Medicine Man Technologies Stock (OTC: SHWZ)

Medicine Man Technologies (OTC:SHWZ) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

Medicine Man Technologies

Medicine Man Technologies Inc is a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator focused on growth through expansion into existing and new markets. The Company's business involves the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail sale of cannabis and cannabis-related products. The Company sells products it manufactures and cultivates and a variety of other cannabis goods through wholly-owned retail stores, licensing arrangements, and/or third-party operators and retailers. Its operations are organized into three different segments: Retail, consisting of retail locations for sale of cannabis products; Wholesale, consisting of manufacturing, cultivation, and sale of both wholesale cannabis and non-cannabis products; and Other, consisting of all other income and expenses.

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Massachusetts&#39; average revenue per dispensary dropped to $362k/month, down 8% year-over-year, in New Mexico sales went down 3% in November.The cannabis industry continues to show mixed results across key U.S. markets, with notable developments in California, Massachusetts, and New Mexico.

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

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While Schwazze&#39;s issue may seem minor compared to past scandals, it serves as a reminder of how easily financial mistakes can spiral.

Ka-Ching! Schwazze&#39;s Cannabis Accounting Bloopers And Other Historic Missteps That Shook Up Big Business

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Schwazze&#39;s Q3 Preliminary Revenue Slides As Debt Grows, 2023 Financials Face Re-Audit

MEDICINE MAN TECH INC by Medicine Man Technologies Inc.

Medicine Man Technologies Inc

The trend of institutional funds and big investment groups buying large tranches of single-family homes has been blamed for exacerbating America's housing affordability crisis. Some states, such as California and New York, have even introduced legislation that would curb or outlaw the practice entirely. Now, Wall Street investors are exiting the market, and a recent study shows this could have a reverse boomerang effect that leaves many American homes overvalued by as much as 35%.
This could create a financial nightmare for millions of American homeowners, whose net worth is often tied to their home's value. <a href="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/wall-street-thinks-u-s-homes-are-overpriced-1fc1c18d">The Wall Street Journal reported</a> that real estate analytics firm Green Street reached those conclusions after analyzing the property portfolios of some of America's biggest landlords.&nbsp;
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It revealed a huge disparity between stock prices for some of America's biggest<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-in-single-family-rentals"> single-family rental</a> landlords, like Invitation Homes (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INVH#NYSE">INVH</a>) and American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMH"> AMH</a>), and their net asset values, the report said.&nbsp;
The analysis shows that the value of Invitation Homes shares translates to home values of around $310,000 in areas where the home's "current market values" are around $415,000. That large disparity is a cause for concern among Green Street's analysts. The firm's managing director, John Pawlawski, told The Journal, "Share prices are signaling that single-family-home prices are too high and not sustainable."
It's long been speculated that the tremendous buying power of institutional investors, who are known to buy hundreds of homes in single markets at once, is one of the main contributing factors to America's housing affordability crisis. Their simultaneous exit from the market en masse could slow property appreciation rates in many of America's biggest real estate markets.&nbsp;
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During their more aggressive buying sprees, institutional landlords relied on deep pockets and lower interest rates to muscle their way into the real estate market, much to the chagrin of first-time buyers who couldn't compete. Meanwhile, those already fortunate enough to be homeowners reaped benefits in the form of faster appreciation.
However, that accelerated appreciation and the post-COVID run-up in interest rates appear to have changed the equation for many institutional landlords. Most institutional landlords target capitalization rates between 5% to 6% to generate<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/real-estate-investment-strategies"> passive income for investors</a>, but current home values and interest rates are putting potential returns in the 4% range. That may explain why they slowed their buying down in Q3 2024.&nbsp;
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The downstream effect of a once abundant source of capital suddenly being removed from the market is that sellers and developers can no longer rely on big-pocketed investors to take on huge chunks of housing inventory all at once. That will likely lead to homes staying on the market longer and selling for less, which would inevitably eat into current home valuations when appraisers find cheaper comps in various real estate markets.
Who wins and who loses in Green Street's scenario depends on your place in the real estate market. Would-be buyers will likely cheer the potential price reductions. However, homeowners may lament the continued absence of institutional landlords if Green Street's analysis is accurate, and their properties are overvalued by 35%.
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Homeowners Beware: Wall Street Analysts Think Your Property Could Be Overvalued By Almost 40%

Doctors are ditching the hospital grind for corporate boardrooms. And with $275,000 salaries, better hours, and less stress, it's easy to see why.
The rise of chief medical officers in tech, startups, and even companies like Google and Salesforce (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NASDAQ">CRM</a>) is pulling more doctors away from clinical roles. They're trading 12-hour shifts for leadership positions that still <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/partner/health-care/25/01/42901251/the-silent-revenue-killer-in-us-healthcare-and-the-tech-that-is-fighting-back">impact healthcare</a>—just on a bigger scale.
Why Doctors Are Making the Switch
For Dr. Lisa Shah, the shift was about scale. She loved treating patients but left exhausted every day. Losing them took a toll.
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Now, as CMO at Twin Health, a health tech startup using AI to monitor metabolism, she's helping treat populations instead of just one patient at a time.
&#8220;We&#8217;re seeing a lot of chief medical officers coming on board to grant that clinical, medical legitimacy to whatever products people are developing,&#8221; Chris Myers, a Johns Hopkins professor, told Business Insider.
The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated the trend. Burnout soared. A Bain &amp; Company survey found that one in four clinicians were considering leaving medicine.
And the pay? Still solid. ZipRecruiter (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZIP#NYSE">ZIP</a>) says CMOs earn around $275,000 per year—comparable with a doctor's salary but without the brutal hours.
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A Growing Trend in Health Tech
Health tech is booming. It's expected to hit $1.5 trillion by 2032, growing at nearly 19% per year, <a href="https://rockhealth.com/insights/2023-q1-digital-health-funding-investing-like-its-2019/">according to researchers at Rock Health</a>.&nbsp;
That means more companies need medical expertise—and they're hiring doctors to provide it.
Dr. Guy Maytal spent nearly two decades in psychiatry before joining Forge Health, a startup focused on mental health and substance use treatment.
"I could grumble on the sidelines, or roll up my sleeves and do something about it," he told Business Insider.
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The Role of CMOs in Business
Tech giants are getting in on the action. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43616463/salesforce-and-aws-pledge-500m-to-boost-ai-development-in-saudi-arabia">Salesforce</a> hired a CMO in 2019 to focus on employee health. Google added its first chief health officer the same year.
At Uber Health, Dr. Joshua Sclar now works on getting patients to medical appointments and delivering medications.
&#8220;Being a physician, I know what happens when that care is missed,&#8221; he told Business Insider.
But adjusting to corporate life isn't always easy. Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, CMO at TalkSpace (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TALK#NASDAQ">TALK</a>), says her biggest challenge was learning to communicate with business leaders who don't speak &#8220;doctor.&#8221;
&#8220;There can be really different end goals when you&#8217;re talking about business objectives versus healthcare objectives,&#8221; she said.
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A Lifeline for Overworked Doctors?
For doctors used to on-call shifts, patient loss, and insurance battles, moving to a CMO role reduces emotional toll.
"These jobs seem stressful, but they're not life and death," said Dr. Jonathan Jaffery of the Association of American Medical Colleges.
And while America faces a shortage of 86,000 physicians by 2036, many believe CMOs aren't the problem—they're part of the solution.
Dr. Nate Favini, CMO of Pair Team, a startup connecting Medicaid patients to care, thinks technology will help fix the system.
"There's a massive opportunity to harness tech to deliver better care at a fraction of the cost," he told Business Insider.
Doctors aren't just leaving medicine. They're changing it.
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TALK

