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Wildflower Brands (OTC:WLDFF) Stock, Option Chain

Wildflower Brands Inc primarily focuses on developing and designing products in the cannabis and healthcare sectors. Wildflower sells its CBD+ products online and to retailers throughout the US and also produces and markets its THC products in regulated cannabis jurisdictions. The company's operations and assets are located in Canada and the USA.

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The U.S. faced one of its toughest weeks in recent history, with racial tensions manifesting in the form of nationwide protests, and the cannabis industry was not exempt. Dispensaries across the country were looted, and many companies decided to close their retail operations until further notice.

The Week In Cannabis: Stocks Surge Despite Civil Unrest, And 15+ Other Stories

Earnings

Canadian cannabis company Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTC: WLDFF) disclosed that its quarterly revenue reached $5.3 million. That&#39;s a year-over-year increase of approximately 112%.

Wildflower Posts Q3 Revenue of $5.3M, Records 112% YoY Growth

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WILDFLOWER BRANDS INC by Wildflower Brands Inc.

Wildflower Brands Inc

Former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. didn&#8217;t mince words when he praised Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) as a solution to the U.S. national debt and an inflation hedge.
What Happened: Kennedy recently took to X to express his unwavering support for the leading cryptocurrency. 
&#8220;Bitcoin is the currency of freedom, a hedge against inflation for middle-class Americans, a remedy against the dollar's downgrade from the world's reserve currency, and the offramp from a ruinous national debt,&#8221; he said.
Kennedy also firmly endorsed Howard Lutnik for Treasury Secretary in the incoming Donald Trump administration, arguing that the Cantor Fitzgerald CEO would be a major advocate of Bitcoin.
<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">Bitcoin is the currency of freedom , a hedge against inflation for middle class Americans,a remedy against the dollar's downgrade from the world's reserve currency, and the offramp from a ruinous national debt. Bitcoin will have no stronger advocate than Howard Lutnik.
&mdash; Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1857844634879152540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42027165/musks-doge-role-boosts-dogecoin-as-brian-armstrong-shows-support">Musk&#8217;s DOGE Role Boosts Dogecoin As Brian Armstrong Shows Support</a>
Why It Matters: Kennedy Jr.&#8217;s advocacy for Bitcoin is not new. In July, during his presidential campaign, he expressed his intent to persuade the federal government <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/07/39976220/robert-kennedy-jr-proposes-bitcoin-purchase-to-match-us-gold-reserves-an-offramp-to-the-inflationary">to accumulate Bitcoin until its holdings equaled the nation&#8217;s gold reserves</a>.
Kennedy had earlier <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/39103888/robert-kennedy-jr-applauds-trumps-crypto-commitment-expresses-hope-for-bidens-alignment">voiced his conviction that cryptocurrency should be treated as a currency</a>, not taxed as capital gains, and used for everyday purchases.
Meanwhile, President-elect Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/42017583/trumps-go-wild-on-health-plan-puts-rfk-jr-in-charge-what-it-means-for-cannabis-and-psychedelics-reform">announced</a> that Kennedy would serve as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), marking the inclusion of yet another pro-Bitcoin voice in the upcoming cabinet. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41964758/trumps-attorney-general-pick-matt-gaetz-once-proposed-collecting-federal-income-taxes-in-bitcoin-apart-from-co-sponsoring-bill-to-abolish-the-fed">was picked up </a>as the nominee for attorney general, while Tulsi Gabbard was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/11/41994550/trumps-national-intelligence-pick-is-cannabis-advocate-tulsi-gabbard-critics-say-former-congresswoman-parrots-russia-propaganda">nominated </a>as Director of National Intelligence. 
Price Action: At the time of writing, Bitcoin was exchanging hands at $90,653.00, up 0.69% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA.." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42027183/michael-saylor-predicts-bitcoin-boom-says-100k-on-the-horizon">Michael Saylor Predicts Bitcoin Boom, Says $100K On The Horizon</a>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Robert Kennedy Jr. Calls Bitcoin The 'Currency of Freedom,' Backs Trump's Treasury Secretary Pick As Best For Crypto

Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, endorsed the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk&#8216;s leadership while advocating for stricter government spending controls in a series of posts on X on Sunday.
What Happened: &#8220;Government spending is taxation,&#8221; Wood said, citing her early economics education with Arthur Laffer. She emphasized that government spending either translates to immediate tax increases, future generational burdens, or inflation, which she termed &#8220;the most regressive tax of all.&#8221;
The discussion gained momentum following Coinbase Global Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) CEO Brian Armstrong&#8216;s proposals for constitutional reforms to limit federal expenditures. Armstrong suggested implementing a constitutional amendment capping government spending at 10% and establishing a U.S. sovereign wealth fund that would distribute shares and dividends from budget surpluses to citizens.
Wood, who recently praised Musk&#8217;s appointment to lead DOGE in a CNBC interview, emphasized his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/42022531/cathie-wood-backs-elon-musks-2-trillion-doge-initiative-says-tesla-ceos-access-to-proprietary-data-and-ai-gives-him-an-edge">technological expertise as crucial for the department&#8217;s mission</a> to minimize waste and streamline government operations. 
The department, named after the cryptocurrency Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), aims to eliminate unnecessary regulations and reorganize federal agencies for improved efficiency.
Dogecoin rallied by 6.52% over the past 24 hours to $0.372. The cryptocurrency surged 26.24% in the past week and an impressive 155.42% over the last month.
<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">From my first economic course with Art Laffer: GOVERNMENT SPENDING IS TAXATION. Government spending raises taxes today, or burdens our children with higher taxes in the future, or debases the debt and the dollar with inflation, the most regressive tax of all. <a href="https://t.co/UlXNajMgkP">https://t.co/UlXNajMgkP</a>
&mdash; Cathie Wood (@CathieDWood) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathieDWood/status/1858199927576228074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42028342/blackwell-backfires-nvidias-ai-chips-struggle-with-server-overheating-impacting-meta-microsoft-and-musks-xai-data-centers">Nvidia&#8217;s Blackwell Chips Are Extra Toasty, Server Overheating Issues Impact Meta, Microsoft And Elon Musk&#8217;s xAI</a>
Why It Matters: Drawing parallels to historical economic transformations, Wood highlighted the former President Ronald Reagan administration&#8217;s impact: &#8220;The Reagan revolution extended through President Clinton&#8217;s administration, leading to lower taxes, stronger GDP growth, and a bull market rewarding active equity management that lasted nearly 20 years. We believe that this bull market has just begun to broaden out.&#8221;
With President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s upcoming return to the White House, Wood anticipates significant economic growth through deregulation and tax cuts, similar to the Reagan era&#8217;s economic policies. She predicts these changes, combined with DOGE&#8217;s efficiency initiatives, will &#8220;change the mindset profoundly in Washington&#8221; and potentially lead to lower individual and corporate tax rates.
The ARK Invest CEO, who maintains a bullish stance on cryptocurrency with Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) price predictions reaching $650,000 to $1.5 million by 2030, believes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42019038/bitcoin-to-hit-up-to-1-5-million-by-2030-says-cathie-wood">the current bull market</a> &#8220;has just begun to broaden out,&#8221; suggesting a positive outlook for both traditional and digital asset markets under the incoming administration.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42028323/gary-black-defends-tesla-strategy-amid-clash-with-elon-musk-bulls-we-dont-trade-tesla-we-trim-when-the-price-goes-higher">Gary Black Defends Tesla Strategy Amid Clash With Elon Musk Bulls: &#8216;We Don&#8217;t Trade Tesla&#8230; We Trim When The Price Goes Higher&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Ark Invest
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

$DOGE

COIN

DOGE

Cathie Wood Draws Reagan-Era Parallels As Elon Musk Takes DOGE Helm: 'This Bull Market Has Just Begun To Broaden Out'

A meme coin inspired by the &#8220;Peanut," the squirrel, maintained its upward march Sunday as UFC legend Jim Miller demanded justice for the late animal.
What happened: Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT) jumped over 11% to become the market's fourth-best-performing cryptocurrency in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;
The coin's trading volume rose 13% to $1.70 billion, eclipsing Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) and dogwifhat (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">WIF</a>), coins with bigger market capitalization.
The fresh rally boosted the Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)-based coin's weekly gains to a staggering 1343%, dwarfing the returns of other coins.
In less than two weeks since launch, PNUT has amassed a market capitalization of $1.72 billion, becoming the seventh-largest meme coin.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41873427/shiba-inu-lead-developer-shytoshi-kusama-pitches-s-h-i-b-in-response-to-elon-musks-call-for-new-roles-recommendations-in-trump-administration">Shiba Inu Lead Developer Shytoshi Kusama Pitches S.H.I.B In Response To Elon Musk&#8217;s Call For New Roles Recommendations In Trump Administration</a>
Sunday's rally came after UFC star Miller used his victory speech to draw attention to the cause of the late social media star.
"New York, I got one thing to say, first. We need justice for P'Nut," Miller said after defeating Damon Jackson at the Madison Square Garden.
Miller hoped that the newly constituted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41998717/elon-musk-and-vivek-ramaswamy-are-looking-for-high-iq-small-government-revolutionaries-who-are-willing-to-put-in-80-hours-at-doge">Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE</a>, would help fix these issues. "Hopefully that DOGE cleans things up down at the state level."
<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">DOGE is a new American way of life. <a href="https://t.co/epONPNfHNt">https://t.co/epONPNfHNt</a>
&mdash; Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) <a href="https://twitter.com/VivekGRamaswamy/status/1858263995884433447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: The death of the adorable creature became a big flashpoint ahead of the presidential elections.
New York state officials <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41705004/peanut-the-squirrel-themed-meme-coins-surge-amid-social-media-outrage-over-celebrity-anima">confiscated and euthanized</a> Peanut, along with a raccoon named Fred, triggering a wave of outrage from social media and influential figures. The authorities said they acted to prevent potential human exposure to rabies from the animals.
Price Action: At the time of writing, PNUT was exchanging hands at $1.76, up 11.53% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/peanut-the-squirrel/">data </a>from CoinMarketCap.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42027183/michael-saylor-predicts-bitcoin-boom-says-100k-on-the-horizon">Michael Saylor Predicts Bitcoin Boom, Says $100K On The Horizon</a></li>
</ul>

