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CNB Bancshares Inc is a United States-based company engaged in the provision of a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers throughout South-Central Illinois, Suburban Southwestern Chicago, and the St. Louis metropolitan area. It carries the business through its wholly-owned subsidiary bank. The services offered include checking, savings accounts, loans and credits, trust and estate services, and farm management, among others.

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Chinese startup DeepSeek has upended the artificial intelligence industry&#8217;s assumptions about costs and computing power, just as OpenAI announced its latest model can cost up to $3,000 per query.
DeepSeek&#8217;s R1 model, which rivals top U.S. systems in performance, reportedly cost just $5.6 million to develop. The breakthrough sent shocks through global markets Monday, erasing nearly $1 trillion in U.S. and European tech stock value, including a record $589 billion drop in Nvidia&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) market capitalization.
&#8220;It&#8217;s a paradigm shift,&#8221; Ali Ghodsi, CEO of Databricks Inc., said to Bloomberg. &#8220;These models that can reason are so much cheaper to produce that you will see it be democratized. You&#8217;ll see innovations from unexpected corners of the world.&#8221;
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Meanwhile, OpenAI&#8217;s new o3 model, announced just before Christmas, signals a contrary trend—achieving breakthrough performance but at staggering costs. The model requires up to $3,000 to solve a single query that humans complete in seconds, using 172 times more computing power than previous approaches.
&#8220;One very important thing to understand about the future: the economics of AI are about to change completely,&#8221; François Chollet, an AI researcher, said on X when o3 went public.
The model&#8217;s success came from its &#8220;test-time compute&#8221; approach, allowing it to think harder about each question. While this produced superior results, including a 91.5% score on Chollet&#8217;s challenging ARC test, it shattered previous cost assumptions about AI services.
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OpenAI, valued at $157 billion, may charge up to $2,000 monthly for full access to o3, according to The Economist, which cited New Street Research analyst Pierre Ferragu. Even the company&#8217;s current &#8220;pro&#8221; version of o1 loses money on its $200 monthly subscription tier due to higher-than-expected usage.
The cost structure challenges the traditional tech industry model of providing services at near-zero marginal cost. It also strengthens the position of suppliers like Nvidia and cloud providers like 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>), and Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>, GOOGL)), which control the essential computing infrastructure. DeepSeek&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/01/43243584/deepseek-r1-vs-openai-what-consumers-need-to-know-about-ais-latest-challenger">success suggests an alternative path</a>. Founded by Liang Wenfeng in 2023, the company achieved its results through efficiency innovations and reinforcement learning techniques, despite limited access to advanced U.S. chips.
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&#8220;More investment does not necessarily lead to more innovation,&#8221; Liang told Chinese media outlet 36kr. &#8220;Otherwise, large companies would take over all innovation.&#8221;
The development is catching Silicon Valley&#8217;s attention. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman noted the shift, calling DeepSeek&#8217;s R1 &#8220;an impressive model&#8221; and &#8220;invigorating.&#8221; Meta established an internal team to analyze DeepSeek&#8217;s methods, according to Bloomberg, which cited people familiar with the matter.
Instead of a winner-take-all market, experts predict an oligopoly where multiple firms compete based on specialized applications. Companies like Anthropic, valued at $60 billion, and xAI at $45 billion, suggest investors see room for multiple players despite the high costs.
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'The Economics Of AI Are About To Change Completely': Why OpenAI's o3 Could Reshape The Industry — Costing Up To $3000 Per Query

A recent analysis by The Commonwealth Fund has revealed what many Americans may already suspect: the United States health care system ranks last among wealthy nations. Despite spending more on health care than any other country, the US continues to underperform in critical areas like accessibility, efficiency, equity, and health outcomes.
A Troubling Report Card
In the "Mirror, Mirror 2024: A Portrait of the Failing U.S. Health System" <a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2024/sep/mirror-mirror-2024">report</a>, researchers compared health care systems across 10 high-income countries—Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The US came in last place overall, ranking 10th in accessibility and health outcomes, and poorly in administrative efficiency and equity.
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According to a September article in AJMC, Joseph Betancourt, MD, president of The Commonwealth Fund, summed it up saying: "The US is failing one of its principal obligations as a nation: to protect the health and welfare of its people… Continually spending the most and getting the least for our health care dollars is not sustainable."
What's Holding the US Back?
One of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43218719/medicares-at-home-care-and-telehealth-restrictions-in-2025-could-limit-access-to-affordable-healthcare-heres-what-you-need-to-know">biggest issues is access to care</a>. With 26 million uninsured Americans and sky-high out-of-pocket costs, health care remains out of reach for many. In contrast, countries like the Netherlands and Germany offer universal coverage and affordable care, making access far more equitable.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42742855/mark-cuban-says-this-is-single-payer-how-his-healthcare-model-could-transform-the-u-s-healthcare-system">shortcomings of the US health care system</a> are further evident in its unparalleled spending. According to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, in 2022, the United States spent an estimated $12,742 per person on health care—the highest per capita spending among wealthy nations. For comparison, Switzerland, the second-highest spender, allocated $9,044 per person, while the average for other Organization for Economic Development Cooperative and Development countries, excluding the US, was just $6,850.&nbsp;
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Administrative inefficiency is another key weakness. The US ranked ninth in the category due to its complex insurance system, which forces patients and providers to navigate endless denials, appeals, and paperwork.&nbsp;
In terms of equity, the US fared poorly as well, with widespread disparities in care based on race, ethnicity, and income. Issues like racial discrimination and uneven access to resources disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, worsening health outcomes for millions.
Finally, the US performed the worst in health outcomes. The country has the highest rate of preventable deaths, along with a lower-than-average life expectancy, driven by factors like the opioid crisis, gun violence, and chronic diseases.
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What Can Be Done?
The report emphasizes that the US health care system could learn a lot from other nations. Here's what researchers suggest:
<ul>
<li>Reduce financial barriers: Expand insurance coverage and ensure it protects against high out-of-pocket costs.</li>
<li>Simplify the system: Streamline administrative processes to reduce inefficiencies for both patients and providers.</li>
<li>Strengthen primary care: Invest in training and compensation for primary care providers to improve access and outcomes.</li>
<li>Address inequities: Combat racial and socioeconomic disparities by expanding social safety nets and addressing social determinants of health, like housing and food security.</li>
<li>Tackle market consolidation: Regulate health care mergers to reduce costs and improve access.</li>
</ul>
As Betancourt put it, "This report underscores the many lessons we could learn from others on how to strengthen our health care delivery and outcomes."
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The Bottom Line
The US health care system's high spending has not translated into better health outcomes or broader access. It's clear that reform is overdue, with opportunities to build a system that is more equitable, efficient, and effective for all Americans. By learning from other nations, the US could finally turn its spending into meaningful improvements for its citizens.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a> </li>
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Personal Finance

US Health Care Ranks Last Among Wealthy Nations — Study Reveals Despite Highest Spending, People Have Lower-Than-Average Life Expectancies

