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Billionaire entrepreneur&nbsp;Mark Cuban&nbsp;has opened up about his path to success and his unique <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42341972/mark-cuban-hands-out-35m-in-bonuses-to-mavericks-employees-it-was-life-changing-money">spending habits in a recent interview.</a>
What Happened: Despite his billionaire status, Cuban confessed that he is not one to splurge. However, he did indulge in a house and a plane when he first tasted success. Since then, his spending habits have been more conservative. Cuban believes that a part of his success can be attributed to luck. 
Speaking <a href="https://people.com/mark-cuban-is-not-a-big-spender-but-splurged-on-this-when-he-first-made-money-exclusive-8757841">with</a> People, Cuban said, &#8220;I was born at the right time so that when the internet technology really took off, we were able to start AudioNet, which turned into Broadcast.com, which turned into the first streaming company, which went public and I could turn around and sell for $5.7 billion in stock.&#8221;
"When I first made money I did go out and buy things, I bought a house, bought a plane," he told the outlet. "But since then, I literally even had a conversation with my wife not long ago that, ‘Okay, we&#8217;re allowed to go out and buy some stuff, so if we want to, let&#8217;s go look at things.' But I&#8217;m not a big spender," Cuban added. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41703723/mark-cubans-million-dollar-advice-to-teens-if-i-were-16-again-id-start-this-lucrative-side-hustle">Mark Cuban&#8217;s Million-Dollar Advice To Teens: &#8216;If I Were 16 Again, I&#8217;d Start This Lucrative Side Hustle&#8217;</a>
He also stressed the significance of resilience in the face of failure. &#8220;It&nbsp;doesn&#8217;t matter how many times&nbsp;you fail, you only have&nbsp;to be right once, then&nbsp;everybody can call you an&nbsp;overnight success,&#8221; he stated.
Today, Cuban&#8217;s approach to business has evolved. He avoids phone calls and conducts business primarily via email. He also gives credit to his wife, Tiffany Stewart, for a large part of his success, emphasizing the importance of a strong partnership in both business and personal life.
Why It Matters: Mark Cuban&#8217;s journey provides valuable insights into the mindset and habits of successful entrepreneurs. His frugality, despite his wealth, is a testament to his disciplined approach to financial management. His acknowledgment of the role of luck in his success is a humble reminder that timing and opportunity often play a crucial role in entrepreneurial success.
His emphasis on resilience and the importance of being right just once offers a fresh perspective on dealing with failure. It serves as a reminder that success is not always a linear path and that failures can often lead to greater opportunities.
Finally, Cuban&#8217;s shift to conducting business primarily via email and his acknowledgment of the role of his wife in his success highlight the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and the value of strong personal relationships in achieving success.
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.

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Mark Cuban Shares The One Thing He Splurged On After Striking It Rich: 'I'M Not A Big Spender'

The cannabis industry continues to show mixed results across key U.S. markets, with notable developments in California, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. While California leads in tax revenue, both Massachusetts and New Mexico face slight declines in sales, reflecting broader market shifts.
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Massachusetts: A Saturated Market? </h3>
In Massachusetts, legal cannabis sales totaled $152 million in November 2024, a 1% decrease from October but a 4% increase from November 2023. On a quarter-to-date basis, sales totaled $305 million for October and November, marking a 5% decline from the prior quarter. 
The average price per gram fell to $4.58, the lowest since 2020.&nbsp;
Average revenue per dispensary dropped to $362k/month (down 2% from the prior month and 8% year-over-year). Notable companies operating in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/massachussetts-cannabis">Massachusetts </a>include AYR Wellness (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AYRWF#OTC">AYRWF</a>), Curaleaf (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURLF#OTC">CURLF</a>) and Green Thumb Industries (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GTBIF#OTC">GTBIF</a>), contributing to this market's competitive landscape.
&#8220;The average price per gram was $4.58 in November, the lowest since we began tracking in January 2020. There were 379 operating dispensaries at the end of November, indicating an average revenue of $362k per dispensary (or approximately $4.3M/year). We note that this is down 2% m/m and 8% y/y from $4.7M/year (or $394k) in November 2023, with the decline attributable to the addition of 53 dispensaries y/y,&#8221; reads a recent <a href="https://beaconsecurities.ca/">report</a> from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/beacon-securities-limited">Beacon Securities</a>.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New Mexico</h3>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/new-mexico-cannabis">New Mexico's cannabis market</a> showed slight sales fluctuations in November, with total sales of $48 million, down 2% from October but up 3% from the previous year. Quarter-to-date sales were $96 million, a 5% decrease from the July-August period. 
The average revenue per dispensary remained stable at approximately $70k/month. Notably, Schwazze (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHWZ#OTC">SHWZ</a>) is a key player in the state, contributing to the overall market dynamics. Adult-use transactions averaged $39, while medical cannabis sales averaged $48 per transaction.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42350875/ho-ho-holy-smokes-record-weed-sales-drive-dispensaries-to-stock-smart-this-holiday-season">Ho-Ho-Holy Smokes! Record Weed Sales Drive Dispensaries To Stock Smart This Holiday Season</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">California: Strong Q3 Revenue Despite Declining Cultivation Tax</h3>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/california-cannabis">California's cannabis</a> tax revenue for the third quarter of 2024 reached $250.5 million, with $148.4 million from excise taxes and $102 million from sales tax. This brings the state's total cannabis tax revenue since 2018 to over <a href="https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/news/24-14.htm">$6.5 billion</a>.
Revenue from cannabis excise taxes supports a range of programs, including childcare, medical research, and youth substance abuse prevention. Despite the elimination of the cultivation tax in July 2022, the market remains a significant financial contributor to the state.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42367403/illinois-cannabis-sales-back-on-track-in-october-hitting-1423m-after-slight-september-dip">Illinois Cannabis Sales Back On Track In October Hitting $142.3M After Slight September Dip</a>

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Why Cannabis Sales Are Down In Massachusetts And New Mexico: The Numbers Behind The Dip

