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John Bolton, a prominent political commentator and Trump-era National Security Advisor, took to X on Tuesday to express his disapproval of former President Donald Trump&#8217;s choice of running mate.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">It&#39;s one thing to go after your opponent, but attacking your opponent&#39;s supporters and the greater American electorate is a mistake. That&#39;s not how you win friends and influence people. I break down the evolving presidential election with <a href="https://twitter.com/kaitlancollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kaitlancollins</a>: <a href="https://t.co/AhcZtoo9k5">pic.twitter.com/AhcZtoo9k5</a>
&mdash; John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1818075571487727872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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What Happened: His tweet comes in the backdrop of an intensifying race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. 
The former Trump official criticized the former president for picking J.D. Vance as his running mate. He called it a &#8220;historical mistake&#8221; that &#8220;doesn&#8217;t add a single thing.&#8221;
&#8220;Vance barely won the senate race in Ohio,&#8221; said Bolton. &#8220;He doesn&#8217;t add anything outside the Trump orbit,&#8221; Bolton said that the pick surprised him because he thought Trump was indicating Vance to be his heir apparent.
&#8220;He does have the youth factor, but ironically that underlines Trump&#8217;s age and now that Biden is out of the race that&#8217;s gonna be a real subject of conversation.&#8221;
However, Bolton said it was unlikely that Trump would dump Vance as his running mate as theorized by Anthony Scaramucci. &#8220;I think it is very unlikely, he&#8217;s stuck with him now.&#8221; It should be noted that Scaramucci had <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39997182/former-white-house-official-anthony-scaramucci-mocks-jd-vance-says-thank-you-for-knocking-me-out-of">previously mocked</a> Vance as the worst Trump hire.
He criticized Vance&#8217;s recent cat-lady comments to Hillary Clinton calling Trump supporters &#8220;deplorable.&#8221;
&#8220;It&#8217;s one thing to go after your opponent, but attacking your opponent&#8217;s supporters and the greater American electorate is a mistake.&#8221;
According to a recent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39996908/trump-vs-harris-new-poll-shows-ex-president-leading-democratic-candidate-by-a-narrow-margin-but-vice">poll</a>, Trump is leading Harris by a narrow margin.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40001605/anthony-scaramucci-says-donald-trumps-verbal-sparring-with-kamala-harris-a-mistake-adds-vice-preside?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Says Donald Trump&#8217;s Verbal Sparring With Kamala Harris A Mistake, Adds Vice President Can &#8216;Shock The World&#8217; In Terms Of Skillset And Capability</a>
Why It Matters: On Tuesday, Vance&#8217;s fellow Ohio Congressman Rep. Greg Landsman (D) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40026875/trump-vp-pick-jd-vance-blasted-by-fellow-ohio-rep-landsman-one-of-the-cruelest-most-chaotic-and-down">criticized him sharply</a>. He labeled Vance&#8217;s campaign as &#8220;cruel and chaotic,&#8221; citing the senator&#8217;s views on abortion, marriage, and women as misaligned with his district&#8217;s beliefs.
Speculation arose about former Trump possibly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39979544/can-trump-replace-jd-vance-amid-kamala-harris-picking-pace-experts-warn-that-could-be-extraordinaril">replacing Vance</a> as his vice presidential candidate due to Vance&#8217;s poor polling and Vice President Harris&#8217;s growing momentum. Despite this, Trump reaffirmed his support for Vance, who has faced scrutiny for his pro-crypto stance and brief political career. Bolton&#8217;s post suggests a call for a more positive approach to campaigning. This comes at a time when Harris has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39905133/kamala-harris-has-majority-support-from-democrats-to-run-against-trump-in-2024-presidential-race-pol">garnered significant support</a> within her party. She has secured the majority of Democratic delegate support, positioning her as the party's nominee against Trump.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40003111/potential-kamala-harris-vp-pick-pete-buttigieg-says-voters-are-worried-about-age-and-acuity-of-presi?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potential Kamala Harris VP Pick Pete Buttigieg Says &#8216;Voters Are Worried About Age And Acuity Of President Trump&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

News

Politics

General

Trump White House Official John Bolton Says JD Vance May Have 'Youth Factor' But Highlights Ex-President's Age: It's Gonna Be 'A Real Subject Of Conversation' Now

