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Each week, Benzinga’s Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the surface and deserve attention.
Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.
Here's a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending Dec. 20:
D-Wave Quantum (NYSE:QBTS): The company was one of several quantum computing stocks that continued to see strong interest from readers during the week. The stocks traded higher on the week after news from Google that its Willow quantum chip made a breakthrough in quantum computing. The breakthrough of Willow has investors looking for quantum computing companies that could benefit as more eyes are on the sector heading into 2025. Analysts are taking notice as well with Craig Hallum maintaining a Buy rating and raising the price target from $2.50 to $9, Benchmark maintaining a Buy rating and raising the price target from $3 to $8 and Roth MKM maintaining a Buy rating and raising the price target from $3 to $7.
The stock was up significantly over the last five days, as shown on the Benzinga Pro chart below. The stock is up over 800% year-to-date in 2024.
Quantum Computing (NASDAQ:QUBT): Similar to D-Wave, Quantum Computing is one of the handful of stocks seeing increasingly more attention from readers thanks to soaring interest in the quantum computing space. The company recently announced a prime contract from NASA for imaging and data processing support that will use the company's Dirac-3 entropy quantum optimization machine. Quantum Computing said the contract could lead to additional deals if successful. The company has also announced a share offering to strengthen its financial position.
The stock was up significantly over the past week. Shares are up over 1,800% year-to-date in 2024.
SoundHound AI (NASDAQ:SOUN): The voice AI company returns to the Stock Whisper Index for a second time in December. The company recently highlighted its awards and recognition it has received in the conversational AI market. A partnership with Church's Texas Chicken for voice AI drive-thru ordering solutions has also put the company into the spotlight as it continues to help restaurants reduce wait times, streamline operations and improve costs with its AI offerings. When SoundHound last appeared in the Stock Whisper Index, the company's AI Smart Ordering system was highlighted. The company’s AI-powered restaurant solutions are in use at more than 10,000 locations around the world, with the technology helping with phone, kiosk, drive-thru and headset ordering systems. The company also recently said its Amelia conversational AI agent has handled over 100,000 customer calls in 2024, helping with operational efficiency for customers. The stock has also been mentioned as a potential short squeeze with 13.6% of the float short according to Benzinga Pro data.
Hear more about SoundHound from the company's CEO Mike Zagorsek in an exclusive interview with Benzinga here.
MercadoLibre Inc (NASDAQ:MELI): The Latin American e-commerce company saw strong interest from readers without any major news from the company. The stock may have fallen on concerns of Brazilian stocks due to lower valuations for its currency. The 2024 election and questions about international relations may also have sent shares of Latin American stocks lower in recent weeks. MercadoLibre reported third-quarter financial results in November with earnings per share missing analyst estimates and revenue beating analyst estimates for an eighth straight quarter. Several analysts maintained bullish ratings on the stock, but lowered price targets after the recent financial results.
Burlington Stores (NYSE:BURL): The discount apparel retailer saw increased interest from readers during the week, which comes after third-quarter financial results were reported in late November. The company saw revenue up 11% year-over-year in the quarter, but the revenue figure missed analyst estimates. The company cited warmer weather as a reason for comparable sales being lower than expected. Management was optimistic that the fourth quarter would see strong growth. The majority of analysts raised their price targets on the stock after the quarterly financial report.
Stay tuned for next week’s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and top market-moving stories here.
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
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After SoundHound AI’s (NASDAQ:SOUN) breakthrough in 2024, Benzinga caught up with CEO Keyvan Mohajer to discuss the company’s success, artificial intelligence and plans for the future.
Benzinga: SoundHound is closing the year in the headlines after being a relatively overlooked company at the beginning of the year. What was the key moment when the market started giving you credit for all the hard work?
Mohajer: What I constantly tell my team is that we have to do a thousand things right. A subset of those will eventually bring the attention that we deserve, but when that moment comes, everything we've done right up until then matters.
The key moment I'd highlight is the shift among our customers and the industry as a whole. For most businesses now, AI adoption is no longer an exploration within their innovation budgets — it's a mandate.
In that context, SoundHound is in a prime position. Our ability to combine proprietary voice AI technology with sophisticated large language models has allowed us to deliver immense value. In addition, our three-pillar business strategy gives us a unique advantage, enabling us to create a flywheel effect and shape the voice commerce ecosystem of the future.
Benzinga: You have a "three pillars of revenue" business model. After a year of revenue growth, can you summarize how these pillars synchronize and where the next growth could come from?
Mohajer: Our pillar one revenue comes from building AI voice assistants for products, like vehicles, TVs, and smart devices, and our pillar two revenue comes from creating voice AI service agents that businesses can deploy with their customers and employees.
While these two pillars can succeed independently, we do see a big opportunity to bring them together to create a voice AI ecosystem in a way that generates new revenue streams for device manufacturers, and new leads for customer-centered businesses. This will become our third pillar.
To be more specific, users already speak to their car's AI Assistant, which we power, and they already order food by speaking to the AI agent of a restaurant that we also power. With pillar three, you don't need to go to the drive-through and wait in line. You can speak to your car and place your order in advance. Your car's AI agent will speak to the restaurant's AI agent to get your task done.
At CES, SoundHound will demonstrate this concept, called the "voice commerce ecosystem," which will ultimately allow people to seamlessly conduct transactions — from ordering food to making appointments or booking tickets — via AI agents directly from cars or TVs just by speaking naturally.
We see AI agents as a huge opportunity, with networks of them communicating with each other to deliver information, process transactions, and improve the lives of both consumers and human employees.
Benzinga: In 2024, you fortified the company’s portfolio with the acquisitions of Amelia and Allset. What challenges have you encountered in those efforts?