It's been over seven years since Elon Musk first teased the second-generation Tesla Roadster, a futuristic sports car promising jaw-dropping acceleration and a rocket-powered boost.&nbsp;
Yet, here we are in 2025 and the Roadster is still nowhere to be seen on public roads. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43048198/in-2011-elon-musk-mocked-tesla-rival-byd-fast-forward-to-2024-the-chinese-automaker-is-the-only-real-contender-to-tslas-global-dominance">Chinese automaker BYD</a> has stolen the spotlight with a real, functioning electric hypercar that performs like a beast and comes with an outrageous party trick: it can jump over potholes, police spikes and other obstacles.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tesla's Elusive Roadster</h2>
Back in 2017, Musk confidently declared that the Tesla Roadster would launch in 2020, setting performance standards no other car could touch. It was supposed to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, hit a top speed of over 250 mph and finish a quarter-mile in just 8.8 seconds. Musk now says the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39924101/new-tesla-roadster-will-be-something-special-says-ceo-elon-musk-production-to-commence-in-2025">Roadster will launch in 2025</a> with even more outrageous features, such as SpaceX-sourced rocket technology and a sub-second time to 60 mph.
But is it realistic? Experts think not. Achieving such acceleration would require forces 2.8 times stronger than gravity, which would likely leave drivers feeling dizzy or worse. Adding rockets may sound cool, but making them practical – or safe – on public roads is another story. And the idea of a "flying car" raises even more questions, from engineering challenges to FAA regulations. In short, the Tesla Roadster feels more like a fantasy than a car you'll see in your driveway anytime soon.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BYD's Yangwang U9 – A Real-Life Marvel</h2>
While Tesla's Roadster remains a promise, BYD has delivered the goods. Their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41043074/byd-makes-a-red-yangwang-u9-supercar-for-its-9-millionth-new-energy-vehicle">Yangwang U9</a> is an all-electric hypercar with jaw-dropping capabilities. Priced at $236,000, the U9 features a 1,287-horsepower drivetrain that goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.36 seconds, rivaling Tesla's Model S Plaid. But it's the car's suspension system that sets it apart.
<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">BYD&#39;s new &quot;jumping suspension&quot; feature on its Yangwang U9 supercar allows it to clear potholes&#8230;and road spikes <a href="https://t.co/4dKQmqJFOM">pic.twitter.com/4dKQmqJFOM</a>
&mdash; Electrek.co (@ElectrekCo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElectrekCo/status/1876654085195304972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Using BYD's DiSus-X intelligent suspension, the U9 can leap up to six meters forward to clear potholes, road spikes and other obstacles. In a recent demo, the self-driving car hit 75 mph and jumped over an eight-foot pothole without a human behind the wheel. This system also lets the car "dance" to music and even drive with three wheels, making it a true engineering showpiece.
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<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37502601/tesla-rival-byd-drops-price-of-its-cheapest-ev-model-in-china-amid-fierce-war-for-market-share">BYD is known for its affordable EVs</a>, but the Yangwang brand represents its move into the luxury space. In addition to the U9, the range features unusual cars like an SUV that can float on water for 30 minutes in an emergency. The company's innovations aren't just for show – they're part of a larger strategy to challenge Tesla's dominance in high-end and affordable EV markets.
While Musk's Tesla continues to grab headlines with bold claims and delayed promises, BYD is quietly reshaping the EV landscape with practical, high-performance vehicles that push boundaries. The U9 may not fly or reach rocket-assisted speeds, but it's a real car you can buy.
The question is: will Tesla's elusive Roadster ever live up to its hype or has BYD already leaped ahead in the EV race?
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Musk's Rocket-Powered Tesla Roadster Is MIA, But A Chinese Automaker Unveils A $236k Self-Driving Car That Can Jump Over Potholes And Spikes

The Trump administration is mounting an aggressive push this weekend to secure Senate support for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tulsi-gabbard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tulsi Gabbard</a>'s nomination as Director of National Intelligence (DNI), according to Axios. With the Senate Intelligence Committee vote looming, officials are scrambling to ensure Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and military veteran, clears the crucial first hurdle in her confirmation process.
Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has transformed the conference's official X account into a makeshift Gabbard "war room," underscoring the urgency of the administration's efforts. To advance her nomination to the full Senate, Gabbard needs to secure every Republican vote on the Intelligence Committee, though skepticism among some GOP senators threatens to derail her path. The committee includes nine Republicans and eight Democrats.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's The Problem? Mostly Edward Snowden</h2>
The administration's lobbying efforts are reportedly focused on persuading Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who, along with other senators, pressed Gabbard during her confirmation hearing over her reluctance to label whistleblower Edward Snowden a "traitor."
It seems no one has forgotten that Gabbard <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42257381/snowden-finds-unexpected-allies-in-trumps-new-team">co-sponsored a resolution</a> in 2020 calling for the U.S. to dismiss all charges against Snowden, who has been living in Russia since 2013 after he leaked of classified documents from the National Security Agency.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will Trump Step In? Mostly Likely</h2>
President Donald Trump is apparently considering direct outreach to the committee's Republicans to reassure them he has no intention of pardoning Snowden. 
"The president isn&#8217;t really talking about pardoning Snowden, but if that&#8217;s a guarantee they want to get Tulsi confirmed, the president will have those conversations,&#8221; an anonymous senior White House official <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/01/trump-tulsi-gabbard-senate-intelligence">told</a> Axios.
A member of the Hawaii Army National Guard who deployed to Iraq with a medical unit, Gabbard also supports federal legalization of marijuana. Her outspoken stances over the years, including opposing mainstream intelligence views on Russia, are now raising questions about how she would oversee the nation&#8217;s 18 intelligence agencies with a combined budget of approximately $70 billion.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get On Board Or You&#8217;re Out</h2>
Meanwhile, MAGA-aligned activists are warning of primary challenges against any Republican senator who opposes Gabbard. "We are 100% serious," Turning Point Action spokesperson Andrew Kolvet said in a statement reported by Axios. "GOP senators in red states will open themselves up to well-funded, well-organized primary challenges if they stand in the way of confirming the Cabinet the president wants and the American people voted for."
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Esteemed American financier Peter Lynch imparted some key investment wisdom, underscoring the significance of patience, basic arithmetic, and a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/stock-split/25/01/42804677/investment-guru-peter-lynch-if-you-invest-only-in-an-index-youll-never-beat-it-brushing-up-on-stock-picking-skills-is-wise">keen focus on a company&#8217;s fundamentals</a>.
What Happened: In one of his books, One Up on Wall Street, he has highlighted some of the most insightful investment thoughts and guideances. 
Lynch, who achieved an impressive 29.2% annual return during his time at the Fidelity Magellan Fund, underscored the crucial role of patience in investment. He said in the book, &#8220;If&nbsp;you invest $1,000 in a&nbsp;stock, all you can lose&nbsp;is $1,000, but you stand&nbsp;to gain $10,000 or even&nbsp;$50,000 over time if you're&nbsp;patient.&#8221;
Contrary to widespread belief, Lynch argued that basic arithmetic skills are all one needs for successful investing. He stated, &#8220;All&nbsp;the math you need in&nbsp;the stock market you get&nbsp;in the fourth grade.&#8221; He emphasized the importance of understanding a company&#8217;s fundamentals rather than relying on intricate mathematical analysis.
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Lynch also encouraged investors to concentrate on the companies themselves, rather than the stocks. He argued that aspects such as a company&#8217;s product lineup,&nbsp;growth potential, competitive advantages, and&nbsp;financial health are more indicative of its long-term performance than short-term market fluctuations.
Lynch reminded investors that losses are an inevitable part of investing and that there&#8217;s no disgrace&nbsp;in losing money on a&nbsp;stock. He stressed the importance of focusing&nbsp;on company fundamentals and industry&nbsp;outlook over short-term performance.
"There's no shame in losing money on a stock. Everybody does it. What is shameful is to hold on to a stock, or worse, to buy more of it when the fundamentals are deteriorating," he wrote in the book. &nbsp;
Why It Matters: Lynch&#8217;s insights serve as a timely reminder for investors, particularly those in their 60s, to focus on the long-term potential of their investments. His emphasis on patience, basic math, and company fundamentals over complex analysis and short-term market shifts provides a valuable perspective in today&#8217;s volatile market environment. 
His advice could potentially help investors make more informed decisions, mitigate losses, and maximize returns.
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Peter Lynch's Stock Tips: 'There's No Shame In Losing Money On A Stock, What Is Shameful Is To Hold On To A Stock When Fundamentals Are Deteriorating'

