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Did you know there's a way to predict the S&P 500 with an ~85% correlation?
Sounds insane, but it's true.
Here's the surprising logic behind my claim:
When investors look for long-term bullish S&P 500 signals, they look at:
U.S CPI
U.S. interest rates
U.S. M2 supply (relatively liquid assets in the U.S economy)
This is a mistake.
Although these metrics matter, there's something we commonly forget.
Unlike most countries, the U.S. stock market is global.
German citizens rarely invest in Japanese stocks.
But many will invest in Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, etc.
When central banks print money, it enters the economy of that respective country.
A portion of that money goes to citizens who buy food, shelter, clothing, etc.
However, some of them will invest their cash into assets.
A sizable portion specifically goes into the S&P or S&P-included companies.
That's why, if you're investing in the S&P, you can't just focus on U.S. liquidity.
You need to focus on global liquidity instead.
The problem is global liquidity is hard to measure.
Combining M2 and interest rate data from the world's central banks isn't easy.
That's why financial data platforms like Ycharts and TradingView don't have a global liquidity metric.
This is why investors typically track GL from the 5 biggest central banks.
Specifically the:
Bank of Japan
Federal Reserve
Bank of England
European Central Bank
People's Bank of China
These are the most important central banks in the world, and tracking their efforts isn't difficult.
This is where most investors go wrong, when they exclusively track the Fed's monetary policies to predict the S&P's long-term outlook.
But the S&P receives inflows from across the globe.
That's why the decisions of the BoJ, BoE, ECB, and PBoC collectively matter more than the Federal Reserve alone.
Thanks to the U.S. stock market’s global status, global liquidity is highly correlated.
Popular U.S. stock indexes like the NASDAQ, for example, have a 95% correlation.
Whereas the S&P has an ~85% correlation.
This chart speaks volumes.
However, during bull markets, global liquidity sometimes decouples from the S&P.
Particularly when there's particularly bullish news and the market gets excited.
Trump's election victory was a great example of this.
Politics aside, Trump has always been bullish for stocks.
The same can be said about bearish black swan events.
2008, the initial COVID scare, Yen carry trade, Deepseek, etc.
Bullish and bearish signals decouple the market from global liquidity.
But it always realigns.
It's important to remember that there's a delay between global liquidity and the stock market.
It takes time for liquidity to flow into assets and inflate prices.
Liquidity → stocks – fewer shares → lower supply → prices rise
What's the moral of the story?
Don't just analyze U.S. monetary policies.
Monitor the policies of the biggest central banks in the world.
With a delay, you can reliably predict the movements of major U.S. indexes.
**
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On Thursday, KULR Technology Group, Inc (NYSE:KULR) announced that their Webster, Texas headquarters facility had achieved the AS9100 certification. The company said this certification is a significant milestone confirming KULR’s commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction in aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Chief Technology Officer Will Walker said it will continue manufacturing custom and commercial-off-the-shelf products.
Also Read: Bumble’s App Revamp And Underwhelming Q1 Guidance Keeps The Analysts Waiting – Details Here
AS9100 is the globally recognized quality management standard for organizations that design, develop, or provide aerospace, defense, and aviation products and services.
The company said that through AS9100 certification, KULR is well positioned for future growth, such as broadening its customer base and pursuing additional aerospace and defense partnerships.
It will also enhance existing partnerships for space and military applications—such as the company’s work with NASA, whose Johnson Space Center is located near KULR’s certified Webster headquarters facility, just outside of Houston.
According to the company, KULR’s achievement also further solidifies its role as a trusted partner for mission-critical defense applications.
Price Action: KULR stock closed lower by 1.96% at $2.00 Wednesday.
Also Read:
President Donald Trump's plans to place tariffs on imported goods from several countries, including China, could cause retaliation from other nations.
A recent Benzinga poll shows which companies could be hurt by Trump's tariff plans in China.
What Happened: Trump has targeted China, Canada and Mexico with tariffs or threats of tariffs since taking office in January.
China has been Trump’s favorite target, and the tariffs and threats of additional tariffs could hurt relations with the country.
Higher prices to import items from China could also hurt consumers if costs are passed from companies down the line.
Benzinga recently polled readers on which company could be most vulnerable to Trump’s China tariffs.
"Which stock is most at risk from Trump's China tariffs?" Benzinga asked.
The results were:
Apple was the top choice in the poll, and the company was viewed as the most likely to be at risk from tariffs on China.
Tesla and Nvidia tied for second place, which comes as both companies face pressure in the country.
Why It's Important: Benzinga recently polled readers to see if they think the tariffs on China will be good or bad for the American economy.
“Will Trump’s tariffs on China help or hurt the U.S. economy?” Benzinga asked.
The results were:
Most respondents said that tariffs on China will hurt businesses and consumers in America.
While Trump has called the tariff moves a way to fight trade imbalances, other countries have threatened America with retaliatory measures, such as tariffs or other measures. The Wall Street Journal said China was looking to target American companies with antitrust concerns. The list of companies China could target includes Nvidia, Apple, Broadcom, and Alphabet.
According to a new report, China is now turning its attention to targeting American technology companies as trade relations escalate.
The Wall Street Journal reported that China is considering targeting American tech companies with antitrust concerns. China could target Nvidia, Apple, Broadcom, and Alphabet.
Read Next:
The study was conducted by Benzinga from Feb. 11, 2025 through Feb. 12, 2025. It included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 92 adults.
