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Spark New Zealand (OTC:SPKKY) Stock, Option Chain

Spark New Zealand

Spark is one of only three integrated telecommunications operators in New Zealand. It is the leading mobile network operator with low- to mid-40% subscriber and revenue share, and the dominant provider of fixed-line broadband services with a mid-30% subscriber share. It has a commanding presence in the New Zealand corporate and wholesale telecommunications services provision space. Spark supplements its core telecommunications operations and related infrastructure with IT products and services across cloud, managed data and networks, procurement, data centers, and Internet of Things. Its operations are entirely based in New Zealand, except for its 41% interest in Southern Cross Submarine Cables, which has zero book value and to which Spark has no funding obligations.

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Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has announced that it had successfully deployed its state-of-the-art IP Multimedia Subsystem (&#34;IMS&#34;) on the Red Hat OpenStack Platform for Spark New Zealand Limited (OTC: SPKKY).

Ericsson Boosts New Zealand&#39;s Network With Advanced IMS

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SPARK NZ LTD S/ADR by Spark New Zealand Limited

Spark New Zealand Ltd

MicroStrategy co-founder Michael Saylor has projected that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) will soon hit the $100,000 mark.
This prediction comes in the wake of the election of Donald Trump as president, which Saylor believes could have significant implications for the crypto industry.
What Happened: During a recent interview Saylor expressed his bullish stance on Bitcoin, anticipating the cryptocurrency to reach a six-figure price potentially by the end of this year.
Speaking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1e7xNdCgM4">with</a> CNBC, Saylor stated, &#8220;I'm planning a $100,000 party and I'm thinking it's probably going to be New Year's Eve at my house. So I would be surprised if we don't go through $100,000 in November or December."
Saylor also shared his views on the recent election of Donald Trump, considering it a positive turn for the crypto industry. He anticipates more pro-Bitcoin policies and an end to the war on crypto.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42024635/scaramucci-trumps-crypto-support-could-push-bitcoin-to-150k">Scaramucci: Trump&#8217;s Crypto Support Could Push Bitcoin To $150K</a>
Talking about&nbsp;U.S. adopting Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset, Saylor said, &#8220;I think this is incredibly bullish for digital assets. It's very good for the crypto industry, we're going to see a lot more pro-Bitcoin policies. We're going to see a digital assets framework, we're going to see an end to the war on crypto. We're going to see a lot of pro-business policies.&#8221;
Why It Matters: Saylor&#8217;s prediction indicates a growing confidence in the potential of Bitcoin and the broader crypto industry. 
The recent election of Donald Trump, known for his pro-business stance, could potentially lead to more favorable policies for cryptocurrencies. 
The adoption of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset by the US could also mark a significant shift in the global financial landscape, further solidifying the position of cryptocurrencies in the economy.
Read Next
<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&#8217;re Still So Early In The Bitcoin Story&#8217;</a>
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Michael Saylor Predicts Bitcoin Boom, Says $100K On The Horizon

The recent announcement of billionaire Elon Musk taking the helm of a new government agency, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has sparked a significant surge in the price of Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>).
What Happened: Last week President-elect Donald Trump unveiled that Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy would lead the new department, with a mission to cut government spending and regulations. Following this revelation, Dogecoin&#8217;s price hit a yearly high of $0.39.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong voiced his support for the DOGE agency on X on Sunday, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance economic freedom in the U.S. He proposed constitutional amendments to cap government spending at 10% of the GDP.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">. <a href="https://twitter.com/DOGE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DOGE</a> is a once in a lifetime opportunity to increase economic freedom in the U.S. and cut the size of government back to health. The founding fathers were geniuses but (with humility) may have missed the adverse incentives which grow the size of democratic government over…
&mdash; Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) <a href="https://twitter.com/brian_armstrong/status/1858023954776207730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Armstrong further suggested the creation of a sovereign wealth fund, where every U.S. citizen would own a share, and budget surpluses would yield dividends to the shareholders.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40429878/dogecoins-active-users-on-the-rise-will-this-impact-doge-price">Dogecoin&#8217;s Active Users On The Rise, Will This Impact DOGE Price?</a>
Why It Matters: Despite sharing the same acronym, the DOGE government department is not associated with Dogecoin. Nevertheless, the announcement triggered a substantial rise in the price of the cryptocurrency.
Musk, who has faced allegations of manipulating Dogecoin&#8217;s price in the past, successfully defended himself in a 2022 lawsuit related to the matter.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40669092/elon-musk-cleared-of-dogecoin-market-manipulation-charges">Elon Musk Cleared Of Dogecoin Market Manipulation Charges</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Politics

$DOGE

TSLA

Musk's DOGE Role Boosts Dogecoin As Brian Armstrong Shows Support

Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) rival meme coin Floki (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">FLOKI</a>) has experienced a significant surge in value. This comes on the heels of an announcement by Coinbase, a leading US crypto exchange, about the potential <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/03/37573802/forget-dogecoin-and-shiba-inu-this-meme-coin-has-surged-nearly-70-in-just-24-hours">inclusion of FLOKI in its future listings.</a>
What Happened: Coinbase has disclosed its consideration of adding FLOKI to its listing roadmap. This roadmap is a tool used by the exchange for maintaining transparency and preventing insider trading on coins prior to their listing.
Following this announcement, FLOKI&#8217;s value experienced a sharp increase, rising from $0.000217 last week to a peak of $0.000280 within a matter of hours. At the time of writing, FLOKI is trading at $0.000239.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Assets added to the roadmap today: FLOKI (FLOKI)<a href="https://t.co/rRB9d3hSr2">https://t.co/rRB9d3hSr2</a>
&mdash; Coinbase Assets &#x1f6e1;&#xFE0F; (@CoinbaseAssets) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoinbaseAssets/status/1857513967444230566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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FLOKI, which was launched in 2021, is a utility token for the Floki ecosystem. Inspired by Elon Musk&#8216;s pet Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>), the Floki ecosystem provides a range of decentralized finance (DeFi) services on the Ethereum (CRPYTO: ETH) and Base blockchains.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42026892/heres-how-bitcoin-whale-nets-179-million-from-a-120-investment">Here&#8217;s How A Bitcoin Whale Nets $179M From A $120 Investment</a>
Why It Matters: The potential listing of FLOKI on Coinbase is a significant development for the memecoin. 
Earlier last week, crypto analyst Bluntz predicted a substantial rise for FLOKI, forecasting that it could potentially surpass the $0.0005 level in the long term, which is more than double its current value. 
The recent surge in FLOKI&#8217;s value following Coinbase&#8217;s announcement seems to validate this prediction. 
The potential listing on a major exchange like Coinbase could provide FLOKI with increased visibility and credibility in the crypto market, potentially driving further increases in its value.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40669092/elon-musk-cleared-of-dogecoin-market-manipulation-charges">Elon Musk Cleared Of Dogecoin Market Manipulation Charges</a>
Image: Shutterstock

