Spark Power Group Inc Ordinary Shares Stock (OTC: SKPGF)

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Spark Power Group Inc Ordinary Shares

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan will meet President Joe Biden in Washington on Monday. The discussion will focus on artificial intelligence cooperation as the UAE seeks easier access to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40980215/joe-biden-set-to-welcome-uae-president-for-talks-on-ai-cooperation-during-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advanced U.S.-made technology</a>.
ChatGPT maker&nbsp;OpenAI&nbsp;has pitched President Biden‘s administration for the expansion of data centers that consume the equivalent amount of&nbsp;energy <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41020113/sam-altmans-openai-pushes-biden-administration-for-massive-5gw-data-centers-equivalent-to-output-of" rel="noreferrer noopener">to power three million households</a>.
The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has announced a strike against League of Legends after accusing Formosa Interactive of attempting to undermine the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/41035114/sag-aftra-strikes-league-of-legends-contractor-riot-games-responds-lol-has-nothing-to-do-with-the-" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing&nbsp;video game industry strike</a>.
Gaming, Streaming Platform &amp; Music
Sony Group Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) celebrates PlayStation&#8217;s 30th anniversary with limited-edition PS5 consoles and accessories, inspired by the 1994 original. Pre-orders for the 30th Anniversary PS5 Slim bundle and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40985116/playstation-30th-anniversary-ps5-slim-bundle-price-revealed-heres-what-itll-cost-you" rel="noreferrer noopener">DualSense controller open on September 26</a>.
Sony announced the PlayStation Plus lineup for October 2024, featuring WWE 2K24, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/41030256/playstation-plus-october-lineup-revealed-wwe-2k24-dead-space-more" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dead Space Remake, and more</a>.
Minecraft players are recreating New York City on a 1:1 scale, including iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Battery Park. The build is 68% complete, with thousands of contributors and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40990487/minecraft-players-bring-new-york-city-to-life-check-out-stunning-images-of-digital-replica" rel="noreferrer noopener">room for more to join the project</a>.
Ubisoft admitted Star Wars Outlaws underperformed, prompting a delay for Assassin's Creed Shadows<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/41053665/ubisoft-faces-challenges-star-wars-outlaws-sales-struggles-assassins-creed-shadows-delay-employee-" rel="noreferrer noopener"> and a shift in its release strategy</a>.
Canadian game developer&nbsp;SkyBox&nbsp;Labs has laid off 25 employees,&nbsp;citing &#8220;unprecedented challenges&#8221; despite its success <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/41012154/netease-owned-skybox-labs-slashes-workforce-due-to-unprecedented-challenges" rel="noreferrer noopener">with titles like Halo Infinite and Minecraft</a>.
Steam set a new record with 38,366,479 concurrent players, driven by titles like Black Myth: Wukong. With Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launching next month, reaching 40 million <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40986379/how-steam-reached-38-million-concurrent-players-a-new-milestone" rel="noreferrer noopener">concurrent players seems within reach</a>.
Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>) expands its AI Playlist beta to U.S., Canada and elsewhere, allowing Premium users to create custom <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/41009103/spotifys-ai-playlist-now-available-in-us-other-countries-heres-how-it-works" rel="noreferrer noopener">playlists via text descriptions</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/41017755/iphone-16-pro-max-camera-fails-to-top-the-global-rankings-chart-huawei-rules-the-roost" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Fails To Top The Global Rankings Chart, Huawei Rules The Roost</a>
Tech YouTuber&nbsp;Marques Brownlee, popularly known as&nbsp;MKBHD,&nbsp;has reviewed the&nbsp;iPhone 16&nbsp;and&nbsp;iPhone 16 Pro&nbsp;models launched by Apple. He also announced<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40998105/marques-brownlee-reviews-apples-iphone-16-and-launches-new-app-this-is-the-most-unfinished-ive-ever" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the launch of his new app,&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40998105/marques-brownlee-reviews-apples-iphone-16-and-launches-new-app-this-is-the-most-unfinished-ive-ever" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panels</a>.
Brownlee responded&nbsp;to the&nbsp;criticism surrounding&nbsp;his newly launched wallpaper app,&nbsp;Panels, related to pricing<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41020589/tech-youtuber-mkbhd-responds-after-facing-massive-backlash-over-his-new-12-a-month-wallpaper-app" rel="noreferrer noopener"> and "excessive data disclosures."</a>
X, formerly known as&nbsp;Twitter, has published its initial transparency report on Wednesday since&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;took over the company. The report highlights content moderation actions taken in the first half of the year. X <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41042433/elon-musks-x-suspends-5-3m-accounts-flags-10-6m-posts-in-first-transparency-report-amid-user-and-adv" rel="noreferrer noopener">suspended nearly 5.3 million accounts</a>.
Smartphone &amp; Technology
Apple Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NYSE">AAPL</a>) has discontinued the&nbsp;iPhone 15 Pro,&nbsp;iPhone&nbsp;15 Pro Max, and&nbsp;iPhone 13&nbsp;models, along with other products,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40974511/iphone-15-pro-models-and-iphone-13-discontinued-by-apple-heres-why" rel="noreferrer noopener">as part of its annual&nbsp;product streamlining</a>.
Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40975696/are-big-iphone-overhauls-a-thing-of-the-past-apple-shifts-focus-to-software-upgrades-in-new-smartpho" rel="noreferrer noopener">Are Big iPhone Overhauls A Thing Of The Past? Apple Shifts Focus To Software Upgrades In New Smartphone Lineup As Major Redesigns Take Backseat</a>
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) is gearing up to&nbsp;announce that its AI chatbot&nbsp;will reportedly be able to mimic the voices of celebrities such <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40996713/metas-ai-chatbot-to-mimic-voices-of-celebrities-like-judi-dench-and-john-cena-heres-what-mark-zucker" rel="noreferrer noopener">as</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40996713/metas-ai-chatbot-to-mimic-voices-of-celebrities-like-judi-dench-and-john-cena-heres-what-mark-zucker" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Judi Dench</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40996713/metas-ai-chatbot-to-mimic-voices-of-celebrities-like-judi-dench-and-john-cena-heres-what-mark-zucker" rel="noreferrer noopener">,&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40996713/metas-ai-chatbot-to-mimic-voices-of-celebrities-like-judi-dench-and-john-cena-heres-what-mark-zucker" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Cena</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40996713/metas-ai-chatbot-to-mimic-voices-of-celebrities-like-judi-dench-and-john-cena-heres-what-mark-zucker" rel="noreferrer noopener">, and others</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/41046013/metas-ai-breakthroughs-dominate-connect-event-as-analyst-highlights-affordable-mixe" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta&#8217;s AI Breakthroughs Dominate Connect Event As Analyst Highlights Affordable Mixed-Reality Push</a>
Meta CEO&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg&nbsp;has reportedly moved his political ideologies from activism to regret, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41019754/mark-zuckerberg-has-given-up-on-politics-after-a-barrage-of-backlash-against-meta-and-himself-heres" rel="noreferrer noopener">leaning towards classic liberalism</a>.
Meta introduces its new prototype holographic AR glasses called &#8220;Orion.&#8221;
The newest version of Meta&#8217;s Quest VR headset <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41032461/meta-unveils-new-ai-features-quest-3s-llama-3-2-holographic-orion-glasses-at-connect-2024-we-are-get" rel="noreferrer noopener">will come packed with features for $299.99</a>.
Meta unveiled a new AI-powered translation tool to redefine the way users interact with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41040344/from-lip-syncing-to-dubbing-mark-zuckerberg-led-metas-new-ai-translation-tool-for-instagram-and-face" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41040344/from-lip-syncing-to-dubbing-mark-zuckerberg-led-metas-new-ai-translation-tool-for-instagram-and-face" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;and&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41040344/from-lip-syncing-to-dubbing-mark-zuckerberg-led-metas-new-ai-translation-tool-for-instagram-and-face" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook Reels</a>.
Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41054106/meta-analysts-highlight-ai-vr-advances-see-growth-pushing-it-toward-apple-like-valuation" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta Analysts Highlight AI, VR Advances, See Growth Pushing It Toward Apple-Like Valuation</a>
An executive from the cybersecurity firm&nbsp;CrowdStrike Holdings Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) faced questioning from House lawmakers regarding a global <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41016947/crowdstrike-executive-struck-by-regret-in-house-hearing-says-company-determined-to-prevent-instances" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology&nbsp;outage that occurred in July.</a>
Google&nbsp;by&nbsp;Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) lodged a complaint with the European Commission on Wednesday, alleging&nbsp;Microsoft Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) of anti-competitive <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41025160/google-files-eu-complaint-against-microsoft-over-cloud-practices" rel="noreferrer noopener">practices in its cloud services</a>.
GV, the venture capital division of&nbsp;Google, has invested in a Finnish startup,&nbsp;Distance Technologies, which is working on integrating mixed-reality technology <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41047567/googles-gv-invests-11m-in-finnish-startup-revolutionizing-mixed-reality-tech-for-car-windshields-and" rel="noreferrer noopener">into car windshields and airplane cockpits</a>.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Jeff Bezos-backed&nbsp;Perplexity AI,&nbsp;a&nbsp;startup challenging&nbsp;Google, is in discussions with top brands like&nbsp;Nike, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40972869/jeff-bezos-backed-perplexity-ai-in-discussion-with-marriott-and-nike-as-it-prepares-to-challenge-to" rel="noreferrer noopener">and</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40972869/jeff-bezos-backed-perplexity-ai-in-discussion-with-marriott-and-nike-as-it-prepares-to-challenge-to" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Marriott International</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40972869/jeff-bezos-backed-perplexity-ai-in-discussion-with-marriott-and-nike-as-it-prepares-to-challenge-to" rel="noreferrer noopener"> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAR#NASDAQ">MAR</a>)</a>.
Google and&nbsp;Volkswagen AG&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VWAGY#OTC">VWAGY</a>) are joining forces to launch an AI assistant for drivers, leveraging<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40999545/google-and-volkswagen-team-up-to-launch-ai-assistant-that-can-even-change-a-flat-tire" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Google's advanced technology</a>.
Apple design legend&nbsp;Sir Jony Ive&nbsp;has confirmed his collaboration with&nbsp;OpenAI CEO&nbsp;Sam Altman, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40973399/apples-former-design-maestro-jony-ive-confirms-hes-joined-forces-with-openais-sam-altman-for-a-new-a" rel="noreferrer noopener">on a new&nbsp;AI hardware project</a>.
OpenAI plans to transition from being controlled by a nonprofit board to a new structure. This change aims to make the company <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41043358/sam-altman-poised-for-10-5b-payday-as-openai-transitions-to-for-profit-model-with-150b-valuation-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">more appealing to outside investors</a>.
OpenAI's CTO&nbsp;Mira Murati&nbsp;has&nbsp;announced her departure&nbsp;from&nbsp;ChatGPT-parent, following the exit of several <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41037848/openai-cto-mira-murati-steps-down-i-want-to-create-the-time-and-space-to-do-my-own-exploration-elon" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-profile members of the company</a>.
OpenAI&nbsp;is reportedly transitioning from a non-profit to a&nbsp;for-profit benefit corporation.&nbsp;Sam Altman&nbsp;could receive equity <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41038183/openais-restructure-from-non-profit-to-potential-150b-for-profit-sam-altman-could-get-equity" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the newly structured company</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40994909/elon-musks-x-bled-users-to-bluesky-in-uk-since-the-tech-mogul-started-posting-things-like-civil-war" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk&#8217;s X Bled Users To Bluesky In UK Since The Tech Mogul Started Posting Things Like &#8216;Civil War Is Inevitable&#8217; — Rise Of Social Media Echo Chambers Inevitable?</a>

