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Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke was indicted on a federal criminal conspiracy charge related to allegedly rigging a bid to develop, manage, and operate the University of Texas’ basketball and entertainment arena in Austin, the Department of Justice said Wednesday.

Oak View Group, which will pay $15 million in penalties in connection with the allegations, later Wednesday said that Leiweke “will transition from the position of CEO to” vice chairman of the entertainment venue giant’s board of directors, and remain a shareholder.

Leiweke, 68, is accused in the indictment of conspiring with another would-be bidder on UT’s $338 million Moody Center arena project to induce that second company in February 2018 to drop out of the competition with Oak View Group in exchange for receiving lucrative subcontracts at the 15,000-seat arena.

CNBC has been told the second company was Legends Hospitality, a New York-based venue services company that is majority-owned by Sixth Street Partners, and whose minority owners include the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys.

The indictment in U.S. District Court in Austin says that Leiweke later reneged on that promise to the second company after it dropped its effort to bid on the entire project.

“The arena opened to the public in April 2022, and OVG continues to receive significant revenues from the project to date,” the Department of Justice said Wednesday.

Leiweke “rigged a bidding process to benefit his own company and deprived a public university and taxpayers of the benefits of competitive bidding,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, in a statement.

Leweike, in a 2022 interview with CNBC, said that the Moody Center was one of his company’s “two most successful arenas.”

The DOJ also said Wednesday that Oak View Group and Legends agreed to pay $15 million and $1.5 million, respectively, in penalties “in connection with the conduct alleged in the indictment against Leiweke.”

Oak View Group’s website says that the company manages 400 sports, entertainment and other venues.

Lewieke, who is charged with one count of conspiracy to restrain trade, is the former CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Before that, he served as CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group.

A spokesman for Leiweke, in a statement to CNBC, said, “Mr. Leiweke has done nothing wrong and will vigorously defend himself and his well-deserved reputation for fairness and integrity.”

“The Antitrust Division’s allegations are wrong on the law and the facts, and the case should never have been brought,” the spokesman said. “The law is clear: vertical, complementary business partnerships, like the one contemplated between OVG and Legends, are legal.”

“These allegations blatantly ignore established legal precedent and seek to criminalize common teaming efforts that are proven to enhance competition and benefit the public. The Moody Center is a perfect example, as it has resulted in substantial and sustained benefits to the University of Texas and the City of Austin.”

Leiweke, in his own statement, said, “While I’m pleased the company has resolved its Department of Justice Antitrust Division inquiry without any charges filed or admission of wrongdoing, the last thing I want to do is distract from the accomplishments of the team or draw focus away from executing for our partners, so the Board and I decided that now is the right time to implement the succession plan that was already underway and transition out of the CEO role.

Oak View Group, in a statement, said, “Oak View Group cooperated fully with the Antitrust Division’s inquiry and is pleased to have resolved this matter with no charges filed against OVG and no admission of fault or wrongdoing.”

“We support all efforts to ensure a fair and competitive environment in our industry and are committed to upholding industry-leading compliance and disclosure practices,” Oak View Group said.

CNBC has requested comment from Legends.

Chris Granger, who was president of Oak View Group’s division OVG360, has been appointed as interim CEO of Oak View Group by the company’s board.

Granger previously was group president for sports and entertainment of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, and president and chief operating officer of the Sacramento Kings.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

SAN FRANCISCO — OpenAI is close to releasing an AI-powered web browser that will challenge Alphabet’s market-dominating Google Chrome, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The browser is slated to launch in the coming weeks, three of the people said, and aims to use artificial intelligence to fundamentally change how consumers browse the web. It will give OpenAI more direct access to a cornerstone of Google’s success: user data.

If adopted by the 500 million weekly active users of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s browser could put pressure on a key component of rival Google’s ad-money spigot. Chrome is an important pillar of Alphabet’s ad business, which makes up nearly three-quarters of its revenue, as Chrome provides user information to help Alphabet target ads more effectively and profitably, and also gives Google a way to route search traffic to its own engine by default.

