iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Corporate ETF (ARCA: IBDT)

Latest news for iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Corporate ETF (ARCA:IBDT)

The fund generally will invest at least 90% of its assets in the component securities of the index, except during the last months of its operations. The index consists of U.S. dollar-denominated, investment-grade securities publicly issued by U.S. and non-U.S. corporate issuers that have $300 million or more of outstanding face value at the time of inclusion. 

iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Corporate ETF

A&nbsp;rare business card signed by late Apple Inc. co-founder&nbsp;Steve Jobs&nbsp;is drawing significant attention at an ongoing auction.
What Happened: This unique piece of memorabilia, dating back to 1983, features Jobs&#8217;s signature alongside the iconic Apple rainbow logo.
The auction house RR Auction has authenticated the card, despite some minor imperfections.
Known for his selective nature regarding signing memorabilia, Jobs&#8217;s autographed items are highly coveted among collectors. Out of 15&nbsp;Jobs business cards auctioned so far by the firm, only four are from this era, with just one bearing his signature.
The <a href="https://www.rrauction.com/auctions/lot-detail/349802907124030-steve-jobs-signed-apple-business-card-c-1983-psa-gem-mt-10/">auction</a>, which is set to conclude on Feb. 20, has already seen bids for the card soar to $75,000, with the next bid anticipated at $82,500.
In addition to the Jobs card, RR Auction is also offering&nbsp;a replica SpaceX helmet signed&nbsp;by&nbsp;Elon Musk, currently bid at $2,338. Both items are generating considerable interest from collectors and enthusiasts.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: The auction of this rare Jobs-signed business card underscores the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41196932/legendary-apple-co-founder-steve-jobs-once-said-being-the-richest-man-in-the-cemetery-doesnt-matter">enduring legacy</a> of the late Apple co-founder.
Jobs&#8217;s influence on technology and culture remains significant, even over a decade after his passing.
Jobs&#8217;s meticulous nature and quest for perfection were evident in both his professional and personal life.
His <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43713534/steve-jobs-feared-his-porsche-911-would-display-his-wealth-and-cost-him-a-20-million-deal-so-he-scrambled-to-hide-it-from-ross-perot">love for the Porsche 911</a>, for instance, was legendary, as he would swap his car every six months to avoid having a license plate.
This attention to detail extended to his business endeavors, such as when he scrambled to hide his wealth from potential investor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43713534/steve-jobs-feared-his-porsche-911-would-display-his-wealth-and-cost-him-a-20-million-deal-so-he-scrambled-to-hide-it-from-ross-perot">Ross Perot</a>&nbsp;during a crucial meeting for his company NeXT.
Furthermore, Jobs&#8217;s approach to building successful teams <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39833269/apple-co-founder-steve-jobs-drew-inspiration-from-beatles-on-building-great-teams-they-were-four-ver">was inspired</a> by the dynamics of The Beatles, emphasizing how synergy among talented individuals can lead to groundbreaking results. This philosophy was central to his leadership style and contributed to the innovative culture at Apple.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43755136/bill-gates-wanted-a-friend-to-take-charge-of-microsoft-due-to-regret-over-leaving-harvard-but-heres-why-he-panick">Bill Gates Wanted A Friend To &#8216;Take Charge&#8217; Of Microsoft Due To Regret Over Leaving Harvard, But Here&#8217;s Why He Panicked And Dropped Out</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

News

Tech

Steve Jobs-Signed Rare Apple Business Card Goes Up For Auction, Bids Touch $75,000

Cryptocurrency analyst&nbsp;Michaël van de Poppe&nbsp;has shared insights on potential trajectories&nbsp;for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and altcoins&nbsp;in the coming months.
What Happened: Van de Poppe suggests two scenarios: one where Bitcoin peaks in late 2025 and altcoins surge in early 2026, following the typical four-year cycle influenced by Bitcoin halving events.
The second scenario, according to Van de Poppe, involves even larger rallies for cryptocurrencies, driven by rising equity prices and policies from&nbsp;President Donald Trump.
"The S&amp;P is going to copy-paste the last four years of the dotcom bubble with four years of 20% returns or more which is a very rare case and which is basically designing the entire bubble that was happening in the dotcom bubble and might be the case again with AI and blockchain," he explained.
He predicts that the S&amp;P index could mimic the dotcom bubble&#8217;s returns, potentially leading Bitcoin to reach $1 million and altcoins to experience extreme valuations.
"If the S&amp;P is going to do that, Bitcoin is going to be the beta play on top of that where Trump is going to fuel that entire run where Bitcoin goes to a $1 million and altcoins can go completely wild with irrational valuations."
Van de Poppe warns of a significant market correction following these events, suggesting a shift in macroeconomic conditions.
He emphasizes that this cycle might have started late for altcoins, marking&nbsp;the longest bear market in&nbsp;their history.
Why It Matters: On Friday, Bitcoin, Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), XRP ((CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>), and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) posted gains, indicating strong market activity.
A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43746357/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-rally-trader-predicts-weekend-pullback-before-push-to-103000">recent report</a>&nbsp;highlighted predictions of a weekend pullback before a potential push to $103,000 for Bitcoin.
Additionally, there is growing speculation around the approval of a Dogecoin ETF in 2025. Betting markets, as per&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43742669/a-dogecoin-etf-approval-in-2025-is-becoming-increasingly-likely-polymarket-traders-speculate">Polymarket data</a>, show a 74% chance of approval by the end of 2025, reflecting increased optimism since President Trump&#8217;s inauguration.
Moreover,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43723429/arthur-hayes-says-trump-coin-will-lead-bitcoin-if-market-sentiment-turns-favorable-calls-memecoin-purest-and-most-honest-popularity-metric">Arthur Hayes</a>, co-founder of BitMEX, has suggested that a positive shift in market sentiment could propel the Trump coin ahead of Bitcoin.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43578110/while-elon-musk-has-been-at-the-center-of-trumps-presidency-in-the-first-three-weeks-data-shows-his-rivals-jeff-bezos-mark-zuckerberg-and-others-benefited-more-since-the-inauguration-here" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">While Elon Musk Has Been At The Center Of Trump's Presidency In The First Three Weeks, Data Shows His Rivals Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg And Others Benefited More Since The Inauguration: Here's More</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

