First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII FT Vest U.S. Equity Uncapped Accelerator ETF - October (BATS: UXOC)

Latest news for First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII FT Vest U.S. Equity Uncapped Accelerator ETF - October (BATS:UXOC)

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange Options that reference the price performance of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust. FLEX Options are customized equity or index option contracts that trade on an exchange, but provide investors with the ability to customize key contract terms like exercise prices, styles and expiration dates. The Underlying ETF is an exchange-traded unit investment trust that uses a replication strategy, meaning it invests in as many of the stocks in the S&P 500 Index as is practicable. PDR Services, LLC serves as the Underlying ETF's sponsor. The investment objective of the Underlying ETF is to seek to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Index. The Funds performance will not reflect the payment of dividends by the Underlying ETF.

FT Vest US Equity Uncapped Accelerator ETF - October

First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII FT Vest U.S. Equity Uncapped Accelerator ETF - October

A leading analyst has suggested that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) could potentially skyrocket to $180,000 and eventually reach a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38240233/crypto-analyst-unveils-reasons-behind-latest-altcoin-crash-forecasts-rebound-amid-turmoil">seven-figure valuation</a>.
What Happened: The prominent analyst, known by the pseudonym Pentoshi, projected a bullish future for Bitcoin. Pentoshi anticipates that Bitcoin could rise by approximately 82% from its present value.
In a post on X, Pentoshi posits that this expected price surge is merely a stepping stone in Bitcoin&#8217;s path to exceeding the $1 million mark. 
He stated, &#8220;Eventually&nbsp;one day over $1 million.&nbsp;If you zoom out and&nbsp;think bigger. Hard to do&nbsp;when we live day to&nbsp;day at times. $180,000 still&nbsp;in 2026 at the latest&nbsp;in my opinion. Eventually higher&nbsp;than we all imagined.&#8221;
<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">Eventually one day over a milli. If you zoom out and think bigger. Hard to do when we live day to day at times 180k still in 2026 at latest imo Eventually higher than we all imagined <a href="https://t.co/3hvM2g91u2">https://t.co/3hvM2g91u2</a>
&mdash; &#x1f427; Pentoshi (@Pentosh1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pentosh1/status/1859871839289475411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Moreover, Pentoshi envisions the wider crypto market entering a parabolic phase, providing substantial earning potential in the coming months. However, he warns that such advances are not sustainable over the long haul.</figcaption></figure>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42049183/heres-how-a-bitcoin-whale-nets-179m-from-a-120-investment">Here&#8217;s How A Bitcoin Whale Nets $179M From A $120 Investment</a>
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $97,326.69, down by almost 2% in the last 24 hours. 
Why It Matters: Pentoshi&#8217;s prediction comes at a time when Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are gaining mainstream acceptance. 
The potential surge in Bitcoin&#8217;s value underscores the growing interest and investment in the crypto market. However, it&#8217;s important to note that while the crypto market offers significant earning potential, it also comes with risks, as highlighted by Pentoshi&#8217;s caution about the sustainability of these advances. 
The crypto market is known for its volatility, and investors should be prepared for potential fluctuations in value.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39445463/crypto-analyst-predicts-bitcoin-to-blast-off-to-90-000-if-this-happens">Crypto Analyst Predicts Bitcoin To Blast Off To $90,000 If This Happens</a>

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

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Markets

$BTC

Crypto Analyst: Bitcoin Poised To Skyrocket To $180K and 'Eventually' Top $1M

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), the world&#8217;s largest cryptocurrency by market cap, could potentially hit a staggering $125,000 by the end of this year.
What Happened: According to predictions <a href="https://kalshi.com/markets/kxbtcmaxy/how-high-will-bitcoin-get-this-year">by</a> betting platform Kalshi, an 85% probability of Bitcoin reaching $100,000 by the close of 2024. The data also suggests a possibility of Bitcoin&#8217;s price surpassing $125,000 by year&#8217;s end.
The platform even sees a 9% chance of Bitcoin breaking the $150,000 mark,&nbsp;with an outside bet of&nbsp;it soaring to $250,000 or more.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Bitcoin continues to climb Now an 85% chance it will hit $100K before December <a href="https://t.co/2vHUZQUPCm">pic.twitter.com/2vHUZQUPCm</a>
&mdash; Kalshi (@Kalshi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kalshi/status/1859666875631927546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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</figure>
Despite Bitcoin not yet breaching the $100,000 mark, the consensus among experts is that it&#8217;s a question of &#8220;when,&#8221; not &#8220;if.&#8221; 
Bitcoin has already witnessed a nearly 40% surge in November and a 55% rise&nbsp;in Q4 overall, making this&nbsp;year almost as profitable&nbsp;as the last quarter of&nbsp;2023.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42049183/heres-how-a-bitcoin-whale-nets-179m-from-a-120-investment">Here&#8217;s How A Bitcoin Whale Nets $179M From A $120 Investment</a>
As per the report, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have played a pivotal&nbsp;role, absorbing over 90% of&nbsp;sell-side pressure from Long-Term Holders. 
The U.S. ETFs recorded their most successful week&#8217;s inflows since their inception&nbsp;in the five trading days&nbsp;through Nov. 22. Total assets&nbsp;under management now exceed $100 billion.
Why It Matters: The bullish forecast for Bitcoin comes at a time when the cryptocurrency market is experiencing unprecedented growth. 
The potential for Bitcoin to reach these high price points is indicative of the increasing acceptance and adoption of cryptocurrencies. 
ETFs, in particular, have been instrumental in driving this growth, providing a more accessible and regulated means for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin. 
As more investors turn to Bitcoin as a store of value and hedge against inflation, the upward trajectory of its price is likely to continue.
Read Next
<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>
Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin's Bull Run: Betting On A $125K Finish To 2024

