Gain detailed insights into the trading activity of Congress members for Baidu on our government trades page. Stay updated on how elected officials are investing in BIDU.

Baidu - Government Trades

Baidu

Baidu is the largest internet search engine in China with over 50% share of the search engine market in 2024 per web analytics firm, Statcounter. The firm generated 72% of core revenue from online marketing services from its search engine in 2023. Outside its search engine, Baidu is a technology-driven company and its other major growth initiatives are artificial intelligence cloud, video streaming services, voice recognition technology, and autonomous driving.

Chinese Yuan Renminbi RMB

News

Emerging Markets

Movers

Tech

Media

BABA

BIDU

Citigourp Global Markets 2% Protected Notes Linked To The Djia

XPEV

PBOC keeps benchmark LPR rates steady amid economic growth efforts and a weakening yuan. US-listed Chinese stocks trading lower.

US-Listed Chinese Stocks Fall As China&#39;s Central Bank Keeps Key Rates Steady

US CHINA FLAG Photo by asiandelight on Shutterstock

Government

Regulations

Trading Ideas

Chinese stocks trading lower as economic growth slows in November, with retail sales and property investment underperforming expectations.

US-Listed Chinese Stocks React To Underwhelming Consumption Data

AAPL

GOOG

MSFT

NVDA

TSLA

China probes Nvidia&#39;s acquisition of Mellanox for possible antitrust violations. EU investigates Google and Meta for ads targeting minors. Micron receives $6.1B investment. Cyberpunk 2077 to get update on Dec. 10. TikTok&#39;s parent company is top buyer of Nvidia chips in Asia. Tesla rolls out Apple Watch app for digital key access.

Micron Gets Investment From White House, China Launches Antitrust Investigation On Nvidia, Apple Faces $1.2 Billion Lawsuit In California &amp; More: Consumer Tech News (December 9-13)

US-China (Tatiana Popova and rawf8 by Shuttterstock)

CHIQ

CXSE

ONLN

PowerShares Golden Dragon Halter USX China Portfolio

Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE: BABA) traded up on news of China&#39;s Central Economic Work Conference, with investors anticipating stimulus measures.

US-Listed Chinese Stocks Give Up Gains In Anticipation Of More Stimulus

China's Denial

Asia

Markets

General

China&#39;s leadership surprised markets on Monday by indicating a shift in monetary policy after 14 years. 

China Might Be Pivoting To &#39;Moderately Loose&#39; Monetary Policy, But Experts Feel &#39;Bazooka-Style Stimulus&#39; Won&#39;t Arrive Immediately

INVZ-MBLY

GOOGL

INVZ

MBLY

UBER

Mobileye (MBLY) partners with Innoviz (INVZ) for LiDAR technology in driverless system, production in 2026. INVZ stock up 15%, MBLY up 2.18%.

Innoviz Technologies Secures LiDAR Supply Deal With Mobileye

Bytedance

ByteDance, TikTok&#39;s parent company, has emerged as Nvidia&#39;s largest chip buyer in Asia, surpassing Alibaba and Baidu, as it aggressively invests in AI infrastructure and talent to dominate China&#39;s generative AI market amidst U.S. restrictions and a potential TikTok ban.

TikTok-Parent ByteDance, Now Nvidia&#39;s Largest Asian Chip Customer, Races Ahead Of Alibaba And Baidu To Dominate China&#39;s Generative AI Market: Report (UPDATED)

US-listed Chinese stocks are trading higher ahead of China&#39;s key policy meeting in the upcoming week, as investors anticipate more stimulus measures to drive the economy and beat potential US tariffs. BABA, JD, BIDU, NIO, LI, and XPEV all saw gains.

What&#39;s Going On With US Listed Chinese Stocks Alibaba, JD, Nio, Li, XPeng On Friday?

Uber Weride

Uber and WeRide launch autonomous mobility service in Abu Dhabi. AVs now available on Uber platform in UAE, with plans for full driverless service in 2025.Uber and WeRide team up to offer AV rides in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time autonomous vehicles are available on Uber outside the US. 

Uber And WeRide Partner For Robotaxi Service In Abu Dhabi

Baidu_Apollo_RT6_Exterior

METV

TOGA

Baidu, Inc (NASDAQ: BIDU) obtains Hong Kong license for testing self-driving cars, marking expansion efforts outside China. Baidu also reports Q3 earnings.

Baidu Takes on Tesla, Secures License To Test Self-Driving Tech in Hong Kong

Baidu, Inc. - American Depositary Shares, each representing 8 ordinary share

Baidu Inc

On Friday, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/china" rel="noreferrer noopener">China&#8217;s central bank</a>, the People&#8217;s Bank of China (PBOC), decided to maintain its main benchmark lending rates amid efforts to support economic growth while managing a weakening yuan.
The one-year loan prime rate (LPR) remains at 3.1%, while the five-year LPR is steady at 3.6%, influencing corporate loans, household lending, and mortgages.
This decision aligned with expectations from a Reuters poll of 27 economists, CNBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/20/china-pboc-keeps-benchmark-lpr-rates-steady-as-fed-signals-fewer-cuts-ahead.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42536024/taiwan-eyes-amazons-kuiper-as-starlink-faces-hurdles" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon&#8217;s Project Kuiper In Talks With Taiwan For Satellite Partnership</a>
The rate freeze comes after the U.S. Federal Reserve&#8217;s widely expected 25-basis-point rate cut earlier this week. The Fed also signaled only two rate reductions in 2025, fewer than previously anticipated.
Chinese tech barometer Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) traded lower on Friday. Other U.S.-listed Chinese stocks are also trading lower, including Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>), JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JD#NASDAQ">JD</a>), PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>), and XPeng Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>).
Lower interest rates make borrowing cheaper for capital-intensive companies on an expansion drive, especially artificial intelligence technologies.
Analysts indicated to CNBC this development may influence global monetary policy but will likely have a limited direct impact on China&#8217;s easing trajectory. However, it could exacerbate pressures on the yuan, which is already under strain from economic challenges.
Economic data indicates that China continues to grapple with deflationary pressures, lackluster consumer demand, and a prolonged property market slump despite various stimulus measures initiated in recent months. China&#8217;s 2025 economic forecast encounters external challenges, such as geopolitical tensions, semiconductor restrictions, and tariff threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Earlier this month, Chinese policymakers pledged to enhance monetary easing measures, including further rate cuts, to invigorate the economy. However, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42508408/what-is-going-on-with-alibaba-jd-li-auto-xpeng-stocks-on-monday" rel="noreferrer noopener">PBOC held</a> rates steady in November following October&#8217;s modest reductions, opting for a cautious approach.
Yan Wang, Chief Emerging Markets and China Strategist at Alpine Macro, told CNBC that while further rate cuts might alleviate the yuan&#8217;s deflationary pressure, the government&#8217;s fiscal flexibility is more likely to drive economic recovery in the coming year.
Price Actions: At the last check on Friday, BABA stock is down 3.10% to $81.71. JD is down 2.53%, BIDU is down 1.85%, PDD is down 3.56%, and XPEV is down 3.15%.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42536593/verizon-teams-up-with-nvidia-to-power-ai-apps-over-private-5g-networks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Verizon Teams Up With Nvidia To Power AI Apps Over Private 5G Networks</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Eric Prouzet on Unsplash