Politics

Markets

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

$XRP

Bitcoin, Altcoin Set To Rise With 'Irrational Valuations,' According To Crypto Analyst, But A 'Big' Crisis Looms Afterwards

Morgan Stanley's chief investment officer Mike Wilson has suggested that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, could play a pivotal role in revitalizing the US economy. This comes amid ongoing discussions about government spending and economic growth.
What Happened: Wilson said in a CNBC interview that the bank&#8217;s optimistic outlook involves a reduction in government size, which could lead to increased unemployment and prompt the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.
Wilson noted that DOGE has already pinpointed tens of billions in government waste.
He believes that achieving a balanced federal budget could spur market growth in 2025, similar to the economic boost following President Clinton&#8217;s 1994 budget cuts.
&#8220;Probably the most underestimated part&nbsp;of the administration is DOGE.&nbsp;I think there's a lot&nbsp;of skepticism on this, but&nbsp;the reality is that's&nbsp;possibly the most bullish thing&nbsp;that could happen," he said.
He stressed that while specific budget cuts aren&#8217;t necessary, slowing expenditure growth is vital. The U.S. national debt stands at $36.2 trillion, having risen by&nbsp;nearly $2.1 trillion in the&nbsp;past year.
&#8220;We&nbsp;just need to freeze spending,&nbsp;we don't really need to&nbsp;cut a lot of spending," Wilson added.
Why It Matters: The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43585332/trump-orders-scott-bessent-to-rip-the-waste-out-ends-penny-production-after-elon-musks-doge-report">recent decision</a>&nbsp;by President Donald Trump to halt penny production reflects DOGE&#8217;s influence on fiscal policies. This move followed Musk&#8217;s department highlighting the inefficiency of penny production, which cost taxpayers $179 million in 2023.
Moreover,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43426165/elon-musks-daily-4-billion-doge-target-will-lead-to-30-cut-in-federal-spending-says-economist-jason-furman">Elon Musk&#8217;s ambitious target</a>&nbsp;to cut federal spending by $4 billion daily by 2026 could lead to a 30% reduction in government spending, excluding interest and Social Security benefits.
This initiative involves notable Silicon Valley figures, including Andreessen Horowitz co-founder Marc Andreessen and Uber Technologies Inc. co-founder Travis Kalanick.
Additionally, Musk has advocated for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43425216/elon-musk-supports-putting-treasury-department-operations-on-blockchain-to-fix-irregularities">implementing blockchain technology</a>&nbsp;within the Treasury Department to address payment irregularities, underscoring his commitment to efficiency and transparency.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Morgan Stanley&#039;s Mike Wilson: Markets are likely to be choppy for the next 3-6 months" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ycQdywt8WH4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43754366/mark-zuckerberg-follows-elon-musks-footsteps-as-meta-reportedly-plans-major-investment-into-ai-powered-humanoid-robots">Mark Zuckerberg Follows Elon Musk&#8217;s Footsteps As Meta Reportedly Plans Major Investment Into AI-Powered Humanoid Robots</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Economics

Elon Musk's DOGE Likely Most 'Underestimated' Part Of Trump Administration, Says Morgan Stanley's CIO: 'Most Bullish Thing' That Could Happen To US Economy

Bill Gates, co-founder of&nbsp;Microsoft Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), expressed regret over&nbsp;leaving Harvard University to start&nbsp;the tech giant.
What Happened:&nbsp;Gates, who was a Harvard undergraduate at the time, struggled&nbsp;with the decision to leave&nbsp;school despite having a great time there, according <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/14/bill-gates-i-regretted-leaving-harvard-university-to-start-microsoft.html">to</a> a CNBC report.
The urgency to leave came after his high school friend,&nbsp;Paul Allen, showed him a magazine featuring the Altair 8800, which they believed marked the beginning of a new industry.
"The panic about, ‘God, it's happening without us,' was when Popular Electronics had the kit computer [on its cover]. Little did we know, [MITS] basically hadn't assembled any of them," said Gates.
Gates attempted to manage Microsoft from afar while still attending Harvard but ultimately realized the need for his full attention on the company.
He even tried to have early Microsoft programmer Ric Weiland "take charge," but Weiland eventually left for graduate school.
Gates never completed his degree, serving as Microsoft&#8217;s CEO until 2000. Despite the success, Gates does not recommend dropping out of college, emphasizing the importance of a broad education.
Today, Microsoft is valued at over $3 trillion, having revolutionized the computer industry. Gates reflects on the pivotal moment that led to Microsoft&#8217;s creation and the challenges of balancing education with entrepreneurial ambitions.
Why It Matters: Gates&#8217; reflections on his early days at Microsoft provide insight into the tech industry&#8217;s evolution and the challenges faced by its pioneers.
His decision to leave Harvard was influenced by the potential he saw in the emerging computer industry, a vision shared with&nbsp;Paul Allen.
This pivotal moment not only shaped Gates&#8217; career but also set the stage for Microsoft&#8217;s impact on the tech world.
In recent interviews, Gates has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43680696/bill-gates-has-a-soft-spot-for-intel-but-says-the-chip-giant-has-lost-its-way-questions-whether-the-company-can-recover-after-ceo-exit-and-falling-behind-in-ai">shared his thoughts</a> on other industry giants. He expressed disappointment in Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) decline, noting the company&#8217;s struggles to keep up with advancements in chip design and manufacturing.
Gates also shared his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43589437/bill-gates-on-musk-and-bezos-space-obsession-im-not-a-big-mars-person-its-not-a-very-hospitable-place">views on space exploration</a>, stating he would rather focus on addressing Earth&#8217;s challenges than colonizing Mars, unlike&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jeff Bezos.
Furthermore, Gates <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43577868/bill-gates-says-steve-jobs-once-told-him-i-wish-youd-take-acid-that-would-enhance-microsofts-product-design-more-i-envy-those-skills-im-not-in-his-league">recounted an anecdote</a> involving Apple Inc. co-founder&nbsp;Steve Jobs, who once suggested that experimenting with hallucinogens might enhance Microsoft&#8217;s product design.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43754366/mark-zuckerberg-follows-elon-musks-footsteps-as-meta-reportedly-plans-major-investment-into-ai-powered-humanoid-robots">Mark Zuckerberg Follows Elon Musk&#8217;s Footsteps As Meta Reportedly Plans Major Investment Into AI-Powered Humanoid Robots</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

