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Wall Street has been on a remarkable rally this year, with the S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite Index hitting a series of record highs on strong earnings growth and artificial intelligence craze. This shows that large-cap stocks have been the clear leader.


5 Large-Cap ETFs at the Forefront of the Market Rally This Year

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Baron Fifth Avenue Growth Fund gained nearly 60% over the year, while the Fidelity Blue Chip Growth ETF climbed 59%.

Forget The Magnificent 7: Did Anyone Back These 1,000% Gainers In 2023?

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Chinese automakers are seemingly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/39078641/legacy-auto-giants-gm-stellantis-plan-to-fend-off-chinese-ev-threat-with-25k-electric-jeep-most-affo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gaining ground in the United Kingdom</a>&nbsp;as American automakers including EV giant&nbsp;Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) falters.
What Happened:&nbsp;As per data from the&nbsp;Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders&nbsp;(SMMT),&nbsp;2,904 vehicles from Chinese EV maker&nbsp;BYD Co Ltd (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDY#OTC">BYDDY</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDF#OTC">BYDDF</a>). were registered in the U.K. this year as of the end of June, marking a near 2,800% jump from last year.
SAIC Motor-owned&nbsp;MG&nbsp;saw registrations jump nearly 11% to 44,046 units while&nbsp;Great Wall Motor‘s&nbsp;Ora&nbsp;brand witnessed a nearly 202% jump in registrations to 895 units.
Domestic players including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen also saw registrations in the period jumped 33.58%, 20.93%, and 4.94%, respectively. 
U.S. automakers&nbsp;Ford Motor Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) and Tesla, however, are not faring well in the country.&nbsp;Tesla registrations slumped 12% to 23,029 units while Ford registrations fell 22% to 56,735 units. 
Why It Matters:&nbsp;Chinese automakers have been focussing on increasing their market share in foreign markets following an economic slowdown at home. The increased competition among EV brands in the country has also given rise to an intense price war with EV makers including BYD slashing prices to retain market share.
Western nations including the EU and the U.S. are concerned that the low prices on Chinese EVs may harm domestic players.
While the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/39006664/elon-musk-slams-biden-administration-over-100-tariffs-on-chinese-ev-imports-things-that-distort-the" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quadrupled tariffs&nbsp;</a>on EV imports from China to over 100% in May, the EU on Thursday said that it will impose tariffs between 17.4% and 37.6% from Friday on particular Chinese carmakers on top of a pre-existing 10% duty on EVs made in China. 
The EU tariffs are currently provisional as the union&#8217;s investigation into China&#8217;s subsidies for domestic EV makers continues. EU officials have alleged that the rise in Chinese EV imports into the region is boosted by unfair subsidization allowing for cheaper China-made EVs to undercut its domestic players. 
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read More:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39630731/mustang-mach-e-drives-fords-q2-ev-sales-ahead-of-gm-but-its-still-just-a-fraction-of-elon-musks-tesl">Mustang Mach-E Drives Ford&#8217;s Q2 EV Sales Ahead Of GM But It&#8217;s Still Just A Fraction Of Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: MG Motors

BYDDF

BYDDY

Tesla, Other US Automakers Lose Ground In UK To Chinese And Domestic Players

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>DouYu Intl Hldgs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOYU#NASDAQ">DOYU</a>) shares increased by 32.6% to $16.7 during Thursday's pre-market session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $528.3 million. </li>
<li>TuanChe (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TC#NASDAQ">TC</a>) shares moved upwards by 14.54% to $2.05. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $4.1 million. </li>
<li>Paramount Global (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NASDAQ">PARA</a>) shares increased by 13.05% to $12.12. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $8.0 billion. </li>
<li>Paramount Global (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARAA#NASDAQ">PARAA</a>) stock increased by 8.69% to $21.0. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $13.9 billion. </li>
<li>HUYA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUYA#NYSE">HUYA</a>) shares increased by 6.63% to $4.5. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $1.0 billion. </li>
<li>Urban One (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UONE#NASDAQ">UONE</a>) shares increased by 5.55% to $1.9. The company's market cap stands at $94.3 million. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Leafly Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LFLY#NASDAQ">LFLY</a>) shares fell 8.6% to $1.92 during Thursday's pre-market session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $4.7 million. </li>
<li>Hanryu Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HRYU#NASDAQ">HRYU</a>) shares decreased by 6.35% to $0.25. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $13.2 million. </li>
<li>Loop Media (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LPTV#AMEX">LPTV</a>) stock decreased by 5.86% to $0.12. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $9.5 million. </li>
<li>Global Mofy Metaverse (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GMM#NASDAQ">GMM</a>) shares declined by 5.57% to $0.83. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $23.7 million. </li>
<li>Motorsport Games (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSGM#NASDAQ">MSGM</a>) stock decreased by 5.07% to $2.25. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $6.1 million. </li>
<li>Blue Hat Interactive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BHAT#NASDAQ">BHAT</a>) shares decreased by 4.01% to $1.2. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $70.0 million. 
See Also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/best-communication-services-stocks/" title="www.benzinga.com/money/best-communication-services-stocks/">www.benzinga.com/money/best-communication-services-stocks/</a></li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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BHAT

DOYU

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MSGM

PARA

PARAA

UONE

12 Communication Services Stocks Moving In Thursday's Pre-Market Session

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>CNS Pharma (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNSP#NASDAQ">CNSP</a>) stock rose 109.5% to $2.64 during Thursday's pre-market session. The company's market cap stands at $2.2 million. </li>
<li>Autonomix Medical (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMIX#NASDAQ">AMIX</a>) stock moved upwards by 37.23% to $1.29. The company's market cap stands at $24.3 million. </li>
<li>Inspire Veterinary (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVP#NASDAQ">IVP</a>) shares moved upwards by 21.37% to $1.59. The company's market cap stands at $1.5 million. </li>
<li>Salarius Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLRX#NASDAQ">SLRX</a>) stock increased by 13.63% to $2.5. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $1.4 million. </li>
<li>Absci (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABSI#NASDAQ">ABSI</a>) stock increased by 13.46% to $3.37. The company's market cap stands at $381.0 million. </li>
<li>Traws Pharma (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRAW#NASDAQ">TRAW</a>) stock increased by 12.32% to $0.41. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $10.3 million. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Gain Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GANX#NASDAQ">GANX</a>) stock declined by 15.5% to $1.01 during Thursday's pre-market session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $25.4 million. </li>
<li>Senti Biosciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNTI#NASDAQ">SNTI</a>) shares fell 11.11% to $0.35. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $15.8 million. </li>
<li>DIH Holding US (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DHAI#NASDAQ">DHAI</a>) shares decreased by 9.1% to $2.5. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $101.3 million. </li>
<li>Trxade Health (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MEDS#NASDAQ">MEDS</a>) shares declined by 8.82% to $16.86. The company's market cap stands at $23.7 million. </li>
<li>EUDA Health Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EUDA#NASDAQ">EUDA</a>) shares decreased by 8.32% to $3.42. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $120.1 million. </li>
<li>Aspira Womens Health (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWH#NASDAQ">AWH</a>) stock decreased by 7.77% to $0.95. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $11.8 million. 
See Also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/best-healthcare-stocks/" title="www.benzinga.com/money/best-healthcare-stocks/">www.benzinga.com/money/best-healthcare-stocks/</a></li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ABSI

AMIX

CNSP

DHAI

Euda Health Holdings Limited - Ordinary Shares

EUDA

GANX

MEDS

SLRX

SNTI

TRAW

12 Health Care Stocks Moving In Thursday's Pre-Market Session

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Zoomcar Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZCAR#NASDAQ">ZCAR</a>) stock moved upwards by 57.2% to $0.21 during Thursday's pre-market session. The company's market cap stands at $13.9 million. </li>
<li>Mesa Air Gr (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MESA#NASDAQ">MESA</a>) shares moved upwards by 13.86% to $1.56. The company's market cap stands at $64.2 million. </li>
<li>Dragonfly Energy Hldgs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFLI#NASDAQ">DFLI</a>) shares rose 9.84% to $0.82. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $50.1 million. </li>
<li>Aqua Metals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AQMS#NASDAQ">AQMS</a>) stock increased by 7.44% to $0.33. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $37.1 million. </li>
<li>Caravelle Intl Gr (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CACO#NASDAQ">CACO</a>) shares moved upwards by 7.16% to $0.47. The company's market cap stands at $24.9 million. </li>
<li>Art's-Way Manufacturing (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARTW#NASDAQ">ARTW</a>) stock rose 7.14% to $1.65. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $8.3 million. The company's, Q2 earnings came out yesterday. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Shapeways Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHPW#NASDAQ">SHPW</a>) shares declined by 68.1% to $0.23 during Thursday's pre-market session. The company's market cap stands at $1.4 million. </li>
<li>Solidion Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STI#NASDAQ">STI</a>) shares decreased by 21.46% to $0.37. The company's market cap stands at $32.1 million. </li>
<li>Ocean Power Techs (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OPTT#AMEX">OPTT</a>) stock declined by 10.51% to $0.46. The company's market cap stands at $27.3 million. </li>
<li>Sunrise New Energy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EPOW#NASDAQ">EPOW</a>) stock decreased by 9.44% to $0.75. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $19.6 million. </li>
<li>Complete Solaria (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSLR#NASDAQ">CSLR</a>) stock decreased by 5.68% to $1.33. The company's market cap stands at $65.2 million. </li>
<li>TOMI Environmental Solns (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TOMZ#NASDAQ">TOMZ</a>) shares decreased by 5.01% to $0.75. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $14.9 million. 
See Also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/best-industrials-stocks/" title="www.benzinga.com/money/best-industrials-stocks/">www.benzinga.com/money/best-industrials-stocks/</a></li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AQMS

