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BMW is a premium passenger car and motorcycle original equipment manufacturer, home to the brands BMW, Mini Cooper, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad. BMW sold 2.8 million vehicles in 2023 (2.6 million being passenger cars). In terms of sales volumes, Asia and Europe are BMW's largest regions, contributing 39% and 38%, respectively. BMW's core competence is in the "affordable" luxury channel, with limited exposure to high-end priced vehicles.

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Elon Musk is accused of interfering in Germany&#39;s 2025 elections by supporting the far-right party. With Tesla&#39;s Gigafactory in Germany and his other interests, he could impact policies and financial markets.

Elon Musk Blasted As &#39;Intrusive And Presumptuous&#39; For &#39;Trying To Influence&#39; German Elections Toward Far-Right Party

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European Automakers Criticize Chinese EV Tariffs

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Each week,&nbsp;Benzinga&#8217;s Stock Whisper Index&nbsp;uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.
Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.
Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/01/42802731/exclusive-top-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-2024-where-do-tesla-nvidia-gamestop-trump-media-stocks-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: Top 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro In 2024 — Where Do Tesla, Nvidia, GameStop, Trump Media Stocks Rank?</a>
Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending Feb. 21:
 Sempra (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRE#NYSE">SRE</a>): The utility company saw an increase of interest from Benzinga readers during the week. The company will report fourth-quarter financial results next week. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $1.60, up from $1.13 in last year's fourth quarter according to data <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022125&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">from Benzinga Pro. </a>The company has missed analyst estimates for earnings per share in two straight quarters, while beating in eight of the last 10 quarters overall. Analysts expect the company to report fourth-quarter revenue of $4.36 billion. The company has missed analyst estimates in six straight quarters and seven of the last 10 quarters overall. Sempra's report could be followed closer than normal given the company's presence in the California market where<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42899953/five-dead-in-los-angeles-wildfires-utilities-face-scrutiny"> wildfires took place.</a>
The stock was up around 3% for the week, as seen in the <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022125&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro chart </a>below. Shares are up 21% over the last year.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022125&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="464" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171734/Screenshot-334.png" alt="" class="wp-image-793864" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171734/Screenshot-334.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171734/Screenshot-334-300x139.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171734/Screenshot-334-768x356.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>
Vistra Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VST#NYSE">VST</a>): Investors paid close attention to the energy company this week, which has been a top performing stock over the last year. With ties to the nuclear energy business, the stock has soared and is up over 200% in the last year. JPMorgan <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43039348/are-utilities-the-new-tech-why-entergy-nisource-vistra-are-jpmorgans-top-picks-for-2025">named the stock</a> one of the top utility stocks for 2025 earlier this year. The company is scheduled to report fourth-quarter financial results Thursday Feb. 27. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings of $1.14 per share. The company has beat analyst estimates in two straight quarter and four of the last 10 quarters. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $3.89 billion. The company has beaten analyst estimates in two of the last three quarters, but missed estimates in seven of the last 10 quarters. Several analyst <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VST/analyst-ratings">reiterated bullish ratings </a>on the stock in recent weeks with BMO maintaining an Outperform and raising the price target from $151 to $191.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022125&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="504" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171749/Screenshot-335.png" alt="" class="wp-image-793865" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171749/Screenshot-335.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171749/Screenshot-335-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171749/Screenshot-335-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Alibaba Group Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>): The large Chinese e-commerce stock saw strong interest over the week thanks to earnings results and increased investments in the artificial intelligence sector. The company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43846533/alibaba-q3-earnings-revenue-and-eps-beat-eyes-global-e-commerce-profitability-in-fy25-increase-investments-in-ai">beat third-quarter </a>revenue and earnings per share estimates. The company has now beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine of the last 10 quarters, while missing revenue estimates in seven of the last 10 quarters. In the quarterly results, Alibaba saw revenue grow across many segments on a year-over-year basis. Alibaba said it expects its international e-commerce unit to be profitable in the next quarter. The company also said it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43874037/alibaba-sees-ai-gold-rush-in-cloud-computing-not-open-and-closed-source-modelshints-monetization-lies-in-powering-ai-not-selling-it">expects to invest</a> more in Cloud and AI in the next three years than in the last decade. Alibaba is focusing on cloud computing as the primary monetization effort for its AI efforts instead of AI models.
Multiple Alibaba analysts<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BABA/analyst-ratings"> raised their price targets </a>on the stock after the quarterly results, including Benchmark's Fawne Jiang who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/02/43888574/alibabas-ai-expansion-e-commerce-growth-reinforce-bullish-analyst-outlook">maintained a Buy rating</a> and raised the target from $118 to $190. Jiang said the company's e-commerce business is rebounding along with the investments in cloud and AI.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022125&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="506" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171806/Screenshot-336.png" alt="" class="wp-image-793866" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171806/Screenshot-336.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171806/Screenshot-336-300x153.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171806/Screenshot-336-768x391.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
AptarGroup (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATR#NYSE">ATR</a>): The dispensing systems company saw strong interest from Benzinga readers during the week. The company recently reported fourth-quarter financial results with earnings per share beating analyst estimates and revenue missing analyst estimates. The company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ATR/analyst-ratings">saw several analysts </a>recently maintain bullish ratings, while lowering their price targets. Given the rising interest in the stock and the $10 billion market capitalization, AptarGroup could be a stock to watch for investors. The stock was up around 2% in the last week and shares are up 5% over the last year.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022125&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171821/Screenshot-337.png" alt="" class="wp-image-793868" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171821/Screenshot-337.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171821/Screenshot-337-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171821/Screenshot-337-768x390.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>): The aerospace company recently reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43697801/howmet-aerospace-q4-revenue-up-92-beats-estimatesprovides-2025-outlook-amid-boeing-and-airbus-uncertainty">fourth-quarter financial results </a>with earnings per share and revenue topping estimates. The company has now beat analyst estimates for earnings per share in eight straight quarters and for revenue in nine of the last 10 quarters. In the quarter, the company saw double-digit growth across many of the reporting segments on a year-over-year basis. Several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HWM/analyst-ratings">raised their price targets </a>on the stock after the financial results. Howmet executives said they expect aftermarket growth for spares of 20% to 25% year-over-year in 2025. Executives also cautioned on renegotiations of long-term contracts and the potential tariff impact.
The stock was up slightly during the week and shares are up over 100% in the last year.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022125&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171835/Screenshot-338.png" alt="" class="wp-image-793869" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171835/Screenshot-338.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171835/Screenshot-338-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21171835/Screenshot-338-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
Stay tuned for next week&#8217;s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent022125&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43066466/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">January 17</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/01/43201590/benzinga-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">January 24</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43419547/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-52" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">January 31</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43578212/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-53">February 7</a></li>
</ul>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/01/43041374/exclusive-how-high-will-sp-500-go-under-donald-trump-in-2025-readers-are-optimistic-26-say-this" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: How High Will S&amp;P 500 Go Under Donald Trump In 2025? Readers Are Optimistic, 26% Say This…</a></li>
</ul>

