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Five Below Inc is a specialty value retailer offering merchandise targeted at the tween and teen demographic. The Company's edited assortment of products includes select brands and licensed merchandise.

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Dust settling from 2024 election as companies grapple with potential tariffs under second Trump term. List of stocks that may be impacted.

4 Stocks to Sell Before Trump&#39;s Tariffs Take Effect

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When the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to lower the federal funds rate by 50 basis points—rather than a widely expected 25—at its September meeting, the S&amp;P 500 continued its seemingly optimistic path skyward to fresh record highs.

What Does A Rate Cut Mean For Discount Retailers?


When the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to lower the federal funds rate by 50 basis points—rather than a widely expected 25—at its September meeting, the S&amp;P 500 continued its seemingly

What Does a Rate Cut Mean for Discount Retailers?

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Five Below&#39;s stock faces pressure as analysts adjust price targets and growth forecasts amid a strategic shift and ongoing sales challenges.

Five Below Faces Mixed Analyst Reviews: Strategy Shift And Lower Growth Projections Pressure Stock

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Wall Street rallied robustly on Thursday, with traders embracing a risk-on approach after government data revealed the U.S.

US Stocks Rally, Dow Jones Achieves Record Highs As GDP Outperforms, Nvidia Falls: What&#39;s Driving Markets Thursday?

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After dilly-dallying in recent sessions amid anticipation ahead of Nvidia Corp.’s (NASDAQ:NVDA) earnings, market mood is settling in. The index futures were higher in early trading.

Wall Street On Track For Relief Rally With Nvidia Earnings In Rearview Mirror: Strategist Says Near-Term Market Trajectory May Not Hinge On Presidential Election But This

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Why Affirm Shares Are Trading Higher By Around 18%; Here Are 20 Stocks Moving Premarket

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Five Below reported its second-quarter financial results after Wednesday&#39;s closing bell. Here&#39;s a look at the key figures from the report.

Five Below Stock Climbs After Q2 Results: EPS In-Line, Sales Beat

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Wall Street faces a wave of risk-off sentiment on Wednesday, as traders adopt a cautious stance ahead of NVIDIA Corp.

US Stocks, Chipmakers Fall Ahead Of Nvidia Earnings, Berkshire Hits $1 Trillion, Super Micro Computer Sinks: What&#39;s Driving Markets Wednesday?

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Goldman Sachs analyst Michael Ng maintained a Buy rating on Comcast Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) with a price target of $50.
On November 20, 2024, Comcast announced <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42081224/comcast-plans-major-cable-networks-spinoff-msnbc-and-cnbc-to-form-new-public-company-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">plans to spin off</a> select cable networks and digital assets into a new publicly traded entity called SpinCo.
The proposed spin-off aims to streamline Comcast&#8217;s operations and enhance growth by separating its cable networks and complementary digital assets from its broader media and streaming divisions.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42116366/taiwan-semiconductor-plans-new-factories-annually-boosting-domestic-chip-production" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Semiconductor Plans New Factories To Boost Domestic Chip Production</a>
SpinCo assets generated approximately $7 billion in trailing twelve-month (TTM) revenue ending September 30, 2024, with an estimated EBITDA between $2 billion and $3 billion, the analyst said.
About 75% of SpinCo&#8217;s portfolio will focus on news and sports, while the remaining 25% covers general entertainment.
Comcast expects SpinCo to maintain a traditional cable network EBITDA margin of around 30%, driven by reduced Peacock-related losses and sports licensing costs.
Post-spin, Comcast&#8217;s remaining media assets (RemainCo) will include NBC broadcast, Peacock, regional sports networks, and Sky, generating an estimated $40 billion in annual revenue.
Peacock will likely remain largely unaffected by the spin, as only 2% of its content originates from SpinCo, while 98% will continue to come from RemainCo.
The spin-off positions SpinCo to pursue growth through organic initiatives and mergers or acquisitions, with a dedicated management team and tailored operational focus.
Mark Lazarus, the current chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, will serve as SpinCo&#8217;s CEO, and Anand Kini, NBCUniversal&#8217;s CFO, will become SpinCo&#8217;s CFO and COO. Comcast expects the transaction to close within a year, pending regulatory approvals.
Ng highlighted the spin-off as a strategic move to refine Comcast&#8217;s focus on core growth drivers, including residential broadband, wireless services, and streaming.
SpinCo&#8217;s creation will likely improve CNBC and MSNBC monetization through digital subscription models and potential affiliate fee adjustments.
Ng views the separation as accretive to revenue growth while maintaining Comcast&#8217;s leverage neutrality.
Risks to the strategy include intensified cord-cutting, rising programming costs, and competitive pressures from streaming platforms.
Despite these challenges, Ng expects the spin-off to unlock shareholder value and position both SpinCo and RemainCo for sustainable growth.
Ng projected fiscal 2024 revenue of $123.42 billion and EPS of $4.24. The analyst estimates fiscal 2025 revenue of $123.43 billion and EPS of $4.43.
Price Action: CMCSA stock is up 1.59% at $43.68 at the last check on Thursday.
Also Read:
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CMCSA