ARTW

CACO

CSLR

DFLI

Sunrise New Energy Co., Ltd - Ordinary Shares

EPOW

MESA

OPTT

SHPW

TOMZ

ZCAR

12 Industrials Stocks Moving In Thursday's Pre-Market Session

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>SMX (Security Matters) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMX#NASDAQ">SMX</a>) shares rose 23.6% to $0.14 during Thursday's pre-market session. The company's market cap stands at $5.7 million. </li>
<li>Nano Dimension (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NNDM#NASDAQ">NNDM</a>) shares moved upwards by 10.64% to $2.39. The company's market cap stands at $523.9 million. </li>
<li>LeddarTech Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LDTC#NASDAQ">LDTC</a>) shares moved upwards by 7.36% to $1.02. The company's market cap stands at $30.0 million. </li>
<li>Inuvo (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INUV#AMEX">INUV</a>) shares increased by 7.01% to $0.27. The company's market cap stands at $37.8 million. </li>
<li>Research Frontiers (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REFR#NASDAQ">REFR</a>) shares rose 6.52% to $1.96. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $65.6 million. </li>
<li>Presto Automation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRST#NASDAQ">PRST</a>) stock rose 6.28% to $0.08. The company's market cap stands at $13.1 million. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>SatixFy Communications (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SATX#AMEX">SATX</a>) stock decreased by 7.8% to $0.61 during Thursday's pre-market session. The company's market cap stands at $50.9 million. </li>
<li>TROOPS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TROO#NASDAQ">TROO</a>) stock declined by 5.29% to $2.51. The company's market cap stands at $255.0 million. </li>
<li>American Software (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMSWA#NASDAQ">AMSWA</a>) stock fell 4.97% to $8.62. The company's market cap stands at $286.8 million. </li>
<li>WidePoint (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WYY#AMEX">WYY</a>) shares fell 4.43% to $3.89. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $36.2 million. </li>
<li>QXO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QXO#NASDAQ">QXO</a>) stock fell 4.11% to $63.01. The company's market cap stands at $41.8 million. </li>
<li>Sequans Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQNS#NYSE">SQNS</a>) stock declined by 3.85% to $0.5. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $30.9 million. 
See Also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/tech-stocks/" title="www.benzinga.com/money/tech-stocks/">www.benzinga.com/money/tech-stocks/</a></li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AMSWA

INUV

LDTC

NNDM

PRST

REFR

SatixFy Communications Ltd. Ordinary Share

SATX

SQNS

TROO

12 Information Technology Stocks Moving In Thursday's Pre-Market Session

Benzinga has organized a series of virtual events this July, catering to various interests in whiskey investing, startup innovations, and real estate trends. Here's a detailed look at what's on the agenda.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Boom In Whiskey Investment</h3>
The first event, set for July 11, is a webinar titled <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/rising-demand-for-whiskey-2024/">The Rising Demand for Whiskey: How Investors Can Capitalize on the Trend</a>. This session will introduce participants to the expanding market of whiskey investment, which has been gaining traction due to increasing global alcohol consumption. Anthony Zhang, CEO and co-founder of Vinovest, along with Hunter Robillard, Vinovest&#8217;s head of whiskey, will provide expert information on the dynamics of whiskey investment. They will discuss the benefits of investing in well-known whiskey brands and explore the roles of contract distilling and market opportunities.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Revealing The Next Big Startups</h3>
Scheduled for July 18, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/startup-spotlight-july-2024/">Startup Spotlight: The Next Big Thing webinar</a> will bring together industry leaders, startup founders, and tech visionaries to discuss the most promising startups of 2024. Attendees can expect to learn about the latest trends and advancements driving the startup ecosystem. This event aims to uncover the next wave of successful startups and provide a platform for industry experts to share their knowledge and experiences.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Future Trends In Real Estate</h3>
On July 25, Benzinga will host the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/real-estate-summit-july-2024/">Real Estate Summit 2024 webinar</a>, focusing on the latest developments and opportunities within the real estate industry. This event will feature speakers who are innovators and thought leaders in real estate. They will discuss transformative technologies and strategies shaping the future of real estate. The webinar will cover property technology and investment strategies, providing attendees with a comprehensive overview of the current real estate market.
These virtual events offer a wealth of information and networking opportunities for anyone interested in whiskey investment, startup innovations, and real estate trends. Mark your calendars and join Benzinga this July to stay ahead in these dynamic markets.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Make sure to mark your calendars for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/">Benzinga&#8217;s upcoming virtual events</a>. These sessions are designed to educate and engage a diverse audience of traders, investors, and financial professionals. Featuring thought leaders and industry experts, Benzinga&#8217;s webinars offer timely, actionable insights to help you navigate the ever-changing market landscape. From whiskey investing to groundbreaking startups and real estate trends, there's something for everyone. Don&#8217;t miss the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and stay ahead in your field. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/">Learn more here.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Startups

How Can You Profit From Whiskey, Startups, And Real Estate? Learn From Experts Throughout July

On the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/24/07/39624749/fourth-of-july-hot-dog-eating-contest-betting-odds-favor-new-champion-as-joey-chestnut-sits-out">Fourth of July</a>, it&#8217;s time to get your iPhone ready to capture those dazzling fireworks displays. Whether celebrating in your backyard or watching an organized pyrotechnics show, your iPhone can help you <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/01/30478186/viral-tiktok-iphone-users-elevate-your-photography-game-with-long-exposure-hack">snap some truly spectacular shots</a>.&nbsp;
No Flash: It might seem helpful, but the flash won't reach the fireworks and can mess up your shot. Trust your iPhone to capture the natural glow of the fireworks all on its own.
Stabilize It: If you have a tripod, great, if not, use any stable surface nearby. This is key for those stunning long-exposure shots that make the fireworks pop.
Burst Mode: Fireworks are unpredictable, but Burst Mode is your best friend. Hold down the shutter button to take a bunch of photos in rapid succession. This way, you're bound to capture that perfect moment when the fireworks light up the sky.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
HDR: Turn on HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode to get the best results. HDR takes multiple photos at different exposures and blends them into one fantastic image. This will help you capture all the colors and details of the fireworks in their full glory.
Don't Zoom: Digital zoom just enlarges the image and reduces quality. Instead, get as close to the action as you can. Your photos will be much sharper and more vibrant.
Some Bonus Tips
Tweak the exposure settings to make sure the fireworks aren&#8217;t too bright and focus on a distant point to keep the fireworks sharp and clear. Now, use a remote shutter or the timer feature to minimize any shaking.
So, there you have it! With these tips, you're all set to capture some amazing fireworks photos this Fourth of July. Grab your iPhone, find a great spot, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your photography skills. Happy snapping!
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03205036/DALL%C2%B7E-2024-07-04-06.20.18-A-spectacular-Fourth-of-July-fireworks-display-lighting-up-the-night-sky-over-a-large-cityscape.-The-fireworks-are-colorful-and-varied-with-reds-blu-1024x585.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-419535" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Representational image of Fourth of July fireworks &#x7C; Image via DALL-E </figcaption></figure>
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39564817/apple-rejects-metas-ai-integration-proposal-ex-employee-accuses-iphone-maker-of-chemical-exposure-an?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Rejects Meta's AI Integration Proposal, Ex-Employee Accuses iPhone-Maker Of Chemical Exposure And More: This Week In Appleverse</a></li>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image: Unsplash

How To Take Amazing Photos Of Independence Day Fireworks Using An iPhone — A Step-By-Step Guide

As American families gather to celebrate Independence Day, many investors and traders are curious about the market schedule <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/is-the-stock-market-open-on-july-4th">for the July Fourth holiday</a>.
Here's a concise guide to help you navigate the trading week around this holiday.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Schedule Overview Around Independence Day</h3>
The U.S. stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ, will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in observance of Independence Day. 
Additionally, it's important to note that both the NYSE and NASDAQ also observed an early closure on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Trading ended at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).
The bond markets, including the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), will follow a similar schedule. The bond markets closed early at 2:00 PM ET on July 3 and will remain closed on July 4.
While the U.S. markets will be closed, international markets will follow their respective schedules. European and Asian markets, for example, will operate on their normal trading hours. Foreign exchange markets will remain open.
Thin trading volumes and liquidity in international markets are common on days when Wall Street is closed.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">FTSE 100 And UK Elections</h3>
On July 4, 2024, the United Kingdom will be holding parliamentary elections. 
Despite the relevant political event, the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the FTSE 100 Index will remain open for trading. The FTSE 100 operates on its normal schedule and will not be closed due to the elections. This provides investors with the opportunity to trade as usual.
However, U.S.-based exchange-traded funds tracking UK stocks, as the iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWU#NYSE">EWU</a>), will not be trading.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Normal Trading Hours Resume Friday: All Eyes On US Labor Market</h3>
Trading will resume as usual on Friday, July 5, 2024. Both the NYSE and NASDAQ will operate on their normal schedules. They will open at 9:30 AM ET and close at 4:00 PM ET.
Traders will be particularly attentive on Friday, July 5, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is set to release its jobs report for June at 8:30 AM ET.
In this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39620397/june-jobs-report-preview-cooling-labor-market-trends-may-further-bolster-rate-cut-h">preview</a>, we highlighted that analysts predict that both employment and salary growth in June will show a deceleration compared to previous months. 
Nonfarm payrolls are predicted to decline from 272,000 in May to 189,000 in June. Average hourly earnings are anticipated to rise by 0.3%, down from May's 0.4%. 
However, conflicting data from different surveys suggests potential surprises. 
The last jobs report for May, published on June 7, triggered a sharp rise in Treasury yields, sending the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) down by 1.8% on that day. U.S. stocks ended the session broadly flat, with the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) unchanged and the tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) down 0.1%. 
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iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