US-Listed Chinese Stocks Fall As China's Central Bank Keeps Key Rates Steady

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Baidu. Our analysis of options history for Baidu (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>) revealed 9 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 77% of traders were bullish, while 22% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 3 were puts, with a value of $95,392, and 6 were calls, valued at $270,833.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $50.0 to $100.0 for Baidu over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Baidu stands at 2282.0, with a total volume reaching 2,455.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Baidu, situated within the strike price corridor from $50.0 to $100.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Baidu Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734633105_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 align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BIDU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$17.2</td>
<td>$16.5</td>
<td>$16.92</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$84.6K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BIDU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$22.25</td>
<td>$21.55</td>
<td>$21.55</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$53.8K</td>
<td>565</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BIDU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$45.5</td>
<td>$42.5</td>
<td>$44.56</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$44.5K</td>
<td>67</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BIDU</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$14.4</td>
<td>$14.1</td>
<td>$14.2</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$42.6K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BIDU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$22.5</td>
<td>$21.6</td>
<td>$22.14</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$33.2K</td>
<td>565</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Baidu</h3>
Baidu is the largest internet search engine in China with over 50% share of the search engine market in 2024 per web analytics firm, Statcounter. The firm generated 72% of core revenue from online marketing services from its search engine in 2023. Outside its search engine, Baidu is a technology-driven company and its other major growth initiatives are artificial intelligence cloud, video streaming services, voice recognition technology, and autonomous driving.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Baidu, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Baidu</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,940,843, the price of BIDU is down -2.33% at $86.29. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 69 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Baidu</h3>
In the last month, 3 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $118.66666666666667.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Susquehanna downgraded its action to Neutral with a price target of $85. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Benchmark has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Baidu, which currently sits at a price target of $130. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Citigroup continues to hold a Buy rating for Baidu, targeting a price of $141. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Baidu with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

Behind the Scenes of Baidu's Latest Options Trends

U.S. listed Chinese stocks Alibaba Group Holding. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>), JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JD#NASDAQ">JD</a>) and Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>), NIO Inc. (NYSE:&nbsp;NIO),&nbsp;Li Auto Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;LI),&nbsp;and XPeng Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:&nbsp;XPEV) stocks are trading lower on Monday.
The data shows that China&#8217;s economic growth slowed in November. Key indicators such as retail sales and property investment underperformed expectations.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a 3% year-on-year increase in November retail sales, down from October&#8217;s 4.8% growth and missing economists&#8217; estimates of 5.3%.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42468572/netflix-adjusts-parental-leave-policy-amid-cultural-and-financial-shifts" rel="noreferrer noopener">Netflix Adjusts Parental Leave Policy, But There Is A Catch</a>
Fixed-asset investment growth for the year through November rose by 3.3%, while property investment declined by 10.4%, reflecting persistent challenges in the real estate sector, SCMP <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmp.com/economy/economic-indicators/article/3290925/chinas-retail-sales-november-miss-estimate-30" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
NBS spokesperson Fu Linghui attributed the weaker retail sales to the early timing of China&#8217;s &#8220;Double 11&#8221; shopping festival, which shifted some spending to October as per SCMP.
However, Fu emphasized that combined sales figures for October and November showed more substantial growth compared to the third quarter.
Despite this, he acknowledged the need to stabilize employment and incomes to fully unleash domestic demand, citing an increasingly complex external environment and insufficient internal demand as ongoing challenges.
At China&#8217;s annual Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) last week, leaders prioritized <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42460099/us-listed-chinese-stocks-give-up-gains-in-anticipation-of-more-stimulus-to-beat-us-tariffs" rel="noreferrer noopener">boosting consumption</a>, enhancing investment efficiency, and expanding domestic demand as top economic goals for 2025.
Industrial production rose 5.4% year-on-year in November, slightly exceeding October&#8217;s 5.3% increase, while the urban unemployment rate remained steady at 5%.
Experts, including Ding Shuang of Standard Chartered, told the SCMP that retail sales have returned to a subdued pace, suggesting that broader policy measures are needed to boost consumer confidence and stabilize key markets like property and stocks.
China&#8217;s economic outlook for 2025 faces external headwinds, including geopolitical tensions, semiconductor embargo and tariff threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Price Actions: At the last check on Friday, BABA stock is down 1.80% to $86.24. JD is down 1.23%, BIDU is down 1.67%, LI is down 1.67%, and XPEV is down 0.81%.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42468724/warner-bros-discovery-restructures-with-focus-on-streaming-and-tv-divisions-stock-shoots-up" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warner Bros. Discovery Stock Spikes As Board OKs Restructuring Plan</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by asiandelight on Shutterstock

