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BlackRock Science

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust II is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The trust's investment objectives are to provide total return and income through a combination of current income, current gains, and long-term capital appreciation. Its portfolio consists of Equity Securities, Options, Preferred Securities, Convertible Securities, Depositary Receipts, Non-U.S. Securities, Emerging Markets Investments, Restricted and Illiquid Investments, Private Company Investments, Corporate Bonds, and other investments. The trust seeks to Invest at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. science and technology companies in any market capitalization range from the development, advancement, and use of science and/or technology.

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Elon Musk&#8216;s intellectual abilities have been called into question by his biographer, Seth Abramson. Abramson has disputed the widely held belief of Musk&#8217;s intellectual achievements, asserting that there is no substantial evidence to support such claims.
What Happened: Abramson, a journalist and attorney, took to social media X on Friday to voice his opinions. He criticized Musk and his followers for using the billionaire&#8217;s IQ as a benchmark of his intellectual capacity.
Abramson, who is in the process of writing a biography on Musk, stated, &#8220;There&#8217;s&nbsp;zero evidence, from his life&nbsp;history, of Musk having anything&nbsp;higher than a 110 IQ.&#8221; He further contended that Musk&#8217;s success with companies such as Zip2, PayPal, and&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;was not a result of his intellectual accomplishments but rather his financial investments.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">He was sued for stealing the idea for Zip2—which fired him as soon as investors got involved. He was going to run PayPal into the ground after his company merged with it—again he was fired. He invested in Tesla when it was distressed and quickly began running it into the ground.
&mdash; Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SethAbramson/status/1892972729583784215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The biographer also asserted that Musk&#8217;s only &#8220;truly successful and novel company&#8221; is SpaceX, attributing a significant portion of its success to President Obama, whom Musk had lobbied. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43768756/privacy-concerns-emerge-as-elon-musks-doge-team-seeks-access-to-taxpayer-data">Privacy Concerns Emerge As Elon Musk&#8217;s DOGE Team Seeks Access to Taxpayer Data</a>
Abramson went on to criticize Musk&#8217;s ventures like the Boring Company and Neuralink, labeling the former a failure and the latter embroiled in ethics investigations.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I account Elon Musk&#39;s idea for SpaceX to be more or less the only clearly good idea he has ever publicly had, though it required heavy lifting mostly from a powerful Black man for it to become a success, which may be why Musk has so much resentment for the former president now.
&mdash; Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SethAbramson/status/1892974055130570876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The comments made by Abramson have ignited a widespread online debate, with many questioning the correlation between wealth and intelligence.
Why It Matters: This development is significant as it challenges the popular narrative around Musk&#8217;s intellectual prowess, which has been a key aspect of his public persona. 
Abramson&#8217;s comments have sparked a debate around the correlation between wealth and intelligence, a topic that has been a subject of discussion in the tech and business world. 
The outcome of this debate could potentially impact public perception of successful entrepreneurs like Musk and their business ventures.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43581767/elon-musks-former-employees-warn-federal-workers-about-long-hours-firings-and-much-more">Elon Musk&#8217;s Former Employees Warn Federal Workers About Long Hours, Firings, And Much More</a>
Image: Shutterstock

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TSLA

Author of Upcoming Elon Musk Biography Questions His 'Intellectual Achievements'

The week was a rollercoaster ride in the world of cryptocurrency. From&nbsp;Gary Cardone&nbsp;exiting his XRP position to&nbsp;Elon Musk embracing his meme status with Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), the crypto market was buzzing with activity. Here&#8217;s a quick round-up of the top stories.
Gary Cardone Dumps XRP
Investment influencer Gary Cardone announced his exit from XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>), selling his 30,000 XRP holdings at $2.71. Cardone cited six guiding principles refined over his 40-year finance career as the reason for his decision. He wished the XRP army luck, though he expressed doubts about their potential wealth.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43880897/gary-cardone-dumps-xrp-position-saying-i-genuinely-hope-the-xrp-army-gets-stupid-rich-i-dont-think-you-will">Read the full article here.</a>
Dogecoin Millionaire Advocates for Conviction Plays
Glauber Contessoto, also known as SlumDOGE Millionaire, encouraged his followers to invest in &#8216;conviction plays&#8217; like Pepe amid a broader slump in the meme coin market. He urged his followers to seize the opportunity presented by the ongoing correction to invest in meme coins.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43874379/dogecoin-millionaire-pushes-conviction-plays-like-pepe-like-theres-no-tomorrow-best-time-to-start-buying">Read the full article here.</a>
Peter Schiff Expresses Concerns Over Strategy Inc.&#8217;s Convertible Debt Offerings
Economist and market commentator Peter Schiff expressed concerns over Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) convertible debt offerings, hinting at potential financial troubles for the Bitcoin treasury company. Schiff highlighted the 4.5% decline in the company's shares despite Bitcoin's gain of 2.5%.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43838036/peter-schiff-says-michael-saylor-led-strategys-convertible-debt-offerings-arent-going-well-as-stock-falls-despite-bitcoins-gain">Read the full article here.</a>
Pepe Bull Questions Traders Selling Frog-Themed Memecoin
A widely followed cryptocurrency trader highlighted the &#8220;Cycle of Regret&#8221; phenomenon, predicting that 99% of the traders cashing out of the frog-themed meme coin Pepe (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">PEPE</a>) won&#8217;t buy it back at a discount. The trader suggested that these traders would panic, wait for a better entry, and then freeze when it dips further.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43805854/pepe-bull-questions-traders-selling-frog-themed-memecoin-theyll-fomo-back-in-higher-than-they-sold">Read the full article here.</a>
Elon Musk Embraces Dogecoin
Tesla Inc. and SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk embraced his meme status during his recent appearance at CPAC 2025, tying it to his association with Dogecoin. Musk described himself as "living the meme," a reference to his connection with Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that originated from the internet-famous Doge meme.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43878760/dogecoins-journey-from-memecoin-to-real-money-crazy-but-cool-says-elon-musk-i-am-living-the-meme">Read the full article here.</a>
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>
</ul>
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/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

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

Cryptocurrency

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$PEPE

$XRP

DOGE

MSTR

Cardone Exits XRP, Dogecoin Millionaire's Conviction Plays, Schiff's Concerns, Pepe Bull's Predictions, And Musk's Dogecoin Endorsement: This Week In Crypto