OpenAI’s browser is designed to keep some user interactions within a ChatGPT-like native chat interface instead of clicking through to websites, two of the sources said.

The browser is part of a broader strategy by OpenAI to weave its services across the personal and work lives of consumers, one of the sources said.

OpenAI declined to comment. The sources declined to be identified because they are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Led by entrepreneur Sam Altman, OpenAI upended the tech industry with the launch of its AI chatbot ChatGPT in late 2022. After its initial success, OpenAI has faced stiff competition from rivals including Google and startup Anthropic, and is looking for new areas of growth.

In May, OpenAI said it would enter the hardware domain, paying $6.5 billion to buy io, an AI devices startup from Apple’s former design chief, Jony Ive. A web browser would allow OpenAI to directly integrate its AI agent products such as Operator into the browsing experience, enabling the browser to carry out tasks on behalf of the user, the people said.

The browser’s access to a user’s web activity would make it the ideal platform for AI “agents” that can take actions on their behalf, like booking reservations or filling out forms, directly within the websites they use.

OpenAI has its work cut out — Google Chrome, which is used by more than 3 billion people, currently holds more than two-thirds of the worldwide browser market, according to web analytics firm StatCounter. Apple’s second-place Safari lags far behind with a 16% share. Last month, OpenAI said it had 3 million paying business users for ChatGPT.

Perplexity, which has a popular AI search engine, launched an AI browser, Comet, on Wednesday, capable of performing actions on a user’s behalf. Two other AI startups, The Browser Company and Brave, have released AI-powered browsers capable of browsing and summarizing the internet.

Chrome’s role in providing user information to help Alphabet target ads more effectively and profitably has proven so successful that the Department of Justice has demanded its divestiture after a U.S. judge last year ruled that the Google parent holds an unlawful monopoly in online search.

OpenAI’s browser is built atop Chromium, Google’s own open-source browser code, two of the sources said. Chromium is the source code for Google Chrome, as well as many competing browsers including Microsoft’s Edge and Opera. Last year, OpenAI hired two longtime Google vice presidents who were part of the original team that developed Google Chrome. The Information was first to report their hires and that OpenAI previously considered building a browser.

An OpenAI executive testified in April that the company would be interested in buying Chrome if antitrust enforcers succeeded in forcing the sale. Google has not offered Chrome for sale. The company has said it plans to appeal the ruling that it holds a monopoly.

OpenAI decided to build its own browser, rather than simply a “plug-in” on top of another company’s browser, in order to have more control over the data it can collect, one source said.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

Buy Bitcoin Under $100K Before The Next Bull Run

The opportunity to buy Bitcoin under $100K may not last much longer. On April 21, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) traded just below the $100,000 mark, a price level many analysts believe could be the last stop before a massive new rally begins. With institutional adoption rising and macroeconomic pressures easing, the case for long-term BTC growth is strengthening.

Why Now Might Be the Time to Buy Bitcoin Under $100K

Market experts point to several factors fueling the bullish sentiment. Firstly, Bitcoin’s halving event earlier this year significantly reduced block rewards, cutting daily supply by half. Historically, halving events have preceded major bull runs. Secondly, growing interest from ETFs and institutional players is creating steady buying pressure. Lastly, declining inflation and improved global liquidity conditions are encouraging investment in risk assets like Bitcoin.

According to Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan, “It’s not too late to buy Bitcoin under $100K. This could be one of the last best opportunities before we see a surge well beyond six figures.”

Long-Term Outlook for BTC Investors

Looking ahead, many analysts predict that Bitcoin could exceed $150,000 by the end of the year. While this isn’t guaranteed, trends in institutional adoption, limited supply, and rising use cases for Bitcoin suggest that prices may continue climbing.