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Consumer Tech News (Sept 23- Sept 27): OpenAI pitched President Biden For Expansion Of Data Centers, Apple Discontinued iPhone 15 And 13 Models & More

When Suzanne Hayes was abruptly served a 30-day notice to vacate her rental home in Connecticut, she faced a challenge. The rising costs and stringent local rental market credit requirements had priced her out of options. But rather than succumb to panic, Hayes found an unconventional solution that improved her family&#8217;s living situation.
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Confronted with a lack of affordable rental properties, Hayes began exploring alternative housing arrangements. She soon stumbled upon something unexpected – the Avon Old Farms Hotel, which offered her a two-bedroom apartment-style suite for just $2,200 per month, utilities included.
&#8220;There are so many unexpected benefits to hotel living,&#8221; Hayes said to Realtor.com. &#8220;For one, we have been forced to live a more minimalist lifeand I&#8217;m reaping the benefits like less laundry and clutter.&#8221;&nbsp;
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>
The hotel's amenities, including a weekly deep-cleaning service, access to a gym &amp; pool and a continental breakfast, have made this temporary arrangement comfortable and even enjoyable for Hayes and her children.
While Hayes acknowledges the sense of impermanence, she marvels at how quickly her kids have adapted to their new &#8220;vacation-style&#8221; home. &#8220;My kids are amazing and have learned to find and embrace the silver lining in everything,&#8221; she said. &#8220;As soon as they viewed the property, their excitement built. It had a very vacation feeland they realized there are some pretty cool things about this temporary arrangement.&#8221;
Trending: Beating the market through ethical real estate investing' — t<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/invest-with-roots">his platform aims to give tenants equity in the homes they live in while scoring 17.17% average annual returns for investors – here&#8217;s how to join with just $100</a>
Hayes&#8217; unconventional solution speaks to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/07/39614880/now-owning-a-house-in-us-is-more-challenging-than-ever-as-affordability-drops-to-">growing housing affordability crisis</a> gripping the nation, which has prevented millions of Americans from purchasing a home. The latest data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) finds that 103.5 million households cannot afford the median-priced new home, now $495,750, with a mortgage interest rate of 6.5%. To put that into perspective, a $1,000 increase in home prices can push an additional 106,000 households out of the market. With housing prices continuing to climb, evidenced by the S&amp;P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index marking its 14th consecutive all-time high, the dream of homeownership is becoming increasingly elusive for many.&nbsp;
Trending: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-homes-private-credit-fund"> they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends</a>
Although the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40926026/federal-reserve-delivers-bold-0-5-rate-cut-signals-further-easing-ahead">Federal Reserve&#8217;s recent interest rate cut</a> may relieve prospective homebuyers, experts warn that more substantial action is needed to address the chronic shortage of available homes.
&#8220;This is a chronic, slow-growing crisis over decades that became an acute crisis during COVID,&#8221; Shaun Donovan, a former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, said to CNN. &#8220;No question this is good news,&#8221; he said of the Fed&#8217;s rate cut, &#8220;but there&#8217;s a lot more we have to do to solve an unprecedented housing crisis in this country.&#8221;
Hayes and her family are finding solace in their temporary hotel haven, enjoying the unexpected benefits.&nbsp;
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Priced Out Of Rentals, Single Mom Turns Hotel Stay Into A Housing Solution – 'There Are So Many Unexpected Benefits To Hotel Living'

Core Scientific Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>), one of the world's biggest Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) mining companies, would remember 2024 as a turnaround year.
The firm exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January and relisted its shares on Wall Street. Since making a comeback, the company's stock has surged nearly 260%.&nbsp;
The resurgence was largely fueled by a recovery in Bitcoin&#8217;s price, which had fallen to $16,000 when the company declared bankruptcy in December 2022. Since the recovery, the company has pivoted to a high-performance computing (HPC) model, servicing data center demand for artificial intelligence applications.
Benzinga talked to Adam Sullivan, the company's CEO, about its strategy and the evolving dynamics of the industry in the U.S.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Halving Woes And The Pivot To AI</h2>
Sullivan acknowledged the industry's pains, especially after the April halving, that slashed block rewards, a major component of mining revenue, by 50%.
The top executive disclosed that the company&#8217;s post-halving strategy, focused on hash price, local power costs, and environmental factors, has successfully maximized fleet performance and profitability
"We conducted extensive scenario analysis to understand the impact of different hash price assumptions on our business."
Sullivan added that the company's HPC strategy was shaped over the last 18 months, as it spotted a supply-demand balance in the high-power data center market.&nbsp;
In contrast to the volatile Bitcoin mining business, Sullivan described the AI business as a &#8220;predictable, long-term, and profitable revenue stream.&#8221;
Earlier in June, Core Scientific <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39151600/ai-and-bitcoin-mining-what-core-scientifics-unexpected-partnership-with-nvidia-backed-ai-f">entered into a 12-year contract</a> with Nvidia-backed cloud provider CoreWeave to provide infrastructure for AI use cases.
Sullivan said the company expected $6.7 billion in revenue as a result of the deal, positioning itself as one of the biggest publicly traded data center companies in the U.S.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Historic Deal With Jack Dorsey&#8217;s Block In Line With Trump&#8217;s &#8220;America First&#8221; Vision?</h2>
Bitcoin mining has received support from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39363038/donald-trump-speaks-on-bitcoin-mining-wants-all-the-remaining-bitcoin-to-be-made-in-the-us">wanted all remaining Bitcoins to be mined in the U.S</a>.&nbsp;
Sullivan welcomed support from all elected officials, from the White House to Congress to local legislatures and city councils.
"We believe that Bitcoin and artificial intelligence represent strategic technologies that the United States must support and nurture to ensure continued leadership in the global arena" he said.&nbsp;
Sullivan also talked about Core Scientific's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39721727/jack-dorseys-block-makes-historic-bitcoin-mining-chip-sale-to-core-scientific-our-first-mi">historic mining chip purchase</a> from Jack Dorsey's company Block Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQ#NYSE">SQ</a>), departing away from the China-headquartered market leader. Bitmain.
"We believe the new Block ASIC chips will improve our mining economics in terms of initial capital expenditures, ongoing maintenance, and performance," Sullivan stated.&nbsp;
The CEO added that the deal reflected the capabilities of domestic chipmakers, and strong government backing would pave the way for future success.
These insights set the stage for deeper discussions at the upcoming Benzinga <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/digital-assets/agenda/">Future of Digital Assets</a> event on Nov. 19.
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Core Scientific, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