Mohajer: We're extremely fortunate to find businesses that had incredible synergies with what we were already doing. Each has helped us expand our reach into new and exciting markets. Integrating new teams and company cultures, realizing cost and revenue synergies, and bringing the best out of each other is a challenge we don't take lightly. But for the most part, we are very pleased with our acquisitions.
We are now in an impressive range of vertical industries, including highly regulated spaces like health care and financial services, where our technology is deployed with seven of the top 10 global institutions.
Benzinga: Your market cap skyrocketed, but so did your market cap to net cash ratio. Meanwhile, your critics often discuss cash burn and stock-based compensation. What are your expectations for the firm’s finances in 2025?
Mohajer: We have a strong cash position and constantly calibrate a healthy balance of investing in growth and pursuing profitability. In the third quarter, we reported a revenue increase of 89% year-over-year, and we expect this year's revenue will be in the range of $82-85 million. Next year is looking like $155-$175 million in revenue, and we've also predicted that we'll be adjusted EBITDA positive by the end of next year.
Benzinga: Considering your success with Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), the automotive industry seems like a natural home for SoundHound’s technology. With autonomous vehicles on the horizon and companies like Waymo expanding domestically, is the arrival of your technology into these segments inevitable?
Mohajer: We're proud of the progress we've made with automotive. In addition to rolling out the most sophisticated in-vehicle voice assistant on the market across a broad range of Stellantis brands, we also work with leading global automakers like Hyundai and Kia, and we're making gains in the growing EV space, with four exciting brands signed up to use our conversational AI.
In terms of our technology, we see endless opportunities within automotive — including deploying our technology as part of the move to autonomous vehicles.
Benzinga: At a $7.5 billion in market cap, SoundHound is in an excellent position to continue rising in 2025. What could we expect in terms of organic growth vs. acquisitions?
Mohajer: We have been experiencing organic growth exceeding 50% for the last several years, driven by increasing commercial traction of our solutions. With the immense opportunities created by generative AI and the accelerating pace of our end markets, we expanded our approach this year to include M&A. This shift has contributed to our momentum, reflected in our last quarter's growth rate of 89%.
We believe programmatic M&A is important, particularly in rapidly transforming industries. That said, we will continue to invest organically across all pillars of our business because the breakthrough opportunities are tremendous.
When acquisition opportunities arise that (1) align with and amplify our strategy, (2) help us move from point A to point B faster or more efficiently, (3) can be effectively operationalized, and (4) come at an attractive price, we won't hesitate to take action.
Benzinga: Is there anything else you want to tell our readers?
Mohajer: We're lucky to have had some great champions, investors, partners and customers out there who have really believed in SoundHound AI and our vision. Today, our technology powers hundreds of global enterprise brands, thousands of restaurant and retail locations, and millions of vehicles and devices — and we're just getting started.
SOUN Price Watch: Shares of SoundHound AI were trading 13.2% higher at $21.34 ahead of the close Friday. The stock is up 882% year-to-date.
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Photo: Shutterstock
Benzinga readers pick which Magnificent 7 stock could have the best performance if there is a Santa Claus rally to close 2024 and kickstart 2025.
What Happened: The majority of the Magnificent 7 stocks have outperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date in 2024. With a limited number of trading days left to close out the year, one last question on the mind of investors is whether there will be a Santa Claus rally.
The term “Santa Claus rally” was first used by Yale Hirsch in 1972 in the Stock Trader's Almanac. The term is associated with the last five trading days of a year and the first two days of the following year.
Check This Out: Santa Claus Rally In 2024? Poll Shows Investors Split On End Of Year Returns, 57% Say This…
Combine the Santa Claus rally potential and the Magnificent 7 outperformance in 2024, and you have the latest Benzinga poll.
"Which Magnificent 7 stock will do the best if there's a Santa Rally?" Benzinga asked.
The results were:
Nvidia was the winner of the poll with more than one-fourth of the vote, which comes as the stock is the top performer among the Mag 7 stocks for year-to-date and five-year gains. Trailing Nvidia was Tesla, with exactly one-fourth of the vote.
Amazon also received a double-digit percentage ranking third at 17%. The other Mag 7 stocks had much smaller percentages in the poll.
Read Also: Which Magnificent 7 Stock Should DOJ Target Next? Benzinga Poll Finds Over 50% Say…
Why It's Important: The expectation for a Santa Claus Rally comes with major stock market indexes enjoying a strong 2024 and could add to their year-to-date gains.
Here are the current year-to-date returns of three of the largest market index ETFs.
For comparison, here are the year-to-date returns of the Magnificent 7 stocks:
Nvidia has significantly outperformed the S&P 500 and other major indexes and also the other Magnificent 7 stocks. The Benzinga poll shows that readers think Nvidia could go out on a high note in 2024 and kick 2025 off with a bang if there is a Santa Claus rally.
Only Microsoft trails the S&P 500 and Invesco QQQ Trust year-to-date returns in 2024, showing the strength of the Magnificent 7 stocks this year.
A recent Benzinga poll asked if any Magnificent 7 stocks could beat Nvidia for stock returns in 2025. The results were:
The poll found the near-majority predicting Nvidia will have the strongest growth in 2025 and dominate the Magnificent 7 stocks once again.
Based on the recent polls, Benzinga readers don't expect the gains for Nvidia to stop anytime soon and a Santa Claus rally could accelerate the company's potential 2025 gains.
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The study was conducted by Benzinga from Dec. 18 through Dec. 19, 2024, and included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 169 adults.
Image created using photos from Shutterstock.
With a limited number of trading days left to close out the 2024 year, one last question on the mind of investors is whether there will be a Santa Claus rally.
Here's a look at what Benzinga readers said in a new poll.
What Happened: The term Santa Claus rally was first used by Yale Hirsch in 1972 in the Stock Trader's Almanac.
The term is associated with the last five trading days of a year and the first two days of the following year and often see higher prices for numerous reasons.