Photo: Shutterstock
President Donald Trump continues to plan and place tariffs on imported goods from several countries, due to what he calls an unfair trade balance with other nations.
A recent Benzinga poll shows what impact Trump's tariffs could have on the stock market.
What Happened: On Tuesday, Trump said he plans to place tariffs on several sectors, including automotive, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
Trump said automotive tariffs would come "in the neighborhood of 25%." A report said the tariffs could come as early as April 2.
Semiconductor and pharmaceutical tariffs would also come around the 25% level and could increase throughout 2025. No date for these tariffs has been announced or planned by Trump and the White House administration.
Trump has targeted China, Canada and Mexico with tariffs or threats of tariffs since taking office in January.
Benzinga recently asked if the tariffs could impact stock market indexes like the S&P 500, which is tracked by the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:SPY).
"How will Trump's tariffs affect the stock market?" Benzinga asked.
The results were:
The majority of respondents said Trump's tariffs will send the stock market lower. The remaining voters were split nearly even between the stock market going higher as the result of tariffs or the tariffs not having a real impact on stock market returns.
Why It's Important: Trump recently said the White House will go country by country and adjust trade relations with "fair and reciprocal" tariffs.
This process, along with targeting certain specific industries, could see stocks hurt by the impact as costs are passed on to companies and consumers for the trade wars.
“I’ve decided, for purposes of fairness, that I will charge a reciprocal tariff, meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America,” Trump said, as reported by NBC. “In almost all cases, they’re charging us vastly more than we charge them but those days are over.”
Benzinga recently polled readers to see if they think the tariffs on China will be good or bad for the American economy.
“Will Trump’s tariffs on China help or hurt the U.S. economy?” Benzinga asked.
The results were:
The winner of the poll was that tariffs on China will hurt businesses and consumers in America.
While Trump has called the tariff moves a way to fight the trade imbalances, other countries have threatened America with retaliatory measures like tariffs of their own or other measures. The Wall Street Journal said China was looking to target American companies with antitrust concerns. The list of companies China could target includes Nvidia, Apple, Broadcom and Alphabet.
China is now turning its attention to targeting American technology companies with trade relations escalating according to a new report.
The Wall Street Journal said China is looking at targeting American tech companies with antitrust concerns in the country. The list of companies China could target includes Nvidia, Apple, Broadcom and Alphabet.
A previous Benzinga reader survey asked how high investors thought the SPY could go in 2025, Trump’s first year back in the White House.
In 2017, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust was up 21.7%. This was the first year with Trump in office and many sectors saw gains during the year.
When asked what they thought the return of the SPY would be in 2025, these were the results:
The poll found that the largest percentage believed that the S&P 500 Index would post gains of at least 16% in 2025. The 11% to 15% range came in second place at 22%.
It's also worth pointing out that the S&P 500 decline in 2025 was tied for second in the poll at 22%. This could mean 2025 is a make-or-break year.
SPY Price Action: The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust trades at $611.79 on Wednesday versus a 52-week range of $493.56 to $611.96, a new high hit earlier in Wednesday’s trading session. The ETF is up 23.2% in the past year.
Read Next:
The study was conducted by Benzinga from Feb. 11, 2025 through Feb. 12, 2025. It included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 119 adults.
Image: Shutterstock
Eastside Distilling, Inc. (d/b/a Beeline Holdings) (NASDAQ:BLNE) has closed a $5 million private placement. Over half of the capital came from Nick Liuzza, the founder and CEO of Beeline Financial Holdings, who invested $2.9 million.
The company will deploy the funding to accelerate growth, reduce debt, and expand Beeline’s AI-driven, low-cost mortgage origination platform.
Last September, Eastside Distilling announced its merger deal with Beeline Financial Holdings, a privately held mortgage technology company.
Also Read: ‘Squid Game’ Fuels Netflix’s Dominance in South Korea’s Booming Streaming Market: Report
Additionally, the investment will fuel the rapid development of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Beeline Labs, Inc., which operates a SaaS business and is transforming mortgage quality control and compliance with cutting-edge automation.
This financing follows the recent capital raise by MagicBlocks, of which Beeline Financial Holdings was a founder, and the launch of BlinkQC, an AI-powered mortgage quality control (QC) solution that streamlines compliance, auditing, and risk mitigation for lenders.
Beeline will provide a comprehensive update on its platform-wide advancements and growth trajectory in its upcoming fourth-quarter 2024 earnings report next month.
Price Action: BLNE stock closed higher by 1.92% at $0.6584 Tuesday.
Also Read:
Photo by PopTika on Shutterstock
On Wednesday, Alzamend Neuro, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALZN) announced it had completed the head coil by Tesla Dynamic Coils BV.
The development of the head coil was necessary to facilitate Alzamend's five upcoming Phase 2 clinical trials.
In collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital as its contract research organization, Alzamend intends to undertake clinical trials to assess how lithium levels in the brain differ when using AL001 compared to marketed lithium salts, both in healthy individuals and patients with Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The engineered head coil will enable whole-brain imaging of lithium with remarkable resolution, allowing precise quantification within brain structures.
The coil will be used to help identify the disease-specific target doses of AL001 that improve the balance of safety and efficacy compared to lithium carbonate.
The coil will also be used to scan the entire brain, helping to identify the different structures and important areas necessary for understanding how lithium works and moves within the brain.
Nonclinical (mouse) studies have already demonstrated that AL001 optimizes brain absorption with lower blood concentration levels than lithium carbonate.
