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May 8, 2025

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Use This Multi-Timeframe MACD Signal for Precision Trades

In this video, Joe shares how to trade MACD signals using multiple timeframes, and how to spot stock market pullback setups that can help to pinpoint a great entry off a low. He then reviews sector performance to identify market leadership, covers key chart patterns, and discusses a looming bearish signal on QQQ and IWM. The video wraps with technical analysis on popular viewer-submitted stock symbols, including REAL, PSTG, and more.

The video premiered on May 7, 2025. Click this link to watch on Joe’s dedicated page.

Archived videos from Joe are available at this link. Send symbol requests to stocktalk@stockcharts.com; you can also submit a request in the comments section below the video on YouTube. Symbol Requests can be sent in throughout the week prior to the next show.

The Unpredictable Stock Market: How to Make Sense of It

The stock market’s action on Wednesday was a bit like trying to pick a dinner spot with friends—lots of back and forth, but no real direction.

The market started out higher and went up and down without much of a directional bias until the Fed made its expected interest rate decision and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s press conference. Stock prices dipped lower, but right before the close, another headline moving event surfaced: President Trump announced the rollback of some chip-related restrictions. This news gave the market a boost into the close.

Here’s how the broader indexes closed:

  • The Dow Industrials ($INDU) finished up 0.70%.
  • The S&P 500 ($SPX) rose 0.43%.
  • The Nasdaq Composite ($COMPQ) added 0.27%.

Tech Leads, but Alphabet Takes a Hit

In terms of sector performance, Technology came out on top, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Health Care. On the flip side, Real Estate, Communication Services, and Materials were the laggards.

The main reason behind the stumble in Communication Services was Alphabet, Inc. (GOOGL), which dropped by a whopping 7.26%. Why the selloff? An Alphabet exec testified that Google was losing search traffic to AI tools.

The StockCharts’ S&P 500 MarketCarpet (below) reflects Wednesday’s price action.

FIGURE 1. STOCKCHARTS MARKETCARPETS FOR MAY 7, 2025. It was mostly green with some pockets of red.Image source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Overall, Wednesday’s performance is leaning more positive than negative, but is it enough to break through critical resistance levels?

Resistance Levels in the S&P 500

To get a clearer picture, we need to check out the daily chart of the S&P 500 ($SPX).

FIGURE 2. S&P 500 FACING A LOT OF HEADWINDS. THE 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level is a resistance level the index is struggling to break above.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

The S&P 500 is sandwiched between its 50- and 200-day simple moving averages (SMAs). The Fibonacci retracement levels drawn from the February high to April low show that the 61.8% retracement level is proving to be a stubborn ceiling. Add to that the downward-sloping 50-day SMA, and the market may have a tough time moving higher. To leave the downtrend in the rearview mirror, the S&P 500 would have to break above its 200-day SMA with the necessary follow-through to keep it above that level. So far, the price action suggests that the S&P 500 will face headwinds to get to that stage.

News Moves Markets, Like the Chip Surprise Today

Remember, the market’s price action is like riding a rollercoaster powered by headlines. This can sometimes send technical analysis into a disarray.

Take, for example, today’s news about lifting the chip restrictions, which sent semiconductor stocks higher. The VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) jumped 2.05% (see chart below).

FIGURE 3. DAILY CHART OF SMH. Will the semiconductor ETF be able to break out above its May 2 high?Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Like the chart of the S&P 500, SMH needs to work harder at breaking its downtrend. The one ray of hope is that Wednesday’s move reached the May 2 high. The downside: it wasn’t able to break above it. This shows investors are cautious about semiconductors and the overall equity market.

Volatility Says It All

The caution among investors can be seen clearly in the chart of the S&P 500 vs the Cboe Volatility Index ($VIX).