It was an eventful week for tech giant Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), with the company making headlines for a variety of reasons. From the launch of a new budget-friendly iPhone to a significant investment pledge in the United States, Apple was in the spotlight. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories.
Apple Unveils Budget-Friendly iPhone 16e
Apple kicked off the week with the announcement of the iPhone 16e, a new affordable offering that replaces the third-generation iPhone SE. The announcement was made by Apple CEO Tim Cook in a video posted by the company. The new iPhone comes with several improvements over its predecessor.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43820197/apple-unveils-iphone-16e-with-a18-chip-ai-features-599-price-tag">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Pledges Significant US Investment
In a meeting with President Donald Trump, Tim Cook reportedly pledged a significant investment in the United States and a shift in manufacturing from Mexico to the U.S. This announcement was made by Trump during a meeting with governors.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43898992/tim-cook-reportedly-tells-trump-apple-will-invest-hundreds-of-billions-in-us-they-dont-want-to-be-in-the-tariffs">Read the full article here.</a>
New iPhone Expected to Boost Apple&#8217;s Revenue
Gene Munster of Deepwater Management predicts that the newly launched iPhone 16e will drive a revenue boost for Apple in FY25. Munster shared his insights on Apple's latest offering, highlighting three key takeaways from the new model.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43840286/apples-iphone-16e-to-drive-revenue-growth-for-tim-cooks-company-says-top-analyst">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple May Increase iPhone Prices
In response to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, analysts at the Bank of America suggest that Apple might have to raise iPhone prices by 9%. The tech titan may need to revise its pricing strategy to compensate for the costs related to the tariffs.
<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">Read the full article here.</a>
Wireless Reverse Charging Feature for iPhone 17 Pro
Apple is reportedly testing a wireless reverse charging feature for its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models. This feature would allow the smartphone to power other devices. The news was reported by a Weibo-based Chinese leaker.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43838655/iphone-17-pro-may-finally-get-wireless-reverse-charging-apple-reportedly-testing-power-sharing-with-airpods-apple-watch-and-more">Read the full article here.</a>
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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Gates Has A Warning For The Next Generation, Says Be ‘Very Afraid&#8217; Of These 4 Issues</a></li>
</ul>
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>

Analyst Color

Equities

AAPL

Apple's iPhone 16E Launch, US Investment Pledge, Potential Price Hikes, And More: This Week In Appleveres

The week has been a whirlwind of economic news, with President Donald Trump&#8217;s administration making headlines for its tax proposals and plans for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Meanwhile, gold is nearing the $3000 mark, and billionaire investor Ray Dalio has proposed a solution to America&#8217;s mounting debt crisis. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories.
Trump&#8217;s Plan to &#8216;Abolish&#8217; IRS
Howard Lutnick, the newly confirmed Commerce Secretary under President Donald Trump&#8216;s administration, has reiterated the President&#8217;s proposal to abolish the IRS. During an appearance on Fox News, Lutnick stated that Trump&#8217;s goal is to &#8220;abolish the Internal Revenue Service and let all the outsiders pay.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43840909/trumps-goal-is-to-abolish-irs-and-let-all-the-outsiders-pay-says-newly-confirmed-commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Tax Cut Could Add $4.6 Trillion To Deficit
Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich has criticized the tax reduction plans of the Trump administration, terming them as an &#8220;absolutely shameless giveaway,&#8221; that could increase the deficit by $4.6 trillion. The proposed tax cuts for wealthy individuals and lower corporate tax rates are likely to widen the U.S. trade deficit.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43774882/donald-trumps-tax-cut-could-add-46-trillion-to-deficit-says-robert-reich-emphasizing-48-billion-relief-for-top-100-us-firms-via-corporate-tax-cuts">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s &#8216;DOGE Dividend&#8217; Proposal Criticized
President Donald Trump&#8217;s idea of using part of his cost-cutting efforts to reward taxpayers has been criticized by economist Craig Shapiro. Shapiro argues that all savings from the Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should be dedicated to reducing the deficit, debt reduction, and inflation control.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43839198/reduce-deficits-and-debt-full-stop-says-this-economist-as-trump-mulls-doge-dividend-by-giving-away-20-of-its-savings-to-public">Read the full article here.</a>
Gold Nears $3000 Mark
As gold nears the $3000 per ounce mark, experts are highlighting the importance of the precious metal in investment portfolios. Despite trading flat at $2,930.62 per ounce, gold has been testing the $3,000 level after hitting fresh records.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43875557/donald-trump-airs-fort-knox-inspection-as-gold-edges-closer-to-3000-it-is-an-essential-component-of-portfolio-says-expert">Read the full article here.</a>
Ray Dalio&#8217;s Solution to America&#8217;s Debt Crisis
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio has called for urgent measures to address the mounting U.S. federal debt crisis. Dalio proposes reducing the deficit to 3% of gross domestic product from its current level of nearly 7%.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43328856/ray-dalio-backs-trumps-interest-rate-cut-proposes-3-solution-to-tackle-36-trillion-americas-debt-crisis">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<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>
</ul>
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/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Economics

Trump's Tax Plans, Gold Nears $3000, And Ray Dalio's Solution To America's Debt Crisis: This Week In Economics

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride in the world of politics, with President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;at the center of several significant developments. From a decline in approval ratings to potential multi-billion dollar deals, the Trump administration has been making headlines left, right, and center. Here&#8217;s a quick round-up of the top stories.
Trump&#8217;s Approval Rating Takes a Dip
According to a recent Emerson College poll, President Trump&#8217;s approval rating has seen a decline in February. The poll reveals that 48% of nationally registered voters approve of Trump&#8217;s performance, while 42% disapprove. The remaining 10% remain neutral. This comes in the wake of several of Trump&#8217;s decisions and announcements, including a push for tariffs on countries like Canada, Mexico, and China.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43847433/trump-approval-rating-declines-in-february-unpopular-domestic-and-foreign-policy-ideas">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Administration Eyes Mineral Rights Deal with Ukraine
In a move that could potentially bring $500 billion to the U.S., President Trump is reportedly inching closer to securing a deal for substantial mineral rights in Ukraine. The President expressed optimism about finalizing the agreement amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900186/trump-administration-eyes-mineral-rights-deal-with-ukraine-amid-rising-tensions-were-signing-an-agreement">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump Dismisses Top US General, Nominates Retired Officer
In a significant shift in military leadership, President Trump has removed Air Force General C.Q. Brown from his role as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trump announced his intention to nominate former Lieutenant General Dan "Razin" Caine as Brown's successor, marking the first time a retired officer has been nominated for this prestigious position.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900171/trump-dismisses-top-us-general-breaks-from-tradition-to-nominate-retired-officer-as-top-military-officer">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Federal Workforce Downsizing Plan Gets Green Light
A federal judge has rejected an appeal by several government employee unions to halt the Trump administration's plans to significantly downsize the federal workforce. This marks another victory for Trump's Justice Department, which is currently defending against numerous lawsuits challenging various executive actions of the president.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43871609/trumps-federal-workforce-downsizing-plan-gets-green-light-from-judge-appeal-by-unions-dismissed">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump's Goal Is To &#8216;Abolish&#8217; IRS, Says Newly Confirmed Commerce Secretary
Howard Lutnick, the newly confirmed Commerce Secretary under President Trump‘s administration, has reiterated the President's proposal for the abolition of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Lutnick stated that Trump&#8217;s goal is to &#8220;let all the outsiders pay.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43840909/trumps-goal-is-to-abolish-irs-and-let-all-the-outsiders-pay-says-newly-confirmed-commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick">Read the full article here.</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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Gates Has A Warning For The Next Generation, Says Be ‘Very Afraid&#8217; Of These 4 Issues</a></li>
</ul>
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>

Politics

Trump's Approval Rating Drops, Mineral Rights Deal With Ukraine, Top US General's Dismissal, And More: This Week In Politics

