Short interest for Novo Nordisk gives investors a sense of the degree to which investors are betting on the decline of Novo Nordisk's stock. Short interest data is updated every two weeks.

Novo Nordisk Stock (NYSE:NVO), Short Interest Report

Novo Nordisk

With roughly one third of the global branded diabetes treatment market, Novo Nordisk is the leading provider of diabetes-care products in the world. Based in Denmark, the company manufactures and markets a variety of human and modern insulins, injectable diabetes treatments such as GLP-1 therapy, oral antidiabetic agents, and obesity treatments. Novo also has a biopharmaceutical segment (constituting roughly 10% of revenue) that specializes in protein therapies for hemophilia and other disorders.

mounjaro-medication-for-weight-loss

Biotech

Large Cap

News

Health Care

Legal

General

Eli Lilly has settled with Totality Medispa over counterfeit Mounjaro and Zepbound sales. The spa will pay damages and cease using Lilly branding. Corrective measures include compliance with federal law for tirzepatide products.

Eli Lilly Strikes Deal To Combat Counterfeit Diabetes And Weight Loss Drugs Mounjaro And Zepbound

Wegovy

NONOF

 The data could potentially bolster Novo&#39;s case for Wegovy as it attempts to convince insurers and governments to cover the cost of the drug.

Novo Nordisk&#39;s Wegovy Delivers: Long-Term Study Shows Sustained Weight Loss As Drugmaker Tries To Woo Insurers And Governments

Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk

Movers

Novo Nordisk&#39;s Phase 3a trial demonstrates a significant reduction in bleeding episodes with Mim8 treatment for hemophilia A patients. Superior efficacy and safety profile revealed.

Novo Nordisk&#39;s Hemophilia Candidate Can Prevent Bleeding Episodes Effectively, Regardless Of Dosing Frequency

Novo Nordisk A/S

Novo Resources Corp Warrants (27/08/2023)

Novo Integrated Sciences, Inc. - Common Stock

Novo Integrated Sciences Inc

Eli Lilly And Co&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) has reportedly reached a settlement agreement with a&nbsp;medi&nbsp;spa that sold counterfeit versions of its popular diabetes drug Mounjaro and weight loss treatment Zepbound,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/05/38596771/weigh-loss-competition-heats-up-in-britain-online-pharmacies-slash-prices-for-wegovy-and-mounjaro" rel="noreferrer noopener">which contains tirzepatide</a>.
As part of the deal, Totality Medispa will pay Lilly a monetary payment and cease using Lilly&#8217;s branding to promote its products.
In addition to the financial settlement, Totality Medispa&nbsp;is required&nbsp;to&nbsp;take corrective actions, including ensuring that any compounded tirzepatide products it obtains and&nbsp;distributes&nbsp;are&nbsp;produced&nbsp;in compliance with U.S. federal law.
Related:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38563149/eli-lilly-on-its-way-to-1-trillion-market-cap-analysts-say-its-a-have-in-a-sea-of-h" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eli Lilly &#8216;On Its Way&#8217; To $1 Trillion Market Cap, Analysts Say: It&#8217;s A &#8216;Have&#8217; In A Sea Of &#8216;Have Nots&#8217;</a>
In April, U.S. District Judge Roy Altman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/florida/flsdce/1:2023cv23586/654456/46/0.pdf?ts=1712851105" rel="noreferrer noopener">ruled</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;Eli Lilly&nbsp;cannot rely on state law to stop a compounding pharmacy,&nbsp;RXCompoundStore.com, from marketing its version&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/04/38223582/eli-lilly-suffers-legal-loss-for-its-popular-weight-lossdiabetes-drug-in-lawsuit-against-florida-" rel="noreferrer noopener">of the drug tirzepatide</a>.
Eli Lilly and&nbsp;Novo Nordisk A/S&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) have actively pursued legal action against several&nbsp;medi&nbsp;spas&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/01/36765784/weight-loss-drugs-ozempic-counterfeit-rising-reports-over-patient-safety-related-fake-drugs" rel="noreferrer noopener">and compounding pharmacies</a>.&nbsp;
These lawsuits aim to halt the sale of products that falsely claim to contain the active ingredients semaglutide and tirzepatide, which&nbsp;are used&nbsp;in the companies&#8217; popular weight-loss drugs.&nbsp;
Last year, Novo Nordisk sued a compounding pharmacy and refiled a lawsuit against another after discovering that their products, which purported to contain the active ingredient for its weight-loss drug Wegovy, were impure&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/23/11/36020513/novo-nordisk-sues-florida-compounding-pharmacies-over-impurities-in-products-claiming-to-contain-" rel="noreferrer noopener">by as much as 33%</a>.
In March, Lilly reported finding bacteria and high levels of impurities in products alleged to be compounded&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/03/37544347/eli-lillys-legal-battle-against-fake-compounded-tirzepatide-products-bacteria-impurities-detected" rel="noreferrer noopener">versions of tirzepatide</a>.&nbsp;
The company has since taken legal action against multiple medical spas, weight-loss clinics, and compounding pharmacies to prevent them from selling products purportedly containing tripeptide, the active ingredient in its&nbsp;weight-loss&nbsp;and diabetes medications.
&#8220;While this agreement is an important step forward, this is not a problem that Lilly can solve alone. We strongly support state and federal regulators taking action to deter and punish compounding pharmacies, counterfeiters, and others who put patients at risk by selling unsafe products claiming to be tirzepatide,&#8221; Reuters noted, citing Lilly&#8217;s statement.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/03/37662893/pharmaceutical-crime-jumps-50-as-criminals-seek-to-capitalize-rising-tide-of-counterfeit-weight-l" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pharmaceutical Crime Jumps 50% As Criminals Seek To Capitalize Rising Tide of Counterfeit Weight-Loss Drugs</a>.
Price Action:&nbsp;LLY shares were&nbsp;up 1.21% at $773.22&nbsp;at&nbsp;last&nbsp;check Wednesday.
Photo via Company

