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Leslies

Leslies Inc is a direct-to-consumer pool and spa care brand offering a comprehensive assortment of products across chemicals, equipment and parts, cleaning and maintenance equipment, and safety, recreational, and fitness-related products. The company offers its products and services for Residential Pool, Residential Spa, Professional Pool, and Commercial Pool consumers. Geographically, it operates only in the United States.

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Shares of Patterson Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: PDCO) moved lower during Wednesday’s session after the company reported worse-than-expected second-quarter financial results and lowered FY24 adjusted EPS guidance below estimates.

Why Patterson Companies Shares Are Trading Lower By Around 14%? Here Are Other Stocks Moving In Wednesday&#39;s Mid-Day Session

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Shares of  Workday, Inc. (NASDAQ: WDAY) surged in pre-market trading after the company reported upbeat earnings results for its third quarter.

Why Workday Shares Are Trading Higher By Around 9%; Here Are 20 Stocks Moving Premarket

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Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our analyst ratings page.

Micron To Rally Around 12%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Wednesday

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U.S. stock futures traded higher this morning, with the Dow Jones futures gaining around 100 points on Wednesday.

Leslie&#39;s Posts Weak Earnings, Joins Las Vegas Sands, Verve Therapeutics And Other Big Stocks Moving Lower In Wednesday&#39;s Pre-Market Session

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Leslie&#39;s Inc (NASDAQ: LESL) shares are trading lower in Tuesday&#39;s after-hours session after the company reported mixed financial results and issued forward guidance 

Leslie&#39;s Stock Sinks On Q4 Earnings: The Details

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The most oversold stocks in the consumer discretionary sector presents an opportunity to buy into undervalued companies.

Top 5 Consumer Stocks That May Explode This Quarter

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	B of A Securities boosted the price target for  Camtek Ltd.  (NASDAQ: CAMT) from $30 to $50. B of A Securities analyst Vivek Arya upgraded the stock from Neutral to Buy. Camtek shares rose 1.8% to $44.02 in pre-market trading.


Microsoft To Rally Around 16%? Here Are 10 Other Analyst Forecasts For Tuesday

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U.S. stocks traded higher, with the Dow Jones gaining over 50 points on Monday. Here are some big stocks recording losses in today’s session.

Ford Motor, AT&amp;T, Frontier Communications And Other Big Stocks Moving Lower On Monday

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U.S. stocks traded mixed toward the end of trading, with the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq Composite moving lower on Friday.

The Dow traded up 0.30% to 34,498.91 while the NASDAQ fell 0.36% to 14,087. The S&amp;P 500, also fell, dropping, 0.18% to 4,502.13.

Nasdaq Drops 50 Points; Wells Fargo Earnings Beat Views

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Telsey Advisory Group analyst Dana Telsey reiterated a Market Perform rating on Leslie&#39;s, Inc. (NASDAQ: LESL), 

Softer Demand For Chemicals Hurts Leslie&#39;s Amid Macro Woes, Analyst Lowers Price Target

Leslies Inc

A report from Goldman Sachs has raised doubts about the potential return on investments in artificial intelligence (AI) by tech companies.
What Happened: According to the report, companies are projected to invest over $1 trillion in AI. However, Goldman Sachs&#8217; report expresses apprehension about the returns on this colossal investment.
The <a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/pages/gs-research/gen-ai-too-much-spend-too-little-benefit/report.pdf">report</a> underscores the high costs associated with AI technology, including data centers, power grids, and AI chips, and questions whether these costs can be justified by the returns.
&#8220;AI technology is exceptionally expensive, and to justify those costs, the technology must be able to solve complex problems, which it isn&#8217;t designed to do,&#8221; Jim Covello, the head of global equity research at Goldman Sachs, said in the report.
Covello also criticized the tech industry&#8217;s assumption that AI costs will significantly decline over time. He mentioned Google&#8217;s decision to reduce its AI usage in search after its bot began making strange suggestions as an example.
&#8220;The starting point for costs is also so high that even if costs decline, they would have to do so dramatically to make automating tasks with AI affordable,&#8221; Covello added. &#8220;In our experience, even basic summarization tasks often yield illegible and nonsensical results.&#8221;
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39432776/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-recalls-billions-of-dollars-of-investments-in-deep-learning-and-the-philosop?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Recalls Billions Of Dollars Of Investments In Deep Learning</a>
Despite Covello&#8217;s skepticism, other experts quoted in the report were more optimistic. 
&#8220;The technology&#8217;s cost equation will change, just as it always has in the past,&#8221; said Kash Rangan, a senior equity research analyst at Goldman Sachs. 
Eric Sheridan, another senior analyst with the firm, compared the initial reactions to AI with those to the iPhone and Uber, predicting a similar acceptance over time.
&#8220;People didn&#8217;t think they needed smartphones, Uber, or Airbnb before they existed. But today it seems unthinkable that people ever resisted such technological progress. And that will almost certainly prove true for generative AI technology as well,&#8221; Sheridan said.
Why It Matters: The concerns raised by Goldman Sachs come at a time when tech companies are aggressively pursuing AI advancements. 
For instance, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is reportedly in talks with Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) to integrate Meta's generative AI model into Apple's new AI system, Apple Intelligence. This move is part of Apple&#8217;s broader <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39447797/apple-eyes-meta-for-potentially-game-changing-ai-partnership-report">strategy to catch up in the AI race</a>.
Apple, a late entrant to the generative AI field, has developed its own smaller AI models. However, for more complex or specific tasks, it is seeking partnerships with other companies. 
The company&#8217;s focus on AI underscores the importance of this technology, despite the concerns raised by Goldman Sachs.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/39020980/elon-musk-reveals-the-biggest-benefit-of-ai-replacing-human-jobs-in-a-benign-scenario">Elon Musk Reveals The Biggest Benefit Of AI Replacing Human Jobs: &#8216;In A Benign Scenario &#8230;&#8217;</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

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Goldman Sachs Casts Doubt On 'Exceptionally Expensive' AI Investments By Tech Companies

At the recent 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/06/39362361/suze-orman-tells-caller-investing-500-per-month-from-early-social-security-would-be-the-most-rid">Suze Orman</a> sat down with Mika from MSNBC to discuss the current state of the U.S. economy and the financial worries that keep her up at night. Their conversation highlighted the stark contrast between the overall economy&#8217;s health and many individuals&#8217; financial struggles.
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When Mika asked Orman about her concerns regarding the economy at the beginning of the year and now, Orman's response was candid. &#8220;I&#8217;m always concerned about those that don&#8217;t have money,&#8221; she said. Despite reports that inflation has calmed down, she emphasized that many people still struggle to afford basic necessities. "The rents people are paying, the prices they're paying for real estate, their homes, that concerns me."
Orman acknowledged that, on the surface, the economy appears to be doing well. &#8220;It seems like we're doing alright. It seems unemployment's alright, the markets are over the top great, and it's kind of settled in,&#8221; she noted. However, she stressed that this positive outlook on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39420979/us-economy-in-state-of-unstable-equilibrium-study-finds">overall economy</a> doesn&#8217;t reflect the reality for many individuals.
Mika pointed out the seeming contradiction in economic indicators. "Leading indicators look good. But it is expensive at the grocery store and hard to get a home."
Orman agreed, highlighting the distinction between the overall economy and individual financial situations. "On an individual level, I think people are not doing okay. I do not. Over 50% of the people in the United States don't have $400 for an emergency savings account," she said.
Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bezos-landlord-100-dollars"> become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100</a>.
Orman elaborated on the challenges faced by individuals. Without sufficient savings, unexpected expenses, like a car repair, often lead to increased debt. "They have to go and put it on a credit card and pay the minimum payment, and then the cycle of debt begins," she explained.
While the overall economic indicators might look promising, Orman believes they fail to capture the average person&#8217;s financial struggles. "When you look at people's individual situation, in my opinion, they're still struggling."
When asked about the economic concerns that keep her up at night, Orman pointed to geopolitical issues rather than domestic financial instability. "What keeps me up at night are the wars. What's happening in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine and Russia? We are now a global economy," she said. Orman explained that global conflicts have far-reaching effects on the economy, as resources are diverted to combat and defense, impacting global trade and economic stability.
Mika inquired whether these global worries should influence individual <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-is-financial-planning">financial planning</a>. Orman stressed the importance of staying informed. "I think they should absolutely be knowledgeable about it. And I think if you're just not worried because you don't want to know about it, now you're also asking for trouble on a personal level."
Suze Orman's insights at the 30/50 Summit underscore a critical message: While the macroeconomic indicators might paint a rosy picture, many individuals continue to face significant financial challenges. Her advice is clear — stay informed, be prepared, and understand that the economy&#8217;s overall health does not necessarily reflect the economic well-being of the average person.
Given these complexities, consulting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> can be invaluable. A professional can provide personalized guidance, help you navigate economic uncertainties, and create a robust financial plan tailored to your needs. As we navigate these uncertain times, taking proactive steps with the help of an expert can make a significant difference in achieving financial stability and peace of mind.
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Personal Finance

Suze Orman Breaks On The Overall Economy Vs An Individual Economy — Says 'On An Individual Level, I Don't Think People Are Doing OK'

Paul Krugman, an authority in economics and Noble Prize winner, commented on Friday&#8217;s<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/06/39547288/feds-preferred-inflation-gauge-falls-to-lowest-level-since-november-2021-relieves"> inflation data that showed a further easing in pricing pressure, </a>prompting an increase in the odds of rate cuts.
Inflation War Won? &#8220;Inflation looks beaten,&#8221; said Krugman in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The Bureau of Economic Analysis&#8217; personal income and spending report released on Friday showed that the annual rate of the personal consumption expenditure index (PCEI) came in 2.6%, marking the lowest level since March 2021. The metric is considered the Fed&#8217;s favorite inflation gauge.
Sharing a chart of the annual rates of PCEI and the core PCEI, Krugman said, &#8220;The blip a few months ago looks like start-of-year price resets, and what's left is lagged housing costs.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">In other news, inflation looks beaten. The blip a few months ago looks like start-of-year price resets, and what's left is lagged housing costs <a href="https://t.co/OsBPCPC2vo">pic.twitter.com/OsBPCPC2vo</a>
&mdash; Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) <a href="https://twitter.com/paulkrugman/status/1806724684584550764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-inflation-stocks">Best Inflation Stocks</a>
Why It&#8217;s Important: Consumer price inflation rose to a high of 9%+ in the summer of 2022 and has been trending broadly downward. The CPI, which was at 3.1% at the start of this year, jumped slightly to 3.5% in March and fell to 3.4% in April. Krugman attributed the spike seen earlier this year to &#8220;start-of-year price resets.&#8221;
One significant factor keeping the CPI inflation above the Federal Reserve&#8217;s 2% threshold is shelter costs. Home prices are not included in inflation calculations because they are considered an investment by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the CPI does include rents and &#8220;owners&#8217; equivalent rents,&#8221; which estimate the amount a homeowner might charge if they rented out their own home.
Shelter costs accounts for 30-40% of the CPI.
The BLS collects data for calculating the CPI every month, but the rent included is the amount negotiated at the start of the lease, which may have been set well before that particular month. Therefore, economists often regard this number as a lagging indicator.
The inflation number is particularly important, as the Federal Reserve has maintained the Fed funds rate at a 22-year high. A reduction in interest rates could kickstart growth and have a cyclical effect on the economy.
For the stock market, which is rallying due to a sharp spike in shares of select stocks tied to artificial intelligence technology, a rate cut could mean additional gains. Lowering rates is seen as a positive for interest-rate-sensitive companies, potentially leading to a rise in stock prices and a broadening of the rally.
That said, inflation truthers such as Peter Schiff have warned that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38840668/gold-bull-peter-schiff-says-inflation-headed-far-higher-as-powell-refuses-to-acknow">inflationary pressure will reignite in the near- to medium-term.</a>
The iShares TIPS Bond ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TIP#NYSE">TIP</a>), an ETF tracking the investment results of an index composed of inflation-protected U.S. Treasury bonds, ended Friday&#8217;s session down 0.31% at $106.78, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag">Benzinga Pro data.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/06/39552559/inflation-data-shows-fed-policy-is-working-daly-says">Inflation Data Shows Fed Policy Is &#8216;Working&#8217;, Daly Says</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Economics

