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The Gap, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GAP#NYSE">GAP</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its second quarter and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GAP/earnings">raised its outlook for FY24 gross margin.</a>
Gap reported quarterly earnings of 72 cents per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of 57 cents. Quarterly revenue came in at $3.82 billion, which beat the consensus estimate of $3.81 billion and is an increase over sales of $3.76 billion from the same period last year.
"I'm proud that Gap Inc. delivered another successful quarter, growing net sales for the fourth consecutive quarter and gaining market share across all brands while meaningfully expanding operating margin," said Gap CEO Richard Dickson.
Gap raised its full-year outlook for net sales, gross margin and operating income growth compared to prior expectations. The company now sees net sales up 1.5% to 2%, gross margin growth of 220 basis points and operating income margin of mid-to-high 60%.
Gap shares gained 10.7% to trade at $24.41 on Friday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Gap following earnings announcement.
<ul>
<li>B of A Securities maintained Gap with a Neutral and raised the price target from $25 to $28.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/62a9ca40b9d3b0000138d981/alex-straton">Morgan Stanley analyst Alex Straton</a> maintained Gap with an Overweight and raised the price target from $29 to $30.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst Adrienne Yih maintained the stock with an Overweight and raised the price target from $31 to $32.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Ike Boruchow maintained Gap with an Overweight and raised the price target from $28 to $30.</li>
<li>Evercore ISI Group analyst Michael Binetti maintained the stock with an Outperform and increased the price target from $32 to $33.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst Matthew Boss maintained Gap with a Neutral and boosted the price target from $26 to $28.</li>
<li>BMO Capital analyst Simeon Siegel maintained Gap with a Market Perform and raised the price target from $23 to $25.</li>
<li>Considering buying GAP stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="540" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22133942/image-255-1024x540.png" alt="" class="wp-image-661553" style="width:664px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22133942/image-255-1024x540.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22133942/image-255-300x158.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22133942/image-255-768x405.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22133942/image-255.png 1102w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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These Analysts Increase Their Forecasts On Gap Following Better-Than-Expected Earnings

Needham analyst Tom Nikic initiated Nike, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) with a Buy rating and a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NKE/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener"> price forecast of $84.</a>
The analyst suggests that Nike&#8217;s worst may nearly be over, with the recent CEO transition from John Donohoe to Nike veteran Elliott Hill seen as a major turning point &#8211; &#8220;Nike&#8217;s proverbial white knight.&#8221;
The analyst also acknowledges that management accepts past mistakes and takes decisive steps to correct them.
Although these strategies may pressure profits on P&amp;L in the short term, they are viewed as the right moves for the company, Nikic writes.
While rebuilding the brand&#8217;s momentum will take time, the analyst sees potential for Nike to become an attractive &#8220;story stock&#8221; in 2025, especially if performance has hit its lowest point and investors view Elliott Hill as the company&#8217;s savior.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42143421/staggering-google-breakup-proposal-from-doj-a-kitchen-sink-moment-alphabet-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Staggering&#8217; Google Breakup Proposal From DOJ A &#8216;Kitchen Sink Moment&#8217;: Alphabet Analyst</a>
The analyst notes that three years ago, the consensus FY25 EPS forecast for Nike was around $6.60, but it has now dropped to $2.75.
However, per Nikic, this updated estimate accurately reflects the necessary adjustments Nike needs to make.
The analyst also projects revenue declines to peak in the second half of 2024 and the first half of 2025 as Nike reduces over-distributed styles.
If revenue trends improve in the coming quarters and the EPS revision cycle turns positive, the analyst forecasts Nike&#8217;s stock could start rising.
The analyst projects Nike to report FY25 revenues of $47.383 billion, with earnings per share of $2.67.
Price Action: NKE shares are trading higher by 2.52% to $76.99 at last check Friday.
Photo via Shutterstock
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/24/11/42044642/trump-appears-frustrated-as-elon-musk-chimes-in-on-treasury-secretary-adds-more-names-to-a-list-of-potential-picks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Appears &#8216;Frustrated&#8217; As Elon Musk Chimes In On Treasury Secretary, Adds More Names To Short List </a></li>
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Nike's Worst May Nearly Be Over: Analyst Sees CEO Transition And Strategic Fixes Sparking A Turnaround