Paul Krugman, a renowned economist and Nobel Prize laureate, has urged the Federal Reserve to promptly implement rate cuts as the New York Fed&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/07/39987142/feds-favorite-inflation-gauge-keeps-falling-but-fed-wants-durable-downward-trend-economist-says">inflation measure hits 2.06%</a>.
What Happened: Krugman took to social media platform X to share his thoughts. He emphasized the need for immediate rate cuts, citing the New York Fed&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39963781/feds-favorite-inflation-gauge-set-to-drop-to-lowest-level-in-over-3-years-is-july-rate-cut-possi">inflation measure of 2.06% as a key factor</a>.
&#8220;The eagle has soft landed. The New York Fed's measure of underlying inflation is now just 2.06 percent. The Fed should cut rates now now now,&#8221; Krugman wrote. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The eagle has soft landed. The New York Fed's measure of underlying inflation is now just 2.06 percent. The Fed should cut rates now now now. <a href="https://t.co/yxevbkkxlq">pic.twitter.com/yxevbkkxlq</a>
&mdash; Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) <a href="https://twitter.com/paulkrugman/status/1817985174229106812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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June&#8217;s Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) price index, which represents the goods and services most commonly purchased by U.S. consumers, continued to decline. This development further strengthens the case for a Fed rate cut in September.
The PCE price index, excluding energy and food items, remained stable from the previous month. However, the growth rate of personal income and spending fell more than expected, indicating a potential weakness in demand.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/07/39993819/tech-stocks-slide-on-earnings-us-economy-flexes-muscles-small-cap-rally-continues-this-week-in-the-?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tech Stocks Slide On Earnings, US Economy Flexes Muscles, Small-Cap Rally Continues</a>
Why It Matters: The call for rate cuts by Krugman comes amid growing speculation that the Federal Reserve might soon lower interest rates. Recent trends in the bond market indicate that investors are betting on a rate cut at the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/07/40023359/investors-rush-into-junk-corporate-bonds-as-fed-rate-cut-speculation-goes-wild-hi">Fed&#8217;s September meeting</a>. 
The Fed's preferred inflation measure, the PCE price index, has been falling consistently. In June, it rose by 2.5% annually, down from 2.6% in May, which further <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/07/39987142/feds-favorite-inflation-gauge-keeps-falling-but-fed-wants-durable-downward-trend-economist-says">supports the argument for a rate cut</a>. 
Moreover, the U.S. economy has shown remarkable resilience. The Bureau of Economic Analysis recently reported a surprising real GDP growth of 2.8% in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/40013144/if-economic-performance-were-an-olympic-sport-us-economy-would-win-gold-says-market">the second quarter</a>, doubling the growth rate of the first quarter and surpassing analysts' expectations. This robust economic performance adds another layer of complexity to the Fed&#8217;s decision-making process. 
Finally, the Federal Reserve is expected to maintain its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40005909/federal-reserve-moving-closer-to-a-rate-cut-amid-softening-economy-and-inflation-trends-report">current interest rates for now</a>, but a potential rate cut in September is on the horizon. This is due to favorable changes in U.S. inflation and a softening labor market. The Federal Open Market Committee is expected to keep the benchmark interest rate at 5.25% to 5.50% when it concludes its two-day meeting on Wednesday.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40004935/after-kim-jong-uns-defense-pact-with-russia-global-economy-could-lose-4-trillion-if-war-erupts-betwe?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">After Kim Jong Un&#8217;s Defense Pact With Russia, Global Economy Could Lose $4 Trillion If War Erupts Between North And South Korea, Warn Experts</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Economics

Federal Reserve

Paul Krugman Says Cut Rates 'Now Now Now,' As New York Fed's Inflation Measure Hits 2.06%: 'The Eagle Has Soft Landed'