Comcast's Spin-Off to Boost Broadband and Streaming Growth: Goldman Sachs

Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos,&nbsp;two of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/41813356/elon-musks-net-worth-soars-by-26-5-billion-in-single-day-after-tesla-stock-surges-post-trump-vic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">world&#8217;s richest people,</a>&nbsp;entered a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42105450/elon-musk-says-amazon-founder-jeff-bezos-urged-tesla-spacex-investors-to-dump-stakes-predicting-trumps-loss">social media sparring</a> match on Thursday.
What Happened: The controversy began when Musk accused Bezos of urging &#8220;everyone&#8221; to sell shares of Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Musk supported Donald Trump during the presidential stakes, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to Trump&#8217;s election efforts.
&#8220;Just learned tonight at Mar-a-Lago that Jeff Bezos was telling everyone that @realDonaldTrump would lose for sure, so they should sell all their Tesla and SpaceX stock &#x1f92d;,&#8221; Musk <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1859483544612913376">posted</a> on his social media platform, X. The post garnered over 29 million views.
Bezos responded nearly nine hours later.
&#8220;Nope. 100% not true,&#8221; the Amazon founder succinctly <a href="https://x.com/JeffBezos/status/1859615862984167549">replied</a>. 
It is unclear whether the billionaire entrepreneur plans to pursue legal action against Musk.
Tesla&#8217;s stock has far outperformed the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) since <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/11/41768811/donald-trump-wins-47th-presidency-us-futures-up-europe-up-asia-mixed-crude-falls-and-dollar-strength">Trump&#8217;s election win</a> on Nov. 5. Tesla shares are trading up 35%, breaking the $1 trillion mark, while the benchmark has gained 2.97%.
Musk is the largest shareholder of Tesla. While Musk did not start the company, he has served as CEO since 2008.
Musk and Bezos&#8217; rivalry stretches decades. Musk is the principal shareholder of SpaceX while Bezos owns Blue Origin, two space exploration companies.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42119020/alphabet-bleeds-over-120-billion-in-market-value-eyes-worst-day-in-10-months-after-doj-demands-google-chrome-sale">Alphabet Bleeds Over $120 Billion In Market Value, Eyes Worst Day In 10 Months After DOJ Demands Google Chrome Sale</a></li>
</ul>
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Entertainment

Social Media

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TSLA

Jeff Bezos Denies Elon Musk's Allegation That He Told People To Sell Tesla Stock: '100% Not True'