This time of the year includes year-end portfolio rebalancing, holiday sales data and optimism for the new year ahead, which can often lead to strong returns for major stock market indexes.
"Do you think there will be a Santa Rally this year," Benzinga recently asked readers.
The results were:
The poll was fairly evenly split with the majority saying they expect a Santa Claus rally to end 2024 and kick-start 2025.
Why It's Important: The expectation for a Santa Claus rally comes with major stock market indexes enjoying a strong 2024 and could add to their year-to-date gains.
Here are the current year-to-date returns of three of the largest market index ETFs.
Data from the Stock Trader's Almanac found that from 1950 through 2022 a Santa Claus rally occurred 58 times, or 79.4% of the time. The average gain in the S&P 500 during the Santa Clause rally those years was 1.4%.
Benzinga recently shared that data from LPL Financial showed that December is the second-best month for S&P 500 returns since 1950, with an average return of 1.6%. December trails only November since 1950, with an average S&P 500 return of 1.8%. The strong December returns are often weighted to the second half of the month.
While many people will get presents to celebrate the Christmas holiday, investors could get the gift of higher stock prices based on historical returns and the Benzinga reader poll.
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The study was conducted by Benzinga from Dec. 18 through Dec. 19, 2024, and included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 241 adults.
Photo: Shutterstock
Retail investors, once an afterthought in financial markets, are now reshaping brokerage operations, pushing for real-time tools and constant market access.
This shift was a central theme at the recent Benzinga Fintech Deal Day & Awards event, where a panel of experts explored the growing demands of Main Street investors and the technology adapting to meet them.
"Retail is now about half of the U.S. equity market volume," said Brandis DeSimone, moderator and vice president at Nasdaq. She noted that the growth of retail trading has transformed it into a force capable of influencing the markets, a far cry from its marginal role just a decade ago.
Eric Krueger, CEO of GTN Americas, reflected on how this change has made investing accessible to everyone. "When I started, my first trade was $1,000 worth of Microsoft, and I paid $100 in commission," he said. Today, retail investors can trade seamlessly on mobile apps with zero fees. "The barrier to entry has disappeared."
Stephen Sikes, COO of Public, highlighted how modern retail investors demand more than accessibility. They want real-time pricing, instant alerts, and meaningful tools," Sikes said. Driven by the fast-paced digital age, investors have come to expect information at their fingertips.
Beyond tools, Sikes noted the influence of social media on investor behavior.
"They're not turning to traditional outlets like CNBC. They're getting their information from influencers and platforms like TikTok," he explained, emphasizing the need for brokerages to adapt to these new trends.
Daniel Pipitone, CEO of TradeZero, stressed the importance of education in addressing this shift. "We focus on working with trusted educators to provide unbiased content," he said. "It's about teaching risk management and smart strategies without giving specific advice."
See Also: Retail Investors Reshape Financial Markets: How Wall Street Is Catching Up
Krueger discussed how personalized tools are helping investors make smarter decisions. "We're using data to create personas based on trading habits, watchlists, and activity," he said. This allows platforms to deliver education and resources tailored to each investor's needs, reducing common mistakes like failing to use stop losses or overtrading after a loss.
Sikes shared an example of Public's recent success with its bond account feature. "We had bonds available for eight months, but uptake was minimal," he said. When the company repackaged bonds into a user-friendly format, trading volumes surged. "It's about presenting complex products in ways that are easy to understand."
The panel also explored the global demand for U.S. equities.
"About 90% of trading volume from our international clients goes into the U.S. market," said Krueger. He attributed this to the strong performance of U.S. companies and the widespread recognition of brands like Tesla and Amazon.
Yoshi Yokokawa, CEO of Alpaca, noted similar trends. "We see a huge appetite for U.S. equities from clients in over 35 countries," he said, adding that platforms are adapting to serve these markets efficiently while keeping costs low.
As retail investors continue to shape financial markets, brokerages are stepping up to meet their demands. By focusing on personalization, education, and accessibility, the industry is closing the gap between Wall Street and Main Street.
"Retail investors have matured," Sikes said. "They're not just chasing trends anymore — they're looking for tools and strategies that work for them." With technology evolving rapidly, the retail investing revolution shows no signs of slowing down.
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• Warren Buffett Gains Exposure To Digital Banks In Africa, Asia: Here’s How
Photo: Shutterstock
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) saw its stock crater nearly 20% on Friday, eyeing its worst single-day drop since April 2002, after releasing underwhelming weight-loss trial results for its much-hyped obesity drug, CagriSema.
To put the move in perspective, the only steeper plunge in the Danish pharma giant's history was a 26.2% collapse during the infamous Black Monday crash of October 1987.
Once the poster child of the obesity drug boom, Novo failed to meet the market's sky-high expectations, sparking a $20 billion wipe out in market value.
Here's what happened—and why some analysts believe Wall Street might have overreacted.
CagriSema, a combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide, is part of Novo Nordisk's REDEFINE clinical program, designed to compete in the lucrative obesity drug market.
The REDEFINE 1 Phase 3 trial, which involved 3,417 participants with obesity or overweight conditions, demonstrated a 22.7% weight loss after 68 weeks for patients taking CagriSema.
While impressive compared to the 2.3% weight loss with placebo, the result was slightly below Novo's previously teased goal of a 25% reduction.
By comparison:
Additionally, 40.4% of patients taking CagriSema lost at least 25% of their body weight, compared to just 16.2% with semaglutide and a negligible 0.9% with placebo.
While the trial data were statistically significant, they fell shy of the hype surrounding Novo's claims that CagriSema could deliver 25% weight loss without added side effects.
Despite the sharp decline, several industry insiders believe the market overreacted.
Maurits Pot, founder of Tema ETFs, which manages the GLP-1 Obesity & Cardiometabolic ETF (NYSE:HRTS), told Benzinga: "This is the latest major event in the obesity space in what has proven to be a very volatile second half of the year.”