The vice presidential campaign of Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) has been branded as &#8220;cruel and chaotic&#8221; by Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio).
What Happened: On Monday, Landsman, who represents the same district as Vance, voiced his criticism on a social media platform. He described Vance&#8217;s campaign as &#8220;one of the cruelest, most chaotic and downright weirdest.&#8221; He argued that Vance&#8217;s views on abortion, women, and marriage do not align with the beliefs of the over 800,000 residents of southwest Ohio&#8217;s 1st Congressional District.
Landsman referenced Vance&#8217;s 2021 remarks criticizing those who don&#8217;t have children, which Vance defended last week as a &#8220;sarcastic comment.&#8221; He also criticized Vance&#8217;s suggestion of a federal response to women seeking abortions across state lines and his vote against legislation for a national right to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Landsman further accused Vance of supporting the idea that people should stay in violent marriages and not divorce. He also claimed that Vance is involved in Project 2025, a policy blueprint for a future GOP administration, which has been distanced from by Trump and his allies.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39999519/trump-vs-harris-latest-survey-indicates-positive-signs-for-this-candidate?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs. Harris: Latest Survey Indicates Positive Signs For This Candidate</a>
In response, a Vance spokesperson stated that the Ohio senator agrees with former President Donald Trump that each state should individually set their own abortion laws. The spokesperson also dismissed Landsman&#8217;s comments as &#8220;desperate attacks.&#8221;
Landsman concluded his thread by stating, &#8220;Southwest Ohio doesn&#8217;t like this guy, so take it from the folks who know him best. Mr. Vance is just weird – there&#8217;s no other way to say it. This isn&#8217;t a guy we want anywhere near the White House.&#8221;
Why It Matters: Vance&#8217;s vice presidential campaign has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39979544/can-trump-replace-jd-vance-amid-kamala-harris-picking-pace-experts-warn-that-could-be-extraordinaril">been under scrutiny</a>, with speculation about his potential replacement due to underwhelming polling and the growing momentum of Vice President Kamala Harris.
His views on the housing market and his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/07/39957663/heres-what-republican-vp-nominee-jd-vance-has-said-about-the-housing-market-you-might-be-shocked">connections with the tech industry</a> have also been highlighted in a previous Benzinga report. Additionally, his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39999243/vance-on-childless-cat-ladies-people-are-focusing-so-much-on-the-sarcasm-and-not-on-the-substanc">controversial remarks</a> about &#8220;childless cat ladies&#8221; have been a point of contention.
Despite these controversies, Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel has reportedly reconsidered his stance on former President Trump in light of Trump's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40001721/thiel-reportedly-reassessing-trump-in-wake-of-vance-pick-in-spite-of-many-misgivings-he-had-earlier">selection of Vance</a> as his running mate.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40001605/anthony-scaramucci-says-donald-trumps-verbal-sparring-with-kamala-harris-a-mistake-adds-vice-preside?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Says Donald Trump&#8217;s Verbal Sparring With Kamala Harris A Mistake, Adds Vice President Can &#8216;Shock The World&#8217; In Terms Of Skillset And Capability</a></li>
</ul>
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/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Trump VP-Pick JD Vance Blasted By Fellow Ohio Rep. Landsman: 'One Of The Cruelest, Most Chaotic And Downright Weirdest' Campaign

In the wake of a lethal rocket attack on the Golan Heights, the United States is spearheading diplomatic initiatives to dissuade Israel from retaliating against Beirut or significant civil infrastructure in Lebanon.
What Happened: A Reuters report on Thursday revealed that the US is striving to avert a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese group backed by Iran. This development follows a rocket assault on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights last weekend, which resulted in the deaths of 12 young individuals. Both the US and Israel have attributed the rocket attack to Hezbollah, an allegation the group has refuted.
The main aim of these diplomatic efforts is to deter Israel from striking densely populated regions in Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, or essential infrastructure like airports and bridges. This insight was provided by anonymous sources acquainted with the situation.
Since the Golan attack, Lebanon&#8217;s deputy parliament speaker, Elias Bou Saab, has been in contact with US mediator Amos Hochstein. He proposed that Israel could avoid a significant escalation by sparing Beirut and its suburbs.
Although Israel has expressed its intention to harm Hezbollah without triggering a full-scale war, it has not pledged to refrain from attacking Beirut or its civil infrastructure. The US State Department declined to comment on the specifics of the diplomatic talks but reaffirmed its unwavering support for Israel&#8217;s security against all threats backed by Iran, including Hezbollah.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40001721/thiel-reportedly-reassessing-trump-in-wake-of-vance-pick-in-spite-of-many-misgivings-he-had-earlier?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thiel Reportedly Reassessing Trump In Wake Of Vance Pick &#8216;In Spite Of Many Misgivings&#8217; He Had Earlier This Year</a>
Why It Matters: The escalating tensions in the Middle East have not significantly impacted oil prices, as per a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/40015199/oil-prices-remain-under-pressure-despite-rising-middle-east-tensions-a-bearish-tria">Benzinga report</a>. 
The Israeli security cabinet had authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#8217;s government to decide on the response to the deadly rocket strike in the Golan Heights, attributed to Hezbollah by both Israel and the United States.
Image via Shutterstock
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39999519/trump-vs-harris-latest-survey-indicates-positive-signs-for-this-candidate?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs. Harris: Latest Survey Indicates Positive Signs For This Candidate</a></li>
</ul>
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/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