Famed investor&nbsp;Ray Dalio&nbsp;has forecasted China&#8217;s supremacy in the AI industry. Concurrently, Chinese AI startup&nbsp;DeepSeek&nbsp;has caused a significant disturbance in the tech market.
What Happened: Dalio expects&nbsp;China to leverage its manufacturing&nbsp;capabilities in the AI race, similar to its strategy with electric vehicles. He pointed out that leading AI firms like&nbsp;Nvidia Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) are confronted with &#8220;risk issues.&#8221;
Dalio underscored China&#8217;s potential in the AI sector, saying,&nbsp;&#8220;I think the Chinese are&nbsp;a bit behind in the&nbsp;chips, but they&#8217;re ahead in&nbsp;the applications.&#8221; He envisions China&#8217;s plan to involve low-cost chips integrated into manufactured products, such as robotics.
&#8220;You want to invest in productivity, but there&#8217;s great disruption, great disruption, that&#8217;s going to take place, and they&#8217;re going to be the disruptors and the disruptees,&#8221; Dalio told the outlet.
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, recently grabbed headlines with the launch of its R1 model, creating a buzz in Silicon Valley and resulting in a significant decline in tech stocks. Nvidia&#8217;s market cap plummeted by nearly $600 billion in the aftermath of the news, reports <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ray-dalio-deepseek-china-chips-nvidia-2025-1">the</a> Insider.
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Investors are now reevaluating the substantial&nbsp;investments in AI infrastructure and&nbsp;capital expenditures by companies, particularly in light of potentially cheaper models like DeepSeek&#8217;s. An Nvidia spokesperson recognized DeepSeek as an &#8220;excellent AI advancement.&#8221;
Dalio also cautioned investors about the inflated share prices of AI and technology companies, drawing comparisons with the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s.
Why It Matters: The rise of China in the AI sector and the disruptive innovation by DeepSeek have significant implications for the tech industry. China&#8217;s strategy of integrating low-cost chips into manufactured goods could potentially reshape the AI landscape. 
Furthermore, the success of DeepSeek&#8217;s R1 model raises questions about the viability of&nbsp;massive investments in AI infrastructure&nbsp;by companies. 
The market response to these developments, as evidenced by the drop in Nvidia&#8217;s market cap, indicates the potential for a shift in the tech market dynamics.
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Image: Shutterstock

Tech

Ray Dalio Predicts China's Rise in AI: Chinese 'Are a Bit Behind in the Chips, But They're Ahead in the Applications'

President Donald Trump&#8217;s pledge to launch America&#8217;s largest deportation operation could face hurdles and could cost nearly $1 trillion over a decade, immigration experts and former officials warn.
The American Immigration Council estimates that deporting 11 million unauthorized immigrants would require building 216 new detention facilities yearly for more than a decade, each costing $36 million to build and $48 million annually to operate.
&#8220;It&#8217;s going to be impossible for them to achieve the goal that they set out — which is really getting rid of all the illegal immigrants in the United States,&#8221; David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, said to the Financial Times.
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Early enforcement actions show the scale of the challenge. ICE <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43219483/trumps-immigration-enforcement-raids-begin-in-chicago-gov-pritzker-concerned-innocent-could-be-targeted">arrested 956 people Sunday</a>, the largest single-day total under the new administration. Yet even at the heightened pace, deportations would fall far short of Trump&#8217;s targets.
Immigration facilities already strain under current operations. ICE can detain 41,500 people at once, while border czar Tom Homan says he needs &#8220;at least 100,000 beds&#8221; to meet the administration&#8217;s goals.
&#8220;It&#8217;s not like you just flip a switch and immediately start rounding people up and sending them to the border,&#8221; John Torres, former ICE acting director during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations, said to the Financial Times.&nbsp;
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Current deportation numbers—271,484 in fiscal 2024—pale against Trump&#8217;s million-plus annual target.
The court system presents another bottleneck. Immigration courts face a 3.6-million-case backlog, up from 656,000 in 2017. Most deportations require court proceedings unless immigrants have existing removal orders.
Private prison companies like GEO Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEO#NYSE">GEO</a>) and CoreCivic Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CXW#NYSE">CXW</a>) have seen their stock prices surge since the election. CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger said his company could quadruple its current 10,000-bed capacity within six months, but building and staffing new facilities would strain federal resources.
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Republicans promise $100 billion for border security and enforcement, but experts say it falls far short. Former ICE Chief of Staff Jason Houser said, &#8220;There is no way they have the staff, the money and the resources and the legal authority&#8221; for mass deportations. The plan faces additional resistance from &#8220;sanctuary&#8221; jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. While <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43216758/well-go-as-far-as-im-allowed-trumps-plan-with-immigrants-starts-with-1-million-deportations">Trump threatens to withhold federal funding from those areas</a>, similar attempts during his first term were blocked by courts.
Constitutional hurdles also loom. The administration&#8217;s expanded &#8220;expedited removal&#8221; policy, allowing deportations without court review for those who can&#8217;t prove two years of U.S. residency, already faces legal challenges.&nbsp;
The American Civil Liberties Union calls it a &#8220;cheat code to circumvent due process and the constitution.&#8221;
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'It's Going To Be Impossible': Experts Doubt Feasibility Of Trump's Deportation Plan — Experts Estimate Nearly $1 Trillion Spend In 10 Years

Arab foreign ministers have reportedly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump&#8217;s suggestion to transfer Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Egypt and Jordan, calling it a destabilizing<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43011383/israel-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-exchange" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> move that would threaten peace in the region</a>,
In order to reaffirm their commitment to upholding Palestinians&#8217; rights to their land, ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, the Palestinian Authority, and the Arab League issued a joint statement following a meeting in Cairo, Reuters reports.
The statement condemned any attempts to displace Palestinians or alter the status of Gaza, which they consider an integral part of a future independent Palestinian state.
Trump&#8217;s suggestion came after 15 months of Israeli bombardment that left much of Gaza in ruins and millions homeless.
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He had proposed that Egypt and Jordan take in Gazans, a proposal quickly rejected by both countries, as well as by Egypt&#8217;s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
&#8220;Displacement of the Palestinian people from their land is an injustice that we cannot take part in,&#8221; Fattah al-Sisi added, Al Jazeera <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/1/arab-ministers-reject-trumps-call-to-displace-palestinians-from-gaza">reports</a>.
Critics argue that the proposal could lead to ethnic cleansing, as it would force Palestinians to leave their homeland.
The Arab foreign ministers also expressed support for Egypt&#8217;s efforts to host an international conference with the United Nations to rebuild Gaza, although no date has been set.
They emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution based on a two-state solution, reaffirming their desire to work with the U.S. administration to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
The rejection of Trump&#8217;s idea underscores the deep sensitivities surrounding the fate of Palestinians and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Federal Judge Orders $5.9 Billion Fine In Ponzi Scheme Case </h2>
Chief Judge David Godbey of the Dallas federal court on Wednesday ordered Allen Stanford to pay a $5.9 billion civil fine, ending the Securities and Exchange Commission&#8217;s 16-year<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/11/35615187/sam-bankman-fried-joins-the-list-of-convicted-billionaires-but-who-leads-the-winnerslosers"> lawsuit against Stanford. </a>
Stanford is serving a 110-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2012 of defrauding investors in a $7.6 billion ponzi scheme, according to a Reuters report. Authorities said Stanford operated an Antigua-based financial institution, Stanford International Bank, and sold fraudulent high-yielding certificates of deposit over a 20 year period. 
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Judge Godbey also ordered Stanford Financial Group's former CFO James Davis to pay $17.66 million and its former chief accounting officer Gilberto Lopez to pay $3.42 million related to their roles in the fraud.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SEC Chairman Appoints New Staff Members</h2>
The Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday <a href="https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-34">announced </a>Acting Chairman&nbsp;
Mark T. Uyeda has named Natalia Díez Riggin as Senior Advisor and Acting Director of the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"I'm thrilled that Natalia has joined us after her tenure working for Chairman Scott on the Senate Banking Committee," Acting Chairman Uyeda said. "Her expertise will help guide us as we focus our efforts at the SEC on capital formation and ensuring companies aren't impeded by ineffective regulation."
Last Saturday, Acting Chairman Uyeda selected several senior staff members to replace recent departures from the SEC.&nbsp;
The SEC senior staff selected by Acting Chairman Uyeda include:
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<li>Jeffrey Finnell, Acting General Counsel</li>
<li>Robert Fisher, Acting Director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis</li>
<li>Kathleen Hutchinson, Acting Director of the Office of International Affairs</li>
<li>Samuel Waldon, Acting Director of the Division of Enforcement</li>
<li>Ryan Wolfe, Acting Chief Accountant </li>
</ul>
"These talented individuals are committed to protecting the investing public, building trust with American companies and market participants, and promoting capital formation," Acting Chairman Uyeda said.
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Legal

Financial Crime Weekly: Judge Orders $5.9 Billion Fine In Ponzi Scheme Case, SEC Chairman Appoints New Staff Members

Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), the AI behemoth that has been in the headlines for its artificial intelligence platform, has been the forerunner in providing data analytics tools to government customers for intelligence gathering,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/02/43420044/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-nvidia-palantir-rigetti-computing-and-shiba-inu-hints-at-major-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> counterterrorism, and military purposes</a>.
The rise of China&#8217;s DeepSeek, with its open-source AI model and lower development costs, raises the question of how it might impact the future growth of Palantir&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43267966/deepseeks-low-cost-model-reshapes-ai-landscape-experts-predict-shift-to-application-layer" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock in an increasingly competitive market</a>.
CEO Alex Karp recently discussed the growing competition in artificial intelligence from DeepSeek, which has raised apprehensions about the U.S.&#8217;s position in the AI race.
In an <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/31/palantir-ceo-says-chinas-deepseek-shows-need-for-all-country-effort.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview</a> with CNBC, Karp stressed the urgency for the U.S. to accelerate its AI development in light of these emerging threats. He acknowledged that technology, while beneficial, could be misused, especially in the hands of adversaries, and emphasized the need for a coordinated national effort to safeguard American innovation.
Karp remains optimistic that national security will help protect U.S. advancements from manipulation or theft.
Palantir is set to report its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter earnings on Monday</a>. The street view for the adjusted earnings per share stands at 11 cents, while the analyst consensus estimate for revenues is $775.907 million.
DeepSeek, an open-source AI model, recently overtook OpenAI&#8217;s ChatGPT as the top free app on Apple&#8217;s U.S. App Store, shaking the tech world.
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This success raised questions about the costs of developing AI models, particularly in comparison to the enormous investments made by tech giants like NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>).
Karp expressed doubt about the reported low cost of DDeepSeek&#8217;sdevelopment, stating that he does not fully believe the estimates surrounding the mmodel&#8217;screation.
Palantir, a company valued at nearly $200 billion, has seen substantial growth, largely due to increasing demand for AI solutions.
Karp credited the ccompany&#8217;ssuccess to the focus on improving U.S. technological capabilities, positioning Palantir as a leader in the AI space.
In addition to discussing AI, Karp also addressed political controversies, offering support for Israel following the October 7 attack and defending Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk against allegations related to political gestures. Karp also took a firm stance on illegal immigration, asserting that individuals who enter the U.S. illegally, particularly those engaged in criminal activity, should not be allowed to stay.
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TSLA

Palantir CEO Alex Karp Sounds Alarm on China's Deepseek – Could This Threaten Palantir's AI Dominance?

Elon Musk&#8216;s X has expanded its antitrust lawsuit, incorporating more prominent advertisers into the list of defendants. The lawsuit charges these advertisers with a collective conspiracy to boycott advertising<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37301290/elon-musk-is-still-attempting-to-defend-hateful-speech-amid-xs-growing-pains-and-public-backlash-rep"> on the platform after Musk&#8217;s takeover</a>.
What Happened:&nbsp;X has now included&nbsp;Nestlé, Abbott Laboratories, Colgate, Lego,&nbsp;Pinterest, Tyson Foods, and Shell&nbsp;in its lawsuit, which was initially filed in August. The lawsuit&nbsp;alleges that members of the&nbsp;now-dissolved&nbsp;Global Alliance for Responsible Media&nbsp;(GARM) unlawfully conspired to withhold billions in advertising revenue from X.
The&nbsp;World Federation of Advertisers (WFA),&nbsp;CVS Health, Mars, Ørsted, and&nbsp;Twitch are also named as&nbsp;defendants in the case. The&nbsp;WFA has previously declared its intention to fight the suit, asserting its compliance with competition law.
As <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-x-adds-more-advertisers-to-antitrust-lawsuit-2025-2">per </a>Business Insider, the lawsuit&nbsp;claims that at least 18&nbsp;GARM members stopped advertising on Twitter between November and December 2022, following Musk&#8217;s acquisition of the platform. 
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This boycott allegedly led to X becoming a less competitive entity in the digital advertising space and a decrease in user engagement on its platform.
X is demanding trebled compensatory damages&nbsp;and injunctive relief for what&nbsp;it alleges are breaches&nbsp;of US antitrust laws. The&nbsp;WFA, Diageo, and&nbsp;WPP are also facing a&nbsp;similar lawsuit from video site Rumble.
Why It Matters: The expansion of this lawsuit underscores the ongoing tension between X and major advertisers following Musk&#8217;s takeover. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the digital advertising industry and competition law. 
If X&#8217;s allegations are proven, it could potentially reshape the dynamics of the digital advertising space and set a precedent for future cases involving alleged anti-competitive behavior.
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Elon Musk's X Bolsters Antitrust Lawsuit With Additional Advertisers

Tom Brady's exclusive Indian Creek Island mansion is making waves in the Miami real estate scene, with bids reportedly topping $150 million, according to Bloomberg. If the sale goes through, it could shatter Miami's single-family home sale record, previously set at $107 million in 2022 when Ken Griffin purchased a Coconut Grove estate.
The football legend's two-acre estate, which he built from the ground up, is located on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/10/41119140/how-indian-creek-village-became-a-fortress-for-the-ultra-wealthy-home-to-50-million-mansions-and-247">Indian Creek Island</a>, often referred to as the "Billionaire Bunker." Brady originally bought the vacant lot for $17 million in 2020 alongside his then-wife, supermodel Gisele Bündchen. Since then, he has designed a sprawling waterfront property featuring a two-story home, a private gym, a cabana and a pool, among other high-end amenities, as reported by property records.
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According to sources familiar with the luxury real estate market, Brady's mansion isn't officially listed but is being quietly shopped to select buyers. Bloomberg's sources revealed that offers exceeding $150 million are already on the table, showcasing just how much demand there is for prime real estate on Indian Creek Island.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Bezos Effect</h2>
Indian Creek has always been a haven for the ultra-wealthy, but property values have skyrocketed in recent years, in part <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/04/38075377/jeff-bezos-buys-90-million-florida-mansion-to-live-in-while-his-other-newly-purchased-147-million-ho">due to Jeff Bezos</a>. The Amazon founder has spent $230 million acquiring three properties on the island since 2023, boosting its already sky-high real estate profile. According to Bloomberg, a nearby vacant lot purchased for $27.5 million in 2018 is now being <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42715900/jeff-bezos-neighbor-lists-vacant-miami-lot-for-200-million-after-buying-it-for-just-27-5m">marketed for an eye-popping $200 million</a>.
Luxury broker Ilya Reznik told Business Insider in December that new builds on the island command a premium, with buyers willing to pay enormous sums for modern amenities and exclusivity. &#8220;This is just what&#8217;s going on in Miami,&#8221; Reznik told BI. Brady's estate fits this mold perfectly and could reset the bar for high-end Miami real estate.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Record-Breaking Sale?</h2>
If Brady's property sells for more than $150 million, it would set a record for single-family homes in Miami. The potential sale highlights Indian Creek's growing reputation as one of the most expensive and exclusive communities in the United States.
The human-made island is home to just 40 residences spread across 300 acres, offering unmatched privacy and security. Its single-access bridge is guarded by a dedicated police force, ensuring the utmost discretion for its billionaire residents who include Carl Icahn, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/11/41912517/inside-ivankas-24-million-billionaire-bunker-mansion-with-a-15-million-mortgage">Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner</a> and, of course, Jeff Bezos.
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Tom Brady's Billionaire Bunker Estate Gets $150 Million Offers – Could Break Miami Single-Family Home Sale Record In Part Thanks To Jeff Bezos

