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Direct Digital Holdings

Direct Digital Holdings Inc is an end-to-end, full-service programmatic advertising platform primarily focused on providing advertising technology, data-driven campaign optimization and other solutions to underserved and less efficient markets on both the buy- and sell-side of the digital advertising ecosystem.

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The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed some improvement in overall market sentiment on Wednesday, but it remained in the &#34;Greed&#34; zone.

U.S. stocks closed higher on Wednesday, with the S&amp;P 500 settling at a fresh record level during the session. The index is up around 10% in the first quarter and is on course to record its best first-quarter surge since 2019.

Investor Optimism Improves; S&amp;P 500 Settles At New Record

Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

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Direct Digital Holdings Inc Warrants (03/02/2027)

Eighty-four Republicans across seven states falsely claimed to be Donald Trump&#8216;s presidential electors in December 2020. Now, three and a half years later, many reportedly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">face criminal charges that could result in lengthy prison terms.</a>
While all of the fake electors engaged in the same scheme, their treatment has varied based on location: some face serious charges, while others have been seen as unwitting participants, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/11/trump-fake-electors-charges-00157440" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> Politico. 
In Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada, all but one fake elector face felony charges, with one receiving immunity through cooperation. 
Conversely, those in New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin remain uncharged. In Georgia, three fake electors were charged alongside Trump, while others secured immunity deals, Politico added.
Across all seven states, Wisconsin lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, a key figure in the scheme, received lenient treatment after a plea deal in Georgia. He faces no charges elsewhere.&nbsp;
Georgia and Arizona&#8217;s attorneys general are the sole state prosecutors to charge any organizers. At the federal level, special counsel Jack Smith implicated Trump in the scheme in his case against him.
The widely differing legal outcomes for the fake electors have raised concerns,&nbsp;particularly&nbsp;as&nbsp;it seems&nbsp;those supervised by Chesebro may face harsher penalties than he will.
&#8220;In many instances, I actually think that the state-level electors themselves were the dupes in the fraud, rather than the fraudsters themselves,&#8221; said Ryan Goodman, a law professor at New York University who has closely tracked the issue, according to Politico. 
&#8220;It&#8217;s so unusual to have this situation whereby it&#8217;s as though Kenneth Chesebro, the principal, is flipping on the subordinates — rather than the normal prosecutorial strategy of going up the chain of command.&#8221;
According to Derek Muller, a&nbsp;professor at the&nbsp;University of Notre&nbsp;Dame&#8217;s law school, this discrepancy stems from America&#8217;s &#8220;unusual&#8221; election system.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38752266/nikki-haley-said-to-be-wooing-more-top-donors-but-leaves-trump-support-up-in-the-air-for-now" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nikki Haley Said To Be Wooing More Top Donors But Leaves Trump Support Up In The Air For Now</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

General

The Disparate Treatment Of Trump's Fake Electors Is A Serious Concern, Says Legal Expert: 'It's So Unusual To Have This Situation'

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk expressed his bewilderment at Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, for his decision to eliminate 10,000 vacant state jobs.
What Happened: On Friday, Newsom announced his plan to cut 10,000 unfilled state jobs to address the $27.6 billion deficit. This move is part of a larger strategy to reduce state spending by $32.8 billion over&nbsp;the next two fiscal years.
A user on X, formerly Twitter, mockingly commented on the development saying, &#8220;So Gavin Newsom is going to slash 10,000 imaginary jobs to make up for the $27B of magically missing money that was supposed to go to solving the very real homeless problem. Got it.&#8221;
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38725610/chatgpt-creator-sam-altman-feels-its-a-massive-massive-issue-that-we-dont-take-ais-threat-to-jobs-an?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ChatGPT Creator Sam Altman Feels It&#8217;s A &#8216;Massive, Massive Issue&#8217; That We Don&#8217;t Take AI&#8217;s Threat To Jobs And Economy &#8216;Seriously Enough&#8217;</a>
In response, Musk said, &#8220;This is bizarre on so many levels.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">So Gavin Newsom is going to slash 10,000 imaginary jobs to make up for the $27B of magically missing money that was supposed to go to solving the very real homeless problem. Got it. <a href="https://t.co/FkVtLMRBDP">https://t.co/FkVtLMRBDP</a>
&mdash; Autism Capital &#x1f9e9; (@AutismCapital) <a href="https://twitter.com/AutismCapital/status/1789033413682622691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Newsom&#8217;s office said that this proposal will not involve tax hikes and will safeguard funding for essential social service programs. The deficit is largely attributed to fluctuations in the stock market and inaccurate forecasts for the state&#8217;s three primary revenue sources: personal income taxes, corporate taxes and sales taxes.
During a press conference, Newsom acknowledged the challenges posed by the state&#8217;s tax structure and the impact of economic contractions on the budget.
&#8220;This is just a reminder of the totality of the challenges on the basis of the volatility of our tax structure,&#8221; he said, adding, &#8220;The benefits of a progressive tax system during good years, the challenges during years where things are contracting.&#8221;
Why It Matters: In January, Newsom, serving his second term, put forward a $208.7 billion proposal aiming to reduce the state&#8217;s general fund budget by nearly 10% compared to the current fiscal year. This move was intended to address an estimated $38 billion deficit.
However, his revised spending plan, unveiled on Friday and based on the latest revenue data known as the May Revision, suggests even more substantial reductions. Newsom now projects the state&#8217;s general fund to decrease to $201 billion for the upcoming fiscal year starting on July 1, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-10/california-governor-calls-for-10-000-fewer-jobs-spending-cuts?srnd=politics-vp">reported</a> Bloomberg. 
This development comes in the wake of widespread criticism of the cost of providing tiny houses for the homeless in San Francisco. The city&#8217;s residents have expressed outrage over the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/38651974/san-francisco-residents-outraged-over-cost-of-providing-tiny-houses-for-the-homeless">exorbitant expenses</a>&nbsp;incurred in this initiative, further highlighting the challenges faced by the state in addressing its homelessness crisis.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/05/38698335/joe-biden-set-to-unveil-microsofts-3b-ai-data-center-plan-on-same-wisconsin-land-where-trump-tried-t?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joe Biden Set To Unveil Microsoft&#8217;s $3B AI Data Center Plan On Same Wisconsin Land Where Trump Tried To Execute His Mega Foxconn Fantasy</a>
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.
Photo: Shutterstock

Elon Musk Berates Gavin Newsom After California Governor Discloses Plans To Cut 10,000 Vacant State Jobs To Address $27.6B Deficit: 'This Is Bizarre On So Many Levels'

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/05/38569790/trump-uses-gag-order-fines-as-fundraising-opportunity-they-want-to-silence-me-they-think-they-ca">Amidst Donald Trump&#8216;s legal turmoil</a>, his niece Mary Trump provided perspective on the dynamics surrounding her uncle&#8217;s legal challenges this week.
Fines Not Enough: Donald Trump is doing exactly what he&#8217;s been permitted to do, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49UExU5bKcg">said</a> Mary Trump in an interview with MSNBC. 
&#8220;Nothing stops him because nobody is stopping him,&#8221; she said.
Mary Trump also took a shot at the prosecution. 
&#8220;It seems absolutely absurd to me that the prosecution is going out of its way to argue there shouldn&#8217;t be any incarceratory penalty at this point. Because what is that financial fine going to do? Nothing,&#8221; she said.
The former president can pay the penalty &#8220;all day long,&#8221; as the judge can&#8217;t fine him more than $1000 per offense, his niece said. 
&#8220;So, the offenses will keep piling up, unless and until something serious is done,&#8221; she said. 
The psychologist, podcaster, and author remarked that the prosecution&#8217;s argument about Donald Trump seeking jail time is on shaky ground. 
&#8220;You don&#8217;t punish somebody based on what they want. You punish them based on the offenses in front of you,&#8221; she said.
&#8220;It isn&#8217;t enough,&#8221; Mary Trump said, referring to the fines. &#8220;He gets the money from somewhere else, to cover the fraud trial in the New York City or his payments to E. Jean Carroll.&#8221; 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38753402/biden-vs-trump-key-swing-state-voters-give-big-lead-to-one-candidate-despite-ranking-him-down-on-cri">Biden Vs. Trump: Key Swing State Voters Give Big Lead To One Candidate, Despite Ranking Him Down On Critical Election Issues</a>
Standing Up To Trump: Mary Trump expressed doubts about the court system standing up to Donald Trump, especially considering that Congressional Republicans have unanimously supported him. She mentioned that hope is dwindling, particularly because the New York fraud trial may be the only one that will start and possibly end before the election.
She also expressed wishful thinking that her uncle will be punished for his offenses. 
&#8220;I hope that the jurors will weigh the evidence appropriately and punish Donald appropriately,&#8221; she said.
Mary Trump also said that the Supreme Court is &#8220;going out of its way&#8221; to ensure that Donald Trump is allowed to run for presidency, &#8220;completely unburdened by the crimes he allegedly committed against the Unites States of America.&#8221;
She additionally noted that her uncle &#8220;is covered in a split screen.&#8221; 
&#8220;On the one hand, he&#8217;s a criminal defendant who has allegedly committed all sorts of crimes against this country, and, on the other hand, he is a candidate for the presidency, as if the former doesn&#8217;t impinge at all on the latter,&#8221; she said, adding that &#8220;it&#8217;s quite stunning to see that his candidacy, in some respects, remains completely unscathed.&#8221;
Mary Trump also weighed in on the way forward in the run up to the November election. 
&#8220;Right now, the only thing we can really do that can have a big impact on voters, leading up to November, is making a very clear case, not just what has he done, but what is he telling us explicitly he&#8217;s going to do on the one hand and, on the other hand, what has the Biden administration been able to accomplish in three years in many cases with both hands tied behind its back,&#8221; she said.
Family&#8217;s Support: On why Eric Trump showed up in the courtroom during his father&#8217;s trial, the lone family member to do so, Mary Trump said her cousin was in attendance probably because the defense lawyers told Donald Trump it looked &#8220;really bad that he doesn&#8217;t have any family members.&#8221;
&#8220;I don&#8217;t think Donald cares. I think all these relationships are transactional. I don&#8217;t think it matters to him. I don&#8217;t think his children or his wife think that it does them any good to show up,&#8221; she said.
The psychologist said the former president may be more concerned about the complete lack of supporters outside the courtroom. 
&#8220;I think that is a much bigger blow to him, both his ego and his narcissistic need for attention,&#8221; she added.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-invest-in-startups">How To Invest In Startups</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Media

Trump's Niece Says This Could Be A Big Blow To Ex-President's 'Narcissistic Need For Attention': 'Right Now The Only Thing We Can Really Do...'