$FLOKI

$SHIB

DOGE

Forget Dogecoin And Shiba Inu — This Meme Coin Skyrockets After Coinbase Hints At Possible Listing

President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are endorsing the use of recess appointments, a move that could potentially sidestep conventional confirmation procedures.
What Happened: Trump and Musk are advocating for recess appointments, a process that allows the President to appoint acting Cabinet members without a single vote.
This strategy could potentially fill over 1,200 positions that require Senate confirmation without necessitating an FBI background check or a confirmation hearing.
A report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-are-recess-appointments-musk-trump-cabinet-senate-explainer-2024-11">by</a> Business Insider suggests that, Trump&#8217;s advocacy for expansive recess appointment power is perceived as an attempt to circumvent the traditional process, a sentiment echoed by Musk, who stated that without such appointments, it would be &#8220;impossible to enact the change demanded by the American people, which is utterly unacceptable.&#8221;
However, this endorsement of recess appointments by Trump and Musk has sparked a debate. Detractors argue that this strategy could destabilize the constitutional separation of powers and could establish a risky precedent for future administrations.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/24/11/42026495/musk-pushes-lutnick-for-trumps-treasury-secretary">Musk Pushes Lutnick For Trump&#8217;s Treasury Secretary</a>
Officials appointed through recess appointments can only serve until the next session of Congress. 
If Trump utilizes this power immediately upon assuming office, officials or judges could only remain in position through the next Senate session, in January 2027.
So far, Trump&#8217;s most vocal supporter has been former White House counsel Don McGahn, who contended that the Senate is too slow and that reverting to the tradition of recess appointments would ensure that every elected president can staff the government with senior officials who share his policy vision.
Why It Matters: The endorsement of recess appointments by Trump and Musk has ignited a debate about the balance of power in the government. Critics argue that this move could undermine the constitutional separation of powers and set a dangerous precedent for future administrations. 
However, supporters believe that it could expedite the process of filling key government positions and enact the change demanded by the American people. 
The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the functioning of future administrations.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39999410/what-a-second-trump-presidency-would-mean-for-elon-musk-and-his-many-ventures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What A Second Trump Presidency Would Mean For Elon Musk And His Many Ventures</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.

Trump And Musk Want To Sidestep Senate Floor Votes On Key Confirmations

President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s proposed tariffs have already <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41871407/trumps-tariffs-deportations-and-tax-cuts-may-push-prices-higher-experts-say-its-pretty-clear">begun to upend businesses</a> in several industries and many are taking action to safeguard their profits. The tariffs, which include a 10-20% tax on all imports and a potential <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41870809/china-may-benefit-from-trumps-return-to-white-house-despite-his-tariff-plans-says-expert-short-term-pain-but-potentially-long-term-strategic-gain">60-100% on goods from China</a>, are causing significant concern – and the costs are likely coming right to consumers' wallets.
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Philip Daniele, the CEO of AutoZone (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>), has stated unequivocally that if these tariffs are imposed, consumers will bear the expense. On a recent earnings call, Daniele said, &#8220;If we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer.&#8221; The company expects to raise prices even before the tariffs take effect, anticipating how these new policies will impact its margins.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Else Is Raising Prices?</h2>
Many other businesses, particularly those that depend significantly on foreign suppliers, are also preparing for possible price increases, so AutoZone is not the only company preparing for these changes.&nbsp;
Steve Madden (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHOO#NASDAQ">SHOO</a>) is one of the first companies to make a move. The shoe retailer, which sources 70% of its products from China, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41862692/steve-madden-announces-plans-to-move-production-to-avoid-trump-tariffs-but-theres-a-catch">announced that it will cut its reliance</a> on Chinese production by half, moving to places like Vietnam, Cambodia and Mexico. Even with these changes, customers should anticipate price increases as Steve Madden manages the higher expenses related to the effects of tariffs and changing supply chains.
Trending: ‘Scrolling to UBI': Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2"> invest today with $1,000 for just $0.25/share</a>
Columbia Sportswear (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLM#NASDAQ">COLM</a>) also raised concerns about how tariffs would make it more difficult to maintain the affordability of its products. According to CEO Tim Boyle, the company may be forced to raise prices to cover the additional tariff charges.&nbsp;
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41737933/trump-tariff-proposed-may-cost-americans-78b-in-spending-study">National Retail Federation</a> expressed similar views, describing the tariffs as &#8220;a tax on American families&#8221; and warning that the cost of daily goods like furniture, shoes and clothes might rise sharply.
According to their research, a $90 pair of sneakers might cost $106-116 and a $100 coat could cost up to $21 more. Footwear companies, in particular, are worried – since nearly 99% of all shoes sold in the U.S. are made abroad, it will be tough to move production to the U.S. anytime soon.
See Also: With over 7.8K investors including Meta, Google and Amazon Execs – this AI start-up's valuation has skyrocketed from $5 million to $85 million in just three years. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-ai">Be an early investor with just $1,000 for only $0.50/share today before the offer closes in 2 weeks.</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41599361/stanley-black-decker-q3-earnings-revenue-misses-cost-savings-drive-margin-gains-narrows-2024-eps-gu">Stanley Black &amp; Decker</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SWK#NYSE">SWK</a>) is another company planning to deal with the potential impact of tariffs. According to CEO Donald Allan Jr., the company has been considering several options, but manufacturing their goods in the United States isn&#8217;t considered practical because of financial difficulties. Rather, they will probably pass on any higher expenses to customers. &#8220;And obviously, coming out of the gate, there would be price increases associated with tariffs that we put into the market,&#8221; Allan stated.
Even dollar stores aren&#8217;t immune. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/24/10/41451898/what-analysts-are-saying-about-dollar-tree-stock">Dollar Tree</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>), which imports many of its items from China, might have to rethink its fixed-price-point model of $1.25 per item if tariffs increase costs too much. Like other importers, the company faces a difficult choice – absorb higher costs, which would hit profits or raise prices, which could challenge its value-focused business model.
For now, many companies are waiting to see what will actually happen with the proposed tariffs, but one thing is clear – if they do go into effect, the cost of imports will rise and those increases will most likely reach consumers.
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<li>The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a></li>
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COLM

