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Iran&#8217;s reformist government has lifted the ban on Meta Platforms, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) WhatsApp, and Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google Play.
What Happened: Iran&#8217;s reformist government, led by Masoud Pezeshkian, has lifted this ban, marking a significant move towards reducing internet restrictions, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/bb68c686-89d2-4305-bd1e-94452795809c">reported</a> the Financial Times.
This decision was made during a high-level meeting on Tuesday, overcoming resistance from hardline factions within the Islamic regime, the report noted, citing Iranian media.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42664762/after-investing-nearly-14-billion-in-openai-microsoft-reportedly-moves-to-reduce-its-dependence-on-chatgpt-parent?itm_source=parsely-api">Microsoft Invested Nearly $14 Billion In OpenAI But Now Its Reducing Its Dependence On The ChatGPT-Parent</a>
The move is part of a broader effort by Pezeshkian&#8217;s administration to ease pressures on civil society.
Sattar Hashemi, Iran's telecommunications minister, stated on X, &#8220;Today, we took the first step towards lifting internet restrictions by demonstrating unity,&#8221; adding, &#8220;This path will continue&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">امروز گام اول رفع محدودیت از اینترنت را با همدلی و وفاق برداشتیم. از پیگیری رییس‌جمهور و همراهی رسانه‌ها و فعالان ممنونم و بیش از پیش به این همراهی و همدلی نیازمندیم. این مسیر ادامه دارد…
&mdash; Sattar Hashemi (@HashemiSattar) <a href="https://twitter.com/HashemiSattar/status/1871552451247251913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: Despite restrictions, Iranians have accessed platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram through widely available VPNs.
Reformists accuse hardliners of hypocrisy, alleging they profit from VPN sales. They also argue that easing restrictions could alleviate public discontent.
Hardliners view the internet as a tool for adversaries like the U.S. and Israel to wage a &#8220;soft war&#8221; against Iran.
Subscribe to the <a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a> to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
According to Iranian Students Polling Agency surveys, WhatsApp usage rose steadily from 16.6% in December 2015 to 25% after Telegram&#8217;s ban, reaching 71.4% by August 2021.
Instagram usage grew from 25.5% in December 2015 to 53.1% by August 2021, establishing it as the second-most popular platform in the country.
The lifting of the ban also comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. Last month, Iran&#8217;s foreign ministry <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41869511/iran-calls-trump-assassination-plot-claims-completely-baseless">dismissed accusations</a> by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding an alleged plot to assassinate Donald Trump.
Image via Shutterstock
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech">following this link</a>.&nbsp;
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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Iran Turning Soft? Reformist Government Lifts WhatsApp, Google Play Ban — Promises 'This Path Will Continue'

Leading cryptocurrencies remained rock steady on Christmas day, retaining advances made the day before.
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<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 8:30 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>+1.08%</td>
<td>$99,024.30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+0.06%</td>
<td>$3,474.92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-1.67%</td>
<td>$0.332</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
What Happened: Bitcoin sailed to a one-week high of $99,800 during overnight trading, narrowly missing the crucial $100,000 milestone. The leading cryptocurrency hit $98,000 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/treasuries/24/12/42674886/santa-rally-kicks-off-on-wall-street-stocks-gain-tesla-soars-bitcoin-hits-98000">just a day earlier on Christmas Eve</a>, defying days of downward price action.&nbsp;
Ethereum witnessed a bumpy trajectory, wobbling between $3,440 and $3,510.&nbsp;Trading volumes for both blue-chip currencies were down significantly.
Over $200 million was liquidated from the market in the last 24 hours, with long liquidations accounting for $115 million.
Bitcoin's Open Interest rose marginally by 0.24% in the last 24 hours. The number of traders placing upside bets on the cryptocurrency declined vis-à-vis those betting against it, according to the Long/Short Ratio.
Funding rates rose on top exchanges, indicating that traders expected Bitcoin's price to rise.
Top Gainers (24-Hours)
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 8:30 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Movement (MOVE)</td>
<td>+21.65%</td>
<td>$1.15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitget Token (BGB)</td>
<td>+15.37%</td>
<td>$5.77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GateToken (GT)</td>
<td>+7.25%</td>
<td>$14.72</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.43 trillion, following a decrease of 0.11% in the last 24 hours.
Stock futures were broadly unchanged on Wednesday overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures was down or 0.06%, as of 8:30 p.m. ET.&nbsp; Futures tied to the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.01%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures added 0.15%.
The stock market was closed for the Christmas holiday. The Japanese market opened higher, with the Nikkei 225 index gaining 0.44%, a day after a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/japan/japan-government-plans-record-730-bln-budget-next-fiscal-year-jiji-reports-2024-12-25/">report </a>said the country was compiling a record $735 billion budget for the next fiscal year.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Analyst Notes: Well-known cryptocurrency analyst and trader Ali Martinez deemed $97,300 the "most significant support" for Bitcoin, with over 1.5 million wallets accumulating 1.49 million BTCs around the level.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The most significant support level for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> is at $97,300, where 1.51 million wallets bought around 1.49 million <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a>. <a href="https://t.co/hDnBnhwMZw">pic.twitter.com/hDnBnhwMZw</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1872029000929047035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Popular on-chain analytics firm Santiment revealed a positive crowd sentiment after Bitcoin's bullish Christmas rally, with many anticipating the asset to hit $110,000 next.
"Historically, we will see $110,000 Bitcoin only after the crowd doesn&#8217;t expect it," Santiment cautioned.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f9d1;&#x200d;&#x1f384;&#x1f4c8; Bitcoin has jumped to as high as $99.8K on a bullish Christmas crypto performance. Traders are now swinging bullish once again, with speculation of $110K getting rampant. Historically, we will see $110K Bitcoin only after the crowd doesn&#39;t expect it, as this image shows. <a href="https://t.co/j4w3VQ4Zio">pic.twitter.com/j4w3VQ4Zio</a>
&mdash; Santiment (@santimentfeed) <a href="https://twitter.com/santimentfeed/status/1872090202673742217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Photo by SvetlanaParnikova on Shutterstock
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Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

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Bitcoin, Ethereum Rise, Dogecoin Slides Amid Positive Christmas Sentiment: Analyst Cautions $110K Target For BTC Possible Only When...

