Helios Towers (OTC:HTWSF) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

Helios Towers PLC is a United Kingdom-based company engaged in providing telecommunications towers and infrastructure. The company offers tower-related operational services, including site selection, site preparation, maintenance, security, and power management. The company's geographical operating segment includes Ghana, Tanzania, DRC, Congo Brazzaville, South Africa, Senegal, Madagascar, Malawi and Oman. It generates maximum revenue from the DRC segment. The solutions offered by the company include Colocation, Build-to-suit, In-building solutions, and Managed Services.

Helios Towers PLC

The burn rate of the meme cryptocurrency, Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>), has surged by a whopping 515.33%. This data comes from the widely used <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42254813/shiba-inu-burn-skyrockets-7400-nearly-2b-tokens-destroyed">transaction tracker Shibburn</a>.
What Happened: The Shibburn data shows there has been a significant rise in SHIB transfers to dead-end wallets. The SHIB community has been actively participating in this activity, resulting in a substantial daily burn rate increase. Despite these efforts, the SHIB price has been unable to surpass the resistance at $0.00002888.
The data also shows that the SHIB burn rate experienced a dramatic increase of 572.29% overnight, with 72,847,617 SHIB being&nbsp;locked in unspendable wallets. The&nbsp;largest single transfer involved 70,605,175 SHIB coins, which occurred approximately an hour ago.
However, the burn rate over the past week has not been as encouraging. A recent post on X from Shibburn reveals that in the last&nbsp;seven days, the community has&nbsp;sent 94,189,104 SHIB to zero&nbsp;wallets.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f525; 70,605,175 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SHIB&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SHIB</a> -&gt; transferred to dead wallet. <a href="https://t.co/NgPnv6ab5U">https://t.co/NgPnv6ab5U</a>
&mdash; Shibburn (@shibburn) <a href="https://twitter.com/shibburn/status/1867898279154843881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Despite the SHIB developer team&#8217;s claims of transferring around&nbsp;400,000,000 Shiba Inu to unspendable&nbsp;blockchain addresses every month, the price of the meme cryptocurrency has not shown any significant increase in response to these efforts.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42378684/shiba-inus-208-surge-this-year-sparks-predictions-of-top-10-crypto-ranking-in-2025">Shiba Inu&#8217;s 208% Surge This Year Sparks Predictions Of Top 10 Crypto Ranking In 2025</a>
<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">HOURLY SHIB UPDATE<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SHIB&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SHIB</a> Price: $0.00002865 (1hr 0.00% ▲ &#x7C; 24hr 3.65% ▲ ) Market Cap: $16,894,735,192 (3.63% ▲) Total Supply: 589,257,293,677,689 TOKENS BURNT Past 24Hrs: 2,242,442 (-81.06% ▼) Past 7 Days: 87,892,567 (-96.91% ▼)
&mdash; Shibburn (@shibburn) <a href="https://twitter.com/shibburn/status/1867842010180202980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: The burn rate of a cryptocurrency is a crucial factor that can influence its price. By sending coins to unspendable wallets, the circulating supply of the cryptocurrency is reduced, which can potentially drive up the price due to increased scarcity. 
However, in the case of Shiba Inu, despite a significant increase in the burn rate, the price has not shown a corresponding rise. This could be attributed to a variety of factors, including market dynamics and investor sentiment, which are not always directly linked to the burn rate. 
This situation underscores the complexity of the cryptocurrency market and the multitude of factors that can influence price movements.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42256519/shiba-inu-soars-to-eight-month-high-up-13-as-meme-coins-rally" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shiba Inu Soars To Eight-Month High, Up 13% as Meme Coins Rally</a>

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

Cryptocurrency

News

Markets

$SHIB

Shiba Inu Burn Rate Skyrockets 515.33% - Will The Price Increase?

An Etsy seller is capitalizing on the dissatisfaction of Tesla owners with Elon Musk&#8216;s public endorsement of President-elect Donald Trump.
What Happened: Matthew Hiller, an aquarium worker who runs a side business on Etsy, has experienced a significant increase in sales for his anti-Musk stickers and magnets. Hiller&#8217;s shop, Mad Puffer Stickers, is self-described as&nbsp;&#8220;Etsy&#8217;s #1 Shop For Tesla&nbsp;Drivers!&#8221;
According to the report <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/11/style/tesla-bumper-stickers.html">by</a> The New York Times, Hiller&#8217;s products include stickers with slogans such as &#8220;I Bought This Before We Knew Elon Was Crazy&#8221; and &#8220;Anti Elon Tesla Club.&#8221; The latter, which costs $339.80, was bought by 13 individuals in a single day last week.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42496864/exclusive-eric-trump-calls-elon-musk-albert-einstein-of-our-time-says-tesla-ceo-will-help-build-a-stronger-america">EXCLUSIVE: Eric Trump Calls Elon Musk &#8216;Albert Einstein Of Our Time,&#8217; Says Tesla CEO Will Help Build &#8216;A Stronger America&#8217;</a>
Following Musk&#8217;s contentious acquisition of Twitter, now known as X, Hiller opted not to purchase a Tesla, stating, &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to give&nbsp;this guy a penny.&#8221; This sentiment led him to design the&nbsp;&#8220;I Bought This Before We&nbsp;Knew Elon Was Crazy&#8221; sticker.
According to Hiller, his sales saw a significant boost after Musk&#8217;s increased support for Trump. He has reportedly sold around 18,000 stickers to customers across 30 countries.
Why It Matters: This development comes in the wake of reports that several current and potential Tesla owners are&nbsp;considering selling their vehicles or&nbsp;shares, or withdrawing their support for the brand due to their disappointment with Musk. 
This sentiment is reflected in Hiller&#8217;s booming sales, indicating a growing discontent among Tesla owners with Musk&#8217;s political leanings.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/10/41563972/worlds-richest-man-elon-musk-gets-even-richer-as-tesla-stocks-soar">World&#8217;s Richest Man Elon Musk Gets Even Richer As Tesla Stocks Soar</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Entertainment

Etsy Seller Rides 'Anti-Elon' Merch Boom Among Tesla Owners

President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s proposal to terminate birthright citizenship has been openly criticized by his niece, Mary Trump. She emphasized the importance of this policy in the context of their<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41703542/mary-trump-on-trumps-lack-of-empathy-why-is-it-that-the-more-awful-things-donald-does-the-less-it-se"> family&#8217;s history in America.</a>
What Happened: Trump reaffirmed his plan to end automatic citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants during a recent interview <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b607aDHUu2I">with</a> NBC News. However, his proposal is likely to face significant legal hurdles, including a Supreme Court precedent established in 1898.
Experts in constitutional law point out that while executive orders can be overturned by succeeding presidents, changing the Constitution necessitates a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and approval by 38 state legislatures.
During an appearance on MSNBC last week, Mary Trump <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnBvLEqZY-w">spoke</a> about the contradiction in her uncle&#8217;s viewpoint, reminding the audience that their grandfather was a first-generation American. 
&#8220;He&#8217;s a deeply ignorant, cruel man who seems to forget that his father was a first-generation American. So, if it hadn&#8217;t been for birthright citizenship, my grandfather probably wouldn&#8217;t have been allowed to stay here.&#8221; she said during the interview.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42254896/mary-trump-slams-uncle-over-alleged-incident-involving-black-girls-hair-he-is-a-racist-after-all">Mary Trump Slams Uncle Over Alleged Incident Involving Black Girl&#8217;s Hair: &#8216;He Is A Racist After All&#8217;</a>
She also underscored the historical importance of the 14th Amendment, contrasting her uncle&#8217;s stance with&nbsp;their family&#8217;s immigrant success story.&nbsp;
&#8220;What he also doesn&#8217;t understand&nbsp;is the reason why we&nbsp;have the 14th Amendment was&nbsp;because we enslaved an entire&nbsp;race of people,&#8221; she further added.
The Trump family&#8217;s journey in America started in 1885 when Friedrich Trump, a German barber, migrated to the U.S. For many years, the family concealed their German ancestry, with Donald Trump claiming Swedish lineage&nbsp;in his book &#8220;The Art&nbsp;of the Deal.&#8221;
&#8220;I don&#8217;t think there is any mechanism by which he can make it happen, but this is another instance in which we are in the unfortunate position of having to rely on Republicans to do the right thing and protect American citizens,&#8221; Mary Trump said. 
Despite his hardline approach on immigration, Trump showed a willingness to safeguard &#8220;Dreamers&#8221; &#8211; undocumented immigrants who were&nbsp;brought to the U.S. as&nbsp;children. &#8220;I will work with&nbsp;the Democrats on a plan,&#8221;&nbsp;he declared.
Why It Matters: The proposed abolition of birthright citizenship by Trump has sparked a nationwide debate. While some argue that it could help control illegal immigration, others fear it could lead to a significant increase in the number of stateless persons. 
The criticism from Mary Trump, a member of his own family, adds a personal dimension to this issue and underscores the potential implications of such a policy change on immigrant families.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41869240/mary-trump-warns-of-tyranny-and-fascism-following-uncles-victory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mary Trump Warns of ‘Tyranny' and ‘Fascism' Following Uncle's Victory</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Politics