$SHIB

$SOL

$WIF

Peanut The Squirrel-Themed Coin Rallies 11% As UFC Star Jim Miller Demands 'Justice' for P'Nut' After Victory

Nvidia Corporation&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) new Blackwell AI chips are reportedly grappling with overheating issues. 
What Happened: Nvidia&#8217;s Blackwell AI chips are experiencing overheating problems when connected to server racks designed to hold up to 72 chips, <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/nvidia-customers-worry-about-snag-with-new-ai-chip-servers">reported</a> The Information, citing Nvidia employees working on the problem and customers and suppliers familiar with the situation.
The chipmaker has reportedly requested its suppliers to modify the rack design multiple times to address the overheating issue. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/42022443/ibm-disney-and-other-large-advertisers-return-to-elon-musks-x-after-a-year-long-boycott-we-super-appreciate?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBM, Disney And Other Large Advertisers Return To Elon Musk&#8217;s X After A Year-Long Boycott: &#8216;We Super Appreciate&#8217;</a>
A Nvidia spokesperson told Reuters, &#8220;Nvidia is working with leading cloud service providers as an integral part of our engineering team and process. The engineering iterations are normal and expected.&#8221;
Nvidia did not immediately respond to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga&#8217;s</a> request for comments.
The Blackwell chips, unveiled by Nvidia in March, were initially slated to ship in the second quarter.
However, they faced delays, potentially affecting customers such as Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google and Elon Musk&#8217;s xAI.
Why It Matters: The Blackwell chip combines two silicon squares into a single component. It is touted to be 30 times faster at tasks like responding to chatbot queries than the company&#8217;s previous offering.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41156900/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-says-demand-for-next-gen-blackwell-gpu-platform-insane-everyone-wants-to-hav">demand for the Blackwell GPU</a> platform was described as &#8220;insane&#8221; by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang last month.
Nvidia&#8217;s Blackwell chip revenue was projected to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41883803/nvidias-blackwell-chip-revenue-could-hit-6-billion-next-quarter-analyst">hit $6 billion in the next quarter</a>, according to a Morgan Stanley analyst. This projection was made despite Nvidia being fully supply-constrained on new products.
Earlier this month, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/41761849/nvidia-blows-past-apple-to-become-worlds-most-valuable-company">Nvidia surpassed Apple</a> to become the world&#8217;s most valuable company, largely due to its dominance in the artificial intelligence chip market. The AI giant&#8217;s current market capitalization stands at $3.482 trillion.
Price Action: Nvidia shares closed Friday&#8217;s trading session with a 3.26% decline, settling at $141.98. In after-hours trading, the stock saw a slight uptick, reaching $142.70 at the time of writing, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42022124/t-mobile-hit-by-chinese-hackers-after-rivals-att-verizon-suffer-breach-report?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T-Mobile Hit By Chinese Hackers After Rivals AT&amp;T, Verizon Suffer Breach: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

GOOG

GOOGL

MSFT

NVDA

Nvidia's Blackwell Chips Are Extra Toasty, Server Overheating Issues Impact Meta, Microsoft And Elon Musk's xAI

