Latest news for Serta Simmons Bedding (OTC:SRTA) Stock

Serta Simmons Bedding LLC is a bedding manufacturing company which has its own household brands namely Serta, Beautyrest and Tuft & Needle brands.

SERTA SIMMONS BEDDING INC by Serta Simmons Bedding Inc.

Serta Simmons Bedding LLC

Friday&#8217;s June jobs report sent mixed signals <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39646053/mixed-picture-for-fed-june-payrolls-rise-more-than-expected-unemployment-rate-ticks-up-wage-grow">about the U.S. economy</a>. While thousands of jobs were added last month, many were government jobs.
The Data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf">released</a> jobs data for June on Friday.
There were 206,000 nonfarm jobs created last month, 136,000 of them in the private sector and 70,000 in the public sector. The economy created 82,400 jobs in the healthcare and social assistance sector; these are driven by government spending on grants.
While government jobs saw a rise in June, they remain relatively low compared to historical averages. According to <a href="https://x.com/besttrousers/status/1809207898762801574">data</a> from The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, government employment now constitutes just 15% of the labor force, marking a notable decline from previous decades
<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">Important context for this is that the percentage of workers that work for the government is still lower than any period from 1960-2020. <a href="https://t.co/Hf24ImA8p7">https://t.co/Hf24ImA8p7</a> <a href="https://t.co/4OFDcahFLy">pic.twitter.com/4OFDcahFLy</a>
&mdash; Matt Darling &#x1f310;&#x1f3d7;&#xFE0F; (@besttrousers) <a href="https://twitter.com/besttrousers/status/1809207898762801574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The percentage of government workers as a portion of the labor force has fallen sharply since the late 1970s and is near historic lows.</figcaption></figure>
Why it Matters: The long-term government employment data could be a sign that the U.S. government has become more efficient. Alternatively, government jobs have become more scarce.
Spending on healthcare (which drives sector job growth) has steadily increased in the 21st century, <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/HLTHSCPCHCSA">according</a> to the Fed St. Louis. Studies <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7237575/">indicate</a> that government expenditures on healthcare boost income, GDP and productivity. It also alleviates poverty.
President Joe Biden&#8216;s domestic policy agenda has prioritized job growth, as 90% of job gains throughout his presidency can be <a href="https://x.com/Brendan_Duke/status/1809208035887259717">attributed</a> to the private sector, although public sector job growth has also increased in recent years.
<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">One of the craziest things you&#39;ll see on this website is the idea that the incredible job growth we&#39;ve seen under Biden has been from a massive expansion of government hiring. Couldn&#39;t be farther from the truth. <a href="https://t.co/XENB5imPBH">pic.twitter.com/XENB5imPBH</a>
&mdash; Brendan Duke (@Brendan_Duke) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brendan_Duke/status/1809208035887259717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39636120/why-the-s-p-500-is-set-for-a-strong-second-half-dont-give-up-on-the-bull-market-yet">Why The S&amp;P 500 Is Set For A Strong Second Half: &#8216;Don&#8217;t Give Up On The Bull Market Yet,&#8217; Says Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Media_Photos/Shutterstock.com

Government

Econ #s

Government Jobs Rose By 70,000 In June But Are Still Near 60-Year Lows

SoftBank Group Corp (OTCPK: SFTBF) (OTCPK: SFTBY) hit a 24-year high of 11,190.00 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/yen">Japanese yen per share</a>. 
This broke the earlier intraday record high of 11,000 yen made on Feb. 15, 2000. SoftBank stock&#8217;s surge is attributable to strategic moves in AI and a strong performance by its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ARM/news">chip-design subsidiary, Arm Holdings Plc</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>).
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Boost from Arm</h2>
The British chip designer Arm, which SoftBank acquired in 2016, has played a pivotal role in this resurgence, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/04/softbank-shares-hit-record-high-after-24-years-on-arm-and-ai-boost.html">reported</a> CNBC.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="http://www.benzinga.com/pro/register/?utm_source=BZprocontent070524&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="632" height="451" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05122027/Screenshot-2024-07-05-at-9.50.04-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-421828" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05122027/Screenshot-2024-07-05-at-9.50.04-PM.png 632w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05122027/Screenshot-2024-07-05-at-9.50.04-PM-300x214.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 632px) 100vw, 632px" /></a></figure>
<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/pro/register/?utm_source=BZprocontent070524&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Chart created using Benzinga Pro</a>
Arm&#8217;s stock has surged nearly 124% this year, fueling SoftBank&#8217;s impressive market performance. This spike highlights the growing value of Arm&#8217;s intellectual property, particularly in sectors like automotive and cloud data centers. 
SoftBank's 90% stake in Arm is now a significant asset, contributing heavily to the parent company&#8217;s market cap.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Vision Fund Rebounds</h2>
SoftBank&#8217;s Vision Fund, despite past volatility, has shown signs of recovery. The fund, which faced setbacks from investments in companies like WeWork and various Chinese tech firms, is now posting better financial results. This turnaround is buoyed by the broader recovery in tech stocks and a strategic shift towards AI investments.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39640049/masayoshi-sons-softbank-negotiates-10b-energy-project-funding-with-banks-report">Masayoshi Son&#8217;s SoftBank Negotiates $10B Energy Project Funding With Banks: Report</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Son&#8217;s AI Ambitions</h2>
Masayoshi Son, SoftBank's founder, is betting big on artificial intelligence. After a record $32 billion loss in 2023, Son announced a shift from &#8220;defense&#8221; to &#8220;offense,&#8221; focusing on AI opportunities. His vision includes developing an AI ecosystem that leverages SoftBank's diverse tech investments. This bold move is aimed at positioning SoftBank at the forefront of the AI revolution.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39549728/masayoshi-sons-softbank-to-raise-1-86b-through-bond-issuance-for-ai-investment-and-debt-repayment">Masayoshi Son&#8217;s SoftBank To Raise $1.86B Through Bond Issuance For AI Investment And Debt Repayment</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strategic Moves</h2>
SoftBank&#8217;s recent inclusion in the Russell 3000 index and a $150 million investment from Coatue to expand its AI infrastructure are further signals of its aggressive growth strategy. Analysts from CLSA and Macquarie highlight SoftBank's foresight in AI investments as a key driver for future value. They also note the current discount in SoftBank's stock price relative to its asset value, suggesting potential for further appreciation.
As SoftBank navigates the tech landscape with strategic investments in AI and a solid performance from Arm, its stock is positioned for continued growth. Investors seem to be buying into the Arm story, if not the broader SoftBank narrative, marking a significant shift in market sentiment. With AI at the helm, SoftBank&#8217;s journey to new peaks appears just beginning.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/06/39204832/elliotts-bold-play-softbanks-ai-dreams-vs-investor-demands">Elliott&#8217;s Bold Play: SoftBank&#8217;s AI Dreams Vs. Investor Demands</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Asia