Secretary of State <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/marco-rubio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marco Rubio</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/marco-rubio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;s</a> upcoming visit to Panama is expected to offer crucial insight into the direction of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in Latin America, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/01/43036986/trumps-2-5-billion-power-play-what-seizing-the-panama-canal-would-cost" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">under the Trump administration</a>.
Amid rising tensions over the Panama Canal, the visit could signal whether U.S. policy will take a more aggressive, imperial approach or a pragmatic, negotiation-focused stance, Reuters reports.
The controversy began when President Trump made threatening remarks regarding Panama&#8217;s control over the canal, raising fears of a potential American invasion. Former Panama President Ernesto Pérez Balladares voiced concerns about the potential for significant casualties and international condemnation if U.S. aggression escalates.
Despite the heightened rhetoric, Trump&#8217;s envoy to Latin America, Mauricio Claver-Carone, appeared to offer a more practical solution by suggesting that Panama might preemptively offer the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard free transit through the canal as a means to avoid further tension, Reuters adds.
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Despite these efforts, there remains significant uncertainty about the future of U.S.-Panama relations.
In private conversations, Panamanian officials have dismissed Trump&#8217;s claims about a Chinese military presence in the canal, emphasizing that transit fees are legally set and apply to all nations.
Panama&#8217;s political elite has made it clear that the canal&#8217;s status is non-negotiable, with President José Raúl Mulino strongly defending Panama&#8217;s sovereignty over the waterway, which was handed over from the U.S. in 1999.
In response to Trump&#8217;s threats, Panama has already taken some conciliatory steps, including increasing audits on the port operations managed by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings LTD (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CKHUY#OTC">CKHUY</a>), a company involved in the canal&#8217;s operations.
However, these moves have done little to calm the diplomatic storm. While some within the Trump administration suggest that the rhetoric should not be taken literally, others remain firm in asserting U.S. dominance in the region.
As Rubio prepares to visit Panama, there is a glimmer of hope that diplomacy may de-escalate the situation.
The U.S. State Department recently indicated a shift towards fostering a more cooperative relationship with Panama, emphasizing the mutual benefits of a strong partnership rather than attempting to exert unilateral pressure.
Ultimately, Rubio&#8217;s visit will be a critical test of whether the Trump administration can balance aggressive rhetoric with practical diplomacy, ensuring that both U.S. interests and Panamanian sovereignty are respected moving forward.
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CKHUY

Marco Rubio's Panama Visit: Will Trump's Aggressive Rhetoric Lead to War or Diplomacy?

On Jan. 26, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPso1-N9O9s">Face the Nation </a>host Margaret Brennan grilled Vice President JD Vance on the administration's plans to tackle rising grocery prices. Her question was straightforward: "You campaigned on lowering prices for consumers. Which executive order lowers prices?"
Vance, however, sidestepped specifics, focusing instead on broader goals. "We've done a lot, and there have been a number of executive orders that have already caused jobs to start coming back into our country, which is a core part of lowering prices," he said. But he didn't name a single order targeting grocery costs directly.
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Brennan didn't let up, pushing him on when Americans might see relief, particularly for staples like eggs—an item that became a hot-button issue on the campaign trail. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41250565/trump-and-dave-ramsey-break-down-8-eggs-5-gas-and-7-interest-rates-can-anyone-afford-a-house-in-">Egg prices</a> have been through the roof.&nbsp;
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they jumped a whopping 36.8% between December 2023 and December 2024. A combination of an ongoing bird flu outbreak and state laws requiring cage-free production has put intense pressure on supplies.
"Prices are going to come down, but it's going to take a little bit of time," Vance assured, adding, "The president has been president for all of five days, and in those five days, he's accomplished more than Joe Biden did in four years."
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Still, many experts say lowering food prices isn't as simple as signing executive orders. Patrick Penfield, a supply chain expert at Syracuse University, told the New York Post that egg prices could climb another 20% this year, possibly reaching $5 a dozen in some areas.
"The avian flu outbreak has been devastating, and complying with cage-free laws adds significant costs," he explained.
Brennan also called out the administration's priorities, noting that most of Trump's recent executive orders haven't focused on the economy. While Vance claimed "many of them were," he didn't back it up with examples.
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Meanwhile, broader inflation trends add to the complexity. Food prices rose by 2.5% overall last year, and the current inflation rate sits at 2.9%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.&nbsp;
While that's within manageable levels, experts like Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warn against aiming for outright deflation, which historically has led to economic crises like the Great Depression.
To make matters trickier, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42213610/hasbro-best-buy-brace-as-trumps-tariffs-loom-could-retail-margins-hit-rock-bottom">proposed tariffs on imports</a> from major trading partners like Canada and Mexico could push grocery prices higher. The U.S. imports roughly 15% of its food supply, and new tariffs could make everyday items like beef, tomatoes, and avocados even more expensive, according to Eater.
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The crypto market might be in for a surprise as a well-known crypto analyst predicts a significant rally for a competitor of&nbsp;Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) and Shiba Inu&nbsp;(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>).
What Happened: The analyst, known as Inmortal, shared on X platform that the meme coin Floki (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">FLOKI</a>) is showing a Relative Strength Index (RSI) pattern similar to one that previously resulted in a 200% price surge. 
&#8220;Last&nbsp;time we reached this RSI&nbsp;level we bottomed and pumped&nbsp;200% One of my fav&nbsp;charts right now,&#8221; Inmortal stated.
<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">Last time we reached this RSI level we bottomed and pumped 200% One of my fav charts right now.<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24FLOKI&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$FLOKI</a> <a href="https://t.co/qyRlm2SLJp">pic.twitter.com/qyRlm2SLJp</a>
&mdash; Inmortal (@inmortalcrypto) <a href="https://twitter.com/inmortalcrypto/status/1884709100640231670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The RSI is a tool used to determine whether an asset is overbought or oversold. At the time of the report, FLOKI was trading at $0.000144, marking a 13.2% increase in the last 24 hours.
Inmortal also pointed out a change in the altcoin cycle, forecasting multiple altseasons with funds moving in and out of digital assets, as opposed to a simultaneous rise of most tokens. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/03/37573802/forget-dogecoin-and-shiba-inu-this-meme-coin-has-surged-nearly-70-in-just-24-hours">Forget Dogecoin And Shiba Inu — This Meme Coin Has Surged Nearly 70% In Just 24 Hours</a>
He concluded his analysis by emphasizing the current &#8220;brutal&#8221; market conditions, with Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) needing only a 5% increase&nbsp;to hit a new all-time&nbsp;high, while many altcoins need a 500% surge to match that.
Why It Matters: The predicted rally for FLOKI is significant as it comes amidst a volatile crypto market. The analyst&#8217;s observation of a shift in the altcoin cycle could indicate a new trend in the crypto market, with funds moving in and out of digital assets rather than a simultaneous surge. 
This could potentially lead to more opportunities for investors to profit from different altcoins at different times. 
Furthermore, the current market conditions, described as &#8220;brutal&#8221; by Inmortal, highlight the potential for significant gains for many altcoins, despite the relatively small increase needed for Bitcoin to reach a new all-time high.
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Image: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$DOGE

$FLOKI

$SHIB

DOGE

Analyst Forecasts Mammoth 200% Surge for This Dogecoin and Shiba Inu Competitor

Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), owned by Elon Musk, experienced an 8% surge in its stock following an earnings miss, leaving JPMorgan analysts scratching their heads.
What Happened: JPMorgan analyst Ryan Brinkman was left perplexed by Tesla&#8217;s stock performance. Despite a 38% shortfall&nbsp;in earnings before interest and&nbsp;taxes and the lowest profit&nbsp;margin in years, Tesla&#8217;s shares soared.
According to the report <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/tesla-stock-price-outlook-jpmorgan-tsla-earnings-fundamentals-profit-miss-2025-1">by</a> Market Insider, Brinkman offered several theories for the stock&#8217;s rise, including CEO Elon Musk&#8217;s ambitious projections during the earnings call. However, he remained skeptical, maintaining his $135 price target for Tesla, indicating a potential 68% downside from current levels.
&#8220;The move higher in Tesla shares bore no relation whatsoever to the company&#8217;s financial performance in the quarter just completed or to its outlook for growth in the coming year,&#8221; Brinkman told the outlet.
On Wednesday, Tesla reported its first annual&nbsp;sales decline since 2008, with&nbsp;fourth-quarter revenue of $25.7 billion,&nbsp;missing estimates by $1.4 billion,&nbsp;and earnings per share of&nbsp;$0.73, missing estimates by $0.02.
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Brinkman also expressed concern over Tesla&#8217;s&nbsp;guidance for a return to&nbsp;growth in 2025, noting that&nbsp;the company&#8217;s financial performance and&nbsp;analyst price targets seem to be moving in opposite directions.
&#8220;Tesla shares continue to strike&nbsp;us as having become completely&nbsp;divorced from the fundamentals,&#8221; Brinkman concluded.
Why It Matters: The unexpected rally in Tesla&#8217;s stock despite the earnings miss raises questions about the factors driving investor sentiment. While Brinkman&#8217;s analysis points to a disconnect between&nbsp;the company&#8217;s financial performance and&nbsp;its stock price, the market seems to be responding to other factors, possibly including CEO Elon Musk&#8217;s ambitious growth projections.
As Tesla navigates the challenges of missed earnings and a declining sales trend, the market&#8217;s response will continue to be closely watched. 
The divergence between analyst price targets and actual stock performance underscores the complexities of the current investment landscape.
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Why Is Tesla's Stock Rallying Despite Earnings Miss? JPMorgan Analyst Puzzled

