ISHARES PLC SHS ORD by IShares Plc. Stock (OTC: ISPCF)

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ISHARES PLC SHS ORD by IShares Plc.

These six mid-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>) shares jumped 47.88% as the company successfully completed its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39958682" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first five commercial satellites</a>.</li>
<li>Goosehead Insurance, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GSHD#NASDAQ">GSHD</a>) stock upped 39.86% following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39941916" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">upbeat second-quarter results</a>.</li>
<li>ViaSat, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VSAT#NASDAQ">VSAT</a>) shares escalated by 30.78%. The company announced a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39973735" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new reporting segment structure</a>.</li>
<li>Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) shares grew 29.86% after the company announced the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39966690" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advancement of VK2735 to Phase 3</a>.</li>
<li>Beam Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BEAM#NASDAQ">BEAM</a>) stock increased 23.93% after HC Wainwright initiated coverage on the stock with a Buy rating and announced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BEAM/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an $80 price target</a>.</li>
<li>Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLDX#NASDAQ">CLDX</a>) shares rose 19.72%.</li>
</ol>
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40001614/universal-health-services-lockheed-martin-were-among-top-11-large-cap-stocks-that-shined-the-brighte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universal Health Services &amp; Lockheed Martin Were Among Top 11 Large Cap Stocks That Shined The Brightest Last Week (July 21-July 27): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/07/40001668/ford-stellantis-and-dell-are-among-top-12-large-cap-losers-last-week-july-21-july-27-are-the-other" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ford, Stellantis And Dell Are Among Top 12 Large Cap Losers Last Week (July 21-July 27): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via AST SpaceMobile

Mid Cap

News

Movers

ASTS

BEAM

CLDX

GSHD

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

IOVA

PEGA

PTGX

VKTX

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ViaSat & AST SpaceMobile Are Among Top 6 Mid Cap Stocks That Shined The Brightest Last Week (July 21-July 27): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

These twelve large-cap stocks were the worst performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EW#NYSE">EW</a>) shares plummeted 28.05%  after the company reported worse-than-expected Q2 sales results and issued Q3 guidance below estimates. The company also acquired JenaValve and Endotronix. Several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39966446" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">slashed their price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Ford Motor Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) shares dived 19.12% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39943178" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following a Q2 EPS miss</a>. Several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39963727" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lowered their price target</a>.</li>
<li>STMicroelectronics (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STM#NYSE">STM</a>) shares declined 17.60% after the company reported a Q2 EPS miss <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39955407" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and issued soft Q3 guidance</a>.</li>
<li>Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TER#NASDAQ">TER</a>) stock decreased <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39944365" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">16.25% following soft Q3 guidance</a>.</li>
<li>Mobileye Global Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBLY#NASDAQ">MBLY</a>) stock fell 14.61% last week.</li>
<li>Stellantis NV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLA#NYSE">STLA</a>) stock lost 13.07% last week after the company reported worse-than-expected <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39959183" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-half earnings</a>.</li>
<li>Vertiv Holdings, LLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRT#NYSE">VRT</a>) stock fell 12.04% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39938457" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following Q2 earnings</a>.</li>
<li>Super Micro Computer Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) stock declined 11.68% amid a broader selloff in semiconductor stocks.</li>
<li>West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WST#NYSE">WST</a>) shares declined 11.37% after the company reported a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39952104" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Q2 earnings miss and cut its guidance</a>.</li>
<li>Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>) shares were down 11.26% amid a broader tech selloff.</li>
<li>United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) lost 10.96% value in the last week following Q2 earnings miss and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39903596" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cutting annual outlook</a>.</li>
<li>LKQ Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LKQ#NASDAQ">LKQ</a>) shares fell 10.89% after the company reported worse-than-expected Q2 earnings and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39961765" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lowered its annual adjusted EPS outlook</a>.</li>
</ol>
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40001614/universal-health-services-lockheed-martin-were-among-top-11-large-cap-stocks-that-shined-the-brighte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universal Health Services &amp; Lockheed Martin Were Among Top 11 Large Cap Stocks That Shined The Brightest Last Week (July 21-July 27): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Large Cap

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MBLY

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Ford, Stellantis And Dell Are Among Top 12 Large Cap Losers Last Week (July 21-July 27): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, a prominent figure in the finance world and now a vocal critic of his former boss Donald Trump, has nonetheless voiced his support for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/39020792/bitcoin-to-hit-1-million-in-next-10-to-18-months-says-crypto-analyst-were-still-so-early-i">Trump&#8217;s position</a> on Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>).
What Happened: On Sunday, Scaramucci took to X to express his approval of Republican policies that are aiding the crypto industry. Scaramucci also agreed with statements made by former President Trump regarding Bitcoin at the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville on Saturday.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Just to be clear: I am a bitcoiner and I applaud the policies decisions that the republicans are making to help the industry. I agree with every single thing that Pres Trump said related to bitcoin. Moreover, I praised him from the stage yesterday on forcing the issue and…
&mdash; Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scaramucci/status/1817366483036463470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Scaramucci praised Trump for &#8220;forcing the issue and bringing bitcoin into the center.&#8221; He expressed his hope that Bitcoin will become a bipartisan issue.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39447328/anthony-scaramucci-says-crypto-will-soar-if-this-presidential-candidate-wins-the-election-">Anthony Scaramucci Says Crypto Will Soar If This Presidential Candidate Wins The Election: &#8216;I Think We&#8217;ll See All-Time Highs For Bitcoin And Other Assets&#8217;</a>
However, Scaramucci also noted that he is not a single-issue voter and acknowledged the potential risks associated with Trump&#8217;s approach.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39997974/anthony-scaramucci-tim-scott-weigh-in-ahead-of-ex-presidents-address-at-bitcoin-2024-confe">Earlier in an interview with CNBC,</a> Scaramucci discussed how a second Trump presidency could influence the prices of top cryptocurrencies. He praised Trump&#8217;s stance, saying, &#8220;I applaud President Trump for that.&#8221;
Scaramucci elaborated on the Democratic Party&#8217;s stance and said that Trump's outreach to cryptocurrency supporters has surprised his rivals. He said, &#8220;I think President Trump&#8217;s move to court Bitcoin and towards crypto assets has shaken the Democrats at core.&#8221;
Why It Matters: Scaramucci&#8217;s endorsement of the GOP&#8217;s Bitcoin policies and his praise for Trump&#8217;s stance on the issue underscore the growing acceptance of Bitcoin in political and financial circles.
His comments also highlight the potential for Bitcoin to become a significant issue in future political debates. 
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39657200/ex-trump-staffer-shares-texts-to-prove-that-ex-presidents-campaign-settled-to-keep-discrimination-an" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ex-Trump Staffer Shares Texts To Prove That Ex-President's Campaign Settled To Keep Discrimination And Sexual Harassment Lawsuits Quiet</a></li>
</ul>
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: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

Politics

Markets

$BTC

Scaramucci: 'I Agree With Every Single Thing' Trump Has Said On Bitcoin

Vice President Kamala Harris demonstrates a preference for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39999337/survey-reveals-how-americans-feel-about-a-potential-female-president-and-what-it-means-for-kamala-ha">passively managed index funds</a>, recent financial disclosure for 2023 reveals. 
What Happened: Harris&#8217; investment style, characterized by financial experts as &#8220;boring,&#8221; suggests a lack of financial conflicts. The disclosure comes at a time when Congress is debating restrictions on the types of investments elected leaders can own. 
According to a CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/26/what-kamala-harris-financial-disclosure-reveals-about-her-investments.html">report</a>, a bill preventing members of Congress and their dependents from purchasing certain investments, such as individual stocks, was recently approved by a Senate panel.
&#8220;She&#8217;s definitely not attempting to trade on any inside type of information. For me, it was quite refreshing that it appears to be very passive,&#8221; Dustin Thackeray, a chartered financial analyst and chief investment officer at Crewe Advisors, told CNBC.
The disclosure also sheds light on Harris&#8217; financial situation. She has invested in eight different funds as part of two separate 457(b) deferred compensation plans from her time working in California, in addition to participating in certain defined benefit pension plans. 
Carolyn McClanahan, a certified financial planner who reviewed Harris&#8217; financial disclosure, said it makes her &#8220;heart sing&#8221; to see Harris choosing low-cost passive investment strategies.
"To me, she has the cleanest portfolio you'll see in a politician. She owns a bunch of index funds; there's no way &#8230; she can game the system," McClanahan told CNBC.
Harris&#8217; husband, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, has more than 30 fund investments that are primarily passively managed.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39999519/trump-vs-harris-latest-survey-indicates-positive-signs-for-this-candidate">Trump Vs. Harris: Latest Survey Indicates Positive Signs For This Candidate</a>
Financial experts suggest that the couple could streamline their portfolio by reducing the number of funds they own. The disclosure also reveals cash holdings that could total around $850,000 or more, depending on the exact balances based on the ranges given.
Harris also has a 2020 mortgage at a 2.625% rate for a personal residence valued between more than $1 million to $5 million. However, it is a 7-year adjustable-rate mortgage, which means that low rate won&#8217;t last.
Finally, Harris lists more than $8,000 in royalty income from the 2019 children&#8217;s picture book she wrote, &#8220;Superheroes are Everywhere,&#8221; as well as a smaller sum from her 2019 memoir, &#8220;The Truths We Hold.&#8221;
"The good thing about cash balances today is that they are actually making an investment return, where they hadn't for many, many years prior to higher rates," Thackeray added.
Why It Matters: Harris&#8217; financial disclosure provides a glimpse into the investment strategies of one of the nation&#8217;s top leaders and potential next president.
Her conservative approach to investment, favoring passively managed funds, aligns with the ongoing debates in Congress about the types of investments elected officials can own. 
This disclosure could potentially influence future legislation and set a precedent for other leaders in their investment decisions.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39999129/experts-weigh-in-on-harriss-fast-track-campaign-strategy-following-bidens-exit-i-think-shes-done-a-v">Experts Weigh In on Harris&#8217;s Fast-Track Campaign Strategy Following Biden&#8217;s Exit: &#8216;I Think She&#8217;s Done A Very Good Job&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
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: Shutterstock