From $275,000 Salaries To Work-Life Balance: Why Burned-Out Doctors Are Trading The ER For The C-Suite

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43466203/warren-buffetts-127-billion-stock-sell-off-sends-wall-street-a-stark-warning-for-2025-below-average-returns-ahead">Warren Buffett'</a>s Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>, BRK.B))&nbsp; is at it again, buying up more shares of Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OXY#NYSE">OXY</a>). On Feb. 7, <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/315090/000095017025018266/xslF345X05/ownership.xml">Berkshire added 763,017 shares </a>to its portfolio for about $35.7 million.&nbsp;
That brings its total stake in the <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-grows-stake-in-occidental-petroleum-11678787">Houston-based oil and gas giant to 28.3%</a>, making it Occidental's largest shareholder. <a href="https://www.investors.com/news/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-cash-on-hand-to-work/">According to Investors Business Daily</a>, this follows a pattern—Berkshire has been steadily increasing its investment despite Occidental's stock taking a hit in recent months.
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The company's stock has had a rough ride, <a href="https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/OXY/occidental-petroleum/stock-price-history">down nearly 32% from its peak in April</a>. Last year alone, it dropped more than 17%, mostly due to weakening oil prices.&nbsp;
Declining crude oil prices have put pressure on energy stocks across the board, and Occidental hasn't been an exception. Even so, Buffett doesn't seem worried.
This isn't the first time Berkshire has jumped in during a downturn. In December, it <a href="https://occidentalpetroleum.gcs-web.com/node/27696/html">scooped up another 8.9 million shares </a>when the market dipped.&nbsp;
Berkshire's ties to Occidental run deeper than just common stock. It played a key role in Occidental's $55 billion purchase of Anadarko Petroleum in 2019, <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/797468/000095015719000504/form425.htm">pumping in $10 billion</a> in exchange for preferred stock.&nbsp;
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That deal came with an 8% annual dividend, which means Berkshire is pocketing about $800 million a year just from those shares. On top of that, it holds warrants to buy another 80 million shares at an exercise price of $62.50. Investor's Business Daily said this gives Berkshire even more potential upside if Occidental's stock climbs.
Despite regulatory approval to buy up to 50% of Occidental, Buffett has made it clear he's not planning a takeover.
<a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-occidental-petroleum-energy-stock-earnings-call-2022-3">Business Insider reported</a> that he first got interested in the company after reading a transcript of its earnings call and liking what he saw. That's been his approach for decades—digging into a company's fundamentals before making a move.
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Meanwhile, Occidental has been focused on paying down debt. By the end of <a href="https://www.oxy.com/news/news-releases/occidental-announces-3rd-quarter-2024-results/">Q3 2024,</a> it had already knocked out $4 billion, reaching about 90% of its short-term debt reduction goal. As mentioned by Oxy, this is part of a broader strategy to shore up the company's financial position.
For investors, dividends are another draw. <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/oxy/dividend-history">Occidental offers a 1.8% yield</a>, making it an attractive choice for those looking for steady returns. The company is also making moves in carbon capture technology, which could position it well for the future as energy companies face increasing pressure to reduce emissions. This shift aligns with broader industry trends favoring sustainability.
Occidental's stock closed at <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/data-news/apa-corp-stock-falls-4-0-underperforms-competitors-48270fd7-205fdaac588c">$47.83 on Feb. 12</a>, slipping 1.60% for the day. As Barron's noted, oil price fluctuations continue to impact the stock, but Berkshire's commitment suggests confidence in its long-term potential.
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Occidental Petroleum Stock Is Down 32% – But Warren Buffett Keeps Buying More. Does He Know Something the Market Doesn't?