INTC

MSFT

Bill Gates Wanted A Friend To 'Take Charge' Of Microsoft Due To Regret Over Leaving Harvard, But Here's Why He Panicked And Dropped Out

Activist investor Dan Loeb‘s Third Point LLC has significantly ramped up its stakes in Flutter Entertainment (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLUT#NYSE">FLUT</a>), Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), and Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) during the final quarter of 2024.
What Happened: According to recent 13F filings, Third Point acquired&nbsp;nearly $91 million worth of&nbsp;Flutter shares, marking a 70% surge in its position. This strategic move positioned the sports betting stock as the fund&#8217;s 10th largest holding, valued at nearly $225 million, as per InsiderScore data.
The investment in Flutter paid off for Loeb, with the company&#8217;s shares witnessing a near 9% rise&nbsp;in the fourth quarter. The&nbsp;stock has maintained its positive momentum in 2025, ending Friday&#8217;s session at a record high with a 15% increase.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43753772/jeff-bezos-backed-anthropic-fights-us-proposal-blocking-google-from-investing-in-ai-startups-says-it-would-benefit-rivals-openai-mark-zuckerbergs-meta">Jeff Bezos-Backed Anthropic Fights US Proposal Blocking Google From Investing In AI Startups, Says It Would Benefit Rivals OpenAI, Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta</a>
Loeb also bolstered his stake in Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta, the parent company of Facebook, by 22%. This augmentation, totaling over $70.4 million, elevated the total investment to more than $389 million. Meta now stands as&nbsp;the fourth largest holding in&nbsp;Third Point&#8217;s portfolio and is the only one among the top five to experience net buying during the quarter.
This marks a significant turnaround for Loeb, who had previously&nbsp;slashed his Meta holding by&nbsp;over 50% in&nbsp;the third quarter of 2024. Meta concluded the fourth quarter with a slight increase of&nbsp;over 2%, marking its eighth&nbsp;consecutive winning quarter. The tech behemoth has soared&nbsp;nearly 23% so far this year.
However, not all tech stocks were favored by Third Point in the last quarter of 2024. The hedge fund trimmed its stake in Microsoft by 31% and in&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;by nearly 7%. It also sold its entire stake in Apple. MSFT closed 1% higher in the final quarter of 2024 but is down over 2% year-to-date. Meanwhile, AMZN surged 23% last quarter and has gained nearly 4% so far in 2025.
Dan Loeb‘s Mag 7 Holdings 
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stocks</td>
<td>Buy/Sold</td>
<td>Change %</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)</td>
<td>-930,000&nbsp;</td>
<td>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)</td>
<td>+120,000&nbsp;</td>
<td>22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)</td>
<td>+100,000</td>
<td>25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amazon Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)</td>
<td>-250,000</td>
<td>7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)</td>
<td>-270,000</td>
<td>31%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Why It Matters: The&nbsp;billionaire investor has&nbsp;expressed optimism for&nbsp;a more favorable stock investing&nbsp;environment by 2025, despite the unconventional policy-making approach of the Trump administration, reported Reuters. 
Loeb anticipates a surge in M&amp;A activity this year as regulatory and government hurdles ease, prompting banks to offload more consumer and mortgage portfolios. Third Point aims to capitalize on these opportunities, focusing on high single-digit unlevered yields.
Loeb&#8217;s hedge fund, Third Point, has begun reaping the benefits of this forecast, with its flagship TP offshore fund experiencing a 2.7% increase as of February. 12, following a 25.5% surge last year, according to data from <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro.</a>
Third Point, known for its diverse strategies including stock picking, activist campaigns, and credit investments, is one of the most closely watched hedge funds on Wall Street.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/earnings-beats/25/02/43740996/palo-alto-analysts-optimistic-on-revenue-growth-expanding-market-share" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palo Alto Analysts Optimistic On Revenue Growth, Expanding Market Share</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Equities

General

AAPL

AMZN

FLUT

TSLA

Billionaire Investor Dan Loeb Boosts Stake In Mark Zuckerberg's Meta, Elon Musk's Tesla, But Sold These Three Mag 7 Stocks In Q4

OpenAI on Friday turned down a substantial offer from Elon Musk and his consortium of investors to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43646042/elon-musks-97-4-billion-openai-takeover-bid-reportedly-not-received-by-chatgpt-parent-another-one-of-his-tactics-says-sam-altman">acquire the company&#8217;s assets</a>.
What Happened: The board of OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence company, has rejected a $97.4 billion bid from Musk and his investors, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/openai-elon-musk-bid-rejected-sam-altman-62ba1ca5">reported</a> the Wall Street Journal. The decision was communicated to Musk&#8217;s lawyer in a letter, which stated that the offer was not in the best interests of OpenAI&#8217;s mission.
OpenAI&#8217;s chairman,&nbsp;Bret Taylor, emphasized that the company is not for sale and the board unanimously turned down Musk&#8217;s&nbsp;offer.
On Monday, Musk and his investors submitted an unexpected buyout proposal to OpenAI's board. However, in a court filing Wednesday, his legal team stated that Musk would drop the takeover bid if OpenAI agreed to halt its transition to a for-profit model.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43748007/inflation-spikes-in-january-wall-street-rallies-on-ukraine-peace-talks-delayed-tariffs-this-week-in-the-markets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inflation Spikes In January, Wall Street Rallies On Ukraine Peace Talks, Delayed Tariffs: This Week In The Markets</a>
The board rejected Musk&#8217;s offer to withdraw his bid under certain conditions, arguing that it was not a legitimate proposal. Meanwhile, Musk&#8217;s attorney, Marc Toberoff, criticized the board&#8217;s actions, calling it a &#8220;classic self-dealing transaction.&#8221;
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s bid to acquire OpenAI has been a topic of intense speculation. This decision is the latest development in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43609104/elon-musk-co-founded-openai-now-hes-bidding-974b-to-take-back-the-company">Musk&#8217;s ongoing dispute</a> with OpenAI and its CEO,&nbsp;Sam Altman. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015, has accused the company of prioritizing profit over the technology&#8217;s benefits to humanity.
OpenAI is undergoing a structural transition that requires approval from its board of directors and the attorneys general of Delaware and California. The board maintains that Musk's bid is irrelevant to assessing the nonprofit's fair value.
The bid was seen by Sam Altman, the OpenAI CEO, as a move to&nbsp;&#8220;<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43622400/sam-altman-says-elon-musks-97b-bid-for-openai-is-a-move-to-slow-down-a-competitor">slow down&#8221; a competitor</a>. In an interview with&nbsp;CNBC&nbsp;on Tuesday, he dismissed the notion that Musk was genuinely interested in acquiring OpenAI.
Meanwhile, Musk&#8217;s bid for OpenAI was also viewed as a&nbsp;<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43653531/elon-musks-97b-openai-bid-a-distraction-from-teslas-challenges-says-analyst-as-tsla-stock-set-for-sixth-consecutive-drop">distraction from Tesla&#8217;s challenges</a>. Analysts at&nbsp;Oppenheimer&nbsp;said Musk's bid for OpenAI is a discount to the AI company's Oct. 2024 capital raise and unlikely to lead to any discussion. 
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</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photos courtesy: Shutterstock