CORZ

Trump Wants US To Be Bitcoin Mining Capital Of The World — Core Scientific's Move To Buy Chips From Jack Dorsey Just The First Step In That Direction? CEO Gives Us His Take

The past week in the tech world was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. From Elon Musk expressing his concerns over OpenAI&#8217;s transition to a for-profit entity to Bill Gates singing praises of AI chatbot ChatGPT, the tech titans kept us on our toes. Meanwhile, Apple&#8217;s former design guru, Jony Ive, confirmed his collaboration with OpenAI&#8217;s CEO, Sam Altman, on a new AI hardware project. In other news, Google rehired AI pioneer Noam Shazeer with a significant payout, and Jeff Bezos-backed Perplexity AI is in talks with top brands like Nike and Marriott. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Musk&#8217;s Discontent Over OpenAI&#8217;s Transition Elon Musk, co-founder of OpenAI, expressed his displeasure over the company&#8217;s reported transition to a for-profit entity. This move could potentially grant OpenAI CEO Sam Altman a 7% stake in the company. Musk, who left OpenAI in 2018, called the transition &#8220;deeply wrong.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41039287/elon-musk-isnt-pleased-that-sam-altman-likely-to-get-7-stake-after-chatgpt-parents-planned-for-profi">Read the full article here.</a>
Bill Gates&#8217; Affinity for ChatGPT Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) co-founder Bill Gates, in his Netflix docuseries, shared his fondness for AI chatbot ChatGPT. Given Microsoft&#8217;s significant investment in OpenAI, Gates&#8217; admiration for the chatbot doesn&#8217;t come as a surprise.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/41024168/bill-gates-uses-chatgpt-daily-microsoft-founder-shares-what-he-loves-most-about-ai-chatbot">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41039287/elon-musk-isnt-pleased-that-sam-altman-likely-to-get-7-stake-after-chatgpt-parents-planned-for-profi?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Isn&#8217;t Pleased That Sam Altman Likely To Get 7% Stake After ChatGPT-Parent&#8217;s Planned For-Profit Transition</a>
Jony Ive Collaborates with Sam Altman Apple&#8217;s design legend Sir Jony Ive confirmed his collaboration with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on a new AI hardware project. The project, which has been under wraps for nearly a year, was confirmed during a profile interview with The New York Times.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40973399/apples-former-design-maestro-jony-ive-confirms-hes-joined-forces-with-openais-sam-altman-for-a-new-a">Read the full article here.</a>
Google Rehires Noam Shazeer Alphabet Inc.&#8217;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>) Google has rehired AI pioneer Noam Shazeer, known for his work on the Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA). Shazeer, who left Google in 2021 to launch chatbot startup Character.AI, has returned as part of a broader collaboration.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41026462/google-rehired-noam-shazeer-with-major-payout-assigns-leadership-in-ai-development-report">Read the full article here.</a>
Bezos-Backed Perplexity AI Challenges Google Jeff Bezos-backed Perplexity AI is in talks with top brands like Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) and Marriott International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAR#NASDAQ">MAR</a>) as it prepares to challenge Google&#8217;s dominance in the $300 billion digital ads industry. The startup is developing a &#8220;sponsored&#8221; question system to disrupt Google&#8217;s auction-based ads model.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40972869/jeff-bezos-backed-perplexity-ai-in-discussion-with-marriott-and-nike-as-it-prepares-to-challenge-to">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41034882/billionaire-tech-ceo-makes-cameo-in-zuckerbergs-meta-connect-show?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta Unveils Zuckerberg&#8217;s 10-Year Vision With Orion Glasses, Nvidia's Jensen Huang Rocks Them</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

GOOGL

Musk's Displeasure With Sam Altman, Gates' AI Love, And Bezos' New Challenge: This Week In AI

The past week was a whirlwind for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), with news ranging from the tech giant&#8217;s withdrawal from OpenAI&#8217;s funding round to the iPhone 16 Pro Max&#8217;s camera failing to top global rankings. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories.
Apple Bows Out of OpenAI Funding Round
In a surprising turn of events, Apple has reportedly withdrawn from negotiations to invest in OpenAI&#8217;s funding round, which is expected to raise between $6.5 billion and $7 billion. The decision was made at the eleventh hour, with the funding round set to close next week. However, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) are still in talks to join the round.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41078582/tim-cook-led-apple-reportedly-abandons-openai-funding-round-discussions-but-nvidia-and-microsoft-cou">Read the full article here.</a>
iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Falls Short in Global Rankings
Despite high expectations, the iPhone 16 Pro Max&#8217;s camera has been ranked fourth globally in overall score. However, it does lead the pack in video capabilities. This ranking comes following various tests conducted on the iPhone 16 series&#8217; features and components.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/41017755/iphone-16-pro-max-camera-fails-to-top-the-global-rankings-chart-huawei-rules-the-roost">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41061167/ios-18-includes-apples-new-passwords-app-with-end-to-end-encryption-heres-how-you-use-it?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iOS 18 Includes Apple&#8217;s New Passwords App with End-to-End Encryption: Here&#8217;s How You Use It</a>
iOS 18 Rolls Out New Passwords App
Apple&#8217;s iOS 18 update includes a new Passwords app, serving as a comprehensive password manager for iPhone users. The app provides a secure location for all passwords, protected by Face ID, and aids in creating robust, unique credentials. It also alerts users if their details have been compromised.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41061167/ios-18-includes-apples-new-passwords-app-with-end-to-end-encryption-heres-how-you-use-it">Read the full article here.</a>
Marques Brownlee Reviews iPhone 16 and Launches New App
Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, has shared his insights on the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. Brownlee, who has been testing the phones for about two weeks, stated, &#8220;This is the most unfinished I&#8217;ve ever seen a new iPhone launch.&#8221; He also announced the launch of his new app, Panels.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40998105/marques-brownlee-reviews-apples-iphone-16-and-launches-new-app-this-is-the-most-unfinished-ive-ever">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Discontinues iPhone 15 Pro Models and iPhone 13
As part of its annual product streamlining, Apple has discontinued the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 13 models. However, these models can still be found in stock at online and third-party retail stores for a limited time.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40974511/iphone-15-pro-models-and-iphone-13-discontinued-by-apple-heres-why">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40968413/elon-musk-reacts-after-cathie-wood-labels-gavin-newsoms-threat-to-sue-tesla-ceo-over-memes-unconstit?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Reacts After Cathie Wood Labels Gavin Newsom&#8217;s Threat To Sue Tesla CEO Over Memes &#8216;Unconstitutional&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Apple
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Tech

NVDA

Apple Bowing Out Of OpenAI Funding Round, iPhone 16's Camera Ranking, And More: This Week In Appleverse