Retirement savings plans like IRAs and 401(k)s are often promoted as key tools for securing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41918104/are-you-on-track-to-retire-rich-heres-the-nest-egg-you-need-to-be-considered-a-wealthy-retiree">financial stability in retirement</a>. However, new findings from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) reveal that these accounts play a surprisingly limited role in retirees&#8217; overall income.
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The 2024 EBRI Spending in Retirement Survey, conducted among 3,600 American retirees aged 62 to 75, offers fresh insights into the income landscape for this demographic.&nbsp;
According to the study, IRAs provide income for 20% of retirees, while 401(k)-style workplace retirement plans are an income source for 17%. However, these plans&#8217; contribution to total income is modest. On average, IRAs account for 10% of retirees' income and 401(k)-like plans contribute 15%.
See Also: 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, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Retirement Income Sources</h2>
IRAs and 401(k)s are just one part of the complex retirement income picture. The relatively small contribution these funds make to total retirement income demonstrates the importance of other income sources in retirement.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41882904/think-youll-get-full-social-security-missing-this-35-year-window-could-cost-you-thousands">Social Security</a> is a critical income source for many retirees, with nearly 92% of those aged 65 and older receiving benefits from this program, according to Federal Reserve data. Other sources of retirement income from this data include (with the percentage of retirees that have that income source):
<ul>
<li>Pensions (56%)</li>
<li>Interest, dividends or rental income (42%)</li>
<li>Wages, salaries or self-employment (32%)</li>
<li>Cash transfers, other than Social Security (9%)</li>
</ul>
Trending: Studies show 50% of consumers think Financial Advisors cost much more than they do —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/money-pickle"> to debunk this, this company provides matching for free and a complimentary first call with the matched advisor.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Income Versus Expenses</h2>
Retirees face financial challenges when their income doesn't align with their expenses. The Motley Fool reports that the median annual income for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41185972/is-65-too-early-to-retire-new-research-says-it-might-be-45-of-households-are-expected-to-run-out">Americans aged 65 and older</a> is $50,290, while their average annual expenditures are about $57,818.
The average Social Security check is close to $1,900, often only replacing about 40% of the beneficiary's preretirement income. Retirees primarily relying on this income source have a substantial gap to fill. Financial experts recommend having a goal of saving or finding enough retirement income sources to replace 70-80% of your preretirement income, meaning Social Security alone won't be enough.&nbsp;
Trending: 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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Limited Savings Mean for Retirees</h2>
The small role that IRAs and 401(k)s play in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42070971/suze-orman-warns-3-million-isnt-enough-for-retirement-even-at-a-mere-3-withdrawal-rate-she-says-you-need-10-million-or-more">retirement income</a> can lead to financial struggles for many older Americans. According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 45% of people aged 60 and up have trouble covering basic expenses. Pew Research estimates that by 2040, about 32.6 million retirement-age households will have yearly incomes below $75,000. On average, those households will face a $7,050 gap between their income and needs.
While IRAs and 401(k)s are great tools for growing savings and offering tax advantages, they're not always enough to carry you through retirement on their own.
For those nearing retirement, now is a good time to review your financial plan and consider where your income will come from. A <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> can help you review and plan for a comfortable retirement.&nbsp;
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<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

New Findings Show IRAs And 401(k)s Contribute Less Than 20% Of Retirees' Income

Amazon.com Inc. stands as a $2 trillion retail giant today, but its survival was in serious jeopardy back in 2001. After the dot-com bubble burst, Amazon's stock plummeted 90%, leading many critics to predict its demise. 
However, founder Jeff Bezos reversed the company's fortunes with help from a surprising source: Costco Wholesale Corp. founder Jim Sinegal.
In 2001, Bezos met with Sinegal over coffee at a Starbucks inside a Barnes &amp; Noble near Amazon's Bellevue, Washington offices, as detailed in the book "The Everything Store" by journalist Brad Stone.
Initially, Bezos sought to discuss sourcing products from Costco, but the conversation shifted to pricing strategies that would ultimately shape Amazon's future, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/17/jeff-bezos-costco-founder-coffee-meeting-helped-revive-amazon.html">reports</a> CNBC.
Sinegal shared Costco's core principle: "value trumps everything." He explained how the retailer kept prices "dirt cheap" by cutting unnecessary costs and building strong supplier relationships. Costco's low prices, he said, reinforced the value of its annual membership, which accounted for much of its profitability.
"The membership fee is a one-time pain, but it's reinforced every time customers walk in and see forty-seven-inch televisions that are two hundred dollars less than anyplace else," Sinegal reportedly told Bezos, and as quoted by Stone. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41196792/jeff-bezos-swears-by-this-one-hour-rule-for-success-now-neuroscience-backs-it-up">Jeff Bezos Swears By This One-Hour Rule For Success — Now Neuroscience Backs It Up</a>
Inspired by this, Bezos quickly called a meeting at Amazon to address the company's "incoherent" pricing strategy. By that summer, Amazon began cutting prices on flagship products like books, music, and videos, offering discounts of up to 30%. Bezos famously declared, "There are two kinds of companies: Those that work to raise prices and those that work to lower them. We'll always be the second."
The strategy paid off. By the end of 2001, Amazon posted its first profitable quarter, a turnaround Bezos credited to lower prices and cost-cutting measures. 
In 2005, Amazon launched its membership program, Prime, echoing Costco's model by offering discounted prices and free shipping to paying members. Bezos later described Prime as offering such good value that "you'd be irresponsible not to be a member."
Today, Amazon's approach to pricing and memberships, rooted in the lessons of that pivotal 2001 meeting, continues to underpin its global success.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Success Stories

Costco Founder's Chat With Bezos Over Coffee Helped Save Amazon

Billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban recently divulged his top strategies for successful negotiation, emphasizing the significance of patience and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41196856/heres-how-mark-cubans-drunken-splurge-of-125-000-turned-into-a-profitable-investment">willingness to compromise</a>.
What Happened: Cuban shared that the most effective negotiators he has collaborated with demonstrate a readiness to compromise and exhibit patience, keeping their end goals in sight. 
He stressed that it isn&#8217;t necessary to emerge victorious on every point of a deal, and that conceding on some aspects to finalize the deal is perfectly acceptable.
Speaking <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/26/mark-cuban-top-strategies-best-negotiators-use-to-succeed.html">with</a> CNBC, Cuban said, &#8220;Expert dealmakers know not to rush or nitpick when bargaining. One: They're patient because they know what they're trying to accomplish. Two: They don't try to win every deal point. It's OK to give something in order to get the deal done."
As a judge on ABC&#8217;s &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221;, Cuban often employs a strategy of patient silence, enabling him to gather information before proposing investment offers. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42027001/mark-cuban-swings-1m-to-golf-company-despite-hating-the-sport">Mark Cuban Swings $1M To Golf Company Despite Hating The Sport</a>
He asserts that active listening is a key component in negotiations, stating,&nbsp;&#8220;The more you pay attention&nbsp;and the more aware you&nbsp;are, the better opportunity you&nbsp;have to get what you&nbsp;want. Silence is money.&#8221;
In a particular &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; episode, Cuban demonstrated his strategic patience by initially rejecting an investment offer, only to later join the bidding war and secure a deal. 
However, Cuban also confessed that he occasionally deviates from his usual approach, as evidenced by his immediate acquisition of the NBA&#8217;s Dallas Mavericks in 2000 without any negotiation.
"It was all about fun. That was like a dream, I didn't even negotiate, I was just like, ‘Yes, whatever,&#8221; Cuban said in a podcast before. 
Why It Matters: Mark Cuban&#8217;s negotiation strategies provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike. 
His emphasis on patience, compromise, and active listening highlights the importance of these qualities in successful deal-making. 
Cuban&#8217;s approach, as demonstrated in his role on &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; and his acquisition of the Dallas Mavericks, underscores the fact that flexibility and adaptability are also crucial in negotiations.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Mark Cuban's For Negotiation Success: 'Silence Is Money'