Elon Musk has shared a preview of the collaboration between McDonald&#8217;s Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) Japan and the iconic anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion.
What Happened: This partnership was first announced on Dec. 19, 2024. On Wednesday, McDonald Japan's official X, formerly Twitter, page posted a follow-up preview video featuring original voice actors.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">運命に導かれた3つのバーガーが マクドナルドに集結。 エヴァンゲリオンバーガー 1/6(月)発売 <a href="https://t.co/6S5JO3Mpi7">pic.twitter.com/6S5JO3Mpi7</a>
&mdash; マクドナルド (@McDonaldsJapan) <a href="https://twitter.com/McDonaldsJapan/status/1872047167419920837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42666738/how-apples-upcoming-smart-doorbell-compares-to-amazons-ring?itm_source=parsely-api">How Apple&#8217;s Upcoming Smart Doorbell Compares To Amazon&#8217;s Ring</a>
The collaboration&#8217;s highlight is the McDonald&#8217;s Evangelion Value Set, offering three unique transforming figurines.
These figures morph from McDonald&#8217;s items—a Big Mac, French fries, and McShake—into EVA units. The set is priced at 3,900 yen (about $24) and requires a lottery registration via the McDonald&#8217;s Japan app, running until Jan. 10.
Winners will be notified on Jan. 16, with collection available from Jan. 20 to 26.&nbsp;
Why It Matters: McDonald&#8217;s Japan is renowned for its anime-themed promotions. Considering Evangelion, which debuted nearly 30 years ago, remains a cultural phenomenon, this latest venture has captured massive attention.
Previously, Guillaume Huin, senior marketing director at McDonald's U.S., said on X that he was eagerly attempting to get his hands on a set.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">man I am trying to help myself already. Literally emailed the entire company to try to get a set.
&mdash; Guillaume Huin (@HuinGuillaume) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuinGuillaume/status/1869802393887748457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Musk has previously also interacted with McDonald&#8217;s. He once famously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41148843/much-wow-how-elon-musk-went-from-promising-to-eat-a-happy-meal-if-mcdonalds-adopts-dogecoi">promised to eat a Happy Meal</a> on live television if the fast-food chain adopted Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) as a payment method.
This <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/22/01/25206297/elon-musk-says-hell-eat-a-happy-meal-on-tv-if-mcdonalds-accepts-dogecoin-is-there-somethin">playful challenge</a> sparked significant interest within the Dogecoin community.
Rumors of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/24/10/41198120/elon-musk-vs-mcdonalds-tesla-fans-wanted-collaboration-instead-they-get-new-product-launch-co">potential collaboration</a> between McDonald&#8217;s and Tesla Inc. had circulated earlier in 2024, coinciding with the Robotaxi Day. However, these rumors did not materialize.
Price Action: McDonald&#8217;s stock has fallen 1.03% year-to-date, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag">according to Benzinga Pro data</a>. However, analyst reports from BofA Securities, Truist Securities, and BMO Capital have set an average price target of $333.67 for MCD, indicating a potential upside of 13.60%.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MCD/analyst-ratings"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25210218/Screenshot-2024-12-26-at-7.32.09%E2%80%AFAM-1024x376.png" alt="" class="wp-image-706941" /></a></figure>
Image via Shutterstock
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Restaurants

McDonald's Evangelion Collaboration Advert Catches Elon Musk's Eye. Here's What The Techno King Shared

In the face of global and national political upheavals, the U.S. economy is projected to maintain its exceptional performance, surpassing other major economies in 2025, as per economist Mohamed El Erian.
What Happened: El Erian attributes the strength of the U.S. economy to its significant foreign capital attraction and large-scale investment in future productivity drivers, competitiveness, and growth, according to a Project Syndicate report shared by the economist on X Wednesday.
The former PIMCO CEO said the U.S. economy is &#8220;likely to continue outperforming other major economies in 2025."
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Given the amount of foreign capital the US is attracting, and the scale of its investment in the future drivers of productivity, competitiveness, and growth, it is likely to continue outperforming other major economies in 2025, predicts <a href="https://twitter.com/elerianm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elerianm</a>. <a href="https://t.co/tDJsIUHvXS">https://t.co/tDJsIUHvXS</a>
&mdash; Project Syndicate (@ProSyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProSyn/status/1871722539795505625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Despite political turmoil in many countries, including the collapse of governments in France and Germany and the political transition in the U.S. following Donald Trump&#8217;s victory, the economy has remained resilient. This resilience is also evident in the face of geopolitical challenges, such as the &#8220;axis of convenience&#8221; comprising China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, seeking to challenge the Western-dominated international order.
On the other hand, Europe and China are grappling with significant economic weaknesses, with Europe struggling&nbsp;with low growth and large&nbsp;budget deficits, and China facing the threat of &#8220;Japanification.&#8221;
Despite these challenges, the U.S. economy has not only remained stable but has also pulled further ahead. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, with the U.S. likely to continue outperforming other major economies.
However, El Erian warns that political and geopolitical upheaval poses a risk to the endurance of U.S. economic exceptionalism.
&#8220;My baseline scenario for the [U.S.] includes a somewhat lower immediate growth rate, even as the economy outperforms its peers, and sticky inflation,&#8221; wrote El Erian.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42635836/warren-buffetts-sons-90k-inheritance-would-be-worth-more-than-400-million-today-but-he-sold-his-berkshire-stock-47-years-ago-to-buy-something-infinitely-more-valuable?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Son&#8217;s $90K Inheritance Would Be Worth More Than $400 Million Today, But He Sold His Berk</a>
Why It Matters: The US economy&#8217;s performance in 2025 has been a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42137929/2025-us-economy-outlook-cloudier-than-normal-jpmorgan-says-boom-bust-scenarios">topic of discussion</a> among experts. JPMorgan&#8217;s chief economist, Michael Feroli, previously outlined a divided economic outlook for 2025, influenced by the 2024 elections and the early policy indications from the incoming Trump administration.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41461338/imf-upwardly-revises-us-economic-growth-but-warns-under-current-policies-the-us-public-debt-is-not-s">revised its forecast</a> for U.S. growth in 2025, projecting a 2.2% growth, which is 0.3 percentage point higher than previous estimates.
Moreover,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42024472/goldman-sachs-us-to-dominate-2025-growth-with-2-5-gdp-boost-euro-area-will-struggle">Goldman Sachs Research</a>&nbsp;predicts a strong year for global economic growth in 2025, with the US expected to lead the way, significantly surpassing the consensus of 1.9%.
However, El Erian&#8217;s prediction of the US economy outperforming other major economies aligns with his earlier warning about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/bonds/24/12/42677086/treasury-yields-could-hit-5-in-2025-mohamed-el-erian-warns-will-next-year-bring-head-winds-for-surging-markets">U.S. Treasury yields potentially hitting 5% in 2025</a>, as markets digest the Federal Reserve's revised rate outlook and end-of-year dynamics.
Photo by International Monetary Fund on Flickr
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Economics