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride in the world of finance and economics. From U.S. banks reaping a massive windfall due to high interest rates to CFOs predicting the outcome of the upcoming presidential election and a leading Chinese economist going missing, there&#8217;s a lot to catch up on.
Here&#8217;s a quick round-up of the top stories.
US Banks Reap $1 Trillion Windfall
Major U.S. banks, including&nbsp;JPMorgan&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bank of America, have reportedly gained a $1 trillion windfall due to the Federal Reserve's prolonged period of high interest rates. The Fed maintained elevated interest rates for two and a half years, allowing banks to earn higher yields on deposits held at the Fed. However, many banks did not pass these higher rates on to their savers, resulting in $1.1 trillion in excess interest revenue.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40974804/jpmorgan-bofa-and-other-us-banks-reportedly-reap-1-trillion-windfall-from-feds-hi">Read the full article here.</a>
CFOs Predict Harris Victory In Presidential Election
In a recent survey, a majority of chief financial officers predict that Vice President Kamala Harris will win the upcoming presidential election, despite believing that Donald Trump would be better for the economy. The third-quarter CNBC CFO Council Survey reveals that 55% of CFOs expect Harris to prevail in the election, marking a notable shift from the previous quarter.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41049170/harris-vs-trump-55-cfos-believe-vice-president-likely-to-win-election-although-ex-president-is-bette">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/41024067/mortgage-demand-soars-as-fed-interest-rate-cut-fuels-housing-market-revival-next-sp?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mortgage Demand Soars As Fed Interest Rate Cut Fuels Housing Market Revival: &#8216;Next Spring Could See A Real Rebound&#8217;</a>
Ex-Obama Adviser Warns Of Threats To Fed&#8217;s Independence
Jason Furman, a key figure in former President Barack Obama's administration, has warned about potential threats to the Federal Reserve's independence under a possible second term of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Furman argues that Trump's campaign promises could create inflationary pressures, forcing the Fed to raise interest rates.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41040921/ex-obama-adviser-warns-trumps-promises-could-force-fed-to-hike-rates-higher-cites-threat-to-central">Read the full article here.</a>
Leading Chinese Economist Goes Missing
Zhu Hengpeng, a leading economist in China, has vanished following critical comments about President Xi Jinping‘s economic policies. Zhu, deputy director at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), was detained after allegedly criticizing Xi in a private WeChat group.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40997051/after-criticizing-xi-jinpings-economic-policies-leading-economist-zhu-hengpeng-reportedly-goes-missi">Read the full article here.</a>
Chinese Stocks Soar Following Major Stimulus
Chinese stocks, including&nbsp;Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, soared earlier this week following an unexpected and substantial monetary stimulus from the People's Bank of China (PBoC). The central bank announced cuts to the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for banks and the seven-day repo rate, just a day after lowering the 14-day reverse repo rate.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/09/41003814/chinese-stocks-jump-as-central-bank-unveils-major-stimulus-to-spur-economy-a-step-in-the-right-direc">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/41034042/fbi-report-over-200-000-people-were-arrested-for-cannabis-related-violations-in-2023-how-is-that?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FBI Report Over 200,000 People Were Arrested For Cannabis-Related Violations In 2023: How Is That Possible?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Economics

Media

US Banks' $1 Trillion Windfall, CFOs' Election Predictions, And More: This Week In Economics

SpaceX on Saturday launched a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40546859/boeings-former-ceo-dennis-muilenburg-said-in-2017-his-company-will-beat-elon-musk-to-mars-7-years-la">half-filled Crew Dragon spaceship </a>into orbit. The mission was to rescue two astronauts who had been left stranded in space.
What Happened: Under normal circumstances, the Crew Dragon is designed to transport four astronauts at a time. However, this mission was unique as it only carried two passengers. The reason behind this was a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40571227/while-elon-musk-is-busy-taking-a-dig-at-boeing-after-starliner-fails-to-bring-astronauts-back-from-i">significant safety issue </a>with Boeing&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) Starliner ship, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-launches-half-empty-dragon-spaceship-boeing-astronaut-crew-return-2024-9">reported</a> Business Insider.
In June, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams had the honor of being the first to fly aboard the Starliner. However, as the ship approached the International Space Station (ISS), its thrusters malfunctioned. Despite managing to dock successfully after some troubleshooting, both NASA and Boeing were left unsure about the reliability of the thrusters for the return journey.
After conducting thorough testing and reviews, NASA decided not to gamble with the astronauts&#8217; lives by using the Starliner again. This decision threw a wrench in NASA&#8217;s human spaceflight schedule as the Starliner was sent back to Earth without its crew.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40996401/intel-which-cratered-around-77-from-its-52-week-peak-finds-a-new-knight-in-shining-armor-as-qual" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel, Which Cratered Around 77% From Its 52-Week Peak, Finds A New Knight In Shining Armor As Qualcomm And Apollo Propose Buyout Deal, But This Analyst Thinks It Doesn't Make Sense: ‘It Seems Very Risky To Us Given Uncertain Returns'</a>
Wilmore and Williams will now be coming back to Earth aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon that was launched on Saturday. Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov will join them on the ISS for a mission that will last several months, with a return home scheduled for February at the earliest.
Both SpaceX and Boeing developed their spaceships as part of NASA&#8217;s Commercial Crew Program. However, SpaceX&#8217;s Crew Dragon, which cost $2.6 billion, was significantly cheaper and faster than Boeing&#8217;s Starliner, which received $4.2 billion from NASA. Despite facing technical issues and delays, Boeing has had to bear all additional expenses due to its fixed-price contract with NASA, resulting in a loss of about $1.6 billion on Starliner.
Why It Matters: Elon Musk&#8216;s SpaceX has been making significant strides in the space industry, with plans to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40550547/spacex-to-ramp-up-operations-next-year-elon-musk-says-his-rocket-manufacturing-company-will-execute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ramp up operations</a> and execute missions every two days in 2025. Musk has also been vocal about his intention to colonize Mars using SpaceX's newest giant rocket, Starship.
This came after Musk took a dig at Boeing, saying <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40548925/spacex-ceo-elon-musk-takes-a-dig-at-boeing-says-aircraft-companies-cannot-dominate-space-travel-indu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aircraft companies would not dominate the space</a> industry, similar to how car makers cannot dominate the aircraft business.
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<li>Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/09/40969855/jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-calls-for-federal-employees-to-return-to-office-says-empty-buildings-bother" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Calls For Federal Employees To Return To Office, Says Empty Buildings ‘Bother' Him: ‘I Can't Believe…'</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
Disclaimer: 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.

Sports

SpaceX Steps In To Rescue Stranded NASA Astronauts At ISS Due To Boeing Starliner Issues: Elon Musk's Company Sends Half-Empty Crew Dragon To Bring Butch Wilmore And Suni Williams Home

North Korea has publicly denounced the United States&#8217; decision to supply <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41043131/joe-biden-announces-8b-military-aid-package-for-ukraine-after-zelenskyys-visit-amid-trumps-criticism">$8 billion in military aid</a> to Ukraine. Kim Jong Un-led government has described this move as &#8220;an incredible mistake&#8221; and a perilous provocation against Russia, a nation armed with nuclear weapons.
What Happened: The U.S. President, Joe Biden, declared the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41046114/as-biden-offers-8b-in-aid-to-zelenskyy-us-officials-remain-doubtful-about-ukraines-victory-plan-agai">aid package during a visit</a> by the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to Washington. The aid package includes long-range weapons, which are intended to boost Ukraine&#8217;s capacity to strike Russia from safer distances.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Washington of intensifying the conflict in Ukraine and pushing Europe towards a potential nuclear war. &#8220;The United States and the West should not dismiss or underestimate Russia&#8217;s serious warning,&#8221; Kim stated in a release by the state news agency KCNA.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40996401/intel-which-cratered-around-77-from-its-52-week-peak-finds-a-new-knight-in-shining-armor-as-qual">Intel, Which Cratered Around 77% From Its 52-Week Peak, Finds A New Knight In Shining Armor As Qualcomm And Apollo Propose Buyout Deal, But This Analyst Thinks It Doesn&#8217;t Make Sense: &#8216;It Seems Very Risky To Us Given Uncertain Returns&#8217;</a>
She also questioned the readiness of the U.S. and the West to face the repercussions of their actions against Russia, a nuclear superpower. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously warned of a possible nuclear response if Russia is attacked.
Kim characterized the U.S.&#8217;s decision to support Zelenskyy&#8217;s military efforts as a &#8220;dangerous and irresponsible gamble&#8221;. She also holds a position in North Korea&#8217;s ruling Workers&#8217; Party and often voices Pyongyang&#8217;s stance on political and security issues.
Why It Matters: North Korea and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40767012/kim-jong-un-might-have-to-change-north-koreas-strategy-amid-trump-and-harris-election-race-after-bid"> Russia have significantly bolstered their ties,</a> including a mutual defense pledge. The U.S. has accused North Korea of illegally supplying at least 16,500 containers of weapons to Russia since last September, which Russia has reportedly used against Ukraine. Both North Korea and Russia deny any illegal arms trade.
Despite Russia&#8217;s strong alliances with global powers like China and India, North Korea has emerged as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40894933/kim-jong-uns-north-korea-outranks-china-as-russias-top-ally-in-ukraine-conflict-says-military-intell">Russia&#8217;s most crucial ally</a> in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, providing significant military aid, as highlighted by the head of Ukraine&#8217;s military intelligence agency, Kyrylo Budanov.
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<li>Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/09/40969855/jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-calls-for-federal-employees-to-return-to-office-says-empty-buildings-bother">JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Calls For Federal Employees To Return To Office, Says Empty Buildings &#8216;Bother&#8217; Him: &#8216;I Can&#8217;t Believe…&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: 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 courtesy: Flickr