The house always wins. While that adage is often used in casinos, it also holds true for one of the biggest gambles in business: restaurants. Ask Gordon Ramsay, the global culinary icon with an empire of 88 restaurants, eight Michelin Stars, and a slew of top-rated TV shows. The Scottish-born chef was recently interviewed on the First We Feast <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43479274/alphabet-q4-earnings-highlights-ai-cloud-youtube-momentum-continues-capex-guidance-sends-shares-lower">YouTube</a> channel. He was unequivocal when host Sean Evans asked about the hidden costs of running a restaurant.
&#8220;Yeah it&#8217;s called rent and labor costs — two big key factors in running a successful business,&#8221; Ramsey said. The media icon, known for lambasting hapless cooks with a tirade of expletives, said, &#8220;Landlords — they win either way. So the more successful you are, the more rent they ask for. The less successful you are, the more demanding they are after the rent.&#8221;
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Other than the quality of the food, location plays a prime role in determining a restaurant&#8217;s success. Landlords can charge top-of-the-market rents for prime locations. Regardless of the business&#8217;s success or failings, the cost of rent remains constant. Unlike many chefs, however, Ramsay&#8217;s business is bolstered by his star power and global recognition, resulting in a steady stream of customers wanting to eat at his establishments. The strategy has paid off. Ramsay's net worth is around $220 million, according to the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14279891/world-richest-chef-gordon-ramsay-jamie-oliver-twice-fortune.html">Daily Mail</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Masterchef Salary</h2>
According to<a href="https://www.finance-monthly.com/2024/12/gordon-ramsays-shocking-masterchef-salary-will-blow-your-mind/#:~:text=All%20of%20this%20has%20helped,Masterchef,%20according%20to%20The%20Things."> </a><a href="https://www.finance-monthly.com/2024/12/gordon-ramsays-shocking-masterchef-salary-will-blow-your-mind/#:~:text=All%20of%20this%20has%20helped,Masterchef,%20according%20to%20The%20Things">Monthly Finance</a>, Ramsay is served a bountiful $225,000 per episode of Masterchef (that he hosts), which has multiple versions around the world in which Ramsay often appears. His TV success has been a steady climb after starring in the British cooking shows, &#8220;Boiling Point&#8221; (a documentary), &#8220;The F-Word,&#8221; &#8220;Hell&#8217;s Kitchen,&#8221; and &#8220;Kitchen Nightmares,&#8221; before debuting in 2005 with &#8220;Hell&#8217;s Kitchen,&#8221; on Fox, followed by &#8220;Kitchen Nightmares,&#8221; in 2007. By 2020,<a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/gordon-ramsay/#1d2e03bb4530"> Forbes</a> reported that Ramsay&#8217;s shows generated $150 million in yearly ad sales for the network and that his net worth was $70 million.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deepening The Fox Relationship</h2>
In 2021, Ramsay and Fox announced a joint partnership with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/01/43317260/kansas-city-chiefs-help-cbs-break-afc-championship-record-will-super-bowl-viewership-hit-new-highs">Fox</a> for Studio Ramsay Global to produce new Ramsey featured shows, including &#8220;Kitchen Nightmares,&#8221; &#8220;Gordon Ramsay&#8217;s Food Stars,&#8221; and &#8220;Next Level Chef,&#8221; along with shows featuring other chefs, such as National Geographic&#8217;s &#8220;No Taste Like Home.&#8221;
In 2024, Ramsay and Fox launched <a href="https://www.foxflash.com/releases/view/gordon-ramsay-and-fox-entertainment-launch-bite-a-next-gen-global-food-brand-and-entertainment-platform-comprehensive-multi-category-culinary-and-life">Bite</a>, a global food brand and platform offering a range of online digital content, products, and live global food experiences.
&#8220;Bite is an innovative fusion of my nearly 20-year collaboration with Fox, blending all the experiences, excitement, competition, and personality we&#8217;ve created together under this original, singular food and lifestyle venture,&#8221; said Ramsay. &#8220;This new brand will cater to every flavor of food fan with an enticing array of original series, compelling food stories, and endless digital content that audiences everywhere will eat up!&#8221;&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Restaurant Empire</h2>
Ramsay&#8217;s knowledge of dealing with landlords is well-founded. His restaurant empire has grown in tandem with his TV success. In 2018, he began opening a series of US-based restaurants, Hell's Kitchen, named after the TV show, one of the most successful being the flagship in Las Vegas. It also made the No. 3 spot on Yelp&#8217;s list of the <a href="https://www.yelp.com/collection/N7fY-Marn9QcxPA6TcFEjA/Most-Photographed-Restaurants-2024">most photographed restaurants</a> of 2024. To date, there are seven Hell's Kitchen restaurants across the US.
In 2019, Ramsay signed a deal with private equity firm Lion Capital to form Gordon Ramsay North America. The deal was worth a reported $100 million, with Ramsay and Lion having an equal stake in the subsidiary. Though initially planned as a venture to open <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2019/06/26/gordon-ramsay-plots-100-us-restaurants-with-new-private-equity-deal/#6736b9af7b84">100 restaurants</a> in the United States by 2024, the COVID-19 pandemic dampened those ambitions.
Although Ramsey has claimed to have lost $80 million in revenue in the UK during the pandemic, he appears to have bounced back since. <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14355391/gordon-ramsay-four-new-restaurants-building-london.html">According to the Daily Mail,</a> Ramsay recently opened four new restaurants in the same London building.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Entrepreneurial Spin-offs</h2>
Ramsey opened a cooking school in 2021 in Woking, England for half and full-day courses, with a second location due to open in London in 2025,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-gordon-ramsay-makes-money-net-worth-millions#the-chef-has-also-launched-a-cooking-school-4"> according to Business Insider</a>. In addition, Ramsey has a<a href="https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2021/03/gordon-ramsay-launches-his-own-brand-of-california-wines/"> </a>wine brand, Gordon Ramsay Signature Wines, is a partial owner of the HexClad cookware line after Ramsay Global $100 million investment in the brand and has a line of frozen entrees.
Ramsey is also a shareholder and brand ambassador in<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michelin-starred-chef-and-international-businessman-gordon-ramsay-partners-with-borealis-foods-301876795.html"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37123615/gordon-ramsay-backed-mission-driven-borealis-foods-goes-public">Boraelis Foods</a>, a food tech innovation company behind the popular Chef Woo and Ramen Express ramen meals, which went public last year. Ramsay began a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ia1hHVOyL4">partnership with THOR Kitchen</a> last year for a range of high-end kitchen appliances.&nbsp;
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Gordon Ramsay Might Be Worth $220 Million, But He Reveals That Landlords Always Have The Upper Hand In The Restaurant Business

Women Grow has announced the formation of the Women Grow Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing women entrepreneurs and professionals in the cannabis industry through advocacy, education and funding. The Foundation will officially launch at the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/02/43591841/brittney-griner-and-ricky-williams-headline-women-grow-2025-leadership-summit-key-event-for-the-cannabis-industry">Women Grow Leadership Summit's</a> opening breakfast on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 8:00 AM at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.
&#8220;The Women Grow Foundation is dedicated to empowering women in cannabis through strategic funding, mentorship, and policy advocacy,&#8221; said Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow. &#8220;By addressing systemic barriers and providing targeted resources, we aim to create lasting change and meaningful opportunities for women at all stages of their careers and businesses.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stearns Bank Pledges $15,000 In Support</h3>
At the launch event, Stearns Bank will present a $15,000 donation, reinforcing its commitment to supporting women in cannabis. This contribution highlights the financial industry&#8217;s role in fostering equity within the sector. According to Dr. Macias, &#8220;female entrepreneurs receive just 3% of venture capital funding despite data showing that female-led ventures perform on par with their male-led counterparts.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Foundation's Mission and Focus Areas</h3>
The Women Grow Foundation aims to address key barriers that have historically hindered women's progress in the cannabis industry. It will operate under a yearly membership model and focus on three main areas:
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Legalization And Policy Reform</h4>
<ul>
<li>Advocating for policy changes at state and federal levels</li>
<li>Supporting grassroots legislative efforts</li>
<li>Ensuring diverse representation in regulatory discussions</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Entrepreneurship And Funding</h4>
<ul>
<li>Connecting women to grants and investment opportunities</li>
<li>Providing business development education</li>
<li>Helping women overcome financial barriers to launching and scaling businesses</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Career Development</h4>
<ul>
<li>Offering mentorship programs</li>
<li>Providing professional training</li>
<li>Assisting with job placement and career advancement</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Membership And Financial Support</h3>
Membership in the Women Grow Foundation will offer early access to funding opportunities, business development resources and networking with industry leaders. Membership options include:
<ul>
<li>Student Membership – $79/year</li>
<li>Corporate Membership – $500/year</li>
<li>Women Grow Circle Program – $1,000-$5,000/year</li>
</ul>
Funding for the foundation will come from memberships, individual and corporate donations, foundation grants and state and federal programs. Industry partners and corporate sponsors will play a crucial role in supporting its advocacy efforts and community initiatives.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How To Get Involved</h3>
Women Grow Foundation welcomes individuals and businesses to contribute by becoming members, making donations or partnering in sponsorships.
To register for the Women Grow 2025 Leadership Summit, visit <a href="http://WomenGrow.com">WomenGrow.com</a>.
Lead image via Shutterstock

Women Grow Foundation: New 501(c)(3) to Provide Advocacy and Resources for Cannabis Entrepreneurs