Quantum computing stocks are experiencing a significant surge, driven by industry advancements, key partnerships, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/11/42169669/quantum-industry-stocks-soar-whats-behind-the-d-wave-quantum-computing-and-ionq-gains" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing investor enthusiasm.</a>
This emerging tech sector is gaining momentum, with vast potential in fields like drug discovery, cryptography, and artificial intelligence, positioning quantum computing as a major focus for investors.
One standout performer is D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QBTS#NYSE">QBTS</a>), which has seen a remarkable 246% increase in its stock value over the past month, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Recently, D-Wave CEO Alan Baratz appeared on Fox Business&#8217; Making Money with Charles Payne, where he discussed the company&#8217;s pioneering <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dwavesys.com/company/newsroom/press-release/d-wave-ceo-dr-alan-baratz-discusses-emergence-of-commercial-quantum-computing/" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> in quantum computing.
D-Wave specializes in annealing quantum computing, a technology particularly well-suited for solving optimization problems prevalent across industries.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42153356/is-warren-buffett-preparing-for-a-market-downturn-with-berkshire-hathaways-325b-cash-pile-analys" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is Warren Buffett Preparing For A Market Downturn With Berkshire Hathaway's $325B Cash Pile? Analyst Says Internet Bubble And 2008 Crash May Have Lessons</a>
On November 25, B. Riley Securities maintained the Buy rating on D-Wave, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/QBTS/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">raising the price forecast to $4.5 from $3.75.</a>
Recently, D-Wave participated in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42371965/d-wave-quantum-shares-are-up-today-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Technologies Forum at the University of Southern California (USC).</a>
During the event, D-Wave highlighted advancements in its annealing quantum computing technology and presented practical use cases from commercial and research clients. Notably, USC hosts a D-Wave Advantage quantum system, emphasizing the company&#8217;s foothold in both academic and enterprise applications.
According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, QBTS stock has gained over 517% year to date. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Defiance Quantum ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QTUM#NASDAQ">QTUM</a>).
Let&#8217;s explore the driving forces behind this surge and take a closer look at three other leading companies in the quantum computing space:
Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>): RGTI stock has gained over 206% in the past month.
On November 25, B. Riley Securities reiterated the Buy rating on the stock, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/rgti/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">raising the price forecast to $4 from $3.5.</a>
Last month, the company entered into agreements with two institutional investors to sell 50 million shares of its common stock at $2.00 per share, raising approximately<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/g42187964/rigetti-computing-announces-pricing-of-100-million-registered-direct-offering-of-common-stock-pric" rel="noreferrer noopener"> $100 million before fees and expenses</a>.
The company also announced that its Novera Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) is now located at the Israeli Quantum Computing Center (IQCC), alongside Quantum Machines&#8217; OPX1000 control system and NVIDIA&#8217;s Corporation&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) Grace-Hopper superchip <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/g41895713/rigetti-computing-reports-third-quarter-2024-financial-results-and-business-updates" rel="noreferrer noopener">servers for research and experimentation</a>. This is Rigetti&#8217;s first commercially available QPU.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Defiance Quantum ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QTUM#NASDAQ">QTUM</a>).
IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IONQ#NYSE">IONQ</a>): The stock has gained over 70% in the past month.
Last month, Craig Hallum reiterated the Buy rating on the stock, raising the price forecast to $22 from $15.
According to MarketBeat, the company&#8217;s momentum has been fueled by key developments over the past year, including a $54.5 million contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Lab and a partnership with the South Korean government to advance its quantum market.
IonQ has taken advantage of the booming AI market by partnering with Zapata Computing, utilizing Nvidia&#8217;s CUDA-Q platform, and testing large language models on its quantum systems.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Main Thematic Innovation ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMAT#BATS">TMAT</a>).
Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QUBT#NASDAQ">QUBT</a>): The stock has gained over 487% in the past month, adding over 790% year to date.
Last month, this small-cap company entered into a securities purchase agreement to sell 16 million shares of common stock at $2.50 per share under Nasdaq rules. The offering generated <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/n41999265/quantum-computing-inc-announces-registered-direct-offering-of-40-million-priced-at-the-market-unde" rel="noreferrer noopener">gross proceeds of $40 million.</a>
On November 20, the company received its second purchase order for its thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic chip foundry from the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/n42087609/quantum-computing-inc-announces-second-purchase-order-for-tfln-photonic-chip-foundry-from-universi" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Austin.</a>
The order will support the university&#8217;s RF Acoustic Microsystem Group&#8217;s research and is part of the QCi Foundry&#8217;s pilot launch program, with fulfillment expected in the first quarter of 2025.
The quantum computing sector is witnessing rapid growth, driven by groundbreaking technologies and strategic partnerships. As these companies continue to innovate, they remain key players to watch for investors seeking exposure to this transformative industry.
Read Next: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42378513/can-bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-shiba-inu-or-solana-beat-xrp-in-2025-poll-says-yes-one-coin-stands-out" rel="noreferrer noopener">Can Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu or Solana Beat XRP In 2025? Poll Says Yes, One Coin Stands Out</a>

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Quantum Computing Stocks Roundup: D-Wave, Rigetti, IonQ Lead the Charge With Explosive Growth