U.S. small-cap stocks have delivered an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/partner/markets/24/11/42086831/how-the-intersection-of-public-health-and-politics-can-shift-the-societal-landscape">exceptional performance this November</a>, with the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NASDAQ">IWM</a>) climbing 8.5% and outpacing the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NASDAQ">SPY</a>).
This year's rally for IWM is driven by supportive monetary policy, political developments, and economic resilience. The Federal Reserve's recent rate cuts, including a 25-basis-point reduction in November, have reduced borrowing costs, particularly benefiting small-cap companies that rely heavily on credit.
What To Know: Small-cap companies, which constitute the bulk of the Russell 2000 index, are typically more sensitive to borrowing costs than their larger counterparts.
Unlike large-cap companies, which often have diversified funding sources and international revenue streams, small-caps rely heavily on domestic lending to finance operations, expansion and innovation.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/42140842/sp-500-faces-volatile-2025-as-inflation-boom-could-return-bank-of-america-strategist">S&amp;P 500 Faces Volatile 2025 As &#8216;Inflation Boom&#8217; Could Return: Bank Of America Strategist</a>
Lower interest rates directly reduce borrowing costs, improving profit margins for small-cap firms. Additionally, cheaper credit can enable these businesses to invest more aggressively in growth initiatives, such as hiring, capital expenditures and research and development.
Rate cuts also typically encourage a rotation into riskier assets like small caps, as the lower yields on fixed-income securities push investors to seek higher returns in equities. This shift in investor sentiment is another factor behind the strong performance of IWM during periods of monetary easing.
What Else: Optimism surrounding the Republican sweep in the 2024 elections has further bolstered small caps, as investors anticipate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/41772701/trumps-historic-return-7-ways-his-second-term-could-impact-the-us-economy">regulatory rollbacks</a>.
Economic fundamentals have added fuel to the rally. The U.S. economy remains strong, with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41631465/us-gdp-rises-2-8-in-q3-but-can-the-momentum-last-what-6-top-economists-are-saying">steady GDP growth</a> and a robust labor market supporting consumer confidence and domestic demand, key drivers for small-cap stocks.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42141413/us-business-activity-soars-to-31-month-highs-in-november-small-caps-rally-dow-tops-44000">US Business Activity Soars To 31-Month Highs In November: Small Caps Rally, Dow Tops 44,000</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">IWM Performance After Recent Elections</h2>
Historical data from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?gspk=bHVrZWphY29iaTUzNDg&amp;gsxid=EfCj4A0Ti3Vk">Benzinga Pro</a> suggests that the performance of small caps, including IWM, often reflects broader market sentiment driven by post-election policies, economic expectations and seasonal trends.
<ul>
<li>November 2020 (Post-Biden Election): Following the election of Joe Biden, IWM experienced a sharp rally, increasing by 18.24% in November 2020. This surge was largely driven by investor optimism surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and the possibility of new fiscal stimulus​.​ </li>
<li>November 2016 (Post-Trump Election): After Donald Trump won the election in November 2016, IWM rose by approximately 6.5%. This was fueled by expectations of pro-business policies, including tax cuts and deregulation​. </li>
<li>November 2012 (Post-Obama Re-election): In November 2012, after President Obama was re-elected, IWM saw more modest growth, rising by about 1.5%. This reflected investor expectations of stability under Obama's second term​. </li>
<li>November 2008 (Post-Obama's First Election): Following Barack Obama's first election, small-cap stocks faced challenges in the aftermath of the financial crisis. IWM declined by approximately 5% in November 2008 as the market struggled amid the global economic downturn​.</li>
</ul>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42140450/doj-targets-google-chrome-poll-shows-64-oppose-alphabet-breakup-youtube-seen-as-top-prize">DOJ Targets Google Chrome, Poll Shows 64% Oppose Alphabet Breakup: YouTube Seen As Top Prize</a>

What's Driving Small-Cap Success For iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) In November?

Risk appetite remained robust in the final trading session of the week, with all major U.S. indices poised to close the week in positive territory. Small-cap stocks outperformed their large-cap counterparts, continuing their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/small-cap">recent streak of dominance</a>.
Fresh business surveys highlighted a notable health in the U.S. economy, with private sector activity recording its strongest expansion in over two and a half years. The services sector, in particular, showed remarkable growth, maintaining its rapid pace of expansion.
The Russell 2000, a benchmark for small-cap equities, surged 1.7% on Friday, building on a 1.5% gain from the previous session. The S&amp;P 500 edged higher, heading for a five-day winning streak, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed past the 44,000 mark, moving tantalizingly close to record highs. Technology stocks posted more modest gains.
The U.S. Dollar Index, tracked via the Invesco DB USD Index Bullish Fund ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UUP#NYSE">UUP</a>), extended its rally for an eighth consecutive week—the longest streak in 14 months—surpassing the 107 level to hit a two-year high. The dollar's strength was fueled by a mix of robust U.S. economic data <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/24/11/42138717/dollar-hits-2-year-highs-as-europes-recession-signals-spark-euro-pound-sell-offs">and economic malaise in Europe.</a>
In commodities, gold climbed for a fifth straight session, advancing 5.6% for the week, its best weekly performance since March 2023.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) also maintained its bullish momentum, soaring past $99,000 and edging closer to the highly anticipated $100,000 milestone. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,401.00</td>
<td>1.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>44,211.20</td>
<td>0.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,969.01</td>
<td>0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>20,768.99</td>
<td>0.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 1:05 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent111924&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) rose 0.4% to $595.75.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>)&nbsp;rose 0.8% to $442.49.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) inched 0.2% up to $506.20.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) rallied 1.8% to $238.61.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Consumer Discretionary Sector Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLY#NYSE">XLY</a>) outperformed, rising 1.6%. The&nbsp;Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) lagged, down 0.1%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTU#NASDAQ">INTU</a>) fell 4.4% in reaction to quarterly earnings. </li>
<li>Other stocks reacting to earnings reports were Copart Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPRT#NASDAQ">CPRT</a>), up 9.8%, Ross Stores Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROSS#NASDAQ">ROSS</a>), up 3.1%, and NetApp Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTAP#NASDAQ">NTAP</a>), down 2.7%. </li>
</ul>
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Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Small Caps Rally, Gold Poised For Best Week Since March 2023, Bitcoin Tops $99,000: What's Driving Markets Friday?