Mary Trump Slams Uncle Over Anti-Birthright Citizenship Stance: 'A Deeply Ignorant, Cruel Man'

Highly esteemed investor Peter Lynch, known for his extraordinary track record as a fund manager at Fidelity Investments, once revealed his &#8220;10 Commandments&#8221; for prosperous investing.
What Happened: Lynch, who drove Fidelity&#8217;s Magellan Fund to an average annual yield of 29.2% from 1977 to 1990, imparted his investment insights in a 1997 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myu4Nv0pt0U">speech</a>. 
First and foremost, Lynch stressed the significance of comprehending&nbsp;the business behind the stock. He counseled, &#8220;If you can&#8217;t&nbsp;explain to an 11-year-old in&nbsp;2 minutes or less, why&nbsp;you own the stock, you&nbsp;shouldn&#8217;t own it.&#8221; 
This principle resonates with the investment approach of&nbsp;Warren Buffett, who only invests in what he understands and falls within his area of expertise.
&nbsp;"If you can't explain to an 11-year-old in 2 minutes or less, why you own the stock, you shouldn't own it. Understanding the business behind the stock is the most important principle of investing in the stock market. This is why&nbsp;Buffett&nbsp;only invests into what he understands and what falls in his circle of competence. I buy stuff like Dunkin Donuts, Stop and Shop and made money on them," Lynch said during the speech.
In addition, Lynch rejected the concept of forecasting the economy. He identifies as a &#8220;bottom-up&#8221; investor, concentrating on&nbsp;individual stocks through company and&nbsp;industry analysis. He holds the belief that attempting to&nbsp;predict interest rates or the&nbsp;economy is pointless.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40666605/warren-buffetts-career-advice-dont-think-about-money-take-the-job-that-you-would-take-if-you-didnt-n">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Career Advice: &#8216;Don&#8217;t Think About Money, Take The Job That You Would Take If You Didn&#8217;t Need The Job&#8217;</a>
"it's futile to try and predict interest rates or the economy. If you spend 13 minutes per year on economics, you've wasted 10 minutes,&#8221; he added. 
Lynch underscored the importance of patience in investing. He noted that one could have purchased&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;a decade after its initial public offering and still reaped substantial returns. He emphasized that investing is a marathon, not a sprint, and there&#8217;s no need to hastily jump into buying stocks.
&#8220;A decade after Walmart when public in 1970, it only had 15% penetration across the U.S. Thus, one could assume they had plenty of runway ahead to expand across the country, but success wasn&#8217;t guaranteed, so some investors might have though they already missed the bus,&#8221; Lynch said while talking about the Walmart stock option. 
Why It Matters: Lynch&#8217;s principles serve as a valuable guide for both novice and seasoned investors. His emphasis on understanding the business, focusing on individual stocks, and practicing patience aligns with the strategies of successful investors like Buffett. 
These principles remind investors that successful investing is not about quick wins but about making informed decisions and playing the long game.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40431394/brighter-outlook-goldman-sachs-optimistic-on-u-s-economy-cuts-recession-risk-down-to-20">Brighter Outlook: Goldman Sachs Optimistic On U.S. Economy, Cuts Recession Risk Down To 20%</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Investment Guru Peter Lynch: 'If You Can't Explain To An 11-Year-Old In 2 Minutes Or Less Why You Own The Stock, You Shouldn't Own It'

Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) is hinting at a possible price surge in the wake of its remarkable rally.
Since hitting its lowest point in August, Dogecoin has seen a 480% recovery, including a 220% rally post the November presidential election. At present, DOGE is oscillating between $0.39 and $0.48, similar to its early 2021 consolidation phase.
Onchain <a href="https://messari.io/project/dogecoin">data</a> from Messari reveals that whale addresses holding 1 million DOGE or more now possess 130.2 billion DOGE, a record high. This signifies increasing confidence among large investors in Dogecoin's potential for growth.
According to report, a comparable surge in the DOGE holdings of whale addresses was observed during the 2021 rally, with their total rising from 110.3 billion to a peak of 112.5 billion.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42380572/dogecoins-whopping-60-9b-movement-in-24-hours-a-bullish-sign">Dogecoin&#8217;s Whopping 60.9B Movement In 24 Hours: A Bullish Sign?</a>
The weekly relative strength index (RSI) has crossed the overbought threshold of 70, indicating a possible price correction or extended consolidation. However, in 2021, similar conditions resulted in a bullish continuation rather than a significant drop.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24DOGE&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$DOGE</a> could be in for another massive RALLY just like in 2020 &#x1f680; Source: TATrader_Alan <a href="https://t.co/u5jGhxvEAA">pic.twitter.com/u5jGhxvEAA</a>
&mdash; Crypto Daily Trade Signals (@cryptodailyTS) <a href="https://twitter.com/cryptodailyTS/status/1867372593629868476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
If the trend continues, then DOGE could reach $0.75 by January 2025, marking an 85% price surge, as suggested by Fibonacci retracement projections.
While the cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile, Dogecoin&#8217;s potential price surge is noteworthy. The coin&#8217;s recovery from its August lows and the increase in large investors holding the coin suggest a growing confidence in its value. 
Furthermore, the continued support from influential figures like Elon Musk could further drive its performance. 
However, potential investors should be aware of the risks associated with such investments, given the unpredictable nature of the market.
At the time of writing, Dogecoin was trading at $0.4047, down by about 1% in the last 24 hours.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42256959/dogecoin-trading-volume-skyrockets-76-indicating-potential-major-price-upswing">Dogecoin Trading Volume Skyrockets 76%, Indicating Potential Major Price Upswing</a>

$DOGE

Dogecoin Poised For 85% Surge As Whales Accumulate 130 Billion DOGE

SEC Charges Cantor Fitzgerald With Causing 2 SPACs To Make Misleading Statements
The Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday <a href="https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024-199">charged </a>&nbsp;financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. with causing two special purpose acquisition companies that it controlled to make misleading statements to investors ahead of their initial public offerings.&nbsp;
The SEC's Order states that a team of Cantor Fitzgerald executives controlled two SPACs in 2020 and 2021 which raised $750 million from investors through IPOs. The SEC's order finds that Cantor Fitzgerald caused the SPACs in their SEC filings to deny having had contact or substantive discussions with potential business combination targets prior to their IPOs.&nbsp;
However, the Order finds that at the time of each SPAC's IPO, Cantor Fitzgerald personnel had already begun negotiations with a group of potential target companies for the SPACs, including with View, Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VIEWQ#OTC">VIEWQ</a>) and Satellogic, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SATL#NASDAQ">SATL</a>), the companies with which the SPACs eventually merged.
"Cantor Fitzgerald misled investors about a critical investment consideration by repeatedly stating in public filings that it had not identified or approached any potential merger targets, despite having had substantive discussions with several private companies regarding a potential merger, including with the companies with which its SPACs eventually merged," said Sanjay Wadhwa, Acting Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement.
The order charges Cantor with causing violations of certain antifraud and proxy provisions of the federal securities laws. Cantor Fitzgerald agreed to cease and desist from violations of the charged provisions and to pay a $6.75 million civil penalty without admitting or denying the order's findings.&nbsp;
SEC Charges Former Comtech CEO with Insider Trading
The SEC <a href="https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024-195">announced</a> insider trading charges on Wednesday against Ken Peterman, the former CEO of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMTL#NASDAQ">CMTL</a>), in connection with his sale of Comtech shares ahead of Comtech's forthcoming negative quarterly earnings results.
According to the SEC complaint, Peterman received a confidential presentation detailing Comtech's forthcoming negative quarterly earnings results on March 4, 2024 and informed that he was being terminated for cause eight days later.&nbsp;
The SEC's complaint alleges that just a few hours after he was terminated, and while under two different trading blackouts, Peterman placed an order to sell Comtech stock.
On March 18, 2024, Comtech reported its negative quarterly earnings, which caused its stock price to drop more than 25 percent. The complaint alleges that Peterman avoided losses by selling the shares in advance of Comtech's negative earnings announcement.&nbsp;
Peterman also allegedly directed his financial advisor to sell additional Comtech stock he held in a joint account, but the financial advisor was unable to complete the sale. Peterman allegedly would have avoided additional losses of about $110,000 had the trade been executed.&nbsp;
"There is no gray area when it comes to trading on the basis of material non-public information in breach of one's fiduciary duty. C-suite executives like the defendant, a CEO with decades of experience, know that it is illegal to use their company's confidential information for their own financial gain," said Tejal D. Shah, Associate Director of the SEC's New York Regional Office.&nbsp;
"Our action today should serve as a strong deterrent to those executives who might think about going down the same path," Shah added.&nbsp;
The complaint charges Peterman with violating Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and seeks permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement with prejudgment interest, civil penalties and a bar preventing Peterman from serving as an officer or director of a public company.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York also announced criminal charges against Peterman on Wednesday. 
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42370672/sofi-makes-spacex-accessible-for-retail-investors">SoFi Unlocks SpaceX Exposure For Retail Investors: Here&#8217;s How</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Legal