Long Ideas

Markets

Tech

Trading Ideas

SFTBF

SFTBY

Masayoshi Son's Shift From 'Defense' To 'Offense' Worked As Arm, AI Drive SoftBank Stock To 24-Year High

<a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-leak-alleged-taylor-swift-tickets-amp-up-ticketmaster-extortion/" title="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-leak-alleged-taylor-swift-tickets-amp-up-ticketmaster-extortion/">https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-leak-alleged-taylor-swift-tickets-amp-up-ticketmaster-extortion/</a>

News

'Hackers leak alleged Taylor Swift tickets, amp up Ticketmaster extortion' - BleepingComputer

Analyst Ratings

AMBP

AMZN

QCOM

CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: Amazon.com, QUALCOMM, Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on United Airlines Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with UAL, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 10 uncommon options trades for United Airlines Holdings.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 30% bullish and 50%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $428,857, and 5 are calls, for a total amount of $214,588.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $33.0 to $60.0 for United Airlines Holdings over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in United Airlines Holdings's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to United Airlines Holdings's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $33.0 to $60.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>United Airlines Holdings Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1720198991_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UAL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$13.25</td>
<td>$13.15</td>
<td>$13.15</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$211.7K</td>
<td>261</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UAL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$3.05</td>
<td>$2.96</td>
<td>$2.96</td>
<td>$46.00</td>
<td>$124.7K</td>
<td>8.2K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$18.65</td>
<td>$16.75</td>
<td>$17.35</td>
<td>$33.00</td>
<td>$48.5K</td>
<td>214</td>
<td>49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$11.3</td>
<td>$11.2</td>
<td>$11.2</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$47.0K</td>
<td>212</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$11.45</td>
<td>$11.3</td>
<td>$11.3</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$45.2K</td>
<td>899</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About United Airlines Holdings</h3>
United Airlines is a major us network carrier with hubs in San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, and Washington, D.C. United operates a hub-and-spoke system that is more focused on international and long-haul travel than its large U.S. peers.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding United Airlines Holdings, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>United Airlines Holdings's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 2,682,022, the price of UAL is down -0.43% at $48.3. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 12 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for United Airlines Holdings</h3>
A total of 1 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $70.0.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Redburn Atlantic upgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $70. </li>
</ul>
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest United Airlines Holdings options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Smart Money Is Betting Big In UAL Options

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Blackstone (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BX#NYSE">BX</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with BX, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 9 uncommon options trades for Blackstone.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 33% bullish and 55%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 6 are puts, for a total amount of $1,587,761, and 3 are calls, for a total amount of $149,003.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $105.0 and $128.0 for Blackstone, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Blackstone stands at 1224.0, with a total volume reaching 1,512.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Blackstone, situated within the strike price corridor from $105.0 to $128.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Blackstone Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1720198986_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$13.0</td>
<td>$12.95</td>
<td>$13.0</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$650.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$13.0</td>
<td>$12.6</td>
<td>$13.0</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$650.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$2.07</td>
<td>$2.06</td>
<td>$2.06</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$110.6K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$12.8</td>
<td>$12.65</td>
<td>$12.65</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$84.7K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$2.14</td>
<td>$2.06</td>
<td>$2.06</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$58.9K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Blackstone</h3>
Blackstone is the world's largest alternative-asset manager with $1.040 trillion in total asset under management, including $762.6 billion in fee-earning assets under management, at the end of 2023. The company has four core business segments: private equity (22% of fee-earning AUM and 28% of base management fees), real estate (39% and 43%), credit and insurance (29% and 21%), and hedge fund solutions (10% and 8%). While the firm primarily serves institutional investors (87% of AUM), it also caters to clients in the high-net-worth channel (13%). Blackstone operates through 25 offices in the Americas (8), Europe and the Middle East (9), and the Asia-Pacific region (8).
In light of the recent options history for Blackstone, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Blackstone</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 572,670, with BX's price down by -0.68%, positioned at $122.56.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 13 days.</li>
</ul>
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Blackstone with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Blackstone Unusual Options Activity For July 05

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Goldman Sachs Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in GS usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 18 extraordinary options activities for Goldman Sachs Gr. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 38% leaning bullish and 50% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $200,785, and 15 are calls, amounting to $801,899.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $395.0 to $600.0 for Goldman Sachs Gr over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Goldman Sachs Gr's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Goldman Sachs Gr's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $395.0 to $600.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Goldman Sachs Gr Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1720198980_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$5.75</td>
<td>$5.5</td>
<td>$5.75</td>
<td>$550.00</td>
<td>$115.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">17</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$6.25</td>
<td>$6.15</td>
<td>$6.25</td>
<td>$445.00</td>
<td>$100.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">94</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$41.55</td>
<td>$41.15</td>
<td>$41.55</td>
<td>$455.00</td>
<td>$95.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">59</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$19.65</td>
<td>$19.45</td>
<td>$19.45</td>
<td>$490.00</td>
<td>$79.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">211</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$19.6</td>
<td>$19.4</td>
<td>$19.4</td>
<td>$490.00</td>
<td>$73.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">211</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Goldman Sachs Gr</h3>
Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking and asset management firm. Approximately 20% of its revenue comes from investment banking, 45% from trading, 20% from asset management and 15% from wealth management and retail financial services. Around 60% of the company's net revenue is generated in the Americas, 15% in Asia, and 25% in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Goldman Sachs Gr, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of Goldman Sachs Gr</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 560,310, with GS's price down by -1.58%, positioned at $460.51.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 10 days.</li>
</ul>
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Goldman Sachs Gr options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Goldman Sachs Gr