January 27 stands as one of the most eye-opening days in recent Wall Street history.
That's when the markets realized Western technology consumers had been lining up to download a low-cost yet advanced AI assistant app called DeepSeek-V3.
See, DeepSeek isn't just another ChatGPT-like AI assistant — it performs just as well as but the Chinese developers behind DeepSeek claim they spent just $5.6 million in semiconductor chips, about one-tenth of the astronomical development costs companies like OpenAI and Meta Platforms have spent on chips for their AI apps.
As markets realized the same AI performance can be achieved with fewer, and slower, chips, the companies supplying the expensive chips, and the companies that have spent billions on AI already, took a beating. But that's just the beginning.
Here are three other stocks that will struggle in this new DeepSeek era.
See, DeepSeek engineers leveraged Nvidia's (NVDA) reduced-capacity H800 graphics processing units (GPUs) to train its AI model, which achieved more robust performance outputs with lower development costs. That's a departure from usual AI model construction, as many US companies used significantly more powerful – and way more expensive &#8211; Nvidia H100 GPUs to get, as DeepSeek claims, more or less the same performance results.
On Wall Street, the market carnage rolled in fast and furious.
On January 27, Nvidia shares plummeted 17%, while competitors like Broadcom (AVGO) fell 17.4% and Marvel Technology (MRVL) face-planted by 19.1%. Chip stocks and the companies using those chips for AI technology development rebounded modestly in the days following the DeepSeek news. By January 30, NVDA was only down 15% for the previous five days, while Broadcom (-10.25%) and Marvel (-12.50%) followed suit.
Still, the damage hasn't been contained, at least while the notion of a cheaper and equally effective way of building AI models lingers.
"DeepSeek AI's entry into the market offers a disruptive combination of high-level capabilities at a fraction of the cost of industry giants like OpenAI," said Mel Morris, CEO at Corpora.ai, a London-based research engine technology firm. "This affordability opens the door for smaller companies and startups to leverage advanced AI technology that was previously inaccessible. Additionally, the open-source model empowers developers to fine-tune and experiment with the system, fostering greater flexibility and innovation." Morris said that the emergence of DeepSeek AI could challenge the current competitive landscape and push major players like OpenAI to adapt quickly. "The idea that competition drives innovation is particularly relevant here, as DeepSeek's presence is likely to spur faster advancements in AI technology, leading to more efficient and accessible solutions to meet the growing demand," he notes.
Even so, DeepSeek and similar companies in the AI development pipeline may not be the tech sector wrecking ball investors think.
"Many people felt the rising tech giants&#8217; capital expenditures would likely lead to a bubble, but instead, DeepSeek&#8217;s breakthrough will likely extend the rally for AI over time," said James Wo, founder and CEO of Digital Finance Group (DFG), a global blockchain and digital asset investment firm with more than $1 billion in assets under management.
Wo says the DeepSeek long-term model sustainability is no guarantee as the company (and others like it) must also keep up with market shifts.
"Relying on a single breakthrough of training efficiency without consistent innovation will cause it to plateau and lose its competitive edge over time," he noted. "Overall, DeepSeek&#8217;s breakthrough may not completely replace high-performant AI systems entirely but rather coexist in a hybrid ecosystem where different tools are optimized for specific use cases."
Three Stocks That May Have a Problem With the Ascent of AI
It's early in the game, and pinpointing stocks that will suffer at the hands of the DeepSeek saga is a tall task, as the technology and financial facts linked to the story are still being sorted out. Based on the idea that DeepSeek represents a more efficient way of building AI models, however, the following stocks would be at risk.
Nvidia. Perhaps the biggest DeepSeek-related concern is for manufacturing companies that depend heavily on high-end AI hardware sales. "Nvidia is the obvious choice here, but others, like AMD and certain semiconductor manufacturers, could also face headwinds if AI-reliant companies shift toward more cost-effective solutions," says Drew Cohen, marketing lead at the cryptocurrency company GME Ethereum
Oracle. Technology billionaires took a big financial hit from the DeepSeek dip, with Oracle's Larry Ellison, who saw his net worth fall by $27.6 billion early last week. (Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang wasn't far behind, with his net worth down by $20.8 billion.)
Oracle's stock value fell by $70 billion in the DeepSeek melee, although ORCL recouped half of those losses by the week's end. The longer-term problem is that Oracles has been investing heavily in data center development to match up with AI heavyweights like Amazon and Microsoft. A cheaper way to develop AI models threatens that model, mainly by curbing the need for pricey data center operations.
Broadcom. Broadcom has emerged as a powerful force in the AI network technology realm. If DeepSeek's impact on AI development sticks, it will hurt chip companies developing AI semiconductors and crimp their share performance. This week, Morgan Stanley cut its target price on AVGO from $265 to $246, citing "deflationary" AI evolutionary innovations and reduced AI spending enthusiasm.
The Takeaway on DeepSeek and Impacted AI and Chip Stocks
Even if DeepSeek doesn't see widespread adoption by enterprises in the US, it represents a tipping point.
"The technology industry is waking up to the fact they don't need to rely on the walled gardens and expensive fees of hyperscalers to access highly-advanced and innovative AI capabilities," said Marc Suidan, chief financial officer at Backblaze (BLZE), a data storage cloud company in San Mateo, Cal.
Up until a few days ago, it was conventional wisdom for most that AI innovation required a massive amount of capital and infrastructure that only multi-trillion dollar tech giants could provide. But that was an illusion, Suidan said.
 "Using concepts and practices of the past that would eventually get chips to be way more productive, or disruptive innovation using open source solutions, DeepSeek mastered the second one, and proved that with limited resources, they can develop a powerful AI solution," he noted.
What if you could pinpoint stocks with massive profit potential like Matador Resources, which soared 2,100% in just two years? Or Photronics, a semiconductor stock that doubled in under a year?
That&#8217;s the power of our new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/trade-alerts//?utm_source=WebRD-0203&amp;el=ResearchDaily&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}">‘Benzinga Trade Alerts'</a>.
Photo Courtesy: Mamun_Sheikh On Shutterstock.com