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler has announced his resignation, effective January 20, 2025, coinciding with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Gensler&#8217;s tenure has been marked by a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41993524/gary-gensler-hints-at-ending-his-stint-as-sec-chair-defends-crypto-regulation-agenda">stringent regulatory approach</a> toward the cryptocurrencies, drawing criticism from the industry.
What Happened: "I thank President Biden for entrusting me with this incredible responsibility. The SEC has met our mission and enforced the law without fear or favor,&#8221; Gensler <a href="https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024-182">said</a> in a press release on Thursday.
Appointed on Apr. 17 2021, Gensler brought extensive experience from his previous role as chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
 His leadership at the SEC was characterized by a firm stance on digital assets, emphasizing investor protection and market integrity.
Gensler frequently likened the cryptocurrency market to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/12/36358607/crypto-wild-west-hurts-investors-sec-chair-says-bankruptcy-court-queues-are-crowded">&#8220;Wild West,&#8221; advocating for comprehensive oversight</a>. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42116475/paying-6-24-million-for-a-duct-taped-banana-justin-sun-did-just-that-and-now-hell-eat-it-as-part-of-this-unique-artistic-experience">Paying $6.24 Million For A Duct-Taped Banana? Justin Sun Did Just That — And Now He&#8217;ll Eat It &#8216;As Part Of This Unique Artistic Experience&#8217;</a>
He asserted that many digital assets functioned as securities and should be regulated accordingly. 
Under his direction, the SEC initiated numerous enforcement actions against major crypto entities, including lawsuits <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40568347/after-binance-and-coinbase-gary-gensler-led-sec-set-to-lock-horns-with-crypto-exchange-kra">against Coinbase</a> and Binance for allegedly operating unregistered securities exchanges.
This rigorous approach faced opposition from industry stakeholders and some lawmakers, who argued that it stifled innovation and lacked clear regulatory guidelines. 
In November, the American Securities Association <a href="https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-calls-on-sec-chair-gensler-to-immediately-step-down">called</a> for Gensler&#8217;s immediate resignation, citing concerns over his regulatory methods.
President-elect Trump has been vocal about his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41680397/who-will-replace-gary-gensler-the-top-candidates-for-sec-chair-after-the-election">intention to replace Gensler</a>, criticizing his handling of cryptocurrency regulation.
Earlier in July, Trump said, &#8220;I will <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/40018935/trumps-bitcoin-conference-pledge-can-he-really-fire-sec-chair-gensler">fire Gary Gensler on day one</a>,&#8221; signaling a potential shift in the SEC&#8217;s approach to digital assets under the incoming administration.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42114875/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-stands-out-as-candidate-for-donald-trumps-reported-crypto-czar-position-cardano-co-founder-says">Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong &#8216;Stands Out&#8217; As Candidate For Donald Trump&#8217;s Reported &#8216;Crypto Czar&#8217; Position, Cardano Co-Founder Says</a></li>
</ul>
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Gary Gensler To Step Down As SEC Chair On Trump's Inauguration Day

KLA's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NYSE">KLAC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 8.47% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 2.31 million shares sold short, which is 1.73% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.79 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>KLA Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732213823_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for KLA has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing KLA's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, KLA's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.96%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

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KLAC

(KLAC) - Analyzing KLA's Short Interest

FirstCash Hldgs's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCFS#NYSE">FCFS</a>) short percent of float has risen 14.86% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 718 thousand shares sold short, which is 2.55% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.14 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>FirstCash Hldgs Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732213818_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for FirstCash Hldgs has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing FirstCash Hldgs's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, FirstCash Hldgs's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.48%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

FCFS

How Is The Market Feeling About FirstCash Hldgs?

Wynn Resorts's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WYNN#NYSE">WYNN</a>) short percent of float has fallen 12.26% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 5.61 million shares sold short, which is 5.08% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.27 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Wynn Resorts Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732213812_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Wynn Resorts has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Wynn Resorts's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Wynn Resorts's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.47%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

WYNN

How Is The Market Feeling About Wynn Resorts?