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, was one of Bill Gates&#8217; early hires, joining the company in 1980 as its 30th employee. After dropping out of Stanford Business School, he joined as an assistant to the president, serving more as a business manager than a PA to the owner and CEO, Bill Gates.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Amid the ongoing EV revolution, previously overlooked low-income communities<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/dunamis-1"> now harbor a huge investment opportunity at just $500.</a></li>
<li>Miami is expected to take New York's place as the U.S. Financial Capital.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/miami-take-new-yorks-place-financial-capital"> Here's how you can invest in the city before that happens</a>.</li>
</ul>
In Microsoft&#8217;s early days, Ballmer led the sales and operations teams, and his share of the profits quickly grew as the company took off because he worked out a deal where he would earn a $50,000 base salary plus 10% of any profit growth he generated.
The profit-sharing deal quickly became too much for Microsoft, so Ballmer traded it for company shares. He negotiated an 8% stake for himself, while Bill Gates and Paul Allen kept 84%, and another 8% was set aside for other employees. Fortune reports that although Allen didn&#8217;t want to give Ballmer such a large share, Gates stepped in and agreed to reduce his own holdings to accommodate Ballmer&#8217;s 8%. When he became CEO in 2000, his Microsoft shares were worth nearly $2 billion.
Although he arguably wasn&#8217;t the one who was the most responsible for spearheading Microsoft into the powerhouse it is today, Ballmer&#8217;s energetic and sometimes unconventional leadership style left a lasting imprint on the company, contributing to its dynamic corporate culture and innovative drive.
<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">This is how Steve Ballmer used to do Microsoft presentations when he was the CEO Steve Ballmer&#39;s boisterous presentation style is characterized by his energetic and enthusiastic demeanor, often involving loud, bombastic speeches and physical antics on stage. This style was… <a href="https://t.co/zHiDheybqh">pic.twitter.com/zHiDheybqh</a>
&mdash; CreativeCorner (@Creativefun2024) <a href="https://twitter.com/Creativefun2024/status/1808300638910271498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Trending: Will the surge continue or decline on real estate prices?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/realbricks"> People are finding out about risk-free real estate investing with just $100</a>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, his net worth has recently jumped to $158 billion, surpassing Bill Gates, who has $157 billion, and making Ballmer the sixth-richest person globally, surpassing industry titans like Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, and Sergey Brin.&nbsp;
Most of Ballmer's wealth — over 90% — comes from his many Microsoft shares. When he left the company in 2014, he owned nearly 333 million shares, about 4% of the company. According to reports, he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36381017/former-microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-to-pocket-1b-annually-in-dividends">received $1 billion in dividends</a> from Microsoft in 2024 alone. He also bought the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion.
Steve Ballmer&#8217;s wealth has increased significantly recently because of big advances in artificial intelligence that have boosted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT">Microsoft&#8217;s stock price</a>. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39318448/microsoft-is-betting-big-on-ai-outpacing-rivals-with-new-strategy">Microsoft has been investing heavily in AI</a>, especially with companies like OpenAI, and this has caused its stock to go up by about 36% since July 2023. In 2023 alone, Ballmer&#8217;s net worth increased by $30 billion because of these AI advancements.
Bill Gates, on the other hand, has diversified his investments. Now worth $157 billion, Gates has invested significantly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/23/02/30722506/bill-gates-owns-far-more-than-the-most-u-s-farmland-heres-are-his-secret-holdings">in Cascade Investment</a>, which he created using profits from selling Microsoft stock and dividends. Gates also has a $21 billion stake in Republic Services Inc., a waste-management company, through Cascade.
Steve Ballmer is one of the 26 billionaires in the U.S. who made their fortunes by climbing the corporate ladder. His journey shows how working up in big companies can yield huge financial rewards and how investing in company stocks and taking leadership roles can significantly boost one&#8217;s wealth.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Elon Musk&#8217;s secret mansion in Austin revealed through court filings.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-secret-mansion-austin-nada"> Here&#8217;s how to invest in the city&#8217;s growth before prices go back up.</a></li>
<li>Sun Belt's booming real estate market prepares for millions of new inhabitants — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/integris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here&#8217;s how to find the region's best deals!</a></li>
</ul>

Startups

Hiring Steve Ballmer Was One Of Bill Gates' Early Moves At Microsoft. Now, AI Has Helped Ballmer Surpass Gates On The Billionaire's Index