Exclusives

BABA

Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

On Friday, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest made significant trades involving Beam Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BEAM#NASDAQ">BEAM</a>), Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NU#NYSE">NU</a>), MercadoLibre Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MELI#NASDAQ">MELI</a>), and Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADPT#NASDAQ">ADPT</a>).
The BEAM Trade
Ark Invest, through its ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKG#BATS">ARKG</a>) and ARK Innovation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#NYSE">ARKK</a>), bought a total of 24,640 shares of Beam Therapeutics.
This comes after the firm&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43755344/cathie-woods-ark-invest-loads-up-on-iridium-twist-bioscience-offloads-roku-here-are-key-ark-trades-this-friday">previous acquisition</a> of Beam Therapeutics shares just a week prior. The value of this trade, calculated from the latest closing price is nearly $750,000.
The NU Trade
Ark Invest, through its ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKF#NYSE">ARKF</a>), bought 162,143 shares of Nu Holdings Ltd. This marks a significant investment in the fintech company, reflecting Ark&#8217;s strategic positioning in the dynamic tech sector.
The value of this trade, calculated from the latest closing price is over $1.75 million.
The MELI and ADPT Trades
On the same day, Ark Invest also sold shares of MercadoLibre Inc and Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp. Through its ARK Fintech Innovation ETF, Ark sold 347 shares of MercadoLibre.
Meanwhile, through its ARK Genomic Revolution ETF, Ark offloaded 8,129 shares of Adaptive Biotechnologies.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900360/bill-gates-has-a-warning-for-the-next-generation-says-be-very-afraid-of-these-4-issues">Bill Gates Has A Warning For The Next Generation, Says Be ‘Very Afraid&#8217; Of These 4 Issues</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Ark Invest

Equities

ADPT

ARKF

ARKG

ARKK

BEAM

MELI

Cathie Wood's Ark Invest Loads Up On Beam Therapeutics, Nu Holdings: Offloads MercadoLibre, Adaptive Biotechnologies

Market intelligence firm&nbsp;Santiment&nbsp;has identified three key metrics suggesting a potential bullish move for&nbsp;Bitcoin&nbsp;(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>).
What Happened: The analytics platform highlights&nbsp;that the average returns of&nbsp;wallets, the dormancy period of coins, and Bitcoin&#8217;s supply on exchanges all indicate a possible upward swing for the leading cryptocurrency by market cap.
Santiment <a href="https://insights.santiment.net/read/biweekly-market-update-crypto-markets-react-to-inflation-and-scandals-8485">notes</a> that historically, accumulating BTC when wallets&#8217; average returns are below 0% has proven to be a strong strategy. Currently, wallets&nbsp;active in the past 30&nbsp;days show average returns of approximately -2.9%.
This suggests that buying or adding to positions could be statistically advantageous.
Additionally,&nbsp;older BTC tokens are circulating&nbsp;at a &#8220;healthy rate,&#8221; which is often a precursor to a rally. Santiment explains that when dormant tokens move frequently, it signals a healthy circulation, typically seen during prolonged bull runs.
Finally, Santiment points out that the amount of BTC on exchanges remains low after a significant withdrawal of coins into cold wallets in late 2024.
Currently, 7.6% of Bitcoin is held in known exchange wallets, compared to 9.92% six months ago.
Why It Matters: The potential bullish signals for Bitcoin come amid broader discussions about its role in economic strategies.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43878748/michael-saylor-bitcoin-is-economic-armor-calls-on-us-to-accumulate-btc">Michael Saylor</a>, a prominent Bitcoin advocate, recently called on the U.S. government to accumulate Bitcoin, suggesting it could serve as &#8220;economic armor&#8221; and help eliminate national debt.
This perspective aligns with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43889897/bitcoin-strategic-reserve-with-1-million-btc-could-offset-21-trillion-national-debt">Matthew Sigel&#8217;s</a>&nbsp;vision of using Bitcoin as a strategic reserve to offset the national debt by 2049.
However, not all outlooks are positive.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43852658/bitcoin-ethereum-face-downside-risk-as-institutional-demand-fades-jpmorgan-says">JPMorgan analysts</a>&nbsp;have expressed concerns over declining institutional demand for Bitcoin and Ethereum futures, which could signal broader market weakness.
This decline in demand has been associated with futures contracts nearing backwardation, a condition where futures prices fall below spot prices, often seen during market downturns.
Price Action: Bitcoin was trading at $96,204 at the time of writing, declining by nearly 2% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900360/bill-gates-has-a-warning-for-the-next-generation-says-be-very-afraid-of-these-4-issues">Bill Gates Has A Warning For The Next Generation, Says Be ‘Very Afraid' Of These 4 Issues</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Bitcoin's Bullish Signals: These 3 Key Metrics Indicate Potential Upswing, Says Research Firm

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a dramatic increase in measles cases across the nation, raising alarms about potential public health implications.
What Happened: The CDC reported a significant increase in measles cases, with numbers rising to 93 from 14 in just one week, according to a Reuters report.
This surge is primarily attributed to an&nbsp;outbreak in Gaines County, Texas,&nbsp;where cases have escalated to 57 from 22 since February 11.
Texas has reported a total of 90 cases, prompting concerns about the potential spread to other regions within the state. The&nbsp;Texas Department of State Health&nbsp;Services&nbsp;has warned of more cases emerging due to the outbreak in Gaines County.
The CDC has identified cases in several states, including&nbsp;Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersey,&nbsp;New Mexico, New York City,&nbsp;Rhode Island, and Texas.
Notably, 95% of those affected were either unvaccinated or had an unknown&nbsp;vaccination status.
Only 4% had received&nbsp;one dose of the measles-mumps-rubella&nbsp;vaccine, and none had received the two doses recommended by the agency.
Among the reported cases, 28 involved children under two years old, and 48 were individuals aged five to 19.
Although measles&nbsp;was declared eliminated in the&nbsp;U.S. in 2000, the virus can still spread through&nbsp;travelers from countries where measles&nbsp;is prevalent. The CDC noted three outbreaks in 2025, compared to 16 in 2024, which saw 285 cases.
Why It Matters: The recent surge in measles cases is part of a broader pattern of emerging infectious diseases that have been challenging public health systems.
Earlier this year, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/42854890/us-records-first-human-bird-flu-death-high-levels-of-respiratory-illnesses-vaccine-stocks-rally">bird flu strain</a>&nbsp;was detected in Nevada, marking the first human death in the U.S. related to the H5N1 virus.
Additionally, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/08/40381585/who-declares-mpox-public-health-emergency-coordinated-international-response-essential-to-hal">World Health Organization</a>&nbsp;declared Mpox a public health emergency in 2024, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international response.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900186/trump-administration-eyes-mineral-rights-deal-with-ukraine-amid-rising-tensions-were-signing-an-agreement">Trump Administration Eyes Mineral Rights Deal With Ukraine Amid Rising Tensions: &#8216;We&#8217;re Signing An Agreement&#8217;</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Health Care

Measles Cases Surge 5x In US In A Week, CDC Reports: Outbreak Primarily Originating From A Texas County