In November, Alzamend Neuro finished analyzing the final full data set from a nonclinical study comparing brain and plasma lithium exposures between AL001 and lithium carbonate in Alzheimer's transgenic mice.
Mice received high or low doses scaled to humans of AL001 and lithium carbonate over 14 days to observe pharmacokinetic steady-state drug conditions.
The company said that the results highlight the potential clinical advantages of AL001 for conditions like Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder at low doses.
Price Action: ALZN stock was down by 7.41% to $1.00 during the premarket session at the last check on Wednesday.
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The cannabis job market has seen a turbulent year, with industry-wide salary reductions of 3% to 8% in 2024, according to CannabizTeam’s 2025 Cannabis Industry Salary Guide. Despite economic headwinds, the report highlights the sector's resilience, noting that cannabis wages still outpace those of more established industries.
“People employed in the cannabis industry in 2024 faced significant challenges, such as layoffs and wage decreases, resulting in many employees leaving the industry,” said Liesl Bernard, CEO of CannabizTeam. “These shifts were driven by companies battling falling cannabis prices, market oversaturation, and burdensome taxes and other regulatory costs.”
The cannabis sector has been navigating regulatory fragmentation, declining wholesale prices and capital market struggles. The fallout has been particularly evident in executive leadership salaries, with notable declines across cultivation, extraction, retail and manufacturing roles. The report details that high-level positions such as vice presidents and directors saw some of the sharpest wage contractions.
Despite these challenges, the industry remains hopeful for a rebound, spurred by anticipated federal rescheduling and legislative reforms. “With federal rescheduling and reform efforts on the horizon, we anticipate a very quick return to increased salaries and significant job growth in the industry,” Bernard added.
CannabizTeam estimates that U.S. cannabis employment could reach nearly 800,000 jobs by 2029, even as companies reevaluate hiring strategies amid economic uncertainty. New license issuances also indicate steady industry growth, with roughly 6,200 licenses granted across cultivation, extraction, manufacturing and retail operations in 2024.
Some key market trends identified in the report include:
Recruiting strategies are shifting as companies prioritize culture fit, leadership adaptability and strategic decision-making. Strong leadership is critical to navigating evolving market conditions, with the report emphasizing that “prioritizing hiring for culture fit builds resilient teams that embrace values, adapt to challenges and drive success.”
Beyond salaries, companies are introducing innovative benefits to attract and retain employees. These include 401(k) pooled employer plans, alternative funding strategies for benefits and even consumption-friendly workplace environments in select regions.
The salary guide is based on proprietary salary data, surveys and independent research conducted through Q4 2024. Regional cost-of-living adjustments have been factored in, with locations like San Francisco (+64%) and Honolulu (+65.7%) ranking among the most expensive markets for cannabis professionals.
VERDANT Strategies, Cannabiz Media and Green Leaf Payroll & Business Solutions Inc. contributed to the report. These partners provided essential data and insights that shaped the findings.
Contributors:
While the cannabis industry faces an uphill battle, industry experts remain bullish on long-term job growth and wage recovery. Companies that prioritize strategic leadership, adaptive hiring and innovative benefits are expected to fare better in 2025. The shifting regulatory landscape will likely be the biggest determinant of whether the industry can bounce back from recent setbacks.
To access the full 2025 Cannabis Industry Salary Guide, visit CannabizTeam.com.
Image via Shutterstock
Adam Kinzinger has never been one to toe the party line. As a former Republican congressman, he has seen his party shift over the years, growing more divided on key issues—including drug policy. Now, with the question of cannabis rescheduling looming and bipartisan discussions on psychedelic therapy gaining momentum, the ideological battle within the GOP is more visible than ever.
"There is a group within this kind of new whatever-we-want-to-call-it Republican Party, I guess, that is very hardcore anti-drug," Kinzinger says. "It's kind of like from the '80s." The old-guard mentality, deeply rooted in the Reagan-era War on Drugs, still holds significant sway. But another force is emerging. "You also have a group of more libertarians, which are more open to things like cannabis and psychedelics and things like that," he adds. "So I don't know who's going to win that fight."
Speaking in the context of Saxo's US Election Hub, Kinzinger acknowledges that the Republican Party is in a state of flux. While some within the conservative base still view drug policy reform as a nonstarter, others—driven by economic incentives, medical research and shifting public opinion—are warming up to the idea of change. For Kinzinger, it's not just a political debate; it's a matter of catching up with reality.
"I'll tell you though, there has been massive progression on those issues in the U.S., both in my thinking—from, I guess, the last time I would have had to vote on this was probably eight years ago—and then what we've seen in studies."
That shift in thinking is particularly pronounced when it comes to psychedelics. For decades, substances like MDMA and psilocybin were dismissed as fringe or dangerous. Today, however, scientific research tells a different story. "Not that long ago, the idea that MDMA or other psychedelics would somehow help somebody with PTSD… You could look back and say, ‘that was something from the hippies in Vietnam that said that kind of stuff,'" Kinzinger says. "But now, we've seen a number of studies –-and I've talked to a number of people, by the way–- that have been helped by this kind of stuff."
His interest in the issue is personal. As a veteran, he understands the devastating impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the limitations of traditional treatment methods. "I think it's important for us, especially when it comes to our veteran community –when we're continuing for a while at least to prescribe them drugs in terms of oxy [oxycodone] and things like that, to get them hooked on that," he says. "If this is a way to solve that (and I've talked to a number of people that have had their lives fixed on psychedelics, for instance) let's do that."