DEA Administrator <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/anne-milgram">Anne Milgram</a> told Congress this week that social media and other technology have made it easier than ever to buy illegal drugs. She compared these transactions to ordering food on Uber Eats.
&#8220;We say all the time that the most dangerous place in the world right now is our homes because everyone has a smartphone, and within two or three clicks on a smartphone, people are having pills delivered to their front doorstep like Uber Eats, like they get pizza delivered,&#8221; Milgram told a House Appropriations subcommittee.
"According to the CDC, in 2022, 107,941 Americans lost their lives. Forty-two percent of Americans in the United States now know someone who has died," Milgram <a href="https://www.dea.gov/documents/2024/2024-05/2024-05-07/administrator-anne-milgram-delivers-opening-statement-house">said</a> in her opening statement. &#8220;We&#8217;re losing 22 Americans, teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18, every single week right now&#8221; to illegal drug use. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Waiting To Get Into Mexico</h2>
Milgram said the DEA has been waiting for nearly a year for one of its work visas to be approved by the Mexican government so it can send personnel into the country to investigate the drug cartels responsible for smuggling illicit drugs into the U.S.
&#8220;We&#8217;ve been waiting eight months for one visa, and we know the cost of, of what that means for us in terms of our ability to get worked done,&#8221; Milgram told the subcommittee, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/illicit-pills-easy-ordering-food-delivery-app-dea/story?id=110038067">reported</a> ABC News. &#8220;Every year in the United States, we&#8217;re losing more than 100,000 Americans. So, time matters, and I couldn&#8217;t speak with enough urgency as to how important it is for us to get those 13 agents and intel analysts into the country.&#8221;
Despite intensified efforts, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36707665/dea-seizes-largest-amount-of-fentanyl-in-its-history-386m-lethal-doses-enough-to-kill-every-amer">DEA has acknowledged</a> the challenge of keeping pace with the influx of fentanyl at the southern border, primarily produced and smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico by the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/01/30298349/el-chapos-son-capo-of-mexicos-biggest-drug-cartel-captured-revenge-and-violence-spreading-in-sin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels</a> with precursor chemicals from China. The cartels purchase chemicals from companies in China, mass produce the fentanyl in Mexico and then smuggle and distribute the finished fentanyl throughout the U.S.
&#8220;The men and women of DEA are working nonstop to defeat those cartels,&#8221; she said. &#8220;And we shouldn&#8217;t ask them to work under difficult circumstances, but they do and they&#8217;re incredibly effective.&#8221;
Today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is the leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.
Now read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/38678043/dea-and-cannabis-rescheduling-a-rollercoaster-ride-you-dont-want-to-miss-but-keep-your-seatbelts">DEA And Cannabis Rescheduling: A Rollercoaster Ride You Don&#8217;t Want To Miss, But Keep Your Seatbelts On</a>
Pro tip: Join us to talk more about these important topicsat &nbsp;the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference&nbsp;this October in Chicago where we hope the confusion is cleared up. Hear directly from key industry players and policymakers. Get your tickets now by following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this&nbsp;link</a>,&nbsp;and access a 20% discount using the code JAVI20.
Photo: Anne Milgram courtesy of DEA Headquarters

Cannabis

Government

DEA Chief Warns Congress: Illicit Drugs Are As Easy To Get As Pizza Delivery From Uber Eats

In an interview with Yahoo Finance on Friday, Robinhood Markets, Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>) CEO Vlad Tenev spilled the beans on its retirement offerings, which target users of every age, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/gen-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">including the ever-elusive Gen Z.</a>
The CEO underscored how Robinhood&#8217;s offerings are a magnet for novice investors, with Tenev shining a spotlight on a groundbreaking survey revealing Gen Z&#8217;s astonishing foresight as Gen Zers begin pondering retirement as early as 19 years old, Tenev <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-JdHG02xOA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told </a>Yahoo Finance&#8217;s Market Domination. 
Tenev also emphasized Robinhood&#8217;s retirement profile for individuals within five years of retirement age, stating that &#8220;the economics of the offer are irresistible to pass up.&#8221;
&#8220;When we talk to customers, particularly for our retirement product, they love the user experience&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;3% match that is evergreen for contributions is just among the most compelling offers they&#8217;ve seen.&#8221;
Check This Out:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38713973/robinhood-q1-earnings-highlights-revenue-beat-eps-beat-over-1-million-on-gold-credit-card-" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38713973/robinhood-q1-earnings-highlights-revenue-beat-eps-beat-over-1-million-on-gold-credit-card-" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robinhood Q1 Earnings Highlights: Revenue Beat, EPS Beat, Over 1 Million On Gold Credit Card Waitlist</a>
&#8220;A lot of them don&#8217;t have 401(k)s through employers. The ones that do sometimes don&#8217;t have employers that match, so having Robinhood provide that service in an individual self-directed retirement product is really compelling,&#8221; Tenev said to Yahoo Finance&#8217;s Executive Editor Brian Sozzi.
The company&#8217;s shares dipped over 6% at Friday&#8217;s close, falling nearly 8% over the last five days.&nbsp;
On May 8, the company reported record revenue of $618 million, up 40% year-over-year. The revenue total beat a Street consensus estimate of $548.6 million. The company&#8217;s <a href="https://investors.robinhood.com/news/news-details/2024/Robinhood-Reports-First-Quarter-2024-Results/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crypto Notional Trading volumes</a><a href="https://investors.robinhood.com/news/news-details/2024/Robinhood-Reports-First-Quarter-2024-Results/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://investors.robinhood.com/news/news-details/2024/Robinhood-Reports-First-Quarter-2024-Results/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased 224% year-over-year to $36 billion.</a>
According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, HOOD stock has gained over 68% in the past year.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;ETF Series Solutions Grayscale Future Of Finance ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFOF#NYSE">GFOF</a>) and&nbsp;ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKF#NYSE">ARKF</a>).
Price Action:&nbsp;HOOD shares closed lower by 6.18% to $16.23 on Friday.
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38635966/gen-z-misusing-ai-for-job-applications-as-employers-receive-hundreds-of-exact-same-cover-letters-wor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Gen Z Misusing AI For Job Applications As Employers Receive Hundreds Of &#8216;Exact Same Cover Letters Word For Word&#8217;</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

Tech

ARKF

ETF Series Solutions Grayscale Future of Finance ETF

GFOF

HOOD

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev Dishes On Hot Retirement Offerings: 'Economics Of The Offer Are Irresistible To Pass Up'

In a week full of international cannabis policy updates, Thailand, Morocco and Pakistan have made strides, each presenting divergent paths when it comes to regulating the plant.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thailand&#8217;s Prohibition Stance </h3>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/thailand-cannabis">Thailand</a>, known for its progressive stance on cannabis in recent years, has taken a surprising turn by moving towards tightening regulations. The Kingdom, once celebrated for its progressive steps towards cannabis decriminalization and medicinal legalization, is now tightening its grip on cannabis-related activities. Conservative Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Wednesday that cannabis would be re-listed as a Category 5 narcotic, subject to strict controls akin to heroin or cocaine. This move marks a significant departure from its previous trajectory since Thailand was the first Asian country to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2020. Resistance in building among locally affected shareholders who are setting in place protests and class-action lawsuits to stop the measure.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Morocco&#8217;s Push for Recreational Legalization Gains Momentum</h3>
In North Africa, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/morocco-cannabis">Morocco </a>is witnessing a growth in <a href="https://www.newarab.com/news/morocco-cannabis-farmers-push-recreational-legalisation">support </a>for the legalization of recreational cannabis. Despite its long-standing reputation as a major cannabis producer, Morocco has historically maintained a strict anti-cannabis policy. This means that the country has turned its back on nearly half a million farmers growing cannabis in the Rif region, one of the largest cannabis-producing areas on the planet.
Despite partial legalization in 2021, most farmers from the Rif are still working to provide the international black market. However, legalization efforts have emboldened stakeholders to advocate for broader legalization aiming to get all farmers to produce under the legalized framework. For advocates, this implies legalizing the production to meet international demand. Shakib Al Khayari, the coordinator of the Moroccan Coalition for Medical and Industrial Use of Cannabis, <a href="https://www.newarab.com/news/morocco-cannabis-farmers-push-recreational-legalisation">said</a>: &#8220;In Morocco, it will be necessary to open a discussion because regulation for medical and industrial purposes will not eliminate the existing black market.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pakistan&#8217;s Economic Imperatives Drive Medicinal Cannabis Legalization</h3>
In South Asia, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38243593/pakistan-launches-regulatory-body-for-cannabis-trade-to-fuel-economic-growth">Pakistan </a>emerges as a new player in the global cannabis market, driven by economic imperatives. The establishment of the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) signals Pakistan&#8217;s intent to legalize cannabis derivatives for medicinal and industrial purposes. The regulatory framework, crafted to adhere to UN mandates of February this year, specifies the maximum level of THC to be 0.3 percent.
"Technically, now the cultivation is legal since the ordinance has been passed, but we are still in [the] process of developing rules and procedures and awaiting registration of the authority," Syed Hussain Abidi <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/8/pakistan-bets-on-a-cannabis-high-as-its-economy-struggles">told </a>Al Jazeera.
This will put Pakistan on the list of possible hemp based products and dried flower international providers. The Asian country&#8217;s advantage, similar to that of Morroco, is that hemp production is traditional and they grow approximately 70,000 acres of cannabis each year. The bulk of this production goes to the black market.

Contradictory Moves In Global Cannabis Legalization: Thailand, Morocco And Pakistan Take Different Paths

U.S. President <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/joe-biden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joe Biden</a> jokingly remarked on Friday that he wished former President<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump</a> had administered a bit of bleach to himself, reviving one of Trump&#8217;s more perplexing moments from the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/05/38724294/biden-says-hes-already-turned-economy-around-blames-corporate-greed-for-persistently-high-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.</a>
Biden, speaking at a fundraising event near San Francisco for his re-election bid, described his Republican opponent&#8217;s presidency as tumultuous, urging voters to remember this as they approach the November election, Reuters reported.
&#8220;Remember him saying the best thing to do is just inject a little bleach in your arm? That&#8217;s what he said. And he meant it. I wish he had done a little bit himself,&#8221; Biden said, Reuters added.
In the initial stages of the 2020 pandemic, Trump suggested injecting disinfectants like bleach or isopropyl alcohol into the body. Biden also joked about Trump&#8217;s &#8220;love letters&#8221;&nbsp;from<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kim-jong-un" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Kim Jong Un</a>, mistakenly referring to Kim as South Korea&#8217;s president.
Trump had numerous meetings with Kim and maintained correspondence, storing copies of their letters in an Oval Office binder. A Trump campaign spokesperson didn&#8217;t immediately respond to Biden&#8217;s comments. Biden previously joked about Trump&#8217;s bleach remark, quipping in April that Trump had injected himself and that &#8220;it all went to his hair.&#8221;
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38762667/tesla-charging-shakeup-may-disrupt-biden-ev-plans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Charging Shakeup May Disrupt Biden EV Plans</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

Equities

Joe Biden Mocks Donald Trump's Advice To Inject Bleach: 'I Wish He Had Done A Little Bit Himself'