Politics

Global

General

Kim Jong Un's Sister Says US Making 'Incredible Mistake' By Giving $8B In Military Aid To Ukraine: 'Should Not...Underestimate Russia's Serious Warning'

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39862019/gen-x-is-the-most-stressed-generation-alive-and-studies-reveal-why-hint-theyre-440-000-short-on-">Gen X</a>, born between 1965 and 1980, is approaching retirement, but according to recent data from Fidelity, the financial outlook for the average Gen Xer is concerning. Fidelity reports that the average retirement savings for Gen X as of Q2 2024 is only $182,100.
While this may seem like a lot of money to some, it pales compared to what's needed to retire securely. By the time someone reaches retirement age, Fidelity suggests having at least 10 times your salary in retirement savings. So, making $70,000 a year would mean having $700,000 in retirement accounts by the time you stop working.&nbsp;
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<li>A billion-dollar investment strategy with minimums as low as $10 —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/fundrise-flagship-fund"> you can become part of the next big real estate boom today.</a></li>
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Those in their late 40s to mid-50s have much catching up to do. According to Fidelity's recommendation, this age group should already have about six times their annual salary saved for retirement. Sticking with our $70,000 salary example would mean having $420,000 in retirement accounts, a far cry from the average $182,100.&nbsp;
Gen X has experienced several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/06/39274689/amid-rising-costs-financial-strain-becomes-americas-chief-anxiety">financial setbacks</a> throughout their prime working years. From the dot-com bubble to the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of disruption has affected the ability to save money.&nbsp;
Trending: Founder of Personal Capital and ex-CEO of PayPal<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/evergreen-money"> re-engineers traditional banking with this new high-yield account — start saving better today.</a>
Many Gen-Xers have also faced layoffs or reduced incomes during critical times. With the stock market's major fluctuations throughout the years, keeping up with retirement contributions has been difficult.&nbsp;
Beyond external economic factors, Gen-Xers – the sandwich generation – are often stuck in the middle, caring for their children and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/40001551/do-i-have-to-support-my-financially-irresponsible-75-year-old-mother-suze-ormans-take-on-priorit">aging parents</a>. Those with this dual caregiver role face emotional and financial strain, from rising health care costs for elderly parents to the expenses of raising children.&nbsp;
This often results in delaying or reducing contributions to retirement funds to cover immediate family needs.&nbsp;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/irs-finalizes-10-year-rule-adv">IRS Finalizes 10-Year Rule For Retirement Withdrawals, Making Things &#8216;Even More Insanely Complicated&#8217;</a>
Another financial hurdle for Gen X is personal debt. Education Data reports that the average student loan debt for Gen X is $44,290 per borrower and Gen X has taken on more student loans than any other generation. According to Experian, Gen X also holds the highest average credit card debt of any generation, with $9,255. Between paying off these personal debts and managing other financial responsibilities, retirement savings often take a back seat.&nbsp;
It's not too late for those with less-than-ideal retirement savings to get back on track, though. Boosting contributions to retirement accounts is a good place to start, especially if your employer offers a matching contribution. It's also important to prioritize paying off high-interest debt, which can free up more money for saving. Meeting with a financial planner could be another smart move, as they can help create a tailored plan to balance your current needs with long-term goals.
By taking action now, Gen Xers can increase their chances of securing a comfortable retirement. Talking to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> can help. They can help you plan for the future with a personalized plan tailored to your needs.&nbsp;
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<li>How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.</li>
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Personal Finance

Average Gen-Xer Only Has $182,100 In Retirement Savings And It's Not Enough To Secure Their Future

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/09/40970011/kevin-olearys-dad-warned-him-hed-starve-to-death-if-he-pursued-his-passion-getting-an-mba-ended-up-c">Kevin O'Leary</a>, a big-name investor known for his no-nonsense approach to business, has a unique strategy for dealing with family members who ask him for money. He's had his fair share of relatives coming to him with big ideas and high hopes, looking for a hefty investment. And with O'Leary's financial standing, it's not surprising. The Canadian business owner and Shark Tank star has a net worth of around $400 million.
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But while he's generous, he's also got boundaries that help keep family and finances from clashing. In a short YouTube video, O'Leary explained his actions when family members ask him for money. He acknowledges the age-old truth: "More money, more problems." O'Leary says, "It's a fantastic thing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39710541/kevin-oleary-says-you-can-survive-on-500-000-and-do-nothing-else-to-make-money">because it buys you freedom</a> but it makes your life complicated because many people want some of it from you for free – particularly family members. This is a huge issue."
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O'Leary clarifies that people come to expect something for nothing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/can-you-guess-how-many-americans-successfully-retire-with-1-million-saved">just because you have money</a>. And to handle this, he's developed a straightforward method that keeps things clear and avoids awkward Thanksgiving dinners.
When a family member approaches him for money – whether it's to start a restaurant or launch a new business – he offers a one-time gift. In the case he mentions, it's $50,000. Not a loan, not an investment, just a gift. But there's a catch: "You never ask me for money again. Ever." O'Leary's rule is simple: after that check, there will be no more handouts, no future expectations, and no financial entanglements. As he humorously adds, he hands over the money and then "goes back to polishing his eggs." It's a clean break that leaves no room for future financial disputes or awkward family interactions.
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For those who don't have a portfolio like O'Leary's, his approach still offers a valuable lesson. Setting clear boundaries is crucial when lending or gifting money to family. Getting caught up in the emotions and obligations that come with helping loved ones is easy, but things can get messy without clear rules. A good approach for the rest of us might be to only give what we can afford to lose – whether that's $50, $500, or $5,000 – and make it clear that it's a one-time deal. No loans, no strings, no awkward family gatherings.
Handling family and money can be tricky, but O'Leary's approach shows that it's all about setting expectations and sticking to them. And maybe, just maybe, it's also about having a little humor to keep things from getting too tense.
It's always smart to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/charlie-munger-100k">consult with a financial advisor</a> before making big decisions, especially when family is involved. They can help you determine what makes the most sense for your situation and set the right boundaries. It's not just about the money – it's about keeping relationships intact while making choices that work for everyone. A little guidance can go a long way in ensuring your finances and family ties stay strong.
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Startups

'You Never Ask Me for Money Again': Kevin O'Leary Explains Instead Of Investing In Family Members' Businesses, He Gifts Cash With A Caveat

The market reached its pandemic-induced bottom on March 23, 2020, after a dramatic sell-off that wiped trillions of dollars from global markets. However, swift action by the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/federal-reserve">Federal Reserve</a>, including slashing interest rates to near-zero and launching aggressive asset-purchasing programs, helped instill confidence in financial markets.
The federal government also rolled out multi-trillion-dollar stimulus packages like the CARES Act, which included direct payments to Americans, expanded unemployment benefits and forgivable loans to businesses.
As a result, major U.S. stock indices began an extraordinary recovery. The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF, which tracks the broader market, rebounded by a staggering 149.8% from its March 2020 low. 
The Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1, which primarily tracks the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 index, surged even higher, returning 185.2%, while the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust, reflecting the performance of the DJIA, saw a 120.4% gain over the same period. These remarkable returns have rewarded investors who remained patient during the unprecedented turmoil.
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tech Stocks and Retail Favorites Lead the Rally</h3>
The market recovery was largely driven by technology stocks, which benefited from the rapid acceleration of digital transformation during the pandemic. Companies like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and Tesla experienced explosive growth as work-from-home trends and e-commerce dominated. 
Meanwhile, stocks like GameStop and AMC Entertainment became poster children for retail investors, particularly those congregating on forums like Reddit's WallStreetBets. These retail favorites skyrocketed in 2021, with price surges fueled by short squeezes and social media-driven trading, despite their companies facing significant fundamental challenges.
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cryptocurrency's Meteoric Rise</h3>
As equities boomed, the cryptocurrency market experienced an even more dramatic rise. Investors who took positions in major digital assets at the March 2020 bottom saw historic gains. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), for instance, surged from around $5,000 in March 2020 to all-time highs near $75,000 in early 2024. For those who invested $100 in Bitcoin at the market bottom, their investment would have grown to an astonishing $1,265.85 by the present day.
Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, experienced even more substantial growth. Its value increased from roughly $110 in March 2020 to over $4,800 at its peak in 2021. A $100 investment in Ethereum back then would now be worth $2,174.05, thanks to its growing use in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and the popularity of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), initially created as a joke, emerged as one of the biggest winners, fueled by celebrity endorsements and viral social media campaigns. Dogecoin's value exploded, giving those who invested $100 at the market's low a return of $7,463.60—a staggering 7,463% increase, highlighting the speculative fervor in the crypto markets.
What's Next: As the debate over cryptocurrency regulation heats up, these topics will be further explored at Benzinga&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/digital-assets/agenda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Future of Digital Assets</a> event on Nov. 19, where key industry leaders and policymakers will gather to discuss the evolving role of digital assets in politics and finance.