In a recent appearance at the New York Times DealBook Summit, Jeff Bezos, executive chair of Amazon Inc., revealed his simple yet effective strategy for the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39563534/jeff-bezos-reveals-the-one-secret-to-success-you-can-have-a-job-or-you-can-have-a-career-or">company&#8217;s ongoing success</a>.
What Happened: Bezos stressed the significance of concentrating&nbsp;on &#8220;a few things&#8221; to&nbsp;ensure the $2.32 trillion company remains on the right path. 
These crucial factors include pinpointing big ideas, implementing rigorous execution against these ideas, and fostering the next generation of leaders.
Bezos said there are three elements that can help anyone get ahead. "Big leaders have to identify big ideas. They have to enforce tough execution against those big ideas and they need to grow the next generation of leaders," he said at the summit and as quoted <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/06/jeff-bezos-heres-my-simple-strategy-for-amazons-continued-success.html">by</a> CNBC.
Bezos, who relinquished his role as Amazon&#8217;s CEO in 2021, is currently aiding CEO Andy Jassy and the leadership team in preserving their success.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42154948/costco-founders-chat-with-bezos-over-coffee-helped-save-amazon">Costco Founder&#8217;s Chat With Bezos Over Coffee Helped Save Amazon</a>
Their main concentration is on artificial intelligence (AI),&nbsp;including Nova, Amazon&#8217;s generative AI&nbsp;model that was launched on Tuesday.
Bezos highlighted the vast potential of AI, stating,&nbsp;&#8220;We&#8217;re literally working on a&nbsp;thousand [AI] applications internally,&#8221; suggesting that AI has the capacity to enhance and infiltrate every aspect of life.
Why It Matters: Bezos&#8217; strategy for Amazon&#8217;s success is not only simple but also effective. By focusing on a few key areas, the company can ensure it stays on track and continues to grow. 
The emphasis on AI, in particular, shows that Amazon is looking to the future and is ready to innovate and adapt to new technologies. 
This forward-thinking approach is likely to play a crucial role in Amazon&#8217;s continued success and growth.
Read Next
<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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeff Bezos Swears By This One-Hour Rule For Success — Now Neuroscience Backs It Up</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Here's How Jeff Bezos' Three Simple Steps Made Amazon a Giant

For many <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/07/39655295/college-students-and-parents-are-opting-for-real-estate-investments-over-dorms-for-those-who-can-aff">college students</a>, moving into a dorm marks their first taste of independence. While some stick to essentials, others turn their dorm rooms into luxurious spaces with price tags rivaling tuition.
According to The New York Times, many students, particularly in the South, are hiring interior designers to transform their dormitories into <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/09/41079711/disney-magic-meets-luxury-living-new-high-end-developments-hit-southeast">high-end living spaces</a>. At the University of Mississippi, where instate tuition is $9,400 annually, freshman Lesley Lachman partnered with an interior design company to create a stylish, modern dorm room for $3,000. Lachman's story highlights a larger trend: the rise of luxury dorm makeovers, with some students or their families spending upward of $10,000.
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This surge in dorm room spending aligns with an overall increase in what students invest in their college living essentials. The National Retail Federation reports that college students spent an average of $1,365 on back-to-college purchases this year – nearly double what was spent a decade ago. According to the Education Data Initiative, this is in addition to the average room and board costs, which amount to $12,640 annually at public colleges and $14,410 at private institutions. Over four years, this adds up to $52,700 for housing expenses alone.
With steep tuition and room and board costs, these designer dorm trends represent an even larger financial commitment for some families. The average student in the U.S. earns $37,330 annually, based on data from Talent.com. Spending thousands on dorm decor likely isn't a realistic option for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42250885/gen-zers-are-being-fired-just-months-after-getting-hired-employers-cite-lack-of-motivation-poor-communication-and-unprofessional-behavior">students working entry-level jobs</a> or paying their way.
See Also: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a>
The options for dorm upgrades are extensive for those who can afford it. Interior designers like Eden Bowen Montgomery, founder of Essentials with Eden, create bespoke dorm interiors featuring custom cabinets, monogrammed bedding and luxury light fixtures. Montgomery, an Ole Miss alumna, charges approximately $10,000 per room for her services, which include full setup on move-in day.&nbsp;
According to The New York Times, this year, Montgomery had more than 200 dorm setups to do, which required the assistance of 25 seasonal employees since they had to get everything done on move-in day for each student.&nbsp;
In some cases, students have more elaborate requests. Designer Joyce Huston, cofounder of Decorilla in New York, worked with one client who wanted his dorm to resemble an Amazon rain forest.&nbsp;
"He wanted to have living walls, water features, everything," Huston told The New York Times. "After a lot of meetings, sharing ideas and setting expectations, we agreed on a gorgeous plan: We added some plants, a breathtaking mural and a funky hanging chair."
Trending: 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>.
While Huston's dorm design packages start at $549, they can rise significantly depending on the project scope.
Several factors have contributed to the rise of designer dorm rooms. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened students&#8217; desire for comfortable, personalized spaces, while social media platforms like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41287462/tiktok-cuts-hundreds-of-jobs-as-company-shifts-toward-ai-based-content-moderation-report">TikTok</a> have popularized dorm transformations. Viral videos showcasing before-and-after shots of elaborate setups inspire students to invest in creating a space they're proud to share online.
However, not everyone is splurging. Some students and their families are sticking to budget-friendly options. Angela Hogan, director of design at Ashton Woods Homes, told The New York Times that she recommends focusing on essentials like mattress pads, storage solutions and quality lighting for those looking to DIY their dorm decor.
Dorm room makeovers have become a booming industry. Designers like Montgomery report being booked months in advance, with some already taking reservations for 2025. Whether students opt for lavish designs or practical setups, one thing is clear: dorm living has evolved far beyond basic furniture and bare walls.
For families navigating these trends, the key may be balancing comfort and affordability as students transition into college.
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Tuition's $9,400, But Some College Students Are Dropping $10,000 On Dorm Room Makeovers

