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Investing at least 80% of assets in securities included in the fund's underlying index. The fund's underlying index is the MSCI USA IMI Real Estate 25/25 Index, which represents the performance of the real estate sector in the U.S. equity market.

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Washington state has taken legal action against&nbsp;T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) for&nbsp;allegedly neglecting cybersecurity vulnerabilities, leading to a significant data breach in 2021 that impacted <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42931807/t-mobile-sued-over-massive-data-breach-impacting-79-million-americans-sensitive-information-included-names-addresses-and-more" rel="noreferrer noopener">79 million people across the U.S</a>.
Social Media &amp; Smartphones
President-elect&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;is considering issuing an executive order aimed at rescuing&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;from being banned from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/43018125/trump-considers-executive-order-to-save-tiktok-from-being-banned-in-4-days" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. app&nbsp;stores in four days</a>.&nbsp;
The potential ban of TikTok could impact the app's nearly 17,000 employees in the U.S., <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/42997566/tiktok-is-set-to-be-banned-in-the-us-this-sunday-unless-the-supreme-court-steps-in-heres-what-happens-to-its-nearly-17000-american-workforce" rel="noreferrer noopener">sparking a wave of uncertainty</a>.
Jimmy Donaldson, popularly known as&nbsp;MrBeast, is in talks with several billionaires about potentially acquiring&nbsp;TikTok to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/42994923/mrbeast-discussing-buying-tiktok-with-billionaires-to-prevent-us-shutdown-lets-see-if-we-can-pull-this-off" rel="noreferrer noopener">prevent its shutdown in the U.S</a>.
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) investor&nbsp;Gary Black&nbsp;has expressed concerns about&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43019833/elon-musk-buying-tiktok-could-hurt-tesla-warns-gary-black-but-dan-ives-thinks-it-makes-sense" rel="noreferrer noopener">acquiring TikTok&#8217;s U.S. operations</a>.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is experiencing a drop in its market share in China. This decline is attributed to a decrease in iPhone shipments, as reported by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42931758/apple-staring-at-market-share-decline-in-china-amid-declining-iphone-shipments-top-analyst-flags-why-some-models-could-be-face-shipping-momentum-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supply chain analyst </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42931758/apple-staring-at-market-share-decline-in-china-amid-declining-iphone-shipments-top-analyst-flags-why-some-models-could-be-face-shipping-momentum-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ming-Chi Kuo</a>.
Technology
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)&nbsp;launched&nbsp;365 Copilot Chat, its AI-powered chat service with AI agents and a new pay-as-you-go plan. The company has rebranded its AI chat service, formerly known as&nbsp;Bing Chat Enterprise, under a new plan named <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43022267/microsoft-launches-new-ai-agents-in-365-copilot-chat-to-drive-widespread-adoption-of-task-automation-tools" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat</a>.
As Southern California battles severe wildfires,&nbsp;NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)&nbsp;researcher&nbsp;Jim Fan&nbsp;emphasized the potential of AI-powered robots in managing such disasters, stating that artificial intelligence could <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42946197/nvidias-ai-robots-may-revolutionize-firefighting-amid-california-wildfires" rel="noreferrer noopener">significantly aid firefighting efforts</a>.
An internal memo from&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) has unveiled a strategy to implement&nbsp;performance-based job cuts. The memo indicates that Meta aims to achieve a 10% "non-regrettable attrition" rate by the end of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/42995912/meta-plans-to-cut-5-of-staff-backfill-roles-in-2025-says-internal-memo" rel="noreferrer noopener">the current performance cycle</a>.
Meta Platforms has admitted that officials from the Biden administration have been exerting pressure on Meta staff to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42931361/mark-zuckerberg-says-biden-officials-berated-meta-staff-as-they-refused-to-remove-true-content-it-just-got-to-this-pointthats-ridiculous" rel="noreferrer noopener">remove specific content from the platform</a>.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HPE#NYSE">HPE</a>) has reportedly secured&nbsp;a deal worth over $1&nbsp;billion to supply&nbsp;servers optimized for artificial intelligence to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42931833/hewlett-packard-enterprise-strikes-1b-ai-server-deal-with-elon-musks-x-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42931833/hewlett-packard-enterprise-strikes-1b-ai-server-deal-with-elon-musks-x-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘s social media platform, X</a>.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
On Tuesday,&nbsp;OpenAI&nbsp;announced the introduction of a beta feature named &#8220;Tasks&#8221; for&nbsp;ChatGPT. The &#8220;Tasks&#8221; feature allows ChatGPT users to schedule future tasks, such as setting reminders for events or arranging regular <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42993561/is-openais-chatgpt-about-to-make-amazons-alexa-apples-siri-and-google-assistant-a-thing-of-the-past" rel="noreferrer noopener">updates like daily weather forecasts</a>.
A former&nbsp;OpenAI&nbsp;engineer's death has sparked controversy after his mother claimed he possessed sensitive documents about the artificial intelligence company's practices.&nbsp;Suchir Balaji, who had worked with&nbsp;Sam Altman‘s AI company, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43023088/openai-whistleblower-suchir-balajis-mother-says-her-son-had-documents-against-sam-altmans-ai-startup-elon-musk-calls-it-extremely-concerning" rel="noreferrer noopener">in&nbsp;what authorities ruled a suicide</a>.

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Consumer Tech News (Jan 13-17): Meta Plans Performance Based Job Cuts, Youtuber MrBeast Aims To Buy TikTok To Prevent Shutdown & More

These eleven large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Intra-Cellular Therapies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITCI#NASDAQ">ITCI</a>) stock surged 33.02% after Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the company for $132 per share in cash, valuing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42959061" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it at approximately $14.6 billion</a>. A couple of analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/itci/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">downgraded the stock</a>.</li>
<li>MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) stock grew 20.92% on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43062726" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin's continued upward momentum</a>.</li>
<li>Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>) stock upped 20.13% after announcing a $45 million <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42971991" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">settlement with the SEC</a>.</li>
<li>Carvana Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVNA#NYSE">CVNA</a>) stock rose 19.39% after Hindenburg Research, which previously issued a short report on the stock, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43034961" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced it would close down</a>.</li>
<li>BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONC#NASDAQ">ONC</a>) shares gained 18.88% last week.</li>
<li>JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JD#NASDAQ">JD</a>) shares were up 17.82% on the acceleration of China's economic activity, beating expectations for the last quarter of 2024 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43062957" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as stimulus measures kicked in</a>.</li>
<li>Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLDR#NYSE">BLDR</a>) stock upped 17.26%.</li>
<li>SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOFI#NASDAQ">SOFI</a>) shares escalated 16.61%. The company disclosed a personal loan securitization agreement <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43037459" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with a global fixed-income manager on Thursday</a>.</li>
<li>Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYM#NASDAQ">SYM</a>) shares increased 16.30% after the company announced an agreement to acquire Walmart Inc.'s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43026684" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Systems and Robotics business</a>. Northland Capital Markets maintained an Outperform rating while raising the price <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sym/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecast to $41 from $35</a>.</li>
<li>XPeng Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>) stock gained 15.63% last week after China's central bank <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42974632" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly indicated</a> it would take measures to support economic growth. China's GDP growth data also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43062957" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fueled optimism</a>.</li>
<li>United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/URI#NYSE">URI</a>) stock upped 14.91% after announcing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42974291" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it would acquire</a> H&amp;E Equipment Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HEES#NASDAQ">HEES</a>) for $4.8 billion. Additionally, Baird upgraded the stock <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/uri/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">from Underperform to Neutral</a>.</li>
</ol>
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MicroStrategy, SoFi Technologies And Carvana Are Among Top Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Jan 13-Jan 17): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