OpenAI Board Unanimously Rejects Elon Musk's $97 Billion Acquisition Proposal Days After Sam Altman Calls It A Move To 'Slow Down' A Competitor

President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of imposing tariffs on automobiles, continuing his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43729940/trumps-tariffs-could-raise-taxes-by-1-trillion-kevin-oleary-calls-it-the-beginning-of-a-negotiation">aggressive trade policy</a>.
What Happened: Trump, during an executive order signing session on Friday, suggested that auto tariffs could be implemented as early as April 2,&nbsp;reported&nbsp;Reuters.
&#8220;I would have done them on April 1&#8230; But we&#8217;re going to do it on April 2.&#8221;
 This announcement follows a series of trade actions since his second term began on Jan. 20, including tariffs on all Chinese imports, delayed tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods, and the initiation of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43583123/trump-to-announce-25-steel-and-aluminum-tariffs-economist-warns-president-is-making-us-manufacturing-globally-uncompetitive">tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.</a>
Ford Motor Chief Executive Jim Farley took to X after Trump&#8217;s remarks, saying, &#8220;We applaud President Trump&#8217;s idea to look at all vehicle imports to the U.S., an important step forward.&#8221; 
 &#8220;Comprehensive trade policies are imperative to achieving the president&#8217;s vision to strengthen the U.S. auto industry.&#8221;
Although Farley previously criticized steel and aluminum tariffs, saying it has added &#8220;a lot of costs and a lot of chaos,&#8221; and if prolonged, they could wipe out billions of dollars in industry profits.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43753772/jeff-bezos-backed-anthropic-fights-us-proposal-blocking-google-from-investing-in-ai-startups-says-it-would-benefit-rivals-openai-mark-zuckerbergs-meta">Jeff Bezos-Backed Anthropic Fights US Proposal Blocking Google From Investing In AI Startups, Says It Would Benefit Rivals OpenAI, Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta</a>
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s tariff measures aim to boost the competitiveness of American goods in global markets. However, they have sparked uncertainty among businesses, strained relationships with key U.S. allies, and fueled worries about rising inflation.
These tariffs have been a subject of concern for several industry leaders and politicians. Senate Minority Leader&nbsp;Mitch McConnell&nbsp;(R-Ky.) recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43686104/mitch-mcconnell-criticizes-trumps-tariff-plans-warns-of-potential-price-hike-big-lingering-concerns-for-american-industry-and-workers">voiced his apprehensions</a>&nbsp;about the potential price hikes and trade wars that could result from Trump&#8217;s aggressive tariff proposals.
These concerns are particularly relevant given the current state of the automotive industry. Automakers, including&nbsp;Ford&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) and&nbsp;General Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43524700/ford-ceo-jim-farley-says-trumps-proposed-tariffs-on-mexico-canada-will-be-manageable-in-near-term-but-will-have-huge-impact-if-protracted">facing significant uncertainty</a>&nbsp;due to the proposed tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. 
Last month, Trump also canceled the electric vehicle (EV) tax credits. Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) rivals, including General Motors and Ford, have been <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43648415/tesla-rivals-call-for-gradual-elimination-of-ev-tax-credits-many-of-those-jobs-will-be-at-risk">advocating for a gradual phase-out</a> of these incentives to mitigate the potential impact on jobs and the industry as a whole.
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</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photos courtesy: Tesla and Shutterstock

Tesla, Ford, GM In Focus: After Tariffs On China, Mexico, And Canada, Trump Now Eyes Auto Industry For Next Move