A call to &#8220;The Dave Ramsey Show&#8221; took an unexpected turn when Jean, a 70-year-old woman from Lexington, Kentucky, called in for financial advice. She explained that she was set to inherit $175,000 and wanted to keep it private from her husband of over 50 years. Her goal was to ensure the money went to her children and was available if her elderly mother needed care.
Dave Ramsey, known for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43741282/dave-ramsey-says-parents-shouldnt-buy-their-teenagers-cars-it-creates-ridiculous-expectations-for-life">giving honest advice</a>, quickly asked why she felt she had to hide the money and keep such a big secret. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that Jean's marriage had been dysfunctional for decades. She described a long-standing lack of respect from her husband toward her family, leading her to believe he would try to control the inheritance if he found out about it.
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<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dave's Take</h2>
Dave didn't hesitate to tell Jean that hiding things from a spouse is not healthy. He acknowledged that while she had every legal right to manage the money independently, deception was not the way to go.&nbsp;
"I don't think it's healthy for you, and I don't think it's healthy for him," he said.
He pointed out that the real issue wasn't just the inheritance—it was the quality of her marriage. The fact that she didn't feel safe sharing this information was a red flag. "This isn't just a precarious relationship. This is a horrible relationship," Dave said.
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Protecting Her Money Without Hiding It</h2>
While Dave refused to encourage deception, he did offer Jean sound legal advice. He suggested she <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/03/37593532/estate-planning-why-you-may-want-to-consider-a-trust-instead-of-a-will">create a trust</a> and a will to make sure her children got the money. He also recommended talking to an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/03/37593532/estate-planning-why-you-may-want-to-consider-a-trust-instead-of-a-will">estate planning attorney</a> to make sure everything was done properly.
"If you do what I'm talking about," Dave assured her, "he has absolutely no access to the money unless you give it to him."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Small Compromises Create Big Problems</h2>
Beyond the financial advice, Dave and his co-host dug into a deeper issue—how Jean ended up in such an unhealthy relationship after 50 years. They emphasized that major life problems don't appear overnight. They result from small compromises, lack of communication, and avoiding difficult conversations for years.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/suze-orman-retirement-bucket">&#8216;Which Bucket Do I Draw From First?&#8217; Suze Orman Explains To 67-Year-Old The Best Order For Tapping Into Her Retirement Accounts</a>
By degrees, people allow bad situations to grow until one day, they find themselves stuck, feeling powerless. This applies not only to relationships but also to finances, careers, and personal growth. You don't just wake up in a bad place—it happens little by little when you stop being intentional.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Face Issues Head-On</h2>
Jean's story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone avoiding difficult conversations. Whether it's about money, marriage, or personal growth, ignoring problems won't make them disappear—it only makes them worse.
Dave encouraged Jean to seek counseling, talk to her pastor, and get support from people who could help her make real changes. The inheritance might have sparked the call, but the real issue was much deeper.
Read Next:
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<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

If You Do What I'm Talking About…'—Dave Ramsey Reacts To A Caller Who Wants To Hide Inheritance From Her Husband Of 50 Years

The Trump administration plans to overhaul food assistance programs, with the new Department of Agriculture leadership promising to fix what they call Biden-era &#8220;financial mismanagement&#8221; of food benefits.
Kailee Buller, the new USDA chief of staff, accused former department Secretary Tom Vilsack of putting politics over commonsense in managing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. "Make no mistake, Secretary Vilsack and Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean put politics over commonsense, ignoring scores of USDA financial analysts and policy experts," Buller <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/newsroom/usda-0020.25">said in a statement</a>. "The Trump Administration will immediately correct this egregious action, making certain material weaknesses like this do not happen again."
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<li>The average 401(k) balance soars to a record-breaking high – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/average-401k-balances-soars-to-record-high">Here's how to know if your nest egg is keeping pace.</a></li>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
</ul>
However, Buller did not provide specifics on a General Accounting Office review findings or how the administration intends to fix the alleged mismanagement.
The criticism comes as House Republicans propose $230 billion in cuts across USDA programs. The reductions would likely decrease current benefit levels, not just expand work requirements, <a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/02/12/congress/house-gop-budget-targets-snap-cuts-00203872">according to Politico</a>.
<a href="http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap#:~:text=SNAP%20is%20the%20Nation's%20largest,Federal%20cost%20of%20%24112.8%20billion.">According to the USDA</a>, SNAP served an average of 42.1 million Americans monthly in fiscal year 2023, accounting for about 68% of USDA nutrition spending. Nearly 40% of recipients in 2022 were children, with 11.6% under age 5 and 28% between ages 5 and 17. The program provides critical food benefits to supplement the grocery budgets of low-income families.
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The Biden administration had increased benefits by updating the Thrifty Food Plan to reflect current food prices and dietary guidance, <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/trump-administration-announces-plans-snap-benefit-reform-2030452">according to Newsweek</a>. Republican lawmakers opposed the move, with House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn Thompson (R-PA) attempting to restrict USDA&#8217;s authority to revise the plan in his proposed 2024 Farm Bill.
&#8220;This is not about &#8216;cutting waste, fraud, and abuse.&#8217; It&#8217;s about slashing benefits for working-class Americans to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-rich,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/RoKhanna/status/1889824185251160172">Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) posted on X</a>. Experts at the Center for American Progress warn that the Republican-controlled Congress will likely target the critical food aid program.
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The proposed cuts face resistance from some Republicans in competitive districts concerned about impacts on low-income families ahead of 2026 midterms. States with the highest percentage of SNAP recipients in 2023 included Oregon, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Illinois, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
The department faces additional changes under Trump. On Monday, it terminated 18 contracts totaling $9 million as part of Elon Musk&#8216;s government efficiency initiatives, while reportedly removing climate change references from its website. The USDA has also seen climate program funding slashed.
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SNAP Benefits In Focus: Trump Admin Targets Biden's Food Assistance Policies

A simple pizza delivery turned into an incredible story of generosity after a 20-year-old driver braved a snowstorm to deliver an order—only to get a measly $2.15 tip from a customer in an affluent neighborhood.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The $2 Tip That Started It All</h2>
On Jan. 11, Lt. Richard Craig—known as Officer Craig on TikTok—was on duty in Brownsburg, Indiana, when he spotted Connor Stephanoff trekking through the snow in sneakers and sweatpants, carrying a pizza. Curious about his situation, Craig asked how much he got tipped.
"Two dollars," Stephanoff answered. Craig was floored. "Man, cold-blooded! Two dollars!" he exclaimed in disbelief.
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Realizing the harsh conditions Stephanoff was working in, Craig gave him $15 of his own money and posted the encounter on TikTok. The <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@officercraig/video/7458528700187839775">video</a>, showing Stephanoff trudging through deep snow after parking his car nearly half a mile away, quickly went viral, racking up thousands of views and comments from outraged viewers.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Turning Frustration Into Action</h2>
Craig couldn't shake the unfairness of the situation, so he launched a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-rockstar-pizza-drivers-dedication">GoFundMe campaign</a> on Jan. 12 titled "Support Rockstar Pizza Driver's Dedication." He initially hoped to raise just $500 to reward Stephanoff's dedication.
"I would LOVE to raise at least $500 for this guy!" Craig wrote in the fundraiser description, praising Stephanoff's work ethic and commitment despite the harsh conditions.
But the internet had bigger plans.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Over $45K Raised in Weeks</h2>
In just over a month, donations exploded past $45,000, with more than 2,100 people chipping in. The highest donation—$1,500 from an anonymous donor—was just one example of how much support Stephanoff received from strangers who were touched by his story.
Comments flooded in, with one donor writing: "This story made my day! Keep working hard, pizza delivery guy! You're the kind of person that makes this world go ‘round." Others shared their own experiences as former delivery drivers, emphasizing how rare such dedication is these days. &#8220;I'm gonna do what that pizza customer should have done that day. Props to you for keeping cool regardless of their horrible treatment. Never stop being the amazing person that you are. I see you.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Life-Changing Outcome</h2>
Stephanoff, who borrows his grandmother's car to make deliveries, <a href="http://today.com/">told Today.com</a> that he now plans to use the funds to buy his own car, help his grandmother with bills, and, if there's anything left, pursue a college degree in history or business.
Reflecting on the unexpected generosity, he said, "Oh, this is real!" when he saw the donations rolling in. Meanwhile, Craig summed up the entire experience with a simple truth: "Good things come to good people who do the right thing."
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'Man, Cold-Blooded! Two Dollars!' — Officer Steps Up And Crowdfunds $45K For Pizza Driver Who Got A Shockingly Low Tip In Snowstorm

