First Trust Low Duration Opportunities ETF (NASDAQ: LMBS)

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Under normal market conditions, the Fund will seek to achieve its investment objectives by investing at least 60 percent of its net assets (including investment borrowings) (the 60 percent Requirement) in mortgage-related debt securities and other mortgage-related instruments (collectively, Mortgage-Related Investments). The Fund normally expects to invest in Mortgage-Related Investments tied to residential and commercial mortgages. Mortgage-Related Investments consist of: (1) residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS); (2) commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS); (3) stripped mortgage-backed securities (SMBS), which are mortgage-backed securities where mortgage payments are divided up between paying the loans principal and paying the loans interest; and (4) collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) where they are divided into multiple classes with each class being entitled to a different share of the principal and/or interest payments received from the pool of underlying assets. Mortgage-Related Investments typically represent an interest in a pool of mortgage loans made by banks and other financial institutions. The individual mortgage loans are packaged or pooled together for sale to investors. As the underlying mortgage loans are paid off, investors receive principal and interest payments. Mortgage-Related Investments may be fixed-rate or adjustable-rate Mortgage-Related Investments (ARMS).

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A New Bond ETF To Manage Duration Risk

A recent poll reveals that Americans&#8217; readiness for a female <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39874401/betting-markets-favor-kamala-harris-as-top-democratic-presidential-contender">president has seen a significant drop. </a>
What Happened: The Times/SAY24 poll was carried out in the wake of President Joe Biden&#8216;s withdrawal from the race and aimed to measure the electorate&#8217;s stance on &#8220;gender bias&#8221; and Vice President Kamala Harris&#8216;s chances in the upcoming November elections.
<a href="https://d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/Times_SAY24_20240723.pdf">Poll</a> results have show a 9-point drop in support for a female president since 2015. While 49% of the respondents see Trump and Harris as equally competent for the presidency, the concept of a female president seems to be met with hesitation.
The readiness for a female president fell to 54% from the 63% noted in a 2015 Economist/YouGov poll. This drop raises questions about potential gender bias as Harris aims to become the second woman to secure a major party&#8217;s presidential nomination.
Among Democrats, 77% believe the country is ready for a female president, but 37% suspect their fellow Americans would not vote for a woman over a man, even if equally qualified. This apprehension could be the reason why 35% of Democrats believe that Harris should choose a male running mate.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39761289/trumps-niece-accuses-him-of-lying-about-involvement-in-controversial-project-2025-my-uncle-likes-to">Trump&#8217;s Niece Accuses Him Of Lying About Involvement In Controversial Project 2025: &#8216;My Uncle Likes To Call America a &#8216;Stupid Country.&#8217; But We&#8217;re Not Nearly As Stupid As He Hopes We Are &#8230;&#8217;</a>
The poll, which was conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday, surveyed 1,170 registered U.S. voters and had a margin of error of 3 percent.
Why It Matters: The decline in support for a female president is a significant development in the current political landscape. It suggests a potential gender bias that could impact the upcoming elections, particularly for Harris, who is vying for the presidential nomination.
The poll results also indicate a divide within the Democratic party, with a portion of the party suggesting that Harris should choose a male running mate. 
This development could have critical implications for the party&#8217;s strategy in the upcoming elections. The poll&#8217;s findings underscore the importance of addressing gender bias in politics and the need for ongoing dialogue and education on this issue.
As the country prepares for the November elections, these results could play a pivotal role in shaping the political discourse and strategies of the candidates.
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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

News

Politics

Survey Reveals How Americans Feel About A Potential Female President —  And What It Means For Kamala Harris

Former President <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump</a> intensified his criticism of Vice President <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kamala-harris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kamala Harris</a> on Friday in a speech at the Turning Point USA Believers' Summit in West Palm Beach, Florida, calling her a &#8220;bum&#8221; and accusing her of pushing left-wing values on the nation.
Trump portrayed Harris as excessively liberal on issues like immigration and abortion during a speech to religious conservatives, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/26/trump-turning-point-speech-vance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> The Washington Post.
&#8220;She was a bum three weeks ago,&#8221; Trump said. &#8220;She was a bum, a failed vice president.&#8221;
Trump and other Republicans have frequently targeted Harris on immigration, labeling her as President Joe Biden&#8216;s &#8220;border czar.&#8221; Though Biden tasked Harris with negotiating with three Central American countries to tackle the root causes of migration, he never appointed her to oversee overall border policy.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39992709/kamala-harris-will-certify-2024-election-results-shes-not-going-to-burn-the-system-down-in-order" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kamala Harris Will Certify 2024 Election Results: &#8216;She&#8217;s Not Going To Burn The System Down In Order To Save It&#8217;</a>
Earlier Friday, in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump called Harris a &#8220;radical left person&#8221; who &#8220;destroyed San Francisco,&#8221; The Washington Post added.
In his remarks at the summit, Trump made an effort to position Harris as further to the left than Biden, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/26/us/politics/trump-harris-turning-point-action.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> The New York Times. He claimed that Harris would appoint &#8220;hard-core Marxists&#8221; to a broadened Supreme Court, aiming to &#8220;to shred our Constitution and all of our religious liberty.&#8221;
Trump also targeted her stance on abortion rights, a contentious issue for Republicans since the Supreme Court&#8217;s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Trump additionally accused Harris of betraying Israel by not condemning &#8220;anti-Israel&#8221; protests. As he reaffirmed his support for Israel and its military actions in Gaza, Trump alleged that Harris, despite her Jewish husband, &#8220;doesn&#8217;t like Jewish people&#8221; or &#8220;Israel.&#8221;
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Media

General

Trump Slams Harris For Pushing Left-Wing Values: 'She Was A Bum Three Weeks Ago ... A Failed Vice President'

Walkable cities are more than a great place to spend a summer night. They&#8217;re also practical, connecting communities and making it easy for residents to get what they need without taking public transport or getting in a car. They also promote health and improve sustainability.
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New York City is the epitome of a walkable city. But with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/07/39646579/buyers-market-is-emerging-as-homes-sell-below-list-price-for-first-time-since-pandemic">median home list</a> price of $1.65 million, it&#8217;s out of reach for most Americans. That&#8217;s true of most walkable cities. Cambridge, MA, known for its walkability, has an average list price of $1.4 million, while West Hollywood has walking-friendly streets but comes with comparable home prices.&nbsp;
Before giving up your big-city dreams, consider this: There are cities or neighborhoods with a high walkability score and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/38991104/home-prices-in-opportunity-zones-are-a-mixed-bag-but-follow-national-trends">home prices below the national average</a>. These areas of the country can make homeownership, connecting with the community, and creating an eco-friendly lifestyle easier.
When details from Local Logic, a data clearinghouse for neighborhood analytics, combined with property listing data from Realtor.com, areas with median list prices under $445,000 or at less than $233 per square foot showed that there are still great places to live – that are easier to afford, not all are cities, but that makes it better for everyone to find the right fit.&nbsp;
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
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>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Here&#8217;s an overview of the top 10, organized from the lowest median listing price:
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>City</td>
<td>Population</td>
<td>Median List Price</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hamtramck, MI</td>
<td>27,842</td>
<td>$162,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Baltimore, MD</td>
<td>570,000</td>
<td>$224,900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hartford, CT</td>
<td>120,682</td>
<td>$249,900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gretna, LA</td>
<td>17,640</td>
<td>$284,900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Philadelphia, PA</td>
<td>1.6 million</td>
<td>$289,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mount Vernon, NY</td>
<td>72,000</td>
<td>$329,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wilmington, DE</td>
<td>71,568</td>
<td>$329,900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Berwyn, IL</td>
<td>57,000</td>
<td>$350,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wauwatosa, WI</td>
<td>47,919</td>
<td>$392,450</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>East Orange, NJ</td>
<td>68,000</td>
<td>$421,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Let&#8217;s focus on the cheapest three:
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hamtramck, MI</h2>
Hamtramck, MI, has it all if you love a small-town vibe within a big city. It is one of two small municipalities that form an island within Detroit. Hamtramck is five miles north of downtown Detroit. The walkable community includes predominantly Middle Eastern, family-oriented neighborhoods, with many branches of a family living within walking distance of each other.&nbsp;
With an abundance of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern shops and restaurants, it&#8217;s easy to eat well and access a variety of cultural influences. While Detroit doesn&#8217;t have the best reputation, you don&#8217;t usually see abandoned homes in Hamtramck.
See Also: Will the surge continue or decline on real estate prices?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/realbricks"> People are finding out about risk-free real estate investing that lets you cash out whenever you want.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Baltimore, MD</h2>
Baltimore is known for historic districts like Fells Point, waterfront walkways in the Inner Harbor, and Pigtown, home of the Orioles&#8217; Camden Yards. The city also has multiple green spaces and parks that encourage residents to get outside.&nbsp;
Baltimore has surprisingly low home prices for a bigger city and is within easy transportation distance of Washington, DC. Baltimore&#8217;s wide diversity of neighborhoods means there&#8217;s a huge variation in home prices. However, with some research, your dollars can go farther here than in most other East Coast cities.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hartford, CT</h2>
Hartford is the state capital and an affordable, walkable city filled with parks, shops, and a great restaurant scene. It boasts historic districts and attractions, plus a dense core ensures most amenities are within walking distance. It&#8217;s also a reasonable drive into NYC, Boston, or other major East Coast cities, making it a base for hybrid or remote workers.&nbsp;
Ready to buy? With mortgage rates hitting their lowest since February, learn how to secure a mortgage today!
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Real Estate