Tema ETFs had already been underweight Novo, holding just a 3.99% stake prior to the REDEFINE 1 results.
Pot has been for long championing the case that the weight-loss market is far from being dominated by a duopoly – Novo Nordisk and Ely Lilly & Co. (NYSE:LLY).
“This latest readout from Novo today underscores why only betting on NOVO and LLY in the GLP-1 is very risky and has not worked in the second half of 2024,” he stated.
Despite this, he described Novo Nordisk’s sharp selloff as an “overreaction” and told Benzinga that the HRTS fund is taking advantage of Friday’s dip to add more shares.
Goldman Sachs analyst James Quigley offered a similar perspective in a note released Friday.
"While these weight loss data are lower than hoped in the market, we still believe that the product [CagriSema] will be filed and approved by the FDA,” Quigley stated.
The expert sees Novo's market position moving “from one where they had a clearly inferior product in Wegovy to one that is on par with Zepbound in terms of weight loss.”
“We see the share price move as overdone and with CagriSema offering another high efficacy option, it could still protect part of the longer term obesity franchise,” he added.
Goldman maintained a bullish stance on Novo Nordisk, setting a 12-month price target of $148 for the ADR—a potential 75% upside from Friday's market price.
NVO Price Action: Shares of Novo Nordisk were down 18.5% to $84.25 at the time of publication Friday.
Read now:
Photo: Shutterstock
Retail investors are now a driving force in U.S. financial markets, accounting for nearly half of trading activity.
This transformation was the focus of a recent panel discussion at the Benzinga Fintech Deal Day & Awards event, where industry leaders explored how technology enables access and reshapes the relationship between Wall Street and Main Street.
Once considered a peripheral activity, retail trading has now taken center stage. Panelists from Public, Alpaca, TradeZero and GTN Americas shared their insights on how this shift creates new opportunities and challenges.
Eric Krueger, CEO of GTN Americas, reflected on the evolution of retail trading. "When I started at Merrill Lynch in 1998, my first trade was $1,000 worth of Microsoft stock, and I paid $100 in commission," he said.
Fast forward to today, and retail investors can trade for free with advanced tools at their fingertips. "It's remarkable how accessible trading has become," Krueger added, noting that the rise of retail investors is reshaping the U.S. equity markets.
Brandis DeSimone, vice president at Nasdaq Inc. and panel moderator, emphasized the staying power of retail trading. "Retail is here to stay," she stated, highlighting its growing influence on market activity.
Stephen Sikes, COO of Public, emphasized how technology transforms retail investors’ engagement with the market. "Investors today expect real-time information and 24/7 access," he explained, adding that platforms must adapt to meet these demands. Public has integrated tools like AI to help users analyze market trends, providing a seamless experience tailored to modern needs.
TradeZero CEO Daniel Pipitone, added that the most important aspect is education. "We work with trusted educators to teach strategies and tips on managing risk," he said. "It's not about giving advice but empowering investors with the right tools."
While education is vital, Sikes argued that making mistakes is part of the learning curve for retail investors. "We can't be overly protective. Mistakes are how people learn," he said.
Yoshi Yokokawa, CEO of Alpaca, stressed the importance of cost reduction in driving global retail participation. "To serve Main Street effectively, we've focused on building internal systems to reduce costs and make the business sustainable," he explained, noting that affordability is critical for global adoption.
The panel also explored how retail investing is becoming a global phenomenon. Krueger revealed that 90% of the trading volume from GTN's international clients is directed toward U.S. markets.
"Investors worldwide want to own stocks like Apple, Amazon, and Tesla," he said, attributing the U.S. market's appeal to its long-standing outperformance.
Yokokawa shared similar trends, stating that many international platforms are building U.S.-style offerings to meet growing demand. "We work with brokers in over 35 countries, and U.S. equities remain the most sought-after," he said.
The panel concluded with a look at how platforms can continue to serve retail investors. Sikes emphasized the importance of creating user-friendly solutions, such as the Public's bond account, simplifying access to fixed-income products.
"Retail investors don't wake up thinking about buying bonds," he said. "They think about finding attractive yields, and it's our job to provide those solutions."
As DeSimone summarized, the rise of retail investors is reshaping markets, forcing Wall Street to adapt. The gap between Wall Street and Main Street continues to narrow through education, technology, and global access.
Photo: Shutterstock
The role of stablecoins in transforming global payments emerged as a central theme during a panel discussion at the Benzinga Future of Digital Assets conference. Panelist Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck, described stablecoins as a driving force behind a new financial system, particularly in regions where traditional banking systems are less efficient.
"The global payments system is being rewired as we speak, and people are using stablecoins as the backbone," van Eck said, highlighting their impact on cross-border transactions and financial inclusion.
Van Eck emphasized the rapid adoption of stablecoins in emerging markets, which are increasingly used for foreign exchange and remittances. He pointed out that their transaction volume is now approaching double that of Visa, signaling their importance in global commerce. Despite this growing adoption, van Eck noted that stablecoin usage remains underappreciated in the United States, where traditional banking systems dominate.
One example he mentioned was the inefficiency of U.S. banking operations during national holidays. "Imagine a day like Veterans Day when no money can move between institutions in the United States. That world will be gone in three to five years."
While stablecoins present clear benefits, regulatory clarity remains a challenge. Van Eck expressed concerns over the potential for restrictive legislation, particularly if influenced by banking lobbyists. "I prefer them [legislators] to be completely passive," he said, emphasizing his concern that new laws could create unnecessary barriers to adoption. "The banking regulators love control. Jamie Dimon loves control."
The fight over crypto regulation in the U.S. continues to be contested among banking, securities and commodity regulators. Van Eck argued that the Securities and Exchange Commission has mishandled the digital asset space, allowing commodity regulators to take a leading role. Despite these challenges, he sees stablecoins as a critical tool for global financial systems.