Insider Trades

CMTL

SATL

VIEWQ

Financial Crime Weekly: Cantor Fitzgerald Charged With Violating AntiFraud Provisions, Ex-ComTech CEO Charged With Insider Trading

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering preemptive airstrikes to deter Iran from advancing its nuclear weapons program.
What Happened: Trump&#8217;s transition team is scrutinizing the option of a military strike, spurred by the latest disturbances in the Middle East. The downfall of Syria&#8217;s Bashar al-Assad regime and Israel&#8217;s obliteration of Tehran&#8217;s terror affiliates Hezbollah and Hamas have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41869511/iran-calls-trump-assassination-plot-claims-completely-baseless">triggered this reassessment</a>.
As per the report <a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/trump-iran-plan-nuclear-weapons-def26f1d?mod=latest_headlines">by</a> The Wall Street Journal, Trump&#8217;s team is formulating a strategy that includes stringent economic sanctions, akin to his first term, but is also weighing military actions against Tehran.
These could encompass escalating&nbsp;military pressure in the region&nbsp;by deploying more US troops, aircraft, and naval vessels to the Middle East, and providing Israel with additional advanced weaponry.
Uzi Rabi, the head&nbsp;of the Moshe Dayan Center&nbsp;for Middle Eastern Studies at&nbsp;Tel Aviv University, is of the view that Trump has a &#8220;great opportunity&#8221; to put a stop to Iran&#8217;s nuclear aspirations and resolve the Middle East conflict. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41196317/trump-urges-israel-to-target-iran-nuke-sites-hit-nuclear-first-and-worry-about-the-rest-later">Trump Urges Israel To Target Iran Nuke Sites: &#8216;Hit Nuclear First And Worry About The Rest Later&#8217;</a>
Rabi proposes that Trump could extend an olive branch to Iran by offering sanction relief in return for a halt in its military nuclear infrastructure and backing of&nbsp;terrorist proxies in the Middle&nbsp;East.
"He's a businessman, and he will tell the Iranians, ‘You have the chance, OK, to remain in power. We will relieve the sanctions, but you will stop anything with regard to the military nuclear infrastructures, and you will stop building or supporting terrorist proxies in the Middle East,&#8217;" Rabi told The New York Post.
The prospect of a direct US strike is not discounted. Trump recently indicated to Time magazine that the US could engage in a war with Iran, stating, &#8220;Anything can happen. It&#8217;s a very volatile situation.&#8221;
Why It Matters: The consideration of preemptive airstrikes signifies a potential shift in US foreign policy towards Iran. The&nbsp;recent upheavals in the Middle&nbsp;East have created a new geopolitical landscape, prompting the US to reassess its strategy. 
The possibility of a military strike against Iran could have far-reaching implications, not only for the region but also for global peace and security. The world will be closely watching how this situation unfolds in the coming weeks.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42379899/trump-fuels-bitcoin-rally-but-where-will-it-go-next-year">Trump Fuels Bitcoin Rally, But Where Will It Go Next Year?</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image: Shutterstock

Global

Trump Considers Military Strikes Against Iran

The predictions for Wall Street&#8217;s 2025 stock market outlooks have been released, offering a range of expectations from modest gains to potential recessions. The S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 have shown remarkable growth since 2022, but the future remains uncertain.
What Happened: According to a report, the average 2025 year-end price target for the S&amp;P 500 is 6,539, suggesting a potential increase of approximately 8% from present levels. However, these predictions vary significantly.
BCA Research strategist&nbsp;Peter Berezin&nbsp;foresees a 2025 recession, resulting in a 26% drop in the S&amp;P 500. He attributes this to an expected global economic slowdown and a potential global trade war triggered&nbsp;by the incoming Trump administration.
Barry Bannister, chief equity strategist at Stifel, cautions about an impending correction of 10%-15% due to extreme stock market valuations. 
On the other hand, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) predicts an 11% rise in corporate profits, driven by a 2.5% annualized growth in the US economy and a 5% increase in corporate revenues, reports <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/2025-stock-market-investment-outlooks-wall-street-prediction-roundup-sp500-2024-12">the </a>Market Insider. 
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>) CIO Mike Wilson encourages investors to maintain a bullish stance on stocks in 2025, citing potential interest-rate cuts from the Federal Reserve and the possibility of deregulation under the Trump administration.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/42026158/goldman-sachs-economist-weight-loss-drugs-could-be-key-to-us-economic-growth">Goldman Sachs Economist: Weight-Loss Drugs Could Be Key To US Economic Growth</a>
JPMorgan&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) has transitioned&nbsp;from bear to bull in&nbsp;its 2025 outlook, increasing&nbsp;its year-end price target to&nbsp;6,500 due to an expanding&nbsp;business cycle and continued earnings&nbsp;growth.&nbsp;UBS&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBS#NYSE">UBS</a>) also predicts an upward trend in the stock market in 2025, setting&nbsp;a 6,600 price target for&nbsp;the S&amp;P 500.
However,&nbsp;Ned Davis Research&nbsp;cautions of potential threats to the bull market later in the year, while&nbsp;Bank of America&nbsp;strategist&nbsp;Savita Subramanian&nbsp;expects more subdued gains spread across sectors.
Despite the varied predictions, Wall Street remains cautiously optimistic about the stock market&#8217;s prospects in 2025.
Here's an in-depth look at Wall Street's outlook for the stock market in the year ahead, according to the Insider. 
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">S&amp;P 500 price targets, Projected level for end-of-year 2025:</h4>
Oppenheimer 7,100
Wells Fargo 7,007
Deutsche Bank 7,000
Yardeni Research 7,000
DataTrek Research 6,840
Societe Generale 6,750
BMO 6,700
Bank of America 6,666
Fundstrat 6,600
Barclays 6,600
RBC 6,600
Ned Davis Research 6,600
CFRA 6,585
Morgan Stanley 6,500
Goldman Sachs 6,500
JPMorgan 6,500
Citi 6,500
UBS 6,400
Stifel 5,500
BCA Research 4,450
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39447544/impending-recession-us-consumer-spending-shows-worrying-signs">Impending Recession? US Consumer Spending Shows Worrying Signs</a>

Stock Market Predictions for 2025: A Mixed Bag Of Expectations

South Korean lawmakers have voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial attempt to impose martial law, a move that triggered widespread protests across the country.
The impeachment motion passed after an unexpected twist, with several members of Yoon's own People Power Party (PPP) siding with the opposition, per a news <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c140xjv31lxo" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by the BBC.
While the motion has passed the National Assembly, it still needs to be ratified by the Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to deliver its ruling.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42496990/trump-eyes-privatization-of-postal-service-amid-9-5-billion-loss" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Eyes Privatization of Postal Service Amid $9.5 Billion Loss</a>
The vote sparked celebrations among anti-Yoon protesters who gathered outside the National Assembly, lighting fireworks to mark the moment. Despite this significant setback, Yoon has vowed to fight on, downplaying the impeachment as a temporary interruption to his presidency.
In a defiant statement, he pledged to continue working for the country until his term ends, contrasting his earlier apology for attempting martial law.
Yoon's push for military rule followed months of political deadlock, with the president citing concerns over North Korean interference in his government. However, his decision was swiftly overturned by lawmakers, sparking public outrage. Polls show overwhelming support for Yoon's impeachment, with three-quarters of South Koreans in favor of his removal.
The Constitutional Court's decision will be pivotal, as it will determine whether Yoon's impeachment stands. If upheld, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has stepped in as acting president, though he, along with Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, is under investigation in connection with the martial law attempt, the report read.
Yoon's downfall is a stark reversal for the former prosecutor, who was instrumental in the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017. His martial law misstep has now undone him in a similar fashion, marking a dramatic turn in his political career, per a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/14/south-korea-president-yoon-suk-yeol-downfall-analysis" rel="noreferrer noopener">news</a> report by The Guardian.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42497028/pelosi-hospitalized-after-injuring-hip-during-luxembourg-trip" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pelosi Hospitalized After Injuring Hip During Luxembourg Trip</a></li>
</ul>