&nbsp;Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, now known as X, has shed light on the accelerated growth of Bluesky, attributing it to a mass exodus of users from X.
What Happened: In a recent podcast, Dorsey voiced his belief that users are &#8220;running away from X, rather&nbsp;than running to something on&nbsp;Bluesky&#8221;.
Bluesky, which began&nbsp;as an internal project at&nbsp;Twitter, was launched as a separate&nbsp;public benefit corporation in 2021.&nbsp;The platform witnessed&nbsp;a surge in user signups&nbsp;in November, which coincided with a wave of users departing from&nbsp;X following the election of&nbsp;President Trump, who was financially backed by Elon Musk, the current owner of X.
&#8220;I think people are running away from X, rather than running to something on Bluesky. That&#8217;s not a great way to build a product, unfortunately. We want people that are running to us for a particular thing that they couldn&#8217;t do before,&#8221; as quoted <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jack-dorsey-people-running-away-from-x-bluesky-growth-2025-2">by </a>Insider he said in the podcast.
Despite stepping down&nbsp;from Bluesky&#8217;s board of directors&nbsp;last year, Dorsey maintains a positive outlook on the platform&#8217;s future. He underscored the platform&#8217;s distinctive feature that allows users to select their own algorithms as a major draw for users.
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&#8220;Bluesky has built something that I wanted it to build and I&#8217;m excited about, which is this algorithm store, being able to choose your own algorithms,&#8221; he added.
&#8220;That is a reason why people will run to it eventually, and I think why people run to these services eventually because they get more agency and more control — but it&#8217;s not something that people care about right now,&#8221; he said. 
Bluesky&#8217;s CEO, Jay Graber, has reassured that the platform is &#8220;billionaire-proof&#8221; and presents a radically different approach to social media, emphasizing user control and open-source development.
Why It Matters: The rapid growth of Bluesky and the mass exodus from X signify a shift in user preferences in the social media landscape. Users are increasingly seeking platforms that offer greater control and transparency, as evidenced by Bluesky&#8217;s unique feature of allowing users to choose their own algorithms. 
This trend could potentially reshape the future of social media, with platforms like Bluesky leading the way.
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Image: Shutterstock

Tech

Jack Dorsey Says Bluesky's Rapid Expansion Fueled by X Exodus: 'Not a Great Way To Build a Product'

Robinhood Markets Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>) has evolved from a confetti-throwing trading app into a serious financial services platform, with its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43641644/robinhood-q4-earnings-preview-can-company-rebound-from-q3-miss-key-items-to-watch#:~:text=Earnings%20Estimates%3A%20Analysts%20expect%20Robinhood,of%20the%20last%2010%20quarters.">shares quadrupling over the past year as it expands beyond its meme-stock roots</a>.
The company&#8217;s transformation includes launching futures trading, a desktop platform for serious traders, and a credit card program that has attracted 2 million waitlist subscribers, according to the <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/72c164f8-2c25-4499-9bc2-81053278084e">Financial Times</a>. Its Gold card offers 3% cashback, with select clients eligible for a solid gold version.
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Yet the company is facing challenges in the competitive brokerage landscape. With $195 billion in assets under custody as of November, it remains dwarfed by traditional players like Fidelity and Charles Schwab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHW#NYSE">SCHW</a>) , which manage $15 trillion and $10 trillion respectively.
Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev set ambitious targets during the company's December investor day, aiming for market leadership in options trading by 2027 and equities by 2029. The company&#8217;s $200 million <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39313872/robinhoods-200m-bitstamp-deal-marks-major-step-in-growing-crypto-business-heres-where-you-">acquisition of crypto exchange Bitstamp</a> in June signals its commitment to digital asset expansion.
&#8220;The maturation of Robinhood has coincided with the maturation of the retail investor,&#8221; Piper Sandler analyst Patrick Moley told the Financial Times.
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Traditional brokers, however, continue to compete for younger clients. Schwab CEO Rick Wurster recently said on an earnings call that a third of its new retail investors were under 30, and half were under 40.
While Robinhood offers multiple asset classes on one platform—from cryptocurrency to stock options—analysts question whether younger clients will &#8220;graduate&#8221; to larger firms as they accumulate wealth.&nbsp;
The path to product parity with established brokers remains &#8220;very, very long,&#8221; Barclays analyst Benjamin Budish told the Financial Times.
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The company&#8217;s strategy includes expanding beyond trading into broader financial services. Its recent initiatives target more sophisticated investors while maintaining the platform&#8217;s accessibility for newcomers.
&#8220;Maybe it&#8217;s an unfair comparison, because Schwab and Fidelity are very mature platforms,&#8221; Budish said, but added that seeing the company mature makes him &#8220;more willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.&#8221;
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HOOD

SCHW

Robinhood's Profit Surge Means It May Finally Be A Serious Player On Wall Street

The Justice Department is reportedly in crisis following a wave of resignations and intense pressure from Trump-appointed officials to drop the corruption case against <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/02/43739378/treasury-investigates-doges-payment-system-access-as-concerns-mount" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York City Mayor </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/02/43739378/treasury-investigates-doges-payment-system-access-as-concerns-mount" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Adams</a> (D).
The situation escalated on Friday when the department filed a motion to dismiss the case, a move that triggered anger and outrage within the DOJ, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/14/justice-department-crisis-resignations-adams-00204482">reports</a> Politico.
For two consecutive days, acting DOJ No. 2 Emil Bove pressured career attorneys to file court papers seeking to abandon the case.
The pressure campaign culminated in the filing of a motion late Friday, signed by Bove himself, to drop the charges.
This unprecedented move came after several DOJ officials resigned in protest. Lead prosecutor Hagan Scotten, part of the U.S. attorney&#8217;s office in Manhattan, quit, accusing Bove and Trump of striking a deal to drop the charges in exchange for Adams&#8217; support of Trump&#8217;s policy agenda.
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Bove&#8217;s actions led to further resignations within the department, including the acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan, Danielle Sassoon, and senior officials from the Criminal Division and Public Integrity Section.
Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade revealed that Bove issued an ultimatum to DOJ lawyers to find someone to carry out the order to dismiss the case or face termination, Politico adds.
Critics, including former DOJ veterans, compared the turmoil to the 1973 Saturday Night Massacre, where top officials resigned to resist President Nixon&#8217;s orders.
They described the current crisis as &#8220;chilling,&#8221; citing Bove&#8217;s crude intimidation tactics. DOJ spokespersons did not respond to requests for comment.
Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the decision to drop the case, claiming the charges against Adams were part of a political &#8220;weaponization&#8221; of the department.
The unfolding turmoil underscores the profound divide within the DOJ, as Trump-aligned officials clash with career prosecutors over the future of the Adams case.
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Image: Shutterstock

Equities

Politics

General

Chaos at Justice Department as Trump-Backed Officials Push To Drop Corruption Case Against NYC Mayor Adams