DLTR

SHOO

"We Will Pass Those Tariff Costs Back To The Consumer," Says CEO Of AutoZone. Here's A Look At Other Companies Raising Prices

The cryptocurrency market has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a volatile asset favoured by retail traders into a more established space that is increasingly attracting institutional investors. Strengthened market infrastructure and a shifting regulatory environment have encouraged traditional financial institutions to explore the potential of digital assets.
In an exclusive interview with Benzinga, EMURGO's COO Nikhil Joshi talks about the company's blockchain innovation and transformation strategy, how it is handling rapidly changing regulatory environment, challenges faced by the global crypto market and much more.
EMURGO, a global blockchain technology company, is one of the founding entities of the Cardano blockchain. It delivers products and services aimed at advancing the adoption of Cardano's Web3 ecosystem through initiatives in education, investment, and infrastructure development.
How is EMURGO innovating in Web3, and what impact will it have on traditional finance and global financial systems?
As a founding entity of the Cardano network, EMURGO is pioneering Web3 innovations through its suite of products and partnerships aimed at accelerating the commercial adoption of blockchain. Since our inception in 2019, we have developed and advanced solutions in fintech and cemented strategic collaborations to bridge the gap between decentralised technologies and mainstream financial systems. Today, as the tokenisation of real-world assets gains traction and is slated to redefine the traditional financial ecosystem, EMURGO has emerged as a catalyst for Web3 solutions, steering education and adoption for the burgeoning sector.
As advocates for Web3, EMURGO has also been working closely with the public sector to drive positive development for the blockchain industry. Through concerted efforts, we have been embedding trust and transparency with policymakers, forging opportunities that reduce counterparty risks, streamline regulatory compliance, and pave the way for a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
Can you explain how EMURGO&#8217;s collaboration with Huawei Cloud is helping to scale Web3 solutions across the Asia Pacific region and beyond?
Our partnership with Huawei Cloud is a significant milestone for EMURGO and the Cardano ecosystem. As one of the world's largest cloud computing companies, Huawei Cloud&#8217;s entry into the Cardano ecosystem will bring Huawei's cloud infrastructure into Cardano's open-source public blockchain ecosystem, driving growth and Web3 adoption in APAC and Africa. At the same time, the joint partnership will lower the entry barriers for non-native players to utilise Cardano nodes and set up tech infrastructure to easily build solutions on the Cardano network.
What are EMURGO's key strategies for navigating the rapidly changing regulatory environment in Asia, and how will this affect the future of Web3 adoption?
The future of Web3 adoption in Asia hinges on the balance between innovation and regulation. Already, Asia Pacific nations are taking the lead in crypto adoption worldwide, and we've seen how jurisdictions from Singapore to Hong Kong are implementing regulatory clarity to better shape the emerging digital asset sector.
As a member of the Web3 Subcommittee of the Singapore Fintech Association, for example, EMURGO actively supports the mission to create and sustain a responsible and innovative Web3 ecosystem in Singapore and the region. This includes fostering a framework focused on innovation, consumer protection, financial education, and market integrity, which are crucial to guiding sustainable Web3 growth. Seeing the value of both sides of the coin, EMURGO's strategies have been shaped to foster dialogue and compliance within the Web3 sector, encouraging an optimal environment for innovation to thrive.
How does EMURGO integrate Web3 technology within existing Web2 frameworks, and what challenges have been encountered during this transition?
To us at EMURGO, the shift from Web2 to Web3 is not about abandoning the old for the new. Because our company's background is blended, with a few of us coming from more traditional backgrounds, we see value in melding the two worlds to complement both Web2 and Web3 ecosystems. Since our founding, we have been actively pushing for interoperability — creating tools that allow Web2 platforms to communicate better with blockchain networks. This helps traditional companies dip their toes into Web3 by incorporating features like tokenisation or decentralised identity without needing to start from scratch.
Traditional Web2 systems are built to handle millions of transactions quickly, while many newer blockchain networks face a combination of challenges due to its decentralised nature — its consensus mechanisms and the trade-offs it requires to maintain security across its decentralised network. EMURGO's role is essential here, as we invest in and support solutions that drive opportunities to integrate blockchain more efficiently, paving the way for seamless interoperability between Web2 and Web3.
What upcoming initiatives does EMURGO have planned to ensure a strong, sustainable future for the Web3 ecosystem?
Earlier in September EMURGO partnered with Ibex, the corporate innovation arm of Antler, one of the world's most active early-stage investors. The collaboration will leverage EMURGO's deep expertise and Antler's expansive global network to drive innovation at the intersection of fintech and Web3 technologies. This is the first announced partnership in a pipeline of upcoming collaborations that EMURGO will announce in due time that will focus on identifying, investing, and driving the growth of global founders and startup projects across the world.
What are the biggest challenges facing the global crypto market today, and how are these affecting the growth and adoption of blockchain technology? 
Despite crypto's growing mainstream and institutional acceptance, many still view the sector with apprehension and caution. Its reputation as a vehicle for illicit activities continues to undermine its critical use case in the future of finance. While, of course, blockchain does not equate to crypto, the technology&#8217;s interconnectivity with digital currency has become so synonymous that blockchain has faced the unintended consequences of crypto's volatility.
What we need today is more concerted efforts to educate and inform, ensuring that ignorance doesn't become a barrier to the adoption of innovative technologies and new currencies. In doing so, we can strengthen the financial ecosystem at large, ensuring the longevity of the blockchain and crypto sectors.
How are regulatory pressures and market volatility shaping the current and future landscape of the crypto industry worldwide? 
As the digital assets sector is still in its nascent stage, regulators are often playing catch up to understand how best to set guardrails to protect consumers and companies alike. In doing so, they tend to apply existing policies and approaches to the entirely new ecosystem which often run counter to the nature of Web3, resulting in ill-fitting solutions to emerging challenges. &nbsp;While regulations to shield users without impeding DeFi innovation still need to be developed, we're seeing encouraging signs of policies and initiatives that are accelerating the acceptance and adoption of crypto. Singapore, for example, is one such lighthouse jurisdiction that continues to play a leading role in the safe adoption of digital assets through regulatory clarity and oversight for digital asset exchanges and service providers.
Cross-industry collaboration is critical to developing a deeper understanding of blockchain technology and advancing the ecosystem's maturity. At EMURGO, we are committed to continuing our work with policymakers and industry stakeholders around the globe, helping unlock blockchain's full potential. Together, we aim to drive innovation, enhance security, and create more efficient, transparent systems for everyone.