It's a compelling argument and one that is gaining bipartisan traction. In recent years, studies from institutions like Johns Hopkins and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) have suggested that psychedelics, particularly MDMA, may significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans and first responders. While the FDA has recognized the potential of psychedelic therapies and granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to certain compounds, it has also rejected MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD due to concerns over study design and data integrity.
Thus, regulatory hurdles remain. Within the Republican Party, opposition to psychedelic research is less ideological and more about inertia—a reluctance to engage with policies that challenge long-standing norms.
The conversation around cannabis follows a similar trajectory, though with clearer economic and political stakes. Kinzinger, like many, sees the contradiction in current U.S. drug laws. "Obviously, alcohol is legal, and I drink alcohol myself," he says. "But I talked to people who are police officers that say they've never been to a domestic violence call, for instance, where the guy's high on weed. Instead, it's usually because he's drunk."
It is a stark contrast, highlighting a growing sentiment that cannabis prohibition is rooted in outdated narratives rather than real public safety concerns. "I think, look, adults being able to use this kind of stuff… does it have some negative ramifications? It does," he acknowledges. "But there are adults that use it respectfully."
As the debate continues, Kinzinger believes the political calculus is changing. "I do think within 5, at the maximum 10 years –because I just don't know where this administration is going to go, you'll see it actually unscheduled in the United States and quite likely federally legal," he predicts. "Unless they just leave it to the states… For instance, states right now determine the drinking age, even though all around the United States is 21. In theory, a state could make it 18 if they want to. So, it probably will be a policy that rests in the states, but I see it being decriminalized for sure federally."
For now, the fate of cannabis and psychedelic policy remains uncertain. But Kinzinger's perspective reflects a broader reality: the conversation has moved past whether reform will happen, and onto how—and when—it will take shape.
Still, the speed of reform will depend on political realities. While bipartisan support for cannabis and psychedelic policy has grown, federal agencies and key policymakers ultimately control the timeline. The Biden administration set the stage for rescheduling, but with a new president in office, that momentum may shift.
For a moment, it seemed as though cannabis reform might have momentum at the federal level. The Biden administration had initiated the process of rescheduling cannabis, a move that many saw as the first step toward wider reform. But with a new administration in power, that trajectory appears far less certain.
Trump's recent appointment of Terrance Cole as DEA chief has further clouded the outlook. A veteran of the agency with a long history of enforcing strict drug policies, Cole has been vocal in his support of the "Just Say No" approach to cannabis—an ideology that helped fuel the War on Drugs in the 1980s. His selection signals that the DEA is unlikely to prioritize rescheduling efforts and some advocates now worry that the process could stall or even be reversed under Trump's leadership.
Beyond the DEA, Trump's broader personnel choices also suggest a return to hardline drug policies. His new Attorney General, Pam Bondi, previously opposed medical cannabis efforts in Florida, while OMB Director Russ Vought has supported federal crackdowns on cannabis businesses. With key figures in place who have historically resisted drug policy reform, the path forward for cannabis legalization is increasingly uncertain.
Psychedelic reform faces similar challenges. While states like Oregon and Colorado have moved ahead, the federal government's stance remains unclear. The FDA's rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy last year already slowed progress, and with a DEA chief openly opposed to drug reform, the chances of federal approval in the near future have diminished.
Kinzinger may be optimistic that cannabis will be federally legal within a decade, but whether that process moves forward or grinds to a halt will depend on the political realities of the current administration. As Trump builds out his second-term agenda, it's becoming clear that drug policy reform is not a priority—and may even face new resistance.
For now, the fate of cannabis and psychedelics remains uncertain. Whether reform continues—or is rolled back—will depend on how the political landscape shifts in the years ahead.
Photo via Shutterstock
"Cannabis is medicine and a viable, safe alternative to opioids."
Marvin Washington knows pain.
Not the kind that comes and goes. The kind that lingers. The kind that burrows deep into your body and settles in for the long haul. The kind that every former NFL player knows far too well.
For 11 seasons, Washington lined up against the best—a relentless defensive end for the New York Jets, Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers. A force on the field, smashing through offensive lines, chasing down quarterbacks, absorbing hit after hit after hit. And he played through it all.
Because that's what you do in the NFL.
You get hurt. You take something for the pain. You get back out there.
And for decades, that "something" was opioids.
It was pills in the trainer's room, pills in your locker, pills before practice, before games, before bed. It was normal. Until it wasn't. Until guys started needing them just to function. Until guys started losing everything to addiction. Until some of them didn't make it out at all.
Washington saw it happening in real-time. And he knew there had to be a better way.
"The short answer is yes," Washington says when asked if sports are finally shifting away from opioids. "Between all of the expos, conventions and panels that are happening, former athletes, mostly led by cannabis athletes, have brought this issue to the mainstream. It's been covered by mainstream media publications, and it has made all leagues at all levels aware of the opioid issue with athletes and society in general."
But awareness doesn't always mean action.
Even today, painkillers remain the default prescription for pro athletes, even as the consequences become impossible to ignore. The body count is real. So is the devastation.
See also: Inside The First Black And Latina-Owned Vertically Integrated Cannabis Company In The US
Washington has spent years pushing for a different path. And in his mind, cannabis is part of the answer. Not just because it works, but because it doesn't destroy lives in the process.
"We're seeing firsthand the evolution of cannabis," he says. "Leafwell is fulfilling the vision that so many sports cannabis pioneers, such as Ricky Williams, Kyle Turley Riley Cote, etc., have been fighting for over a decade. It's no longer when and if, but when—and that's now."