A well-known crypto analyst who accurately predicted the market collapse of 2022 is now cautioning that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) may be <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">nearing a local top</a>.
What Happened: Pseudonymous analyst Capo believes that certain indicators suggest Bitcoin could face a pullback in the near future. The analyst, recognized for their precise market calls, has shared their concerns about Bitcoin's current trajectory. 
In a recent <a href="https://t.me/CryptoCapoTG/933">post</a> on Telegram, the crypto expert pointed to factors like overextended bullish sentiment and waning momentum as signs that a correction might be imminent.
Bitcoin has recently experienced a significant recovery, climbing past $37,000 after a prolonged bear market. However, the analyst warns that the asset's strong rally could be losing steam, leaving it vulnerable to short-term declines. Capo argues that traders should exercise caution and prepare for potential volatility.
"I'm still out of the market for a few weeks now. At this point, it doesn't matter if Bitcoin reaches $98,000, $99,000, or if it goes above $100,000. The local top could occur at any moment, and this movement could be fully retraced," Capo said in the post. 
Capo outlines several reasons for his belief that a market correction is likely, including the fact that pro-crypto U.S. President-elect Donald Trump won't assume office until January 20th.
Capo shared some of the reasons why he is being cautious about the Bitcoin move. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/42154487/robert-kiyosaki-trump-will-make-america-richer-again-by-being-the-first-bitcoin-president">Robert Kiyosaki: &#8216;Trump Will Make America Richer Again By Being The First Bitcoin President&#8217;</a>
&#8220;Sentiment is extremely bullish here. Retail is piling in massively, aping into memecoins. The memecoin rally feels overextended, and that's unhealthy. A strong correction is overdue, and it will likely affect the entire market. Trump is still not in power. The Democrats are still governing the country, and despite saying the transfer of power would be ‘smooth and in a peaceful way,' they are already trying to provoke a big war. In my view, this is a desperate attempt to apply the martial law or/and leave Trump in a complicated position,&#8221; Capo said in the post. 
Capo added, &#8220;Also, the US government holds 208,109 BTC (currently $20.15 billion). They recently got approval to sell the Silk Road Bitcoin, likely through auctions or gradual sales. Honestly, it wouldn't be surprising if they timed it to tank BTC prices and make the next administration look bad – or just to make sure they don't leave those BTC behind for them to use.&#8221;
&#8220;Many altcoins are showing weakness and testing major levels as resistance. It's mostly a BTC and memecoins run, which is never a good sign. Not ruling out a few final altcoins pumps, but if my thesis is right, they could dump 60-80% over the next few weeks," the analyst concluded. 
Why It Matters: Despite the cautionary outlook, Bitcoin remains a dominant force in the cryptocurrency market, with proponents pointing to its long-term potential as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Institutional adoption and favorable regulatory developments continue to support the broader bullish case.
For investors, this latest warning serves as a reminder of the inherent volatility in the crypto market. While Bitcoin has defied expectations before, understanding market dynamics and being prepared for fluctuations is essential for navigating the space.
Read Next
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Crypto Expert Who Called 2022 Market Crash Warns About Bitcoin

Elon Musk&#8216;s net worth has reached an unprecedented $347.8 billion. This significant increase in wealth is attributed to a surge in the stock of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and a successful funding round for his AI startup, xAI.
What Happened:&nbsp;Musk&#8217;s wealth has seen a substantial increase due&nbsp;to a 3.8% jump in&nbsp;Tesla stock&nbsp;and a new funding round&nbsp;for xAI, which now values the startup at $50 billion. 
This has led to Musk surpassing his previous wealth record of $340.4 billion set in 2021.
The Insider reports that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-net-worth-wealth-tesla-stock-trump-election-ev-2024-11">the </a>net worth of the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has increased&nbsp;by an unmatched $117.8 billion&nbsp;this year, placing him over&nbsp;$128 billion ahead of the&nbsp;second richest person, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Tesla&#8217;s stock has seen a surge following&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8216;s victory in the&nbsp;U.S. presidential election, closing on Friday at $352.56.
Mark Malek, the chief investment officer at Siebert, suggested that the stock&#8217;s increase is partly due to Musk&#8217;s public involvement in Trump&#8217;s campaign.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/42152918/i-knew-if-i-bought-a-sink-what-does-elon-musks-cryptic-tweet-mean">&#8220;I Knew If I Bought a Sink&#8221;: What Does Elon Musk&#8217;s Cryptic Tweet Mean?</a>
Musk&#8217;s 13% stake in Tesla has also seen a significant increase in value, with his personal fortune now exceeding Salesforce&#8217;s $327 billion.
Why It Matters: The surge in Musk&#8217;s wealth highlights the growing influence of tech entrepreneurs in the global economy. 
Musk&#8217;s companies, Tesla and SpaceX, have been at the forefront of technological innovation, driving advancements in electric vehicles and space travel. 
The successful funding round for xAI, Musk&#8217;s AI startup, also underscores the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in various sectors. 
This record-breaking increase in Musk&#8217;s wealth is a testament to the significant role these tech giants play in shaping the future of our world.
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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