Leading cryptocurrencies dipped on Sunday as investors reduced their risk-taking appetite amid the Federal Reserve's cautious stance on rate cuts.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 7:45 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>-0.76%</td>
<td>$90,085.28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-0.88%</td>
<td>$3,119.31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-1.12%</td>
<td>$0.3621</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
What Happened: Bitcoin rose above $91,000 early morning hours but lost steam and retreated below $89,000 by evening. Dip-buying eventually boosted it over $90,000.
Ethereum followed a similar trajectory, plummeting to $3,040 from an intraday high of $3,160, only to recover to $3,110 overnight.
Total cryptocurrency liquidations hit $373 million in the last 24 hours, with bullish leveraged positions losing over $258 million.
The Open Interest (OI) in Bitcoin futures rose 0.78% in the last 24 hours.
Bitcoin's funding rates across major cryptocurrency exchanges continued to be positive, indicating dominance of longs.
The "Extreme Greed" sentiment weakened sharply from 90 to 83 due to the corrective action, reading from the Cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index showed.
Top Gainers (24-Hours)
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 7:45 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MANTRA (OM)</td>
<td>+50.55%</td>
<td>$4.13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Raydium (RAY)</td>
<td>+19.43%</td>
<td>$5.83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT)</td>
<td>+12.22%</td>
<td>$1.88</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.01 trillion, declining 1.25% in the last 24 hours.
Stock futures edged marginally higher Sunday night. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures rose 10 points, or 0.02%, as of 7:45 p.m. EDT.&nbsp; Futures tied to the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.20%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures added 0.47%.
The three benchmark averages witnessed sell-offs last week after the Fed's Jerome Powell's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/treasuries/24/11/41993899/powells-hawkish-remarks-shake-markets-stocks-fall-dollar-rockets-bitcoin-dips">hawkish tone</a> cast doubts about December's interest rate cuts.
Investors <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">priced </a>in a 62% chance of a 25 basis-point cut as per the CME FedWatch tool, down from 64.6% a week before.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Analyst Notes: Popular cryptocurrency analyst Ali Martinez stated that a daily close for Bitcoin above $91,000 would negate his previous bearish prediction and propel the cryptocurrency to $100,680.
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<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Finally, I believe a sustained daily close above $91,900 will invalidate this bearish <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> outlook and trigger a breakout to $100,680! <a href="https://t.co/eau2mCe0wY">https://t.co/eau2mCe0wY</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1858234742224937337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
In the case of Bitcoin retrace, Martinez flagged $85,800 &#8211; $83,250 and $75,520 &#8211; $72,880 as important support levels to keep track of.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">In the event of a <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> price correction, the key support walls to watch are $85,800 &#8211; $83,250 as well as $75,520 &#8211; $72,880. <a href="https://t.co/j0rTqnKLqT">https://t.co/j0rTqnKLqT</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1858234736910684601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Michaël van de Poppe, another widely-followed cryptocurrency researcher, said he was buying Bitcoin and Ethereum dips amid growing volatility.
"Expect that we&#8217;ll see $100K per Bitcoin before 1st of January 2025," he added.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Outside of my <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Altcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Altcoin</a> portfolio, it&#39;s time to be trading actively again. The volatility is going up on everything. Buying the dips on <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a>. Expect that we&#39;ll see $100K per Bitcoin before 1st of January 2025.
&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1858235515029291124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Photo by Igor Faun on Shutterstock
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42027165/musks-doge-role-boosts-dogecoin-as-brian-armstrong-shows-support">Musk&#8217;s DOGE Role Boosts Dogecoin As Brian Armstrong Shows Support</a></li>
</ul>

$ETH

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Slip As Fed's Hawkish Stance Tempers Rally: Analyst Expects BTC To Reach $100K Before New Year

