffs that have contributed to one of the U.S.'s largest trade deficits.
Trump stated the new tariff regime is a corrective step and will apply broadly to EU goods, excluding those already under sector-specific tariffs.
He assured that companies shifting operations to the U.S. would be spared and supported through expedited regulatory procedures.
In both letters, Trump signaled a willingness to engage—if counterparts take concrete steps to address U.S. concerns.
Here are five strong picks of publicly traded U.S. companies that stand to be affected by the new 30% tariffs on Mexico and the EU:
Deere &amp; Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DE#NYSE">DE</a>) – The agricultural equipment giant expects approximately $500 million in tariff-related costs affecting parts imported from Mexico and the EU, Thw Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/deeres-plans-for-offsetting-500-million-in-tariff-costs-79ae52d8" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> in May.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) – Roughly 30% of General Motors vehicles sold in the U.S. during the first three quarters of 2024 were built in Canada and Mexico, CNBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/27/gm-stock-trump-auto-tariffs.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported </a>in March.
With around half of its vehicles produced outside the U.S. and facing an estimated $4–5 billion in tariff exposure, the firm has adjusted its 2025 earnings forecasts downward and is boosting U.S. production<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/guidance/25/05/45133096/this-is-how-much-it-will-cost-general-motors-from-trumps-tariff-policy" rel="noreferrer noopener"> to offset impact .</a>
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) – Ford's earnings are under pressure from higher steel, aluminum, and auto tariffs, with analysts warning that tariffs could cost billions and significantly affect its earnings—specifically due to its heavy parts crossing borders .
5. Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WHR#NYSE">WHR</a>) – With <a href="https://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/global-locations.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">major </a>manufacturing hubs in Mexico for appliances and parts, a 30% tariff on imports would directly raise costs for Whirlpool's U.S. supply chain and potentially erode its retail margins.
These ETFs may bear the brunt of the new tariffs due to their significant exposure to cross-border manufacturing, European industrials, and Mexico-based production networks: iShares Inc iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWW#NYSE">EWW</a>), SPDR DJ Euro STOXX 50 Etf (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FEZ#NYSE">FEZ</a>), and more.
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Trump Targets Mexico, EU With 30% Tariffs

After just one month of listening to "The Ramsey Show" and putting herself on a budget, a caller named Mary faced a moment that would shake most people: a credit card debt collector threatening to sue her over a $6,000 balance.
But Mary had been doing her homework.
"I just listened to an episode of Dave Ramsey telling them that, you know, I'm going to file bankruptcy — leave me alone. And that's what I did," she told Jade Warshaw and Ken Coleman <a href="https://youtu.be/KYXx6z4rzdE?si=jNREYSyfRnDR87I5">during a recent show</a>. "I was like, ‘My financial advisor told me that I might file bankruptcy, so if I do, you'll get the call. Uh, remove me off your call list.' And I hung up."
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That move, while terrifying to her in the moment, earned instant praise from the hosts.
"I love it," Jade said. "My financial advisor — she was like, ‘I'm <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45911214/dave-ramsey-told-a-31-year-old-man-making-less-than-10k-a-year-you-have-a-pretty-extreme-income-problem-but-youre-not-bankrupt">going to file bankruptcy</a>,' and then like hung it up. Good for you!"
Still shaken, Mary asked if she had done the right thing. Jade assured her she had.
"What you essentially told them is, ‘I don't have the money that you're asking for and I'm broke.' And so if you think you're going to get that money from me, you're wrong," Jade explained. "You're basically saying, ‘Yeah, if you're going to sue me, sue me.'"
According to the Ramsey team, collection agencies rarely follow through with lawsuits — and in most cases, the debts have already been sold for pennies on the dollar. The smart strategy, they said, is to stop paying them small amounts and instead save up enough to make a settlement offer.
Mary had already sent a $445 payment via money order and tracked it, but she admitted she was still figuring things out. "I don't know if I did that right," she said.
"That's great that you did that," Jade responded. "I would stop doing that, because at this point I would stack up money so that you can make them an offer."
Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">See which asset class has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 (1995-2024) – and with near-zero correlation.</a>
She advised Mary to eventually say something like: "You've been blowing me up and blowing me up — this is the only money I have. And you're going to make a deal with me."
When Mary confessed how terrified she was after that first call, Jade and Ken reassured her that the fear was normal — but the power she felt afterward was real.
"Didn't it feel good a little bit?" Jade asked.
"Yes, it did. It actually did," Mary said. "Because after I said, ‘Remove my phone number,' I don't know — something broke in the spirit, I believe. And I'm like, if another debt collector calls me right now, I'm going to see this."
"That is my favorite line," Ken said. "‘Something broke in the spirit,' she said. That's really good."
While Mary was not officially sued, it's worth noting what the <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-debt-collector-sues-you">Federal Trade Commission recommends</a> if that day ever comes. According to the FTC, responding to a debt collection lawsuit is critical — even if you don't believe the debt is valid. By answering the complaint or showing up in court, you protect your rights and force the debt collector to prove they have the legal authority to collect. Ignoring a lawsuit, on the other hand, can result in a default judgment, wage garnishment, or even seizure of funds.
See Also: <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>
Mary's confidence and momentum didn't go unnoticed. The hosts gifted her the premium version of the EveryDollar budgeting app, Ramsey's new book, "Build the Business You Love," and a copy of Coleman's "The Proximity Principle."
As it turns out, Mary just launched her <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/06/46129839/woman-with-two-kids-tells-dave-ramsey-her-husband-wants-to-quit-and-sell-their-home-to-start-a-restaurant-without-research-or-business-plan">own meal prep and nutrition business</a> — the same one she went into student loan debt to pursue. She now makes $2,400 per month and has a $261 monthly surplus.
While she still carries $10,000 in student loans and $9,000 in collections, she's not backing down. Jade summed it up best:
"You're capable of far more than you ever thought possible. You really, really are."
Ken couldn't resist tying it all together: "I got goosebumps, because we heard Mary roar."
Read Next: Over the last five years, the price of gold has increased by approximately 83% — Investors like Bill O&#8217;Reilly and Rudy Giuliani are using this platform to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/american-hartford-gold">create customized gold IRAs to help shield their savings from inflation and economic turbulence.&nbsp;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Caller With $9,000 in Collections Says She Followed Ramsey's Advice, Told Debt Collector 'I'm Broke. Sue Me'— Now She's Second Guessing It