China launched an&nbsp;antitrust investigation&nbsp;into&nbsp;Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) regarding its acquisition of Israeli networking company&nbsp;Mellanox Technologies, approved in 2020, and its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42404352/nvidia-china-antitrust-probe-may-remain-unsolved-in-near-term-says-top-analyst-investors-should-be-prepared-for-increased-scrutiny" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential violations of China&#8217;s anti-monopoly laws</a>.
European regulators have launched an investigation into a clandestine advertising arrangement between&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google and&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) that reportedly circumvented Google's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42407768/google-meta-under-fire-eu-watchdog-reportedly-probes-alleged-secret-ad-deal-targeting-teen-users" rel="noreferrer noopener">own advertising policies for minors</a>.
The White House&nbsp;announced that&nbsp;Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>)&nbsp;has received a substantial investment of over $6.1 billion. The investment will support the construction of advanced memory chip facilities in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42410722/micron-technology-stock-jumps-in-pre-market-after-securing-6-1b-investment-for-us-chip-manufacturing" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clay, New York, and Boise, Idaho</a>.&nbsp;
Gaming, Technology &amp; Semiconductors
CD Projekt ADR&nbsp;has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077 will receive a significant new update on Dec. 10, 2024, coinciding with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/12/42398384/surprise-cyberpunk-2077-update-announced-the-team-still-has-some-gas-in-the-tank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the game&#8217;s four-year&nbsp;anniversary</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/12/42398194/still-no-gta-6-news-fans-take-matters-into-their-own-hands" rel="noreferrer noopener">Still No GTA 6 News? Fans Take Matters Into Their Own Hands</a>
TikTok-parent&nbsp;ByteDance&nbsp;has reportedly become the largest buyer of&nbsp;Nvidia chips in Asia, outpacing rivals like&nbsp;Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42382237/tiktok-parent-bytedance-now-nvidias-largest-asian-chip-customer-races-ahead-of-alibaba-and-baidu-to-dominate-chinas-generative-ai-market-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">and&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42382237/tiktok-parent-bytedance-now-nvidias-largest-asian-chip-customer-races-ahead-of-alibaba-and-baidu-to-dominate-chinas-generative-ai-market-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baidu Inc</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42382237/tiktok-parent-bytedance-now-nvidias-largest-asian-chip-customer-races-ahead-of-alibaba-and-baidu-to-dominate-chinas-generative-ai-market-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>)</a>.
Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) has officially rolled out&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) Watch app, allowing users to transform their watch <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42383967/how-to-use-apple-watch-as-a-digital-key-for-your-tesla-car" rel="noreferrer noopener">into a digital key for their vehicle</a>.
Google&nbsp;has reportedly requested the U.S.&nbsp;Federal Trade Commission&nbsp;to dismantle&nbsp;Microsoft Corporation's&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) exclusive agreement to host&nbsp;OpenAI's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42428505/google-asks-ftc-to-kill-microsofts-monopoly-over-hosting-openai-technology-on-its-cloud-servers-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology on its cloud servers</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42407739/trump-announces-plans-to-have-dinner-with-amazon-founder-jeff-bezos-as-billionaire-rivals-turn-unexpected-allies-after-years-of-clashes" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Announces Plans To Have Dinner With Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos As Billionaire Rivals Turn Unexpected Allies After Years Of Clashes</a>
As the&nbsp;race to introduce&nbsp;artificial intelligence features rages on,&nbsp;Alphabet unveiled a new prototype on Wednesday that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42446686/google-introduces-ai-agent-prototype-that-can-browse-the-web" rel="noreferrer noopener">could reshape the AI marketplace</a>.
Smartphones
Apple is facing a $1.2 billion lawsuit filed on Saturday in U.S. District Court in Northern California for discontinuing its child <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42381987/apple-faces-12b-lawsuit-for-dropping-csam-detection-while-google-and-meta-set-higher-standards-for-child-safety" rel="noreferrer noopener">sexual&nbsp;abuse material detection feature</a>.
Apple announced expansion plans in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in its Middle East growth strategy. The tech giant will launch its first Arabic-language online store in the summer of 2025, followed by multiple <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42383949/apple-expands-retail-footprint-in-saudi-arabia-with-online-store-launch-plans-multiple-flagship-locations" rel="noreferrer noopener">flagship retail locations starting in 2026</a>.
Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42384578/iphone-charging-cables-arent-all-safe-how-hackers-turn-them-into-tools-of-espionage" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Not All iPhone Charging Cables Are Safe: Here&#8217;s How Hackers Turned Them Into Tools Of Espionage</a>
Apple is reportedly set to introduce satellite texting and a non-invasive blood pressure <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42430306/apples-watch-ultra-next-year-could-come-with-satellite-texting-and-non-invasive-blood-pressure-technology-heres-what-we-know" rel="noreferrer noopener">tool in its upcoming&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42430306/apples-watch-ultra-next-year-could-come-with-satellite-texting-and-non-invasive-blood-pressure-technology-heres-what-we-know" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watch Ultra</a>.
Apple announced the release of&nbsp;iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2&nbsp;and&nbsp;macOS Sequoia 15.2&nbsp;on Wednesday morning, continuing&nbsp;its slow rollout of its&nbsp;AI-<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42443584/apple-strengthens-genai-with-ios-182-genmoji-image-playground-come-to-iphone" rel="noreferrer noopener">powered&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42443584/apple-strengthens-genai-with-ios-182-genmoji-image-playground-come-to-iphone" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Intelligence</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42443584/apple-strengthens-genai-with-ios-182-genmoji-image-playground-come-to-iphone" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;to devices</a>.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Elon Musk&nbsp;has raised concerns about&nbsp;OpenAI's&nbsp;potential decision to remove a clause that limits&nbsp;Microsoft Corporation&nbsp;from accessing its most advanced AI models upon <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42382569/elon-musk-asks-was-it-ever-not-a-lie-as-he-accuses-openai-of-selling-out-to-microsoft-and-betraying-its-founding-mission" rel="noreferrer noopener">achieving artificial general intelligence</a>.
OpenAI CEO&nbsp;Sam Altman unveiled what he calls an "early" but transformative step in AI video technology. The new tool, likened to "GPT-1 for video," promises an accessible co-creation experience and is already <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42398825/sam-altman-calls-openais-new-video-generator-so-compelling" rel="noreferrer noopener">sparking excitement&nbsp;among early adopters</a>.
OpenAI&nbsp;CFO&nbsp;Sarah Friar&nbsp;has characterized President-elect&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;as the "president of this AI generation," while <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42428849/openai-cfo-sarah-friar-calls-trump-the-president-of-this-ai-generation-downplays-elon-musk-concerns-we-trust-him-as-a-competitor" rel="noreferrer noopener">downplaying public threats from&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42428849/openai-cfo-sarah-friar-calls-trump-the-president-of-this-ai-generation-downplays-elon-musk-concerns-we-trust-him-as-a-competitor" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk</a>.

Micron Gets Investment From White House, China Launches Antitrust Investigation On Nvidia, Apple Faces $1.2 Billion Lawsuit In California & More: Consumer Tech News (December 9-13)

On Thursday, Alibaba Group Holding.&nbsp;(NYSE:&nbsp;BABA), also known as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/chinese-tech-stocks" rel="noreferrer noopener">China&#8217;s tech barometer</a>, traded upwards as China kicked off its annual economic work conference&nbsp;on Wednesday to outline its policies and growth targets for 2025.&nbsp;
The two-day Central Economic Work Conference was expected to run through Thursday. Investors are watching for additional stimulus measures.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42394872/jack-ma-makes-rare-appearance-at-alibaba-fintech-event-stresses-on-ai-revolution" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jack Ma Makes Rare Appearance At Alibaba Fintech Event Stresses On AI Revolution</a>
The market expects more stimulus measures to counter possible tariffs launched by President-elect Donald Trump, as he promised during his campaigns.
Other U.S.-listed Chinese stocks, including JD.com, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;JD),&nbsp;Baidu, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;BIDU),&nbsp;NIO Inc. (NYSE:&nbsp;NIO),&nbsp;Li Auto Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;LI),&nbsp;and XPeng Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:&nbsp;XPEV)&nbsp;also saw positive movement in their share price trajectory in the premarket session.
However, according to a <a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/china-ends-planning-meeting-vows-stabilize-economy-details-116716806" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>, Chinese leaders on Thursday assured of taking a proactive approach to boosting the economy but provided no details.
Post-meeting, lack of details on definitive measures led to a negative reaction from investors, leading to a fall in U.S.-listed Chinese stocks, which gave up all the premarket gains.
On Monday, President Xi Jinping&#8217;s Politburo pledged <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42391254/us-listed-chinese-stocks-jump-on-chinas-stimulus-measures-looser-monetary-policy-assurances" rel="noreferrer noopener">aggressive fiscal measures</a> and a relatively more flexible monetary policy in 2025 to boost domestic consumption.
Tao Wang of UBS Group AG <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-10/china-begins-annual-economic-meeting-to-hash-out-stimulus-plan?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> Bloomberg that he expects China to boost policy support in the next two years, including more supportive policy tones for 2025.
China&#8217;s stimulus so far has focused on producers and infrastructure, especially electric vehicles, solar energy, and batteries.
Economists expect China to set a higher-than-usual budget&nbsp;deficit target&nbsp;of up to 4% of GDP.
According to Bloomberg, Xi expressed confidence in the world&#8217;s second-largest economy in several meetings over the past week.&nbsp;
Larry Hu of Macquarie told Reuters that China&#8217;s initiatives for 2025 will depend on its GDP target and the new U.S. tariffs. He does not expect China to announce 2025 growth, budget deficit, or other targets.
Investors can gain exposure to Chinese equities through Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGJ#NASDAQ">PGJ</a>), ProShares Online Retail ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONLN#NYSE">ONLN</a>), and iShares China Large-Cap ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FXI#NYSE">FXI</a>).
Price Actions: At the last check on Thursday, BABA stock is up 0.09% to $89.06. JD is down 1.60%, BIDU is down 0.85%, NIO is down 0.64%, LI is down 0.36%, and XPEV is down 0.39%.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/downgrades/24/12/42446064/duolingo-trades-at-peak-valuation-analyst-downgrades-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duolingo Trades At Peak Valuation, Analyst Downgrades It</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Tatiana Popova and rawf8 via Shuttterstock