VP Kamala Harris' Financial Disclosure Reveals 'Boring' Investment Choices — Here's What The Leading Democratic Candidate Holds

These eleven large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>QXO, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QXO#NASDAQ">QXO</a>) shares escalated 33.37% after the company announced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39880836" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a private placement financing</a>.</li>
<li>Avantor Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVTR#NYSE">AVTR</a>) stock gained 21.62% in the last week after it was announced the stock will join the S&amp;P MidCap 400. Also, it reported better-than-expected Q2 earnings.</li>
<li>Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) stock jumped 17.73% after the company reported better-than-expected&nbsp;Q2&nbsp;earnings and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39942622" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased FY 2024&nbsp;guidance</a>.</li>
<li>Manhattan Associates Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MANH#NASDAQ">MANH</a>) stock upped 17.02% after reporting better-than-expected Q2 financial results. Several analysts raised their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MANH/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecasts on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Molina Healthcare Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOH#NYSE">MOH</a>) shares increased 15.53% following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39942485" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better-than-expected&nbsp;Q2&nbsp;earnings</a>.</li>
<li>First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCNCA#NASDAQ">FCNCA</a>) shares increased 15.15% after the company reported better-than-expected earnings.</li>
<li>Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THC#NYSE">THC</a>) stock increased 13.02% after the company reported better-than-expected&nbsp;Q2&nbsp;financial results, and the company raised its FY24&nbsp;guidance&nbsp;above estimates and issued&nbsp;Q3&nbsp;guidance&nbsp;above estimates. Also, the company announced it a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39934114" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uthorized a&nbsp;$1.5 billion&nbsp;share buyback</a>.</li>
<li>CBRE Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBRE#NYSE">CBRE</a>) shares gained 12.99% in the last week after the company raised its 2024 guidance. Several analysts raised their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MANH/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecasts on </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CBRE/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MANH/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he stock</a>.</li>
<li>Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMO#NYSE">TMO</a>) stock rose 12.63% in the last week. The company raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39930516" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its annual outlook</a>.</li>
<li>Danaher Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DHR#NYSE">DHR</a>) stock gained 11.30% are trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected Q2 earnings.</li>
<li>Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) stock grew 10.72% on positive analyst <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39941283" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ratings and strong Q2 results</a>.</li>
</ol>
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/07/40001668/ford-stellantis-and-dell-are-among-top-12-large-cap-losers-last-week-july-21-july-27-are-the-other">Ford, Stellantis And Dell Are Among Top 12 Large Cap Losers Last Week (July 21-July 27): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

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Universal Health Services & Lockheed Martin Were Among Top 11 Large Cap Stocks That Shined The Brightest Last Week (July 21-July 27): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Republican presidential candidate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39999272/trump-slams-harris-for-pushing-left-wing-values-she-was-a-bum-three-weeks-ago-a-failed-vice-presiden">Donald Trump&#8217;s attack on Vice President Kamala Harris may come to haunt him, </a>said ex-White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci on Friday.
Harris&#8217; Task Cut Out: Trump can&#8217;t help himself and will continue to attack Harris, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoMn6sCwreY">said</a> Scaramucci in the latest episode of the Rest In the U.S. Politics podcast. 
&#8220;Call her dumb, call her dumb as a rock, say she&#8217;s a DEI candidate, try to get those sexist comments in there like you did Hillary Clinton and you watch how the electorate responds, he said.
Scaramucci, the founder of investment firm SkyBridge Capital, noted that Harris once secured a $2 billion settlement for the California&#8217;s mortgage fraud victims. 
&#8220;If she emerges as the Kamala Harris that was written about in July of 2013, 11 years ago, Kamala Harris is about to shock the world in terms of what her skillset is and capability,&#8221; he said.
It remains to be seen which version of Harris Americans will get — &#8220;the movie star quality, great prosecutor on the way to the Senate&#8221; or the vice president who was a little sheltered, somewhat awkward, he added.
Regarding Trump&#8217;s reaction to the vice president, Scaramucci said the ex-president does not have a narrative in his head yet and he is still forming that narrative. 
&#8220;He&#8217;s right now in the verbal sparring gym and he&#8217;s trying to figure out what punches are actually gonna land on her. He doesn&#8217;t know what punches are going to land on her yet, neither does his team,&#8221; he said.
Harris needs to redefine herself beyond her vice presidential tenure, which will be challenging but achievable, the ex-White House aide said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39957078/trump-vs-harris-new-poll-shows-close-race-but-vice-president-could-benefit-from-dramatic-shifts-amon">Trump Vs. Harris: New Poll Shows Close Race, But Vice President Could Benefit From &#8216;Dramatic Shifts&#8217; Among These Key Voter Groups</a>
Advice To Trump&#8217;s Campaign: Scaramucci said Trump&#8217;s campaign team may be better off giving advice to him in private as doing it publicly makes him very insecure. 
&#8220;If I was advising President Trump, I would say wait. I would not even talk about her,&#8221; he said. Instead, Scaramucci would suggest that the former president talk about the economy.
&#8220;I would wait because once &#8220;Harris&#8221; starts landing her punches and once she starts framing her platform, it&#8217;s going to be easier for you to figure out where the weakness is,&#8221; Scaramucci said. 
Trump is making a mistake right now and is flailing a little bit with the way he is talking about Harris, he added.
The Republicans have been targeting the vice president, but she hasn&#8217;t yet solidified the foundational platform she will run on or what she represents, Scaramucci said.
Listing her vulnerabilities, Scaramucci said she is most at risk on business issues and fracking. If she continues to call for a national ban on fracking, she will have to bid farewell to Pennsylvania, a significant fracking state, he said.
Trump has more paths to the presidency than Harris, Scaramucci said, as he has Florida, which used to be a swing state, locked up. He can afford to lose some states and still win others. Meanwhile, Harris needs to win specific states and secure the blue wall of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. If she maintains her anti-fracking stance, she won&#8217;t win Pennsylvania, Scaramucci added, suggesting that Harris should consider modifying that position.
Additionally, Scaramucci said <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39938175/vice-president-harris-snubs-bitcoin-conference-would-have-been-a-disaster-for-her-shrugs-o">Harris&#8217; decision to bail out of the Bitcoin conference was a bad move.</a> 
&#8220;I don&#8217;t think she understands how many young people own digital assets,&#8221; he said.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-invest-in-startups">How To Invest In Startups</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Media

Anthony Scaramucci Says Donald Trump's Verbal Sparring With Kamala Harris A Mistake, Adds Vice President Can 'Shock The World' In Terms Of Skillset And Capability