The market's technical health is flashing green: 62% of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/s-p-500-index">S&amp;P 500 stocks</a> are trading above their 200-day moving averages, the highest since January. This is a classic sign of broad market strength and often signals a sustained rally is underway.
Barcharts noted in a post on X:
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">62% of S&amp;P 500 stocks are now trading above their 200-Day moving average, the most since January &#x1f6a8;&#x1f4c8; <a href="https://t.co/AbudEjRObD">pic.twitter.com/AbudEjRObD</a>
&mdash; Barchart (@Barchart) <a href="https://twitter.com/Barchart/status/1943464911075709278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
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But strong breadth doesn't mean every sector or stock is firing equally. Traders who zero in on where momentum lives &#8211; and where opportunity hides &#8211; can get ahead. Here are three ways to play this market:
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Ride The Energy Resurgence</h2>
Energy stocks are quietly leading this rally. With oil prices bouncing off key support levels, major players like ExxonMobil Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) (up over 5% in the past month alone) and Chevron Corn (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) (up over 7% in the past month) are breaking above their 200-day moving averages and showing strong momentum. 
Traders can look for breakout plays and momentum swings in these stocks to capture upside in this overlooked sector.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Target Defensive Sector Breakouts</h2>
Not all sectors have joined the party yet. Utilities, as tracked by the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) and consumer staples, as tracked by the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>), are still below their 200-day moving averages but look poised for a breakout if the rally broadens. 
These defensive stocks can offer lower volatility ways to participate in a market uptrend, especially if traders prefer less risk.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Use Volatility To Your Advantage</h2>
The VIX remains elevated near 15–16, meaning the market isn't calm. That's a boon for option traders who can collect premium selling covered calls or cash-secured puts on fundamentally strong stocks. Volatility also creates swing trade setups as stocks fluctuate, providing tactical entry points.
With most S&amp;P 500 stocks above a key long-term trendline, the market is in a bullish technical stance. Traders should focus on sectors with momentum, watch for late bloomers, and embrace volatility to maximize returns.
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Long Ideas

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According to a report, Binance, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, is alleged to have secretly assisted President Donald Trump family&#8217;s cryptocurrency firm prior to its founder, Changpeng Zhao, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42379899/trump-fuels-bitcoin-rally-but-where-will-it-go-next-year">seeking a presidential pardon</a>.
What Happened: Binance is said to have clandestinely written the core code for the Trump family&#8217;s stablecoin, USD1. This coin was introduced by World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company set up by&nbsp;Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr.
The code allegedly facilitated&nbsp;an Emirati investment firm to&nbsp;acquire&nbsp;a $2 billion stake in&nbsp;Binance using USD1. Binance also marketed USD1 to its user base of 275 million.
As per the report <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-07-11/trump-s-crypto-link-with-binance-raises-conflict-of-interest-questions?srnd=homepage-americas">by</a> Bloomberg, despite the launch of USD1, both Binance and World Liberty refuted reports of collaborating on a new stablecoin. It is still uncertain whether World Liberty compensated Binance or Zhou for the coin&#8217;s creation.
In 2023, Zhou and Binance admitted to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws. Zhou&nbsp;paid a $50 million fine&nbsp;and stepped down from the&nbsp;company, which also paid $4.3&nbsp;billion in fines. He later sought a presidential pardon, contradicting his previous denial.
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A spokesperson for Binance informed the outlet that Zhou&#8217;s pardon request was a personal decision and he no longer has any association with the company. World Liberty dismissed the allegations in the report as politically motivated.
Why It Matters: The allegations against Binance could have significant implications for the cryptocurrency industry. If proven true, it would reveal a major breach of trust and potential violation of regulatory norms by one of the world&#8217;s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. 
This could lead to increased scrutiny and potentially stricter regulations for the industry. The case also highlights the potential misuse of cryptocurrencies for illicit financial transactions, reinforcing calls for stronger oversight and transparency in the sector.
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Cryptocurrency

