Corporate America is pouring support behind the Trump Accounts program, with Altimeter Capital founder, Chairman and CEO Brad Gerstner predicting the initiative will attract more than $100 billion in additional private commitments over the next year as businesses and philanthropists back the new investment accounts for American children.

WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR TRUMP ACCOUNTS?

Brad Gerstner joined FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria,” where he pointed to what he described as strong early momentum following the program’s launch, saying businesses, philanthropists and families are embracing the initiative.

President Donald Trump stands next to a bell before ringing it to open the New York Stock Exchange ahead of the launch of Trump investment accounts in the Oval Office. (Mandel NGAN / AFP / Getty Images)

“We have tens of billions of dollars in commitments we haven’t announced,” Gerstner said. “I said to the president, I think we’ll have $100 billion of additional contributions in the next 12 months.”

TRUMP RINGS NYSE, NASDAQ OPENING BELLS FROM WHITE HOUSE TO CELEBRATE LAUNCH OF TRUMP ACCOUNTS

Gerstner said the initiative was designed as a public-private partnership that relies on private contributions alongside the government’s initial investment. He highlighted commitments from corporate leaders and philanthropists, arguing the program allows donors to directly fund investment accounts for children in schools, communities and states across the country.

“It is huge societal ROI and America is unlocking their wallets and pouring a lot of money into these,” Gerstner said.

BNY CEO Robin Vince also joined Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” to discuss BNY’s role in launching the program, which is designed to give more Americans access to long-term investing through early saving and the power of compounding.

MICHAEL DELL CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY WITH GIFT TO SEED THE AMERICAN DREAM FOR MILLIONS OF KIDS

“We’ve got 40% of Americans who don’t participate directly in the stock market,” Vince said. “This initiative is about bringing more people to have a stake in the actual capital markets, in the economy and the greatest companies in America.”

Vince said the program encourages families to begin investing as early as possible, arguing that regular contributions over time can significantly increase the value of an account through compounding. He also noted that many companies, including BNY, are matching contributions for eligible employees’ children.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Starbucks Corp. shares dipped slightly Tuesday, trading around $103.43 as investors monitored the coffee giant’s progress under its “Back to Starbucks” strategy amid a competitive retail environment and evolving consumer preferences for both in-store experiences and convenience.

The modest decline of 0.17 percent, or 18 cents, reflected cautious trading in a broader market where consumer discretionary stocks showed mixed performance. Starbucks has been implementing operational changes aimed at restoring traffic and strengthening its position as a community gathering spot while addressing challenges from inflation, competition and shifting work patterns.

Under CEO Brian Niccol, the company has focused on enhancing the core coffeehouse experience through initiatives like Green Apron Service, menu innovation and increased seating capacity. Recent quarterly results showed positive same-store sales growth driven by higher transactions, marking improvement after earlier softness.

Starbucks outlined ambitious expansion plans, including opening hundreds of new U.S. stores and adding seating at thousands of existing locations. The moves aim to capitalize on demand for third-place environments while balancing investments in drive-thru and digital channels.

The company also refreshed its loyalty program and introduced promotional events to boost engagement. These efforts have contributed to traffic gains among both rewards members and non-members, a notable development after periods of stagnation.

Starbucks declared its regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share, payable in late August, underscoring its commitment to returning capital to shareholders even as it invests in growth. The dividend yield remains attractive for income-oriented investors in the consumer sector.

Analysts have noted improving fundamentals at Starbucks, with comparable sales trends turning positive and operational efficiencies beginning to materialize. However, challenges persist, including labor costs, supply chain dynamics and competition from quick-service rivals and specialty coffee players.

The stock has traded within a range that reflects both optimism about the turnaround and caution over execution risks. Starbucks shares remain below their 52-week high but well above earlier lows, as investors assess the sustainability of recent momentum.

International operations continue to play a significant role, with China and other markets showing recovery in traffic and sales. The company has adjusted its portfolio in certain regions while expanding in high-growth areas, aiming for balanced global development.

Starbucks faces broader industry pressures, including changing consumer habits around at-home versus out-of-home consumption and sensitivity to pricing. The company has responded with value-oriented promotions alongside premium offerings to appeal to a wide customer base.

Sustainability efforts remain part of Starbucks’ long-term strategy, though the company is reassessing some environmental targets in light of regulatory changes and supply chain realities. Its focus on responsibly sourced coffee and ethical practices continues to resonate with core customers.

Tuesday’s trading volume was consistent with recent sessions, indicating no major company-specific catalyst driving the small move. Market participants appeared to be digesting recent positive sales trends while awaiting the next earnings update for further confirmation of the turnaround trajectory.

Wall Street consensus points to cautious optimism, with price targets reflecting expectations of steady growth as operational improvements take hold. Starbucks’ strong brand equity and global footprint provide a foundation for recovery, though success will depend on consistent execution.

The coffee chain’s performance is closely watched as a barometer for consumer spending on discretionary items and experiences. Its ability to adapt to hybrid work environments, inflation impacts and competitive threats will shape its path in the coming quarters.