The Future Fund LLC, Managing Partner Gary Black pushed back against accusations of short-term trading, clarifying his firm's Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) investment approach focuses on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41870590/tesla-remains-core-for-gary-black-despite-price-cuts-earnings-drop-nvidia-google-eli-lilly-among-top-performers-in-tech-bulls-portfolio">strategic position adjustment rather than active trading</a>.
What Happened: Black revealed that The Future Fund&#8217;s average Tesla stock purchase price since early 2023 has been $162, while their average selling price has been $252. This disclosure came amid debate over the fund&#8217;s trading practices on social media platform X.
&#8220;We don&#8217;t trade Tesla,&#8221; Black stated. &#8220;We trim when Tesla&#8217;s price goes higher, which causes upside/downside to decline. We tend to buy more when Tesla&#8217;s price falls.&#8221;
The investment veteran expressed concern about growing polarization within the Tesla investor community, noting that moderate voices are being pushed out by extreme positions. Black highlighted recent instances where well-known Tesla bulls faced criticism for discussing potential short-term risks, even while maintaining overall positive outlooks.
&#8220;The community has lost some great Tesla longs as spokespeople and is in danger of losing still more because the cult is prone to attack anyone who is not over the top bullish,&#8221; Black wrote.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We don't trade <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24TSLA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$TSLA</a>. As with all stocks in our portfolio, we trim when TSLA's price goes higher, which ceteris paribus causes TSLA upside/downside to decline. We tend to buy more as we did in early 2023 when TSLA's price falls. Since the beginning of 2023, our avg TSLA buy… <a href="https://t.co/vcByxTJNzh">https://t.co/vcByxTJNzh</a>
&mdash; Gary Black (@garyblack00) <a href="https://twitter.com/garyblack00/status/1858271575235047804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Of particular concern to Black is the potential loss of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which he argues could significantly impact Tesla&#8217;s business. With electric vehicles comprising approximately 80% of Tesla&#8217;s revenue, the company faces greater exposure to EV market dynamics compared to traditional automakers.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/42026926/bitcoin-hits-an-all-time-high-but-nvidia-has-outperformed-it-dramatically-over-the-last-five-years">Bitcoin Hits An All-Time High, But Nvidia Has Outperformed It Dramatically Over The Last Five Years</a>
Why It Matters: The Future Fund has maintained Tesla as a significant holding since its 2021 launch, though the position has been adjusted from 12.2% in October 2022 to 4.6% as of November 2023. These adjustments reflect Black&#8217;s disciplined investment approach and response to changing market conditions.
Tesla&#8217;s stock has shown significant volatility over the past year, trading between a low of $138.80 and a high of $358.64, according to market data. Black&#8217;s fund recently trimmed positions at $351 after the stock rose 150% from its April bottom.
&#8220;As disciplined growth investors, we have to like Tesla less at $350 than we did at $140 since the relative upside/downside is less favorable,&#8221; Black explained.
The veteran investor emphasized that maintaining a balanced perspective, including acknowledging both bullish and bearish cases, has been key to his credibility in financial media appearances.
Price Action: Tesla stock closed at $320.72 on Friday, gaining 3.07% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock edged up 0.0062%. Year to date, Tesla&#8217;s stock has risen by 29.10%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
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Image Via Shutterstock 
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Emerging Markets

Global

TSLA

Gary Black Defends Tesla Strategy Amid Clash With Elon Musk Bulls: 'We Don't Trade Tesla... We Trim When The Price Goes Higher'

Former Governor of South Carolina and erstwhile presidential candidate Nikki Haley said on Sunday that Iran&#8217;s oil exports had risen four-fold under President Joe Biden due to his &#8220;lack of enforcement.&#8221;
What Happened: In a post on X, she said that &#8220;nearly all of the oil went to China.&#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">Iran&#39;s oil exports were up 4X under Biden due to his lack of enforcement on sanctions. Nearly all of the oil went to China. Biden's weakness on Iran is ending and not a moment too soon. America can never support the funding of terrorism. <a href="https://t.co/8S7hOyQNbV">https://t.co/8S7hOyQNbV</a>
&mdash; Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) <a href="https://twitter.com/NikkiHaley/status/1858246765633233348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;Biden's weakness on Iran is ending and not a moment too soon. America can never support the funding of terrorism,&#8221; said the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
The former governor also shared a <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/3710bf14-010e-412d-83c7-b07773d6a45f">report</a> by the Financial Times which noted that President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s administration is planning to reinstate its &#8220;maximum pressure&#8221; policy on Iran, aiming to cripple the nation&#8217;s ability to fund regional proxies and develop nuclear weapons.
Trump&#8217;s foreign policy team is gearing up to increase sanctions on Tehran, including vital oil exports, as soon as Trump takes office in January. &#8220;He&#8217;s determined to reinstitute a maximum pressure strategy to bankrupt Iran as soon as possible,&#8221; a national security expert familiar with the Trump transition revealed.
The strategy comes amidst Middle East turmoil following Hamas&#8217;s October 7, 2023 attack, which ignited regional hostilities and brought Israel&#8217;s shadow war with Iran into the open. Trump&#8217;s team believes the maximum pressure tactic could force Iran into negotiations with the US, although experts consider this a long shot.
During his first term, Trump implemented a &#8220;maximum pressure&#8221; campaign after abandoning the 2015 nuclear deal Iran signed with world powers, imposing hundreds of sanctions on the Islamic republic. In response, Tehran increased its nuclear activity, enriching uranium close to weapons-grade level.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41998717/elon-musk-and-vivek-ramaswamy-are-looking-for-high-iq-small-government-revolutionaries-who-are-willing-to-put-in-80-hours-at-doge?itm_source=parsely-api">Elon Musk And Vivek Ramaswamy Are Looking For &#8216;High IQ Small-Government Revolutionaries&#8217; Who Are Willing To Put In 80+ Hours At DOGE</a>
Trump&#8217;s transition team is preparing executive orders to target Tehran, including tightening and adding new sanctions on Iranian oil exports. &#8220;If they really go whole hog . . . they could knock Iran's oil exports back to a few hundred thousand barrels per day,&#8221; said Bob McNally, president of consultancy Rapidan Energy.
Why It Matters: Iran&#8217;s crude oil exports have more than tripled in the past four years, from a low of 400,000 barrels a day in 2020 to more than 1.5mn b/d so far in 2024, with nearly all shipments going to China, according to the US Energy Information Agency, noted the Financial Times.
The pace of oil exports from Iran to China has been rising at a steady clip. Data from the U.S. Department of Energy shows that In 2021, Iran exported 708,000 barrels of oil to China per day, this figure rose to 838,000 barrels in 2022 and touched 1.2 million barrels per day by 2023.
While stricter enforcement could push oil prices higher, it risks retaliation from China, including moves to weaken dollar dominance through the BRICS club. Simultaneously, easing sanctions on Russia under Trump could reshape global energy dynamics, reported Reuters.
&#8220;I was a user of sanctions, but I put them on and take them off as quickly as possible, because ultimately it kills your dollar, and it kills everything the dollar represents,&#8221; said Trump in September, according to Reuters.
In recent weeks the tensions between Washington and Tehran have been escalating. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41298349/us-hits-iran-oil-exports-with-new-sanctions-after-israel-attack-crude-oil-holds-steady-at-75">US imposed new sanctions on Iran&#8217;s oil exports</a> following Iran&#8217;s direct attack on Israel.
Shortly after, in November, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41857278/iranian-plot-against-trump-unveiled-as-tensions-with-us-grow">US disclosed an assassination plot by Iranian operatives targeting Trump</a>, which was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41869511/iran-calls-trump-assassination-plot-claims-completely-baseless">dismissed by Iran as baseless</a>. These incidents have added fuel to the already strained relations between the two nations.
Image Via Shutterstock.com
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Commodities