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The late Berkshire Hathaway vice chairman once saw Social Security as a pillar of American dignity and argued against policy shifts that would hurt retirees.
What Happened: In a 2011 discussion at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, legendary investor Charlie Munger called Social Security "a credit to our civilization" and firmly opposed proposals to reduce benefits or raise the retirement age.
"I personally would not touch Social Security in terms of its present promises," Munger said. "It's worked with low administrative cost and low fraud, and it's given a lot of people their main dignity in old age."
When asked whether gradually increasing the retirement age would be acceptable, Munger pushed back. "I personally wouldn't do it," he stated.
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"To take on the political ill will from tinkering for some guy who's only got three years to live anyway and take away $30 a month—I just don't want to do it," Munger said then. &#8220;I don&#8217;t think it would be a good idea.&#8221;
He argued that cutting benefits would be politically and morally counterproductive. "It's a stupid allocation of goodwill and time," he added. "I would save my effort for what really matters."
Instead, Munger proposed funding Social Security with a value-added tax (VAT), a system used widely across Europe. "As long as we're as rich as we are, we should find a way to afford it," he said. "I think a VAT is a very desirable tax&#8230; it subsidizes exports, and we need that." 
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
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Why It's Important: More than a decade later, Munger's warnings remain strikingly relevant.
Last week, the Social Security Administration came under fire for allegedly sending an email falsely claiming that President Donald Trump's new tax law eliminates <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46263553/social-security-administration-sends-unbelievable-email-on-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-report">federal income taxes</a> on Social Security benefits for most seniors.
In reality, the law does not remove these taxes but offers temporary deductions instead. Critics, including former SSA officials and Democrats, have called the email misleading and unprecedentedly political.
The legislation, which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46263434/trump-signs-sweeping-tax-and-spending-bill-that-cbo-says-will-add-3-3-trillion-to-us-deficit-cut-health-coverage-for-11-8-million-americans">Trump hails as historic</a>, is expected to increase the federal deficit and cut health coverage for millions, with economists warning that it mainly benefits the wealthy at the expense of lower-income Americans.
Previously, the non-partisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has cautioned that Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" could accelerate the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43831371/eliminating-social-security-income-taxes-would-cost-1-5-trillion-and-deplete-the-trust-fund-by-2032-who-wins-and-who-loses">exhaustion of the retirement trust fund</a> to as early as 2032 by reducing taxes on benefits.
Estimates suggest that completely scrapping these taxes could cost an additional $1.5 trillion.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has proposed a broader solution that would link the program to a new sovereign wealth fund funded by "baby bonds" given to newborns.
However, any move to invest in equities would require both congressional approval and new borrowing to repay current bondholders — a costly approach given today's high interest rates, former trustee Charles Blahous <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSma9suyp24">told</a> the Wall Street Journal.
Photo Courtesy: Kent Sievers via Shutterstock.com
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>. Read Next:
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with&nbsp;the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was&nbsp;reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Charlie Munger Once Described Social Security As A Moral Duty And Warned Against Breaking Promises To Seniors: 'Don't Think It Would Be A Good Idea'

Bank of America dropped its top 10 stock ideas for the third quarter of 2025, and the list includes some familiar names like Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) and Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>)—but also a couple of bearish calls investors <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/expert-ideas">might not see coming.</a>
While Wall Street debates rate cuts, BofA is sticking to one of the most hawkish forecasts out there: no Fed pivot until 2026. 
Next year, the central bank is expected to slash rates by 100 basis points, but until then inflation is likely to remain sticky in the second half of this year due to tariffs, limiting policy flexibility. 
This creates a trading environment where stock-specific catalysts matter more than macro tailwinds.
The updated list features eight Buy-rated stocks and two Underperform-rated names, all chosen for their potential to outperform—or underperform—due to major business or macro developments expected in the coming months.
The 8 Buys: From Aerospace to AI
1. Boeing Co. After a rough year of delays and scrutiny, BofA thinks Boeing is finally gaining altitude. "787 production is ramping, 737 deliveries are recovering, and positive changes to leadership including new CFO hire," said analyst Anthony Cassamassino. The firm sees upside as production hits 38 jets per month, and the new CFO—who came from Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) —adds stability. Bank of America set a price target of $260, which implies a 14% upside from Boeing's current price near $225.
2. Cisco Systems Inc. AI is fueling Cisco's momentum. "AI infrastructure orders YTD exceeded $1.3bn," already beating its full-year target, BofA wrote. With deep ties to Nvidia and a strong hold in enterprise switching, Cisco is positioned well as companies gear up for AI deployment. With shares trading around $68, BofA's $76 target suggests a 11% gain in the near term.
3. Datadog Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>) rounds out the AI-heavy picks. BofA likes Datadog's improving usage growth and its 8.5% AI-native revenue contribution, calling it one of the best-positioned software stocks for the next wave of generative AI adoption. BofA sees shares climbing to $150, offering about a 9% upside from the current level of $137.
4. Fair Isaac Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FICO#NYSE">FICO</a>). Despite some Washington noise around credit scoring, Cassamassino says, "FICO remains a best-in-class software compounder." With a $1 billion buyback plan and strong ACV growth, the firm gave a bold price target of $3,700, more than double the current price. 
5. KeyCorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KEY#NYSE">KEY</a>) is BofA's top value play in regional banking. A 5% yield, clean credit profile, and capital expenditure tailwinds give it a path higher. At a current price of $18.32, BofA's $20 target represents a 13% move higher.
6. Levi Strauss &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEVI#NYSE">LEVI</a>) is on the list thanks to solid brand momentum and better-than-expected U.S. wholesale growth. "Execution remains strong across both denim and lifestyle apparel," BofA wrote. 
7. Medtronic PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDT#NYSE">MDT</a>) could be a breakout play if its new heart treatment technology gets greenlit. Cassamassino says approval of Pulse Field Ablation and renal denervation "could drive meaningful upside." BofA sees the stock climbing to $100, a 15% gain from its current price of $87.
8. Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>). BofA sees the company's upcoming corporate split, Superman reboot and $2 billion debt reduction as key catalysts. At just $11.73 now, the stock could rally 40% to $16, if BofA's view plays out.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bear Calls: Hims &amp; Hers and Conagra</h3>
Not every name on the list is a winner. BofA slapped Underperform ratings on two stocks it believes are overvalued or facing headwinds.
Hims &amp; Hers Health Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>) has soared on buzz around compounded weight-loss drugs, but BofA says patent risks are being ignored. "Litigation risk is underappreciated," the analysts wrote, and growth in the company's base business is slowing. Target: $28, well below the stock's recent level near $50.
Conagra Brands Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) is the other short idea. Cassamassino sees a soft year ahead due to "rising protein costs and elasticity in frozen." Add in margin pressure and dividend risk, and BofA is skeptical the stock holds up. 
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Analyst Color