Now is the moment to change the game. And Washington is making sure athletes—past, present and future—have the tools to do it.
Here's the thing: the hits don't stop when the paychecks do. Retirement doesn't mean relief. It means reckoning.
"There are 3,200 active NFL players but 20,000 former players," Washington says. "You cannot forget about the health and welfare of that many guys who helped build the game."
The NFL is trying. In recent years, it's expanded healthcare for retired players. The NBA and MLB have done the same. The NHL is catching up. But Washington believes one piece is still missing: Cannabis.
See also: How Ozempic And Legal Weed Are Changing What America Eats
Guys are already using it—for pain, for recovery, for mental health, for CTE, for sleep. They just can't talk about it freely. They still risk judgment, stigma and roadblocks when it comes to access.
Washington wants to change that.
Of course, sports leagues don't move fast—unless there's money involved.
"The biggest roadblock is the prohibition at the federal level," Washington says. "However, leagues have been starting to see, just like with the other ‘vice' industries—such as alcohol and gambling—the benefits of partnerships with the cannabis industry are the financial benefits. MLB allows cannabis advertising, and USC (University of Southern California) partnered with the cannabis company Cookies on a sponsorship deal with their athletic department. The economic impact is powerful, and the Trojan horse—the medicinal benefits—are in the belly that will be let out to show them that cannabis is medicine."
Translation? Money talks.
Once the financial upside becomes too big to ignore, leagues will follow. But Washington isn't waiting around for them to figure it out.
That's where Leafwell comes in.
A company focused on medical cannabis research and patient consultations, Leafwell is bringing hard data to the conversation—the kind of evidence that gets leagues, doctors and decision-makers to take notice. And Washington is right in the middle of it, working directly with players’ unions to get cannabis integrated into collective bargaining agreements.
See also: Cannabis Could Save $29 Billion Per Year In U.S. Healthcare Costs, Says CEO
Step by step, he's moving the needle.
Washington isn't the only one leading the charge. Athletes like Ricky Williams, Al Harrington and Matt Barnes have built their own cannabis brands, showing that there's a place for athletes in this industry, not just as consumers, but as business leaders.
If a player came to Washington today and said, “I want to start a cannabis business,” he'd tell them the same thing he'd tell any entrepreneur.
"Like any other business, you must educate yourself, know your target market, surround yourself with good, sound business people and have solid business principles."
It's not just about building a business. It's about changing an industry. And that takes time, strategy and persistence.
Because even with legalization expanding, social equity is still an uphill battle.
"The thing that is making progress is the legalization of cannabis in the Atlantic states," Washington explains. "Very respectful of the early legal states west of the Mississippi, but the population centers are on the Eastern seaboard, with the people who need social equity. It's moving—maybe not as fast as some would like, but it's moving."
Slowly. But it's moving.
If he could sit across from Roger Goodell or any other league commissioner, Washington knows exactly what he'd say.
"Cannabis is medicine and a viable, safe alternative to opioids."
It's not just an opinion. It's science. It's real. It's the truth.
And Washington isn't just talking about it. He's making sure it happens.
Because for too long, cannabis in sports has been about punishment.
Now, he's making sure the next phase is about healing.
Photo courtesy of Leafwell
Within the first week of his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that included a directive to evaluate the creation of a "strategic national digital assets stockpile." The Federal Reserve has also shunned plans to create a central bank digital currency, setting a conducive ecosystem for cryptocurrencies to grow.
However, the move has sharply contrasted with the policy of the European Central Bank, which ruled out adding digital assets to monetary frameworks.
One of the ECB's fiercest critics, Sarah Knafo, a European Parliament member from France, spoke with Benzinga about how Europe was missing out on an impending "revolution" by ignoring Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and clinging to inflationary fiat currencies.
Knafo belongs to the French-nationalist Reconquête party, which was founded in late 2021. She was elected to the European Parliament in 2024 and currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Europe of Sovereign Nations Group.
The European lawmaker said Bitcoin was a response to the "galloping" inflation in Europe.
"Public deficit leads to monetary creation, which creates inflation, which leads to chaos. Because of these poor political choices, our traditional currencies have only collapsed for decades, while that of Bitcoin only strengthens," Knafo stated, aligning with the arguments of Bitcoin maximalists.
In a recent address to the European Parliament, Knafo slammed the idea of a digital euro and backed the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
"I am going to fight the digital euro, this totalitarian temptation of the ECB, by alerting public opinion," Knafo said. "I will do everything my status as a member of Parliament allows me to do."
See Also: Hold Dogecoin Until March 24, Says Top Crypto Trader Expecting ‘Nice Pumps:’ But Look Out For These ‘Sell’ Signals
ECB, on the other hand, states on its website that the digital euro will provide a higher level of privacy than other digital payment systems and that the infrastructure provider won’t be able to connect transactions to individuals. The central bank declined to categorically respond to Knafo’s accusations.
Regarding Bitcoin, ECB President Christine Lagarde said last month that the leading cryptocurrency does not align with its standards for safety, liquidity, and regulatory compliance, and hence fails the reserve asset test.
It's worth noting that Poland has ruled out adding Bitcoin to its reserves, while another non-eurozone member, the Czech Republic, showed interest in exploring the idea.
When asked if Bitcoin might become legal money alongside the euro, the lawmaker stated, “I believe that Bitcoin has the capacity to be an answer, without replacing traditional currencies.”