Starbucks continues to invest in technology, including mobile ordering enhancements and AI-driven inventory tools, though some initiatives have been scaled back based on operational feedback. The balance between innovation and core customer experience remains central to its strategy.

As Starbucks progresses through its fiscal year, focus will remain on same-store sales, margin expansion and new store productivity. The company’s guidance for fiscal 2026 and beyond emphasizes sustainable growth through disciplined expansion and enhanced customer engagement.

The modest decline Tuesday comes after periods of strength tied to positive sales reports and strategic announcements. Starbucks’ stock often moves on news related to consumer trends, promotional success and macroeconomic factors affecting discretionary spending.

Looking forward, upcoming earnings and any updates on international markets or loyalty program performance could provide additional direction. Starbucks’ transformation efforts aim to position the company for long-term leadership in the premium coffee and experiential retail space.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump delivered a stern warning to Iran on Tuesday as U.S. forces conducted fresh strikes against Iranian targets in response to attacks on commercial vessels in the critical Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in a region vital to global energy supplies.

The U.S. military’s Central Command said American forces hit more than 80 targets, including air defense systems, command networks, coastal radar sites and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats involved in recent incidents. The action followed reports of three tankers being struck by projectiles in the strategic waterway.

The strikes came after the U.S. Treasury revoked a sanctions waiver that had allowed Iran to sell oil as part of a fragile ceasefire arrangement. Iranian state media reported explosions near key locations including Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island and Sirik, with some civilian injuries from shrapnel.

Trump’s administration has framed the response as necessary to protect international navigation and deter further aggression. The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of global oil shipments, and disruptions there have raised concerns about energy prices and economic stability.

Iranian officials condemned the U.S. actions and vowed to defend national interests. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated that “the era of bullying and extortion is over,” while other leaders signaled readiness to respond.

The latest violence threatens a tenuous ceasefire negotiated in recent weeks. Attacks on commercial shipping, including vessels linked to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, prompted swift U.S. retaliation aimed at degrading Iran’s capacity to threaten maritime traffic.

U.S. officials described the strikes as proportionate and targeted, focusing on military capabilities rather than civilian infrastructure. Central Command emphasized that forces remain prepared to hold Iran accountable for violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The incident marks another flare-up in long-standing U.S.-Iran tensions, exacerbated by regional conflicts and disagreements over nuclear issues, sanctions and proxy activities. Freedom of navigation in the Gulf has long been a flashpoint, with previous incidents involving tanker seizures and attacks.

Energy markets reacted with caution to the developments, as any prolonged closure or disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could spike global oil prices. Analysts noted that while immediate impacts were limited, sustained instability could affect supply chains and consumer costs worldwide.

Trump has repeatedly stressed the need to protect vital sea lanes and prevent Iran from leveraging its geographic position for strategic advantage. His administration has coordinated with allies in the Gulf and beyond to maintain pressure on Tehran while pursuing diplomatic off-ramps.

Iranian leaders have accused the U.S. of aggression and violation of the ceasefire, calling for international condemnation. Tehran maintains that its actions are defensive responses to perceived provocations, though it has not claimed direct responsibility for all reported shipping incidents.

The situation has drawn concern from major powers and international organizations. The United Nations and maritime authorities have urged restraint to avoid broader conflict that could endanger civilian crews and global trade.

Domestically, the administration faces questions about the scope and duration of military involvement. Lawmakers from both parties have called for briefings on the strikes and the broader strategy to deter Iran without escalating into full-scale war.

Defense analysts suggest the targeted strikes aim to restore deterrence and reopen the strait for safe passage. Previous rounds of U.S. action have temporarily degraded Iranian capabilities, though rebuilding efforts and asymmetric responses remain risks.

The episode underscores the fragility of recent diplomatic efforts. Ceasefire agreements have been tested multiple times, with shipping security emerging as a core sticking point alongside nuclear concerns and regional proxy dynamics.

Oil-producing nations in the Gulf have expressed alarm over threats to maritime security, with some increasing naval patrols and coordinating with U.S. forces. The attacks on tankers linked to regional states have heightened calls for collective action to safeguard trade routes.

As developments unfold, markets and diplomats watch closely for signs of de-escalation or further retaliation. Trump has indicated willingness to pursue deals but has warned of severe consequences for continued violations.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important chokepoints, with roughly one-fifth of global oil passing through its waters. Stability there is essential for energy security, making the current tensions a matter of international economic significance.

U.S. officials continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with partners. The administration has emphasized that its actions are defensive in nature, aimed at preserving freedom of navigation rather than seeking regime change or broader conflict.

Iranian state television showed images of damage and rescue operations following the strikes, while officials rallied public support and vowed resilience. The exchange highlights the high stakes involved in securing one of the planet’s most critical maritime arteries.

As the dust settles from the latest strikes, attention turns to whether diplomatic channels can prevent further escalation. Both sides have signaled openness to talks under certain conditions, but deep mistrust and competing interests complicate prospects for lasting resolution.