CSCO

DDOG

FICO

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

LEVI

Bank Of America Loves These 8 Stocks For Third Quarter—And Says To Dump These 2 Fast

Financial independence and early retirement, better known as FIRE, has become a popular goal for millennials and Gen Zers hoping to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38397890/how-i-escaped-the-corporate-rat-race-and-saved-myself-from-burnout-using-these-10-easy-stress-buster">escape the rat race</a>. But while the movement looks appealing in theory, many parents say it doesn't always hold up in real life.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kids Change The Equation</h2>
A recent Reddit <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AntiFIRE/comments/1lugwmn/fire_doesnt_make_sense_when_you_have_kids/">post</a> titled "FIRE Doesn't Make Sense When You Have Kids" caught the attention of many users who felt the same way. The original poster wrote, &#8220;Look, I respect people who want to retire in their 30s, but I have kids—and that changes everything.&#8221;
They continued, &#8220;It feels like a lot of FIRE advice is written by single, tech-employed 28-year-olds. I'm over here trying to afford summer camp and still have a moment to breathe.&#8221;
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Other parents shared the sentiment. &#8220;We'd definitely be FIREd if we weren't parents,&#8221; one commenter wrote, adding that IVF alone cost them $75,000, not including lost income. &#8220;But what's the point of retiring early into a life you don't want?&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Variables, More Expenses</h2>
Others pointed out that kids bring not just higher costs, but also more uncertainty. &#8220;Once you have a child, there's a whole new world of expenses that can potentially come up,&#8221; one person wrote. &#8220;What happens if my kid gets sick? Or wants to go to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/42932626/billionaire-mark-cuban-on-college-costs-pick-the-cheapest-school-you-can-find-its-about-learning-not-prestige">private university</a>? It just changes the mindset completely.&#8221;
Another parent joked, &#8220;Why do you think <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44999168/reason-people-dont-have-kids-earlier-is-theyre-expensive-says-kevin-oleary-however-time-is-the-one-thing-money-cant-buy">daycare is more expensive</a> than cocaine? Because it&#8217;s the best drug on earth.&#8221;
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Redefining FIRE</h2>
While some users insisted FIRE is still possible with kids, many agreed it looks different. &#8220;I hit my number and am now coasting,&#8221; one parent with three kids shared. &#8220;We homeschool the kids and travel 3-4 months out of the year.&#8221;
Others stressed that the real benefit of FIRE isn't <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45818495/suze-orman-says-retiring-early-is-the-biggest-financial-mistake-youll-ever-make-you-might-need-10-millionjust-so-youll-be-fine">retiring in your 30s</a>, but gaining flexibility. "FIRE principles are useful in any case," a commenter said. &#8220;Even RE by 50 or 55 is a significant accomplishment.&#8221;
Some said they keep working not because they have to, but to give their children a stronger foundation. &#8220;If you have kids, continue working and building the maximum security net for them,&#8221; one person advised. &#8220;Provide your kids with this freedom in terms of finances as well as in terms of mindset.&#8221;
See Also: <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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Realistic?</h2>
Many commenters agreed that FIRE is much easier for high earners or dual-income households. "FIRE is for most high-income people. It&#8217;s hard to do on a low income," one person wrote. Another pointed out, "Possible on low income, but you have to start early, be consistent and religiously frugal."
Ultimately, the conversation boiled down to this: FIRE isn't off the table for parents, but it requires different math and different expectations. &#8220;You have to have a lot saved or live a very simple life to FIRE with kids,&#8221; one person said. &#8220;Not saying impossible, but hard mode.&#8221;
Read Next: Over the last five years, the price of gold has increased by approximately 83% — Investors like Bill O&#8217;Reilly and Rudy Giuliani are using this platform to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/american-hartford-gold">create customized gold IRAs to help shield their savings from inflation and economic turbulence.&nbsp;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

FIRE Sounds Great On Paper. Here's How Having Kids Makes It Much Harder To Follow