Bitcoin's (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) plunge on Friday comes on the heels of Mt. Gox starting its payment distribution. However, a trader predicted a further drop <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/bitcoin">to a key demand level.</a>
What Happened: Crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez in his latest tweet noted that currently Bitcoin is lacking significant support, and the key demand wall is at around $47,000.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> currently lacks significant support. The main key demand wall is around $47,000, and for the bull run to resume, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> must close and hold above $61,000. <a href="https://t.co/9cD2otd4ZK">pic.twitter.com/9cD2otd4ZK</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1809164726770761816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Glassnode in its latest post highlighted the importance of the Mayer Multiple metric in evaluating Bitcoin&#8217;s market momentum. The metric's role is used in assessing the ratio between Bitcoin&#8217;s price and its 200-day moving average (200DMA).
The onchain data provider <a href="https://x.com/glassnode/status/1808834930731868502">pointed</a> out that the 200DMA is often used as a simple indicator for determining bullish or bearish momentum, with breaks above or below it serving as a key market pivot point. The firm noted that the 200DMA currently stands at a value of $58,000, aligning with on-chain price models.
The Mayer Multiple metrics compares the current price of Bitcoin to its 200DMA to determine if it is overbought or oversold. A high Mayer Multiple can indicate that Bitcoin is overbought and may be due for a correction, while a low multiple suggests it may be undervalued.
Another crypto trader Decode <a href="https://x.com/decodejar/status/1809033161009213810">suggests</a> remaining optimistic but cautious. He stated, "Buyers need to step in and close the week up. Until then, not ruling out that Bitcoin can still find the lower side of the main channel."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39646203/crypto-researcher-asks-was-june-a-bear-trap-warns-we-arent-out-of-the-woods-yet">Crypto Researcher Asks, &#8216;Was June A Bear Trap?&#8217; — Warns, &#8216;We Aren&#8217;t Out Of The Woods Yet&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Daan Crypto Trades <a href="https://x.com/DaanCrypto/status/1809125032842420431">noted</a> that the first transfers were started by Mt. Gox sending coins to BitBank. While he noted that markets sold off after the transfers, it will now be important to see how much is getting sold and how the market absorbs it.
He concluded, "Rocky road ahead but after this massive supply overhang is cleared that&#8217;s great for the space in the long run."
Whale Alert <a href="https://x.com/WhaleWire/status/1809058489211166995">data</a> pointed out that this is the second-largest liquidation event in Bitcoin history after the FTX collapse in November 2022.
IntoTheBlock data noted that Bitcoin&#8217;s large transaction volume expanded by 4.8% to $50 billion while exchanges&#8217; netflows spiked 259.7%. Meanwhile, transactions greater than $100,000 surged from 8,058 transactions as of July 3 to 8,748 as July 4.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39648400/crypto-trader-believes-cycle-still-has-ways-to-go-into-2025-wont-touch-long-term-holds">Crypto Trader Believes Cycle Still Has &#8216;Ways To Go Into 2025,&#8217; Won&#8217;t Touch Long-Term Holds</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Bitcoin Down 7% In 7 Days, Led By Second-Largest Liquidation Event: Trader Points To 'Demand Wall' At $47,000

Saia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAIA#NASDAQ">SAIA</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 14.85% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 27.72%. Currently, Saia has a market capitalization of $12.47 billion. 
Buying $100 In SAIA: If an investor had bought $100 of SAIA stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $3,990.67 today based on a price of $470.22 for SAIA at the time of writing.
<h3>Saia's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1720198831_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

SAIA

$100 Invested In This Stock 15 Years Ago Would Be Worth $4,000 Today

Wingstop (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WING#NASDAQ">WING</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 21.54% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 34.77%. Currently, Wingstop has a market capitalization of $12.29 billion. 
Buying $100 In WING: If an investor had bought $100 of WING stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $442.92 today based on a price of $418.49 for WING at the time of writing.
<h3>Wingstop's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1720198826_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

WING

If You Invested $100 In This Stock 5 Years Ago, You Would Have $400 Today

Shares of NIO Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>) fell sharply during Friday's session after the company disclosed that Steven Wei Feng has resigned as the Chief Financial Officer for personal and family <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39645086/leadership-change-at-nio-cfo-resigns-senior-vp-takes-charge">reasons, effective July 5, 2024</a>.
NIO shares dipped 8.5% to $4.4550 on Friday.
Here are some other stocks moving in today&#8217;s mid-day session.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Qualigen Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QLGN#NASDAQ">QLGN</a>) jumped 120% to $0.3870 after gaining 6% on Wednesday.</li>
<li>Zapp Electric Vehicles Group Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZAPP#NASDAQ">ZAPP</a>) rose 70.5% to $4.65 after gaining around 14% on Wednesday.</li>
<li>MediWound Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDWD#NASDAQ">MDWD</a>) shares jumped 45.6% to $21.12 after dipping around 7% on Wednesday.</li>
<li>Koss Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KOSS#NASDAQ">KOSS</a>) shares climbed 41.7% to $15.07, possibly on continued retail investor interest.</li>
<li>XChange TEC.INC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XHG#NASDAQ">XHG</a>) gained 27% to $1.06.</li>
<li>Shineco, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SISI#NASDAQ">SISI</a>) jumped 19.8% to $3.38.</li>
<li>NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NNE#NASDAQ">NNE</a>) climbed 17.7% to $27.85.</li>
<li>Annovis Bio, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ANVS#NYSE">ANVS</a>) rose 14.1% to $9.22.</li>
<li>CleanCore Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZONE#NYSE">ZONE</a>) surged 13% to $2.60.</li>
<li>Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SIRI#NASDAQ">SIRI</a>) climbed 12.6% to $3.9750.</li>
<li>Ryde Group Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RYDE#NYSE">RYDE</a>) gained 11.9% to $7.22.</li>
<li>Mesoblast Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MESO#NASDAQ">MESO</a>) rose 11.6% to $7.60.</li>
<li>Macy&#8217;s, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/M#NYSE">M</a>) gained 10.4% to $19.79. An investor group aiming to purchase Macy's has reportedly increased its bid for the second time after previous offers failed. Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital Management recently raised their proposal by approximately $300 million, reported The Wall Street Journal.</li>
<li>The Oncology Institute, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TOI#NASDAQ">TOI</a>) rose 9.8% to $0.5379.</li>
<li>Sharps Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STSS#NASDAQ">STSS</a>) rose 9.3% to $0.2514 after the company announced it received two purchase orders for a total of approximately one million SecureGard syringes for 2024 delivery.</li>
<li>Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>) gained 7.4% to $180.54.</li>
<li>Smith &amp; Nephew plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNN#NYSE">SNN</a>) rose 7.2% to $26.93 after a Form6 filing showed Cevian Capital II GP Limited reported a 5.021046% stake in the company.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Adamas One Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JEWL#NASDAQ">JEWL</a>) shares dipped 20.8% to $0.3660 after gaining 89% on Wednesday.</li>
<li>Cyngn Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CYN#NASDAQ">CYN</a>) shares dipped 20% to $4.30.</li>
<li>Eshallgo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EHGO#NASDAQ">EHGO</a>) fell 19.2% to $2.11. Eshallgo closed $5 million initial public offering at $4 per share.</li>
<li>Vicinity Motor Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VEV#NASDAQ">VEV</a>) fell 18.3% to $0.4606.</li>
<li>Castle Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSTL#NASDAQ">CSTL</a>) dipped 16.4% to $17.77.</li>
<li>CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNSP#NASDAQ">CNSP</a>) fell 15% to $1.24.</li>
<li>Portage Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRTG#NASDAQ">PRTG</a>) declined 14.1% to $0.1550.</li>
<li>SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPWR#NASDAQ">SPWR</a>) fell 12.4% to $2.3450.</li>
<li>Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RNAC#NASDAQ">RNAC</a>) declined 11.4% to $15.60.</li>
<li>Shapeways Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHPW#NASDAQ">SHPW</a>) dipped 11.1% to $0.24.</li>
<li>Inseego Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INSG#NASDAQ">INSG</a>) fell 11.1% to $10.40.</li>
<li>XPeng Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>) declined 10% to $7.49. The company announced vehicle delivery figures for June and the first half of 2024 on Monday.</li>
<li>HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HDB#NYSE">HDB</a>) dipped 7.7% to $61.49.</li>
<li>Zoomcar Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZCAR#NASDAQ">ZCAR</a>) shares fell 7.1% to $0.17. Zoomcar Holdings shares jumped 34% on Wednesday after the company announced that it expects an increase in its FY24 total revenue and decline in its FY24 net loss.</li>
<li>B. Riley Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RILY#NASDAQ">RILY</a>) declined 7.1% to $15.74.</li>
<li>Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>) declined 6.5% to $19.61 amid weakness in Bitcoin.</li>
<li>Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTDR#NASDAQ">BTDR</a>) fell 6.1% to $11.11 amid a decline in Bitcoin prices.</li>
<li>Hut 8 Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUT#NASDAQ">HUT</a>) fell 6.1% to $15.18 after the company its operations update for June 2024.</li>
<li>Iris Energy Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IREN#NASDAQ">IREN</a>) shares declined 5.9% to $13.53. Iris Energy announced on Tuesday that it has secured $413 million to fuel its Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) mining expansion.</li>
<li>Applied Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APLD#NASDAQ">APLD</a>) shares fell 4.5% to $6.47 after gaining around 7% on Wednesday. B. Riley Securities analyst Lucas Pipes, last week, maintained Applied Digital with a Buy and raised the price target from $6 to $8.</li>
</ul>
Now Read This: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/07/39646821/how-to-earn-500-a-month-from-nvidia-stock">How To Earn $500 A Month From Nvidia Stock</a>