Interview

EMURGO's Nikhil Joshi: Cross-Industry Collaboration Critical For Developing A Deeper Understanding Of Blockchain Tech

At just 27, Karoline Leavitt is set to make history as the youngest-ever White House press secretary under Donald Trump&#8216;s next administration.
Trump is betting big on Leavitt, calling her sharp, tough, and a communications powerhouse who&#8217;ll be key in amplifying his &#8220;Make America Great Again&#8221; message from the podium, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgep2lexy4o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> BBC.
According <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/11/15/karoline-leavitt-press-secretary-trump-00189456" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to</a> Politico, Leavitt&#8217;s appointment as press secretary is all set, since the staff post does not require Senate confirmation.
A native of New Hampshire, Leavitt&#8217;s career in communications began during her time at Saint Anselm College, where she studied communications and political science. While still in school, she interned at Fox News and in Trump&#8217;s White House press office, which sparked her interest in press relations.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41966992/obama-era-state-secretary-warns-trumps-plans-to-withdraw-from-paris-agreement-would-cede-leadership-to-china" rel="noreferrer noopener">Obama-Era State Secretary Warns Trump&#8217;s Plans To Withdraw From Paris Agreement Would &#8216;Cede Leadership To China&#8217;</a>
Leavitt joined the Trump administration in 2019 as a presidential speechwriter before transitioning to assistant press secretary, BBC noted. She worked closely with Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany to prepare for high-pressure briefings and advocated against what she saw as biased media coverage.
After leaving the White House, Leavitt served as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.). In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire&#8217;s first district, securing the Republican nomination but ultimately losing in the general election.
In January 2024, Leavitt rejoined Trump&#8217;s campaign for the 2024 presidential election as press secretary.
Now, she is set to take on the iconic role of White House press secretary, following in the footsteps of past Trump administration spokespeople like Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and McEnany.
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Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Media

General

Leavitt Set To Become Youngest-Ever White House Press Secretary

Billionaire investor Mark Cuban has pledged $1 million to BucketGolf, a firm that sells portable golf courses, despite his well-known distaste for the sport. The offer was made during an episode of ABC&#8217;s &#8220;Shark Tank.&#8221;
What Happened: BucketGolf, a San Francisco-based company run by siblings Tyler and Jenny Simmons, was seeking $1 million for a 10% equity stake. 
The company, which sells a game that mimics golf using foldable buckets as holes, was projected to generate over $12 million in sales in 2024.
According <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/29/mark-cuban-hates-golf-still-offered-bucketgolf-million-dollars-shark-tank.html">to</a> CNBC report, other &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; panelists, including Kevin O&#8217;Leary and Daymond John, also offered $1 million but for larger equity stakes in BucketGolf. However, Cuban countered with a $1 million offer for 15% of the company, which was less equity than his fellow judges demanded.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41196856/heres-how-mark-cubans-drunken-splurge-of-125-000-turned-into-a-profitable-investment">Mark Cuban Drunkenly Bought A $125,000 Lifetime Flight Pass And Turned It Into A Profitable Investment</a>
Initially, the Simmons siblings requested Cuban for 12.5% equity, but he refused. Despite this, Cuban eventually agreed to their terms after fellow judge Lori Greiner did the same. The siblings accepted Cuban&#8217;s offer, citing his sports background as a key factor in their decision.
As of now, it is not clear whether the deal was finalized after the taping. BucketGolf has not responded to CNBC&#8217;s request for comment.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/06/39241650/heres-how-mark-cuban-made-91-of-his-employees-millionaires" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here's How Mark Cuban Made 91% Of His Employees Millionaires</a>
Why It Matters: This investment is noteworthy given Cuban&#8217;s public dislike for golf. His decision to invest in BucketGolf, despite his personal preferences, underscores his belief in the company&#8217;s potential and the innovative nature of its product. 
The Simmons siblings&#8217; decision to accept Cuban&#8217;s offer, despite his initial refusal, also highlights the value they place on his sports industry experience. This move could potentially boost the company&#8217;s profile and growth in the sports entertainment market.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image: Shutterstock