Mark Zuckerberg could be following Elon Musk's footsteps, as Meta Platforms Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)&nbsp;is reportedly planning a significant investment&nbsp;into AI-powered <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/humanoid-robots">humanoid robots</a>.
What Happened: Meta is forming a new team&nbsp;within its Reality Labs hardware&nbsp;division to spearhead this initiative, according <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-14/meta-plans-major-investment-into-ai-powered-humanoid-robots">to</a>&nbsp;Bloomberg.
The tech giant plans to develop&nbsp;its own humanoid robot hardware,&nbsp;initially focusing on household tasks. The broader aim is to create AI, sensors,&nbsp;and software for robots that&nbsp;other companies will manufacture and sell.
Meta has started discussions with robotics firms like&nbsp;Unitree Robotics and Figure AI&nbsp;Inc.
While the company does not plan to produce a Meta-branded robot initially, it may consider this in the future. The effort aligns with similar projects by other tech leaders, including&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.'s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google.
Marc Whitten, who recently resigned as CEO of&nbsp;General Motors Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>)&#8217;s Cruise division, will lead the new team, according to the report.
Meta&#8217;s chief technology officer, Andrew Bosworth, highlighted the company&#8217;s existing advancements in AI and Reality Labs as complementary to this new venture.
Meta&#8217;s goal is to establish a foundation for the robotics market, akin to what Google&#8217;s Android and Qualcomm&#8217;s chips achieved for the smartphone industry. The company plans to invest $65 billion this year in related products, including AI&nbsp;infrastructure and the new robotics initiative.
Why It Matters: The move by Meta into humanoid robots is part of a broader trend among tech giants exploring robotics.
Apple is <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43692026/apples-next-big-bet-tim-cook-led-company-is-exploring-humanoid-as-well-as-non-humanoid-robots-for-smart-home-future-says-top-analyst">reportedly</a> exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robots for its smart home ecosystem. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is prioritizing sensing hardware and software for these potential products.
Meanwhile, Musk-led Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43325888/tesla-likely-to-sell-optimus-to-rival-companies-in-2026-price-point-of-humanoid-robot-to-be-detemined-by-demand-says-ceo-elon-musk">announced plans</a> to produce thousands of its Optimus humanoid robots for use in Tesla factories. Musk anticipates that Optimus could generate revenue exceeding $10 trillion in the long term.
The competition in the robotics field is intensifying, with companies like Apple <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43583398/top-analyst-says-apple-has-ramped-up-hiring-for-home-robotics-team">ramping up hiring</a> for their home robotics teams. This surge in interest underscores the potential impact of robotics on various industries, from household tasks to manufacturing.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43578110/while-elon-musk-has-been-at-the-center-of-trumps-presidency-in-the-first-three-weeks-data-shows-his-rivals-jeff-bezos-mark-zuckerberg-and-others-benefited-more-since-the-inauguration-here">While Elon Musk Has Been At The Center Of Trump&#8217;s Presidency In The First Three Weeks, Data Shows His Rivals Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg And Others Benefited More Since The Inauguration: Here&#8217;s More</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

GOOG

GOOGL

Mark Zuckerberg Follows Elon Musk's Footsteps As Meta Reportedly Plans Major Investment Into AI-Powered Humanoid Robots

Retirement planning has become a breeding ground for fearmongering. Financial experts and news headlines often leave you convinced you'll need a dragon's hoard of gold to survive your golden years. But let's take a breath – what if you <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42018132/can-you-guess-what-percent-of-people-have-1-million-saved-spoiler-alert-its-far-lower-than-most-statistics-lead-you-to-believe">actually have $1 million saved</a> by the time you hit 65? Are you doomed to rationing instant ramen or is that number better than they're letting on? Spoiler: You're probably better off than you think.
Here's the real breakdown of how long that $1 million could stretch – and some practical tips to make it last even longer.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>
How Far Can $1 Million Take You?
The simple answer? It depends. However, using some averages, $1 million could last 18-30 years. Here's the math:
Average Annual Expenses: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), households led by someone 65 or older spent around $60,087 per year in 2023.
Social Security to the Rescue: The average Social Security benefit as of 2024 is $1,907 per month or $22,884 per year. That means Social Security will cover about a third of your annual expenses.
Net Draw from Savings: Subtracting Social Security, your retirement fund needs to cover about $37,203 annually.
Years of Cushion: Divide $1 million by $37,203 and you've got nearly 27 years of living expenses or 26.88 to be exact.
If you control your spending and account for investment growth (hello, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/38618728/suze-orman-calls-the-4-retirement-rule-very-dangerous-in-todays-challenging-economic-climate">4% rule</a>), your savings could even stretch to 30+ years.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a>&nbsp;
What Could Shorten (or Stretch) Your Nest Egg?
The longevity of $1 million depends on key variables:
• Where You Live: Retiring in a high-cost state like California might burn through your funds faster than a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39616687/the-surprising-retirement-hotspots-growing-fastest-in-america-none-in-florida-but-even-hotter">budget-friendly haven</a> like Mississippi.
• Health care Costs: Healthcare expenses for a retired couple average $315,000 over retirement, according to Fidelity. That's not pocket change.
• Inflation: Even modest inflation can erode purchasing power over time. That $60,000 budget today? It might feel like $80,000 in 15 years.
• Spending Habits: Are you splurging on cruises every year or enjoying simpler pleasures like gardening and book clubs?
Trending: The average 401(k) balance soars to a record-breaking high – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/average-401k-balances-soars-to-record-high">Here's how to know if your nest egg is keeping pace.</a>
Strategies to Stretch $1 Million Further
1. Delay Social Security: If you <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38439971/should-you-begin-collecting-social-security-at-62-67-or-70-the-right-answer-may-depend-on-your-b">wait until age 70 to claim</a>, your monthly benefit could increase by up to 32%, which is thousands more annually.
2. Retire in a Cheaper Location: Consider downsizing or relocating to a state or country with a lower cost of living.
3. Stick to the 4% Rule: This guideline suggests withdrawing 4% of your savings annually (adjusted for inflation) to make your money last 30+ years.
4. Budget Like a Pro: Track your spending and cut unnecessary expenses. Small tweaks – like reducing dining out – can make a big difference over time.
5. Plan for Healthcare: Consider long-term care insurance or health savings accounts (HSAs) to offset hefty medical bills.
Trending: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
Live Your Dream Retirement
While $1 million might not buy you a yacht and a mansion, it can fund a comfortable, fulfilling retirement – especially with a little planning and a lot of common sense. Your retirement years aren't about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43011673/dave-ramsey-says-stop-trying-to-keep-up-with-the-joneses-theyre-broke-warns-people-are-fake-rich-average-household-debt-is-175075">outspending the Joneses</a> but about living life on your terms.
The key is to prepare. With smart financial choices, a dash of frugality and an honest look at your needs, $1 million could take you further than you ever imagined. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Consulting a financial advisor</a> can also help you maximize what you've saved.&nbsp;
Retirement should be about enjoying yourself, not worrying about every dollar spent. So plan well and enjoy the ride. You've earned it.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/planning-your-retirement-new-changes-to-social-security-in-2025-could-affect-you">Planning Your Retirement? New Changes To Social Security In 2025 Could Affect You</a></li>
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Personal Finance

Do You Know How Long $1 Million Will Last If You Retire At 65? Here's A Hint – Longer Than You're Led To Think!