Intraday Update

Movers

ANVS

APLD

BTDR

CNSP

CSTL

EHGO

INSG

IREN

JEWL

KOSS

MARA

MDWD

MESO

PRTG

Qualigen Therapeutics, Inc. - Common Stock

QLGN

RILY

RNAC

RYDE

SHPW

SIRI

SISI

SPWR

STSS

XPEV

ZAPP

ZCAR

ZONE

Why NIO Shares Are Trading Lower By Over 8%? Here Are Other Stocks Moving In Friday's Mid-Day Session

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33165334/elon-musks-75-year-old-mother-says-she-sleeps-on-mattresses-or-blankets-on-the-floor-or-in-the-garag">Elon Musk</a>, the wealthiest man in the world and CEO of Tesla, is known for his ambitious plans to colonize Mars. However, he&#8217;s also focused on addressing the underpopulation crisis. Musk, a father of 12, recently welcomed his third child with Shivon Zilis, the director of special projects at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/04/38110574/elon-musks-first-human-neuralink-patient-says-he-was-assured-no-monkey-has-died-as-a-result-of-a-neu">Neuralink Corp. </a>Musk and Zilis already have twins, Strider and Azure, born in November 2021.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Miami is expected to take New York's place as the U.S. Financial Capital.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/miami-take-new-yorks-place-financial-capital"> Here's how you can invest in the city before that happens</a>.</li>
<li>Amid the ongoing EV revolution, previously overlooked low-income communities<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/dunamis-1"> now harbor a huge investment opportunity at just $500.</a></li>
</ul>
Shivon Zilis, a key executive at Neuralink&nbsp; — a company Musk cofounded — shared insights into their unique arrangement. Initially contemplating sperm donation, Musk persuaded Zilis to choose him as the donor.&nbsp;
In his 2023 biography, Elon Musk is quoted as saying, "He really wants smart people to have kids, so he encouraged me to," Zilis said. "If the choice is between an anonymous donor or doing it with the person you admire most in the world, for me it was a pretty f&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;ing easy decision." She added, "I can't possibly think of genes I would prefer more for my children."
Walter Isaacson's biography of Musk details his rationale for having multiple children with different women, emphasizing the need for intelligent people to procreate. Zilis also mentioned that this arrangement made Musk "very, very happy." Initially expecting Musk to take on a more distant role, Zilis noted that he had been actively involved in their twins&#8217; lives.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Trending: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes">These high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% make earning passive income easier than ever.</a>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Despite not being romantically involved, their decision to have children together aligns with Musk's concerns about the decline of the global population. Musk has frequently voiced the importance of reversing this trend among highly intelligent people, seeing it as crucial for civilization's survival. In July 2022, <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1545046146548019201?lang=en">Musk tweeted</a>, "Doing my best to help the underpopulation crisis. A collapsing birthrate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far."&nbsp;
The latest addition to Musk&#8217;s family continues his pattern of fathering children with multiple partners. He has six children with Canadian author Justine Wilson, whom he married from 2000 to 2008. Their first child, Nevada, tragically died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in 2002. The couple also has twins — Griffin and Vivian, born in 2004, and triplets — Kai, Saxon, and Damian, born in 2006.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Trending: Want to invest in homes?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/realbricks"> $10 is enough on this platform</a> that lets you cash out whenever you want.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
In 2020, Canadian musician Grimes gave birth to Musk&#8217;s son, X Æ A-12. The following year, they welcomed a daughter, Exa Dark Sideræl, also known as Y, and another child, Techno Mechanicus, in 2023. Grimes has recently sued Musk over parental rights, claiming he hasn&#8217;t allowed her to see one of their sons. The custody battle is ongoing.
Musk's emphasis on addressing the underpopulation crisis is clear. "Many countries are already well below replacement rate, and the trend is that almost all will be," Musk told Page Six. "This is simply a fact, not a ‘debunked theory.' 2.1 kids is the replacement rate, and obviously the world as a whole will soon drop below that point."
Birthrates in many developed countries, including Canada, have declined near to or below the 2.1 replacement rate. Various factors contribute to this decline, including a lack of affordable housing, financial insecurity, and increased acceptance of not having children. According to the Organization for Economic cooperation and Development (OECD), this trend can significantly impact a nation's economic growth and prosperity.
Musk, whose net worth is estimated at $221 billion according to Forbes, continues to make headlines not only for his technological ventures but also for his growing family and outspoken views on population trends.
This story was previously published on Benzinga and has been updated.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bezos-landlord-100-dollars"> become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100</a>.</li>
<li>Elon Musk&#8217;s secret mansion in Austin revealed through court filings.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-secret-mansion-austin-nada"> Here&#8217;s how to invest in the city&#8217;s growth before prices go back up.</a></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