Is The Market Open On July Fourth? Everything You Need To Know

The Fourth of July is fast approaching, and Americans are gearing up for the traditional backyard barbecues. This year, the celebrations can be enhanced with a variety of patriotic gadgets and gear, adding a zing of modernity to this day commemorating the history and heritage of the country.
To help you make the most of this celebration of the birth of the U.S., we have curated a list of the best gadgets to spruce up your Fourth of July barbecue.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Best Gadgets For Fourth Of July Barbecue</h3>
Brisk It Origin 940 Smart Grill
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="601" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082424/Brisk-It.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418406" style="width:538px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082424/Brisk-It.jpg 720w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082424/Brisk-It-300x250.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo courtesy: Brisk It</figcaption></figure>
The Brisk It Origin 940 operates like a typical wood pellet grill, enabling you to roast, smoke, bake, and barbecue without the hassle of charcoal or the taste of lighter fluid. However, what distinguishes the Origin 940 from smart grills like the Traeger Ironwood 1300 is its incorporation of generative AI technology, known as Vera.
This AI provides a plethora of recipes that you can send directly to the grill. During testing, its AI offered foolproof recipes for pulled pork and whole bass, and the grill produced mouthwatering results.
Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill And Smoker
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="720" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082448/Kamado-Joe.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418407" style="width:449px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082448/Kamado-Joe.jpg 720w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082448/Kamado-Joe-300x300.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082448/Kamado-Joe-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo courtesy: Kamado Joe</figcaption></figure>
The Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker ensures perfectly cooked charcoal-fired food every time. This robust Kamado grill is easy to use and clean, provides precise temperature control, and is compatible with numerous high-quality accessories. The intuitive app offers hundreds of recipes to follow. Though the grill is quite pricey, even for devoted backyard chefs, the experience of flawless charcoal grilling is arguably priceless.
Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart Gas Grill
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="600" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082508/Weber.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418409" style="width:506px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082508/Weber.jpg 720w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082508/Weber-300x250.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo courtesy: Weber</figcaption></figure>
The Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart Gas Grill is durable and packed with smart tech features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, an illuminated cooking chamber, and a user-friendly app with hundreds of recipes. While it&#8217;s pricey and requires some setup, it offers ample storage for utensils, cooking racks, and cleaning accessories.
Grillbot Automatic Grill Cleaning Robot
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="515" height="720" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082524/Grillbot.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418411" style="width:283px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082524/Grillbot.jpg 515w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082524/Grillbot-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="(max-width: 515px) 100vw, 515px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo courtesy: Grillbot</figcaption></figure>
Cleaning up after cooking can be a hassle, but the Grillbot makes it easy. This robot, like a Roomba for your barbecue, automatically cleans your grill with three electric motors powering wire brushes. A chip controls the movement, speed, and direction of the brushes. Just place it on the dirty grill, turn it on, and it will notify you with an alarm when done.
Anova Precision Cooker
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="403" height="720" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082544/Anova.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418413" style="width:221px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082544/Anova.jpg 403w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03082544/Anova-168x300.jpg 168w" sizes="(max-width: 403px) 100vw, 403px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo courtesy: Anova</figcaption></figure>
For a gourmet touch, sous vide your meat and vegetables before grilling with the Anova Precision Cooker, our top immersion circulator. It heats water to a precise temperature, allowing you to cook a steak to perfect rare before searing on the grill. This ensures accuracy and reduces time spent at the barbecue, letting you socialize more.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Pexels

Best Gadgets To Spruce Up Your Fourth Of July Barbecue

Swedish EV brand Polestar Automotive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSNY#NASDAQ">PSNY</a>) is recalling nearly 32,000 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33110992/polestar-credits-toyota-tesla-for-rebirth-of-evs-in-21st-century-next-phase-of-the-heros-journey">Polestar 2 vehicles</a> in North America, including nearly 26,000 in the U.S. alone, citing issues that may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. 
What Happened: Certain 2021- 2024 model year Polestar 2 vehicles may have an issue where the infotainment head unit (IHU) software prevents the rearview camera image from displaying and increases the risks of a crash, the company said in a filing with U.S. auto safety regulator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.)
The company aims to fix the issue with an over-the-air IHU software update. Polestar has also advised its sales and service points to halt delivery and check for affected vehicles in auction and inventory. 
Polestar 2 is the car brand&#8217;s best-selling model and is manufactured in China. 
Why It Matters: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/24/07/39623924/expert-ratings-for-polestar-automotive">Polestar</a>, controlled by China&#8217;s Geely, delivered about 13,000 cars globally in the second quarter, marking a jump of 80% as compared to the previous quarter. The company is now looking at an uptick in sales through the second half of the year with production of Polestar 3 in South Carolina slated to start at the end of summer. 
For the quarter ended March 2024, the company reported an operating loss of $231.7 million, as compared to the loss of $219.9 million reported for the corresponding quarter of last year. 
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

PSNY

Swedish Carmaker Polestar Recalls Nearly 32,000 Units Of Its Best-Selling EV In US, Canada

It's too early to determine whether the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates has benefited America's economy. However, the impact of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/06/39550558/housing-costs-and-interest-rates-are-weighing-heavily-on-consumer-minds-study-finds">higher interest rates</a> on mortgage payments is evident. According to Zillow, the average mortgage payment in America has surged by 96% in the last four years. This substantial rise undoubtedly causes significant financial strain for many homeowners.
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Zillow also highlights another concerning trend: homebuyers in major metropolitan areas of the United States now require an average down payment of $127,000 to purchase a home and comfortably manage the mortgage. It's important to note that this figure isn't for luxurious properties in places like Pacific Palisades or The Hamptons but for regular homes.&nbsp;
That's a lot of liquid money for even a relatively wealthy person to come up with, much less someone earning the median household income in America of $74,000 per year (<a href="https://data.census.gov/profile">according to the U.S. Census</a>). This explains why Zillow's study also showed that 43% of homebuyers in 2023 reported having to rely on a financial gift from family and/or friends to help raise funds for the down payment.
These high down payments are a direct result of today's interest rates. Lenders consider borrowers "comfortably" able to afford a mortgage when the monthly payment is equivalent to (or less than) one-third of the borrower's average monthly salary. Zillow data shows the average monthly payment is $2,200, which a buyer making $77,000 per year could theoretically afford.
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However, once today&#8217;s interest rates are factored into the equation, the six-figure down payment may be the only way for borrowers to get an affordable payment. Now that the average down payment of $127,000 is roughly one-third of America's median home price and nearly double America's median household income, the housing market has shown signs of slowing down. Despite that, it's worth noting that interest rates aren't the only factor driving up mortgage payments.
It's important to remember that a "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/06/39514799/new-home-sales-dip-in-may-as-high-mortgage-rates-keep-buyers-on-the-sidelines">mortgage payment</a>" includes several components: loan principal, loan interest, property taxes, and insurance. This total amount is what borrowers must pay monthly to meet their mortgage obligations. Home insurance costs are rising in many states, especially regions at high risk of natural disasters like the Gulf Coast and Pacific coast, contributing to increased mortgage payments.&nbsp;
Homeowners in two of America's most populated states, Florida and California, are struggling with rate spikes due to insurers leaving the state or protecting themselves against future claims. While this makes sense on paper, adding $400 per month to a mortgage payment for insurance premium hikes exacerbates the financial strain caused by interest rates on loans originated in the last four years.
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The Average American Mortgage Payment Has Spiked 96% In The Past Four Years

After a successful Starlink mission launch on Wednesday, Elon Musk&#8216;s SpaceX currently has over 100 Starlink satellites in low-Earth orbit with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/partner/commodities/24/06/39522399/1-8-trillion-investment-in-clean-energy-in-2023-highlights-importance-of-critical-materials">Direct to Cell capabilities</a>.
What Happened: On Wednesday, SpaceX launched 20 Starlink satellites, 13 of which have Direct to Cell capabilities, raising the total number of such satellites in orbit to over 100.
Each of these satellites features a modem functioning as a cell tower in space, aiming to provide users with global access to texting, calling, and internet browsing using standard LTE phones, without requiring additional hardware, software, or apps. 
&#8220;With over 100 Direct to Cell satellites now launched, and 100s more planned to be launched this year, excited to provide ubiquitous connectivity to our customers starting with T-Mobile in the US this year!&#8221; Sara Spangelo, Senior Director of Satellite Engineering at SpaceX, said.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">With over 100 Direct to Cell satellites now launched, and 100s more planned to be launched this year, excited to provide ubiquitous connectivity to our customers starting with <a href="https://twitter.com/TMobile?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TMobile</a> in the US this year! <a href="https://t.co/Twa3QJfpMb">https://t.co/Twa3QJfpMb</a>
&mdash; Sara Spangelo (@sara_spangelo) <a href="https://twitter.com/sara_spangelo/status/1808489414798221500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: T-Mobile and SpaceX <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/08/28643154/musks-spacex-collaborates-with-t-mobile-to-put-an-end-to-cell-phone-dead-zones">announced a partnership in August 2022</a> aiming to connect the smartphones on T-Mobile&#8217;s network to Starlink satellites. The partnership is aimed at providing connectivity to remote locations that are untouched by cell signals from any provider.
Other cellular providers to have signed similar partnerships with SpaceX include Optus from Australia, Rogers from Canada, and KDDI in Japan. 
SpaceX plans to roll out texting services with the help of the satellites by the end of 2024, followed by voice calls, data, and internet-of-things (IoT) services in 2025. 
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