Federal Reserve

Prominent Economist Paul Krugman Says 'Inflation Beaten,' Underlines This As Reason For Sticky Pricing Pressure

&ldquo;My journey into the world of cannabinoids began as a way to find some balance in the chaos of my life,&rdquo; says Travis Barker in an exclusive interview. Not only did Barker charge forward as the powerhouse behind the drums in Blink-182, but he also nurtured his relationship with cannabis along the way.
&ldquo;From the intense workouts in boxing and Muay Thai to touring and drumming with Blink-182, it&#39;s been a crazy ride,&rdquo; he continues. &ldquo;Cannabis, especially edibles, became my go-to for recovery and finding a peaceful state of mind.&rdquo;
As Barker aged and evolved within the ever-high-energy world of touring, his use of cannabis became more nuanced, as he started to use it to foster creativity and increase general well-being. &ldquo;Back in the day, it was about partying and having a good time, but it&#39;s evolved into not just getting high but having cannabis work for me functionally both mentally and physically to align with the lifestyle that I&rsquo;ve chosen,&rdquo; he elaborates. &ldquo;Today, my relationship with cannabis is much more sophisticated. It&#39;s about finding a balance that enhances creativity, promotes well-being and highlights positive vibes.&rdquo;
This journey is where Barker Canna Co., a business that started as a wellness venture and is now expanding into the cannabis space, &ldquo;seeking to bridge the gap of quality and affordability,&rdquo; comes into play, the musician explains. For him, it&rsquo;s all about sharing what he&rsquo;s &ldquo;learned and experienced with the world (quality, balance and good vibes) [about] sparking inspiration and self-expression.&rdquo; More on this, later on.
<h2>&lsquo;More Than You Know&rsquo;: Barker&rsquo;s Deep Connection With The Plant</h2>
In early 2023, after sustaining a serious injury to his finger, not once but twice, during tour rehearsals, Barker underwent surgery to address the issue. The procedure, crucial for his ability to continue playing drums, involved repairing a torn ligament in his finger. This medical intervention marked a turning point in his approach to pain management and recovery.
Barker&rsquo;s life experience made him a staunch advocate for cannabis legalization. &ldquo;It&#39;s time to have a real talk about cannabis,&rdquo; he voices. &ldquo;We must let go of outdated stigmas that have existed for too long. Cannabis leads to freedom, creative exploration and medical benefits, and it should not be looked upon as forbidden. We have come a long way in understanding the potential of cannabis, and it&#39;s about time our laws and research funding catch up. It&#39;s not about getting high, it&#39;s about finding relief.&rdquo;
<img alt="Travis Barker" src="https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/65c26116a8d237d252c28779/Travis-Barker/960x0.jpg?format=jpg&amp;width=1440" style="height:450px; width:368px" />
<a href="https://elplanteo.com/travis-barker-blink-182/">Travis Barker</a>. DANIEL ROAJS
Addressing the &ldquo;racial disparities the War on Drugs has caused,&rdquo; the artist summons people to think about it in depth. &ldquo;It is time for the cannabis industry and society to acknowledge the impact and take steps to rectify these disparities,&rdquo; he declares.
The first thing we need to do, in his view, is create more opportunities to those most affected by the War on Drugs. &ldquo;We need to focus on fostering inclusivity and providing measures for education and employment within the cannabis industry. We also need to shift the narrative around cannabis. Instead of seeing it through the lens of harm, let us focus on its potential for good,&rdquo; he asserts.
And he adds: &ldquo;Let&#39;s open up the doors and create a space where people can make educated choices about cannabis, whether it&#39;s for medical reasons or to enhance their overall well-being.&rdquo;
As Barker maps out the future of cannabis legislation, he remains optimistic about its potential for societal change. &ldquo;I foresee a progressive shift in cannabis legislation globally,&quot; he anticipates, suggesting an impending federal legalization in the U.S. and increasing global acceptance.
His love of music also plays a part in this narrative. In fact, Barker believes that legalization &ldquo;will likely have a profound impact on the music industry.&rdquo; As he explains, cannabis has long been intertwined with musical creativity and inspiration. &ldquo;As legalization progresses, we anticipate more artists incorporating cannabis culture into their brands and projects, fostering a new era of collaboration and artistic expression.&rdquo;
And this rings true. Artists from Jay-Z,<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2023/12/19/snoop-dogg-talks-new-cannabis-beverage-line-not-everyone-wants-to-smoke-or-vape-to-get-high-drinking-is-familiar/?sh=3362289c356f" target="_self" title="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2023/12/19/snoop-dogg-talks-new-cannabis-beverage-line-not-everyone-wants-to-smoke-or-vape-to-get-high-drinking-is-familiar/?sh=3362289c356f">&nbsp;Snoop Dogg</a>,<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2023/04/11/rick-ross-reveals-his-new-cannabis-strain-it-makes-you-feel-good-relaxed-like-a-boss/" target="_self" title="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2023/04/11/rick-ross-reveals-his-new-cannabis-strain-it-makes-you-feel-good-relaxed-like-a-boss/">&nbsp;Rick Ross</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2020/09/16/berner/?sh=62b28b03541d" target="_self" title="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2020/09/16/berner/?sh=62b28b03541d">&nbsp;Berner</a>, to<a href="https://elplanteo.com/carlos-santana-marihuana-espiritualidad-musica/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://elplanteo.com/carlos-santana-marihuana-espiritualidad-musica/">&nbsp;Carlos Santana</a>, Willie Nelson and<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2023/09/19/method-man-talks-weed-we-are-the-american-dream-from-getting-locked-up-to-being-a-proprietor/" target="_self" title="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2023/09/19/method-man-talks-weed-we-are-the-american-dream-from-getting-locked-up-to-being-a-proprietor/">&nbsp;Method Man</a>, have not only overtly supported legalization over the years, but have also launched weed brands of their own. And the same trend can be seen all over the world, as evidenced by these<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2023/08/04/9-latin-musicians-with-their-own-cannabis-brands/" target="_self" title="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2023/08/04/9-latin-musicians-with-their-own-cannabis-brands/">&nbsp;9 Latinx musicians who have also released cannabis-related brands</a>.
<h3>Forget &lsquo;Dumpweed&rsquo;: The Inception Of Barker Canna Co.</h3>
Barker&rsquo;s evolution within the cannabis world mirrors that of the burgeoning U.S. market, which boasted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-cannabis-market" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-cannabis-market">estimated</a>&nbsp;sales of $13.2 billion in 2022 and $15.8 billion in 2023, generating an economic impact of<a href="https://mjbizdaily.com/cannabis-industry-will-add-100-billion-to-us-economy-in-2023" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://mjbizdaily.com/cannabis-industry-will-add-100-billion-to-us-economy-in-2023">&nbsp;more than $100 billion</a>&nbsp;per year. Barker&#39;s venture thus aligns with an industry at the forefront of reshaping societal perspectives on wellness, creativity and economic development.
<img alt="Barker Canna Co." src="https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/65c26176add86e9b3033c1b0/Barker-Canna-Co-/960x0.png?format=png&amp;width=1440" style="height:450px; width:318px" />
Barker Canna Co. BARKER CANNA CO.
Drawing on his experiences in music, Barker sees parallels in his approach to the cannabis business. &ldquo;The world of music has taught me a lot about creativity, pushing boundaries and connecting with people,&rdquo; he says. This philosophy is evident in Barker Canna Co.&#39;s commitment to creating an experience that transcends the product, fostering a deep connection with the community.
&ldquo;The intersection of the rock music scene and cannabis culture is undeniable,&rdquo; he goes on. &ldquo;Both embody rebellion, creativity, and a sense of individuality. Barker Canna Co. embraces this synergy by creating products that reflect the free-spirited essence of the rock scene, offering a unique and authentic experience for cannabis enthusiasts who share our passion for music and self-expression.&rdquo;
In this sense, &ldquo;Barker Canna Co. is [meant for] adults looking for a mindful and balanced cannabis experience... For consumers [who] appreciate quality and are open to exploring the benefits of cannabis at a price point that is accessible to all.&rdquo;
Barker also discusses the innovative approaches Barker Canna Co. is taking with its product line. &ldquo;We&#39;re exploring unique formulations, delivery methods, and product experiences&hellip; promoting cannabis as a holistic tool for relaxation, creativity, and overall well-being,&rdquo; he states, underlining his commitment to elevating the cannabis experience.
<img alt="Barker Canna Co." src="https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/65c2618eadd86e9b3033c1b2/Barker-Canna-Co-/960x0.png?format=png&amp;width=1440" style="height:450px; width:296px" />
Barker Canna Co. BARKER CANNA CO.
Over time, Barker plans to take the brand abroad, reaching an international audience through &ldquo;strategic partnerships and a phased approach.&rdquo; Collaborating with other musicians and exploring the &ldquo;potential to merge creative energies&rdquo; is not off the table either, he adds.
As he reflects on prior experiences, Barker explains how key learnings from other ventures, especially in the lifestyle and entertainment industry, &ldquo;have been instrumental in shaping Barker Canna Co.&rdquo; He emphasizes the importance of brand authenticity and connecting with consumers: &ldquo;Barker Canna Co. is built on a foundation of transparency and genuineness,&rdquo; he explains, highlighting his commitment to embodying personal values and ethics in his brand.
Barker Canna Co. is not just a brand launch for him; it represents Barker&#39;s participation in a cultural and societal shift, viewing cannabis as a medium for wellness, creativity and social change: &ldquo;We strive to connect with consumers on a personal level, aligning our values with theirs and fostering trust in the cannabis space.&rdquo;
<h3>It&rsquo;s About &lsquo;All The Small Things&rsquo;</h3>
As the conversation nears its end, Barker embarks on two final topics: the journey of cannabis entrepreneurs and his ideal weed partner.
<img alt="Travis Barker" src="https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/65c261abb14cf9eb07cebe80/Travis-Barker/960x0.jpg?format=jpg&amp;width=1440" style="height:397px; width:624px" />
Travis Barker. DANIEL ROJAS
&ldquo;For those entering the cannabis industry, my advice is to stay informed, be adaptable and prioritize compliance,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Embrace the evolving landscape, focus on product quality and build a brand that resonates with authenticity. Additionally, fostering positive relationships within the industry and advocating for responsible use will contribute to long-term success.&rdquo;
Finally, on a lighthearted note, he answers the already classic question: if you could share cannabis with anyone, dead or alive, who would that be?
For Barker, the ideal cannabis companion would be 2Pac. And he&rsquo;s unhesitant in his answer. However, he adds a little twist: &ldquo;Instead of passing him a joint, I&rsquo;d slide over [an edible].&rdquo;
&ldquo;I&#39;m more of an edibles guy myself,&rdquo; he adds, painting a vivid picture of the situation. &ldquo;Imagine vibing to Pac&rsquo;s music, sharing wisdom over a chill session with (...) gummies in hand. That&#39;s the dream session right there.&rdquo;
Follow me on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitter.com/javierhasse" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/javierhasse/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.&nbsp;Check out&nbsp;my&nbsp;<a href="https://elplanteo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;some of my other work&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/cannabis" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;
This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2024/02/06/blink-182s-travis-barker-cannabis-helps-me-find-balance-in-the-chaos-of-my-life/?sh=eb8fd5c40cd7">Forbes</a>&nbsp;and appears here with permission. It does not represent Benzinga&#39;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Cannabis