MongoDB Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDB#NASDAQ">MDB</a>) and Datadog Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>) shares are trading higher Thursday. Several software names jumped following Snowflake Inc.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNOW#NYSE">SNOW</a>) strong earnings report and optimistic guidance. Here&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42117057/snowflake-stock-is-blazing-higher-thursday-whats-going-on">what you need to know.</a>
What To Know: Snowflake exceeded<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42117057/snowflake-stock-is-blazing-higher-thursday-whats-going-on"> analyst expectations </a>in the third quarter, reporting $942.09 million in revenue, above the forecasted $896.99 million. Adjusted earnings came in at 20 cents per share, beating the estimate of 15 cents per share, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Product revenue totaled $900.3 million, up 29% year-over-year. Snowflake guided for fourth-quarter product revenue in the range of $906 million to $911 million, and raised its full-year product revenue outlook from $3.356 billion to $3.43 billion, representing 29% year-over-year growth.
&#8220;Our obsessive drive to produce product cohesion and ease of use has built Snowflake into the easiest and most cost-effective enterprise data platform,&#8221; said Sridhar Ramaswamy, CEO of Snowflake.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42119020/alphabet-bleeds-over-120-billion-in-market-value-eyes-worst-day-in-10-months-after-doj-demands-google-chrome-sale">Alphabet Bleeds Over $120 Billion In Market Value, Eyes Worst Day In 10 Months After DOJ Demands Google Chrome Sale</a>
Snowflake's results appear to have sparked optimism around growing enterprise adoption of AI-powered data solutions, supported by the company&#8217;s acquisition of Datavolo and multi-year partnership with Anthropic. Such has led to optimism across the data and cloud services sector, benefiting MongoDB and Datadog, among others.
MongoDB, known for its NoSQL database solutions, is a key player in managing enterprise data, which remains critical for businesses leveraging AI and cloud-based tools. Datadog, a monitoring and analytics platform for cloud applications, complements this ecosystem by providing insights into system performance and reliability. Cloud data providers are seen as integral to the broader data infrastructure required by enterprises adopting advanced analytics and AI-driven workflows.
MDB, DDOG Price Action: At publication time, MongoDB shares were up 14.9% at $323.77 and Datadog shares were up 7.27% at $145.29, according to<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard"> Benzinga Pro.</a>
Image via Shutterstock.

DDOG

SNOW

MongoDB, Datadog Shares Are Moving Higher: What's Going On?

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/587635585064ed0001400105/michael-blum">Wells Fargo analyst Michael Blum </a>initiated coverage on GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>) with an Overweight rating and announced a price target of $385. GE Vernova shares closed at $342.77 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GEV/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Oppenheimer analyst Michael Phillips initiated coverage on International General Insurance Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IGIC#NASDAQ">IGIC</a>) with an Outperform rating and announced a price target of $30. Intl General Insurance shares closed at $24.54 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/IGIC/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Stifel analyst Lars Kjellberg initiated coverage on Mativ Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MATV#NYSE">MATV</a>) with a Hold rating and announced a price target of $15.5. Mativ shares closed at $12.52 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MATV/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Goldman Sachs analyst Richard Law initiated coverage on Merus N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRUS#NASDAQ">MRUS</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $73. Merus shares closed at $42.93 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRUS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>UBS analyst A.J. Rice initiated coverage on The Ensign Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENSG#NASDAQ">ENSG</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $175. Ensign Group shares closed at $144.66 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ENSG/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying GEV stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="578" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21132522/image-224-1024x578.png" alt="" class="wp-image-659530" style="width:710px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21132522/image-224-1024x578.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21132522/image-224-300x169.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21132522/image-224-768x434.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21132522/image-224.png 1190w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Initiation

ENSG

IGIC

MATV

MRUS

This GE Vernova Analyst Begins Coverage On A Bullish Note; Here Are Top 5 Initiations For Thursday

Airbnb (ABNB) is sitting in a wide range into its next earnings cycle in February and it seems reasonable that the price action might stay in that range.
Here's the best trade to profit from that.
The trade we're looking at today is a short iron condor expiring in January, 2025. Currently, ABNB's relative resistance zone sits right around $150, and relative support is near $330. So we want a trade that makes us money as long as ABNB shares stay in that $150-$330 range.
With that in mind, our short iron condor, a combination of a short call spread and a short put spread, looks like this:
<ul>
<li>Sell to open 1 ABNB 17 Jan 150 calls</li>
<li>Buy to open 1 ABNB 17 Jan 155 calls</li>
<li>Buy to open 1 ABNB 17 Jan 330 puts</li>
<li>Sell to open 1 ABNB 17 Jan 320 puts</li>
</ul>
The short iron condor yields maximum profit when the share price of the underlying stock is equal to or between the strike prices of the "short" options (the ones you sell to open) on the day they expire.
In other words, as long as shares of Airbnb trade between $150 and $320, this trade will yield its maximum profit. The total potential profit what we collect on the credit side which is $1.26 at this writing and the total risk is difference between the distance of the strikes and the credit collected ($5 &#8211; $1.26= $3.74).
People often ask why they should use a short iron condor when the risk is so much higher than the reward, and that answer comes to probabilities. The probability the prices move into our short strikes is currently 15% while the probability that we hold outside this region is 85%.
The strategy result provides only two choices to exit the trade:
<ol>
<li>To buy back the short iron condor when it is performing at your target parameters. I like the 50% profit range.</li>
<li>To buy back the short iron condor when it hits either of the short strikes or hits the loss threshold that is desirable for you. Again, I like the 50% stop here.</li>
</ol>
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Image via Shutterstock

How to Profit From Airbnb's "Stuck" Share Price

WIIM

CDTX

Cidara Therapeutics shares are trading higher. The company announced a $105 million private placement.