SPACE

SpaceX Now Has Over 100 Starlink Satellites In Orbit With Direct To Cell Capabilities: T-Mobile Users To Gain Access Later This Year

A driverless Waymo car&#8217;s reaction to being pulled over by the police in Phoenix has Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk in splits.
What Happened: Musk on Thursday responded to a video shared on X of a driverless car being pulled over by the police in Phoenix. The car is seen in the video as rolling down the driver&#8217;s side window as the police approached when it didn&#8217;t even have a driver.
&#8220;Straight out of the "Silicon Valley" show. The comedy writes itself,&#8221; Musk wrote in response to the video. The CEO is referring to the television comedy series called Silicon Valley which parodies the culture of tech startups in the region. The show features Thomas Middleditch in the role of Richard, an introverted computer programmer.
The video snippet shared on X was first shared by azcentral, the digital version of The Arizona Republic newspaper. The full-length video shows the Phoenix police stopping a Waymo car after it drove into opposing lanes of traffic and conversing with a remote Waymo representative about the incident. 
Waymo did not immediately respond to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga&#8217;s</a> request for comment on details regarding the incident.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Straight out of the "Silicon Valley" show. The comedy writes itself &#x1f923;&#x1f923;
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1808715262348132596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s Waymo is one of the key players in the field of autonomous driving. Tesla is also developing self-driving robotaxis, with their model expected to be unveiled on Aug. 8.
However, safety concerns continue to plague autonomous vehicle operators including Waymo.
In June, Waymo recalled 672 of its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38351567/feel-sorry-for-the-bots-tesla-ceo-elon-musk-reacts-to-waymo-robotaxi-vandalism-in-san-francisco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-driving vehicles</a>&nbsp;after identifying their inability to avoid a pole or pole-like objects. The company identified the issue after one of its self-driving cars collided with a wooden utility pole in an alleyway in Phoenix, Arizona in May, it said in a filing with the U.S. auto safety regulator&nbsp;National Highway Traffic Safety Administration&nbsp;(NHTSA).
Waymo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39312654/alphabet-subsidiary-waymo-recalls-nearly-700-avs-after-one-collides-with-pole-in-phoenix-updated" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fixed the issue with a software update</a>&nbsp;to improve its reaction to pole-like objects and &#8220;robust&#8221; mapping updates and improvements.
In May, NHTSA commenced a probe into Waymo vehicles following reports of unexpected driving behaviors. These reports included collisions with stationary and semi-stationary objects such as gates and chains, as well as collisions with other parked vehicles. Some instances also pertain to the driving system disobeying traffic rules.
The regulator expressed concern that these driving behaviors may increase the risks of crash and injury. "Although this office is unaware of injury allegations, several of the incidents involved collisions with clearly visible objects that a competent driver would be expected to avoid," the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/05/39027038/auto-regulator-nhtsa-pulls-up-alphabets-waymo-after-spotting-9-more-unexpected-driving-behavior-repo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regulator wrote in a letter</a>&nbsp;to Waymo dated May 23.
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tesla CEO Elon Musk Laughs At Waymo Getting Flagged Down By Police For Driving Into Opposing Lanes Of Traffic: 'Comedy Writes Itself'

A former Boeing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) inspector said that the company&#8217;s workers <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/07/39625439/boeing-faces-high-stakes-decision-accept-plea-deal-or-risk-trial-over-737-max-safety-violations">used parts deemed unsuitable for flying</a> in its 787 Dreamliner assembly lines. This comes amid a series of safety issues that have plagued the company.
What Happened: Merle Meyers, a former Boeing quality-control manager with 30 years of experience, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/03/business/former-boeing-inspector-scrap-parts-assembly-lines/index.html">disclosed</a> to CNN that workers at the 787 Dreamliner factory in Everett, Washington, regularly retrieved parts from an internal scrap yard and reintroduced them into the assembly lines. Meyers claims that these practices were used to meet production deadlines.
This follows a string of other whistleblowers who have raised concerns about Boeing&#8217;s manufacturing practices. Meyers alleges that these lapses were deliberate and organized efforts to bypass quality control processes and maintain demanding production schedules.
He further claims that this practice has been ongoing since the early 2000s, with an estimated 50,000 parts that were meant to be scrapped being used in aircraft construction. These parts ranged from small items like screws to more complex assemblies like wing flaps.
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Boeing, in a statement to CNN, did not refute Meyers&#8217; allegations but stated that it investigates all allegations of improper behavior and makes improvements when necessary. "We appreciate employees who raise their voice and we have systems in place to encourage them to speak up confidentially or anonymously," Boeing said.
"Hopefully we can get this company to heal and be what it was," Meyers said.
Boeing did not immediately respond to&nbsp;<a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a>'s request for comment.
Why It Matters: Boeing has been under intense scrutiny due to a series of safety issues. The company is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39570406/justice-department-moves-to-charge-boeing-over-fatal-crashes-report">currently facing a criminal investigation</a> over whether it misled the Federal Aviation Administration during the 2017 certification of the 737 Max, which was involved in two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, resulting in 346 deaths.
Boeing&#8217;s safety culture has also been called into <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/06/39383124/whats-going-on-with-boeings-shares-on-tuesday">question by other whistleblowers</a>. A current Boeing quality investigator, Sam Mohawk, recently filed an official complaint reporting &#8220;a number of non-compliant parts making their way back to the airplanes for installation.&#8221; His complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was publicly released by a Senate subcommittee investigating Boeing.
Despite these issues, Boeing has shown signs of improvement. A recent analysis by Goldman Sachs suggests that the company is on track to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39623013/boeing-set-for-improved-deliveries-and-production-rates-goldman-sachs-analyst-says">achieve improved deliveries</a> and production rates, with a buy rating and a $243 price target.
Price Action: Boeing Co&#8217;s stock closed at $184.31 on Wednesday, down 0.60% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock dipped slightly to $184.29. Year to date, Boeing&#8217;s stock has declined significantly by $67.45, reflecting a decrease of 26.79%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
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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/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Former Boeing Inspector Says Scrap Parts Were Used In Planes For Over A Decade: Report

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38865916/russian-president-xi-jinping-pledge-to-rejuvenate-china-russia-ties-amid-ukraine-crisis-not-directed">expressed their ambitions</a> for a new Eurasian security system at the annual meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, or SCO.
What Happened: At the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday, Xi emphasized the need for the regional security club to resist external interference, reported Reuters. Meanwhile, Putin was expected to discuss creating a new Eurasian security system.
The SCO, established in 2001 by Russia, China, and Central Asian nations, has been expanded by the two leaders to include India, Iran, and Pakistan, as a counterbalance to the West.
&#8220;In the face of the real risks of small yards with high fences, we must safeguard the right to development,&#8221; Xi said at the meeting in Astana.
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Putin, who has been advocating for a new regional security system, has suggested that it should be open to all countries on the continent, including NATO members, with the ultimate goal of gradually removing all external military presence from Eurasia, particularly the United States.
Why It Matters: The alliance between China and Russia has been strengthening over the years. In May, amid the Ukraine crisis, Xi and Putin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38865916/russian-president-xi-jinping-pledge-to-rejuvenate-china-russia-ties-amid-ukraine-crisis-not-directed">pledged to rejuvenate their ties</a>, with a focus on resolving the conflict. This move was seen as a significant step in their alliance.
Putin has also been bolstering Russia&#8217;s international alliances, as evidenced by his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/06/39401882/putin-forges-defense-pact-with-kim-jong-un-elevating-russia-north-korea-alliance-what-it-means-for-u">defense pact with North Korea</a> in June. This marked a significant shift in Russia&#8217;s global alliances and highlighted deepening ties with the only country to test a nuclear weapon in this century.
Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has described the Xi-Putin alliance as a &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/03/31469624/xi-putin-alliance-marriage-of-convenience-says-blinken">marriage of convenience</a>,&#8221; reflecting the divergent worldviews of the two leaders compared to the West, after Xi&#8217;s state visit to Russia in March.
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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/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Global

Xi, Putin Pitch Eurasian Security Club In The Face Of 'Real Risks' As Counterweight To West: 'Must Safeguard The Right To Development'