Van Eck also addressed questions from financial advisors about integrating stablecoins into client accounts, noting that existing infrastructure like Charles Schwab may not be equipped to handle these assets directly. However, he anticipates that third-party platforms will fill the gap, enabling wider adoption within the traditional financial ecosystem.
He highlighted the importance of developing software solutions to streamline the integration of stablecoins into existing systems. "Clients are going to want it," van Eck said, predicting that financial institutions will need to adapt quickly to meet this demand.
Stablecoins’ potential extends beyond individual transactions. Van Eck described them as a foundation for broader financial infrastructure, particularly in markets where traditional banking systems are failing. By enabling faster, cheaper and more efficient transfers, stablecoins could become essential to the global economy.
"Stablecoin usage is exploding," Van Eck concluded, emphasizing its potential to reshape how value is transferred worldwide. As adoption increases, the industry must overcome regulatory hurdles to unlock the full benefits of this transformative technology.
Image: Shutterstock
Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) hit new yearly highs recently as the overall cryptocurrency sector has traded higher since Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election.
A new Benzinga poll asks readers if Dogecoin will trade closer to levels seen before the election or all-time highs set back in 2021.
What Happened: Dogecoin traded between 15 cents and 18 cents on Nov. 5, the day of the U.S. presidential election. Like many cryptocurrencies, Dogecoin gained in the days and weeks after Trump's victory.
Helped by Trump's victory, optimism for a pro-crypto White House administration and the appointment of Dogecoin supporter Elon Musk as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, or D.O.G.E. for short, the meme cryptocurrency hit new yearly highs in November and December.
Benzinga recently asked if the recent momentum in Dogecoin and future optimism would see Dogecoin more likely to trade closer to an all-time high of $0.7376 set in May 2021 or back to the $0.25 level last seen on Nov. 10 shortly after the election.
"Which level is Dogecoin more likely to reach next: 69 cents or 25 cents?" Benzinga asked.
The results were:
The poll found over three-fourths of readers predict Dogecoin is more likely to hit 69 cents before hitting 25 cents again.
This would suggest that Dogecoin has more gains ahead and would set new 52-week highs and get close to all-time highs.
The last time Dogecoin hit 69 cents was on May 9, 2021, the day after the all-time high was set. Dogecoin traded at 69 cents or higher on four occasions in May 2021.
Dogecoin has traded between $0.07497 and $0.4835 over the [ast year, with the high set in early December.
Read Also: If You Invested $100 In Dogecoin When The Meme Coin Launched, Here’s How Much You’d Have Today
Why It's Important: Recent polls have shown continued optimism for Dogecoin, which is one of the 10 most valuable cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.
A recent November Benzinga poll asked what Dogecoin's highest price by the end of 2024 would be.
The results were:
The highest percentage of readers thought that none of the price targets would be reached by Dogecoin. The next highest result was 69 cents, which would take Dogecoin close to all-time highs and a memeable number before year-end.
Only 18% of readers think that Dogecoin will reach all-time highs before the end of the year, and a lower percentage (17%) believe Dogecoin will hit a price of $1.
A December poll asked if any of the top cryptocurrencies could outperform fast-moving XRP in 2025. The possible answers were Bitcoin, Solana, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Shiba Inu, Hedera or none of the above, meaning XRP would be the top gainer in 2025.
Dogecoin ranked fourth in the poll at 13%, with Bitcoin won the poll at 28%, followed by None of the Above at 24% and Solana at 15%.
DOGE Price Action: Dogecoin trades at $0.3205 at the time of writing, down 11% over the last 24 hours and down 17% over the past month. Despite the recent drop in price, the price of Dogecoin is up over 240% year-to-date in 2024.
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The study was conducted by Benzinga from Dec. 11 through Dec. 12, 2024, and included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 123 adults.
Photo: Shutterstock
Move over, software darlings. The future of tech is being etched in silicon, and chipmakers like NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:AVGO) are writing the playbook.
Howard Chan, founder and CEO of Kurv Investment Management, shared his exclusive insights with Benzinga, highlighting a sector where he said demand is outstripping supply: "We still favor the hardware or infrastructure side of the AI wave. Chipmakers and cloud computing service providers benefit from existing and future budgeted capital expenditure allocation."
Tech valuations have soared, leaving some investors wondering if growth can keep up.
"Consensus EPS growth is 21% for Nasdaq-100, up from 15% this year. That might be a tall order, but, after all, they have delivered this for the past… 20 years,” Chan said.
Unlike other sectors buckling under high interest rates, tech titans boast robust balance sheets, giving them a cushion. Chan flags the second quarter as pivotal: "The base effect on EPS growth rates will be most obvious in Q2 when the rolling 12-month EPS might bottom."
Read Also: Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, Spotify Lead JPMorgan’s 2025 Tech Picks For AI Potential
Hardware companies such as Nvidia and Broadcom are uniquely positioned to lead the AI boom, according to Chan. "The demand for compute still outstrips the ability of makers to meet that demand. There's small sign of new entrants. However, it will take time for them to catch up."
For investors tracking the sustainability of these gains, Chan offers a roadmap: "For hardware [NVDA/AVGO]: demand from the likes of TSLA/GOOGL/AMZN/META/MSFT."
AI's impact isn't confined to tech. Chan sees a ripple effect, particularly in biotech and construction. "Directly, productivity will rise in service industries, although this might take a while as people need to be trained on it."
Indirectly, AI investments will cascade into non-tech sectors, like construction, as companies expand to meet rising demand, he said.
As the AI revolution heats up, Nvidia and Broadcom stand as the architects of the next wave, bridging the gap between soaring demand and supply constraints. With EPS growth expectations riding high and demand signals flashing green, the road ahead for tech's chipmakers may be paved in silicon gold.