Switzerland is advancing toward legalizing recreational <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis</a> with a strictly regulated framework after the National Council's Social Security and Health Committee (SGK-N) voted in favor of a <a href="https://www.parlament.ch/press-releases/Pages/mm-sgk-n-2025-02-14.aspx?lang=1031">draft</a> law that would allow controlled access for adults. The proposal, which passed with 14 votes in favor, 9 against and 2 abstentions, seeks to reduce illicit market activity, protect public health and implement a non-profit sales model.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Non-Profit, Government-Controlled Cannabis Market</h2>
The proposed law aims to remove the profit motive from cannabis sales by placing them under a state-controlled monopoly. Cannabis products would only be available at a limited number of licensed brick-and-mortar stores and through a single state-approved online retailer.
Revenue generated from sales would be directed toward harm reduction, addiction support and contributions to health insurance cost reductions. This structure is notably different from commercial models in Canada, the U.S. or Germany, where private companies play a key role in legal cannabis markets.
The draft also proposes strict quality standards for cannabis products, requiring neutral packaging, clear warning labels and childproof containers. Advertising would be completely banned, extending not only to cannabis products but also to seeds, clones and related accessories.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THC-Based Taxation And Personal Cultivation Rules</h2>
The proposal includes a THC-based taxation system, where higher THC levels result in higher taxes.
Adults residing in Switzerland would be allowed to grow up to three female cannabis plants (flowering) for personal use, but purchase and possession limits would be enforced. Public consumption regulations would align with existing passive smoking protection laws, preventing secondhand exposure in public spaces.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Zero Tolerance For Driving And Harsher Penalties For Illicit Sales</h2>
While the legislation aims to shift consumers away from the illegal market, it simultaneously increases penalties for unauthorized cannabis sales and purchases. A digital tracking system would monitor the entire supply chain to prevent diversion to illicit channels.
Driving regulations remain stringent, with a zero-tolerance policy for THC. Under the proposed rules, any driver found with THC in their system would be considered unfit to drive, reinforcing Switzerland's cautious approach to cannabis and road safety.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next Steps: Public Consultation And Parliamentary Debate</h2>
The proposal is far from becoming law. The next phase involves an explanatory report on the preliminary draft, which will be examined by the SGK-N in the summer of 2025. This will be followed by a public consultation period, allowing stakeholders, medical experts and advocacy groups to provide feedback.
Given Switzerland's direct democracy system, a referendum may be required before the law is fully enacted. The Swiss People&#8217;s Party (SVP) has already <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250214-switzerland-mulls-legalising-recreational-cannabis?utm_source=chatgpt.com">voiced</a> strong opposition, arguing that legalization would send the wrong message to youth.
Meanwhile, industry groups like the Swiss Hemp Interest Group (IG Hanf) have <a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/switzerland-mulls-legalising-recreational-cannabis-b5141994?utm_source=chatgpt.com">hailed</a> the move as a &#8220;historic moment for Swiss cannabis policy.&#8221;
Lead image via Shutterstock

Switzerland Moves To Legalize Recreational Cannabis Under Strict Government Control

JP Morgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) CEO Jamie Dimon sparked controversy during a heated town hall in Columbus, Ohio, where he scolded employees after they raised concerns <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43218904/remote-work-vs-return-to-office-can-veevas-flexibility-outshine-jpmorgans-office-mandate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">about the bank&#8217;s five-day return-to-office policy</a>.
Dimon dismissed the idea of flexible workdays, claiming remote work policies hinder creativity and slow decision-making, The Hill <a target="_blank" href="https://thehill.com/business/5145522-jamie-dimon-jp-morgan-chase-return-to-work/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Dimon aggressively criticized the practice of &#8220;work-from-home Fridays,&#8221; saying, &#8220;I call a lot of people on Friday. There&#8217;s not a goddamn person to get a hold of,&#8221; Dimon said in a meeting, the audio of which has been reviewed by The Hill.
He expressed dissatisfaction with a petition circulated by staffers advocating for hybrid workdays, condemning it as harmful to the younger generation of workers.
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Dimon argued that remote work leaves younger employees &#8220;socially&#8221; and &#8220;professionally&#8221; behind, and even criticized their lack of exposure to diverse environments.
Dimon&#8217;s firm stance on full in-person attendance follows a broader movement of companies re-evaluating remote work policies, with Dimon declaring that those who disagree with the bank&#8217;s approach are welcome to leave.
&#8220;You don&#8217;t have to work at JPMorgan,&#8221; Dimon stated, emphasizing that the bank will maintain its own standards and expectations.
This fiery exchange comes amid workforce restructuring at JPMorgan, which is planning layoffs in February and additional cuts throughout the year.
While Dimon&#8217;s comments have drawn strong reactions, the CEO&#8217;s position remains clear as JPMorgan&#8217;s culture will prioritize in-office work and set its own policies.
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Image: Shutterstock

Jamie Dimon Goes Off on Return-to-Office Critics: 'You Don't Have To Work at JPMorgan'

Irv Gotti, the music executive best known for founding Murder Inc. and signing artists such as Ja Rule and Ashanti, died last week, leaving three children, a musical legacy, and an expansive Californian property portfolio.
Gotti worked with a who&#8217;s who of R&amp;B and hip-hop artists in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including the aforementioned rappers and singers on his label, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/11/41865466/if-you-invested-1000-in-bitcoin-when-jay-z-jack-dorsey-opened-the-bitcoin-academy-heres-how-much-youd-have-now">Jay-Z</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/10/41494838/j-lo-and-ben-afflecks-68m-estate-expert-reveals-why-its-been-100-days-without-a-buyer">Jennifer Lopez</a>, and DMX.
<a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/irv-gotti-murder-inc-founder-dies-1236128314/">According to The Hollywood Reporte</a>r, Gotti died from a stroke after suffering from diabetes for many years. His family announced his passing with a statement on Instagram: &#8220;It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving &#8216;Irv Gotti&#8217; Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025. Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">$300 Million Pay Day</h2>
Gotti pacted with the legendary hip-hop label Def Jam, where he received his own imprint after bringing rapper DMX to the company. Amid hit records and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/02/43443734/the-beatles-make-grammy-history-with-ai-how-tech-completed-their-final-song">Grammy awards</a>, the Hollis, Queens-born mogul (born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr.) became a multi-millionaire. However, he attained generational wealth long after his label&#8217;s heyday and close to the end of his life, when in 2022, he sold his label&#8217;s master recordings to the music management firm Iconoclast for<a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/irv-gotti-interview-vision-catalaogue-sale-1235114375/"> $300 million</a>.
Gotti <a href="https://worldstar.com/videos/wshhtN4iyQL03uSG287F/irv-gotti-discusses-closing-a-300-million-deal-on-his-masters-working-with-jay-z-and-upcoming-movie">told WorldStarHipHop</a> in an interview that the deal allowed him to net $100 million and receive $300 million in a line of credit for future film and TV projects.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Luxury Homes In Encino</h2>
After securing the deal, Gotti bolstered his real estate portfolio by buying two homes in Encino, California. According to<a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/music-producer-irv-gotti-dead-murder-inc-founder-property-portfolio/"> Realtor.com</a>, he paid $10.2 million for a 10,325-square-foot residence with eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms and $4.8 million for a 6,600-square-foot home with five bedrooms and five bathrooms. Previously, Gotti owned a five-bedroom, five-bathroom property in a cul-de-sac in Sherman Oaks, California which he sold for $1.85 million in 2021. He purchased the house for $1.43 million in 2016 and then listed it for rent three years later for $12,500 a month.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">$100 Million Per Year Money Machine Before Fed Shut Down</h2>
At the peak of Murder Inc.&#8217;s success, Gotti <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/irv-gotti-says-murder-inc-200225818.html">told VladTV</a> in 2019 that the label generated $100 million per year before the infamous raid by FBI and New York Police Department investigators in January 2003.
&#8220;The government stopped me from making the money,&#8221; Gotti said in the interview. &#8220;When the government came in at that time, Murder Inc. was doing like over $100 million in billing for like two years in a row.&#8221;
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The raid coincided with Gotti being given a check for $65 million from Universal Music, his partner in a 50/50 deal.
&#8220;They was [sic] giving me a check for like $65 million, and that&#8217;s why the government came in,&#8221; Gotti claimed. &#8220;It was a chess move to destroy me and take all of my money.&#8221;
The label was charged with money laundering. Eventually, in 2005, Gotti was <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/06/arts/irv-gotti-murder-inc-timeline.html">acquitted</a> after spending close to<a href="https://thesource.com/2019/12/02/today-in-hip-hop-history-irv-and-chris-gotti-beat-the-feds-14-years-ago/"> $10 million in legal</a> fees.
&#8220;They took my life from me for three years,&#8221; Gotti said at the time. &#8220;But it&#8217;s all good. I&#8217;m not mad. I love this country. But from Day One, they had it wrong with me and my brother. I&#8217;m no criminal.&#8221;
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Hip Hop Exec Irv Gotti, Dead At 54, Leaves Behind A Real Estate Legacy With His Upscale Californian Property Portfolio