Success Stories

Mark Cuban Swings $1M To Golf Company Despite Hating The Sport

The FBI is investigating a series of offensive and racist text messages targeting various communities across the United States, including African American, Black, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/41868203/trump-made-big-gains-among-latino-working-class-and-younger-voters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hispanic, and LGBTQIA+ groups</a>, in the wake of the presidential election.
The disturbing messages, which reference the reintroduction of slavery and plantation labor, are now being sent even to include high school students, per a <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-statement-regarding-offensive-text-messages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a> from the FBI. In some cases, recipients have reported receiving messages about deportation or being selected for re-education camps. Some of the messages have also been sent via email.
While no violent incidents have been reported, the FBI said it is working closely with the Justice Department and other federal authorities to address the issue.
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The agency is also in contact with the Department of Justice&#8217;s Civil Rights Division and is collaborating with law enforcement partners, community organizations, and leaders in academia and faith communities to investigate and address these offenses. The FBI continues to evaluate all reported incidents and remains committed to protecting civil rights.
In comments <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/15/homophobic-anti-migrant-texts-election-fbi">to The Guardian</a>, President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s spokesperson Steven Cheung denied any connection between the campaign and the racist text messages.
The NAACP condemned the messages, calling them a disturbing rise in hateful rhetoric from racist groups. NAACP President Derrick Johnson linked the messages to the actions of Trump who, he said, has historically encouraged hate, The Guardian added.
The NAACP emphasized the need to address the growing fear and division caused by such messages.
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</ul>

FBI Investigating Racist Text Message Campaign Following Election

Bitcoin might be making headlines for hitting an all-time high after the U.S. presidential election, but an even more impressive success story is unfolding. While the world&#8217;s most popular cryptocurrency is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41709166/bitcoin-to-hit-100-000-by-january-2025-could-black-hole-effect-push-the-largest-crypto-to-">nearing the $100,000 milestone</a>, Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) has outperformed Bitcoin significantly over the past five years.
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<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD">Bitcoin</a> has had an incredible year. Since the 2024 presidential election, it has been on a rapid upward climb, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41951961/bitcoin-to-100k-benzinga-readers-predict-if-btc-can-hit-new-milestone-before-end-of-2024">recently hitting $93,434.36</a> and approaching the much-anticipated six-figure mark.&nbsp;
Changing regulations, growing institutional interest and especially <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41770352/bitcoins-future-under-president-elect-donald-trump-a-look-at-his-crypto-policies">pro-crypto sentiments</a> from the future U.S. leadership have all contributed to Bitcoin&#8217;s rise. Many analysts now expect it might hit $100,000 sooner rather than later and the enthusiasm is evident.
Trending: ‘Scrolling Through UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Valuation set to change next week but you can invest TODAY for just $0.25/share with a $1000 minimum</a>.
But while Bitcoin has been gaining attention, Nvidia&#8217;s stock has been outperforming it. On Nov. 14, Nvidia&#8217;s share price closed at $146.27, a staggering 2,768% increase over the previous five years. To put things in perspective, Bitcoin has increased by roughly 973% during that time, which is remarkable but still significantly less than Nvidia&#8217;s enormous growth.
The tech sector now relies heavily on Nvidia. Their specialist chips have been in high demand as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a more important component of everything from data centers to consumer goods. The company has experienced exponential growth and its stock price has followed suit.
See Also: The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nvidia Joins the Dow</h2>
Among Nvidia&#8217;s recent accomplishments is replacing Intel in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. This action emphasizes the continuous transition toward AI technology and firmly establishes Nvidia as a significant force in the tech sector. With a market cap of $3.43 trillion, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/41761849/nvidia-blows-past-apple-to-become-worlds-most-valuable-company">Nvidia recently surpassed Apple</a> to become the world&#8217;s most valuable company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/options/24/11/41951342/spotlight-on-nvidia-analyzing-the-surge-in-options-activity">Analysts have remained bullish on Nvidia</a>, citing its continued dominance in AI chips and the growth of AI technology overall. The company&#8217;s future looks bright, with analysts setting price targets that suggest even more upside potential for investors.
Although Bitcoin&#8217;s ascent to its highest point in history is undoubtedly cause for celebration, Nvidia&#8217;s achievements over the last five years are truly remarkable. While both Nvidia and Bitcoin have provided investors with amazing profits, Nvidia has been one of the market leaders due to its steady expansion and rising product demand. Use <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> to stay informed about the latest NVIDIA options trades with real-time alerts.
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<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
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NVDA

Bitcoin Hits An All-Time High, But Nvidia Has Outperformed It Dramatically Over The Last Five Years

A Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) investor has demonstrated the potential of long-term investment in digital assets by turning a mere $120 into a staggering $179 million over a 14-year period.
What Happened: A Bitcoin whale moved 2,000 Bitcoin, now worth $179 million, which had been untouched for 14 years.
Blockchain data indicates that the whale received the coins in 2010 when they were valued at just $0.06 each, making the total value of the coins at that time $120.
The investor transferred the Bitcoin to the American crypto exchange, Coinbase, last week, after seeing their holdings appreciate by nearly 150,000,000%. This move is presumed to be a step towards selling the digital asset.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">JUST IN: Someone just moved 2,000 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> worth $179,000,000. They held from $0.06 to $90,000 Legend &#x1f525; <a href="https://t.co/L2nprLATnh">pic.twitter.com/L2nprLATnh</a>
&mdash; The Bitcoin Historian (@pete_rizzo_) <a href="https://twitter.com/pete_rizzo_/status/1857428085647306914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41869087/kiyosaki-aims-to-own-100-bitcoins-by-2025-i-wish-bitcoin-was-back-to-10-a-coin-but-wishing-has-never-made-poor-people-richer">Kiyosaki Aims To Own 100 Bitcoins By 2025: &#8216;I Wish Bitcoin Was Back To $10 A Coin, But Wishing Has Never Made Poor People Richer&#8217;</a></figcaption></figure>
Currently, Bitcoin is valued at $90,476, according to Benzinga data. It reached an all-time high of over $93,000 last week, marking an increase of about $20,000 since Election Day.
Why It Matters: Bitcoin whales, as they are known in the crypto world, are investors who accumulate large amounts of digital coins and hold onto them for years, watching their value increase exponentially. 
Despite short-term volatility, Bitcoin typically appreciates more than most other assets in the long run, yielding substantial returns for those who hold onto it, known as &#8220;HODLers.&#8221;
This story serves as a testament to the potential of long-term investment in digital assets.
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Image: Shutterstock