Walkable Cities: How Desperate Americans Are Turning The Cheapest Neighborhoods Into Gentrified Havens

Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39873381/trump-vp-pick-j-d-vance-worth-watching-for-potential-google-breakup-market-strategist-says-not-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JD Vance</a> sought on Friday to clarify his 2021 remark about &#8220;childless cat ladies,&#8221; asserting that he was not targeting individuals without children but rather was criticizing Democrats <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39997182/former-white-house-official-anthony-scaramucci-mocks-jd-vance-says-thank-you-for-knocking-me-out-of" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for their &#8220;anti-family and anti-kid&#8221; policies.</a>
This clarification, given on Megyn Kelly&#8217;s SiriusXM <a href="https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/jd-vance-megyn-kelly-show?intcmp=AssetGroup:Any_NA_www:hosts:megyn-kelly_RepublicanVPPickJDVa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">podcast</a>, follows the viral reappearance of a video where Vance questioned some Democrats, including Vice President <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>, for not having biological children, despite Harris having two stepchildren, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/26/vance-cat-lady-defense-00171439">reported</a> Politico.
The Kamala HQ account <a href="https://x.com/KamalaHQ/status/1816527148926050742">wrote on X</a> on Thursday, &#8220;JD Vance says women who haven&#8217;t given birth are &#8216;childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives&#8217; and shouldn&#8217;t be in politics because they &#8216;don&#8217;t have a direct stake&#8217; in America.&#8221;
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Vance defended himself, stating, &#8220;Obviously it was a sarcastic comment. People are focusing so much on the sarcasm and not on the substance of what I actually said &#8230; and the substance of what I said, Megyn, I&#8217;m sorry, it is true.&#8221;
Kamala HQ slammed Vance again Saturday in a <a href="https://x.com/KamalaHQ/status/1817199305725280529">post</a> on X, writing, &#8220;JD Vance says women should stay in violent marriages "for the sake of their kids.&#8221;
Vance, who is a parent of three, also aimed to reposition himself as a supporter of families, framing his earlier comments as a critique of Democrats for adopting positions that he believes undermine family interests.
He specifically criticized Harris for opposing the child tax credit after her campaign accused Vance of backing higher taxes for Americans without children.
This led some Republicans, including Vance, to argue that Democrats are against benefiting parents through the tax code. However, Harris and other Democrats have supported legislation aimed at expanding the child tax credit.
Harris campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika, in a statement to Politico, highlighted ongoing criticism of Vance&#8217;s comments on social media. She accused him of &#8220;insulting couples struggling with infertility, demeaning women&#8217;s choices and freedoms, and reminding voters of his and Donald Trump&#8216;s anti-IVF Project 2025 agenda.&#8221;
Vance described the country&#8217;s record-low birth rate, which he attributed to parents feeling uncomfortable bringing new life into the world as a &#8220;catastrophic problem.&#8221; He then criticized Democrats, accusing them of addressing this issue by suggesting that American children be replaced with immigrants, Politico added.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Equities

Vance On 'Childless Cat Ladies': 'People Are Focusing So Much On The Sarcasm And Not On The Substance'

Instagram spinoff Threads is experiencing a surge in active users and web traffic <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/05/38848822/meta-introduces-independent-fact-checking-program-for-threads">one year after its inception</a>.
What Happened: According <a href="https://www.similarweb.com/blog/insights/social-media-news/threads-anniversary/">to</a> a Similarweb report, Meta Platforms Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) Threads, which debuted on July 5, 2023, has seen a substantial increase in user engagement.
Monthly active users of the Mark Zuckerberg-led company&#8217;s app grew by 15.8% in the U.S. and 6.3% in the U.K. from August 2023 through May 2024. In June 2024, traffic to Threads.net saw an increase of approximately 9% compared to its launch month of July 2023.
Originally, the website was intended to promote the app, with the functional version allowing users to post content introduced in late August. But since then, web traffic has seen a surge of over 175%, as per the report.
Despite the growth, Threads still lags behind X, which boasts about nine times as many monthly active users in the U.S. However, X&#8217;s user base has been on a decline, down 8.9% YoY in the U.S. and 17.7% YoY in the U.K.
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Threads was introduced as a text-based social network alternative to X by the Instagram team at Meta. It was designed to attract mobile app users who were dissatisfied with X&#8217;s management under Elon Musk&#8216;s ownership.
Why It Matters: The growth of Threads comes at a time when many users are seeking alternatives to traditional social media platforms. Threads&#8217; user-friendly interface and unique features have been key to its success. 
The decline in X&#8217;s user base indicates a shift in user preference, which Threads has capitalized on. 
The steady increase in user engagement and web traffic suggests that Threads is gaining traction and could potentially challenge established social media platforms in the future.
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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.
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Social Media

Tech

Don't Look Now, But Zuckerberg's Threads Is Picking Up Steam

Dave Ramsey, the personal finance expert, is known for his hard-hitting and blunt financial advice. This time, his advice is geared around some important early childhood education topics. Here are the seven things that Ramsey feels every child should hear.&nbsp;
While Ramsey may be an expert in handling money, he's also pretty qualified regarding children because he has his own children, albeit they're all grown up now. Ramsey and his wife, Sharon, have three adult children: Denise, Rachel, and Daniel. Rachel Cruze is also a finance expert and often joins her father on the Ramsey Show. At the same time, Daniel works alongside his father as president of Ramsey Solutions. Hence, it's pretty fair to say that Ramsey and his wife have raised successful children, and Ramsey&#8217;s advice regarding early childhood education is valuable.&nbsp;
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In a written post shared on the social media platform <a href="https://x.com/DaveRamsey/status/1737923621719273913">X</a>, Ramsey listed seven things that he believes all children need to hear, and the first thing is "I love you." The second thing you should say to your children is, "I support you," and thirdly, "I am listening." U.S. News reported that a psychology professor at the Stanford University Graduate School of Education, Geoffrey Cohen, believes that positive affirmations can do wonders for children's learning ability, among other things.&nbsp;
For Cohen, positive affirmations like Ramsey's fourth point, "I believe in you," are more than empty praise. Instead, Cohen explained, "It&#8217;s not me as a parent telling my kids you are so smart, you are so wonderful," and added, "Instead me as a parent molding the situation in ways that my kids can exemplify who they are and feel value." U.S. News also reported that Omar Gudiño, a clinical child psychologist, feels that affirmations from parents and teachers "bolster a student&#8217;s sense of self-confidence."&nbsp;
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The fifth thing that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39890114/54-year-old-with-2-5-million-nest-egg-says-his-wife-doesnt-feel-its-enough-to-retire-dave-ramsey">Ramsey</a> believes children need to hear is something more finance-related and right up his wheelhouse. He wrote, "Debt is dumb, cash is king, and the paid-off home mortgage has replaced the BMW as the status symbol of choice." This is an important one for Ramsey, who has long advocated for teaching your children about responsibly handling money. When it comes to handling money, Ramsey believes that money should not be a taboo subject and that children should not be sheltered from financial matters.&nbsp;
In a blog post shared with Ramsey Solutions, he cited a 2017 T. Rowe Price survey that found that 69% of parents are reluctant to talk about money to their children. For Ramsey, the solution for this is to start slow and be honest. This is something that many parents struggle with, especially when faced with questions from their kids about paying for college. During an episode of the Ramsey Show, Ramsey received a call from a man asking whether he is required to pay for his kid's college education.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38412735/dave-ramsey-against-401k-for-education-your-retirement-savings-come-first-even-before-funding-co">Ramsey had told him</a>, "I don't believe it's a requirement that all parents pay for college for their kids." He added, "You don't have a moral responsibility to pay for your kids' college education. However, you have a moral responsibility to highlight the importance of knowledge." In addition to being honest about money with their children, Ramsey encourages parents to set family goals, let their children sit in on the family meetings, and contribute to the budget within reason.&nbsp;
Ramsey believes that all children need to hear the following from parents, teachers, and other leading figures: "I am here for you" and "You matter."&nbsp;
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Personal Finance