El Erian Explains Why US Economy Is 'Likely To Continue Outperforming Other Major Economies In 2025'

Cryptocurrencies and stocks associated with &#8220;Roaring Kitty&#8221; rose Wednesday following the famed trader&#8217;s apparent &#8216;Merry Christmas&#8217; wish.
What happened: Keith Gill, better known online as Roaring Kitty, became active on the special day after he posted a picture of a neatly wrapped gift.
The message conveyed his Christmas wish and wasn't as cryptic as some of his earlier social media posts.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://t.co/RLv8w97uPp">pic.twitter.com/RLv8w97uPp</a>
&mdash; Roaring Kitty (@TheRoaringKitty) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRoaringKitty/status/1871933930963693706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42665539/north-korean-hackers-suspected-presence-triggers-over-500-million-in-outflows-from-crypto-exchange">North Korean Hackers&#8217; Suspected Presence Triggers Over $500 Million In Outflows From Crypto Exchange</a>
The frenzy took over immediately. Shares of GameStop Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>), connected to Roaring Kitty's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39799183/whats-going-on-with-gamestop-stock">historic 2021 short squeeze</a>, <a href="https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/GME/">jumped</a> 7.68% in Robinhood's overnight trading to $33.50.
Similarly, a meme coin of the same name, GmeStop (GME), rose 5% to a market capitalization of $31.26 million, <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/gme/">according </a>to CoinMarketCap. The Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)-based coin witnessed a 43% jump in trading volume in the last 24 hours,&nbsp;
Another coin, Kitty Inu (KITTY) surged 17.96% in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;
Note that these meme coins have no fundamental ties to GameStop or Roaring Kitty but are just playing on the speculations of a short squeeze of the meme stock and a possible repetition of the 2021 event.
Roaring Kitty's social posts have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39807951/why-are-gamestop-and-kitty-themed-memecoins-trading-higher-today-read-on">drastically moved</a> the traditional and cryptocurrency markets in 2024, especially after his comeback in May.
The trader has shared position updates on Reddit and even <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/06/39231962/roaring-kitty-draws-600k-live-viewers-in-youtube-return-im-alive">hosted a livestream</a> on his YouTube channel during market hours.
Price Action: Shares of GameStop closed 0.78% higher at $31.14 during Tuesday&#8217;s regular trading session, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>. 
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Equities

Roaring Kitty's 'Christmas' Post Has GameStop Rallying 7% In Overnight Trading — Memecoin Connected To Trader Also Surge