US Leads Diplomatic Drive To Curb Israel's Response To Golan Heights Assault, Prevent Attack On Densely Populated Beirut

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has disclosed that Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, had conducted internet searches about the attempted assassination of Slovakia&#8217;s Prime Minister Robert Fico.
What Happened: As reported by <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/07/29/trump-assassination-attempt-fbi-updates/">The Washington Post</a> on Monday, the FBI provided new details about the gunman&#8217;s &#8220;careful planning&#8221; for the attack. The gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, had shown interest in the attack on Fico, who was gravely wounded in a May shooting.
The FBI continues to analyze data from Crooks&#8217;s digital devices, including cellphones and a laptop. While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, the FBI has not found any evidence linking other individuals to the attack.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/40001633/scaramucci-i-agree-with-every-single-thing-trump-has-said-on-bitcoin?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scaramucci: &#8216;I Agree With Every Single Thing&#8217; Trump Has Said On Bitcoin</a>
Crooks had used aliases and encrypted communication accounts to purchase firearm supplies and materials to build explosive devices. He opened fire at a July 13 campaign rally in Butler, Pa., where Trump was speaking, killing one person and injuring two others before being killed by a Secret Service sniper.
Trump has agreed to an interview about the assassination attempt, according to Kevin Rojek, who heads the FBI&#8217;s Pittsburgh field office. &#8220;We want to get his perspective as to what he observed,&#8221; Rojek said.
The FBI&#8217;s investigation is ongoing, with agents continuing to search through Crooks&#8217;s phones and his gaming and social media accounts to identify a possible motive or find any indication that he may have worked with an accomplice.
Why It Matters: In May, <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38845607/slovakias-prime-minister-robert-fico-hospitalized-after-assassination-attempt-suspect-detained-repor">Fico was shot</a> at in the town of Handlova, approximately 150 kilometers northeast of the capital of Slovakia Bratislava. The Prime Minister heads a populist-nationalist coalition that returned to power after elections in September 2023.
After the assassination attempt on Fico, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38862270/marjorie-taylor-greene-says-slovak-pm-great-and-courageous-over-covid-19-vaccine-who-stance-no-wonde">praised the leader&#8217;s courage</a> and prayed for his full recovery.
Months later, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39761947/gunman-dead-trump-rally-attendee-killed-says-local-da-former-president-comes-under-fire-in-penns">assassination attempt</a> on Trump occurred at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The incident was treated as an assassination attempt and a potential act of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39764903/fbi-probes-trump-rally-shooting-as-potential-domestic-terrorism-it-appears-that-he-was-a-lone-actor">domestic terrorism</a> by the FBI. 
The shooter was later identified as Crooks, who was killed during the incident. Following the assassination attempt, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/07/39911075/secret-service-director-kimberly-cheatle-resigns-following-trump-assassination-attempt-congressional">reported</a> by Benzinga.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40002603/kamala-harris-raises-200m-in-a-week-66-of-that-money-is-from-donors-reveals-campaign-manager-a-peopl?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kamala Harris Raises $200M In A Week, 66% Of That Money Is From Donors, Reveals Campaign Manager: &#8216;A People-Powered Campaign&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
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/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Trump Shooter Researched Assassination Attempt On Slovakia's Prime Minister, FBI Provides Details On 'Careful Planning'