Many women&nbsp;who breastfeed choose&nbsp;cannabis over other medications to manage conditions like anxiety and chronic pain. A recent study conducted by Washington State University&nbsp;uncovered that THC, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38528176/thc-beverage-sector-is-probably-bigger-than-we-realize-say-industry-experts-and-its-not-too-late">psychoactive component </a>of cannabis, persists in breast milk without a predictable peak concentration time.
The study revealed&nbsp;that THC levels in breast milk do not follow a clear pattern like alcohol, which typically peaks and then diminishes.
<h3>Study Methodology And Findings</h3>
The research, led by Prof. Courtney Meehan, a biological anthropologist at WSU,<a href="https://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2024/05/08/thc-lingers-in-breastmilk-with-no-clear-peak-point/"> analyzed</a> milk samples from 20 breastfeeding mothers who regularly used cannabis.
Participants provided samples in their homes after 12 hours of abstaining from cannabis and at various intervals post-consumption.
The study discovered that THC was always detectable in the milk samples, even after the abstention period.
<h3>Low THC Concentrations: Implications Unknown</h3>
The amounts of THC found were relatively low, with infants estimated to receive about 0.07 mg per day&mdash;a stark contrast to the 2 mg found in common low-dose edibles.
However, the impact of this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/thc">THC</a> exposure on infants remains unknown.
Meehan <a href="http://www.healthday.com/health-news/pregnancy/how-long-does-marijuana-thc-linger-in-breast-milk">stressed the importance</a> of this knowledge gap.&nbsp;&quot;Breastfeeding parents need to be aware that if they use cannabis, their infants are likely consuming cannabinoids via the milk they produce, and we do not know whether this has any effect on the developing infant.&quot;
<h3>Variable THC Concentrations In Breast Milk</h3>
The concentration of THC in milk was found to be greater for participants who used <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/19/09/14423264/why-thcv-one-of-the-many-compounds-in-cannabis-might-be-the-next-big-thing-in-weed">cannabis</a> more frequently during the 8-to-12 hour study period.
Those who used cannabis only once during the study period experienced&nbsp;THC concentrations peaking at variable times, typically around 2 hours after use, though it could be as soon as 30 minutes.
More frequent usage was associated with higher THC levels even after a 12-hour abstention. These findings confirm that infants are exposed to measurable amounts of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/10/35274357/thc-obsession-what-really-matters-when-choosing-cannabis-cultivars">THC</a> through breast milk.
<h3>Research Needs And Support</h3>
The findings underscore the need for more rigorous research to establish guidelines similar to those for<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/38566712/are-hemp-thc-beverages-competing-with-alcohol-experts-discuss-new-alternatives-for-adult-beverag"> alcohol consumption</a> in breastfeeding mothers. This research was published in the journal <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2024.0021">Breastfeeding Medicine</a> and was supported by State of Washington Initiative Measures 171 and 502&nbsp;and the WSU Health Equity Research Center.
To learn more about cannabis, health, and business&nbsp;don&#39;t miss the opportunity to join us at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis-conference/?UTM_source=article" target="_blank">19th Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference</a>&nbsp;in Chicago this October 8-9. Engage with top executives, investors, policymakers, and advocates to explore the industry&#39;s future. Secure your tickets now before prices increase by following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">this link</a>.
Photo: AI-Generated Image.&nbsp;

Health Care

Is It Safe To Breastfeed After Consuming Marijuana? New Research Explores THC Levels In Infants

Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk on Friday drew a parallel between video streaming platform Netflix doubling down on streaming over DVD renting in 2011 to the EV maker doubling efforts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38286437/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-says-going-balls-to-the-wall-for-autonomous-driving-is-blindingly-obvious-as-eve">on vehicle autonomy.</a>
What Happened: In 2011, Netflix attempted to split its DVD rental business from its online streaming into a separate website called Qwikster. The plan, however, was eventually scrapped owing to consumer and shareholder protests.
However, streaming has now indeed taken over DVDs, an X user noted in a post on Friday. &#8220;Now, apply this logic to Tesla,&#8221; Musk wrote to the user, drawing a parallel between Netflix&#8217;s 13-year-old decision to focus on streaming and Tesla&#8217;s own decision to focus all efforts on vehicle autonomy and hinting that autonomous vehicles will trump human-driven ones in the future. 
<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">Now, apply this logic to Tesla
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1789107310725673336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: Tesla is currently faced with dropping share value after it decided to focus all its efforts and resources on vehicle autonomy. However, the CEO said last month that doubling down on autonomy is a &#8220;blindingly obvious move&#8221; for the company with everything else like &#8220;variations on a horse carriage.&#8221; The company intends to unveil its robotaxi product on Aug. 8, and Musk is optimistic that autonomous vehicles will be the future for the automotive industry.
"Even if I got kidnapped by aliens tomorrow, Tesla&nbsp;will&nbsp;solve autonomy, maybe a little slower, but it would solve autonomy for vehicles at least," <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38397845/tesla-will-solve-autonomy-even-if-i-got-kidnapped-by-aliens-tomorrow-says-elon-musk-as-he-reveals-ta">Musk said </a>during the company&#8217;s first-quarter earnings call last month. "If somebody doesn't believe Tesla is going to solve autonomy, I think they should not be an investor in the company."
Netflix, meanwhile, subsequently ended its DVD-renting business last year after the business shrank and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/04/31883368/after-25-years-of-incredible-run-netflix-breaks-up-with-dvds-its-not-you-its-streaming">paved the way for streaming.</a> The company shipped its final discs on September 29. 
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38774504/tesla-analyst-sees-annual-shareholder-meeting-as-key-to-determining-elon-musk-led-c">Tesla Analyst Sees Annual Shareholder Meeting As Key To Determining Elon Musk-Led Company&#8217;s Future Strategy</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

TSLA

Tesla CEO Elon Musk Draws Parallel Between Netflix's Decision To Focus On Streaming Over Renting DVDs To EV Maker Doubling Down On Vehicle Autonomy

Las Vegas-based cannabis giant, Planet 13 Holdings Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLNH#OTC">PLNH</a>), has successfully concluded its acquisition of Florida&#8217;s VidaCann, a prominent player in the state&#8217;s medical marijuana market. The acquisition received approval from the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use in April. This represents a significant expansion as recreational cannabis legalization in Florida will be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38034138/florida-supreme-court-approves-cannabis-legalization-proposal-for-november-election-in-blow-to-d">decided </a>in the November 2024 ballot.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Strategic Deal Structure</h3>
As part of the <a href="https://feeds.issuerdirect.com/news-release.html?newsid=7067233294730753%20">deal</a>, according to a <a href="https://feeds.issuerdirect.com/news-release.html?newsid=7067233294730753%20">press release</a> shared with Benzinga, Planet 13 will acquire VidaCann from its previous owners in exchange for 81,872,252 shares of Planet 13&#8217;s common stock, approximately $4 million in cash and $5 million in promissory notes. Based on the closing price of Planet 13&#8217;s common stock as of May 9, 2024, the total deal, previously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/08/34073292/trulieve-faces-serious-competition-as-planet-13-enters-florida-market-via-48m-deal">estimated </a>at $48.9 million was finally valued at approximately $63.4 million.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Integration and Expansion Plans</h3>
Bob Groesbeck, co-CEO of Planet 13, expressed excitement about the acquisition. "This acquisition marks an important moment for our Company, as we leverage VidaCann's established footprint and reputation, adding 26 stores to our portfolio to enhance our retail offering in Florida. We look forward to integrating our award-winning brands and retail expertise to drive growth and deliver unparalleled experiences to our customers."
This addition of VidaCann&#8217;s 26 dispensaries significantly bolsters Planet 13&#8217;s retail <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/38672033/las-vegas-cannabis-powerhouse-planet-13-to-close-49m-florida-expansion-deal-after-achieving-anot">presence </a>in the Florida cannabis marker.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Driving Growth and Innovation</h3>
Planet 13 will enhance VidaCann&#8217;s success by introducing indoor cultivation techniques to diversify product offerings. The company will also bring its award-winning brands from Nevada to Florida, with a focus on improving per-store economics and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/03/37680463/how-company-planet-13-cannabis-company-stays-green-amid-23m-revenue-and-red-ink-q4-2023-financia">revenue generation.</a>
Looking ahead,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/02/36913913/weed-galaxy-watch-pro-analysis-planet-13-stock-vision-cash"> Planet 13 </a>intends to selectively expand VidaCann&#8217;s network of dispensaries and potentially introduce SuperStores in key tourist destinations, pending adult-use legislation.
Learn more about what&#8217;s going on in the cannabis industry at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference this October in Chicago. Hear directly from key industry players, experts, advocates, and policymakers. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets now</a> by following <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this link</a>.
Courtesy photo

PLNH

Planet 13 Wraps Up VidaCann Acquisition To Enter Florida Market With $63.4M Deal And 26 Cannabis Dispensaries

The largest bank in the United States, JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), has disclosed a significant investment in Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) despite its CEO <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/01/36658859/jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-says-satashi-may-erase-bitcoin-supply-limit-backs-tokenizing-thin">Jamie Dimon's persistent criticism</a> of cryptocurrencies.
What Happened: JPMorgan has invested approximately $760,000 in spot Bitcoin ETFs on behalf of its clients, according to recent <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19617/000001961724000369/xslForm13F_X02/Information_Table_03.31.2024.xml">filing</a> with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The bank&#8217;s holdings are spread across several ETFs, including BlackRock&#8217;s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO), Fidelity&#8217;s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) and the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF.
In addition to this, JPMorgan purchased 25,021 shares of crypto ATM provider Bitcoin Depot Inc. worth $47,415 and 34,662 shares of Bit Digital Inc. worth $99,480.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38723503/trump-pledges-to-make-sure-you-can-donate-using-crypto-to-his-2024-campaign-unwittingly-se?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Pledges To &#8216;Make Sure You Can&#8217; Donate Using Crypto To His 2024 Campaign</a>
This announcement follows a similar disclosure by rival bank Wells Fargo &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), which revealed its holding of 2,245 GBTC shares worth $121,207.
Dimon previously referred to Bitcoin as a &#8220;pet rock&#8221; used by criminals and speculators.
Why It Matters: This move by JPMorgan, despite Dimon&#8217;s criticism, is indicative of the increasing acceptance of Bitcoin within traditional financial institutions.
In December, Dimon <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/12/36118823/jp-morgan-ceo-calls-for-a-shut-down-of-bitcoin-and-the-crypto-industry-heres-how-social-me">reiterated his long-standing opposition to Bitcoin</a> and other cryptocurrencies, suggesting that the government should shut down the industry.
In January, following the SEC&#8217;s approval of a Bitcoin ETF, Dimon&#8217;s stance appeared to soften. He said, "I defend your right to do Bitcoin," <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/01/36672240/edward-snowden-slams-jamie-dimon-over-bitcoin-remarks-following-secs-etf-approval-stole-hi">eliciting a strong reaction</a> from former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38678022/heres-how-much-1-000-invested-in-dogecoin-would-be-worth-if-you-invested-when-elon-musk-fi?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here&#8217;s How Much $1,000 Invested In Dogecoin Would be Worth If You Invested When Elon Musk First Tweeted About DOGE</a>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with&nbsp;the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was&nbsp;reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Flickr