Here's How A Bitcoin Whale Nets $179M From A $120 Investment

Billionaire Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy have set their sights on curbing federal expenditure, leveraging the Republican dominance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41082363/heres-how-elon-musk-has-become-a-pro-trump-political-influencer-through-social-media">in both chambers of Congress</a>.
What Happened: According to a report, the duo&#8217;s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aims to reduce spending by a whopping $2 trillion. 
The Republican majority in Congress, which allows for budget reconciliation, makes this ambitious target more attainable by sidestepping the usual filibuster rules.
Business Insider reports that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-elon-musk-cutting-federal-spending-could-work-2024-11">the</a> Department of Government Efficiency is not a government entity. Major alterations to the federal budget will likely necessitate legislative intervention. Nevertheless, Musk and Ramaswamy are in a strong position to recommend significant reductions in federal spending.
David Walker, a fiscal watchdog who headed the Government Accountability Office from 1998 to 2008, told the outlet about the limitations on what can and cannot be done, underlining the difficulties previous presidents have encountered in managing federal spending.
&#8220;There are a lot more restrictions on what you can and can&#8217;t do. There&#8217;s a lot of cultural barriers,&#8221; he said. 
The efforts by Musk and Ramaswamy could surpass prior attempts. Any proposals endorsed by Trump would have a higher likelihood of gaining Congressional approval due to Republican control. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41965420/elon-musk-vivek-ramaswamy-led-department-of-government-efficiency-opens-account-on-x-says-it-is-working-overtime">Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy-Led Department Of Government Efficiency Opens Account On X</a>
Thomas Schatz, the president of Citizens Against Government Waste, believes this government-efficiency initiative &#8220;can be set up faster.&#8221;
Musk has previously expressed his disapproval of the Securities and Exchange Commission and proposed incentives for government employees who demonstrate fiscal prudence. 
Ramaswamy has suggested a thought experiment to downsize the federal workforce. Veronique de Rugy, an economist at the libertarian think tank Mercatus Center, believes that Musk and Ramaswamy could achieve $2 trillion in savings through radical reforms.
Why It Matters: This development is significant in the context of ongoing debates about federal spending and debt. 
The ambitious plan by Musk and Ramaswamy, if successful, could set a precedent for future administrations and potentially reshape the landscape of government spending. 
Their unique approach, coupled with the current political climate, may provide the necessary momentum to drive significant changes in federal expenditure.
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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.

Musk And Ramaswamy Seek Spending Cut Wins Where Others Failed

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40972049/dave-ramsey-tells-29-year-old-1m-in-debt-and-spending-like-shes-in-congress-im-getting-ready-to-">Dave Ramsey isn't just any financial guru – </a>he's a powerhouse who reportedly owns $600 million in real estate, all bought in cash. Known for his unfiltered advice to callers, he usually sticks to helping others get their finances straight. But occasionally, he pulls back the curtain and gives a glimpse into the personal strategies that got him where he is.
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A few years back, in a popular YouTube video, Ramsey's message was loud and clear: "The borrower is a slave to the lender."
In that video, he detailed his investing process, clarifying that debt isn't just a financial burden – it's a roadblock to real wealth. For Ramsey, avoiding debt isn't simply about managing money; it's about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40711869/how-rich-are-you-heres-the-net-worth-that-defines-upper-middle-and-lower-class">taking control of your future</a>.
Ramsey often highlights the power of focusing on "your most powerful wealth-building tool" – your income. He insists that when you keep your earnings out of the hands of lenders, you're free to use them to create long-term wealth. "When you haven't committed your income in the form of payments to everybody else, you can invest it and become wealthy," he says, explaining that a little financial discipline now can lead to significant rewards.
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Ramsey shares a striking example: the average car payment in America is around $503. "That's just crazy," he exclaims. If someone instead invested $500 a month from age 30 to 70 in a decent growth stock mutual fund, Ramsey claims they could amass over five million dollars by retirement. "One thing could make you worth five million dollars," he says, emphasizing how small decisions add up over time.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40777048/24-year-old-gets-best-job-of-his-life-and-wants-to-invest-but-dave-ramsey-says-youre-broke-and-i">Ramsey's advice</a> doesn't stop at avoiding debt. He's also a vocal advocate for investing in good growth stock mutual funds, a strategy he believes is the best path to financial independence. He favors a balanced approach, spreading investments across four types of funds: growth and income, growth, aggressive growth and international funds. This mix, he argues, has a strong track record of outperforming basic index funds. "If the mutual fund you're looking at is below that S&amp;P 500 line, don't buy that fund," he advises.
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Ramsey is well aware that his stance sometimes contrasts with other voices in the financial world, especially those promoting index funds and fee-conscious strategies. "Some people are stepping over $5 bills trying to pick up pennies worrying about these fees," he quips, adding that while fees matter, they're not what makes or breaks financial success. To him, the true key is consistency – saving and investing monthly, year after year, no matter what the market is doing. He's clear that "the big thing is actually putting money into the mutual funds, actually investing."
Ramsey's approach also reflects his view on financial independence. For him, paying a broker is worth it to have someone keep you on track. "I need a broker in my life. I need somebody that's an advisor," he says, explaining that, despite knowing a lot about investing, he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/can-you-guess-how-many-americans-successfully-retire-with-1-million-saved">prefers having a professional's guidance</a> to stay disciplined. Ramsey points out that emotional reactions to market trends often sway people who invest independently. "When you're out there by yourself with all your theories," he says, "you cash out all your mutual funds at exactly the wrong time because you don't have anybody in your corner saying, ‘Don't jump.'"
See Also: Many are using this retirement income calculator to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on how on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
According to Ramsey, retirement success isn't just about choosing the right investments – it's about regularly investing. He cites research showing that "74% of retirement success is doing it." By steadily contributing to retirement accounts, people can build a significant nest egg without chasing high returns or jumping in and out of the market.
Ramsey's advice is simple: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41385340/dave-ramsey-says-buying-cars-for-your-teenagers-leads-to-a-lifetime-of-ridiculous-expectations-b">stay away from debt</a>, invest consistently and focus on the long term. He believes this advice can help people achieve not only wealth but also peace of mind. "This is how you get wealthy," he says, stressing that the journey isn't about luck or timing; it's about persistence and discipline.
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Personal Finance