FIGURE 4. VIX VS. S&P 500. Even though the VIX pulled back from its April peak, it’s still above average.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

What’s interesting is that while the VIX fell when the S&P 500 rose from mid-April, the VIX hasn’t dropped to its average level of 19. It’s still trading above it, which is another point that increases the probability of further downside in equities.

The Bottom Line

There is a lot going on: geopolitical tensions, trade deal updates, policy shifts. Any of these can jolt the market in either direction.

It was encouraging to see tech stocks and semiconductors bounce on Wednesday, but that doesn’t mean we’re headed back to the days of growth stock leadership. If you’re an investor, especially one managing retirement money or nearing retirement, the best approach is to be patient. We’re not out of the woods yet.

As always, stay alert and stick with your investment plan.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.

Crypto Market Recap: New Hampshire Launches First State Crypto Reserve, Trump Stirs Controversy

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (May 7) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$96,171.23 as markets closed, up 1.3 percent in 24 hours. The day’s range has seen a low of US$95,967.46 and a high of US$97,387.02.

Bitcoin performance, May 7, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Bitcoin showed signs of a bullish reversal leading up to the US Federal Reserve’s Wednesday interest rate decision. Roughly US$83.6 million in short Bitcoin positions were liquidated on Wednesday, significantly more than the US$15 million in long liquidations, indicating strong upward momentum. Bitcoin open interest has also increased by a notable percentage over the last 24 hours, adding to a nearly 30 percent increase over the last 30 days.

Analysts have noted that holding above US$95,000 will be crucial for a potential climb towards Bitcoin’s all-time high, while dropping below risked a significant fall. The next target is near US$98,000, with a longer-term target around US$100,200 if that resistance breaks. However, analysts for CryptoQuant have also pointed to significant profit-taking as a potential headwind that could interrupt this upward trend.

Ethereum (ETH) finished the trading day at US$1,797.11, a 0.6 percent increase over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency reached an intraday low of US$1,792.06 and saw a daily high of US$1,831.84.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) hit a value of US$145.86 at the end of the day, up 0.7 percent over 24 hours. SOL experienced a low of US$145.24 and a high of US$147.32
  • XRP was trading at US$2.11, reflecting a 1.2 percent decrease over 24 hours and its lowest point of the day. The cryptocurrency peaked this morning at US$2.14.
  • Sui (SUI) was priced at US$3.26, showing an increaseof 0.8 percent over the past 24 hours. It achieved a daily low of US$3.24 and a high of US$3.38.
  • Cardano (ADA) is trading at US$0.6599, down 0.6 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest price of the day was US$0.6580, and it reached a high of US$0.6754.

Today’s crypto news to know

New Hampshire becomes first state to launch crypto reserve

New Hampshire has officially become the first US state to greenlight a cryptocurrency reserve after Governor Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 302 into law.

The measure authorizes the state treasurer to invest up to 5 percent of public funds in digital assets with a market cap above US$500 billion — effectively limiting the scope to Bitcoin for now.

The assets, along with precious metals, will be held either via a secure custodian or an exchange-traded product. The law goes into effect in 60 days and marks a significant milestone in state-level crypto adoption.

Unlike the federal government’s stagnant plans for a bitcoin reserve, New Hampshire is moving ahead with direct investment. Advocates hope the move will inspire similar initiatives in other states and potentially drive further institutional interest in Bitcoin.

Trump’s crypto projects spark legislative gridlock on Capitol Hill

President Donald Trump’s growing involvement in the crypto sector is intensifying partisan divisions in Congress and jeopardizing progress on digital asset legislation.

A hearing that was set to lay groundwork for crypto market regulation was abruptly cancelled after Rep. Maxine Waters voiced strong objections, citing Trump’s self-promotional crypto ventures as a conflict of interest.

Trump’s $TRUMP meme coin and his partial ownership of World Liberty Financial have drawn criticism from ethics experts and lawmakers alike. Democrats argue that advancing regulation while the former president promotes personal crypto investments creates a perception of impropriety.