China&#8217;s leadership has taken a surprising turn in monetary policy, signaling a shift to a &#8220;moderately loose&#8221; stance. But experts weigh on when a big stimulus would be introduced.
What Happened: China&#8217;s leadership surprised markets on Monday by indicating a shift in monetary policy after 14 years. The change to a &#8220;moderately loose&#8221; stance, last used during the 2008 financial crisis, reflects deep economic concerns, CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/11/chinas-policy-shift-signals-economic-worries-but-outsized-stimulus-is-unlikely.html">reported</a> on Thursday.
Experts, including&nbsp;Larry Hu&nbsp;from Macquarie, suggest this shift signals worries over sluggish domestic demand and potential trade conflicts. Despite recent stimulus efforts, China&#8217;s economy faces deflationary pressures and a housing market slump.
Gabriel Wildau&nbsp;of&nbsp;Teneo noted that Monday&#8217;s announcement does not signal that a "bazooka-style stimulus will arrive immediately.&#8221; He added that China&#8217;s previous massive stimulus package was 13% of its GDP. 
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41325429/chinese-researchers-use-quantum-computers-to-reportedly-crack-rsa-encryption-raising-alarms-in-cyber?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Researchers Use Quantum Computers To Reportedly Crack RSA Encryption, Raising Alarms In Cybersecu</a>
Recent measures include a five-year, 10 trillion yuan stimulus to address local government debt. However, economists like those at&nbsp;Morgan Stanley&nbsp;believe further fiscal expansion is needed. The&nbsp;People&#8217;s Bank of China&nbsp;has been cautious with rate cuts to avoid capital flight.
Why It Matters: The shift in China&#8217;s monetary policy comes as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42391254/us-listed-chinese-stocks-jump-on-chinas-stimulus-measures-looser-monetary-policy-assurances">U.S.-listed Chinese stocks</a>, such as Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>), JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JD#NASDAQ">JD</a>) , and Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>), have shown increased volatility. As of Thursday, according to<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com"> Benzinga Pro</a> data, the YTD returns of Alibaba increased by 19.02%, JD.com rose by 40.48% but that of Baidu fell by 22.52%. This increase is attributed to the anticipation of China&#8217;s annual economic planning meeting, where financial goals and further stimulus measures are expected to be discussed. 
Meanwhile, global markets have shown mixed reactions. On Dec 10, U.S. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42432268/asia-and-europe-markets-mixed-crude-oil-up-amid-stimulus-hopes-dollar-strengthens-global-markets-today-while-us-slept">markets closed lower</a> as investors awaited key inflation data that could influence the Federal Reserve&#8217;s interest rate decisions.&nbsp;
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42402629/trump-to-change-dollar-stores-for-good-dollar-tree-exec-says-prepared-to-act?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump To Change Dollar Stores For Good? Dollar Tree Exec Says &#8216;Prepared To Act&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock

China Might Be Pivoting To 'Moderately Loose' Monetary Policy, But Experts Feel 'Bazooka-Style Stimulus' Won't Arrive Immediately

On Wednesday, Mobileye Global Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBLY#NASDAQ">MBLY</a>) announced <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/n42434908/mobileye-to-use-innoviz-lidars-for-its-mobileye-drive-av-platform" rel="noreferrer noopener">it will leverage</a> Innoviz Technologies Ltd&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INVZ#NASDAQ">INVZ</a>) LiDARs for the Mobileye Drive platform, which enables mobility service providers and vehicle manufacturers to make robotaxis, ride-pooling, public transport, and goods delivery fully autonomous.
The deal was built upon mutual work between the two companies over the past few months, and production will begin in 2026. Innoviz Technologies stock picked up after the update.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/12/42434183/photronics-q4-earnings-beats-expectations-ceo-credits-strong-us-sales-2025-backed-by-ai-edge-computing-and-supply-chain-trends" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photronics Q4 Earnings: Beats Expectations, CEO Credits Strong US Sales, 2025 Backed By AI, Edge Computing, And Supply Chain Trends</a>
The Mobileye Drive driverless system testing is underway in&nbsp;Europe,&nbsp;North America, and&nbsp;Asia.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11092247/newplot-9.png" alt="" class="wp-image-687524" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11092247/newplot-9.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11092247/newplot-9-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
By leveraging Innoviz&#8217;s expertise in LiDAR technology, in addition to cameras, radars, and imaging radars, vehicles built with the Mobileye Drive platform will deliver safe and smooth driving performance in their operational domains.
Mobileye CEO Prof.&nbsp;Amnon Shashua expects integrating its imaging radars and high-resolution cameras with the Innoviz LiDARs to be pivotal in delivering Mobileye Drive as a powerful autonomous driving system that will ultimately create safer, more efficient, and reliable transportation.
Innoviz Technologies CEO and co-founder Omer Keilaf expects the deal to vouch for Innoviz&#8217;s capability to meet the stringent requirements of OEMs worldwide and support L4 driving solutions.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42028797/tesla-soars-over-5-in-overnight-trading-as-trump-administration-reportedly-seeks-to-ease-fsd-norms" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recent reports indicated</a> President-elect&nbsp;Donald Trump is exploring easing regulatory norms for fully self-driving vehicles.
Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&nbsp;chief Elon Musk, co-lead of Trump&#8217;s planned Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) advisory board, had promised to canvass the government to enable the adoption of autonomous vehicles nationwide.
Last week, Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) and WeRide Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WRD#NASDAQ">WRD</a>) launched <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42363171/uber-and-weride-come-together-to-launch-robotaxi-service-in-abu-dhabi" rel="noreferrer noopener">robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi</a>, implying Uber&#8217;s debut of autonomous vehicles in its platform beyond the U.S. It marks the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the U.S. and China.
Alphabet Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>)&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>)&nbsp;Waymo, Baidu Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>), and Tesla Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ: TSLA) remain invested in their autonomous vehicle ambitions.
Price Actions: INVZ stock is up 6.08% at $0.72 at last check Wednesday. MBLY is up 0.18%.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42421148/aurora-innovation-set-to-lead-trucking-revolution-analyst-says" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aurora&#8217;s Self-Driving Trucks Poised for Growth, Analyst Forecasts Considerable Upside</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Company

WIIM

BILI

New Oriental Education & Technology Group

HTHT

NTES

TCOM

YUMC

Shares of US-listed Chinese stocks are trading lower following weak China import data.