Bill Gates&nbsp;has outlined critical challenges for future generations, emphasizing the importance of addressing bioterrorism, climate change, and artificial intelligence.
What Happened: The Microsoft Corp. co-founder, reflecting on his fears from the 1950s, also noted the persistent threat of nuclear war.
However, he highlighted additional concerns for younger generations, including the potential dangers of bioterrorism and the improper development of AI. Gates also stressed the need for societal unity to combat polarization.
"A nuclear war or a super bad bioterrorism event, or not shaping AI properly or not bringing society together a little bit around the polarization. Those four things, yes, the younger generation has to be very afraid of those things," he said.
Gates shared these insights during a conversation with Patrick Collison at&nbsp;the Computer History Museum last&nbsp;week.
"It's fine that people are worrying about the problems we face, including how we shape AI and polarization and we're arguably less ready for a pandemic now than after the last one because of the divisiveness that's come in around that."
Gates, 69,&nbsp;added climate change to the&nbsp;list of pressing issues&nbsp;for millennials and Gen Z. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about the future, citing advancements in health and literacy.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
"The&nbsp;big headline is people are&nbsp;living longer, people are learning&nbsp;more, people are more literate."
Gates, who also co-founded the&nbsp;Gates Foundation, suggested that emphasizing these issues might sometimes involve exaggerating their impact to motivate action.
He remains hopeful, predicting breakthroughs in diseases like Alzheimer&#8217;s and HIV, and the eradication of polio and malaria.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43755136/bill-gates-wanted-a-friend-to-take-charge-of-microsoft-due-to-regret-over-leaving-harvard-but-heres-why-he-panicked-and-dropped-out">Bill Gates Wanted A Friend To &#8216;Take Charge&#8217; Of Microsoft Due To Regret Over Leaving Harvard, But Here&#8217;s Why He Panicked And Dropped Out</a>
Why It Matters: Gates&#8217; emphasis on artificial intelligence aligns with his previous discussions on the topic.
Earlier, Gates highlighted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36322815/bill-gates-reveals-five-cutting-edge-ai-innovations-he-is-excited-about">AI&#8217;s transformative potential</a>&nbsp;in healthcare, underscoring its role in consumer applications.
However, he also acknowledged AI&#8217;s limitations, noting that while it is not a panacea, its benefits are substantial. He elaborated on AI&#8217;s strengths and weaknesses during an interview, emphasizing its potential despite current shortcomings.
Gates further explored AI&#8217;s societal impact, predicting that its integration into the workforce could lead to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42438799/bill-gates-predicts-ai-in-the-workforce-will-lead-to-so-much-leisure-time-but-itll-create-a-what-do-we-do-with-all-that-time-problem">increased leisure time</a>.
However, he raised concerns about the societal implications of this shift, questioning how people will utilize the additional time.
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Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Bill Gates Has A Warning For The Next Generation, Says Be 'Very Afraid' Of These 4 Issues

Uber Technologies Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) CEO,&nbsp;Dara Khosrowshahi, stated that&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;has no plans to integrate&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&#8217;s forthcoming robotaxis into Uber&#8217;s platform.
What Happened: Speaking <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-21/uber-ceo-says-musk-wants-to-go-alone-on-tesla-robotaxi-rollout">with</a> Bloomberg TV at the FII conference in Miami on Friday, Khosrowshahi revealed that Musk plans to roll out Tesla's robotaxi service without external partnerships.
&#8220;They want to build it alone, so to some extent in Austin, we and Waymo will be competing with Tesla when they launch,&#8221; he said, referencing Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) autonomous vehicle unit.
Khosrowshahi believes that Uber would be a logical platform for Tesla drivers, as it introduces variable demand to the autonomous vehicle (AV) ecosystem. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/02/43899750/trump-team-threatens-to-cut-ukraines-access-to-elon-musks-starlink-over-minerals-dispute-report">Trump Team Threatens To Cut Ukraine&#8217;s Access To Elon Musk&#8217;s Starlink Over Minerals Dispute: Report</a>
Uber has intensified its focus on autonomous vehicle (AV) technology in recent years, forging over a dozen manufacturing partnerships and investing in multiple self-driving tech firms since 2023. The company is preparing to roll out autonomous rides with Waymo in Austin next month, followed by an expansion to Atlanta this summer.
Why It Matters: This revelation comes after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43724986/uber-ceo-looks-forward-to-tesla-partnership-for-robotaxis-no-one-wants-to-compete-against-tesla-or-elon">Khosrowshahi expressed optimism </a>about a potential partnership between Uber and Tesla for robotaxis. In a recent interview, he stated that he hoped to convince Tesla to work with Uber, emphasizing that no one wants to compete against Tesla if they can help it.
Uber halted its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42801896/uber-ceo-dara-khosrowshahi-resigns-from-board-of-autonomous-vehicle-tech-company-aurora">in-house self-driving car development</a> in 2020, selling its autonomous vehicle division to Aurora. Reflecting on the decision, the CEO explained that during the pandemic, he prioritized capital efficiency, as the company was incurring massive losses in robotaxi development. He acknowledged that hardware was not Uber's core strength.
The launch of Tesla's robotaxis and Waymo's expanded operations could impact Uber's ride volume growth and reduce its commission rates, according to Bloomberg. Additionally, Waymo offers driverless rides through its app in key markets like San Francisco and is set to expand to Miami next year.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Tesla

GOOG

GOOGL

UBER

Will Elon Musk's Tesla Team Up With Uber To Roll Out Robotaxis? CEO Dara Khosrowshahi Spills The Beans

Goldman Sachs estimates that a proposed 10%<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43690898/trade-war-2-0-why-trumps-tariff-plans-could-be-worse-than-2018"> U.S. oil tariff</a> could lead to a $10 billion annual loss for foreign producers, posing a significant threat to Canadian and Latin American heavy crude suppliers that depend on U.S. refiners.
What Happened: The proposed tariff stems from the reliance of Canadian and Latin American heavy crude on U.S. refiners, given their limited alternative buyers and processing options. 
President Donald Trump is now considering a 25% tariff on Mexican crude and a 10% levy on Canadian crude starting in March, after delaying his initial proposal. Despite this, Goldman Sachs anticipates that the U.S. will remain the dominant market for heavy crude due to its advanced refining infrastructure and cost efficiency.
Analysts also estimate that light oil prices would need to increase by 50 cents per barrel for medium crude from the Middle East to become more appealing to Asian refiners. This shift is driven by U.S. Gulf Coast refiners favoring domestic light crude over imported medium grades.
It projects that U.S. consumers could face an annual tariff burden of $22 billion, while the government stands to generate $20 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, refiners and traders could gain $12 billion by leveraging discounted U.S. light crude and foreign heavy crude in premium coastal markets.
SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43805107/vivek-ramaswamy-foresees-bitcoin-as-a-more-common-corporate-treasury-holding-as-era-of-easy-money-ends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Vivek Ramaswamy Foresees Bitcoin As A ‘More Common' Corporate Treasury Holding As Era Of Easy Money Ends</a> 
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s proposed oil tariffs are part of a broader strategy to reshape global trade. Earlier in the week, he announced plans to impose a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43805852/trump-shakes-global-trade-with-25-auto-chip-and-pharma-tariffs-announcement-asian-stocks-pare-their-five-day-rally">25% tariff on auto imports, alongside chips and pharmaceuticals</a>, causing a stir in international trade. This move is expected to take effect in April.
The President also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43899444/trump-moves-to-impose-tariffs-on-countries-with-digital-taxes-defending-apple-amazon-meta-google-and-other-us-tech-giants">ordered his trade chief to reopen investigations into digital service taxes</a>&nbsp;imposed on U.S. tech firms, a move that could result in new tariffs on affected countries. These actions are part of Trump&#8217;s efforts to address what he calls an unfair trade balance with other nations.
Trump&#8217;s tariff plans have sparked a debate about their potential impact on the stock market. A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43827291/exclusive-will-trumps-tariffs-hurt-or-help-stock-market-59-say-this">Benzinga poll</a>&nbsp;showed that 59% of respondents believe that Trump&#8217;s tariffs could hurt the stock market.
Meanwhile, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average both tumbled 1.7% on Friday, recording their steepest single-day losses since Dec. 18. At the same time Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) ended 2.07% lower, according to data from <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro.</a>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Commodities

Trump's 10% Oil Tariff Could Deal $10 Billion Annual Blow To Canada And Other Foreign Producers, Goldman Sachs Warns