Meanwhile, the administration defends the projects, stating Trump’s assets are held in a trust and pose no conflict. Nonetheless, legislative momentum on crypto has clearly slowed, with bipartisan collaboration now under strain.

Crypto gains traction in New Jersey democratic primary

Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls in New Jersey are leaning into crypto policy as a key plank of their campaigns, signaling a broader political shift.

A Bloomberg exclusive reports that leading candidates like Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop have publicly endorsed integrating digital assets into state governance.

Fulop even proposes allocating part of the state’s pension fund to Bitcoin ETFs, a move he previously advanced at the city level. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, another contender, has framed crypto as a driver of economic growth and has backed federal legislation aimed at regulating the industry.

With Donald Trump having successfully capitalized on crypto enthusiasm in his reelection campaign, Democrats are recalibrating their stance to stay competitive.

The growing acceptance of digital assets among candidates suggests crypto will remain a prominent topic in the 2025 election cycle.

Pectra upgrade goes live

Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade, featuring the Prague execution layer hard fork and the Electra consensus layer upgrade, went live on the Ethereum mainnet at about 10:00 am UTC on Wednesday at the start of epoch 364032.

The three main Ethereum improvement proposals (EIPs) included are EIP-7702, EIP-7251 and EIP-7691, which aim to improve user-friendliness and efficiency.

EIP-7702 will enable externally owned accounts to function like smart contracts, handling gas fees and payments in various tokens. EIP-7251 will raise the validator staking limit to 2,048 ETH, streamlining operations for large stakers. Lastly, EIP-7691 will increase data blobs per block, enhancing layer-2 scalability and potentially lowering transaction costs.

The change comes as the growth of Ethereum’s total value locked has lagged behind that of Solana and BNB Chain this year. Artemis data reveals a net outflow of US$50.7 billion for Ethereum year-over-year, contrasting with US$8.3 billion for Base and US$5.8 billion for Solana. However, in the month leading up to the upgrade, Ethereum experienced higher inflows than both Base and Solana.

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF outpaces gold funds in 2025 Inflows

Despite gold outperforming bitcoin in price appreciation this year, BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has outshined traditional gold funds in net inflows.

Since January, IBIT has drawn nearly US$7 billion, surpassing the SPDR Gold Trust, which brought in US$6.5 billion over the same period.

The ETF’s success comes even as Bitcoin prices have lagged behind gold’s recent surge, reflecting institutional faith in digital assets’ long-term value.

Analysts say this trend underscores a shift in investor behavior, with many viewing Bitcoin as a digital complement — or even replacement — for gold.

Analysts now believe bitcoin ETFs could triple gold’s assets under management within the next five years.

Strive Asset Management to form Bitcoin treasury company

Strive Asset Management, an enterprise founded by former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, revealed plans to transition into a Bitcoin treasury company on Wednesday.

According to the announcement, the transition will be accomplished by a reverse merger with publicly traded Asset Entities (NASDAQ:ASST). The company will operate under the Strive brand, and will likely continue to trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol ASST for the foreseeable future. The merged entity will leverage its combined stock value and access to public equity markets to fund further Bitcoin acquisitions.

“Strive Asset Management intends to use all available mechanisms to build a Bitcoin war chest in a minimally dilutive manner to common shareholders and build a long-term investment approach designed to outperform Bitcoin, by using Bitcoin itself as the hurdle rate for capital deployment,’ Strike said in its release.

Metaplanet increases Bitcoin holdings

Metaplanet (OTCQX:MTPLF,TSE:3350) purchased an additional 555 Bitcoin on Wednesday for US$53.4 million at an average price of US$96,134. The purchase is valued at over US$536 million at current prices.