Tech

TSLA

Musk's Net Worth Tops One-Third of a Trillion Dollars

New data from Realtor.com shows a partisan divide in housing market sentiment after<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42027218/could-trumps-housing-plans-reshape-the-real-estate-market"> Donald Trump&#8217;s presidential election victory</a>. Republicans have increased optimism, while Democrats are hesitant about home-buying plans.
Morning Consult&#8217;s survey in early November found that roughly 20% of Republicans report being more likely to purchase a home due to the election outcome. In contrast, nearly a quarter of Democrats indicate they&#8217;re now less likely to enter the housing market in the coming year.
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Independent voters remained largely unmoved by the election results, with 74% reporting no change in their home-buying intentions. The contrasting sentiments align with Trump&#8217;s proposed housing policies. Real estate experts anticipate market changes under his leadership, particularly around interest rates and development regulations. His platform, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/11/41968915/will-trumps-second-term-unlock-housing-lower-rates-more-development-on-the-table-experts-say">announced before the election</a>, called for removing construction barriers, including regulations that currently add over $90,000 to new home prices and for opening federal lands for housing development.
&#8220;Many in the real estate business are elated with a Trump victory and if the administration can live up to its campaign promises, rightfully so,&#8221; said Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin. &#8220;For months, he has been advocating for lower interest rates, which have become one of the most significant barriers to homeownership in the post-pandemic years.&#8221;
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However, Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale said the proposals present opportunities and challenges. While supply-side policies might boost housing inventory, proposed immigration restrictions could affect construction labor. Census Bureau data shows that up to one-third of residential construction relies on foreign-born workers. The survey polled 2,201 adults nationwide and highlighted demographic variations in housing market confidence.
Male respondents showed notably higher optimism, with 18% indicating an increased likelihood to buy compared to 10% of women. Generation Z emerged as the most optimistic age group, with 22% reporting enhanced home-buying prospects, followed by millennials at 19%, Generation X at 12% and baby boomers at 6%.
Economic outlook drives the responses. Republicans who expressed increased interest in home buying cited anticipated improvements in economic conditions and confidence in the new administration.&nbsp;
Trending: 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>&#8220;I believe the interest rates will go down. Inflation will drop to affordable levels,&#8221; one respondent noted in the survey&#8217;s free-response section.
Democrats who expressed decreased home-buying interest pointed to economic concerns. &#8220;There is a very real possibility that the economy will tank and having my own home will be impossible,&#8221; one participant stated. Others specifically mentioned worries about inflation and tariff policies.
The housing sentiment split mirrors broader economic confidence trends. Morning Consult data cited by Realtor shows Republican consumer sentiment surged nearly 30% postelection, while Democratic sentiment declined 13% during the same period.
Current homeowners across party lines reported minimal impact on their selling intentions, though Democrats showed a slightly higher tendency to delay selling plans.
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Real Estate

24% Of Democrats Say Trump's Election Made Them Less Likely To Buy A Home

A market analyst says Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) could experience a massive rally, predicting gains exceeding 2,000%.
What Happened: The forecast has sparked excitement among the cryptocurrency's community as SHIB continues to gain traction as a leading meme coin.
Crypto analyst Austin Hilton, known for his bold predictions, shared his thoughts in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_vGuPm_7FQ">post</a> on YouTube and suggested that favorable market conditions and strategic developments could push SHIB into a significant uptrend.
Hilton highlighted key catalysts, such as increased adoption and potential ecosystem upgrades, as reasons behind the bullish outlook.
Shiba Inu has already seen remarkable growth since its inception, fueled by its vibrant community and utility within the Shiba ecosystem, including decentralized exchanges and NFT marketplaces. The recent prediction has added momentum to the ongoing discussions about SHIB's long-term potential.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39127538/massive-shiba-inu-burn-ignites-hope-for-price-recovery-despite-market-downturn">Massive Shiba Inu Burn Ignites Hope For Price Recovery Despite Market Downturn</a>
At the time of writing, SHIB was trading at $0.00002478, down by 4% in the last 24 hours. 
Despite its current price hovering at fractions of a cent, the analyst believes that strategic milestones could propel SHIB's value. These include the expansion of ShibaSwap, further token burns to reduce supply, and adoption by mainstream businesses for payments.
However, experts have cautioned that such exponential growth is not guaranteed and remains highly speculative. The cryptocurrency market's volatility and reliance on broader economic conditions mean that predictions should be approached with caution. Investors are advised to conduct thorough research and assess risks before making decisions.
Read Next
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

$SHIB

Crypto Analyst Sees Shiba Inu Surging More Than 2,000% In Coming Rally

Retired seniors in Nebraska recently posed a financial dilemma to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42024498/it-sounds-like-a-relationship-issue-ramsey-show-hosts-on-fathers-100k-paycut-and-3000-mile-move">The Ramsey Show hosts</a> Rachel Cruze and George Kamel: Should they withdraw funds from their IRA to buy a house outright or use monthly distributions to manage a mortgage?&nbsp;
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The couple, with an annual income of $125,000 from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41210847/do-former-u-s-presidents-really-collect-social-security-the-surprising-truth-about-their-retirem">Social Security and pensions</a>, has $200,000 in cash savings and over $500,000 in IRAs. Their goal is to purchase a $450,000 home and they're seeking advice from The Ramsey Show to help them determine the best option for their financial stability.
Kamel started by breaking down the couple's options.
He noted that the $200,000 cash would be a "serious down payment," which would be helpful; however, using their IRA to cover the balance in full would deplete a large portion of their retirement savings. "So they would have to live off of Social Security and pensions for the rest of their life."
Cruze added that the couple's income of $125,000 is above average, providing a solid foundation if they did decide to purchase the home outright from IRA funds. Ultimately, the hosts suggested <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40754039/68-year-old-is-told-to-take-out-a-bigger-mortgage-for-bills-rather-than-tap-into-401-k-suze-orma">taking out a mortgage</a> might be the best option.
Kamel commented that the couple is already paying rent, implying they could handle a mortgage just fine now. "If times get tough, they have the money," he added. "And they could leave the money invested, let it continue to grow."
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Another perspective the hosts offered is that the couple could consider downsizing and purchasing something smaller than a $450,000 home if they didn't need a house with more than 1-2 bedrooms. That would allow them to pay the home off quicker and potentially immediately without tapping too much into their retirement accounts.&nbsp;
The median home price in Nebraska is $289,200 – substantially less than the $450,000 home being considered by this Nebraska couple.
This couple's situation reflects broader trends in home buying among retirees. According to the National Association of Realtors, baby boomers, who often purchase to downsize or relocate closer to family, represent a significant share of homebuyers. Additionally, retirees often prioritize maintaining liquidity and minimizing debt, aligning with Cruze and Kamel's advice to avoid fully depleting retirement accounts.
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, the couple has several options. Whether they choose to buy their $450,000 dream home with a mix of cash and a mortgage or downsize to a smaller property, Cruze and Kamel advise that their focus should remain on maintaining financial security and minimizing future debt.&nbsp;
If you're in a similar situation and considering purchasing a retirement home, try speaking with a trusted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a>. They can help you understand your current financial situation and create a plan for buying a home that aligns with your long-term financial goals.&nbsp;
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Retired Nebraska Couple Asks Ramsey Show Hosts: 'Should We Tap IRA For A House Or Use Monthly Distributions For The Mortgage?'