SPGC

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

The months of August and September arrive as the S&amp;P 500 and other market indexes are near all-time highs. But, investors could be in for a rough two months if history is indicative<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39776800/s-p-500-prints-new-record-highs-ahead-of-powell-speech-russell-2000-rally-continues-trump-"> of future results</a>.
What Happened: The trading week will end in July and bring with it several key events including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/40016926/markets-brace-for-crucial-interest-rate-shake-up-what-to-expect-from-federal-reserv">the July FOMC meeting,</a> July unemployment figures and earnings reports from several Magnificent 7 members.
On Thursday, August starts and brings with it the worst two-month stretch annually for investors based on past results.
Freedom Capital Markets Chief Global Strategist Jay Woods shared the tidbit in a weekly newsletter.
"Thursday kicks off the beginning of the worst two months — August &amp; September — that the market has performed over the last 20 years," Woods <a href="https://jaywoods.substack.com/">writes</a>. &nbsp;
In the past 20 years, the S&amp;P 500, which is tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), is down an average of 0.4% during August and September. The S&amp;P 500 was up 10 years and down 10 years for the two-month stretch, making it a near coin-flip on whether the index is positive.
The S&amp;P 500 is down three straight years for the two-month stretch with 2020 the last time the index was positive for August and September.
This could be good news for investors as the 2024 year shares something in common with 2020 with both being <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/23/12/36416440/why-buy-stocks-in-a-presidential-election-year-history-has-a-crazy-stat-for-you">presidential election years.</a>
The S&amp;P 500 Index is often up in presidential election years and during the August and September stretch the last five times was up an average of 0.05%.
While this is a minimal return, it represents a potential positive to get investors through the roughest stretch of the investing year.
Non-presidential election year 2019 was flat in the August and September stretch.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/07/39846454/exclusive-market-strategist-jay-woods-says-rotation-in-small-caps-is-just-starting-rus">EXCLUSIVE: Market Strategist Jay Woods Says &#8216;Rotation In Small Caps Is Just Starting&#8217;: Russell 2000 Within 8% Of All Times, &#8216;Easy Upside Target&#8217;</a>
Why It's Important: A <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/23/09/34182214/s-p-500-seasonality-the-chart-that-sends-shivers-down-spines-in-september-but-with-">previous report showed</a> that September is the worst month of the year for the S&amp;P 500, dating back to 1928.
From 1928 through 2022, the S&amp;P 500 was only positive in September 44% of the time. The average return of the S&amp;P 500 for September in the stretch was down 1.2%.
Another potential positive for the S&amp;P 500 along with it being an election year is the current momentum heading into September. Depending on what happens in August, September could start with the S&amp;P 500 up double-digits year-to-date.
In years when the S&amp;P 500 is up 10% to 20% year-to-date through August, the S&amp;P 500 is up an average of 0.77% based on the previous report.
The<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/pro/register/?utm_source=BZprocontent072924&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"> Benzinga Pro chart </a>below shows the past two August and September and their dips for investors.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="http://www.benzinga.com/pro/register/?utm_source=BZprocontent072924&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="509" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/29173809/Screenshot-93.png" alt="" class="wp-image-463455" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/29173809/Screenshot-93.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/29173809/Screenshot-93-300x153.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/29173809/Screenshot-93-768x392.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
Armed with 2024 being a presidential election year and the S&amp;P 500 up double digits, investors could escape the August and September period with a positive gain, but past history shows that the next two months could be rough.
SPY Price Action: The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust closed at $544.76 on Monday with two full days left before August starts. The SPY has traded between $408.91 and $565.16 over the past year and is up 14.5% year-to-date in 2024.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/24/07/39848044/exclusive-financials-looking-favorable-after-jpmorgan-earnings-market-strategist-jay-woods-says-">EXCLUSIVE: Financials &#8216;Looking Favorable&#8217; After JPMorgan Earnings — Market Strategist Jay Woods Says Sector &#8216;Just Joining The Party&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
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Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Education

Bad News Ahead For Investors? August, September Are Worst Two Months Over Past 20 Years — But 2024 Could Be Different