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CELH#NASDAQ">CELH</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with CELH, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 9 uncommon options trades for Celsius Holdings.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 66% bullish and 22%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $124,398, and 7 are calls, for a total amount of $683,710.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $15.0 to $40.0 for Celsius Holdings over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Celsius Holdings's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Celsius Holdings's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $15.0 to $40.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Celsius Holdings Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732213218_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</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>CELH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.8</td>
<td>$5.65</td>
<td>$5.8</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$164.7K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
<td align="right">414</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CELH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$6.15</td>
<td>$6.1</td>
<td>$6.15</td>
<td>$36.67</td>
<td>$156.2K</td>
<td>352</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CELH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$15.25</td>
<td>$14.2</td>
<td>$14.75</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$147.5K</td>
<td>2</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CELH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$11.3</td>
<td>$11.2</td>
<td>$11.3</td>
<td>$37.50</td>
<td>$93.7K</td>
<td>501</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CELH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$8.25</td>
<td>$8.05</td>
<td>$8.15</td>
<td>$27.50</td>
<td>$65.8K</td>
<td>237</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Celsius Holdings</h3>
Celsius Holdings plays in the energy drink subsegment of the global nonalcoholic beverage market, with 96% of revenue concentrated in North America. Celsius' products contain natural ingredients and a metabolism-enhancing formulation, appealing to fitness and active lifestyle enthusiasts. The firm's portfolio includes its namesake Celsius Originals beverages, Celsius Essentials line (containing aminos), and Celsius On-the-Go powder packets. Celsius dedicates its efforts to branding and innovation, while it utilizes third parties for the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of its products. In 2022, Celsius forged a 20-year distribution agreement with PepsiCo, which holds an 8.5% stake in the business.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Celsius Holdings, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Current Position of Celsius Holdings</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 3,116,776, the CELH's price is up by 2.53%, now at $28.41. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 98 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Celsius Holdings</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $44.2.
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 B. Riley Securities persists with their Buy rating on Celsius Holdings, maintaining a target price of $44. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Roth MKM keeps a Buy rating on Celsius Holdings with a target price of $40. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from UBS continues to hold a Buy rating for Celsius Holdings, targeting a price of $45. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Stifel persists with their Buy rating on Celsius Holdings, maintaining a target price of $45. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from B. Riley Securities keeps a Buy rating on Celsius Holdings with a target price of $47. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Celsius Holdings options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

CELH

What the Options Market Tells Us About Celsius Holdings

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Workday (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDAY#NASDAQ">WDAY</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in WDAY usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 9 extraordinary options activities for Workday. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 66% leaning bullish and 33% bearish. Among these notable options, 2 are puts, totaling $244,664, and 7 are calls, amounting to $284,340.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $220.0 to $282.5 for Workday over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Workday's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Workday's whale activity within a strike price range from $220.0 to $282.5 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Workday Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732213213_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</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 align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>WDAY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/27/24</td>
<td>$2.2</td>
<td>$1.8</td>
<td>$1.9</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$189.0K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WDAY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$1.75</td>
<td>$1.7</td>
<td>$1.7</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$55.6K</td>
<td align="right">587</td>
<td align="right">275</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WDAY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$10.3</td>
<td>$9.9</td>
<td>$10.2</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$50.9K</td>
<td align="right">751</td>
<td align="right">101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WDAY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$9.4</td>
<td>$9.1</td>
<td>$9.1</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$45.5K</td>
<td align="right">751</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WDAY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$7.7</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$282.50</td>
<td>$42.6K</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Workday</h3>
Workday is a software company that offers human capital management, or HCM, financial management, and business planning solutions. Known for being a cloud-only software provider, Workday is headquartered in Pleasanton, California. Founded in 2005, Workday now employs over 18,000 employees.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Workday, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Current Position of Workday</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 937,628, the price of WDAY is up 1.34% at $262.92. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 5 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Workday</h3>
A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $305.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Scotiabank lowers its rating to Sector Outperform with a new price target of $340. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Loop Capital persists with their Hold rating on Workday, maintaining a target price of $270. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Workday options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