Equities

Media

General

South Korean Lawmakers Impeach Yoon Over Martial Law Attempt

Global superstar Taylor Swift turned 35 years old on Friday, Dec. 13, and continues to be one of the most in-demand musicians as witnessed by a recent auction for old family Christmas cards and her recent success with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42351922/trump-predicted-taylor-swift-sales-would-drop-target-data-shows-over-800k-sold">tour photo book.</a>
What Happened: Swift is likely celebrating the end of her <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42393880/taylor-swifts-record-breaking-eras-tour-wraps-a-look-at-the-numbers">record-breaking "Eras Tour"</a> along with her birthday on Friday, but some investors or fans will soon be celebrating their recent purchase.
Auction company Goldin, which is owned by eBay Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EBAY#NASDAQ">EBAY</a>) recently sold two holiday photo cards featuring a young Swift on them, including two Christmas cards sent to friends and family by her parents.
The 1992 and 1993 Christmas cards, sold in separate auctions, featured Swift as a three-year-old and four-year-old respectively, alongside her younger brother.
The 1993 card features the written inscription "from our family to yours…much love, the Swifts/ Scott, Andrea, Taylor (4 years), &amp; Austin (almost 2)."
The Christmas photo cards sold for $2,318 (1992) and $2,566 (1993) for a combined $4,884.
<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">Up for bid at Goldin: Someone is selling the holiday cards they got from Taylor Swift's family in 1992 and 1993, when she was 3 &amp; 4 years old. <a href="https://t.co/5D0TA9BmeK">pic.twitter.com/5D0TA9BmeK</a>
&mdash; Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) <a href="https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/1866888223701815558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
"It's incredible the things people save from three decades ago," Goldin Auctions founder and CEO Ken Goldin said, as <a href="https://www.cllct.com/sports-collectibles/auctions/two-taylor-swift-family-holiday-cards-sell-for-nearly-5k">reported </a>by cllct. "The fact that so many people were interested in these two items and each received so many bids, it shows the incredible worldwide popularity of Taylor Swift."
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42377867/most-visited-wikipedia-pages-in-2024-trump-harris-musk-swift-politics-and-netflix-dominate-list">Most Visited Wikipedia Pages In 2024: Trump, Harris, Musk, Swift, Politics And Netflix Dominate List</a>
Why It's Important: Goldin has <a href="https://goldin.co/buy/?search=taylor%20swift&amp;page=1&amp;sort=Highest_Bids&amp;number_of_lots=96&amp;show_only=Sold%2520Items">sold </a>many Swift memorabilia items over the last year, and has <a href="https://goldin.co/buy/?search=taylor%20swift&amp;sort=Ending_Soonest">more </a>up for sale that ends in less than a week. Among the top sales for Goldin are a handwritten, twice-signed lyric sheet for Swift's song "Tim McGraw," which sold for $87,840, a signed acoustic guitar that sold for $9,762 and a lot of 40 signed "Folklore" CD inserts which sold for $5,957.
A separate 1993 holiday card also sold for $2,562 earlier this year by Goldin.
Swift's Eras Tour broke records and fans continue to gravitate to memorabilia and merchandise from the singer.
The singer recently released a photo book with pictures and behind-the-scenes stories from the tour through an exclusive partnership with Target Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>). The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42244324/black-friday-frenzy-shoppers-queue-for-taylor-swift-merch-retro-gadgets-and-more-as-retailers-open-doors-early-amid-shortened-shopping-season">book drew lines </a>on Black Friday and also set impressive milestones in its first weekend of availability.
The book sold 814,000 copies over the Black Friday shopping weekend, according to data from Circana&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-eras-book-sales-2024-record-c40605042af98eac2e9a7897a4bc2d73" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported&nbsp;</a>by the Associated Press.
The sales figures come with Target being the only retailer offering the book and being an in-store item for at least the first day. The number makes Swift&#8217;s book the top seller for the week and the biggest launch of 2024.
Swift&#8217;s book is the second-biggest nonfiction launch of all time, trailing only the first volume of&nbsp;Barack Obama&#8216;s&nbsp;2020 memoir, &#8220;A Promised Land,&#8221; the AP reports. The former president's book sold 816,000 copies in its first week. Unlike Swift&#8217;s book, Obama&#8217;s was widely released.
Goldin and eBay can be added to the list of companies that Swift has helped thanks to her popularity, a list that includes AMC Entertainment Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMC#NYSE">AMC</a>) and Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LYV#NYSE">LYV</a>). Swift was also recently named the top streamed artist on Spotify (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>) for a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42325116/2024-was-worlds-taylor-swift-era-once-again-spotify-reveals-top-artists-songs-albums-podcasts">second straight year.</a>
President-elect Donald Trump said that Swift's popularity and merchandise sales <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40815602/trump-shakes-off-taylor-swifts-harris-endorsement-in-2024-election-shell-probably-pay-a-pri">could take a hit</a> after endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
&#8220;She seems to always endorse a Democrat and she&#8217;ll probably pay a price for it in the marketplace.&#8221;
It appears Trump has severely underestimated the fandom of the Swifties.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42249576/target-black-friday-deals-pokemon-shoppers-gotta-catch-em-all">Target Black Friday Deals: Pokémon Shoppers Gotta Catch &#8216;Em All</a></li>
</ul>

EBAY

SPOT

Taylor Swift Fans/Collectors Are Paying Over $2,000 For Old Family Christmas Cards

Former U.S. House Speaker <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/nancy-pelosi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Pelosi</a> has been hospitalized after sustaining an injury during <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42479401/nancy-pelosis-stock-pick-broadcom-shoots-15-in-friday-pre-market-as-broadcom-ceo-sees-opportunity-over-the-next-3-years-in-ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an official trip to Luxembourg</a>.
Pelosi, 84, was traveling with a bipartisan Congressional delegation to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge when she suffered the injury.
According <a target="_blank" href="https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-spokesperson-statement" rel="noreferrer noopener">to</a> her spokesperson, Ian Krager, Pelosi &#8220;sustained an injury during an official engagement&#8221; and was admitted to the hospital for evaluation.
Reports from U.S. media, citing anonymous sources, indicated that Pelosi fractured her hip after tripping and falling on a staircase during the event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1wq3jld884o" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> BBC.
The injury comes just days after outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 81, also suffered injuries after a fall at the U.S. Capitol, underscoring the risks that accompany public figures&#8217; travel and engagements.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42495758/elon-musk-finds-an-unlikely-ally-in-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-in-his-fight-against-sam-altmans-openai" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Finds An Unlikely Ally In Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta In His Fight Against Sam Altman&#8217;s OpenAI</a>
Pelosi is currently receiving medical care and treatment in Luxembourg, with Krager assuring that she is &#8220;receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals.&#8221;
Despite her hospitalization, Pelosi continues to work from the hospital and is expected to return home to the U.S. soon.
Pelosi, a longtime California congresswoman, has had a prominent career in U.S. politics, serving as House Speaker from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023.
She was instrumental in several key legislative victories during her time in office. After stepping down as Speaker in 2023, Pelosi was re-elected to serve another term in the House.
Read Next:
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42488326/grant-cardone-offer-citizenship-to-1-million-immigrants-who-deposit-5-million-each-5-trillion-in-new-investment-dollars-for-america" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grant Cardone: Offer Citizenship To 1 Million Immigrants Who Deposit $5 Million Each—&#8217;$5 Trillion In New Investment Dollars For America&#8217;</a>