TikTok went dark in the U.S. at around 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night, with a pop-up message on the widely used app expressing hope that President-elect Donald Trump will intervene after he takes office.
What Happened: ByteDance&#8216;s TikTok became inaccessible in the U.S. about an hour and a half before the scheduled shutdown. Usere were then met with a pop-up message that read, &#8220;Sorry, TikTok isn&#8217;t available right now.&#8221;
As per a report <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/01/18/tiktok-banned-in-america/77728915007/">by</a> USA Today, the ban was implemented due to fears that Beijing might use the app to influence U.S. public opinion and collect sensitive user data, as the app is owned by a Chinese company.
&#8220;A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can&#8217;t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!&#8221; the message read for users. 
&#8220;Just watched TikTok shut down in real time. First the likes and comments stopped working, then saving was disabled, then no new videos would load, then I was kicked out. The last TikTok I could see was of someone peacefully bopping along to if I were a fish,&#8221; one TikTok user wrote on X. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">just watched TikTok shut down in real time. first the likes and comments stopped working, then saving was disabled, then no new videos would load, then I was kicked out. the last TikTok I could see was of someone peacefully bopping along to if I were a fish &#x1f614; <a href="https://t.co/9ywbY55k5j">pic.twitter.com/9ywbY55k5j</a>
&mdash; Kelli Boyle (@kellixboyle) <a href="https://twitter.com/kellixboyle/status/1880827587079078124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Consequently,&nbsp;app store providers and internet&nbsp;hosting services could be hit with substantial penalties for making TikTok accessible to U.S. users.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43074701/mark-cuban-open-to-financing-tiktok-alternative-based-on-bluesky-protocol">Mark Cuban Open To Financing TikTok Alternative Based on Bluesky Protocol</a>
Subsequent to the ban, TikTok was removed from both&nbsp;Apple and Google&#8216;s app stores.&nbsp;Oracle, a provider of cloud computing services, instructed its employees to turn off the servers that hosted TikTok.
Over 170 million monthly users in the U.S., for whom TikTok was a vital part of their daily routine, are now grappling with its absence.
Trump is said to be exploring ways to delay the ban. He said on Saturday that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43074714/donald-trump-may-grant-tiktok-a-90-day-reprieve-from-us-ban">he may provide a 90-day extension to TikTok to delay or prevent a ban in the U.S.</a>
However, TikTok did not hold out for a last-minute stay and chose to shut down instead. CEO Shou Chew expressed his gratitude to Trump in a video on the app and hinted at future developments, stating, &#8220;More to come.&#8221; Shou is expected to attend Trump&#8217;s inauguration on Monday.
Despite the ban, there is still a chance for TikTok to return to the U.S. market if Trump can find a solution, or if the app divests its U.S. operations. Chinese officials have reportedly considered the option of allowing Elon Musk to invest in or assume control of its U.S. operations.
Why It Matters: The sudden ban on TikTok in the U.S. has not only left millions of users without their favorite app, but also raised concerns about data privacy and international business operations. 
The potential involvement of Musk could signal a significant shift in the tech landscape. The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, with potential legal and political battles on the horizon.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40866761/is-amazon-eyeing-tiktok-for-a-possible-acquisition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is Amazon Eyeing TikTok For A Possible Acquisition?</a>

Social Media

TikTok Shuts Down in US, Vanishes From App Stores: Message Expresses Hope for Trump Intervention

The past week has been a whirlwind for&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), with stories ranging from personal anecdotes by CEO Tim Cook to potential shifts in the company&#8217;s credit card partnerships. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top five stories that made headlines.
Apple Watch to the Rescue
In a podcast interview, Apple CEO Cook revealed how the Apple Watch saved his father&#8217;s life. The device&#8217;s fall detection feature alerted emergency services when Cook&#8217;s father fell at home, leading to a timely intervention. Despite the positive outcome, Cook&#8217;s father was reportedly more upset about the door that had to be broken down by the emergency services.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43072685/tim-cook-reveals-apple-watch-saved-his-fathers-life-by-alerting-emergency-services-but-his-father-more-upset-because-of-this">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s Credit Card Partner Shuffle
Apple is reportedly in talks with&nbsp;Barclays Plc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCS#NYSE">BCS</a>)&nbsp;and Synchrony Financial to replace Goldman Sachs as its credit card partner. The discussions have been ongoing for several months, but a final deal may still take time.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43019382/apple-eyes-barclays-and-synchrony-to-replace-goldman-sachs-as-credit-card-partner-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s Declining Market Share in China
Apple&#8217;s market share in China is reportedly on the decline, according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The decrease in iPhone shipments and the cautious approach to 2025 iPhone production plans are cited as reasons for this decline.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42931758/apple-staring-at-market-share-decline-in-china-amid-declining-iphone-shipments-top-analyst-flags-why-some-models-could-be-face-shipping-momentum-challenges">Read the full article here.</a>
Zuckerberg&#8217;s Criticism of Apple&#8217;s Innovation
Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)&nbsp;CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticized Apple for its lack of innovation and restrictive policies. He suggested that Apple&#8217;s potential downfall could be imminent if it doesn&#8217;t adapt to the rapidly changing industry.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42931722/steve-jobs-invented-the-iphone-and-now-theyre-justsitting-on-it-mark-zuckerberg-hints-at-apples-potential-downfall-amid-iphone-makers-random-rules">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s Stock Upside
A new analysis by Bank of America suggests that Apple&#8217;s manufacturing costs for its latest iPhone lineup could bolster the company&#8217;s margins. The study reveals significant cost reductions in Pro models and highlights the company&#8217;s strategic pricing approach across its product range.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43021026/apple-stock-has-moved-up-4-2-since-iphone-16-launched-analyst-says-it-has-another-8-upside-as-manufacturing-cost-decline-bolsters-cupertinos-margins">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43073132/cathie-wood-is-betting-big-on-this-ai-darling-and-no-its-not-nvidia">Cathie Wood&#8217;s Ark Invest Is Betting Big On This AI Darling And No It&#8217;s Not Nvidia</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Unsplash
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Apple Watch Saves Another Life, Credit Card Partnerships, And iPhone Market Share Woes: This Week In Appleverse