WDAY

Looking At Workday's Recent Unusual Options Activity

LCID

RIVN

STLA

Group Representing Major Automakers Urges President-Elect Trump To Preserve EV Tax, Production Tax Credits And Take Steps To Boost Self-Driving Vehicles

<a href="https://www.chicagofed.org/publications/speeches/2024/nov-21-central-indiana-corporate-partnership">https://www.chicagofed.org/publications/speeches/2024/nov-21-central-indiana-corporate-partnership</a>

Fed's Goolsbee Says Fed Relies On Economic Data That Is Forward-looking Like Inflation Expectations, But Will Not Speculate On Effect Of Policies That Are Predicted But Not In Place

Vertiv Holdings shares are trading higher in reaction to NVIDIA's recently announced strong financial results and guidance.

ANET

Arista Networks shares are trading higher in reaction to NVIDIA's recently announced strong financial results and guidance.

Idaho, the last U.S. state to legalize industrial hemp in April 2021, has significant potential to become a national leader in hemp cultivation. 
However, restrictive regulations are slowing the industry's growth, leaving farmers frustrated and cautious.
"Everyone&#8217;s nervous that it&#8217;s marijuana, or that it&#8217;s weed, or it&#8217;s a stepping stone to weed, but it&#8217;s a stepping stone to industrial building," said Triston Sponseller, one of Idaho's largest hemp farmers in an <a href="https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/agriculture/inside-ag/inside-ag-idaho-could-thrive-hemp-growing-giant-weed-out-restrictions/277-dd47e4aa-d290-476e-9f62-f9b11ab48790">article</a> by Hunter Frank on KTVB7. 
His operations in Roberts focus on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/01/30577461/we-need-hemp-based-fiber-food-and-building-materials-not-just-cbd-says-industry-report">hemp fiber</a>, showcasing the crop's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40418137/industrial-hemps-14b-projected-growth-an-investment-opportunity-too-good-to-miss">industrial applications</a> rather than THC or CBD production.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Navigating Stringent Regulations</h3>
Idaho's hemp laws mandate that crops test below 0.3% THC. 
This year, Sponseller's crop tested at 0.8%, forcing him to remove seed heads and bear the cost. 
Like others, he used certified seeds that passed in other states but failed Idaho's stricter requirements. Under the state's "three strikes" rule, farmers exceeding THC limits three times in five years are banned from growing hemp for another five years.
"It was certified when it came from overseas, and it didn&#8217;t go hot in Colorado," Sponseller explained, emphasizing the challenges of complying with Idaho's rules. Testing and remediation costs further deter expansion. "I can&#8217;t grow 2,000 acres of hemp and afford 20, 30 different tests for each field," he added.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/01/30577461/we-need-hemp-based-fiber-food-and-building-materials-not-just-cbd-says-industry-report">We Need Hemp-Based Fiber, Food And Building Materials, Not Just CBD, Says Industry Report</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Promise Of Hemp In Idaho</h3>
Despite the hurdles, hemp farming in Idaho has quadrupled in acreage since 2022, according to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).
Farmers like Sponseller say they&#8217;re optimistic, pointing to hemp's versatility, water efficiency and benefits to soil health. At Sponseller's Rexburg facility, hemp stalks are processed into materials like insulation, paper, and landscaping products.
"For being a plant grown in a field, it&#8217;s impressive how strong it is; just its natural qualities," Sponseller said.
Get Benzinga&#8217;s exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. If you&#8217;re serious about the business, you can&#8217;t afford to miss out.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Call For Change</h3>
Idaho&#8217;s hemp cultivators plan to lobby lawmakers this winter to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40833963/expert-calls-for-a-united-hemp-and-cannabis-front-industries-should-collaborate-and-push-for-fed">ease regulations</a>, which could unlock hemp's potential to create jobs and boost the state&#8217;s economy. "Idaho has the highest restrictions in terms of remediation in probably most of the states in the U.S.," Sponseller said, noting that reforms could help farmers scale operations and attract manufacturing.
While progress is slow, he remains hopeful. "It&#8217;s new and it&#8217;s evolving, but it is moving forward." 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Proposed Farm Bill Changes </h3>
A recent new proposal from Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) in the 2024 Farm Bill could significantly alter the regulatory landscape for hemp farmers, but in the opposite direction Sponseller is fighting for. 
Released Monday, the bill redefines THC regulations, replacing Delta-9 THC with total THC, explicitly including THC-A in the calculation. While maintaining the 0.3% THC threshold, the method for measurement is revised, creating a stricter environment for industrial hemp but preserving low-THC product pathways, such as CBD.
This change contrasts with the House Agriculture Committee&#8217;s version, which sought a complete ban on THC in hemp products. 
<ul>
<li>Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/41851368/hemp-market-surge-how-new-regulations-could-impact-growth">Hemp Market Surge: How New Regulations Could Impact Growth</a></li>
</ul>
Cover: El Planteo.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>