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Photo: Shutterstock
On Thursday, MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIRA) said it submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA to start human trials for Ketamir-2, its novel oral ketamine analog for neuropathic pain.
An IND is submitted to propose studying an unapproved drug or an approved product for a new indication or in a new patient population.
The company’s IND application includes comprehensive data and reports detailing Ketamir-2’s pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology, along with results from both in vitro and in vivo studies, including validated neuropathic pain disease models.
In parallel with the submission, the company is conducting a neurotoxicity study, as required by the FDA’s written feedback, to support the initiation of human dosing in the U.S.
Preclinical studies have demonstrated Ketamir-2’s ability to achieve 100% pain reversal, fully normalizing pain thresholds in validated neuropathic pain models.
Furthermore, Ketamir-2 has shown an encouraging safety profile, with no adverse effects observed.
The company plans to begin Phase 1 trials outside the United States in Q1 2025 to evaluate safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers.
Phase 2a trials are expected to follow in late 2025, assessing Ketamir-2’s efficacy in neuropathic pain patients.
The neuropathic pain market in North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is valued at $3.1 billion and is expected to grow at a 6-7% compound annual growth rate, reaching $4.5 billion by 2030.
Beyond neuropathic pain, the company is exploring additional indications for Ketamir-2, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), MDD with Suicidal Ideation, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
MIRA is also advancing MIRA-55, with preclinical trials targeting memory, cognition, and anxiety, and plans to submit an IND for MIRA-55 in 2025.
Price Action: MIRA stock is up 0.95% at $1.06 during the premarket session at last check Thursday.
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Stablecoins are emerging as transformative tools in global financial systems, offering faster settlements and reduced costs. However, before widespread adoption, the technology faces regulatory, infrastructure, and institutional challenges. That was the consensus among speakers at the Benzinga Future of Digital Assets conference, where panelists examined the factors shaping stablecoin adoption and tokenized assets.
Colin Butler, global head of institutional capital at Polygon Labs, highlighted how stablecoins could reshape traditional payment systems by reducing settlement delays. "What if you could rewire the global settlement system on yield-bearing institutional stablecoins and use them as settlement tokens?" Butler said. He explained that these tools could generate returns during settlement periods, addressing inefficiencies inherent in traditional systems.
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Butler referenced BlackRock's move to tokenize its money market fund across five blockchains as a sign of growing institutional interest. "These products are being built right now," he added, predicting wider integration of tokenized solutions into existing financial systems.
Andrew Czupek, Northern Trust’s America‘s head of digital assets and financial markets innovation, emphasized that stablecoins could solve major inefficiencies, but only if traditional financial infrastructure aligns with blockchain solutions. "You can't just replace existing systems overnight," he said, calling for careful integration between legacy networks and new technologies.
The conversation shifted to regulation, a recurring challenge slowing stablecoin adoption. AlphaPoint‘s general counsel, Reba Beeson, emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration with regulators to establish trust. "Collaboration with regulators is very important," Beeson said, adding that the focus must be on security, scalability, and meeting risk management standards for end users.
Andrew Murphy, head of legal at Talos, echoed Beeson's stance, stressing that regulators must understand blockchain's full potential to avoid restrictive measures. "You run the risk, especially if the regulators don't understand what the technology can do, of over-regulating and taking away some of the benefits," Murphy explained. He suggested expanding custody rules to allow more entities, including self-custody, to facilitate stablecoin use at scale.
Murphy also pointed out the inefficiencies of current systems, recalling an experience where delayed bond settlement led to $75 million in misplaced funds. "The lag between trade and settlement creates many problems," he said, noting that blockchain can reduce such risks by enabling near-instant finality.
While retail adoption of stablecoins has surged, institutions remain cautious. Czupek described stablecoins as "an interesting product" with potential for institutions but acknowledged concerns about volatility during market disruptions. He questioned how tokenized cash will move seamlessly between financial institutions and whether networks can interconnect efficiently.
"There's still going to be a delay when you bridge one network to another," Czupek said, emphasizing the need to address these gaps for stablecoins to achieve institutional trust.
Murphy argued that institutional adoption would require a major participant—a "whale"—to lead the way, forcing counterparties onto tokenized systems. "You need someone to drag everyone else along," he said.
Panelists agreed that stablecoins can potentially transform settlement systems and global payments. However, the industry must resolve regulatory gaps and infrastructure inefficiencies to accelerate adoption. Butler described the technology as "a massive disruption" waiting to reshape financial processes, while Beeson underscored the importance of balancing compliance and technological progress.
With regulatory clarity and gradual institutional adoption, panelists concluded that stablecoins could become a driving force in modernizing financial markets worldwide.
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Image: Shutterstock
As financial systems grapple with inefficiencies, stablecoins emerge as a transformative force in global finance.
During a discussion led by Paul McCaffery at the recent Benzinga Future of Digital Assets conference, panelists explored how these digital currencies reshape payment systems and force institutions to reevaluate their roles.
Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck, highlighted the increasing use of stablecoins in payments and cross-border transactions. "The global payments system is being rewired as we speak," van Eck said, noting that stablecoin transaction volumes are "approaching twice that of Visa." This growth, he added, reflects stablecoins' efficiency and appeal, especially in countries with volatile currencies or limited access to traditional banking services.
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Emerging markets, van Eck explained, are leading the charge in stablecoin adoption, using them as a substitute for unstable national currencies. He emphasized their importance in enabling financial access, saying, "Many companies are now using stablecoins as the backbone for payments."
While stablecoins promise efficiency and speed, integrating them into existing financial systems remains challenging. Van Eck cautioned about potential regulatory obstacles, stating, "The structural fight over crypto is between the banking, security, and commodity regulators." He expressed concerns that regulatory measures could hinder progress, mainly if influenced by banking interests.