StoneCo Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STNE#NASDAQ">STNE</a>) shares are moving higher on Friday after the company announced a share repurchase plan. Here&#8217;s what <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42132115">you need to know</a>.
What To Know: Under the plan, Stone plans to repurchase shares worth up to R$ 2 billion ($344.6 million).
The repurchase plan will replace its previous program, announced last year, in which Stone repurchased a total of 13,202,939 shares at an average price of R$ 20.45 per share, totaling R$ 1.03 billion.
&#8220;We are pleased to announce the completion of our previous R$1 billion share repurchase program, underscoring our robust financial position. As part of our ongoing commitment to maximizing shareholder returns, we continuously evaluate the most effective use of our resources,&#8221; said Pedro Zinner, CEO.
&#8220;Confident in our long-term vision, we have approved a new buyback program to seize the current market opportunities. Furthermore, we are finalizing a structured framework to guide our capital allocation strategy, which will enhance transparency and align with our strategic priorities once shared with the market.&#8221;
How To Buy StoneCo Shares
By now you're likely curious about how to participate in the market for StoneCo &#8211; be it to purchase shares, or even attempt to bet against the company.
Buying shares is typically done through a brokerage account. You can find a list of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-stock-trading-platforms">possible trading platforms here.</a> Many will allow you to buy ‘fractional shares,' which allows you to own portions of stock without buying an entire share. For example, some stocks, like Berkshire Hathaway, can cost thousands of dollars to own just one share. However, if you only want to invest a fraction of that, brokerages will allow you to do so.
In the case of StoneCo, which is trading at $10.29 as of publishing time, $100 would buy you 9.72 shares of stock.
If you're looking to bet against a company, the process is more complex. You'll need access to an options trading platform, or a broker who will allow you to ‘go short' a share of stock by lending you the shares to sell. The process of shorting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock">stock can be found at this resource.</a> Otherwise, if your broker allows you to trade options, you can either buy a put option, or sell a call option at a strike price above where shares are currently trading &#8211; either way it allows you to profit off of the share price decline.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42122886/cathie-woods-3-8-million-bitcoin-vision-met-with-doubt-83-say-not-by-2030">Cathie Wood&#8217;s $3.8 Million Bitcoin Vision Met With Doubt: 83% Say Not By 2030</a>
STNE Price Action: At the time of writing, StoneCo stock is trading 12.2% higher at $10.41, per data from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Image: Image via Pixabay

STNE

What's Going On With StoneCo Stock Friday?

CV Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVSI#OTCQB">CVSI</a>) a hemp-focused wellness company announced on Thursday it's acquiring Extract Labs, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of premium cannabinoid products including gummies, topicals and tinctures.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What Happened</h3>
The company noted that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Extract Labs for the following considerations:
<ul>
<li>cash payment of $400,000, less the amount of certain holdbacks and adjustments; and</li>
<li>the issuance of shares of&nbsp;CV Sciences&#8217; common stock valued at $1 million based on the sixty-day volume weighted average price of CV Sciences&#8217; common stock.</li>
</ul>
Additionally, under the deal, Extract Labs sellers will be eligible to receive up to $600,000 of additional shares of CV Sciences&#8217; common stock if Extract Labs satisfies certain revenue targets during the first year following the closing date.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41992549/cv-sciences-q3-revenue-stable-amid-new-launches-financing">CV Sciences Q3: Revenue Stable Amid New Launches, Financing</a>
<ul>
<li>Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter <a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why It Matters</h3>
Extract Labs' branded products are sold through a range of sales channels from business-to-business (B2B) to business-to-consumer (B2C).
Moreover, Extract Labs, which is GMP-certified and FDA-registered, has operational flexibility that allows for low to large minimum order quantity production runs, making the use of capital and the ability to increase speed to market for new product development more efficient.
CV Sciences says it expects the transaction will create the opportunity to increase its sales to current and new clients.
"The acquisition synergies are expected to increase our revenue and customer base, allow us to leverage our key assets, optimize operations and processes, and drive long-term growth and shareholder value," said CEO Joseph Dowling. "Extract Labs is a stand-alone profitable business and our plan is to increase its existing revenue base and further leverage its existing capacity."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next</h3>
The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary conditions precedent. The company also plans to in-source production of certain of its key products.
"We are planning to in-source the manufacturing of select +PlusCBD branded products providing an opportunity for meaningful cost savings. Extract Labs manufacturing capability will provide us with greater control over our supply chain and accelerate our new product development cycle,&#8221; Dowling said.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CVSI Price Action</h3>
CV Sciences' shares traded 9.09% lower at $0.04 per share after the market close on Thursday afternoon.
Read Next:
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Hemp-Focused CV Sciences Expands Via New Cannabis Acquisition, Here's What Investors Need To Know