President Donald Trump is reportedly moving closer to securing a deal that would grant the U.S. substantial mineral rights in Ukraine. This comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
What Happened: On Friday, Trump&nbsp;expressed optimism about finalizing an agreement that could potentially bring $500 billion to the U.S. as part of a broader strategy to align with Russia to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to a report <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/world/europe/ukraine-zelensky-minerals-peace.html">by</a> the New York Times.
"So, we're signing an agreement, hopefully in the next fairly short period of time," he said, according to the report.
Meanwhile,&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that efforts are underway to draft an agreement, aiming to ease tensions with the U.S. over the proposed deal.
"This agreement can add value to our relations — what matters most is getting the details right to ensure it truly works," he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Trump is focusing on securing&nbsp;rare earth and other minerals&nbsp;from Ukraine in exchange for&nbsp;American support. The negotiations have seen Ukraine strengthening its position as the U.S. and Russia engage in talks to end the conflict.
Despite initial resistance, some Ukrainian officials have advised Zelensky to proceed with the deal after addressing concerns over mineral profits and security commitments.
As negotiations continue, Zelensky remains focused on ensuring the agreement&#8217;s effectiveness, while simultaneously seeking support from European allies to fill potential gaps if U.S. backing wanes.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Today, Ukrainian and U.S. teams are working on a draft agreement between our governments. This agreement can add value to our relations—what matters most is getting the details right to ensure it truly works. I look forward to a just results. <a href="https://t.co/o9jbiiiJTq">pic.twitter.com/o9jbiiiJTq</a>
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1893056463431483526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: The ongoing negotiations over Ukraine&#8217;s mineral rights have been contentious, with the U.S. reportedly threatening to cut Ukraine&#8217;s access to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/02/43899750/trump-team-threatens-to-cut-ukraines-access-to-elon-musks-starlink-over-minerals-dispute-report">SpaceX&#8217;s Starlink</a>&nbsp;satellite internet service as a bargaining chip. This move followed the rejection of an initial proposal by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Earlier, Trump had warned Zelensky to negotiate an end to Russia&#8217;s invasion swiftly or risk losing Ukraine entirely. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43837157/trump-labels-zelenskyy-a-dictator-without-elections-urges-ukraine-to-negotiate-or-risk-losing-war">Truth Social post</a>, Trump labeled Zelensky a &#8220;dictator without elections,&#8221; accusing him of misusing U.S. aid.
Ukraine had previously rejected Trump&#8217;s offer to take 50% ownership of its rare earth minerals, calling it a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/02/43788546/ukraine-officials-stall-trumps-colonial-rare-earths-bid-prefer-mutually-beneficial-deal">&#8220;colonial agreement.&#8221;</a>&nbsp;As negotiations continue, the outcome of this deal could significantly impact U.S.-Ukraine relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photos courtesy: Shutterstock

Trump Administration Eyes Mineral Rights Deal With Ukraine Amid Rising Tensions: 'We're Signing An Agreement'

In a significant shift in military leadership, President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;has removed Air Force General&nbsp;C.Q. Brown&nbsp;from his role as&nbsp;chairman of the Joint Chiefs&nbsp;of Staff. This decision, announced on Friday, has led to a reshuffle within the U.S. military&#8217;s top ranks.
What Happened: Trump revealed on Truth Social his intention to nominate former Lieutenant General&nbsp;Dan &#8220;Razin&#8221; Caine&nbsp;as Brown&#8217;s successor. This marks the first time a retired officer has been nominated for this prestigious position.
The reshuffle extends beyond Brown&#8217;s dismissal. Admiral&nbsp;Lisa Franchetti,&nbsp;the first woman to lead&nbsp;a military service, will be replaced&nbsp;as head of the U.S.&nbsp;Navy.
Additionally,&nbsp;the air force vice chief&nbsp;of staff and&nbsp;judge advocates general for the&nbsp;Army, Navy, and Air Force are also being removed, as confirmed by the Pentagon.
Trump&#8217;s actions have drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Senator&nbsp;Jack Reed&nbsp;and Representative&nbsp;Seth Moulton&nbsp;have voiced their concerns, citing potential politicization and risks to national security, according to a report by Reuters.
Defense Secretary&nbsp;Pete Hegseth&nbsp;had expressed doubts regarding Brown&#8217;s appointment, questioning whether it was based on merit or race.&nbsp;Brown, a former fighter pilot, has previously spoken about facing discrimination in the military.
Why It Matters: This reshuffle comes amid Trump&#8217;s broader efforts to reshape military policies.
In January, Trump signed executive orders aimed at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43266467/trumps-executive-orders-make-us-most-lethal-fighting-force-in-the-world-iron-dome-defense-system-get-woke-policies-out-of-military">strengthening</a> U.S. military capabilities, including the construction of an Iron Dome missile defense system, modeled after Israel&#8217;s defense technology.
Trump emphasized the need for a &#8220;strong, strong defense&#8221; to ensure the U.S. remains the &#8220;most lethal fighting force in the world.&#8221;
Additionally, Trump has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43752207/were-going-to-find-billions-trump-targets-pentagon-for-deep-spending-cuts">targeted</a> the Pentagon&#8217;s $800 billion budget for deep spending cuts, aligning with&nbsp;Elon Musk&#8216;s efforts to uncover potential &#8220;fraud and abuse.&#8221;
This move has raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43578729/court-halts-musks-doge-squad-from-gaining-access-to-treasury-payment-systems-a-risk-of-irreparable-harm">concerns</a> about conflicts of interest, given Musk&#8217;s government contracts. However, National Security Adviser&nbsp;Mike Waltz&nbsp;assured that &#8220;appropriate firewalls&#8221; would be in place.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Trump Dismisses Top US General, Breaks From Tradition To Nominate Retired Officer As Top Military Officer

Goldman Sachs expert Scott Rubner has cautioned that Wall Street stocks may face a downturn, citing growing instability in the options market as a key factor behind his prediction.
What Happened: According to a note from Scott Rubner, the stock market could come under pressure as nearly $2.7 trillion in U.S. stock market derivatives approach expiration, reported by Reuters on Friday. If these contracts remain unexercised, heightened volatility may follow.
Rubner also highlighted additional factors that could slow stock buying, including the impending annual tax payments by U.S. retail traders and the seasonal decline in retirement fund contributions to mutual and exchange-traded funds in March.
SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43805107/vivek-ramaswamy-foresees-bitcoin-as-a-more-common-corporate-treasury-holding-as-era-of-easy-money-ends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Vivek Ramaswamy Foresees Bitcoin As A ‘More Common' Corporate Treasury Holding As Era Of Easy Money Ends</a>
Approximately $2.7 trillion in equity options were set to expire on Friday, covering bets on the S&amp;P 500, U.S. exchange-traded funds, and individual stocks. According to a Goldman Sachs note, banks and intermediaries holding over $9 billion in hedges for these trades have helped stabilize market volatility.
Dan Izzo, founder of hedge fund BLKBRD Asset Management and a former bank trader, explained that if investors fail to renew their options bets, intermediaries will be forced to unwind their hedges. This creates significant short-term pressure. The bigger risk is if &#8220;no one willing to buy that impact, we could see it trigger a larger sell off,&#8221; Izzo warned.
Why It Matters: Although the S&amp;P 500 and European stock markets reached record highs on Tuesday, they have since retreated. The decline is partly driven by President Donald Trump&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43805852/trump-shakes-global-trade-with-25-auto-chip-and-pharma-tariffs-announcement-asian-stocks-pare-their-five-day-rally">tariff warning on pharmaceuticals, semiconductor </a>chips, and wood, fueling trade war concerns and rattling investors.
The tariffs imposed by the Trump administration raised concerns for many giants including Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), and Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), among others. 
In a poll conducted by Benzinga,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43827658/exclusive-apple-nvidia-tesla-or-boeing-which-company-faces-the-biggest-risk-from-trumps-china-tariffs-35-say-this-stock" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">35% of the respondents&nbsp;</a>believed that Apple would see maximum impact from Trump's tariffs due to its reliance on Chinese supply chains. Most respondents also feel that these plans could provoke retaliation from other nations. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43839627/apple-may-hike-iphone-prices-by-9-due-to-trumps-tariffs-says-bank-of-america" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Analysts at the Bank of America</a>&nbsp;securities have suggested that Apple may need to increase iPhone prices by 9% to counter the tariffs.
Meanwhile, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average both tumbled 1.7% on Friday, recording their steepest single-day losses since Dec. 18. At the same time Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) ended 2.07% lower, according to data from <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro.</a>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