Dave Ramsey Extols The Virtues Of Early Childhood Education, Saying Every Child Should Know 'Debt Is Dumb, Cash Is King'

Last week, President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, initiating one of the shortest campaigns in modern history. With just three months before Election Day, Harris faces a tight timeline to build her <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">policy platform and connect with voters. </a>
To understand how Harris can navigate this condensed campaign, Politico recently <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/07/26/kamala-harris-campaign-manager-roundtable-00171138">spoke</a> with seasoned campaign managers Patti Solis Doyle (Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign), Robby Mook (Clinton's 2016 campaign), and Stuart Stevens (Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign).
The experts discussed how Harris should define herself against Donald Trump, attack rather than defend against his potential racist and sexist remarks, and chart a path to 270 electoral votes. They also considered potential vice-presidential picks, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro frequently mentioned.
Doyle praised Harris's swift and effective campaign start, highlighting her strong rollout and early achievements.
&#8220;The last 72 hours have been unbelievable in terms of rollout. She locked up the nomination. Within 36 hours, she got the delegates. She got the endorsements from Congress. She got the money. And her first events have been through the roof,&#8221; Doyle said. 
&#8220;I think she's doing it. I think she is being forceful in her prosecution of Trump. I think she's offering a hopeful view of the future. I think she's doing the politics right,&#8221; she added. 
Mook emphasized the importance of leveraging the internet and social media to reach undecided voters, noting the internet as a &#8220;safe space&#8221; for Harris supporters.
&#8220;There's a paradox here. This is a really short campaign, and that is great, because she is rested. She is ready to go. I think time is often your enemy on these, particularly as a quasi-incumbent. But on the other hand, time is short, so the imperative is to lock in, first of all, who is she? And second of all, what is her vision?&#8221; Mook told the outlet.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39872154/trump-vs-biden-latest-round-of-polls-all-seem-to-suggest-grim-news-for-this-candidate">Trump Vs. Biden: Latest Rounds Of Polls All Seem To Suggest Grim News For This Candidate</a>
&#8220;I think she's done a very good job rolling that out right out of the gate. But there's a question about calcifying that and pushing it deep. And we know that these — they used to be called double-haters but I think they're just persuadable-again or either-way voters — we know that they have the least information about her and they get their news disproportionately from social media,&#8221; he added. 
Stevens suggested that Harris should attack Trump on his record, particularly on immigration.
&#8220;I think I would challenge the premise of the question that she didn't run a good campaign because she didn't win. Because most people&nbsp;don't&nbsp;win. And she did end up on the ticket, which is the next best thing you can do. She won a very tough race for attorney general. She's vice president of the United States, and now she's the Democratic nominee for president. So how far would she have gone if she was a good politician?,&#8221; Stevens said. 
&#8220;I've always felt that when President Biden was still in this, that there had to be two things that needed to be accomplished that were critical to winning. One was that the Democratic candidate needed to represent the future. And it's clear that the Harris campaign understands that,&#8221; he added. 
Harris must address voters&#8217; economic concerns while promoting her vision for the future. The experts agreed she should focus on change and hope, contrasting herself with Trump's divisive rhetoric. 
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Experts Weigh In on Harris's Fast-Track Campaign Strategy Following Biden's Exit: 'I Think She's Done A Very Good Job'

Benzinga examined the prospects for <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas">many investors&#8217; favorite stocks</a> over the last week. Here&#8217;s a look at some of our top stories.
The S&amp;P 500 decreased by 0.8% and the Nasdaq dropped by 2.1%, with both indexes experiencing consecutive weekly losses for the first time since April. In contrast, the Dow saw a 0.8% increase, achieving its fourth straight positive week — a milestone not reached since May.
Small-cap stocks continued to perform well, with the Russell 2000 Index achieving its third consecutive week of gains, fueled by optimism over potential interest rate cuts. 
On the economic front, the U.S. economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.8% in the second quarter, surpassing the expected 2% growth, while a key inflation measure watched by the Federal Reserve fell to 2.5% in June, the lowest since February 2021, reinforcing expectations <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/07/39993819/tech-stocks-slide-on-earnings-us-economy-flexes-muscles-small-cap-rally-continues-this-week-in-the-">for a rate cut in September</a>.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#8217;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bulls</h3>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/07/39891426/amc-entertainment-stock-halted-movie-theater-chain-announces-restructuring-of-debt-load-ada">&#8220;AMC Entertainment Stock Halted: Movie Theater Chain Announces Restructuring of Debt Load,&#8221;</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/adam-eckert">Adam Eckert</a>, details AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMC#NYSE">AMC</a>) plans to restructure its debt, moving U.S. theaters into a different unit and issuing new secured term loans, while CEO Adam Aron anticipates recovery and growth, addressing recent box office challenges.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39955624/is-dogecoin-really-moving-according-to-plan-prominent-analyst-claims-i-havent-sold-one-sin">&#8220;Is Dogecoin Really Moving &#8216;According To Plan?&#8217; Prominent Analyst Claims: &#8216;I Haven&#8217;t Sold One Single DOGE, I&#8217;ve Just Been Buying,'&#8221;</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/khyathi-dalal">Khyathi Dalal</a>, reports that crypto analyst Ali Martinez asserts Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) is following a historical pattern, suggesting a potential 44% rise, as he continues to buy DOGE without selling.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/exclusives/24/07/39886192/exclusive-tesla-an-elon-musk-and-a-technology-story-first-ev-story-last-market-strategist-explains-w">&#8220;EXCLUSIVE: Tesla &#8216;An Elon Musk And A Technology Story First, EV Story Last&#8217; — Market Strategist Explains Why To Buy The Stock,&#8221;</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>, details how market strategist Jay Woods believes Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) is driven more by Elon Musk&#8216;s technological innovations than its EV business, and why investors should consider buying Tesla stock.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39891082/southwest-airlines-saved-by-procrastination-how-32-year-old-software-protected-company-from-microsof">Southwest Airlines Saved By Procrastination: How 32-Year-Old Software Protected Company From Microsoft Outage, CrowdStrike Issues</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39939788/buy-the-dip-market-expert-says-recent-pullback-part-of-healthy-bull-market-a-little-tiny-ounce-o">Buy The Dip? Market Expert Says Recent Pullback Part Of Healthy Bull Market: &#8216;A Little Tiny Ounce Of Volatility, It Feels So Foreign&#8217;</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39899280/microsoft-stock-has-further-room-to-run-says-analyst-as-software-giant-remains-on-t">Microsoft Stock Has Further Room To Run, Says Analyst, As Software Giant Remains On Track To Hit $200B Cloud Revenue In 2 Years</a>
The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39925881/alphabet-investors-fret-over-margin-impact-of-higher-ai-related-capex-but-fund-mana">&#8220;Alphabet Investors Fret Over Margin Impact Of Higher AI-related Capex, But Fund Manager Says Not Spending Enough Exposes Google&#8217;s Parent To Risk Of &#8216;Losing Their Grip On The Future,'&#8221;</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shanthi-rexaline">Shanthi Rexaline</a>, discusses concerns over Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) increased AI-related capital expenditures impacting margins, while fund manager Gene Munster argues that not investing sufficiently in AI could jeopardize the company&#8217;s future competitive edge.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39926076/mark-zuckerberg-slams-tim-cooks-apple-after-cupertino-reportedly-rejected-its-iphone-ai-partnership">&#8220;Mark Zuckerberg Slams Tim Cook&#8217;s Apple After Cupertino Reportedly Rejected Its iPhone AI Partnership Proposal: &#8216;They Wanted To Put Us In A Box…,'&#8221;</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola">Ananya Gairola</a>, reports that Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticized Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) for rejecting Meta&#8217;s AI partnership proposal, claiming Apple wanted to limit Meta&#8217;s competitive influence.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39947663/peter-schiff-says-americans-are-broke-points-to-fords-dismal-q2-profit-they-cant-afford-to-buy-n">Peter Schiff Says &#8216;Americans Are Broke&#8217; — Points To Ford&#8217;s Dismal Q2 Profit: &#8216;They Can&#8217;t Afford To Buy New Cars&#8217; Due To Interest Rates</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39898236/jeff-bezos-era-downstream-impact-losing-its-mojo-amazon-ceo-andy-jassy-is-reportedly-rethinking-">Jeff Bezos-Era &#8216;Downstream Impact&#8217; Losing Its Mojo? Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Is Reportedly Rethinking Alexa Devices Business Model Resulting In Billions Worth Of Losses</a>
<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">Vice President Harris Snubs Bitcoin Conference: &#8216;Would Have Been A Disaster For Her,&#8217; Shrugs Organizer</a>
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following<a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga"> Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga"> on Twitter</a>.
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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