Rocket Lab and Kratos aren&#8217;t only sending drones and satellites into space—they&#8217;re putting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">defense ETFs</a> into orbit. While these cutting-edge defense stocks rocket on the coattails of fresh Pentagon policy changes and Trump-era deregulation, investors are flocking to ETFs that combine military might with next-generation innovation. With drone demand through the roof and red tape getting burned, funds like Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>) and SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) are becoming stealth champs in 2025&#8217;s search for returns.
Defense ETFs are no longer simply the unflappable corner of the marketplace that performs well in times of war. In 2025, they&#8217;ve become high-speed vehicles catching the tailwind of advanced technology, military modernization, and now—America&#8217;s drone boom. Drone stocks jumped on Thursday night after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth released sweeping memos to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46356963/drone-stocks-fly-as-defense-secretary-fast-tracks-drone-production-deployment">accelerate domestic drone production</a> and deployment. The memos, shared on X (formerly Twitter), will remove bureaucratic roadblocks and give the military the freedom to quickly embrace what Hegseth described as &#8220;vital&#8221; technologies.
Drone Stocks Get Off the Ground
Investors didn&#8217;t hesitate to respond. Kratos Defense (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTOS#NASDAQ">KTOS</a>), Red Cat Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCAT#NASDAQ">RCAT</a>), AeroVironment (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVAV#NASDAQ">AVAV</a>) and Unusual Machines (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UMAC#AMEX">UMAC</a>) surged after hours on Thursday. 
The rally came on the heels of a series of pro-defense, pro-tech executive orders issued in June by President Donald Trump, designed to enhance domestic drone capabilities and counter foreign incursions in U.S. airspace. These policies are speedily reshaping the makeup and appeal of contemporary defense ETFs.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46371876/the-tesla-that-flies-archer-is-ready-for-liftoff-on-trumps-defense-boom">The Tesla That Flies? Archer Is Ready For Liftoff On Trump&#8217;s Defense Boom</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Tanks To Tech</h2>
With higher worldwide tensions and a Trump 2.0 platform that aligns with Pentagon growth and deregulated purchases, investors are increasingly using defense ETFs as closet growth plays. The Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>), which aims for pure-play military tech and cybersecurity over old-school aerospace exposure, is heavily invested in Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) and international defense players BAE Systems (OTCPK: BAESF) and Rheinmetall (OTCPK: RNMBF).
Other ETFs, such as the SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>), also take a more diversified tack with equal-weight strategies that target giants such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) and leaner disruptors such as Kratos, which also designs unmanned aerial systems.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ETF Rotation Amid Policy And Dispersion</h2>
CFRA Research&#8217;s Aniket Ullal observed in an event by Yahoo Finance last month that policy uncertainty during the Trump era is fueling all-time high market dispersion, and sector-specific ETFs such as iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) and Select STOXX Europe Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EUAD#BATS">EUAD</a>) are becoming top beneficiaries of defense and trade-fueled tailwinds.
Defense and aerospace ETFs have been some of the strongest performers in 2025, said Ullal, adding that when dispersion is high, active ETF strategies and focused thematic exposure, particularly in sectors such as drones and military technology, will outperform.
Meanwhile, European defense exposure is warming up as NATO countries rush to keep up with U.S. defense spending. EUAD, the sole European defense ETF available in the U.S., is 77% higher this year so far on the back of heavy atop positioning in Airbus and Safran.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Stealth Tech Play For Growth Chasers</h2>
Defense ETFs were once seen as &#8220;safe&#8221; or defensive plays, offering stable returns via long-term government contracts. But in today's market, they&#8217;re increasingly about disruption, not just protection.
For weary investors of mega-cap tech prices, defense ETFs exposed to autonomy, AI, and drone systems provide a backdoor entrance into next-generation innovation. As Hegseth dismantles regulatory walls and the Pentagon leans further into automation, these funds are quickly becoming 2025&#8217;s biggest surprise growth play.
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Sector ETFs

AVAV

BAESF

EUAD

iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

KTOS

PLTR

RCAT

RNMBF

SHLD

UMAC

Rocket Lab And Kratos Are Setting Defense ETFs On Fire

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has been one of the most vocal cryptocurrency critics in politics, using her position to press for stricter regulation of the industry.
Back in June 2021, the senior Democrat trained her guns on Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), questioning the popular meme coin's wild price swings.
What Happened: During a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing, Warren <a href="https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/majority/at-hearing-warren-delivers-remarks-on-digital-currency">criticized </a>Dogecoin for its instability, highlighting that its value had surged over tenfold in two months before dropping nearly 60%.
Notably, this was the most explosive phase of DOGE's 12-year history, during which it also rocketed to its all-time highs.
"Now that may work for speculators and fly-by-night investors, but not for regular people who are looking for a stable source of value to get paid in and to use for day-to-day spending," Warren said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46350443/dogecoin-killer-shiba-inu-soars-7-as-burn-rate-explodes-by-1500">&#8216;Dogecoin Killer&#8217; Shiba Inu Soars 7% As Burn Rate Explodes By 1,500%</a>
The lawmaker wasn't singling out Dogecoin but rather highlighted broader concerns with cryptocurrencies, including fluctuating values and investment risks. She deemed cryptocurrency a "lousy" investment.
Fast forward to 2025, and Warren's skepticism hasn't diminished much. To the contrary, with cryptocurrencies receiving increased attention under President Donald Trump, she advocates for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46359496/elizabeth-warren-says-crypto-industry-wants-trump-to-boost-their-products-just-like-he-was-hawking-elon-musks-cars">even greater scrutiny</a> today.
However, things haven&#8217;t been the same for Dogecoin. Asset managers like Grayscale and 21Shares <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43730035/does-this-sec-decision-mean-dogecoin-xrp-etfs-are-on-their-way">have&nbsp;filed with the SEC</a> to list shares of exchange-traded funds tracking the memecoin&#8217;s price movements. Some companies have even started to add <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46336309/thumzup-media-shares-spike-13-after-hours-as-company-adds-xrp-doge-and-these-coins-to-treas">DOGE to their corporate reserves</a>.
Price Action:&nbsp; At the time of writing, Dogecoin was exchanging hands at $0.1996, up 10.34% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>. The coin has gained over 84% in the last year, although year-to-date, it has lost 36%.
Photo Courtesy: David Garcia on Shutterstock.com
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/07/46315623/anthony-scaramucci-once-slammed-dogecoin-other-memecoins-as-distraction-from-the-purity-of-bitcoin-this-is-the-stuff-that-would-aggravate-warren-buffett">Anthony Scaramucci Once Slammed Dogecoin, Other Memecoins As &#8216;Distraction&#8217; From The Purity Of Bitcoin — This Is The Stuff That Would Aggravate Warren Buffett</a></li>
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$DOGE