Although short-term volatility persists, long-term investors remain focused on fundamentals. If history repeats itself, buying Bitcoin at sub-$100K levels may prove to be a decision rewarded in the coming cycle.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been on the sidelines, now could be your moment to enter the market. The chance to buy Bitcoin under $100K might not last much longer. As always, do your research and consider your financial goals before investing.

Source: Yahoo Finance

Related: Bitcoin News | Crypto Analysis

The post Buy Bitcoin Under $100K Before The Next Bull Run appeared first on FinanceBrokerage.

Oil Prices Rebound After Trump’s Criticism of Fed Chair Powell

On April 22, 2025, oil prices rebound experienced a modest rebound following a significant drop the previous day. The initial decline was triggered by President Donald Trump’s renewed criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which unsettled financial markets and raised concerns about the central bank’s independence.

Market Reaction to Political Commentary

President Trump’s comments on Monday intensified investor fears regarding the Federal Reserve’s autonomy in setting monetary policy. The criticism led to a broad sell-off in equities and commodities, with oil prices bearing the brunt of the market’s anxiety.

Short-Covering Leads to Price Recovery

Despite the initial plunge, oil prices rebound edged higher on Tuesday as investors engaged in short-covering. Brent crude futures rose 0.5% to $66.62 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May delivery increased by 1% to $63.73 per barrel. The more actively traded WTI June contract also gained 0.7% to $62.84 per barrel.

Ongoing Economic Concerns

Market participants remain cautious amid ongoing fears of a potential recession linked to U.S. tariff policies and concerns over Federal Reserve independence. These factors have increased worries about the U.S. economy and crude demand. Additionally, progress in U.S.-Iran nuclear deal talks has eased supply concerns, potentially impacting oil prices further.

As the situation evolves, investors will closely monitor geopolitical developments and central bank communications to assess the potential long-term impacts on the energy markets.

Source: BloomBurg

The post Oil Prices Rebound After Trump’s Criticism of Powell appeared first on FinanceBrokerage.

Trump’s Fed Criticism Sparks Investor Concerns

The recent spotlight on Trump’s Fed Criticism has sparked unease among investors and financial analysts alike. President Donald Trump’s repeated public attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell have amplified concerns over the central bank’s independence. As a result, markets have reacted with volatility, and investor sentiment has taken a noticeable hit.

Market Reactions to Political Pressure

Wall Street’s response to Trump’s Fed Criticism was swift. Major stock indices, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, posted losses amid uncertainty over future monetary policy decisions. Investors fear that political attempts to sway the Federal Reserve’s agenda may undermine its objectivity. If monetary policy is dictated by short-term political goals rather than long-term economic data, the implications could be severe for inflation, interest rates, and overall economic health.

Why Federal Reserve Independence Matters

One of the cornerstones of a stable economy is a politically neutral central bank. Trump’s Fed Criticism has called that neutrality into question. The Federal Reserve must be able to act without external pressure to maintain credibility in the eyes of global markets. Political interference could compromise its ability to control inflation or manage unemployment rates effectively.

Investor Sentiment and Future Outlook

Investor confidence remains fragile. Many market participants have shifted assets into safer investments such as gold and U.S. treasuries, seeking shelter from potential turmoil. Economic advisors stress the importance of maintaining clear, data-driven policy guidance, especially as the U.S. navigates ongoing trade issues and inflation concerns.

In the coming weeks, the Federal Reserve’s actions will be closely watched. Should Trump’s Fed Criticism intensify, it could further erode market stability and investor trust in U.S. monetary policy.

Source: Yahoo Finance

 

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BNB Price Surge Leads Crypto Gains as Bitcoin Climbs

The BNB price surge on April 21, 2025, stole the spotlight as Binance Coin jumped over 3.2% to cross the $600 mark. This move came as Bitcoin soared past $87,000, reigniting investor interest in altcoins. The bullish wave didn’t stop with BNB—SOL and XRP also made strong moves, reflecting a positive trend across the cryptocurrency market.