The company now holds 5,555 BTC, purchased for US$481.5 million at an average price of US$86,672 per Bitcoin, according to CEO Simon Gerovich. The company also announced the issuance of another US$25 million in zero-coupon ordinary bonds to fund additional BTC buys.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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This post appeared first on investingnews.com

SAGA Metals Extends Claims at the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project –Securing the Entire Titanomagnetite-Bearing Intrusion

Saga Metals Corp. (‘SAGA’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: SAGA) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H) a North American exploration company specializing in the discovery of critical minerals, is pleased to announce the addition of 97 new claims covering 2,425 hectares, increasing the total area of the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project to 24,175 hectares.

The Company’s 100%-owned Radar Property is strategically located just 10 kilometres from the coastal city of Cartwright, Labrador. The location offers excellent infrastructure advantages, including:

  • Road access
  • Deep-water port on the Atlantic Ocean
  • Cartwright Airport
  • Proximity to hydroelectric power

With the recent expansion, the Radar Property now fully encompasses the Dykes River intrusive complex, a recently identified Mesoproterozoic layered mafic intrusion (Gower, 2017). The complex has garnered significant interest due to its geological resemblance to large AMCG-type intrusions and the presence of an extensive titanium-vanadium-iron (Ti-V-Fe) enriched layer containing vanadiferous titanomagnetite (‘VTM’).

Regional airborne magnetic surveys highlighted the mafic oxide layer, revealing an arcuate exploration target extending over 20 kilometers in length.

Michael Garagan, CGO & Director of SAGA commented: ‘To lay claim to the entire Dykes River Intrusion is an important milestone for SAGA and its shareholders. Throughout history, many of these mineralized geological settings have been shared amongst multiple companies vying to advance their projects. It’s a unique and significant opportunity to hold the entire 160 square km intrusion mapped at the surface and benefits from tremendous infrastructure. The claim acquisition consolidates the entire intrusion and allows the company to delegate zones for both additional infrastructure and further exploration. We’ve only just begun uncovering the true potential and extent of the oxide layering hosted within the intrusion.’

Figure 1: Map of the Radar project highlighting the oxide layering, road access, and proximity to the town of Cartwright, Labrador. SAGA’s 2024 field programs now confirm compilation of historical airborne geophysics.

Saga Metals Confirms Geological Success with Drilling:

The Company recently reported assays from the first two of seven holes drilled on the Hawkeye zone of the Radar Ti-V-Fe property. Please click here to review the full press release on drill holes #1 and #4. Highlights are listed below.

Highlights:

  • Drilled 2,200m confidently testing targets down to a depth of 200 meters, covering a 500-meter by 350-meter target panel.
  • Winter program analytical results have been obtained for the first two diamond drill holes.
  • Petrographic analysis and the new assays confirm that the main economic mineral is a vanadiferous titanomagnetite (‘VTM’), which is prospective for simplified metallurgical processing.
  • Exceptional intercepts of VTM included 31.5m @ 25.95% Fe + 5.34% TiO 2 + 0.28% V 2 O 5 in HEZ-01 and 50m @ 24.49% Fe + 4.74% TiO 2 + 0.305 % V 2 O 5 in HEZ-04.
  • Massive high-grade VTM samples including HEZ-01 with 0.3m @ 39.5% Fe + 9.4% TiO 2 + 0.339% V 2 O 5 and HEZ-01 with 0.5m @ 43.0% Fe + 9% TiO 2 + 0.512% V 2 O 5 .
  • Drilling intercepts average 20-40% VTM, and particular massive layers exceed 60% VTM.
  • Drilling to vertical depths of 200 meters confirms magnetic anomalies identified by geophysics.
  • Initial drilling covers just 1/40th of the identified 20 km strike extent of the oxide layering zone in the Dykes River intrusion.

Drilling also confirmed massive to semi-massive oxide layering, hosting VTM mineralization, with significant widths up to 210 meters within the drill core. The geological context identified by Dr. Al Miller’s petrographic studies substantially advanced the understanding of Radar Property mineralization. These findings indicate that the VTM mineralization system is advantageous for simplified metallurgical processing and potentially improves economic outcomes.