Elizabeth Warren Once Warned that Dogecoin Is for 'Speculators And Fly-By-Night Investors' — Today, Asset Managers Are Racing To Bring DOGE ETFs To Wall Street

Each week, Benzinga&#8217;s Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.
Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.
Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: June's 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do CoreWeave, Nvidia, Apple Stock Rank?</a>
Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending July 11:
Intuit Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTU#NASDAQ">INTU</a>): The owner of Quickbooks and TurboTax finds its way back on the Stock Whisper Index for a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45938888/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-69">second straight month</a>. Investors are showing strong interest in the company once again with shares near all-time highs. One reason for the increased attention is optimism from analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTU/analyst-ratings">covering the stock</a>. BMO maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $820 to $870 and Morgan Stanley maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $785 to $900. Another reason could be the passing of the "One Big Beautiful Bill." The bill will add new tax cuts and changes and also eliminates some free IRS filing tools. These could see customers flocking to TurboTax to make sure they get all the latest tax tips and breaks come tax filing time next year.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="494" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982515" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174343/Screenshot-497-768x381.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
Roblox Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBLX#NYSE">RBLX</a>): The gaming company makes the Stock Whisper Index for a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46043300/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-70">second straight month</a> with shares nearing all-time highs that were last hit back in late 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is seeing strong usage and monetization from hit minigame "Grow a Garden," which Roblox users can play. Analysts are also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RBLX/analyst-ratings">raising price targets</a> aggressively with BTIG taking the target from $73 to $124 and Citigroup taking the price target from $100 to $123. The company is set to report second-quarter financial results on July 31 and could share updates on the recent success and strong usage. Roblox has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in seven straight quarters and for revenue in three of the last four quarters.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1005" height="498" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982516" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498.png 1005w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174401/Screenshot-498-768x381.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1005px) 100vw, 1005px" /></a></figure>
AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>): The drugmaker saw strong interest from readers during the week with minimal news. Benzinga reported that the company is<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/contracts/25/07/46249640/astrazeneca-in-15b-talks-for-drug-that-could-upend-lung-cancer-treatment"> in reported talks </a>with Summit Therapeutics about a potential partnership for lung cancer drug called ivonescimab. The deal could be worth up to $15 billion and would give AstraZeneca the rights to the drug. Bloomberg said other drug companies are in talks with Summit. Ivonescimab has show lower risks of disease progression or death when compared to Merck's Keytruda. The increased interest in AstraZeneca comes ahead of second-quarter financial results set for July 29. The company has missed analyst estimates for earnings per share in five of the last six quarters, while beating analyst estimates for revenue in four of the last five quarters. Investors could be anticipating strong financial results and/or be excited in a potential partnership with Summit.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982517" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174415/Screenshot-499-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>
NextEra Energy Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEE#NYSE">NEE</a>): Readers showed strong interest in the energy company during the week. The company is one of many in the clean energy sector that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46173316/trumps-big-bill-rocks-clean-energy-stocks-except-rooftop-solar">could see pressure</a> from the "Big Beautiful Bill" that rolls back some incentives for the sector. NextEra could also stand out with their presence in the nuclear energy sector which is getting a renewed push going forward. Investors could also be excited ahead of second-quarter financial results set for July 23. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in eight of the last 10 quarters. The company has missed analyst estimates for revenue in five straight quarters. Investors will be hoping for a better quarter and a double beat this time around as the future remains less certain with the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="507" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982518" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500-300x153.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174429/Screenshot-500-768x391.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
ServiceNow Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>): The software solutions company is seeing strong interest from readers as the company makes progress with AI solutions for businesses. Investors could be gearing up for the company's second-quarter financial results set for July 23. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine of the last 10 quarters, with the lone non-beat a quarter where expectations were met. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in eight of the last 10 quarters. Another strong quarter could see investors get more excited for the stock, with shares down 11% year-to-date despite the quarterly beats.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501.png" alt="" class="wp-image-982519" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11174442/Screenshot-501-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