Verano Holdings Corp. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRNOF#OTCQX">VRNOF</a>) announced Monday that it wiil acquire significant assets from The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. (Cboe CA: CBST) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBSTF#OTC">CBSTF</a>) (FSE: 3LP). The acquisition, strategic to expanding its national footprint, includes one of Cannabist&#8217;s Virginia licenses, along with associated operations including all of Arizona operations.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Expanding Operations In Virginia And Arizona</h3>
The acquisition in <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/virginia-cannabis">Virginia</a> encompasses a cultivation and production facility plus six dispensaries, positioning Verano as the exclusive cannabis operator for Health Service Area 5, which includes populated areas like Virginia Beach and Norfolk. The deal is poised at $90 million, with payment structured as $20 million cash, $40 million in Class A subordinate voting shares and a $30 million promissory note.
Meanwhile, Verano will add one cultivation facility, one production facility and two dispensaries in <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/arizona-cannabis">Arizona</a>, boosting its total cultivation space in the state to 90,000 square feet. This expansion, costing $15 million payable in cash, increases Verano's presence to eight dispensaries across Arizona.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/40024424/ex-police-officer-turned-cannabis-ceo-calls-for-federal-marijuana-de-scheduling-in-letter-to-har">Ex-Police Officer Turned Cannabis CEO Calls For Federal Marijuana De-Scheduling In Letter To Harris, Trump, Biden</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Verano, Cannabist Execs Discuss Strategic Acquisition</h3>
&#8220;Today&#8217;s agreement further diversifies Verano's portfolio, which, since the company's inception, has remained focused on expanding our business into limited-license markets to scale both our wholesale and retail operations,&#8221; <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/07/29/2920498/0/en/Verano-Enters-into-Agreements-with-The-Cannabist-Company-to-Acquire-One-of-Its-Virginia-Licenses-and-Associated-Operations-and-Its-Arizona-Operations.html">stated</a> George Archos, Verano&#8217;s chairman and CEO, in a press release. &#8220;This opportunity greatly increases Verano's growth trajectory as we gain access to the coveted market of Virginia ahead of an adult use program and deepens our footprint in Arizona.&#8221;
From The Cannabist Company&#8217;s perspective, the deal allows it to optimize the company&#8217;s operations while focusing on remaining assets in Virginia and preparing for future endeavors. &#8220;We are pleased to have reached an agreement and look forward to welcoming Verano to the robust Virginia market,&#8221; stated David Hart, CEO of The Cannabist Company. "We are so proud of what our Eastern Virginia and Arizona teams have accomplished and look forward to seeing the Verano team support their continued successes.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Verano Expands Footprint Across 14 States</h3>
Subject to regulatory approvals, this deal promises to strategically position Verano ahead of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38275122/exclusive-florida-on-cusp-of-adult-use-legalization-cannabis-sales-boom-ceo-tells-benzinga-confe">Virginia's anticipated adult-use cannabis program</a> and expand its operational scale in Arizona. With this acquisition, Verano's operational footprint will span 14 states with 15 cultivation sites and 150 dispensaries, marking important growth of its national cannabis market influence.
VRNOF Price Action At market close on Monday, VRNOF&#8217;s shares traded at $3.95 per share.
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Cannabis rescheduling seems to be right around the corner. Want to understand what this means for the future of the industry? Hear directly for top executives, investors and policymakers at the 19th Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, coming to Chicago this Oct. 8-9. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets now</a> before prices surge by following <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this link</a>.

Cannabis

Retail Sales

CBSTF

VRNOF

$105M Deal: Verano To Acquire Cannabist Co.'s Operations In Virginia And Arizona

Douglas Dynamics (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLOW#NYSE">PLOW</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.11 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.66 by 68.18 percent. This is unchanged from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $199.902 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $182.767 million by 9.38 percent. This is a 3.55 percent decrease over sales of $207.267 million the same period last year.