Blink-182's Travis Barker: 'Cannabis Helps Me Find Balance In The Chaos Of My Life'

These ten large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol></ol>
<ol>
<li>Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) shares surged 30.04%  in the last week following a report suggesting the company has simplified its output, cut costs and announced plans for a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39497161" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> joint venture with Volkswagen</a>.</li>
<li>Carnival Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CUK#NYSE">CUK</a>) stock gained 17.78% on continued strength following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39481992" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better-than-expected Q2 earnings</a>.</li>
<li>FedEx Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) stock soared 17.51% in the last week on better-than-expected Q4 financial results and guidance. Also, the company announced it expects to buy back $2.5 billion <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39504381" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worth of stock in FY25</a>. Several analysts raised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39509568" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecasts on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Samsara Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IOT#NYSE">IOT</a>) stock advanced 16.37% after RBC Capital reiterated an Outperform rating and maintained its<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/iot/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> price target of $47</a>.</li>
<li>Suzano S.A. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SUZ#NYSE">SUZ</a>) shares rose 12.24% after it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39519611" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dropped the acquisition</a> pursuit of International Paper Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IP#NYSE">IP</a>).</li>
<li>Carvana Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVNA#NYSE">CVNA</a>) shares increased 11.93% after updating on its operating plan and capital structure at the William Blair 44th Annual Growth Stock <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39509401" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conference in early June</a>.</li>
<li>FTAI Aviation Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTAI#NASDAQ">FTAI</a>) stock gained 11.55% in the last week.</li>
<li>Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>) shares surged 11.08% after the company announced a policy update to block <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39494776" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated website scraping</a>.</li>
<li>Mongodb Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDB#NASDAQ">MDB</a>) stock gained 10.57% in the last week.</li>
<li>Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALNY#NASDAQ">ALNY</a>) shares rose 10.82% amid possible continued strength after the company announced topline results from its HELIOS-B Phase 3 study of vutrisiran. Also, multiple analyst firms raised their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/alny/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecasts on the stock</a>.</li>
</ol>
Photo Courtesy of Rivian

Large Cap

ALNY

FTAI

MSTR

RDDT

RIVN

Rivian Automotive And Carvana Were Among The 10 Biggest Large Cap Gainers Last Week (June 23-June 29): Are These In Your Portfolio?

This article was originally published on <a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/the-4-most-expensive-marijuana-strains-on-the-market-today-and-4-cheaper-strains-that-are-just">Cannabis.net </a>and appears here with permission.
<a href="https://cannabis.net/strains">Different cannabis strains</a>&nbsp;have different qualities. Patients and consumers frequently compile a list of their favorite strains that best suit their health requirements because the psychotropic and physical effects of various strains can be strikingly diverse.
Some strains are the result of casual growers experimenting with genetics in their spare time. While this citizen science approach can sometimes yield groundbreaking results, it can also lead to disappointing outcomes.
In contrast, other strains come from extensive breeding programs that involve expensive equipment, experienced breeders, and top-tier genetic material. These&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/what-are-the-most-expensive-marijuana-strains-in-the-world">strains often command higher prices on the market.</a>
But are these premium seeds worth the investment? It depends. Some offer genuinely unique and beneficial qualities, while others may be over-hyped and not live up to the marketing claims.&nbsp; Some&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/news/the-worlds-most-expensive-joint-at-only-24000">expensive marijuana joints</a>&nbsp;have had a list price of over $24,000!
Here are some of the most&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/what-are-the-most-expensive-cannabis-strains-on-the-market-and-an-affordable-alternative-to-eac">expensive stains with their cheaper alternatives</a>;
<h3>1. ORACLE</h3>
In 2009, a mysterious strain named Oracle captivated the cannabis community, sparking rumors of a breakthrough in cannabis potency. Oracle&#39;s name buzzed through online forums and real-world events, generating significant excitement.
What fueled this hype? Oracle was rumored to possess two extraordinary traits. First, it was said to produce resinous flowers with a staggering THC content of 45%. Second, Oracle supposedly bloomed in record time, reducing the wait for harvest. These claims drove up the price of Oracle&#39;s genetics, with seeds selling for $200 each and clones fetching $1,000.
Sounds revolutionary, right? Unfortunately, the hype was unfounded, likely a combination of false marketing and overenthusiastic cannabis fans. In 2013, The Werc Shop, a cannabis testing facility, analyzed Oracle samples. They found that not only did Oracle lack 45% THC, but it contained almost no THC at all.
Instead, Oracle flowers were rich in CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, producing no high and far from the intense effects it was famed for.
Affordable Alternative: CBD Fix Automatic
Paying a premium for a high-CBD cultivar like Oracle doesn&#39;t make sense, especially with other high-quality strains available. Consider CBD Fix Automatic, for example.
This excellent strain offers CBD levels up to 15% with a THC level of just 0.8%. Descending from Northern Light Auto and a CBD-rich clone, it remains small and easily manageable. Its dense flowers provide a light, subtle effect that keeps you productive and focused all day long.
<h3>2. ISLA OG</h3>
Isla OG catapulted to fame after a legendary internet appearance. In a web series, rapper 2 Chainz smoked this strain using a 24-karat gold rolling paper. Whether a savvy marketing stunt or a display of his lavish lifestyle, this moment instantly associated Isla OG with extravagance and premium status.
Despite the exposure, Isla OG remains somewhat mysterious. Cannabis experts speculate that it has sativa genetics, possibly a cross between OG Kush and Hawaiian.
Affordable Alternative: OG KUSH
As one of Isla OG&#39;s potential parents, OG Kush shares many of its desirable traits. This legendary strain offers a similar flavor profile to Isla OG, with high THC levels and a mix of sweet and sour tastes. Enjoy part of Isla OG&#39;s legacy at a much lower cost.
<h3>3. XJ-13</h3>
With 50% Indica and 50% Sativa in equal proportion, XJ-13 is a hybrid strain that is well-known for its intensity and abundant secondary cannabinoid and terpene profile. Due to its distinct makeup, this strain&mdash;which retails for about $350 per ounce and has a total THC level of about 30%&mdash;has earned a place on the luxury strain list.
Strain Profile
-THC: 28%
-THCA: 16%
-CBGa: 14.13 mg/g
-CBCa: 4.16 mg/g
-CBG: 0.57%
-CBD: 0.05%
-Dominant Terpenes: B-Pinene, Humulene, A-Pinene, 3-Carene, Terpinolene, Linalool, Y-Terpinene, P-Cymene
XJ-13 may provide relief from headaches, weariness, muscular spasms, anxiety, and problems with focus and sleep. Given that XJ-13 contains terpenes, which are known to elevate mood, this strain may be helpful to those who are depressed.
Less Expensive Alternatives
- Jack Herer
- G-13
Flavor Profile
When smoked, XJ-13 has a flavor profile that combines citrus, earthy, sweet, and nasty skunk undertones. It&#39;s not hard to get in the US, but the average price per ounce is about $350.
<h3>4. White Fire OG</h3>
White Fire OG, also known as WiFi OG or WiFi Kush, is a hybrid strain with a 60% Indica and 40% Sativa composition. Bred from Fire OG and The White, this strain has become highly popular.
Strain Profile
- THC: 22% to 30%
- CBD: 1%
- Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, Limonene
Patients using White Fire OG report feeling emotionally uplifted, focused, energetic, and relaxed, making it ideal for daytime use.
<h3>Less Expensive Alternatives</h3>
- Jesus OG
- Tangerine Dream
- Jacky White
- The White
- White Wedding
<h3>Flavor Profile</h3>
White Fire OG offers a unique flavor profile, featuring sour citrus, spicy earth, and mellow herb notes. Some users note a peppery taste that can induce coughing. This strain can sometimes be found for less than $200 per ounce, though it typically sells for $400 to $600 per ounce.
<h3>Do Pricey Weed Strains Make Sense?</h3>
Finding therapeutic cannabis strains might seem endless for people with physically or mentally crippling diseases. Given their high price tags, it&#39;s reasonable to question whether the most costly strains in the world may provide greater benefits.
However, you don&#39;t need to use a&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/medical/10-indica-high-thc-strains-for-making-rick-simpson-oil">high-THC strain</a>&nbsp;to achieve good results. Affordable alternatives are often available at your local dispensary. By doing some research and creating a list of high-quality, budget-friendly strains, you can find effective options. Additionally, consult with your local dispensary for recommendations tailored to your symptoms and wellness goals.
<h3>Bottom Line</h3>
Although some of the priciest cannabis strains command premium pricing due to their distinctive features, they aren&#39;t necessarily the greatest or the only method to get the desired benefits. Numerous reasonably priced substitutes can provide comparable advantages without the high cost. Through research and discussions with trained personnel at the dispensary, customers may choose affordable, premium strains that fulfill their demands for wellness and health. Regardless of price, the optimal strain is the one that successfully treats a patient&#39;s unique symptoms and preferences.
This article is from an external unpaid contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#39;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

The 4 Most Expensive Cannabis Strains On The Market - And 4 Cheaper Ones That Are Just As Good