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 often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Communication Services 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>GOOGL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/13/24</td>
<td>$177.50</td>
<td>$52.1K</td>
<td>18.5K</td>
<td>24.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RDDT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/13/24</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$96.7K</td>
<td>403</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GOOG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$46.2K</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>950</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TMUS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$64.2K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td>849</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>META</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/24/25</td>
<td>$640.00</td>
<td>$28.6K</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>561</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BIDU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$55.9K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>429</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CHTR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/03/25</td>
<td>$365.00</td>
<td>$87.0K</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RBLX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$31.6K</td>
<td>4.9K</td>
<td>148</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ASTS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$12.50</td>
<td>$34.6K</td>
<td>15.2K</td>
<td>135</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ROKU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$48.9K</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>115</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For GOOGL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 13, 2024. This event was a transfer of 410 contract(s) at a $177.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 34 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $52.1K, with a price of $127.0 per contract. There were 18554 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 24969 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For RDDT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 13, 2024. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $160.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $96.7K, with a price of $967.0 per contract. There were 403 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1068 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For GOOG (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 129 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 34 contract(s) at a $185.00 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 $46.2K, with a price of $1360.0 per contract. There were 37 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 950 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TMUS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 39 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 176 contract(s) at a $230.00 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 $64.2K, with a price of $365.0 per contract. There were 1949 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 849 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For META (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 46 day(s) on January 24, 2025. This event was a transfer of 20 contract(s) at a $640.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.6K, with a price of $1430.0 per contract. There were 5 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 561 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BIDU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 39 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 22 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $55.9K, with a price of $2542.0 per contract. There were 1261 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 429 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CHTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHTR#NASDAQ">CHTR</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 25 day(s) on January 3, 2025. This event was a transfer of 116 contract(s) at a $365.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 11 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $87.0K, with a price of $750.0 per contract. There were 8 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 200 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For RBLX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBLX#NYSE">RBLX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 102 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 47 contract(s) at a $55.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.6K, with a price of $673.0 per contract. There were 4936 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 148 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ASTS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 403 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 20 contract(s) at a $12.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.6K, with a price of $1730.0 per contract. There were 15210 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 135 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ROKU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROKU#NASDAQ">ROKU</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 767 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 30 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $48.9K, with a price of $1630.0 per contract. There were 1 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 115 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.

ASTS

CHTR

RBLX

RDDT

ROKU

TMUS

10 Communication Services Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

BEKE

DADA

FUTU

GSX Techedu Inc. American Depositary Shares

GOTU

TIGR

UXIN

VIPS

Shares of US-listed Chinese stocks are trading higher following reports suggesting Chinese officials would embrace a 'moderately loose' monetary policy.

Editor&#8217;s Note: This story has been updated to include a comment from a ByteDance spokesperson.
TikTok-parent ByteDance has reportedly become the largest buyer of Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) chips in Asia, outpacing rivals like Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) and Baidu Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>).
What Happened: ByteDance has been aggressively hiring AI engineers from local competitors Alibaba and start-ups such as 01.ai and Zhipu.
The aim is to expand its teams to develop large language models and AI products, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/e90f4a83-bc31-4a5c-b9ab-28d722924143">reported</a> the Financial Times, citing multiple people with knowledge of the hiring process.
The company has also invested billions in AI infrastructure, purchasing advanced Nvidia GPUs to build sophisticated AI models, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Founder Zhang Yiming is leading this initiative at a crucial time, as growth for Douyin, TikTok&#8217;s Chinese counterpart, has plateaued. A U.S. court last week also upheld a law requiring <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42369266/meta-reddit-stocks-climb-record-highs-as-tiktoks-battle-against-us-ban-continues-after-court-ruling">ByteDance to sell TikTok by January</a> or face a ban.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42356192/tim-cook-breaks-silence-on-defying-steve-jobs-design-philosophy-with-the-iphone-16s-camera-button-vision-pro-sales-airpods-disrupting-hearing-aids-and-whether-hell-lead-apple-into-the-next-era?itm_source=parsely-api">Tim Cook Explains Why Apple Defied Steve Jobs&#8217; Design Philosophy With the iPhone 16&#8217;s Camera Button, Touches On Retirement Plans: &#8216;I&#8217;ll Do It Until…&#8217;</a>
Central to ByteDance's AI growth is its strong commercial alliance with Nvidia. Due to U.S. export regulations, the company is restricted to purchasing Nvidia's H20 GPUs, a less powerful, specialized version for use in Chinese data centers.
However, ByteDance could access high-performance H100 and Blackwell chips for its operations outside China, the report noted.
Sources familiar with the situation reveal that ByteDance is currently Nvidia's largest customer in China, with one insider noting it has also emerged as the company's top buyer across Asia.
The company is also working on an AI chip, modeled after Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google&#8217;s Tensor Processing Unit, to reduce reliance on Nvidia chips.
Subscribe to the <a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a> to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
In an email to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a>, ByteDance stated that it has neither purchased nor been permitted to purchase H100s and Blackwell chips for data centers located outside the U.S. since the export control rules came into effect on Nov. 17, 2023. Nvidia declined to comment on the story.
Why It Matters: Last month, it was reported that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42069805/bytedance-valuation-soars-to-300b-despite-threat-of-us-tiktok-ban">ByteDance's valuation soared to $300 billion</a>, reflecting its optimistic growth outlook despite the looming threat of a U.S. TikTok ban.
Previously it was reported that ByteDance and other Chinese tech giants are expanding its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42053396/why-chinese-tech-giants-alibaba-bytedance-and-meituan-are-expanding-their-ai-footprints-in-silicon-valley-amid-us-efforts-to-block-progress">AI footprint in Silicon Valley</a> to attract top U.S. talent.
In response to U.S. restrictions on advanced AI chip exports, ByteDance has also been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41085643/tiktok-parent-bytedance-to-reportedly-use-huawei-chips-to-train-ai-model">exploring domestic suppliers</a> like Huawei Technologies for chip development. The company reportedly plans to use Huawei's Ascend 910B chip to train a large-language AI model.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42376972/metas-llama-33-70b-the-new-ai-model-that-outperforms-google-openai-and-amazon-with-unmatched-efficiency?itm_source=parsely-api">Meta Announces Llama 3.3 70B That Outperforms OpenAI&#8217;s GPT-4o, Google&#8217;s Gemini, and Amazon&#8217;s AI Models</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