Figure 2: The prospective oxide layering zone on the Radar property extends for an inferred 20km strike length, as shown on a compilation of historical airborne geophysics, which SAGA confirmed in the 2024 field programs.

Figure 3: Hawkeye Zone displays a   500m strike by 350m width magnetic anomaly drilled in the winter 2025 program. (2024 Saga Metals. TMI Magnetic Survey).

Given the success of the maiden drill program within the Hawkeye zone over a 500 m strike and the strong correlation between drill core, rock samples and geophysics (Figure 3), SAGA plans to repeat this model over the five priority targets along the 20 km strike length of the oxide layer. The geophysical anomaly drilled in the Hawkeye zone is potentially one of the lesser anomalies. Early indications from geophysics being conducted over the Trapper zone report an even stronger magnetic response.

Qualified Person

Paul J. McGuigan, P. Geo. is an Independent Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information related to the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project disclosed in this news release.

About Saga Metals Corp.

Saga Metals Corp. is a North American mining company focused on the exploration and discovery of critical minerals that support the global transition to green energy. The company’s flagship asset, the Double Mer Uranium Project, is located in Labrador, Canada, covering 25,600 hectares. This project features uranium radiometrics that highlight an 18km east-west trend, with a confirmed 14km section producing samples as high as 0.428% U 3 O 8 and uranium uranophane was identified in several areas of highest radiometric response (2024 Double Mer Technical Report).

In addition to its uranium focus, SAGA owns the Legacy Lithium Property in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. This project, developed in partnership with Rio Tinto, has been expanded through the acquisition of the Amirault Lithium Project. Together, these properties cover 65,849 hectares and share significant geological continuity with other major players in the area, including Rio Tinto, Winsome Resources, Azimut Exploration, and Loyal Lithium.

SAGA also holds additional exploration assets in Labrador, where the company is focused on the discovery of titanium, vanadium, and iron ore. With a portfolio that spans key minerals crucial to the green energy transition, SAGA is strategically positioned to play an essential role in the clean energy future.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mike Stier, Chief Executive Officer

For more information, contact:
Saga Metals Corp.
Investor Relations
Tel: +1 (778) 930-1321
Email: info@SAGAmetals.com
www.SAGAmetals.com

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Disclaimer

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘should’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘believes’, and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the Company’s Radar Ti-V-Fe project. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage, risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and the risks detailed in the Company’s final prospectus in Manitoba and amended and restated final prospectus for British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario dated August 30, 2024, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations from time to time. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5fcaa32-0144-4ab1-8675-6311908d44c5

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d825e7b-917e-4d9b-a851-f4e0bb4edee0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19f0eab7-33e1-4997-b231-965227540f9a

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

AMD CEO calls China a ‘large opportunity’ and warns against strict U.S. chip controls

Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su said China is a “large opportunity” market for the semiconductor and artificial intelligence industry even as export controls and evolving tariff plans loom over the world’s second-largest economy.

“There should be a balance between export controls for national security as well as ensuring that we get the widest possible adoption of our technology,” Su told CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” on Wednesday. “That’s a good thing for U.S. jobs in the U.S. economy.”

She added that U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and widespread adoption is the primary objective and a “really great position for us to be in.”

Su said there is a “balance to be played between” restricting and providing access to chips.

The comments come on the heels of the company’s fiscal first-quarter results. AMD topped earnings and expectations and issued strong guidance, but said it would see a $1.5 billion hit this year from China export controls. Last month, the company said it would incur up to $800 million in costs from shipping its MI308 products to China and other countries.

The U.S. government has cracked down on chip shipments to China in recent years, restricting the sale of more advanced AI processors to China that could be used to improve military capabilities and eat away at U.S. dominance.

President Donald Trump’s evolving tariff policies have added more turbulence to the sector in recent weeks, and many investors are combing for signs of demand pressure.