AAPL

NVDA

Top Analyst Warns Of Looming Stock Market Correction As S&P 500 Records Biggest Single Day Loss Since December: 'We Could See It Trigger A Larger Sell Off'

US negotiators have reportedly threatened to cut Ukraine&#8217;s access to SpaceX&#8217;s Starlink satellite internet service. This move comes amid ongoing negotiations over <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/02/43788546/ukraine-officials-stall-trumps-colonial-rare-earths-bid-prefer-mutually-beneficial-deal">access to Ukraine&#8217;s critical minerals.</a>
What Happened: Negotiators from the U.S. have been pushing Ukraine to provide access to its vital minerals. As a bargaining chip, they have raised the prospect of revoking <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42719245/elon-musks-starlink-to-bring-space-based-mobile-connectivity-to-ukraine">Ukraine&#8217;s access to the Starlink</a> internet system, which is owned by Elon Musk&#8216;s&nbsp;SpaceX,&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;reported.
This development follows the rejection of an initial proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During a meeting between U.S. special Ukraine envoy&nbsp;Keith Kellogg&nbsp;and Zelenskiy, Ukraine was warned of a potential shutdown of the Starlink service if a deal on critical minerals was not reached, according to the report. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/02/43807232/trump-praises-elon-musks-starlink-rollout-says-spacex-rocket-recovery-is-like-you-grab-a-beautiful-little-babyclaims-us-russia-china-cant-compete">Trump Praises Elon Musk&#8217;s Starlink Rollout, Says SpaceX Rocket Recovery Is &#8216;Like You Grab A Beautiful Little Baby:&#8217; &#8216;Nobody Else Can Do It&#8217;</a>
Starlink has been vital in maintaining Ukraine's internet access amid the ongoing conflict. &#8220;Ukraine&nbsp;runs on Starlink. They consider&nbsp;it their North Star,&#8221; a source told the publication. 
&#8220;Losing&nbsp;Starlink &#8230; would be a&nbsp;massive blow.&#8221;
Melinda Haring, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, stressed that Starlink is crucial for Ukraine's drone operations, a cornerstone of its military strategy. &#8220;Losing Starlink would be a game changer,&#8221; she warned.
Why It Matters: The U.S. has been actively involved in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with President Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43837157/trump-labels-zelenskyy-a-dictator-without-elections-urges-ukraine-to-negotiate-or-risk-losing-war">warning Zelenskyy </a>to negotiate an end to the war or risk losing Ukraine entirely. 
Zelenskyy has rejected the Trump administration&#8217;s demand for $500 billion in Ukrainian mineral resources as repayment for wartime aid. On Friday, he confirmed that U.S. and Ukrainian teams are negotiating an agreement, while President Trump voiced optimism that a deal will be finalized soon.
This has led to a rift between the two leaders, with Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43837157/trump-labels-zelenskyy-a-dictator-without-elections-urges-ukraine-to-negotiate-or-risk-losing-war">denouncing Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;as &#8220;a dictator without elections.&#8221;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43582884/elon-musks-spacex-and-t-mobile-go-live-with-starlink-powered-satellite-to-cell-service-heres-how-much-it-will-cost">Elon Musk&#8217;s SpaceX And T-Mobile Go Live With Starlink-Powered Satellite-To-Cell Service: Here&#8217;s How Much It Will Cost</a>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

SPACE

Trump Team Threatens To Cut Ukraine's Access To Elon Musk's Starlink Over Minerals Dispute: Report

President Donald Trump ordered his trade chief to reopen investigations into<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41147159/netflix-disney-amazon-hit-by-philippines-new-12-tax-on-digital-providers"> digital service taxes</a> imposed on U.S. tech firms, a move that could result in new tariffs on affected countries. 
What Happened: Trump&#8217;s order, issued on Friday, is aimed at countering the DSTs,&nbsp;fines, practices, and policies that&nbsp;foreign governments impose on American companies. 
The directive calls on the U.S. Trade Representative&#8217;s office to reopen past digital service tax investigations from Trump's first term and examine any new cases where digital taxes may unfairly target U.S. companies.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43806703/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-platforms-dips-below-short-term-average-as-it-snaps-20-day-winning-run" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta Stock Dips Below Short-Term Average As Mark Zuckerberg-Led Tech Giant Snaps 20-Day Winning Streak</a>
Digital service taxes, aimed at major U.S. tech firms like Google (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), and Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), have been a persistent trade issue for multiple U.S. administrations.
Countries including Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, India, Austria, and Canada have implemented these taxes on the local sales revenue of these and other digital service providers.
During Trump's first term, the U.S. Trade Representative's office launched Section 301 investigations into these policies, resulting in retaliatory tariffs on select imports.
Why It Matters: This move by Trump comes in the wake of his recent announcement to impose a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43805852/trump-shakes-global-trade-with-25-auto-chip-and-pharma-tariffs-announcement-asian-stocks-pare-their-five-day-rally">25% tariff on auto imports, chips, and pharmaceuticals</a>, causing a stir in international trade. The tariffs are expected to take effect as early as April 2, following a report from his cabinet members outlining options for import duties.
Amid escalating <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43876173/apple-ceo-tim-cook-reportedly-meets-trump-as-tariff-impact-looms-on-iphone-sales-and-companys-china-strategy">trade tensions between the U.S.</a> and China, Apple&#8217;s CEO Tim Cook is said to have met President Trump. According to Trump, Cook discussed investing &#8220;hundreds of billions of dollars&#8221; in the U.S. amid tariff threat.
Trump&#8217;s memo instructs his administration to assess whether any European Union or British policies encourage U.S. companies to adopt practices that restrict free speech or promote censorship. According to a White House fact sheet, special attention will be given to how U.S. firms are impacted by the EU&#8217;s Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act.
This comes amid ongoing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/40915828/google-wins-1-7b-eu-antitrust-fine-appeal-over-5-year-old-online-search-advertising-case">tension between tech giants and the EU. </a>
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AMZN

Trump Moves To Impose Tariffs On Countries With Digital Taxes, Defending Apple, Amazon, Meta, Google And Other US Tech Giants