This article was originally published on<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/the-rise-and-fall-of-pioneer-pot-markets-rip-california-and-colorado-cannabis-industries"> Cannabis.net</a> and appears here with permission.
When Colorado and Washington made history in 2012 as the first U.S. states to legalize recreational marijuana, they kicked off a green rush that rapidly transformed the cannabis industry. Colorado in particular saw a meteoric rise, with sales soaring to $2.2 billion in 2020 and the state raking in hundreds of millions in cannabis tax revenue. Some local entrepreneurs rode this wave to stunning success, building national brands from humble beginnings.
Fast forward to 2024 and the Rocky Mountain high has worn off. Colorado dispensaries that once couldn&#39;t keep up with demand now sit shuttered. Statewide sales have plummeted over 30% from their peak. While still a sizable market, the trailblazing industry that put Colorado on the cannabis map is now a cautionary tale.
1,200 miles to the west, California - the country&#39;s largest legal weed market - is facing its own reckoning. Despite the Golden State&#39;s legendary cannabis culture and ideal growing climate, many legitimate operators are struggling to stay afloat. But while Colorado&#39;s crash stems from market saturation and competition from newly legal neighbors, California&#39;s decline has more to do with over-taxation enabling the tenacious black market to undercut legal businesses.
As more and more states jump on the legalization bandwagon, policymakers are looking to these early adopters to understand how to establish a stable and sustainable cannabis sector. In this article, we&#39;ll unpack the factors behind the slumping sales in Colorado and California, and explore what lessons emerging marijuana markets can take away to avoid the same pitfalls. The great American pot experiment is far from over.
<h3>The Colorado Conundrum</h3>
Colorado&#39;s cannabis industry, once a roaring success story, has fallen on hard times. According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/06/09/colorado-weed-market-00157118">recent Politico article</a>, statewide marijuana sales have plunged from a high of $2.2 billion in 2020 to just $1.5 billion in 2023 - a jaw-dropping&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/news/colorado-cannabis-sales-hit-a-new-low-not-seen-since-february-of-2017-the-cannibalization-of-th">decline of over 30% in just three years</a>. This has led to widespread layoffs, business closures, and a lot of nervous industry stakeholders.
So what&#39;s behind this Rocky Mountain revenue recession? Industry insiders point to a perfect storm of factors. &quot;It&#39;s like the wind in our cannabis sails in Colorado has just been sucked all the way out,&quot; laments Wanda James, founder of Denver dispensary Simply Pure.
A key culprit is the very success that Colorado pioneered - the spread of legalization to neighboring states like New Mexico and Arizona, which has siphoned off customers. &quot;We&#39;re a victim of our own success,&quot; explains Jordan Wellington, a partner at Denver-based cannabis policy firm Strategies 64. &quot;New markets drawing investment away, new markets drawing purchasing away &mdash; all of these different things combined into the soup of the challenges [facing] Colorado.&quot;
Businesses have had to adapt to this new reality in different ways. Some, like Dank Dispensary in Denver, have had to cut back on employee perks and parties. Others, like Southern Colorado retailer Maggie&#39;s Farm, have shuttered multiple locations.
<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/news/70420-a-year-to-smoke-weed-all-day-and-post-about-it-would-you-apply-to-this-new-job-opening">Cannabis jobs</a>&nbsp;in the state have plummeted 16% in the past year alone, according to a report from Vangst.
But while painful, this market contraction is a natural evolution for maturing cannabis markets, explains Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics. &quot;Initially, supply is low and profits are high, which draws in new businesses. As supply and consumer access catch up, prices drop.&quot;
&nbsp;As more states legalize, Whitney predicts this&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/news/the-race-to-the-bottom-continues-colorados-medical-marijuana-sales-reach-new-lows">boom-and-bust pattern will ease and interstate prices</a>&nbsp;will normalize.
In the meantime, Colorado businesses are adjusting to compete in a crowded and dynamic market. Denver dispensary Simply Pure saw sales spike 60% during the COVID-19 lockdowns, only to come crashing down when cultivators ramped up production.[1] &quot;The only problem &hellip; for a long time was that there was never enough weed,&quot; recalls Jon Spadafora, CEO of wholesale cultivator Veritas Fine Cannabis. &quot;We all overestimated the market. We all believed a little bit too much of our own PR.&quot;
Veritas has since downsized from 144 employees to just 21.
This thinning of the herd is inevitable as the industry matures and stabilizes. But those businesses that are able to adapt and ride out the turbulence could be well-positioned for the next chapter of Colorado&#39;s cannabis story.
As more states enter the legal fray, Colorado&#39;s hard-won experience and expertise could prove invaluable. The green rush may be over, but the Centennial State&#39;s influence is sure to endure.
<h3>The California Cannabis Conundrum</h3>
While Colorado&#39;s cannabis market struggles are largely due to increased competition and market saturation, California&#39;s industry woes stem from a different root cause: overtaxation. Despite high hopes that legalization would cripple the illicit market, California&#39;s hefty tax rates have instead enabled illegal operators to continue undercutting legal businesses.
<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/news/could-californias-pot-taxes-reach-45">California imposes some of the steepest cannabis taxes</a>&nbsp;in the country, with rates up to 40% in some jurisdictions when state and local levies are combined.[1]
This has kept prices for legal products artificially inflated compared to the illicit market. &quot;The tax rate is way too high,&quot; argues Javier Montes, owner of Wilmington dispensary Delta-9 THC. &quot;People got used to the black market, and then they were supposed to transition to the legal market, but there&#39;s no incentive to.&quot;[2]
This over-taxation has effectively acted as &quot;prohibition 2.0&quot;, allowing illegal grow operations and unlicensed dispensaries to thrive. Ironically, this has attracted an unexpected player: Chinese organized crime.
While Mexican cartels have largely pivoted to more profitable hard drugs like fentanyl,&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/news/do-the-chinese-really-run-the-illicit-weed-market-in-america">Chinese drug trafficking organizations</a>&nbsp;have moved in to exploit the lucrative California cannabis black market.[3] Authorities have busted numerous large-scale Chinese grow operations hidden in suburban homes in recent years.[4]
But taxation is far from the only issue plaguing California&#39;s legal cannabis industry. The state&#39;s onerous and costly regulations have created immense barriers to entry for legal businesses. Lengthy licensing processes, restrictive zoning laws, and expensive compliance requirements have kept many legacy operators from transitioning to the legal market.[5] This has perpetuated the illicit industry, as many longtime growers and sellers see little benefit in going legit.
Furthermore, California&#39;s patchwork of local cannabis laws has created a confusing and inconsistent market landscape. While the state legalized recreational use in 2016, municipalities can still ban cannabis businesses outright. As of 2022, fewer than 40% of California cities and counties allowed any type of legal cannabis operation.[6] This has left large swaths of the state underserved by legal operators and ripe for illicit activity.
These factors have led to a California cannabis market that is far underperforming its potential. Despite having nearly twice the population of Colorado, California&#39;s legal sales in 2022 were only moderately higher at around $5.3 billion.[7] For the state to fully realize the promise of cannabis legalization, policymakers will need to overhaul the current tax and regulatory scheme to support licensed businesses and motivate illicit operators to transition to the legal market. Until then, California&#39;s cautionary tale will continue.
SOURCES:
[1]&nbsp;<a href="https://taxfoundation.org/state-cannabis-taxes-2022/">https://taxfoundation.org/state-cannabis-taxes-2022/</a>
[2]&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-20/california-cannabis-industry-layoffs">https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-20/california-cannabis-industry-layoffs</a>
[3]&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-07-19/california-marijuana-china-cartels">https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-07-19/california-marijuana-china-cartels</a>
[4]&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/federal-and-local-law-enforcement-shut-down-over-50-illegal-marijuana-grows-and-seize">https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/federal-and-local-law-enforcement-shut-down-over-50-illegal-marijuana-grows-and-seize</a>
[5]&nbsp;<a href="https://mjbizdaily.com/obstacles-to-enter-california-legal-cannabis-market-remain-daunting-for-legacy-operators/">https://mjbizdaily.com/obstacles-to-enter-california-legal-cannabis-market-remain-daunting-for-legacy-operators/</a>
[6]&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/industry-news/majority-of-california-municipalities-ban-commercial-cannabis-how-that-aff/">https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/industry-news/majority-of-california-municipalities-ban-commercial-cannabis-how-that-aff/</a>
[7]&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/10/23/california-legal-illicit-weed-market-516868">https://www.politico.com/news/2021/10/23/california-legal-illicit-weed-market-516868</a>
<h3>Lessons Learned: Building A&nbsp;Sustainable Cannabis Market</h3>
As more states consider cannabis legalization, policymakers would be wise to study the cautionary tales of Colorado and California. These pioneering markets offer valuable lessons on what works &ndash; and what doesn&#39;t &ndash; when it comes to crafting a successful and sustainable cannabis industry.
First and foremost, states must resist the temptation to overtax the newly legal market. While cannabis may seem like a cash cow for revenue-hungry governments, excessive taxation can backfire by perpetuating the illicit market.
California&#39;s punitive tax rates, reaching up to 40% in some areas[1], have kept illegal operators in business and undercut the very legal industry the state is trying to foster. Policymakers should instead aim for a tax sweet spot &ndash; high enough to generate meaningful revenue, but low enough to motivate illicit operators to transition to the legal market.
Secondly, regulations must be designed with an eye toward fairness and equity. Overly burdensome licensing requirements, zoning restrictions, and compliance costs can shut out smaller operators and communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.
Equity must be baked into the framework of the legal market from day one, with measures like expedited licensing for legacy operators, fee waivers for social equity applicants, and reinvestment of cannabis tax revenue into hardest-hit neighborhoods.
By lowering barriers to entry and providing support, states can create an inclusive industry that benefits a broad range of stakeholders.
Finally, policymakers should embrace the free market&#39;s ability to self-correct. As Colorado&#39;s story illustrates, the invisible hand is already at work balancing supply and demand in maturing cannabis markets.
While the industry&#39;s growing pains have been undeniably painful, with layoffs and closures roiling the once-booming market, this contraction is a natural stage in the evolution of a new sector.
As Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics notes, &quot;As more states legalize, Whitney predicts this boom-and-bust pattern will ease and interstate prices will normalize.&quot;[2] By allowing market forces to weed out inefficiencies and reward innovation, states can cultivate a leaner, more resilient cannabis industry.
Of course, the cannabis industry is still in its infancy, and there will undoubtedly be more lessons to learn as legalization spreads.
But by heeding the hard-won wisdom of trailblazers like Colorado and California &ndash; keeping taxes reasonable, prioritizing equity, and letting the market work &ndash; states can lay the foundation for a cannabis industry that is built to last. The road may be rocky, but with smart, forward-thinking policy, the future of legal cannabis is bright.
SOURCES:
[1]&nbsp;<a href="https://taxfoundation.org/state-cannabis-taxes-2022/">https://taxfoundation.org/state-cannabis-taxes-2022/</a>
[2]&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/09/colorado-cannabis-market-crash-cautionary-tale-00101170">https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/09/colorado-cannabis-market-crash-cautionary-tale-00101170</a>
This article is from an external unpaid contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#39;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Government

Regulations

The Rise And Fall Of Pioneering Weed Markets: RIP California And Colorado Cannabis Industries

Financial anxiety is not a new concept—many people struggle with how to spend their money, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/retirement-planning-guide">save for retirement</a>, and manage their finances. One term that encompasses all of this is ‘money dysmorphia.'&nbsp;
So, what is money dysmorphia?&nbsp;
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<li>Warren Buffett flipped his neighbor's $67,000 life savings into a $50 million fortune —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/advisor-adv-warren-buffett"> How much is that worth today?</a></li>
</ul>
"Money dysmorphia is when you have a warped or distorted view of your finances," Danielle Desir, a personal finance expert and host of "The Thought Card" podcast, told HuffPost. "You see your financial situation much differently from your reality. Money dysmorphia can be caused by a variety of reasons, including past money trauma, societal pressures, economic crisis, or could be deeply rooted in childhood upbringing."
A recent Credit Karma study shows that 29% of Americans experience money dysmorphia, and the problem is much greater for younger generations. About 43% of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials experience money dysmorphia, compared to 25% of Gen X and 14% of Boomers.&nbsp;
Elizabeth Ayoola, a personal finance writer at NerdWallet, told HuffPost that those with money dysmorphia often view their finances subjectively rather than objectively. This skewed perception can manifest in several ways:
<ul>
<li>Saving excessively: Some people may save excessively because they feel they are falling behind their peers.</li>
<li>Overspending: This becomes a problem for people who feel they are more financially secure than they are. </li>
<li>Strong emotional reactions: Experiencing anxiety, sadness, frustration, or unworthiness when confronted with friends' financial milestones can be a sign of money dysmorphia, especially when it leads to unnecessary spending. </li>
<li>Lifestyle choices: People may live lifestyles they can't afford, or conversely, may be financially secure but deny themselves enjoyment because they think they don't have enough. </li>
<li>Obsessive behaviors: Constantly checking bank balances, avoiding discussing finances, comparing oneself to others, and feeling guilty about necessary purchases are common among people with money dysmorphia. </li>
</ul>
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Trending: Miami is expected to take New York's place as the U.S. Financial Capital.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/miami-take-new-yorks-place-financial-capital"> Here's how you can invest in the city before that happens</a>.
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Social media has not helped the issue. When people share the parts of their lives that appear more extravagant, it evokes a sense of needing to "keep up with the Joneses." Seeing the seemingly perfect lives of others can skew one's perception of their finances.&nbsp;
Another reason for many struggling with money dysmorphia is this obsession with being rich. Credit Karma says that 27% of Americans are obsessed with the idea of being rich, and of those with money dysmorphia, 54% are obsessed with wanting to be rich.&nbsp;
Courtney Alev, a consumer financial advocate at Credit Karma, says there are a few ways individuals can overcome money dysmorphia:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Take an honest look at your finances.</li>
<li>Set clear goals.</li>
<li>Make a plan.</li>
<li>Stop comparing yourself to others.</li>
</ul>
"If your goal is to build up your savings," she says, "start by doing an audit of your finances to see where in your budget you can make room for savings. From there, you can schedule automatic payments from each paycheck to help hold you accountable and incrementally increase your savings."&nbsp;
Addressing money dysmorphia requires a blend of self-awareness, education, and sometimes even professional guidance. Recognizing these signs in yourself is the first step toward reclaiming a healthier relationship with finances. Whether saving excessively, overspending, or constantly comparing your financial situation to others, seeking support from a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> can provide invaluable perspective and practical strategies tailored to your individual needs.
Read Next:
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<li>This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bezos-landlord-100-dollars"> become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100</a>.</li>
<li>No generation before Gen Z has had this investment opportunity &#8211;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/retiring-at-30-adv"> How successful Zoomers plan to retire in their 30's</a>.</li>
</ul>