Knafo reserved special praise for El Salvador, the first country to adopt Bitcoin as a legal tender. "For the moment, El Salvador’s choice is visibly paying off and offers a very interesting and innovative growth driver."
Interestingly, President Nayib Bukele, under whose administration Bitcoin became a legal tender, admitted last year that the cryptocurrency hasn’t witnessed widespread adoption as expected.
Knafo acknowledged the pro-cryptocurrency pivot in the U.S. under Trump, contrasting it with the "slowness" of European institutions.
"Historically, the United States has had the ability to scale up at the forefront of innovation, while the EU wastes time regulating before innovating. This freedom allows them to be pioneers," she said.
Knafo also talked about her recent meeting with Michael Saylor, the co-founder of the world's largest Bitcoin holding company, Strategy.
"This meeting was absolutely fascinating, and Michael is a genius entrepreneur. We talked about Bitcoin but also about many other future topics such as AI, French nuclear power, and the future of Europe.”
Photo Courtesy: Sarah Knafo
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House of Kush, Missouri's premier cannabis brand, is redefining how consumers experience marijuana with the launch of its latest innovation: THC-infused coffee K-Cups. This new product is the result of a strategic partnership with House of Koffee, a leader in specialty coffee, combining the best of both worlds – premium coffee and precision-infused cannabis.
Each K-Cup contains a perfectly balanced 5mg dose of THC, offering a seamless and convenient way for consumers to enjoy the energizing benefits of coffee with the relaxing effects of cannabis. Available exclusively at dispensaries throughout Missouri and soon Michigan, this new product is poised to be a category killer, setting a new standard in cannabis-infused beverages.
"At House of Kush, we're always looking for new ways to elevate the cannabis experience, and our partnership with House of Koffee is a game-changer," House of Kush CEO Reggie Harris told Benzinga. "This THC-infused K-Cup brings together premium coffee and the perfect dose of cannabis, delivering an unparalleled blend of energy and relaxation. Missouri consumers are in for something truly special."
The partnership with House of Koffee ensures that consumers are getting a high-quality product from two brands dedicated to craftsmanship and innovation, Harris added.
Tony Castellitto, head of operations and House of Koffee co-founder, said when the idea came to him, he couldn’t shake it.
"I had this idea I couldn't shake—blending my two passions, coffee and cannabis, into something truly special," Castellitto said.
“Making it a reality requires the right partners, and with House of Kush, we've crafted a product that delivers the best of both worlds. We've spent years perfecting specialty coffee, and now, with that same expertise and precision, we're proud to introduce a THC-infused K-Cup that offers a truly elevated experience," he added.
Castellitto's co-founder talked about the exquisite ritual of coffee and cannabis.
"The moment we combined the two, the entourage effect was undeniable. That lightbulb moment came quickly, and we knew we were on to something different," said Hakeem Valles. "My partners and I spent 18 months in R&D and countless focus groups perfecting this product, realizing it's not just for the everyday cannabis consumer. It opens the door to a new audience – those curious yet cautious, stigma-averse but experience-driven. That's when we knew we were creating something truly transformative.”
House of Kush's THC-infused K-Cups will be available for pre-sales starting March 1st, with official availability in dispensaries across Missouri shortly after. Consumers looking to be among the first to try this innovative product can get more information on pre-sales can contact House of Kush.
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Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.
Defiance ETFs has introduced an innovative line of ETFs under the Battleshares brand, designed to capitalize on strategic rivalries in leading industries. The first in the series, the Battleshares TSLA vs. F ETF (NYSE:ELON), is set to redefine how investors engage with competitive market dynamics.
ELON takes an aggressive stance on the long-standing rivalry between Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) and Ford (NYSE:F). The actively managed fund adopts a long/short strategy, taking a leveraged long position in Tesla at approximately +200% of the fund’s net assets while holding a leveraged short position in Ford at -100% of the fund’s net assets. This structure provides investors with a targeted opportunity to bet on the divergence between innovation-led growth and traditional automaking strategies.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Defiance CEO Talks About The New ORCX ETF Launch And All Things AI
In an exclusive interview with Benzinga, Defiance ETFs CEO Sylvia Jablonski discussed how this approach aims to “capitalize on the competition between disruptors and incumbents across various sectors.”
“For years investors have been expressing opinions by going long and short, and even pair trading. However, there has never been an innovative tool like ours, which democratizes institutional-like strategies for all investors. The Battleshares ETFs differ from existing thematic ETFs by focusing on direct head-to-head rivalries within industries, employing a leveraged long/short strategy to capture potential gains from both the success of innovators and the challenges faced by legacy companies,” she noted.
Speaking on why Tesla vs. Ford was chosen as the first competitive pairing for the Battleshares lineup, Jablonski said, “Tesla and Ford were chosen as the inaugural pairing for the Battleshares lineup due to their prominent positions in the evolving automotive industry. Tesla represents innovation in electric vehicles, while Ford symbolizes traditional automotive manufacturing. This pairing highlights the ongoing transformation within the sector. There is also a lot of buzz about Elon in politics today, putting the spotlight on his companies.”
Jablonski noted that Defiance will regularly review and adjust Battleshares ETFs based on market trends and investor demand. Potential new launches could occur as early as next week. The company is also considering hedged versions for risk-averse investors.