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Mark Cuban didn't hold back when he saw Donald Trump promoting limited-edition silver coins. In a post on X, Cuban shared Trump's promotional video for the Official Trump Coins, where the ex-president described them as a &#8220;true symbol of American greatness.&#8221; Cuban wasn't buying it. "I guess he doesn't believe in BTC quite as much as the Maxis told him to," Cuban wrote, referencing Trump's recent embrace of bitcoin.
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Cuban, a well-known tech billionaire and &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; star, clearly thinks Trump is pushing a bad investment. &#8220;He is selling the silver coins as a collectible that could increase in value … An investment,&#8221; Cuban said, questioning whether any serious bitcoin advocate would ever suggest buying a silver coin over bitcoin.&nbsp;
"Would you consider a person pushing this illiquid product, rather than [Bitcoin, Etherium], real estate or other liquid assets, someone you can trust for investment advice? Or more likely a con-man?" he wrote.
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The Trump Coins, minted in the U.S. and stamped with Trump's image, are selling for $100, far above the market price of silver. Despite the official website claiming these coins aren't for investment purposes, Cuban isn't convinced. He sees it as a clear cash grab by Trump, especially as he faces mounting legal costs. &#8220;Would you tell ANYONE you know to get business or investment advice from a person selling these coins?&#8221; Cuban asked bluntly.
The Trump Coins incident has sparked a bigger debate about whether it's right to sell collectibles as investments. Silver's been a go-to for safety, but guys like Cuban and Warren Buffett <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38296813/warren-buffett-says-buying-gold-is-going-long-on-fear-but-robert-kiyosaki-says-f-u-buffett-and-u">aren't impressed. </a>They'd rather see money go into something that grows, like businesses that make profits.
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The folks behind the Trump Coins say these aren't political or investment pieces, just cool collectibles. "The coins are not political and have nothing to do with any political campaign," the website reads. However, the website's biography on X says the company is an "official partner of the Trump Organization." The coins come with a certificate and a custom bag. But Cuban's not buying it. He thinks it's another way to cash in on Trump's fan base.
Cuban hasn't held back on his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41019829/mark-cuban-fires-back-at-criticism-of-kamala-harris-tax-policies-trump-has-a-new-tax-cut-or-tariff-f">opinions about Trump lately, </a>calling him &#8220;unethical&#8221; and &#8220;dishonest.&#8221; In Cuban&#8217;s eyes, this coin controversy is just more proof that Trump isn't the guy to trust with your money. He's even backing Vice President Kamala Harris, slamming Trump's tariffs as bad news for American businesses.
The bottom line? Cuban's advice is simple: Don't fall for flashy silver coins; stick to smarter investments.
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Mark Cuban Criticizes Trump's Coin Push – Is This A Con Or An Investment?

Ginni Thomas, a conservative activist and the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was one of the notable political figures that Iranian hackers attempted to impersonate in their efforts to target individuals <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">connected to former President</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Donald Trump</a>.
According to an indictment unsealed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, three individuals are accused of a multi-year hacking campaign targeting current and former U.S. officials and journalists, including a breach of the Trump campaign this summer, <a target="_blank" href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/27/politics/iran-trump-hackers-charged/index.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> CNN.
The accused are members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps. They allegedly targeted the Nov. 5 election between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Iran dismissed the accusations as baseless. The Justice Department has also targeted Russian election interference, charging and sanctioning state media employees for funding pro-Trump influencers.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41078411/us-charges-iranian-hackers-for-interfering-in-2024-presidential-election" rel="noreferrer noopener"> US Charges Iranian Hackers For Interfering In 2024 Presidential Election</a>
From June to August, the hackers gained access to a Trump campaign official&#8217;s personal email account, stealing &#8220;debate preparation&#8221; materials and information about potential vice presidential candidates.
According to the indictment and law enforcement officials, the hackers created a fake email account in Ginni Thomas&#8217; name in April 2020, but they did not use it in their operations until four years later.
The charges against the Iranian hackers come amid heightened concerns over foreign interference in U.S. elections.
In August,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40303972/trump-campaign-falls-victim-to-cyber-attack-heightening-election-security-fears" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump's campaign</a>&nbsp;confirmed a security breach, believed to be orchestrated by foreign entities hostile to the U.S. This breach included the theft of internal documents, which were later leaked to the media.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Ginni Thomas Impersonated By Iranian Hackers in Targeted Scheme Against Trump Campaign, U.S. Indictment Alleges

China&#8217;s latest economic stimulus is creating significant ripples in global markets. Following a series of bold actions by the People&#8217;s Bank of China (PBoC), including slashing the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for banks and cutting key repo rates,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/09/41050711/stocks-rise-as-china-signals-more-stimulus-billionaire-david-tepper-bets-big-on-everythi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the financial system is poised for an influx of liquidity</a>.
The aim is to inject $140 billion into the economy and enhance lending to stimulate growth. Additionally, Reuters reports that China plans to issue 2 trillion yuan (approximately $284 billion) in special sovereign bonds this year to boost consumer spending.
However, Nick Colas, co-founder of DataTrek Research, cautioned about the challenges posed by the Chinese government&#8217;s approach. During a Bloomberg Surveillance <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/audio/2024-09-26/nobloomberg-surveillance-markets-eco-israel-podcast">podcast</a>, he noted that while there are various monetary and fiscal policy measures, there exists a conflicting perspective among government regulators.
They want to improve the economy but are reluctant to restore too much power to the wealthy and corporations.
&#8220;And&nbsp;that&nbsp;tension&nbsp;has&nbsp;been&nbsp;really&nbsp;damaging&nbsp;for&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;equity&nbsp;market&nbsp;investors&nbsp;sentiments,&#8221; Colas said in the podcast.
Colas emphasized that this tension has negatively impacted investor sentiment in the Chinese equity market.
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Colas also drew a comparison between China and the United States regarding their resilience. He expressed that America, by its very nature, is psychologically &#8220;anti-fragile.&#8221;
&#8220;Americans are very optimistic people. They don&#8217;t worry about making mistakes. And they don&#8217;t criticize people that fail, at least in business,&#8221; Colas said on the Bloomberg Surveillance Podcast. 
He remarked that American society allows for &#8220;second and third acts,&#8221; highlighting a cultural tendency to bounce back from setbacks.
When asked about China&#8217;s anti-fragility, Colas acknowledged that it exists but not to the same degree as in the U.S. He pointed out that the unique ability of Americans to recover from mistakes—whether in business or politics—sets the U.S. apart globally. This resilience, he concluded, is a hallmark of American exceptionalism.
A recent Bloomberg report <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-27/xi-s-big-stimulus-week-aims-to-draw-a-line-under-china-slowdown?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">highlighted</a> that a growing group of prominent Chinese economists, including former central bank chief Yi Gang, has warned of the need to boost demand to prevent China from falling into a deflationary spiral.
Companies engaged in intense price wars are laying off workers, and college graduates are facing challenges in finding jobs, leading to a record youth unemployment rate last month, the report read.
While the new multi-faceted policy package has energized equity markets, it did not do much to tackle the fundamental issues affecting China&#8217;s long-term economic outlook.
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Equities

Movers

China's Reluctance To Empower Corporations Could Undermine Economic Stimulus: Report