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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, AMC, Meta And Crypto Analyst Predicts Dogecoin Will Follow Historical Pattern

Electric-vehicle makers&#8217; shares pulled back this week amid the broader market weakness, with market leader Tesla, Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39926440/tesla-stock-is-plunging-over-7-in-wednesdays-pre-market-after-q2-earnings-whats-going-on">earnings not offering any respite</a>.
Here&#8217;s a rundown on what happened in the EV space during the week:
Tesla Posts Mixed Results: Kicking off the EV reporting season this week, Tesla had a mixed tale to tell. Second-quarter revenue exceeded expectations but earnings per share trailed estimates. Fund Manager Gary Black blamed the earnings per share miss on restructuring charges related to job cuts. Investors also fretted over a surge in regulatory credits and management commentary regarding a notable drop in volume this year.
CEO Elon Musk tried to rev up sentiment by pointing to the promise that robotics holds for the company and raving over Tesla&#8217;s full self-driving software. He also said the eagerly awaited robotaxi event has been shifted to Oct. 10. Investors did not buy into the potential of the energy storage business, which doubled during the quarter. The stock, which had been rebounding nicely ahead of the quarterly results, reversed course and ended with a weekly drop of more than 8%.
Rivian&#8217;s Scaringe Talks Up New R2 Platform: In a podcast, Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) CEO R.J. Scaringe said Tesla&#8217;s Model Y and Model 3 EVs, though excellent, have saturated the market, leaving buyers craving variety. &#8220;If you want to spend less than $50,000 for an EV, I'd say there's a very, very small number of great products,&#8221; Scaringe <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/decoder-with-nilay-patel/id1011668648?i=1000662961702">told</a> the Decoder podcast in December.
While many EV companies have tried to replicate the success Tesla has had with the Model Y EVs, they have not focused on giving diverse choices. Scaringe also clarified that Rivian&#8217;s R2 platform-based will not be a Model Y copycat.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-electric-vehicle-stocks">Best EV Stocks</a>
GM To Go Slow On EVs: On its earnings call this week, General Motors Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) said it was slowing plans for EVs by delaying a second EV truck plant in Michigan by six months and delaying the first Buick brand EV. The delay until mid-2025 suggests GM may not hit its 2025 production target of one million EVs. CEO Mary Barra said the company is looking to grow &#8220;responsibly and profitably.&#8221; EVs accounted for just 3.2% of GM&#8217;s total second-quarter U.S. sales.
Xiaomi Quick With EV Ramp-Up: Xiaomi Corporation (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XIACY#OTC">XIACY</a>) Chairman and CEO Lei Jun said in a Weibo post that the smartphone maker is on track to meet its annual delivery target of 100,000 EV units for 2024 two months ahead of schedule, CnEVPost <a href="https://cnevpost.com/2024/07/26/xiaomi-completes-capacity-ramp-up-100000-target-nov/">reported</a>. According to the report, Jun said that Xiaomi has completed its factory capacity ramp-up and has sold 30,000 units of its SU7 model in a little over three months since the vehicle&#8217;s launch.
Lucid Stitches Battery Material Deal:  Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ LCID) announced an agreement with mineral exploration company Graphite One Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPHOF#OTC">GPHOF</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39959245/whats-going-on-with-lucid-group-stock-today">for the supply of anode active materials</a>.
&#8220;We are committed to accelerating the transition to sustainable vehicles and the development of a robust domestic supply chain ensures the United States, and Lucid, will maintain technology leadership in this global race,&#8221; said Lucid CEO/CTO Peter Rawlinson. &#8220;Through work with partners like Graphite One, we will have access to American-sourced critical raw materials, helping power our award-winning vehicles made with pride in Arizona.&#8221;
The KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KARS#NYSE">KARS</a>) ended Friday&#8217;s session up 0.72% at $19.31 according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag">Benzinga Pro data</a>. For the week, the ETF fell 3.84%.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Weekly Change (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tesla</td>
<td>-8.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nio, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>)</td>
<td>-0.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XPeng, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>)</td>
<td>+0.71%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Li Auto, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>)</td>
<td>-2.55%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Workhorse Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WKHS#NASDAQ">WKHS</a>)</td>
<td>-10.78%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hyzon Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HYZN#NASDAQ">HYZN</a>)</td>
<td>+7.58%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canoo, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOEV#NASDAQ">GOEV</a>)</td>
<td>-10.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rivian </td>
<td>-3.22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lucid</td>
<td>-3.43%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIE#NYSE">FFIE</a>)</td>
<td>-11.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKLA#NASDAQ">NKLA</a>)</td>
<td>-1.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VinFast Auto Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VFS#NASDAQ">VFS</a>)</td>
<td>-9.03%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Photo: Shutterstock

FFIE

GOEV

GPHOF

HYZN

KARS

NKLA

RIVN

WKHS

XIACY

XPEV

Elon Musk's Optimism Doesn't Rub Off On Investors, Rivian CEO Says R2 Not Model Y Copycat, GM's EV Goals Scaled Back Yet Again And More: Biggest EV Stories Of The Week

In response to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, California Gov. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/gavin-newsom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gavin Newsom</a> announced an executive order on Thursday directing state officials to initiate the removal of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39875041/gavin-newsom-backs-kamala-harris-calls-vp-tough-fearless-and-tenacious-the-ideal-candidate-to-counte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeless encampments across the state.</a>
Last month, the high court upheld an Oregon city&#8217;s practice of ticketing homeless individuals for sleeping outside, rejecting claims that such &#8220;anti-camping&#8221; ordinances infringed on the Constitutional prohibition against &#8220;cruel and unusual&#8221; punishment, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/25/us/gavin-newsom-executive-order-homeless-encampments/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported </a>CNN.
&#8220;This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them — and provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same,&#8221; Newsom said. &#8220;There are simply no more excuses. It&#8217;s time for everyone to do their part.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39875041/gavin-newsom-backs-kamala-harris-calls-vp-tough-fearless-and-tenacious-the-ideal-candidate-to-counte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gavin Newsom Backs Kamala Harris, Calls VP Tough, Fearless And Tenacious: &#8216;The Ideal Candidate To Counter Donald Trump&#8217;</a>
According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development submitted to Congress, California has the largest homeless population in the country, exceeding 180,000 individuals.
The nationwide estimate for people experiencing homelessness stands at approximately 653,100, marking an increase of about 12% since 2022.
California&#8217;s response to the Supreme Court decision is attracting significant attention from other cities and states. Newsom&#8217;s executive order has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from both homeless advocates and some elected officials.
Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and leader of the Housing is a Human Right initiative, criticized Newsom&#8217;s actions as an attempt to &#8220;criminalize poverty&#8221; and a continuation of &#8220;failed policies.&#8221;
In a statement released Thursday, Weinstein questioned, &#8220;Governor Newsom, where do you expect people to go? This is a shameful moment in California history.&#8221;
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/07/39993819/tech-stocks-slide-on-earnings-us-economy-flexes-muscles-small-cap-rally-continues-this-week-in-the-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tech Stocks Slide On Earnings, US Economy Flexes Muscles, Small-Cap Rally Continues: This Week In The Markets</a></li>
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Photo: Shutterstock

Human Rights Advocates Condemn Gov. Newsom's Homeless Encampment Removal Order: 'Shameful Moment In California History'