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/38880642/2-million-is-nothing-suze-orman-warns-dont-retire-if-you-dont-have-at-least-5-million-or-10-mill">Suze Orman</a>, the podcast host and bestselling author known for offering advice to listeners on how best to handle their money and personal lives, recently responded to a reader who was unsure whether they're obligated to support their elderly mother, who has been quite reckless with her finances. The post "Must I Support My Irresponsible Mother?" was featured on Oprah.com.&nbsp;
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>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund"> would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>
Despite working a minimum wage job and renting a modest apartment, the mother had depleted her $16,000 IRA savings. She remained secretive about her financial plans, including life insurance and a will. The reader, who has been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38140155/how-much-do-you-have-in-your-retirement-savings-man-asks-strangers-to-compare-account-balances-h">diligently saving for retirement</a>, resents the expectation to support their mother financially.
The reader writes: "I resent supporting someone who has been so careless with her money while I&#8217;ve been working for 28 years to put away a small pension. What should I do?"
Orman acknowledges the reader&#8217;s resentment but suggests that it may be misplaced. She emphasizes that the reader has chosen to prioritize their mother&#8217;s needs over their own, which ultimately does not benefit either one of them.&nbsp;
See Also: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? &#8211;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/retire-5mil-nest-egg"> How does it compare to the average?</a>
She introduced the concept of &#8220;harmony,&#8221; where one&#8217;s actions align with their inner feelings, and encourages the reader to communicate their true feelings to their mother via a letter. In this letter, the reader should clarify that they are willing to offer emotional support rather than financial assistance. She suggests that this approach may help the mother understand the impact of her actions and encourage her to take control of her financial situation.
To help with the mother's financial struggles, Orman recommends seeking help from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). This organization provides free or low-cost services to help individuals manage their finances and can offer valuable guidance to the mother.
Orman stresses the importance of the reader taking care of themselves. She warns that the mother might not change her ways, so she urges the reader to be prepared. Orman explains, &#8220;Please don&#8217;t waver; it&#8217;s critical that you take care of yourself. Withholding generosity isn&#8217;t going to be easy, but it&#8217;s the right thing to do.&#8221;
See Also: A billion-dollar investment strategy with minimums as low as $10 —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/fundrise-flagship-fund"> you can become part of the next big real estate boom today.</a>
Although you may commonly hear about parents supporting their adult children, it goes both ways.&nbsp;
A 2022 study by the <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/03/24/the-demographics-of-multigenerational-households/">Pew Research Center</a> found that 12% of parents with adult children reported living in the same household as one of their adult children. This arrangement was more common among parents aged 65 and older (19%) than younger parents (9%).
According to the <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/estimates-families-living-arrangements.html">U.S. Census Bureau</a>, about 3.5 million parents lived in their adult children&#8217;s homes in 2020, a number that has steadily increased over the past decade.
The 2023 New York Life survey indicates a significant generational shift in caregiving roles. Millennials now represent 66% of self-reported caregivers, up from 39% in 2020, while Gen Xers have decreased to 23% from 40%. This change reflects a broader trend where the Sandwich Generation, caring for children and aging relatives, is increasingly comprised of younger caregivers.
As caregiving responsibilities shift to younger generations, parents and adult children may want to discuss long-term financial strategies openly. Whether to fund retirement or help a parent in need is often an unfair choice for any child.&nbsp;
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<li>Warren Buffett flipped his neighbor's $67,000 life savings into a $50 million fortune —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/advisor-adv-warren-buffett"> How much is that worth today?</a></li>
<li>How much money will a $200,000 annuity pay out each month?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/200k-annuities-adv"> The numbers may shock you.</a></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

'Do I Have To Support My Financially Irresponsible 75-Year-Old Mother?' – Suze Orman's Take On Prioritizing Retirement Vs. Parental Aid

A surprising number of renters could afford to buy a home, according to a new Zillow Analysis.
Despite 39% of U.S. families <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/03/37916234/renting-reigns-as-mortgage-rates-soar-but-homeownership-still-holds-the-crown">renting</a> in 2022, nearly 8 million qualified as "income mortgage-ready." This means they could likely handle a mortgage payment for a typical home in their area without exceeding 30% of their income.
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While some people prefer renting, Zillow economist Orphe Divounguy suggests that many potential homeowners may simply be unaware of their financial ability to purchase a home.
"If your lease is about to end, it might be wise to determine whether you're in a position to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/38818007/dave-ramsey-says-renting-is-a-smart-financial-move-to-avoid-becoming-house-poor">buy a house</a>," Melissa Cohn, regional vice president at William Raveis Mortgage, told CNBC.
To understand your homebuying potential, Cohn recommends starting with a lender&#8217;s verbal prequalification. This initial step can determine whether gathering the necessary paperwork is worthwhile.
Before that conversation, it's crucial to clearly understand your financial picture. This includes knowing your annual income, debt levels, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
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According to Brian Nevins, a sales manager at Bay Equity, understanding your purchasing power is crucial to determining your homebuying readiness. Many potential homebuyers are unsure about their credit situation or hesitate to check it for fear of negative impacts. However, experts recommend monitoring your credit for several months before house hunting to identify any areas for improvement.
"That's changed a lot in our industry, where we do soft credit verifications upfront now, and where it's going to have no impact on somebody's credit score," Nevins said. "There's really no harm in checking."
Your credit score determines whether you qualify for a mortgage and the interest rate you'll pay. A higher credit score typically means a lower interest rate.
Building credit is important, but so is managing your debt. A high debt-to-income ratio, influenced by factors like student loans or credit card balances, can hinder your mortgage approval chances.
See Also: Gen Z and Millennial millionaires couldn't care less for stocks and bonds —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gen-z-and-millennial-millionaires-investments-adv"> Here's what they're buying instead.</a>
A high debt-to-income ratio is the primary reason mortgage applications are denied, according to Divounguy. Lenders use the ratio to assess whether you can handle an additional mortgage payment on top of your current debts.
To create a realistic homebuying budget, you must understand your debt-to-income ratio.
"Your debt-to-income ratio is simply the percentage of your monthly income dedicated to debt payments, including car loans, student loans, credit card minimums and your estimated mortgage payment," Nevins said.
Your ability to afford a home depends on several factors beyond your credit and debt. Your area&#8217;s median home price, down payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potential HOA fees all play a role. Consulting with a mortgage professional can provide valuable insights into fully understanding your financial picture and homebuying potential.
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Real Estate

Zillow Found That 8 Million Renters Would've Spent 30% Less Of their Total Income On Mortgage Payments If They Knew They Were 'Mortgage-Ready'

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/snoop-dogg">Snoop Dogg</a>&nbsp;didn't hold back his excitement and unwavering support for&nbsp;Team USA&nbsp;as the men's swimmers took the first gold medal at the <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/topic/2024-summer-olympics?_gl=1&#x2A;zw27ht&#x2A;_gcl_au&#x2A;NTUzMDcwNTg1LjE3MjEwMDQ4OTM.&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTkwMzMyNTYzNy4xNzEzMjI4Nzcw&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcyMjA4MzQ3Ni41NzguMS4xNzIyMDg2MTA0LjAuMC4w">2024 Paris&nbsp;Olympics</a>.
Snoop, who is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36502082/snoop-dogg-elevates-olympic-spirit-as-nbcs-paris-2024-correspondent-will-he-smoke-the-competitio">covering the Olympics</a> for Comcast Corp-owned (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) NBCUniversal along with NBC host Mike Tirico, vowed that his primetime coverage would include a "unique take on what's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/10/35303343/frances-medical-marijuana-trial-benefiting-over-2-5k-patients-will-continue-more-euro-cannabis-u">happening in Paris."</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Snoop Did Not Disappoint</h2>
Chosen to serve as one of the torchbearers ahead of Friday's opening ceremony, Snoop stole the show when he danced with the Olympic torch in hand.&nbsp;
Images shared by the Olympic&#8217;s official social media account showed clips of Snoop fulfilling his vow on the streets of Paris. Here, he&#8217;s seen busting a few moves, with the Olympic torch in hand, as onlookers cheer him on.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The crossover we didn't know we needed &#x1f929; &#8211; C&#39;est donc ça le multiverse &#x1f929; Suivez l'étape du jour en direct sur <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FranceTV</a> : <a href="https://t.co/TWcSUAw0vu">https://t.co/TWcSUAw0vu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SnoopDogg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SnoopDogg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBCOlympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamUSA</a> &#x1f4f8; Paris 2024 <a href="https://t.co/E3Bf5pIuCi">pic.twitter.com/E3Bf5pIuCi</a>
&mdash; Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paris2024/status/1816794486661349529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Snoop&#8217;s appearance at games, judging from the videos and response on the street — one comment said "I can&#8217;t love this enough&#8221; — has provided more joy and optimism "than anyone could have possibly imagined," <a href="https://parade.com/news/snoop-dogg-whole-vibe-dancing-2024-olympics-torch-video">wrote</a> Parade.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Snoop Cheers On US Swimmers Who Take First Gold</h2>
On Saturday, the U.S. won its first gold medal after a strong showing in the 4&#215;100 meter freestyle relay. The team, made up of Jack Alexy, Chris Guiliano, Hunter Armstrong, and Caeleb Dressel handily took the gold with a time of 3:09:28, finishing 1.07 seconds ahead of Australia which took silver. Italy won bronze.
Snoop was in the stands cheering wildly with Meghan Dressel, wife of Caeleb Dressel who anchored team USA. During the broadcast, NBC panned to Snoop Dogg screaming and throwing his fist in the air.
&#8220;One, two, three, gold, gold, gold,&#8221; Snoop yelled before high-fiving Dressel&#8217;s wife, as she held her five-month-old son August. Thankfully, the sleeping baby had sound-cancelling headphones snuggly covering his little ears.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Snoop Dogg watching Team USA win its first Gold Medal in Paris in swimming. Now, that's joy. <a href="https://t.co/sOmoKhzzNX">pic.twitter.com/sOmoKhzzNX</a>
&mdash; Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenScottStevens/status/1817289396510732385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Shutterstock</figcaption></figure>

Cannabis

Entertainment

Sports

CMCSA

Snoop Dogg Steals The Show At Paris Olympics: Dances With Torch, Cheers On US Swimmers Who Take First Gold Medal