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) has reportedly carried out <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39151312/microsoft-google-announce-hundreds-of-job-cuts-in-tech-departments-despite-robust-financials">another round of layoffs</a>, affecting various teams and regions. The company has not disclosed the exact number of employees impacted.
What Happened: The layoffs have affected employees in roles related to product and program management, as per LinkedIn posts from the affected staff. The company, however, has not revealed the number of employees affected, <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2024/microsoft-lays-off-employees-in-new-round-of-cuts/">reported</a> GeekWire.
A Microsoft spokesperson stated, &#8220;Organizational and workforce adjustments are a necessary and regular part of managing our business. We will continue to prioritize and invest in strategic growth areas for our future and in support of our customers and partners.&#8221;
Microsoft&#8217;s financial year 2024 concluded on Jun. 30. The company often restructures its business at the beginning of a new fiscal year.
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This is the third round of layoffs by Microsoft in 2024. In June, the company cut around 1,000 jobs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39151312/microsoft-google-announce-hundreds-of-job-cuts-in-tech-departments-despite-robust-financials">across various units</a>, including its Azure cloud unit and HoloLens mixed-reality organization. Earlier in the year, Microsoft laid off nearly 2,000 employees in its gaming unit, following its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35239617/microsofts-69b-activision-blizzard-acquisition-gets-green-light-from-uk-antitrust-regulator">$69 billion acquisition</a> of Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft is making these cutbacks to maintain its profit margins amid increased capital spending, aimed at providing the cloud infrastructure required for AI applications.
Microsoft&#8217;s workforce expanded during the pandemic but has stabilized over the past two years. As of the end of 2023, the company employed approximately 227,000 people worldwide, down from 232,000 the previous year, according to the report.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga</a>.
Why It Matters: The recent layoffs at Microsoft are part of a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are making significant workforce reductions to streamline operations and cut costs.
For instance, Tesla Inc. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/06/39457749/tesla-leads-2024-us-tech-layoffs-so-far-followed-by-dell-cisco-xerox-paypal-microsoft">led 2024 U.S. tech layoffs</a>, reducing its workforce by at least 14% this year. Similarly, Meta Platforms Inc. has also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39314161/zuckerberg-targets-metas-top-brass-in-planned-job-cuts-as-his-wealth-hits-181b-stock-price-soars">implemented job cuts</a> as part of its &#8220;Year of Efficiency&#8221; goals.
Moreover, Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s Google <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38575532/google-eliminates-200-jobs-moves-roles-to-india-and-mexico-as-part-of-cost-trimming-efforts">recently eliminated approximately 200 jobs</a> and relocated some roles to India and Mexico as part of its cost-cutting measures. These moves reflect a broader industry trend where tech giants are focusing on efficiency and profitability amid economic uncertainties.
Microsoft&#8217;s layoffs also come at a time when the company is investing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39579731/nvidia-apple-microsoft-race-toward-4t-market-cap-analyst-expects-ai-driven-tech-ral">heavily in AI applications</a>, which require substantial capital spending. This strategy is aimed at maintaining profit margins while navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The tech industry has seen a wave of layoffs in 2024, with companies like FedEx Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/previews/24/06/39464492/fedex-q4-earnings-preview-share-buyback-job-cuts-eight-straight-revenue-misses-among-items">also announcing job cuts</a> as part of their financial strategies. 
Price Action: Microsoft stock closed at $460.77 on Wednesday, up by 0.32% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock was down 0.21%. Year to date, Microsoft's stock has seen a 24.24% increase, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
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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/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Microsoft Carries Out Another Round Of Layoffs Across Teams And Geographies, Third This Year So Far

OpenAI&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38808197/despite-microsofts-13b-funding-openai-snubs-top-investor-launches-chatgpt-app-for-apple-macs-ahead-o">recently launched</a> ChatGPT macOS app for Apple Inc.&#8217;s Macs had a significant security vulnerability. The app was storing conversations in plain text, making them easily accessible to unauthorized users. OpenAI has since addressed and resolved this issue.
What Happened: The security flaw in the ChatGPT macOS app was brought to light by Pedro José Pereira Vieito. Vieito <a href="https://www.threads.net/@pvieito/post/C85NVV6hvF6?xmt=AQGz0o3JtBOwk1nfUgk8lvxQoIV8E92xz1vK1IP8VC6zhA">demonstrated</a> on the social media platform Threads how easy it was to access and read the conversations stored in plain text, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/3/24191636/openai-chatgpt-mac-app-conversations-plain-text">reported</a> The Verge on Thursday.
&#8220;The OpenAI ChatGPT app on macOS is not sandboxed and stores all the conversations in plaintext in a non-protected location,&#8221; Vieito wrote.
This flaw could have potentially allowed unauthorized parties to access and read the conversations and the data within them, according to the report.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
After being alerted to the issue by The Verge, OpenAI took swift action and released an update that encrypts the chats. The company assured that it is committed to providing a user-friendly experience while maintaining high-security standards.
&#8220;We are aware of this issue and have shipped a new version of the application which encrypts these conversations," OpenAI spokesperson Taya Christianson said in a statement, according to the report. "We're committed to providing a helpful user experience while maintaining our high-security standards as our technology evolves."
According to the report, after downloading the update, conversations are no longer visible in plain text.
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Why It Matters: This security flaw comes on the heels of significant developments between OpenAI and Apple Inc. In June, Apple <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39304229/apple-and-openai-chatgpt-partnership-wont-include-cash-payments-for-now-but-does-it-mean-you-will-ne">announced a partnership</a> with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its devices. This collaboration is part of Apple&#8217;s broader push into artificial intelligence, aiming to enhance Siri and introduce new writing tools.
However, this partnership has raised concerns within Microsoft Corp, a major investor in OpenAI. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella met with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/39109729/openais-apple-deal-sparks-concerns-in-microsoft-could-shift-ai-market-dynamics">discuss the potential impact</a> of this deal on Microsoft&#8217;s AI ambitions.
Additionally, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/07/39611089/top-apple-executive-phil-schiller-to-join-openai-board-as-observer-giving-iphone-maker-equal-status">partnership is being further solidified</a>, with former Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller expected to join OpenAI&#8217;s board as an observer.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
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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/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

OpenAI's ChatGPT App For Apple's Macs Had A Major Security Flaw, Allowing Malicious Parties To Snoop In On Conversations

EV giant Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) is now attempting to woo military personnel into purchasing their cars by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39471817/tesla-opens-up-fsd-transfers-yet-again-heres-how-long-you-have-to-save-up-to-8-000">offering them</a> $1,000 off on the purchase price of any of its cars but the Cybertruck.
What Happened: Military veterans, retirees, active duty members, and their spouses can now avail $1000 off on buying a Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. 
Eligible individuals just have to pick their vehicle and verify their military status to be eligible. There is no limit on the number of vehicles that can be purchased under the offer. 
The program, known as the Tesla Military Purchase Program, was announced on Wednesday, in time for the Fourth of July.
<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">The most American-made cars are S3XY To honor those who have served our country, members of the US military + their spouses are eligible for the Tesla Military Purchase Program on a new Model S, 3, X or Y → <a href="https://t.co/86QHvajnjG">https://t.co/86QHvajnjG</a> <a href="https://t.co/n0NISCwUXM">pic.twitter.com/n0NISCwUXM</a>
&mdash; Tesla North America (@tesla_na) <a href="https://twitter.com/tesla_na/status/1808573554213949524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: Tesla also has a veteran program, aimed at allowing veterans to settle into civilian life and be part of the company&#8217;s battery and EV production. The program allows for veterans from any military branch to join the company in&nbsp;manufacturing, logistics, sales, IT,&nbsp;and more. 
The offer is also aimed at boosting the company&#8217;s sales which has been going down since the start of 2024. For the second quarter, the company delivered 443,956 vehicles globally <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39595720/tesla-deliveries-fall-for-second-straight-quarter-but-stock-takes-off-as-q2-numbers-exceed-expec">marking a 4.8% drop from last year</a> but still beating the consensus estimate. However, the delivery numbers are still better than in the first quarter when the company delivered just <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38068997/elon-musk-dwells-on-wokeness-geopolitics-population-crisis-but-mostly-stays-silent-on-teslas-gloomy">386,810 vehicles. </a>
However, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is optimistic and said in April during the company&#8217;s first-quarter earnings call that the company will indeed have higher sales in 2024 as compared to last year when it delivered a total of 1.81 million vehicles. The company now has to sell about a million vehicles in the remaining half of the year if it is to meet the CEO&#8217;s expectations.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Tesla Rings Fourth Of July With $1,000 Discount For Military Personnel On New EV Purchases