TikTok-Parent ByteDance, Now Nvidia's Largest Asian Chip Customer, Races Ahead Of Alibaba And Baidu To Dominate China's Generative AI Market: Report (UPDATED)

U.S.-listed Chinese stocks&nbsp;like Alibaba Group Holding&nbsp;(NYSE:&nbsp;BABA),&nbsp;JD.com, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;JD),&nbsp;Baidu, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;BIDU),&nbsp;NIO Inc. (NYSE:&nbsp;NIO),&nbsp;Li Auto Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;LI),&nbsp;and XPeng Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:&nbsp;XPEV) were trading higher&nbsp;Friday ahead of a key policy meeting likely for the upcoming week. Some stocks have given up the gains.
China will likely hold its annual economic planning meeting in the upcoming week, followed by discussions on its financial targets and additional stimulus plans for 2025, CNBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/06/asian-markets-live-updates-south-korea-account-balance-japan-spending.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Investors expect more stimulus measures to drive the economy and beat the looming U.S. tariffs, which president-elect Donald Trump has threatened since his presidential campaign days.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42340154/science-applications-q3-earnings-beats-estimates-launches-12-billion-share-buyback-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Applications Approves $1.2 Billion Stock Buyback, Raises Annual Outlook After Q3 Beat</a>
He threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese imports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/11/41806635/whats-going-on-with-us-listed-chinese-stocks-like-alibaba-jd-nio-on-thursday" rel="noreferrer noopener">by up to 60%</a>. China&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42213279/whats-going-on-with-us-listed-chinese-stocks-alibaba-jd-nio-li-xpeng-on-wednesday-2" rel="noreferrer noopener">industrial profits showed </a>signs of recovery in October following recent stimulus measures. Industrial profits declined 10% in the month, compared to the 27.1% drop reported in September.
China launched a $840 billion stimulus&nbsp;to ease local debt burdens and drive economic growth.
China&#8217;s Citic Securities <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3289527/investors-search-fresh-china-stimulus-signs-ahead-xi-jinpings-economic-conference" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> the SCMP that it expects the 2025 conference to focus on favorable macroeconomic policies, including prioritization of local government debt, the property market, consumption, and technological innovation.
China plans to boost home purchases to build a reserve of affordable housing and urges local governments to buy back unused land to support the property market.
It has also previously flagged further mortgage-rate cuts to stimulate demand and initiatives to reduce the tech sector&#8217;s dependence on foreign sources.
The brokerage does not expect discussions on economic growth targets and government leverage to be revealed before 2025&#8217;s National People&#8217;s Congress (NPC). It expects the 2025 growth target to remain firm year-on-year at 5% with an increase in the deficit ratio.
Price Actions: At the last check on Friday, BABA stock is up 2.54% to $86.29. JD is up 3.20%, BIDU is up 1.29%, NIO is up 0.25%, LI is down 0.18%, and XPEV is down 0.92%.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/12/42340973/signet-jewelers-stock-tanks-after-dismal-q3-print-guidance-cut" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Signet Jewelers Stock Tanks After Dismal Q3 Print, Guidance Cut</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Tatiana Popova and rawf8 via Shutterstock

What's Going On With US Listed Chinese Stocks Alibaba, JD, Nio, Li, XPeng On Friday?

On Friday, U.S. ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) and Chinese Robotaxi company WeRide&nbsp;Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WRD#NASDAQ">WRD</a>) announced the launch of their ride-hailing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/b42358254/uber-and-weride-launch-autonomous-mobility-service-in-abu-dhabi" rel="noreferrer noopener">partnership&nbsp;in Abu Dhabi</a>.
The launch represents the first time autonomous vehicles (AVs) are available on the Uber platform outside the U.S. and the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the U.S. and China.
UAE national transport company Tawasul Transport will act as the fleet operator.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42344006/intel-interim-co-chief-expects-ceo-to-have-foundry-experience-stands-by-forecast" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel Interim Co-Chief Expects CEO To Have Foundry Background, Stands By Forecast</a>
Now, Uber riders in Abu Dhabi requesting UberX or Uber Comfort can qualify for a WeRide AV ride.
The service will be available in key areas between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island and routes to and from Zayed International Airport. The plan is to expand the operating territory in the future.
At the initial launch, each AV will have a safety operator present to ensure a secure and reliable experience, targeting a fully driverless commercial service planned for later in 2025.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06050751/newplot-5.png" alt="" class="wp-image-680249" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06050751/newplot-5.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06050751/newplot-5-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
In July 2023, WeRide bagged UAE&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/41022424/uber-teams-with-weride-for-uae-robotaxi-rollout-details" rel="noreferrer noopener">exclusive national license</a>, which permits the testing and operation of its autonomous vehicles on public roads throughout the country.
According to CIC forecasts, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/42096308/werides-robotaxi-and-partnerships-are-key-growth-drivers-for-global-expansion-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">global autonomous driving market</a> has the potential to grow at an 80% compound annual growth rate from $93 billion in 2025 to $1.745 trillion by 2030. The market has a growth potential of 85% CAGR for China, reaching $639 billion by 2030.
in other recent robotaxi initiatives, on Thursday, Alphabet Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Waymo <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42348287/whats-going-on-with-uber-shares-thursday" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced plans to</a> launch its commercial robotaxi service in Miami in 2026.
Earlier this week, Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42263396/baidu-takes-on-tesla-testing-self-driving-tech-in-hong-kongs-streets" rel="noreferrer noopener">won Hong Kong&#8217;s first</a> autonomous vehicle test license under new 2024 legislation.
Reportedly, Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42159490/elon-musks-tesla-hunts-top-talent-to-develop-software-for-robotaxi-optimus-robot-teleoperation-2" rel="noreferrer noopener">is aggressively hiring</a> software engineers to boost its teleoperation&nbsp;capabilities for robotaxis.
Price Actions: At the last check on Friday, UBER stock was up 1.18% to $65.96 in the premarket session, while WRD was up 5.89%.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42336825/nvidia-could-become-taiwan-semis-3rd-us-plant-customer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia Could Become Taiwan Semi&#8217;s Third US Plant Customer, But With A Catch</a></li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/apple-hits-snags-adapting-baidus-ai-models-for-china-users" title="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/apple-hits-snags-adapting-baidus-ai-models-for-china-users">https://www.theinformation.com/articles/apple-hits-snags-adapting-baidus-ai-models-for-china-users</a> &nbsp;