In a recent poll, more than half of Americans expressed their support for the plans and policies of President-elect Donald Trump as he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42027218/could-trumps-housing-plans-reshape-the-real-estate-market">gears up for his second term</a>.
What Happened: A Pew Research Center <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/11/22/public-narrowly-approves-of-trumps-plans-most-are-skeptical-he-will-unify-the-country/">poll</a> found that 53% of Americans are in favor of Trump&#8217;s agenda for his forthcoming term, which starts in less than two months. The poll showed a 46% disapproval rate for his plans.
The results fell along party lines, with 88% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents backing Trump&#8217;s agenda, while 82% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning individuals expressed disapproval.
Close to 60% of the respondents expressed confidence in Trump&#8217;s capability to make sound economic decisions. A majority of Americans also demonstrated confidence in Trump&#8217;s approach&nbsp;to law enforcement and criminal&nbsp;justice (54%), immigration (53%), and foreign policy (53%).
Post-election sentiments towards Trump have soared to an all-time high, with 43% offering him a &#8220;warm&#8221; or &#8220;very warm&#8221; rating on Pew&#8217;s &#8220;feeling thermometer.&#8221; This marks a notable increase from his 34% warm rating following the 2020 election.
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However, only 31% of respondents characterized Trump&#8217;s post-election unification efforts as &#8220;good&#8221; or &#8220;excellent.&#8221; Moreover, a mere 14% anticipate an improvement in partisan relations during Trump&#8217;s second term.
The poll was conducted from November 12 to 17, surveying 9,609 adults across the nation.
Why It Matters:&nbsp;The poll results provide a snapshot of the nation&#8217;s sentiment towards Trump&#8217;s second-term agenda. The data shows a clear partisan divide, reflecting the ongoing political polarization in the country. 
The high approval ratings for Trump&#8217;s economic decisions and approaches to law enforcement, immigration, and foreign policy indicate the areas where Americans have the most confidence in the President-elect. 
However, the low expectations for improved partisan relations and Trump&#8217;s unification efforts highlight the challenges that lie ahead in his second term.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Politics

Majority of Americans Approve of Trump's Second-Term Agenda

Billionaire Elon Musk, co-director of President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been using his social media platform to criticize specific government departments and individuals.
What Happened: Musk, who has a following of 205 million on his platform, recently targeted Ashley Thomas, a director of climate diversification at the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. His post, which labeled her role as a &#8220;fake job,&#8221; led to a wave of online ridicule against Thomas.
<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">So many fake jobs <a href="https://t.co/aVH8QtMcLE">https://t.co/aVH8QtMcLE</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1858916546338590740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Earlier this month, Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech-company founder, were appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. 
The duo has since been vocal about their plans for &#8220;mass head-count reductions&#8221; across the federal bureaucracy.
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According to the report <a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/musk-unleashes-online-army-on-federal-workers-a-tough-way-to-find-out-shes-losing-her-job-f57a2e94">by </a>The Wall Street Journal, Musk&#8217;s recent social media activities mark a return to his controversial practice of calling out individuals, a tactic he had previously employed on Twitter. 
His targets this week included Alexis Pelosi, a senior climate adviser at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and two other federal officials with climate-related roles.
Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, criticized Musk&#8217;s tactics, stating that they were intended to instill fear among federal employees, reports the outlet. 
Kelley argued that Musk should instead focus on federal contractors, who he claims cost the government far more than the civilian workforce.
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s recent actions on social media have raised concerns about the potential impact on the morale and productivity of federal employees. 
His targeting of specific individuals and departments could lead to a climate of fear and uncertainty, which could in turn affect the functioning of the federal bureaucracy. 
Furthermore, the controversy surrounding Musk&#8217;s tactics could potentially overshadow the work of the Department of Government Efficiency, and distract from its mission to streamline government operations and reduce costs.
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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.

Elon Musk's Social Media Onslaught Targets Federal Employees

In a recent blog post, Mary Trump warned about the alleged influence of Russian President Vladimir Putin on her uncle, President-elect Donald Trump.
What Happened: Mary Trump expressed her apprehensions about&nbsp;her uncle&#8217;s admiration for Putin, suggesting it could negatively impact U.S. support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing Russian invasion.
She called Trump &#8220;Putin&#8217;s puppet&#8221; and cautioned that his actions could leave Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a vulnerable position.
In her <a href="https://www.marytrump.org/p/a-thousand-days?utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web">post</a>, Mary Trump also criticized her uncle&#8217;s admiration for Elon Musk, alleging that Musk has been in regular contact with Putin since 2022.
&#8220;Of all the unthinkable scenarios we&#8217;ve been forced to consider since Donald won the election on November 5th is the possibility that all of this will have been for nought,&#8221; Mary Trump wrote. &#8220;After all, the fate of Ukraine and Zelensky may rest with Donald Trump, Putin&#8217;s puppet, a man who is enamored of and beholden to the very autocrat who wants to destroy our ally.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41869240/mary-trump-warns-of-tyranny-and-fascism-following-uncles-victory">Mary Trump Warns of &#8216;Tyranny&#8217; and &#8216;Fascism&#8217; Following Uncle&#8217;s Victory</a>
Meanwhile, Zelensky warned this week that Ukraine could lose the war if the U.S. cuts military aid. His comments followed the Biden administration&#8217;s announcement of a new $275 million military aid package for Ukraine.
Zelensky acknowledged the potential influence&nbsp;Donald Trump could have on&nbsp;ending the war, stating, &#8220;Yes,&nbsp;he can,&#8221; but said it&nbsp;would not be simple. He&nbsp;emphasized&nbsp;the importance of maintaining unity&nbsp;between Ukraine, Europe, and the&nbsp;United States, warning that a&nbsp;loss of this unity could&nbsp;have dangerous consequences.
Why It Matters: The allegations by Mary Trump underscore the complex and potentially precarious relationship between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. 
The influence of Putin on Donald Trump, if true, could significantly alter U.S. foreign policy and its stance towards the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 
Furthermore, the alleged contact between Elon Musk and Putin raises questions about the role of private sector leaders in international politics. This situation warrants close observation as it unfolds, given its potential to reshape geopolitical dynamics.
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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.

Mary Trump Says Her Uncle Donald Is 'Putin's Puppet'