'Can't Possibly Think of Genes I Would Prefer More' — Elon Musk, Father of 12, Swayed His Neuralink Executive To Have Kids With Him Over A Donor

Labour Party member Keir Starmer is set to become the new prime minister of the United Kingdom with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39640147/keir-starmer-to-become-uk-prime-minister-as-labour-wins-big-over-rishi-sunaks-conservatives-mohamed">a win over the Rishi Sunak-led Conservative Party.</a>
The win marks an end to 14 years of Conservative Party control in the United Kingdom. The Labour Party will also have one of the largest majority government leads in the country in 25 years, as reported by CNN.
"A mandate like this comes with a great responsibility," Starmer said Friday. 
Starmer promised to put "country first, party second" in his victory speech.
UK Stocks &amp; ETFS: Gains for United Kingdom stocks and ETFs were minimal on Friday with the results of the election potentially priced in and others dissecting what the Labour Party in control means for certain sectors.
The iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWU#NYSE">EWU</a>) is up 0.5% on Friday. The largest U.K. ETF has $2.8 billion in assets under management and holds 80 stocks representing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/EWU/news">the largest companies in the country</a>.
The top holdings are:
AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>)
Shell PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHEL#NYSE">SHEL</a>)
HSBC Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSBC#NYSE">HSBC</a>)
Unilever PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UL#NYSE">UL</a>)
BP PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BP#NYSE">BP</a>)
RELX PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RELX#NYSE">RELX</a>)
GlaxoSmithKline PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GSK#NYSE">GSK</a>)
Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>)
Diageo PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DEO#NYSE">DEO</a>)
Glencore PLC (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLNCY#OTC">GLNCY</a>)
Eight of the 10 largest holdings are up Friday at the time of writing, with HSBC and Rio Tinto trading lower.
The top weightings in the iShares ETF are the categories of financials (19.3%), consumer staples (16.4%) and energy (13.4%).
The Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLGB#NYSE">FLGB</a>) also offers exposure to the country with 107 holdings. The fund has all the same top 10 holdings as the iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF, in a slightly different order and at smaller weightings. The ETF's largest categories are financials (19.5%), consumer staples (15.5%) and energy (14.4%).
Another ETF option is the iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small Cap ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWUS#BATS">EWUS</a>). The ETF holds 231 stocks and has smaller weightings for the small-cap components it holds. The top categories for the ETF are industrials (21.5%), financials (19.8%) and consumer discretionary (14.8%).
What Experts Are Saying: British private bank and wealth management company Coutts sees policy changes from the Labour Party leadership taking time to materialize.
"In terms of what this means for the U.K. population and our clients, we will closely monitor the developments of a Keir Starmer government and its potential impact on markets," Coutts Chief Investment Officer Fahad Kamal said.
Kamal said history shows U.K. elections don't tend to have a "long-term impact on markets."
The CIO said it could be "business as usual" for the United Kingdom. One item to closely monitor is falling inflation in the country and the potential for rate cuts soon, which could improve economic growth in the country, he said. 
RBC Capital analysts see the homebuilding sector in the United Kingdom benefitting with a Labour Party win, as reported by CNBC. The analysts said the new leadership and policy pledges could lead to a "new age" for homebuilding in the country.
"Over the last few years housebuilders' potential has been hamstrung, but over the next few this potential is likely to be unleashed," the RBC analysts said.
It is worth noting the iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small Cap ETF counts the real estate sector as its fourth-largest weighting at 12.3%, which could make the ETF stand out based on policy. The EWU and FLGB ETFs have 0.8% and 1.1% exposure to the real estate sector, respectively.
Allianz also sees opportunity in U.K. homebuilders with the Labour Party win and likely cuts to interest rates ahead. 
"We expect rules and regulations around planning permissions to be quickly relaxed by the incoming government," Allianz said.
Allianz also sees opportunity in U.K.-listed mining companies thanks to the electrification of the energy supply.
Citi has a preference for the FTSE 250 over the FTSE 100, preferring small to mid-cap sized companies over large caps, as reported by Investing.com.
"We see an improving balance of risks for UK SMID caps, which have underperformed, but are expected to have superior growth vs. large caps. SMID caps are also better positioned to benefit from rate cuts and a pick-up in dealmaking," Citi said.
Sectors like real estate and utilities were mentioned positively by Citi in the post-election comments.
Related Link:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39636949/british-pound-european-stocks-surge-ahead-of-uk-election-results-bitcoin-plummets-w">British Pound, European Stocks Surge Ahead Of UK Election Results; Bitcoin Plummets: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Thursday?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Specialty ETFs

Politics

Global

ETFs

EWUS

FLGB

GLNCY

HSBC

RELX

SHEL

United Kingdom Stocks, ETFs To Watch After Keir Starmer, Labour Party Win

Baird analyst Catherine Ramsey maintains Castle Biosciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSTL#NASDAQ">CSTL</a>) with a Outperform and maintains $34 price target.