Opinion

Sell These 3 Stocks Most at Risk From China's AI Innovation

&nbsp;Warren Buffett is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43166526/billionaire-warren-buffetts-first-wife-said-he-cared-about-the-win-not-the-money-its-all-mental-with-him-and-money-is-his-scorecard">known for playing the long game</a>, but as a teenager, he wasn't exactly practicing what he preaches today. Long before he became the Oracle of Omaha, Buffett was just a 16-year-old with a knack for numbers, a rebellious streak and a taste for risk. While other kids were busy memorizing equations, Buffett skipped school to bet on horse races and lost a lot. But what he learned from those missteps? Priceless.
In 1946, Buffett, living in Washington, D.C., while his father was serving in Congress, was already fascinated by probability. He wasn't drawn to gambling for the thrill; instead, he was obsessed with how the odds worked. He convinced his father to borrow every book on horse handicapping from the Library of Congress so he could study them as a future hedge fund manager might pore over balance sheets. But theories on paper didn't always translate to wins on the racetrack.
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Buffett's partner in these horse racing escapades was his high school golf coach, Bob Dwyer, who shared his passion for analyzing tip sheets. Together, they'd sneak off to the Charles Town racetrack in West Virginia. Here, Buffett started experimenting with his early models of assessing value – whether a horse was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38275323/warren-buffett-warns-dont-watch-the-market-closely-urges-not-to-obsessively-check-stock-prices-i">"undervalued" or "overvalued"</a> by the odds. Sometimes, his calculations paid off. Often, they didn't.
On one fateful solo trip, Buffett lost all his money after betting on every race to try and recover his earlier losses – breaking what he'd later call the cardinal sin of gambling. By the end of the day, he was down $175, which in 1946 was the equivalent of more than a week's worth of delivering newspapers (his side hustle). With no way to claw back his losses, Buffett made the only reasonable choice: he treated himself to a giant hot fudge sundae at the Hot Shoppe with the last cash.
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While savoring that sundae, Buffett reflected on his mistakes and came to two realizations that would shape his investment philosophy forever: "Nobody goes home after the first race" – a nod to how gamblers (and investors) keep chasing losses – and "You don't have to make it back the way you lost it." In other words, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37589669/warren-buffett-explains-the-stock-doesnt-know-you-own-it-stocks-cant-love-you-back-and-your-feel">doubling down on a bad hand</a> or investment is rarely the smartest move. He also realized that impatience and emotional decision-making were a recipe for disaster.
Buffett never returned to the racetrack after that day, but those hard-learned lessons stayed with him. The discipline to sit out bad opportunities, the patience to wait for the right ones and the awareness that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37563241/warren-buffett-says-hed-trade-a-significant-percentage-of-his-net-worth-for-some-extra-years-of-">losses are part of the game</a> became pillars of his investment philosophy. Unlike gamblers who bet impulsively, Buffett developed a reputation for waiting for the perfect pitch before swinging – whether that's an undervalued stock or an acquisition opportunity.
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Despite this youthful flirtation with horse betting, Buffett is no fan of gambling. He's called it a "tax on ignorance" in 2007 and criticized it for preying on people who don't understand the odds. For Buffett, it's not about luck but about stacking the deck in your favor with careful planning and informed decisions.
So, while Buffett's days of sneaking off to the races may have been short-lived, the lessons they taught him had a long-lasting impact. Who would've thought that a teenage misadventure involving lost bets and a fudge sundae would help build one of the most successful investing careers ever? Sometimes, the track isn't just a place for horses to run – it's a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">place where billionaires are made</a>.
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Warren Buffett Skipped School To Bet On Horse Races With His Teacher – He Lost All His Money Then Treated Himself To A Hot Fudge Sundae

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2>
President Donald Trump has said that the U.S. will impose tariffs on a variety of imports including computer chips, pharmaceuticals, steel, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42635605/exclusive-eric-trump-predicts-inflation-drop-through-energy-policies-and-spending-cuts">aluminum, copper, oil, and gas</a> starting on Feb. 1.
What Happened: President Trump has declared that the U.S. will impose tariffs on a wide range of imports. These tariffs, which could be implemented as soon as mid-February, will target computer chips, pharmaceuticals, steel, aluminum, copper, oil, and gas.
Trump also indicated his intent to raise&nbsp;tariffs on the European Union,&nbsp;citing their unfair treatment of the U.S., but did not provide specifics on the timeline or the extent of the increase. The European Union has yet to respond to these comments.
These newly announced tariffs are separate from the previously announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and 10% tariffs on China, which are set to be implemented on Saturday, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/trump-says-tariffs-are-coming-on-computer-chips-steel-and-more-cef9974c">reports</a> The Wall Street Journal.
Trump dismissed concerns about the potential impact of these tariffs on inflation or global supply chains, stating that any disruption would be temporary and that the tariffs would strengthen the U.S. economy.
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"I think there could be some temporary, short term disruption and people will understand that. The tariffs are going to make us very rich and very strong," said Trump. 
Leaders in Mexico, Canada, and China, as well as CEOs of American companies, are closely monitoring the situation, particularly regarding potential exemptions for major industries. Trump&#8217;s team is currently&nbsp;in negotiations over how to&nbsp;potentially reduce tariffs on these countries, but&nbsp;Trump may still decide to&nbsp;proceed with a full-scale approach.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China were imminent, but declined to comment on potential exemptions or what the trading partners could do to avoid the duties.
Trump&#8217;s announcement led to a negative turn in the stock market, with stocks losing morning gains following Leavitt&#8217;s remarks. Trump stated&nbsp;that there was nothing Canada,&nbsp;Mexico, and China&nbsp;could do to avoid the&nbsp;tariffs before Saturday, but mentioned the possibility of&nbsp;a lower tariff on Canadian&nbsp;crude oil.
Why It Matters: The new tariffs mark a significant escalation in Trump&#8217;s second-term trade wars. The move will likely have a substantial impact on global supply chains and could lead to increased inflation. The tariffs could also strain relations with key trading partners, including the European Union, Canada, Mexico, and China. 
The potential for exemptions for major industries adds another layer of uncertainty to the situation. The impact of these tariffs on the U.S. economy and the global market will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
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Trump May Enforce New Tariffs on Key Sectors Starting Saturday — Chips, Steel Among Potential Targets

President Donald Trump unveiled a $500 billion private-sector AI investment package on his second day in office last week, just as Chinese startup DeepSeek demonstrated it can match U.S. technology at a fraction of the cost.
The &#8220;Stargate&#8221; project, backed by OpenAI&#8217;s Sam Altman, SoftBank&#8217;s Masayoshi Son, and Oracle&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NASDAQ">ORCL</a>) Larry Ellison, aims to build massive data centers in Texas over four years. &#8220;This is money that normally would have gone to China,&#8221; Trump said during the announcement.
DeepSeek&#8217;s breakthrough <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/01/43253190/deepseek-ai-etfs-take-a-hard-hit-amid">threatens to upend the AI landscape</a>. The nascent Chinese company&#8217;s latest models match leading U.S. chatbots while using fewer resources, challenging the assumption that AI advances require ever-increasing computing power and investment.
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The timing heightens tensions in the U.S.-China tech rivalry. Trump&#8217;s administration includes China hawks like AI czar David Sacks and Under Secretary of State nominee Jacob Helberg, who each view the AI race as crucial to national security.
Silicon Valley executives hope Trump will loosen domestic regulations while maintaining pressure on China. The president already scrapped Biden-era requirements for AI companies to share information with the government, promising Stargate partners to make development &#8220;as easy as it can be.&#8221;
DeepSeek&#8217;s rise suggests U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors haven&#8217;t prevented Chinese innovation, according to a report by The Economist. The company&#8217;s mobile app topped U.S. iPhone downloads in January, with investor Marc Andreessen calling it &#8220;AI&#8217;s Sputnik moment.&#8221;
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&#8220;More investment does not necessarily lead to more innovation. Otherwise, large companies would take over all innovation,&#8221; DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng told Chinese media, noting U.S. chip restrictions remain his main challenge.
The contrast between Trump&#8217;s massive investment push and DeepSeek&#8217;s efficient approach highlights diverging strategies in the AI race. While U.S. firms bet on overwhelming resources, Chinese companies focus on maximizing limited computing power.
The battle extends beyond raw investment numbers. The Biden administration&#8217;s &#8220;Framework for Artificial Intelligence Diffusion,&#8221; now under Trump&#8217;s review, aims to tighten controls on GPU exports and AI data sharing. Critics, including semiconductor giant Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), argue such restrictions could backfire, pushing allies toward Chinese technology.
Meanwhile, DeepSeek&#8217;s models remain constrained by Chinese censorship, automatically deflecting queries about sensitive topics like the Tiananmen Square protests or President Xi Jinping. The company also faces infrastructure challenges, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43257133/chinese-ai-startup-deepseek-hit-by-cyberattacks-after-toppling-us-giants-like-nvidia-with-new-ai-model-dubbed-as-chatgpt-killer">experiencing outages as user numbers surge</a>.
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ORCL

'As Easy As It Can Be': Trump Promises AI Giants Support With $500B Investment Plan, How Does It Compare With DeepSeek?

CNB Bancshares

&ldquo;In reasonable economic times community banks are pretty much cash flow machines,&rdquo; according to Tim Melvin, author of The<a href="https://marketfy.com/item/banking-on-profit-monthly-newsletter/"> Community Bank Investor Newsletter</a> and<a href="https://marketfy.com/item/banking-on-profit/"> Banking On Profit</a>.

Melvin made that remark at the <a href="https://www.virtualinvestorconferences.com/events/event-details/financial-services-conference-september-2019?utm_source=Benzinga%20Article%20Post&amp;utm_medium=Media&amp;utm_campaign=September%2026%202019%20Post">OTCQX Community Bank Virtual Investor Conference</a> held in late-September, where he outlined his bullish thesis on community bank stocks. Melvin&rsquo;s opinion hinges on several factors, including lessened industry regulations and the fact that many smaller banks trade at relative discounts to larger financial institutions.