Politics

Forex

General

Nikki Haley Says Biden's Weakness On Iran Is Ending, But Will Trump's Vow To Stop Iran's China Oil Windfall Wound The Dollar?

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), has wrapped up his recent sale of Amazon shares. Last week, Bezos sold off Amazon stock worth $1.3 billion, taking his total sales for November to a whopping $3.4 billion.
What Happened:&nbsp;Bezos has offloaded a total of $5.1 billion worth of Amazon stock since July. These sales were carried out under a prearranged trading plan known as 10b5-1, a common practice among large shareholders. 
Barron&#8217;s reports that this <a href="https://www.barrons.com/amp/articles/amazon-stock-sales-jeff-bezos-a0fd8878">plan</a>, which was announced in May, replaced a previous one and was designed for Bezos to sell 25 million Amazon shares by the end of 2025.
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Bezos has completed his sales ahead of schedule. His last trade under the plan was conducted on Wednesday, where he sold 39,538 shares for approximately $8 million. 
This transaction took his total share sales since July to the planned 25 million, marking the end of the current plan.
While Amazon has chosen not to comment on the stock sales, investors are eagerly awaiting the announcement of a new plan, possibly in Amazon&#8217;s next quarterly report. 
Despite the massive sales, Bezos still holds over a billion Amazon shares, valued at $213 billion.
Why It Matters:&nbsp;Bezos&#8217; massive sell-off of Amazon shares, totaling $5.1 billion since July, has been a topic of interest among investors. 
The sales were conducted under a prearranged 10b5-1 trading plan, which is commonly used by large shareholders to avoid accusations of insider trading. 
The completion of this plan ahead of schedule has sparked anticipation for the announcement of a new plan, potentially to be revealed in Amazon&#8217;s upcoming quarterly report. 
Despite the large-scale sales, Bezos remains a major shareholder in Amazon, with over a billion shares valued at $213 billion.
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AMZN