This article was originally published on <a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/medical/are-psychedelic-dispensaries-the-next-big-business-boom">Cannabis.net </a>and appears here with permission.
We&rsquo;re right smack in the middle of a&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/im-good-with-weed-so-why-should-i-try-psychedelics">psychedelic revolution</a>, and there is serious interest in psychedelics most especially for its ability to treat several major conditions that are resistant to conventional medications. The interest is only growing, and so is the list of conditions that psychedelics may be able to treat. 
But we can&rsquo;t deny that we need to have more conversations and studies about psychedelics. We also need to discuss how it&rsquo;s going to be regulated in a retail market, especially one where&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/personal-story/cannabis-and-psychedelics">cannabis</a>&nbsp;is already legal and the marketplace is thriving.&nbsp;
<h3>Which Psychedelics Can You Buy These Days?</h3>
<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/things-you-should-know-before-trying-magic-mushrooms-for-the-first-time">Magic mushrooms</a>&nbsp;or psilocybin mushrooms, the most popular and accessible of all psychedelics, are already quite accessible in much of North America. Psilocybin mushrooms can be purchased raw or dried. They are also widely consumed in processed form: made into chocolates, capsules, and tea.&nbsp;
Other common psychedelics include LSD or acid, ketamine, MDMA, and peyote. Some are more challenging to access than others. That said, how do we decide who gets to sell them and where? Several cannabis dispensaries and head shops are also selling psychedelics though we have to keep in mind that the legalization and laws differ for these two classes of drugs. They can also easily be purchased online or in the black market.
The ideal scenario would be to have specialized psychedelic medicine dispensaries where individuals can obtain their hallucinogenic medication of choice. Consumers and patients will also need to have doctors on board who can get them prescriptions in the first place. And before that&hellip;
Following In The Footsteps Of Cannabis&hellip;.
Much like how cannabis legalization spread throughout North America, resulting in the growth of thousands of dispensaries and massive weed businesses and conglomerates alongside it, a few things need to happen first.
Of course, psychedelics must be decriminalized and legalized. There have already been some cities/counties and states that have paved the way for decriminalizing psychedelics.&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/here-come-the-psychedelics-denver-decriminalizes-magic-mushrooms">Denver</a>&nbsp;became the very first city in the United States to do so back in 2019, followed by Colorado. Meanwhile, Oregon made strides as the first state to ever legalize psilocybin in 2020. Given the&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/psychedelic-acceptance-increasing-among-college-age-adults-says-new-survey">popularity</a>&nbsp;of these substances today, we&rsquo;ll likely see an even greater demand to legalize these drugs in the near future &ndash; which will be critical for spreading public acceptance and thus,&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/find/dispensary">dispensary</a>&nbsp;establishment.
While we already do have several solid studies from investigators in the United States as well as in other parts of the globe,&nbsp; we still need much more ongoing research especially on the impact of psychedelics on depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. Additionally, we need a better understanding of psychedelics and what it can do for our physical health too. And just like cannabis, the subject of dosage will require a more thorough understanding and significantly more research.
<h3>The Role Of Government And Public Policy</h3>
As of late, most policy reforms have been too focused on expanding legal access as well as research. However, we also need to work on very specific policy changes so that we can mitigate negative events such as backlash in case the market is exposed to several major negative occurrences related to psychedelics.
That&rsquo;s why we must also have guidance and support from the business community so that the economy will benefit from the legalization of psychedelics as well as the growth of dispensaries.
According to RAND, a major think tank that has been influential in the field of government policy, it will be critical to have the support of the federal government. RAND published a report last year entitled,<a href="https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA2825-1.html">&nbsp;How To Regulate Psychedelics</a>, and it&rsquo;s one of the first and biggest research papers ever written to delve deeper into how a retail psychedelic market would look like.
&ldquo;The federal government currently has multiple options when it comes to the supply of psychedelics, but it does not have unlimited time,&rdquo; says the report. &ldquo;Now is the time for US federal policymakers to decide whether they want psilocybin and other psychedelic substances to follow in the footsteps of the for-profit cannabis model,&rdquo; the report reads. 
The report also points out that people consume psychedelics and cannabis in different ways. For this reason, we shouldn&rsquo;t be comparing the decriminalization of cannabis to that of psychedelics. One of the ways the two differ in consumption is that people don&rsquo;t consume psychedelics nearly as often as cannabis; whereas many people can smoke weed daily, consumers are infrequent at best when it comes to psychedelics.
&ldquo;A major takeaway from our analyses is the extent to which infrequent users drive the market for psychedelics,&rdquo; wrote the authors. &ldquo;For cannabis, it is negligible: Those who reported using five or fewer days in the past month account for about 5 percent of the total use days in the past month. For psychedelics, that figure is closer to 60 percent.&rdquo;
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
We can only hope that government officials aren&rsquo;t going to put out the fires of psychedelics. It&rsquo;s an extremely exciting field medically and scientifically because the world needs new options for treating&nbsp;<a href="https://cannabis.net/blog/medical/can-psychedelics-help-alcoholics-quit-booze-new-studies-just-released-on-psilocybin-and-alcohol">different diseases which psychedelics</a>&nbsp;have been shown to be successful in treating.
We should also remember that psychedelics is not a one-size-fits-all solution; while they do work very well for some people, some have had little benefit. This is why it&rsquo;s important to reinstate the importance of clinical trials that require several rounds of treatment. That, along with new laws that will help regulate psychedelics while improving access and decreasing costs, are all sorely needed by the general public right now.
At the very least, even if psychedelics and cannabis are extremely different, we can at least start by regulating psychedelics the way we do cannabis. Baby steps &ndash; but we&rsquo;re getting there.
This article is from an external unpaid contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#39;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.
Photo: Unsplash

Psychedelics

General

Are Psychedelic Dispensaries The Next Big Business Boom?

By <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/todd-harrison" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Todd Harrison</a> via <a href="https://substack.com/@toddharrison" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cannabis Confidential</a> (July 27)
History was made Thursday when <a href="https://karate.com/en/how-to-watch">Karate Combat 48</a> arrived in Nashville, Tennessee.
I had never been to an MMA event—or to Nashville, for that matter—but as a fight and music fan, I was eager to check those boxes off my bucket list.
I reached out to a buddy from high school who now lives in Florida to see if he would like to meet me there, which was exactly what happened late Wednesday; and after a few hours of acclimating to the Music City, Paul and I were ready for fight night.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84df4667-e529-4e01-9b0c-07f238bd83b8_942x942.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84df4667-e529-4e01-9b0c-07f238bd83b8_942x942.jpeg" alt="IMG_7859.JPG" title="IMG_7859.JPG" /></a></figure>
Why this fight, and what sorta history, you ask? Our portfolio company Horticulture, which owns the <a href="https://tempters.us/">Cure Brand and Tempters</a>, was one of the top sponsors of the event, which was the first THC sponsorship of a professional sports league, the first time THC was sold at a Tennessee arena, and the first time that cannabis and crypto—the other top sponsors—have <a href="https://karate.com/news/horticulture-co-and-karate-combat-announce-strategic-beverage-partnership">combined forces</a>.
I'm not a crypto guy, but I've been watching the industry evolve as an emerging asset class. In fact, I remember sitting on a MarketWatch panel over ten years ago talking about the potential for Bitcoin as I dug into the cannabis space. I felt better about the latter, <a href="https://toddharrison.substack.com/p/brokedown-palace-e28">given my experiences</a>; we know what happened next.
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3988c52c-7be3-435e-a783-650c8ae39b88_1179x1819.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3988c52c-7be3-435e-a783-650c8ae39b88_1179x1819.jpeg" alt="IMG_7858.jpg" title="IMG_7858.jpg" /></a></figure>
The irony of these streams again crossing ten years later wasn't lost on me. We talk about the opportunity cost of the canna trade and there is no better example than crypto—and their community was out in force at the Nashville conference.
Security was tight. The Secret Service surveilled the area and TSA-on-steroids patted us down as we entered the arena. They were thorough too, (hypothetically) finding a (hypothetical) Big Dog in one pocket, a (hypothetical) Sunburn vape in another…
…which made it more surreal when, after entering the arena, we were encouraged to consume as many Tempter's THC-infused drinks as we could swallow.
I eschewed booze for canna drinks a year ago but this was different—it was in public and in a red state, no less. As I absorbed the dichotomy, Paul pulled at me and said, "hey, you wanna do this," so I did, not knowing what this was, which is when I met Hailey, better known as the "Hoch Tuah Girl," for reasons I'll let you <a href="https://www.thecut.com/article/hawk-tuah-girl-viral-tiktok-video-explained.html">research yourself.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7602a3f5-953e-4eb2-8842-3b8b9b560b1b_1920x1803.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7602a3f5-953e-4eb2-8842-3b8b9b560b1b_1920x1803.jpeg" alt="IMG_7865.jpg" title="IMG_7865.jpg" /></a></figure>
Hoch Tuah Hailey Welch
We made our way to the pit, where I felt a bit like Luke Skywalker must have felt the first time he walked into the Cantina. I was fascinated by the personalities that surrounded me, many of them young and happy, all of them seemingly wealthy.
I chatted up <a href="https://twitter.com/chooserich">a friendly fella named Nick</a> who told me who the players that were seated around us were, from Brock Pierce in an orange fedora to Charlie Lee…
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F13efb1dd-8cc6-4f7d-b876-50aaf19bf68e_1216x2579.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F13efb1dd-8cc6-4f7d-b876-50aaf19bf68e_1216x2579.jpeg" alt="IMG_7897.jpg" title="IMG_7897.jpg" /></a></figure>
…to this guy, who reminded my old ass of Daft Punk and that guy wearing a $500K diamond necklace, which I was told would be auctioned over the weekend.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F551a0977-448e-4bdc-9644-82271a4c5150_1440x1920.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F551a0977-448e-4bdc-9644-82271a4c5150_1440x1920.jpeg" alt="IMG_7941.jpg" title="IMG_7941.jpg" /></a></figure>
A bedazzled Johnny Dang
It was sensory overload, but I did pick up a few themes. For starters, I didn't hear one person mention hemp-based cannabinoid drinks. I did, however, hear everyone rave how much they loved the cannabis drinks—almost as if it were the same plant (it is).
We've talked about the <a href="https://toddharrison.substack.com/p/the-battle-of-botanical-cousins">Hemp Wars</a>, and how interesting a case study it will be: one industry has ground through every impediment imaginable to reach $40B annual revs and the other slipped through a Farm Bill loophole and grew to the same size—with some states retrofitting regulations as others banning intoxicating hemp altogether.
All the while, cannabis remains a Schedule I narcotic, deemed worse than fentanyl.
The Tennessee crowd didn't seem to care either way, with the (hypothetical) exception of law enforcement, which demonstrates how <s>f&#x2A;cked up</s> incongruent this construct is.
<a href="https://toddharrison.substack.com/p/feds-release-marijuana-documents">The U.S. government already told us</a> that cannabis is healthier for us than alcohol—is it too much to ask to have Tempters and our (hypothetical) Big Dogs too?
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b40dd89-8bf1-4c66-b924-af5ab1c96686_1920x1440.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8b40dd89-8bf1-4c66-b924-af5ab1c96686_1920x1440.jpeg" alt="IMG_7878.jpg" title="IMG_7878.jpg" /></a></figure>
UFC legends Ben Askren and Kenny Florian
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3f19b432-be86-44c1-9d86-48d5a6dc899d_1179x1647.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3f19b432-be86-44c1-9d86-48d5a6dc899d_1179x1647.jpeg" alt="IMG_7922.jpg" title="IMG_7922.jpg" /></a></figure>
16X MMA Grand Slam Champion (and nice person) Cris Cyborg
The reason for the Secret Service was revealed when RFK Jr. arrived. I'm pretty sure he would agree that canna is part of the societal solution but I didn't get a chance to ask.