The week has been a rollercoaster ride in the world of economics and finance. From the U.S. dollar&#8217;s status as the world&#8217;s reserve currency to the surge in oil prices, there&#8217;s a lot to catch up on. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories that made headlines.
Scott Bessent: Dollar Must Remain &#8216;World&#8217;s Reserve Currency&#8217;
President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s Treasury pick,&nbsp;Scott Bessent, has pledged to uphold the U.S. dollar&#8217;s status as the world&#8217;s reserve currency. During his prepared testimony, Bessent emphasized the importance of productive investment over wasteful spending and the need to secure supply chains. He also highlighted the careful use of sanctions to meet national security needs.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43021014/trumps-treasury-pick-scott-bessent-urges-dollar-must-remain-worlds-reserve-currency-as-president-elect-reportedly-pushes-for-strategic-bitcoin-reserve">Read the full article here.</a>
5% Yields Fuel Demand For Long-Dated Treasury ETFs
Despite persistent bond market losses and rising macro uncertainties, the allure of 5% yields is driving investor inflows into long-dated Treasury ETFs. Last week, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) saw a staggering $1.5 billion in inflows.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/42990155/5-yields-fuel-demand-treasury-etfs-despite-bond-market-pain-relief-rally">Read the full article here.</a>
Oil Prices Break $80, Reach 6-Month Highs
Oil prices surged this week, with West Texas Intermediate light crude rising about 4% to above $80 per barrel for the first time since mid-July 2024. This rally comes despite the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza after a devastating 15-month war.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43017610/oil-prices-break-80-reach-6-month-highs-despite-israel-hamas-ceasefire-deal-why-is-crude-rallying">Read the full article here.</a>
China&#8217;s Economy Poised To Overtake US By 2035
Chinese economist Justin Lin Yifu reaffirmed his 31-year-old prediction that China's economy will surpass that of the U.S. within the next five to 10 years. He believes that U.S. economic growth has decelerated along with the sluggish growth in China&#8217;s annual gross domestic product.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/42973023/chinas-economy-poised-to-overtake-us-by-2035-says-top-chinese-economist-who-made-the-bold-prediction-1994">Read the full article here.</a>
Ray Dalio Warns US Could &#8216;Go Broke&#8217; As Debt Soars
Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, warned that the United States could "go broke" due to mounting government debt problems. The U.S. currently accounts for 34.6% of global debt, which stands at $102 trillion. Dalio&#8217;s warning comes as U.S. debt has surged past $36 trillion, with interest payments exceeding $892 billion in fiscal year 2024.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/42965859/ray-dalio-warns-us-could-go-broke-as-debt-soars-urges-action-to-avert-crisis">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43073132/cathie-wood-is-betting-big-on-this-ai-darling-and-no-its-not-nvidia">Cathie Wood&#8217;s Ark Invest Is Betting Big On This AI Darling And No It&#8217;s Not Nvidia</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

iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

US Dollar, Treasury ETFs, Oil Prices, China's Economy, And Ray Dalio's US Debt Warning: This Week In Economics

The week has been a whirlwind of events, with President Joe Biden warning of a potential tech oligarchy, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) extending support to wildfire-stricken California, Mary Trump criticizing her uncle&#8217;s wildfire comments, Steve Bannon targeting Elon Musk, and a significant shift in cannabis policy. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Biden&#8217;s Tech Oligarchy Warning
President Joe Biden, in his farewell speech, expressed concerns about the emergence of a tech oligarchy that could pose significant threats to the country. The President&#8217;s warning has sparked a debate, with figures like Bernie Sanders and Kevin O&#8217;Leary holding contrasting views on the role of America&#8217;s wealthiest individuals.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43046693/biden-warns-of-musk-bezos-zuckerberg-oligarchy-but-is-he-to-blame-mark-cuban-says-president-pushed-them-all-into-the-arms-of-trump">Read the full article here.</a>
Tesla&#8217;s Support for California Amid Wildfires
Despite his feud with Gavin Newsom, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced that the company will delay Cybertruck deliveries in California to aid in wildfire relief efforts. The trucks will be used to power Starlink internet terminals in areas that have lost connectivity due to the fires.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/01/42939786/despite-elon-musks-feud-with-gavin-newsom-tesla-rolls-out-support-for-california-amid-wildfires-with-cybertrucks-starlink-and-megapack-chargers">Read the full article here.</a>
Mary Trump&#8217;s Blast at Uncle&#8217;s Wildfire Comments
Mary Trump, President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s estranged niece, has criticized her uncle&#8217;s controversial comments on the ongoing wildfires in southern California. The fires have led to the death of at least 16 people and the evacuation of over 153,000 residents.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/42935659/mary-trump-blasts-uncle-over-wildfire-comments-if-donald-trump-can-profit-from-your-death-he-will-facilitate-it">Read the full article here.</a>
Steve Bannon&#8217;s Attack on Elon Musk
Steve Bannon, former adviser to the Trump White House, has vowed to expel Elon Musk from the MAGA movement, labeling him as &#8220;truly evil&#8221;. Bannon&#8217;s threat comes despite Musk&#8217;s substantial financial support to President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s return to the White House.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/42935180/steve-bannon-targets-elon-musk-pledges-to-expel-him-from-maga-movement-he-is-a-truly-evil-guy">Read the full article here.</a>
Shift in Cannabis Policy
The National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR) and the U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC) have announced a merger, aiming to represent the cannabis industry more effectively. The newly formed U.S. Cannabis Roundtable will address the 119th Congress and the incoming Trump administration, representing businesses operating in 38 states.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43042694/president-trumps-endorsement-represents-a-sea-change-in-cannabis-policy-says-trulieve-ceo-as-advocacy-groups-join-forces">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43073132/cathie-wood-is-betting-big-on-this-ai-darling-and-no-its-not-nvidia">Cathie Wood&#8217;s Ark Invest Is Betting Big On This AI Darling And No It&#8217;s Not Nvidia</a></li>
</ul>
Photos 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>

Politics

General

Biden's Tech Oligarchy Warning, Tesla's Wildfire Support, Bannon's Musk Attack, And Cannabis Policy Shift: This Week In Politics