In a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36cvblilqe8">installment</a> of Prof G Markets, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/anthony-scaramucci">Anthony Scaramucci</a>, the founder and managing partner of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/skybridge-capital">SkyBridge Capital</a>, shared his thoughts with podcast host Scott Galloway on Donald Trump's political strategies and their potential impact on the country. Scaramucci, who once served as Trump's Communications Director, didn&#8217;t hold back in his critique.
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Scaramucci argued that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39630382/paul-krugman-says-trump-tariffs-will-hurt-80-of-americans-benefit-only-the-top-1-burden-would-fall-o">Trump's proposal for extremely high tariffs</a> would disproportionately harm poor people. "[Tariffs] are regressive taxes on poor people," he said. In translation, they hit lower-income individuals the hardest. This, he suggested, contradicts Trump's image as a pro-business leader, as the economic burden would fall on those least able to bear it.
When the host asked him whether he thinks Trump is serious about implementing these tariffs, Scaramucci said, &#8220;This guy knows how to boil a frog better than anybody I&#8217;ve ever met. You're in the cold water, and he simmers the frog until the frog is dead. Do you know, many things from 2016 to today that we could say, is he serious about that, and then you say, oh no, he&#8217;s not serious about that, and he does it? You're like, holy sh&#x2A;t, he is serious … and then he does it again.&#8221;
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According to Scaramucci, Trump's actions always aim to consolidate his power. "Always look at this through the prism of Trump's power," he advised before continuing, &#8220;This is not a public servant. He&#8217;s not there to serve his fellow men and women. He&#8217;s there to serve himself. He&#8217;s there to serve his cronies. Classic totalitarianism.&#8221;
He pointed out that Americans lack a historical memory of dictatorship and authoritarianism, unlike Europeans, who have visible reminders of past fascism. He stressed the importance of educating people about these dangers to prevent a slide into authoritarianism.
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Scaramucci said that despite the political turmoil, the markets have been surprisingly stable when asked about how the markets have reacted to all of this. "Markets like split governments. [They] like inertia," he explained, suggesting that the Federal Reserve's actions, like rate hikes, have been key. He expects rate cuts by the end of the year, which he believes will continue to drive the market, regardless of the election outcome.
Scaramucci's warnings about Trump are serious. Still, we have to look at the bigger picture. Historically, Trump's policies and leadership style have strong supporters and vocal critics. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39946360/trump-vs-harris-2024-election-candidates-tied-in-new-poll-65-of-democrats-say-biden-stepping-dow">country is split in half</a>. Supporters say his unique approach shakes things up and defends American interests. Critics like Scaramucci caution about the dangers of too much power and the potential harm to those who are less fortunate. Ultimately, it&#8217;s up to each individual to weigh these perspectives carefully for themselves.
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Startups

Trump Is 'Calling For Sky-high Tariffs Which Will Cripple Poor People,' Says Anthony Scaramucci – 'This Guy Knows How To Boil A Frog'

Crypto analyst and macro expert Raoul Pal has projected a significant bullish surge for Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>), anticipating it to outperform Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39241558/analyst-predicts-bitcoin-to-reach-groundbreaking-100-000-milestone">in the ongoing cycle.</a>
What Happened: In a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2uSDlgXhFY">video</a> on YouTube on Friday, Pal pointed out that Solana is demonstrating a classic bullish inverse head and shoulders pattern (I-HNS) against Bitcoin.
&#8220;That's a killer inverse head and shoulders, cup and handle, whatever it is. It's suggesting there is a very big move to come in this cross, meaning Solana is going to outperform a lot,&#8221; Pal said. 
An I-HNS pattern is a bullish technical formation. The right shoulder indicates that investors are eager to accumulate the asset without waiting for the price to fall to its previous low.
Pal also hinted at a bullish pattern for Solana that could lead to a price target of $265, a more than 45% gain from the current value.
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>
According to Pal&#8217;s chart analysis, Solana has turned the diagonal resistance of a triangle pattern into support. Last month, he stated that the crypto market is approaching the &#8220;Banana Zone,&#8221; a period of sustained uptrend for Bitcoin and other digital assets.
"Solana, well, it's breaking out. It's retesting that breakout. That's what it's been doing the last couple of days. Looks beautiful. We want to see this kind of stuff, because test, retesting of breakouts, bit of sideways consolidation, brings you the power of the banana, which is all we care about," he added. 
Pal&#8217;s bullish prediction for Solana is significant. His analysis suggests that Solana&#8217;s current pattern could lead to a substantial price increase, which would be a notable development in the crypto market. 
Furthermore, his forecast of the &#8220;Banana Zone&#8221; indicates a potential uptrend for not only Bitcoin but other digital assets as well.
Read Next: 
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<li><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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin To Hit $1 Million In Next 10 To 18 Months, Says Crypto Analyst: ‘We're Still So Early In The Bitcoin Story'</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

$BTC

$SOL

One Crypto Is Poised To Outperform Bitcoin, Says Crypto Expert

As Kamala Harris pivots from Vice President to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39908377/kamala-harris-secures-majority-backing-for-2024-democratic-nomination-ap-survey">presumptive Democratic nominee for president</a>, her financial disclosures show a desirable piece of her portfolio – a 2.625% mortgage rate on her Los Angeles home.
That rate, secured in 2020, is a relic of the pandemic era&#8217;s historically low interest rates. With today&#8217;s average 30-year fixed mortgage rates hovering near 7%, Harris&#8217; loan terms point to the difference between the housing market then and now.
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According to a review of her financial disclosures by The Wall Street Journal, the Vice President and her husband, Doug Emhoff, refinanced their 3,500-square-foot Brentwood-area home with a $2 million, seven-year adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) from Wells Fargo. That move allowed them to take advantage of the low-rate environment during the pandemic. Harris and Emhoff&#8217;s decision to opt for an ARM rather than a fixed-rate mortgage is a strategy often used by high-net-worth individuals. Gordon Miller, a mortgage broker in Cary, N.C., explained to the Journal that wealthy clients frequently refinance ARMs at the same rate before they reset, effectively extending the loan&#8217;s favorable terms.
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<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
The property has also appreciated in value. The four-bedroom home, purchased by Emhoff in 2012 for about $2.7 million, has nearly doubled in value, with current estimates from Zillow placing its value at around $5 million.
The couple&#8217;s real estate portfolio extends beyond their Los Angeles residence. Records show that Harris previously owned other properties in California and Washington, D.C.
Beyond their mortgage, Harris and Emhoff have assets valued between $3.6 million and $7.36 million (excluding real estate), and the Journal noted that much of their wealth is held in retirement accounts and low-cost index funds.
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The couple earned around $450,000 in 2023 (including Harris' Vice President salary of $218,784), a decrease from previous years due to Emhoff&#8217;s departure from his law partnership.
As Harris makes her case to lead the country – with President Joe Biden dropping out of the race on Sunday – her financial disclosures show careful, conservative management.
The Road Ahead: With the nomination all but secured, the Democratic National Committee has set Aug. 1 as the likely start date for delegate voting, marking the formal beginning of Harris&#8217;s journey as the presumptive nominee.
Harris&#8217;s path to the nomination appears clear with no plausible challengers on the horizon and endorsements pouring in from party heavyweights like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39922362/hillary-clinton-says-kamala-harris-is-chronically-underestimated-says-vp-can-prosecute-a-compelling">Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton</a>.
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What's In Kamala Harris' Wallet? Millions Of Dollars, And A 2.625% Mortgage Rate