Van Eck also pointed to the banking system's reliance on control as a key sticking point. "Jamie Dimon loves control. The banking regulators love control," he said, warning that restrictive policies could stifle stablecoin adoption. Despite these concerns, he predicted stablecoins would find their way into mainstream finance, particularly through collaboration with technology providers.
As van Eck illustrated with a real-world example, institutional interest in stablecoins is already growing. "At a recent conference, an advisor asked me, ‘When will I be able to take stablecoins into my clients' accounts?'" he shared. This demand highlights how financial professionals see the potential for improving transaction efficiency.
Van Eck also noted stablecoins' potential to reduce settlement delays, pointing out inefficiencies in current systems. "On Veterans Day in the U.S., no one could send money to institutions," he said. "That world will be gone in three to five years."
The panelists agreed that stablecoins represent just the beginning of broader financial shifts. While regulatory clarity remains a challenge, the benefits of faster, more reliable transactions are undeniable. They suggested that stablecoins may soon become indispensable for institutions seeking to stay competitive in an increasingly digital financial landscape.
Van Eck summed up the urgency for change: "What if you could rewire the global settlement system on institutional stablecoins that are yield-bearing?" As the panel concluded, one thing was clear: stablecoins are not just a temporary trend—they are a catalyst for an evolving financial ecosystem.
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Image: Shutterstock
"Investors should proceed with cautious optimism," Howard Chan, founder and CEO of Kurv Investment Management, told Benzinga in an exclusive interview.
While tech leaders like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) boast strong fundamentals, Chan said their valuations are "stretched."
Apple and Tesla, often regarded as bellwethers for tech innovation, are facing increasing scrutiny from investors. Chan noted their dominant positions in their respective markets but emphasized the risks tied to their lofty valuations.
Apple's recent focus on AI and augmented reality has garnered attention, but investors may need to weigh its ability to expand its hardware and software ecosystem sustainably, he told Benzinga. Meanwhile, Tesla's rapid scale in electric vehicles is undeniable, but competition from legacy automakers and new entrants has intensified.
Chan underscores a critical point for both giants: "A correction is not a question of if but when." Despite this, he advises against completely exiting the tech sector, citing potential tax implications and the challenges of timing reentry.
For those eyeing diversification, Chan recommends the Kurv Technology Titans Select ETF (NASDAQ:KQQQ), which he says "balances momentum weighting during bull cycles with income generation during downturns." This strategy could mitigate risks while maintaining exposure to tech leaders like Apple and Tesla.
Cloud computing remains a strong growth segment, with giants like Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) positioned for further international expansion.
Read Also: Apple Reportedly In Talks With Tencent, TikTok-Parent ByteDance To Roll Out AI Features In China
Chan sees a similar pattern of cautious optimism for AI-focused firms, highlighting the “delivery risk” they face.
Chan sees parallels in the growth trajectory of Apple and Tesla with the broader AI hardware sector. He predicts that "chipmakers and cloud computing service providers" will benefit from increased capital expenditures, a trend that could also support Apple's and Tesla's innovation pipelines in areas like AI, EVs and autonomous driving.
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Image: Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook | Photos courtesy: Shutterstock and Flickr
It's a rare scenario when someone conducting M&A due diligence becomes CEO of the company.
But that’s exactly what happened when Mohaimina (Mina) Haque went from Tony Roma's legal advisor to overseeing the entire restaurant chain.
In 2020, Tony Roma’s landed on the auction block after struggling financially, a situation that worsened by market saturation and the COVID-19 pandemic. A sale to Equity Investors of New England, Inc. in 2021 at an undisclosed price provided an opportunity for a fresh start. By summer 2024, Haque — previously the chain’s buy-side counsel — became the company’s first female CEO in its 50-plus-year history.
Today, Tony Roma's, once celebrated as a go-to destination for BBQ ribs and other comfort foods, is embarking on a comeback story. Haque brings an expertise unlike other CEOs, she says: one rooted in corporate law.
Benzinga spoke with Haque about the brand’s renewed focus and ambitious expansion plans, as well as the political issues facing the ever-evolving restaurant sector.
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Haque: It survived the test of time after going through different economic hardships. Franchisees remain dedicated. Although it’s a legacy brand, I saw some potential in taking a startup-like approach. That means being extremely sensitive to cost, making sure all team members are aligned and everyone’s willing to give their best. I have team members who go beyond their designated titles. They jump in, roll up their sleeves and do everything possible for the brand to shine. So, I see that potential.
Tony Roma’s has a presence in more than 20 countries. With the startup approach that we have now, there are some ideas I have in terms of modernizing the brand. For example, back in the day, it used to be 10,000 square feet. No one really opts for that big real estate space for restaurants anymore. So, I see opportunities in terms of cutting back that cost and cutting back on the corporate level. From a business finance perspective, I saw a great opportunity where not only my legal advice — I also built my own firm (The Law Office of Mohaimina Haque, PLLC) — some of those principles I can apply here.
As a lawyer, they teach us something in law school that I found helpful for Tony Roma’s. It’s this framework called IRAC: issue, rule, application, conclusion. All legal papers are built on that framework. First, identify the issue. Next, explain all the rules and then apply the rules. And then you conclude. In business form, I do the same thing. I spot the issue; I look at the rules; I apply them and arrive at a conclusion or outcome.
My attention to detail is a little bit different from other executives. I get into the nitty-gritty of the contract and what went into the deal. So if you look at TGI Fridays and Red Lobster — both filed for bankruptcy this year. Part of the reason was mismanagement. Because I do contract negotiations for Tony Roma’s myself, as a general counsel, I discovered opportunities for cost savings. I also found how bad contracts can drive you out of business. So, I’m hyper-vigilant when it comes to terms, termination clauses, the length of contracts and managing vendor partnerships. There are some key areas where I found my legal knowledge extremely instrumental.