In response to US President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, the Danish government has significantly ramped up defense spending for the Arctic territory. This announcement was made shortly after Trump&#8217;s statement.
What Happened: Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced a substantial investment in Greenland&#8217;s defense, amounting to a &#8220;double digit billion amount&#8221; in krone, equivalent to at least $1.5bn. The investment package includes the procurement of two inspection ships, long-range drones, and additional dog sled teams, as well as bolstering staffing at Arctic Command in Nuuk and an upgrade for one of Greenland&#8217;s main civilian airports, <a href="http://Denmark Ramps Up Greenland's Defense Budget Amid Trump's Renewed Acquisition Interest In response to US President-elect Donald Trump's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, the Danish government has significantly ramped up defense spending for the Arctic territory. This announcement was made shortly after Trump's statement. What Happened: As reported by a BBC article on Thursday, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced a substantial investment in Greenland's defense, amounting to a &quot;double digit billion amount&quot; in krone, equivalent to at least $1.5bn (£1.2bn). The investment package includes the procurement of two inspection ships, long-range drones, and additional dog sled teams, as well as increased staffing at Arctic Command in Nuuk and an upgrade for one of Greenland's main civilian airports. Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, holds strategic importance to the US due to its location on the shortest route from North America to Europe and its significant mineral reserves. The territory also houses a large US space facility. See Also: Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF Reverses In December: What's Going On? Trump expressed on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the &quot;ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity&quot; for the US. However, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede responded, stating &quot;we are not for sale&quot;, but emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and trade. Analysts suggest that Denmark's defense boost has been under discussion for a while and should not be seen as a direct response to Trump's comments. If Denmark fails to protect the waters around Greenland from potential encroachments by China and Russia, US demands for greater control could increase. Why It Matters: Trump's controversial remarks about acquiring Greenland and reclaiming the Panama Canal have been seen as part of his &quot;America First&quot; agenda, which emphasizes asserting U.S. interests on the global stage. The idea of buying Greenland apparently came from cosmetics heir, Ronald Lauder, as revealed in an upcoming book. Trump's call to reclaim the Panama Canal has sparked backlash from Panama's President José Raúl Mulino, highlighting potential tensions that could affect maritime trade through the critical waterway. Read Next: Biden Dumps Student Loan Forgiveness Plans: What It Means For Borrowers, Loan Providers Like SoFi">reported</a> BBC on Wednesday.
Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, holds strategic importance to the U.S. due to its location on the shortest route from North America to Europe and its significant mineral reserves. The territory also houses a large U.S. space facility.
Trump expressed on Truth Social, that the &#8220;ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity&#8221; for the U.S. However, Greenland&#8217;s Prime Minister Mute Egede responded, stating &#8220;We are not for sale&#8221;, but emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and trade.
Analysts suggest that Denmark&#8217;s defense boost has been under discussion for a while and should not be viewed as a direct response to Trump&#8217;s comments. If Denmark fails to protect the waters around Greenland from potential encroachments by China and Russia, US demands for greater control could increase.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/12/42660458/schwab-us-dividend-equity-etf-reverses-in-december-whats-going-on?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF Reverses In December: What&#8217;s Going On?</a>
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42678846/trumps-controversial-remarks-on-panama-canal-and-greenland-safeguarding-trade-and-security-or-grabbing-power">controversial remarks</a> about acquiring Greenland and reclaiming the Panama Canal have been seen as part of his &#8220;America First&#8221; agenda, which emphasizes asserting U.S. interests on the global stage. The idea of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/09/28875236/donald-trumps-said-greenland-purchase-was-his-idea-but-it-came-from-a-new-york-cosmetics-heir-reveal">buying Greenland</a> apparently came from cosmetics heir, Ronald Lauder, as revealed in an upcoming book. 
Trump&#8217;s call to reclaim the Panama Canal has also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42639737/trumps-call-to-reclaim-panama-canal-sparks-backlash-every-square-meter-belongs-to-panama-says-president-mulino">sparked backlash</a> from Panama's President José Raúl Mulino, highlighting potential tensions that could affect maritime trade through the critical waterway.
Image via Shutterstock
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Politics

General

Trump Effect? Denmark Boosts Greenland's Defense Budget Amid President-Elect's Renewed Acquisition Interest

Mark Cuban took to the Bluesky platform on Dec. 1 to issue a dire warning about the future of housing affordability. His message? It's not interest rates that will be the top challenge for homeowners in the next few years – it's home insurance.
Cuban said:
"Home insurance in areas hit by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41222716/as-florida-prepares-for-one-of-deadliest-hurricanes-here-are-some-potential-stock-winners-and-lo">repetitive disasters</a> will be the number one housing affordability issue over the next four years. And possibly going into the midterms. More so than interest rates.&nbsp;
Florida in particular is going to have huge problems."
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This comment wasn't made in a vacuum. Cuban was responding to a post by another Bluesky user, @AmyL, who painted a grim picture of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/04/38046445/florida-governor-ron-desantis-raises-alarm-by-calling-citizens-insurance-not-solvent-as-an-explosive">housing market in Florida</a>:
"Here in Florida we have a housing crisis of our own – developers are building affordable homes all around, but many are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/10/41353947/5-6-million-vacant-homes-in-america-are-we-misunderstanding-the-housing-crisis-experts-weigh-in">sitting empty</a> because people can't afford the necessary home insurance."
Cuban's concern is rooted in the growing number of natural disasters hitting regions like Florida, California and the Gulf Coast. Hurricanes, wildfires and flooding are becoming more frequent and severe, leading insurance companies to either raise premiums dramatically or pull out of these markets altogether.
See Also: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-homes-private-credit-fund"> they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends</a>
Take Florida, for example. Once a haven for retirees and snowbirds, the state faces skyrocketing insurance premiums due to its vulnerability to hurricanes. Some insurers have stopped offering coverage, forcing homeowners to rely on state-backed programs that aren't always sufficient.
This has created a vicious cycle:
• Homes in disaster-prone areas are becoming increasingly expensive to insure.
• Without insurance, many prospective buyers are priced out, even if the home is "affordable."
• Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40837523/suze-orman-isnt-wasting-money-on-insurance-for-her-condo-im-not-paying-28-000-a-year-when-the-in">property damage risks</a> remain high, discouraging investment and leaving homes empty.
It's not just Florida. Here are some areas in the U.S. known for frequent natural disasters – and the ripple effects they're experiencing:
1. California: Wildfires have devastated entire communities, leading to billions in damages and skyrocketing premiums.
2. Texas: Hurricanes, flooding and hailstorms make parts of the state a high-risk zone for insurers.
3. Louisiana: Like Florida, Louisiana is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and rising sea levels.
4. Oklahoma: Tornadoes regularly wreak havoc, increasing home repair costs and insurance premiums.
5. Midwest States: Flooding from rivers like the Mississippi and Missouri has made some areas nearly uninsurable.
Trending: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partnered with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target announces the deadline to invest this year is 12/20. – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>
Cuban's prediction that home insurance will become a political issue makes sense. As premiums rise and insurers retreat, state and federal governments may have to step in to prevent housing markets in disaster-prone areas from collapsing.
But it's not just about legislation. This crisis is a wake-up call for how we handle climate change, urban planning and disaster preparedness. Without serious reforms, homeowners in high-risk areas might face an impossible choice: pay unaffordable premiums, go without insurance or leave their communities entirely.
Mark Cuban's warning highlights an often-overlooked <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42572520/2025-housing-market-looks-like-a-year-of-struggle-for-states-like-builders-now-hold-record-inventory">aspect of the housing crisis</a>. While interest rates and rising home prices grab headlines, the real threat may come from something even harder to control: nature. For homeowners in places like Florida, the clock is ticking and the need for solutions has never been more urgent.
If you're considering buying property in a disaster-prone area, it's crucial to factor in the cost – and availability – of home insurance. But for savvy investors, this shifting landscape could be a unique opportunity. By focusing on rentals or REITs in safer regions, there's still a way to turn the challenges of today's housing market into a long-term advantage.
Read Next:
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<li>Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/marcus-millichap-backed-platform-makes-it-easy-to-invest-in-real-estate"> this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a></li>
<li>This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bezos-landlord-100-dollars">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a></li>
</ul>