On a recent episode of MSNBC&#8217;s All In, host Chris Hayes said that a Senate bill could potentially result in a $100 billion transfer from taxpayers to Bitcoin owners.
What Happened: The <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4912/all-info">bill</a>, proposed by Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), calls for the U.S. Treasury to acquire one million Bitcoins over a span of five years, with a holding period of at least 20 years.
Given the current Bitcoin trading price of $100,000, this acquisition would amount to $100 billion.
Hayes <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWANiC28M8o&amp;t=5s">drew</a> attention to the fact that Republican lawmakers have received substantial campaign contributions from cryptocurrency advocates, who are now looking to reap the benefits of their investment.
"They want a bailout – implicit or explicit – if the house of cards crashes down. To that end, after Republicans took back the Senate with the help of money from the crypto industry, they now have a plan to return the favor. And I want you to listen because no one is really talking about this, but the elements of the plot are just there in plain sight," he said during the show. 
This comes despite President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s previous skepticism towards cryptocurrency, which he seems to have recently overcome.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/40001426/trump-aims-to-make-us-crypto-capital-of-the-planet-well-get-it-done">Trump Aims To Make US &#8216;Crypto Capital Of The Planet&#8217;: &#8216;We&#8217;ll Get It Done&#8217;</a>
Hayes underscored the instability of cryptocurrency and highlighted the liquidity problems often faced by large-scale crypto holders. He criticized the proposed bill as a taxpayer-funded bailout for the crypto industry.
Hayes also mentioned David Sacks, who was named White House AI and crypto czar by Trump, as a significant holder of the asset. Hayes suggested that Sacks could play a crucial role in advancing the bill.
According to Hayes, the proposed Bitcoin Act would permit the government to sell a portion of its gold reserves to finance the Bitcoin purchase, which could potentially trigger a substantial increase in Bitcoin&#8217;s market value.
Why It Matters: This proposed bill, if passed, could significantly alter the landscape of cryptocurrency and its relationship with the government. 
It could potentially set a precedent for future legislation regarding cryptocurrencies, and could influence the way these digital assets are perceived and utilized. Furthermore, the potential sale of gold reserves could have a significant impact on the gold market and the overall economy. 
The bill&#8217;s outcome could have far-reaching implications, making it a matter of national interest.
Read Next
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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.

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

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MSNBC's Hayes: Proposed Bill Could Transfer $100B From Taxpayers To Bitcoin Owners

New York's Cannabis Workforce Initiative (CWI) is playing a pivotal role in fostering social equity in the state's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/41074122/new-york-legal-cannabis-sales-poised-to-reach-1b-following-crackdown-on-illicit-retailers">growing</a> cannabis market. Launched to offer workforce development and legal education, CWI aims to create opportunities for marginalized communities in the adult-use cannabis sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CWI's Certification Boosts Cannabis Job Readiness</h3>
In a recent <a href="https://www.newyorkupstate.com/marijuana/2024/12/cannabis-workforce-initiative-making-inroads-promoting-social-equity-in-nys-cannabis-industry.html">interview</a> with NY Up, Esta Bigler, director of Cornell University's Labor and Employment Law Program, detailed CWI's impact. Since its inception, the initiative has issued over 1,100 certificates through programs like the Cannabis Career Exploration and Worker Rights Certificate.&nbsp;
This 15-hour course offers an essential overview of <a href="http://benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis industry</a> jobs, licensing and legal rights, preparing job seekers and potential licensees to navigate the market's complexities.
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<li>Get Benzinga&#8217;s exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter <a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe">here</a>. If you&#8217;re serious about the business, you can&#8217;t afford to miss out.</li>
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"Employers are now asking applicants, ‘Do you have the Cannabis Workforce Initiative Certificate?'" Bigler said, noting the certificate's growing recognition. She also emphasized the program's importance in fulfilling a critical need for industry <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39983822/cannabis-educational-content-should-be-incorporated-into-curricula-at-all-levels-says-american-c">education</a>.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Partnering For Inclusion &amp; Diversity In Cannabis Workforce</h3>
One of CWI's key achievements is its outreach to diverse communities. Bigler shared that nearly 60% of certificate holders identify as people of color, including 31% Black and African American, 16% Hispanic or Latino and 9% multiracial.&nbsp;
"Our certificate holders are job seekers and employers. CWI's training is geared to meet the social equity goals of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/10/35029612/corporate-behemoths-are-behind-lawsuits-hindering-new-yorks-cannabis-rollout-says-state-senator">MRTA</a>," she said.&nbsp;
The initiative is partnering with community-based organizations and educational institutions like NY state (SUNY) and city universities (CUNY) to reach underserved populations.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41177261/ny-cannabis-market-soars-to-654m-but-equity-licensees-are-left-behind-report-finds">NY Cannabis Market Soars To $654M But Equity Licensees Are Left Behind, Report Finds</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Advocacy Groups Raise Concerns Over Equity Goals</h3>
However, despite CWI's progress, the program's success unfolds against a backdrop of growing concerns over New York's cannabis industry leadership. Advocacy groups, including the NAACP NY State Conference and the Drug Policy Alliance, recently urged Governor Kathy Hochul to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42314121/advocacy-groups-urge-governor-hochul-to-strengthen-leadership-at-new-yorks-office-of-cannabis-management">appoint a more qualified executive director</a> for the state's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
Their letter highlights delays and underfunding of equity programs that threaten to exclude justice-involved entrepreneurs and small businesses from the market. The groups argue that effective leadership at OCM is essential to maintaining equity and restoring confidence in <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/new-york-cannabis">New York's</a> cannabis market.
As the industry grapples with these <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40968887/new-yorks-beleaguered-cannabis-equity-officer-resigns-after-being-cleared-of-retaliation-claims">internal challenges</a>, its future, particularly in terms of social equity, remains uncertain.
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NY Certifies 1,100 Cannabis Workers Amid Equity Program Concerns

The stock of&nbsp;Rigetti Computing Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>) has hit a new 52-week high, reaching $3.67. This represents an impressive 237.14% increase over the past year, indicating a surge in investor confidence in the company&#8217;s future.
What Happened: According to data from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Rigetti Computing&#8217;s stock has been steadily climbing, with an average trading volume of 23 million shares over the past three months. 
The quantum computing firm has&nbsp;been garnering positive sentiment due to its ongoing innovation and strong position in the tech industry.
Rigetti recently raised&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42170133/whats-going-on-with-rigetti-computing-shares">$100 million through a direct&nbsp;offering of 50 million shares</a>. The raised funds are earmarked&nbsp;for working capital and general&nbsp;corporate purposes.
Despite a dip in revenue and gross margins, Rigetti has&nbsp;announced significant advancements in quantum&nbsp;computing. The company has plans to launch&nbsp;a new 36-qubit system by&nbsp;mid-2025 and a system with&nbsp;over 100 qubits by the&nbsp;end of 2025.
Strategic collaborations with Riverlane and&nbsp;NVIDIA&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) form a crucial part of Rigetti&#8217;s plan&nbsp;for quantum error correction and&nbsp;hybrid computing. 
The company is&nbsp;also focusing on securing government&nbsp;contracts and is hopeful&nbsp;about the National Quantum (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QMCO#NASDAQ">QMCO</a>)&nbsp;Initiative Reauthorization Act.
Why It Matters: Rigetti&#8217;s stock performance reflects growing investor confidence in the company&#8217;s innovative capabilities and strategic partnerships. The company&#8217;s recent fundraising and plans for quantum computing advancements signal a strong commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the tech landscape. 
Furthermore, Rigetti&#8217;s focus on securing government contracts could potentially open up new avenues for growth and revenue. 
The company&#8217;s optimism about the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act also indicates its readiness to leverage legislative developments to its advantage.
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.