Eli Lilly Provides Update On Mounjaro And Zepbound Compounding Litigation; Enters Settlement Requiring Totality Medispa To Make Monetary Payment, Prohibiting Misleading Conduct, And Reporting Adverse Events To FDA

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-jones-05-14-2024/card/lilly-settles-with-spa-selling-mounjaro-zepbound-knock-offs-Oy1C59kOIAqzhdhQvTve?mod=lctimeline_finance">https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-jones-05-14-2024/card/lilly-settles-with-spa-selling-mounjaro-zepbound-knock-offs-Oy1C59kOIAqzhdhQvTve?mod=lctimeline_finance</a>
Eli Lilly has reached its first legal settlement with one of the spas that it had accused in lawsuits of infringing its trademarks by selling alternative versions of Lilly&#39;s hot-selling drugs for diabetes and weight loss.
Both Lilly and its archrival Novo Nordisk have been <a href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-jones-earnings-02-09-2024/card/novo-nordisk-settles-with-two-clinics-selling-ozempic-knock-offs-EQJ8ItshoYTu1UgUFTmb">trying to crack down</a> on the sale of <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/ozempic-maker-sues-spas-and-clinics-selling-custom-made-versions-7e885f7ahttps://www.wsj.com/articles/ozempic-maker-sues-spas-and-clinics-selling-custom-made-versions-7e885f7a">custom-made versions</a> of their drugs. The alternative versions have become popular because they&#39;re often cheaper than the originals, and available when the brand-name versions are in short supply.
In the settlement, Totality Medispa LLC agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to Lilly and to stop using the Lilly brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound when promoting custom-made, or compounded, versions of the drugs.

'Lilly Settles With Spa Selling Mounjaro, Zepbound Knock-Offs' - WSJ

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Novo Nordisk. Our analysis of options history for Novo Nordisk (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) revealed 10 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 30% of traders were bullish, while 70% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 3 were puts, with a value of $88,487, and 7 were calls, valued at $365,580.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $100.0 and $145.0 for Novo Nordisk, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Novo Nordisk options trades today is 1083.25 with a total volume of 720.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Novo Nordisk's big money trades within a strike price range of $100.0 to $145.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Novo Nordisk Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1715706938_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$17.25</td>
<td>$17.05</td>
<td>$17.05</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$178.5K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">132</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$37.4</td>
<td>$37.2</td>
<td>$37.4</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$37.4K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$18.15</td>
<td>$17.9</td>
<td>$17.9</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$35.8K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$8.9</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$31.4K</td>
<td>496</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$9.05</td>
<td>$8.9</td>
<td>$8.95</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$31.4K</td>
<td>496</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">37</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Novo Nordisk</h3>
With roughly one third of the global branded diabetes treatment market, Novo Nordisk is the leading provider of diabetes-care products in the world. Based in Denmark, the company manufactures and markets a variety of human and modern insulins, injectable diabetes treatments such as GLP-1 therapy, oral antidiabetic agents, and obesity treatments. Novo also has a biopharmaceutical segment (constituting roughly 10% of revenue) that specializes in protein therapies for hemophilia and other disorders.
<h3>Where Is Novo Nordisk Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 1,844,849, with NVO's price up by 0.06%, positioned at $132.49.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 86 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Novo Nordisk</h3>
A total of 1 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $160.0.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald has revised its rating downward to Overweight, adjusting the price target to $160. </li>
</ul>
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Novo Nordisk options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Markets

Spotlight on Novo Nordisk: Analyzing the Surge in Options Activity

Patients using Novo Nordisk&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NONOF#OTC">NONOF</a>) obesity treatment, Wegovy, have reportedly maintained an average weight loss of 10% over a four-year period, as per data revealed by the company on Tuesday. This information was shared at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice, Italy.
What Happened: The data, derived from a large-scale study, most of which was published last year, could potentially bolster Novo&#8217;s case for Wegovy as it attempts to convince insurers and governments to cover the cost of the drug, countering the perception of it being merely a lifestyle drug, Reuters reported.
&#8220;This is the longest study we&#8217;ve conducted so far of semaglutide for weight loss,&#8221; stated Martin Holst Lange, Novo&#8217;s head of development. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/05/38763450/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga&#8217;s &#8216;Stock Whisper&#8217; Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don&#8217;t Talk About Yet</a>
The trial involved 17,604 patients and tested Wegovy not for weight loss, but for its heart protective benefits for overweight and obese patients with preexisting heart disease but not diabetes. Participants were not required to track diet and exercise as it was not an obesity study.
Why It Matters: Despite s<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38575293/demand-soars-for-novo-nordisks-weight-loss-drug-wegovy-despite-supply-constraints-and-eli-lilly-">upply constraints and competition</a> from Eli Lilly, the demand for Wegovy has been on the rise. The drug&#8217;s sales more than doubled to 9.38 billion kroner ($1.35 billion) in the first quarter, although this figure fell short of analysts&#8217; estimates due to pricing pressure.
Tesla CEO <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38634420/ozempic-ftw-elon-musk-touts-novo-nordisks-blockbuster-drug-as-solution-to-childhood-obesity-problem">Elon Musk recently endorsed</a> Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Ozempic, a GLP-1 agonist primarily prescribed to manage Type 2 diabetes, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38634420/ozempic-ftw-elon-musk-touts-novo-nordisks-blockbuster-drug-as-solution-to-childhood-obesity-problem">sparked a conversation </a>about childhood obesity and potential solutions.
On the other hand, Denmark&#8217;s healthcare authority has decided to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/05/38554472/setback-for-novo-nordisk-denmark-shifts-prescription-guidelines-favoring-cost-effective-alternati">favor less expensive drugs for type 2 diabetes patients</a>, impacting the prescription of costlier GLP-1 drugs such as Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Ozempic. This decision is expected to affect nearly half of all current GLP-1 drug users, who may switch to cheaper alternatives.
Price Action: On Monday, Novo Nordisk closed 3.09% higher on NYSE at $132.39, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/05/38782353/barbarism-aoc-unleashes-fury-on-us-healthcare-system-as-people-are-choosing-between-medicine-and-ren?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Barbarism:&#8217; AOC Unleashes Fury On US Healthcare System As People Are &#8216;Choosing Between Medicine And Rent&#8217;</a>
Image Via Shutterstock
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Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Delivers: Long-Term Study Shows Sustained Weight Loss As Drugmaker Tries To Woo Insurers And Governments