When it comes to modern politics, it's not just about policies – it's about how you sell them. And according to billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, Democrats and Republicans are playing vastly different games when it comes to winning over voters.
Cuban's comments came during a <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3lfiyz2sycs2d">discussion</a> on Bluesky about job growth under President Joe Biden. While Biden boasts impressive numbers – 16.1 million jobs <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/10/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-december-2024-jobs-report/">created</a>, more than the full terms of Trump, Obama or George W. Bush–Cuban thinks these numbers aren't connecting with everyday people the way they should.
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<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>
The conversation started when Peter Baker, chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times and MSNBC analyst, shared an Axios article that highlighted how more jobs have been created under Biden than during the full terms of Trump, Obama or Bush 43.
In response, journalist Kara Swisher said, &#8220;It is truly about who tells a better story – or really a story people want to hear and makes them see what they believe rather than believe what they see.&#8221;
Cuban replied, &#8220;The reality is that Salesmanship is the differentiation between the two parties. The Dems couldn&#8217;t sell dollar bills for 50c. Trump has found his audience and can sell them dollar bills for $5. When everything is a story the algorithm flashes at you as you scroll, you better be selling fast.&#8221;
See Also: Built on the trusted network of Fortune 500 companies, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/web3-enabler-the-most-boring-blockchain-company-partners-with-salesforce">this blockchain company partners with Salesforce to uproot lengthy and expensive B2B transactions, and you can invest with just $100.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Numbers Don't Lie</h2>
Axios reported that the U.S. economy has added more jobs under Biden than any of his recent predecessors. In 2024 alone, 2.23 million jobs were created, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/42912480/us-economy-adds-256000-payrolls-in-december-as-tight-labor-market-tops-forecasts-dollar-treasury-yields-spike">including 256,000 in December</a>. Here's how it stacks up:
<ul>
<li>Joe Biden (2021–2024): +16.1 million jobs</li>
<li>Donald Trump (2017–2020): -2.1 million jobs (pandemic losses; pre-pandemic gains: +6.6 million)</li>
<li>Barack Obama (2009–2016): +7.1 million jobs</li>
<li>George W. Bush (2001–2008): +5.2 million jobs</li>
</ul>
By comparison, Bill Clinton's presidency saw a whopping 23 million jobs added. However, Biden's annual average growth is higher, driven by the post-pandemic recovery. Despite these numbers, Cuban argues that the Democrats are failing to share this message and connect with voters.
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/qnetic-2">This 12,000 RPM Spinning Battery With Over $100 Million In LOIs Could Be The Missing Link For Green Energy — Here&#8217;s Why Early Investors Are Flocking To Invest Before Funding Closes</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump's Masterclass in Selling</h2>
Trump, on the other hand, has mastered the art of selling. He understands his audience and crafts simple, catchy ideas that stick. From rallies to social media posts, he's turned complicated issues into statements his supporters can get behind.
Cuban's metaphor about dollar bills stresses the stark difference in approach. While Trump can persuade his followers to buy into his vision – even at a premium – the Democrats struggle to make their case even when the value is obvious.
After all, Trump famously said in 2016, &#8220;I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn&#8217;t lose any voters. It&#8217;s, like, incredible.&#8221;
Cuban's critique is a wake-up call for Democrats to rethink their approach. Biden's job growth numbers are strong, but without a good story to back them up, they're being drowned out by louder, flashier messages from Republicans.
In a world driven by algorithms and attention spans measured in seconds, the ability to sell a story is a necessity. As Cuban points out, that&#8217;s where the Democrats are failing.
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<li>According to Juniper Research, the total value of B2B cross-border payments stored on the blockchain is projected to exceed $4.4 trillion — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/web3-enabler-future-of-enterprise-transactions">Join the first company to bring blockchain payments to Salesforce early with just $100.</a></li>
</ul>

Mark Cuban Says Trump's Messaging Skills Overshadow Biden's 16 Million Jobs–'He Can Sell Them Dollar Bills For $5'

Online trading platform Robinhood reportedly transferred a whopping 131 million Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) within the span of an hour, sparking intrigue and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42256959/dogecoin-trading-volume-skyrockets-76-indicating-potential-major-price-upswing">speculation among crypto enthusiasts</a>.
What Happened: According to <a href="https://whale-alert.io/transaction/dogecoin/942ce5c784b2e9f4d6c5b0fde2c028767d54eefd13c00068b10c71c543c80935">data</a>, this massive amount of DOGE was moved in two significant transactions.
The initial&nbsp;transaction involved the transfer of&nbsp;80,452,117 DOGE, valued at approximately&nbsp;$33,127,063, from Robinhood to an&nbsp;unidentified wallet. 
The subsequent transaction witnessed&nbsp;51,954,195 DOGE, worth around $21,334,106,&nbsp;being transferred from Robinhood to leading cryptocurrency exchange,&nbsp;Coinbase.
<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">&#x1f6a8; &#x1f6a8; 80,452,117 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DOGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DOGE</a> (33,127,063 USD) transferred from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Robinhood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Robinhood</a> to unknown wallet<a href="https://t.co/FV4f1wCkh1">https://t.co/FV4f1wCkh1</a>
&mdash; Whale Alert (@whale_alert) <a href="https://twitter.com/whale_alert/status/1880312975711461739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
These considerable transactions could&nbsp;be associated with whales or&nbsp;institutional entities. The transfer to Coinbase might imply&nbsp;a potential sale or preparation&nbsp;for trading activity. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42497156/dogecoin-poised-for-85-surge-as-whales-accumulate-130-billion-doge">Dogecoin Poised For 85% Surge As Whales Accumulate 130 Billion DOGE</a>
Conversely,&nbsp;the transfer to an unknown&nbsp;wallet could suggest private custody or acquisition&nbsp;by a large holder or&nbsp;whale. Nevertheless, the precise motive behind the transfers remains a mystery.
Why It Matters: These recent transactions underscore the increasing activity and interest in DOGE. The transfers could potentially indicate a shift in the market dynamics, with large players possibly moving their assets for various strategic reasons. However, without concrete information, these remain speculative assumptions.
The movement of such a large amount of DOGE also highlights the role of Robinhood as a significant player in the crypto trading space. The platform&#8217;s involvement in these transactions could have implications for its user base and the broader crypto market.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42380572/dogecoins-whopping-60-9b-movement-in-24-hours-a-bullish-sign" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogecoin's Whopping 60.9B Movement In 24 Hours: A Bullish Sign?</a>

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

Cryptocurrency

$DOGE

Robinhood Moves 131 Million DOGE In An Hour: What's Happening?