You May Be Suffering From 'Money Dysmorphia' — Almost One-Third Of Americans Are And Here's Why

President <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39543594/biden-vs-trump-flash-poll-picks-debate-winner-but-over-one-third-of-voters-doubt-his-ability-to-lead">Joe Biden is widely considered to be the loser in the first presidential debate</a> that was held Thursday night but Donald Trump&#8217;s niece Mary Trump went on to make the case that the incumbent could still be a better bet for America.
Style Over Substance? If the winner is decided based on honesty, policy, a vision for America and the defense of democracy, Donald Trump could have had a &#8220;apocalyptically disastrous&#8221; debate, said Mary Trump in a substack<a href="https://marytrump.substack.com/p/why-im-still-with-president-biden?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=559646&amp;post_id=146097621&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=true&amp;r=rkloa&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email"> post. </a>&#8220;But if we're only going to count style over substance, I'll take hoarse and halting over hate-filled and unhinged every day of the week,&#8221; she said.
Choosing Donald Trump over Biden would be to reward &#8220;cruelty, incompetence, and mendacity while punishing empathy, accomplishment, and experience,&#8221; Mary Trump, a psychologist said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39563238/scaramucci-says-democrats-have-to-switch-up-their-strategy-immediately-after-bidens-brutal-debate-pe">Scaramucci Says Democrats Have To &#8216;Switch Up Their Strategy Immediately&#8217; After Biden&#8217;s &#8216;Brutal&#8217; Debate Performance: &#8216;Trump Will Win On Nov. 5 Unless &#8230;&#8217;</a>
Aided By Moderators: Donald Trump was empowered by the debate moderators to &#8220;steamroll the truth with an incessant stream of increasingly bizarre and dangerous lies,&#8221; she added. She noted that her uncle went onto say he not<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/22/04/26419176/house-passes-bill-to-cap-out-of-pocket-insulin-costs-to-no-more-than-35month"> Biden instituted a cap on insulin, </a>that blue states allow women and their doctors to commit infanticide, and that Nancy Pelosi was somehow responsible for January 6th.
Mary Trump questioned as to why the moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash chose to &#8220;abdicate their journalistic responsibility in service to a man who is an enemy of American democracy and a free press.&#8221; 
The moderators focused on immigration, inflation, Biden&#8217;s age, hostility toward the allies of U.S., and embracement of authoritarian dictators, she said. They did not steer the debate toward Donald Trump&#8217;s 34 felony convictions, his incitement of insurrection and refusal to accept the results of a free and fair election, she added.
&#8220;My uncle is a cruel and fundamentally dishonest man, a criminal and a traitor,&#8221; Mary Trump said.
&#8220;He deserves no praise for lying forcefully or denigrating America with vigor or laying out a dystopian vision of American in which basic human rights are stripped from millions of women just because he did so with crystal clearly.&#8221;
The debate, Mary Trump said, showed &#8220;Biden is a human being who has his off days while my uncle is awful every day.&#8221; 
&#8220;I'll take the decent guy with the sore throat who believes in democracy over the rapist insurrectionist monster every single time.
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-invest-in-startups"> How To Invest In Startups</a>

Politics

Media

Trump's Niece Says Ex-President Had 'Apocalyptically Disastrous' Debate: 'Deserves No Praise For Lying Forcefully Or Denigrating America'

The 2024 Bank of America Private Bank Study of Wealthy Americans reveals that Generation Z and Millennial investors are increasingly turning to alternative investments, moving away from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/bonds">traditional stocks and bonds.</a>
The study, which surveyed 1,007 U.S. high-net-worth individuals with at least $3 million in investable assets, found that 72% of investors aged 21-43 believe it&#8217;s no longer feasible to achieve above-average returns solely through traditional equities and bonds, according to <a href="https://www.planadviser.com/younger-high-net-worth-investors-seek-alternative-investments/">planadviser</a>. This contrasts sharply with only 28% of investors over 44 who share this view.
Younger investors have significantly lower exposure to stocks and bonds (47%) compared to their older counterparts (74%). Instead, they allocate 17% of their portfolios to alternatives, versus just 5% for older investors. An overwhelming 93% of younger investors plan to increase their alternative investments in the coming years.
The survey highlights diverse interests among younger investors:
<ul>
<li>49% already hold cryptocurrencies, with 38% interested in acquiring them</li>
<li>Real estate investments are seen as offering the best growth prospects</li>
<li>45% physically hold gold, with another 45% interested in doing so</li>
</ul>
Aaron Filbeck, managing director and head of Unifi by CAIA Association, attributes this trend to recent market volatility and the growing opportunity in private markets. He notes that venture-backed companies are staying private longer, and banks are retreating from small and medium-sized business lending, creating new investment opportunities.
The CAIA&#8217;s report, &#8220;Crossing the Threshold,&#8221; suggests a &#8220;second phase of democratization&#8221; in alternative investments, with improved technology and access points enabling a wider range of investors to participate in private market products.
However, Filbeck cautions plan sponsors and advisers to carefully consider the implementation of alternatives, especially in 401(k) plans, due to liquidity, fee, and complexity issues. He encourages an open-minded approach, particularly for younger investors far from retirement, while emphasizing the importance of risk management and due diligence.
The growing interest in alternatives among younger high-net-worth investors signals a potential shift in long-term investment strategies and portfolio construction, something advisors should pay close attention to.
Read Next:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39555118/nike-analysts-sour-on-retailers-short-term-prospects-following-poor-outlook-no-quic">Nike Analysts Sour On Retailer&#8217;s Short-Term Prospects Following Poor Outlook: &#8216;No Quick Rebound&#8217;</a>
Image via Unsplash

Financial Advisors

Education

Gen Z, Millennial High-Net-Worth Investors Abandon Traditional Investments

https://medium.com/@mingchikuo/配備ir相機的新款airpods可望提升人機交互體驗與強化apple空間音訊-空間運算生態-new-ir-camera-equipped-airpods-to-enhance-2daa96913d7f

Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Said  Apple Plans To Mass-produce New AirPods With Camera Modules By 2026, Featuring An IR Camera Similar To The iPhone Face ID Receiver

Recent court filings reveal that the estate of pop legend Michael Jackson was in debt to the tune of over $500 million at the time of his death in 2009.
What Happened: Documents filed in Los Angeles on June 21 and later obtained <a href="https://people.com/michael-jackson-was-over-usd500-million-in-debt-at-time-of-death-new-court-documents-reveal-8670327">by</a> People magazine last week showed that Jackson owed this massive sum to more than 65 creditors. The filings also disclosed that the late singer had multiple lawsuits pending worldwide.
The executors of Jackson&#8217;s estate renegotiated and restructured financing arrangements to manage the debts. This included a $750 million deal with Sony over music publishing rights for several artists, which allowed Sony to acquire Sony/ATV. According to People, despite these efforts, the estate still owes a significant amount of money.
The documents also indicate a pending final decision on a victory in a 2021 court battle with the IRS. Jackson's three children, the beneficiaries of his estate, are currently blocked from receiving money from their trust until the IRS dispute is resolved.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/03/37576981/robert-de-niro-says-he-refuses-to-ever-portray-donald-trump-the-guy-is-a-total-monster">Robert De Niro Says He Refuses To Ever Portray Donald Trump: &#8216;The Guy Is A Total Monster&#8217;</a>
In February, Sony Music reportedly purchased Jackson's music catalog for at least $600 million, injecting more funds into the estate. The Los Angeles Times previously reported that Jackson&#8217;s excessive spending habits largely contributed to his significant debt.
Why It Matters: The Jackson estate&#8217;s financial woes are a stark reminder of the late pop star&#8217;s tumultuous financial history. Despite his immense success and earnings, Jackson&#8217;s lavish lifestyle and spending habits led to mounting debts, which his estate has been grappling with since his death.
The estate&#8217;s efforts to manage these debts, including the $750 million deal with Sony, have been significant. However, the ongoing legal battles and unresolved IRS issues continue to hamper the estate&#8217;s ability to clear the debts and distribute the inheritance to Jackson&#8217;s children.
The purchase of Jackson&#8217;s music catalog by Sony Music provided a much-needed financial boost to the estate. Still, it remains to be seen how the estate will navigate the remaining financial challenges and fulfill its obligations to the creditors and beneficiaries.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/07/33375571/tony-bennett-once-called-for-the-legalization-of-drugs-after-whitney-houstons-death">Tony Bennett Once Called For The Legalization Of Drugs After Whitney Houston&#8217;s Death</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

Entertainment

Michael Jackson Faced Over $500 Million Worth Of Debt At Time Of Death, Filings Show

Rekt Capital, a well-known crypto strategist, has issued a warning about a potential further correction for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39562507/peter-schiff-says-things-will-likely-get-much-worse-from-here-for-bitcoin-investors">suggesting a possible drop</a> to $55,000.
What Happened: The analyst, who has previously accurately predicted Bitcoin&#8217;s pre-halving pullback, recently stated that the cryptocurrency could correct to much lower levels.
In a YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMgaKRZtCXg">video</a> over the weekend, Rekt Capital speculated, &#8220;What if we were going see a deepest correction in the cycle, or at least equal to the deepest correction in the cycle of 23.8%? That would see us go to $55,000.&#8221;
However, he also suggested that a deeper drawdown is unlikely at this point in the cycle, and that Bitcoin has either already hit a local bottom or is experiencing a more shallow pullback. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39447328/anthony-scaramucci-says-crypto-will-soar-if-this-presidential-candidate-wins-the-election-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Says Crypto Will Soar If This Presidential Candidate Wins The Election: ‘I Think We'll See All-Time Highs For Bitcoin And Other Assets'</a>
"Is that a possibility that we see the deepest correction not too long after already seeing the deepest correction this cycle just after the halving? That was around late April, early May. We saw a record-breaking deep correction in this cycle. We eclipsed the early 2023 pullback, and it took a year and a half for that new record to come in,&#8221; the analyst said. 
&#8220;So to now talk about another record and another deep retrace occurring only a month-and-a-half later, I think that's a little bit too farfetched. I don't think we're going to eclipse that retrace depth for the deepest retrace in this cycle. I think it would be either this being the bottom already or a slight additional pullback,&#8221; he added.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading for $61,376.35, down by almost 5% in the last seven days. .
Why It Matters: This prediction comes in contrast to the recent forecast by former Goldman Sachs executive Raoul Pal. Pal anticipated a significant surge in Bitcoin and the overall crypto market in the fourth <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39447599/raoul-pal-foresees-crypto-boom-in-election-years-q4-names-it-banana-zone">quarter of the presidential election year.</a>
He stated that risk assets like Bitcoin typically experience rallies during Q4 of an election year, referring to this period as the &#8220;banana zone.&#8221; These contrasting views highlight the volatility and unpredictability of the cryptocurrency market.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39241558/analyst-predicts-bitcoin-to-reach-groundbreaking-100-000-milestone#google_vignette">Analyst Predicts Bitcoin To Reach Groundbreaking $100,000 Milestone</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Bitcoin May Face Another Correction, Dropping To $55,000, Predicts Crypto Analyst