BNB Price Surge Driven by Token Burn and Momentum

Fueling the BNB price surge was Binance’s recent $1 billion token burn, which reduced the circulating supply. Additionally, increased trading volumes and renewed faith in Binance’s ecosystem helped BNB regain upward momentum. Investors are optimistic that Binance’s expansion and focus on compliance could drive long-term growth.

SOL Rally and XRP Breakout Add to Market Optimism

Solana (SOL) saw a 10.2% rally, breaking above the $135 resistance level with strong volume and technical confirmation. XRP, on the other hand, climbed past $2.10, setting the stage for a potential breakout above $2.15. These moves indicate bullish setups that are gaining attention from both traders and long-term holders.

Bitcoin Reinforces Its Role as Digital Gold

Bitcoin’s rise above $87,000 reflects renewed demand for a digital safe-haven. With increasing global economic uncertainty and inflation concerns, many investors view Bitcoin as “digital gold.” This sentiment is spilling over into altcoins, triggering the current crypto rally.

Conclusion and Market Outlook

The BNB price surge highlights growing investor confidence in altcoins. Alongside Bitcoin’s strength, tokens like SOL and XRP are enjoying increased attention. If this trend continues, more gains could be ahead for altcoin markets. Investors should monitor resistance levels and trading volumes closely for signs of sustained momentum.

Source: Yahoo Finance

Related: Crypto Updates | Market Trends

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Gold Price Surge Hits $3,385 Amid Trade Tensions

The gold price surge continued on April 21, 2025, as gold hit a record high of $3,385 per ounce. This milestone came amid a weakening U.S. dollar and renewed global trade tensions. Investors are increasingly turning to gold as a safe-haven asset, signaling market uncertainty and shifting investment strategies.

Gold Price Increase Driven by Dollar Weakness

The U.S. dollar index fell sharply, hitting its lowest level since January 2024. A weaker dollar typically boosts gold prices, as it makes the metal more attractive to international buyers. This contributed significantly to the ongoing gold price surge seen in recent weeks.

In addition, economic data indicating slower growth in key global markets has prompted investors to reduce their exposure to riskier assets. Gold’s long-standing reputation as a hedge against economic uncertainty has once again proven true.

Trade Tensions Fuel Demand for Safe-Haven Assets

Ongoing trade friction between major economies—particularly the U.S. and China—has triggered market anxiety. Announcements related to new tariffs and supply chain risks are further motivating the shift from equities to gold. This environment is ideal for a gold price surge to gain momentum.

Analysts Predict Continued Gold Price Growth

Market analysts suggest that the upward trend is far from over. If inflation persists and interest rates remain steady or fall, the gold price could climb even higher. Some predict that the next psychological barrier of $3,500 per ounce may soon be tested.

As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, gold is expected to remain a central pillar in investor portfolios. Whether as a hedge against inflation or a response to geopolitical unrest, the gold price surge is being closely monitored by financial experts.

Source: Yahoo Finance

Related: Market Insights | Commodity News

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Bitcoin Rebounds to $83,404 on April 11, 2025 Amid Renewed Investor Confidence

On April 11, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC-USD) demonstrated a significant rebound, opening at $79,625.05, reaching a high of $84,247.48, dipping to a low of $78,936.32, and closing at $83,404.84. This performance indicates a resurgence in investor confidence following recent market fluctuations.

Market Dynamics Influencing Bitcoin’s Surge

Several factors contributed to Bitcoin’s upward trajectory:

Tariff Easing: The temporary halt in trade war escalations has shifted investor sentiment toward optimism. Fewer economic shocks mean more confidence in higher-risk investments.
Technical Indicators: Bullish patterns and reduced volatility in traditional markets have contributed to positive sentiment in the crypto space.
Derivatives Data: An increase in open interest for select tokens indicates a shift from bearish to bullish positioning among traders.