In 2014, during an interview with Charlie Rose at the TED Conference, Google cofounder Larry Page made headlines with an unusual revelation. Page didn't point to traditional charitable foundations or heirs when asked about his thoughts on legacy and philanthropy. Instead, he floated the idea of leaving his wealth to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/38942636/elon-musk-reportedly-bought-a-secret-mansion-shortly-after-selling-all-his-possessions-and-publicly">Elon Musk</a>, the tech visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX.
Page's reasoning? Musk's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40778284/elon-musk-says-almost-anyone-can-afford-a-trip-to-mars-at-100-000-to-500-000-even-if-it-means-se">bold mission to colonize Mars</a> and "back up humanity." In the interview, Rose referenced past comments Page had made about this idea, asking for clarification.&nbsp;
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According to the transcript on the Charlie Rose site, Rose said: "You once said – actually, I think I've got this about right – that you might consider, rather than giving your money to a cause, simply giving it to Elon Musk because you had confidence he would change the future."
Larry Page replied: "He actually wanted to go to Mars – he wants to go to Mars to back up humanity." He elaborated, "It's a company and it's philanthropical. So I think, you know, we aim to do kind of similar things."
Page then shifted focus to Google's culture of innovation, adding, "We have a lot of employees at Google who've become pretty wealthy … A lot of people in there are pretty wealthy. You're working because you want to change the world and you want to make it better. So why isn't the company they work for worthy not just of your time, but your money as well?"
For Page, Musk's ambitious goals aligned with his belief that companies, when run effectively, could drive revolutionary change. He elaborated, saying, "Lots of companies don't succeed over time. They usually miss the future … I try to focus on that: What is the future really going to be? And how do we create it?"
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Page and Musk once shared a close friendship. Musk frequently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37923084/elon-musk-used-to-email-ex-google-ceo-larry-page-when-he-was-kind-of-homeless-and-ask-can-i-come">stayed at Page's house</a> during visits to Silicon Valley and their shared passion for pushing technological boundaries made them natural allies. Their camaraderie landed them on Fortune's 2016 list of "Business Leaders You Didn't Know Were BFFs."&nbsp;
Musk even <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/02/36953481/elon-musk-almost-sold-tesla-to-google-for-11-billion-but-he-called-the-deal-off-when-he-no-longer-ne">attempted to sell Tesla to Google</a> for $11 billion, according to Ashlee Vance&#8217;s biography, &#8220;Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX and the Quest for a Fantastic Future.&#8221; The two friends actually both agreed to the deal via handshake, but called it off once Tesla "no longer needed a savior."
However, their relationship reportedly soured around 2013. Musk's growing concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence clashed with Page's more optimistic outlook. At Musk's birthday party that year, the two had a heated debate about AI. Page allegedly called Musk a "speciesist" for prioritizing human interests over other forms of intelligence.
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The tension grew after Musk cofounded OpenAI, a nonprofit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/04/38073344/mark-cuban-predicts-worlds-first-trillionaire-wont-be-musk-or-bezos-itll-be-someone-who-masters-ai-a">ensuring AI safety</a>, which was seen as a direct challenge to Google, which had acquired DeepMind, a leading AI company. Musk even tried to dissuade DeepMind's CEO from selling to Google, further straining their relationship.
But despite their falling out, Musk has recently desired to mend fences. In a 2023 podcast with Lex Fridman, Musk said, "I would like to be friends again with Larry. I haven't seen him in ages. We were friends for a very long time." However, he acknowledged that Page might not feel the same, noting, "He doesn't want to talk to me anymore."
Larry Page's 2014 remarks about leaving his fortune to Elon Musk reflect his belief that revolutionary change outweighs incremental progress. While the future of their friendship remains uncertain, both Page and Musk continue to be key players in shaping the future of technology – and maybe even humanity.
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Larry Page, Google Co-Founder, Said He'd Leave His Fortune To Elon Musk Over Charity Because Of His Plans 'To Go To Mars To Back Up Humanity'

Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea &#8220;Shaye&#8221; Moss have filed a motion in federal court demanding that Rudy Giuliani be held in civil contempt for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40666864/rudy-giulianis-legal-troubles-deepen-former-georgia-election-workers-seek-to-seize-assets" rel="noreferrer noopener">continuing to spread false claims about them</a>.
This request, submitted Wednesday, stems from Giuliani&#8217;s ongoing defamation despite a prior injunction forbidding him from making such statements, Forbes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/11/20/georgia-election-workers-want-giuliani-sanctioned-for-defaming-them-again/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
A federal judge has ordered Giuliani to respond by December 2, with a hearing set for December 12.
On Thursday, Rudy Giuliani challenged the judge&#8217;s ruling from last month, which required him to hand over most of his assets to the two Georgia election workers, per a news <a href="https://thehill.com/video/giuliani-appeals-decision-ordering-him-to-turn-over-assets-to-election-workers/10242068/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by The Hill.
In May, Giuliani agreed to stop making false allegations related to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40165381/rudy-giulianis-bankruptcy-case-was-tossed-out-he-owes-152-million-and-lawyer-says-hell-join-rank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2020 election and its results</a>.
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Now, the election workers are seeking sanctions against Giuliani after he failed to honor the terms of this agreement, continuing to falsely accuse Freeman and Moss of wrongdoing, including baselessly claiming that they had &#8220;quadruple counted&#8221; ballots—a claim for which there is no evidence,
Giuliani allegedly doubled down on his false claims during his online show last week, defiantly shrugging off the threat of another lawsuit. He declared, &#8220;What am I going to do but tell the truth?&#8221; Forbes writes, quoting Giuliani.
These statements directly violate the court order he had previously agreed to.
As a result of Giuliani&#8217;s defamation, he was ordered to pay Freeman and Moss $148 million.
However, after declaring bankruptcy, he has been forced to begin turning over his assets to satisfy the judgment, including his car and New York City apartment.
Freeman and Moss are now asking the court to enforce penalties on Giuliani, potentially including further damages.
Giuliani&#8217;s spokesperson, Ted Goodman, has called the motion an attack on Giuliani&#8217;s First Amendment rights, insisting that he should be able to defend himself, Forbes adds.
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Media

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Georgia Election Workers Demand Giuliani Be Held In Civil Contempt

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/warren-buffett">Warren Buffett</a>, the Oracle of Omaha, is at it again. He's proved he knows how to spot a great opportunity when he sees one. In his latest move, Buffett&#8217;s Berkshire Hathaway invested heavily in two surprising yet strategic companies. What are they? None other than Domino&#8217;s Pizza and Pool Corp.
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According to a <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067983/000095012324011775/xslForm13F_X02/primary_doc.xml">recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission</a>, reported by TheStreet, Berkshire snapped up 1.28 million shares of Domino&#8217;s, which were valued at $550 million as of the end of the third quarter. The holding company also bought over 400,000 shares of Pool Corp., the largest distributor of swimming pool equipment and supplies in the U.S.
Both companies&#8217; shares jumped on the news as investors followed Buffett&#8217;s lead. Domino&#8217;s stock has risen 8.5% year-to-date and 20% over the past year. Pool Corp., though down 9% year-to-date, has seen a modest 3.5% annual increase.
Buffett has long <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/42011977/99-billion-bet-warren-buffett-invests-heavily-in-2-stocks-expected-to-jump-19-and-20-wall-street-analysts-predict">extolled the value of brands</a> as economic moats. That means they defend a company's market position from competitors. "A strong brand is potent stuff," Buffett famously said. Domino's and Pool Corp. both exemplify this.
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Domino&#8217;s has built an empire around its efficient delivery model and recognizable branding. It's the largest pizza chain in the U.S. for a reason. Despite missing revenue expectations in its third-quarter earnings, the company beat Wall Street&#8217;s forecasts for profitability and continues to show resilience. Analysts, such as those at Loop Capital, recently upgraded the stock. They see signs of accelerating same-store sales.
Pool Corp., on the other hand, benefits from its dominant market share in a niche yet essential industry. Even as discretionary spending on pool construction dips, the company continues seeing high demand for maintenance products, which drives its consistent revenues. Oppenheimer recently raised its price target for Pool Corp. after its quarterly earnings beat estimates.
"He doesn't invest – take a swing of the bat – unless the opportunity appears unbelievably good," Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates said of Buffett. These investments align perfectly with that approach. Domino&#8217;s and Pool Corp. demonstrate lasting appeal and consistent demand, which are key elements in Berkshire&#8217;s portfolio strategy.
The recent moves are classic Buffett, focusing on businesses with solid fundamentals and long-term growth potential. Whether it's pizza delivery or pool maintenance, Buffett has shown that even in the quirkiest corners of the market, there are &#8220;unbelievably good&#8221; opportunities.
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Why Warren Buffett Bought A $550 Million Stake In 'Unbelievably Good' Opportunities Domino's And Pool Corp