Regarding how these ETFs are expected to perform compared to traditional long-only sector funds, Jablonski said that the Battleshares ETFs “offer a unique approach by providing exposure to both the potential gains of innovative companies and the declines of their legacy counterparts. This strategy aims to enhance returns by capturing the competitive dynamics within industries.
By listing ELON on the NYSE, Defiance ETFs is providing investors with a distinctive vehicle to gain exposure to the evolving automotive sector. As Tesla continues its disruptive trajectory with advancements in electric vehicles and AI-driven automation, Ford remains a key player adapting to an increasingly electrified and digital automotive landscape. ELON offers a structured way to navigate this market transformation.
The unique structure of this suite involved some regulatory considerations. “Defiance has worked closely with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and transparency, addressing any potential hurdles to bringing these innovative products to market,” Jablonski said.
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Photo: Shutterstock
The financial technology (fintech) sector is reshaping how businesses and consumers interact with financial services. The USA, with its robust tech ecosystem, access to venture capital, and supportive regulatory framework, is increasingly becoming the global hub for fintech innovation. From digital payments and blockchain to AI-driven financial solutions, the USA is setting new benchmarks in financial services.
This article explores the factors driving the USA's rise as a fintech powerhouse, key players in the industry, investment trends, regulatory challenges, and the role of custom software development in USA in shaping the fintech landscape.
The USA is the leading destination for fintech investments. According to CB Insights, fintech startups in the USA attracted over $50 billion in funding in 2023, accounting for nearly 50% of global fintech investments. Venture capital firms, private equity investors, and institutional backers continue to fuel this expansion, betting on innovative financial technologies.
With the rise of contactless payments, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, and neobanks, the USA is leading the shift towards cashless transactions. Payment processing companies like Square, PayPal, and Stripe continue to set the standard for seamless digital payments, helping both businesses and consumers transact more efficiently.
The fintech revolution is heavily dependent on custom software development in USA to create scalable, secure, and user-friendly financial applications.
Many fintech startups partner with custom software development firms in the USA to build cutting-edge applications that meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
The regulatory landscape plays a crucial role in shaping the fintech industry in the USA. Agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Reserve, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are actively overseeing fintech operations to ensure consumer protection and financial stability.
Key regulatory trends include:
Despite regulatory challenges, the USA remains one of the most attractive markets for fintech innovation due to its ability to balance compliance with growth.
While the USA leads fintech development, other countries are also making significant progress:
| Country | Fintech Investment (2023) | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $50B | AI, Payments, Crypto, RegTech |
| UK | $15B | Open Banking, InsurTech |
| China | $13B | Mobile Payments, Blockchain |
| India | $9B | Digital Banking, Microfinance |
| Singapore | $5B | Regulatory Sandbox, Fintech-Friendly Policies |
The USA holds a competitive edge due to its superior venture capital ecosystem, talent pool, and technological advancements.
The next phase of fintech growth in the USA will be driven by:
The USA has cemented its position as the leading fintech powerhouse, fueled by massive investments, technological advancements, regulatory developments, and custom software development in USA. With a strong ecosystem supporting innovation, the fintech industry will continue to redefine financial services, making transactions faster, more secure, and more efficient.
For businesses looking to capitalize on fintech growth, partnering with experienced fintech developers and software firms in the USA will be the key to success in this rapidly evolving landscape.
President Donald Trump promised tariffs on China during the 2024 election and the country remains one of his key targets in increasing payments on items imported into the United States.
Here's a look at how Benzinga readers feel that could impact the American economy.
What Happened: Trump has imposed tariffs on several items exported to the United States by China and new comments suggest more tariffs could be coming.
On Thursday, Trump said the White House will go country by country and adjust trade relations with "fair and reciprocal" tariffs.
"I've decided, for purposes of fairness, that I will charge a reciprocal tariff, meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America," Trump said, as reported by NBC. "In almost all cases, they're charging us vastly more than we charge them but those days are over."
Benzinga recently polled readers to see if they think the tariffs on China will be good or bad for the American economy.
"Will Trump's tariffs on China help or hurt the U.S. economy?" Benzinga asked.
The results were:
The winner of the poll was that tariffs on China will hurt businesses and consumers in America.
Why It's Important: News of Trump considering reciprocal tariffs follows earlier tariff threats primarily aimed at Canada, China, and Mexico.
China is now turning its attention to targeting American technology companies with trade relations escalating according to a new report.
The Wall Street Journal said China is looking at targeting American tech companies with antitrust concerns in the country. The list of companies China could target includes Nvidia, Apple, Broadcom and Alphabet.
Concerns over the American economy with tariff threats could change the way investors view the potential returns of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:SPY), which tracks the S&P 500 Index, for 2025.
A previous Benzinga reader survey asked how high investors thought the SPY could go in 2025, Trump's first year back in the White House.
In 2017, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust was up 21.7%. This was the first year with Trump in office and many sectors saw gains during the year.
When asked what they thought the return of the SPY would be in 2025, these were the results:
The poll found that the largest percentage believed that the S&P 500 Index would post gains of at least 16% in 2025. The 11% to 15% range came in second place at 22%.
It’s also worth pointing out that the S&P 500 decline in 2025 was tied for second in the poll at 22%, which could mean 2025 is a make-or-break year.
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The study was conducted by Benzinga from Feb. 11, 2025 through Feb. 12, 2025. It included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 133 adults.
Image created using photos from Shutterstock.
“The cannabis world is always growing. It's a steady and slow process, but it never stops,” says Jürgen Bickel, managing director and co-founder of STORZ & BICKEL. For more than two decades, he has been at the forefront of innovation in vaporization, transforming the way consumers and patients experience cannabis.