Anthony Scaramucci recently expressed his belief that electing Kamala Harris and defeating former President Donald Trump could be the key to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/08/40429823/anthony-scaramucci-says-donald-trumps-divisive-tactics-will-lead-to-the-first-african-american-woman">revitalizing the Republican Party</a>.
What Happened: In a post on X on Friday, Scaramucci, Scaramucci, who will be a headline speaker at Benzinga's upcoming <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/digital-assets/agenda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Future of Digital Assets</a> event on Nov. 19, stated, &#8220;Electing VP Harris and defeating Trump is not about destroying the Republican party; it&#8217;s about saving it.&#8221;
He further emphasized that the GOP needs to move beyond the &#8220;hateful and divisive extremism&#8221; that he believes Trump has brought to the party.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Doug gets it. Electing VP Harris and defeating Trump is not about destroying the Republican party; it&#39;s about saving it. Only once we move past the hateful and divisive extremism Trump has brought can the GOP rediscover and strengthen its core values. <a href="https://t.co/0qtxZfE0xB">https://t.co/0qtxZfE0xB</a>
&mdash; Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scaramucci/status/1839686140778971464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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In another post on Saturday, he voiced his support for Harris by saying that the business leaders across parties are horrified by Trump's leadership model. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40761709/anthony-scaramucci-trump-will-lose-then-start-panicking-over-november-sentencing">Anthony Scaramucci: Trump Will Lose, Then &#8216;Start Panicking&#8217; Over November Sentencing</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Business leaders across parties are horrified by Trump's leadership model and believe his economic policies would reignite inflation. Great work by <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffSonnenfeld?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffSonnenfeld</a> <a href="https://t.co/IFo7nv6wMP">https://t.co/IFo7nv6wMP</a>
&mdash; Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scaramucci/status/1839764069676376075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Scaramucci, who briefly served as the White House Director of Communications under Trump, has been a vocal critic of the former president. His latest comments suggest a desire for a shift in the party&#8217;s direction, away from Trump&#8217;s influence.
Why It Matters: Scaramucci&#8217;s comments reflect a growing divide within the Republican Party, with some members advocating for a return to traditional conservative values, while others continue to support Trump&#8217;s brand of politics. 
His call for the election of Vice President Harris, a Democrat, indicates a willingness to cross party lines in order to achieve this goal.
The impact of these internal conflicts on the future direction of the GOP remains to be seen. 
However, Scaramucci&#8217;s comments highlight the ongoing debate within the party about its core values and political identity.
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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.

Scaramucci Advocates For Harris To Save The Republican Party, Says 'Electing Harris, Defeating Trump Is About Saving The GOP'

Former President Donald Trump unveiled a luxury watch collection priced at $100,000 per piece on the same day that his wife, Melania Trump voiced her concerns over the public&#8217;s struggle to afford basic <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40994134/who-funded-melania-trumps-six-figure-lgbt-speaking-engagement-the-source-remains-shrouded-in-mystery">needs amid rising inflation</a>.
What Happened: Trump introduced his Official Trump Watch Collection in a <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113204307304573314">post</a> on Truth Social. The collection, featuring 147 gold watches each engraved with Trump&#8217;s name, is being sold for $100,000 each. Trump touted the watches as ideal Christmas gifts and predicted a swift sell-out.
&#8220;The Official Trump Watch Collection is here, and these Watches are truly special — You're going to love them. Would make a great Christmas Gift. Don't wait, they will go fast. GET YOUR TRUMP WATCH RIGHT NOW!&#8221; Trump wrote in the post. 
In the meantime, Melania Trump was on Fox &amp; Friends promoting her new memoir. In the course of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDp24JwcyDI">interview</a>, she touched on the difficulties people are experiencing in meeting basic needs due to the surge in inflation. 
She lauded her husband&#8217;s administration, asserting that people fared better during his tenure.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37303851/melania-trump-vs-ivanka-trump-white-house-power-struggle-unveiled-in-new-tell-all-book">Melania Trump Vs. Ivanka Trump: White House Power Struggle Unveiled In New Tell-All Book</a>
"How I see it is, the record speaks for itself. The country is suffering. People are not able to buy the usual necessities for their families," Melania Trump said during the interview. "We have wars going on around the world. Soldiers are dying. They were dying under this administration because of weak leadership. The border is open and dangerous."
"I think the American people need to decide what they really want. Maybe some strong tweets, but everything else great for this country. So it's all in the American people's hands on November 5," she added. 
While Trump was marketing his premium watches, Melania shared her worries about the nation&#8217;s hardships, unsecured borders, ongoing conflicts, and ineffective leadership. 
She concluded by saying that the choice rests with the American people, suggesting the potential of strong tweets but overall greatness for the country.
Why It Matters: The timing of Trump&#8217;s luxury watch launch and Melania&#8217;s inflation concerns has raised eyebrows. As the former President is promoting a high-end product, his wife is expressing concerns over the economic struggles faced by many Americans. 
This juxtaposition underscores the ongoing debate about wealth disparity and the economic challenges many are facing amidst rising inflation. 
The situation also highlights the differing public personas of the Trumps, with Donald Trump&#8217;s entrepreneurial endeavors often contrasting with Melania&#8217;s more reserved and empathetic public image.
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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.

While Trump Launches $100K Luxury Watch, Wife Melania Trump Talks About Rising Inflation: 'The Country Is Suffering, People Not Able To Buy Necessities For Their Families'

Donald Trump has entered the luxury watch market with a range of timepieces priced between $499 and a whopping $100,000. However, these watches are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40868937/mary-trump-says-her-uncle-is-a-deeply-unwell-traitor-he-knows-he-just-needs-to-keep-it-close-enough">not intended for investment purposes</a>.
What Happened: The watches are not directly linked to Trump or the Trump Organization in terms of design, manufacturing, distribution, or sales. 
The actual producer is TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC, which is utilizing Trump&#8217;s name, image, and likeness under a paid license agreement. This is one of Trump&#8217;s latest business endeavors since he left office three years ago.
The Victory Tourbillon, the priciest watch in the collection, is crafted with nearly 200 grams of gold and over 100 genuine diamonds. 
Talking about Trump&#8217;s new watch launch, his niece Mary Trump said in a substack <a href="https://www.marytrump.org/p/the-non-fungible-grift">post</a>, &#8216;The FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT collection (who among us hasn't tried to raise money off of an assassination attempt in which people were actually killed?) includes a stainless-steel watch with a blood-red dial. The Victory Tourbillon comes in 18k yellow or rose gold and costs more than the average American makes in two years.&#8217;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40867372/mary-trump-says-donald-trump-remains-thin-skinned-bully-and-thats-what-makes-him-dangerous">Mary Trump Says &#8216;Donald Trump Remains Thin-Skinned Bully And That&#8217;s What Makes Him Dangerous&#8217;</a>
&#8220;In a slimy video that would be stunning in its ridiculousness coming from any other presidential candidate, Donald tells us the $100,000 watch is made with almost 200 grams of gold and more than 100 real diamonds. That's a lot of diamonds. I love gold. I love diamonds. We all do," she added in the post. 
Despite the steep price, the terms and conditions of the watches specify that they are meant to be collectible items for personal enjoyment, not for investment.
Mary Trump also said in the post, &#8220;There are much, much worse things about Donald Trump than his shameless hucksterism, but leveraging the presidency in this way is truly grotesque. Despite the fact that we've learned to expect nothing, it's still shocking that corporate media considers that this ugly aspect of a presidential candidate is something we all should ignore—or accept.&#8221;
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40429962/mary-trump-donalds-narcissistic-injury-is-so-great-that-he-has-essentially-stopped-campaigning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mary Trump: ‘Donald's Narcissistic Injury Is So Great That He Has Essentially Stopped Campaigning'</a>
The company plans to start shipping the watches in late 2024, but it has clarified that it will not be responsible for any shipment delays. Furthermore, all sales are final as per the terms and conditions.
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s entry into the luxury watch market is perceived as another attempt to capitalize on his presidency and name recognition for personal profit. 
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Trump continues to explore new avenues to monetize his brand.
Read Next:
<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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s Niece Accuses Him Of Lying About Involvement In Controversial Project 2025: ‘My Uncle Likes To Call America a ‘Stupid Country.&#8217; But We&#8217;re Not Nearly As Stupid As He Hopes We Are …</a>
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.