Dearborn-based automaker Ford Motor Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) sold 23,957 EVs in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39618985/ford-reports-q2-sales-growth-trucks-up-5-evs-surge-61-trails-tesla-in-volume">second quarter in the U.S.</a>, trumping rival General Motors Co&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) EV sales but lagging behind EV giant Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>). 
What Happened: Ford sold a total of 23,957 EVs from April to June, marking a 61.4% jump from the corresponding quarter of last year. 
The surge in sales was mostly due to the popularity of its Mustang Mach-E SUV of which the company sold 12,645 units. The F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck was the second best-selling EV from the company, followed by its E-transit electric vans. 
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Model</td>
<td>Q2 Sales In U.S.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mustang Mach-E</td>
<td>12,645</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F-150 Lightning</td>
<td>7,902</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>E-transit</td>
<td>3,410</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total</td>
<td>23,957</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The two best-selling Ford EVs are drawing customers from other brands with over 50% of sales in the first half of the year being new to Ford, the company said. As for the E-transit, three out of every four of its sales this year are from repeat customers, it added. 
However, EVs account for merely 4.5% of Ford&#8217;s total vehicle sales in the country. 
Comparing With Rivals: Detroit-based General Motors <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39612749/60-000-cadillac-lyriq-drives-gms-q2-ev-sales-after-bolt-is-discontinued">sold only 21,930 EVs in the quarter</a> in the U.S. despite its larger EV lineup composed of 7 models. Ford trumped its EV sales with just three electric models.
However, both the legacy automakers continue to trail behind Tesla which delivered 443,956 vehicles in the second quarter globally, marking a 4.8% drop from last year but still beating the consensus estimate. Tesla does not segment its vehicle deliveries by geography.
Cheaper Prices Fail To Translate To More Sales: While the Mustang Mach-E is up against Tesla&#8217;s best-selling Model Y in the mass-market electric SUV segment, its Lightning is up directly against the Cybertruck in the EV truck segment. Both of these Ford EVs, however, are priced below their Tesla counterparts. 
While the base model of the Mach-E starts at around $40,000, the Model Y base version starts at around $45,000. 
The 2024 Lightning, meanwhile, has a base version starting at $62,995, much below the Cybertruck whose lower-priced version now starts at $79,990. While Tesla plans to introduce a lower-priced rear-wheel drive version of the Cybertruck starting at $60,990, it will only be available in 2025. 
However, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/07/39609895/ford-ceo-farley-says-company-needs-to-move-past-monster-vehicles-to-be-profitable-in-ev-space-start">cheaper prices</a> are thus far unable to bring about larger customer interest in Ford vehicles as compared to corresponding Tesla offerings. 
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Mustang Mach-E Drives Ford's Q2 EV Sales Ahead Of GM But It's Still Just A Fraction Of Elon Musk's Tesla

Presumptive Republican candidate Donald Trump is rumored to have told Republican lawmakers that he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37297217/you-screw-us-we-screw-you-trump-vows-to-impose-retaliatory-tariffs-against-china-or-any-other-countr">would replace taxes with tariffs</a>, and Nobel laureate and noted economist Paul Krugman on Tuesday weighed in on the ramifications of such a policy move.
Consumers To Bear Brunt? Much against claims by leading Republicans that tariffs are a tax on businesses and that they are paid by foreigners, they do hurt consumers, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/02/opinion/tariffs-trump-china-taxes.html">said</a> Krugman in a New York Times op-ed.
To make his case, Krugman referred to the situation that prevailed when Trump was in office. The former president imposed high tariffs on China in 2018 and 2019, with the average U.S. tariffs on imports from China climbing from about 3% to 21%, the economist said. At the same time, the average price of imports from China fell only around 2%, he said, adding that an 18-point rise in tariffs was offset by only a 2% decline in Chinese import prices, net of tariffs. 
&#8220;That sure looks as if American consumers bore the great bulk of the burden,&#8221; the economist said.
Ideally, if a big country like the U.S. imposed tariffs on a broad range of goods, it can improve the prices of its exports relative to its imports, provided the other countries do not respond with tariffs on U.S. exports, Krugman said. But in reality, the tariffs will work via a rise in the value of the dollar if the U.S. reduced imports, he said. This will lower the dollar price of the goods the U.S. imports, he added.
&#8220;And this effect wouldn't be confined to the prices of imports from the countries subject to high tariffs,&#8221; Krugman said.
The economist sees the scope of other countries retaliating if the U.S. imposed widespread tariffs.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-invest-in-startups">How To Invest In Startups</a>
Who&#8217;s Impacted: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/07/39595146/trumps-trade-tariffs-would-be-highest-in-the-postwar-period-and-increase-inflation-says-goldman-sach">Trump&#8217;s economic program</a> calls for a combination of tax hikes in the form of higher tariffs and tax cuts for corporations and high-income individuals, Krugman noted. The former president&#8217;s idea of replacing income tax with tariffs isn't feasible, he added.
If Trump collected as much tariff revenue as possible while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-is-income-tax">cutting income taxes</a> by the same amount, this combination would affect Americans at different levels, the economist said, citing an analysis by the Peterson Institute.
&#8220;The net effect would be negative for 80 percent of the population, especially for the bottom 60 percent, while extremely positive for the top 1 percent,&#8221; Krugman said. This is because lower-income families spend a higher share of their income than the rich, so they would be hurt more by what would amount to a large sales tax, he said.
The benefits of tax cuts would flow mainly to the top, Krugman said, adding that income taxes are disproportionately paid by the affluent. Around half the population doesn't pay income taxes at all, although they pay lots in other taxes, such as the payroll tax, he added.
It&#8217;s not China or foreigners in general who will pay the tariffs which Trump will certainly impose if he occupies the White House once more time, Krugman said. &#8220;Everything says that the burden would fall on Americans, mainly the working class and the poor,&#8221; he added.
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If you&rsquo;re looking for reliability in a crazed market, jump into safer <a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-types/blue-chip-stocks/">blue-chip stocks</a>.



While they&rsquo;re not all the most exciting stocks on the market, they have proven themselves to be ultra-reliable in any economic environment.&nbsp;They all have proven business models, strong track records, sales, reputations and oftentimes, dividends to boot.&nbsp;That&rsquo;s because most offer products and services that millions of us use every day.&nbsp;



Even better, after a recent pullback in the broader markets, some of the top blue-chip stocks are on sale. Look at&nbsp;AT&amp;T&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/t-stock-quote/">T</a>), for example. After testing a high of $17.59, it pulled back to $16.33, where it caught support and is just starting to pivot higher. Plus, it&rsquo;s over-extended on RSI, MACD, and Williams&rsquo; %R, which tells us it&rsquo;s overdue to bounce. And while you wait for the AT&amp;T stock to recover, you can collect its yield of 6.8%.



Here are seven more top blue-chip stocks to buy and hold today.



<h2>Nike (NKE)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nke-stock-1-300x169.jpg" alt="A stack of red Nike (NKE) shoe boxes."><div>Source: mimohe / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Over the last few weeks, shares of Nike (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/nke-stock-quote/">NKE</a>) gapped from about $100 to a low of $88.80. However, it&rsquo;s starting to pivot higher, and could soon refill that gap at around $100. Helping,&nbsp;Bank of America analysts <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/nike-stock-rises-following-upgrade-from-bank-of-america-8630125#:~:text=Nike%20(NKE)%20shares%20rose%203.4,target%20to%20%24113%20from%20%24110.">just upgraded the NKE stock</a>&nbsp;to a buy rating with a price target of $113. The firm argues NKE has a newer line up of footwear and apparel products. Plus, the upcoming Olympics should have a positive impact on the stock, too.



JPMorgan also <a href="https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/NIKE-INC-13739/news/NIKE-INC-JP-Morgan-reiterates-its-Buy-rating-46261519/">reiterated its overweight rating</a> on the stock&nbsp;with a price target of $164. The firm pointed to Nike&rsquo;s improvement in China. In addition, Morgan Stanley says retailers are seeing improving sequential demand trends for athletic apparel.



Better, earnings negativity has been priced into the stock. Investors weren&rsquo;t too enthused when the company said growth was near zero, or that management expected for revenue to pull back in the first half of fiscal 2025, which starts in June. But again, that appears to be priced in.



<h2>Realty Income (O)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/realty1600-300x169.jpg" alt="realty income logo highlighted by a magnifying glass on a web browser"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>There&rsquo;s also &ldquo;The Monthly Dividend Company,&rdquo;&nbsp;Realty Income (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/o-stock-quote/">O</a>). 



With a yield of 5.93%, the real estate investment trust (REIT) is also a buy on weakness. In fact, after slipping from $54.39 to $50.65, it&rsquo;s now starting to pivot higher again. Better, while we wait for it to recover, we can collect its monthly dividend. Its latest one for 25.7 cents is payable on May 15 to shareholders of record as of May 1. This is the company&rsquo;s 646th consecutive monthly dividend with many more on the way.



Realty Income has been around for more than 50 years now. It has 13,100 properties, and it&rsquo;s still seeing strong demand with an occupancy rate of 99%.&nbsp;



Some of its top tenants include&nbsp;Dollar General (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/dg-stock-quote/">DG</a>), Walgreen&rsquo;s (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wba-stock-quote/">WBA</a>), Dollar Tree (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/dltr-stock-quote/">DLTR</a>), FedEx (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/fdx-stock-quote/">FDX</a>), BJ&rsquo;s (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/bj-stock-quote/">BJ</a>), CVS (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/cvs-stock-quote/">CVS</a>), Walmart&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wmt-stock-quote/">WMT</a>) and Lowe&rsquo;s (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/low-stock-quote/">LOW</a>) to name just a few. It&rsquo;s definitely one of the top blue-chip stocks to buy and hold for the long haul.



<h2>Fidelity Blue Chip Growth ETF (FBCG)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/fidelity-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Fidelity sign"><div>Source: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Or, if you want to diversify at low cost with blue-chip stocks, there&rsquo;s always an exchange-traded fund, such as the Fidelity Blue Chip Growth ETF (CBOE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/fbcg-stock-quote/">FBCG</a>).



With an expense ratio of 0.59%, the ETF &ldquo;focuses on companies we believe have above-average earnings growth potential with sustainable business models, for which the market has mispriced the rate and/or durability of growth,&rdquo; as noted by Fidelity.&nbsp;



Top holdings include&nbsp;Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/nvda-stock-quote/">NVDA</a>), Apple (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/aapl-stock-quote/">AAPL</a>), Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/msft-stock-quote/">MSFT</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/amzn-stock-quote/">AMZN</a>), and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/meta-stock-quote/">META</a>) to name a few.