Price Target

Baird Maintains Outperform on Castle Biosciences, Maintains $34 Price Target

SMART Global Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sgh#NASDAQ">SGH</a>) is slated to report third-quarter fiscal 2024 results on Jul 9.
The company expects revenues of $300 million (+/- $25 million) for the fiscal third quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same is pegged at $300 million, indicating a decline of 21.7% from the year-ago reported quarter.
SMART Global anticipates non-GAAP earnings per share of 30 cents (+/- 15 cents). The consensus mark for fiscal third-quarter earnings is pegged at 30 cents per share, suggesting a fall of 54.6% from the prior-year reported figure. The estimate has been unchanged over the past 30 days.
The company&#39;s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters while missing once, the average surprise being 25.2%.
<h3>Factors to Consider</h3>
SMART Global&#39;s strong execution and solid momentum across Intelligent Platform Solutions are likely to have contributed well to its top-line growth in the fiscal third quarter.
Strengthening Penguin&#39;s cloud-based solutions and solutions focused on core, data center, AI and analytics are expected to have driven the company&#39;s customer momentum in the quarter under review.
In the fiscal third quarter, SMART Global expanded its OriginAI solution to include validated, pre-defined AI architectures. This is expected to have contributed to the top line of the company.
The solid adoption of its immersion cooling technology by major oil and gas customers for sustainable data centers is expected to have driven Penguin solutions&#39; momentum.
Strong demand for core DDR3, DDR4 and Flash products is expected to have boosted SMART Global&#39;s presence in the networking, telecom and storage end markets.
The increasing adoption of CV94D products and solid momentum in design wins across horticulture, indoor sports lighting and road signage applications are anticipated to have been other tailwinds in the quarter under review.
However, a challenging global macroeconomic environment and high inflation are likely to have been concerning for SMART Global in the quarter-to-be-reported.
Weakening momentum across memory and LED solutions is expected to get reflected in the upcoming results.
<h3>What Our Model Says</h3>
Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for SMART Global this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
SMART Global currently has a Zacks Rank #3 and an Earnings ESP of 0.00%.
<h3>Stocks to Consider</h3>
Here are some stocks worth considering, as our model shows that they have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this reporting cycle.
Arista Networks (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/anet#NYSE">ANET</a>) has an Earnings ESP of +0.29% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present.
ANET is scheduled to release second-quarter 2024 results on Jul 30. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ANET&#39;s earnings is pegged at $1.93 per share, indicating growth of 22.15% from the year-ago quarter&#39;s reported figure.
Amphenol (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aph#NYSE">APH</a>) has an Earnings ESP of +3.70% and a Zacks Rank #1 at present.
APH is set to report its second-quarter 2024 results on Jul 24. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for APH&#39;s earnings is pegged at 41 cents per share, indicating growth of 13.9% from the year-ago quarter&#39;s reported figure.
Badger Meter (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bmi#NYSE">BMI</a>) has an Earnings ESP of +1.18% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present.
BMI is scheduled to release second-quarter 2024 results on Jul 19. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BMI&#39;s earnings is pegged at 98 cents per share, indicating growth of 28.95% from the year-ago quarter&#39;s reported figure.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2297028/assessing-smart-global-sgh-stock-ahead-of-its-q3-earnings?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|earnings_preview-2297028">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Earnings

Small Cap

ANET

Assessing SMART Global Stock Ahead of Its Q3 Earnings

By <a href="https://elplanteo.com/author/lucia-tedesco/" target="_blank">Luc&iacute;a Tedesco</a> via <a href="https://elplanteo.com/dua-lipa-podcast-lsd-psilocibina/" target="_blank">El Planteo</a>
<a href="https://elplanteo.com/dua-lipa-podcast-lsd-psilocibina/">Dua Lipa</a> is widely recognized for her chart-topping music and electrifying live performances. However, her podcast &ldquo;Dua Lipa At Your Service&rdquo; reveals another side of the artist as she delves into diverse and sometimes controversial topics, including the world of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/psychedelics">psychedelics</a>.
In a recent episode, the English singer engages in a conversation with <a href="https://elplanteo.com/dua-lipa-podcast-lsd-psilocibina/">Amanda Feilding</a>, a researcher and advocate for psychedelics, often referred to as the &ldquo;High Priestess of <a href="https://elplanteo.com/lsd-la-guia-definitiva/">LSD</a>.&rdquo; This dialogue sheds light on Feilding&rsquo;s work with these substances and highlights a cultural shift in their perception and usage.
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" frameborder="0" height="352" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/28yq2BImDOD8XUi6HTf0jM?utm_source=generator" width="100%"></iframe>
Feilding, who has spent over six decades researching the impact of psychedelics on the human mind through the Beckley Foundation, shared her journey. From a very young age, she was fascinated by consciousness and mystical experiences, and was actually introduced to psychedelics at a very young age.
<h2>Dua Lipa Broadens The Reach of Psychedelics</h2>
Despite progress, psychedelics are still often demonized and viewed as dangerous. However, Feilding emphasized the recent positive changes, pointing out that these substances could prove to be powerful tools for treating depression and anxiety.
What&#39;s more, there&#39;s a growing movement toward decriminalization and legalization. And, as the researcher remarked, America is leading the way in regulating these substances, with states like Oregon having legalized the therapeutic use of psilocybin.
Feilding envisions a future where psychedelics are safely used and regulated to improve mental health and overall well-being. In fact, she finds it fascinating to see how someone as influential as Dua Lipa can help shift the narrative about these substances.
Check out the entire episode on Spotify or your platform of choice.
<hr />
This article is from an external unpaid contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#39;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.
Photo by Daniel &Aring;hs Karlsson, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons // Edited in Canva by El Planteo