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

JPMorgan Reports $760K Spot Bitcoin ETF Holdings Even As CEO Jamie Dimon Called For Shutting Down Crypto Industry

In an interview earlier this week, 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>) Sundar Pichai responded to Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) CEO Satya Nadella&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/23/06/32881859/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-wants-real-competition-with-google-as-companys-stock-reaches-all-time-">comments about making</a> Google &#8220;dance&#8221; after the introduction of new Bing.
What Happened: On Wednesday, in an interview <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-08/video-alphabet-ceo-sundar-pichai-lays-out-google-s-ai-roadmap">with</a> Bloomberg, Pichai dismissed Nadella&#8217;s remarks about the &#8220;new Bing&#8221; and the need for Google to &#8220;dance&#8221; to its tune. &#8220;One of the ways you can do the wrong thing is by listening to noise out there and playing to someone else&#8217;s dance music,&#8221; he said. 
Microsoft announced its &#8220;New Bing,&#8221; powered by OpenAI&#8217;s ChatGPT, in February 2023. That same month, Nadella said, &#8220;I want people to know that we made them dance.&#8221;
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38635874/elon-musk-is-astonished-by-warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-amassing-as-much-cash-as-tesla-ceo?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Is Astonished By Warren Buffett&#8217;s Berkshire Hathaway Amassing As Much Cash As Tesla CEO&#8217;s Wealth: &#8216;Wow&#8217;</a>
Nadella also stated that he had been waiting for&nbsp;20 years to compete with&nbsp;Google and that&nbsp;it &#8220;should have been the&nbsp;default winner&#8221; of the Big&nbsp;Tech AI race.
Despite Google&#8217;s early investment in&nbsp;AI and&nbsp;its resources and talent, Microsoft&nbsp;took the lead in&nbsp;the AI race when it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/01/36561409/microsofts-13b-investment-in-openai-comes-under-scrutiny-of-european-competition-regulator">partnered with OpenAI</a> and launched&nbsp;the new Bing and 365&nbsp;Copilot, an AI-powered productivity tool&nbsp;for Microsoft apps.
Google was reportedly caught off guard. When ChatGPT was launched in 2022, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/12/30170477/chatgpt-popularity-reportedly-leads-to-google-declaring-code-red-as-sundar-pichai-increases-involvem-1">Google allegedly&nbsp;issued a &#8220;code red&#8221;</a> to employees about the potential threat&nbsp;to its search business. The&nbsp;company also refocused its AI&nbsp;strategy following the new competition.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
However, Google is now catching up, leveraging&nbsp;its massive user base to&nbsp;promote its AI products. The company recently announced that it is developing its own AI chips and is intensifying&nbsp;its AI efforts with a&nbsp;series of cloud advancements, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38175771/googles-gemini-1-5-pro-ai-could-change-how-you-play-games-and-file-insurance-claims">general availability</a> of TPU v5p,&nbsp;the new release of Gemini&nbsp;1.5, and various AI additions&nbsp;to Google Workspace.
Why It Matters: Pichai&#8217;s response comes in the wake of a challenging period for Google. The company has been facing increased scrutiny over its ability to keep pace with competitors, with some analysts even calling for a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37440362/analysts-are-calling-for-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-to-step-down-despite-companys-massive-growth-under">leadership change at the tech giant</a>.
Earlier this year, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37579583/google-ceos-anxiety-exposed-leaked-email-reveals-how-sundar-pichai-was-spooked-about-losing-talent-e">Pichai&#8217;s anxiety about losing talent</a> to rivals, especially Apple Inc., was exposed in a leaked email. Amid an ongoing antitrust lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, Pichai has reportedly kept a close watch on the loss of key talent to rivals, particularly Apple.
Following this, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38334324/sundar-pichai-announces-restructure-after-google-fires-protesting-employees-too-important-a-moment-a">Google announced a restructuring</a> after firing 28 employees for protesting against the company&#8217;s cloud deal with Israel. Pichai emphasized the need for focus, collaboration and respectful disagreements within the company, while announcing a restructuring of Google&#8217;s devices and mobile software divisions.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38754725/elon-musk-going-for-youtube-billionaire-now-wants-you-to-post-your-movies-tv-shows-and-podcasts-on-x?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Going For YouTube? Billionaire Now Wants You To Post Your Movies, TV Shows And Podcasts On X To Monetize</a>
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.
Photo: Shutterstock

GOOG

GOOGL

MSFT

Sundar Pichai Finally Responds To Microsoft CEO's Comments About Making Google Dance: 'One Of The Ways You Can Do The Wrong Thing Is By ... Playing To Someone Else's Dance Music'

Electric vehicle stocks retreated in the week that ended on May 10 amid profit taking, with<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/05/38653616/lucid-q1-earnings-highlights-revenue-beat-eps-miss-production-update-and-more"> some earnings reports from the space</a> weighing down on several stocks.
Here are the key events that happened in the EV space during the week:
Another Key Tesla Executive Departs, China Sales Woe And More: The week did not bring respite to the ongoing right-sizing efforts at Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>). Rich Otto, who served as head of product at the company, announced this week that he was departing after a seven-year stint at the company. In a LinkedIn post that has since been deleted, Otto reportedly said, &#8220;The recent layoffs that are rocking the company and its morale have thrown this harmony out of balance and it&#8217;s hard to see the long-game.&#8221;
In another development, Tesla removed most job postings on its website, with the North American websites listing just three open manufacturing jobs. Gizmodo <a href="https://gizmodo.com/tesla-hiring-freeze-job-postings-elon-musk-layoffs-1851464758">reported,</a> citing an archived version of Tesla&#8217;s career page, that as of May 1, had listed 3,400 jobs openings in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Although Tesla nearly disbanded its Supercharger network team, it could expand the network, according to comments from CEO Elon Musk. 
&#8220;Just to reiterate: Tesla will spend well over $500M expanding our Supercharger network to create thousands of NEW chargers this year,&#8221; he said in a post on X.
&#8220;That's just on new sites and expansions, not counting operations costs, which are much higher,&#8221; he added.
Tesla&#8217;s troubles in China appear to continue. Data released by the China Passenger Car Association showed that the company shipped 62,617 made-in-China EVs in April, down 18% year-over-year, with 30,746 units of those meant to be exports, CnEVPost <a href="https://cnevpost.com/2024/05/10/tesla-apr-2024-sales-in-china/">reported.</a> Domestic sales totaled 31,421 units, marking a decrease of approximately 50% from the previous month and a decline of over 21% compared to the same period last year.
Reports suggested that Tesla sent former China head Tom Zhu back to the country as the company struggles with sagging sales amid competitive pressure. Zhu was promoted to Tesla&#8217;s top leadership team last year and was stationed in Austin.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-electric-vehicle-stocks">Best Electric Vehicle Stocks</a>
Rivian Earnings, Apple Rumor: Startup Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) reported first-quarter revenue that exceeded estimates; however, loss per share widened compared to a year ago. On a positive note, the company maintained its 2024 production forecasts of 57,000 units. CFO Claire McDonough said on the earnings call that the 2024 capital expenditure guidance stands reduced by $550 million to $1.2 billion, attributing the cut to the savings stemming from a decision to move the first line of R2 production to the company&#8217;s Normal, Illinois plant.
The stock received a shot in the arm early this week after DigiTimes reported that Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is &#8220;assessing the possibility of teaming up with a certain U.S. EV startup, and Rivian is a very likely candidate.&#8221; Both companies, however, did not clarify on the rumor.
Fisker Files For Insolvency In Austria: Beleaguered EV maker Fisker, Inc.&#8217;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSRN#OTC">FSRN</a>) Austrian unit Fisker GmbH voluntarily filed for bankruptcy protection on Tuesday. The subsidiary clarified that no other Fisker entities are included in the restructuring. The company faced more negative headlines this week, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opening another investigation into potential issues with the Ocean electric SUV's automatic emergency braking.
Pushback For China EV Makers? The Biden administration is set to act to protect the domestic EV industry from Chinese competition. Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/biden-to-quadruple-tariffs-on-chinese-evs-203127bf">reported</a> that the White House will announce on Tuesday tariffs on Chinese imports in strategic sectors such as EVs.
The report said the U.S. would maintain existing tariffs on many Chinese goods set by former President Donald Trump, while adding new tariffs to semiconductors and solar equipment. The government is also reportedly planning to hike EV tariffs, which are likely to quadruple.
Ford Slows European EV Plans: Legacy automaker Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) has gone back on its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/02/19702111/ford-to-go-all-electric-in-europe-by-2030-cnbc">plan to fully transition to battery EVs in Europe by 2030.</a> Martin Sander, head of Ford&#8217;s passenger cars business in Europe, <a href="https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/ford-revises-plan-be-all-electric-europe">said</a> at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit on Tuesday that demand for pureplay EVs has been softer than the company expected.
The company will continue to sell internal combustion engine cars beyond 2030 if customers demand them and will focus on selling plug-in hybrids, he said.
The KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility&nbsp;Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KARS#NYSE">KARS</a>) ended Friday&#8217;s session down 1.87% at $22.14, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag">Benzinga Pro data.</a> For the week, the ETF fell 2.55%.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38759751/tesla-vs-uber-if-you-invested-1-000-each-in-these-companies-in-2022-heres-how-much-you-would-hav"> Tesla Vs. Uber: If You Invested $1,000 Each In These Companies In 2022, Here&#8217;s How Much You Would Have Now</a>
EV Stock Performances For Week:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Performances (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tesla</td>
<td>-7.02%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nio, Inc.(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>)</td>
<td>-8.98%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XPeng, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>)</td>
<td>-14.68%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Li Auto, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>)</td>
<td>-4.68%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fisker</td>
<td>-32.69%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Workhorse Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WKHS#NASDAQ">WKHS</a>)</td>
<td>+12.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hyzon Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HYZN#NASDAQ">HYZN</a>)</td>
<td>-12.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canoo, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOEV#NASDAQ">GOEV</a>)</td>
<td>-7.58%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rivian </td>
<td>-0.79%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>)</td>
<td>-4.49%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faraday Future Intelligent Electric, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIE#NASDAQ">FFIE</a>)</td>
<td>+12.71%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKLA#NASDAQ">NKLA</a>)</td>
<td>-18.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VinFast Auto Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VFS#NASDAQ">VFS</a>)</td>
<td>+4.15%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Photo: Shutterstock

AAPL

FFIE

FSRN

GOEV

HYZN

KARS

LCID

NKLA

RIVN

WKHS

XPEV

Tesla's Ongoing Austerity Measures, Rivian-Apple Partnership Buzz, Biden Administration's Clampdown: Biggest EV Stories Of The Week