QMCO

Rigetti Computing Skyrockets To Record High As Investor Confidence Soars

Many young Americans aspire to purchase a home. Financial expert <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42257280/everyone-else-is-getting-rich-with-your-money-says-dave-ramsey-this-is-not-an-accident">Dave Ramsey</a> and co-host George Kamel recently spoke to 23-year-old Jared from Oklahoma City, OK, about his aspirations for home ownership. While they were impressed by his work ethic and savings, Ramsey pointed out that he was missing one crucial step: establishing a solid emergency fund.&nbsp;
Jared is single and does "nothing but work" at his pest control job, making about $70,000 a year. He told the Ramsey Show hosts he'll have a 20% down payment for a $150,000-$200,000 home saved by mid-January. And while he doesn't have any debt, he did admit that he doesn't have an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39613246/is-your-emergency-fund-ahead-of-the-curve-the-savings-needed-to-be-in-the-top-5-for-your-age-gro">emergency fund</a>.&nbsp;
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Ramsey applauded Jared's efforts but stressed that an emergency fund is an absolute must when purchasing a home. "You don't move into a house without an emergency fund," Ramsey said. "‘Cause houses are an emergency looking for a place to happen."
Ramsey illustrated the reality of home ownership: unexpected repairs and maintenance costs will always arise. He and Kamel advised Jared to save three to six months' living expenses in an emergency fund before finalizing a home purchase.&nbsp;
"Which means now you're looking at March," Ramsey stated, instead of Jared's initial goal of purchasing in January.&nbsp;
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Jared's goal of a 20% down payment aligns with Ramsey's typical advice when purchasing a home – especially because it allows him to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), a monthly fee required for loans with smaller down payments. With a $150,000 to $200,000 home, Jared would save thousands over the life of the loan by meeting this threshold.&nbsp;
Kamel and Ramsey also told Jared to stick to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/06/39169280/dave-ramsey-says-smart-people-dont-take-out-30-year-mortgages-if-you-cant-afford-a-home-on-a-15-">15-year-fixed mortgage</a> rather than a 30-year loan. "A paid-off home mortgage is one of the keys to being a Baby Steps millionaire," Ramsey said, referring to his widely followed seven-step financial plan.
In addition to financial preparation, Ramsey advised Jared to avoid purchasing a fixer-upper or a home with unique features that could make it harder to resell. "Buy something that&#8217;s easy to resell, which means it&#8217;s kinda boring," he said, noting that such homes tend to appreciate steadily over time.
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George Kamel shared a personal example, recounting how his first home – a modest three-bedroom townhome – appreciated significantly during his three years of ownership.
Jared's location in Oklahoma City puts him in a housing market that remains competitive but relatively affordable compared to national averages. According to Redfin, the median home price in Oklahoma was $244,400 in October 2024, a 3.4% increase from the previous year. Homes typically spend about 40 days on the market and sales activity has risen by 4.6% year-over-year.
These market dynamics suggest that Jared could find opportunities to purchase a home within his price range, especially if he avoids properties that need extensive work.
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Real Estate

Dave Ramsey Warns 23-Year-Old Homebuyer: Don't Skip This Critical Step Before Buying Your First House

Elon Musk has publicly expressed his agreement with DOGE advisor Ron Paul&#8216;s proposal to completely end foreign aid, emphasizing its relevance in the current economic climate.
What Happened: On Saturday Musk replied to a post on X about Paul&#8217;s proposal of the total elimination of foreign aid. Paul argues that it takes money from the poor and middle class in the U.S. and gives it to the wealthy in impoverished nations, with a portion going to intermediaries.
Musk, in his retweet, simply stated, &#8220;Ron is not wrong.&#8221; This brief endorsement indicates his support for Paul&#8217;s stance on the issue.
<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">Ron is not wrong <a href="https://t.co/WYhYclMyJ0">https://t.co/WYhYclMyJ0</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1865310578140487790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Earlier on Saturday, Paul called for an end to foreign aid, citing both its economic and moral consequences.
In a post on X, he criticized the transfer of funds from American taxpayers to wealthy individuals in less developed countries.
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He argued that foreign aid disproportionately impacts the U.S. poor and middle class, funneling their money to affluent entities overseas while benefiting intermediaries along the way. 
<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">Here's an easy one for <a href="https://twitter.com/DOGE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DOGE</a> ! ELIMINATE foreign aid! It's taking money from the poor and middle class in the US and giving it to the rich in poor countries &#8211; with a cut to the facilitators in between! Americans don't want their government to borrow more money to spend on… <a href="https://t.co/hbjfUNGWGW">pic.twitter.com/hbjfUNGWGW</a>
&mdash; Ron Paul (@RonPaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonPaul/status/1865137982434415016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
He described the practice as economically harmful, morally indefensible, and unconstitutional.
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s agreement with Paul&#8217;s viewpoint is significant given his influence in the tech and business world. His endorsement could potentially sway public opinion and impact discussions around foreign aid policies.
Paul&#8217;s proposal and Musk&#8217;s support come at a time when debates around wealth distribution, both domestically and internationally, are increasingly prevalent. 
The suggestion to end foreign aid entirely is a radical one, and it remains to be seen how this will influence policy discussions going forward.
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Elon Musk Echoes Ron Paul on Foreign Aid as an 'Immoral Transfer of Wealth'