<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20241122a.htm" title="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20241122a.htm">https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20241122a.htm</a>

Federal Reserve

Fed Announces Details For Coming Framework Review, Including May 15-16, 2025, Conference; Framework Review Will Not Include 2% Inflation Goal; To Focus On Statement Of Strategy And Communications Tools; Review Will Include Public "Fed Listens" Events Around The Country, Debate Among Policymakers To Commence At January Meeting

Ross Stores (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROST#NASDAQ">ROST</a>) reported better-than-expected third-quarter EPS <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/rost/earnings">results on Thursday</a>.
Ross Stores reported quarterly earnings of $1.48 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.40 per share. The company reported quarterly sales of $5.07 billion which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $5.15 billion.
Barbara Rentler, Chief Executive Officer, commented, &#8220;We are disappointed with our third quarter sales results as business slowed from the solid gains we reported in the first half of 2024. Although our low-to-moderate income customers continue to face persistently high costs on necessities pressuring their discretionary spending, we believe we should have better executed some of our merchandising initiatives. In addition, a combination of severe weather during the quarter from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, along with unseasonably warm temperatures, also negatively impacted our results.&#8221;
The company said it sees FY25 earnings of $6.10 to $6.17 per share.
Ross Stores shares gained 2.7% to trade at $146.80 on Friday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Ross Stores following earnings announcement.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/593aad8085b07a000196219e/michael-binetti">Evercore ISI Group analyst Michael Binetti</a> maintained Ross Stores with an Outperform and raised the price target from $170 to $180.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst Matthew Boss maintained the stock with an Overweight rating and boosted the price target from $171 to $173.</li>
<li>Telsey Advisory Group analyst Dana Telsey maintained Ross Stores with a Market Perform and maintained a $175 price target.</li>
<li>Guggenheim analyst Robert Drbul reiterated Ross Stores with a Buy and maintained a $180 price target.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying ROST stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="556" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22133059/image-254-1024x556.png" alt="" class="wp-image-661536" style="width:612px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22133059/image-254-1024x556.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22133059/image-254-300x163.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22133059/image-254-768x417.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22133059/image-254.png 1238w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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ROST

Ross Stores Analysts Boost Their Forecasts After Upbeat Earnings

China has launched a new AI Experts Committee to influence artificial intelligence&#8217;s global development and governance as part of its broader strategy. 
The committee was announced during the four-day World Internet Conference, also known as the Wuzhen Summit, held in Zhejiang province, China.
The AI Experts Committee will be led by Wang Jian, founder of Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) Alibaba Cloud, who was named chief expert, SCMP <a href="https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3287593/wuzhen-summit-china-creates-ai-advisory-body-alibaba-cloud-founder-chief-expert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42120110/alibaba-reshapes-e-commerce-operations-names-jiang-fan-as-unit-ceo" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alibaba Reshapes E-Commerce Operations, Names Jiang Fan as Unit CEO</a>
The committee includes approximately 170 specialists, featuring prominent figures such as British computer scientist Wendy Hall, Vienna University of Technology professor Schahram Dustdar and Chinese-American scientist Zhang Ya-qin of Tsinghua University.
Representatives from U.S. firms, including chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), are also members.
The committee aims to enhance international collaboration and promote China&#8217;s perspective on responsible AI governance. This initiative mirrors Beijing&#8217;s approach to influencing global standards, similar to its efforts in shaping 4G and 5G mobile technologies. 
Panel discussions at the Wuzhen Summit focused on AI innovation, governance, and its potential to empower productivity across industries.
At the summit, Eddie Wu Yongming, CEO of Alibaba Group Holding, emphasized AI could transform productivity across various sectors, forming what he described as a &#8220;superintelligent body.&#8221; Meanwhile, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun shared plans to launch an intelligent-driving application by year-end, aligning with the company&#8217;s &#8220;All in AI&#8221; strategy. Ant Group CEO Eric Jing Xiandong underscored AI&#8217;s potential for personalization in services while emphasizing responsible risk management.
The formation of this committee highlights China&#8217;s commitment to taking a leading role in global AI governance, even as it faces trade restrictions from the U.S. government. This effort aligns with Beijing&#8217;s broader ambitions to remain competitive in advanced technologies.
China has been actively involved in boosting its AI semiconductor base after the U.S. imposed sanctions on advanced AI chip exports to the country, restricting it from advanced technologies <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42116366/taiwan-semiconductor-plans-new-factories-annually-boosting-domestic-chip-production" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">from companies like</a> NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>).
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/42043480/alibabas-monetization-strategy-gains-momentum-but-gmv-growth-lags-analyst" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alibaba&#8217;s Monetization Strategy Gains Momentum, But GMV Growth Lags: Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Government

Regulations

Global

BABA

NVDA

China Unveils Global AI Governance Committee With Alibaba Cloud Founder At The Helm

Snap-on's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNA#NYSE">SNA</a>) short percent of float has risen 10.3% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 2.99 million shares sold short, which is 6.64% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 5.41 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>Snap-on Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732300223_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Snap-on 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 Snap-on'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>, Snap-on's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.00%, which means the company has more 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.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

(SNA) - Analyzing Snap-on's Short Interest

Bright Horizons Family's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BFAM#NYSE">BFAM</a>) short percent of float has risen 9.38% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 535 thousand shares sold short, which is 1.05% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.32 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>Bright Horizons Family Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732300218_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Bright Horizons Family 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 Bright Horizons Family'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>, Bright Horizons Family's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.11%, 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.