WIIM

Novo Nordisk shares are trading higher after the company announced the FRONTIER 2 trial achieved its co-primary endpoints.

Monday,&nbsp;Novo Nordisk A/S&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=168515" rel="noreferrer noopener">released</a>&nbsp;headline results from the FRONTIER 2 Phase 3a trial of once-weekly and once-monthly subcutaneous Mim8 versus no prophylaxis and versus prior coagulation factor prophylaxis treatment in hemophilia A patients 12 years or older with or without inhibitors.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/05/38596771/weigh-loss-competition-heats-up-in-britain-online-pharmacies-slash-prices-for-wegovy-and-mounjaro" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weight Loss Competition Heats Up In Britain, Online Pharmacies Slash Prices for Wegovy and Mounjaro</a>.
The trial achieved its co-primary endpoints by demonstrating a statistically significant and superior reduction of treated bleeding episodes with both once-weekly and once-monthly Mim8 versus no prophylaxis treatment and prior coagulation factor prophylaxis treatment.
In people with no prior prophylaxis treatment, once-weekly and once-monthly Mim8 demonstrated superior reductions of 97% and 99% in treated bleeds, respectively, compared to those who received no prophylaxis treatment.
In addition, 86% of people treated with once-weekly Mim8 and 95% of those treated with once-monthly Mim8 experienced zero treated bleeds, compared to 0% of those treated with no prophylaxis.
In the intra-patient analysis in people with prior coagulation factor prophylaxis, once-weekly and once-monthly Mim8 demonstrated superior reductions of 48% and 43% in treated bleeds, respectively, compared to prior coagulation factor prophylaxis.
Additionally, 66% of people treated with once-weekly Mim8 and 65% of people treated with once-monthly Mim8 experienced zero treated bleeds.
In the trial, Mim8 appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile in line with previous trials. No deaths or thromboembolic events were reported&nbsp;in the trial.
Novo Nordisk aims to submit Mim8 for the first regulatory approval towards the end of 2024.
Data from the phase 3 FRONTIER program, including FRONTIER&nbsp;2&nbsp;&nbsp;will be disclosed&nbsp;at upcoming congresses and in publications in 2024 and 2025.
Hemophilia is a rare inherited bleeding disorder that impairs the body&#8217;s ability to make blood clots, a process needed to stop bleeding. It is estimated to affect approximately 1,125,000 people worldwide, and hemophilia A accounts for 80-85% of all hemophilia cases.&nbsp;
Price Action:&nbsp;NVO shares are up 3.04% at $132.33&nbsp;at last check&nbsp;Monday.
Photo via Shutterstock

Novo Nordisk's Hemophilia Candidate Can Prevent Bleeding Episodes Effectively, Regardless Of Dosing Frequency

Trading Ideas

GMAB

Watching Genmab; Shares Trading Higher After Novo Nordisk Announced Results From The FRONTIER 2 Trial In People Aged 12 Years Or Older With Haemophilia A

<a href="https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/be52a7ec-2630-49c0-b374-88ae71352c87" title="https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/be52a7ec-2630-49c0-b374-88ae71352c87">https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/be52a7ec-2630-49c0-b374-88ae71352c87</a>

Novo Nordisk Announces Headline Results From The FRONTIER 2 Trial; Achieved Its Co-Primary Endpoints By Demonstrating A Reduction Of Treated Bleeding Episodes With Both Once-Weekly And Once-Monthly Mim8 Versus No Prophylaxis Treatment And Prior Coagulation Factor Prophylaxis Treatment