From launching the Volcano in 2000, before most people even knew vaporization was possible, to the release of the VENTY, hailed as 2024's Vaporizer of the Year at the EMJAYS, Bickel's approach has always been methodical, science-driven and focused on the user experience. But even after years of refining vaporization technology, he insists: there's still work to be done.
Before vaporization became mainstream, before dry herb vapes lined dispensary shelves, there was the Volcano.
The story begins in the late 1990s with Markus Storz, a graphic designer in Germany who started experimenting with hot air extraction as an alternative to combustion. The concept was simple yet groundbreaking: heat cannabis just enough to release cannabinoids and terpenes, but not enough to burn it—eliminating harmful byproducts associated with smoking.
At the time, vaporization was almost unheard of. The idea that you could consume cannabis without combustion was revolutionary, especially for medical patients looking for a healthier alternative.
See also: EXCLUSIVE: DoorDash Reveals Why It’s Betting On THC, CBD Delivery
Bickel, an engineer by trade, saw the potential in Storz's work and joined forces with him in the early 2000s. Together, they refined the design and introduced a forced-air system that would become the hallmark of the Volcano.
“People didn't even realize you could inhale cannabis without smoking it,” Bickel recalls. “It was a novelty. But once they tried it, they understood the benefits immediately.”
The balloon-based delivery system wasn't just a design choice: it was a game-changer. It separated heat generation from inhalation, ensuring consistent, safe and controlled dosing. For medical marijuana users, this was particularly critical.
“Once it's in the balloon, there's no heat, no electricity—it's very safe,” Bickel explains. “You can fall asleep with it, and it doesn't matter. You can easily inhale at your own pace.”
While the Volcano, which turns 25 years old in 2025, remains an industry staple, STORZ & BICKEL didn't stop there. Over the years, the company expanded its product line, refining vaporization technology for different user preferences.
The company's approach has always been methodical, balancing scientific research, precision engineering and user feedback.
“We constantly look at development,” Bickel explains. “We like to let new products settle a little bit… but of course, we are always working on new things.”
This relentless drive for innovation has ensured that STORZ & BICKEL devices are trusted by medical patients and connoisseurs alike, setting the benchmark for quality, performance and reliability in vaporization technology.
One of the most defining features of STORZ & BICKEL's devices is their medical-grade quality. The company was the first to receive medical certification for a cannabis vaporizer—an achievement that set it apart from competitors.
Bickel emphasizes the importance of safety and reliability, particularly for medical users. “It was never just about innovation for the sake of it—we wanted to make something that actually improved the way people consumed cannabis.”
This focus on precision and consistency has made STORZ & BICKEL the go-to brand for medical cannabis patients, researchers, and connoisseurs alike. By prioritizing quality over trends, the company has maintained its reputation as the gold standard in vaporization.
In October 2023, STORZ & BICKEL introduced the VENTY, a vaporizer designed to push the limits of speed, airflow and efficiency.
“The VENTY heats up in just 20 seconds,” says Bickel. “It has a lot of draw possibility—the airflow is very high.”
With its adjustable airflow system, users can fine-tune the resistance to match their preferences, making the experience more dynamic and customizable than ever before. The dual lithium-ion battery also ensures extended use, reducing the need for frequent recharging.
“We are always working on development,” Bickel repeats. “With the VENTY, we brought out a really great device.”
In 2018, STORZ & BICKEL was acquired by Canopy Growth Corp (NASDAQ:CGC), one of the largest cannabis companies in the world, in a $145 million deal. The move came at a time when Canopy was rapidly expanding, securing global assets to strengthen its market position.
“There was a moment in the company's life when we decided to sell,” Bickel recalls. “We had a very good offer at the time. There were personal reasons for the decision, but also the opportunity made sense.”
Despite the acquisition, STORZ & BICKEL has maintained operational independence, with Bickel still leading the company as managing director.
“Nothing changed in terms of how we develop our products or how we interact with our customers,” he says. “We still focus on what we do best: making the highest-quality vaporizers in the world.”
Being part of a larger corporation has also helped expand STORZ & BICKEL's international reach, providing access to greater resources while allowing the brand to continue innovating at its own pace.
With the success of the VENTY and a legacy spanning over two decades, what's next for STORZ & BICKEL?
“Right now, we're focused on letting the VENTY settle into the market,” Bickel says. “But, of course, we're always working on new things.”
While the company remains tight-lipped about upcoming product developments, STORZ & BICKEL is actively expanding its presence beyond devices. The brand is forging strategic partnerships in the growing consumption lounge sector, starting with The Woods, a cannabis lounge co-founded by Woody Harrelson. These collaborations aim to enhance the consumer experience while positioning the VOLCANO Hybrid and VENTY as must-have devices in high-end, social consumption settings.
The company also made history at Super Bowl 59, becoming the first cannabis brand to host an on-site consumption event at Sports Illustrated's The Party. The VOLCANO Bar, featuring CEO Jürgen Bickel and retired NFL star Pacman Jones, introduced football fans to high-end, smoke-free vaporization—marking a milestone for mainstream cannabis acceptance.
With cannabis culture evolving and public consumption spaces becoming more popular, STORZ & BICKEL is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of innovation—not just in technology, but in how and where people experience cannabis.
“The cannabis world keeps growing, and we'll continue to evolve with it,” Bickel says.
Photo courtesy of STORZ & BICKEL
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