BFAM

How Is The Market Feeling About Bright Horizons Family?

XPO's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPO#NYSE">XPO</a>) short percent of float has risen 28.32% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 6.76 million shares sold short, which is 6.66% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.78 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>XPO Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732300212_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for XPO 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 XPO'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>, XPO's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.01%, which means the company has more 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.

(XPO) - Analyzing XPO's Short Interest

CNBC's Jim Cramer, host of Mad Money and frequent source of contrarian market indicators, recently voiced his support for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) during his "Lightning Round," causing a stir <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/03/37824615/inverse-cramer-strikes-again-nvidia-opens-3-lower-after-mad-money-host-poses-with-pals-internet-">among crypto enthusiasts</a>.
What Happened: During the segment, Cramer recommended a trader invest in Bitcoin rather than MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), the software company heavily invested in Bitcoin. 
&#8220;I prefer actually to own Bitcoin,&#8221; he stated, calling it a &#8220;clear winner.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">JIM CRAMER: "All I can tell you is own Bitcoin, that's a winner" It's over <a href="https://t.co/l5Mx3VTsA3">pic.twitter.com/l5Mx3VTsA3</a>
&mdash; Inverse Cramer (@CramerTracker) <a href="https://twitter.com/CramerTracker/status/1859976961067737124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Crypto Twitter Reacts
For those unfamiliar, the &#8220;Inverse Cramer&#8221; phenomenon hinges on the belief that doing the opposite of what Cramer recommends yields a profit.
The crypto community, notorious for its skepticism toward Cramer&#8217;s predictions, reacted with a mix of humor and dread:
The Block Editor-in-Chief Tim Copeland <a href="https://x.com/Timccopeland/status/1859979912985346471">tweeted</a> "that&#8217;s it we&#8217;re going to zero"
Crypto news outlet Milk Road <a href="https://x.com/MilkRoadDaily/status/1859978807874359336">quipped</a>, "Pack up your bags, sell everything. Bull market is cancelled." 
Crypto trader Ash Crypto <a href="https://x.com/Ashcryptoreal/status/1859958172246741022">jokingly</a> wondered if this is a sell signal.
Veteran financial analyst and whale investor Jacob King shared a chart showcasing Bitcoin&#8217;s historical price dips following Cramer's remarks on crypto.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Jim Cramer just turned bullish on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a>. &#x1f4c8; Saving this for the record—let&#39;s see how this ages. <a href="https://t.co/e8vnMxg4Bd">pic.twitter.com/e8vnMxg4Bd</a>
&mdash; Jacob King (@JacobKinge) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobKinge/status/1859979524487909769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42138947/bitcoin-zeroes-in-on-100000-but-this-indicator-signals-one-more-brief-correction">Bitcoin Zeroes In On $100,000, But This Indicator Signals One More Brief Correction</a>
Cramer&#8217;s Previous Predictions
In January, Cramer claimed, &#8220;We are very far from the bottom in crypto.&#8221; 
Bitcoin fell 4% in 24 hours, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/01/36683478/bitcoin-slips-below-41-000-after-jim-cramers-far-from-the-bottom-tweet-what-happened-to-in">sinking below $41,000</a>—the lowest since the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs.
However, Cramer also recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/42068776/jim-cramer-coinbase-is-a-winner-suggests-buying-this-hated-big-pharma-stock">highlighted</a> Coinbase (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) Global as a winner, saying, "These are stocks that there are buyers every time they pull back and there probably will be to year end. Coinbase is a winner."
Why It Matters: The &#8220;Inverse Cramer&#8221; joke plays on the tendency for markets to move counter to his predictions, earning him notoriety in the crypto world. 
While Cramer's Bitcoin endorsement might amuse traders, it also stirs caution among those who've witnessed similar trends in the past.
There has been no definitive proof of counter-trading Cramer&#8217;s predictions being a profitable strategy. An &#8216;inverse Cramer ETF&#8217; launched in October 2022 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/24/01/36793492/exclusive-inverse-cramer-etf-shuts-down-how-the-magnificent-7-stocks-factor-in-and-a-broken-c#:~:text=An%20ETF%20that%20generated%20headlines,shut%20the%20fund%20was%20made.">shut down in January</a>.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/42127938/bitcoin-analyst-warns-of-4-6-flash-crashes-before-year-end-as-it-inches-closer-to-100k-thats-the-moment-altcoins-shoot-off">Bitcoin Analyst Warns Of &#8216;4-6 Flash Crashes&#8217; Before Year-End As It Inches Closer To $100K: That&#8217;s The Moment Altcoins &#8216;Shoot Off&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