Mary Trump Says There Are Much, Much Worse Things About Donald Trump 'Than His Shameless Hucksterism'

Remote work gave folks the freedom to live where they wanted – no more daily commutes, no more being stuck in a city just because the office was there. But now, companies are calling people back and that's changing everything. People are moving closer to work again and the housing market in some cities is going wild.
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Take San Jose. It's always been tough to find a home there, but now? It's crazy. Buyers are fighting over the few homes available and paying way above the asking price. According to a Realtor.com analysis of 75 cities to see where homes sell the most over their asking prices, San Jose tops the list in the U.S., with homes selling 6.2% over the asking price. And get this – the median home price is a staggering $1.3 million.
Trending: Beating the market through ethical real estate investing' — t<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/invest-with-roots">his platform aims to give tenants equity in the homes they live in while scoring 17.17% average annual returns for investors – here&#8217;s how to join with just $100</a>
So, why is this happening? Well, San Jose is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/08/40429719/whats-happened-in-silicon-valley-is-insane-says-mark-cuban-they-want-trump-to-be-the-ceo-of-the-unit">right near Silicon Valley.</a> Big tech companies like PayPal and Adobe are there, pulling in tech pros from everywhere. Housing demand is through the roof. Lex Orosco, a real estate broker at Real Silicon Valley, told Business Insider that the market will only get hotter as more people move closer to work. And as interest rates drop, even more buyers will jump in, pushing prices higher.
It's not just San Jose, though. Other cities, especially in the Northeast and California, see the same thing. Hannah Jones from Realtor.com said many of these places are &#8220;within commuting distance of the region&#8217;s major economic hubs.&#8221; With companies moving back to in-office or hybrid setups, these areas are feeling the pressure, too.
Trending: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-homes-private-credit-fund"> they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends</a>
Look at San Francisco – homes are selling for 3.6% above asking. Hartford, Connecticut? Buyers are paying 4.8% more than the list price. Even Kansas City is getting hit, with homes going for 4.3% over asking.
And the recent<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/09/41031059/after-fed-rate-cuts-is-tesla-nvidia-apple-or-amazon-the-best-investment-poll-reveals-top-magnif"> interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve? </a>It will lower mortgage rates, giving more people the power to buy. But with so few homes out there, prices might climb even more. Orosco thinks we might see more homes hit the market as rates fall, but it won't be enough to cool things down.
As companies drag workers back to the office, cities like San Jose feel the heat. More people moving back means more competition for homes – and higher prices. It's already tight and the return to office life is making it even tighter.
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Return-To-Office Mandates Ignite Housing Price Surge In Top 10 Cities–San Jose Leads The Charge

An indictment was made public this week, accusing a Florida man of threatening to kill both his primary opponent in the 2021 election for Florida&#8217;s 13th Congressional District and a private citizen <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">who is an acquaintance of that opponent</a>.
The indictment states that William Robert Braddock III, 41, from St. Petersburg, and Victim 1 were candidates in the primary election for Florida&#8217;s 13th Congressional District in the U.S, <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-candidate-13th-congressional-district-florida-charged-election-related-threat-former" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Department of Justice said</a>. Victim 2 is identified as a private citizen and acquaintance of Victim 1.
In a shocking recorded call with a local activist, Braddock brazenly claimed he would unleash a hit squad of Russians and Ukrainians to take out Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) during the heated 2022 primary for a Clearwater seat, per a <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/27/opponent-anna-paulina-luna-threatening-00181523" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by Politico.
Braddock specifically threatened to &#8220;call up my Russian-Ukrainian hit squad&#8221; to make Victim 1 disappear, the regulatory authority said in a note. After making these threats, he left the U.S. and was later discovered living in the Philippines. Recently deported back to the U.S., Braddock made his first court appearance yesterday in Los Angeles.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39874174/trump-calls-out-bidens-alleged-use-of-doj-to-harass-and-intimidate-political-opponents-and-asks-for" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Calls Out Biden&#8217;s Alleged Use Of DOJ To &#8216;Harass And Intimidate Political Opponents&#8217; — And Asks For President&#8217;s Help In Fiery Post: &#8216;We Are Under Attack From Crooked Joe Biden&#8217;</a>
Politico had earlier <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/17/secret-recording-florida-republican-threat-hit-squad-494976" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> that a conservative activist recorded Braddock advising her not to back Luna—who had been defeated by Crist in 2020—because he claimed to have connections to assassins.
Per a recording received by Politico, he said, &#8220;I really don&#8217;t want to have to end anybody&#8217;s life for the good of the people of the United States of America.&#8221; Braddock expressed that it would break his heart, but if necessary, he believed it had to be done, referring to Luna as merely a &#8220;speed bump&#8221; and likening her to a dead squirrel that one runs over daily when leaving the neighborhood.
Braddock faces a charge of interstate transmission of a true threat to injure another individual.
If found guilty, he could face up to five years in prison. A federal district court judge will decide the sentence, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors, the Department of Justice added.
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Image: Wikimedia Commons

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's Opponent Charged With Chilling Death Threat In 2022 Primary

In response to changing market conditions in Florida and Texas, leading homebuilder KB Home (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBH#NYSE">KBH</a>) has decided to slash home prices in Austin, San Antonio, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
What Happened: According to KB Home&#8217;s Chief Operating Officer, Robert McGibney, the company has reduced home prices in these regions due to shifts in the housing markets of Florida and Texas.
Earlier this week, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/09/41014725/kb-home-q3-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-net-orders-flat-variability-in-demand-across-the-quarter">the company reported third-quarter financial results</a>. The company  reported third-quarter revenue of $1.75 billion, beating analyst estimates of $1.728 billion. The U.S. homebuilder reported third-quarter earnings of $2.04 per share, beating analyst estimates of $2.02 per share. 
"We experienced variability in demand across the quarter, with softening in late June through July, as buyers continued to evaluate elevated mortgage interest rates, and general economic concerns were rising. As rates moderated in August, our net orders improved," said&nbsp;Jeffrey Mezger, chairman and CEO of KB Home.
According to the ResiClub <a href="https://www.resiclubanalytics.com/p/kb-home-we-re-cutting-home-prices-in-austin-san-antonio-orlando-and-jacksonville">report</a>, KB Home expects full-year 2024 housing revenues in the range of $6.85 billion to $6.95 billion. Average selling prices for the full year are expected to be approximately $490,000.
According to McGibney, the company has witnessed a revival in sales since the implementation of the price cuts, especially in August, with sales improving each week of the month and continuing into September.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/09/41070482/kb-home-slips-after-earnings-whats-next-for-homebuilders">KB Home Slips After Earnings: What&#8217;s Next for Homebuilders?</a>
ResiClub highlighted that the markets of Austin, San Antonio, Orlando, and Jacksonville are among the few metro area housing markets where active inventory for sale has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. This rise in inventory was flagged as a critical metric to monitor for potential falling home prices.
Despite the price reductions, KB Home&#8217;s net new orders in Q3 2024 remained essentially unchanged compared to Q3 2023. The company&#8217;s gross margin continues to slowly compress after skyrocketing during the Pandemic Housing Boom, but it has not yet fully returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Why It Matters: The decision by KB Home to reduce prices in these key markets is a significant indicator of the changing dynamics in the housing market. The increase in active inventory, coupled with the company&#8217;s steady sales despite price cuts, suggests a shift in consumer behavior and market conditions. 
This could potentially impact other homebuilders and the overall housing market in the future. As such, this development warrants close monitoring by investors and stakeholders in the real estate sector.
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This Homebuilder Is Slashing Prices In Key Cities Where Prices Soared The Most

Spark Power reports Q3 results

Press Releases

Spark Power Announces Going Private Transaction with Affiliate of American Pacific Group

Events

Spark Power Announces Its Participation at Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) 2023

Spark Power is a Proud Sponsor at Dreamer Day Hosted by Build a Dream

Spark Power Shares 2023 Third Quarter Conference Call Details

Spark Power Announces Mailing of Meeting Materials and Receipt of Interim Order in Respect of Going Private Transaction

Earnings

Spark Power Experiences Slower Growth in the Third Quarter

Spark Power Announces Leading Sponsorship of Multi-Time Champion Austin Riley of Racing with Autism

<ul>
	<li>Spark Power Group Inc.&nbsp;(TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPG#TSX">SPG</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SKPGF#OTC">SKPGF</a>) has&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/SPG/news/6049753217633110/Spark_Power_Enters_into_Waiver_and_Amendment_Agreement_with_Lender" style="background-image:initial; background-position:initial; background-size:initial; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; background-origin:initial; background-clip:initial; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; color:#4a6ee0" target="_blank">entered into a waiver and amendment agreement</a>&nbsp;with its senior lender.</li>
	<li>As reported in February, the company breached its financial covenants under its existing secured credit facility with the lender.</li>
	<li>It is further expected that the company will continue to breach its financial covenants as of March 31, 2022.</li>
	<li>The company has continued to operate by the facility&#39;s conditions while cooperating with the lender to secure a waiver of these covenant violations and make interim changes to the financial covenants.</li>
	<li>&quot;We are very pleased with the arrangement we have reached with the bank which allows us to operate the business in the normal course and execute our 2022 strategic plan,&quot; said CEO Richard Jackson.</li>
	<li>Price Action:&nbsp;SPG shares closed higher by 12.6% at C$0.80 on TSX on Monday.</li>
</ul>

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