Earnings

Earnings Beats

PLOW

Douglas Dynamics Q2 2024 Adj. EPS $1.11 Beats $0.66 Estimate, Sales $199.902M Beat $182.767M Estimate

Among the largest companies to report quarterly earnings <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings">during the trading week</a> is Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) with investors and analysts eyeing continued growth of Cloud and artificial intelligence efforts.
Earnings Estimates: Analysts expect Microsoft to report fourth-quarter revenue of $64.36 billion according to data <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/pro/register/?utm_source=BZprocontent072924&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">from Benzinga Pro.</a>
The company reported revenue of $56.19 billion in last year's fourth quarter. Microsoft has beaten analysts' estimates for revenue in eight of the past 10 quarters, including five straight quarters.
Analysts expect the company to report fourth-quarter earnings per share of $2.93 compared to $2.69 in last year's fourth quarter. The company has beaten analysts' estimates for earnings per share in nine of the past 10 quarters, including seven straight quarters.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39961573/microsofts-progressive-stance-paves-way-for-unionized-gaming-workforce">Microsoft&#8217;s Progressive Stance Paves Way for Unionized Gaming Workforce</a>
What Analysts Are Saying: The ongoing AI Revolution and Microsoft's growth from the sector is one of the key items Wedbush analyst Dan Ives will be watching when the company reports.
"Microsoft and Nvidia are the two best barometers in technology on the pace of AI adoption globally," Ives said.
The analyst maintained an Outperform rating and $550 price target in a new investor note.
Ives said channel checks show a potential "robust" quarter for Microsoft with the company "in the driver's seat" of the AI tidal wave. The analyst said cloud deal flow for Azure is seeing strong momentum.
"The most important metric will be Azure growth with the Street's bogey of 30%, which we believe is beatable in our view given the high level of deal activity during the quarter from core MSFT enterprise customers on the cloud."
The next three years could see over 70% of the Microsoft installed base on AI-driven functionality for enterprise and commercial, the analyst added.
"We strongly view this as Microsoft's ‘iPhone Moment' with AI set to change the cloud growth trajectory in Redmond the next few years and recent checks giving further confidence in this dynamic."
Ives estimates Copilot deployments for Microsoft customers could add $25 billion to the company's top-line revenue in fiscal 2025.
"We believe the stock still has yet to fully price in what we view as the next wave of cloud and AI growth coming to Redmond as AI enterprise use cases catalyze more budget dollars to AI in 2024/2025."
Ives said Microsoft is starting to hit the "next gear of growth" with artificial intelligence the story going forward.
Here are other <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT/analyst-ratings">analyst ratings for Microsoft</a> and their price targets in the month of July:
Piper Sandler: Reiterated an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $465 to $485
TD Cowen: Maintained a Buy rating and raised the price target from $470 to $495
Bank of America: Maintained a Buy rating and raised the price target from $480 to $510
Mizuho: Maintained an Outperform and raised the price target from $450 to $480
BMO Capital: Maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $465 to $500
Argus Research: Maintained a Buy rating and raised the price target from $475 to $526
Key Items to Watch: Microsoft has been in the news a lot recently related to an outage caused by CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39861744/microsoft-outage-what-states-services-companies-saw-the-blue-screen-of-death">took down computers</a> running Windows.
While the Microsoft Outage won't likely have a key impact on customer churn, analysts could look to ask the company how it is moving forward from the key event.
While AI and Cloud get the headlines, the company's gaming division led by Xbox could also be a key item for investors to watch. Microsoft has made several gaming-related acquisitions in recent years and has a reported new console coming out in the next couple of years.
With the full fiscal year in the books, Microsoft could provide guidance for the next fiscal year. 
MSFT Price Action: Microsoft shares are up 0.34% to $426.73 Monday at market close versus a 52-week trading range of $309.45 to $468.35. Microsoft stock is up 14% year-to-date in 2024.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/07/39888849/microsoft-responds-to-ftcs-criticism-about-xbox-game-pass-asserting-it-is-wrong-to-call-this-a-deg">Microsoft Responds To FTC&#8217;s Criticism About Xbox Game Pass, Asserting &#8216;It Is Wrong To Call This A Degraded Version&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Volodymyr Kyrylyuk on Shutterstock

Previews

Tech

Trading Ideas

CRWD

MSFT

Microsoft Q4 Earnings Preview: Analyst Says 'Stock Still Has Yet To Fully Price In ... Next Wave Of Cloud And AI Growth'