Billionaire hedge fund manager Stanley Druckenmiller regrets the decision to sell his fund&#8217;s stake in Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), a frontrunner in the artificial intelligence sector.
What Happened: In an interview with Bloomberg last year, Druckenmiller confessed that offloading Nvidia was a &#8220;big mistake.&#8221; The decision was primarily driven by the stock&#8217;s valuation, given that its price had tripled within a span of a year.
Nvidia, a significant player in the AI realm, has been registering&nbsp;record revenue and profit growth,&nbsp;courtesy of its industry-leading graphics processing unit (GPU) technology. 
<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"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24NVDA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$NVDA</a> Druckenmiller says selling Nvidia was a &quot;big mistake.&quot; &quot;I&#39;ve made so many mistake in my investment career, one of them was I sold all my Nvidia probably somewhere between $800 and $950.&quot; &quot;Yes, I think Nvidia is a wonderful company and were the price to come down we&#39;d get… <a href="https://t.co/egL9SBZJCA">pic.twitter.com/egL9SBZJCA</a>
&mdash; Hedge Vision (@HedgeVision) <a href="https://twitter.com/HedgeVision/status/1846605054251348468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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</figure>
Despite Druckenmiller&#8217;s remorse, other billionaire investors like Ken Griffin of Citadel and David Shaw of D.E. Shaw have also downsized their Nvidia holdings.&nbsp;David Tepper of Appaloosa Management&nbsp;offloaded a substantial chunk of his Nvidia stake due to uncertainties surrounding long-term performance.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42935107/peter-lynchs-money-making-advice-when-things-go-from-terrible-to-semi-terrible-to-ok-you-can-make-a-lot-of-money">Peter Lynch&#8217;s Money-Making Advice: &#8216;When Things Go From Terrible to Semi-Terrible to OK, You Can Make a Lot of Money&#8217;</a>
While Nvidia continues to reign supreme in the GPU market, several of its clients,&nbsp;including Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Tesla,&nbsp;and Meta Platforms, are venturing into chip development. This could potentially decelerate Nvidia&#8217;s growth due to heightened competition.
Despite the promising outlook, some speculate that the stock&#8217;s recent surge is not entirely rooted in solid fundamentals, but is more likely a result of clever marketing strategies in the run-up to the Blackwell launch.
Why It Matters: The regret expressed by Druckenmiller underscores the potential of Nvidia and the AI industry. Despite the stock&#8217;s high valuation and increased competition, Nvidia&#8217;s innovative technology and potential revenue growth make it a key player in the market. 
However, the decisions of other billionaire investors to reduce their positions highlight the uncertainties surrounding the company&#8217;s long-term performance. 
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42499608/investment-guru-peter-lynch-if-you-cant-explain-to-an-11-year-old-in-2-minutes-or-less-why-you-own-t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Investment Guru Peter Lynch: ‘If You Can&#8217;t Explain To An 11-Year-Old In 2 Minutes Or Less Why You Own The Stock, You Shouldn&#8217;t Own It&#8217;</a>
Image: Wikimedia Commons

Success Stories

Billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller: Selling This AI Stock Was a 'Big Mistake'

President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he may provide a 90-day extension to ByteDance-owned TikTok to delay or prevent a ban in the U.S.
What Happened: During an interview with NBC on Saturday, Trump suggested that he is &#8220;most likely&#8221; to grant TikTok a 90-day extension from a potential U.S. ban.
"I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it's appropriate. You know, it's appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It's a very big situation," Trump said.
This extension would provide ByteDance additional time to sell to a non-Chinese buyer, in compliance with the law enacted by President Joe Biden last year. However, Trump&#8217;s final decision on this matter is still pending.
As reported <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-likely-give-tiktok-90-day-extension-avoid-ban-rcna188258">by</a> NBC News, the existing deadline for TikTok&#8217;s compliance is midnight Sunday. An extension announced on Monday might not be able to prevent the app from going offline for at least a day. The future of TikTok has been a major concern during the last days of the Biden administration.
The Biden administration has consistently stated that it does not intend to enforce the law, thereby shifting the responsibility to the incoming Trump administration. However, TikTok expressed apprehensions on Friday that the assurances from the White House might&nbsp;not be enough to prevent&nbsp;the app from being shut down.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43073056/tiktok-says-it-will-be-forced-to-go-dark-in-us-on-jan-19-after-supreme-court-upholds-ban">TikTok Says It Will Be &#8216;Forced To Go Dark&#8217; In US On Jan 19 After Supreme Court Upholds Ban</a>
Trump&#8217;s potential support for TikTok marks a significant departure from his previous&nbsp;stance during his first term,&nbsp;when he attempted to ban the app along with&nbsp;the Chinese messaging app WeChat.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Biden administration called TikTok&#8217;s statement on going dark on Sunday a &#8220;stunt.&#8221;
&#8220;It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday,&#8221; White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told Reuters. 
&#8220;We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up concerns with them.&#8221;
&#8220;President Biden&#8217;s position on TikTok has been clear for months, including since Congress sent a bill in overwhelming, bipartisan fashion to the President&#8217;s desk: TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law,&#8221; Jean-Pierre added in the statement.
Why It Matters: TikTok&#8217;s potential ban in the US has been a contentious issue, with the app&#8217;s fate hanging in the balance during the transition between the Biden and Trump administrations. 
The proposed 90-day extension could provide much-needed respite for TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, allowing them additional time to comply with US regulations. 
However, the future of the app in the US market remains uncertain until a final decision is made by the incoming Trump administration.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40866761/is-amazon-eyeing-tiktok-for-a-possible-acquisition">Is Amazon Eyeing TikTok For A Possible Acquisition?</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Trump Floats Possibility of 90-Day Reprieve From TikTok Ban

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has shown interest in funding a TikTok alternative. This move comes in light of the potential shutdown of TikTok this weekend, with Cuban considering leveraging the protocol developed by microblogging site Bluesky.
What Happened: Cuban is contemplating this step in response to legislation requiring TikTok to sell its platform or face a nationwide ban. ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, has continually asserted that it is not for sale.
In a TikTok video on his account Tuesday, Cuban proposed this&nbsp;alternative version of the video-sharing&nbsp;app. 
He said, &#8220;There&#8217;s an app called Bluesky and it&#8217;s built on the AT Protocol. I would be open to investing in supporting anybody — or somebody who creates a TikTok replacement built on the AT Protocol.&#8221;
Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, enables users to host their data on servers not owned by the company. The platform, created by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey in 2019, has expanded to a user base of over 27 million people, <a href="https://gizmodo.com/mark-cuban-says-hell-back-a-tiktok-alternative-built-off-blueskys-protocol-2000551599">reports</a> Gizmodo.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43073056/tiktok-says-it-will-be-forced-to-go-dark-in-us-on-jan-19-after-supreme-court-upholds-ban">TikTok Says It Will Be &#8216;Forced To Go Dark&#8217; In US On Jan 19 After Supreme Court Upholds Ban</a>
However, the fate of TikTok&#8217;s U.S. app remains uncertain. Reports suggest that the company is seeking a last-minute reprieve from incoming President Donald Trump. TikTok CEO Shou Chew is scheduled to attend Trump&#8217;s inauguration, and Trump is reportedly contemplating an executive order to save the platform.
Why It Matters: The potential shutdown of TikTok in the U.S. has sparked interest in alternatives to the popular video-sharing platform. Cuban&#8217;s proposal of a TikTok alternative based on Bluesky&#8217;s protocol could potentially offer a new avenue for social media users, especially with the growing concerns over data privacy. 
The move also highlights the increasing interest in decentralized social media platforms, which offer users more control over their data. 
The unfolding events surrounding TikTok&#8217;s future in the U.S. will undoubtedly have significant implications for the social media landscape.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40866761/is-amazon-eyeing-tiktok-for-a-possible-acquisition">Is Amazon Eyeing TikTok For A Possible Acquisition?</a>