Real Estate

'Florida, In Particular, Is Going To Have Huge Problems' – Mark Cuban Says #1 Housing Affordability Issue Is Insurance, Not Interest Rates

Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 14.69% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 26.58%. Currently, Apple has a market capitalization of $3.90 trillion. 
Buying $100 In AAPL: If an investor had bought $100 of AAPL stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $3,415.99 today based on a price of $258.10 for AAPL at the time of writing.
<h3>Apple's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735166738_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.

AAPL

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Apple Stock In The Last 15 Years

<h3>GAINERS:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LBUY">Leafbuyer Techs</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LBUY#OTC">LBUY</a>) shares closed up 33.33% at $0.02</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CBDY">Target Group</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBDY#OTC">CBDY</a>) shares closed up 25.00% at $0.00</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CBWTF">Auxly Cannabis Group</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBWTF#OTC">CBWTF</a>) shares closed up 22.11% at $0.02</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CLSH">CLS Holdings USA</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLSH#OTC">CLSH</a>) shares closed up 17.88% at $0.04</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RSSFF">Affinor Growers</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RSSFF#OTC">RSSFF</a>) shares closed up 16.67% at $0.07</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/EAST">Eastside Distilling</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EAST#NASDAQ">EAST</a>) shares closed up 14.75% at $0.80</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FFNTF">4Front Ventures</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFNTF#OTC">FFNTF</a>) shares closed up 10.53% at $0.02</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UGRO">Urban-gro</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UGRO#NASDAQ">UGRO</a>) shares closed up 8.57% at $1.08</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CNBX">CNBX Pharmaceuticals</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNBX#OTC">CNBX</a>) shares closed up 6.00% at $0.01</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TGIFF">1933 Industries</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGIFF#OTC">TGIFF</a>) shares closed up 5.15% at $0.01</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ZLDAF">Zelira Therapeutics</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZLDAF#OTC">ZLDAF</a>) shares closed up 4.88% at $0.37</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ZDPY">Zoned Properties</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZDPY#OTC">ZDPY</a>) shares closed up 4.53% at $0.46</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOL">Emeren Group</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOL#NYSE">SOL</a>) shares closed up 4.00% at $2.10</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CNTMF">Cansortium</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNTMF#OTC">CNTMF</a>) shares closed up 3.57% at $0.07</li>
</ul>
<h3>LOSERS:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MPXOF">MPX International</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPXOF#OTC">MPXOF</a>) shares closed down 81.82% at $0.0002</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BMMJ">Body and Mind</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMMJ#OTC">BMMJ</a>) shares closed down 24.35% at $0.01</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FUAPF">Global Compliance</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FUAPF#OTC">FUAPF</a>) shares closed down 24.05% at $0.00</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RMHB">Rocky Mountain High</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RMHB#OTC">RMHB</a>) shares closed down 18.75% at $0.01</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NWVCF">EnWave</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NWVCF#OTC">NWVCF</a>) shares closed down 8.97% at $0.14</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CURR">Currenc Group</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURR#NASDAQ">CURR</a>) shares closed down 7.95% at $1.56</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KAYS">Kaya Holdings</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KAYS#OTC">KAYS</a>) shares closed down 7.16% at $0.03</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVSI">CV Sciences</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVSI#OTC">CVSI</a>) shares closed down 6.52% at $0.03</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRMD">MariMed</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRMD#OTC">MRMD</a>) shares closed down 6.43% at $0.12</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GNLN">Greenlane Hldgs</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GNLN#NASDAQ">GNLN</a>) shares closed down 5.40% at $1.51</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CWBHF">Charlottes Web Holdings</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CWBHF#OTC">CWBHF</a>) shares closed down 4.37% at $0.10</li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Cannabis

BMMJ

CBDY

CANNABIS WHEATON INCOME by Cannabis Wheaton Income Corp.

CBWTF

CLSH

CNBX

CNTMF

CURE PHARMA HLDG CORP by CURE Pharmaceutical Holding Corp.

CURR

CVSI

CWBHF

EAST

FFNTF

FUAPF

GNLN

KAYS

LEAFBUYER TECHNOLOGIES by Leafbuyer Technologies, Inc.