Even more impressive, since bottoming out at around $27 in late October, the ETF hit a high of about $39. It just recently pulled back with the broader market to $36.84. Now oversold on RSI, MACD, and Williams&rsquo; %R, that weakness is an opportunity. From its current price of $36.84, I&rsquo;d like to see the ETF challenge $40 a share initially.&nbsp;



What&rsquo;s nice about an ETF like this one is we can diversify with top blue-chip stocks. All for less than $37 a share at the moment.



<h2>Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund (VIG)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/vanguard1600-1-300x169.jpg" alt="vanguard website displayed on a mobile phone screen representing vanguard etfs"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>Another hot blue-chip ETF to consider is the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund (NYSEARCA:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/vig-stock-quote/">VIG</a>).



With an expense ratio of 0.06%, the VIG ETF currently yields 1.76%. its last payout of 76.92 cents was paid on March 27. The next one should be out by June. It also holds 340 stocks, including Microsoft, Apple, Broadcom (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/avgo-stock-quote/">AVGO</a>),&nbsp;Exxon Mobil (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/xom-stock-quote/">XOM</a>), Visa (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/v-stock-quote/">V</a>), MasterCard&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ma-stock-quote/">MA</a>), and&nbsp;Home Depot&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/hd-stock-quote/">HD</a>). All in its effort to track the performance of the S&amp;P U.S. Dividend Growers Index.



Since bottoming out at around $150, the VIG ETF ran to a high of $183.02. Since then, it has dipped to $173.63, where it&rsquo;s over-extended on RSI, MACD, and Williams&rsquo; %R. From its last traded price, I&rsquo;d like to see it initially retest $182.07 and head to $200 near term.



What&rsquo;s nice about this ETF is we can gain exposure to 340 of the world&rsquo;s top stocks. All for less than $175 a share at the moment. Plus, we can collect its yield as it appreciates.



<h2>Procter &amp; Gamble (PG)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_1073950868-300x169.png" alt="Procter &amp; Gamble Union Distribution Center. P&amp;G is an American Multinational Consumer Goods Company"><div>Source: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com</div></div>We can also look at&nbsp;Procter &amp; Gamble&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/pg-stock-quote/">PG</a>), which we&rsquo;re all familiar with.



With a yield of 2.56%, the consumer goods company is also a buy on recent weakness. After pulling back from about $160, it&rsquo;s now technically oversold at $157.29. It&rsquo;s also over-extended on RSI, MACD, and Williams&rsquo; %R and is just starting to pivot higher. Initially, I&rsquo;d like to see the PG stock retest its prior high and push to at least $170 near term.



It also just raised its&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/p-g-declares-dividend-increase-201500039.html">quarterly dividend to $1.0065</a>, a 7% jump from its prior dividend of 94.07 cents. It&rsquo;s payable on May 15 to shareholders of record as of April 19.



Helping,&nbsp;Barclays <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/barclays-sticks-to-its-buy-rating-for-procter-gamble-pg-1033243823">just reiterated a buy rating</a> on the PG&nbsp;stock with a price target of $168. Analysts at Deutsche Bank also raised their price target to $172 with a buy rating. The firm says &ldquo;year-to-date consumption trends for Procter remain solid in tracked channels. The firm sees little risk to near-term earnings numbers given the company&rsquo;s ongoing productivity momentum and relative cost favorability,&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href="https://thefly.com/news.php?symbol=PG">as noted by TheFly.com</a>.



<h2>Genuine Parts (GPC)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/auto-stocks-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="An angled side view of a row of parked cars. automotive stock picks"><div>Source: lumen-digital / Shutterstock.com</div></div>The last time I mentioned&nbsp;Genuine Parts (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/gpc-stock-quote/">GPC</a>), it traded at $135 on Nov. 17. 



<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/11/3-blue-chip-stocks-you-can-snag-at-an-all-time-low/">At the time, I noted</a>, &ldquo;Use the weakness as an opportunity. While we wait for the eventual recovery here, we can collect its 2.76% yield. We can profit from capital appreciation, and get paid to wait.&rdquo; Just a few months later, GPC is now up to $160.23 and could see higher highs.



Now yielding 2.5%, the stock rocketed 11.2% higher on Thursday after raising its fiscal year 2024 profit guidance. For the year, it expected to post EPS of $8.95 to $9.15. Now it expects to post EPS of $9.05 to $.9.20, which boosted investor confidence.&nbsp;



Even better, its dividend &ndash; which has been increased consistently for 67 years &ndash; is safe. In the first three months of 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.genpt.com/2024-04-18-Genuine-Parts-Company-Reports-First-Quarter-2024-Results-and-Updates-Full-Year-Outlook">the company said it</a>&nbsp;&ldquo;used&nbsp;$175 million&nbsp;in cash for financing activities, including&nbsp;$133 million&nbsp;for quarterly dividends paid to shareholders and&nbsp;$38 million&nbsp;for stock repurchases. Free cash flow was&nbsp;$203 million.&rdquo;



<h2>Coca-Cola (KO)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/coke-stock-1-300x169.jpg" alt="The website for Coca-Cola Consolidated (COKE) displayed on a smartphone screen."><div>Source: IgorGolovniov / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Coca-Cola&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ko-stock-quote/">KO</a>) looks good on weakness, too.



After dropping to $58.18 from $61, it&rsquo;s now oversold on RSI, MACD and Williams&rsquo; %R. But it is starting to bounce back fast. From its last traded price of $58.91, I&rsquo;d like to see it retest $61. Better, while we wait for it to recover, we can collect its yield of about 3.3%. Its latest dividend of 48.5 cents was recently paid out on April 1. Annualized, it&rsquo;s $1.94 and is the company&rsquo;s 62nd consecutive annual dividend increase.&nbsp;



Plus, &ldquo;The company returned $8 billion in dividends to shareowners in 2023, bringing the total amount of dividends paid to shareowners since Jan. 1, 2010, to $84.7 billion,&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href="https://investors.coca-colacompany.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1102/board-of-directors-of-the-coca-cola-company-approves-62nd#:~:text=The%20company%20returned%20%248%20billion,%2C%202010%2C%20to%20%2484.7%20billion.&amp;text=The%20Coca%2DCola%20Company%20(NYSE,than%20200%20countries%20and%20territories.">as noted in a recent press release</a>. Helping, analysts at Barclays just raised their price target on KO to $68 with an overweight rating. All as the company continues to grow its revenue, as the global soft drink market continues to explode.



On the date of publication, Ian Cooper did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines.</a>
<div>Ian Cooper, a contributor to InvestorPlace.com, has been analyzing stocks and options for web-based advisories since 1999.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/put-50000-in-these-7-blue-chip-stocks-today/">Put $5,000 in These 7 Blue-Chip Stocks Today</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

Put $5,000 in These 7 Blue-Chip Stocks Today

Overlook Style Regimes At Your Peril

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-types/blue-chip-stocks/">Blue-chip stocks</a> all have common denominators that set them apart from other, lesser stocks. They tend to be big, successful businesses that consumers and investors hold in high regard. Their financial statements are typically exemplary, indicating a level of consistency and stability that can allow shareholders to sleep soundly.



Look over the higher-end market caps of S&amp;P 500 stocks and you&rsquo;ll get a sense of the companies referred to as &ldquo;blue-chip.&rdquo; And what you&rsquo;ll see that they are doing pretty well.



So far in 2024, blue chip stocks are outperforming both the broad-based index and the small-cap Russell 2000 index. For example, the Fidelity Blue Chip Growth ETF (NYSEMKT:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/fbcg-stock-quote/">FBCG</a>) is up over 16% year-to-date versus 9% for the S&amp;P 500 and less than 2% for the small-cap index.



Finding the best blue-chip stocks to buy could be as easy as buying an exchange-traded fund (ETF). You get instant diversification at a relatively low cost. The Fidelity ETF has an expense ratio of just 0.48% and gives you access to over 300 blue-chip stocks.



But as stock pickers, I like to think we can do better. Below are three blue-chip stocks that are currently undervalued and should provide your portfolio with a fine balance of growth and income.



<h2>Apple (AAPL)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_1100496809-300x169.png" alt="Apple store. Apple Inc. (AAPL) sells consumer electronics, computer software, services and personal computers."><div>Source: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Shares of Apple (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/aapl-stock-quote/">AAPL</a>) are down 5% in 2024 and until last week were sitting down more than 13%. Slowing sales in China, iPhone sales not lighting any fires and <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/apples-ai-awakening-is-googles-gemini-the-spark-aapl-stock-needs/">lagging development in artificial intelligence</a> (AI) all conspired to depress the tech stock&rsquo;s shares.&nbsp;



Yet it just held an iPad event that promises to reignite tablet sales. It has also been deemphasizing China while moving forcefully into India. Weaning itself away from China into more emergent markets could light that fire investors are looking for. An upcoming developers conference bodes well for AI becoming a force for the tech stock as well as the newest iteration of the iPhone. It promises to be feature-rich in AI.



And the reason Apple stock bounded higher last week was its announcement of a massive <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/05/aapl-shares-pop-on-110-billion-apple-stock-buyback-plans/">$110 billion share buyback plan</a>. The tech company has so much cash sitting on its balance sheet it doesn&rsquo;t know what to do with it. While stock repurchases artificially juice earnings per share, it can also signal management&rsquo;s belief its own stock is undervalued.