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#8217;s visit to Washington this week was a focused, business-oriented trip, with key agreements with President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43718396/trump-modi-meeting-india-to-amp-up-us-weapons-purchases-will-receive-f-35-stealth-fighters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges shaping the US-India relationship</a>.
The working visit saw Trump announce a significant expansion in US military sales to India, including F-35 jets, alongside increased <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43718396/trump-modi-meeting-india-to-amp-up-us-weapons-purchases-will-receive-f-35-stealth-fighters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil and gas exports to help narrow the trade deficit</a>.
Both nations agreed to negotiate a trade deal and finalize a new defense framework, with the US also approving the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks in India, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23ndleveymo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> BBC.
The two countries also set a bold trade target of $500 billion by 2030, aiming to double the current $190 billion trade volume.
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However, uncertainties remain around the specifics of the trade deal, with experts divided on whether it will be a full free trade agreement or targeted tariff reductions.
A critical concern was Trump&#8217;s order for reciprocal tariffs, which could lead to import taxes on US trading partners.
India, which enjoys a trade surplus with the US, preemptively reduced its average tariffs to mitigate this.
While some experts, like Ajay Srivastava, believe India is unlikely to face significant tariff hurdles, others, including Abhijit Das, warn that non-tariff barriers could still pose challenges, especially in agriculture, where US subsidies and strict regulations may complicate negotiations, BBC adds.
On defense, the US committed to a multi-billion-dollar arms sale to India, including F-35 jets, although logistical and bureaucratic hurdles could slow progress. Despite this, India&#8217;s growing reliance on US defense equipment suggests further deepening of ties.
Modi&#8217;s meeting with Elon Musk was notable, as it touched on emerging technologies and AI, though Tesla&#8217;s entry into India remains uncertain. Modi also held a rare press conference with Trump, answering questions on illegal immigration and the Adani Group bribery charges, marking a shift from his usual approach to media interaction.
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Image: Shutterstock

Trump Unveils $500 Billion Trade Goal To Supercharge US-India Ties

Conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair has declared that Elon Musk is the father of her newborn child. The announcement was made in a recent post on X.
What Happened: In a post on Friday, St. Clair, who is 26, requested privacy for her child, confirming that Musk is the father. The influencer, who is recognized for her far-right commentary, shared the information with her one million followers.
St. Clair wrote, &#8220;Elon Musk is the father,&#8221; and added, &#8220;I have not previously disclosed this to protect our child's privacy and safety, but in recent days it has become clear that tabloid media intends to do so, regardless of the harm it will cause.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Alea Iacta Est <a href="https://t.co/gvVaFNTGqn">pic.twitter.com/gvVaFNTGqn</a>
&mdash; Ashley St. Clair (@stclairashley) <a href="https://twitter.com/stclairashley/status/1890554279749951687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The reasons behind St. Clair&#8217;s announcement remain unclear. Prior to her statement, no media outlet had associated her with the Tesla CEO. Earlier this week,&nbsp;St. Clair and Musk were&nbsp;involved in a social media exchange.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40001741/grimes-mother-accuses-musk-of-withholding-children-amid-custody-battle-please-elon-i-beg-you">Grimes&#8217; Mother Accuses Musk Of Withholding Children Amid Custody Battle: &#8216;Please Elon, I Beg You&#8217;</a>
As of the time of publication, Musk had not reacted to St. Clair&#8217;s revelation. According to People magazine, Musk has fathered 12 children with&nbsp;three different women before St&nbsp;Clair's announcement.
Why It Matters: This unexpected revelation comes amid a lack of prior media speculation linking St. Clair and Musk, raising questions about the nature of their relationship. The timing of the announcement, following a recent social media interaction between the two, adds to the intrigue. 
The impact of this development on Musk&#8217;s personal life and his role as CEO of Tesla remains to be seen. 
As the news unfolds, the focus will likely be on Musk&#8217;s response to the claim and the potential implications for all parties involved.
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Conservative Influencer Says Musk Is Father of Her Newborn Child

Billionaire investor Ray Dalio recently expressed grave concerns <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42257531/heres-how-ray-dalio-thinks-trumps-second-term-could-reshape-the-us-and-the-world">over the escalating U.S. federal debt</a>.
What Happened: Dalio shared his apprehensions at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Thursday. He drew a comparison between the burgeoning $36 trillion national debt and plaque clogging the arteries of the U.S. financial system.
Dalio foresees the possibility of an &#8220;economic heart attack&#8221; within the next three years if the issue is not promptly addressed.
Dalio predicts that&nbsp;if President Donald Trump&#8216;s tax cuts&nbsp;persist, the U.S.&nbsp;will run a deficit of&nbsp;about 7.5% of GDP. He urged&nbsp;the White House and Congress&nbsp;to pledge to reduce&nbsp;the deficit to 3% of&nbsp;GDP within the next three years.
According to the report <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/02/13/trump-national-debt-fiscal-deficit-economic-heart-attack-ray-dalio-bridgewater-hedge-fund/">by</a> Fortune, with the recent surge in inflation, bond investors may demand higher premiums to hold fixed-income securities such as sovereign debt. This could further strain the government spending allocated for servicing the national debt.
"When I calculate the supply and demand over the next year and three years. we have an immediate issue," said Dalio.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43420604/ray-dalio-predicts-chinas-rise-in-ai-chinese-are-a-bit-behind-in-the-chips-but-theyre-ahead-in-the-applications">Ray Dalio Predicts China&#8217;s Rise in AI: Chinese &#8216;Are a Bit Behind in the Chips, But They&#8217;re Ahead in the Applications&#8217;</a>
Dalio is apprehensive that the bond markets may soon be unable to absorb the increasing amount of Treasuries issued, leading to skyrocketing interest rates and a &#8220;debt death spiral&#8221;. He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that the US government must act swiftly, even if it results in societal damage.
White House economic advisor Kevin&nbsp;Hassett unveiled plans to control inflation by increasing supply and reducing aggregate demand. However, Dalio contended that time is of the essence and drastic measures, including austerity, may be necessary.
Why It Matters: The escalating US fiscal deficit has been a cause for concern for some time now. Dalio&#8217;s warning serves as a grim reminder of the potential economic fallout if the issue is not addressed promptly. 
The U.S. government&#8217;s plans to control inflation might not be enough to prevent a &#8220;debt death spiral&#8221;, as Dalio calls it. The situation calls for immediate and drastic measures, even if they result in societal damage. 
The clock is ticking, and the U.S. government must act swiftly to avert an impending economic crisis.
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Image: Shutterstock