LBUY

MPXOF

MRMD

NWVCF

RMHB

RSSFF

TGIFF

UGRO

ZDPY

ZLDAF

Marijuana Stock Movers For December 25, 2024

In the current market session, Portland Gen Electric Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/POR#NYSE">POR</a>) share price is at $43.71, after a 0.02% increase. Moreover, over the past month, the stock fell by 8.93%, but in the past year, spiked by 0.76%. Shareholders might be interested in knowing whether the stock is overvalued, even if the company is performing up to par in the current session. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735155908_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>Portland Gen Electric P/E Ratio Analysis in Relation to Industry Peers</h3>
The P/E ratio measures the current share price to the company's EPS. It is used by long-term investors to analyze the company's current performance against it's past earnings, historical data and aggregate market data for the industry or the indices, such as S&amp;P 500. A higher P/E indicates that investors expect the company to perform better in the future, and the stock is probably overvalued, but not necessarily. It also could indicate that investors are willing to pay a higher share price currently, because they expect the company to perform better in the upcoming quarters. This leads investors to also remain optimistic about rising dividends in the future. 
Compared to the aggregate P/E ratio of the 24.36 in the Electric Utilities industry, Portland Gen Electric Inc. has a lower P/E ratio of 13.19. Shareholders might be inclined to think that the stock might perform worse than it's industry peers. It's also possible that the stock is undervalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735155908_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In summary, while the price-to-earnings ratio is a valuable tool for investors to evaluate a company's market performance, it should be used with caution. A low P/E ratio can be an indication of undervaluation, but it can also suggest weak growth prospects or financial instability. Moreover, the P/E ratio is just one of many metrics that investors should consider when making investment decisions, and it should be evaluated alongside other financial ratios, industry trends, and qualitative factors. By taking a comprehensive approach to analyzing a company's financial health, investors can make well-informed decisions that are more likely to lead to successful outcomes.

Intraday Update

P/E Ratio Insights for Portland Gen Electric

Intuitive Machines's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUNR#NYSE">LUNR</a>) short percent of float has fallen 4.79% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 14.22 million shares sold short, which is 17.11% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.0 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>Intuitive Machines Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735155020_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Intuitive Machines has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Intuitive Machines'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>, Intuitive Machines's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 8.55%, 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

LUNR

Peering Into Intuitive Machines's Recent Short Interest

American Tower's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMT#NYSE">AMT</a>) short percent of float has fallen 6.67% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 4.55 million shares sold short, which is 1.12% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.88 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>American Tower Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735155016_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for American Tower has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing American Tower'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>, American Tower's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.38%, 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.

Peering Into American Tower's Recent Short Interest

GE HealthCare Techs's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEHC#NYSE">GEHC</a>) short percent of float has risen 6.2% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 9.24 million shares sold short, which is 2.57% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.56 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>GE HealthCare Techs Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735155011_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for GE HealthCare Techs 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 GE HealthCare Techs'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>, GE HealthCare Techs's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.65%, 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.

GEHC

(GEHC) - Analyzing GE HealthCare Techs's Short Interest

On Dec. 21, the U.S. Senate passed the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42141974/house-passes-196-billion-social-security-bill-will-repealing-pension-reductions-shorten-the-programs-lifespan">Social Security Fairness Act</a>, a bipartisan bill to eliminate reductions in social security benefits for millions of Americans. With a vote of 76-20, the bill now heads to President Joe Biden's desk for final approval. This marks a significant milestone for retired educators, firefighters, police officers and government employees.&nbsp;
For decades, certain provisions have reduced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41882904/think-youll-get-full-social-security-missing-this-35-year-window-could-cost-you-thousands">Social Security payments</a> for retirees receiving public pensions. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) were initially set to prevent overlapping benefits but have been widely criticized as unfair.&nbsp;
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"Millions of retired teachers, firefighters, letter carriers and state and local workers have waited decades for this moment," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor. "No longer will public retirees see their hard-earned Social Security benefits robbed, thanks to this bill."
Repealing the WEP and GPO will restore full <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41210847/do-former-u-s-presidents-really-collect-social-security-the-surprising-truth-about-their-retirem">Social Security benefits</a> to nearly three million retirees nationwide. Advocates argue that these workers deserve the benefits they've contributed to throughout their careers.&nbsp;
"Everyone knows a teacher, firefighter, law enforcement officer, nurse or public worker who's paid into Social Security year after year, only to have their payments curbed by the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset when they retire," said Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers.&nbsp;
See Also: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>
Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, a leading advocate for the bill, said Social Security is a bedrock of the American middle class that public workers pay into like anyone else and that the WEP and GPO restrictions make no sense. "These workers serve the public," he said, addressing the Senate. "They protect our communities. They teach our kids."
National organizations representing public workers have also praised the decision. Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger's website shares celebratory messages from those in the National Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Education Association and others.&nbsp;
Rebecca Pringle, president of the National Education Association, celebrated the bipartisan effort, saying, "Public service workers have been waiting 40 years for this wrong to be righted and we are grateful that members of Congress, in both the House and now the Senate, put aside partisan politics to come together and pass the Social Security Fairness Act."
Trending: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
While the legislation is celebrated for its fairness, not everyone agrees it is the right path forward. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), repealing the WEP and GPO will add an estimated $195 billion to the federal deficit over the next decade. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40817544/report-warns-of-16-500-annual-social-security-benefit-cut-for-dual-income-couples-by-2033">Social Security Trust Funds</a>, already projected to be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2035, will see their insolvency date increased by about six months.
Critics of the bill, including Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, expressed concerns about its long-term impact. "We caved to the pressure of the moment instead of doing this on a sustainable basis," he said. Others, like Sen. Rand Paul, proposed alternative solutions such as gradually raising the Social Security retirement age, though such amendments gained little support.
The bill now awaits President Biden's signature. Once enacted, it will provide immediate relief to retirees who have seen reduced benefits for years. Since the bill was set to apply to payments beginning January 2024, the CBO suggests that benefits owed before fiscal year 2025 may be paid retroactively.&nbsp;
This legislation represents a long-awaited victory for public service retirees and a step toward a fairer retirement system. Stay informed about updates on Social Security and other retirement-related news to plan for your future.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a></li>
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Personal Finance

A Long-Awaited Victory: Public Workers Set To Receive Higher Social Security Benefits After Senate Passes Social Security Fairness Act