Mark Cuban Open To Financing TikTok Alternative Based on Bluesky Protocol

The cryptocurrency market saw a notable surge on Saturday. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) all experienced a rise in value, as traders anticipate a potential <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42379899/trump-fuels-bitcoin-rally-but-where-will-it-go-next-year">&#8216;Trump bump&#8217; with the upcoming second Donald Trump presidency.</a>
What Happened: The crypto market sprung to life on the final trading day before the Trump&nbsp;administration takes over. Bitcoin spearheaded the rally, surging 2.81% and almost touching&nbsp;$104,987 per token. Ethereum (ETH&nbsp;-0.22%) and Dogecoin (DOGE -0.16%) also saw gains.
There is widespread speculation that President-elect Trump will prioritize cryptocurrency, with rumors of an executive order on his first day in office. This might include the appointment of a more crypto-friendly chairman for the Securities and Exchange Commission.
However, traders are advised to be cautious of the speed of policy changes in Washington. While changes to the industry&#8217;s rules may require congressional action, this doesn&#8217;t necessarily translate to a direct value gain for meme coins and blockchain tokens.
Instead, it could lead to&nbsp;assets like stocks and bonds&nbsp;trading&nbsp;on the blockchain and more&nbsp;business formation taking place on the blockchain.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42499633/exclusive-eric-trump-declares-bitcoin-the-future-details-tax-free-crypto-goals-for-trump-presidency">EXCLUSIVE: Eric Trump Declares Bitcoin The Future, Details Tax-Free Crypto Goals For Trump Presidency</a>
Despite the current speculation-driven surge, the market may face disappointment if the news doesn&#8217;t meet high expectations. 
The Federal Reserve cannot&nbsp;make Bitcoin or any other&nbsp;cryptocurrency a reserve currency without&nbsp;Congressional action, which seems unlikely in the current political climate.
The market movement today is largely driven by speculation that Trump will be beneficial for the crypto market. However, similar speculation in 2021 led to a market crash in 2022, cautioning investors against buying tokens based solely on speculation.
Why It Matters: The potential for a &#8216;Trump bump&#8217; in the cryptocurrency market is significant, given the President-elect&#8217;s rumored focus on this sector. 
However, the history of speculation-driven surges and crashes in the crypto market serves as a warning to investors. The potential for policy changes under the new administration could have far-reaching implications for the industry, but these changes are uncertain and could take time to implement. 
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/40001426/trump-aims-to-make-us-crypto-capital-of-the-planet-well-get-it-done" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Aims To Make US ‘Crypto Capital Of The Planet': ‘We'll Get It Done'</a>
Image: Midjourney

$BTC

$ETH

Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin Spike on Optimism Over New Trump Presidency

As Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) nears the $106,000 mark, the probability of the U.S. establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve has surged to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42049183/heres-how-a-bitcoin-whale-nets-179m-from-a-120-investment">an all-time high of 70%</a>.
What Happened: Well-known venture capitalist and Bitcoin enthusiast Anthony Pompliano shared data indicating a significant increase in the likelihood of incoming president Donald Trump creating a strategic Bitcoin reserve in 2025.
This information was shared as Bitcoin briefly hit the $106,000 mark before experiencing a minor pullback. The cryptocurrency is currently trading at $103,120 per coin, marking&nbsp;a 2.71% decline within several&nbsp;hours.
The speculation surrounding the new presidential administration&#8217;s plans to approve&nbsp;the creation of a strategic&nbsp;Bitcoin reserve has been a key factor in the cryptocurrency&#8217;s recent price surge. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The odds of a strategic bitcoin reserve just hit an all-time high of 70%. <a href="https://t.co/A1ZjppwKQj">pic.twitter.com/A1ZjppwKQj</a>
&mdash; Anthony Pompliano &#x1f32a; (@APompliano) <a href="https://twitter.com/APompliano/status/1880461596172161257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Another significant factor driving Bitcoin&#8217;s price is the upcoming inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42933328/analyst-warns-of-bitcoins-uncertain-future-amid-key-support-breakdown-it-could-get-ugly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Analyst Warns of Bitcoin's Uncertain Future Amid Key Support Breakdown: ‘It Could Get Ugly'</a> 
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has also recently received court permission to sell 69,370 BTC seized from a Silk Road hacker in 2020.
The sale could net the US government over $7 billion, but many in the crypto community hope President Trump will prevent the sale and retain the Bitcoin for the proposed strategic reserve.
Why It Matters: The establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve by the US government would be a significant endorsement for the cryptocurrency, potentially driving its value even higher. 
The move would also mark a shift in the government&#8217;s stance towards cryptocurrencies, which have been viewed with skepticism by some regulators.
The potential sale of the seized Bitcoin by the DOJ could also have a significant impact on the market. If the sale goes ahead, it could flood the market with Bitcoin, potentially driving down the price. 
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Image: Shutterstock

Odds of US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Under Trump Skyrocket as BTC Nears $106,000

New York Mayor Eric Adams met with President-elect Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42323060/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-takes-victory-lap-remember-yall-laughed-when-i-first-got-my-bitcoin-whos-laughing-now" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">just days before the inauguration</a>.
The meeting, which lasted around an hour, focused on a range of issues concerning New York City, including border security, the deportation of violent offenders, and ways the federal government could assist with the city&#8217;s needs, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/eric-adams-donald-trump-meeting/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> CBS News.
Adams also highlighted discussions on improving public safety through the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and the potential for bringing manufacturing jobs back to New York, especially in the Bronx.
In a statement, Adams described the conversation as productive, emphasizing the importance of federal investments in New York, particularly regarding infrastructure and public safety, CBS News adds. He noted that working with the federal government is crucial to the success of New York City.
While the meeting itself was not surprising, as Adams has consistently shown a willingness to engage with all levels of government, some of his political opponents raised concerns about an ulterior motive.
Read Now: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43064144/wall-street-roars-ahead-of-trumps-inauguration-intel-rallies-bitcoin-tops-105000-whats-driving-markets-friday" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wall Street Roars Ahead Of Trump's Inauguration, Intel Rallies, Bitcoin Tops $105,000: What's Driving Markets Friday?</a>
There were speculations that Adams might be seeking a pardon from Trump in light of his ongoing corruption charges.
Adams, however, dismissed these claims, stating that his primary focus was on securing federal assistance for New York.
He reaffirmed his intention to collaborate with the incoming administration for the benefit of the city&#8217;s residents, CBS News adds.
This meeting came as preparations were underway for Trump's inauguration, including heightened security measures in Washington, D.C. With the inauguration now moved indoors due to freezing temperatures, security concerns remain a priority as 250,000 guests, including prominent figures, prepare to attend.
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Image: Shutterstock

Mayor Eric Adams Meets Donald Trump Before Inauguration: Focus on NYC Priorities and Federal Help