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has experienced a series of political triumphs this week, following President Joe Biden&#8216;s lackluster performance in their inaugural debate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39241154/trump-vs-biden-hush-money-conviction-signals-good-news-for-one-candidate-in-tight-presidential-race">and two positive Supreme Court rulings. </a>
What Happened: Despite facing criticism for his own debate performance, Trump managed to capitalize on Biden&#8217;s apparent memory lapses and strained voice, which have raised concerns about the 81-year-old president&#8217;s health. Trump&#8217;s sharp retorts during the debate have caused unease among Democrats.
&#8220;Trump is benefiting only in the sense that Biden did not benefit,&#8221; Christian Grose, a professor of political science and public policy at the University of Southern California, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-wracks-up-wins-biden-debate-supreme-court-2024-6">told</a> Business Insider.
Grose, however, pointed out that the majority of voters have already made up their minds and Biden&#8217;s poor performance is unlikely to convince Democrats to switch sides.
In a development that occurred less than 24 hours after the debate, the Supreme Court overturned the Chevron doctrine, a decision that conservatives have long championed, and reduced charges for several individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 riots. Both rulings are perceived as victories for Trump, who appointed three conservative justices during his tenure.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39563576/following-debate-latest-poll-among-democrats-signals-major-trouble-for-joe-biden-although-theres-one">Following Debate, Latest Poll Among Democrats Signals Major Trouble For Joe Biden — Although There&#8217;s One Silver Lining</a>
However, Grose warned that these wins could potentially harm Trump&#8217;s campaign by reminding voters of the Supreme Court&#8217;s conservative shift under his administration. 
Additionally, Trump&#8217;s refusal to accept responsibility for his actions could deter undecided voters, particularly if the Supreme Court grants him extensive immunity.
&#8220;We just have to wait and see how the polls shake out,&#8221; Grose added.
Why It Matters: The recent events have undoubtedly given Trump a political boost, but whether this momentum will translate into electoral gains remains to be seen. 
The Supreme Court&#8217;s rulings and Biden&#8217;s debate performance could potentially influence public opinion and shape the political landscape in the lead-up to the next election. However, as Grose pointed out, most voters have already made up their minds, and these developments may not significantly alter the political dynamics. 
The impact of these events on Trump&#8217;s political fortunes will become clearer as the polls unfold.
Now Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39124499/following-trumps-guilty-verdict-legal-experts-say-he-could-face-this-punishment-instead-of-prison-ti" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Following Trump's Guilty Verdict, Legal Experts Say He Could Face This Punishment Instead Of Prison Time</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

Outside Last Week's Debate, Trump Gained Momentum With Two Major Supreme Court Developments — For Better Or Worse

The week was buzzing with major tech news, with artificial intelligence (AI) taking center stage. From potential partnerships to analyst upgrades and deepfake concerns, here&#8217;s a round-up of the top stories that made headlines.
Meta Eyes Apple&#8217;s AI
Reports surfaced over the weekend that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) are in talks about a potential AI partnership. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives shared his insights, stating that Meta&#8217;s interest lies in integrating its generative AI model into Apple&#8217;s new AI system, Apple Intelligence.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39471487/dan-ives-says-the-golden-goose-for-meta-is-apple-intelligence-right-now-youre-on-the-outside-of-this">Read the full article here</a>.
Apple&#8217;s AI Initiatives Impress Analysts
Rosenblatt analyst Barton Crockett upgraded shares of Apple from Neutral to Buy, raising the price target from $196 to $260. This bullish stance comes on the heels of Apple&#8217;s AI initiatives showcased at the company&#8217;s Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39503743/apple-to-gain-market-share-with-ai-smartphone-says-bullish-analyst-skate-to-where-t">Read the full article here</a>.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39515667/jeff-bezos-doubled-productivity-at-amazon-in-its-infancy-by-simply-buying-a-table-the-most-brilliant?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeff Bezos Doubled Productivity At Amazon In Its Infancy By Simply Buying A Table</a>
Deepfakes and the Future of Reality
Twitter co-founder and Block Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQ#NYSE">SQ</a>) CEO, Jack Dorsey, warned about the increasing difficulty in distinguishing between reality and fabrication due to the proliferation of deepfakes. He made these remarks at the Festival of the Sun, an event curated by producer Rick Rubin.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39449884/twitter-co-founder-jack-dorsey-thinks-deepfakes-are-taking-us-toward-a-simulated-future-elon-musk-as">Read the full article here</a>.
AI Safety Remains a Priority for Anthropic&#8217;s CEO
Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, an AI startup backed by Alphabet Inc.'s Google (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) and Jeff Bezos' Amazon.com Inc., reaffirmed his commitment to AI safety, irrespective of the 2024 elections outcome. He expressed his intentions to work with the next president to ensure AI safety and stay ahead of adversaries in this technology.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39450394/whether-donald-trump-wins-election-or-joe-biden-jeff-bezos-backed-anthropics-ceo-says-my-message-is">Read the full article here</a>.
Arm Holdings CEO on the Rapid Growth of AI
Rene Haas, CEO of SoftBank Group subsidiary Arm Holdings, believes that analysts have underestimated the pace at which AI is advancing. He pointed out that AI will significantly change people's lives and that 70% of the world's devices use Arm chips, positioning the company well in the AI race.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/06/39470998/arm-holdings-ceo-rene-haas-says-experts-underestimated-the-rapid-growth-of-ai-the-analysts-maybe">Read the full article here</a>.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39494097/chatgpt-parent-openai-to-block-access-to-ai-tools-amid-growing-tech-tensions-between-washington-and?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ChatGPT-Parent OpenAI To Block Access To AI Tools Amid Growing Tech Tensions Between Washington And Beijing</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

GOOG

Apple's AI Initiatives Impress Analysts, Meta Eyes Apple Intelligence, Arm Holdings CEO On Rapid Growth Of AI And More: This Week In AI

The past week has been a rollercoaster for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), with a mix of potential partnership rejections, health accusations, and product leaks making headlines. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories involving the tech giant.
Apple Rejects Meta&#8217;s AI Integration Proposal
Despite initial discussions in March, Apple has reportedly declined Meta Platforms Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) proposal to incorporate its AI chatbot, Llama, into the iPhone. The decision was partially due to Apple&#8217;s concerns about Meta&#8217;s privacy practices, according to Bloomberg.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39470144/apple-reportedly-said-no-to-metas-offer-for-iphone-ai-integration-due-to-privacy-policy-concerns">Read the full article here.</a>
Former Employee Accuses Apple of Chemical Exposure
Ashley Gjovik, a former Apple employee, has accused the company of exposing her to hazardous chemicals from a secret chip manufacturing facility, leading to severe health issues. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reportedly found 19 potential violations of regulations by Apple at the Santa Clara site.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39470644/former-apple-employee-claims-she-nearly-died-due-to-chemical-exposure-from-secret-chip-plant-i-tippe">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39467166/dan-ives-says-apple-stock-is-headed-to-300-tim-cook-could-claim-godfather-of-ai-tit?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dan Ives Says Apple Stock Is Headed To $300, Tim Cook Could Claim &#8216;Godfather Of AI&#8217; Title</a>
Meta&#8217;s &#8216;Golden Goose&#8217; is Apple Intelligence
Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives has shared his insights on the potential AI partnership between Apple and Meta. According to Ives, Meta&#8217;s primary interest in the partnership is to penetrate the Apple layer, similar to OpenAI, to tap into Cupertino's significant consumer base.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39471487/dan-ives-says-the-golden-goose-for-meta-is-apple-intelligence-right-now-youre-on-the-outside-of-this">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Watch X Rumored to Feature Largest Display Yet
Leaked images of the rumored Apple Watch X or Series 10 suggest a larger display and a thinner case. The device is reportedly larger than the current Series 9 but smaller than the Ultra.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39518145/apple-watch-x-cupertinos-special-10th-anniversary-edition-to-reportedly-feature-largest-display-yet">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s Plan to Reduce Assembly Workforce Faces Setback
Apple&#8217;s plan to cut its iPhone assembly workforce by up to 50% over the next few years is reportedly facing challenges due to precision issues. The decision to favor automation over human workers is partly influenced by the supply chain disruptions and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39474703/tim-cooks-goal-to-slash-assembly-workers-by-up-to-50-faces-setback-apple-reportedly-facing-precision">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39503743/apple-to-gain-market-share-with-ai-smartphone-says-bullish-analyst-skate-to-where-t?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple To Gain Market Share With AI Smartphone, Says Bullish Analyst: &#8216;Skate To Where The AI Puck Is Going</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Apple Rejects Meta's AI Integration Proposal, Ex-Employee Accuses iPhone-Maker Of Chemical Exposure And More: This Week In Appleverse

As the week wraps up, we look back at a week filled with political debates, social media commentary, and some serious allegations. From Elon Musk&#8216;s witty take on the presidential debate to Bernie Sanders&#8216; concerns about drug pricing, and Mark Cuban&#8216;s accusations against Donald Trump, the week was nothing short of eventful. Here&#8217;s a quick roundup of the top stories.
Musk&#8217;s Take on the Presidential Debate CEO of Tesla Inc., Elon Musk, shared his unique perspective on the recent presidential debate via X, formerly Twitter. In a world where memes rule, Musk declared the debate a &#8220;clear victory…for memes,&#8221; amidst a social media frenzy of memes and video clips featuring presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39548930/elon-musk-says-first-presidential-debate-was-a-clear-victory-not-for-trump-or-biden-but-for">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Triumphs in Flash Poll Following the first presidential debate, a flash poll revealed that Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican candidate, was the clear winner. The poll, conducted by SSRS on behalf of CNN, showed that 67% of debate watchers believed Trump outperformed Biden, who only received a better performance rating from 33% of respondents. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39543594/biden-vs-trump-flash-poll-picks-debate-winner-but-over-one-third-of-voters-doubt-his-ability-to-lead">Read the full article here.</a>
Sanders Criticizes Ozempic Pricing Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) expressed his concerns about the pricing of popular diabetes drug, Ozempic, and its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. In a tweet, Sanders pointed out that the drug&#8217;s manufacturer is charging U.S. consumers 10-15 times more than consumers in other countries, predicting that Ozempic will likely become one of the best-selling pharmaceutical products in history. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39515914/bernie-sanders-ozempic-will-likely-become-one-of-the-best-selling-pharmaceutical-products-in-history">Read the full article here.</a>
Cuban Slams Trump Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban took to X, formerly Twitter, to criticize former President Donald Trump's actions. Cuban highlighted various controversial actions by Trump, including Trump University, the 2020 election, and immigration policies. He accused Trump of ripping off thousands of hard-working Americans and not paying his bills. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39516013/mark-cuban-accuses-trump-of-ripping-off-thousands-of-hard-working-americans-and-not-wanting-to-leave">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Jr. Bets on Father&#8217;s Golf Skills Following the first presidential debate, Donald Trump Jr. expressed his confidence in his father&#8217;s golfing skills. He offered to bet &#8220;everything&#8221; on his father if a golf match were to take place between former President Donald Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39541782/donald-trump-jr-says-he-will-bet-everything-on-his-father-if-joe-biden-and-the-former-president-have">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39539797/john-bolton-says-it-would-be-a-mistake-if-this-issue-werent-discussed-at-trump-biden-debate-tonight?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Bolton Says It Would Be A Mistake If This Issue Weren&#8217;t Discussed At Trump-Biden Debate Tonight</a>
Image Via Shutterstock

Elon Musk's Take On Biden Vs. Trump Debate, Bernie Sanders Criticizes Ozempic Pricing And More: Top Political Updates This Week