'Apple Hits Snags Adapting Baidu's AI Models for China Users' - The Information

On Saturday, Baidu, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>) obtained a Hong Kong&nbsp;license&nbsp;to test <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/autonomous-vehicles" rel="noreferrer noopener">autonomous vehicles</a> in the city. This is the government&#8217;s first pilot license since the launch of new legislation in March 2024.
The license, valid from December 9, 2024, to December 8, 2029, permits only one self-driving car to operate on specified road sections at a time in its first phase, marking the company&#8217;s attempts to expand its autonomous vehicle technology beyond China, Reuters reports.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/42247515/meta-weighs-sole-ownership-of-a-10-billion-subsea-cable-project" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta Weighs Sole Ownership Of A $10 Billion Subsea Cable Project</a>
Baidu&#8217;s Apollo International unit can conduct a trial of 10 autonomous vehicles in the North Lantau area, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-01/baidu-wins-first-license-to-test-self-driving-car-in-hong-kong?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">cites</a> Hong Kong&#8217;s Transport Department.
Apollo Go targets the expansion of AI and autonomous driving technology to more countries and regions, Bloomberg cites an Apollo Go spokesperson.
Baidu&#8217;s autonomous ride-hailing arm, Apollo Go, launched an affordable robotaxi model in May and aims to break even by 2025. According to prior reports, Baidu plans to expand its robotaxi service to Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Middle East.
Baidu reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/42109965/baidus-q3-earnings-revenue-slides-weak-online-ads-market-impact-margins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiscal third-quarter</a> revenue decline of 3% to $4.78 billion, above the analyst estimate of $4.69 billion. 
Baidu&#8217;s adjusted earnings per ADS&nbsp;of $2.37 topped the&nbsp;consensus estimate of $2.35.
Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) held its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41244101/teslas-party-could-be-crashed-by-baidu-as-chinese-rival-considers-global-robotaxi-expansion" rel="noreferrer noopener">robotaxi event in</a> October 2024. Meanwhile, Chinese robotaxi developer WeRide Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WRD#NASDAQ">WRD</a>) revealed a new partnership with Uber to bring its vehicles to the ride-hailing platform in Abu Dhabi.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02030635/newplot.png" alt="" class="wp-image-671838" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02030635/newplot.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02030635/newplot-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Baidu&nbsp;stock plunged over 26% year-to-date as it battled a weak economy, U..S. semiconductor sanctions on China with the domestic fiscal stimulus failing to impress the Street.
Investors can gain exposure to Baidu through Managed Portfolio Series Tremblant Global ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TOGA#NYSE">TOGA</a>) and Roundhill Ball Metaverse ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/METV#NYSE">METV</a>).
Price Action: BIDU stock traded higher by 0.66% to $85.61 premarket at the last check on Monday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42245036/alibaba-co-founder-makes-rare-appearance-at-company-campus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alibaba Co-Founder Jack Ma Makes Rare Appearance At Company Campus</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Analysts' ratings for Baidu (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>) over the last quarter vary from bullish to bearish, as provided by 6 analysts.
In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $112.67, along with a high estimate of $141.00 and a low estimate of $85.00. A 12.93% drop is evident in the current average compared to the previous average price target of $129.40. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732899645_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</h2>
The standing of Baidu among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Alicia Yap</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$141.00</td>
<td>$142.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shyam Patil</td>
<td>Susquehanna</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fawne Jiang</td>
<td>Benchmark</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Lee</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charlene Liu</td>
<td>HSBC</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shyam Patil</td>
<td>Susquehanna</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Positive</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Baidu. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Baidu compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Baidu's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of Baidu's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BIDU/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Baidu analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Discovering Baidu: A Closer Look</h2>
Baidu is the largest internet search engine in China with over 50% share of the search engine market in 2024 per web analytics firm, Statcounter. The firm generated 72% of core revenue from online marketing services from its search engine in 2023. Outside its search engine, Baidu is a technology-driven company and its other major growth initiatives are artificial intelligence cloud, video streaming services, voice recognition technology, and autonomous driving.
<h3>Baidu: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company exhibits a lower market capitalization profile, positioning itself below industry averages. This suggests a smaller scale relative to peers.
Revenue Growth: Baidu's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 30 September, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -2.58%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Communication Services sector.
Net Margin: Baidu's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 22.74%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): Baidu's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 2.98% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Baidu's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 1.83%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.3.
<h2>Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
In addition to their assessments, some analysts extend their insights by offering predictions for key metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates. This supplementary information provides further guidance for traders. It is crucial to recognize that, despite their specialization, analysts are human and can only provide forecasts based on their beliefs.
Breaking: Wall Street's Next Big Mover
Benzinga's #1 analyst just identified a stock poised for explosive growth. This under-the-radar company could surge 200%+ as major market shifts unfold. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/turning-point-trader-checkout-2/?t=Tu1tu3arja3be22tu36&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for urgent details</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

Critical Insights From Baidu Analyst Ratings: What You Need To Know

Citigroup analyst Alicia Yap maintains Baidu (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $142 to $141.

Price Target

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Baidu, Lowers Price Target to $141

Li Auto Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>) shares saw a slight uptick in premarket trading on Friday following reported staffing changes within its<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket" rel="noreferrer noopener"> smart driving team.</a>
The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker has appointed Xia Zhongpu as the head of end-to-end technology delivery, a role that reports directly to Lang Xianpeng, the head of smart driving, <a target="_blank" href="https://cnevpost.com/2024/11/29/li-auto-reshuffles-smart-driving-team-report/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> CnEV Post.
This restructuring marks a significant shift as Li Auto pushes for long-term technological advancements in its EV offerings.
Xia&#8217;s behavioral intelligence department has been promoted to a first-tier unit, reflecting the company&#8217;s progress in end-to-end technology development. The move comes after Li Auto hit key milestones in its technology efforts. These changes signal the company&#8217;s commitment to enhancing its smart driving capabilities as it continues to innovate in the competitive EV market.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42241747/asia-and-europe-markets-mixed-oil-falls-gold-rises-dollar-weakens-global-markets-today-while-us-slept" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asia And Europe Markets Mixed; Oil Falls And Dollar Cools &#8211; Global Markets Today While US Slept</a>
Xia previously worked at Baidu, Inc&#8217;s autonomous driving team, where he focused on integrating planning and control in smart driving systems using AI neural networks. This technology is crucial for achieving an end-to-end solution.
Meanwhile, Shares of U.S.-listed Chinese stocks have seen gains recently following a report indicating additional Chinese fiscal stimulus after a critical economic meeting in December.
As said earlier, Li Auto expects fourth-quarter revenue of $6.2 billion—$6.5 billion, representing an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41647868/li-auto-q3-earnings-24-topline-growth-1-million-deliveries-milestone-q4-revenue-outlook-lags-street" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase of 3.5%–10.0% year over year.</a>
LI expects fourth-quarter vehicle deliveries of 160,000—170,000, representing an increase of 21.4%–29.0%&nbsp;year over year.
According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, LI stock has lost over 39% in the past year. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMOG#NYSE">SMOG</a>).
Price Action: LI shares are trading higher by 0.17% to $23.35 premarket at last check Friday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42237670/meta-tiktok-snapchat-could-face-32m-fines-as-australia-enforces-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-while-exempting-youtube" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta, TikTok, Snapchat Could Face $32M Fines As Australia Enforces Social Media Ban For Under-16s</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Postmodern Studio on Shutterstock.