Pelosi Hospitalized After Injuring Hip During Luxembourg Trip

Deciding the future of a family home can be emotionally and financially complex, especially when the property becomes a point of contention between siblings. A <a href="https://youtu.be/VhDAR52W0Jo?si=nLQKW_6UOHUZq8Sg&amp;t=2012">recent discussion</a> on The Ramsey Show sheds light on one such scenario.
Tony, a caller from Chicago, explained his dilemma: after his mother's passing, he and his brother inherited a $450,000 paid-off home. Tony is the executor of the estate, but he feels torn between selling the house – potentially leaving his brother without a place to live – or allowing him to remain there rent-free as he has for the past 15 years.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/cd-valet-growth">CD Popularity Soars: Over 50 Million Americans Embrace Safe Savings with 5–10% Annual Growth</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42298730/theres-no-chance-youll-be-at-the-same-job-with-the-same-income-in-15-years-dave-ramsey-weighs-in-on-callers-concern-of-buying-a-home">Dave Ramsey</a> and co-host Jade Warshaw offered their perspectives, emphasizing financial responsibility, personal growth and the dangers of enabling unhealthy behavior.
Tony's brother, who struggles with anxiety and dependence on medication, doesn't have a job. His girlfriend, a part-time nurse and disabled veteran, pays his bills and has lived with him in the home for nearly a decade. Tony revealed his mother had allowed this arrangement out of compassion but admitted that continuing it feels unsustainable.
To complicate matters, Tony's father has been paying $1,400 a month to Tony's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41865970/parents-want-to-take-away-inheritance-from-daughter-not-living-according-to-the-bible-dave-ramsey-says-dont-use-this-as-punishment">inheritance</a>, intended as rent, to compensate for his brother occupying the home. Tony admitted he needed the money from selling the house and questioned whether letting his brother stay indefinitely was fair or beneficial.
See Also: ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest TODAY for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a>
Ramsey pointed out that he wouldn't just be throwing his brother out on the street. "He's gonna have $200,000," Ramsey said, referring to the half of the proceeds each sibling would receive from selling the home. Ramsey questioned the fairness of the brother expecting to live rent-free and argued that enabling this behavior would do more harm than good.
Ramsey recommended that Tony approach the situation with both firmness and compassion.
"You do have to deal with this lovingly and help him get better and sit down with him," he advised. "Help them deal with it and help them see a path of what they could do with the money from the house."
Warshaw agreed, stressing the practicality of selling the home. "Just because he's lived there for 15 years – it wasn't his house," she said. She added that there's nothing wrong with Tony telling his brother that he needs the money from the house and working out a plan forward.&nbsp;
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a>
Ramsey also noted that legal steps might be necessary if Tony's brother refuses to cooperate. While this could strain their relationship, Ramsey emphasized the importance of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/06/39181971/gen-z-job-applicant-rejects-90-minute-task-ceo-faces-backlash">setting boundaries</a>.
Ramsey told Tony that if his brother reacts poorly to the discussion, Tony should contact a lawyer and take steps to evict him – and let his brother know that is going to happen. Ultimately, Ramsey said Tony needs to take proactive steps to end this dysfunction.&nbsp;
Many families face challenges when navigating inheritance and shared assets. Ramsey advises balancing compassion with accountability, ensuring that financial decisions are practical and supportive of long-term growth for everyone involved.
If you're grappling with a similar situation, consider consulting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> or mediator to help you navigate the emotional and logistical complexities of family inheritance.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Many are using this retirement income calculator to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
<li>Studies show 50% of consumers think Financial Advisors cost much more than they do —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/money-pickle"> to debunk this, this company provides matching for free and a complimentary first call with the matched advisor.</a></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

'Should I Sell My Family Home Or Let My Brother Continue Living There For Free?' Dave Ramsey's Advice: 'Quit Enabling'

Presiden-elect <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump</a> is reportedly eyeing privatizing the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) after the agency reported a staggering $9.5 billion loss in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42454670/usps-chief-defends-plan-to-buy-more-electric-delivery-vehicles-says-wont-return-funds-without-legislation-from-congress" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the fiscal year ending September 30</a>.
This financial setback, caused by declining mail volumes and slower-than-expected growth in parcel shipping, has drawn attention to the Postal Service&#8217;s mounting liabilities, which now total nearly $80 billion, accoeding to a report <a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/12/14/trump-usps-privatize-plan/" rel="noreferrer noopener">by</a> The Washington Post.
Trump has expressed interest in overhauling the agency, potentially moving it into the private sector, the report read, citing people familiar with the discussions.
Trump, set to take office on January 20, has spoken about his plans to privatize the Postal Service with Howard Lutnick, his nominee for commerce secretary, during discussions at Mar-a-Lago.
Trump&#8217;s push for privatization has been discussed with key figures, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/elon-musk" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/vivek-ramaswamy" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vivek Ramaswamy</a>, both of whom are leading a non-governmental panel on government efficiency, The Washington Post reports.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/12/42484881/musk-and-ramaswamy-may-target-this-surprising-government-role-that-pays-more-than-youd-think" rel="noreferrer noopener">Musk and Ramaswamy May Target This Surprising Government Role That Pays More Than You&#8217;d Think</a>
The panel&#8217;s discussions suggest a potential shift in how essential services like the Postal Service are managed, focusing on efficiency and reducing government expenditure.
Privatizing the USPS would likely reshape the landscape of consumer shipping.
Companies like FedEx Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) and United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) already dominate the parcel market. Privatization could narrow the scope of service, focusing on profitable routes, and leaving rural and less profitable areas underserved. This could affect millions of customers who rely on affordable, consistent mail services, particularly in regions where private carriers may not have the same reach.
The Postal Service, founded in 1775 by Benjamin Franklin, has long been a symbol of the nation&#8217;s commitment to connecting citizens. In 1970, it became a financially self-sustaining entity, tasked with binding the nation together through mail.
Despite the challenges posed by the digital age, it remains one of the most beloved federal agencies. However, with its ongoing financial struggles, the conversation about privatization has become more urgent. Trump&#8217;s plan, while still unclear, suggests a significant transformation of an institution that has served the nation for nearly 250 years, The Washington Post adds.
Read Next:
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42492966/ai-driven-rally-pushes-tech-stocks-to-records-broadcom-enters-trillion-dollar-club-inflation-data-flashes-warning-signal-this-week-in-the-markets" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-Driven Rally Pushes Tech Stocks To Records, Broadcom Enters Trillion-Dollar Club, Inflation Data Flashes Warning Signal: This Week In The Markets</a>

Trump Eyes Privatization of Postal Service Amid $9.5 Billion Loss

Elon Musk, known for his work in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42383750/elon-musk-mocks-tesla-shorts-after-stock-hits-400-in-overnight-trading-on-robinhood">electric cars</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/24/11/42151383/elon-musks-spacex-secures-new-moon-mission-contract-after-starships-successful-6th-test-flight">rockets</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42181583/elon-musks-neuralink-to-launch-new-feasibility-trial-with-brain-implant-and-robotic-arm">brain-chip technology</a>, once explored the world of comedy. Back in 2017, Musk decided it was time to take on satire, teaming up with former Onion editors Ben Berkley and Cole Bolton to launch a new media project called Thud!
Musk, a <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/899923514576084992">self-proclaimed fan</a> of The Onion, had previously tried to buy the satirical news site but couldn't close the deal. Instead, he offered Berkley and Bolton $2 million to create something new. According to the Verge, they eagerly accepted and poached a crew of Onion alumni to join them.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a></li>
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Birth of Thud!</h2>
<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">Thud!
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/973857445683462145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
In March 2018, Musk announced the project in true Musk fashion with a cryptic <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/973857445683462145">tweet</a>. He simply wrote "Thud!" and said, "That's the name of my new intergalactic media empire, exclamation point optional." Musk said the name was inspired by "the sound something thick and dull makes when it hits the ground."
But Thud! wasn't just about creating another news parody site. The team wanted to experiment with immersive and absurd satirical experiences, blurring the lines between reality and comedy.
See Also: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Did Thud! Create?</h2>
The team developed several offbeat projects that are still floating around online, like DNA Friend, a parody of at-home DNA testing kits that claim to trace ancestry through photos of a person's mouth. TacStorm satirized American gun culture with its fictional gun that never stopped firing, while Ploog humorously advertised a &#8220;universal orifice adapter&#8221; that baffled audiences. Meanwhile, Mampfen poked fun at restaurant culture in Los Angeles, complete with an actual physical dining guide.
Some of these projects made their way into the real world. For example, a person dressed as a giant spit droplet promoted DNA Friend in New York City.
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Empire Crumbles</h2>
Despite its promising start, Thud! faced serious challenges. Musk, concerned the satire could eventually target his own companies, pulled his funding in late 2018. This forced Berkley and Bolton to buy him out and try to keep the company alive.
Without Musk's backing, Thud! struggled. They had no business plan and couldn't secure new investors. By May 2019, the company shut down. Critics said the projects were clever but not funny enough to build a devoted audience.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Legacy of Thud!</h2>
Today, Thud! is a quirky footnote in Elon Musk's long list of ventures. Its remains – a collection of satirical websites – serve as a digital time capsule of a bold experiment that fizzled out too soon.
Musk may have conquered electric cars and space, but it seems comedy was a frontier he couldn't quite crack. As the now-defunct Thud! website itself put it: "It was very aptly named."
Trending: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stopping Infowars&#8217; X Account Sale to The Onion</h2>
In a separate move, Musk recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42229130/elon-musks-x-objects-to-sale-of-conspiracy-theorist-alex-joness-infowars-accounts-to-the-onion-claims-ownership-over-joness-social-media">blocked the sale</a> of Infowars&#8217; social media accounts to The Onion&#8217;s parent company. The sale was part of Infowars&#8217; bankruptcy proceedings, but Musk's X Corp. argued that their terms of service prohibited transferring accounts without the platform's consent.&nbsp;
Musk's choice shows that he wants to control how accounts on X are used and passed on. He says that the platform owns the accounts, not the users. While there&#8217;s no decision yet, the case is making people think about who owns social media accounts and how companies like X can manage them during bankruptcy.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
<li>‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest TODAY for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a></li>
</ul>