Implications for Investors

The rebound suggests a potential shift in market sentiment, encouraging investors to re-evaluate their portfolios. However, it’s essential to remain cautious, as the crypto market is known for its volatility. Diversification and staying informed about global economic developments remain crucial strategies.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s performance on April 11, 2025, underscores its resilience and the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market. As external economic pressures ease, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are poised to capture increased attention from both retail and institutional investors.

Key takeaway: The market’s risk appetite is returning, and Bitcoin may lead the next significant crypto wave.

Source: Yahoo Finance

Related: Crypto News | Market Insights

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Bitcoin Slips to $83.6K Amid Nvidia’s $5.5B Charge

On April 15, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a notable decline, dropping to $83,600. This downturn coincided with Nvidia’s announcement of a substantial $5.5 billion charge, which unsettled investors and reverberated across the cryptocurrency market.

Market Reaction to Nvidia’s Financial Disclosure

Nvidia’s unexpected financial charge raised concerns about the broader tech sector’s health, leading to a ripple effect in risk-sensitive markets. Bitcoin, often viewed as a barometer for investor risk appetite, responded with a swift decline, reflecting the market’s apprehension.

Impact on Major Cryptocurrencies

The negative sentiment wasn’t limited to Bitcoin. Other prominent cryptocurrencies also felt the pressure:

XRP: Fell over 2% to $2.08.
Cardano (ADA): Decreased by 4% to $0.61.
CoinDesk 20 Index: A broader market gauge, weakened over 2%.

These declines underscore the interconnectedness of the cryptocurrency market and its sensitivity to developments in the traditional financial sector.

Investor Sentiment and Outlook

The convergence of traditional financial news and cryptocurrency performance highlights the evolving dynamics of the market. Investors are increasingly attentive to macroeconomic indicators and corporate disclosures, which can influence digital asset valuations.

As the market processes Nvidia’s announcement, stakeholders will monitor subsequent corporate earnings reports and economic data to gauge potential impacts on cryptocurrency valuations.

Source: CoinDesk

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Bitcoin Nears $85K Amid Market Optimism

On April 14, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) climbed close to the $85,000 mark, signaling a strong recovery after a period of volatility. This recent Bitcoin price surge is attributed to easing global tariff tensions and broader market stability. The rally marks a shift in sentiment, with both retail and institutional investors showing renewed confidence in the cryptocurrency market.

Key Drivers Behind Bitcoin’s Surge

Multiple economic and technical factors contributed to Bitcoin’s upward momentum:

Tariff Easing: The U.S. and EU signaled a pause in ongoing trade disputes, reducing uncertainty in global financial markets. As traditional investors seek alternative stores of value, Bitcoin stands out as a leading choice.
Stock Market Gains: Major global stock indices recorded solid growth over the past week, reflecting positive investor sentiment. Cryptocurrency trends often mirror or follow traditional markets, and BTC benefited from the spillover effect.
Technical Signals: Analysts noted bullish chart patterns, including a golden cross and RSI support. These indicators pushed traders to open long positions, helping fuel the rally.

Growing Investor Confidence

The return of capital to riskier assets like cryptocurrencies suggests that investors are increasingly comfortable with current market conditions. Bitcoin’s resilience during previous downturns and its growing mainstream adoption as a digital store of value are key reasons for this trust.

Several large institutions reportedly increased their BTC holdings during the dip, reaffirming long-term confidence in the asset despite short-term volatility.

What Lies Ahead for BTC?

While market optimism is high, experts advise caution. Macroeconomic variables, including inflation, interest rate decisions, and geopolitical tensions, will continue to influence price action. Investors should track these developments closely and remain diversified in their strategies.

Conclusion: Bitcoin’s approach toward $85K reflects more than just a bounce — it highlights a maturing market, increasing adoption, and greater investor awareness.

Source: CoinDesk

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