SpaceX has been fast-tracked into the Nasdaq-100 Index, meaning the stock performance of Elon Musk’s rocket company is now directly tied to the retirement accounts, mutual funds and portfolios of millions of everyday American investors.

But self-proclaimed market “permabear” and GMO co-founder Jeremy Grantham is heavily skeptical of the company’s valuation and long-term investment thesis.

“Everyone’s lining up to tell you to buy the craziest IPO in the history of man,” Grantham told Morningstar’s “The Long View” podcast. “In 50 years, they’ll be telling and writing stories about SpaceX, and they’ll be quoting you paragraphs from the prospectus, and you will be laughing at it.”

D.O.G.E. WEBSITE DEACTIVATES AFTER REACHING SELF-TERMINATION DEADLINE: ‘COME TO AN END’

“In the end, the reality will come out, and this will turn out to be, of course, one of the landmark historical events that I so value in history looking back,” Grantham continued. “It will be amazing, by the way, if it doesn’t collapse, because it will need such massive developments on AI that our entire lives are totally different.”

GMO founder Jeremy Grantham warns that investors “will be laughing at” SpaceX’s stock valuation in the future. (Getty Images)

SpaceX made its IPO debut on June 12, and began trading at $150 a share, above its listing price of $135 a share. As of midday Wednesday, the stock hovered around $149 per share and was down nearly 7% month-to-date.

Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley have posted bullish forecasts for SpaceX’s valuation, Fortune reported, with price targets ranging from $205 to $300 per share.

Grantham also criticized Wall Street’s advice for clients to buy SpaceX, adding that even if the market ultimately validates the elevated share price, society will become a “strange one” where “we’ll be lucky not to be bossed around by our automaton friends.”

SpaceX’s quick addition to the Nasdaq-100 Index has affected its stock performance, with Grantham also saying, “What that means is there’ll be a lot of people who have to buy it for any index that is Nasdaq-y. So there’ll be much more demand than there are sellers.”

“So supply and demand being what it is, it’s hard to imagine the price won’t go up, and perhaps it will go up a lot,” Grantham said.

SpaceX’s IPO raised $75 billion and was the largest IPO in history, surpassing Saudi Aramco’s $29 billion IPO in 2019.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The IPO cemented Musk’s status as the world’s richest person, pushing the value of his holdings toward $1 trillion, a milestone no individual has previously reached.

Founded by Musk in 2002, SpaceX has grown into the world’s largest space company and a dominant force in commercial launch services. The company pioneered reusable rocket technology, helping lower launch costs and reshape the economics of the space industry. It has also become a key contractor for NASA and the U.S. government through civil and national security missions.

READ MORE FROM FOX BUSINESS

FOX Business’ Eric Revell and Bradford Betz contributed to this report.

This article was written by

Follow

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of TSLA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Land was earmarked for 1,200 homes but could instead see mixed-use development

A huge area of land off the East Lancashire Road once earmarked for 1,000 new homes could now find itself offering around a fifth of those properties in a new employment-led scheme. Since 2014, Liverpool Council has owned Stonebridge Cross in Croxteth after acquiring it from Homes England.

In March 2021, plans were agreed to move a development plan forward with a view to building 1,200 homes on the site. A year later there were hopes an outline planning application could be submitted.

Now, four years on, the city council is preparing to take the site to market for a mixed-use development, with just 220 homes. It is thought this would take the form of a 70-30 split towards employment uses.

The 55-acre site is located on the East Lancashire Road (A580), one of the main thoroughfares into Liverpool. It was also one of two sites considered by Everton Football Club for its new stadium before settling on Bramley Moore Dock.

There had been hopes back in 2020 that work on the site to deliver new homes could have started within 12 to 18 months. Cabinet documents describe the site as “one of the city’s largest remaining development opportunities and is well placed to support new employment space, housing and wider regeneration benefits.”

Regarding the shift from a major housing development towards employment use, officials said the evidence base had changed since an assessment five years ago. In the report, which will go before councillors for a decision next Tuesday, it was said market testing and employment land evidence indicate “strong demand” for employment floorspace.

It added how an employment-led scheme would “allow the majority of the site to support modern employment development while enabling a residential element, indicatively around 220 homes, where this supports a comprehensive and well-designed scheme.” The site’s location, with access to the port, city centre and motorway network, makes it suitable for modern industrial, logistics and manufacturing uses.

The documents said: “The housing should provide an appropriate mix of tenures and property types, supporting both the diversification of the local housing market as well as delivering a substantial element of social and affordable housing to relieve affordability challenges in the city.”

The move away from a sole housing scheme is described as “more realistic and deliverable than seeking a single specialist use and gives the council the best opportunity to attract credible occupiers and deliver jobs for the local area.” Subject to cabinet approval, a specialist marketing agent will be appointed to promote the site and secure developer interest.

The council’s preferred approach is for an overall comprehensive approach to the site, however, it may accept bids from a singular offer based on the 70/30 split towards employment and housing.

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.