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$122.00</td>
<td>$36.6K</td>
<td>148</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALNY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$26.5K</td>
<td>405</td>
<td>390</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HUM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$340.00</td>
<td>$33.8K</td>
<td>361</td>
<td>352</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MCK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$555.00</td>
<td>$46.9K</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>260</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CORT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
<td>$69.3K</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>186</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$45.5K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
<td>74</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BMY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$49.00</td>
<td>$25.2K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>60</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>THC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$28.9K</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLUE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$68.8K</td>
<td>101</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PODD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$28.7K</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For MRNA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 8 day(s) on May 17, 2024. This event was a transfer of 122 contract(s) at a $122.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 20 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $36.6K, with a price of $300.0 per contract. There were 148 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2346 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ALNY (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALNY#NASDAQ">ALNY</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 71 day(s) on July 19, 2024. Parties traded 18 contract(s) at a $140.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.5K, with a price of $1482.0 per contract. There were 405 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 390 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HUM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 8 day(s) on May 17, 2024. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $340.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.8K, with a price of $338.0 per contract. There were 361 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 352 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MCK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCK#NYSE">MCK</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 8 day(s) on May 17, 2024. This event was a transfer of 87 contract(s) at a $555.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $46.9K, with a price of $540.0 per contract. There were 1 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 260 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CORT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORT#NASDAQ">CORT</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 43 day(s) on June 21, 2024. This event was a transfer of 102 contract(s) at a $22.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 13 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $69.3K, with a price of $680.0 per contract. There were 7 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 186 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For NVO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 43 day(s) on June 21, 2024. This event was a transfer of 186 contract(s) at a $135.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 19 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.5K, with a price of $244.0 per contract. There were 3523 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 74 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BMY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 43 day(s) on June 21, 2024. Parties traded 52 contract(s) at a $49.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.2K, with a price of $485.0 per contract. There were 1294 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 60 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For THC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THC#NYSE">THC</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 99 day(s) on August 16, 2024. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.9K, with a price of $579.0 per contract. There were 26 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 50 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BLUE (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLUE#NASDAQ">BLUE</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 253 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $15.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $68.8K, with a price of $1377.0 per contract. There were 101 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 50 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PODD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PODD#NASDAQ">PODD</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 43 day(s) on June 21, 2024. Parties traded 15 contract(s) at a $170.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.7K, with a price of $1924.0 per contract. There were 70 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 39 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ALNY

BLUE

CORT

MRNA

PODD

10 Health Care Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Contracts

Flagship Pioneering And Metaphore Biotechnologies Announce Research Collaboration With Novo Nordisk To Develop Next-Generation Therapeutics for Obesity Management, Novo Nordisk May Pay Up To $600M In Upfront, Development, And Commercial Milestone Payments

Rumors

Politics

Watching Novo Nordisk; Hearing Co Asks For More Time To Answer Senator Bernie Sanders On Ozempic Price, Co Wants To Delay Responses Past May 8

Tesla&nbsp;and&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;has sparked a conversation about childhood obesity and potential solutions after giving his seal of approval for&nbsp;Novo Nordisk&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/03/37989566/how-much-does-it-cost-to-make-novo-nordisks-ozempic-shockingly-low-against-1-000-price-tag-study-" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ozempic</a>, a&nbsp;GLP-1&nbsp;agonist primarily prescribed to manage&nbsp;Type 2&nbsp;diabetes.
What Happened: On Sunday, Musk responded to a post on&nbsp;X&nbsp;about childhood obesity in the U.S. and Japan. The post by&nbsp;Calley Means,&nbsp;co-founder of health startup&nbsp;Truemed,&nbsp;suggested five policies to address the issue, including banning TV pharma ads and reforming agriculture subsidies.&nbsp;
It was re-shared by billionaire investor&nbsp;Bill Ackman, who tagged&nbsp;Joe Biden,&nbsp;Donald Trump, and&nbsp;Robert Kennedy Jr.&nbsp;— the three major presidential candidates for the 2024 elections, saying, &#8220;This is great advice.&#8221;
Musk responded to Ackman&#8217;s post, saying, &#8220;Ozempic&nbsp;ftw,&#8221; indicating his support for the drug.
See Also:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38631821/apples-q2-earnings-iphone-sales-slump-and-a-massive-110b-stock-buyback-this-week-in-appleverse?itm_source=parsely-api" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s Q2 Earnings, iPhone Sales Slump, And A Massive $110B Stock Buyback: This Week In Appleverse</a>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Ozempic ftw &#x1f937;&#x200d;&#x2642;&#xfe0f;
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1787233865758548345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s tweet has brought attention to the growing issue of childhood obesity in the U.S. and Japan.&nbsp;Obesity has been a significant&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/23/12/36113639/obesity-drugs-greater-weight-loss-linked-to-prolonged-use-of-novo-nordisks-wegovy" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health concern</a>, with long-term implications for the affected individuals and the healthcare system.
This is not the first time the tech mogul has seemingly backed the blockbuster drug. Last year, Musk claimed that Ozempic&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/10/35138623/elon-musk-claims-ozempic-has-impacted-walmarts-sales-seemingly-gives-endorsement-to-drug" rel="noreferrer noopener">was affecting food sales</a>&nbsp;at Walmart.
In March, Novo Nordisk announced the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/03/37527875/ozempic-maker-novo-nordisk-to-introduce-obesity-drug-wegovy-in-japan-acknowledging-countrys-rising-w" rel="noreferrer noopener">launch of Ozempic&#8217;s sister drug</a>,&nbsp;Wegovy, in Japan, in response to the country&#8217;s rising obesity rates. However, the drug has also faced criticism for its high cost.&nbsp;
Previously, Senator&nbsp;Bernie Sanders&nbsp;(I-Vt.) expressed concerns about the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/23/09/34970749/despite-being-costly-ozempic-wegovy-prescriptions-surge-300-over-three-years" rel="noreferrer noopener">high price of Ozempic</a>, which is sometimes used controversially for weight loss by suppressing appetite.
Earlier, the&nbsp;World Health Organization&nbsp;or&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;also cautioned that relying solely on potent and widely used&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37413349/ozempic-wegovy-other-weight-loss-drugs-wont-solve-global-obesity-crisis-affecting-1b-people-who-warn" rel="noreferrer noopener">medications for obesity won&#8217;t adequately</a>&nbsp;tackle the escalating global obesity epidemic, which currently impacts more than a billion indivi
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38605878/tim-cook-blasts-dojs-antitrust-lawsuit-against-apple-says-hes-going-to-make-sure-it-doesnt-become-a?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tim Cook Blasts DOJ&#8217;s Antitrust Lawsuit Against Apple, Says He&#8217;s Going To Make Sure It Doesn&#8217;t Become A Distraction: &#8216;We&#8217;re Going To Fight It&#8217;</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock

Tech

TSLA

'Ozempic Ftw:' Elon Musk Touts Novo Nordisk's Blockbuster Drug As Solution To Childhood Obesity Problem

The first-quarter 2024 earnings season is almost over as far as large drugmakers are concerned. Eli Lilly (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lly#NYSE">LLY</a>), Novo Nordisk (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvo#NYSE">NVO</a>), Pfizer (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pfe#NYSE">PFE</a>) and AbbVie (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/abbv#NYSE">ABBV</a>) announced their first-quarter results this week. J&amp;J (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jnj#NYSE">JNJ</a>) announced a new plan to completely resolve its talc-related lawsuits.
<h3>Recap of the Week&#39;s Most Important Stories</h3>
Earnings Update: Pfizer&#39;s first-quarter results were strong as it beat estimates for earnings as well as sales. While sales of COVID products declined due to lower demand, some key non-COVID products like Prevnar, Vyndaqel and Eliquis, new launches like Abrysvo and newly acquired products from Seagen boosted the top line in the first quarter. Sales of all key products like Prevnar, Vyndaqel and Eliquis beat estimates. Seagen drugs contributed $742 million to the top line in the first quarter. Revenues from Pfizer&#39;s non-COVID products rose 11% operationally in the first quarter.
The company raised its 2024 earnings guidance while retaining revenue expectations. Adjusted earnings are expected in the range of $2.15 to $2.35 versus the prior expectation of $2.05 to $2.25 per share.The revenue guidance was maintained in the range of $58.5 to $61.5 billion in 2024, almost flat from the 2023 levels.
Lilly&#39;s first-quarter results were soft as it beat estimates for earnings but missed the same for sales. Strong demand for Mounjaro, Zepbound, Verzenio and Jardiance pulled the top line in the quarter. However, continued supply constraints for incretin-based products like Trulicity, Mounjaro and Zepbound hurt sales. Demand for incretin-based products exceeded supply.
Mounjaro recorded sales of $1.81 billion during the quarter, while Zepbound&#39;s sales were $517.4 million. Lilly is investing in new advanced manufacturing plants and lines in the United States and Europe to increase supply. Lilly expects the production of incretin-based products to increase from the second half of 2024. &quot;Greater visibility&quot; on its production expansion plans and strong demand for Mounjaro and Zepbound pushed Lilly to raise its sales and earnings guidance ranges for 2024. Lilly expects revenues in the range of $42.4 billion to $43.6 billion compared with the prior expectation of $40.4 to $41.6 billion. The earnings per share guidance was raised from the range of $12.20 to $12.70 to $13.50 to $14.00 per share.
Novo Nordisk beat estimates for both earnings and sales. Revenues rose 24% at a constant exchange rate (CER), driven by strong sales of its diabetes and obesity care products, mainly GLP-1 products. Its GLP-1 diabetes sales increased 32% at CER. Total Diabetes care rose 24% and Obesity care sales increased 42% at CER. Sales of the diabetes drug Ozempic rose 43%, while Wegovy rose 107% at CER. Rare disease segment sales were down 3%.
Backed by strong sales performance of Ozempic and Wegovy, Novo Nordisk raised its sales growth expectation for 2024 from a range of 18-26% at CER to 19-27%, while the operating profit growth range was raised from 21-29% to 22-30%at CER.
AbbVie beat estimates for both earnings and sales in the first quarter. While sales rose 0.7% year over year, earnings declined 6.1%. Sales of key immunology medicines Skyrizi and Rinvoq rose 47.6% and 59.3% on a reported basis, respectively, driven by successful label expansions to new indications. Humira sales declined 35.9% due to generic erosion. The company also raised its EPS guidance for 2024. AbbVie expects adjusted EPS in the range of $11.13-$11.33, up from the previously provided EPS guidance of $10.97-$11.17.
FDA Approves Pfizer&#39;s Hemophilia Gene Therapy: The FDA granted approval to Pfizer&#39;s gene therapy fidanacogene elaparvovec for the treatment of adults with hemophilia B, a rare genetic bleeding disorder. The therapy will be marketed by the name of Beqvez. Beqvez is a one-time treatment which will allow hemophilia B patients to produce factor, a blood clotting factor, themselves compared to the current standard of care,&nbsp;which require regular FIX infusions, thereby reducing the treatment burden for these patients. The approval is based on positive data from the phase III study called BENEGENE-2. A regulatory application is also under review in Europe. Beqvez was recently approved in Canada.
J&amp;J&#39;s New Plan to Resolve Talc Lawsuits: J&amp;J announced that its subsidiary,&nbsp;LTL Management, which was established to manage claims in the cosmetic talc litigation,&nbsp;has proposed a &quot;Plan of Reorganization&quot; to resolve all present and future pending ovarian cancer talc lawsuits
J&amp;J faces more than 50,000 lawsuits for its talc-based products, primarily its baby powders. The lawsuits allege that its talc products contain asbestos, which caused many women to develop ovarian cancer.
LTL Management twice filed for voluntary bankruptcy to equitably resolve all present and future talc-related claims. However, both the bankruptcy filings were rejected by courts stating that J&amp;J was not in enough financial stress to qualify for bankruptcy.
Per the new plan, to completely resolve its cosmetic talc litigation, J&amp;J has offered to pay $6.48 billion to claimants over a period of 25 years. If 75% of claimants vote in favor of the plan, J&amp;J will file a third bankruptcy filing. The company claims that if the plan is approved by claimants through a majority vote, it would resolve 99.75% of all pending talc lawsuits against J&amp;J.
J&amp;J filed regulatory applications to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) seeking approval for its immunology medicine, Tremfya, for two new indications &mdash; moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) and moderately to severely active Crohn&#39;s disease.
Tremfya is presently approved to treat certain patients with plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis in several countries, including the United States and the EU. The applications for the UC indication were based on data from the phase III QUASAR study, while that for Crohn&#39;s disease was based on the phase III GALAXI. J&amp;J has also filed an application seeking expanded use of Tremfya for the UC indication to the FDA.
The NYSE ARCA Pharmaceutical Index rose 1.2% in the last five trading sessions.
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>Large Cap Pharmaceuticals Industry 5YR % Return</h3>
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stocks/industry-rank/industry/large-cap-pharmaceuticals-126?icid=chart-large-cap-pharmaceuticals-industry-5yr-return"><img alt="Large Cap Pharmaceuticals Industry 5YR % Return" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/0c/1714730740.png" style="height:268px; width:553px" title="" /> </a>
Large Cap Pharmaceuticals Industry 5YR % Return
Here&#39;s how the eight major stocks performed in the last five trading sessions.
</div>
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/1e/66091.jpg?v=1269077275" /> 
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In the last five trading sessions, Pfizer rose the most (9.6%), while AbbVie declined the most (3.9%).
In the past six months, Lilly has risen the highest (27.0%), while Pfizer has declined the most (11.2%).
<h3>What&#39;s Next in the Pharma World?</h3>
Watch this space for regular pipeline and regulatory updates next week.
Lilly, Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, AbbVie and J&amp;J have a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2268082/pharma-stock-roundup-lly-nvo-pfe-q1-results-jnj-s-new-plan-to-resolve-talc-claims?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|stock_roundup-2268082">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Earnings