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas"> many investors&#8217; favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here&#8217;s a look at some of our top stories.
The major stock indexes finished <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/earnings-beats/24/05/38770095/stocks-surge-on-healthy-earnings-season-rising-jobless-claims-this-week-in-the-marke">the week in the green</a>. The Dow climbed 2.16%, its best showing since December and its fourth consecutive week of gains. The S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite also continued their positive runs, increasing by 1.85% and 1.14%, respectively, marking three weeks of successive gains.
In other news, the preliminary May consumer sentiment index from the University of Michigan scored 67.4, significantly under the expected 76 and the lowest it has been in roughly six months.
Looking ahead, attention is shifting to the April Consumer Price Index inflation report due on Wednesday and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's upcoming speech in Amsterdam on Tuesday.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#8217;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bulls</h3>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38668003/wedbushs-dan-ives-smells-golden-buying-opportunity-in-palantirs-pullback-after-q1-e">&#8220;Wedbush&#8217;s Dan Ives Smells &#8216;Golden Buying Opportunity&#8217; In Palantir&#8217;s Pullback After Q1 Earnings As He Lauds &#8216;Jalen-Brunson-Like&#8217; Performance &#8211; Palantir Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>)&#8221;</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shanthi-rexaline">Shanthi Rexaline</a>, discusses how Daniel Ives of Wedbush sees a significant buying opportunity in Palantir Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) after a stock dip, despite strong Q1 revenue performance and promising growth in its AI platform.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38671699/trader-who-made-giga-wealth-on-memes-reveals-mememillions-playbook-still-holds-most-of-his">&#8220;Trader Who Made &#8216;Giga Wealth&#8217; On Memes Reveals &#8216;Mememillions Playbook,&#8217; Still Holds Most Of His DOGE&#8221;</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/khyathi-dalal">Khyathi Dalal</a>, details how pseudonymous investor Apatheticwhale earned millions from meme coins like Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), stressing a strategy of patience and diversified holdings.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38675021/disney-direct-to-consumer-segment-profits-in-q2-operating-income-modestly-ahead-of-">&#8220;Disney DTC Unit Profits, Operating Income Exceeds Expectations &#8211; Walt Disney (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>)&#8221;</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>, details how The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) reported a profitable direct-to-consumer segment in Q2, surpassing expectations though facing mixed guidance for upcoming quarters.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38663810/lucid-ceo-throws-down-the-gauntlet-with-48k-ev-plan-to-take-on-teslas-dominance-wait-until-our-midsi">Lucid CEO Throws Down The Gauntlet With $48K EV Plan To Take On Tesla&#8217;s Dominance: &#8216;Wait Until Our Midsize Comes Out In Late 2026&#8217;</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/05/38706682/chinese-stocks-surge-as-investors-bet-on-economic-turnaround-7-etfs-to-watch">Chinese Stocks Surge As Investors Bet On Economic Turnaround: 7 ETFs To Watch</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38673436/apple-launches-ipad-pro-with-m4-chip-oled-display-at-999-ipad-air-6-now-comes-in-two-sizes-for-the-f">Apple Launches iPad Pro With M4 Chip, OLED Display At $999: iPad Air Now Comes In Two Sizes For The First Time</a>
The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38729359/hertz-customer-fumes-after-car-rental-company-charges-him-277-for-refueling-tesla-and-refuses-to-rei">&#8220;Hertz Customer Fumes After Being Billed $277 For &#8216;Refueling&#8217; Tesla, Car-Rental Company Says It Will Refund &#8216;Erroneous&#8217; Charge&#8221;</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/anan-ashraf">Anan Ashraf</a>, highlights how Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HTZ#NYSE">HTZ</a>) wrongfully charged a customer $277.39 for &#8220;refueling&#8221; an electric Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) Model 3, which was returned with the same battery level.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38647910/starbucks-analyst-gives-likeliest-reason-for-steep-sales-collapse-rarely-seen-outsi">&#8220;Starbucks Analyst Gives ‘Likeliest' Reason For Sales Collapse&#8221;</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/priya-nigam">Priya Nigam</a>, explains why Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>) faces a rare sales slump, speculated by a BofA analyst to be influenced more by a backlash over Starbucks' Middle Eastern policies rather than typical consumer fatigue.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/05/38679782/george-soros-ex-employee-just-sold-a-large-nvidia-stake-druckenmiller-says-it-was-a-hell-of-a-run">&#8220;George Soros&#8217; Ex-Employee Just Sold A Large Nvidia Stake: DruckenMiller Says It Was A &#8216;Hell Of A Run&#8217; &#8211; NVIDIA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)&#8221;</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/adam-eckert">Adam Eckert</a>, reports that Stanley Druckenmiller, a former Soros fund manager, decided to sell a large part of his Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) stake after a rapid price surge, influenced by AI advancements, despite remaining optimistic about AI&#8217;s future impact.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38650333/bitcoin-could-still-have-a-correction-down-cautions-lark-davis-lets-not-get-ahead-of-ourse">Bitcoin &#8216;Could Still Have A Correction Down,&#8217; Cautions Lark Davis: &#8216;Let&#8217;s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves&#8217;</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38743773/trumps-china-tariff-hikes-could-smother-us-economic-growth-fitch-ratings-sounds-ala">Trump&#8217;s China Tariff Hikes Could Smother US Economic Growth: Fitch Ratings Sounds Alarm</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38672190/crypto-an-outsized-piece-of-the-scams-and-problems-in-markets-gary-gensler">Crypto &#8216;An Outsized Piece Of The Scams And Problems&#8217; In Markets: Gary Gensler</a>
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following<a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga"> Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga"> on Twitter</a>.
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image generated using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Large Cap

Short Ideas

$DOGE

$SHIB

NVDA

PLTR

SBUX

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Nvidia, Starbucks, Palantir And Crypto Investor's Playbook For Making 'MemeMillions' From Shiba Inu, Dogecoin

In 2018, TikTok user&nbsp;Kayleigh Donahue packed her bags in Rhode Island and jetted off to Dublin, Ireland, for what she thought would be a year-long adventure. Fast forward, and that year stretched into four rich, eye-opening years. Though she&#8217;s now moved back to the US, she still misses many things about European life. 
Let&#8217;s dive into five areas where Donahue believes Europe outshines the U.S.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Traveling Is Easier and Cheaper</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102458/europe-better-than-america-1-1024x576.jpeg" alt="Europeans' frequent country-hopping is enviable and, as discovered, highly affordable due to budget airlines. Image: Dall-E 3" class="wp-image-332698" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102458/europe-better-than-america-1-1024x576.jpeg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102458/europe-better-than-america-1-300x169.jpeg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102458/europe-better-than-america-1-768x432.jpeg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102458/europe-better-than-america-1.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Europeans&#8217; frequent country-hopping is enviable and, as discovered, highly affordable due to budget airlines. Image: Dall-E 3</figcaption></figure>
In Europe, zipping across to multiple countries without emptying your wallet is the norm, thanks to an array of budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. Living in Ireland, Donahue managed to explore over 10 countries, from Italy to Greece, often snagging flight deals for as little as 20 euros. The convenience and affordability of travel in Europe allowed her to immerse herself in diverse cultures and landscapes, something that would have been much pricier back home.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Generous Paid Time Off</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102726/europe-better-than-america-2-1024x576.jpeg" alt="European labor laws ensure substantial paid vacation, a stark contrast to the US. Image: Dall-E 3" class="wp-image-332712" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102726/europe-better-than-america-2-1024x576.jpeg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102726/europe-better-than-america-2-300x169.jpeg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102726/europe-better-than-america-2-768x432.jpeg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102726/europe-better-than-america-2.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">European labor laws ensure substantial paid vacation, a stark contrast to the US. Image: Dall-E 3</figcaption></figure>
Europe takes work-life balance seriously. In her stint there, she enjoyed 29 paid vacation days, plus public holidays, adding up to roughly 40 days off per year. That&#8217;s a stark contrast to the US, where many don&#8217;t even get paid time off. European companies don&#8217;t just offer vacation; they encourage you to take it to recharge fully.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Multilingual Culture</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102817/europe-better-than-america-3-1024x576.jpeg" alt="Unlike the US, where bilingualism isn't emphasized, Europe fosters multilingual education from a young age. Image: Dall-E 3" class="wp-image-332715" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102817/europe-better-than-america-3-1024x576.jpeg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102817/europe-better-than-america-3-300x169.jpeg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102817/europe-better-than-america-3-768x432.jpeg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102817/europe-better-than-america-3.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Unlike the US, where bilingualism isn&#8217;t emphasized, Europe fosters multilingual education from a young age. Image: Dall-E 3</figcaption></figure>
Unlike the US, where bilingualism isn&#8217;t as emphasized, Europe thrives on multilingualism. From Dutch to Portuguese, the people she met in Dublin could easily switch between languages, something that both impressed and inspired Donahue.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Quality And Prices Of Food</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102853/europe-better-than-america-4-1024x576.jpeg" alt="The availability and affordability of fresh, high-quality food were starkly different in Europe. Image: Dall-E 3" class="wp-image-332720" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102853/europe-better-than-america-4-1024x576.jpeg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102853/europe-better-than-america-4-300x169.jpeg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102853/europe-better-than-america-4-768x432.jpeg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10102853/europe-better-than-america-4.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The availability and affordability of fresh, high-quality food were starkly different in Europe. Image: Dall-E 3</figcaption></figure>
The quality and affordability of fresh produce in Europe were a revelation. Markets brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products like bread and cheese were regular sights. In Ireland, Donahue spent about $50 weekly on groceries, a figure that has at least tripled since returning to Boston.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Affordable College Tuition</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103004/europe-better-than-america-5-1024x576.jpeg" alt="Pursuing higher education in Europe also proved more economical. Image: Dall-E 3" class="wp-image-332737" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103004/europe-better-than-america-5-1024x576.jpeg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103004/europe-better-than-america-5-300x169.jpeg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103004/europe-better-than-america-5-768x432.jpeg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103004/europe-better-than-america-5.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pursuing higher education in Europe also proved more economical. Image: Dall-E 3</figcaption></figure>
Tuition fees in Europe can be a fraction of those in the US. Donahue earned her master&#8217;s degree from Trinity College Dublin for about $20,000 per year — half of what she would have paid stateside. This affordability makes higher education more accessible and less financially daunting in Europe.
Image Created Using Dall-E 3

Education

Global

From Affordable Tuition To Paid Time Off: 5 Ways Europe Outshines US, According To American Expat In Ireland