Stay tuned for next week&#8217;s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0711" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45938888/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-69" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 13</a></li>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46264224/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-72">July 4</a></li>
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants synthetic food dyes out of the American food supply. But one of the nation's most recognizable candy giants — Mars, the maker of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46278726/rfk-jr-s-battle-against-synthetic-food-dye-will-mms-skittles-keep-their-colors">M&amp;M's and Skittles</a> — isn't playing along.
Mars confirmed it will continue using synthetic dyes in its candies, despite a previous 2016 pledge to remove all artificial colors from its entire portfolio of foods and snacks. In a statement to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/politics/rfk-food-dyes-candy.html">The New York Times</a>, the company defended its decision, stating that its products remain "safe to enjoy and meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities around the world."
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RFK Jr., meanwhile, is pushing for a nationwide ban on petroleum-based dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, and Blue 1 and 2 — all of which are common in children's snacks. The move is part of his broader <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45560572/rfk-jr-s-make-america-healthy-again-report-stirs-gop-farmers-over-glyphosate-concerns-ahead-of-release">"Make America Healthy Again" agenda</a>, which targets food additives linked to health and behavioral concerns.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Behind the Ban?</h2>
Synthetic dyes have long been controversial. Several studies have raised concerns over possible links to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and even cancer — especially in children.
According to a 2024 study published in the <a href="https://www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(25)00166-2/fulltext">Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics</a>, 19% of packaged U.S. foods contained synthetic dyes. That number jumped to 28% in products marketed to children. Many of those same foods were also found to contain significantly higher sugar levels.
While federal regulators have yet to impose restrictions on these dyes, a growing number of states are stepping in. West Virginia has passed <a href="https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=2354&amp;year=2025&amp;sessiontype=RS">sweeping legislation banning seven dyes</a> and two preservatives from school meals starting in 2025, with a broader food ban statewide by 2028. California will prohibit Red Dye No. 3 and several other additives starting in 2027. Utah, Virginia, and Texas have all adopted similar policies, ranging from outright bans to mandatory labeling.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mars Pushes Back&nbsp;</h2>
In comments made to the <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/07/08/business/mampms-skittles-resist-rfk-jrs-demand-to-remove-synthetic-dyes/">New York Post</a>, the National Confectioners Association — which represents companies like Mars — defended the use of synthetic dyes and questioned why candy is being singled out.
"People can freely buy cannabis, THC products, alcohol, and cigarettes — but vibrantly colored candy is an issue? Give me a break," said NCA spokesperson Christopher Gindlesperger.
He argued that candy isn't deceptive. "People know that confectionery products are treats and that they contain sugar, food colors, and other FDA-approved ingredients, because candy is intrinsically transparent," he said.
Gindlesperger added that chocolate and candy have been safely enjoyed "for generations," and that the industry supports science-based evaluations of food additives to reduce consumer confusion and maintain trust.
As for switching to natural colors? Gindlesperger acknowledged that it's possible — but not easy. Natural alternatives are harder to source, more expensive, and could increase prices for consumers. "Companies need time to find alternatives," he told the Post.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">So Why Candy — and Not Cigarettes or Booze?</h2>
That's the question candy makers keep coming back to.
They argue that candy is being unfairly targeted in RFK Jr.'s crackdown, especially when far more harmful substances—like tobacco, alcohol, and even THC products—remain legal and widely available. Unlike those, they say, candy is clearly labeled, transparently marketed as a treat, and enjoyed in moderation by millions of people without controversy.
But RFK Jr.'s team sees it differently. The concern isn't just the color—it's the cumulative exposure. Artificial dyes are especially common in products aimed at children, and many of those same items are loaded with sugar. Bright packaging and vibrant colors may make candy look harmless, but for kids who consume it regularly, critics argue the long-term health effects can quietly stack up.
And while candy companies point to personal choice and moderation, some health experts say the issue runs deeper. According to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/experts-is-sugar-addictive-drug">Healthline</a>, registered dietitian Cassie Bjork, founder of Healthy Simple Life, says sugar can light up the brain's reward system in ways similar to addictive drugs. "Sugar activates the opiate receptors in our brain and affects the reward center," she explained. That activation, she says, can lead to compulsive use "despite the negative consequences like weight gain, headaches, hormone imbalances, and more."
In that context, candy may not look so harmless after all. The argument isn't just about whether candy is as dangerous as cigarettes—but whether it's been given a pass for too long simply because it comes in a bright wrapper.
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M&M, Skittles Maker Rejects RFK Jr.'s Call To Drop Synthetic Dyes — 'People Can Buy Alcohol And Cigarettes…But Colored Candy Is An Issue?'