In a recent post on LinkedIn, self-made billionaire Ray Dalio shared his straightforward three-step strategy for achieving success.
What Happened: Dalio,&nbsp;the founder and ex-CEO of&nbsp;Bridgewater Associates, has outlined his approach to success. His advice begins with identifying one&#8217;s desires, followed by devising a practical plan to reach these goals, and finally, pursuing the chosen path with steadfast determination.
In the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/raydalio_principleoftheday-activity-7269362952154013696-d59r/">post</a>, Dalio underscores the significance of setting realistic expectations for success.&nbsp;&#8220;People who achieve success and&nbsp;drive progress deeply understand the&nbsp;cause-effect relationships that govern reality&nbsp;and have principles for using&nbsp;them to get what they&nbsp;want,&#8221; he wrote.
He further highlighted that success doesn&#8217;t have a universal definition.&nbsp;&#8220;I don't care whether you want to be a master of the universe, a couch potato, or anything else—I really don't. Some people want to change&nbsp;the world and others want&nbsp;to operate in simple harmony&nbsp;with it and savor life.&nbsp;Neither is better. Each of&nbsp;us needs to decide what&nbsp;we value most and choose&nbsp;the paths we take to&nbsp;achieve it,&#8221; Dalio stated.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42257531/heres-how-ray-dalio-thinks-trumps-second-term-could-reshape-the-us-and-the-world">Here&#8217;s How Ray Dalio Thinks Trump&#8217;s Second Term Could Reshape the US and the World</a>
Why It Matters: Dalio&#8217;s advice comes from his own experience of building Bridgewater Associates into the world&#8217;s largest hedge fund. 
His emphasis on setting realistic goals and pursuing them with determination reflects the principles that guided his own journey to success. 
His perspective on success as a personal and variable concept underscores the importance of individual values and goals in the pursuit of achievement. 
This advice could serve as a valuable guide for those seeking to carve their own path to success.
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This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image: Flickr

Ray Dalio Reveals His Three-Step Strategy For Success

In a shocking security breach, a woman was recently able to board a transatlantic Delta Air Lines flight without a ticket or passport, court documents reveal.
What Happened: Svetlana Dali has been charged with being a stowaway on an aircraft, a crime that could lead to a five-year prison sentence if she is found guilty.
The incident took place on November 26, when Dali allegedly bypassed security&nbsp;at John F. Kennedy International&nbsp;Airport&#8217;s Terminal 4 via a special lane designated for airline staff.
Despite being initially denied entry due to the absence of a boarding pass, Dali made another attempt just five minutes later and succeeded. 
As per report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/delta-stowaway-evaded-security-no-boarding-pass-passport-flight-paris-2024-12">by</a> Business Insider, she managed to board Delta Air Lines Flight DL264 without showing a boarding pass. Her presence was only detected before the aircraft landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
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Upon arrival, Dali was apprehended by French authorities. During an interview with an FBI agent, she confessed that she deliberately evaded TSA and Delta staff. Michael Schneider, Dali&#8217;s attorney, compared the charge to &#8220;theft of services or jumping a turnstile.&#8221;
In response to the incident, Delta expressed gratitude to&nbsp;French and US authorities for&nbsp;their support and assured that the incident was due to a &#8220;deviation from standard procedures,&#8221; and not a defect in their security infrastructure.
Why It Matters: This incident raises serious concerns about airport security measures and procedures. Despite the stringent security protocols in place, Dali&#8217;s successful evasion highlights potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by individuals with malicious intent. 
This breach could prompt a review and possible overhaul of security procedures at airports, particularly at Delta Air Lines. 
Furthermore, the incident could potentially impact Delta&#8217;s reputation and customer trust, which are critical for any airline&#8217;s success.
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Woman Slipped Through JFK Security and Boarded Paris-Bound Flight Without Ticket or Passport

A whopping 60.9 billion Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) has been transacted in the past 24 hours, hinting at a possible bullish trend for the meme cryptocurrency. 
What Happened: <a href="https://app.intotheblock.com/coin/DOGE/deep-dive?group=financials&amp;chart=largeTransactions">Data</a> from IntoTheBlock reveals that the large transaction volume of Dogecoin has surged by 40.1% in the last 24 hours, totaling $23 billion or 60.9 billion DOGE.
Large transactions, which are those exceeding $100,000, are usually a sign of intense buying or selling pressure. This surge aligns with a significant increase in DOGE&#8217;s price. This sudden spike in transaction volume may be indicative of rising investor confidence.
At the time of writing, DOGE is valued at $0.4614, marking a 2% increase&nbsp;in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;This rise has propelled&nbsp;weekly and monthly gains to&nbsp;5.66% and 137.8% respectively, hinting that Dogecoin might be on the brink of a price surge.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42152520/dogecoin-whales-move-214-5m-in-a-single-day-sparking-speculation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogecoin Whales Move $214.5M In A Single Day, Sparking Speculation</a>
The surge in volume could lure short-term traders to wager on Dogecoin, possibly leading to an additional increase in market activity and averting a steep sell-off.
Last week the meme coin witnessed a substantial increase in trading volume, indicating a potential major price upswing.
Dogecoin's trading volume soared by 76.71%. This surge in momentum was supported by considerable whale activity, including a recent transfer of $120 million DOGE to an unidentified wallet.
Why It Matters: Historically, Dogecoin has demonstrated robust performance in December. For instance, DOGE posted a remarkable&nbsp;337.5% gain in December 2017&nbsp;and a more moderate rally&nbsp;of 32.4% in 2020. 
Last&nbsp;year, DOGE&#8217;s&nbsp;price grew moderately by 7.01%.&nbsp;This trend&nbsp;positions DOGE as a cryptocurrency&nbsp;to keep an eye on this holiday season.
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Image: Shutterstock

$DOGE

Dogecoin's Whopping 60.9B Movement In 24 Hours: A Bullish Sign?