Michael Jordan's legendary Chicago estate has taken on a new life under its latest owner. After <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/12/42638801/before-his-180-on-climate-change-elon-musk-advocated-for-action-cautioning-that-oceanfront-real-estate-values-would-plummet-2">sitting on the market</a> for over a decade, the sprawling Highland Park mansion finally sold for $9.5 million in December. But instead of keeping it as a private home, the new buyer, John Cooper, is already shaking things up—turning it into a luxury rental at a jaw-dropping $230,000 per month and selling off shares of the property in a unique timeshare model.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Discounted Sale After 12 Years on the Market</h2>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Michael Jordan&#39;s mansion sitting seven acres with nine beds and 19 baths &#x1f92f; <a href="https://t.co/ZjQV0wDOdq">pic.twitter.com/ZjQV0wDOdq</a>
&mdash; The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) <a href="https://twitter.com/Am_Blujay/status/1787188879541317787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Jordan originally listed the 56,000-square-foot estate in 2012 for $29 million, but it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42678673/michael-jordan-sells-his-massive-luxury-mansion-for-9-5-million-but-it-took-12-years-to-find-a-buyer-and-he-spent-50-million-building-it">struggled to attract buyers</a>, despite multiple price cuts and the home's deep ties to the basketball legend. The mansion, known as Legend Point, boasts nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, a full-size basketball court, a cigar lounge, and even doors from the original Playboy Mansion. After years of markdowns, Cooper, a real estate investor from Nebraska, purchased the property for $9.5 million—a significant drop from its original asking price.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Turning Legend Point Into A Business</h2>
Rather than using the mansion as his primary residence, Cooper quickly set plans in motion to monetize the iconic home. Per Realtor.com, just weeks after closing the deal, he announced that portions of the property would be sold as luxury timeshares under the name &#8220;Champions Point.&#8221; Co-owners can buy a share for at least $1 million, granting them access to the estate for a designated week each year. Owners can invite up to 24 guests and even host high-end events for an extra fee.
Trending: Many don&#8217;t know there are tax benefits when buying a unit as an investment —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/casa-shares-y2"> Here&#8217;s how to invest in real estate by mirroring BlackRock's big move</a>
Now, in addition to selling shares, Cooper has listed the entire estate for rent, offering anyone with deep enough pockets the chance to live in Jordan's former home for $230,000 a month. The listing describes it as a &#8220;once-in-a-lifetime opportunity&#8221; for those who &#8220;live and breathe sports.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Renters and Co-Owners Get</h2>
The mansion's amenities are as grand as its history. Renters and co-owners gain access to a regulation-size basketball court, an infinity pool with an island, a tennis court, a putting green, a state-of-the-art home theater, a wine cellar, a commercial-grade fitness center, and a cigar room with a custom humidor. High-end add-ons, including private chefs, on-site entertainment, and luxury transportation, are also available for an extra cost.
Cooper, a longtime Bulls fan who has lived in Chicago for the past decade, says he wants to preserve the property's legacy while also making it more accessible to sports enthusiasts, celebrities, and businesses looking for a one-of-a-kind luxury experience.
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Michael Jordan's Former $9.5 Million Chicago Megamansion Is Now A $230,000/Month Rental As Its New Owner Sells Off Pieces Of The Property

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) CEO Tim Cook has reportedly pledged a significant investment in the United States and a shift in manufacturing from Mexico to the U.S. President Donald Trump made this announcement during a meeting with governors.
What Happened: After <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43876173/apple-ceo-tim-cook-reportedly-meets-trump-as-tariff-impact-looms-on-iphone-sales-and-companys-china-strategy">meeting Cook at the White House </a>this week, Trump revealed that the Apple CEO had assured him of moving iPhone maker&#8217;s manufacturing from Mexico to the U.S.
 &#8220;He&#8217;s&nbsp;investing hundreds of billions of&nbsp;dollars&#8230; That&#8217;s&nbsp;what he told me. Now&nbsp;he has to do it,&#8221; Trump said.
Trump also mentioned that Cook had halted two plants in Mexico and would now be producing Apple products in the U.S. However, Cook has not yet publicly announced any such investment.
"They don't want to be in the tariffs," Trump said.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43873396/apple-stock-has-run-up-over-10-in-a-month-jim-cramer-says-iphone-maker-is-ramping-and-the-credit-goes-to-chinese-subsidies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Stock Has Run Up Over 10% In A Month, Jim Cramer Says iPhone Maker Is ‘Ramping' And The Credit Goes To Chinese Subsidies</a>
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="TRUMP DOGE EFFECT: President Trump FULL REMARKS on Spending, Ukraine War, Taxes, Migrants" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b92O_a3MkpA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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It's unclear which manufacturing facilities Trump was referring to. Foxconn Technology Group, the maker of Apple's iPhones, already has a strong presence in Mexico and plans to expand further.
Apple did not immediately respond to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga&#8217;s</a> request for comment. 
Why It Matters: The news of Apple&#8217;s potential shift in manufacturing and significant U.S. investment comes at a crucial time for the tech giant. Like other tech giants, Apple is grappling with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43827658/exclusive-apple-nvidia-tesla-or-boeing-which-company-faces-the-biggest-risk-from-trumps-china-tariffs-35-say-this-stock">rising U.S.-China trade tensions.</a> Trump&#8217;s 10% tariff on Chinese-made goods poses a significant challenge, as China remains Apple's primary manufacturing hub, and the U.S., is its largest market.
According to an analyst at Bank of America, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43839627/apple-may-hike-iphone-prices-by-9-due-to-trumps-tariffs-says-bank-of-america">iPhone maker will need to hike prices</a> on iPhones, iPads, and other products by approximately 9% to counter the effect of tariffs. assuming a minimum 10% tariff applies to all of them. The analyst also expects a potential hit on the sales volume.
On Wednesday, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43820197/apple-unveils-iphone-16e-with-a18-chip-ai-features-599-price-tag">a budget-friendly successor</a> to the third-generation iPhone SE. Priced at $599, the device is designed to run artificial intelligence efficiently.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tim Cook Reportedly Tells Trump Apple Will Invest 'Hundreds Of Billions' In US: 'They Don't Want To Be In The Tariffs'

Elon Musk&#8217;s unsolicited $97 billion bid for OpenAI&#8216;s assets has created a valuation challenge for the artificial intelligence leader, potentially complicating its planned transition to a for-profit structure.
Legal experts suggest the offer, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43755069/openai-board-rejects-elon-musks-97-billion-acquisition-proposal-days-after-sam-altman-calls-it-a-move-to-slow-down-a-competitor#:~:text=OpenAI%20Board%20Rejects%20Elon%20Musk's,Slow%20Down'%20A%20Competitor%20%2D%20Benzinga">though swiftly rejected</a>, could force regulators to scrutinize OpenAI&#8217;s corporate restructuring more closely. The bid &#8220;will be more difficult to justify valuing the nonprofit&#8217;s assets at less than $97 billion if there is a concrete offer for that sum,&#8221; <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2025/02/11/elon-musks-97bn-offer-is-a-headache-for-sam-altmans-openai">according to a report by The Economist</a>.
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Musk, OpenAI&#8217;s co-founder and now rival, submitted the bid through a consortium on Feb. 11, targeting the non-profit entity that controls the company. The move escalates his feud with CEO Sam Altman over the company&#8217;s shift toward a more traditional corporate structure.
&#8220;OpenAI is not for sale,&#8221; company spokesman Chris Lehane told The Economist.
The timing appears strategic, as OpenAI reportedly seeks to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43374528/softbank-may-lead-openais-40-billion-funding-round-at-a-300-billion-valuation-despite-deepseek-disruption-report">raise approximately $40 billion from investors, including SoftBank</a>. Musk&#8217;s bid could potentially disrupt the fundraising efforts by raising questions about proper valuation during the company&#8217;s restructuring.
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Jill Horwitz, law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, said that the nonprofit board&#8217;s fiduciary duty is to act according to OpenAI&#8217;s legal purpose—building safe artificial intelligence that &#8220;benefits all of humanity.&#8221; The mission-focused obligation may provide flexibility in responding to acquisition offers.
Musk&#8217;s legal team has urged attorneys general in California and Delaware, where OpenAI operates, to ensure the nonprofit surrenders control at fair market value during any restructuring.&nbsp;
While company insiders doubt state officials will acquiesce to Musk, Horwitz noted they have &#8220;clear law to apply&#8221; regarding proper valuation.
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The bid follows recent tensions over the &#8220;Stargate Project,&#8221; a $100 billion data center investment fund announced by Altman and President Donald Trump on Jan. 21. Musk publicly questioned whether the project&#8217;s backers had sufficient funding, allegations they denied.
Altman responded to Musk&#8217;s bid with a facetious counteroffer on X—$9.7 billion to &#8220;buy Twitter,&#8221; as Musk&#8217;s social network was previously known. &#8220;I think he&#8217;s just trying to slow us down,&#8221; <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-02-11/altman-says-musk-probably-just-trying-to-slow-us-down-video">Altman told Bloomberg</a>. &#8220;I feel for the guy. I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s a happy person.&#8221;
The offer represents another front in Musk&#8217;s competitive strategy against his largest AI rival. He launched xAI in 2023, positioning it as a direct competitor to OpenAI.
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Experts Say Musk's $97 Billion Offer Could Force OpenAI To Reassess Its Value