'This Is How You Get Wealthy' – Dave Ramsey Details How One Move Could Make You $5 Million By Retirement

European banks are bracing for intensified competition as U.S. President-elect <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/41916450/just-how-bullish-is-the-market-on-trumps-election-win-to-find-out-look-to-the-past">Donald Trump</a> prepares to roll out policies to deregulate the U.S. financial sector. Trump's promise to ease financial regulations is expected to benefit American banks by boosting their lending and investment capacity.&nbsp;
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Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41379867/european-central-bank-lowers-interest-rates-again-first-back-to-back-cuts-in-13-years">European banks</a> may struggle to keep up under Europe's stringent regulations and slower economic growth, potentially widening the earnings gap across the Atlantic.&nbsp;
Under the Trump administration, U.S. banks anticipate that restrictions on capital requirements, merger approval timelines and oversight of complex investments will be loosened. Wall Street is already optimistic about this potential wave of deregulation, with American banking giants like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/41852613/jp-morgan-analysts-see-generational-opportunity-in-real-estate-market-as-a-direct-result-of-valuatio">JPMorgan</a>, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley seeing a rise in shares following the election.&nbsp;
This increased flexibility in lending and investments could position U.S. banks to outpace their European counterparts.&nbsp;
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European banks, which have long struggled with lower profitability largely due to the 2008 financial crisis, now face further challenges. Lenders in Europe have battled against weak economies, low interest rates and an oversupply of nonperforming loans. While some European banks had started to recover in 2023, the shift in regulations on U.S. banks could have a negative impact.&nbsp;
David Materazzi, CEO of Galileo FX, an Italy-based automated trading platform, believes that U.S. banks will take advantage of the looser regulatory environment. He told Reuters, "If U.S. banks get the expected policy support, they could ramp up loan volumes and optimize capital in ways that Europe's banks just can't match right now."
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With American banks likely to experience fewer regulatory barriers, experts believe that European lenders could be pressured to reevaluate their strategies to compete globally. European Union regulations remain strict, with capital requirements and risk assessments that prevent banks from taking on the same level of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/09/40922382/oracle-of-omaha-sends-a-warning-buffetts-aggressive-bank-of-america-stock-sales-raise-eyebrows">aggressive investments</a> seen on Wall Street. These tighter controls are designed to prevent another crisis but also restrict banks&#8217; ability to grow profit margins significantly.
Additionally, the contrasting regulatory paths between the U.S. and Europe could influence how investors view each region's banks. As U.S. banks potentially increase their profits through higher loan volumes and new investments, European banks may look less appealing, especially if they don't see the necessary growth to compete. Analysts suggest this shift could drive investors to favor U.S. financial institutions over European ones, deepening the trans-Atlantic divide.
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Promises of a shifting regulatory landscape in the U.S. have prompted leaders in European financial hubs to reassess their own policies. Recently, Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter and her British counterpart Rachel Reeves discussed the potential impact Trump's election could bring on banking regulations.&nbsp;
Keller-Sutter told Reuters that she and Reeves agreed it was important to balance competitiveness with stability.&nbsp;
While European and U.S. banks alike brace for the coming changes, the next few years could redefine the banking landscape across both continents. As U.S. banks potentially take advantage of looser regulations, European lenders may face pressure to innovate or advocate for regulatory flexibility. However, for now, the two continents appear set to diverge on policy and regulators and the global financial community will closely watch the impact of these changes.
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Banking Showdown: European Lenders Face New Hurdles As Trump Lifts U.S. Restrictions

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The Information Reported Sunday, Nvidia Customers Worry About Snag With New AI Chip Servers

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Legal

The Wall Street Journal Reported Saturday, Warner Bros. Discovery, NBA Resolved TV Rights Legal Dispute; TNT's 'Inside The NBA' Licensed To ESPN; Warner Gains Some International NBA Game Rights

As the U.S. retirement market faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities, financial advisors must adapt their approach to better serve clients. 
Recent data from ISS Market Intelligence, as reported by <a href="https://www.planadviser.com/us-retirement-market-evolves-amid-growth-challenges/">Planadviser</a>, reveals several critical areas where advisors need to enhance their service offerings and expertise.
First, advisors must address the growing retirement coverage gap. With approximately one-third of U.S. adults lacking dedicated retirement savings, advisors should actively seek opportunities to partner with small businesses that currently don&#8217;t offer retirement plans. The SECURE 2.0 Act provides new incentives for small business plan adoption, creating an untapped market of roughly 6 million businesses without 401(k) plans.
Advisors need to strengthen their role as educators, particularly regarding Social Security optimization, according to ISS Market Intelligence. With lower-income earners expecting to rely on Social Security for more than 50% of their retirement income, advisors must help clients understand the implications of this dependence and develop strategies to diversify income sources.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/24/11/42015289/disney-q4-report-had-a-lot-to-like-analyst-calls-it-a-high-quality-profit-growth-performer">Disney Q4 Earnings Show &#8216;A Lot To Like&#8217;: Analyst Calls It &#8216;High-Quality&#8217; Profit Growth Performer</a>
The aging workforce presents another critical challenge requiring advisor attention. As Baby Boomers retire, creating net-negative cash flows in defined contribution plans, advisors must develop sophisticated decumulation strategies while encouraging younger generations to increase their retirement savings. 
This includes leveraging automatic features, which are currently underutilized in 63% of retirement plans despite their proven effectiveness in driving asset growth.
Financial literacy advocacy should become a core component of advisor services. With retirement assets now comprising 40% of total family wealth, advisors must ensure clients understand their options and make informed decisions about their retirement planning.
By focusing on these areas, advisors can better serve their clients while contributing to the broader goal of improving retirement security for all Americans.
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Image via Pexels/ Tima Miroshnichenko