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service&nbsp;(IRS) is reportedly on the verge of dismissing thousands of employees, a move that could significantly affect the agency&#8217;s operations during the crucial tax-filing season.
What Happened: The IRS is set to lay off a substantial number of workers, including probationary employees, in the coming days, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The Office of Personnel Management, which supervises federal hiring, has instructed all agencies to terminate their probationary employees who are relatively new to their roles and do not have full job protections.
The exact number of layoffs at the IRS, which expanded to 100,000 employees under the previous administration, remains unconfirmed. This includes approximately 16,000 probationary workers. The cuts will primarily affect probationary employees who either declined a prior buyout offer or were not deemed essential for the ongoing tax season.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43683937/teslas-400-million-armored-cybertruck-deal-under-fire-as-short-seller-jim-chanos-questions-elon-musks-doge-role-in-cutting-wasteful-government-spending" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla's $400 Million Armored Cybertruck Deal Under Fire As Short Seller Jim Chanos Questions Elon Musk's DOGE Role In Cutting ‘Wasteful Government Spending'</a>
&#8220;They are trying to reduce numbers across the board with no analysis to the impact it will have on operations,&#8221; a source told Reuters.
The IRS, currently managing the busy tax season, will remain occupied for months beyond the April 15 filing deadline, handling returns and issuing refunds. 
Why It Matters: The layoffs are part of a broader effort led by former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk&#8217;s Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/02/43542558/trumps-push-to-reshape-federal-workforce-stalls-in-court">restructure the federal government</a>, which they claim has become overly bloated and inefficient.
This move comes in the wake of a series of significant developments in the U.S. federal workforce. Just days before the IRS layoffs were announced, a federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43579182/judge-blocks-trumps-bold-usaid-layoff-plan-saving-2200-workers-major-setback-for-america-first-agenda">blocked President Trump&#8217;s plan</a>&nbsp;to place 2,200 U.S. Agency for International Development employees on paid leave. This decision was seen as a major setback for Trump&#8217;s &#8216;America First&#8217; agenda.
Meanwhile, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has also been vocal about his concerns over President Trump&#8217;s policies, <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43686104/mitch-mcconnell-criticizes-trumps-tariff-plans-warns-of-potential-price-hike-big-lingering-concerns-for-american-industry-and-workers">warning of potential price hikes</a> and expressing that Trump&#8217;s &#8220;aggressive proposals leave big, lingering concerns for American industry and workers.&#8221;
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Government

Short Sellers

IRS Reportedly Gears Up To Lay Off Thousands Of Workers Elon Musk's DOGE Looks To Shrink The Tax Agency

PANW MOVES OVER UP OVER 10 POINTS
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="790" height="636" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14225636/Screen-Shot-2025-02-14-at-5.59.12-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5919" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14225636/Screen-Shot-2025-02-14-at-5.59.12-PM.png 790w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14225636/Screen-Shot-2025-02-14-at-5.59.12-PM-300x242.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14225636/Screen-Shot-2025-02-14-at-5.59.12-PM-768x618.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px" /></figure>
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) today experienced a Power Inflow, a significant event for those who follow where smart money goes and value order flow analytics in their trading decisions. 
Today, at 10:04 AM on February 14th, a significant trading signal occurred for Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) as it demonstrated a Power Inflow at a price of $187.80. This indicator is crucial for traders who want to know directionally where institutions and so-called "smart money" moves in the market. They see the value of utilizing order flow analytics to guide their trading decisions. The Power Inflow points to a possible uptrend in PANW&#8217;s stock, marking a potential entry point for traders looking to capitalize on the expected upward movement. Traders with this signal closely watch for sustained momentum in PANW&#8217;s stock price, interpreting this event as a bullish sign.
Signal description
Order flow analytics, aka transaction or market flow analysis, separate and study both the retail and institutional volume rate of orders (flow). It involves analyzing the flow of buy and sell orders, along with size, timing, and other associated characteristics and patterns, to gain insights and make more informed trading decisions. This particular indicator is interpreted as a bullish signal by active traders.&nbsp;
The Power Inflow occurs within the first two hours of the market open and generally signals the trend that helps gauge the stock&#8217;s overall direction, powered by institutional activity in the stock, for the remainder of the day.&nbsp;
By incorporating order flow analytics into their trading strategies, market participants can better interpret market conditions, identify trading opportunities, and potentially improve their trading performance. But let's not forget that while watching smart money flow can provide valuable insights, it is crucial to incorporate effective risk management strategies to protect capital and mitigate potential losses. Employing a consistent and effective risk management plan helps traders navigate the uncertainties of the market in a more controlled and calculated manner, increasing the likelihood of long-term success
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for PANW, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts. 
<a href="https://benzinga.com/apis?_gl=1&#x2A;1hlgn5i&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTY1NjE2NTYxMi4xNzE0NzQ4MTAy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDc0ODEwMi4xLjEuMTcxNDc0ODQyOC4wLjAuMA..">Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs</a> and include firms, like&nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://www.tradepulse.net">https://www.tradepulse.net</a>&nbsp; which are responsible for parts of the data within this article. 
&#xA9; 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
After Market Close UPDATE:
The price at the time of the Power Inflow was $191.08. The returns on the High price ($201.33) and Close price ($200) after the Power Inflow were respectively 5.3% and 4.6%. That is why it is important to have a trading plan that includes Profit Targets and Stop Losses that reflect your risk appetite. In this case, the high of the day and close were very close but that is not always the case
Past Performance is Not Indicative of Future Results