Equities

Management

SMOG

What's Going On With Li Auto Stock Friday?

Shares of US-listed Chinese stocks are trading higher following a report indicating additional Chinese fiscal stimulus after a key economic meeting in December.

U.S.-listed Chinese stocks&nbsp;Alibaba Group Holding.&nbsp;(NYSE:&nbsp;BABA),&nbsp;JD.com, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;JD),&nbsp;Baidu, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;BIDU),&nbsp;NIO Inc. (NYSE:&nbsp;NIO),&nbsp;Li Auto Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;LI),&nbsp;and XPeng Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:&nbsp;XPEV) are trading higher Wednesday following a Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-27/chinese-stocks-jump-as-stimulus-hopes-rise-ahead-of-key-meeting?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> indicating additional Chinese fiscal stimulus after&nbsp;a key economic meeting in December.
Additionally, China&#8217;s industrial profits showed signs of recovery in October, as stimulus measures introduced by Beijing helped reduce the pace of declines. Industrial profits fell 10% year-over-year last month, improving from the 27.1% drop reported in September, the Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/economy/china-industrial-profits-show-slight-improvement-as-stimulus-kicks-in-fb1e8ac5?mod=latest_headlines" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42191062/manchester-united-q3-earnings-revenue-falls-89-as-broadcasting-takes-a-hit-cost-cuts-stay-on-track-reaffirms-2025-guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester United Q1 Earnings: Revenue Falls 8.9% As Broadcasting Takes A Hit, Cost Cuts Stay On Track, Reaffirms 2025 Guidance</a>
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, efforts to stabilize industrial output are gaining traction.
Yu Weining, a bureau statistician, told the WSJ that the improvement was due to various support measures, including interest rate cuts and liquidity injections, to boost market confidence and production levels.
The recovery was particularly evident in the raw materials and consumer goods manufacturing sectors, bolstered by a rebound in domestic consumption and robust exports of industrial products. The data reflects a broader stabilization in production, though challenges remain for industrial enterprises operating under reduced capacity.
For the first ten months of 2024, industrial profits dropped by 4.3% year-over-year, widening from the 3.5% decline recorded in the first nine months. This broader trend indicates persistent headwinds despite recent gains as some companies grapple with reduced operations.
China&#8217;s government introduced a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/41843262/chinas-stimulus-plan-not-enough-to-ignite-stocks" rel="noreferrer noopener">6 trillion yuan ($840 billion) stimulus</a> to alleviate local debt burdens and revive economic growth.
The plan, confirmed by Finance Minister Lan Fo&#8217;an, will provide 2 trillion yuan annually to local governments through 2026.
Central authorities will issue 800 billion yuan annually in bonds, totaling 4 trillion yuan over five years.
The initiative aims to cut hidden local debts from 14.3 trillion yuan to 2.3 trillion yuan by 2028.
China&#8217;s government advisers expect the country to brace for an economic growth target of 5.0% for 2025 and robust fiscal stimulus to nullify the impact of expected U.S. tariff hikes on its exports, as per Reuters.
Price Actions: At the last check on Wednesday, BABA stock is up 2.03% to $86.91. JD is up 3.792%, BIDU is up 0.99%, NIO is up 2.78%, LI is up 3.16% and XPEV is up 3.25%.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42190945/microsoft-service-disruption-hits-outlook-and-teams-thousands-report-issues" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Service Disruption Hits Outlook And Teams, Thousands Report Issues</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

What's Going On With US Listed Chinese Stocks Alibaba, JD, Nio, Li, XPeng On Wednesday?

These companies stand to gain after GM drops out of robotaxi race

Tracking David Tepper's Appaloosa Management Portfolio - Q3 2024 Update

Nvidia increases headcount in China to boost AI-driven car technology - report

The Build A Tesla Thesis: How Tesla Can Be Replicated And How Much It Costs

Hartford Emerging Markets Equity Fund Q3 2024 Commentary

Apple in discussions with ByteDance, Tencent to integrate AI models in iPhones in China - report

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
Baidu (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/bidu-stock-quote/">BIDU</a>) just reported results for the second quarter of 2024.<ul><li>Baidu reported earnings per share of $2.89. This was above the analyst estimate for EPS of $2.58.</li><li>The company reported revenue of $4.67 billion.</li><li>This was worse than the analyst estimate for revenue of $4.70 billion.</li></ul><div>InvestorPlace Earnings is a project that leverages data from <a href="https://www.tradesmith.com">TradeSmith</a> to automate coverage of quarterly earnings reports. InvestorPlace Earnings distills key takeaways including earnings per share and revenue, as well as how a company stacks up to analyst estimates. These articles are published without human intervention, allowing us to inform our readers of the latest figures as quickly as possible. To report any concerns or inaccuracies, please contact us at <a href="mailto:editor@investorplace.com">editor@investorplace.com</a>.</div>	
	The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/earning-results/2024/08/bidu-stock-earnings-baidu-for-q2-of-2024/">BIDU Stock Earnings: Baidu Beats EPS, Misses Revenue for Q2 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

BIDU Stock Earnings: Baidu Beats EPS, Misses Revenue for Q2 2024

Nvidia's Fort Is Sieged By Big Tech, China, And Startups, But It's A Two-Year Buy (Rating Upgrade)

iPhone 16 demand 'slightly ahead' of expectations, as iOS 18.2 rolls out: Wedbush

Autonomous vehicle watch: The robotaxi pure play that analysts love

ADBE

AMZN

BABAF

BAIDF

BDORY

BYDDF

BYDDY

CHBJF

CHCJY

CIMDF

HYMTF

INTC

JDCMF

KWEB

LYFT

MDTTF

ORCL

PONY

QUCCF

SSNLF

TCEHY

TCTZF

WYNN

Small Cap

Opinion

Press Releases

Private Sector Pushes Forward Amid US-China AI Regulation Disputes

Baidu to Report Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results on Aug 22, 2024

Contracts

Baidu Selects Hesai as Exclusive Long-Range Lidar Provider for Next-Generation Robotaxis

Earnings

Baidu Announces Second Quarter 2024 Results

Baidu Announces Management Rotation

Baidu to Report Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on Nov 21, 2024

Baidu Unveils iRAG and No-Code Tool Miaoda to Drive AI Application Boom

SunCar Technology Group Inc. Joins the Prestigious NASDAQ Golden Dragon China Index

Baidu Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results

AVAI

HSAI

PEGA

PLTR

Autohome Inc. American Depositary Shares, each representing four class A ordinary shares.

Government Trades

Baidu Inc

top performing BIDU trades

Popular Channels

Tools & Features

Partners & Contributors

About Benzinga