Ray Dalio Warns of Looming US Debt Crisis, Says America Faces 'Economic Heart Attack' Without Fiscal Cuts

Despite Texas&#8217; reputation for affordability, its major cities lead the nation in non-mortgage debt, with Austin residents owing an average of $45,920, according to a LendingTree study.
The study, which examined credit reports of 210,000 users from April through June 2024, found San Antonio and Houston following closely behind Austin, with average non-mortgage debts of $44,812 and $44,640, respectively.&nbsp;
The national average among the 50 largest metropolitan areas is $37,827.
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Auto loans drive much of the debt burden. San Antonio leads with an average auto loan debt of $18,303, followed by Austin at $17,144.
&#8220;You generally need a vehicle to get around the biggest cities in Texas. That puts many Texans in a tough position, especially with vehicle prices and interest rates at today&#8217;s sky-high levels,&#8221; Matt Schulz, LendingTree&#8217;s chief credit analyst, <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/texas-has-debt-problem-2027831">told Newsweek</a>.
While Texas maintains relatively affordable housing compared with coastal states, residents are facing high property tax burdens. WalletHub&#8217;s <a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-highest-and-lowest-property-taxes/11585">2024 property tax report</a> ranks Texas seventh-highest nationally, with average annual property taxes of $3,872.
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Low wages compound the debt problem. <a href="https://oxfamilibrary.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10546/621608/rr-2024-crisis-of-low-wages-090724-en.pdf">According to Oxfam</a>, nearly one-third of Texas workers—4.5 million people—earn less than $17 per hour. Texas remains among 20 states still using the federal minimum wage of $7.25.
&#8220;While Texas has been booming in recent years, salaries are still generally lower than those found in the biggest American cities, especially those along the coasts,&#8221; Schulz told Newsweek. He noted San Antonio&#8217;s particularly challenging situation as one of America&#8217;s lowest-income major cities.
Lower credit scores further strain Texas residents&#8217; finances. &#8220;That means fewer borrowing options, but it also means that if they&#8217;re able to get a loan, they&#8217;re likely to face higher interest rates and other costs,&#8221; Schulz added.
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Dallas ranks sixth nationally in non-mortgage debt at $43,901, following Miami and Atlanta but still exceeding the national average. Monthly mortgage payments in Texas average $2,182, ranking 16th nationally, according to LendingTree.
Despite the debt challenges, Realtor.com projects Texas will become America&#8217;s most populous state by 2045, driven by the same factors that sparked recent growth—job opportunities, affordable housing compared to coastal markets, and favorable weather conditions.&nbsp;
However, the benefits appear to favor out-of-state transplants more than local residents due to the state&#8217;s wage structure.
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Personal Finance

Texas' Debt Problem Is Getting Worse—Here's What's Driving It

Billionaire hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones voiced his apprehensions about the stability of financial markets during President Donald Trump&#8216;s second term.
What Happened: During an interview with CNBC earlier this month, Jones explained that the current financial environment is vastly different from when Trump initially assumed office in 2017. He observed significant changes in the fixed income, foreign exchange, and equity markets over the past eight years.
Jones pointed out&nbsp;that the Treasury is now&nbsp;issuing a record amount of&nbsp;debt, more than double the figure in 2017. Moreover, foreign&nbsp;ownership of U.S. equities, debt, and real estate has doubled as a percentage of GDP since 2017.
"We could have a 30% correction the stock market and just be back to slightly overvalued. I think Trump being Trump, I don't know if it will play as well as it did in 1.0 because there's no room for mistakes," he <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/03/paul-tudor-jones-says-markets-on-shakier-ground-than-trumps-first-term-leaving-no-room-for-mistakes.html">told </a>the outlet. 
He also noted&nbsp;that the average price-to-earnings ratio&nbsp;of the S&amp;P 500 is currently around 25, compared to 19 in January 2017. Jones warned of a potential 30% correction in the stock market, which would only bring it back to being slightly overvalued.
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After Trump imposed tariffs on&nbsp;several key U.S. trading partners, markets took a hit. However, stocks saw a slight recovery after Mexico&#8217;s president announced a pause in tariffs against the country.
"He's my president now, I pray he makes all the right decisions, because we are precariously perched from a macro standpoint. I don't think we've ever had as many things that are connected in circular and could go wrong. So it's going to take a maestro to pull this off in a way that kind of preserves where we are now in the major asset classes," Jones said. 
Why It Matters: Jones, who accurately predicted the 1987 stock market crash, urged caution. He stated that the current macroeconomic situation is precarious and will require careful management to maintain stability in major asset classes. 
His warning comes at a time when the financial landscape is undergoing significant changes, with the Treasury issuing record amounts of debt and foreign ownership of U.S. assets increasing.
The imposition of tariffs by Trump has already caused market fluctuations, and any further instability could lead to a significant market correction. 
As such, Jones&#8217; warning underscores the need for careful economic management in the coming years.
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Market Instability Looms in Trump's Second Term, Warns Paul Tudor Jones: 'There's No Room for Mistakes'

The popularity of cryptocurrency-based casinos continues to surge, attracting players with fast transactions, enhanced privacy, and innovative gaming features. But where is interest in crypto gambling the highest in 2025? 
What Happened: A new study by the <a href="https://casinospotfr.com/casinos-en-ligne/">CasinoSpotFR</a> analyzed search query data and Google Trends to pinpoint the regions most engaged with crypto casinos and the key factors fueling this growth.
According to <a href="https://ahrefs.com/">Ahrefs</a>, the monthly search volume for &#8220;crypto casino&#8221; in major countries is as follows: the United States leads with 7,500 searches, followed by Germany with 4,200, the United Kingdom with 3,100, Canada with 1,800, and France with 1,500 searches. 
However, adjusting these figures based on population size presents a different perspective. Germany has the highest search rate per capita at 50 searches per million people, while the UK follows closely with 46.27, just ahead of Canada at 46.15. 
The U.S., despite its large overall search volume, ranks lower on a per capita basis with 22.66 searches per million, slightly above France at 22.06. This indicates that while the U.S. shows strong absolute interest, European nations demonstrate a greater concentration of searches per person.
The landscape of cryptocurrency casinos has evolved significantly over the past two years. Global search interest in crypto casinos has risen by approximately 20–30%, reflecting the sector&#8217;s growing appeal. While Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) remains the primary cryptocurrency for gambling, more platforms are now integrating Tether (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDT</a>), Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), and Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>) as viable payment options. 
Meanwhile, regulatory scrutiny has intensified, with some governments imposing stricter controls on crypto gambling. However, many players are adapting by utilizing VPNs and decentralized platforms to continue participating in online crypto gaming.
The data also highlights key differences in crypto casino interest worldwide. Germany and the UK display the strongest per-capita demand, indicating a thriving gaming culture despite regulatory challenges. Canada and France maintain steady engagement, while the U.S. dominates in absolute search volume. 
As legal landscapes shift, crypto gamblers are adjusting, relying on new payment methods and decentralized systems to sustain activity in the sector.
Crypto casinos have gained traction in financial markets, influencing major ETFs such as ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF and Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF, which reflect the sector's growing relevance in blockchain investment.
Image: Shutterstock