ABBV

Pharma Stock Roundup: LLY, NVO, PFE Q1 Results, JNJ's New Plan to Resolve Talc Claims

To gain an edge, this is what you need to know today.
<img alt="" src="https://thearorareport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-03_08h41_09.png" style="height:341px; width:624px" />
<h3>Reduce Hedges And Deploy Cash</h3>
Hedges are profitable.&nbsp;It is time to take more partial profits.&nbsp;It is time to deploy slightly more cash.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Wage Growth Slows</h3>
Please <a href="https://thearorareport.com/chart-analysis-stock-market-wage-growth-slows-apple-running-up-spy-mc-05032024">click here</a> for an enlarged chart of SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (ARCA:SPY) which represents the benchmark stock market index S&amp;P 500 (SPX).
Note the following:
<ul>
<li>The chart shows that the stock market may attempt to break out of consolidation and run towards the resistance zone.&nbsp;RSI on the chart shows that the stock market is set to run up.</li>
<li>There is aggressive buying in stocks, bonds, gold, silver, and bitcoin on the jobs report.&nbsp;Investors are celebrating slower wage growth and lower than expected job creation. Here are the details:
<ul>
<li>Non-farm payrolls came at 175K vs. 250K consensus.</li>
<li>Private non-farm payrolls came at 167K vs. 175K consensus.</li>
<li>Average hourly earnings came at 0.2% vs. 0.3% consensus.&nbsp;On an annualized basis, this wage growth is 2.4%.&nbsp;This is good news on the inflation front.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>With Powell itching to cut rates, this report is going to give Powell the ammunition he needs.</li>
<li>The stock market always has crosscurrents.&nbsp;One of the negatives from this jobs report is that with slowing jobs growth and slowing wage growth, the consumer may stop spending excessively.&nbsp;The U.S. economy has stayed out of recession because of excessive consumer spending.&nbsp;If the consumer stops spending excessively, earnings growth will be lower than the current Wall Street consensus.&nbsp;In turn, it will hit the stock market negatively.</li>
<li>Apple Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aapl#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) earnings were roughly inline with the consensus but worse than whisper numbers.&nbsp;Here are the two most important pieces of data:
<ul>
<li>Q2 iPhone revenue was $45.96B vs. $51.3B last year.</li>
<li>China sales are down 8%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis, Apple is running up and creating positive sentiment in the entire stock market for the following reasons:
<ul>
<li>Apple announced the largest buyback in corporate history. It is $110B.</li>
<li>In his comments, Tim Cook&rsquo;s tone was more optimistic than we have heard thus far.</li>
<li>Cook is optimistic on China in spite of the data showing reasons to not be optimistic.</li>
<li>In a departure from Apple&rsquo;s standard practice, Apple gave guidance for the June quarter.&nbsp;Apple projects low single digit growth.&nbsp;Consensus for sales is $82.89B.&nbsp;It appears Apple departed from its standard practice because Cook sees the need for him to do everything he can to run up AAPL stock.</li>
<li>An AI announcement is likely on June 10 at WWDC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Amgen Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amgn#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), a component of DJIA, is running up on the company teasing about good data from its weight loss drug from Phase 2 and plans to move to Phase 3.&nbsp; The move up in AMGN is helping DJIA run up.&nbsp;Investors are selling stocks of competitors Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lly#NYSE">LLY</a>) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvo#NYSE">NVO</a>).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Buy Zones And Buy Now Ratings&nbsp;</h3>
Consider continuing to hold good strategic positions.
Consider lightly buying, if underinvested, when stocks and ETFs fall in the buy zones.&nbsp; The Arora Report&#39;s Complete Model Portfolio updates with new zones are coming.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Nibbling</h3>
Consider not nibbling at this time.&nbsp;
Nibbling refers to buying very small quantities, often in existing long-term positions with the intention of exiting these additions in the short term.&nbsp; It is similar to trade around positions but without specific signals.
<h3>Magnificent Seven Money Flows</h3>
In the early trade, money flows are positive in Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amzn#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet Inc Class C (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/goog#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/meta#NASDAQ">META</a>), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvda#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsla#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>),&nbsp;and AAPL.
In the early trade, money flows are positive in S&amp;P 500 ETF (SPY) and Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/qqq#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>).
<h3>Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks</h3>
The momo crowd is aggressively buying stocks in the early trade.&nbsp;Smart money is buying stocks in the early trade.
<h3>Gold</h3>
The momo crowd is buying gold in the early trade.&nbsp;Smart money is buying gold in the early trade.
For longer-term, please see gold and silver ratings.
The most popular ETF for gold is SPDR Gold Trust (ARCA:GLD). The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust (ARCA:SLV).&nbsp;
<h3>Oil</h3>
The momo crowd is buying oil in the early trade.&nbsp;Smart money is buying oil in the early trade.
For longer-term, please see oil ratings.
The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF (ARCA:USO).
<h3>Bitcoin</h3>
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) has run up above $60,000 on weaker jobs report.
<h3>Protection Band And What To Do Now</h3>
It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror.
Consider continuing to hold good, very long term, existing positions. Based on individual risk preference, consider a protection band consisting of cash or Treasury bills or short-term tactical trades as well as short to medium term hedges and short term hedges. This is a good way to protect yourself and participate in the upside at the same time.