Startups

Elon Musk Tried To Create A 'New Intergalactic Media Empire' Called 'Thud!' He Offered $2 Million To Onion Editors And Poached Staff Away

Perianne Boring, a crypto lobbyist who is CEO of The Digital Chamber, says that Bitcoin&#8216;s (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) value could potentially skyrocket to $800,000 next year.
What Happened: Boring made this prediction this week during an interview with Fox Business. According to Boring, this prediction is based on the future policies of President-elect Donald Trump.
She indicated that if Trump&#8217;s proposed policies for the crypto sector are successfully implemented, Bitcoin could see a value close to $1 million or more than that.
The stock-to-flow (S2F) model, traditionally used for commodities and now applied to Bitcoin, supports Boring&#8217;s prediction. This model suggests that the price of an asset increases as it becomes more scarce.
<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">Personnel is policy: Perianne Boring <a href="https://t.co/52IPUr2owR">pic.twitter.com/52IPUr2owR</a>
&mdash; Mornings with Maria (@MorningsMaria) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorningsMaria/status/1867562618518478849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
"The stock-to-flow model says it's going to be at over $800,000 by the end of next year. If Donald Trump is successful in putting forward a lot of the proposals that he's proposed to the community, the sky is the limit because Bitcoin has a fixed supply," she said. &nbsp;
Trump, who had previously expressed&nbsp;skepticism about Bitcoin and crypto&nbsp;during his previous term, has pledged&nbsp;to protect and grow the&nbsp;digital asset sector during his recent campaign trail. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42380983/this-analyst-says-bitcoin-could-reach-200k-by-end-of-2025">This Analyst Says Bitcoin Could Reach $200K By End of 2025</a>
He also promised to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler and end policies that hinder&nbsp;crypto investors and companies from&nbsp;using digital assets.
Following Trump&#8217;s victory, Gensler announced his resignation effective from January. Trump also indicated that the US would cease selling its&nbsp;seized Bitcoin on the open&nbsp;market, opting instead to&nbsp;hold the asset as an&nbsp;investment.
Why It Matters: This prediction by Boring is significant as it ties the potential surge in Bitcoin&#8217;s value directly to the policies of the incoming administration. 
Trump&#8217;s shift in stance towards Bitcoin and his promises&nbsp;to protect and grow the&nbsp;digital asset sector could potentially lead to a significant increase in Bitcoin&#8217;s value. His decision to hold seized Bitcoin as an investment also indicates a recognition of Bitcoin&#8217;s potential as a valuable asset. 
This could further drive demand and scarcity, leading to a surge in Bitcoin&#8217;s value as suggested by the S2F model.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42049183/heres-how-a-bitcoin-whale-nets-179m-from-a-120-investment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here&#8217;s How A Bitcoin Whale Nets $179M From A $120 Investment</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

$BTC

Analyst: Bitcoin's Potential Surge To $800,000 In 2025 Tied To Trump's Policies, Says This Analyst

Warren Buffett doesn't fit the mold of someone obsessed with traditional education, even though he's got the credentials to back it up. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska and a master's in economics from Columbia University. But here's the thing: the Oracle of Omaha doesn't believe college is a must-do for everyone – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41563534/warren-buffetts-son-says-his-allowance-was-75-cents-a-week-as-a-kid-and-his-billionaire-dad-woul">especially not for his kids</a>.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.</li>
</ul>
In a 2019 interview with Yahoo! Finance, Buffett admitted, "My dad kind of jollied me into it. He could get me to do anything. If they'd had an SAT test in those days, he would have taken the test for me." That little anecdote says a lot about how he views college – not as some sacred path to success but as one option among many.
Buffett has repeatedly pointed out that college isn't for everyone. "Some people are going to get a lot out of advanced education and some people are going to get very little," he said in a 2018 interview with The Long-Term Investor. "I don't even think it's important that every person go to college at all." That's a bold statement from someone who evaluates the value of investments. And education, as he sees it, is one of those investments where the payoff isn't always guaranteed.
See Also: The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a>
Take his kids, for example. None of the three finished college. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40881429/warren-buffetts-daughter-asked-him-for-a-41-000-loan-to-remodel-her-kitchen-but-the-billionaire-">Susie, his daughter</a>, came the closest – she was just three credits short. But, as Buffett joked during a 2018 Fox Business interview, "If you pool their credits, you got a degree."
Susie herself has said that growing up as a Buffett meant equal opportunity for all, regardless of gender. "He never treated me <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41198368/warren-buffetts-son-who-famously-cashed-in-his-90-000-inheritance-at-19-spends-millions-in-buffe">any differently than the boys</a> as far as you should do this or you should do that," she told Fox Business. That might explain why she felt no pressure to cross the college finish line – her dad didn't see it as a finish line.
For Buffett, the question isn't "Should everyone go to college?" but rather "Does it make sense for you?" He's quick to acknowledge that there are plenty of jobs paying $70,000 to $80,000 a year that don't require a degree. "It's a big commitment to take four years and the cost involved and maybe the loans involved. There ought to be a reason you're going," he told Yahoo! Finance.
Trending: Many are using this retirement income calculator to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
That's not to say he's anti-education. He famously said, "The more you learn, the more you earn." But he's also skeptical of stats that oversimplify the value of a degree. Comparing lifetime earnings of college grads versus non-grads? Buffett calls that "a fraud" because it ignores factors like ambition, access and plain old luck.
Still, the earnings gap is hard to ignore. In 2020, The Hamilton Project reported that the typical college graduate earns about $1.19 million over their lifetime – more than double what a high school graduate pulls in ($580,000). It's also $335,000 or 39%, more than the lifetime earnings of someone with an associate degree.
Buffett doesn't dismiss the value of education – he just doesn't worship at its altar. He grew up watching his sisters outperform him in school, yet they faced limited career options <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40106860/warren-buffetts-wife-susan-said-he-feels-women-all-over-the-world-get-shortchanged-hes-all-for-l">because of their gender</a>. That stuck with him. "They scored the same as I did at tests and all that sort of thing," he told Fox Business. "They had better personalities."
So here's the takeaway: if Warren Buffett – one of the richest, smartest guys in the room – says college isn't for everyone, maybe it's time to rethink the "one-size-fits-all" approach.&nbsp;
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>The number of ‘401(k)' Millionaires is up 43% from last year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/401k-millionaires"> Here are three ways to join the club.</a></li>
<li>Studies show 50% of consumers think Financial Advisors cost much more than they do —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/money-pickle"> to debunk this, this company provides matching for free and a complimentary first call with the matched advisor.</a></li>
</ul>

Warren Buffett Doesn't Believe College Is For Everyone – None Of His 3 Kids Finished: 'If You Pool Their Credits, You Got A Degree'

Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, has positioned himself as a central figure in shaping the Trump family's political and financial strategies. He is a key figure poised to play a pivotal role in shaping America's trajectory alongside his father, Donald Trump. 
In a recent exclusive interview with Benzinga&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/bibhu-pattnaik">Bibhu Pattnaik</a>, Eric highlighted his father's focus on government efficiency, drawing parallels with Billionaire Elon Musk's approach to innovation. 
Praising Musk as "the Albert Einstein of our time," Eric underscored Musk's emphasis on creating efficiency in his businesses, including reusable rockets. 
&#8220;He&#8217;s a great chap. Elon Musk is the Albert Einstein of our time. The guy&#8217;s incredible. Actually, if you break down most of his businesses, what&#8217;s his recipe for success? And that&#8217;s, frankly, efficiency. He wants to make the most efficient rockets, ones that land back on top so they can be reusable in two weeks and everything else, right,&#8221; Eric told Benzinga. 
He further claimed that Musk&#8217;s efficiency-focused philosophy could reshape the U.S. government under a Trump-Musk alliance.
On Musk's role, Eric expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to America's progress, suggesting that his strategies could help cut federal spending by a trillion dollars. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/41869001/heres-how-trumps-policies-might-shape-the-markets-future">Here&#8217;s How Trump&#8217;s Policies Might Shape The Market&#8217;s Future</a>
&#8220;He wants efficiency, and that&#8217;s what DOGE is going to do. He&#8217;s going to create efficiency in the United States government. He&#8217;s going to cut a trillion dollars. I think Elon Musk is going to do an incredible job, and I think we&#8217;re going to see a stronger America because of it,&#8221; Eric added. 
Eric's comments framed Musk as a key partner in driving efficiency in both the private and public sectors.
Eric criticized the current federal workforce, alleging that a significant portion of government employees don't show up to work five days a week. He suggested reducing inefficiencies by cutting unnecessary roles and redirecting resources. 
He argued that such measures would lead to significant cost savings and a leaner, more effective government.
&#8220;Listen, 90% of the U.S. government doesn&#8217;t even show up to work five days a week. Yet you have 2.5 million employees in the United States government. Congratulations! if you&#8217;re not showing up to work, we don&#8217;t need you. Get rid of you and go be useful somewhere else,&#8221; Eric said. 
&#8220;Go do something where you&#8217;re going to be efficient. The commercial markets won&#8217;t allow somebody to not show up at work, right? Don&#8217;t take care of that problem. I think my father is going to create massive efficiency,&#8221; he further said. 
Eric also discussed his ongoing support for his father's campaign efforts, signaling a continuation of the family's influence on Republican politics. 
His remarks come as Donald Trump prepares for a potential 2024 bid, intertwining family business, politics, and innovation in a controversial but headline-grabbing vision for the future.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42154761/majority-of-americans-approve-of-trumps-second-term-agenda">Majority of Americans Approve of Trump&#8217;s Second-Term Agenda</a>