Cannabis

Psychedelics

Podcast: Dua Lipa And The 'High Priestess Of LSD' Discuss Psychedelics

Former Take-Two Interactive Software Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) Rockstar developer Joe Robino shed light on why a standalone Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) story DLC never saw the light of day. 
Speaking to the SanInPlay YouTube channel (<a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/gta-5s-kick-ass-story-dlc-scrapped-because-gta-online-was-so-much-of-a-cash-cow-ex-rockstar-dev-claims">via</a> IGN), Robino disclosed that the unexpected success of GTA Online shifted Rockstar&#8217;s focus and resources. This ultimately lead to the cancellation of the highly anticipated DLC.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/07/39623547/gta-6-clue-found-in-online-update-what-does-it-mean">GTA 6 Clue Found In Online Update: What Does It Mean?</a>
Robino, a senior camera artist and virtual cinematographer at Rockstar&#8217;s New York office from 2010 to 2016, was deeply involved in the development of what he described as a &#8220;kick &#8211;&#8221; standalone DLC for GTA 5.
However, as GTA Online became a &#8220;cash cow&#8221; soon after its launch, Rockstar decided to reallocate its efforts towards expanding the online multiplayer mode.
&#8220;A lot of the team went to do Red Dead Redemption 2 right away and I took on this other project that was a standalone DLC for GTA that never came out and it was kick a&#8211;,&#8221; Robino revealed.
&#8220;That was my thing. I was one of the main editors, camera artists, and on-stage stuff. We split our teams into two. I stayed on GTA Online and then this DLC, which Steven Ogg [the actor who played Trevor Philips] was a very important part of.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/06/39194557/what-to-expect-for-gta-onlines-june-update">What To Expect For GTA Online&#8217;s June Update?</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Impact Of GTA Online&#8217;s Success</h3>
The overwhelming success of GTA Online, which has generated substantial revenue through microtransactions, made it difficult for Rockstar to justify investing in a single-player DLC. 
Robino expressed his frustration, stating: &#8220;It was really really good. But when GTA Online came out it was so much of a cash cow and people were loving it so much that it was hard to make an argument that a standalone DLC would outcompete that. I think looking back now you could probably do both. But that was a business decision they made. I was a little upset about that.&#8221;
Steven Ogg, who played Trevor Philips in GTA 5, also provided insight into the scrapped DLC. "Trevor was going to be undercover, he was working with the feds," Ogg shared. "We did shoot some of that stuff with ‘James Bond Trevor,' where he's still kind of a f&#x2A;&#x2A;k-up, but he's doing his best. Then it just disappeared and they never did it, they never followed up on it."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Repercussions And Future Prospects</h3>
Elements of the canceled DLC appear to have found their way into GTA Online. Dataminers have uncovered references to Trevor with a jetpack, a feature that eventually appeared in GTA Online&#8217;s Doomsday Heist missions. Robino mentioned, "a lot of that stuff though did end up making it I believe into later iterations of GTA Online."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Addressing Industry Challenges</h3>
In his interview, Robino also touched on the intense workload and secrecy surrounding Rockstar projects, particularly GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2. 
"We got probably halfway through it [the GTA5 story DLC], and we put a pause on it," he said. "I was also doing GTA Online at that time, and I was also doing RDR2. We all were. We worked a lot, man. For six or seven years, I was working almost 365 days a year with our team."
Rockstar&#8217;s notorious crunch culture has been well-documented, but following the release of Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018 and subsequent media scrutiny, the company reportedly made efforts to improve its work environment. 
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/06/39555552/rockstar-games-co-founder-reveals-why-gta-movie-never-made-sense">Rockstar Games Co-Founder Reveals Why GTA Movie &#8216;Never Made Sense&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Gaming

General

TTWO

GTA 5's 'Kick A--' Story Canceled Due To Cash Cow Success Online, Says Former Dev

Ford Motor Company&#39;s (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/f#NYSE">F</a>) U.S. sales in the second quarter increased 1% year over year, with a notable 5% rise in truck sales. The company sold 308,920 trucks, including pickups and vans, marking its best second-quarter performance for trucks since 2019. Sales of the F-Series reached 199,463 vehicles, increasing 30% from the previous quarter.
Ford&#39;s electric vehicle sales reached 23,957 units in the second quarter, up 61.4% year over year. The Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning are particularly attracting new customers, with the F-150 Lightning&#39;s sales surging 77% year over year to 7,902 units.
Hybrid vehicle sales also set a new quarterly record for Ford, with 53,822 units sold, up 56% year over year. The surge in sales was significantly boosted by Maverick sales, totaling 40,420 units through the first half of the year.
Ford brand SUVs achieved record first-half sales of 406,467 units, up 3% year over year, driven by the Explorer, the best-selling three-row SUV in the United States, with 104,803 units sold. Sales of the Escape and Expedition also rose 10% and 15%, respectively, in the first half.
The Lincoln brand saw a sales increase of 18.9% to 23,923 units, driven by the new Lincoln Nautilus. In the second quarter of 2024, Nautilus hybrid sales accounted for 44% of Nautilus total sales, while Corsair and Aviator sales rose 17% and 90%, respectively.
Automakers like Ford are relying on hybrids to facilitate the transition to EVs and meet stringent federal fuel efficiency standards.
Ford&#39;s rival, General Motors Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gm#NYSE">GM</a>), recently reported second-quarter sales of 696,086 units, up 0.6% year over year. GM recorded its highest quarterly sales since the fourth quarter of 2020. The modest sales rise for both Ford and GM exceeds expectations for the overall market. Industry forecasters like Cox Automotive and Edmunds predict that second-quarter sales across the auto industry will remain nearly unchanged compared with the previous year.
<h3>Zacks Rank &amp; Other Key Picks</h3>
F currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Some other top-ranked stocks in the auto space are Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/blbd#NASDAQ">BLBD</a>) and American Axle &amp; Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/axl#NYSE">AXL</a>), each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present.
The consensus estimate for BLBD&#39;s 2024 sales and earnings suggests year-over-year growth of 17.29% and 155.14%, respectively. The EPS estimates for 2024 and 2025 have improved 63 cents and 69 cents, respectively, in the past 60 days.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AXL&#39;s 2024 sales and earnings suggests year-over-year growth of 3.05% and 544.44%, respectively. The EPS estimates for 2024 have moved up 5 cents in the past 60 days. The EPS estimates for 2025 have moved up 20 cents in the past 30 days.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2296907/ford-f-us-sales-rise-1-in-q2-on-strong-truck-deliveries?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_corporate_actions-2296907">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

BLBD

Ford US Sales Rise 1% in Q2 on Strong Truck Deliveries

WIIM

GYRE

Gyre Therapeutics shares are trading higher after the company announced that China's NMPA approved Avatrombopag Maleate tablets for the treatment of CLD-associated thrombocytopenia.

Serta Simmons Bedding