COIN

MSTR

Jim Cramer Says 'Own Bitcoin, That's A Winner,' Crypto Community Scoffs: 'Pack Up Your Bags, Sell Everything'

Warner Music Group Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMG#NASDAQ">WMG</a>) reported downbeat fiscal fourth-quarter 2024 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WMG/earnings">earnings on Thursday</a>.
GAAP EPS of 8 cents missed the analyst consensus estimate of 27 cents. Revenue grew 2.8% year-on-year to $1.63 billion, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $1.59 billion.
Recorded Music revenue grew by 4.0% Y/Y at $1.34 billion in the quarter. Music Publishing revenue decreased by 1.0% Y/Y to $295 million. Digital revenue remained flat Y/Y at $1.07 billion.
Adjusted OIBDA increased by 11.4% compared to the previous year, reaching $353 million, and the margin improved by 170 basis points to 21.7%, driven by strong operating performance and savings from the company's restructuring plans.
&#8220;Our performance this quarter and this year demonstrated our strength and adaptability in a thriving, fast-moving market,&#8221; said Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group. &#8220;We continue to evolve WMG, based on the principle that simplicity and focus drive higher intensity and global impact. This is enhancing our ability to attract original artists and songwriters at all stages of their careers, helping them realize their musical visions, and grow passionate, loyal fanbases.&#8221;
Warner Music shares gained 2.7% to trade at $32.01 on Friday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Warner Music following earnings announcement.
<ul>
<li>Barclays analyst Kannan Venkateshwar maintained Warner Music with an Equal-Weight rating and lowered the price target from $32 to $31.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst David Karnovsky maintained the stock with an Overweight and lowered the price target from $41 to $40.</li>
<li>Guggenheim analyst Michael Morris reiterated Warner Music with a Buy and maintained a $44 price target.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying WMG stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="546" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22132400/image-253-1024x546.png" alt="" class="wp-image-661524" style="width:662px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22132400/image-253-1024x546.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22132400/image-253-300x160.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22132400/image-253-768x409.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/22132400/image-253.png 1206w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42137942/jim-cramer-says-this-stock-is-a-bitcoin-play-and-he-prefers-to-own-bitcoin">Jim Cramer Says This Stock Is A Bitcoin Play And He Prefers To Own Bitcoin</a></li>
</ul>

These Analysts Cut Their Forecasts On Warner Music Following Q4 Earnings

U.S. stocks traded mostly higher midway through trading, with the Dow Jones index gaining by more than 250 points on Friday.
The Dow traded up 0.59% to 44,128.84 while the NASDAQ rose 0.08% to 18,986.80. The S&amp;P 500 also rose, gaining, 0.28% to 5,965.15.
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42135346/top-3-materials-stocks-that-could-blast-off-in-november">Top 3 Materials Stocks That Could Blast Off In November</a>
Leading and Lagging Sectors Consumer staples shares rose by 1.5% on Friday.
In trading on Friday, communication services shares fell by 0.6%.
Top Headline
Ross Stores (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROST#NASDAQ">ROST</a>) reported better-than-expected third-quarter EPS results.
The company said it sees FY25 earnings of $6.10 to $6.17 per share
Equities Trading UP &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Elastic N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESTC#NYSE">ESTC</a>) shares shot up 16% to $109.17 after the company reported better-than-expected second-quarter financial results and issued FY25 guidance above estimates.</li>
<li>Shares of Matthews International Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MATW#NASDAQ">MATW</a>) got a boost, surging 19% to $30.26 following upbeat earnings.</li>
<li>Replimune Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REPL#NASDAQ">REPL</a>) shares were also up, gaining 45% to $16.00 after the company on Thursday announced it received breakthrough therapy designation status for RP1 and will submit an RP1 biologics license application to the FDA under an accelerated approval pathway.</li>
</ul>
Equities Trading DOWN
<ul>
<li>Autonomix Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMIX#NASDAQ">AMIX</a>) shares dropped 55% to $6.11 after the company announced the pricing of a $9 million underwritten public offering.</li>
<li>Shares of Aptose Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APTO#NASDAQ">APTO</a>) were down 43% to $0.1390 after the company announced the pricing of an $8 million public offering.</li>
<li>Cemtrex, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CETX#NASDAQ">CETX</a>) was down, falling 41% to $0.1164 after the company announced its board approved a 1-for-35 reverse stock split.</li>
</ul>
Commodities In commodity news, oil traded up 1.5% to $71.16 while gold traded up 1.1% at $2,704.00.
Silver traded up 1.1% to $31.275 on Friday, while copper fell 0.8% to $4.0940.
Euro zone
European shares were higher today. The eurozone's STOXX 600 rose 1.12%, Germany's DAX gained 0.77% and France's CAC 40 rose 0.46%. Spain's IBEX 35 Index rose 0.16%, while London's FTSE 100 gained 1.35%.
The S&amp;P Global UK composite PMI declined to 49.9 in November versus 51.8 in the previous month, while Eurozone composite PMI dipped to 48.1 in November from 50 in the prior month.
Asia Pacific Markets
Asian markets closed mixed on Friday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 gaining 0.68%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index falling 1.89%, China's Shanghai Composite Index dipping 3.06% and India's BSE Sensex gaining 2.54%.
Economics
<ul>
<li>The S&amp;P Global US Services PMI climbed to 57 in November versus 55 in the previous month, while manufacturing PMI increased to 48.8 in November from 48.5 in the previous month.</li>
<li>The University of Michigan consumer sentiment for the US fell to 71.8 in November versus a preliminary reading of 73.</li>
<li>The year-ahead inflation expectations in the U.S fell to 2.6% in November from 2.7% in October.</li>
</ul>
Now Read This: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42135946/wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts-give-their-take-on-3-industrials-stocks-with-over-3-dividend-yields-3">Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts Give Their Take On 3 Industrials Stocks With Over 3% Dividend Yields</a></li>
</ul>