Apple stock still trades at a premium of 28 times trailing earnings and 7x sales, but as the industry leader, it deserves its premium. With the catalysts outlined above, this blue-chip stock should soon be running higher again.



<h2>Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bud1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Corporate building with Anheuser Busch (BUD) logo on it"><div>Source: legacy1995 / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Although U.S. beer sales continue to slow, Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/bud-stock-quote/">BUD</a>) remains an industry behemoth with a vast, global reach. Its recent <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1668717/000119312524133793/d828152dex991.htm">earnings report</a> indicates just how resilient it can be because of its far-flung operations.&nbsp;



Even as volumes continue falling in the U.S., due in part to A-B&rsquo;s ill-advised decision to wade into the cultural wars, it showed its strength elsewhere. Volumes jumped by mid-single digits in Latin America core brands including Modelo and Pacifico, driving higher sales in Mexico. Corona did likewise in Brazil.



Constellation Brands (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/stz-stock-quote/">STZ</a>) reaps all the benefits of the Modelo and Corona momentum in the U.S., as BUD sold the domestic rights to the brands to gain passage of its acquisition of the brewer. However, A-B retains them elsewhere in the world.&nbsp;



Anheuser-Busch reported a 5% increase in EBITDA to $4.9 billion, which was well above Wall Street&rsquo;s estimates, while profit margins expanded 90 basis points.



As happened with Apple, shares of A-B jumped on the good news, easing some of the losses experienced in 2024. BUD stock is down less than 3% this year and at less than 2x sales, it is a historically low valuation. These are levels not seen in over a decade, except for during the pandemic. It <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/more-than-86-of-analysts-who-cover-these-3-stocks-rate-them-a-buy/">marks an excellent time to buy</a> this brewer&rsquo;s blue-chip stock.



<h2>Toyota Motor (TM)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/toyota-tm-stock-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Toyota motor corporation logo on dealership building"><div>Source: josefkubes / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Toyota Motor (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/tm-stock-quote/">TM</a>) is redefining the global auto industry with its big bet on hybrid vehicles. When the rest of the world was going all-in on all-electric cars, Toyota <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/02/this-is-the-one-and-only-ev-stock-to-buy-today-and-2-to-sell/">hedged its bets with hybrids</a>. It believed consumers would want the reliability of a gas-powered engine to support an electric option. Its choice proved right.



While battery-electric vehicle (BEV) growth is dramatically slowing, hybrid sales are exploding. Toyota saw a dramatic <a href="https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-motor-north-america-reports-march-first-quarter-2024-u-s-sales/#">20% surge</a> in first-quarter sales volume. It says EVs now account for 36.6% of its total sales.



Overall, though, the Japanese automaker&rsquo;s vehicles are proving popular. That&rsquo;s led to it having to use fewer incentives to get buyers to purchase, which improves Toyota&rsquo;s bottom line. It is also building more factories in more countries, which will help it offset currency exchange rate effects now that the Japanese yen is so strong. Foreign exchange impacts were in part the reason Toyota guided toward a 20% decline in operating profits for the full year.



Toyota&rsquo;s compact, fuel-efficient and forward-thinking vehicles have struck a chord with car buyers. Until battery technology catches up with buyer demand, Toyota is investing in new <a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/11/3-battery-stocks-youll-regret-not-buying-soon-november-2023/">solid-state battery technology</a>. This gives them the ability to purchase fossil-fuel-powered options is a smart strategy.



Toyota stock is up 24% year-to-date and 61% higher over the past year. Yet shares still trade at less than 10 times earnings and estimates and at a fraction of sales. While that&rsquo;s in line with its U.S. counterparts, Toyota Motor sales exhibit robust strength. That makes it the blue-chip stock to buy.



On the date of publication, Rich Duprey did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines</a>.
<div>Rich Duprey has written about stocks and investing for the past 20 years. His articles have appeared on Nasdaq.com, The Motley Fool, and Yahoo! Finance, and he has been referenced by U.S. and international publications, including MarketWatch, Financial Times, Forbes, Fast Company, USA Today, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Cheddar News, The Boston Globe, L&rsquo;Express, and numerous other news outlets.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/05/the-3-best-blue-chip-stocks-to-buy-in-may-2024/">The 3 Best Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy in May 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

The 3 Best Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy in May 2024

Growth Stocks Demonstrating Resilience

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
Wagering on the top <a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-types/blue-chip-stocks/">blue-chip stocks</a> to buy on the dip might be the best way to play the current stock market trends.



Blue-chip stocks typically offer a superb blend of reliability and growth potential, making them no-brainer bets for the long haul. Moreover, these stocks have become household names with underlying businesses that have stood the test of time. Additionally, their outperformance is shown by the Fidelity Blue Chip Growth ETF (NYSEMKT:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/fbcg-stock-quote/">FBCG</a>) which <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/FBCG/momentum/performance">has grown over 35%</a> in the past three years, outperforming other median exchange-traded funds (ETF) by 464%.



That said, here are three blue-chip stocks to buy, offering an opportunity to capitalize on their competitive advantages and excellent track records. Also, these stocks have been consistent over the years in ploughing back profits to expand their revenue base and reward shareholders in the process.



Moreover, Blue-chip companies continue to prioritize their shareholders, offering growing dividend payouts with attractive yields. Though these three blue-chip stocks have dipped of late, they&rsquo;re positioned to deliver robust long-term growth ahead.



<h2>Pfizer (PFE)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pfe-stock-2-300x169.jpg" alt="blue Pfizer logo on the windows of a corporate building PFR stock"><div>Source: photobyphm / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Pfizer&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/pfe-stock-quote/">PFE</a>) is a true giant in the pharmaceutical industry, currently trading at a highly attractive valuation following a major correction. PFE stock has lost upwards of 28% in the past year following the slowdown in COVID-19 vaccine sales. However, Pfizer senses the urgency to actively tackle the challenge head-on.



The firm boasts a powerful pipeline with 113 drug candidates,<a href="https://www.pfizer.com/science/drug-product-pipeline"> 37 of which are in phase three trials</a>, signalling a clear pathway for drug commercialization. Further bolstering its prospects, the pharma giant made a strategic $43 billion acquisition of Seagen in December, furthering its footprint in the oncology space.



Additionally, with a rich history of dividend payments stretching over eight decades, Pfizer has established its position as one of the go-to income stocks in its niche. Also, it yields upwards of 6%, substantially higher than many peers, while trading <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/PFE/valuation/metrics">at just 2.60 times forward sales</a>, 22% lower than its 5-year average.



<h2>American Express (AXP)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/axp1600-300x169.jpg" alt="an American Express (AXP) credit card sticking out of someone's pocket"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>American Express&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/axp-stock-quote/">AXP</a>)&nbsp;is a leading undervalued blue-chip stock, which presents itself as a compelling buy-the-dip opportunity. Known for its resilience, American Express has grown its top and bottom line at a tremendous pace, underpinned by its diversified income streams. These powerful elements have contributed significantly to its financial ability, making it a highly attractive pick compared to its peers.



Furthermore, the firm has tailored its approach to resonate with millennials and Gen Z, adding a new dimension to its timeless product suite. Also, despite record-high interest rates, credit card and consumer spending remains excellent through American Express.



Moreover, American Express <a href="https://s26.q4cdn.com/747928648/files/doc_financials/2024/q1/Q1-2024-Earnings-Press-Release.pdf">reported a stellar 11% increase </a>in year-over-year (YOY) revenues in Q1. Likewise, its net income jumped 34%, achieving a 16.9% net profit margin. Additionally, the firm is known for its stellar shareholder returns, having bumped its dividend by 17%, with payouts growing 10% or more annually. Moreover, American Express is well-positioned for long-term growth and to continue delivering shareholder rewards with a current yield of over 1.22% and trading at <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AXP/valuation/metrics">2.49 times forward sales</a>.



<h2>Hershey (HSY)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hershey-chocolate-plate-hsy-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Hershey's milk chocolate pieces on a white plate on top of a wooden table"><div>Source: shutterstock.com/VG Foto</div></div>Hershey&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/hsy-stock-quote/">HSY</a>) is a global confectionery leader and one of the most consistent businesses in its niche. Housing some of the most popular confectionary brands, the firm&rsquo;s revenues and EBITDA have <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/HSY/growth">grown over 7.55% and 8.9%</a>, respectively, in the past five years. Recent results have also been impressive despite the inflationary headwinds in play.



It recently surpassed earnings and revenue expectations in Q1, fueled by Easter and Valentine&rsquo;s Day seasonal boosts. Hershey&rsquo;s chocolate products saw stronger shelf turnover complemented by its pricing power. Also, this momentum will continue growing as its management projects a considerable uptick in volume trends for the remainder of the year.



Furthermore, investors&rsquo; confidence in Hershey is solidified by its reliable dividends, <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/HSY/dividends/scorecard">yielding north of 3%</a>, and its massive cash flow base, which exceeds $712 million. This commitment to returning value to shareholders and consistent sales growth driven by strategic regional pricing positions Hershey for long-term success.



On the&nbsp;date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either&nbsp;directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.&nbsp;The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines</a>.
<div>Muslim Farooque is a keen investor and an optimist at heart. A life-long gamer and tech enthusiast, he has a particular affinity for analyzing technology stocks. Muslim holds a bachelor&rsquo;s of science degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/06/3-blue-chip-stocks-to-buy-on-the-dip-june-2024/">3 Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy on the Dip: June 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

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