Investor and author Robert Kiyosaki has criticized the U.S. Federal Reserve and commended Michael Saylor, co-founder and executive chairman of MicroStrategy Inc. for his aggressive <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869188/robert-kiyosaki-rings-alarm-bells-over-soaring-us-debt-the-dollar-is-trash">Bitcoin acquisition strategy</a>.
What Happened: Kiyosaki, known for his pro-cryptocurrency stance, took to social media X to voice his skepticism about the Fed's policies and inflation management. 
He labeled the central bank&#8217;s decisions as detrimental to the economy and suggested that Saylor&#8217;s Bitcoin strategy offers a viable hedge against these issues.
"Michael Saylor's bold Bitcoin purchasing strategy is not just investment; it's a fight against the Fed's reckless policies," Kiyosaki wrote in the post. 
The author has long been an advocate for Bitcoin and other alternative assets, frequently advising followers to invest in assets like gold, silver, and cryptocurrencies to protect themselves from what he sees as the erosion of purchasing power.
Saylor's MicroStrategy is recognized as one of the largest institutional Bitcoin holders, having spent billions acquiring the cryptocurrency. Saylor maintains that Bitcoin is the ultimate store of value in a world grappling with rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
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In his post Kiyosaki also praised President-elect Donald Trump and his position on Bitcoin. Kiyosaki highlighted his work with Trump and shared his belief that Trump could become the first "Bitcoin President," a reflection of Trump's supportive attitude toward cryptocurrency.
<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">BIG MOUTH no BALLS: Why dooes a certain loudmouth who sells gold…criticize MICHAEL SAYLOR for using his company MICROSTRATEGY's treasury and credit to buy Billions in BITCOIN….Making himself, his company, and investors like me….RICHER….buying billions in BITCOIN. Would Mr.…
&mdash; Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1860158537936113938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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He wrote, &#8220;Let's make America and the world richer again with Bitcoin.&#8221;
Kiyosaki continued to criticize fiat currencies, describing them as tools of government control. 
Why It Matters: His statements reflect a broader sentiment within the crypto community that views Bitcoin as a decentralized alternative to traditional financial systems.
The debate over Bitcoin as a safeguard against inflation has intensified as governments worldwide grapple with economic challenges. Both Kiyosaki and Saylor remain prominent figures in this discourse, influencing retail and institutional investors alike.
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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