The weekend was abuzz with a flurry of news, from reports on national debt to the latest Federal Reserve stress test results. Former President Donald Trump&#8217;s economic policies were under scrutiny, while the call for a rate cut by a prominent economist added to the mix. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories.
Fed Stress Test Results
Bank of America analyst Ebrahim H. Poonawala highlighted the &#8220;inherent opacity&#8221; of the Federal Reserve stress test results. The tests revealed a wide range of impacts on minimum capital requirements, with Goldman Sachs experiencing the largest year-over-year increase in its stress capital buffer (SCB). This could potentially slow down share buybacks and negatively impact return on equity (ROE) in the latter half of 2024.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39531404/bank-of-america-analyst-highlights-fed-stress-test-opacity-varying-bank-impacts-gol">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Debt Legacy
A recent report by the non-partisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) revealed that former President Donald Trump added nearly twice as much to the national debt as President Joe Biden. Trump&#8217;s tenure saw an addition of $8.4 trillion to the national debt, while Biden has added $4.3 trillion with seven months left in his term. Trump&#8217;s debt approvals from 2017 through 2021 included $4.8 trillion in non-COVID related and $3.6 trillion in COVID relief.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/06/39462030/trump-added-nearly-two-times-more-to-the-national-debt-than-biden-while-in-office-new-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Newsom&#8217;s Warning On Trump&#8217;s Economic Plan
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump&#8217;s economic policies, warning that they could cost working families up to $8,300 in higher taxes. Newsom accused Trump of making America more expensive, with measures that would impose an additional 10% tariff on everyday goods and increase labor and production costs for companies.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39518400/gavin-newsom-warns-trumps-big-economic-plan-could-cost-working-families-up-to-8-300-in-higher-taxes">Read the full article here.</a>
Nobel Laureates Warn Of Inflation Under Trump
Sixteen Nobel Prize-winning economists issued a joint warning about the potential economic risks of a second Trump term. They cautioned that Trump&#8217;s proposed policies could reignite inflation, with measures such as making his first-term tax cuts permanent and imposing universal tariffs on all imports.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39494434/trump-will-reignite-inflation-say-16-nobel-prize-winning-economists-in-a-letter-joe-bidens-economic">Read the full article here.</a>
El-Erian&#8217;s Call For Rate Cut
Mohamed El-Erian, chief economic adviser at Allianz, suggested that the Federal Reserve should consider a rate cut in July. However, he expressed skepticism about the likelihood of this happening, pointing to disagreements regarding inflation dynamics and a rapidly slowing economy.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/fintech/24/06/39494283/mohamed-el-erian-calls-for-july-rate-cut-by-but-says-i-dont-think-fed-will-take-this-step-we-are-liv">Read the full article here.</a>
Image Via Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Gavin Newsom's Warning On Trump's Economic Plan, Mohamed El-Erian's Call For Rate Cut And More: This Week In Economics

In the wake of a debate performance that drew widespread criticism, speculation has been reignited about whether President Joe Biden should bow out before the November election.
What Happened: David Axelrod, a former senior advisor to the White House during President Barack Obama&#8216;s tenure, voiced concerns about Biden&#8217;s debate showing. 
Axelrod <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/28/politics/joe-biden-debate-performance-panic/index.html">told</a> CNN, &#8220;There are going to be discussions about whether he should continue.&#8221;
Despite the backlash, Biden has stood firm in his reelection bid, pointing to his age as a strength and underscoring his achievements such as the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Potential Successors
Should Biden decide to step down, several potential successors have been named, as reported <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-reelection-democrats-harris-newsom-whitmer-klobuchar-booker-cooper-moore-2024-2#vice-president-kamala-harris-1">by</a> Business Insider. Vice President Kamala Harris is viewed as a likely successor, having collaborated closely with Biden on a range of issues. However, her 2020 presidential bid failed to resonate with voters, sparking doubts about her electability.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39563576/following-debate-latest-poll-among-democrats-signals-major-trouble-for-joe-biden-although-theres-one">Following Debate, Latest Poll Among Democrats Signals Major Trouble For Joe Biden — Although There&#8217;s One Silver Lining</a>
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, is another potential contender. Despite calls for Biden to abandon his reelection campaign, Newsom defended Biden&#8217;s performance, describing such discussions as &#8220;unnecessary.&#8221;
Other potential successors include Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
Why It Matters: Despite the ongoing speculation, it remains unlikely that Biden will exit the race, as he is the only Democrat to have defeated Trump to date. 
If Biden were to step aside, the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place in Chicago this August, would be tasked with selecting a new nominee.
Now Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39241154/trump-vs-biden-hush-money-conviction-signals-good-news-for-one-candidate-in-tight-presidential-race" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs. Biden: Hush-Money Conviction Signals Good News For One Candidate In Tight Presidential Race</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

These Are The Top Democratic Contenders Who Could Succeed Biden If President Were To Bow Out Of

If re-elected in November, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump</a> would reportedly withdraw the United States from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris climate accord for the second time.</a>
Politico <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/28/trump-paris-climate-treaty-withdrawal-again-00165903" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>, citing a campaign spokesperson, that conservatives have spent years preparing for Trump&#8217;s withdrawal from the global agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
After years of groundwork by conservatives, including drafting executive orders, Trump is poised to withdraw from the global climate agreement if re-elected, a lawyer familiar with the process told Politico.
One of these measures is a draft order that could potentially withdraw the United States from the entire United Nations framework supporting global climate negotiations, a move with significant implications for efforts to mitigate global warming.
On Friday, Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that if asked, Trump would repeat his decision to withdraw the United States from the landmark climate agreement, stating, &#8220;Yes, he has said that,&#8221; the report noted.
Trump&#8217;s intention to withdraw from the Paris accord isn&#8217;t unexpected, following his previous withdrawal and lobbying efforts by conservatives. During a recent debate with President <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/joe-biden" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joe Biden</a> in Atlanta, Trump criticized the agreement as &#8220;a rip-off of the United States&#8221; and &#8220;a disaster.&#8221;
Industry lawyers have reportedly been drafting various executive orders on energy policies for Trump to potentially sign, the report added, citing sources familiar with the effort.
The Paris Agreement is &#8220;a bad deal for the United States,&#8221; said Mandy Gunasekara, the EPA head of staff during the Trump administration and writer of Project 2025&#8217;s energy and environmental provisions. 
&#8220;It does little to meaningfully reduce emissions. It&#8217;s been used to justify onerous regulations that make energy more expensive,&#8221; Politico added.
Given its significant funding role, the U.S.&#8217; departure would hinder the UNFCCC&#8217;s (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) operations. It could also pose considerable challenges for a future president seeking to rejoin the Paris Agreement.
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/06/39563622/is-kamala-harris-the-answer-to-joe-bidens-shortcomings-poll-hints-at-voter-sentiment-toward-poss"> Is Kamala Harris The Answer To Joe Biden&#8217;s Shortcomings? Poll Hints At Voter Sentiment Toward Possible Replacement Candidate</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

Trump Campaign Signals Intent To Withdraw US From Paris Climate Accord Again: Report

Leslie's (LESL) has shared an update. Leslie's, Inc. has bolstered its Board of Directors by welcoming Maile (Clark) Naylor, a seasoned investment ...

Leslie's Enhances Board with Investment Veteran Maile Naylor

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the retail industry has gone through tremendous volatility. Initially, there was a boom effect for many retailers. People were stuck at home with money to spend. Unprecedented government stimulus paved the way for record consumer spending. And with entertainment venues and travel shut down, people spent more than ever on material goods. But things are changing and investors need to pay attention to which <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/consumer-discretionary/retail/">retail stocks</a> to sell.



Retail sales have started to slump across many categories. With high inflation, a weakening economy and potential stagflation setting in, retail companies are starting to hunker down for potential hard times ahead. For these three retail stocks to sell today, there are numerous dark clouds on the horizon.



<h2>Big Lots (BIG)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/big1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Photo of a Big Lots (BIG) store shot from the parking lot with a shopping cart in the foreground and clear blue sky in the background. BIG stock"><div>Source: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Big Lots (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/big-stock-quote/">BIG</a>) is a discount retail store chain that focuses on offering a treasure hunt style shopping experience. Customers enjoy the unpredictable nature of Big Lots closeout-driven collection of items that often sell at steep discounts.



However, the company has lost its magic in recent years. Big Lots made a massive push into the furniture market which seems to have backfired. It turns out that there aren&rsquo;t as many synergies between furniture, an expensive item people don&rsquo;t buy very often, and the sorts of everyday goods like food and household items that Big Lots also sells.



Big Lots sales are plunging across the board, with an especially sharp decline in furniture sales. The company is reshuffling its leadership team and strategy, but bringing in <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/edge-of-the-abyss-3-stocks-flirting-with-disaster/">a new director</a> who previously worked at Blockbuster casts some doubt on the long-term vision.



BIG stock popped earlier this week with the return of meme stock mania. While Big Lots no doubt has a meme-worthy ticker symbol, the underlying retail business is <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/05/7-stocks-at-high-risk-of-bankruptcy-is-your-portfolio-safe/">in grave peril</a> and traders should exit while they still have the opportunity.



<h2>Leslie&rsquo;s (LESL)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pool1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Yellow pool float, ring floating in a refreshing blue swimming pool"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>Leslie&rsquo;s (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/lesl-stock-quote/">LESL</a>) is a leading specialty retailer focused on the swimming pool and spa market. The company operates more than 950 stores and carries a wide array of specialized products for pool and spa care and maintenance. Its stores stand out from general home improvement stores which have a much more limited inventory of pool equipment.



The company enjoyed a boom in sales over the past few years, with revenues rising from $928 million in fiscal year 2019 to <a href="https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/LESL/leslies/revenue#google_vignette">$1.6 billion in fiscal year 2022</a>. With people stuck at home, they were eager to improve their home entertainment and recreation options, and pools and hot tubs were perfect for the moment.



Now that the economy has reopened, however, the momentum in the pool business has drained away. Leslie&rsquo;s revenues dipped to $1.45 billion in fiscal year 2023 and analysts expect another modest decline this year.



LESL stock <a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/07/why-is-leslies-lesl-stock-down-36-today/">slumped 36%</a> in a single day last summer on weaker-than-expected earnings. Shares have yet to recover as the company continues to see falling profit margins and a challenging industry outlook. Throw in the specter of higher interest rates, slowing consumer spending and stagflation, and Leslies stock could be taking on water for a long time to come.



<h2>Target (TGT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/tgt_1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Image of the Target (TGT) logo on a storefront."><div>Source: jejim / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Mass market general merchandise retailer Target (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/tgt-stock-quote/">TGT</a>) has been up and down for the past few years. Between 2019 and 2021, TGT stock shot up from $90 to a peak of about $260 per share. The company enjoyed a tremendous boost to earnings as consumers spent far more than usual on appliances, home goods, clothing and other discretionary items.



This gave Target an operational windfall. Its earnings per share (EPS) skyrocketed from $5.51 in fiscal year 2019 to <a href="https://quickfs.net/company/TGT:US">$14.10</a> in fiscal year 2022. Needless to say, it&rsquo;s quite unusual for a large retailer to see its earnings nearly triple in such a short period of time. However, those earnings didn&rsquo;t last. As the government stimulus payments started to run out and economic conditions began to normalize, Target&rsquo;s earnings boom abruptly ended. Earnings crashed to just $5.98 per share in fiscal year 2023.



Target&rsquo;s fortunes have recovered a bit since then, but not to anywhere near the peak 2022 levels. Analysts project merely <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TGT/earnings/estimates">flat revenues</a> for the current year, and that&rsquo;s worse than it looks when accounting for high inflation. As stagflation sets in, Target&rsquo;s prospects are likely to further erode.



TGT stock has rebounded from $110 in November 2023 to $162 now. Given the lack of any fundamental support for such a move, Target is one of the major retail stocks to sell now.



On the date of publication, Ian Bezek did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines</a>.
<div>Ian Bezek has written more than 1,000 articles for InvestorPlace.com and Seeking Alpha. He also worked as a Junior Analyst for Kerrisdale Capital, a $300 million New York City-based hedge fund. You can reach him on Twitter at @irbezek.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/05/3-retail-stocks-to-sell-in-may-before-they-crash-burn/">3 Retail Stocks to Sell in May Before They Crash &amp; Burn</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

3 Retail Stocks to Sell in May Before They Crash & Burn

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
There are some retail brands that will always be in high demand. Walmart (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wmt-stock-quote/">WMT</a>), for example, will consistently remain a top competitor as long as it continues to be one of the most affordable places for consumers to buy the things they truly need. But there are plenty of <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/consumer-discretionary/retail/">retail stocks</a> to sell right now that don&rsquo;t fall into the must-have category for shoppers.