In the wake of the launch of a meme coin themed to President-elect Donald Trump, the cryptocurrency Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>) has surged 15% on Saturday.
What Happened: According to Coinmarketcap, the SOL token of Solana experienced a significant value increase following the launch of a Trump-themed meme coin on the Solana blockchain. 
On Saturday, SOL&#8217;s price soared more than 15% to $254.71. The newly introduced meme coin, named &#8220;Official Trump&#8221; (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">TRUMP</a>), was unveiled on Trump&#8217;s social media accounts late Friday and has since garnered more than $5 billion, making it the largest meme coin on the Solana network, according <a href="https://www.coingecko.com/en/categories/solana-meme-coins">to</a> CoinGecko.
Trump himself, and entities directly connected to him, have earned as much as $25 billion from the offering, <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/18/trump-meme-coin-25-billion">according</a> to Axios.
This development is timed ahead of Trump&#8217;s inauguration on Monday, which is anticipated to usher in a new era of innovation and productivity in the crypto industry. It also coincides with the conclusion of Gary Gensler&#8216;s term as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Solana,&nbsp;the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market&nbsp;cap, was established in 2020 as a quicker and more affordable alternative to Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>). It hosts&nbsp;popular meme coins like dogwifhat and&nbsp;Pudgy Penguins, in addition to&nbsp;decentralized finance (DeFi) and gaming&nbsp;projects.
The decision deadline&nbsp;for potential ETFs from Bitwise,&nbsp;VanEck, 21Shares, and Canary is January 25. ProShares&nbsp;also filed for four different&nbsp;ETFs based on SOL on Friday.
Why It Matters: The introduction of the Trump-themed memecoin and its subsequent success highlights the growing influence of political figures on the cryptocurrency market. 
The surge in Solana&#8217;s value following the meme coin&#8217;s launch underscores the potential of such themed coins to drive market trends. With the end of Gensler&#8217;s term, the crypto industry is poised for potential regulatory changes that could further impact the market dynamics. 
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$SOL

$TRUMP

Solana Skyrockets, Sees 15% Surge Following Launch Of Trump-Themed Meme Coin

Major players in the cryptocurrency industry have made substantial donations to President-elect <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42379899/trump-fuels-bitcoin-rally-but-where-will-it-go-next-year">Donald Trump&#8216;s inaugural fund</a>.
What Happened: Companies such as&nbsp;Ripple,&nbsp;Coinbase,&nbsp;Kraken,&nbsp;Robinhood, and&nbsp;Circle&nbsp;have collectively donated a minimum of $10 million to the inauguration fund since Election Day. 
According to a report <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/17/crypto-money-trump-inauguration-00199088">by</a> Politico, these contributions will be used to finance official events related to the inauguration, symbolizing the industry&#8217;s support for Trump, who is anticipated to be the first U.S. president with a clear pro-crypto stance.
The cryptocurrency industry also hosted a sold-out unofficial inaugural ball on Friday night at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington. The event, which included Snoop Dogg as a musical guest, was partly organized by David Bailey, who manages a Bitcoin conference where Trump was a speaker last summer.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42499633/exclusive-eric-trump-declares-bitcoin-the-future-details-tax-free-crypto-goals-for-trump-presidency">EXCLUSIVE: Eric Trump Declares Bitcoin The Future, Details Tax-Free Crypto Goals For Trump Presidency</a>
Ripple, currently facing&nbsp;enforcement action from the SEC, has&nbsp;donated $5 million in digital&nbsp;tokens to the inaugural committee.&nbsp;U.S. crypto exchanges Coinbase and&nbsp;Kraken, as well as stablecoin company Circle, each donated $1 million. Online brokerage Robinhood made a contribution of $2 million.
Why It Matters: These donations have sparked controversy, with Democrats and watchdog groups accusing the president of trading influence. However, the crypto industry perceives this as a celebratory moment and a chance to interact with the incoming administration. 
Amid ongoing regulatory uncertainties, these firms are likely seeking to build a strong relationship with the new administration, hoping for a more favorable regulatory climate for cryptocurrencies.
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Crypto Firms Donate Millions to Trump Inaugural Fund, Host Unofficial Ball Featuring Snoop Dogg

According to the New York Post. According to the New York Post, creating &#8220;a modern-day Berkshire Hathaway&#8221; is no mean feat, but that&#8217;s exactly what billionaire investor and hedge fund manager <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/01/42991402/bill-ackman-backs-former-hedge-funder-whitney-tilson-for-nyc-mayor">Bill Ackman</a> intends to do. The Pershing Square CEO plans to increase his stake in real estate company Howard Hughes Holdings and take the company private.&nbsp;
Ackman said in a letter to investors that Pershing currently holds a 37.6% stake in HHH and plans to offer $85 a share to buy out the rest of the firm.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Emulating The Buffet Playbook</h2>
&#8220;With apologies to Mr. Buffet, HHH would become a modern-day <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43004055/warren-buffett-has-advice-for-people-trying-to-get-rich-by-copying-his-moves-you-can-piggyback-but-you-cant-buy-the-whole-businesses">Berkshire Hathaway </a>that would acquire controlling interests in operating companies,&#8221; Ackman, 58, who has a net worth of $9.2 billion, wrote.&nbsp;
Following the news, Howard Hughes shares increased 9.5% to $78.62. Ackman has been involved with the real estate company for a decade and only stepped down from its board in April after serving as its chairman since 2010.
&#8220;We, like other long-term shareholders and this board, have been displeased with the company&#8217;s stock price performance,&#8221; Ackman said in the letter, according to<a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/billionaire-ackmans-pershing-square-offers-85-per-share-rest-howard-hughes-2025-01-13/#:~:text=Ackman%20has%20been%20personally%20involved,Sign%20up%20here."> Reuters</a>. When the deal is complete, it would increase Pershing Square&#8217;s stake in Howard Hughes to somewhere between 61% and 69%, depending on how many investors agree to be bought out from the 38% it currently holds.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Roots Of Howard Hughes</h2>
Howard Hughes was an offshoot of real estate investment trust General Growth Properties, forming its own entity in 2010. It owns and manages various types of US real estate, including commercial, residential and mixed-use. It has a market value of $3.6 billion.&nbsp;
Ackman formed Pershing Square in 2004. One of his most notable moves was the rescue of mall operator General Growth Properties, from which he became involved in Howard Hughes. According to Forbes, Pershing Square&#8217;s stock portfolio is concentrated in seven companies, including Chipotle, Hilton and Google parent Alphabet, the latter of which he has over 20% of its stock invested, according to<a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2024/02/26/billionaire-bill-ackman-20-percent-1-stock/#:~:text=resources%2C%20and%20more.-,Billionaire%20Bill%20Ackman%20Has%20Nearly%2020%25%20of%20His%20Pershing%20Square,in%201%20%22Magnificent%20Seven%22%20Stock&amp;text=Bill%20Ackman's%20firm%20took%20advantage,strength%20are%20all%20attractive%20traits"> </a>The Motley Fool. Ackman is notable amongst other fund managers because of his large social media following with over a million followers on X.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Shrewd Gamble On Alphabet</h2>
Ackman has been bullish on Google&#8217;s parent company, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43014233/google-expands-collaboration-with-associated-press-to-deliver-up-to-date-information-in-gemini-ai-app">Alphabet</a>. When Google&#8217;s answer to ChatGPT, Bard, stumbled and the share price dropped, Ackman began aggressively buying stock. His Pershing Square hedge fund owns class A and class C shares of the tech giant worth roughly $2.1 billion as of June 30, 2024. It was a prescient move. In the second quarter of 2024, Google Cloud revenue increased 29% to $10.3 billion. Its operating income almost tripled year over year to $1.17 billion. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in the Q2 earnings call that his company&#8217;s generative AI solutions &#8220;have already generated billions in revenues and are being used by more than 2 million developers.&#8221;
In emulating Berkshire Hathaway with his Howard Hughes purchase, Ackman is again carefully treading in Warren Buffet&#8217;s footsteps. Preferring to look at a company&#8217;s enduring competitive advantage over short-term stumbles is a classic Berkshire Hathaway move. Ackman has been quite open about sticking to the Buffet playbook. &#8220;I&#8217;ve been a kind of Warren Buffett devotee,&#8221; he told<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/28/cnbc-transcript-pershing-square-capital-management-ceo-bill-ackman-speaks-with-cnbcs-scott-wapner-live-during-the-cnbc-delivering-alpha-conference-today.html"> CNBC</a> in 2023. &#8220;He&#8217;s been my unofficial mentor for many years.&#8221;&nbsp;
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Bill Ackman Offers $1B For Real Estate Giant Howard Hughes To Emulate Berkshire Hathaway