While AMD would “prefer a more certain environment,” Su said that the company is working to move manufacturing to the U.S. She added that the impact from tariffs on its portfolio is a minor blip and that the company saw “robust” sales in April.

“We’ve learned to become very agile through all of the things that have happened to the semiconductor supply chain, and we’re going to continue to watch all of these trends very carefully and make sure that we react appropriately going forward,” she said.

Other Ai chipmaking CEO have also called attention to the impact of chip restrictions in a rapidly expanding AI market. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told CNBC’s Jon Fortt on Tuesday that getting pushed out of the the country would be a “tremendous loss.”

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

NBA star Russell Westbrook launches AI-enabled funeral planning startup

National Basketball Association superstar Russell Westbrook is taking a shot off the court at simplifying funeral planning with artificial intelligence.

The famed Denver Nuggets point guard on Wednesday announced the launch of Eazewell, a startup that uses AI technology to streamline the process for coordinating funerals. Westbrook founded the venture with former Charlotte Hornets star Kemba Walker and childhood friend Donnell Beverly Jr., who serves as president of Russell Westbrook Enterprises and CEO and co-founder of Eazewell.

“My whole career, on and off the court, has been about stepping up decisively in the moments that matter most,” Westbrook wrote in a statement to CNBC. Westbrook and the Nuggets are currently facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Western Conference semifinals. “Eazewell is exactly that — a decisive solution to a very real problem.”

The Los Angeles-based company uses AI to curate funeral options catered to each user’s budgets and preferences. The platform assists with paperwork, budget planning, invitations and overlooked tasks such as canceling a deceased loved one’s utility bills and social media accounts. Eazewell currently has 11 employees and has already tested its beta platform with more than 1,000 families. 

Eazewell has not disclosed funding but has revenue agreements with partner services. The startup is also working on partnerships with finance and life insurance companies in the space. The service is free to use and does not have an ads component “at this stage,” a company spokesperson said.

“We’re trying to take the weight off people’s shoulders as much as we can, and make this process so much easier for people,” Walker told CNBC in a phone interview. Walker played college basketball with Beverly at the University of Connecticut.

Eazewell traces its origins to Westbrook and Beverly’s high school days, when their friend and basketball teammate Khelcey Barrs III passed away unexpectedly from an enlarged heart. Westbrook commemorates Barrs to this day by wearing a bracelet with the initials “KB3” in every NBA game he plays and on his signature Jordan Why Not Zer0.6 “Khelcey Barrs” shoe.

“It’s a reminder that life can change in an instant,” Westbrook said. “You don’t get to choose the moment, but you do get to choose how you respond.”

The experience left a lasting effect on the two friends, Beverly said, but it wasn’t until the death of Beverly’s parents that he experienced funeral planning hurdles firsthand. Beverly said the experience was “messy” and “grueling.”

Disillusioned and frustrated by the process after the death of his mother and father in 2016 and 2023, respectively, Beverly turned to his close friends to come up with the solution that became Eazewell.

“It just seems like the perfect time to really turn our shared pain into purpose,” Beverly said.

One of Eazewell’s most innovative features is its voice-activated AI agent that can gather cost quotes and call funeral homes on a user’s behalf.

Recent advancements in AI have only recently made it possible to automate tasks and create agents that can manage these jobs in an empathetic and compassionate manner, said Viviane Ghaderi, Eazewell’s tech chief and a former Amazon executive.

Stephen Stokols, an Eazewell investor and CEO of Tru Skye Ventures, an early-stage sports technology and wellness venture firm, said these “transformational” AI advancements helping bring the funeral industry out of the “dark ages” initially drew him to the project.

Walker said he hopes Eazewell can offer users the tools to navigate a topic that is not taught in school or early life.

“We know how important it is to have someone by your side to help with the details that come after a loss,” Westbrook said.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS