Latest news for  (OTC:EQLCF) Stock

JP Morgan analyst Harlan Sur maintains NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NXPI#NASDAQ">NXPI</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $260 to $240.

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NXPI

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on NXP Semiconductors, Lowers Price Target to $240

Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst Aidan Hall maintains PJT Partners (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PJT#NYSE">PJT</a>) with a Market Perform and raises the price target from $152 to $177.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Maintains Market Perform on PJT Partners, Raises Price Target to $177

The U.S. services sector continued to grow in January 2025, though at a slower pace than expected, highlighting uncertainty as businesses brace <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s">for potential tariff impacts.</a>
The latest survey from the Institute for Supply Management revealed that the Services PMI fell to 52.8% in January, down from 54% in December, and below the 54.3% forecast by economists, as per TradingEconomics. While expansion persists, the slowdown suggests businesses are feeling pressure from rising costs and trade policy uncertainties.
Despite the overall softness, January marked the second consecutive month in which all four key subindexes—Business Activity, New Orders, Employment, and Supplier Deliveries—remained in expansion territory. 
Yet, concerns over tariffs weighed on sentiment.
"Many panelists also mentioned preparations or concerns related to potential U.S. government tariff actions," said Steve Miller, chair of ISM's survey committee. 
Industry respondents echoed these worries, with contacts in professional, scientific and technical Services indicating that the threat of tariffs is leading to higher price pressures. Respondents in real estate, rental, and leasing flagged concerns about the cost of materials and project work going forward.
Weather-related disruptions also emerged as a possible factor affecting business activity and production levels, according to the survey.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key ISM Services PMI Data – January 2025</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Index Series</th>
<th>Jan 2025</th>
<th>Dec 2024</th>
<th>Change</th>
<th>Direction</th>
<th>Rate of Change</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Services PMI</td>
<td>52.8</td>
<td>54.0</td>
<td>-1.2</td>
<td>Growing</td>
<td>Slower</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Business Activity/Production</td>
<td>54.5</td>
<td>58.0</td>
<td>-3.5</td>
<td>Growing</td>
<td>Slower</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>New Orders</td>
<td>51.3</td>
<td>54.4</td>
<td>-3.1</td>
<td>Growing</td>
<td>Slower</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Employment</td>
<td>52.3</td>
<td>51.3</td>
<td>+1.0</td>
<td>Growing</td>
<td>Faster</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Supplier Deliveries</td>
<td>53.0</td>
<td>52.5</td>
<td>+0.5</td>
<td>Slowing</td>
<td>Faster</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inventories</td>
<td>47.5</td>
<td>49.4</td>
<td>-1.9</td>
<td>Contracting</td>
<td>Faster</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Prices</td>
<td>60.4</td>
<td>64.4</td>
<td>-4.0</td>
<td>Increasing</td>
<td>Slower</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Backlog of Orders</td>
<td>44.8</td>
<td>44.3</td>
<td>+0.5</td>
<td>Contracting</td>
<td>Slower</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>New Export Orders</td>
<td>52.0</td>
<td>50.1</td>
<td>+1.9</td>
<td>Growing</td>
<td>Faster</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Labor Market Remains Strong In Services Sector</h3>
The job market in service-related industries remained resilient, with private employers adding 190,000 jobs in January, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43494246/private-employment-rises-by-183000-beats-estimates-in-january-consumer-facing-industries-drove-hiring">the ADP National Employment Report.</a> 
In contrast, goods-producing industries shed 6,000 jobs, signaling a stark divide between the two sectors.
Within services, trade, transportation, and utilities led hiring with 56,000 new jobs, while leisure and hospitality closely followed, adding 54,000 positions. 
This data underscores the continued strength of consumer-driven industries, even amid broader economic uncertainty.
&#8220;Consumer-facing industries drove hiring, while job growth was weaker in business services and production,&#8221; said ADP chief economist Nela Richardson. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reactions: Stocks Fall, Gold Shatters Records</h3>
Stocks negatively reacted following the publications of the ISM Services PMI report, with the S&amp;P 500 index – tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) – further sliding into negative territory, down 0.5% by 10:20 a.m. ET. 
Tech stocks – tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) – were 0.6% lower, as Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) fell 8.4%, and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) was down 10%, weighing on tech-heavy indices.
Outside of Wall Street, gold continued to shine, further extending its all-time highs to $2,875 per ounce. The SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>) has now rallied 8.7% year-to-date, with the bullion marking the strongest start to the year since 1980. 
Treasury yields fell, particularly on longer-dated maturities, with yields on the 30-year Treasury down 8 basis points to 4.72%. The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) rallied 1.4%, eyeing its third straight session of gains. 
Other than weaker investor sentiment on risky assets, Treasuries benefited from safe-haven demand after President Donald Trump escalated tariff disputes with China and proposed a U.S.-led redevelopment plan for Gaza.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) was flat at $98,400. 
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/earnings-beats/25/02/43496870/janus-henderson-is-a-turnaround-story-with-growing-suite-of-fixed-income-etfs-analyst">Janus Henderson Is A &#8216;Turnaround Story&#8217; With Growing Suite Of Fixed Income ETFs: Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
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GOOG

GOOGL

iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

US Services Growth Slows In January As Tariff Concerns Mount

JMP Securities analyst Andrew Boone reiterates Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) from Market Perform to Market Perform.

Reiteration

JMP Securities Reiterates Market Perform on Alphabetto Market Perform

WIIM

BNTX

MRNA

Shares of vaccine stocks are trading higher as the sector sees volatility amid Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as HHS secretary. Sen. Senator Bill Cassidy said Kennedy committed to cooperation and would not remove vaccine information from the CDC website if confirmed.

Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst Kyle Voigt maintains Hamilton Lane (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HLNE#NASDAQ">HLNE</a>) with a Market Perform and raises the price target from $158 to $168.

HLNE

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Maintains Market Perform on Hamilton Lane, Raises Price Target to $168

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Edward White reiterates Valneva (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VALN#NASDAQ">VALN</a>) with a Buy and maintains $18 price target.

VALN

HC Wainwright & Co. Reiterates Buy on Valneva, Maintains $18 Price Target

A strategic Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) reserve remains a topic of discussion after &#8216;Crypto Czar&#8217; David Sacks on Tuesday announced it would be one of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43477333/crypto-czar-sacks-says-potential-bitcoin-reserve-to-be-one-of-crypto-committees-first-priorities">digital assets committee&#8217;s first priorities.</a>
What Happened: Despite the announcement the odds of a reserve being implemented in 2025 have dropped from a peak of 68.5% in January to 58% on prediction market site Kalshi. 
At the press conference, Sacks further stated that a possible inclusion of Bitcoin in the newly-incepted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43473182/could-the-trump-established-sovereign-wealth-fund-invest-in-bitcoin-nvidia-tiktok">sovereign wealth fund</a> would fall under the responsibility of the soon-to-be Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
Amid this ongoing debate, MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) executive chairman Michael Saylor stirred excitement, tweeting about a &#8220;Big Strategy Day&#8221; on Wednesday. 
<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">₿ig Strategy Day
&mdash; Michael Saylor&#x26a1;&#xFE0F; (@saylor) <a href="https://twitter.com/saylor/status/1887124093297729872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Coinvo, a Bitcoin investor and trader, emphasized that strategic Bitcoin reserves are being established globally, suggesting the U.S. could just be at the beginning of a larger trend.
<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">Strategic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> reserves are being built all over the world. This is just the beginning, and you're a part of it! &#x1f680; <a href="https://t.co/l4avAOarzZ">pic.twitter.com/l4avAOarzZ</a>
&mdash; Coinvo (@ByCoinvo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByCoinvo/status/1887127788462743792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2025</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/25/02/43473182/could-the-trump-established-sovereign-wealth-fund-invest-in-bitcoin-nvidia-tiktok">Could The Trump-Established Sovereign Wealth Fund Invest In Bitcoin, Nvidia, TikTok?</a>
Why It Matters: Crypto trader OSF noted that many expected a U.S. Bitcoin reserve to be announced immediately after Trump's inauguration, leading to instant Bitcoin purchases. 
When this didn't occur, speculation turned to David Sacks, who has stressed the need for thorough research.
OSF <a href="https://x.com/osf_rekt/status/1886874591370400145">argues</a> that this short-term speculation has created market volatility, benefiting savvy, patient investors who can capitalize on others' impatience. 
He notes that government actions take time, and traders should brace for a prolonged period of volatility.
The Bitcoin Therapist <a href="https://x.com/TheBTCTherapist/status/1886971995327213591">highlighted</a> the irony that while 99% of people and institutions lack Bitcoin exposure, the U.S. government is considering a strategic Bitcoin reserve. 
He sees this as the start of a massive financial transformation, underscoring the misunderstanding and undervaluation of Bitcoin.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43270841/how-donald-trump-could-make-the-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-a-reality">How Donald Trump Could Make The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve A Reality</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

MSTR

Michael Saylor Hints At '₿ig Strategy Day' As Chances Of Bitcoin Reserve Odds On Kalshi Fall

Craig-Hallum analyst Eric Stine maintains Enphase Energy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENPH#NASDAQ">ENPH</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $123 to $101.

ENPH

Craig-Hallum Maintains Buy on Enphase Energy, Lowers Price Target to $101

loanDepot And Onx Homes Enter Into Joint Venture To Provide Financing Option For Homebuyers In Florida And Texas

Legal

UnitedHealth Contacted SEC With Concerns About Ackman Post

JP Morgan analyst Doug Anmuth maintains Spotify Technology (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $555 to $730.

SPOT

JP Morgan Maintains Overweight on Spotify Technology, Raises Price Target to $730

Trading Ideas

Watching UnitedHealth; Stock Moves Lower After Bill Ackman, In Deleted Post On X, Said He Would Short Stock

Craig-Hallum analyst Christian Schwab maintains A10 Networks (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATEN#NYSE">ATEN</a>) with a Hold and raises the price target from $16 to $18.

ATEN

Craig-Hallum Maintains Hold on A10 Networks, Raises Price Target to $18

Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>)(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) CEO Warren Buffett was able to once again beat the performance of the S&amp;P 500 in 2024, which came as he sold shares of several of his larger positions and added to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/01/42832123/warren-buffett-beats-sp-500-in-2024-how-oracle-of-omahas-returns-compare-over-past-20-years"> his cash balance.</a>
Buffett isn't buying much, but one stock continues to catch his attention.
What Happened: Buffett has invested <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/08/40652464/warren-buffett-celebrates-94th-birthday-with-1-trillion-market-cap-milestone-a-look-back-at-hig">in value stocks </a>over the years, preferring this method of investing in companies trading below their value over investing in unprofitable growth stocks.
This might explain why Buffett could be the reason Berkshire Hathaway is scooping up more shares of satellite radio company Sirius XM Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SIRI#NASDAQ">SIRI</a>).
A new SEC <a href="https://investor.siriusxm.com/sec-filings/all-sec-filings##document-6883-0000950170-25-012600-2">filing </a>showed Berkshire Hathaway purchased 2,308,119 shares for around $54 million from Jan. 30 through Feb. 3.
The purchases came after Sirius XM Holdings reported fourth-quarter financial results that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43345721/sirius-xm-q4-earnings-beats-estimates-ceo-highlights-focus-on-in-car-subscriptions-ad-supported-growth">beat analyst estimates.</a>
Berkshire Hathaway now owns 119,776,692 Sirius XM shares — around 35.4% of the company, as reported by <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/02/04/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-scoops-up-more-sirius-xm-boosting-stake-to-35percent.html">CNBC</a>.
The firm first bought Liberty Media stocks in 2016. It later added to its Sirius XM-specific stake in 2024 as Liberty underwent changes to its public holding companies.
You may not be a billionaire like Warren Buffett, but you can uncover hidden gems in the stock market using our proprietary data and pattern recognition — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43419547/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-52">check out five stocks flying under the radar that deserve your attention.</a>
Why It's Important: Buffett has not publicly commented on Sirius XM Holdings. It&#8217;s also unclear whether it&#8217;s him or another Berkshire investor buying the shares.
Berkshire Hathaway also added Sirius XM shares in December. The move came as the Buffett-led conglomerate held its cash and sat on the sidelines of the stock market.
Sirius XM stock is down 52% over the last year. This could make the stock a value play with the right financials.
During the fourth-quarter results, Sirius XM CEO Jennifer Witz put an emphasis on the company prioritizing its in-car subscription business, leveraging streaming capabilities and growing its ad-supported audio.
The company currently trades with a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.03x and has a price-to-sales ratio of 0.96x, both considered cheap for value stocks.
Investors are eagerly awaiting public comments from Buffett on why Berkshire Hathaway is a big buy from the company. Until then, investors may just have to invest alongside the Oracle of Omaha or take a wait and see approach.
Price Action: Sirius XM Holdings stock trades at $24.62 on Wednesday versus a 52-week trading range of $20.47 to $51.80.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/12/42706002/warren-buffett-said-selling-disney-was-a-huge-mistake-legendary-investor-should-have-been-buying">Warren Buffett Said Selling Disney &#8216;Was A Huge Mistake&#8217;: Legendary Investor &#8216;Should Have Been Buying&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Entertainment

SIRI

Warren Buffett Buys More Shares Of Stock Down 52% Over Last Year: Here's What The Oracle Of Omaha Purchased

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</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 CRWD usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 10 extraordinary options activities for CrowdStrike Holdings. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 20% leaning bullish and 60% bearish. Among these notable options, 2 are puts, totaling $151,190, and 8 are calls, amounting to $358,180.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $250.0 and $430.0 for CrowdStrike Holdings, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</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 CrowdStrike Holdings'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 CrowdStrike Holdings's whale activity within a strike price range from $250.0 to $430.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>CrowdStrike Holdings Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738770336_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>CRWD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$28.55</td>
<td>$27.9</td>
<td>$28.3</td>
<td>$330.00</td>
<td>$121.6K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">73</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRWD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$41.0</td>
<td>$37.4</td>
<td>$40.0</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$68.0K</td>
<td>560</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRWD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/14/25</td>
<td>$14.5</td>
<td>$13.9</td>
<td>$13.95</td>
<td>$405.00</td>
<td>$65.7K</td>
<td>171</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRWD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/14/25</td>
<td>$14.3</td>
<td>$13.75</td>
<td>$13.75</td>
<td>$405.00</td>
<td>$48.3K</td>
<td>171</td>
<td align="right">272</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRWD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$142.45</td>
<td>$140.05</td>
<td>$141.0</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$42.3K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">21</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About CrowdStrike Holdings</h3>
CrowdStrike is a cloud-based cybersecurity company specializing in next-generation security verticals such as endpoint, cloud workload, identity, and security operations. CrowdStrike's primary offering is its Falcon platform that offers a proverbial single pane of glass for an enterprise to detect and respond to security threats attacking its IT infrastructure. The Texas-based firm was founded in 2011 and went public in 2019.
<h3>Current Position of CrowdStrike Holdings</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 593,855, with CRWD's price up by 0.05%, positioned at $407.74.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 27 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for CrowdStrike Holdings</h3>
Over the past month, 4 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $401.25.
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; In a cautious move, an analyst from Baird downgraded its rating to Neutral, setting a price target of $430. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Scotiabank has decided to maintain their Sector Perform rating on CrowdStrike Holdings, which currently sits at a price target of $370. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup has decided to maintain their Buy rating on CrowdStrike Holdings, which currently sits at a price target of $420. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities has decided to maintain their Buy rating on CrowdStrike Holdings, which currently sits at a price target of $385. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for CrowdStrike Holdings with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

Markets

CRWD

A Closer Look at CrowdStrike Holdings's Options Market Dynamics

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on PayPal Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the positions 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 PYPL, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 11 options trades for PayPal Holdings.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 45% bullish and 45%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $38,478, and 10, calls, for a total amount of $490,761.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $60.0 to $95.0 for PayPal Holdings over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of PayPal Holdings stands at 4210.45, with a total volume reaching 8,919.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in PayPal Holdings, situated within the strike price corridor from $60.0 to $95.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>PayPal Holdings 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738770330_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>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PYPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/14/25</td>
<td>$2.3</td>
<td>$2.02</td>
<td>$2.1</td>
<td>$78.00</td>
<td>$101.8K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>485</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PYPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$1.47</td>
<td>$1.42</td>
<td>$1.46</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$72.6K</td>
<td>8.6K</td>
<td>5.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PYPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$2.3</td>
<td>$2.23</td>
<td>$2.3</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$57.5K</td>
<td>854</td>
<td>392</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PYPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$4.35</td>
<td>$3.9</td>
<td>$4.05</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$45.3K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>114</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PYPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/07/25</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$76.00</td>
<td>$40.9K</td>
<td>254</td>
<td>158</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About PayPal Holdings</h3>
PayPal was spun off from eBay in 2015 and provides electronic payment solutions to merchants and consumers, with a focus on online transactions. The company had 426 million active accounts at the end of 2023. The company also owns Venmo, a person-to-person payment platform.
<h3>PayPal Holdings's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 7,001,787, with PYPL's price up by 1.6%, positioned at $78.97.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 83 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for PayPal Holdings</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $89.8.
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; An analyst from Wells Fargo persists with their Equal-Weight rating on PayPal Holdings, maintaining a target price of $80. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Citigroup keeps a Buy rating on PayPal Holdings with a target price of $97. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Morgan Stanley continues to hold a Equal-Weight rating for PayPal Holdings, targeting a price of $79. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup persists with their Buy rating on PayPal Holdings, maintaining a target price of $98. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Baird keeps a Outperform rating on PayPal Holdings with a target price of $95. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for PayPal Holdings with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

PYPL

Behind the Scenes of PayPal Holdings's Latest Options Trends

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bullish on Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), and it's important for retail traders to take note. 
\This activity came to our attention today through Benzinga's tracking of publicly available options data. The identities of these investors are uncertain, but such a significant move in AMGN often signals that someone has privileged information.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 9 options trades for Amgen. This is not a typical pattern.
The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 66% bullish and 0% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $25,560, and 8 calls, totaling $578,729.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $250.0 to $320.0 for Amgen during the past quarter. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Amgen options trades today is 1031.71 with a total volume of 3,367.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Amgen's big money trades within a strike price range of $250.0 to $320.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Amgen 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738770325_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$21.0</td>
<td>$20.3</td>
<td>$20.81</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
<td>$252.8K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
<td align="right">964</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$20.9</td>
<td>$20.25</td>
<td>$20.7</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
<td>$92.9K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
<td align="right">365</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$10.7</td>
<td>$10.2</td>
<td>$10.25</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$58.4K</td>
<td>624</td>
<td align="right">462</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$10.9</td>
<td>$10.45</td>
<td>$10.7</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$53.5K</td>
<td>982</td>
<td align="right">249</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$21.25</td>
<td>$19.7</td>
<td>$20.8</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
<td>$35.3K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
<td align="right">407</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Amgen</h3>
Amgen is a leader in biotechnology-based human therapeutics. Flagship drugs include red blood cell boosters Epogen and Aranesp, immune system boosters Neupogen and Neulasta, and Enbrel and Otezla for inflammatory diseases. Amgen introduced its first cancer therapeutic, Vectibix, in 2006 and markets bone-strengthening drug Prolia/Xgeva (approved 2010) and Evenity (2019). The acquisition of Onyx bolstered the firm's therapeutic oncology portfolio with Kyprolis. Recent launches include Repatha (cholesterol-lowering), Aimovig (migraine), Lumakras (lung cancer), and Tezspire (asthma). The 2023 Horizon acquisition brings several rare-disease drugs, including thyroid eye disease drug Tepezza. Amgen also has a growing biosimilar portfolio.
In light of the recent options history for Amgen, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Current Position of Amgen</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,699,750, the price of AMGN is up by 5.44%, reaching $304.74.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 85 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Amgen</h3>
In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $299.25.
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 Wells Fargo has decided to maintain their Equal-Weight rating on Amgen, which currently sits at a price target of $280. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Truist Securities continues to hold a Hold rating for Amgen, targeting a price of $298. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup persists with their Neutral rating on Amgen, maintaining a target price of $295. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital has revised its rating downward to Outperform, adjusting the price target to $324. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Amgen with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

AMGN

Amgen Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

Marc Andreessen, a major tech investor and cofounder of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, believes AI will drastically reshape the economy by crashing wages while also driving down the cost of goods and services.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Promise of a Consumer Utopia</h2>
In a recent <a href="https://x.com/pmarca/status/1882993091784880557">tweet</a>, Andreessen claimed that the fall in human wages due to AI is not only logical but necessary. &#8220;A world in which human wages crash from AI – logically, necessarily – is a world in which productivity growth goes through the roof, and prices for goods and services crash to near zero,&#8221; he wrote. &#8220;Consumer cornucopia. Everything you need and want for pennies.&#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">A world in which human wages crash from AI &#8212; logically, necessarily &#8212; is a world in which productivity growth goes through the roof, and prices for goods and services crash to near zero. Consumer cornucopia. Everything you need and want for pennies.
&mdash; Marc Andreessen &#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; (@pmarca) <a href="https://twitter.com/pmarca/status/1882993091784880557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
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As Futurism reports, this follows a well-worn Silicon Valley belief that technological progress inevitably results in widespread prosperity. The idea is that, as AI boosts productivity to unprecedented levels, prices will plummet, making life more affordable even if people are earning far less. However, this assumes that people will still have enough income to participate in this supposed economic utopia.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Ruthless Logic of Silicon Valley</h2>
Andreessen's vision highlights how many tech leaders see the future: temporary economic struggles are just part of progress. However, his comments also suggest that these investors care more about changing things quickly than about workers losing their jobs.
For instance, while some AI proponents <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43255222/bill-gates-wants-to-tax-the-robots-that-take-your-job-and-some-say-it-could-fund-universal-basic-income-to-replace-lost-wages">advocate for universal basic income (UBI)</a> as a safety net for displaced workers, Andreessen is staunchly against it, comparing it in his infamous &#8220;The Techno-Optimist Manifesto&#8221; to turning people into &#8220;zoo animals.&#8221; Instead of offering solutions to mitigate AI's impact, he appears to view the collapse of traditional jobs as an unavoidable consequence of progress.
Trending: Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elf-labs-nancy-pelosi">Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Broader Pattern of Disdain for Workers</h2>
Andreessen's rhetoric isn&#8217;t an isolated case. Elon Musk shares a similar philosophy and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41701075/elon-musk-warns-of-hardship-for-americans-if-trump-puts-him-in-charge-of-cutting-33-trillion-deb">commented in November</a> that his DOGE commission's work would "necessarily involve some temporary hardship." Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison supports AI being <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40892284/oracles-larry-ellison-predicts-police-officers-will-be-supervised-at-all-times-and-citizens-will-be">used for government surveillance</a>, saying it will make sure &#8220;citizens will be on their best behavior.&#8221;
Andreessen has also expressed deep suspicion toward the workers inside his companies. In a recent interview with NYT&#8217;s Ross Douthat, he claimed that elite institutions are producing &#8220;America-hating communists&#8221; who infiltrate his firms and actively work to destroy them from the inside. He views these people as &#8220;professional activists&#8221; who undermine companies rather than help them, strengthening his argument for using AI to replace human labor.
See Also: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Future of AI and the Economy</h2>
Andreessen and other Silicon Valley elites continue to push the narrative that AI's disruptive potential is an unavoidable step toward a better future. However, a big part of their worldview is predicated on the idea that people would adapt and that new opportunities will inevitably arise due to technological advancement.
For many workers, though, the promise of cheaper goods and services means little if they <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/02/37203455/google-lays-off-thousands-more-employees-despite-record-profits-one-year-after-laying-off-12-000-emp">no longer have a steady income</a>. The AI revolution may drive economic efficiency, but whether it results in a society that benefits everyone remains to be seen.
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Wages Will Crash, But So Will Prices, Says Leading AI Investor Marc Andreessen On AI's Role In Ushering A Productivity-Fueled Consumer Boom

Waste Management (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WM#NYSE">WM</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 4.29% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 15.54%. Currently, Waste Management has a market capitalization of $89.66 billion. 
Buying $1000 In WM: If an investor had bought $1000 of WM stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $4,252.43 today based on a price of $223.38 for WM at the time of writing.
<h3>Waste Management's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738770309_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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