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BTCUSD

Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) has called for a ban on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), labeling them as a 'dystopian tool' and advocating for criminal penalties for their creation. He criticizes the Federal Reserve and certain Democrats, particularly Elizabeth Warren, for their stance on financial services policy. Davidson has also criticized the SEC under Gary Gensler and proposed the SEC Stabilization Act to address his concerns.

Portfolio Pulse from Mehab Qureshi

December 27, 2023 | 6:57 am

AAPL

MASI

Apple Inc. (AAPL) is appealing a sales ban on its smartwatches imposed by the U.S. International Trade Commission due to a patent dispute with Masimo Corp. (MASI). The White House declined to intervene, and Apple has stopped selling its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches in its online store and U.S. retail outlets. Apple has submitted an emergency motion for a temporary suspension of the ban and released a software update to address the patent issue. The U.S. customs agency will decide on the approval of these changes on Jan. 12. The ban could cost Apple $300-$400 million in holiday sales.

Portfolio Pulse from Ananya Gairola

December 27, 2023 | 4:35 am

AAPL

GOOG

GOOGL

Japan is drafting legislation to regulate Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL, GOOG) by targeting their app store monopolies. The law, expected to be submitted to parliament in 2024, will require tech giants to allow third-party app platforms and payment systems on their mobile operating systems. The Japan Fair Trade Commission will enforce fines for violations, potentially up to 6% of infringing revenue. This follows similar regulatory actions in the EU and the US, with Apple and Google adjusting their policies to comply with antitrust laws.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Neuro

December 27, 2023 | 3:59 am

TREE

Trees Corporation (CBOE: TREE), a Toronto-based cannabis company, has received creditor protection under the CCAA from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The protection includes its subsidiaries and appoints Ernst & Young Inc. as the monitor. The company is pursuing additional financing and strategic options, including a failed business combination agreement with 420 Investments Ltd. Cboe Canada is expected to review TREE for potential delisting. Meanwhile, Benzinga PotProfits highlights the potential growth in cannabis stocks, with Michael Berger identifying promising stocks.

Portfolio Pulse from Jelena Martinovic

December 26, 2023 | 11:00 pm

LASE

Laser Photonics Corp announced that CFO Jade Barnwell resigned on December 20, 2023. Kevin Ploche will take over as the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer until a new CFO is appointed, according to an SEC filing.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

December 26, 2023 | 10:32 pm

AAPL

TGT

Former iPhone thief Aaron Johnson revealed methods for stealing iPhone passcodes to access financial accounts, leading to identity theft. Thieves target public spaces, watch users enter passcodes, and then steal the phones to change Apple ID and FaceID settings. They exploit the devices to make purchases, notably at Target (TGT), before wiping and selling them. Apple (AAPL) responded by introducing 'Stolen Device Protection' in iOS 17.3, requiring biometric verification to change Apple ID or disable Find My iPhone.

Portfolio Pulse from Erica Kollmann

December 26, 2023 | 10:26 pm

MANU

Manchester United Plc disclosed in an SEC filing that if the transaction agreement is terminated under certain conditions, Trawlers Limited will be required to pay the company a termination fee of $164 million.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

December 26, 2023 | 10:06 pm

GBTC

Barry Silbert resigned as Chairman of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) amid unresolved allegations against his Digital Currency Group (DCG) and an ongoing SEC investigation. Lumida Wealth CEO Ram Ahluwalia suggested that Silbert's departure could grant Grayscale more autonomy, potentially improving its chances of obtaining Bitcoin ETF approval. The SEC has informally indicated the strength of an application, and Ahluwalia compared DCG's situation to Enron's accounting scandal.

Portfolio Pulse from Khyathi Dalal

December 26, 2023 | 9:50 pm

TTWO

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc's (NASDAQ:TTWO) Rockstar Games faces a significant security threat after the full source code of GTA 5 and other unpublished content were leaked online. The leaks could enable the development of sophisticated cheats and pose risks to player safety in GTA Online. The breach also compromises the personal information of Rockstar employees, raising concerns about privacy violations and security threats. TTWO's stock is slightly down following the news.

Portfolio Pulse from Franca Quarneti

December 26, 2023 | 7:05 pm

AAPL

MASI

Masimo Corporation views the ITC's decision on a potential import ban of the Apple Watch as a pivotal moment for the U.S. in upholding innovation and safeguarding the rights of inventors. The outcome could have significant implications for Apple's product availability in the U.S. market.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

December 26, 2023 | 6:01 pm