President-elect <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump</a> has confirmed that his inaugural address on Monday will take place indoors in the Capitol Rotunda due to dangerously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/travel/25/01/43036258/polar-vortex-brings-winters-coldest-air-for-trumps-inauguration-day-what-it-means-for-utilities-retailers-energy-stocks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cold weather in Washington, D.C.</a>
The move comes as temperatures are expected to plunge into the teens, with the wind chill making it feel even colder, BBC <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceq9917rl18o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Trump announced the move indoors on his Truth Social platform, saying he didn't want anyone to be harmed by the extreme conditions, particularly the tens of thousands of law enforcement, first responders, and supporters expected to attend.
The inaugural parade, as well as the three official inaugural balls, will also be moved indoors to the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, about a mile from the Capitol.
While the change in venue is a historic first for a U.S. presidential inauguration, it is not unprecedented.
The last time an inauguration was held indoors was in 1985 at the start of President Ronald Reagan's second term, when similarly harsh weather forced the ceremony indoors, BBC adds.
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Temperatures in Washington on Inauguration Day are expected to be unusually cold, with lows dipping to 12°F (-11°C) and highs reaching only 23°F (-5°C).
The cold is part of a larger polar vortex affecting much of the country.
For those planning to attend, Trump advised on social media to "dress warmly" if they decide to brave the elements, though he emphasized that everyone's safety would come first, BBC reports.
In addition to the indoor address, a live viewing of the inaugural speech will be available at the Capital One Arena.
Trump, who plans to visit the arena after his swearing-in ceremony, expressed confidence that the event would still be memorable and safe for all involved.
Despite the changes, Trump reassured his supporters that the inauguration would still be a historic occasion, calling for a united effort to "Make America Great Again."
Although attendance will be limited due to the indoor setting, the event will be broadcast widely, allowing many to witness the occasion from afar.
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Dangerous Temperatures Force Trump Inauguration Indoors

Top banks reported strong earnings this week, with impressive results from Wells Fargo &amp; Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>) and Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>).
Despite significant gains in their stock prices, analysts believe these banks still have room for growth, thanks to lower price-to-earnings multiples compared to the broader market, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/17/jim-cramer-parses-bank-earnings-stocks-have-quite-a-bit-more-upside.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> CNBC.
Investors who owned shares in these banks likely benefitted from the positive earnings reports, with some experts suggesting adding one or two of these names to portfolios moving forward.
Jim Cramer, the host of CNBC&#8217;s &#8220;Mad Money,&#8221; reviewed the week&#8217;s earnings and expressed confidence in the banking sector&#8217;s continued potential.
Cramer also discussed how next week&#8217;s market could be influenced by the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to take action on deregulation and other pro-business policies, CNBC reports.
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Earnings reports from Procter &amp; Gamble Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) and American Express Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>) will also take center stage next week.
Cramer noted he is optimistic about results from 3M Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMM#NYSE">MMM</a>) and United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>), predicting a strong quarter for both.
He is especially bullish on GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>), citing the growing demand for energy in the data center sector, though he is more cautious about Halliburton Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAL#NYSE">HAL</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;due to market uncertainties.
With earnings rolling in and political changes ahead, investors should stay vigilant, as market conditions could shift quickly in the coming days. Cramer&#8217;s advice is to keep an eye on both corporate performance and potential regulatory changes under the new administration, CNBC adds.
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Jim Cramer's Market Outlook: Strong Earnings, Trump Inauguration, and What's Next for Investors

If your car has started breaking down or is racking up repair bills, it might be time for a replacement. But how much car can you afford?&nbsp;
Financial expert <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42467913/dave-ramsey-warns-against-hammock-parenting-7-2-million-able-bodied-men-arent-even-looking-for-work-and-its-not-their-fault">Dave Ramsey</a> has a straightforward answer: only buy what you can pay for in cash. This principle could save you thousands and help you avoid the trap of long-term debt.
Financing might seem easy, but it can cost significantly more in the long run. As of late 2024, the average interest rate for a new-car loan was 6.6%, while used car loans averaged 10.8%, according to Edmunds.com.&nbsp;
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That means financing a $30,000 car for five years at 6.6% interest would add over $5,300 in extra costs. Ramsey's advice is simple: avoid the debt and stick to what you can pay up front.
To set your budget, start by looking at your savings.&nbsp;
How much can you spend without affecting your other financial priorities? If you have debt to pay off or are saving for a house, those goals should come first. If you're trading in your current car, tools like Kelley Blue Book can help estimate its value and add that to your budget.&nbsp;
Ramsey also recommends a key rule: the total value of all your vehicles should not exceed half your annual income. For example, if you earn $70,000 a year, your cars' combined value should stay under $35,000. This guideline helps prevent tying up too much of your wealth in assets that lose value over time.
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Depreciation is a big reason to think twice about buying a new car. According to a 2024 report by LeaseLoco, new cars can lose up to 20% of their value in the first year and nearly 50% within three years.&nbsp;
Ramsey suggests avoiding new cars unless you have a net worth of at least one million dollars. Opting for a reliable used car can save you thousands while still providing a dependable ride.
It's also important to factor in the cost of owning a car beyond the sticker price. In 2024, AAA estimated the average annual cost of owning a vehicle – including fuel, maintenance and insurance – at $12,297.&nbsp;
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According to CarEdge, luxury vehicles often incur higher maintenance and repair costs than standard cars. For instance, the 10-year maintenance cost for a BMW 7 Series is approximately $14,768, whereas a standard Toyota Camry averages around $4,203 over the same period.&nbsp;
Even hybrids and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41198502/toyota-slows-down-ev-production-amid-industrywide-shift-heres-why-theyre-changing-course">electric vehicles</a> may not always provide the savings you expect, given their higher up front prices.
If your current vehicle still runs, Ramsey suggests keeping it while you save for your next one. Set a goal based on the cost of the car you want and divide that amount by the months you plan to save.&nbsp;
For instance, saving $1,250 monthly could get you $15,000 in a year – without a single loan payment. If your car breaks down unexpectedly, repairing it or using your emergency fund may be better than rushing into a new purchase.
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