Financial Advisors

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These seven mid-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BE#NYSE">BE</a>) stock gained 55.44% last week after several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/be/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised their price forecasts</a> on the stock.</li>
<li>Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) stock upped 29.96% after the company reported financial results and announced a multi-launch agreement with a confidential commercial satellite constellation operator and a federal defense <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41941068" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contract worth up to $8 million</a>.</li>
<li>NET Power Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NPWR#NYSE">NPWR</a>) stock gained 39.38% last week. The company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41888013" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported Q3 financial results</a> and provided updates on its cash and balance sheet.</li>
<li>Hut 8 Mining (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUT#NASDAQ">HUT</a>) shares gained 28.98% last week after the company reported better-than-expected Q3 financial results. Several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/hut/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised their price forecasts</a> on the stock.</li>
<li>Paymentus Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PAY#NYSE">PAY</a>) shares surged 23.84% after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41936928" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strong earnings and guidance</a>.</li>
<li>DLocal Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLO#NASDAQ">DLO</a>) shares jumped 17.74% after the company<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41974555" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> reported third-quarter results</a>.</li>
<li>IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IONQ#NYSE">IONQ</a>) shares increased 17.55% after the company announced a strengthened moat<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41945075" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> through a series of issued patents</a>.</li>
</ol>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/42026470/super-micro-computer-moderna-and-xpeng-were-among-top-10-large-cap-stocks-losing-big-last-week-november-11-15-check-out-other-losers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Micro Computer, Moderna And XPeng Were Among Top 10 Large Cap Stocks Losing Big Last Week (November 11-15): Check Out Other Losers</a></li>
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Photo via Shutterstock

IONQ

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Rocket Lab And Hut 8 Mining Are Among Top 7 Mid-Cap Gainers Last Week (November 11-15): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Billionaire Elon Musk , a confidante of President-elect Donald Trump, has thrown his support behind Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, for treasury secretary.
What Happened: Musk believes that Lutnick could bring about significant change if chosen for the position. Although Trump has not yet officially named his choice, Lutnick and investor Scott Bessent are said to be the leading candidates.
In a post on X on Saturday, Musk shared his opinion that Bessent would represent a &#8220;business-as-usual choice,&#8221; whereas Lutnick could instigate the change that conservatives are hoping for in Trump&#8217;s second term.
&#8220;Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we need change one way or another,&#8221; Musk stated.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Would be interesting to hear more people weigh in on this for <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> to consider feedback. My view fwiw is that Bessent is a business-as-usual choice, whereas <a href="https://twitter.com/howardlutnick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@howardlutnick</a> will actually enact change. Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we need change… <a href="https://t.co/igGLZOJ8wz">https://t.co/igGLZOJ8wz</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1857819784865362211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The Treasury Secretary will have a pivotal role in the new administration, given the major economic challenges that played a part in Trump&#8217;s election win. 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39999410/what-a-second-trump-presidency-would-mean-for-elon-musk-and-his-many-ventures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What A Second Trump Presidency Would Mean For Elon Musk And His Many Ventures</a>
Despite low unemployment rates and economic growth, many Americans are discontented with high costs and perceived widespread inflation.
Lutnick, who has known Trump for many years, has organized fundraisers for the President-elect and served as a TV surrogate. Conversely, Bessent, the founder of macro hedge fund Key Square Group, was a principal economic advisor to Trump during his campaign.
Why It Matters: The selection of the Treasury Secretary is a critical decision for the incoming administration. The chosen candidate will be tasked with addressing the economic issues that have been a significant factor in Trump&#8217;s election. 
The endorsement from Musk, a prominent figure in the business world, could potentially influence the final decision. 
The contrasting backgrounds of Lutnick and Bessent highlight the different approaches that could be taken to address the economic challenges facing the country.
Read Next
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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.
Image: Shutterstock

Musk Pushes Lutnick For Trump's Treasury Secretary

These ten large-cap stocks were the worst performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPWR#NASDAQ">MPWR</a>) lost 24.68% last week as it was hit by an Edgewater Research analyst report that stated Monolithic's allocation to Nvidia's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) Blackwell GPUs is in jeopardy due to performance problems with its Power Management ICs.</li>
<li>Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) stock tumbled 24.23% after the company recently announced it could not file its quarterly report for the period ending <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41938588" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">September 30, 2024, on time</a>.</li>
<li>Moderna Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) stock fell 21.31% last week amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42013119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure on vaccine stocks</a> after President-elect Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the HHS.</li>
<li>Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LDOS#NYSE">LDOS</a>) shares dived 19.04%, probably because President-elect Trump made federal appointments during his transition period. Investors may evaluate the impact of possible cuts from the "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42013424" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Government Efficiency."</a></li>
<li>Monday.Com Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNDY#NASDAQ">MNDY</a>) stock fell 18.94% last week <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41877454" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">despite the company reporting</a> a Q3 beat and raising its annual outlook.</li>
<li>Vaxcyte, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PCVX#NASDAQ">PCVX</a>) stock fell 18.60% last week amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42013119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure on vaccine stocks</a> after President-elect Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the HHS.</li>
<li>Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>) shares plummeted 18.59%.</li>
<li>AbbVie Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) stock declined 17.30% last week after it announced that its Phase 2 EMPOWER trials did not <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41881546/abbvie-9billion-schizophrenia-studies-bristol-myers-stock-surges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meet their primary endpoints</a>.</li>
<li>CACI International, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CACI#NYSE">CACI</a>) shares decreased 17.16%.</li>
<li>XPeng Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>) shares dipped 16.89%, reflecting a broader trend in U.S.-listed Chinese stocks. This market shift may be influenced by concerns surrounding President-elect Trump's administration picks, which could <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41946780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signal a tougher stance toward China</a>.</li>
</ol>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/42026369/shopify-disney-and-coinbase-were-among-top-10-large-cap-gainers-last-week-november-11-15-are-the-others-in-your-portfolio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shopify, Disney And Coinbase Were Among Top 10 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (November 11-15): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
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Image by Robert Way via Shutterstock

CACI

Super Micro Computer, Moderna And XPeng Were Among Top 10 Large Cap Stocks Losing Big Last Week (November 11-15): Check Out Other Losers

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