<iframe loading="lazy" width="414" height="736" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5U4XPP8zYs8" title="" 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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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Cannabis Confidential 5" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KUR9VsqiCec?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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I don't have the sea legs I used to so by the time the fights ended at 11:30 (12:30 ET), I was gassed—but Tempter's was hosting the after-party and we couldn't be rude.
"We'll show face, shake hands and then get some sleep," I said to Paul, who also had an early flight, as we made our way to Broadway after a pit-stop for pizza.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc5322fe-2e4b-412c-b96a-427701632ad3_1920x1440.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc5322fe-2e4b-412c-b96a-427701632ad3_1920x1440.jpeg" alt="IMG_7955.jpg" title="IMG_7955.jpg" /></a></figure>
If I'm being honest, I doubt I woulda been at The Valentine if I were still drinking—but I dropped booze, thanks largely to Tempter's (true story). Still, it was good to step out of my comfort zone and connect with stakeholders and influencers outside my orbit.
Tempter's newest brand ambassador Ne-Yo was there, hydrating himself before he hits the road for <a href="https://www.stubhub.com/ne-yo-tickets/performer/145495?PCID=PSUSADWHOMNEYOHEAD80C81C8&amp;MetroRegionID=&amp;psc=&amp;psc=&amp;ps=&amp;ps_p=0&amp;ps_c=21117453570&amp;ps_ag=166992205384&amp;ps_tg=kwd-297070566184&amp;ps_ad=704087177172&amp;ps_adp=&amp;ps_adp=&amp;ps_fi=&amp;ps_fi=&amp;ps_li=&amp;ps_li=&amp;ps_lp=9004570&amp;ps_n=g&amp;ps_d=c&amp;ps_ex=&amp;pscpag=&amp;gcid=C12289X486&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid-search&amp;utm_sub_medium=prospecting&amp;utm_term=nb&amp;utm_campaign=21117453570%3Adefault&amp;utm_content=default&amp;keyword=166992205384_kwd-297070566184_c&amp;creative=704087177172&amp;utm_kxconfid=s2rshsbmv&amp;kwt=nb&amp;mt=e&amp;kw=neyo+tour&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwtZK1BhDuARIsAAy2VztQ1BlniZGvcKW77Zv6xdAMqBMMpyZxr0DRThUlWblVfIHK9lilnPAaAsAfEALw_wcB">his latest tour…</a>
<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="Cannabis Confidential 3" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l3KfezDLar4?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>
</div>
</figure>
As was Young Buck, not to be confused with old money.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F643e972c-db3c-47e2-9467-14ae6414f001_1440x1920.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F643e972c-db3c-47e2-9467-14ae6414f001_1440x1920.jpeg" alt="IMG_7958.jpg" title="IMG_7958.jpg" /></a></figure>
Young Buck
"These drinks aren't replacing cannabis," I said, more than once, "they replace alcohol—at 5 calories a can—and is an introduction to cannabinoids that opens the door to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with the plant."
But don't take my (our) word for it, <a href="https://tempters.us/">find out for yourself</a>. "TODD24" will slice 25% off your first purchase and "TODD" is good for 20% after that, which is the same discount that I get, and the getting is good ($4/can when ordering a case).
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc206630a-9540-4569-8ee7-052dae5f1744_1100x1031.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc206630a-9540-4569-8ee7-052dae5f1744_1100x1031.jpeg" alt="(19) Editing Canna, Crypto &amp; Karate Combat - Substack.jpeg" title="(19) Editing Canna, Crypto &amp; Karate Combat - Substack.jpeg" /></a></figure>
We're gonna have a busy stretch <a href="https://toddharrison.substack.com/p/jump-ball">through the election</a> w a <a href="https://toddharrison.substack.com/p/tall-task">shit-ton of uncertainties</a> along the way but one thing seems abundantly clear: as our democracy dithers, canna consumption continues to manifest as the political elders age out and now, even the cool kids are paying attention.
Have a safe journey and please <a href="https://joelpollack.com/">enjoy responsibly</a>.
If you'd like to help Mission [Green] change federal cannabis policies, please <a href="https://www.projectmissiongreen.org/donate">click here.</a>
CB1 has positions in / advises some of the companies mentioned and nothing contained herein should be considered advice.
This article is from an external unpaid contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#8217;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@drew_hays?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Drew Hays</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/people-walking-beside-whiskey-beer-saloon-building-at-daytime-WbbVwVPD2ZM?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>