Cannabis

Government

Regulations

Can Idaho Lead The Hemp Industry? Only If Regulations Change

The outspoken economist, author and podcast host Peter Schiff has long been a lightning rod for debate. Known for his bold predictions and contrarian views, Schiff recently sat down with CEO.CA to discuss the U.S. economy, inflation and his ongoing criticism of Bitcoin. His perspective, as always, was sharp and unapologetically critical of current economic policies.
Don't Miss:
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<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/cd-valet-growth">CD Popularity Soars: Over 50 Million Americans Embrace Safe Savings with 5–10% Annual Growth</a></li>
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The "Bubble Economy" Explained
Schiff argues that the U.S. economy has been in a bubble for decades. "What's been going on is that the government has been sustaining a bubble economy," Schiff stated. "It really took hold with Bush, reacting to the bursting of the dot-com bubble in 2001. Reckless policies have continued for over 20 years." According to Schiff, this pattern of debt-driven consumption has left the economy in an unsustainable state.
He elaborates that the Federal Reserve's monetary policies and unchecked fiscal deficits have propped up this bubble economy. "The whole economy is built on debt and consumption and it's going to implode because it's unsustainable," he said.
See Also: Over the last five years, the price of gold has increased by approximately 83% — Investors like Bill O&#8217;Reilly and Rudy Giuliani are using this platform to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/american-hartford-gold">create customized gold IRAs to help shield their savings from inflation and economic turbulence.&nbsp;</a>
Why Bitcoin Doesn't Make the Cut
Schiff's skepticism toward Bitcoin remains firm. He <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40318568/mark-cuban-says-to-get-rich-invest-10-of-savings-in-high-risk-investments-but-if-its-bitcoin-thr">dismisses the cryptocurrency as "fool's gold</a>," designed to mimic some of gold's monetary properties but lacking its intrinsic value.
"People think that I don't own Bitcoin because I don't understand it," Schiff quipped. "No, I understand it precisely. That's why I don't own it. It's the people who own it that don't understand it – that's why they own it."
Schiff criticizes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/03/37513063/warren-buffett-says-he-wouldnt-pay-25-for-all-the-bitcoin-in-the-world-he-considers-crypto-rat-poiso">Bitcoin for being nothing more than a speculative asset</a>. "The only money made is by transferring wealth from new buyers to old sellers," he claimed, calling it a classic pyramid scheme.
When pressed on what would make him change his mind, Schiff replied, "If Bitcoin actually replaces fiat currencies as a unit of account and a medium of exchange – if I walk into a supermarket and everything is priced in Bitcoin–I'd admit I was wrong. But it's no closer to being money today than it was when it started."
Gold and Silver: The Safer Bet
Schiff remains a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/08/40290032/robert-kiyosaki-believes-the-dollars-days-are-numbered-china-and-japan-are-trading-bonds-for-gold-he">steadfast advocate for gold and silver</a>, seeing them as the ultimate hedge against inflation. He noted that central banks are already increasing their gold reserves, signaling confidence in its long-term value.
"Gold is approaching record highs, but silver is still a bargain at around $33 an ounce," he said. Schiff believes silver could see significant gains in the years ahead, particularly as retail investors return.
He also encouraged investors to consider mining stocks, which he likened to "the next crypto," offering high returns without the speculative risks of digital currencies.
Trending: Many are using this retirement income calculator to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on how on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
What's Next for the U.S. Economy?
Schiff predicts that economic conditions will worsen before they improve, citing unsustainable debt levels and rising inflation. "It's going to get worse before it gets even worse," he said grimly, highlighting the government's inability to address underlying structural issues.
For those looking to safeguard their wealth, Schiff recommends diversifying portfolios into international stocks, emerging markets and commodities like energy and agriculture. His core message: get out of dollars and into tangible assets.
While Schiff's views often spark controversy, his arguments offer a sobering critique of the current economic landscape. Whether you agree or not, his warnings about inflation, unsustainable debt and speculative bubbles are worth considering. As Schiff says, "The key is to be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/03/37513063/warren-buffett-says-he-wouldnt-pay-25-for-all-the-bitcoin-in-the-world-he-considers-crypto-rat-poiso">properly positioned before the collapse – </a>not after."
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a></li>
<li>Studies show 50% of consumers think Financial Advisors cost much more than they do —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/money-pickle"> to debunk this, this company provides matching for free and a complimentary first call with the matched advisor.</a></li>
</ul>
Image from Wikimedia