Financial access remains a significant hurdle for diverse business owners in the cannabis industry. Despite the industry&#8217;s rapid growth, minority entrepreneurs often face barriers to securing funding, navigating regulatory complexities and gaining equitable opportunities. According to a 2017 survey by Marijuana Business Daily, only 4.3% of cannabis business owners identified as African American, highlighting the disparity in representation and financial access within the industry.
Similarly, a 2021 report by the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) found that access to capital was one of the primary challenges for minority cannabis entrepreneurs, with 72% of respondents indicating it as a critical barrier​.
Minority entrepreneurs often encounter regulatory complexities, limited access to banking services and higher interest rates compared to their counterparts. These challenges are exacerbated by the federal status of cannabis, which complicates financial transactions and access to traditional banking services.
To address these inequities, Cannas Capital Holdings has launched the Bank Black Initiative, an AI-powered system designed to bridge the racial wealth gap by ensuring equitable financial access for diverse-status business owners. The initiative aims to become an ASTM Global Standard Guideline for Social Equity Lending, providing a comprehensive framework to support minority entrepreneurs in the cannabis sector.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic Empowerment Through Financial Literacy And Access To Capital</h2>
Cannas Capital&#8217;s Bank Black program utilizes an AI-operating system that goes beyond traditional underwriting metrics. While it considers essential factors such as management team, payment history and collateral support, the system also integrates additional components including community and demographic analysis, social capital assessment, institutional support, risk mitigation strategies, long-term sustainability, regulatory compliance and continuous monitoring. This holistic approach ensures that the full spectrum of a business's context and potential is evaluated, promoting fair and equitable access to financial resources.
The firm is dedicated to economic empowerment through financial literacy programs, business credit building and small business development. It facilitates access to capital by creating a network of lenders, establishing underwriting metrics for stakeholders and providing financial literacy training. These efforts are aimed at addressing the systemic barriers that minority entrepreneurs face, helping them build sustainable and successful businesses in the cannabis industry.
In addition, Cannas Capital has formed strategic partnerships to further its mission. Collaborations with organizations such as Infused Banking, a fintech and training company, and FinResults, a fintech company specializing in compliance and data-intensive business solutions, have enhanced the organization&#8217;s capabilities. These partnerships facilitate knowledge-sharing, idea exchange, and collaboration among banks, credit unions and other financial organizations.
Cannas Capital has already made significant strides in addressing these barriers. The firm has facilitated the funding of over 400 insurance policies in the commercial cannabis industry and helped numerous minority-owned businesses secure essential capital.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Leadership Team Focused On Community Impact</h2>
Cimone Cason, CEO of Cannas Capital Holdings, has been instrumental in driving the company&#8217;s mission. As a city commissioner, Cason approved the first minority-owned cannabis company in her local municipality. She also serves as the chairwoman of the National Cannabis Industry Association Risk Management Committee and is involved with ASTM International and the NAIC Cannabis Workgroup.
Under her leadership, Cannas Capital Holdings has achieved notable successes, including the creation of Michigan&#8217;s Social Equity Programs: Joint Ventures and All-Star Program, and the approval of the first Social Equity Awardee Dispensary in a local municipality. The organization also established a Social Equity Discount program for commercial cannabis businesses nationwide.
Cannas Capital Holdings&#8217; commitment to social equity and economic empowerment has had a significant impact on minority communities. &#8220;The Cannas Capital Collective has provided us with the tools and knowledge to build a strong business by aiding my company in obtaining consumer lending, risk management, and establishing a business credit profile,&#8221; said Charles Inyang, a beneficiary of the program.
&#8220;Their commitment to helping cannabis companies gain funding in an economic environment that limits funding opportunities has been groundbreaking. We&#8217;ve seen significant improvements in our local economy,&#8221; stated a representative from Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana.
As Cannas Capital Holdings continues to drive innovation and inclusivity in the cannabis industry, the potential for lasting impact grows. By addressing financial inequities and empowering minority entrepreneurs, initiatives like Bank Black are not only fostering social equity but also paving the way for a more diverse and thriving cannabis industry. The success of such programs could serve as a model for other sectors, highlighting the importance of inclusive financial practices in creating sustainable economic growth.
Looking ahead, the continued efforts of Cannas Capital Holdings to champion social equity and economic empowerment are poised to transform the cannabis industry. By dismantling financial barriers and fostering an inclusive business environment, Cannas Capital is helping to create a more equitable future for minority entrepreneurs. Their work underscores the critical role that innovative financial solutions play in driving both industry growth and social progress.
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Cannabis

Financing

Inside The AI-Driven Initiative Pioneering Financial Inclusion In The Cannabis Industry: Cannas Capital's 'Bank Black' Program

Imagine a world where everyone gets the same basic income with no strings attached. Sounds far-fetched, but OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is one step closer to achieving this goal with the help of Open<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39976031/visa-leverages-ai-to-prevent-40b-in-fraud-how-machine-learning-is-combatting-the-surge-in-cyberc">AI</a>.&nbsp;
Altman and a nonprofit research organization, OpenResearch, have been studying the effects of a no-strings-attached universal income, and the results have been positive. Over the past several years, more than 150 local studies have explored a universal $1,000 salary, but the largest of these pilot studies came from OpenResearch.
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According to Bloomberg, the study has been distributing $1,000 monthly to people in Illinois and Texas to help with basic needs and expenses for three years. Researchers released their findings and concluded that the $1,000 "can be used to address recipients' specific needs, is responsive to changing demands, and creates the possibility for increased agency."&nbsp;
Altman's universal income theory, backed by AI, could not come at a better time as millions of Americans are struggling to pay for basic necessities like rent and food amid the rising <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39947663/peter-schiff-says-americans-are-broke-points-to-fords-dismal-q2-profit-they-cant-afford-to-buy-n">cost of living</a>. ABC News reported that a recent Harvard study revealed that around half of American renters are heavily burdened by the cost of housing. Harvard found that middle-income renters are the hardest hit. For example, nearly 40% of households earning $45,000 to $74,999 were rent-burdened.&nbsp;
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Sarah Saadian, the Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Field Organizing at the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, told ABC News, "More and more households that are struggling to pay rent are living just one sort of financial shock away from facing evictions and, in worst cases, homelessness."&nbsp;
The three-year study examined how unconditional cash could help struggling households pay for housing. Elizabeth Rhodes, OpenResearch's research director, explained that the idea of the study was to provide flexibility in participants' spending. She said, "Cash is flexible. It&#8217;s an imprecise instrument if your goal is to move one outcome for everyone, but it moves some or many outcomes for everyone."&nbsp;
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The study began in 2020 with 3,000 participants in Texas and Illinois. Each participant was given $1,000 in cash per month and told to spend it however they wanted. Despite the freedom to spend the money on whatever they chose, the study found that participants used it to fund basic expenses like rent, food and transportation, rather than on vices like alcohol. Participants increased their monthly spending by $310, but on essentials. The study also explored how unconditional cash could affect low-income participants' employment decisions, and the results were also positive.&nbsp;
Results revealed that participants could make more flexible employment decisions that align with their goals and values, rather than just accepting the first job available with poor pay.&nbsp;
One participant of the study revealed in an interview, "Because of the [cash transfer] and being able to build up my savings, I'm in a position for once to be picky," and added, "I don't have to take a crappy job just because I need income right now. I have the opportunity to hold out and try and find the right fit." The results showed that participants worked 1.3 hours less per week, leaving them with more leisure time, which can be beneficial for their physical and emotional well-being.
So far, the results have been positive and have shown that a basic universal income can help lower-income families afford the basics. However, there have been results indicating that this additional cash has had no significant impact on physical or mental health. But with OpenAI constantly learning and evolving, Altman's dream is not as far away.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Sam Altman's Dream Of A Universal Basic Income Is One Step Closer With The Help Of Open AI

The investing portfolios of former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris may differ, with a preference of individual stocks versus <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">exchange traded funds.</a>
What Happened: With President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 election, Harris is the favorite to secure the Democratic Party nomination and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39892716/nancy-pelosi-endorses-kamala-harris-for-president-full-confidence-that-she-will-lead-us-to-victo">has received endorsements</a> from many people, including Pelosi.
While they are both Democrats and key political figures, Harris and Pelosi differ when it comes to investing.
Pelosi and her venture capitalist husband Paul Pelosi prefer to buy individual stocks and options, often in the technology sector. Compare that to the investment style of Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, who have their money parked in mutual funds and ETFs.
Benzinga recently polled readers to see which investment style could be better.
"Kamala Harris' investments include mutual funds and S&amp;P 500 holdings, while Nancy Pelosi and her husband have purchased stocks like Nvidia, Apple and Tesla. Who do you think is a better investor?" Benzinga asked.
The results were:
<ul>
<li>Kamala Harris: 34%</li>
<li>Nancy Pelosi: 66%</li>
</ul>
The<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/members/nancy-pelosi"> Benzinga Government trades page</a> for Pelosi shows recent purchases of NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Broadcom (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) and Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>).
According to a report from <a href="https://www.barrons.com/amp/articles/kamala-harris-wealth-investments-12983bda">Barrons</a>, Harris and Emhoff have between $2.9 million and $6.6 million in investments and cash based on financial disclosures. Among the investments include Harris having between $250,000 and $500,000 in a Target Date 2030 fund and between $100,000 and $250,000 in an S&amp;P fund and large-cap growth fund.
Emhoff has investments in several ETFs, including the iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IEFA#BATS">IEFA</a>).
A Quiver Quant <a href="https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Kamala%20Harris%20Net%20Worth">report </a>shows the Vanguard Growth ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VUG#NYSE">VUG</a>) and the Vanguard Value ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTV#NYSE">VTV</a>) as two of the largest holdings by the vice president and first gentleman. The Vanguard Growth ETF is heavily weighting in technology stocks, making up 60% of the ETF. 
One thing the two political figures have in common with their investments is a preference to large cap stocks and not having large weightings of small cap stocks in their portfolios.
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Why It's Important: The net worth of Harris and Emhoff pales in comparison to her 2024 election opponent Donald Trump, who is a billionaire thanks to his investments and large stake in Trump Media &amp; Technology Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>).
"Does the difference in wealth between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump make her a more or less appealing candidate?" Benzinga asked.
The results were:
<ul>
<li>More appealing: 32%</li>
<li>Less appealing: 4%</li>
<li>Makes no difference to me: 64%</li>
</ul>
The poll found that potential voters don't care too much that Trump is worth significantly more than Harris. A larger amount of respondents said Harris is more appealing than less appealing based on her lower wealth amount.
Benzinga also asked if people were surprised by the $2.9 million to $6.6 million figure that is being reported for Harris and her husband's wealth.
The results were:
<ul>
<li>More than I expected: 29%</li>
<li>Less than I expected: 34%</li>
<li>About what I expected: 37%</li>
</ul>
The poll results were close, with the majority of respondents indicating that Harris&#8217;s wealth was in line with their expectations. Additionally, about one-third of the respondents felt that the amount was less than they anticipated.
Disclosures of investments for political figures has been a hot topic in recent years, with calls to ban members of Congress from trading stocks and options. The significant allocation to ETFs and mutual funds indicates that Harris has not been actively buying and trading individual stocks like some members of Congress and their spouses.
Harris and Pelosi may have investment commonalities of preference for technology and large-cap stocks, while both also mostly avoid small-cap stocks.
Interested in learning more about small-cap stocks and ETFs? Then you don&#8217;t want to miss Benzinga Small Cap Conference, Oct. 10 in Chicago.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/small-cap/global-small-cap-conference-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here</a>&nbsp;for more information.
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</ul>
The study was conducted by Benzinga in July 2024 and included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 172 adults.
Image created with photos from Shutterstock and Midjourney.