Gerber Kawasaki Wealth &amp; Investment Management CEO Ross Gerber, a Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shareholder, anticipates a 50% plummet in the stock&#8217;s price this year.
What Happened: Gerber had earlier offloaded approximately $60 million worth of Tesla shares, citing concerns over the company&#8217;s dwindling popularity. 
Despite a brief spike following the 2024 election, Tesla&#8217;s shares have witnessed a 16% decline this year and have fallen 4% since Gerber&#8217;s remarks in December.
In his conversation <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-stock-price-2025-outlook-crash-elon-musks-gerber-tsla-2025-2">with</a> Insider, Gerber detailed four reasons behind his pessimistic forecast for Tesla. He expressed skepticism over Elon Musk&#8216;s ambitious goal of rolling out an autonomous taxi network in Austin, Texas, by June.
&#8220;All of this stuff is going to come to roost this year because he put this deadline on full self driving working in a couple months. It almost seems impossible for that to happen,&#8221; Gerber told the outlet. 
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He also voiced concerns about Tesla&#8217;s self-driving platform, which depends on cameras rather than LIDAR sensors.
Gerber also indicated that Musk&#8217;s emphasis on AI could prove harmful to Tesla. He suggested that Tesla&#8217;s primary business of car sales is slowing down due to rising competition from BYD, the world&#8217;s largest EV manufacturer based in China. 
&#8220;His 100% focus is on AI, and that&#8217;s really a detriment to Tesla more than it&#8217;s a plus for xAI and all the other businesses because he doesn&#8217;t work at Tesla anymore,&#8221; Gerber said. &#8220;If he were putting all of his time into full self-driving, I&#8217;d feel a lot more confident about Tesla.&#8221;
He also underscored the potential backlash Tesla may face owing to Musk&#8217;s close ties with President Donald Trump.
&#8220;What this does is it creates this anger. I&#8217;ve never seen this anger towards Tesla, but it&#8217;s not toward Tesla as the company, it&#8217;s because of Elon, this is the only way people can take it out,&#8221; Gerber added.
Gerber&#8217;s bearish perspective is echoed by several prominent Wall Street firms, including JPMorgan, which has set&nbsp;a $135 price target for&nbsp;Tesla stock, indicating a potential 60% downside from its current levels.
Why It Matters: Gerber&#8217;s prediction comes at a time when Tesla&#8217;s stock performance has been under scrutiny. The company&#8217;s shares have been on a downward trajectory this year, and Gerber&#8217;s comments add to the growing concerns about Tesla&#8217;s future prospects. 
His concerns about Tesla&#8217;s autonomous driving platform and the potential backlash due to Musk&#8217;s association with President Trump underscore the challenges that Tesla may face in the coming years.
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Image: Shutterstock

Former Tesla Booster Now Warns Stock Faces Major Pain in 2025

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has reportedly withdrawn its most secure cloud storage service, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), from the UK after the British government <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43554574/apple-faces-mounting-pressure-from-uk-government-to-grant-spying-access-to-encrypted-data-of-users-worldwide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">demanded secret access to user data</a>.
The decision follows an order under the UK&#8217;s Investigatory Powers Act, which would have required Apple to provide a &#8220;backdoor&#8221; to iPhone backups and cloud data, enabling law enforcement to access information otherwise protected by encryption, The Financial Times reports.
The company stated that it could no longer offer ADP to new UK users, and current users would eventually be forced to disable the feature, the report further noted, citing a statement from Apple.
Since the service was introduced in December 2022, British Apple users had to opt in to benefit from the advanced security.
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As of February 2025, attempts to activate ADP in the UK have now resulted in an error message.
The British government&#8217;s request to access encrypted data through a &#8220;backdoor&#8221; has drawn criticism, with experts warning it would undermine online privacy and security for UK users, BBC reports.
Prof Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity expert, called the move an &#8220;act of self-harm,&#8221; as BBC dds, while online privacy advocate Caro Robson labeled it as an unprecedented step for a company to pull a product rather than comply with a government directive.
This development highlights the tension between national security demands and digital privacy rights, raising concerns over the global impact of such policies on technology companies.
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Image: Fredex

General

Apple Bows Out of UK's Cloud Encryption Amid Government's 'Backdoor' Demands

Singer-songwriter John Legend famously sang, &#8220;We&#8217;re just ordinary people,&#8221; but he and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, have far-from-ordinary bank accounts.
It&#8217;s just as well because after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43300232/rebuilding-la-could-take-up-to-a-decade-according-to-experts-heres-what-a-new-la-could-look-like">L.A. wildfires</a>, the soulful crooner, 46, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/john-legend-my-favorite-dream-7b77f0af?mod=real-estate_lead_pos1">told The Wall Street Journal</a>, the family is considering saying goodbye to the West Coast and returning to New York.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Collective Trauma</h2>
&#8220;Watching TV in the family room, our fears grew. When the Sunset fire began to expand on Jan. 9, the danger felt too close for comfort,&#8221; he told The Journal. &#8220;That night, my wife and I gathered our four kids, four dogs, and bearded dragon and drove south to a hotel in Carlsbad. We didn&#8217;t return until the following week,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Our home was safe, but many weren&#8217;t so fortunate, and the threat still looms. The fires were a collective trauma that shook everyone, including our kids.&#8221;
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Legend added, &#8220;Chrissy and I have always considered returning to New York, where we once lived. We probably will, once our youngest ones grow up a bit.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">$100 Million Couple</h2>
The Ivy League-educated singer, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, and his wife are estimated to have a net worth that hovers around $100 million, according to multiple websites, the accuracy of which cannot be verified. The following calculations help shed light on this lofty number.
<ul>
<li>Seven seasons as a judge on "The Voice," earning about<a href="https://stylecaster.com/lists/the-voice-judges-salaries/john-legend-voice-salary/"> $60 million in total</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>They have an expansive real estate portfolio, including a $5.1 million West Hollywood home and a $17.5 million <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/01/43345883/drake-seeking-high-rolling-tenant-at-250k-monthly-for-beverly-hills-mansion">Beverly Hills</a> mansion. They sold their two New York City penthouses for <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/realestate/john-legend-chrissy-teigen-nolita-penthouses.html#:~:text=Big%20Ticket-,John%20Legend%20and%20Chrissy%20Teigen%20Sell%20a%20Pair%20of%20Penthouses,sold%20for%20around%20%2456%20million.">$16.8 Million</a> in June 2022.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Another source of income not usually mentioned in net worth round-ups is Legend&#8217;s music publishing. In 2022,<a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2022-01-06/john-legend-sells-music-catalog-joining-dylan-and-springsteen#:~:text=KKR%20has%20spent%20heavily%20since,music%20being%20performed%20via%20streaming.%E2%80%9D"> he sold the rights to his music</a> to an alliance of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/news/25/02/43626316/comparing-kkr-with-industry-competitors-in-capital-markets-industry">KKR</a> &amp; Co. and BMG. The financial terms were not disclosed.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>In 2020,<a href="https://variety.com/2020/music/news/john-legend-bigger-love-music-mogul-1234731024/"> Variety</a> estimated that Legend&#8217;s disparate income streams, including LVE, his Napa Valley wine brand, see he &#8220;earns between $50 million and $100 million per year from his various projects.&#8221; </li>
</ul>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">One Of The World's Highest Paid Models</h2>
In 2017, Forbes estimated that Teigen was one of the highest-paid models in the world, earning<a href="https://www.forbes.com/pictures/59f65cc231358e542c04644e/3-chrissy-teigen-1/"> $13.5 million</a>. The following year, she made<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2018/12/13/highest-paid-models-2018-kendall-jenner-leads-with-22-5-million/"> $11.5 million</a>—largely from endorsements, TV hosting, social media, and cookbooks. Based on her yearly revenue, her contribution to the family coffers is not insubstantial, which puts these ordinary people into a very extraordinary wealth bracket.
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Real Estate