In the current market session, Dow Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOW#NYSE">DOW</a>) price is at $40.09, after a 0.30% spike. However, over the past month, the stock fell by 8.76%, and in the past year, by 27.41%. Shareholders might be interested in knowing whether the stock is undervalued, even if the company is performing up to par in the current session. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735153208_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>A Look at Dow P/E Relative to Its Competitors</h3>
The P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company's market performance against aggregate market data, historical earnings, and the industry at large. A lower P/E could indicate that shareholders do not expect the stock to perform better in the future or it could mean that the company is undervalued. 
Compared to the aggregate P/E ratio of the 29.31 in the Chemicals industry, Dow Inc. has a lower P/E ratio of 26.65. Shareholders might be inclined to think that the stock might perform worse than it's industry peers. It's also possible that the stock is undervalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735153208_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In conclusion, the price-to-earnings ratio is a useful metric for analyzing a company's market performance, but it has its limitations. While a lower P/E can indicate that a company is undervalued, it can also suggest that shareholders do not expect future growth. Additionally, the P/E ratio should not be used in isolation, as other factors such as industry trends and business cycles can also impact a company's stock price. Therefore, investors should use the P/E ratio in conjunction with other financial metrics and qualitative analysis to make informed investment decisions.

Price Over Earnings Overview: Dow

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that it will issue automatic payments this month to approximately 1 million <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-special-payments-going-this-month-to-1-million-taxpayers-who-did-not-claim-2021-recovery-rebate-credit-encourages-non-filers-about-approaching-deadline-to-claim-credits">taxpayers</a> who did not claim the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2021 Recovery Rebate Credit</a>.
The total amount of payments is expected to be around $2.4 billion, with individual payments potentially reaching up to $1,400.
The payments, which are part of ongoing efforts to assist taxpayers, will be sent to individuals who were eligible for the Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) but did not claim them on their 2021 tax returns.
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit for those who missed out on one or more of the stimulus payments.
These payments will be issued automatically, meaning no additional action is required from eligible taxpayers. The funds will be either direct deposited or sent as paper checks, with most payments arriving by late January 2025.
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Eligible taxpayers will also receive a separate notification letter from the IRS confirming the payment.
The IRS also reminded taxpayers who haven't yet filed their 2021 tax returns that they may still be eligible for the credit if they file by the April 15, 2025, deadline.
The payments will go to those who filed a 2021 tax return but left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered $0 when they were actually qualified.
These automatic payments aim to simplify the process for eligible taxpayers, saving them from filing an amended return. Additionally, the IRS assured that the payments would not count as income when determining eligibility for federal benefits such as SSI, SNAP, and WIC. The IRS said it continues its efforts to help taxpayers access credits and deductions, including other coronavirus tax relief measures.
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Payments of Up to $1,400 Coming for 1 Million Eligible Taxpayers, IRS Confirms

Taiwan&#8217;s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has reportedly blocked Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) $950 million acquisition of Delivery Hero&#8217;s Foodpanda <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38809280/uber-spices-up-taiwans-food-delivery-scene-with-950m-foodpanda-deal-whats-on-the-menu">business due to anti-competitive concerns.</a>
The merger, which was initially announced in May 2023, would have significantly increased Uber Eats&#8217; dominance in Taiwan&#8217;s food delivery market, giving the combined company over 90% of the market share, Reuters reports.
The FTC cited concerns that the merger would eliminate Foodpanda as Uber Eats&#8217; main competitor, reducing market pressure on the combined entity.
The commission argued that without this competition, Uber would have less incentive to keep prices low for consumers or commissions reasonable for restaurant partners.
With a huge market share, the merger could have led to higher prices and less choice for consumers, undermining the competitive landscape of Taiwan&#8217;s food delivery sector.
The deal was scrutinized by the FTC after Uber filed the application in November 2023. The commission stated that the merger&#8217;s negative effects would outweigh any economic benefits.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42677188/elon-musk-calls-jeff-bezos-ex-wife-mackenzie-scotts-charitable-donations-concerning">Elon Musk Calls Jeff Bezos&#8217; Ex-Wife MacKenzie Scott&#8217;s $19 Billion Charitable Donations &#8216;Concerning&#8217;</a>
The FTC also noted that corrective measures would not be sufficient to address these concerns.
In response, Uber and Delivery Hero said they might appeal the decision or consider terminating the acquisition.
Uber was optimistic about the deal, as it had hoped the merger would help boost its delivery business by contributing $150 million annually to its adjusted core profit.
While online food delivery platforms in Taiwan account for a small fraction of the broader food delivery market, Foodpanda&#8217;s operations had reached breakeven in adjusted core earnings by March 2024.
The proposed merger was expected to be finalized in the first half of 2025, but now faces significant regulatory hurdles in Taiwan.
This decision highlights ongoing scrutiny of mergers in the tech and delivery sectors, as regulators assess their long-term impact on competition and consumers.
Price Action: UBER shares 0.26% to $61.71 on Tuesday, while shares fell by 0.07% after hours.
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UBER