Tapeworms don't just cause discomfort; they drain their host of vital nutrients, leaving them weaker by the day. In <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41818744/warren-buffett-bought-a-1-7-billion-business-over-the-phone-without-meeting-founder-by-using-wha">Warren Buffett's eyes</a>, that's exactly what rising health care costs are doing to the U.S. economy. And despite years of debate and failed solutions, this tapeworm hasn't gone anywhere – it has only become more insidious.
Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has long criticized the U.S. health care system. He famously called medical costs "the tapeworm of American economic competitiveness." He first made this remark during a CNBC interview on March 1, 2010, highlighting how escalating health care expenses undermine the nation's economic strength.
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Buffett's concerns stem from the outsize portion of the U.S.&#8217;s GDP dedicated to health care. He pointed out that the U.S. was spending about 17% of its GDP on health care – nearly double the 9% average of other developed countries. This imbalance, he argued, puts American businesses at a significant competitive disadvantage globally.
More than a decade later, the problem hasn't improved. In fact, it has worsened. Recent data shows health care spending has risen to 17.3% of GDP as of 2022, with projections suggesting it could climb to nearly 20% by 2032.
According to a CMS report, U.S. health care spending surged to $4.8 trillion, marking a 7.5% increase that outpaced the GDP growth rate of 6.1%.
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Why does this matter? Because runaway costs aren't just bad for balance sheets – they're undermining American businesses and workers at every level. Companies footing the bill for employee health insurance face rising operational expenses, which eat into profits and limit their ability to compete globally. Many employers are forced to make hard choices: reduce hiring, suppress wages or pass the costs to consumers.
Let's not forget workers themselves. Rising premiums and out-of-pocket expenses are chipping away at take-home pay, leaving families with less disposable income. That's not just a strain on household budgets – it's a drag on the broader economy as workers have less money to spend on groceries, vacations etc.
Buffett has also pointed to the inefficiencies baked into the system. The fee-for-service model rewards quantity over quality and incentivizes unnecessary procedures and treatments. That's why health care<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40624190/aon-predicts-9-increase-in-employer-health-care-costs-for-2025-heres-whats-fueling-the-spike"> costs continue to climb</a>, even though patient outcomes aren't improving meaningfully. It's a vicious cycle and so far, no one has been able to break it.&nbsp;
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Not that Buffett hasn't tried. In 2018, Berkshire Hathaway joined forces with Amazon and JPMorgan Chase to create Haven, a health care venture that promised to tackle rising costs and inefficiencies. By 2021, however, the initiative had quietly folded. Reflecting on its failure during the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders' meeting, Buffett admitted, "We were fighting a tapeworm in the American economy and the tapeworm won."
The bluntness of that statement says it all. Fixing the U.S. health care system isn't just a challenge – it's an arduous task. For now, the tapeworm continues to feed, siphoning off resources that could be used to grow businesses, raise wages and invest in innovation.&nbsp;
Buffett's longtime partner, the late Charlie Munger, didn't hesitate to share his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40150567/charlie-munger-called-healthcare-industry-deeply-immoral-and-a-disgrace-claiming-providers-artif">critique of the U.S. health care system</a>. In a 2018 interview on Squawk Box, Munger called the system "shot through with rampant waste" and even went as far as to label it "deeply immoral."
Buffett&#8217;s warning isn't just a clever metaphor … it's a wake-up call. The question is whether policymakers and industry leaders will finally answer it or let the tapeworm keep winning.
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Warren Buffett Says Medical Costs Are 'The Tapeworm' Of The U.S. Economy – And Warns 'The Tapeworm Won the Fight

<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=JVBMMtZvBfvr9UskpcK78_LnNB-8CzsRgabrfEwrU9KKcwDuJxU-i7TNDhk61TNcuoO8j08_cJdKLt8wGKxpOpb_8ZYsWVpJngQXi19ypjw=">Cogent Biosciences, Inc.</a>&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COGT#NASDAQ">COGT</a>), a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases, today reported positive updated data from Part 1 of the Company's ongoing Phase 2 APEX clinical trial evaluating bezuclastinib in patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis (AdvSM) at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH 2024) Annual Meeting &amp; Exposition taking place December 7-10, 2024 in San Diego, CA.
52% ORR per mIWG criteria, including 83% ORR for patients receiving 100 mg BID
88% ORR per PPR criteria, including 100% ORR for patients receiving 100 mg BID
Median time to response 2.2 months with median duration of response and median PFS not yet reached
Top-line data from APEX Part 2 on-track for mid-2025
Cogent to host investor webcast on Monday, December 9 at 8:00 a.m. ET

COGT

Cogent Biosciences At ASH, Announced Updated Data From Ongoing Phase 2 APEX Trial Evaluating Bezuclastinib In Patients With Advanced Systemic Mastocytosis; Reported 52% ORR Per mIWG Criteria, Including 83% ORR For Patients Receiving 100 MG BID

Affimed N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFMD#NASDAQ">AFMD</a>), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company committed to giving patients back their innate ability to fight cancer, today announced the presentation of data in a poster session at the 66th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition. The dataset includes 22 patients from the run-in phase of the LuminICE-203 (AFM13-203) phase 2 open-label, multicenter, multi-cohort study. The trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of the combination of acimtamig (AFM13) with Artiva Biotherapeutics' allogeneic NK cell AlloNK&#xAE; in patients with R/R cHL.
Acimtamig in combination with AlloNK&#xAE; demonstrated a high overall response rate (ORR) of 86% with complete response (CR) of 55%. All patients in the study were heavily pretreated with a median of 5 (range: 2-13) prior therapies. All patients had received intensive combination chemotherapy, PD(L)1 checkpoint inhibitors and brentuximab vedotin. In addition, about two third of the patients had also received a previous stem cell transplant. The combination regimen exhibited a well-managed safety profile with no unexpected safety signals. Importantly, no cases of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) were reported.