Peter Schiff Says Economic Bubble We're in Today Started 2 Decades Ago Under Bush – And 'It's Going To Get Worse Before It Gets Even Worse'

Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) announced plans to consolidate its domestic and international e-commerce operations into a single unit called Alibaba E-commerce Business Group.
The newly created division will be led by Jiang Fan, the current head of Alibaba International Digital Commerce, who has been the group&#8217;s CEO. He will report directly to Alibaba CEO Eddie Wu Yongming, SCMP <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3287583/alibaba-merge-domestic-and-global-e-commerce-units-names-jiang-fan-ceo" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
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The reorganization marks Alibaba&#8217;s most significant structural overhaul since the company split its operations into six independent business units in 2023.
This move is seen as a strategic effort to streamline operations and improve synergies between domestic and international supply chains, particularly as the company faces intensifying competition from rivals such as PDD Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>), which has aggressively expanded globally with its shopping app Temu.
Jiang&#8217;s leadership in the international division has already demonstrated significant growth.
Alibaba has been actively realigning its business strategy under CEO Eddie Wu, who took over leadership in 2023.
Recent initiatives include launching a digital marketing tool, Quanzhantui, and implementing technology service fees for Taobao and Tmall merchants. These measures aim to revitalize its domestic operations while maintaining its global expansion trajectory.
During the recently concluded Singles&#8217; Day shopping festival, Taobao and Tmall accounted for roughly 50% of sales across major platforms, while Douyin led growth with a 19% increase in gross merchandise value.
Alibaba&nbsp;reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/42006281/alibaba-q2-earnings-revenue-beats-forecast-cloud-and-international-sales-shine-free-cash-flow-falls-amid-strategic-investments" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiscal second-quarter 2024</a> revenue growth of 5% year-on-year to $33.70 billion, beating the analyst consensus of $33.47 billion.
Taobao and Tmall Group revenue grew by 1% to $14.11 billion. Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group revenue increased by 29% to $4.51 billion, driven by the growth of cross-border businesses.
Benchmark&#8217;s Fawne Jiang maintained a Buy rating on Alibaba with a price target of $118, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/42043480/alibabas-monetization-strategy-gains-momentum-but-gmv-growth-lags-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">citing mixed earnings performance</a>.
While customer management revenue grew 2.5% YoY, sluggish GMV growth and increased investments in Taobao and Tmall raise concerns over market share retention. The analyst expects improved monetization from software service fees and expanded Quanzhantui marketing use in upcoming quarters, aiding profitability. Fiscal 2025 revenue and EBITDA estimates were slightly reduced due to margin pressures but reflect confidence in the gradual recovery and user acquisition.
Price Action:&nbsp;BABA stock is down 0.99% at $85.91 at&nbsp;the last check on Thursday.
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