Exclusives

Interview

EXCLUSIVE: Eric Trump Calls Elon Musk 'Albert Einstein Of Our Time,' Says Tesla CEO Will Help Build 'A Stronger America'

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 Dow dropped 1.8% this week, while the S&amp;P 500 fell 0.6%, ending a three-week winning streak. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq gained 0.3%, continuing its climb, driven by optimism in tech and artificial intelligence. 
The Nasdaq 100, boosted by the Magnificent Seven, reached record highs, approaching the 22,000 mark and logging a 30% year-to-date gain. Five of the group's stocks, including Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), hit new highs, with their combined market value <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42492966/ai-driven-rally-pushes-tech-stocks-to-records-broadcom-enters-trillion-dollar-club-inflation-data-flashes-warning-signal-this-week-in-the-markets">surpassing $18 trillion.</a>
Inflationary pressures also persisted in November, with the Consumer Price Index rising 2.7% year-over-year, marking the second consecutive annual increase and presenting challenges for the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Shelter costs, which rose 0.3%, accounted for 40% of the monthly CPI gain, underscoring the sticky nature of inflation despite <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42436676/inflation-rises-as-expected-in-november-sustain-hopes-for-next-weeks-fed-interest-rate-cut">earlier signs of disinflation.</a>
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>
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42449593/tesla-stock-is-analysts-top-2025-sector-pick-elon-musks-political-involvement-will-accelerate-teslas-journey-beyond-autos">Tesla Is Analyst&#8217;s Top 2025 Stock Pick: Elon Musk Political Involvement May &#8216;Accelerate&#8217; EV Maker Beyond Autos</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>, highlights Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) as an analyst&#8217;s top automotive pick for 2025, citing Elon Musk's political influence as a catalyst for Tesla&#8217;s expansion into AI, robotics, and renewable energy beyond its core automotive business.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42405504/dogecoin-can-touch-18-if-things-go-wild-says-influential-crypto-trader-thankful-for-the-dip-and-will-buy-more">Dogecoin Can Touch $18 If Things &#8216;Go Wild,&#8217; Says Influential Crypto Trader: &#8216;Thankful For The Dip And Will Buy More&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/aniket-verma">Aniket Verma</a>, shares a crypto analyst&#8217;s bullish prediction for Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), targeting $3 with a potential high of $18 in a &#8220;wild&#8221; scenario, while using dips between $0.40 and $0.30 to increase holdings early in the bull cycle.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42433049/microstrategy-nasdaq-100-inclusion-on-the-horizon-could-spell-59-upside-says-bernstein">MicroStrategy: Nasdaq 100 Inclusion On The Horizon Could Spell 59% Upside, Says Bernstein</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/murtuza-merchant">Murtuza Merchant</a>, highlights the significance of MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) joining the Nasdaq 100. Bernstein projects the move could enhance visibility, drive $2.1 billion in ETF inflows, and support a $600 price target, underpinned by the company's Bitcoin-centric growth strategy.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42433831/bitcoin-to-200000-ethereum-to-7000-solana-to-750-in-2025-predicts-bitwise">Bitcoin To $200,000, Ethereum To $7,000, Solana To $750 In 2025, Predicts Bitwise</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42453057/palantir-positioned-to-become-the-next-oracle-in-2025-says-dan-ives-messi-of-ai-set-for-breakout-year">Palantir Positioned To Become &#8216;The Next&#8217; Oracle In 2025, Says Dan Ives: &#8216;Messi Of AI&#8217; Set For Breakout Year</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/24/12/42412982/russell-2000-high-flyers-4-stocks-shaping-2024-with-quantum-ai-nuclear-space">Russell 2000 High Flyers: 4 Stocks Shaping 2024 With Quantum, AI, Nuclear, Space</a>
The Bears
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42404352/nvidia-china-antitrust-probe-may-remain-unsolved-in-near-term-says-top-analyst-investors-should-be-prepared-for-increased-scrutiny">Nvidia China Antitrust Probe May &#8216;Remain Unsolved&#8217; In Near Term Says Top Analyst; Investors Should Be Prepared For Increased Scrutiny</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola">Ananya Gairola</a>, discusses China&#8217;s investigation into NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) for potential anti-competitive practices, with TF Securities&#8217; Ming-Chi Kuo predicting limited short-term financial impact but warning of escalating scrutiny, including possible future CUDA-related probes.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42402629/trump-to-change-dollar-stores-for-good-dollar-tree-exec-says-prepared-to-act">Trump To Change Dollar Stores For Good? Dollar Tree Exec Says &#8216;Prepared To Act&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>, highlights Dollar Tree Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>) and Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) bracing for cost pressures from proposed tariffs, with Dollar Tree's CEO stating the company is ready to adapt its pricing and supply strategies.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42468190/defense-stocks-face-headwinds-as-trumps-doge-targets-spending-cuts-goldman-sachs-downgrades-general-dynamics-to-sell">Defense Stocks Face Headwinds As Trump&#8217;s DOGE Targets Spending Cuts: Goldman Sachs Downgrades General Dynamics</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/piero-cingari">Piero Cingari</a>, reports Goldman Sachs&#8217; downgrade of General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>) to Sell, citing risks from Donald Trump&#8216;s Department of Government Efficiency&#8217;s potential Pentagon budget cuts, while Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) and Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) remain under scrutiny for valuation concerns and slowing growth.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42452944/larry-summers-cautions-on-trumps-tariffs-and-tax-cuts-markets-are-hair-trigger-sensitive-to-inflation">Larry Summers Warns Of Nixon-Era Risks In Trump&#8217;s Term: Policies Could Trigger &#8216;Significantly Larger&#8217; Inflation</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42482813/intel-cfo-hints-at-possible-division-split-as-company-struggles-to-recapture-moat">Intel CFO Hints at Possible Division Split as Company Struggles To Recapture Moat</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42430772/janet-yellen-warns-trump-tariffs-could-undermine-confidence-in-financial-markets-and-raise-american-household-costs">Janet Yellen Warns Trump Tariffs Could &#8216;Undermine Confidence In Financial Markets&#8217; And Raise American Household Costs</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>.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Long Ideas

Short Ideas

Trading Ideas

AAPL

DLTR

MSTR

NVDA

TSLA

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Nvidia, MicroStrategy, Dollar Tree, And Dogecoin Prediction Of $18 In 'Wild' Scenario