Mother's Day is right around the corner and if you are away from home, a mere phone call may not be enough to express your love and gratitude to your mother. If you are away from your home for work or education or live in a different city or country, you can still use these ideas below to make this day special for your mother.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Create A Video Collage</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="585" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035139/Mothers-Day-1-1024x585.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-333573" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035139/Mothers-Day-1-1024x585.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035139/Mothers-Day-1-300x171.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035139/Mothers-Day-1-768x439.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035139/Mothers-Day-1-1536x878.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035139/Mothers-Day-1.jpg 1792w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Representative image of a collage &#x7C; Image generated using Dall-E</figcaption></figure>
One of the most thoughtful ways to surprise your mother is to create a video collage of some of your best memories with your mother, using old family photos and videos. You can also include the other ladies in her life, such as her mother and sisters to make it more special.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Order Her Favorite Food</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="585" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035210/Mothers-Day-2-1024x585.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-333574" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035210/Mothers-Day-2-1024x585.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035210/Mothers-Day-2-300x171.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035210/Mothers-Day-2-768x439.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035210/Mothers-Day-2-1536x878.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035210/Mothers-Day-2.jpg 1792w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Representative image of food &#x7C; Image generated using Dall-E</figcaption></figure>
One of the simplest and most thoughtful ways of making your mother feel special on the day is by ordering her favorite food and getting it delivered through any food delivery application.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Write Her A Letter</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="585" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035227/Mothers-Day-3-1024x585.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-333575" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035227/Mothers-Day-3-1024x585.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035227/Mothers-Day-3-300x171.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035227/Mothers-Day-3-768x439.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035227/Mothers-Day-3-1536x878.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035227/Mothers-Day-3.jpg 1792w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Handwritten letters add a personal touch &#x7C; Image generated using Dall-E</figcaption></figure>
If you want to do something thoughtful, you can send a handwritten letter to your mother, writing everything you want to say to her. This can include some of the fond memories that you share with your mother and some special moments.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Send Her A Gift</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="585" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035253/Mothers-Day-4-1024x585.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-333576" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035253/Mothers-Day-4-1024x585.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035253/Mothers-Day-4-300x171.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035253/Mothers-Day-4-768x439.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035253/Mothers-Day-4-1536x878.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035253/Mothers-Day-4.jpg 1792w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Everyone loves gifts &#x7C; Image generated using Dall-E</figcaption></figure>
Another way to make your mother feel special is by sending her a gift, be it something that she wants or something simple like flowers and chocolates. You need to pick something that she likes and put some thought into it.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Invite Her For A Vacation</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="585" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035310/Mothers-Day-5-1024x585.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-333577" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035310/Mothers-Day-5-1024x585.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035310/Mothers-Day-5-300x171.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035310/Mothers-Day-5-768x439.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035310/Mothers-Day-5-1536x878.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11035310/Mothers-Day-5.jpg 1792w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vacations are always welcome &#x7C; Image generated using Dall-E</figcaption></figure>
Another thoughtful thing you can do is invite her for a vacation to where you live for a few days. You can surprise her with flight tickets to your city and spend some time with her.
Image Via Pexels

Mother's Day 2024: Heartfelt Ways To Make Mom's Day Special, No Matter The Distance

Former President Donald Trump criticized the gag order imposed on his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen by Judge Juan Merchan in the ongoing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38751527/stormy-daniels-says-nobody-would-ever-want-to-publicly-say-they-had-sex-with-trump-as-ex-presidents">hush money trial</a>, branding it a &#8220;joke&#8221; and a &#8220;disgrace.&#8221;
What Happened: Trump expressed his disapproval of the gag order during his hush money trial on Friday, <a href="https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4656568-trump-disgrace-judge-merchan-michael-cohen">reported</a> The Hill. The order restricts Cohen from discussing the case publicly as his testimony nears.
Trump&#8217;s legal team has repeatedly criticized Cohen&#8217;s public criticisms, arguing that the ex-president&#8217;s ability to respond is limited under the terms of the gag order.
Trump&#8217;s attorney, Todd Blanche, requested that Cohen be prohibited from speaking publicly in the same way that Trump is restricted. Judge Merchan directed prosecutors to inform Cohen to refrain from making any further statements about the case.
Cohen is expected to testify on Monday and has been identified as a key witness for the district attorney&#8217;s office. He made a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who alleged she had an affair with Trump in 2006, a claim he denies.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38719664/trump-disapproves-marjorie-taylor-greenes-bid-to-oust-house-speaker-mike-johnson-shes-got-fight-but?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Disapproves Marjorie Taylor Greene&#8217;s Bid To Oust House Speaker Mike Johnson: &#8216;She&#8217;s Got Fight&#8230;But This Is Not The Time'</a>
Trump&#8217;s gag order prevents him from attacking witnesses, jurors, prosecutors, court staff, and the judge&#8217;s family. However, it does not prevent him from criticizing the judge or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Why It Matters: The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/05/38687167/stormy-daniels-wants-trump-to-be-held-accountable-go-to-jail-former-presidents-lawyers-call-for-">criminal trial</a> against Trump alleges that he falsified business records for a hush money payment made to Daniels. The trial has seen several key witnesses, including Daniels herself, take the stand.
Daniels testified that she never asked for the money, which Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/05/38749159/stormy-daniels-says-she-never-asked-for-money-in-trump-hush-money-case-former-president-declares">allegedly paid</a> to keep their affair a secret. Trump has consistently criticized the trial, calling it &#8220;fake&#8221; and asserting his innocence.
Earlier this week, Judge Merchan found Trump in violation of the gag order for the 10th time and ordered him to pay a $1,000 fine for attacking jurors. Trump stated he would be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/05/38771094/trump-lashes-out-at-fake-hush-money-criminal-trial-ahead-of-michael-cohens-monday-testimony-id-b">&#8220;very proud&#8221; to go to jail</a> for violating the gag order.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38753994/cardano-founder-charles-hoskinson-says-voting-for-biden-is-a-vote-against-american-crypto-?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardano Founder Charles Hoskinson Says Voting For Biden Is A &#8216;Vote Against American Crypto Industry&#8217;</a>
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.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Trump Slams Judge's Gag Order On His Former Lawyer As 'A Disgrace:' 'What He Just Did Now Is A Joke'

Wedbush analyst&nbsp;Dan Ives&nbsp;is of the opinion that China would retaliate if the U.S. were to increase tariffs on electric vehicle imports from China. 
What Happened: &#8220;Retaliatory definitely could happen. This Game of Thrones continues to play out,&#8221; Ives said in an<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3F328rYMaM"> interview</a> with Bloomberg. As per an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal, the Biden administration is planning to raise the tariffs on China&#8217;s EVs from 25% to around 100%, with an additional 2.5% duty on all imported cars into the U.S.
Low-cost EVs from China entering the U.S. market would pose a significant challenge to EV giant Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) as well as other traditional U.S. automakers who have made substantial investments in EVs, Ives said. However, retaliatory action is a concern, he added.
Why It Matters: The Biden administration&#8217;s decision to impose new tariffs on China&#8217;s EVs is part of a broader strategy to target strategic sectors. The new tariffs, which are expected to be announced as soon as next week, will<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38758049/biden-plans-new-tariffs-on-china-targets-electric-vehicles-and-other-strategic-sectors-report"> reportedly also cover batteries and solar cells</a>. This move is likely to have significant implications for the global EV market and could potentially escalate trade tensions between the U.S. and China.
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38722034/teslas-head-of-product-launches-departs-after-feeling-ev-giant-took-pound-of-flesh-amid-mass-firings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla's Head Of Product Launches Departs After Feeling EV Giant Took ‘Pound Of Flesh' Amid Mass Firings: ‘It's Hard To See The Long Game'</a>
Disclaimer: 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.
Photo by Khanthachai C on Shutterstock

Analyst Color

China Likely To Retaliate Against US Tariffs On Electric Vehicles, Says Top Analyst Dan Ives: 'Game Of Thrones Continues To Play Out'

The ongoing solar storm hitting Earth and expected to disrupt communication over the weekend have not spared <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38475303/elon-musk-says-spacex-to-solve-in-space-refueling-for-starship-by-next-year-necessary-to-make-life-m">SpaceX satellites</a>.
What Happened: &#8220;SpaceX satellites are feeling this solar storm,&#8221; company CEO Elon Musk wrote on X. &#8220;It&#8217;s big.&#8221;
<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">SpaceX satellites are feeling this solar storm. It's big.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1789119054319657295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
SpaceX has nearly 6000 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38490438/challenge-accepted-spacex-ceo-elon-musk-agrees-to-make-falcon-boosters-support-42-missions-after-ret">Starlink satellites in orbit</a>, according to Astronomer Jonathan McDowell who tracks them. While the satellites are under a lot of pressure, they are holding up so far, Musk said, while adding that the storm is the &#8220;biggest in a long time.&#8221;
<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">Major geomagnetic solar storm happening right now. Biggest in a long time. Starlink satellites are under a lot of pressure, but holding up so far. <a href="https://t.co/TrEv5Acli2">pic.twitter.com/TrEv5Acli2</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1789173902289338518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: The sun has produced moderate to strong solar flares since Wednesday. Solar material eruptions that accompany these flares, called coronal mass ejections (CMEs), cause geomagnetic storms when they reach Earth&#8217;s surface. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a warning of a geomagnetic storm for Friday evening and said that storm conditions may last through the weekend. 
The solar storm hitting Earth could produce displays of aurora in the U.S. as far south as Northern California and also pose the risk of disrupting power and communications due to their impact on infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and Earth&#8217;s surface, the NOAA said, while adding that it has already warned these system operators to take protective actions.
&#8220;This is an unusual and potentially historic event,&#8221; NOAA&#8217;s Space Weather Prediction Center Director Clinton Wallace said about the storm. &nbsp;
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38774504/tesla-analyst-sees-annual-shareholder-meeting-as-key-to-determining-elon-musk-led-c">Tesla Analyst Sees Annual Shareholder Meeting As Key To Determining Elon Musk-Led Company&#8217;s Future Strategy</a>
Photo by Evgeniyqw on Shutterstock<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk"></a>

SPACE

Elon Musk Says SpaceX Satellites Impacted By Ongoing Solar Storm: '…But Holding Up So Far'

OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap on Thursday said that it is still premature to assess the complete economic impact of artificial intelligence.
What Happened: Speaking at Bloomberg&#8217;s Tech <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-05-10/openai-coo-says-it-s-too-soon-to-see-ai-s-full-impact-on-economy?srnd=technology-vp">Summit</a>, Lightcap said that the rise of generative AI has not yet significantly transformed the economy. However, he and other AI leaders anticipate more substantial changes in the future.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding AI&#8217;s potential to revolutionize&nbsp;productivity and create new jobs, the actual impact has been&nbsp;more subtle. While there have&nbsp;been some AI-driven layoffs, entire professions have not been replaced or created. It remains unclear how much additional work AI has facilitated.
Earlier this year, Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, stated that while generative AI can enhance productivity growth, it is unlikely to do so in the immediate future.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38689467/elon-musk-isnt-sure-apples-showed-its-entire-30b-r-d-prowess-with-new-ipads-maybe-they-have-some-sec?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Isn&#8217;t Sure If Apple Showed Its Entire $30B R&amp;D Prowess With New iPads: &#8216;Maybe They Have Some Secret Products…&#8217;</a>
Lightcap suggested that it is still too early to determine whether the potential of AI has been overhyped. He humorously remarked that reshaping the economy within a year would be a tall order. &#8220;We have a year to reshape the economy? That's a tall order!&#8221;
If OpenAI were to cease all future AI development, which is not the case, Nightcap suggested that it would still require considerable time for the complete ramifications of its existing models to materialize. However, he is &#8220;fairly confident at this point that there would be this 10- to 20-year diffusion period through the economy of just GPT-4 level technology.&#8221;
Other AI leaders at the event echoed Lightcap&#8217;s sentiments, emphasizing the technology&#8217;s long-term disruptive potential despite its relatively muted early effects.
&#8220;We are probably going to overestimate this technology in the short-term,&#8221; said Clement Delangue, chief executive officer of Hugging Face. &#8220;Maybe we're going to be disappointed in a year, or two years, but we've also probably underestimated the long-term impact of AI in 10 years. The world is going to be very different.&#8221;
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.&nbsp;
Why It Matters: OpenAI and other AI companies are actively preparing for this future. OpenAI, for instance,&nbsp;has been expanding its enterprise&nbsp;business,&nbsp;selling a customized version of&nbsp;ChatGPT to numerous corporate clients. Moreover, on Friday, it was also reported that&nbsp;Apple Inc. is on the verge of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38774065/apple-chooses-sam-altman-led-openai-to-integrate-chatgpt-into-iphone-deal-almost-done-report">integrating ChatGPT into its iPhones</a>. 
Meanwhile, OpenAI&#8217;s CEO,&nbsp;Sam Altman, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38774244/openais-sam-altman-shoots-down-search-engine-and-gpt-5-rumors-teases-may-13-event-some-new-stuff-peo">denied rumors of developing</a> a search engine or launching GPT-5, instead teasing &#8220;some new stuff&#8221; the company is working on. Previously, it was reported that OpenAI is set to announce its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38751052/googles-new-rival-may-finally-be-here-sam-altmans-openai-could-launch-it-just-ahead-of-search-giants">AI-powered search product</a>, potentially intensifying its rivalry with&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s&nbsp;Google. 
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/05/38698335/joe-biden-set-to-unveil-microsofts-3b-ai-data-center-plan-on-same-wisconsin-land-where-trump-tried-t?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joe Biden Set To Unveil Microsoft&#8217;s $3B AI Data Center Plan On Same Wisconsin Land Where Trump Tried To Execute His Mega Foxconn Fantasy</a>
Disclaimer: 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.
Photo via Shutterstock

OpenAI Top Exec Says It's Too Early To Gauge AI's Full Economic Impact: 'We've A Year To Reshape The Economy? That's A Tall Order'

In a report released today, Daniel Kurnos from Benchmark Co. maintained a Buy rating on Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT – Research Report), with a pr...

Benchmark Co. Keeps Their Buy Rating on Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT)

In a report released today, Michael Kupinski from Noble Financial maintained a Hold rating on Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT – Research Report). The...

Noble Financial Remains a Hold on Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT)

In a report released today, Darren Aftahi from Roth MKM maintained a Buy rating on Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT – Research Report), with a price t...

Direct Digital Holdings: Strong Revenue Collection and Proactive Compliance Measures Affirm Buy Rating

DJT, BILI among major communication services gainers; SPOT, DRCT among losers

GOOG, SNAP among major communication services gainers; ROKU, DRCT among losers

DJT, BIDU among major communication services gainers; AMC, BRAG among losers

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-types/growth-stocks/">Growth stocks</a> can deliver impressive long-term returns for patient investors. This group of assets has the potential to outperform the stock market due to high revenue growth. Some of these corporations also exhibit significant net income growth or make progress with trimming their losses.



However, a disappointing earnings report can change the entire narrative. A sharp deceleration in revenue and other challenges can make growth stocks vulnerable to sharp pullbacks. Some opportunities previously looked good but now present a considerable risk for limited upside. These are some of the growth stocks to avoid.



<h2>Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/digital-marketing-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Writing note showing Content Marketing. Business photo showcasing involves creation and sharing of online material."><div>Source: Artur Szczybylo via Shutterstock</div></div>The small advertising tech company was initially doing everything right.&nbsp;Direct Digital Holdings&rsquo; (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/drct-stock-quote/">DRCT</a>)&nbsp;<a href="https://ir.directdigitalholdings.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/85/direct-digital-holdings-reports-third-quarter-2023-financial-results" target="_blank">third quarter results</a>&nbsp;hinted at high potential. Revenue grew by 129% year-over-year (YOY). Net income grew by 313% YOY, and the company raised its guidance.&nbsp;



The&nbsp;adtech&nbsp;firm reported these results on November 9, 2023. The growth stock went on a tear and surged by more than 1,000% to reach its mid-March peak. Direct Digital Holdings <a href="https://ir.directdigitalholdings.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/93/direct-digital-holdings-reports-q4-full-year-2023-results">crushed the momentum</a> with its&nbsp;Q4 2023 print. Revenue only increased by 33% YOY&nbsp;while&nbsp;the company reported a $1.2 million net loss compared to a net income of $1.4 million in the same period last year.



While 33% YOY revenue growth is still good, the company&rsquo;s guidance was the final straw for many investors. The firm expects revenue to range from $170 million to $190 million in fiscal 2024. That&rsquo;s only a 15% YOY growth rate at the midpoint.&nbsp;



How did this&nbsp;adtech&nbsp;company go from a triple-digit growth rate to only guiding for 15% YOY growth in a single quarter? The baffling outcome has turned many bulls into bears.



<h2>Nikola Motors (NKLA)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/nkla1600-2-300x169.png" alt="Nikola (NKLA) Tre BEV electric truck at the Hannover IAA Transportation Motor Show. Germany"><div>Source: VanderWolf Images / Shutterstock.com</div></div>I initially wondered if it made sense to include&nbsp;Nikola&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/nkla-stock-quote/">NKLA</a>) on this list. The beleaguered EV manufacturer is down by more than 90% over the past five years. It&rsquo;s also down by 22% year-to-date (YTD).&nbsp;<a href="https://nikolamotor.com/nikola-corporation-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2023-results" target="_blank">Full-year revenue</a>&nbsp;dropped by 28% YOY, coming in at $35.8 million. And net losses grew from full-year 2022 to full-year 2023.



However, there are still some speculators who are bidding the stock higher. They may like that revenue more than doubled YOY in Q4 2023,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the company also reduced its losses in the quarter. In addition, the stock enjoyed a stretch in&nbsp;March&nbsp;where it rallied by more than 50% in less than one week before giving back almost all of those gains on April 11.



Even&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/tsla-stock-quote/">TSLA</a>) is having issues with rising competition and reduced profit margins. Nikola isn&rsquo;t on the same level as Tesla and continues to burn through cash. A sketchy history looms large over the company. Nikola is not a stock for long-term savvy investors. It is only for speculators who want to participate in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hartfordfunds.com/insights/investor-insight/investor-behavior/the-greater-fool-theory-what-is-it.html#:~:text=The%20Greater%20Fool%20Theory%20is,to%20pay%20a%20higher%20price." target="_blank">Greater Fool Theory</a>.&nbsp;



<h2>Target (TGT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/tgt_1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Image of the Target (TGT) logo on a storefront."><div>Source: jejim / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Six-feet under is a bit of a stretch for&nbsp;Target&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/tgt-stock-quote/">TGT</a>). The company has&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.target.com/about/locations" target="_blank">almost 2,000 stores</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. and has 59 supply chain facilities in the country.&nbsp;However, there are a few reasons to believe Target doesn&rsquo;t offer the most value for long-term investors.



The stock is up by roughly 50% since its&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.target.com/press/release/2023/11/target-corporation-reports-third-quarter-earnings" target="_blank">Q3 2023 earnings report</a>. The positive reaction didn&rsquo;t make too much sense. Total revenue fell by 4.2% YOY in the quarter.&nbsp;Q4 2023 <a href="https://corporate.target.com/press/release/2024/03/target-corporation-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2023-earnings">revenue&nbsp;was a bit better and grew by 1.7% YOY</a>. Although net income grew by 57.8% YOY, flat revenue growth makes net earnings growth rates unsustainable.&nbsp;



Target offered full-year guidance that suggests revenue will stay flat or inch up by 2% in the best-case scenario. Its guidance hints at this. While full-year 2023 EPS came in at $8.94, the company expects full-year 2024 EPS to range from $8.60 to $9.60 per share. The midpoint only suggests a 1.8% growth rate. Target stock isn&rsquo;t likely to reward investors in 2024.



On the date of publication, Marc Guberti did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the&nbsp;InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines.</a>
<div>Marc Guberti is a finance freelance writer at InvestorPlace.com who hosts the Breakthrough Success Podcast. He has contributed to several publications, including the U.S. News &amp; World Report, Benzinga, and Joy Wallet.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/3-growth-stocks-that-could-be-heading-six-feet-under/">3 Growth Stocks That Could Be Heading Six-Feet Under</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

3 Growth Stocks That Could Be Heading Six-Feet Under

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
While I have written quite a few articles lately on shifting some of your gains into defensive stocks and safe <a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-types/dividend-stocks/">dividend stocks</a>, I still think that it is very important to keep some potential multibagger <a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-types/growth-stocks/">growth stocks</a> in your portfolio. No one truly knows where the market is headed. 



We may even see the rally continue. Even if it doesn&rsquo;t, some of these growth stocks are trading near bargain-basement levels and are unlikely to go down further.



They could end up defying the downtrend altogether and bounce back up significantly. Also, these businesses are at or near profitability and expected to expand their profits significantly going forward. Their earnings growth could organically drive up shares as well.



With that outlook in mind, let&rsquo;s examine the seven growth stocks that could defy the downtrend.



<h2>Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/digital-advertising-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Close up hand holding mobile with Digital Advertising and icons, Digital Marketing concept. digital ad stocks"><div>Source: weedezign via Shutterstock</div></div>Direct Digital Holdings (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/drct-stock-quote/">DRCT</a>) provides advertising technology, data-driven campaign optimization and other solutions. DRCT stock delivered parabolic gains from late October to mid-March as many companies expanded their marketing campaigns and investors became more optimistic about the company&rsquo;s future. 



However, it has come crashing down by 83% since. This is because Direct Digital Holdings <a href="https://investorplace.com/earning-results/2024/03/drct-stock-earnings-direct-digital-holdings-for-q4-of-2023/#:~:text=Direct%20Digital%20Holdings%20(NASDAQ%3ADRCT,reported%20revenue%20of%20%2441.01%20million.">missed EPS and revenue estimates for Q4</a>. Also, it posted a weak revenue guidance for 2024. Revenue came in at just $41 million against $66 million expected. And it expects $180 million in revenue for all of 2024 against $242.6 million previously expected by Wall Street.