AFMD

Affimed Announced at ASH Meeting, Combination Of Acimtamig With AlloNK Demonstrated An Overall Response Rate Of 86%;  Complete Response Of 55% In 22 Heavily Pretreated Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Who Have Exhausted All Standard Of Care Treatments

Bitcoin ETFs have now accumulated more Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) than the holdings of Bitcoin&#8217;s <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">pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto</a>.
What Happened: As of market close on Thursday, these&nbsp;ETFs collectively held 1,105,690 Bitcoin, valued at $110 billion, as per CoinGlass <a href="https://www.coinglass.com/bitcoin-etf">data</a>. This milestone was reached&nbsp;by 10 asset managers in&nbsp;the U.S., who began trading these products on January 11. The only exception was Grayscale&#8217;s Bitcoin Mini Trust.
Nakamoto, who vanished from the&nbsp;public eye in 2011, is estimated to have mined up to&nbsp;1.1 million Bitcoin in the&nbsp;project&#8217;s initial seven months. 
The recent surpassing of Nakamoto&#8217;s holdings by Bitcoin ETFs marks a significant moment in the asset&#8217;s history.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42155010/bitcoins-bull-run-betting-on-a-125k-finish-to-2024">Bitcoin&#8217;s Bull Run: Betting On A $125K Finish To 2024</a>
In a post on X, Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas described this development as &#8220;mind-blowing&#8221;, highlighting that these products achieved this feat in less than a year. Balchunas had previously projected that these Wall Street products could surpass Nakamoto&#8217;s holdings by Christmas.
<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">KING OF THE HILL: The US spot ETFs have just passed Satoshi in total bitcoin held, now hold more than 1.1m, more than anyone in the world, and they&#39;re not even a year old yet, literally babies still. Mind blowing. h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmondsonShaun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EdmondsonShaun</a> for the data <a href="https://t.co/FQBIGGz5ei">pic.twitter.com/FQBIGGz5ei</a>
&mdash; Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricBalchunas/status/1865012801997087105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
BlackRock, the world&#8217;s largest asset manager, has been a significant player in this burgeoning market. Its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) alone holds 521,000 Bitcoin, worth $50 billion.
Why It Matters: Bitcoin ETFs&#8217; surpassing of Nakamoto&#8217;s holdings underscores the rapid growth and acceptance of these products in the financial market. This development also signifies the increasing institutional interest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, marking a shift from traditional investment avenues.
BlackRock&#8217;s dominant role in this market further emphasizes the growing acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs by major financial institutions. The rapid accumulation of Bitcoin by these ETFs could potentially influence the digital currency&#8217;s price and overall market dynamics.
With Bitcoin ETFs achieving this milestone in less than a year, it remains to be seen how this market will evolve and what impact it will have on the broader cryptocurrency landscape.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42049183/heres-how-a-bitcoin-whale-nets-179m-from-a-120-investment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here's How A Bitcoin Whale Nets $179M From A $120 Investment</a>

$BTC

Bitcoin ETFs Have Outstripped Satoshi Nakamoto's Holdings

Results from the AMPLIFY Phase III trial showed AstraZeneca's Calquence (acalabrutinib) in combination with venetoclax&nbsp;demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy in previously untreated adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).
These results will be presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2024 Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.
At a median follow up of 41 months, results showed Calquence plus venetoclax reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 35% compared to standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.87; p=0.0038). Calquence plus venetoclax with obinutuzumab demonstrated a 58% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.30-0.59; p&lt;0.0001). Median PFS was not reached for either experimental arm versus median PFS of 47.6 months for chemoimmunotherapy.

AstraZeneca Announced Fixed-duration Calquence Plus Venetoclax Demonstrated Superior PFS Vs. Standard Of Care In Previously Untreated CLL, With 77% Of Patients Progression Free At Three Years In AMPLIFY Phase III Trial At ASH Meeting

Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) today announced data from&nbsp;the Phase 3 AQUILA study showing that DARZALEX FASPRO&#xAE; (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) significantly delayed progression from high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) to active multiple myeloma (MM) and extended overall survival compared to the current standard of care of active monitoring.&nbsp;The data were presented for the first time as an oral presentation at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting (<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4320032-1&amp;h=2380629267&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fash.confex.com%2Fash%2F2024%2Fwebprogram%2FPaper201057.html&amp;a=Abstract+%23773">Abstract #773</a>), as part of the Press Program and were selected for the Best of ASH session.&nbsp;
In the AQUILA study, 194 patients received DARZALEX FASPRO&#xAE; and 196 patients were actively monitored per current standard of care treatment for high-risk SMM. At a median follow-up of 65.2 (range, 0-76.6) months, patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO&#xAE; showed statistically significant improved progression-free survival (PFS; defined as progression to active MM as assessed according to International Myeloma working Group (IMWG) diagnostic criteria for MM [SLiM-CRAB] or death) than the active monitoring group; 63.1 percent versus 40.8 percent of patients remained progression-free at 60 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.67; P&lt;0.001). Among patients who were retrospectively categorized as having high-risk SMM per the current Mayo 2018 criteria (20/2/20), median progression-free survival was not reached in the DARZALEX FASPRO&#xAE; arm and was 22.1 months in the active monitoring arm (HR, 0.36; 95 percent CI, 0.23-0.58). Overall survival was also extended with DARZALEX FASPRO&#xAE;, with 5-year survival rates of 93 percent versus 86.9 percent for active monitoring (HR, 0.52; 95 percent CI, 0.27-0.98).1

Johnson & Johnson Announced Darzalex Faspro Shows Significantly Delayed Progression To Active Multiple Myeloma For Patients With High-risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma At ASH

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/media/advertising-firms-omnicom-and-interpublic-nearing-merger-that-would-reshape-industry-a2dd2286" title="https://www.wsj.com/business/media/advertising-firms-omnicom-and-interpublic-nearing-merger-that-would-reshape-industry-a2dd2286">https://www.wsj.com/business/media/advertising-firms-omnicom-and-interpublic-nearing-merger-that-would-reshape-industry-a2dd2286</a>

The Wall Street Journal Reported Sunday, Omnicom In Advanced Talks To Merge With Interpublic; Deal Could Value Interpublic At $13B-$14B

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