There’s a lot of interest globally. We are in Dubai and Berlin as well as Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Perth, Australia. There is a lot of brand awareness. Stateside, as Gen Z and millennials were growing up, there was a decrease in unit size. So, we are working on building that bridge between those who are nostalgic for Tony Roma’s and those who haven’t experienced it yet. There are challenges, including the supply chain and ensuring that franchise partners uphold our intellectual property.
It is a possibility. We have parties interested in helping us to expand our global and national footprint. So, it’s still in the cards, with either a venture capital or private equity firm. For anyone interested and who wants to see more explosive growth for the company, we are looking for partners capable of heavy capital infusion.
If I have to ballpark it, maybe somewhere between $10 million and $20 million
When I see the news and hear about the policies, it is jarring. I put my lawyer hat on, and think about it within the parameters of what is being promised on a campaign trail and what the executive branch can or cannot do. The way the U.S. government was designed, it’s the best innovation in the world. Our founding fathers did an amazing job. Obviously, the government has augmented presidential power over the years. Nevertheless, I still believe in advocacy. I still believe that whenever there is rule-making in an executive agency, it’s something that the interest groups and the think tanks pay attention to. But the public should pay attention to it as well. Everyone should submit data, and voice arguments to federal agencies. Administrative procedures have given people that power.
It’s about timing. In two years, we are going to have a midterm election, and there is a possibility it may swing the other way. So, these two years are crucial. They may enact certain policies, and these policies might face litigation. And sometimes it takes a long time when something is in litigation to go through the court docket. I’m still a believer in the system that our founders have devised for us. But the system’s going to face its toughest test this time.
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Image: Shutterstock, The Law Office of Mohaimina Haque PLLC
On Thursday, Vivani Medical Inc. (NASDAQ:VANI) initiated screening and enrollment at two centers in Australia for the first-in-human clinical trial, LIBERATE-1.
The trial investigates the safety, tolerability, and full pharmacokinetic profile of an exenatide implant.
Vivani’s lead program, NPM-115, utilizes a miniature, six-month, subdermal, GLP-1 (exenatide) implant under development for chronic weight management in obese or overweight individuals.
The study is the first clinical application of the company’s proprietary NanoPortal drug implant technology.
In September, the Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee approved, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia formally acknowledged a first-in-human clinical trial of the company’s miniature, subdermal GLP-1 (exenatide) implant in obese and overweight subjects.
The trial will enroll participants who will be titrated on weekly semaglutide injections for 8 weeks before being randomized to receive a single administration of Vivani’s exenatide implant (n=8), weekly exenatide injections (n=8), or weekly 1 mg semaglutide injections (n=8) for 9-week treatment duration.
Weight changes will be measured. The company anticipates that top-line data will be available in mid-2025.
If available, Vivani intends to utilize research and development incentives and rebates from the Australian government to defray some of the costs from this clinical trial.
Since clinical studies conducted in Australia comply with the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines, data generated in Australia are generally acceptable to the FDA and other regulatory authorities.
Vivani anticipates using relevant clinical data generated in Australia to support regulatory submissions in other geographies, including the U.S.
Vivani’s pipeline also includes NPM-139 (semaglutide implant), which is also under development for chronic weight management in obese and overweight individuals.
Price Action: VANI stock is up 0.83% at $1.22 during the premarket session at last check on Thursday.
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The list of companies that have market capitalizations greater than $1 trillion continues to grow with Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:AVGO) recently joining the club after its quarterly financial results sparked a rally in shares.
A Benzinga poll asks readers which company could be next to join the elusive club.
What Happened: Less than two years ago, investors could count on one hand the number of companies that were valued at more than $1 trillion. That changed in May 2023 when NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) became the sixth company in the club and ninth public company in history to be valued at more than $1 trillion.
Fast forward to December 2024 and there are now 10 companies valued at $1 trillion or more. Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:BRK) (NYSE:BRK) crossed the milestone earlier this year and currently hovers near it again, with a market capitalization of $983 billion.
Here is the current list of members in the $1 trillion market capitalization club, according to Companiesmarketcap.com:
Benzinga recently asked who will be the next company to join the club for the first time with Berkshire Hathaway left out due to its close proximity and the fact it had already been in the club.
"Following Broadcom, which company will join the $1 trillion club next?" Benzinga asked.
The results were as follows along with the market caps at the time the poll was conducted:
Over half of readers polled said they believe Walmart will be the next company to join the $1 trillion club for the first time, followed by Eli Lilly at around one fourth of readers.
Here's a look at the current year-to-date and five-year returns of the four stocks featured in the poll:
Chart created using ChatGPT.
The chart above shows that while Walmart is the top gainer year-to-date, it is Eli Lilly that has the better five-year stock growth.
Read Also: Nancy Pelosi Loads Up On More Nvidia Shares, Buys Broadcom Options
Why It's Important: Broadcom stock is up 28% over the last five days and up over 113% year-to-date. The company beat fourth-quarter analyst earnings per share, missed revenue estimates and provided guidance that was in-line. The guidance and positive outlook was enough to send shares higher and provide entry into the club.
Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), which was previously a member of the club, has rejoined the $1 trillion club thanks to impressive gains for the electric vehicle stock since Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) is another company that was previously in the $1 trillion club years ago and rejoined the club earlier this year.
In August, Benzinga polled readers to ask which company they thought would hit the $1 trillion valuation next after Berkshire Hathaway joined.
The results were:
That poll was conducted when Eli Lilly and Taiwan Semiconductor both traded with market capitalizations of around $800 billion. Readers ended up being wrong with Eli Lilly still out of the club, while Taiwan Semiconductor, Tesla and Broadcom have all joined in recent months.
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The study was conducted by Benzinga from Dec. 16 through Dec. 17, 2024, and included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 128 adults.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.
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