His main reason for optimism comes down to consolidation in the industry. According to Melvin there are approximately 5,000 community banks and thrifts in the U.S., down from around 18,000 in the mid-80&rsquo;s when states began passing legislation allowing for the formation of regional banks. Once banks were emboldened to expand into other states, it became more convenient to simply buy existing banks than build entirely new ones.

Melvin estimates that about 4% of community banks get taken over every year&mdash;the vast majority at a premium to shareholders&mdash;and he expects that trend to continue until the number of community banks falls below 2,000.

Melvin said he prefers buying Small-Cap community banks that:

<ul>
	<li>Trade below its tangible book value per share</li>
	<li>Have high dividend yields and low P/E ratios</li>
	<li>Have higher earnings growth rates than their peers in the last three years</li>
</ul>

There are 67 banks in the OTCQX Banks Index, which is up approximately 8% in 2019. Ten of them presented at the OTCQX Virtual Conference last month (which you can&nbsp;view <a href="http://www.virtualinvestorconferences.com/events/event-details/financial-services-conference-september-2019?utm_source=Benzinga%20Article%20Post&amp;utm_medium=Media&amp;utm_campaign=September%2026%202019%20Post">on demand here</a>). Here&rsquo;s a breakdown of each.

CNB Bank Shares, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CNBN#OTCQX">CNBN</a>) 
Location: Carlinville, IL 
Number Of Locations: 19 
Market Cap: $108.9 million 
Share Price (as of Sept. 30, 2019): $18.85

Presentation Highlight: At one time, 40% of CNB&rsquo;s loan and deposit composition came from agriculture and agricultural real estate. Today, agriculture makes up 29% of the bank&rsquo;s loan and deposit portfolio thanks to a concerted effort to expand its commercial and multi-family offerings.

Victory Bancorp Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VTYB#OTCQX">VTYB</a>) 
Location: Limerick, PA 
Number Of Locations: 1 
Market Cap: $19.5 million 
Share Price (as of Sept. 30, 2019): $10.05

Presentation Highlight: According to Chairman and CEO Joseph W. Major, 75% of the bank&rsquo;s $250 million in deposits come in via remote capture or an equivalent technology

PSB Holdings Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/PSBQ#OTCQX">PSBQ</a>) 
Location: Wausau, WI 
Number Of Locations: 9 
Market Cap: $117.4 million 
Share Price (as of Sept. 30, 2019): $26.49

Presentation Highlight: PSB&rsquo;s worst year during the Great Recession as far as Return on Equity was 7.38% according to President and CEO Scott Cattanach, outperforming much of the financial services sector. The bank has the highest deposit market share in Northern Wisconsin.

First National Bank Alaska (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FBAK#OTCQX">FBAK</a>) 
Location: Anchorage, AK 
Number Of Locations: 28 
Market Cap: $750.9 million 
Share Price (as of Sept. 30, 2019): $240

Presentation Highlight: As of June 30, only 0.2% of First National&rsquo;s loans were delinquent. The bank&rsquo;s delinquency percentage has not exceeded 0.3% in two years.

Heartland Bancorp (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HLAN#OTCQX">HLAN</a>) 
Location: Whitehall, OH 
Number Of Locations: 16 
Market Cap: $166.6 million 
Share Price (as of Sept. 30, 2019): $84

Presentation Highlight: Columbus is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the midwest, projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.7% in the next five years, and Heartland is the market&rsquo;s 8th-largest bank.

Communities First Financial Corporation (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CFST#OTCQX">CFST</a>) 
Location: Fresno, CA 
Number Of Locations: 1 
Market Cap: $72.7 million 
Share Price (as of Sept. 30, 2019): $24.75

Presentation Highlight: One of 60 banks with an acquiring license in the U.S., allowing them to process Visa and Mastercard payments. Community First estimates income from payment merchants will exceed $2 million in 2020, a 300% increase from 2018.

Community Bank of Santa Maria (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CYSM#OTCQX">CYSM</a>) 
Location: Santa Maria, CA 
Number Of Locations: 2 
Market Cap: $30.5 million 
Share Price (as of Sept. 30, 2019): $12.46

Presentation Highlight: Is the only community bank headquartered on the central coast of California (between Goleta to the south, Salinas to the north, and Bakersfield to the east).

BankFirst Capital Corporation (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BFCC#OTCQX">BFCC</a>) 
Location: Columbus, MS 
Number Of Locations: 21 
Market Cap: $110.8 million 
Share Price (as of Sept. 30, 2019): $24.71

Presentation Highlight: Despite the fact that BankFirst is headquartered in Mississippi, its largest lending market is Tuscaloosa, Al, home of the University of Alabama. BankFirst is the 9th largest bank in Mississippi and 23rd largest bank in Alabama.

Grand River Commerce Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GNRV#OTCQX">GNRV</a>) 
Location: Grandville, MI 
Number Of Locations: 1 
Market Cap: $41.3 million 
Share Price (as of Sept. 30, 2019): $6.25

Presentation Highlight: The bank&rsquo;s market has outperformed the state and country in terms of economic activity. As of July 2019, the unemployment rate in the Grand Rapids metro area was 2.9%, far below the national average, while employment growth has doubled the national average over the last decade.

Orange County Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OCBI#OTCQX">OCBI</a>) 
Location: Middletown, NY 
Number Of Locations: 13 
Market Cap: $123.8 million 
Share Price (as of Sept. 30, 2019): $27.78

Presentation Highlight: Demand deposit accounts and interest-bearing demand accounts for nearly 45% of deposits. According to President and CEO Michael Gilfeather, the bank&rsquo;s operations are almost exclusively funded out of these deposits.

OTC Markets is a content partner of Benzinga

&nbsp;

Community Banks Are 'Cash Flow Machines' And Other Takeaways From The OTCQX Community Bank Conference

Tim Melvin, author of <a href="https://marketfy.com/item/banking-on-profit/">Banking On Profit</a> and <a href="https://www.marketfy.com/item/banking-on-profit-monthly-newsletter/">The Community Bank Investor Newsletter</a> on Marketfy (Benzinga&rsquo;s sister platform), will be giving a presentation Thursday at 9 am ET on strategies he uses for investing in community banks.

The presentation is part of the <a href="https://www.virtualinvestorconferences.com/events/event-details/financial-services-conference-september-2019?utm_source=Benzinga&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_campaign=September%2026%202019">OTCQX Community Bank Conference</a>, sponsored by VirtualInvestorConferences. Financials (including community banks) account for 21% of the OTCQX, the top tier of OTC Markets, making it the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/19/09/14399169/the-most-represented-industries-on-otcqx">most represented industry on the market</a>.

Melvin is a value investor, following the schools of Ben Graham, Walter Schloss, and Martin Whitman. In his three-decade career in financial services, he has served as a broker, advisor, and portfolio manager.

Melvin will be discussing, among other topics, why he&rsquo;s bullish on community banks, the M&amp;A outlook for the sector, and what green flags and red flags he looks for when analyzing a community bank stock. He will also be appearing on <a href="http://premarket.benzinga.com/pre-market-show/">Benzinga&rsquo;s PreMarket Prep </a>Thursday&nbsp;morning at 8:35 am ET.

Thursday&rsquo;s session is free, and will be followed by investor presentations from CNB Bank Shares, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CNBN#OTCQX">CNBN</a>), Victory Bancorp Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VTYB#OTCQX">VTYB</a>), PSB Holdings Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/PSBQ#OTCQX">PSBQ</a>), First National Bank Alaska (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FBAK#OTCQX">FBAK</a>), Heartland BancCorp (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HLAN#OTCQX">HLAN</a>), Communities First Financial Corp (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CFST#OTCQX">CFST</a>), Community Bank of Santa Maria (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CYSM#OTCQX">CYSM</a>), BankFirst Capital Corporation (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/BFCC#OTCQX">BFCC</a>), Grand River Commerce Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GNRV#OTCQX">GNRV</a>) and Orange County Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OCBI#OTCQX">OCBI</a>). Each session will also be followed by a Q&amp;A session.

<a href="https://www.virtualinvestorconferences.com/events/event-details/financial-services-conference-september-2019?utm_source=Benzinga&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_campaign=September%2026%202019">Click here</a> to register&nbsp;for the conference and see Tim&rsquo;s presentation.

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