In the rolling hills of Deary, Idaho, a forgotten piece of history sat quietly on a neighbor's farm, collecting dust, rot and the occasional cat colony. Train car number 306, once a proud fixture of the Washington Idaho &amp; Montana Railway, had been out of commission since the 1950s.&nbsp;
For decades, it remained parked and forgotten – until Isaac French's dad spotted it and saw a glimmer of something extraordinary.
"My dad bought this 120-year-old train car for $3,000," French, 27, shared in a <a href="https://x.com/isaacfrench_/status/1823723454572716408">viral X thread </a>with over 16 million views. "It was a rotting, cat-infested wreck. After $149k and five months, we redeemed it."
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-y2"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a></li>
</ul>
In 2020, after years of pondering, the family bought the 61-foot-long train car for a mere $3,000. But getting it to their 145-acre property was another story. Moving the beastly structure cost $10,000 and finding someone willing to take on the job wasn't easy.&nbsp;
"We chose the highest point on our land for epic views," French explains, "but getting it up there? Not exactly a walk in the park."
Once the train car was in place, the real work began and the family transformed the derelict car into a stunning <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/11/41841883/housing-crisis-forces-airbnb-and-vrbo-into-the-hot-seat-as-cities-grapple-with-soaring-rents-and-mounting-public-backlash">Airbnb </a>getaway. French and his siblings rolled up their sleeves, tackling most of the work.
They refurbished the floors, preserved the original windows and even recreated the historic lettering on the side, inspired by a 1906 photo of the train car in its prime. Subcontractors handled the trickier parts, like HVAC and electrical, but the heart of the project was all French family grit.
See Also: Unlock the hidden potential of commercial real estate —<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=unlockboost-yahoo"> This platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>
Inside, they turned the passenger room into a cozy sitting area with a gas potbelly stove and added a kitchenette. The old mail room became a bedroom with a plush king-size bed, while a sleek bathroom with a barn door completed the transformation.&nbsp;
To elevate the experience further, they added a mirrored sauna, hot tub and firepit outside. "It's the perfect mix of old and new," French says. "Guests wake up to these incredible panoramic views. It's magical."
Apparently, travelers agree. Listed at $325 to $350 per night, the train car hit a 90% occupancy rate in its first year, bringing in $14,179. Since then, business has boomed, with annual revenue climbing to $105,000 in 2023.&nbsp;
Trending: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2">These high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% make earning passive income easier than ever.</a>
The French family keeps about 65% of that profit, with the rest covering cleaning, maintenance and insurance. According to AirDNA, between 2020 and 2024, the number of unique Airbnb stay listings – such as yurts and train cars – increased by 123%, outpacing the growth of traditional listings.
Despite the train car's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/12/42258507/tech-ceo-turns-15000-into-1-million-with-pizza-nobody-was-mad-they-got-the-pizza-says-founder-behind-the-viral-campaign">viral success</a>, the family has no plans to jack up prices. "We love hosting people from all over the country," French says. "There's so much joy in sharing this piece of history."
As for the train car, French sees it as a symbol of what's possible. "There are so many old treasures just waiting to be rediscovered. All it takes is a little love to breathe life back into them."
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=byerscta100">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a></li>
<li>Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=stockmarket-yahoo"> this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a></li>
</ul>

Abandoned Train Car Transformed Into Airbnb Hit: 'It Took $150,000 And A Lot Of Love, But Now It's Making $105K A Year'

Jeff Bezos is building a clock that makes the average wristwatch seem trivial. In a 2023 Lex Fridman Podcast episode, Bezos delved into the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/12/42370220/i-would-lose-almost-every-time-shaq-admits-he-invested-his-money-blindly-before-meeting-jeff-bezos-he-explained-what-the-future-holds">concept behind his $42 million project</a>: the 10,000-Year Clock.&nbsp;
Nestled inside a mountain in West Texas, this engineering marvel ticks once a year, chimes every century and showcases a cuckoo every millennium. Why? Bezos explains it's a bold symbol to shift humanity's focus toward long-term thinking – a concept he believes is critical in a rapidly evolving world.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a></li>
<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>
"This clock isn't just a piece of machinery," Bezos shared. "It's a reminder. Humans need to stretch their thinking horizons beyond quarterly reports or election cycles to generations ahead. Long-term thinking is the lever to solve problems that seem impossible when we're stuck in the short-term."
Although Bezos <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/04/38498372/jeff-bezos-is-so-rich-that-spending-1-000-000-is-like-the-average-person-spending-1-here-is-how-he-s">announced installation began</a> in 2018 via a post on X, there is no expected completion date at this time.&nbsp;
<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">Installation has begun—500 ft tall, all mechanical, powered by day/night thermal cycles, synchronized at solar noon, a symbol for long-term thinking—the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/10000YearClock?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#10000YearClock</a> is coming together thx to the genius of Danny Hillis, Zander Rose &amp; the whole Clock team! Enjoy the video. <a href="https://t.co/FYIyaUIbdJ">pic.twitter.com/FYIyaUIbdJ</a>
&mdash; Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffBezos/status/965957024109379602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a>
The clock itself is no small feat. Standing 500 feet tall and carved into a remote mountain, the design includes precision mechanics powered by natural thermal cycles. Materials like marine-grade stainless steel and hi-tech ceramics were chosen to ensure it lasts 10,000 years with no human intervention. As Bezos described, the clock will "accrue the patina of age" and eventually become a living piece of history, inspiring future civilizations.
During the interview, Lex Fridman posed a big question: "Do you think humans will be here when the clock runs out?" Bezos replied with measured optimism, saying, "Here on Earth? I think so." But he followed up took a more realistic tone: "The United States won't exist." He elaborated, pointing out that civilizations inevitably rise and fall. "10,000 years is so long. No nation-state has ever survived for anywhere close to 10,000 years."
Fridman noted how the accelerating pace of progress might further challenge long-term stability. Bezos agreed, adding, "It makes that even less likely."&nbsp;
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
The clock's concept originated from inventor Danny Hillis in the 1980s, but Bezos has taken it to another level. By funding and housing the project on his own land, Bezos envisions it becoming a pilgrimage site. Visitors will have to hike rugged terrain to witness the clock in action – an intentional design to underscore its importance.
The clock's features are as mind-bending as its timeline. Five chambers mark milestones, including one- and 10,000-year anniversaries. A custom orrery will even track planetary movements and past interplanetary probes. Legendary musician Brian Eno contributed a chime generator capable of producing 3.5 million unique bell sequences, ensuring no sound repeats in any human lifetime.
Bezos emphasized that the clock is less about today's achievements and more about shaping the mindset of tomorrow. "We've built technologies capable of extraordinary wonders but also civilization-scale problems," he noted. By anchoring people to the reality of 10,000 years, the clock challenges humanity to act responsibly for future generations.
Trending: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>
This larger-than-life clock isn't just about engineering marvels or philosophical musings – it's also a testament to humanity's potential to think beyond the now. Whether it's climate change, global conflict or existential threats, Bezos believes the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/01/36578721/jeff-bezoss-refreshingly-normal-morning-routine-includes-puttering-around-drinking-coffee-chatting-w">solutions begin with a shift in perspective</a>.
The question remains: will this ticking timepiece succeed in nudging humanity to think further ahead? Bezos admits its true impact might not emerge for centuries, but that's kind of the point. "If it ever influences people to think longer term, that won't happen for hundreds of years," he acknowledged. "But we have to build it now."
For those daring enough to visit, don't expect instant gratification. It's a trek through desolate terrain, rising 2,000 feet above the valley floor. But maybe that's fitting for a clock that's teaching us all to slow down.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
<li>‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest TODAY for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a></li>
</ul>

Jeff Bezos Is Spending $42 Million On A Clock Designed To Last 10,000 Years – He 'Thinks' Humans Will Still Be Here, But Not United States

Helios Towers reports Q3 results

In a report released today, Alex Short from Berenberg Bank reiterated a Buy rating on Helios Towers (HTWSF – Research Report), with a price target ...

Berenberg Bank Reaffirms Their Buy Rating on Helios Towers (HTWSF)

Helios Towers plc (HTWSF) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

Jefferies analyst Graham Hunt maintained a Buy rating on Helios Towers (HTWSF – Research Report) on November 8 and set a price target of p192.00. T...

Jefferies Sticks to Their Buy Rating for Helios Towers (HTWSF)

Helios Towers (GB:HTWS) has released an update. Helios Towers PLC has undergone a significant change in its shareholder structure as Helios Investm...

Helios Towers Sees Shift in Shareholder Voting Rights

Helios Towers (GB:HTWS) has released an update. Helios Towers has announced the distribution of ordinary shares to entities closely associated with...

Helios Towers Distributes Shares to Management-Linked Entities

Helios Towers (GB:HTWS) has released an update. Helios Towers PLC has announced a significant change in its shareholder structure as Arbejdsmarkede...

Helios Towers Sees Major Shareholder Exit

In a report released today, Maurice Patrick from Barclays maintained a Hold rating on Helios Towers (HTWSF – Research Report). The company's shares...

Helios Towers (HTWSF) Gets a Hold from Barclays

Helios Towers (GB:HTWS) has released an update. Helios Towers, a prominent telecom infrastructure company, has witnessed a change in its major hold...

Helios Towers Sees Change in Major Holdings

Helios Towers (GB:HTWS) has released an update. Helios Towers recently announced the acquisition of 217,714 ordinary shares by The Richard Byrne 20...

Comments

Helios Towers

Helios Towers (HTWSF) Forecast

Helios Towers (OTC:HTWSF) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

Popular Channels

Tools & Features

Partners & Contributors

About Benzinga