You can determine your protection bands by adding cash to hedges.&nbsp;The high band of the protection is appropriate for those who are older or conservative. The low band of the protection is appropriate for those who are younger or aggressive.&nbsp;If you do not hedge, the total cash level should be more than stated above but significantly less than cash plus hedges.
It is worth reminding that you cannot take advantage of new upcoming opportunities if you are not holding enough cash.&nbsp;When adjusting hedge levels, consider adjusting partial stop quantities for stock positions (non ETF); consider using wider stops on remaining quantities and also allowing more room for high beta stocks.&nbsp;High beta stocks are the ones that move more than the market.
<h3>Traditional 60/40 Portfolio</h3>
Probability based risk reward adjusted for inflation does not favor long duration strategic bond allocation at this time.
Those who want to stick to traditional 60% allocation to stocks and 40% to bonds may consider focusing on only high quality bonds and bonds of seven year duration or less.&nbsp;Those willing to bring sophistication to their investing may consider using bond ETFs as tactical positions and not strategic positions at this time.
The Arora Report is known for its accurate calls. The Arora Report correctly called the big artificial intelligence rally before anyone else, the new bull market of 2023, the bear market of 2022, new stock market highs right after the virus low in 2020, the virus drop in 2020, the DJIA rally to 30,000 when it was trading at 16,000, the start of a mega bull market in 2009, and the financial crash of 2008. Please click here to sign up for a free forever <a href="https://thearorareport.com/generate-wealth-newsletter">Generate Wealth Newsletter</a>.
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#39;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

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Wage Growth Slows – Stock Market Celebrates, Five Real Reasons Apple Is Running Up

Editor&#8217;s note: This story has been updated with additional details.
The April performance of the U.S. labor market missed expectations, providing some evidence of cooling economic momentum and potentially leaving the door open for interest rate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38591388/april-job-report-preview-how-will-markets-react-to-latest-economic-data">reductions later this year.</a>
U.S. employers added 175,000 nonfarm payrolls in April, marking a reduction from the upwardly revised 315,000 reading in March and missing the expected 238,000, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Friday.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">April Jobs Report: Key Highlights</h3>
<ul>
<li>Nonfarm payrolls increased by 175,000 on the month, marking a slowdown from March&#8217;s 315,000 and falling short of economists&#8217; expectations for a 238,000 increase.</li>
<li>The unemployment rate went from 3.8% to 3.9%, more than the expected 3.8%. </li>
<li>Average hourly earnings edged down from 4.1% to 3.9% compared to April 2023, falling more than the expected dip to 4%.</li>
<li>On a monthly basis, hourly earnings advanced at a 0.2% pace, decelerating from the both the previous and expected 0.3%. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Measure</th>
<th>April 2024</th>
<th>Estimate</th>
<th>March 2024</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Nonfarm payrolls</td>
<td>175,000</td>
<td>238,000</td>
<td>315,000 (revised up from 303,000)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Unemployment rate</td>
<td>3.9%</td>
<td>3.8%</td>
<td>3.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wage growth (YoY)</td>
<td>3.9%</td>
<td>4.0%</td>
<td>4.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reactions</h3>
The surprisingly cooler jobs report suggests looser labor market conditions in the U.S. economy, renewing investor optimism for potential interest rate cuts later this year. 
Consequently, Treasury yields dropped across the board immediately after the report, reflecting investor expectations of forthcoming rate reductions. The two-year yield, which is sensitive to policy changes, slipped from 4.86% to 4.72%.
The U.S. dollar index (DXY), tracked by the Invesco DB USD Index Bullish Fund ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UUP#NYSE">UUP</a>), declined by 0.7%.
Futures on U.S. major averages trended higher during premarket trading on Friday. Contracts on the S&amp;P 500 were 1.1% higher at 8:46 a.m., while Nasdaq 100 futures rose 1.8%.
On Thursday, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) closed 0.9% higher. 
During premarket trading, the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) surged the most, climbing by 2.3%, followed by the Real Estate&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLRE#NYSE">XLRE</a>), up 1.6%. 
Following the jobs report, among mega-cap stocks, Booking Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKNG#NYSE">BKNG</a>) saw the largest rally at 0.94%, followed by PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>) at 0.52%, Airbnb Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABNB#NASDAQ">ABNB</a>) and Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) at 0.4%, and Uber Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NASDAQ">UBER</a>) at 0.39%, according to data from<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard"> Benzinga Pro platform</a>. 
Mega-cap stocks declining the most after the jobs report were Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), with a decrease of 0.57%, followed by Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TD#NYSE">TD</a>) and Merck &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), both down 0.34%, NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) down 0.3%, and PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) losing 0.28%.
Read now:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/05/38584705/federal-reserve-takes-cautious-stand-on-inflation-powell-signals-preference-for-r"> Federal Reserve Takes Cautious Stand On Inflation, Powell Signals Preference For Rate Cuts Over Hikes</a>
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Job Market Cools In April: Payrolls Miss Forecasts, Wages Rise Less Than Expected (UPDATED)