Exclusives

AVGO

IEFA

NVDA

PANW

Nancy Pelosi Vs. Kamala Harris: Poll Shows Who People Think Is the Better Investor

Individual investors are gaining ground as large institutional buyers pull back from all-cash home purchases. Experts say this trend could level the playing field for everyday homebuyers.
According to a report issued by Realtor.com, the number of institutional investors who bought with cash fell to 64% in the first quarter, down from a peak of 69.7% in late 2021 and the lowest level since 2008. At the same time, individual investors – those who have purchased 10 or fewer homes since 2001 – now account for 62.6% of investor purchases, the highest share on record.
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&#8220;It&#8217;s better for everyone involved that institutional money is withdrawing from the single-family home space,&#8221; G. Brian Davis, a real estate investor and co-founder of property management software SparkRental, said to Realtor.com. &#8220;It creates less artificial demand among buyers, therefore reducing some upward pressure on prices. It also leaves room for mom-and-pop investors to operate.&#8221;
The change is coming as overall <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/opinion/24/07/39602191/private-equity-firms-are-buying-up-real-estate-in-these-areas">investor activity remains elevated</a> compared to pre-pandemic levels. In the first quarter, investors accounted for 14.8% of home purchases, the highest share on record, even as total home sales fell to their lowest level in more than a decade.
The rise of individual investors might reflect broader changes in attitudes toward real estate investment and financing. Brie Schmidt, owner and managing broker of Second City Real Estate in Chicago, told Realtor.com that nine out of 10 transactions she sees now involve ‘mom-and-pop' investors more likely to use financing.
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<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
&#8220;If an investment property in your market costs $200,000, you can buy one in all cash or put 20% down and buy five properties with the same amount of money,&#8221; Schmidt explained to Realtor.com. &#8220;It makes sense to maximize your capital and acquire more cash-flowing properties through financing.&#8221;
Realtor.com noted that the trend also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/02/37318402/you-are-going-to-burn-up-alive-suze-orman-hates-the-fire-movement-and-says-you-need-at-least-20-">aligns with the growing popularity</a> of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, which advocates for leveraging real estate investments to build wealth and fund early retirement. While cash offers are losing some of their luster, they remain popular in certain markets. Portland-South Portland, ME, Albuquerque, NM, and Toledo, OH, topped the list of metros with the highest share of all-cash investor purchases in the first quarter, exceeding 80%.
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The shift away from all-cash purchases isn&#8217;t limited to investors, though. The share of non-investor buyers using all-cash offers has been growing since early 2021, hitting over 33% in the first quarter. The report noted that the increase is likely driven by high levels of home equity and elevated interest rates, which make cash purchases more attractive for those who can afford them.
Some real estate professionals see advantages in the current environment. Robert Dodson, sales manager and broker at Charles Burt Realtors in Missouri told Realtor.com that financing could give buyers more time for due diligence.
&#8220;Financing tends to create a longer timeline for closing,&#8221; Dodson told Realtor.com. &#8220;This allows buyers more due diligence periods for inspections, appraisal, and property data review, affording the investor the opportunity to become more educated on the asset.&#8221;
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Big Cash Bidders Retreat, Small Investors Rise: It's 'Better for Everyone,' Real Estate Executive Says

As 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">Paris Olympics</a> get underway, the global anti-doping framework is under scrutiny as the U.S. and <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/topic/wada">World Anti-Doping Agency </a>(WADA) lock horns over the country&#8217;s strict approach to combating sports doping. Meanwhile, Sha&#8217;Carri Richardson makes a highly anticipated return to Olympic competition after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/21/07/21841565/shacarri-richardson-cannabis-community-expresses-support-and-logical-response">her suspension</a> for a positive cannabis test in 2021.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">US-WADA Conflict Over Doping Regulations</h3>
The longstanding discord between the U.S. and WADA stems from Russia&#8217;s doping scandal at the Sochi Olympics, criticized for being mishandled by WADA and the IOC, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/olympics-2024-doping-salt-lake-wada-2788597f9f5e16e5afdb940bd60d38b7">reports</a> AP News. In response, the U.S. passed the Rodchenkov <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/835/text">Act</a> in 2020 to empower federal investigations into sports doping, leading to heightened tensions, especially following a U.S. probe into doping among Chinese swimmers. This conflict, peaking with WADA&#8217;s threat of sanctions against USADA, casts doubts on the U.S.&#8217;s ability to host future international events like the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
"It's highly incorrect that one country tries to impose jurisdiction on anti-doping decisions on the rest of the world," said WADA president Witold Banka.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">WADA&#8217;s Stance On Cannabis: Unyielding</h3>
This rigorous stance on doping extends to substances like <a href="http://benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis</a>, which remains strictly prohibited under WADA&#8217;s <a href="https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list">code</a> because, says the agency, it is believed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/08/34011336/cannabis-use-violates-spirit-of-sport-says-world-anti-doping-agency-keeps-it-on-prohibited-list">pose health risks and violate the &#8220;spirit of sport.&#8221;</a> This firm stance has led to significant career impacts for athletes who test positive, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/21/07/22025295/the-prohibition-of-cannabis-robbed-shacarri-richardson-but-also-expedited-the-federal-decriminal">most notably Richardson</a>.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sha&#8217;Carri Richardson And Ross Rebagliati&#8217;s Cannabis Controversies</h3>
Richardson&#8217;s ordeal began with a positive test for cannabis during the 2021 U.S. Olympic trials, which resulted in her exclusion from the Tokyo Olympics. Her case brought to light the strictness of the regulations and the broader implications of how such rules intersect with personal adversities. Richardson was coping with her mother&#8217;s death at the time. Since then, she claimed the U.S. and world titles in sprinting and has become an influential figure in discussions about the fairness and relevance of cannabis prohibitions in sports, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/olympics-2024-track-shacarri-richardson-84393cda93c4cda879dd960001f31088">noted</a> AP News.
Another case in the ongoing evolution of cannabis regulation in Olympic sports is that of Ross Rebagliati. After clinching the first Olympic gold medal in men&#8217;s giant slalom snowboarding at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Rebagliati tested positive for cannabis, leading to the temporary stripping of his medal due to levels exceeding the threshold. Nevertheless, his claim that exposure to secondhand smoke caused the positive result led to the reinstatement of his medal upon appeal.
Furthermore, Rebagliati <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/10/35377517/from-a-stripped-olympic-gold-medal-to-successful-business-snowboarder-ross-rebagliatis-cannabis-">leveraged this experience into a cannabis advocacy and business venture</a>, founding a medical marijuana dispensary in 2013 and later launching his own brand, Ross&#8217; Gold.
As all eyes turn to Paris Olympics, the evolving conversation around cannabis regulations by WADA will continue to spark debate. Meanwhile, fans can watch Sha&#8217;Carri Richardson <a href="https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule/athletics/women-s-100m?day=2-august">compete</a> in the Women's 100m on Friday, August 2.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39890659/kamala-harris-u-turn-on-cannabis-heres-where-she-stands-on-weed-legalization-now">Kamala Harris&#8217; U-Turn On Cannabis: Here&#8217;s Where She Stands On Weed Legalization Now</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Benzinga edit with&nbsp;Lazyllama by Shutterstock and jenaragon94 Wikimedia Commons.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Cannabis rescheduling seems to be right around the corner. Want to understand what this means for the future of the industry? Hear directly for top executives, investors and policymakers at the 19th Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, coming to Chicago this Oct. 8-9. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets now</a> before prices surge by following <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this link</a>.

Regulations

Sports

Sha'Carri Richardson's Olympic Return: The Cannabis Debate Amid US-WADA Tensions Over Doping Laws

In a recent fireside chat hosted by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/pablo-zuanic">Pablo Zuanic</a>, senior equity analyst, former U.S. Rep&nbsp;Ed Perlmutter shared his insights on the evolving cannabis landscape. 
With Congress grappling with cannabis rescheduling and banking reforms, Perlmutter&#39;s insider knowledge offers a crucial perspective for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis investors</a>.
&quot;When I first introduced this in 2013-2014, I had to deal with the chuckle factor,&quot; said&nbsp;Perlmutter, often hailed as the founding father&nbsp;of the SAFE Banking Bill.
The recent passage of a modified version, SAFER, in the Senate Banking Committee marks progress, yet the path forward remains uncertain. &quot;We&#39;re in campaign season now,&quot; Perlmutter warned, underscoring the time constraints.
<h3>Rescheduling And Political Landscape</h3>
During the chat, Perlmutter delved into the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39912859/as-election-buzz-swirls-around-biden-and-harris-dea-comment-period-ends-whats-next-">intricate process of cannabis rescheduling</a> initiated by President Joe Biden. The administrative procedure, bound by the Administrative Procedures Act, involves specific steps and timelines for public comment and hearings.
Perlmutter expressed optimism about Vice President Kamala Harris potentially taking the helm. Her prior sponsorship of the SAFE Banking Bill signals a strong understanding and support for cannabis reforms.
However, the upcoming elections introduce uncertainty. Perlmutter outlined a scenario where the current administration&#39;s initiatives might face challenges depending on the election outcomes.
He also highlighted the role of key players in Congress, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer&nbsp;whose&nbsp;efforts to integrate cannabis reforms into broader legislative packages, such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) or a financial services bill&nbsp;could be pivotal. &quot;If he just brought it to the floor, it would pass,&quot; Perlmutter said, reflecting on the strategic legislative maneuvers necessary to secure passage.
Perlmutter discussed the potential impact of a GOP victory, suggesting it could stall or reverse progress on cannabis reforms. He noted that if Republicans take the White House, there could be a shift in priorities away from cannabis legislation.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39946113/gop-attor-ney-gen-er-al-in-texas-loses-legal-battle-against-towns-with-decriminalized-cannabis-i">GOP Attor&shy;ney Gen&shy;er&shy;al In Texas Loses Legal Battle Against Towns With Decriminalized Cannabis, Insists They&#39;re &#39;Run By Pro-Crime Extremists&#39;</a>
<h3>The Road Ahead</h3>
Perlmutter remains optimistic about cannabis banking reform, possibly
through a larger financial services bill incorporating cryptocurrency regulations. &quot;There is a lot of discussion...where [banking reform]&nbsp;would be added to a financial services piece of legislation,&quot; he said.
Although cannabis rescheduling is in motion under the Administrative Procedures Act, the primary focus for Democrats would be winning the elections. He indicated that VP&nbsp;Harris and her potential running mate would prioritize election efforts, pointing out&nbsp;that<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39920347/dallas-cannabis-reform-ballot-is-a-go-decriminalization-in-november-elections-would-allow-up-to-"> cannabis policy</a> is a crucial issue for many voters, enhancing its role in any forthcoming campaign strategy.
The methodical approach taken by the Biden administration ponders the question of whether rescheduling can happen in time or not. Perlmutter acknowledged the complexity of the situation.&nbsp;&quot;From the White House&#39;s point of view and the HHS, they&#39;ve done what they could do.&quot; He explained that the next phases are dictated by the Administrative Procedures Act, which requires specific timeframes for comments and hearings.
<h3>What If?</h3>
Perlmutter suggested a nuanced approach to cannabis policy even under <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39964922/ron-desantis-says-florida-supreme-court-should-not-have-allowed-cannabis-legalization-initiative">conservative leadership</a>. Discussing the hypothetical scenario of a Trump presidency, Perlmutter pointed out that despite Jeff Sessions rescinding the Cole Memo, the FinCEN guidance remained intact. &quot;The president could have said to Secretary Mnuchin, let&#39;s get rid of the FinCEN guidance. And he didn&#39;t.&quot;&nbsp;
Regarding the future, Perlmutter expressed cautious optimism.&nbsp;&quot;The clock is ticking, no question about it. But at least it&#39;s ticking.&quot; He highlighted that despite the lengthy process, the momentum towards rescheduling is significant and unprecedented in over five decades.
Find the complete conversation <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ZuanicAssociates">here</a>.&nbsp;
Read next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39908764/harris-vs-trump-will-cannabis-rescheduling-survive-bidens-exit-analyst-on-potential-gop-victory">Harris Vs. Trump: Will Cannabis Rescheduling Survive Biden&#39;s Exit? Analyst On Potential GOP Victory</a>
These issues will be among the hot topics at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago this Oct. 8-9. Join us to get more insight into what the wave of weed legalization means for the future of investing in the&nbsp;industry. Hear directly from top executives, investors, advocates, and policymakers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Get your tickets now</a>&nbsp;before prices go up by following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">this link</a>.
Photo: AI-generated image.&nbsp;

Analyst Color

Government

Legal

Analyst Ratings

Interview

'The Clock Is Ticking' For Cannabis Rescheduling, Says Former Congressman Ed Perlmutter

Vice President Kamala Harris is making headlines as she prepares to become the Democratic nominee for president in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election">2024 election</a> after President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39874209/joe-biden-drops-out-what-would-happen-with-cannabis-legalization-under-kamala-harris-or-donald-t">opted not to seek reelection.</a>
If Harris secures the Democratic nomination and wins the presidency, she would make history as the first major party presidential nominee to fully support marijuana legalization.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39912303/kamala-harris-prospective-vp-picks-all-seem-to-support-cannabis-legalization-5-names-in-the-mix">Kamala Harris&#8217; Prospective VP Picks All Seem To Support Cannabis Legalization: 6 Names In The Mix</a>
Harris even admitted to having smoked marijuana in college. In a 2019 interview on the popular morning radio show, The Breakfast Club, Harris candidly discussed her personal experience with cannabis.
When asked by host Charlamagne tha God if she had ever smoked marijuana, Harris responded with a laugh: &#8220;I have. And I inhaled. I did inhale,&#8221; she said, taking a lighthearted jab at former President Bill Clinton's claim that he smoked but didn't inhale. 
&#8220;It was a long time ago but yes,&#8221; she added. &#8220;I just broke news.&#8221;
In that prominent interview, Harris also disputed reports that she doesn&#8217;t support legalizing marijuana: &#8220;That&#8217;s not true. I think that it gives a lot of people joy and we need more joy.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="A play-by-play of Kamala Harris admitting she smoked weed" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kKMwua-_jlQ?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>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Strong Supporter Of Marijuana Legalization</h3>
Harris has consistently advocated for cannabis legalization throughout her political career, with her stance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39890659/kamala-harris-u-turn-on-cannabis-heres-where-she-stands-on-weed-legalization-now">evolving significantly over time.</a> Initially, as the District Attorney of San Francisco, she opposed California&#8217;s Proposition 19 in 2010, which sought to legalize marijuana.
However, her position began to shift during her tenure as a U.S. Senator and Vice President.
Key moments of her advocacy include:
<ul>
<li>2015: Harris called for an end to the federal ban on medical marijuana during the Democratic State Convention.</li>
<li>2018: She co-sponsored the Marijuana Justice Act, aimed at legalizing marijuana at the federal level and addressing racial disparities in cannabis-related arrests.</li>
<li>2019: During an interview, she publicly supported cannabis legalization and shared her own experiences with marijuana.</li>
<li>2020: Harris's presidential campaign emphasized her commitment to cannabis reform, including the expungement of nonviolent marijuana-related offenses.</li>
<li>2024: As recently as March, she reiterated her call for legalization during discussions with marijuana pardon recipients, framing it as a critical issue of criminal justice reform.</li>
</ul>
In addition to her public support for the Marijuana Justice Act, Harris has advocated for broader marijuana reform in her book, &#8220;The Truths We Hold: An American Journey.&#8221; She has called for the legalization of marijuana and the expungement of past marijuana-related offenses from individuals' records.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39212969/kamala-harris-gets-her-own-cannabis-strain-kamala-kush-whether-she-likes-it-or-not-watch-jimmy-k">Kamala Harris Gets Her Own Cannabis Strain &#8216;Kamala Kush&#8217; Whether She Likes It Or Not: Watch Jimmy Kimmel Break The News To Her</a></li>
</ul>

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