This seems to be priced&nbsp;in&nbsp;right now. The plunge appears to be moderating, and we could see a recovery soon. Even if the near-term swing doesn&rsquo;t play out, the long-term prospects seem rosy. And at the $180 million midpoint, we are still looking at 15% year-over-year (YOY) sales growth. EPS at 26 cents this year also means 94% YOY growth, with another 59% growth expected next year to 41 cents. This means you&rsquo;re just paying 13.5 times forward earnings for the stock. Thus, the decline is overdone from what I can see.



<h2>Cheetah Net Supply Chain Service (CTNT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/supply-chain-shipping-logistics-1600-300x169.png" alt="logistics stocks. supply chain stocks"><div>Source: Travel mania / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Cheetah Net Supply Chain Service (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ctnt-stock-quote/">CTNT</a>) offers international trading services to small and medium-sized importers and exporters. The company provides parallel importing, inventory financing and warehousing services. Even with onshoring trends, trade is only going to keep rising. <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/exports">U.S. exports hit a record $263 billion in February</a>. Imports are also rising sharply.



The stock has been rangebound around $1-$2 for quite a while and currently trades just $1.43 as of writing. Analysts expect <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/CTNT/earnings/estimates">rapid EPS expansion</a> from 5 cents this year to 16 cents next year. This means you&rsquo;re paying just 8 times the estimated 2025 earnings. Also, revenue is estimated to bounce back to a record $44.8 million next year.



Moreover, Cheetah Net Supply Chain Service completed the acquisition of Edward Transit Express Group Inc. in February 2024. This California-based carrier specializes in ocean and air transportation services. CTNT is expanding beyond the parallel-import vehicle business. It aims to become an integrated provider of international trade services for small and medium-sized traders. If successful, that transition could lead to huge returns from here.



<h2>Integral Ad Science Holding (IAS)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/advertising-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="graphic of man using megaphone to talk into giant megaphone towards group of people, conveying idea of advertising"><div>Source: VectorKnight/shutterstock.com</div></div>Integral Ad Science Holding (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ias-stock-quote/">IAS</a>) provides global media measurement and optimization to advertisers. In simple terms, it helps advertisers with data. 



Currently, IAS trades at discounted levels below $10 after plunging 34% year-to-date (YTD). The decline in IAS stock is due to weak revenue guidance for Q1 and the full year 2024, which did not meet analysts&rsquo; estimates.



This occurred despite the company beating earnings per share and revenue estimates for Q4 2023. The stock fell 29% on February 28, 2024, following the release of its earnings report for Q4 2023. Plus, there has been significant insider selling in the past three months, and profit margins have decreased compared to the previous year. The company&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.google.com/finance/quote/IAS:NASDAQ">profits for 2023 also dipped by 52.9%</a> compared to the previous year.



Regardless, the long-term remains promising here. Most of the bad news is priced&nbsp;in&nbsp;right now. So grabbing it below $10 looks like a good deal since you&rsquo;re paying just <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/IAS/earnings/estimates">30 times 2025 estimated EPS</a> and just 9 times estimated 2029 EPS.



<h2>Atour Lifestyle Holdings (ATAT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/hotels-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Woman standing in hotel room with luggage looking at the view. Hotel stocks."><div>Source: Boyloso / Shutterstock</div></div>China&rsquo;s leading hospitality and lifestyle company Atour Lifestyle Holdings (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/atat-stock-quote/">ATAT</a>) owns a distinct portfolio of hotel brands. The stock has been more or less flat YTD despite positive growth. It <a href="https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/ATAT/atour-lifestyle-holdings/revenue">grew its Q4 revenue to $216 million</a> by 137.4% YOY. This beat analysts&rsquo; estimates on the top line by 23.7% on the top line, while EPS beat estimates by 10.7%.



Despite this outperformance, Bank of America (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/bac-stock-quote/">BAC</a>) <a href="https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/bofa-cuts-atour-lifestyle-target-maintains-buy-rating-on-q4-result-93CH-3360191">cut its price target to $23.7 from $25</a>. This adjustment was due to the company&rsquo;s guidance for flat YOY revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth for 2024, which failed market expectations of a low single-digit (LSD) increase. However, if the company keeps beating estimates like this, I believe there is room for multibagger gains from here.



Atour Lifestyle Holdings remains committed to its &ldquo;Chinese Experience, 2,000 Premier Hotels&rdquo; strategy and aims to operate 2,000 hotels by 2025. Also, ATAT is the first Chinese hotel chain to develop a scenario-based retail business. It designs guest room amenities and works with manufacturers to deliver top-quality products, making it one of the flashiest growth stocks on this list.



<h2>Forian (FORA)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/healthcare-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Nurse holding a tablet with icons representing different aspects of healthcare and healthcare data representing CANO stock. Healthcare Tech Stocks"><div>Source: metamorworks / Shutterstock</div></div>Forian (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/fora-stock-quote/">FORA</a>) provides software and data solutions to the healthcare industry. This stock has been flat for nearly two years, and I believe there is a good chance it could stage an explosive breakout in the coming months if it meets expectations. 



Sadly, that has not been happening. <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/article/4681157-forian-inc-fora-q4-2023-earnings-call-transcript">Revenue missed slightly</a>, but EPS surpassed projections by 7 cents and surprisingly came in positive in its Q4 report. However, the stock did not take a big hit as it has already been trading at an established floor and is already quite cheap.



Thus, I believe even with the misses, it is not a bad idea to buy Forian stock in the long run. Analysts expect near breakeven profitability this year and next. Recently, FORA sold its cannabis software unit BioTrack for $30 million in cash. That should improve efficiency going forward and add a big buffer for any unexpected losses. Forian insiders have a vested interest in the company&rsquo;s growth, as seen by their sizable ownership. This is a more long-term play, but any big contract could send it significantly higher.



<h2>Life Time Group (LTH)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/lth1600-3-300x169.jpg" alt="The outside of a Life Time Athletic gym in Ontario."><div>Source: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Owning and managing fitness and recreational sports centers, Life Time Group (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/lth-stock-quote/">LTH</a>) hasn&rsquo;t seen any particularly strong price action recently. Yet, the broader trend has been bearish for the past few years. However, I do see light at the end of the tunnel as the business has been doing significantly well and is expected to grow notably in the years ahead.



Analysts expect <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/LTH/earnings/estimates">EPS to grow from 69 cents to $1.11 from 2024 to 2026</a> along with low double-digit sales growth. The biggest problem is the company&rsquo;s debt load at $4.3 billion. However, as I have noted in many of my earlier articles, this could&nbsp;actually&nbsp;turn out to be a tailwind for shareholders in the long run once interest rates are cut. The company will have to pay much less in interest expenses once rates come down. So that could boost earnings and thereby lift the stock substantially as well.



<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/nyse-lth-initiated-coverage-2024-04-23/">Northland started coverage</a> on Life Time Group with an outperform rating on April 23, 2024, citing the company&rsquo;s &ldquo;ultimate leisure-focused&rdquo; offering with a price target of $23. Plus, its <a href="https://www.gurufocus.com/term/rvn-growth-3y/LTH">3-year sales growth at 18.5%</a> remains better than 65.6% of its peers. It&rsquo;s not among the flashiest growth stocks here, but it can still deliver.



<h2>Opera (OPRA)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/opra-stock-1-300x169.jpg" alt="A phone displaying the Opera (OPRA) app"><div>Source: bangoland / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Opera (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/opra-stock-quote/">OPRA</a>) is one of the growth stocks I have written about many times before. I was initially bearish when Opera peaked out around $27.8 per share. But I switched to being bullish as prices more than halved after a plunge last year. Opera has started to slowly recover since. And I believe that OPRA could challenge its former highs in the months ahead as fundamentals seem to have more than caught up.



I&rsquo;m bullish on Opera mostly because of its Opera GX browser. This browser is tailored specifically towards gaming and has lots of features like Discord, Twitch and AI integration into the side panel. Additionally, it lets gamers cap internet speeds and RAM usage. YouTube and other tabs often hog RAM and take up speed which can cause lag in-game, and Opera&rsquo;s GX browser easily fixes this problem. It is not a surprise that many Gen Z users have switched from Chrome to Opera GX now. It focuses heavily on the digital market and even cryptocurrencies.



Analysts see solid <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/OPRA/earnings/estimates">EPS expansion at around 20% YOY</a> on average in the years ahead, along with revenue growth of around 15% annually&nbsp;on average. So investors pay just 14 times forward earnings. And the best part? The dividend yields 6.1%.



On the date of publication, Omor Ibne Ehsan did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines.</a>
<div>Omor Ibne Ehsan is a writer at InvestorPlace. He is a self-taught investor with a focus on growth and cyclical stocks that have strong fundamentals, value, and long-term potential. He also has an interest in high-risk, high-reward investments such as cryptocurrencies and penny stocks. You can follow him on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/omor-ibne-ehsan-56068022b/">LinkedIn</a>.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/7-multibagger-growth-stocks-to-buy-to-defy-the-downtrend/">7 Multibagger Growth Stocks to Buy to Defy the Downtrend</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

7 Multibagger Growth Stocks to Buy to Defy the Downtrend

DGLY, KUKE among major communication services gainers; DRCT, FNGR among losers

MSGM, TC among major communication services gainer; DIS, FUBO among losers

AENT

ATAT

BIDU

BILI

BODI

BRAG

CMCM

CMLS

CSSE

CTNT

DGLY

DLPN

EVER

FENG

FLNT

FNGR

FORA

FUBO

GAIA

GMGI

ICLK

IZEA

KUKE

MDIA

MSGM

OPRA

RBBN

ROKU

SNAP

SPOT

TRUG

TZOO

ZDGE

Press Releases

Direct Digital Holdings Reports Q4 & Full-Year 2023 Results

Legal

Direct Digital Holdings Alert – Johnson Fistel, LLP Encourages Shareholders to Contact the Firm Following the DRCT Earnings Report

81% of Gen Zers Say Multicultural/Diverse Communities Greatly Shape Brand Preferences, According to Direct Digital Holdings' Research

The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Announces Investigation of Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. (DRCT) on Behalf of Investors

INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation of Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. (DRCT) on Behalf of Investors

Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, a Leading Securities Fraud Law Firm, Announces Investigation of Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. (DRCT) on Behalf of Investors

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Direct Digital Holdings Investigated by Block & Leviton For Potential Securities Law Violations; Investors Who Have Lost Money Are Encouraged to Contact the Firm

DIRECT DIGITAL ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is Investigating Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. on Behalf of Direct Digital Stockholders and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm

Direct Digital Holdings Announces Receipt of Nasdaq Notification of Non-Compliance with Listing Rule 5250(c)(1)

Able View Global Inc. - Class B Ordinary Shares

Able View Global

AdTheorent Holding Company, Inc. - Common Stock

AdTheorent Holding

AirNet Technology Inc. - American Depositary Shares, each representing one ordinary shares