Trading Halt: Halted at 7:50:00 p.m. ET - Trading Halt: Halt News Pending

SXTP

ALPS ETF Trusthen & Steers Global Realty Majors ETF

SXTPW

A top Democrat warned last week that the White House's  government efficiency team could disrupt tax refund processing as representatives <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43754316/irs-gears-up-to-lay-off-thousands-of-workers-potentially-impacting-tax-season-no-analysis-to-the-impact-it-will-have-on-operations">began examining Internal Revenue Service operations during peak filing season</a>.
Gavin Kliger, a member of the Department of Government Efficiency that is being led by Elon Musk, visited IRS headquarters in Washington on Feb. 13, requesting detailed information about agency operations and staffing, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/13/politics/doge-visits-the-irs-putting-staffers-on-edge/index.html">according to CNN</a>.
&#8220;My office is hearing that DOGE is now at the IRS. That means Musk&#8217;s henchmen are in a position to dig through a trove of data about every taxpayer in America. And if your refund is delayed, they could very well be the reason,&#8221; Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) <a href="https://x.com/RonWyden/status/1890114168583565673">wrote on X</a>.
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The visit marks the efficiency department&#8217;s first direct engagement with the tax agency, which employs approximately 100,000 workers. According to CNN, Kliger requested information about each business unit&#8217;s responsibilities and risk factors.
An email shared with CNN that was sent to IRS employees during the visit instructed staff to route queries about &#8220;high-profile visitors&#8221; through proper channels, noting the matter had been &#8220;elevated to Treasury&#8221; for further instruction.
President Donald Trump authorized the IRS review earlier in the day on Feb. 13, telling reporters, &#8220;the Internal Revenue Service will be looked at like everybody else.&#8221; When asked if he expected the agency to be closed, Trump responded: &#8220;No, I don&#8217;t expect it. But I think the Internal Revenue Service will be looked at like everybody else.&#8221;
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The audit follows an <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1886847092888310231?lang=en">informal poll on X</a> where Musk asked followers if they favored reviewing the IRS. The poll showed 91.2% support among respondents. The billionaire issued a poll earlier in December <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42380263/elon-musk-asks-if-irs-funding-should-be-deleted-more-than-60-of-respondents-said-yes#:~:text=Billionaire%20entrepreneur%20Elon%20Musk%20sparked,delete%22%20the%20agency's%20funding%20entirely.">calling for the IRS to be "deleted,"</a> which saw 60.4% of respondents agree with the proposition.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) embraced the scrutiny <a href="https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/02/13/chairman-smith-business-as-usual-at-the-irs-is-unacceptable/">in a letter</a> to Acting IRS Commissioner Douglas O&#8217;Donnell. &#8220;Business as usual at the IRS is unacceptable,&#8221; Smith wrote. &#8220;Our government has not been working effectively for the American people, and it needs to change.&#8221;
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The IRS already faces hiring restrictions under Trump&#8217;s Jan. 20 executive order freezing federal employment. While the broader hiring freeze expires after 90 days, <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/hiring-freeze/">the order</a> says that IRS restrictions will remain until the treasury secretary determines &#8220;it is in the national interest to lift the freeze.&#8221;
No operational changes or layoffs have been announced. <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/doge-internal-revenue-service-9697cb99#:~:text=Kliger%20doesn't%20have%20access,obtain%20or%20view%20taxpayer%20information.">The Wall Street Journal reported</a> that a source said Kliger did not access IRS computer systems or taxpayer information during his visit.
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'If Your Refund Is Delayed, They Could Be The Reason,' Senator Sounds Alarm On Musk's IRS Audit

Elon Musk, who seems to love stirring the pot, is doing just that in Germany where elections are expected to be held on Feb. 23, 2025. The German government is accusing Musk&nbsp;of meddling in the election campaign with repeated endorsements of the country's far-right party .



"It is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election," said government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann after various Musk X posts and an opinion piece published at the weekend backing the&nbsp;Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/30/german-official-elon-musk-trying-to-influence-election-afd">noted</a> The Guardian.



Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany&#8217;s largest opposition party, said Musk&#8217;s interference was &#8220;intrusive and presumptuous,&#8221; and called it an unprecedented example of election interference between &#8220;friendly&#8221; countries.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Musk&#8217;s Myriad Interests In Germany</h1>



With Tesla's sprawling Gigafactory in Grünheide near Berlin, Musk's influence on Europe's largest economy has grown exponentially. It's hard to imagine he'd be indifferent to Germany's political landscape and how the election outcome will potentially shape policies that could benefit Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and other tech innovations.



Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, the first and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/giga-berlin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">only gigafactory in Europe</a>, produces the Model Y and battery systems, solidifying Tesla's foothold in the lucrative European EV market. As of November 2024, it had produced more than 400,000 Model Y vehicles that were delivered to 37 countries and over 500,000 drive units at the factory.



Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42717793/elon-musk-rejects-uk-as-a-possible-gigafactory-location">Elon Musk Rejects UK As A Possible Gigafactory Location</a>



Germany's political climate has further implications for financial markets, particularly German ETFs, which serve as barometers of economic sentiment. ETFs like iShares MSCI Germany (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWG#NYSE">EWG</a>), Global X DAX Germany (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAX#NASDAQ">DAX</a>), Franklin FTSE Germany (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLGR#NYSE">FLGR</a>) and First Trust Germany AlphaDEX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FGM#NASDAQ">FGM</a>) reflect the health of Germany's industrial and automotive sectors, which are central to the nation's economy. Many of these ETFs include automotive giants such as Volkswagen (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VWAGY#OTC">VWAGY</a>) and BMW (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMWKY#OTC">BMWKY</a>), companies with shifts towards EVs that intersect with Tesla's dominance.



Policy decisions surrounding green energy, emissions standards and labor laws could affect these ETFs. For instance, stricter environmental policies might accelerate the transition to EVs, benefiting Tesla while reshaping the competitive landscape for traditional automakers. On the flip side, Musk's advocacy for reduced red tape could bolster industries represented in ETFs, attracting both voter and investor interest.



Musk's potential influence in Germany's elections, whether through public statements or indirect lobbying, could also sway global investor sentiment. ETFs tied to Germany's economy are closely watched by international markets. And, as we know, political uncertainty has a way of creating market volatility.