John Legend & Chrissy Teigen Plan To Quit LA For New York After Wildfires. They Can Take Their Pick With $100 Million Fortune

The Supreme Court has rejected a plea by President Donald Trump for an immediate dismissal of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43758634/mary-trump-warns-dni-gabbard-could-lead-to-catastrophic-outcome-a-known-russian-asset-defender-of-murderous-dictator-assad">Office of Special Counsel chief Hampton Dellinger</a>.
What Happened: The Supreme Court has denied Trump&#8217;s appeal to immediately fire Dellinger, who is responsible for protecting government whistleblowers. This decision allows Dellinger to maintain his position for a few more days.
A report <a href="https://www.mediaite.com/news/denied-trump-emergency-appeal-to-fire-watchdog-immediately-rejected-in-unsigned-supreme-court-order/">by</a> Mediaite says Trump had dismissed Dellinger via a direct email two weeks ago. However, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson quickly ordered his reinstatement following a lawsuit filed by Dellinger.
Last Friday, the Supreme Court upheld Judge Jackson&#8217;s Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against Trump&#8217;s motion to vacate the order. The unsigned order was based on the fact that the TRO is due to expire in a few days.
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The order also pointed out that while the&nbsp;Court typically does not have&nbsp;appellate jurisdiction over TROs, the&nbsp;Government urged it to interpret&nbsp;the TRO as a preliminary&nbsp;injunction or to exercise jurisdiction&nbsp;under the All Writs Act&nbsp;due to the restrained core executive power.
Justices Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito dissented.
Why It Matters: This decision is significant as it highlights the ongoing legal battles involving the former president. The Supreme Court&#8217;s decision to uphold the TRO against Trump&#8217;s motion to vacate the order underscores the judiciary&#8217;s role in checking executive power. 
The case also brings to light the importance of the Office of Special Counsel in safeguarding government whistleblowers, a role that has been under scrutiny during Trump&#8217;s presidency. 
The decision to allow Dellinger to retain his position, albeit temporarily, is a testament to the checks and balances inherent in the U.S. legal system.
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Trump's Bid To Remove Watchdog Denied By Supreme Court — What's Behind His Urgency?

President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in his ability to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to release thousands of Ukrainian children who have been kidnapped amid the ongoing conflict.
What Happened: Trump voiced his belief during a conversation with&nbsp;Fox News <a href="https://radio.foxnews.com/2025/02/21/president-donald-trump-on-his-frustration-with-zelenskyy/">Radio</a>. He said, &#8220;I&nbsp;believe I could, yes. I&nbsp;didn't know too much about&nbsp;it. I&nbsp;was hearing about it yesterday.&nbsp;It's pretty tough stuff, but&nbsp;I believe I could do&nbsp;that.&#8221;
The pro-Kyiv non-profit&nbsp;Razom for Ukraine&nbsp;has reported that Russian forces have kidnapped&nbsp;19,546 Ukrainian children since 2022.&nbsp;The United Nations Commission of&nbsp;Inquiry on Ukraine stated in 2023 that the majority of these children were taken from Russian-controlled territories in eastern Ukraine and moved further into Russia.
Some of these children were granted Russian citizenship and put into foster care, while others have&nbsp;lost all contact with their&nbsp;biological families. Parents have reported to&nbsp;the UN commission that their&nbsp;children are being subjected to mistreatment, including physical abuse and being forced to wear unclean clothes.
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According to the report <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/02/21/us-news/trump-i-believe-i-could-convince-putin-to-free-thousands-of-kidnapped-ukrainian-kids/">by </a>New York Post, the commission has termed Russia&#8217;s child deportation practices as a &#8220;war crime&#8221; and a breach of international humanitarian law, calling on&nbsp;Moscow to release all Ukrainian&nbsp;deportees and detainees.
While some children have been returned to Ukraine through successful charity operations, thousands still remain in enemy territory.&nbsp;Mykola Murskyj, advocacy director of&nbsp;Razom for Ukraine, underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating, &#8220;Trafficking&nbsp;children goes against everything we&nbsp;stand for as America. We&nbsp;cannot and must not falter&nbsp;in our fight against evil.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This development comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and ongoing conflict in Europe. The kidnapping and mistreatment of Ukrainian children by Russian forces has been a significant point of contention, with international bodies and non-profits alike condemning the actions as war crimes. 
Trump&#8217;s assertion that he could influence Putin to release these children, if true, could potentially lead to a significant breakthrough in this humanitarian crisis. 
However, the actual feasibility and potential implications of such an intervention remain to be seen.
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Image: Shutterstock

Global

Trump Says He Could Influence Putin To Free Kidnapped Ukrainian Children: 'It's Pretty Tough Stuff, But I Believe I Could Do That'

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban is raising the alarm about a brewing battle that he believes will reshape the future of power in the U.S. In a series of recent Bluesky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3liaw4s65c22z">posts</a>, Cuban predicted that the biggest showdown yet will be between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, with AI at the center of the fight.
According to Cuban, AI is quickly becoming the most powerful tool in the world, rivaling even military strength. He believes that the next U.S. president must be technologically competent to keep the country competitive, especially as AI continues to evolve.
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Cuban envisions Musk pushing AI-driven automation in ways that directly conflict with Trump's desire to control certain aspects of governance. "Elon will try to implement AI in a manner that automates much of what Trump is now trying to control. Trump will have no understanding of what is going on and will have to turn to the AI oligarchs to support him in this battle," Cuban <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3liay2ghdec2o">warned</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Battle of Business and Politics</h2>
Cuban doesn't just see this as a political fight—he believes it will be the greatest business battle in history. If Musk ever attempts to integrate AI into federal processes, a war between AI companies will erupt over which firms secure government contracts. "The battle will be fought over which company's AI will be used by the feds. This is a zero-sum battle that will create more chaos than this country has ever seen," he said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>
Apparently, trillions of dollars are at stake. Cuban <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3liaw4s6e4s2z">noted</a> that major tech companies—Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Google (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), OpenAI, Anthropic, and Musk's ventures—are all vying for control. "This is a zero-sum game and the exact reason <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43056464/giving-millions-and-kissing-the-ring-when-trillions-are-at-stake-is-nothing-says-mark-cuban-explaining-why-big-tech-supports-trump">every tech bro has kissed the ring</a>. We are talking tens of TRILLIONS IN MARKET CAP."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI's Unpredictable Future</h2>
Cuban has long expressed concerns about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/42235738/in-just-16-months-elon-musk-achieved-with-xai-what-took-openai-nearly-nine-years-to-accomplish">AI's rapid development</a>, saying that unlike past technological revolutions, it's nearly impossible to predict where AI will take us. "I've <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/10/41234173/how-mark-cuban-turned-broadcast-com-into-5-7b-sale-we-were-the-youtube-of-our-day">been in technology for a long time</a>, and you can always look at a new tech, PCs, networks, the internet, streaming, whatever, and say, ‘OK, in five years, this is what's going to happen, right,' and have a good sense. With AI, you can't do that," <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/08/40431659/mark-cuban-says-everybodys-chasing-power-and-nothing-will-give-you-more-power-than-military-and-ai">he explained</a>.
Despite the uncertainty, Cuban is certain that the U.S. is the leader in AI development and must hold onto that advantage. Countries are now competing not just for better technology but for control over algorithms, which shape public opinion and decision-making. "If you want to influence somebody, just manipulate the algorithm, and you'll get their attention," he said.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a></li>
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AMZN