Providing products that are nice to have but aren&rsquo;t necessities means these retailers are feeling the pain the most as consumers feel the effects of a stagnating economy. Regardless of whether the <a href="https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2024/is-the-economy-good-right-now/#:~:text=about%20a%20disconnect.-,Unemployment%20is%20near%20record%20lows.,market%20has%20hit%20record%20highs.">economy is strong</a> based on quantifiable metrics, many Americans still feel their <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/why-many-americans-feel-unhappy-about-the-economy-despite-indicators-of-improvement">dollar doesn&rsquo;t go as far</a> anymore. This leads to a pullback on spending in categories that aren&rsquo;t seen as necessary, and that is when companies like the three on this list go from good bets to retail stocks to sell.&nbsp;



<h2>Leslie&rsquo;s (LESL)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="165" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/swimming-pool-summer-msn-300x165.jpg" alt=""><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>During the pandemic, there was a boom in pool building and upgrades. Stuck at home and with little to spend their money on, people were ready and willing to pour thousands of dollars into pool upgrades and repairs. But that excitement tapered off and consumers are now spending elsewhere or not at all. This shift directly impacted Leslie&rsquo;s (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/lesl-stock-quote/">LESL</a>), the largest retailer of swimming pool supplies and products in the U.S.



Mike Egeck, CEO of Leslie&rsquo;s, <a href="https://poolpromag.com/pool-pros-perspective-on-the-industry-in-2023/">summed up many of the challenges</a> manufacturers faced in 2023. &ldquo;Unfavorable weather, increased consumer price sensitivity and pool owners with an elevated level of chemicals left over from last year contributed to double-digit traffic decline,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;In addition, we absorbed elevated distribution costs and increased product costs, which impacted our margins.&rdquo;



Leslie&rsquo;s initial public offering (IPO) in October 2020 initially capitalized on the pandemic-era spending on pools. But as of today, LESL stock is trading for 75% less than its opening price. Timing is everything, and the best time to buy Leslie&rsquo;s would have been before the pandemic even started &mdash; had the stock existed at the time. Unfortunately, it doesn&rsquo;t look like the pool industry will be bouncing back for the foreseeable future. LESL stock should definitely be on investor lists of retail stocks to sell.



<h2>Container Store Group (TCS)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/container-store-tcs-stock-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="photo of the store front of a The Container Store (TCS) branded building"><div>Source: Eric Glenn / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Container Store Group (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/tcs-stock-quote/">TCS</a>) is the kind of company that inherently can only thrive when times are good and the economy is strong. While the continued interest in aesthetically pleasing spaces has not necessarily declined, consumer&rsquo;s budgets have. Container Store Group&rsquo;s two largest brands are The Container Store and Closet Works, which offer storage solutions and custom closets, respectively.&nbsp;



Ostensibly, big box retailers like Walmart and Target (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/tgt-stock-quote/">TGT</a>) offer the same products as The Container Store but for substantially less money. While the atmosphere and experience of shopping at The Container Store may appeal to some, it is hard for consumers to justify spending the difference on luxury items when the cost of the products they have to buy has <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/02/02/grocery-price-inflation-biden/">gone up so dramatically</a>.&nbsp;



Optimistic company executives <a href="https://www.costar.com/article/1602163325/the-container-store-begins-strategic-process-that-could-lead-to-selling-the-company">believe</a> the company&rsquo;s &ldquo;stock market valuation does not reflect its intrinsic value.&rdquo; To that end, they are exploring the idea of selling the company. But who knows whether that will prove better or worse for the stock&rsquo;s value.&nbsp;



So far this year, TCS is down 71%. While it hit a high of $18.30 in early 2021, it has been on a steady decline since and is now trading at only 70 cents per share. The best time to sell this retail stock would have been years ago, but now is definitely the time to get out if you&rsquo;re still holding on. Otherwise, plan on holding onto it for the long haul until the economy makes a substantial rebound.&nbsp;



<h2>Ulta Beauty (ULTA)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ulta-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="ULTA stock Ulta Beauty store front sign located at Laurel Town Centre in Laurel, Maryland."><div>Source: Ryan P Stephans / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Propelled forward in recent years by the beauty shopping habits of <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sephora-ulta-and-elf-among-the-top-beauty-brands-for-us-teens-per-survey-212556687.html">teenage girls</a>, Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ulta-stock-quote/">ULTA</a>) had seen a wave of increased sales. But while annual spending on beauty supplies among the teenage demographic is up 8%, it remains to be seen whether that trend continues.&nbsp;



The money teenagers are spending on themselves, according to self-reported data, is down 6% year-over-year (YOY). While parental contribution currently remains the same, a reduction in spending on their children&rsquo;s discretionary products is likely right around the corner. Ulta&rsquo;s CEO Dave Kimbell has warned that sales are starting to decline and the slowdown has been &ldquo;a bit earlier and bit bigger than we thought.&rdquo;



As for Ulta&rsquo;s adult customers who buy beauty products for themselves, this demographic is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/ulta-beauty-tanks-ceo-warns-sluggish-first-quarter-demand-drags-peers-2024-04-03/">pulling back on spending</a> at the store, and turning to more affordable retailers like Target and Walmart. Or they&rsquo;re choosing to go all in and splurge at <a href="https://oakmonitoronline.com/13061/opinion/sephora-vs-ulta/#:~:text=Sephora%20is%20more%20of%20the,just%20a%20little%20bit%20cheaper.">Ulta&rsquo;s competitor</a>, Sephora, which is often seen as a more high-end shopping experience.



While ULTA is up 14% over the past five years, the stock is down 21% since January and 7.5% in the last year. If consumer discretionary spending continues to go down in the coming months, Ulta is definitely one of the retail stocks to sell now.&nbsp;



On the date of publication, Philippa Main&nbsp;did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.&nbsp;The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines</a>.
<div>Philippa Main is a real estate agent in Virginia and Florida who also does freelance writing, editing, and business development and marketing. She uses her broad knowledge of the real estate market to inform her investing decisions in an array of different industries. She also enjoys working specifically with women to educate them about finance and investing.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/06/3-sorry-retail-stocks-to-sell-in-may-while-you-still-can/">3 Sorry Retail Stocks To Sell In May While You Still Can</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

3 Sorry Retail Stocks To Sell In May While You Still Can

During the pandemic, the pool construction and renovation industry saw an unprecedented surge as consumers confined to their homes redirected their...

Leslie's (NASDAQ:LESL); From Unprecedented Surge to Industry Decline

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
The sluggishness in retail sales signals it&rsquo;s time to assess <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/consumer-discretionary/retail/">retail stocks</a> to sell. U.S. retail figures came in flat last month compared to March, significantly behind analyst estimates. Moreover, retail sales, excluding automobiles and fuel, dipped 0.1%, while a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/retail-sales-april-economy-inflation-422c54d68a519b9beb05bfe9813b0ab5">notable 1.2% decline in online sales </a>pointed to a pullback in consumer activity. This worrying trend points to deeper economic headwinds, impacting household budgets by eating into disposable income. Hence, these worrying indicators and ongoing financial uncertainties paint a cautionary picture for retail stocks. With that in mind, here are three retail stocks to sell, offering little to no upside potential.



<h2>American Eagle Outfitters (AEO)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/aeo-stock-2-300x169.jpg" alt="A photo of an American Eagle Outfitters Inc (AEO) sign hanging above a retail storefront entrance."><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>American Eagle Outfitters&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/aeo-stock-quote/">AEO</a>) is one of the top apparel brands, evolving into a trend-focused retailer. Its stellar operating performances, where it beat top-line estimates in seven out of the past eight quarters confirm this. In its most recent quarter, it posted <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4111307-american-eagle-outfitters-gaap-eps-of-0_34-beats-0_06-revenue-of-1_14b-misses-10m">a healthy 5.6% increase in sales</a> while posting a staggering 75% jump in adjusted operating income. These results reflect the company&rsquo;s refined business strategy, employing a more streamlined merchandise strategy and a focus on women&rsquo;s athleisure.



On the back of its strong results, we&rsquo;ve seen a healthy run-up in AEO stock, <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AEO/momentum/performance">with it gaining more than 100%</a> in the past year alone. That&rsquo;s quite a run, and given the current retail scenario it its tough to see it replicate last year&rsquo;s price action.



Moreover, its business is not without its risks, especially with its heavy reliance on teens and young adults. That demographic is famous for its rapidly evolving tastes which places it in a rough spot with the fickle nature of fashion trends. Furthermore, the intense competition in the athleisure market, a sector dominated by giants such as Lululemon&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/lulu-stock-quote/" target="_blank">LULU</a>), adds another layer of risk.



<h2>Leslie&rsquo;s (LESL)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/pool1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Yellow pool float, ring floating in a refreshing blue swimming pool"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>Leslie&rsquo;s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/lesl-stock-quote/">LESL</a>) is a prominent retailer in the pool and spa market, and it is finding it difficult to navigate the post-pandemic environment. During the pandemic years, it witnessed a strong surge in demand, growing its sales from $928 million in 2019 to $1.56 billion in 2022. Home improvement activities increased substantially during the lockdown period, but that trend has reversed. Revenues <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/LESL/income-statement">dropped to $1.45 billion</a> in fiscal year 2023, and analysts expect a further decrease ahead. 



Much of it is due to the decline in consumer spending, which is weighing down demand for discretionary items. Additionally, LESL&rsquo;s revenues are further impacted by heightened price sensitivity among consumers, leading to postponements in equipment upgrades. Additionally, the drop in chemical prices is likely to continue weighing down its near-term operating performance.&nbsp;These headwinds have swept the firm&rsquo;s financials into the red for the past several quarters, offering little upside in its stock.



<h2>Big Lots (BIG)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/big1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Photo of a Big Lots (BIG) store shot from the parking lot with a shopping cart in the foreground and clear blue sky in the background. BIG stock"><div>Source: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Big Lots&nbsp;(NYSE:<a target="_blank" href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/big-stock-quote/">BIG</a>) is an Ohio-based discount retailer that has aggressively expanded to more than a thousand stores globally. However, its rapid ascent came at a steep cost, compounded by tough competition and pandemic-related headwinds.



Hence, we&rsquo;ve seen it post negative top-line growth dating back to the second quarter (Q2) of 2022. Moreover, its profitability position has dwindled over the past couple of years, with its operating income in the red.&nbsp; Operational expenses have risen healthy, while its top-line growth is<a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BIG/growth" target="_blank"> at a negative 13.65%</a>.



Its lackluster results also link to store closures stalling sales growth for the firm. In the fourth quarter (Q4), the company shut down 39 stores but opened only three, ending the quarter with 1,392 outlets. By closing more stores than it opens, Big Lots is contracting its market reach. Consequently, Wall Street analysts <a href="https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/big/forecast" target="_blank">expect a hefty 12% downside in</a> its stock from current price levels.



On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines
<div>Muslim Farooque is a keen investor and an optimist at heart. A life-long gamer and tech enthusiast, he has a particular affinity for analyzing technology stocks. Muslim holds a bachelor&rsquo;s of science degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/06/3-retail-stocks-that-smart-investors-will-sell-now/">3 Retail Stocks That Smart Investors Will Sell Now</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

3 Retail Stocks That Smart Investors Will Sell Now

Why Leslie's Faces A Tough Path To Profitability

The latest update is out from Leslie's (LESL). Leslie's, Inc. has expanded its Board of Directors, welcoming Lorna Nagler as the newly elected eigh...

Leslie's Inc. Strengthens Board with Retail Veteran Lorna Nagler

Warning: LESL is at high risk of performing badly

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Leslie's, Inc. Announces First Quarter Fiscal 2024 Financial Results

LESLIE'S INVESTIGATION INITIATED by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates the Officers and Directors of Leslie's, Inc. - LESL

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