Eurozone

Intraday Update

AMIX

APTO

CETX

ESTC

MATW

REPL

Crude Oil Gains Over 1%; Ross Stores Earnings Top Views

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a vocal opponent of artificial food dyes, blaming them in part for the &#8220;chronic disease epidemic" in America. He may get the opportunity to bring major changes to the U.S. food industry under the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41822473/trumps-potential-health-czar-robert-f-kennedy-jr-rattles-vaccine-stocks-shoot-first-reaction"> incoming Trump administration.</a>&nbsp;
What To Know: President-elect Donald Trump has named Kennedy as his pick to lead the department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If confirmed by the Senate, Kennedy would oversee the Food and Drug Administration, among other federal health agencies, and may be able to effect policy changes that align with his views, which have run counter to programs widely viewed by the public health community as successes, such as water fluoridation and vaccines. 
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42101365/indian-billionaire-one-of-the-worlds-richest-men-indicted-for-alleged-250-million-bribery-scheme">Indian Billionaire, One Of The World&#8217;s Richest Men, Indicted For Alleged $250 Million Bribery Scheme</a>
Kennedy has criticized the use of artificial dyes in popular cereals, snacks and beverages and noted that some dyes, like Red Dye No. 3, are banned in Europe and California due to potential health risks. Kennedy argues the U.S. food system allows many additives that are restricted in other countries to the detriment of the public's health. 
"We are betraying our children by letting these industries poison them," Kennedy said at a Trump campaign rally Nov. 2.
The potential HHS secretary has often targeted breakfast cereals in particular due to their popularity with children. 
"They get brighter colors in Froot Loops, but it's literally poisoning our kids," Kennedy told Fox News in September.&nbsp;
Froot Loops maker Kellogg said in 2015 that it was working to remove artificial colors and flavors from its branded cereals by the end of 2018, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/how-froot-loops-landed-at-the-center-of-u-s-food-politics-a5074e63">according</a> to the Wall Street Journal.  WK Kellogg Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLG#NYSE">KLG</a>) still sells cereal that contains the ingredients.
"The first thing I'd do isn't going to cost you anything because I'm just gonna tell the cereal companies: Take all the dyes out of their food," Kennedy said in October.
Kennedy's potential new role as the country's top health official has caught the attention of other food industry giants like General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>). The mega-manufacturer of processed foods released a statement after Trump announced Kennedy as his choice for the position. 
"Because this is always an evolving space, we work in close partnership with policymakers on this issue," General Mills said in the statement. "We will engage with federal regulators as they consider any additional changes they may propose."
Why It Matters: Trump has said <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41822473/trumps-potential-health-czar-robert-f-kennedy-jr-rattles-vaccine-stocks-shoot-first-reaction">he is ready</a> to let Kennedy "go wild on health" and he could &#8220;do pretty much what he wants&#8221; in his administration. In his announcement of his intent to nominate Kennedy as secretary of HHS, Trump said he expects him to "end the chronic disease epidemic , and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!"
"Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation and disinformation when it comes to public health," Trump's announcement stated.&nbsp;
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Image: Shutterstock.

Health Care

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Kennedy's War On Food Dyes Could Be Coming To Your Breakfast Table