GOOG

MSFT

'Biggest Cage Match Ever'—Mark Cuban Warns Of A Coming Clash, Says Musk's AI Implementation Will Directly Challenge Trump's Grip On Control

Americans&#8217; confidence in the economy remains in solidly negative territory as Gallup&#8217;s Economic Confidence Index (ECI) holds <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/657044/economic-confidence-index-steady-february.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">steady </a>at -19 <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43827291/exclusive-will-trumps-tariffs-hurt-or-help-stock-market-59-say-this" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for February, the same as January</a>.
This index measures both public evaluations of current economic conditions and their outlook on the economy&#8217;s future.
The February survey reveals a shift in how Americans view the current state of the economy.
While 20% still consider it &#8220;excellent&#8221; or &#8220;good,&#8221; this is down from 26% in January.
On the flip side, the number of people labeling the economy as &#8220;poor&#8221; dropped from 40% to 33%, with a notable increase in those describing conditions as &#8220;only fair,&#8221; which now stands at 45%, up from 33% last month.
Meanwhile, according to the University of Michigan&#8217;s monthly consumer <a href="http://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/">survey</a>, consumer confidence took a significant dip in February, marking a nearly 10% decline from January.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43901149/buffett-reflects-on-60-years-at-berkshire-helm-cardinal-sin-is-delaying-the-correction-of-mistakes" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buffett Reflects on 60 Years at Berkshire Helm: &#8216;Cardinal Sin Is Delaying the Correction of Mistakes&#8217;</a>
The Consumer Sentiment Index fell from 71.7 in January to 64.7 in February.
This sharp decrease is largely attributed to consumer concerns over tariff hikes and their potential impact on inflation, The Hill <a target="_blank" href="https://thehill.com/business/5157665-consumer-confidence-dips-in-trumps-first-month-as-tariff-threats-drive-inflation-fears/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
In early February, President Donald Trump approved a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, which were eventually delayed after both countries took steps to curb the flow of drugs at their borders.
Additionally, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, raised aluminum tariffs to 25%, and reinstated the full power of steel tariffs. These actions sparked worries about rising inflation, with inflation expectations for the next year jumping from 3.3% to 4.3%, while long-term inflation expectations increased from 3.2% to 3.5%.
Alongside the rise in inflation expectations, the consumer price index also showed an uptick, rising 3% year-over-year in January, up from 2.9% in December.
This marked the fourth consecutive month of inflation growth, The Hill adds.
The survey also revealed a partisan split in consumer sentiment. Both Democrats and independents saw a decline in sentiment, while Republicans&#8217; views remained largely unchanged.
Similarly, inflation expectations rose among Democrats and independents but fell slightly for Republicans.
In a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://emersoncollegepolling.com/february-2025-national-poll-trump-presidential-approval-at-48-musk-doge-job-approval-at-41/" rel="noreferrer noopener">poll </a>by Emerson College, Trump&#8217;s approval rating stood at 48%, with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43847433/trump-approval-rating-declines-in-february-unpopular-domestic-and-foreign-policy-ideas" rel="noreferrer noopener">42% disapproving of his performance</a>.
Despite strong approval for his election win in January, his recent tariff decisions and exploration of territorial expansion have seen a decrease in support, particularly concerning their potential impact on the stock market.
This shift in consumer sentiment highlights growing concerns over economic policies and inflation.
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Image: Shutterstock

Is Trump Tariff Chaos Worrying Americans? Consumer Confidence Dips Amid Rising Inflation

North Korea&#8217;s infamous Lazarus Group is suspected to be the mastermind behind the $1.4 billion Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) hack on cryptocurrency exchange Bybit, as per findings from blockchain data platform Arkham Intelligence.
What Happened:&nbsp;According to the report, Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored hacking organization from North Korea, is believed to have pilfered&nbsp;over $1.4 billion worth of&nbsp;Ethereum and related tokens from Bybit last Friday. 
This suspicion was drawn from on-chain data analysis that linked the activity to previous attacks associated with the Lazarus Group.
The link was established by an anonymous on-chain investigator known as ZachXBT, who has a history of solving numerous crypto hacks. His report included a detailed analysis of test transactions, connected wallets used before the exploit, and several forensic graphs and timing analyses, reports <a href="https://decrypt.co/307304/north-korea-lazarus-group-bybit-hack-arkham">reports</a> Decrypt.
Arkham Intelligence&nbsp;had previously announced a bounty of nearly $30,000 in ARKM tokens for information leading to the identification of the hackers behind the massive Bybit hack. The hack not only impacted Bybit but also sent shockwaves through the crypto markets.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">BREAKING: BYBIT $1 BILLION HACK BOUNTY SOLVED BY ZACHXBT At 19:09 UTC today, <a href="https://twitter.com/zachxbt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zachxbt</a> submitted definitive proof that this attack on Bybit was performed by the LAZARUS GROUP. His submission included a detailed analysis of test transactions and connected wallets used ahead of… <a href="https://t.co/O43qD2CM2U">https://t.co/O43qD2CM2U</a> <a href="https://t.co/jtQPtXl0C5">pic.twitter.com/jtQPtXl0C5</a>
&mdash; Arkham (@arkham) <a href="https://twitter.com/arkham/status/1893033424224411885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The Lazarus Group, a collective of&nbsp;North Korean state-sponsored crypto hackers,&nbsp;is considered one&nbsp;of the most sophisticated on-chain&nbsp;operators globally. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43890188/bybit-founder-says-14b-eth-hack-may-stem-from-safe-wallet-compromise">Bybit Founder Says $1.4B ETH Hack May Stem From Safe Wallet Compromise</a>
Last year, they reportedly stole&nbsp;over $1.3 billion from various&nbsp;projects, accounting for 61% of all illicitly obtained crypto&nbsp;in 2024, according to Chainalysis.
Currently, the specifics of the recent hack, the&nbsp;largest in crypto history based&nbsp;on asset prices at the&nbsp;time of the incident, remain unclear. 
Bybit claimed that the exploit involved a &#8220;sophisticated attack&#8221;&nbsp;that masked the signing interface&nbsp;of a multi-signature transaction, making&nbsp;a hacker-controlled wallet appear as&nbsp;the intended recipient address.
Why It Matters: The magnitude of this hack underscores the growing threat of state-sponsored cybercrime in the crypto space. The Lazarus Group&#8217;s suspected involvement highlights the sophistication and scale of such operations. 
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the security vulnerabilities inherent in the crypto market and the need for robust security measures to protect against such sophisticated attacks.
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<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43883117/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-says-sec-has-agreed-to-end-bogus-enforcement-case-without-penalties" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Says SEC Has Agreed To End ‘Bogus' Enforcement Case Without Penalties</a>
Image: Shutterstock