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
U.S. markets closed this week at record highs, driven by Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) surpassing a $4 trillion market cap — the first ever, marking a historic milestone — amid easing global tensions and broad AI enthusiasm. President Donald Trump's trade rhetoric intensified, with new 50% tariffs planned on copper and Brazilian goods, but markets remained resilient, betting on eventual policy moderation.
Key sectors like airlines and materials also saw gains, while Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) remained under pressure due to Elon Musk's political activities. Gold and the dollar steadied alongside Treasury yields.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.

The Bulls
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46321541/nvidia-hits-4-trillion-market-cap-stock-surges-to-all-time-high">"Nvidia hits $4 trillion market cap, stock surges to all‑time high"</a>, by Henry Khederian, reports that Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA) reached a record market valuation above $4 trillion — becoming the first U.S. company to do so — on strong investor momentum, driven by its dominant position in AI chipmaking.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46356963/drone-stocks-fly-as-defense-secretary-fast-tracks-drone-production-deployment">"Drone stocks fly as Defense Secretary fast-tracks drone production, deployment"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVAV#NASDAQ">AVAV</a>), Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTOS#NASDAQ">KTOS</a>), Red Cat Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCAT#NASDAQ">RCAT</a>), Unusual Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UMAC#NASDAQ">UMAC</a>), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAVS#NASDAQ">UAVS</a>), and Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONDS#NASDAQ">ONDS</a>) all rallied after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revoked procurement restrictions and empowered frontline units to fast‑track U.S.-made drone production and deployment.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/07/46324594/used%E2%80%91car-boom-prices-supercharging-carvana-autonation-stocks">"Used‑car boom prices supercharging Carvana, AutoNation stocks"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that soaring used‑car prices are lifting Carvana Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVNA#NYSE">CVNA</a>) and AutoNation Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AN#NYSE">AN</a>), as both retailers benefit from record-high margins and strong consumer demand in the resale vehicle market.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46328802/dell-hpe-named-top-ai-server-plays-as-analyst-cites-14b-backlog">Dell, HPE Named Top AI Server Plays As Analyst Cites $14 Billion Backlog</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46299701/ge-aerospace-climbs-46-in-2025-as-investors-eye-tariff-strategy-earnings">GE Aerospace Climbs 46% In 2025 As Investors Eye Tariff Strategy, Earnings</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46353542/palantir-next-oracle-trump-backed-ai-surge">Palantir Is The ‘Next Oracle' On Trump-Backed AI Surge: Analyst</a>

The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/downgrades/25/07/46308347/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-too-much-for-tesla-stock-direct-hit-to-profitability">"Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill' too much for Tesla stock? Direct hit to profitability"</a>, by Shanthi Rexaline, reports that Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) was downgraded by William Blair analyst Jed Dorsheimer, who warned Trump's new bill eliminates $7,500 EV tax credits and corporate average fuel economy fines — putting Tesla's $2.8 billion in annual regulatory credit revenue, 16% of gross profit, at risk.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46280387/unitedhealth-centene-hit-hard-by-guidance-shock-trumps-medicaid-push">"UnitedHealth, Centene hit hard by guidance shock, Trump's Medicaid push"</a>, by Vandana Singh, reports that UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) saw its market cap plunge nearly 41% in Q2 and Centene Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>) shares crashed over 40% after Centene withdrew its 2025 guidance — moves driven by unexpectedly high medical costs and President Donald Trump's new legislation targeting Medicaid funding that threatens insurers' risk pools and reimbursement structures.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46348352/gorilla-technology-shares-plunge-after-nvidia-fueled-rally-reverses">"Gorilla Technology shares plunge after Nvidia‑fueled rally reverses"</a>, by Akanksha Bakshi, reports that Gorilla Technology Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GRRR) stock tumbled after a brief surge drove by its inclusion as an NVIDIA Solutions Partner on Nvidia's website—without any formal announcement—reversing the prior day's strong rally.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46352461/core-scientific-downgraded-over-concerns-on-acquisition-deal">Core Scientific Downgraded Over Concerns On Acquisition Deal</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46374969/jpmorgan-just-hit-delete-on-tesla-and-rivian">JPMorgan Just Hit ‘Delete' On Tesla And Rivian</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46326465/unitedhealth-slammed-with-another-lawsuit-over-119-billion-stock-plunge">UnitedHealth Slammed With Another Lawsuit Over $119 Billion Stock Plunge</a>

Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.
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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Nvidia, Tesla, Carvana — And Trump Amps Up Tariff Talk

Some 37% of people have accepted a job they weren't otherwise interested in or that fell outside of their desired industry because it gave them a better opportunity to repay their debt, a survey from <a href="https://zety.com/blog/debt-career-impact-report">Zety</a> found.
According to the resume builder service, about half of Americans carry $25,000 in debt, and one in five carry over $100,000. These financial obligations are changing the way people think about and prioritize work.
"Debt is a growing force behind why people take certain jobs, stay in roles longer than they'd like, or hesitate to make a career pivot," Indeed career trends expert Priya Rathod told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/28/debt-is-a-growing-force-influencing-jobseekers-choices-expert-says.html">CNBC</a>.&nbsp;
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Zety found that 38% of people had taken on extra work to help tackle their debt, and 17% of people felt trapped in their current positions, unable to pursue other dreams like starting a business or going back to school, because of their debt.
"Their financial status is impacting not just them in terms of their work and their 9-to-5, but also those life goals," Zety Career Expert Jasmine Escalera told CNBC.
Experts like Rathod told the outlet that when people pick up extra work, it's often because wages and cost of living, which includes debt repayment, aren't matching up. "It's driven by necessity," she said.
However, not all 1,000 workers surveyed by Zety said that the cost of living outpacing wages was their only financial concern. A large portion said that current economic uncertainties were adding to their financial fears. Concerns over tariffs are the largest driver, with 78% saying they are worried that the levies will make it harder to repay or avoid debt in the future.
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When it comes to strategies to offset the impacts of tariffs on debt, 38% of those surveyed said that they had reduced non-essential spending. Another 25% had increased minimum payments in an attempt to get rid of the debt faster, while others were employing strategies like consolidating debt, transferring balances, and negotiating with lenders, among other options. Meanwhile, 34% of people have taken no specific action due to limited financial options.&nbsp;
Many experts agree that taking on additional work can be a great short-term solution for tackling debt, but others warn that it shouldn't be your only plan of attack.
"People really need to understand that working more hours is a short-term solution, and growing your main income is a long-term strategy," Rathod told CNBC.
Asking for a raise, negotiating for parts of your compensation package, and applying for new roles with better wages and benefits are all preferred options, according to Rathod. However, if you are confident that a second job is the best option for you, she recommends choosing work that relies on skills you have already mastered and ensuring the additional hours do not interfere with your primary role.&nbsp;
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