The decrease was primarily due to lower net interest income and noninterest income.
Preliminary net income was&nbsp;$1.19&nbsp;per fully diluted common share for the&nbsp;fourth quarter&nbsp;of fiscal 2024, a decrease of&nbsp;$0.18&nbsp;as compared to the&nbsp;$1.37&nbsp;per fully diluted common share reported for the same period of the prior fiscal year.
For the full fiscal year 2024, preliminary net income of&nbsp;$50.2 million&nbsp;was an increase of&nbsp;$10.9 million&nbsp;as compared to fiscal 2023, while diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2024 were&nbsp;$4.42, an increase of&nbsp;$0.57&nbsp;as compared to the&nbsp;$3.85&nbsp;per fully diluted common share for fiscal 2023.&nbsp;

Guidance

SMBC

Southern Missouri Bancorp Reports Preliminary Q4 Net Income Of $13.5M, Down 13.0% From Prior Year; EPS $1.19, Est $0.99

Citron Research&nbsp;founder&nbsp;Andrew Left turned himself in to authorities in Los Angeles on Monday to face <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39985350/short-seller-andrew-left-faces-fraud-charges-accused-of-manipulating-at-least-15-stocks">federal securities fraud charges</a>. 
What Happened: According to a CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/29/andrew-left-citron-capital-securities-fraud-los-angeles.html">report</a>, Left was scheduled to appear before Magistrate Judge Rozella Oliver in a U.S. District Court in L.A. at 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday after he was indicted last week on 19 criminal counts by a grand jury. 
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney&#8217;s Office reportedly said the activist short seller surrendered Monday afternoon. He is expected to be released after bail terms are set by the judge.
Left&#8217;s lawyer James Spertus told CNBC that prosecutors originally planned to request a $10 million cash deposit for Left&#8217;s bail. The terms of the bail do not appear to be public at the time of writing.
The indictment against Left claims the short seller manipulated stock prices of at least 15 companies over five years, resulting in approximately $16 million in illegal profits. The charges imply Left would make his positions public, set ambitious price targets and then quickly close out those positions once his commentary had caused a given stock to move.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39985350/short-seller-andrew-left-faces-fraud-charges-accused-of-manipulating-at-least-15-stocks">reports</a>, Left could face up to 20 years in prison for each of the securities fraud counts and several more years for related charges if found guilty.
Regardless of whether Left is found guilty, the case is likely to have a chilling effect on short sellers moving forward, Left&#8217;s lawyer told CNBC.
"People will stop sharing their research with the market," Spertus said. "It's really bad for the financial markets to have a prosecution like this when the government agrees that the public statements were truthful."
Read Next:
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</ul>
Courtesy: Benzinga

Short Sellers

Legal

Short Seller Andrew Left Turns Himself In On Securities Fraud Charges: Report

DA Davidson analyst Peter Winter maintains Customers Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CUBI#NYSE">CUBI</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $71 to $79.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

CUBI

DA Davidson Maintains Buy on Customers Bancorp, Raises Price Target to $79

Truist Securities analyst William Stein maintains Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) with a Hold and maintains $215 price target.

TSLA

Truist Securities Maintains Hold on Tesla, Maintains $215 Price Target

NCPL

Netcapital FY24 Revenues Decrease By Approximately 42% Y/Y To $4.9M; Loss Per Share Of $(0.41), Were Down From EPS Of $0.63 Last Year

Barrington Research analyst Alexander Paris maintains Affiliated Managers Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMG#NYSE">AMG</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $190 to $210.

Barrington Research Maintains Outperform on Affiliated Managers Group, Raises Price Target to $210

Tigress Financial analyst Ivan Feinseth maintains Travel+Leisure (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TNL#NYSE">TNL</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $54 to $58.

Tigress Financial Maintains Buy on Travel+Leisure, Raises Price Target to $58

Loop Capital analyst Jeffrey Stevenson initiates coverage on BrightView Hldgs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BV#NYSE">BV</a>) with a Buy rating and announces Price Target of $18.

Initiation

Loop Capital Initiates Coverage On BrightView Hldgs with Buy Rating, Announces Price Target of $18

Jefferies analyst Suneet Kamath maintains Brighthouse Finl (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BHF#NASDAQ">BHF</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $59 to $63.

Brighthouse Financial, Inc. - Common Stock

Jefferies Maintains Buy on Brighthouse Finl, Raises Price Target to $63

Jefferies analyst Suneet Kamath maintains Jackson Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JXN#NYSE">JXN</a>) with a Hold and raises the price target from $73 to $80.

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