Uber's Foodpanda Acquisition Blocked in Taiwan Due to Competition Concerns

President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s foreign policy rhetoric has recently shifted towards more aggressive stances, with controversial remarks about reclaiming the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42639737/trumps-call-to-reclaim-panama-canal-sparks-backlash-every-square-meter-belongs-to-panama-says-president-mulino" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panama Canal and acquiring Greenland</a>.
While unlikely to result in actual territorial changes, these statements reflect Trump&#8217;s continued &#8220;America First&#8221; agenda, which emphasizes asserting U.S. interests on the global stage, BBC News <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1lnzzd1zrmo" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Trump&#8217;s remarks about the Panama Canal, made during a conservative conference in Arizona, center around what he perceives as &#8220;unfair&#8221; fees imposed on U.S. ships using the waterway.
The U.S. controlled the Panama Canal until 1977, when it was handed over to Panama under a treaty.
However, Trump has now suggested that the canal should be returned to U.S. control if Panama continues to impose what he called &#8220;ridiculous&#8221; charges, particularly with China&#8217;s increasing presence in the region.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42677225/is-the-stock-market-open-or-closed-on-christmas-day-2024-here-is-what-you-can-trade-today" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is Stock Market Open Or Closed On Christmas Day 2024? Here Is What You Can Trade Today</a>
China, the second-largest user of the canal after the U.S., has significant economic interests in Panama, which could pose security concerns for the U.S. in a future conflict.
Despite Trump&#8217;s claims, Panama&#8217;s President José Raúl Mulino has firmly rejected the notion, asserting that the canal is sovereign property of Panama.
Trump has also reiterated his 2019 desire to purchase Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory. He argues that Greenland&#8217;s strategic location in the Arctic and its natural resources are essential for U.S. national security. Though Greenland&#8217;s prime minister, Múte B. Egede, has rejected the idea, Trump&#8217;s public push continues.
The U.S. maintains a military base in Greenland, and Russia&#8217;s growing interest in the region adds to the geopolitical tension, BBC News adds.
While these comments might be seen as coercive, they highlight Trump&#8217;s focus on using U.S. power to safeguard its trade and security interests. It remains to be seen how these statements will affect U.S. foreign relations moving forward, especially with countries like Denmark and Panama.
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Image: Shutterstock

Trump's Controversial Remarks on Panama Canal and Greenland: Safeguarding Trade and Security or Grabbing Power?

Telsey Advisory Group analyst Dana Telsey on Tuesday provided an overview of which consumer sectors were the best performers in the third-quarter and highlighted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/12/42675763/santa-rally-serial-winners-10-stocks-historically-poised-for-big-year-end-gains">some &#8220;stocks with potential.&#8221; </a>
Sectors: One of the sectors highlighted by Telsey Advisory Group was the Off-Price group including TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TJX#NYSE">TJX</a>), Burlington Stores, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BURL#NYSE">BURL</a>) and Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROST#NASDAQ">ROST</a>).&nbsp; All three of these companies in the Off-Price sector raised their annual profit outlooks in the third quarter, suggesting the discount retailers see benefits from a potentially cash-strapped consumer.&nbsp;
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Another sector of the Telsey Advisory Group's coverage that saw all companies in the firm's coverage raise their annual profit outlooks was the Digital/New Economy sector.&nbsp; Stitch Fix, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFIX#NASDAQ">SFIX</a>), ThredUp Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDUP#NASDAQ">TDUP</a>) and eyewear retailer Warby Parker Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WRBY#NYSE">WRBY</a>) comprise the Telsey Group's coverage in this sector.&nbsp;
"Some Stocks With Potential": The firm also highlighted Warby Parker as one of its "stocks with potential" and sees its operating momentum continuing in 2025 driven by enhanced telemedicine capabilities, expanded insurance coverage and scaling its contact lens business.&nbsp;
Telsey Advisory named Bath &amp; Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBWI#NYSE">BBWI</a>) as a stock with potential following its earnings and revenue beat-and-raise report for the third quarter. It also sees the store as a "holiday winner" with its strong gift assortment. 
The final "stock with potential" listed in the research note is RH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RH#NYSE">RH</a>) which Telsey Advisory Group analyst Cristina Fernandez upgraded from Market Perform to Outperform last week. The analyst also raised the price target from $485 to $500 as she anticipates the retailer's strong demand trend to continue as the housing market begins to recover and new stores in European markets are opened. 
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Image: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Analyst Ratings

BBWI

BURL

ROST

SFIX

TDUP

WRBY

Warby Parker, RH, Bath & Body Works Are 'Stocks With Potential,' Analyst Says

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>JBLU</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$48.5K</td>
<td>25.1K</td>
<td align="right">799</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMTM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$82.5K</td>
<td>8</td>
<td align="right">650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$84.3K</td>
<td>46.3K</td>
<td align="right">459</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLDR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$359.0K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td align="right">191</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/27/24</td>
<td>$97.00</td>
<td>$43.3K</td>
<td>238</td>
<td align="right">153</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FDX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$43.2K</td>
<td>613</td>
<td align="right">129</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VRT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$118.00</td>
<td>$38.2K</td>
<td>9</td>
<td align="right">82</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$340.00</td>
<td>$40.8K</td>
<td>64</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$61.7K</td>
<td>545</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>POWL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$30.3K</td>
<td>7</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For JBLU (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBLU#NASDAQ">JBLU</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 23 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 490 contract(s) at a $7.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $48.5K, with a price of $99.0 per contract. There were 25117 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 799 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AMTM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMTM#NYSE">AMTM</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 58 day(s) on February 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 300 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 13 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $82.5K, with a price of $275.0 per contract. There were 8 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 650 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding DAL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 23 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 350 contract(s) at a $65.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $84.3K, with a price of $241.0 per contract. There were 46357 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 459 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BLDR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLDR#NYSE">BLDR</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 233 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 191 contract(s) at a $150.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $359.0K, with a price of $1880.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 191 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding UAL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on December 27, 2024. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $97.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.3K, with a price of $433.0 per contract. There were 238 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 153 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For FDX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 113 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 60 contract(s) at a $300.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.2K, with a price of $720.0 per contract. There were 613 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 129 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding VRT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRT#NYSE">VRT</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 23 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 75 contract(s) at a $118.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $38.2K, with a price of $510.0 per contract. There were 9 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 82 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For GEV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 113 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $340.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $40.8K, with a price of $4089.0 per contract. There were 64 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 22 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 723 day(s) on December 18, 2026. Parties traded 20 contract(s) at a $210.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $61.7K, with a price of $3085.0 per contract. There were 545 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 20 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For POWL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/POWL#NASDAQ">POWL</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 233 day(s) on August 15, 2025. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $190.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.3K, with a price of $3036.0 per contract. There were 7 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 11 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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