Technicals

TRADEPULSE POWER INFLOW ALERT: PALO ALTO NETWORKS INC. (PANW) MOVES UP OVER 5% AT ITS HIGH AFTER TRADEPULSE ALERT

Anthropic, an AI startup backed by Jeff Bezos&#8217; Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), has filed a plea with a federal court to dismiss a U.S. government proposal that would prevent Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google from investing in AI startups. The proposal is intended to address <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/11/42053249/google-could-lose-chrome-browser-in-dojs-latest-antitrust-move">Google&#8217;s alleged monopolization</a> of the online search market.
What Happened: Anthropic, in a court filing on Friday, argued that the proposed remedy would negatively impact both the company and competition in general. 
The proposal, put forth by the Justice Department and a coalition of states, includes significant changes to Google&#8217;s operations, such as the forced sale of its Chrome web browser.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He&#8217;d Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It&#8217;</a>
The proposal aims to block Google from purchasing, investing in, or partnering with companies that manage consumer search data, including those developing AI technologies.
Anthropic, which has received around&nbsp;$3 billion&nbsp;in funding from Google, argued in its court filing that the proposed remedy would harm both the company and overall market competition. The AI startup also claimed that a forced sale would unfairly benefit its larger competitors, including&nbsp; OpenAI and Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>).
The&nbsp;U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)&nbsp;has raised concerns about major tech firms like&nbsp;Google&nbsp;and&nbsp;Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)&nbsp;investing in AI startups, warning that such deals could lead to&nbsp;data consolidation&nbsp;in key areas such as&nbsp;chip development, model training, and data center infrastructure.
Why It Matters: The U.S. government&#8217;s proposal is a part of the ongoing efforts to address Google&#8217;s alleged&nbsp;monopolization of the online search&nbsp;and search ad markets.
After the DOJ announced remedies in its antitrust lawsuit against Google, the November decision triggered a significant drop in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42119020/alphabet-bleeds-over-120-billion-in-market-value-eyes-worst-day-in-10-months-after-doj-demands-google-chrome-sale">Alphabet&#8217;s market value</a>. Alphabet&#8217;s business model is deeply interconnected, with its services benefiting from strong synergies. 
In Q3 2024, the company's "Search &amp; Other" segment brought in $49.4 billion, making up 56% of its total quarterly revenue.
These proposed remedies have sparked discussions within the tech industry, with some suggesting that AI startups should consider acquiring Google Chrome, while others, like&nbsp;OpenAI, have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/42130303/chatgpt-parent-openai-considers-building-its-own-web-browser-to-challenge-googles-search-monopoly-following-doj-push-to-break-up-chrome-dominance">explored the idea of developing their own web browsers</a>&nbsp;to challenge Google&#8217;s dominance.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Jeff Bezos-Backed Anthropic Fights US Proposal Blocking Google From Investing In AI Startups, Says It Would Benefit Rivals OpenAI, Mark Zuckerberg's Meta

The Trump administration is reportedly unlikely to back Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) taking over&nbsp;Intel Corp.(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) U.S. chip factories.
What Happened: TSMC, the world&#8217;s largest chipmaker, is considering acquiring a controlling stake in Intel&#8217;s U.S. factories at the request of former President Donald Trump, according to Bloomberg. 
However, a White House official told&nbsp;Reuters that the Trump administration welcomes foreign investment and construction in the U.S., but is &#8220;unlikely&#8221; to back a foreign company running Intel&#8217;s factories.
The White House official did not publicly confirm whether any meetings occurred or if a potential deal was ever discussed.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43748007/inflation-spikes-in-january-wall-street-rallies-on-ukraine-peace-talks-delayed-tariffs-this-week-in-the-markets">Inflation Spikes In January, Wall Street Rallies On Ukraine Peace Talks, Delayed Tariffs: This Week In The Markets</a>
Intel has been struggling to regain its lost chipmaking prominence and has been investing billions of dollars to become a contract chip manufacturer, a transformation that has yet to materialize.
If TSMC were to take over operations at Intel&#8217;s factories, it would face the challenge of overhauling the U.S. chipmaker's existing processes.
Since each semiconductor manufacturer follows unique production methods, TSMC would likely have to adapt Intel's facilities to its own standards, potentially requiring the disclosure of proprietary techniques to Intel personnel.
Why It Matters: The Trump administration&#8217;s stance on TSMC&#8217;s potential control of Intel&#8217;s U.S. factories comes amid a broader push to strengthen domestic semiconductor production.
The U.S. CHIPS and Science Act 2022, which aimed to bolster U.S. domestic semiconductor production with subsidies worth $39 billion, is reportedly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43722945/tech-war-intensifies-as-trump-sets-to-revise-the-us-chips-act-conditions-not-aligned-to-white-house-policies-under-review">up for renegotiation </a>by the White House, potentially leading to a delay in some semiconductor disbursements.
Meanwhile, Taiwan Semiconductor is looking to expand its<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/02/43727973/taiwan-semiconductor-eyes-us-expansion-amid-taiwans-push-for-bigger-investments-and-advanced-chip-production"> presence in the U.S. amid Taiwan&#8217;s push</a> for larger investments and advanced chip production.
The company is investing $65 billion in new factories in the U.S. state of Arizona, a move that aligns with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te&#8217;s plans to invest more in and trade more with the U.S.
On Friday, Intel's stock dropped 2.2%, while U.S.-listed shares of TSMC gained approximately 1%, according to data from <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
The 3 most-recent analyst ratings were released by JP Morgan, Stifel, and Truist Securities on Jan. 31. With an average price target of $21.67 from JP Morgan, Stifel, and Truist Securities, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTC/analyst-ratings">there is an implied downside</a> of 8.2% based on these latest analyst ratings.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14202311/Screenshot-2025-02-15-at-6.52.51%E2%80%AFAM-1-1024x385.png" alt="" class="wp-image-784015" /></figure>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Trump Administration 'Unlikely' To Support TSMC's Control Of Intel's US Chip Factories: Report