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Photo via Shutterstock.

Elon Musk Blasted As 'Intrusive And Presumptuous' For 'Trying To Influence' German Elections Toward Far-Right Party

European Automakers criticized the European Union (EU) for imposing tariffs today on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).&nbsp;



Mercedes Benz AG called them a "mistake," <a href="https://uk.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MERCEDES-BENZ-GROUP-AG-436541/news/Mercedes-China-protective-tariffs-would-be-a-mistake-48001411/#:~:text=STUTTGART%20(dpa%2DAFX)%20%2D,term%2C%22%20said%20a%20spokeswoman.">saying</a> "punitive tariffs worsen the competitiveness of an industry in the long term." BMW AG <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/04/european-union-votes-to-impose-tariffs-on-chinese-electric-vehicles.html#:~:text=Swedish%20auto%20maker%20Volvo%20Cars,%2C%E2%80%9D%20according%20to%20a%20statement.">said the move marked a "fatal sign"</a> for Europe's auto industry, Reuters reported.&nbsp;



Volkswagen Group said that duties were "the wrong approach and would not improve the competitiveness of the European automotive industry."&nbsp;



Following the news, European carmakers rose, with Mercedes-Benz (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBGAF#OTC">MBGAF</a>) and BMW (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMWKY#OTC">BMWKY</a>) being the best performers, rising 1.06% and 2.04%, respectively.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="618" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135044/Carshares-1-1024x618.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1902" style="width:624px" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135044/Carshares-1-1024x618.jpg 1024w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135044/Carshares-1-300x181.jpg 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135044/Carshares-1-768x463.jpg 768w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135044/Carshares-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



European automakers&#8217; stock performance, source: <a href="https://www.tradingview.com/">TradingView</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">EU Votes For Tariffs Against European Automakers</h3>



The EU voted in favor of adopting definitive tariffs of up to 45% on China-made battery electric vehicles (BEVs).



"<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/de/statement_24_5041">The European Commission's proposal to impose definitive</a> countervailing duties on imports of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China," the EU said in a <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/de/statement_24_5041">statement</a>. It "obtained the necessary support from EU Member States for the adoption of tariffs," it said.&nbsp;



"<a href="https://x.com/niredeker">This is good news</a>: the tariffs make economic sense," Nils Redeker, Deputy Director<a href="https://x.com/DelorsBerlin"> </a><a href="https://x.com/DelorsInstitute">Jacques Delors Institute</a>, wrote on X. This shows that "the EU knows how to flex its strategic trade muscles when it counts," he <a href="https://x.com/niredeker/status/1842145599690535038">wrote</a>.&nbsp;



The EU said in the statement that it would continue to hold talks with China to resolve the differences.&nbsp;



But a solution will need to be "adequate in addressing the injurious subsidization established by the Commission's investigation," the EU said. It must also be fully WTO-compatible, "monitorable and enforceable."



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">European Automakers Opposed Tariffs Before EU Vote</h3>



Ahead of the vote, last-minute talks to<a href="https://europeancapitalinsights.substack.com/p/european-tariffs-on-chinas-ev-makers?r=3nmatg"> avert the tariffs failed</a>. The EU's Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, and China's Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, met on September 19.&nbsp;



The EC imposed provisional tariffs on China's EVs in July despite Beijing's previous warning that it would retaliate.&nbsp;



Beijing has denied that it improperly subsidizes EV companies, arguing that its leading role in EVs results from efficient manufacturing.&nbsp;



Ahead of the vote, Mercedes-Benz and BMW called on Berlin to veto on tariffs to avoid a spat with their most important market.&nbsp;



European automakers have struggled with weak overseas demand, issues in China and the United States.&nbsp;



China has nearly halved its imports of German cars in the past five years as competition with its domestic automakers increases.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="677" height="400" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135221/China1_followup.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1903" style="width:624px" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135221/China1_followup.png 677w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135221/China1_followup-300x177.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 677px) 100vw, 677px" /></figure>



Swedish automaker Volvo Cars said today that it would "<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/04/european-union-votes-to-impose-tariffs-on-chinese-electric-vehicles.html#:~:text=Swedish%20auto%20maker%20Volvo%20Cars,%2C%E2%80%9D%20according%20to%20a%20statement.">continue with our long-held strategy of building</a> our cars where we sell them."&nbsp;



Volvo, which is owned by China's Geely Holdings, said it "committed significant long-term investment into Europe," according to a statement.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">European Nations Split On Tariffs</h3>



EU members disagreed on whether to levy tariffs for the next five years. Spain had called on the EU to &#8220;<a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240911-spain-pm-urges-eu-to-reconsider-china-ev-tariffs-plan">rethink</a>&#8221; the duties, aligning with Germany, while France supported them.



The vote highlighted differences in Europe regarding member states' trade relations with China, the bloc's second-largest export market in 2023.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="986" height="588" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135537/Screenshot-2024-10-04-165450.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1905" style="width:624px" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135537/Screenshot-2024-10-04-165450.png 986w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135537/Screenshot-2024-10-04-165450-300x179.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04135537/Screenshot-2024-10-04-165450-768x458.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 986px) 100vw, 986px" /></figure>



Source: <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=File:Principal_partners_for_EU_exports_of_goods,_2023.png">European Commission</a>



<a href="https://europeancapitalinsights.substack.com/p/european-tariffs-on-chinas-ev-makers?r=3nmatg">Ten EU member states voted in favor</a> of the tariffs, while 12 abstained and five opposed, including Germany, Euronews reported. Spain abstained from voting.&nbsp;



German's vote was "a powerful exhibit that Draghi&#8217;s diagnosis is right," Lucas Guttenberg, <a href="https://x.com/BertelsmannSt">Bertelsmann Stiftung</a> Senior Advisor, posted on <a href="https://x.com/lucasguttenberg/status/1842105556112122200">X</a>.&nbsp;



He referred to the September 9 European <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/topics/strengthening-european-competitiveness/eu-competitiveness-looking-ahead_en">competitiveness report </a>by Mario Draghi , former European Central Bank President.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"If not even the Commission and the largest auto manufacturer see eye-to-eye on how to deal with the EU&#8217;s car industry, then the EU has no consistent industrial strategy," he wrote. "And that has to change."



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">German Vote Against Tariffs Could Hurt Scholz</h3>



The decision could also blow back against German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.&nbsp;



Scholz recently avoided an electoral setback in the eastern state of Brandenburg. His Social Democrats <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/scholz-escapes-another-defeat-to-far-right-in-german-state-vote/ar-AA1r0tdi?ocid=BingNewsSerp">narrowly won elections last month</a> against the far-right Alternative for Germany.&nbsp;



The "fatal decision" to force "a German No vote" against the tariffs "hurts Germany&#8217;s broad industrial interests," <a href="http://@bueti">Reinhard Bütikofer</a>, a former Germany Green Party leader, said.&nbsp;



"It is also a major mistake in geopolitical terms: Germany opts for caving in under lobby pressure from Beijing," he wrote on <a href="https://x.com/bueti/status/1841913773940178951">X</a>.



The EU <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/de/statement_24_5041">will publish the implementing regulation</a> and findings of its investigation on China&#8217;s subsidization of the industry by October. 30.



Disclaimer:



Any opinions expressed in this article are not to be considered investment advice and are solely those of the authors. European Capital Insights is not responsible for any financial decisions made based on the contents of this article. Readers may use this article for information and educational purposes only.&nbsp;



This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

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