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Germany and UK Show Highest Per-Capita Demand for Crypto Casinos

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crypto industry</a> leaders are intensifying their fight against alleged debanking practices, which they claim have targeted digital asset firms under the Biden administration.
At a recent Senate hearing, executives, including Nathan McCauley, CEO of Anchorage Digital, testified about their struggles.
McCauley <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/15/crypto-trump-gop-leadershipo-gang-up-on-fdic-over-debanking-.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared </a>with CNBC in an interview how his company, after years of banking relationships, suddenly had its account cut off with no warning or explanation in 2023, an experience echoed by other crypto firms facing similar challenges.
The industry has dubbed this alleged campaign &#8220;Operation Choke Point 2.0,&#8221; likening it to a prior Obama-era initiative that targeted banks associated with gun manufacturers and payday lenders, CNBC adds.
This time, however, the focus is on the crypto industry, with claims that U.S. regulators are pressuring financial institutions to sever ties with digital asset firms.
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Crypto executives have now found allies in Washington, especially among Republicans, who are now advocating for investigations into these debanking efforts.
Donald Trump has seized on the issue for political gain, claiming that banks like JP Morgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) and Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) have been politically motivated to debank conservative-aligned clients under regulatory pressure, CNBC adds.
Although banks have denied these claims, Trump&#8217;s rhetoric is gaining traction.
In Washington, Republicans like Sen. Rick Scott are voicing concerns over how financial institutions have cut off services to crypto businesses and conservative figures.
Meanwhile, McCauley highlighted the negative impacts on smaller crypto startups, forcing Anchorage to lay off 20% of its workforce and making it difficult for clients to send wire transfers.
The crypto industry has used its political influence to push back, with significant donations to pro-crypto PACs.
Trump&#8217;s executive order on crypto promises fair access to financial services, and the SEC is rolling back regulations that hinder banks from working with digital asset firms.
Additionally, the FDIC has faced pressure to revise its guidelines on crypto.
Recent high-profile incidents, like the forced closures of Silvergate and Signature Banks in 2023, have fueled concerns.
Signature Bank, particularly, was seen as sending an anti-crypto message, a sentiment shared by former Congressman Barney Frank.
With increasing influence, the crypto industry is navigating a shift in Washington, aligning itself with Trump and key figures like Elon Musk to push for more favorable conditions.
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Trump and Crypto Industry Team Up To Fight Biden's 'Debanking' War on Digital Asset Firms

Billionaire investor&nbsp;Bill Ackman&nbsp;has ramped up his stake in&nbsp;Nike&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) by 15%, while simultaneously cutting back his investment in&nbsp;Chipotle Mexican Grill&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) by 14%, as per the recent 13F regulatory filing.
What Happened: Ackman&#8217;s firm,&nbsp;Pershing Square Capital Management, now holds&nbsp;18.8 million shares in Nike&nbsp;and 24.7 million shares in&nbsp;Chipotle. Pershing Square has been a Chipotle shareholder since 2016.
Ackman, known for his active involvement in companies like&nbsp;Canadian Pacific Kansas City&nbsp;and&nbsp;Air Products and Chemicals, has been relatively quiet in recent years. Nonetheless, his investment decisions continue to draw interest.
Over time, Pershing Square has been steadily decreasing&nbsp;its investment in Chipotle, one&nbsp;of its major success stories in recent years. As of June 30, the firm&nbsp;owned 28.8 million Chipotle shares.
The regulatory document 13F filing, also disclosed that Pershing Square trimmed its stake in&nbsp;Hilton Worldwide Holdings&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HLT#NYSE">HLT</a>)&nbsp;by 26% to 5.4 million&nbsp;shares. 
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The firm&#8217;s largest holding is investment company&nbsp;Brookfield,&nbsp;with roughly 35 million shares.
Why It Matters: This portfolio adjustment comes as Ackman&#8217;s firm continues to navigate the fluctuating market conditions. The decision to increase the stake in Nike could be seen as a vote of confidence in the sportswear giant&#8217;s growth prospects. 
On the other hand, the reduction in Chipotle and Hilton stakes might suggest a cautious approach towards the hospitality sector, which has been hit hard by the pandemic. 
These moves reflect Ackman&#8217;s strategy of balancing growth potential with risk management in his investment decisions.
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Image: Shutterstock

Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Adjusts Portfolio, Trims Chipotle and Boosts Nike

The bond market&#8217;s conflicting pressures intensified Wednesday after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/02/43660298/inflation-spike-sparks-dollar-rally-yields-jump-while-bitcoin-stocks-slide-as-interest-rate-cut-doubts-grow">hotter-than-expected January inflation data</a> challenged earlier concerns about economic slowdown under President Donald Trump&#8216;s trade policies.
Consumer prices rose 3% year-over-year, exceeding expectations of 2.9% and marking the fourth consecutive increase in annual inflation. The monthly reading surged 0.5%, the largest increase since August 2023.
&#8220;There&#8217;s an underlying fear that growth might be slowing down,&#8221; Apollo Chief Economist Torsten Slok <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/d79cffed-d68f-4f4a-9a8c-31dcd60d5a5b">told the Financial Times</a> on Monday, citing trade war concerns. However, Wednesday&#8217;s inflation data shifted market focus back to price pressures.
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The U.S. dollar, which had slipped 0.4% since early January, reversed course with a 0.5% rally Wednesday. Treasury yields, which had dropped to 4.54% from January highs of 4.8%, jumped 10 basis points following the consumer price index report.
Traders now expect the Federal Reserve&#8217;s first rate cut to come no earlier than December, with a second cut priced for September 2026, according to <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">CME FedWatch data</a>. It's a shift from earlier market expectations. President Donald Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113991030846598649">on Truth Social</a> Wednesday called for lower interest rates, suggesting the move would complement his tariff policies. It comes as his administration <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43450261/trump-trudeau-strike-border-security-deal-tariffs-on-canada-paused-for-at-least-30-days">delayed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada</a> while implementing 10% additional tariffs on Chinese imports.
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Core inflation, excluding food and energy, increased 3.3% year-over-year, exceeding forecasts of 3.1%. Among major CPI components, fuel oil jumped 6.2% month-over-month, while the index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 1.9%.&nbsp;
Egg prices alone surged 15.2%, the largest increase since June 2015, accounting for about two-thirds of the monthly food increase.&nbsp;
&#8220;If the Fed were truly committed to its 2% inflation target, market participants would be discussing a potential rate hike and not just a longer pause in the cutting cycle,&#8221; Allianz Chief Economic Adviser Mohamed El-Erian <a href="https://x.com/elerianm/status/1889675183578914888">said on X</a>.&nbsp;
The inflation data complicates the outlook for emerging markets, which had shown resilience against Trump&#8217;s trade policies. Since his second term began, the Chilean peso gained over 3%, while the Colombian peso and Brazilian real rose more than 6% against the dollar.
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