Bezos Wraps Up Sale Of $3.4B Worth Of Amazon Shares

In a shocking revelation, boxing legend Mike Tyson disclosed that he had a near-death experience just months before his fight with Jake Paul.
What Happened: Tyson underwent eight blood transfusions and lost 25 pounds during a hospital stay in June, a month before his Netflix bout with Paul. The fight, however, took place five months later.
Tyson, 58, shared his ordeal in his first post on X on Sunday after the fight, stating, &#8220;I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.&#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">This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I'm grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time. I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won. To…
&mdash; Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTyson/status/1857886940097556646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The former heavyweight champion suffered an ulcer flare-up and a medical emergency during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles in May, leading to a postponement of the fight. Despite the health scare, Tyson managed to complete eight rounds with Paul at the Dallas Cowboy stadium.
However, Tyson&#8217;s health issues seemed to affect his performance, with Paul landing most of the punches. The fight marked Tyson&#8217;s first sanctioned bout since 2005, <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/16/sports/mike-tyson-reveals-he-almost-died-months-before-jake-paul-bout/">the</a> New York Post reported.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/24/11/42022601/mike-tyson-vs-jake-paul-netflixs-explosive-boxing-event-ends-with-pauls-victory">Mike Tyson Vs. Jake Paul: Netflix&#8217;s Explosive Boxing Event Ends With Paul&#8217;s Victory</a>
Despite the setback, Tyson expressed gratitude for the experience, stating, &#8220;To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for.&#8221;
Why It Matters: Tyson&#8217;s near-death experience and subsequent recovery to fight Jake Paul is a testament to his resilience and determination. 
His health scare and the postponement of the fight added another layer of drama to the much-anticipated bout. Despite his health issues, Tyson&#8217;s ability to go eight rounds with a much younger opponent shows his enduring strength and skill as a boxer. 
This fight, his first sanctioned bout since 2005, marks a significant moment in Tyson&#8217;s career and the world of boxing.
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.

Sports

Mike Tyson Discloses Near-Death Experience Before Jake Paul Fight

As people age, it's natural that memory and decision-making abilities change. For some, this isn't as much of an issue, but for others, it can greatly impact things like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40971492/how-does-your-retirement-savings-compare-to-the-average-upper-class-nest-egg-heres-what-the-top-">retirement savings</a>.&nbsp;
A recent study highlights how cognitive decline can cost seniors a staggering amount of money –$31,000 on average – due to poor investment decisions or falling for scams.&nbsp;
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With people living longer, they're often making financial decisions later in life. However, many seniors find themselves at risk without realizing their memory or mental sharpness is slipping. This is especially true now that fewer retirees rely on pensions or <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40739486/if-i-buy-a-100-000-annuity-how-much-cash-will-it-pay-me-each-month">annuities</a>, leaving them to manage their finances independently.&nbsp;
Franco Peracchi, an economics professor at Tor Vergata University in Rome, told the Wall Street Journal that today's retirees are more vulnerable to financial losses because they often don't realize how cognitive decline affects their decision-making.&nbsp;
The University of Michigan conducted a study that followed Americans ages 50 and older from 1998 to 2014 to track their financial behavior. The study asked participants about their memory over time and conducted memory tests. Over 60% of participants experienced some form of memory decline, but the majority weren't aware of it. Just 20% of those with significant memory loss knew they had a problem. That lack of awareness is where things can go wrong financially.&nbsp;
Trending: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.
Seniors with undiagnosed memory issues lost, on average, $31,000 in wealth over two years. Meanwhile, those aware of their cognitive decline saw a more modest reduction of about $5,400. Those who realized their memory wasn't as sharp were more likely to delegate financial decisions to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41659628/i-am-the-financial-power-of-attorney-but-they-dont-tell-me-anything-woman-seeks-suze-ormans-advi">trusted family members</a> or financial advisors, which helped them avoid greater losses.&nbsp;
So, why does memory loss lead to financial trouble?&nbsp;
For one, seniors with cognitive decline may not realize they're making risky financial decisions, like continuing to invest in the stock market when they shouldn't. Overconfidence can lead to poor choices that hurt their savings.&nbsp;
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>
Another major concern is that seniors with impaired cognitive abilities are more likely to fall for scams. According to the National Institute of Justice, older adults lose more than $36 billion yearly to fraud. Scammers take advantage of more trusting seniors who may not recognize deceit. Common scams include fraudulent investment schemes, fake home repair services and tech support fraud.&nbsp;
If you or someone you love is experiencing cognitive decline, there are steps you can take to protect retirement savings. First, awareness is key. If memory loss is noticeable, it's important to seek help from a health care professional. Having a trusted family member or financial advisor involved in decision-making can also help ensure that choices are made carefully and wisely.
See Also: 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>
Seniors should also be extra cautious about unsolicited financial offers. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Staying informed about common scams can also help avoid fraud.
Cognitive decline can be a tough part of aging, but recognizing its impact early can help protect your savings. By staying aware and getting support when needed, seniors can avoid losing tens of thousands of dollars in their retirement years. If you're concerned about the financial impact of memory loss, talking to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> can help you take the right steps to safeguard your assets.
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Personal Finance

The Hidden Cost Of Cognitive Decline – How Seniors Lose $31,000 In Retirement Savings