Lilly and Novo Nordisk shares are trading lower following a weight loss drug update from Amgen.

Online pharmacies&nbsp;and slimming clinics in Britain are reducing prices for&nbsp;Novo Nordisk A/S&#8217;s&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>)&nbsp;Wegovy&nbsp;and&nbsp;Eli Lilly And Co&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>)&nbsp;Mounjaro&nbsp;as initial supply shortages ease, a move driven by growing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/04/38413220/what-are-pricing-strategies-for-ozempic-and-wegovy-with-potential-medicare-coverage-expansion-sen" rel="noreferrer noopener">competition among retailers</a>.&nbsp;
The reduced prices at retailers like Simple Online Pharmacy, Mayfair Weight Loss Clinic, and London Slimming Clinic reflect the increasing demand for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/04/38320162/patients-find-weight-loss-drug-zepbound-a-game-changer-but-makers-see-production-delay-until-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">these weight-loss drugs</a>.&nbsp;
Simple Online Pharmacy, for instance, slashed the price of Mounjaro starter doses from 179 pounds to 149 pounds, responding to unprecedented demand for the drugs.
Self-paying patients are a significant source of revenue for drug manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.&nbsp;
The competition among drug retailers to capture this market share is intensifying, prompting them to offer competitive deals to attract customers.
Citing&nbsp;a professor of health economics, Reuters&nbsp;noted that the industry is still&nbsp;exploring&nbsp;its profit margins with these drugs.&nbsp;
Pharmacies, particularly those with online platforms,&nbsp;are striving&nbsp;to entice customers with discounts and promotions. However, concerns arise regarding the continuity of patient care, especially if individuals frequently switch providers for better deals.
Despite the affordability offered by online pharmacies, concerns linger regarding consistent supervision and aftercare for patients.&nbsp;
Britain, where obesity rates rank high in Europe, is one of the few countries where Wegvoy and Mounjaro for weight loss are available.&nbsp;
Lilly maintains its prices, selling a four-week starter dose (2.5 mg) for 92 pounds, excluding VAT, with higher strengths (15 mg) priced at up to 122 pounds.&nbsp;
In Denmark, Novo Nordisk faces restrictions on subsidies for its diabetes medicine Ozempic, for diabetes, due to escalating public spending.&nbsp;
The Danish Medicines Agency plans to limit subsidies for GLP-1 analogs, including Ozempic, to patients who cannot&nbsp;be treated&nbsp;with cheaper alternatives.&nbsp;
Bloomberg&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-01/ozempic-subsidies-cut-in-novo-nordisk-s-home-country-of-denmark?srnd=markets-vp" rel="noreferrer noopener">noted</a>&nbsp;that Novo Nordisk reduced the price of Ozempic in Denmark to $125 monthly from $188 following negotiations on public reimbursement for GLP-1 diabetes drugs.
The government committee decided to stop providing aid for Ozempic due to its high costs, following a recommendation. Denmark&#8217;s public health care system faced a significant financial burden due to the increasing use of Novo&#8217;s diabetes drug.&nbsp;
In 2023, Danish authorities spent $200 million on Ozempic, which accounted for 8% of all medicine expenses, doubling from the previous year. Officials cautioned that if costs kept rising, it would require budget reductions.
Read Next:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/04/38075244/novo-nordisks-popular-diabetes-drug-ozempic-starter-kits-face-extended-shortages-in-germany-faces-bi" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/04/38075244/novo-nordisks-popular-diabetes-drug-ozempic-starter-kits-face-extended-shortages-in-germany-faces-bi" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Popular Diabetes Drug Ozempic Starter Kits Face Extended Shortages in Germany, Faces Biosimilar Threat In China</a>.
Price Action:&nbsp;NVO shares are down 4.02% at $124.02&nbsp;at last check Thursday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock

Weight Loss Competition Heats Up In Britain, Online Pharmacies Slash Prices for Wegovy and Mounjaro

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