Cannabis, Crypto And Karate Combat: Nashville Hits The Trifecta

Well-known entrepreneur and TV personality <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/07/39928069/kevin-oleary-sees-no-end-to-soaring-home-prices-its-a-new-america">Kevin O'Leary</a> recently spoke on Fox News about taxing the rich in response to a caller stating, "I just want an America where I have the chance to pay less in taxes than people like Kevin O&#8217;Leary." O'Leary expressed concerns about the political rhetoric that targets successful entrepreneurs and the potential repercussions of consequential policies on the American economy.&nbsp;
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O'Leary stated that he doesn't want to talk about an exclusive club of wealthy people – that's not what this is about. Instead, he says thinking about America as an entrepreneurial economy would be better. "We reward entrepreneurship," he said. "We reward men and women that take risks to start businesses in their basement and create hundreds of thousands and millions of jobs."
He mentioned that other successful entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk should not be penalized for their achievements. "Do you want to punish them for their success? Is that what America has become? Let&#8217;s punish our entrepreneurs? No! They pay their fair share and percentage of taxes. They abide by the tax laws. And they create jobs."
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Diving further into entrepreneurs&#8217; unique challenges, O'Leary explained that many don't draw salaries and instead reinvest their earnings into growing their businesses. "We don&#8217;t make any money because we&#8217;re taking it all and putting it into companies and starting to grow them. And we get capital gains. Now, if you don&#8217;t like capital gains tax, you want to increase it and become very uncompetitive. Entrepreneurs will take their money somewhere else. And foreign investors will also go somewhere else."
Many others do not share O&#8217;Leary&#8217;s sentiments, particularly those not part of the billionaire class. Oxfam America, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting inequality and injustice, firmly believes that billionaires don't pay their fair share in taxes. On their website, Oxfam cited studies that revealed the wealthiest 400 billionaire families in the U.S. paid an average federal individual tax rate of 8.2%, while the average American taxpayer paid 13% in 2021.&nbsp;
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"That's not paying your fair share," Oxfam wrote. "Instead of rewarding wealth over work, our tax system should ensure that billionaires play by the same set of rules as the rest of us. It's good for the planet, and it's essential to the preservation of our democracy."
It's not just the lower class and "poorer" citizens that want increased taxes for the wealthy, though. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39657043/bill-gates-wants-to-pay-more-in-taxes-ive-been-disproportionately-rewarded-while-many-others-who">Bill Gates</a> has even advocated for higher taxes on the rich, including himself.&nbsp;
The disparity about the fairness of the U.S. tax system may likely never be settled. Advocates for higher <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39738421/were-high-income-americans-really-paying-91-income-tax-in-the-1950s">taxes on the rich</a> argue that a more progressive tax system is essential for bridging the gap between the rich and the poor and providing better support for health care and education. On the other hand, O'Leary argues that excessive taxation could stifle innovation and entrepreneurship, which are crucial to the American economy.&nbsp;
As policymakers navigate these complex issues, it&#8217;s important to consider the potential impacts on all segments of society, from entrepreneurs and investors to everyday workers and taxpayers.
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"Bashing The Rich Is Not What America's About," Kevin O'Leary Says of Increasing Taxes For The Wealthy

Former President Donald Trump advocated for a strategic national crypto stockpile at a recent Bitcoin Conference. He assured that if he were to return to the presidency, the U.S. government <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39565763/as-trump-prepares-for-comeback-latest-pew-poll-reveals-which-presidential-candidate-rest-of-world-pr">would retain its Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) holdings.</a>
What Happened: Trump made the proposal during his keynote speech at the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville on Saturday.
The former president&#8217;s remarks come in the midst of the 2024 presidential race, where the campaign for America&#8217;s frontline fintech adopters is gaining traction. 
Trump&#8217;s proposal to retain the U.S. government&#8217;s current Bitcoin holdings appears less radical compared to other proposals presented at the conference, as <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/27/trump-bitcoin-conference-harris.html">per</a> CNBC.
"For too long our government has violated the cardinal rule that every Bitcoiner knows by heart: Never sell your Bitcoin," Trump said at the conference during his keynote speech.
"This afternoon I'm laying out my plan to ensure that the United States will be the crypto capital of the planet and the Bitcoin superpower of the world and we'll get it done," he added.
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During the crypto event, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a third-party candidate, pledged to establish a reserve of 4 million Bitcoin, starting with the U.S. government&#8217;s current Bitcoin holdings from criminal seizures. 
Meanwhile, Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wy.), proposed to accumulate an official U.S. federal reserve of 1 million Bitcoin over five years.
Trump criticized President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris administration&#8217;s approach to cryptocurrency and Bitcoin, stating, &#8220;The Biden-Harris administration&#8217;s repression of crypto and Bitcoin is wrong and it&#8217;s very bad for our country.&#8221;
He also pledged to form a &#8220;Bitcoin and crypto presidential advisory council&#8221; and vowed to dismantle what he termed the &#8220;anti-crypto crusade&#8221; of Biden and Harris.
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s stance on Bitcoin has seen a significant shift since his tenure in the White House, where he dismissed Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
His recent endorsement for the digital currency aligns with the Republican Party&#8217;s pledge to remove the Biden-Harris administration&#8217;s regulatory hurdles, turning crypto regulation into a pivotal voting issue for the upcoming November elections.
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This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

Trump Aims To Make US 'Crypto Capital Of The Planet': 'We'll Get It Done'

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and the union representing its retail workers in Towson, Maryland, have reached a preliminary labor agreement. This marks the first time <a href="http://Apple's Market Share Drops In China, A18 Chip Integration To Bring AI Features To iPhone 16 And More: This Week In Appleverse">the tech giant</a> has entered into such a deal in the United States.
What Happened: As reported by <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/27/business/apple-union-labor-agreement/index.html">CNN</a>, the preliminary labor agreement was finalized late Friday. This is a first not only for an Apple store but also for any of the company&#8217;s U.S. workers.
The retail employees at the Towson Apple store became members of the International Association of Machinists union in June 2022 and have been negotiating their first contract since then. In May, they authorized a strike without setting a deadline.
The labor agreement, still pending ratification by a vote of the 85 rank-and-file members at the store, is a significant breakthrough. Other high-profile union organizing efforts, including those at Starbucks and Amazon, have not yet resulted in deals for their workers.
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The Machinists union disclosed that the Apple store agreement includes scheduling enhancements for improved work-life balance and a 10% pay increase over the three-year contract. It also offers job protections like severance packages for laid-off workers and limits on contract employees.
Apple, which operates around 270 stores in the United States, has only one other store in Oklahoma City that has voted to unionize, joining a different union, the Communications Workers of America. However, this store is not included in the current tentative labor agreement.
An Apple spokesperson refrained from commenting on the tentative agreement, referring to a previous statement where the company expressed its deep appreciation for its team members and pride in offering them industry-leading compensation and exceptional benefits.
Why It Matters: This preliminary labor agreement is a significant milestone for Apple and its US retail workers. It sets a precedent for future labor negotiations and could potentially influence other tech companies to follow suit. The deal also highlights the increasing power and influence of unions in the tech industry, a sector that has traditionally been resistant to unionization. The outcome of the ratification vote by the Apple store workers will be keenly watched by industry observers.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Tech

AAPL

Apple Makes History With First US Union Labor Agreement

Celebrity opulence knows no bounds, as evidenced by the sky-high price tags of their homes.
From sprawling French châteaus to modern Malibu mansions, a recent study by The Perfect Rug ranked the most expensive celebrity houses based on the house cost and property size.
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The home of tech mogul Bill Gates, the wealthiest person on the list with a net worth of about $130 billion, ranks as the third-most expensive house. The billionaire investor and philanthropist also is the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/07/39797332/bill-gates-owns-275-000-acres-of-u-s-farmland-his-answer-to-why-hes-buying-so-much-of-it-might-surpr"> largest private farmland owner</a> in the United States, holding 275,000 acres across the country.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's $225 million house in Correns, France, tops the list. The couple, with a combined net worth of $400 million, purchased the 35-room house on 1,200 acres in 2008.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Celebrity</td>
<td>Place</td>
<td>House cost</td>
<td>House size</td>
<td>Property size</td>
<td>Net worth</td>
<td>Year</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brad Pitt/ Angelina Jolie</td>
<td>Correns, France</td>
<td>$225M</td>
<td>35 rooms</td>
<td>1,200 acres</td>
<td>$400M</td>
<td>2008</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Beyonce/Jay-Z</td>
<td>Malibu, California</td>
<td>$190M</td>
<td>40,000 sf</td>
<td>8 acres</td>
<td>$600M/$2.5B</td>
<td>2003</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bill Gates</td>
<td>Medina, Washington</td>
<td>$130M</td>
<td>66,000 sf</td>
<td>10.5 acres</td>
<td>$129.8B</td>
<td>1988-2009</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oprah Winfrey</td>
<td>Montecito, California</td>
<td>$101M</td>
<td>23,000 sf</td>
<td>66 acres</td>
<td>$3B</td>
<td>2001</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Lucas</td>
<td>Marin County, California</td>
<td>$100M</td>
<td>317,000 sf</td>
<td>4,700 acres</td>
<td>$5.3B</td>
<td>1978</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Clooney</td>
<td>Lake Como, Italy</td>
<td>$100M</td>
<td>7,354 sf</td>
<td>&nbsp;&#8211;</td>
<td>$500M</td>
<td>2002</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cher</td>
<td>Malibu, California</td>
<td>$85M</td>
<td>12,450 sf</td>
<td>1.73 acres</td>
<td>$360M</td>
<td>2022</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Weeknd</td>
<td>Bel Air, Los Angeles</td>
<td>$70M</td>
<td>33,000 sf</td>
<td>1.6 acres</td>
<td>$300M</td>
<td>2021</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tom Cruise</td>
<td>Telluride, Colorado</td>
<td>$59M</td>
<td>10,000 sf</td>
<td>320 acres</td>
<td>$600M</td>
<td>1990s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adele</td>
<td>Beverly Hills, California</td>
<td>$58M</td>
<td>21,000 sf</td>
<td>&nbsp;&#8211;</td>
<td>$220M</td>
<td>2022</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Source: The Perfect Bug
Trending: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/marcus-millichap-backed-platform-makes-it-easy-to-invest-in-real-estate"> this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/23/09/34693531/oprah-winfrey-made-a-62-million-profit-on-high-profile-investment-and-you-dont-need-to-be-a-billiona">Oprah Winfrey's</a> Montecito, California, home comes in fourth at $101 million. Purchased in 2001, the 23,000-square-foot property sits on 66 acres. Montecito is a popular locale for luxury real estate, as evidenced by its multiple appearances on the list.
George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch holds the fifth position and the title of the largest property. Initially purchased in 1978, the ranch has expanded to 317,000 square feet on 4,700 acres – more than four times the size of Gates's estate.
George Clooney's Italian Lake Como mansion is sixth in price, sharing the $100 million price tag with Skywalker Ranch. Bought in 2002, the property, featured in "Ocean's Twelve," is a fraction of Clooney's $500 million net worth.
Tom Cruise's Colorado ranch claims ninth place at $59 million. One of the few non-California entries, the ranch spans 320 acres.
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<li>This billion-dollar fund has invested in the next big real estate boom,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/fundrise-flagship-fund"> here's how you can join for $10.</a></li>
</ul>

From Bill Gates To Oprah Winfrey: The Most Lavish Celebrity Homes Revealed

The United States is favored to win the most medals — and gold medals — at <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/topic/2024-summer-olympics">the 2024 Summer Olympics</a>.
And the U.S. men's basketball team could bring home one of those gold medals.
What Happened: The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/07/39678086/bronny-james-to-win-nba-rookie-of-the-year-summer-league-debut-not-scaring-away-bettors-he">balance of international players</a> in the National Basketball Association in recent years could be a key topic at the Olympic Games, which take place from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/07/39989579/6-stocks-going-for-gold-during-2024-summer-olympics-biggest-event-in-company-history">July 26 through Aug. 11</a>.
Back in 1992, only nine NBA players were featured on teams the U.S. Men's Basketball team played against. 
At the 2024 Olympics, the figure <a href="https://x.com/HoHighlights/status/1815743319529464011">jumps </a>to 61.
Team USA has one of its best-ever basketball teams for the Olympics. Observers are drawing comparisons to the 1992 Olympic gold medal-winning squad known as the "Dream Team."
The 2024 team is led by LeBron James, competing in his fourth Olympics, and Steph Curry, who will compete in his first Olympics.
The 1992 Olympics team was led by Michael Jordan and featured many all-time greats of the NBA of the 1990s. The team went undefeated during the Olympics, winning games by an average of 44 points. The Dream Team's closest game was a 32-point victory over Croatia in the gold medal game.
Team USA has won 16 gold medals, one silver medal and two bronze medals at the Summer Olympics, including four straight gold medals.
But in recent years, Team USA has struggled on the international stage, including no medals won at the 2019 and 2023 FIBA World Cups. The recent performance led to more NBA stars, including Curry, willing to play in this year's Olympics.
Team USA won its tune-up games before the Olympics started, but done so with lower point margins than many fans and sportsbooks predicted.
This includes USA beating South Sudan by only one point, a team it was favored to beat by 41.5 points. USA also beat Germany by only four points in a game it was favored by 15.5 points in.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/07/39940590/scottie-scheffler-gold-medalist-golfer-looks-to-turn-2024-pga-tour-success-into-a-2024-oly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scottie Scheffler, Gold Medalist? Golfer Looks To Turn 2024 PGA Tour Success Into A 2024 Olympic Medal</a>
Olympic Schedule: Team USA is part of Group C at the 2024 Summer Olympics and will play three games in the group stage against the other group teams, who are Serbia, Puerto Rico and South Sudan.
Below is the current <a href="https://www.usab.com/teams/5x5-mens-olympics/schedules">schedule </a>for Team USA and which Comcast Corp-owned (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) channel the games will air (all games will stream on Peacock as well):
<ul>
<li>July 28: vs. Serbia 11:15 a.m. ET on NBC</li>
<li>July 31: vs. South Sudan 3 p.m. ET on USA</li>
<li>Aug. 3: vs. Puerto Rico 11:15 a.m. ET on NBC</li>
</ul>
Team USA will continue advancing if they finish in first or second in the group stage. The top two third-place teams from the group stage will also advance to the quarterfinals.
The gold medal game will be played on Aug. 10 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Betting Odds: Team USA is the heavy betting favorite to take home the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, but the tournament features many teams with NBA players.
Canada's roster includes 10 NBA players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. France features several NBA players including reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama. Serbia also features Nikola Jokic, who has won three of the last four NBA MVP awards.
Here are the current favorites to win the gold medal in Men's Basketball, as reported by sportsbook DraftKings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DKNG#NASDAQ">DKNG</a>):
<ul>
<li>USA: -500</li>
<li>Canada: +1,100</li>
<li>France: +1,200</li>
<li>Serbia: +1,600</li>
<li>Greece: +2,000</li>
<li>Germany: +3,000</li>
</ul>
A $100 bet on Team USA to win gold would pay out a profit of $20 if they are champions during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Team USA has odds of -1,800 to win Group C and odds of -3,500 to win a medal.
Bettors can also bet on which player on Team USA will have the most points, rebounds and assists in the tournament and several other prop markets. LeBron and Curry are the co-favorites at +300 to lead USA in points.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/07/39973454/do-summer-olympics-and-gold-medals-matter-to-the-stock-market-the-results-may-surprise-you">Do Summer Olympics (And Gold Medals) Matter To The Stock Market? The Results May Surprise You</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Sports Betting

DKNG

USA Men's Basketball Team Heavily Favored In 2024 Summer Olympics: Can LeBron James, Steph Curry And Team Live Up To Dream Team Comparisons?

In a recent <a href="https://youtu.be/36cvblilqe8?si=XWKt14BKCVhrpx40&amp;t=2081">interview</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/fintech-awards/anthony-scaramucci?">Anthony Scaramucci</a>, founder of SkyBridge Capital and former White House Communications Director, shared his thoughts on the chaotic state of American politics and its impact on the financial markets. Known for his candid insights, Scaramucci didn&#8217;t hold back in his assessment.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Markets Thrive on Chaos</h2>
Scaramucci kicked off by highlighting an unexpected market sentiment. &#8220;The markets like sh&#x2A;t shows,&#8221; he said bluntly. He explained that financial markets actually thrive on chaos and split governments, appreciating the inertia that often comes with such scenarios. &#8220;I think the FED has generally done a good job. The markets absorb the pain of 2022 and the rate hikes,&#8221; he added.
He argued that the Federal Reserve (FED) is still the primary driver of market dynamics: &#8220;Ultimately, this is still a Fed-driven market.&#8221; He also suggested that regardless of who wins the next election, the markets anticipate FED rate cuts by the end of the year.
Trending: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/marcus-millichap-backed-platform-makes-it-easy-to-invest-in-real-estate"> this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Biden Better For Business</h2>
Scaramucci also stated, &#8220;If you look at who&#8217;s better for capitalism and who&#8217;s better for the economy, it&#8217;s actually Joe Biden.&#8221; &#8220;But Trump has a perception because of The Apprentice and pro-business and this sort of thing that he would be better,&#8221; explained Scaramucci, who turned from a Trump supporter and associate in the past couple of years to a harsh and blunt critic.
Scaramucci also revealed Trump&#8217;s greatest fears and dislikes among politicians. &#8220;The number one Democrat that Trump was most scared of was Joe Biden,&#8221; he said, referencing Trump&#8217;s attempts to undermine Biden through his supposed dealings with Zelenskyy.
As for personal dislikes, Trump's animosity toward John McCain was unparalleled, according to Scaramucci. He recounted his failed attempt to get Trump to visit the ailing McCain, noting, &#8220;Trump was maniacal with the hatred of John McCain. A war hero, a veteran, a patriot – all the things that Trump is incapable of.&#8221;
See Also: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund"> would you invest in it</a>?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Comments On Kamala Harris And Cryptocurrency</h2>
With President Joe Biden stepping out of the race, Scaramucci talked about what the Democrats might do next in another recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/mFTI1NtBlBg">podcast</a>. He mentioned that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/07/39901896/anthony-scaramucci-says-kamala-harris-will-have-historic-win-against-trump-if-the-vice-president-doe">party likes to focus on identity politics</a> and emphasized the importance of having Kamala Harris, the first African American woman vice president, on the ticket.&nbsp;
According to him, if Harris secures the nomination and presents herself with the same competence and confidence as Condoleezza Rice, she will win the election. &#8220;If Harris shows up like she has over the last three and a half years, she&#8217;s going to get trounced,&#8221; he explained. &#8220;But if she shows her true capability, unguarded and unintimidated, she will achieve a historic win,&#8221; he added.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">.<a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> is capable and has a great team. I like where we're going and look forward to seeing her policies on crypto. <a href="https://t.co/b2GSsvK9Pc">https://t.co/b2GSsvK9Pc</a>
&mdash; Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scaramucci/status/1816266850650435659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Trending: Can you guess which type of investments Morgan Stanley says will reach $2.7 trillion by 2027?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/percent"> It even offers up to 20% APY potential to accredited investors up to $300 back in bonus for new users.</a>
In a recent post on X, he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39948413/trump-era-white-house-official-anthony-scaramucci-says-kamala-harris-is-capable-and-has-a-">praised Harris and her team</a>, particularly looking forward to her policies on cryptocurrency. &#8220;Kamala Harris is capable and has a great team. I like where we&#8217;re going and look forward to seeing her policies on crypto,&#8221; he stated.
He&#8217;s confident that Harris&#8217;s administration <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39948413/trump-era-white-house-official-anthony-scaramucci-says-kamala-harris-is-capable-and-has-a-">would handle cryptocurrency regulations effectively</a>. &#8220;We have to give her some time to get her policies. I think it will be a dramatic new generation reset for the Democrats,&#8221; Scaramucci said.
Anthony Scaramucci&#8217;s thoughts give us a lively view of how politics can affect the economy. It&#8217;s important to see the whole picture, though. Both Biden and Trump bring different strengths and perceptions to the table. While Scaramucci argues that Joe Biden might be better for the economy, citing his policies, he acknowledges that Trump has a strong pro-business image that resonates with many. The mix of political leadership, market behavior, and regulations shapes our economic future. Understanding these factors helps us better handle the ups and downs of the financial markets.
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Startups

The Markets Like Sh*T Show, Split Governments And Inertia, Says Anthony Scaramucci – 'This Is Still A Fed Driven Market'

The Saver&#8217;s Match, created by the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, is poised to transform retirement savings for low-income workers, and could bring a whole new audience <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39874181/irs-finalizes-10-year-rule-for-retirement-withdrawals-making-things-even-more-insanely-complicat">to financial advisors. </a>Set to launch in 2027, this program will convert the existing Saver&#8217;s Credit into a federal government match, offering up to $1,000 at a rate of 50 cents per dollar contributed.
According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, at least 21.9 million workers will qualify for the Saver&#8217;s Match. However, industry experts are scrambling to ensure its effective implementation by the 2027 deadline.
Kim Olson from the Pew Charitable Trusts is leading efforts to assist the Treasury and IRS in launching the program, according to <a href="https://www.planadviser.com/scramble-make-savers-match-work/">planadviser</a>. Key focus areas include simplicity, efficiency, and awareness. Pew has convened working groups to address program publicity, eligibility identification, and fund distribution coordination.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39992214/russell-2000-notches-third-week-of-gains-strongest-streak-since-august-2022-small-c">Russell 2000 Notches Third Week Of Gains, Strongest Streak Since August 2022: Small Caps Serve &#8216;As Economic Barometer,&#8217; Analyst Says</a>
Emerson Sprick of the Bipartisan Policy Center highlights the Saver&#8217;s Match as a significant improvement over the current Saver&#8217;s Credit, which faces issues such as low federal income tax liability among its target group and lack of awareness.
One major challenge is the &#8220;plumbing&#8221; with recordkeepers. Spencer Williams of the Retirement Clearinghouse suggests that the existing Portability Services Network could be adapted to support the Saver&#8217;s Match, providing a system for participant identification, account matching, and fund transfers.
Implementation hurdles include coordinating with state retirement programs, many of which use post-tax Roth accounts that currently can&#8217;t receive government funds. Solutions may involve creating separate pre-tax accounts for eligible participants.
Experts stress the importance of a robust public awareness campaign to ensure eligible workers know about and utilize the program. They hope the IRS will prominently feature the Saver&#8217;s Match during tax filing season.
Despite the challenges, the Saver&#8217;s Match represents a significant investment in low-to-moderate income workers&#8217; retirement savings. Its successful implementation could potentially reduce future reliance on other social assistance programs, making it a crucial development for both beneficiaries and the U.S. retirement system as a whole &#8211; and could create a new clientele for financial advisors.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Financial Advisors

Education

Government To Match Retirement Savings For Millions Of Workers, Opening New Opportunities For Financial Advisors

The German government kept the cryptocurrency market on tenterhooks with its sale of state-owned Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) in recent weeks. The process culminated earlier this month, with nearly 50,000 BTC, worth $2.89 billion, dumped in the open market.
One of the most vocal critics of the entire exercise has been Joana Cotar, a member of the German Bundestag. In an interview with Benzinga, she explained the grounds for her disapproval and why this was a "monumental missed opportunity."&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8220;A Concerning Signal About Germany&#8217;s Readiness For 21st-Century Digital Economy&#8221;</h2>
The German lawmaker warned that selling the Bitcoin could cost the country billions in future value, which might have been realized by holding it as a long-term strategic asset. "This action sends a concerning signal about Germany&#8217;s readiness to adapt to the realities of the 21st-century digital economy," she argued.
The Eastern German state of Saxony carried out the liquidation. In a blog post, authorities <a href="https://www.medienservice.sachsen.de/medien/news/1077662">cited </a>a legal obligation to liquidate the seized assets if there is a threat of significant price loss.&nbsp;
Cotar criticized this explanation as "flawed" arguing it demonstrates a critical misunderstanding of Bitcoin&#8217;s nature. She proposed changing the law to allow government institutions to hold Bitcoin for extended periods, supported by secure storage guidelines and periodic review mechanisms
Like other maximalists in the space, the German politician expressed optimism about Bitcoin's inflation hedge potential due to its fixed supply. Additionally, she praised its decentralized nature, which could provide immunity against geopolitical risks and manipulation by big players.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is There Merit In Adopting Bitcoin As A Legal Tender In Germany?</h2>
When Benzinga questioned her about the possibility of Bitcoin becoming a legal tender in a large economy like Germany, the lawmaker said the idea was &#8220;worth exploring.&#8221;&nbsp;
"Germany could consider creating a regulatory sandbox for Bitcoin businesses, similar to Switzerland&#8217;s &#8220;Crypto Valley&#8221; in Zug, to foster innovation while managing risks," Cotar suggested.&nbsp;
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39359780/dogecoin-shiba-inu-floki-are-dino-coins-says-trader-he-likes-these-3-other-meme-coins-as-b?itm_source=parsely-api"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39936042/peter-thiel-founders-fund-lead-11m-investment-in-pudgy-penguins-parent-company-excited-to-">Peter Thiel, Founders Fund Lead $11M Investment In Pudgy Penguins Parent Company: &#8216;Excited to Drive the Consumer Crypto Revolution Forward&#8217;</a>
Other incremental steps advocated by her were offering tax incentives for clean energy-powered Bitcoin mining and integrating Bitcoin education into financial literacy programs.&nbsp;
"The mid to long-term goal should be to fully integrate Bitcoin into our economy and government operations."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Praise For Pro-Bitcoin President Nayib Bukele</h2>
The Bundestag member also had words of praise for Nayib Bukele's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38781429/el-salvador-is-making-it-easy-for-everyone-to-know-how-much-bitcoin-the-country-holds-laun">pro-Bitcoin measures for El Salvador</a>. She praised initiatives such as Bitcoin bonds and the proposed Bitcoin City and stated that Germany may benefit from some of these laws, suited to its economic circumstances.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8220;IMF&#8217;s Opposition To Cryptocurrencies Is Short-Sighted&#8221;</h2>
But even as voices around the world build support for cryptocurrencies, major financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund continue to push against their widespread adoption. The IMF has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/02/31036666/imf-calls-for-coordinated-action-to-address-risks-posed-by-crypto-assets">warned</a> that adopting cryptocurrencies could undermine the effectiveness of monetary policy, circumvent capital flows, and lead to money laundering.
Cotar dismissed this opposition as "short-sighted." She said that the IMF has failed to understand the real potential of these technologies in addressing issues that it itself wants to solve, such as financial inclusion. She criticized the IMF's support for Central Bank Digital Currencies, seen as a major rival to cryptocurrency technology at this moment.
The pro-cryptocurrency legislator added that the first country from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development group to embrace Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset will likely gain a significant first-mover advantage.
"The country could experience an influx of tech talent and innovation, potentially becoming a hub for Bitcoin startups," she opined. "I believe holding Bitcoin as a strategic reserve could provide leverage by reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar."
Joana Cotar was a member of the far-right party, Alternative für Deutschland (Alternative for Germany), until 2022. She is currently an&nbsp;independent&nbsp;member of the Bundestag.
The office of the Saxon State Chancellery&nbsp;is yet to respond to Benzinga&#8217;s request for comment on the matter.
These insights set the stage for deeper discussions at the upcoming Benzinga <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/digital-assets/agenda/">Future of Digital Assets</a> event on Nov. 19.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39948413/trump-era-white-house-official-anthony-scaramucci-says-kamala-harris-is-capable-and-has-a-">Trump-Era White House Official Anthony Scaramucci Says Kamala Harris Is Capable And Has A Great Team: &#8216;Look Forward To Seeing Her Policies On Crypto&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image Credit: Team Joana Cotar

Exclusives

German Lawmaker Joana Cotar Calls 50K Bitcoin Sale By Her Nation A 'Monumental Missed Opportunity,' Says Holding King Crypto As 'Strategic Reserve' Could Reduce US Dollar Dependence

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