Housing proposals put forth by President-elect Donald Trump could have a mixed impact on the high housing costs, as per the analysis of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/41869407/trump-says-he-wont-sell-truth-social-stock-calls-for-probe-on-rumors">economists and industry experts</a>.
What Happened: Trump&#8217;s proposals to cut federal construction regulations, utilize federal land for housing, and reduce energy costs might help in bringing down housing costs. 
Conversely, his plans to hike tariffs, deport immigrants in large numbers, and reduce housing assistance could potentially lead to an increase in home prices and rents.
Industry leaders and housing policy experts suggest that the impact on housing costs will largely be determined by the amount of new supply that can be brought into the market, which is currently grappling with a severe shortage of homes.
Jim Tobin, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, is hopeful that Trump will roll back some of the energy efficiency requirements introduced by the Biden administration, streamline regulations under the Clean Water Act, and relax the requirement for Federal Housing Administration borrowers&#8217; homes to be up to code.
&#8220;We need all options on the table when it comes to increasing housing supply, which means allowing more density in suburbs or cities to allow more units to be produced,&#8221; Tobin <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-high-home-prices-housing-mortgage-rates-deregulation-tariffs-immigration-2024-11">told</a> Business Insider.
Trump&#8217;s idea of building up to 10 &#8220;freedom cities&#8221; on federal land has garnered some bipartisan support. Housing experts are of the opinion that this proposal could increase the housing supply, particularly in Western states with large tracts of federally owned land.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42024583/world-bank-worries-over-budget-cuts-after-24b-mishap-trump-win">World Bank Worries Over Budget Cuts After $24B Mishap, Trump Win</a>
However, Trump&#8217;s plans to cut taxes and deport millions of immigrants could lead to inflation and discourage the Federal Reserve from further rate cuts.
Plans by Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance to deport millions of immigrants are seen by many economists as likely to inflate housing costs, given the significant role immigrants play in the construction workforce.
During his first term, Trump advocated for significant reductions in housing assistance for low-income households and individuals with disabilities. 
Renewing these cuts could further challenge lower-income Americans&#8217; ability to afford housing and hinder the progress of affordable housing development.
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s housing proposals, if implemented, could significantly reshape the housing market. 
The potential impact on housing costs, both positive and negative, will be closely watched by industry experts, economists, and potential homebuyers alike. 
The balance between increasing supply and maintaining affordability will be a key factor in determining the success of these proposals.
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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.

Macro Economic Events

Success Stories

Could Trump's Housing Plans Reshape The Real Estate Market?

MicroStrategy co-founder Michael Saylor has projected that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) will soon hit the $100,000 mark.
This prediction comes in the wake of the election of Donald Trump as president, which Saylor believes could have significant implications for the crypto industry.
What Happened: During a recent interview Saylor expressed his bullish stance on Bitcoin, anticipating the cryptocurrency to reach a six-figure price potentially by the end of this year.
Speaking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1e7xNdCgM4">with</a> CNBC, Saylor stated, &#8220;I'm planning a $100,000 party and I'm thinking it's probably going to be New Year's Eve at my house. So I would be surprised if we don't go through $100,000 in November or December."
Saylor also shared his views on the recent election of Donald Trump, considering it a positive turn for the crypto industry. He anticipates more pro-Bitcoin policies and an end to the war on crypto.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42024635/scaramucci-trumps-crypto-support-could-push-bitcoin-to-150k">Scaramucci: Trump&#8217;s Crypto Support Could Push Bitcoin To $150K</a>
Talking about&nbsp;U.S. adopting Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset, Saylor said, &#8220;I think this is incredibly bullish for digital assets. It's very good for the crypto industry, we're going to see a lot more pro-Bitcoin policies. We're going to see a digital assets framework, we're going to see an end to the war on crypto. We're going to see a lot of pro-business policies.&#8221;
Why It Matters: Saylor&#8217;s prediction indicates a growing confidence in the potential of Bitcoin and the broader crypto industry. 
The recent election of Donald Trump, known for his pro-business stance, could potentially lead to more favorable policies for cryptocurrencies. 
The adoption of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset by the US could also mark a significant shift in the global financial landscape, further solidifying the position of cryptocurrencies in the economy.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/39020792/bitcoin-to-hit-1-million-in-next-10-to-18-months-says-crypto-analyst-were-still-so-early-i" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin To Hit $1 Million In Next 10 To 18 Months, Says Crypto Analyst: ‘We&#8217;re Still So Early In The Bitcoin Story&#8217;</a>
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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

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

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

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

$FLOKI

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

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

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

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

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

Interview

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

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

Media

Leavitt Set To Become Youngest-Ever White House Press Secretary

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

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

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