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43463099/donald-trumps-25-tariff-plan-only-tough-measures-will-level-the-playing-field-kevin-oleary-explains-the-strategy">Donald Trump</a> aims to strengthen America's economy by tapping into its oil and gas reserves.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WEC6Fl-JAw&amp;t=1043s"> In his inauguration speech</a>, he declared, "We have something that no other manufacturing nation will ever have—the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on Earth, and we are going to use it."
As of Jan. 1, 2024, <a href="https://www.rystadenergy.com/news/global-recoverable-oil-barrels-demand-electrification">Rystad Energy </a>claims that the United States had 156 billion barrels in total potential production. In comparison, Saudi Arabia has proven reserves of 247 billion barrels. Russia has 143 billion barrels, Canada has 122 billion barrels and Iraq with 105 billion barrels round out the top five.
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According to the US Energy Information Administration, the nation has led world output for much of the last decade. Sure, at 13.3 million barrels per day in 2023, America outpaces Saudi Arabia and Russia–a fact–but analysts said growth is finally plateauing after reserves deplete and new opportunities for drilling fade. Companies also focus on returns to shareholders nowadays rather than growth and resource expansion.
<a href="https://fortune.com/2025/02/09/trump-vows-to-tap-americas-liquid-gold-oil-reserves-and-drill-baby-drill-the-only-problem-is-its-not-up-to-him/">Matthew Bernstein</a>, a senior analyst at Rystad Energy, <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/02/09/trump-vows-to-tap-americas-liquid-gold-oil-reserves-and-drill-baby-drill-the-only-problem-is-its-not-up-to-him/">told Fortune</a> magazine recently, &#8220;Industry decisions are politically agnostic. Companies are focused on corporate strategy, shareholder returns, and capital discipline.&#8221; Unless Trump&#8217;s policies improve profitability, oil executives are unlikely to change course.
The opportunity is to take some of the future volumes from the 2030s and 2040s and bring them forward,&#8221; Robert Clarke, vice president of upstream research at Wood Mackenzie, told Fortune. But he doubts the country will return to its peak growth rates of adding 1 million b/d annually.
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The Trump administration could offer tax breaks, fast-track permitting or put more federal acreage up for drilling. Clarke said competitive federal acreage could shift the landscape on where companies drill. At the same time, <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/02/09/trump-vows-to-tap-americas-liquid-gold-oil-reserves-and-drill-baby-drill-the-only-problem-is-its-not-up-to-him/">Bernstein argues</a> that this may lead companies to &#8220;cannibalize&#8221; their current investment.
<a href="https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?f=m&amp;n=pet&amp;s=f000000__3">According to the EIA,</a> in 2023, the first purchase price of American crude oil averaged $76 per barrel, compared to $27.56 in 2003. Still, even with record-high prices, producers are cautious not to overproduce the resource and subsequently lower prices. &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/01/42903410/regulatory-woes-subscriber-declines-falling-oil-prices-were-buying-buffett-bets-big-on-563m-worth-of-underdogs">Oil companies</a> face calls to produce more while also dealing with rhetoric about lowering prices,&#8221; Clarke said.
Even with policy changes, experts agree that long-term investment strategies won&#8217;t be dictated by politics alone. Bernstein said to Fortune, &#8220;Investment decisions aren&#8217;t made for the next quarter, but for the long run-10, 20, even 30 years ahead.&#8221; Clarke said accelerating future production could push the plateau in U.S. output well beyond forecasts, changing market perceptions. But he reiterated how profitability is still key to the industry.
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Trump's 'Liquid Gold' Plan: Can He Really Make America Rich Again, or Do Oil Giants Hold the Real Power?

Elon Musk is officially working for the government. But what does he actually do?
That's a mystery. His job title? &#8220;Unlisted.&#8221; His salary? Zero. His power? A lot.
Musk's Shadow Role in Washington
Musk now has a White House access badge and has been described as the head of DOGE—not the meme coin, but the Department of Government Efficiency.
President Donald Trump rebranded the US Digital Service, or USDS, as DOGE and put it under his chief of staff, Susie Wiles. He also created a loophole that lets DOGE <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/02/43579276/elon-musk-plans-reinstatement-of-doge-employee-fired-over-social-media-posts">hire people faster</a> without going through normal government hiring processes.
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But here&#8217;s the weird part: Trump never actually named Musk as the DOGE leader.
A White House document <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musks-job-title-unlisted-2025-2">seen by Business Insider</a> lists Musk's role as simply "unlisted."
So, does he run DOGE? No one really knows.
Even Congress Is Confused
Even Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) is scratching its head. <a href="https://ir.tesla.com/_flysystem/s3/sec/000162828025003063/tsla-20241231-gen.pdf">In a recent regulatory filing</a>, the company said Musk was "involved in other ventures and with the Department of Government Efficiency."
Congress is demanding answers. <a href="http://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12493">In a Jan. 27 report</a>, the Congressional Research Service said, &#8220;a USDS administrator has not yet been named.&#8221;
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) seems convinced Musk is in charge. <a href="https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/final_-_warren_letter_to_trump_administration_re_musk_ethics_and_faa_final.pdf">She addressed him as "administrator" of DOGE</a> in a formal letter. <a href="https://texasagriculture.gov/News-Events/Article/10277/COMMISSIONER-SID-MILLER-COMMENDS-PRESIDENT-TRUMP-AND-DOGE-CHAIRMAN-ELON-MUSK-FO">A Texas state official</a> even called him "DOGE Chairman" after Musk helped shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Yet, when asked, the White House won't confirm or deny anything.
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The Ethics Loophole?
Musk is technically classified as a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43452103/elon-musk-appointed-as-special-government-employee-amid-doge-department-push-cant-do-anything-without-our-approval-says-trump">&#8220;special government employee.&#8221;</a> That means he can only work 130 days a year in an official capacity.
But John Pelissero, a government ethics expert, thinks this setup is intentional.
&#8220;I think this is a strategy to create confusion,&#8221; he told Business Insider. "If you are clear that he is the administrator of DOGE, then he has to comply with various rules."
Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, believes the secrecy might be about financial disclosures.
Why? Because DOGE is now part of the White House, making it harder for Congress to investigate.
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Musk's History of Unusual Titles
This isn't Musk's first strange job title. At Tesla, he made himself &#8220;Technoking.&#8221; When he bought Twitter, he called himself &#8220;Chief Twit.&#8221;
Back in 2022, <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1586685737591709696">he even joked</a>: "No idea who the CEO is."
Now, he&#8217;s in Washington with no official title, no salary, but a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43440720/elon-musks-4b-doge-plan-may-cut-federal-spending-30-apples-spring-2025-lineup-revealed-triumph-group-to-go-private-in-3b-deal-top-headlines-while-the-us-slept">whole lot of influence.</a>
And no one seems to know exactly how much power he really has.
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