It was big news earlier this year when Warren Buffett revealed he's no longer planning to leave his vast fortune to the Gates Foundation after his death. Instead, his billions will go to a trust <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/41866296/with-warren-buffett-donating-99-of-his-fortune-whats-left-for-his-three-children-well-its-complicated">managed by his three children</a>. For a man who once described <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41882910/bill-gates-shares-the-best-investment-for-getting-rich-if-youre-earning-100000-or-less-but-wall-street-might-not-agree">Bill and Melinda Gates</a> as "the perfect solution" for dispersing his wealth, this marked a seismic shift in philanthropy.
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In a 2008 Fortune profile, Buffett was clear in his admiration for Melinda, saying, "He's [Bill] smart as hell. But in terms of seeing the whole picture, she's smarter." He also referred to her as a "longtime friend." Buffett continued praising Melinda, saying, "I very much admire what she is doing for women around here and around the world."
Only weeks after the Gateses announced their divorce, Buffett resigned as a trustee of the foundation. As reported by The New York Times in a 2021 article, Buffett released a statement saying: "For years I have been a trustee – an inactive trustee at that – of only one recipient of my funds, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I am now resigning from that post, just as I have done at all corporate boards other than Berkshire's."
Warren Buffett may think Bill Gates is "smart as hell," but even he admitted in his Fortune profile, "Would I have given the Gates Foundation my fortune if Melinda weren't in the picture? That's a great question. And the answer is, I'm not sure."
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The Buffett connection looms large in the October 2024 Vanity Fair interview, where Melinda discusses her life after divorce, the challenges of being a woman in philanthropy and her legacy. In classic Melinda style, she doesn't shy away from tough truths. She noted her decades of joint philanthropic work with Bill: "If I went into a president or prime minister's office and I was with my ex-husband, they would turn to him first. Unless I interrupted the conversation, they could have kept going for the whole meeting."
This wasn't just frustrating – it was telling. "Why would they assume I knew less than him about philanthropy when we had been doing it together for almost 25 years?" she asked. "That, really, was sexism."
Her willingness to call out these dynamics – and challenge them – is part of what makes her so effective. Melinda's journey from Microsoft marketing manager to one of the most powerful women in philanthropy hasn't been without its share of roadblocks. As she told Vanity Fair, during the early years of the foundation, she didn't understand the major role that gender played. She added, "But things just kept coming up for women – contraceptives or their health or what they wanted – that it started to make me realize we were making a mistake."
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It's this insight that shaped the Gates Foundation's focus on global health and education, with a specific lens on empowering women and girls. From ensuring access to contraceptives to fighting preventable diseases, Melinda's fingerprints are all over the foundation's most impactful initiatives.
But what happens when Buffett's billions are no longer <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41198368/warren-buffetts-son-who-famously-cashed-in-his-90-000-inheritance-at-19-spends-millions-in-buffe">flowing to the foundation</a>? That's a question no one seems to have a clear answer for yet. Melinda, for her part, seems more than ready to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/can-you-guess-how-many-americans-successfully-retire-with-1-million-saved">embrace the challenge</a> as she continues to carve out her own space in the philanthropic world.
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Image via Wikimedia Commons/ Flickr

Warren Buffett Thinks Bill Gates Is 'Smart As Hell' – But Says His Ex-Wife Melinda Is Smarter 'In Terms Of Seeing The Whole Picture'

Grand Theft Auto fans had high hopes for today, Nov. 22, anticipating an announcement for GTA 6's Trailer 2 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/41884190/did-rockstar-drop-gta-6-trailer-hint-fans-spot-moon-clue-pointing-to-nov-22">based on a quirky "moon theory."</a>
Instead, they have been met with silence so far (as of publication), leaving the community frustrated and speculating about Rockstar's next move.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">What Is GTA 6&#8217;s Moon Theory?</h1>
The moon theory traces back to 2023 when Rockstar released an image in GTA Online featuring the moon in a Waning Gibbous phase. That phase coincided with the announcement date for the first GTA 6 trailer two months later.
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When Rockstar released another image earlier this month showing the same moon phase, fans believed history would repeat itself. 
November 22 marked the final day of the current Waning Gibbous phase and fans were convinced Rockstar would either release the trailer or announce its release date.
But today, fans were met with no updates from Rockstar or <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41818430/take-two-earnings-show-gta-6-on-track-for-2025-ceo-vows-no-huge-release-overlap">its parent company, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc </a>(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>), which typically makes announcements around 9 am ET.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-reddit wp-block-embed-reddit"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:500px" ><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/GTA6/comments/1gx7zps/the_community_for_the_past_2_weeks/">The community for the past 2 weeks:</a> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/DaVoiceOfTruth/">u/DaVoiceOfTruth</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/GTA6/">GTA6</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script></div>
</figure>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A Long Wait For New Info</h1>
It's been nearly a year since Rockstar unveiled the first GTA 6 trailer, confirming a Vice City setting and breaking the internet in the process. Since then, fans have been left in the dark, with no follow-up announcements or new details.
Take-Two has maintained a Fall 2025 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40905542/could-gta-6-be-pushed-to-2026-insights-from-former-rockstar-insider">release window for the game</a>, but Rockstar's silence is testing the patience of even its most loyal fans. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-reddit wp-block-embed-reddit"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:500px" ><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/GTA6/comments/1gx7j9a/you_are_here/">You are here.</a> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/the123king-reddit/">u/the123king-reddit</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/GTA6/">GTA6</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script></div>
</figure>
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Photo: Shutterstock.

Gaming

TTWO

GTA 6 Trailer 2 Fans Frustrated As Rockstar Possibly Breaks Moon Theory

UBS analyst Joshua Spector downgrades Berry Global Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BERY#NYSE">BERY</a>) from Buy to Neutral and lowers the price target from $82 to $75.

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