$ETH

North Korea's Lazarus Group Suspected in $1.4 Billion Bybit Crypto Hack

Buyer's remorse frequently accompanies large purchases, particularly if you don't have the financial means to make that purchase. Personal finance expert <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43086362/retiring-with-zero-money-and-a-nice-paid-for-house-is-not-a-plan-dave-ramsey-tells-59-year-old-with-no-retirement-savings">Dave Ramsey</a> stands by a simple rule to determine whether an abnormal purchase or charitable donation is too much.&nbsp;
"We use the burn the money in the middle of the floor thing," Ramsey said on The Ramsey Show. "If I took this much money and set fire to it, does my life change? If the answer is yes, then it&#8217;s too expensive."
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<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
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It's no secret that Ramsey is a fan of budgeting. He consistently emphasizes the importance of this exercise, especially when it comes to making large purchases. In a recent <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1005173921662454">Facebook post</a>, he wrote, &#8220;There&#8217;s nothing wrong with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43443687/dave-ramsey-says-if-you-want-to-waste-5000-a-year-spend-13-70-a-day-on-things-you-dont-need">spending money</a> on things you enjoy &#8211; just make sure you&#8217;ve planned for it! That plan is called a budget.&#8221;&nbsp;
By mapping out expenses ahead of time, individuals can ensure they are spending within their means and not jeopardizing their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43499935/worldwide-57-expect-the-next-generation-to-be-worse-off-financially-what-drives-this-economic-pessimism">financial stability</a>.
Many Americans struggle with buyer's remorse, often due to impulse purchases or unnecessary spending. A <a href="https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/many-americans-have-experienced-buyers-remorse">2023 Google/Ipsos poll</a> found that:
<ul>
<li>Roughly two in five Americans (42%) have bought something on sale only to later regret it.</li>
<li>The primary reason for regretting a purchase is realizing they didn't need the item (62%).</li>
<li>Impulse purchasing (42%) and already owning too many things (34%) are also common causes of regret.</li>
</ul>
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a>
In the poll, respondents were asked about tips to avoid buyer's remorse. Over half of Americans (53%) believe that one way to combat regret is by price comparing across retailers. Comparatively, 47% agree that adequate research for products can help alleviate buyer's remorse.&nbsp;
Ramsey's approach aligns with this mindset—by evaluating the true impact of a purchase or donation, individuals can avoid spending decisions they may later regret.
While Ramsey advocates for financial discipline, he also acknowledges the importance of allowing some discretionary spending. In <a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/fun-money-in-budget">an article</a> on Ramsey Solutions, they explained that budgeting for &#8220;fun money&#8221; ensures people can enjoy occasional indulgences without derailing their financial goals.&nbsp;
"We talk a lot about goals and how they need to be the perfect balance of empowering and realistic," Ramsey Solutions wrote. "Fun money helps you with the realistic side because it lets you stick to your goals and have a treat every now and then. Fun money also helps you remember a budget isn't all about restrictions."
See Also: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
The key is to set a fixed amount and stick to it—once the fun money is spent, it's gone. This helps maintain financial balance while still allowing for small luxuries.
Charitable giving is also an important value for many, including Ramsey, but he advises people to ensure their generosity aligns with their financial situation. If giving away a certain amount would create financial strain, it may be too much. Instead, he recommends planning for generosity within a budget, just as one would for other expenses.
Ramsey's approach to evaluating major purchases and donations is rooted in financial responsibility and intentionality. By using a budget, planning ahead, and considering the impact of an expense, individuals can make confident financial choices without experiencing regret. For those looking to apply Ramsey's principles, his straightforward test serves as a practical guide: if losing the money would negatively impact your <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/02/36960367/average-person-believes-financial-happiness-comes-with-a-1-2-million-price-tag-revealing-money-c">financial well-being</a>, it's likely too much to spend.
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How Does Dave Ramsey Determine If An Abnormal Purchase Or Charitable Donation Is Too Much?

Investor and author Robert Kiyosaki, has predicted a &#8220;giant crash&#8221; in the market. Despite this, he is confident that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43423389/robert-kiyosaki-predicts-gold-silver-bitcoin-crash-over-trumps-tariffs-says-its-a-buying-moment">will be the first to recover</a>.
What Happened: In a post on X on Friday, Kiyosaki anticipates a significant market crash that will impact all major assets, including&nbsp;stocks, bonds, real estate, gold,&nbsp;silver, and Bitcoin. However, he strongly believes in Bitcoin&#8217;s resilience, asserting that it&nbsp;will be the fastest to&nbsp;recover and hit new highs.
In the post Kiyosaki revealed his post-crash strategy on buying more Bitcoin. He said, despite the impending crash, he has no plans to sell his &#8220;digital gold.&#8221; Instead, he intends to &#8220;back up the truck and&nbsp;buy more&#8221; if Bitcoin&#8217;s price plummets.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">GIANT CRASH???? If there is a giant crash…. Of the often times called "the EVERYTHING BUBBLE," stocks and bonds, real estate, gold and silver and Bitcoin will crash with it. Q: If it crashes will I sell my Bitcoin? A: NO If the price of Bitcoin crashes I will back up the…
&mdash; Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1892686186495524973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Kiyosaki&#8217;s confidence in Bitcoin is apparent in his social media posts. Earlier this month, he encouraged his followers to start accumulating gold, silver, and Bitcoin, while criticizing the U.S. dollar as &#8220;fake.&#8221; 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43759418/robert-kiyosaki-predicts-wall-street-crash-and-layoffs-prepare-for-market-crash-depression-and-war">Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Wall Street Crash and Layoffs: &#8216;Prepare for Market Crash, Depression and War&#8217;</a>
He argues that owning gold and Bitcoin is a smarter and safer strategy than saving dollars.
As of the time of writing, Bitcoin has rebounded by 1.65% in the past 24 hours, moving from $96,870 to $98,540.
Why It Matters: Kiyosaki&#8217;s prediction comes at a time when Bitcoin&#8217;s volatility has been a cause for concern among investors. 
His faith in Bitcoin&#8217;s resilience and potential for recovery, however, could bolster confidence among other investors. His strategy of buying more Bitcoin in the event of a crash could also influence others to consider similar strategies. 
Despite the potential risks, Kiyosaki&#8217;s stance underscores the growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a viable investment asset.
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Image: Shutterstock

$BTC

Robert Kiyosaki Says 'Everything Bubble' Will Cause Historic Market Crash, Bitcoin Will Be Fastest To Recover

Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has a warning for workers across America: If Elon Musk can fire hundreds of thousands of federal employees without cause, private sector workers could be next.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Billionaire Power and Its Consequences</h2>
In a recent <a href="https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/1890894754423910412">post on X</a>, Sanders put it bluntly: &#8220;Today, it's federal workers. Tomorrow, it's &#x2A;your&#x2A; job. That's what oligarchy is about.&#8221;
Sanders has long criticized the growing influence of billionaires in politics and the economy, but he says Musk has made it clearer than ever. In an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txe2Zu3QbNU">interview</a> with Brian Tyler Cohen, Sanders argued that Musk's power goes beyond business—he's now shaping government itself.
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&#8220;Everybody has got to understand this is the wealthiest guy in the world right now, worth over $400 billion,&#8221; Sanders said. &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43582376/not-a-bad-return-on-his-investment-bernie-sanders-says-elon-musk-spent-277-million-to-elect-trump-and-made-154-billion-since-election-day">Musk put over $270 million</a> into Trump&#8217;s campaign and guess what? He's now the most important person in government. What does that sound like to you? Does that sound like a democracy&#8230; or is it really an oligarchy doing the bidding of the very richest people?&#8221;
Sanders pointed to Trump's budget priorities, which include massive tax cuts for the wealthy while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43718712/floridas-medicaid-disaster-1-3-million-cut-from-coverage-one-of-the-highest-disenrollment-rates-in-the-u-s">slashing programs like Medicaid</a>, student aid, and other critical support for working families. He sees it as part of a larger strategy where billionaires get richer while everyday Americans struggle.
&#8220;The end goal of oligarchy is to make the richest people who are already phenomenally rich even richer,&#8221; Sanders explained. &#8220;How do you do that? You give them <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43774882/donald-trumps-tax-cut-could-add-46-trillion-to-deficit-says-robert-reich-emphasizing-48-billion-relief-for-top-100-us-firms-via-corporate-tax-cuts">massive tax breaks</a>. And where do you get the money? You cut programs that working people need.&#8221;
Trending: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?
Musk's influence extends far beyond government decisions. Sanders argues that billionaires like Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43072236/biden-warns-of-musk-bezos-zuckerberg-oligarchy-but-is-he-to-blame-mark-cuban-says-president-pushed-t">control not just politics</a> but also the media landscape. &#8220;They will use their enormous media operations they own to deflect attention away from the impact of their policies while they entertain us to death,&#8221; Sanders said in a <a href="https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/1889341118556274924">video</a> posted on X.
And for those who think these billionaires care about workers? Sanders doesn't buy it. &#8220;Do you think for one second that the oligarchs give a damn about working people? Trust me, they don't.&#8221;
He pointed to Musk's role in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43781034/bill-gates-hopes-elon-musk-will-rethink-slashing-usaid-their-work-is-something-every-taxpayer-would-be-proud-of">dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development</a>, a move that he says will leave thousands of people around the world without food and healthcare. &#8220;They will sacrifice, without hesitation, the well-being of working people to protect their interests.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>
So what's the solution? Sanders calls for unity among workers of all backgrounds—Black, white, Latino, urban, rural, young, old—to fight back against billionaire control. &#8220;The oligarchs' nightmare is that we will not allow ourselves to be divided up&#8230; and that we'll together have the courage to take them on.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mass Firings Shake Federal Workforce</h2>
Sanders' warning comes as the Trump administration, with Musk's influence, has begun a sweeping purge of federal employees. More than 9,500 workers across departments like Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior, Health and Human Services, and Energy have been fired. Another <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43801494/fork-in-the-road-75000-federal-workers-took-musks-offer-but-was-it-enough">75,000 have taken a buyout</a>, representing 3% of the 2.3 million civilian workforce. Many of the job cuts have targeted probationary employees with fewer protections.
The Trump administration claims these cuts are necessary to curb government waste, but Democrats argue they overstep Congress's authority on federal spending.
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Bernie Sanders Warns: If Elon Musk Can Fire Hundreds Of Thousands Of Federal Employees, Imagine What He'll Do To Private Sector Workers

In his latest annual letter to shareholders, Warren Buffett celebrated 60 years of steering the ship at Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>). He also expressed confidence in the company&#8217;s future under the leadership of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43769996/what-does-warren-buffett-know-that-we-dont-investors-are-paying-attention">chosen successor Greg Abel</a>.
What Happened: Buffett&#8217;s <a href="https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/2024ltr.pdf">letter</a>, which was released on Saturday, chronicled the journey of Berkshire Hathaway from a floundering textile company to a powerful conglomerate. While he admitted to past errors, he assured shareholders that his choice of Abel as his successor was not one of them.
&#8220;Sometimes I've made mistakes in assessing the future economics of a business I've purchased for Berkshire – each a case of capital allocation gone wrong. That happens with both judgments about marketable equities – we view these as partial ownership of businesses – and the 100% acquisitions of companies. At other times, I've made mistakes when assessing the abilities or fidelity of the managers Berkshire is hiring. The fidelity disappointments can hurt beyond their financial impact, a pain that can approach that of a failed marriage,&#8221; Buffett wrote. 
&#8220;A decent batting average in personnel decisions is all that can be hoped for. The cardinal sin is delaying the correction of mistakes or what Charlie Munger called &#8216;thumb-sucking.&#8217; Problems, he would tell me, cannot be wished away. They require action, however uncomfortable that may be,&#8221; Buffett mentioned in the letter.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43900955/berkshire-hathaways-q4-profits-soar-71-warren-buffett-says-his-firm-has-paid-more-taxes-than-tech-titans-in-trillions">Berkshire Hathaway Q4 Profits Soar 71%, Buffett Says Firm Pays More Taxes Than &#8216;Tech Titans&#8217; With Market Value in &#8216;Trillions&#8217;</a>
Buffett praised Abel for his knack for identifying significant investment opportunities. He also pointed out that Berkshire Hathaway now boasts a cash reserve of $334.201 billion, nearly twice the $167.6 billion it had a year ago. 
&#8220;At 94, it won't be long before Greg Abel replaces me as CEO and will be writing the annual letters. Greg shares the Berkshire creed that a "report" is what a Berkshire CEO annually owes to owners. And he also understands that if you start fooling your shareholders, you will soon believe your own baloney and be fooling yourself as well,&#8221; he wrote in the letter. 
"We are impartial in our choice of equity vehicles, investing in either variety based upon where we can best deploy your (and my family's) savings. Often, nothing looks compelling; very infrequently we find ourselves knee-deep in opportunities. Greg has vividly shown his ability to act at such times," Buffett added.
Despite recent challenges in finding major acquisitions, Buffett confirmed that he has no intention of offering a dividend. He also revealed that this year&#8217;s shareholder meeting in May will be shorter than usual, with Buffett and Berkshire&#8217;s two vice chairmen fielding&nbsp;questions from 8 a.m. until&nbsp;1 p.m.
Why It Matters: Buffett&#8217;s 60-year tenure at Berkshire Hathaway has seen the company transform into a global powerhouse. His endorsement of Abel as his successor is a testament to Abel&#8217;s capabilities and the company&#8217;s robust succession plan. 
The significant cash reserves and strategic investments underscore Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s financial strength and its ability to seize investment opportunities. Despite the challenges in finding major acquisitions, Buffett&#8217;s decision not to offer a dividend reflects his confidence in the company&#8217;s growth prospects. 
The upcoming shareholder meeting will provide further insights into the company&#8217;s future direction under Abel&#8217;s leadership.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43766008/berkshire-hathaways-13f-filing-suggests-a-buffett-style-bash-pizza-beer-and-fine-wine">Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s 13F Filing Suggests a Buffett-Style Bash — Pizza, Beer and Fine Wine</a>
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