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These mid-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Lemonade, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMND#NYSE">LMND</a>) shares jumped 47.99% after the company&#8217;s Investor Day event. Several analysts raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/lmnd/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACHR#NYSE">ACHR</a>) shares escalated 46.96%.&nbsp;Needham analyst&nbsp;initiated coverage&nbsp;on Archer Aviation with a Buy rating and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/achr/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a price target of&nbsp;$11</a>.</li>
<li>C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AI#NYSE">AI</a>) stock zoomed 43.98% after the company announced a strategic alliance with Microsoft Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)&nbsp;and expanded <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42095812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its partnership&nbsp;with&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42095812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Capgemini</a>.</li>
<li>Oklo Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKLO#NYSE">OKLO</a>) stock rocketed 40%. The stock may have gained in response to its acquisition target Atomic Alchemy which signed an MOU with Zeno Power to provide fuel for commercial radioisotope power systems.</li>
<li>Applied Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APLD#NASDAQ">APLD</a>) stock increased 36.24%.</li>
<li>Unity Software Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/U#NYSE">U</a>) shares rose 35.70%.</li>
<li>Nebius Group N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NBIS#NASDAQ">NBIS</a>) shares were up 33.47% &nbsp;after the company announced an expansion to its AI infrastructure in the U.S. with the Kansas City GPU <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42059918" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cluster and three new offices</a>.</li>
<li>NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMR#NYSE">SMR</a>) stock surged 31.29%.</li>
<li>Hims &amp; Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>) shares jumped 31.11%. The company launched meal replacement bars and shakes to enhance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42118299" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personalized weight loss plans</a>.</li>
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The TON Society acts as the primary organization driving support for the TON community, dedicated to providing developers, builders, and enthusiasts with the resources and opportunities needed to foster collaboration and growth within the ecosystem.
At a recent event, TON announced several significant updates, including improvements to Telegram's applications and the launch of Society DAO, a governance initiative introduced by the TON Foundation.
Benzinga recently caught up with Jack Booth, co-founder of the TON Society, to discuss the organization's efforts to amplify community goals, initiatives like the Open League, Hackers League bootcamps, and more. Here's an excerpt of the conversation.
What makes Telegram uniquely effective for onboarding new users to crypto?
The massive user base, for one. And the ability to create a Telegram mini app for two. So, Telegram mini-apps open in one tab from a Telegram channel. And that provides a totally unique experience because you don&#8217;t need to download a new app.
You normally don&#8217;t need to go through a registration process even to get started. And that is like a 10x better experience than having to go through like, you know, before you&#8217;d start using a crypto application, go through KYC, fund the account, send money from your bank account. Normally most projects on TON are free to get started, free to start using. And so that means it&#8217;s very easy to understand and begin to learn about the crypto application.
How does TON Society support and amplify the TON community's goals?
We are responsible for community engagement. So, our main metric is reach on the community&#8217;s projects and activities as well as getting people to engage in what the ecosystem is up to. So as part of that, we run all of the community channels. So, we see ourselves as almost as an ecosystem journalist reporting on the main stories of the ecosystem as they happen and also running all of the events.
We also run Hackers League as well, which is a more developer-focused event series. We&#8217;re doing this concurrently, so it&#8217;s just a crazy amount of work that we&#8217;ve put into this event plus the boot camps, 20 boot camps we&#8217;ve run over six weeks, each of them three days long over a weekend.
So, starting mid-October until mid-November, we&#8217;ve got these 20 boot camps happening all over the world. And it&#8217;s all in a way of bringing the community together to connect, help them understand how to build their projects, help them get in touch with core members who can help them reach the right people, get the right funding, get access to the right resources. And so, we provide a very important role, I believe, in the ecosystem.
Could you share more about the Open League and how it incentivizes community engagement?
The Open League is a competition between projects where the Open League this season will actually pay airdrops to the users of the projects. And in that way, that pushes people to go, oh, you know what, I want to participate in the Open League. And because we make it a big structure that all projects in the TON ecosystem can plug into, now everyone in the TON community knows about it. They know how to get involved, and there&#8217;s incentives involved. So now we&#8217;re incentivizing people to not only just get involved in the projects, but also to share those projects, to post about them.
It&#8217;s like a flywheel effect of like, projects come in, then they go into the Open League, then they get users, then those users get paid, then those users bring other users in. And so, it&#8217;s like a nice kind of flywheel effect, bringing more people in. In a competitive way, where we&#8217;re not like specifically supporting particular tokens over other tokens. It&#8217;s all fair and transparent.
What is the purpose of The Hackers League bootcamps, and what impact have they had globally?
The purpose is to get people from pitch stage all the way to prize-winning and hopefully fully funded VC-funded startup. This year, we closed $2.1 million of committed capital from different VCs, Mexi Ventures, KUKON Ventures, Gate Ventures, Kinetic Capital, TON Ventures. So, the idea is really to provide a platform that can actually deliver on that promise. You come with a pitch, you meet a load of community members in your boot camp, you do your pitch at the end of the boot camp, and then you apply with that pitch to the hackathon, and then your application gets reviewed and provided to all of these VCs who can then say if you win or not.
So, it&#8217;s a really proven model, like we did in the summer. It was fantastic. We got 1,000 applicants to the hackathon. The Hackers League is like an offline element, which is the three-day boot camps, and then the online hackathon, which all of the applications feed into. So, the one in the summer was 14 of those people from the boot camp actually became winners of the hackathon.
And now they are building projects on TON today.
Are there particular regions or demographics TON Society is focusing on to drive adoption?
Yes, the super app regions. So anywhere where there&#8217;s already an existing super app, we found to be very receptive to the vision of TON. Because they already use super apps.
They have super apps in their lives. There are also a lot of developers that are already building super app applications that are familiar with that type of experience of building within another app. And so, it just makes sense to focus there, where those people have already developed use cases and use, use cases that are valuable for them. So yeah, those are the places. Southeast Asia, CIS, Eastern Europe.
What key metrics or milestones does TON Society use to assess the success of initiatives like The Open League and Hackers League?
Well, there&#8217;s a big variation in different things. Like Open League is based on users, like acquiring new users into TON blockchains and activate wallets. Hackers League is based on applicants to the hackathon.
Generally, TON society is responsible for reach for all of the ecosystem. So, we want to provide different platforms that all the projects can plug into. They get them reach, get them discovered, get people seeing them.
Are there any upcoming programs or initiatives TON Society is planning to support TON's growth?
Yes, there is the TON Teleport launch. So, TON Teleport is a decentralized Bitcoin bridge. It uses the validators of TON network to actually secure the third-party keys.
And so, no one has access to the keys. And it&#8217;s a very secure bridge, extremely secure bridge to take Bitcoin over to TON and mint a wrapped asset called, we&#8217;re calling TG Bitcoin, Bitcoin in Telegram. There&#8217;s going to be a big testing period and then we&#8217;ll launch sometime in Q1. So, with Society DAO, we want to build a way where the community can debate on whatever&#8217;s going on within the ecosystem.
And that would look like a platform that people can come, share their opinion, achieve consensus of community opinion. And when you achieve consensus of community opinion, that can be used to create proposals, on-chain blockchain proposals. In governance generally, there&#8217;s a lot of things that happens before you actually get to a Bill passed, right? A lot of debate in parliaments and Congress and all those types of stuff. In order to actually get to a Bill, it&#8217;s gone through 26 different steps in the case of the UK government. So, we don&#8217;t actually have that in blockchain in general because the debates are so mixed up. There&#8217;s no signal or the noise of what exactly is the community opinion. And so, we want to build a platform that allows us to find consensus in community opinion. And that&#8217;s what we&#8217;re working on.

Interview

We Want To Build Platform That Allows Us To Find Consensus In Community Opinion, Says TON's Jack Booth

As your clients inevitably ask about portfolio positioning for Trump&#8217;s second term, new insights from the Charles Schwab Impact 2024 conference offer crucial talking points for managing expectations and avoiding common investment pitfalls, <a href="https://www.investmentnews.com/rias/expecting-small-cap-or-energy-boom-from-trump-dont-be-so-sure/258316">InvestmentNews reports</a>.
&#8220;Be really careful about extrapolation around election narratives,&#8221; warns Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab&#8217;s chief investment strategist, providing advisors with a powerful historical example: While many professionals confidently steered clients toward energy stocks during Trump&#8217;s first term, expecting sector-wide gains, energy actually plummeted over 40%, significantly underperforming all other sectors.
For advisors fielding questions about small-cap allocations—particularly given recent market enthusiasm—Sonders recommends a more nuanced client discussion. Rather than broad small-cap exposure, consider explaining to clients the stark reality that approximately 40% of Russell 2000 companies are unprofitable. Instead, suggest more selective approaches, such as funds tracking the S&amp;P SmallCap 600 Index, which applies stricter quality criteria.
When discussing Trump&#8217;s proposed policies with clients, Schwab&#8217;s chief global investment strategist Jeff Kleintop suggests framing the proposed 26% tariff rate as a negotiating position rather than a certainty. However, advisors should prepare clients for potential inflationary impacts if significant tariffs are implemented.
Fixed income discussions require particular attention, according to Kathy Jones, Schwab&#8217;s chief fixed income strategist. Consider warning clients that proposed immigration policies could reduce the labor force by 8% or more, potentially driving up labor costs and inflation. This may lead to higher-than-expected terminal rates—possibly 3.5% to 4% rather than the previously anticipated 2.75%.
Bottom line for advisors: Help clients avoid making investment decisions based on political headlines. Instead, focus client conversations on fundamental economic factors, detailed market analysis, and their long-term financial plans. Remember that during Trump&#8217;s first term, it was broader economic conditions, not policy predictions, that ultimately drove market performance.
Consider scheduling portfolio reviews with clients now to address these concerns proactively and adjust strategies as needed.

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